WINTER 2003 by UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Magazine

Winter 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2003

• Volume 9

•

Issue 4

Features and Around the Township 8

John F. Kennedy’s Assassination—It’s Been Forty Years Wayne Herrod shares his memories of the tragic event.

Open Records Law Promotes Good Government Representative John Maher plays an important role in the Right-to-Know Law.

Cultural Corner—Holiday Schedule of Events and More Upper St. Clair to downtown—we have it cornered.

What Have You Chased Lately? Christine Waller chases nature’s beauty in southwest Texas.

USCene Showcases Our Residents at USC Happenings Did our camera catch a glimpse of you?

Township 27

USC Volunteer Fire Department Receives Fitness Grant The USCVFD is actively responding to health and wellness issues.

Winter Storm Emergency Announcement It’s That Time of Year The Public Works Department is on call to help you.

Art, Art, Everywhere Art surrounds us at the Library—come see.

So Many Classes, So Much Fun!

Winter blues won’t hang around if you don’t sit around. The Recreation Department has something for everyone.

School District 51

International Baccalaureate Program Enjoys a Successful Journey With the authorization of the Primary Years Program, IB is now offered K-12.

Halls of Fame Celebrates its 2003 Inductees Panther Stadium honored and welcomed twenty-six people into the fold.

Best Express is Nearing its End As the dust settles our students are reaping the benefits of the elementary school renovations project.

High School Science Department at a Glance Not the same old stuff we remember—the science department offers a variety of opportunities.

Cover 40

This cover of the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine features Dale Citron of Citron Jewelers, South Hills Village and Century III Mall, presenting his donations to Karen Brown, principal, Boyce Middle School; Michael J. Mingrone, American Red Cross and E. Jerry Ellis, SHIM. See page 40 for a feature article. Cover photography donated by Frank Vennare, Studio V Productions. Winter 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Publishers

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a community magazine that is dedicated to promoting the Township

Dr. James D. Lombardo Superintendent of Schools

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

Douglas A. Watkins Township Manager

The thirty-sixth 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.

Steering Committee Thomas A. Labanc School District Representative Mark Mansfield Assistant Township Manager

Editors and Staff Linda M. Dudzinski, Editor-in-Chief Paul K. Fox, Managing Editor

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

Cindy Kane, Township Associate Editor

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

Terry Kish, School District Associate Editor

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.

Nancy Barnard, Photographer Lynn Dempsey, Advertising Jim Render, Writer Colleen DeMarco, Office Manager Vince Yevins, Accounts

Voluntary Contributors Dennis Fisher, Writer Dina J. Fulmer, Editor/Writer Jim Meston, Writer Mary Lynne Spazok, Writer

The thirty-sixth issue of

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 412-833-1600, extension 2284. The next issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY will be the Spring 2004 issue and will be published in March. 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. Subscription Information If you know someone living outside the Township who would enjoy receiving UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, please send $12 to cover mailing and handling for the next four issues with name and address, including zip code to our address listed to the left. Deadline for Articles and Advertising for the Spring 2004 Issue is Monday, January 5, 2004.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a joint

Article Information

publication of the Township and School District of Upper St. Clair.

Linda Dudzinski 412-833-1600, extension 2681 (email: ldudzinski@uscsd.k12.pa.us)

Advertising Information UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 412-833-1600, extension 2284 Fax: 412-851-2592 School District: 412-833-1600 Township: 412-831-9000

Printed by Pentagon Printing Corporation 18 West Steuben Street • Pittsburgh, PA 15205 412-922-0422 • Fax: 412-922-2922 4

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Colleen DeMarco Lynn Dempsey

412-833-1600, extension 2284 (email: cdemarco@uscsd.k12.pa.us) (email: ldempsey@uscsd.k12.pa.us)

Fax: 412-851-2592 Fax: 412-831-9694

Visit our Website:

www.twpusc.org/magazine/index.htm Errata—UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, Summer 2003 The article, A Walk Through Time with Dr. Pope, on pages eight and nine of the Summer 2003 issue referenced Dr. William A. Pope as being the longest serving superintendent in Upper St. Clair history with 14 years of service. Dr. Pope retired in 2003. Dr. Niles Norman served Upper St. Clair from 1964-1979 as supervising principal, then as superintendent for over 15 years, making him the superintendent with most longevity in our community. We extend our apologies to the family of Dr. Niles Norman.

Winter 2003

It started Fkyy yyears ago. The spirit of an entire community coming together to create a self-governing hospital that would answer only to the needs of the community and its patients. Over the last half century, St. Clair Hospital and the philosophy that created it, have become a powerful powerf force for healing. And because of this unique community focus, we remain independent today and recognized as one of the top 100 hospitals in the nation.

Thee H Healing Powe Po r of Our Commun mm ity. mmun

All because of a promise made over ov half a century ago. To create a hospital with a culture of caring second to none to serve the needs of the residents who built it. Ev y day, Ever ay, St. Clair ay Hospitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team of excep ex tio ti nal physicians, employees and volunteers unites for this one common purpose. To bring the healing powerr oof our community to our neighbors, to our families, and to our friends.

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

Dr. James D. Lombardo

Douglas A. Watkins

The Township and the School District of Upper St. Clair proudly present the 36th issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. This holiday edition celebrates the many contributions of our USC residents to charitable organizations within our community and throughout the world. At this time of year we all recognize how fortunate we are to live in a community that provides so much to our children and citizens: great schools, excellent community services, and caring neighbors. We enjoy a standard of living that is unequaled throughout most of the world. Thousands of our citizens repay their good fortune by volunteering their finances, talents and countless hours to hundreds of charitable causes that make our world a better place for all. Our mission at UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is to provide helpful community-related information and to celebrate and promote the accomplishments and service of our citizens. We acknowledge the many residents who have taken time out of their busy schedules to share their stories and interests with the readers of our magazine. With such support and the generous sponsorship from our advertisers, we will continue to fulfill our mission. We wish all residents a winter season filled with kindness, compassion and good health.

Sincerely,

Dr. James D. Lombardo Superintendent of Schools

Douglas A. Watkins Township Manager

School District of Upper St. Clair 412-833-1600 Fax: 412-833-5535 Website: www.uscsd.k12.pa.us Email: info@uscsd.k12.pa.us 6

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Township of Upper St. Clair 412-831-9000 Fax: 412-831-9882 Website: www.twpusc.org Email: uscadmin@twpusc.org Winter 2003

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Recalling the Kennedy Assassination— November 22, 1963

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

lic High School and in biology class when the announcement came—President John F. Kennedy had been shot in Dallas. Anyone who is old enough to remember this day recalls exactly where he was and what he was doing. The memory remains vivid—to that of September 11, 2001. School was dismissed early that day. I remember praying that this was some sort of accident—not too serious and the president would recover quickly. Twenty minutes later, as I was being driven home, I heard the horrible news that JFK was dead; he had been assassinated. I recall my thoughts as though it were yesterday. I was filled with anger and fear, apprehension and concern. This was a mistake. Something like this could not happen in America. Where were you on this day and what were you doing? I know that if you are old enough to remember this tragic event, you are, right now, not only recalling where you were and what you were doing, but more importantly, just how you felt when you heard the news. I contacted various people to test my theory. Everyone answered the question immediately and without hesitation. The most detailed response came from Dr. Cyril Wecht, the Allegheny County Coroner and the country’s leading forensic pathologist. He had been involved in the many inquiries into the death of JFK, and I was fascinated by his story. Mr. Wecht recalled that he was in Los Angeles performing an autopsy for the L.A. Coroner, Thomas Noguchi, who also performed the autopsies after the Manson murders and for the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy. An aide to Mr. Noguchi walked into the room and whispered something to him. Mr. Noguchi then quietly informed Dr. Wecht of the news. They finished the autopsy and then rushed to a nearby restaurant to watch the televised news unfold. Mr. Wecht stated that the news was unbelievable to him, realizing that the nation had suffered a great loss. A photo accompanying this article is one I took in early December 1963. It is the original gravesite where John F. Kennedy was laid to rest in front of thousands of dignitaries and millions of television viewers. Since this month marks the 40th anniversary of this tragic event I wanted to share my story and this special photograph. The gravesite was remarkably simple for such a popular and powerful man. Yet, visiting the grave that December left me with an overwhelming feeling that remains with me

Winter 2003

The Kennedy gravesite—1987

today. The site still displayed the flowers from the Rotunda. In the background were the family floral arrangements. The eternal flame burned brightly in the middle of a large grouping of flowers that covered the grave. The presidential seal was directly behind the grave. To the right was a small cross for the baby Patrick, laid to rest beside his father. The grave was protected by a simple white picket fence. To me it seemed that President Kennedy was buried in such an ordinary setting. I remember approaching the gravesite. As I neared the fence I watched people praying and crying. I did both. A very powerful and lonely feeling came over me—a feeling that I’d never experienced before and will always remember. A special man had died unnecessarily and much too early in life, and it was difficult for me to comprehend. But it had happened, and nothing could ever change the events of that day and the horrible empty feeling which filled my world. Paying my respects at the gravesite helped me deal with the personal loss I felt. I will never forget the day JFK (1917-1963) was shot. Where were you?

Trading card no. 48 in a series of 77: “The Kennedy’s two children have returned from a trip to Florida and President Kennedy and his wife are on hand to meet them.”

The White House

By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation To the People of the United States: John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 35th President of the United States, has been taken from us by an act which outrages decent men everywhere. He upheld the faith of our Fathers, which is freedom for all men. He broadened the frontiers of that faith, and backed it with the energy and the courage which are the mark of the Nation he led. A man of wisdom, strength and peace, he molded and moved the power of our Nation in the service of a world of growing liberty and order. All who love freedom will mourn his death. As he did not shrink from his responsibilities, but welcomed them, so he would not have us shrink from carrying on his work beyond this hour of national tragedy. He said it himself: “The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it—and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.”

Now, therefore, I, Lyndon B. Johnson, President of the United Sates of America, do appoint Monday next, November 25, the day of the funeral service of President Kennedy, to be a day of national mourning throughout the United States. I earnestly recommend the people to assemble on that day in their respective places of divine worship, there to bow down in submission to the will of Almighty God, and to pay their homage of love and reverence to the memory of a great and good man. I invite the people of the world who share our grief to join us in this day of mourning and dedication. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States of America to be affixed.

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Jacqueline Kennedy, wrote the following letter, on the one-year anniversary of JFK’s death. This letter was published in the November 17, 1964, issue of Look, The JFK Memorial Issue. It is nearly a year since he has should have known that it was been gone. asking too much to dream that On so many days—his birthI might have grown old with day, an anniversary, watching his him and see our children grow children running to the sea—I up together. have thought, “But this day last So now he is a legend when year was his last to see that.” He he would have preferred to be was so full of love and life on all a man. I must believe that he those days. He seems so vulnerdoes not share our suffering able now, when you think that now. I think for him—at least each one was a last time. he will never know whatever Soon the final day will come sadness might have lain ahead. around again—as inexorably as He knew such a share of it in his it did last year. But expected life that it always made you so this time. Trading card no. 53 in a series happy whenever you saw him of 77: “Senator and Mrs. It will find some of us difenjoying himself. But now he John F. Kennedy pose with ferent people than we were a their two-year old daughter, will never know more—not year ago. Learning to accept Caroline, in Washington.” age, nor stagnation, nor despair, what was unthinkable when nor crippling illness, nor loss of he was alive changes you. any more people he loved. His high noon kept I don’t think there is any consolation. all the freshness of the morning—and he died What was lost cannot be replaced. then, never knowing disillusionment. Someone who loved President Kennedy, “… he has gone… but who had never known him, wrote to me Among the radiant, ever venturing on, this winter: “The hero comes when he is Somewhere, with morning, as such spirits will.”* needed. When our belief gets pale and weak, there comes a man out of that need who is He is free and we must live. Those who shining—and everyone living reflects a little of that light—and stores some up against the love him most know that “the death you have dealt is more than the death which has time when he is gone.” Now I think that I should have known that swallowed you.” he was magic all along. I did know it—but I should have guessed it could not last. I *John Mansfield, “On the finish of the sailing ship race.” Winter 2003

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This holiday season marks an occasion to celebrate the progress Pennsylvania is making toward open and accountable government. December 26 will be the first anniversary of the state’s new Right-to-Know Law (Act 100). Before that date, Pennsylvania had the sad distinction of having the worst public access to government records in the entire nation. Pennsylvania’s legacy of legally denying access to public records was long-standing; the related law was cast into statute in 1957. I believe that governments, at all levels, behave best when the people can see effectively what government is doing. What you learned in school about government is true: checks and balances are important. The division of power between legislative, executive and judicial branches tends to be the sort of checks and balances textbooks address. After placing my life on hold to serve in the legislature, experience confirmed what I had suspected. Textbooks tell only part of the story. The ultimate check and balance is rarely mentioned in texts—the self-imposed check that government officials observe when they believe that the public can easily observe what transpires. Media focus on an issue certainly triggers this behavior by government officials. The news media, however, covers just a small fraction of actions by state and local governments. Otherwise, many elected and appointed government officials are motivated in proportion to the likelihood that individuals may effectively take interest in a subject. Under the old public records law, the likelihood that individuals could effectively take interest was always very low if public interest was inconvenient to public officials. That is, the old law permitted public officials to decline requests for access to public records with impunity. If individuals wanted to overturn an inappropriate denial of access to a public record, they faced the personal burden of expending considerable money over months—perhaps years—as the state courts considered the question. Understandably few decided to pursue this solution. Even those who did, and won, often were awarded a Pyrrhic victory: By the time the public record was released, the related issue had already been irrevocably decided.

Winter 2003

The established status quo that enabled Pennsylvania state and local governments to breezily deny access to public records was unacceptable to me. I believe that most of the time, the majority of public officials voluntarily provide access to most public records, but a citizen’s right to know what government is doing should apply uniformly and not depend on the good nature of individual public officials. When I set forth to change the law, friendly colleagues with great seniority advised me that I would be wasting my time. They shared tales of similar attempts by various legislators during the prior 45 years. Each time, the entrenched forces that found the absence of public accountability desirable stealthily defeated these efforts. (Not much of a fan of conspiracy theories, I did a bit of research and found that time and again legislative efforts to change the law had died without any public expressions of opposition. I suppose the “stealth” approach of opponents made sense. What public official would dare tell constituents of opposition to their right to know what government is up to?) Most bills attract co-sponsors by the dozen. The expected fate of my effort to improve a citizen’s access to public records was reaffirmed when just one other legislator joined the effort. The odds were long but the stakes were high. Sustained effort over several years led to success. Our rights to access public records have gone from unquestionably the worst to among the best in the nation. The work continues. Now, I am aiming to expand the definition of what government records should be available as public records. At the same time, I am leading the effort to end Pennsylvania’s shame as the only state in the nation that has no laws regulating lobbyists or requiring any disclosure about the vast sums expended by special interests to affect legislative and executive branch actions. My commitment to cast the light of day on lobbyists and those with entrenched interests certainly ruffles feathers of many powerful birds. Although these birds may peck away at me, I will not be dissuaded from working to ensure that Pennsylvania governments are accountable to the people.

Winter 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Knowing Our Neighborhoods Members of the Fife family, descendants of early 17th century settlers in Upper St. Clair Township, and their spouses, joined Mr. Bill Corace, owner and president of Secon in a plaque dedication ceremony this past June. Residents Karen Dalzatto and Bruce Gabler, representing the Upper St. Clair Chamber of Commerce, were also in attendance. Bill led guests through the building and discussed its history. He detailed the strategic renovations made by Secon to maintain the integrity of the structure. Keeping the Fife farmhouse intact rather than tearing it down was one way Secon made sure that our community history lives on.

Fife farmhouse today

Historic Fife Homestead Farmhouse Dedication The historic Fife farmhouse, circa 1820, situated in Summerfield Commons Office Park on Route 19 and Boyce Road, was dedicated during a ceremony held by Secon Corporation, property owner of Summerfield Commons.

Bill Corace (second from left) describes the strategic renovations.

Do You Recognize This House? The era—1940s. The Upper St. Clair area—Trotwood. The occupants of the home until the early 50s—Henry and Netta Daum. Where did this photo collage and information come from? Don Bauerschmidt, who now lives in California, found and sent these photos to Upper St. Clair resident Bud Stevenson. Bud then forwarded them to UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY in hopes we would share them with all residents. Maybe you remember this house. Don’s great uncle and great aunt (his grandmother’s brother and sister) Henry and Netta Daum, owed this home and used it as their “country” house until Henry retired from his employer, Atlantic Refinery. The road that lined the property was named Daum Drive. Netta outlived Henry and eventually moved to Mt. Lebanon.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2003

The Wesley Institute Renovates to Serve The Wesley Institute, located on Johnston

Road, and home to Wesley Academy, The Wesley Institute Family and Child Development Center and The Wesley Institute’s administrative offices, recently completed $1.1 million in renovations. Since 1965, The Wesley Institute has made a profound impact with the children in our community. The Wesley Institute includes six programs that address a wide variety of educational, behavioral health and residential services including: • Wesley Academy–Licensed, private academic elementary, middle/senior high school (grades 4-12) that provides education and counseling services in a personalized and supportive environment for students who may have experienced difficulties in a traditional school setting. • Wesley Acute Partial Hospitalization Program–Intensive and comprehensive behavioral health treatment program for children and youth ages six to 18. In conjunction with this program, the Wesley Specialized Therapeutic Education Program is a program that offers a classroom setting environment where education and behavioral health services are integrated to meet the needs of each student. • Wesley Highland Services–Approved private school and partial hospitalization program that offers an interdisciplinary approach of providing education and behavioral health services to children and adolescents ages six to 21 and their families. • Wesley Residential Services–Two residential, community group homes that combine educational and counseling services and life skills programming to young men ages 13 to 21. • The Wesley Institute Family & Child Development Center–In-home and center-based services that provide individualized and comprehensive services to children and youth with autism and other developmental disabilities. Wesley currently works in partnership with nearly 60 different school districts in a nine-county area and has changed the lives of thousands of children and teens, helping them and their families regain hope for the future. A report issued in 2000 by the Surgeon General of the United States showed that 30% of children and adolescents suffer from obstacles related to mental health issues, including autism, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bi-polar disor-

der and anxiety disorder. Eighty percent of these young people don’t get the help they need. It is these startling statistics that confirmed the commitment of The Wesley Institute administration and board and further reinforced their focus on improving the organization’s programs and facilities to ensure that Wesley’s kids would continue to receive the highest quality programming that is necessary to help them become responsible and contributing members of our community. The Wesley Institute developed and executed a capital and endowment campaign that began in 2001. Administration and board members prioritized the needs of Wesley’s programs and concluded that the $1.1 million of what had been raised through capital campaign efforts would be dedicated to renovating the most immediate needs of the Johnston Road facility. Construction which began in early June 2003 and was completed September 1, 2003, included the removal and replacement of the building’s tile floor, the installation of a new HVAC system and mechanical and electrical systems upgrade. “As a result, Wesley was able to meet its goal of providing safe physical facilities, effective programs and the financial resources to support the programs that meet the needs of more children,” said Doug Muetzel, Wesley’s Chief Executive Officer. Wesley now plans to raise an additional $485,000 to complete renovations including roof renovation, phone and technology upgrades, plumbing upgrades, painting, new furnishings, room renovations and kitchen code upgrades. The Wesley Institute is a not-for-profit organization that currently serves 750 children with developmental, behavioral or mental health issues and disabilities. Wesley Institute strives to create an environment where children and youth can build lifelong skills that are essential in becoming independent, responsible, contributing and caring members of our community. To learn more information about Wesley, visit the website www.wesleyinstitute.org. If you would like to write about your USC neighborhood, please contact UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Editor at 412-833-1600, extension 2284. Winter 2003

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Shake, Rattle and Roll—

A Day Trip

Mary Lynne Spazok

Entrapped by winter’s monotony

of schedules, work, sleep, schedules, work, sleep? Challenge the vigorous spirit of pioneer General Moses Cleaveland and journey west! After an easy drive of two hours and 20 minutes from Upper St. Clair, start your holiday at Shaker Boulevard in Shaker Heights, Ohio. Arrive no later than 9:30 a.m. This historic village is a blend of city and suburb. Eclectic architecture embraces a neighborhood that evokes serene charm in a lovely park-like setting. Park at one of the clearly marked Regional Transit Authority Park-N-Ride “free” lots. Board the RTA 67AX westbound. Purchase an all day pass—the most economical way to see the sights and take pleasure in the stress-free commute. Courteous conductors are especially attentive to first time patrons. Just 20 minutes later, exit at the last stop, South Harbor, to explore the vast shore of Lake Erie, our country’s largest fresh water resource. Midwest seasonal weather patterns include cool lake breezes, so be prepared for the unexpected. 14

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Re-board the RTA heading east to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, North Coast Harbor. Decades of memorabilia, exhibits and “rockumentaries” chronicle the legendary music and its artists. First time guests are cordially greeted by well-informed visitor service representatives. The day-trippers learned that the facility is handicap accessible, nonsmoking and photography is permitted in the museum lobby only. After the tour, dine at the museum’s Café Terrace or board the RTA again for lunch at the bustling Flats Entertainment District. Eatery menus list catfish, shrimp, crab legs, and American comfort food while enjoying picturesque riverfront dining. If the kids are along, Tower City Center in downtown Cleveland boasts a Hard Rock Café. Take advantage of a ten percent discount on food, beverages and merchandise by showing your AAA membership card. Be sure to visit the 42nd floor terminal tower observation deck for an awesome view of Greater Cleveland and Lake Erie.

Winter 2003

It is now early afternoon and time to return to Shaker Square/Larchmere, the nation’s second oldest shopping center. Weather permitting, outdoor refreshment abounds simply because people watching is the popular sport of choice. Yours Truly, a trendy but inexpensive bistro, is celebrated for its yummy shakes, delectable sandwiches and lip smacking desserts. Customers with special dietary needs are welcome. For latest happenings, read their informative bulletin, The Register. Then, stroll through intimate boutiques showcasing provincial art, interior design embellishments and seasonal flora and fauna. Along the way, pick up a free copy of the enlightening publication, The Connection, whose motto is “for the people who live, work and shop in the Shaker Square area.” Continue one block north to whimsical Larchmere Boulevard where Bischoff Galleries features classic chic and estate

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Sunday. Best travel route is the Pennsylvania and Ohio Turnpikes. The RTA accepts cash payment only. Seasonal visits ensure novel merchandise. Not to be missed on a Sunday afternoon in June is the Merchants Association annual Antiques Street Fair which showcases furniture, art, glass, china and of course, cosmopolitan cuisine. Be assured that Shaker Height’s unique design, ethnic neighborhoods, and cultural diversity exemplify the heart and soul of Cleveland. jewelry. ReFind is “a consignment store for the exceptional.” Paulette’s Vintage offers affordably priced designer fashion and accessories such as Chanel, Hermes, Fendi and Oscar de la Renta. Forty-five storefronts offer a myriad of fascinating merchandise. The Academy and Larchmere Taverns are family-friendly serving non-alcoholic, late afternoon pick-me-ups. At 5 o’clock, if you are not totally exhausted, conclude your trip with a visit to the upscale department stores at nearby Beechwood Mall. After all, it’s on the way home! Exploration of the Shaker Square Historic District promises many hours of enjoyment. Customize it to your own tour group, especially to children and grandparents. A “girls only” day out is oodles of fun! Suggested travel days are Wednesday through

Historical Note: A frontier village founded in 1796, Cleveland is the 25th largest city in the United States, recognized as a business center for manufacturing and service industries. The “a” in Cleaveland was dropped in 1831 in order to fit the city’s name on a newspaper masthead.

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The Greater Cleveland Official Visitors Guide and Cleveland Guide Map 2003-04 may be obtained from The Convention and Visitors Bureau phone: 1-800-321-1004 fax: 216-623-4499 website: www.travelcleveland.com For hours or more information on two locations mentioned in this article Larchmere Antiques Fair phone: 216-229-8919 Yours Truly Restaurant website: www.ytr.com

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Cultural

Corner

Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra

Pittsburgh Symphony

The Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra welcomes you to the USCHS theatre to hear their orchestral sounds on Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Tickets, available for purchase at the door, are $10/adult, $7/senior and free to students. For more information call 412-278-2826.

The 2003-04 Pittsburgh Symphony season is well upon us. The Symphony offers various packages—one that you and your family will be sure to enjoy. For more information or to purchase tickets call 412-392-4900 or visit the website www.pittsburghsymphony.org.

“Home for the Holidays” with special guests the Hot Matzahs and the Washington Chorus–December 20, 2003 “Happy Valentine’s Day”–February 14, 2004

The Mellon Grand Classics Matinee Series This series presents the following afternoon concerts beginning at 2 p.m.

“Wine, Women, and Song” featuring compositions by women and about women–April 3, 2004

“Holiday Pops Concert” Daniel Meyer, conductor Saturday, December 20 and Sunday, December 21, 2003

“Magnificent Mendelssohn” featuring Mendelssohn and Beethoven with Ann Weber on the piano–May 22, 2004

“Triple Tchaikovsky” Valery Gergiev, conductor Sunday, March 28, 2004

River City Brass Band Enjoy the signature sound of the River City Brass Band when it performs its 2003-04 concert series. This is the 22nd concert season for the Pittsburgh-based ensemble that presents concerts at eight different venues, including the USCHS theatre. Each concert serves up a mixture of musical styles, guest artists and solo performers. Several ticket-buying options are available. Tickets may be purchased online at www.rcb.com or by calling 1-800-292-7222 or 412-322-7222. All performances begin at 8 p.m. The four remaining concerts of the series at USCHS are shown below. “Holiday Festival” December 2, 2003 “American Sampler” February 26, 2004 “Big Band Extravaganza!” March 30, 2004 “Trip the Light Fantastic” May 4, 2004

South Hills Cotillion Club The South Hills Cotillion Club is sponsoring four Saturday evening black-tie dances at local country clubs featuring cocktails, dinner, and live, big band music. Full memberships are accepted prior to the start of the dance season. Partial memberships (two events) are also available. Couples may attend as guests with at least two weeks notice to the club’s membership chairman and payment of a guest fee. For more information, call 412-221-5976 or visit the website www.southhillscotillionclub.org. 2003-04 Season November 8, 2003.................Valley Brook Country Club January 10, 2004 ...................St. Clair Country Club March 13, 2004 .....................Edgewood Country Club May 15, 2004 ........................South Hills Country Club 16

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2003

“Russian Journeys” David Robertson, conductor Sunday, May 2, 2004 The Popular Classics Concert Series This series presents the following afternoon concerts beginning at 2:30 p.m. “From Russia with Love” Sunday, January 18, 2004 “French Kiss” Sunday, May 16, 2004 The Fiddlesticks Family Concert Series Designed to entertain and educate families and children through a fun-filled and interactive setting, the Pittsburgh Symphony offers its Children’s Music in the Community. Held on Saturday mornings at 11:15 a.m., these two remaining concerts are programmed for children ages three to eight and are designed to help them enjoy and understand classical music. Pre-concert activities, beginning at 10 a.m., include play-and-learn areas and instrument demonstrations by Pittsburgh Symphony musicians. “Dancing in the Streets” Saturday, February 21, 2004 “Our Musical Neighborhood” Saturday, April 3, 2004

South Hills Chorale Holiday Concert South Hills Chorale will delight with two performances of its holiday concert on December 5 and 6, 2003, at the Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m. The church is located at 225 Washington Road on the corner of Scott and Washington Roads. The Chorale is directed by Hank Monsch and this year’s guest performer is the Keystone Oaks Steel Band. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or in advance from South Hills Chorale’s business manager, Jean Wright, at 412-429-9501.

South Hills Junior Orchestra

The Frick Art & Historical Center

The South Hills Junior Orchestra celebrates its 20th anniversary as it kicks off the 2003-04 season. The junior orchestra is undertaking a fundraiser to purchase a concert grand piano for the Upper St. Clair High School theatre through the “Buy a Key” piano fund. The estimated price of a new Steinway Concert Grand is $88,000—a large undertaking by any measure! Help the students and community of Upper St. Clair share in their enjoyment of music and cultural activities, by supporting the requisition of a quality instrument placed in the USC state-of-the-art theatre. Tax-deductible financial donations are recognized as follows: $10-$49 .................. Become a Piano Patron $50 .......................... Buy a string (one of 250!) $100 ........................ Buy a hammer $200 ........................ Buy a white key (pick your favorite note) $300 ........................ Buy a black key (there are fewer of them!) $500 ........................ Buy an octave (reserve your two notes) $750......................... ......................... Buy a triad (do you have a favorite chord?) $1000...................... ...................... Buy all the notes of one letter name $2000...................... ...................... Buy a pedal $3000...................... ...................... Buy a bench $5000 or more ....... Be the exclusive “raise the lid” sponsor $10,000 or more .... Be the exclusive cover sponsor

Contributors will be acknowledged on a plaque displayed at the High School. Send checks, made payable to “SHJO Piano Fund,” to: South Hills Junior Orchestra Boosters Post Office Box 12642 Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 For more information, contact Paul Fox, Director of Music Upper St. Clair School District 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Phone: 412-833-1600, extension 2235 Email: pfox@uscsd.k12.pa.us

The Frick Art and Historical Center

The Frick Art & Historical Center is the site of Clayton, the restored nineteenth-century residence of industrialist Henry Clay Frick, and includes the Clayton estate, the Frick Art Museum and the Car and Carriage Museum. It also boasts The Café, a sunny bistro and outdoor patio for delectable delights and The Greenhouse, where plants and flowers bloom year-round. All facilities, with the exception of Clayton’s second floor, are accessible to visitors with disabilities. The Center is located at 7227 Reynolds Street in Point Breeze. For information and reservations, call 412-371-0600 or visit the website www.frickart.org. The 2003-05 traveling exhibits promise exploration of varied media. Empire of the Sultans: Ottoman Art from the Khalili Collection November 28, 2003–February 8, 2004 Victorian Visions–February 28–April 18, 2004 Augustus Saint-Gaudens: Master of American Sculpture May 7–July 3, 2004 Felix de la Concha A CONTRARRELOJ: A Race Against Time July 17–October 3, 2004 Master Drawings from Pittsburgh Collections October 23, 2004–January 2, 2005

Three Irish Tenors Holiday Show

The Community Band South

The Three Irish Tenors from Dublin Christmas show will be held at the USCHS theatre on December 15 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available by calling 1-800-482-3531 or USCHS theatre ticket office at 412-833-1600, extension 2353. See page 77 for an article on The Three Irish Tenors.

The Community Band South, a music group for adults only, rehearses Monday nights in the Upper St. Clair High School band room. New instrumentalists are welcome to join at any time. For more information, call James Bennett, theatre manager, at 412-833-1600, extension 2353.

Can I Use the Musical Facilities at the High School?—Yes!

The Upper St. Clair High School theatre is available for the asking! To reserve any one of the High School state-of-the-art performance facilities or music rooms, call James Bennett, theatre manager at 412-833-1600, extension 2353.

Winter 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

San Francisco— The City by the Bay

San Francisco, the city by the bay and

locations. Hiking offers great adventure in Mount Tamalpais (affectionately known as Mt. Tam to the locals) and the Marin Headlands, both terrains vary from gentle to strenuous. If you’re journeying to this destination for a family vacation, know that Santa Cruz, two hours south of San Francisco, offers a great day trip down the Pacific Coast Highway (Route 1) or cut the trip a tad shorter and follow Route 280 south to San Jose, and hook into Route 17. Santa Cruz has a nice beach and boardwalk equipped with a small amusement park that’s great for the kids. Get some rays and see some surfers!

home to the Giants and 49ers, has appeal to many. Not only is the temperature moderate all year long, ranging from the low 40s to the low 80s (and mostly sunny, too), there’s so much to do that it makes it an ideal destination for a vacation. On summer mornings you can expect fog from the Pacific Ocean, but it’s usually gone by noon. San Francisco, a bit too far north to brag about its beaches (even though there are some where you can find awesome sand dollars free for the taking), has readily recognizable landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Alcatraz Island, Haight-Ashbury, Pier 39 and

Guarding the gate to Chinatown 18

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghiradelli Square and the well-known winding Lombard Street. Victorian houses as well as the downtown architecture stress the vertical, with space in this city at a premium. Its food, culture and magnificent settings offer something for everyone. And its cable cars, a popular way to get around the city, are an attraction in and of themselves. Bicycling is a great way to explore the exterior of the city, going north across the Golden Gate Bridge into the artsy area of Sausalito and continuing to the town of Tiburon. Take the ferry back from Sausalito and enjoy the bay and the vista of the city it provides. Bikes can be rented at many Winter 2003

Pacific Coast Highway offers breath-taking sights.

Reassuring Reassu ring Santa Cruz beach and amusement park

North of the city are great wine vineyards, complete with tours and tastings. Take a day or more and enjoy the beautiful and wellknown Napa and Sonoma regions. If you’re planning a trip to San Francisco, try to get tickets to Steve Silver’s Beach Blanket Babylon playing at Club Fugazi in popular North Beach, a 21-year sold-out and somewhat adult comedic spoof on the city and the famous. There’s so much to do in this town, you may come home needing a rest from your vacation! Former Upper St. Clair residents Joe and Beth Berger, with their sons, Max, Colton and Joey, and their dog, Timber, now enjoy San Francisco as their home and have established residency in the nearby trendy town of Mill Valley. Joe, the general manager of Pittsburgh’s Westin William Penn for five years, is now the general manager of the internationally famous St. Francis hotel, located on Union Square in the heart of the city. He crosses the Golden Gate Bridge daily for his 30-minute hometo-work commute. Beth hikes nearby Mt. Tam almost daily and volunteers her time at the school her boys attend. The twins, Max and Colton, now ten and in fifth grade and Joey, six and in first grade, enjoy playing sports. The Bergers say hello and send their best to everyone in Upper St. Clair.

“Taking care of a big home was more than we wanted to handle.”

Mrs. Claire Saalbach, resident of Friendship Village of South Hills

“Friendship Village V is a wonderful place to be. I’m surrounded by people who really care about me. The staff staf is marvelous and very supportive. The residents are friendly and incredibly kind. I can find almost anything to do here that I might want to do. With W all of the services, I don’t have to do housework anymore or worry about repairs, and, although I don’t drive, I can get anywhere I want to go.” Call Friendship Village V of South Hills, the area’s premier retirement community, community at (724) 941-3100 today to find out how reassuring added support can be. Friendship Village V of South Hills is recognized for excellence by the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission.

A Tradition T of Community

1290 Boyce Road • Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 • (724) 941-3100 A community owned and operated by Life Care Retirement Communities, Inc. The Berger family

35536

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Senate of Pennsylvania

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State Senator - 37th District Senate Box 203037 • 168 Main Capitol Building Harrisburg, PA 17120

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Legislation Would Limit Credit Card Marketing Aimed at College Students One of the growing concerns at

the University of Pittsburgh, Penn State and Carnegie Mellon, and on college campuses across the Commonwealth, involves the exploding amount of credit card debt accumulated by students. This concern led to Senate passage of legislation that would amend the Public School Code to address credit card marketing on college campuses. Under the provisions of Senate Bill 157, institutions of higher education would be required by the state Board of Education to establish a policy regulating the marketing of credit cards on campus. Educational institutions would have to consider: • Registering on-campus credit card marketers • Limiting marketers to specific areas of the campus • Prohibiting marketers from offering gifts to students in exchange for completing a credit card application unless the student has been provided a credit card debt education brochure • Providing, at least quarterly, a credit card debt education brochure with campus bookstore purchases • Developing a credit card debt education presentation to be incorporated into orientation programs According to a CBS 60 Minutes II report in January 2001, roughly 100,000 people under the age of 25 filed for bankruptcy

Winter 2003

in 1999 alone, due in part to high credit card debt. Most college students should already know about responsibility and selfcontrol. However, for many, college is their first time away from home for an extended period, and they are vulnerable to marketing efforts by credit card companies. A survey conducted by the Americans for Consumer Education and Competition in February 2001 showed that an alarming number of high school seniors failed a personal finance quiz. The average score on a 13-question quiz taken by 801 seniors from across the country was under 40%. In addition, most college graduates are already carrying a high debt in the form of student loans. According to an April 2002 report by Nellie Mae, a non-profit provider of student education loans, students carry an average combined education and credit card debt of roughly $20,400 at the time of graduation. Senate Bill 157 now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. While Pennsylvania can’t protect young adults from their own bad financial decisions, this legislation does recognize that students are in college to learn, not to be easy targets for credit card marketers.

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(Off Castle Shannon Boulevard, Near Rt.88)

2003 HealthGrades Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence™

Among the top 5 percent of acute care hospitals nationwide The W Washington Hospital is recognized as a leader in cancer care, women’s health, orthopedics and cardiovascular services-but don’t just take our word for it. HealthGrades, the national healthcare quality firm, recently rated The W Washington Hospital among the top 5 percent of acute care hospitals nationwide. HealthGrades awarded The W Washington Hospital five stars for coronary bypass surgery, treatment of heart attack and orthopedics. In fact, The W Washington Hospital was rated the best in Pennsylvania for overall orthopedic services. With more than 18 locations across the area and a commitment to the most innovative services, facilities and technology, technology The W Washington Hospital ensures patients and families continually receive the best available care. For more information, call 724-223-3541 or visit www.washingtonhospi www.washingtonhospital.org.

Winter 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

S OME P EOPLE T HINK A NY R EAL E STATE

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Whether your journey leads you across town, across country or around the globe, you can count on Coldwell Banker to make your real estate experience personalized, effective and satisfying.

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1539 Washington Rd. • Pittsburgh, PA 15228 • 412-344-0500

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Expect More Owned And Operated By NRT Incorporated

Peters Township Office

3244 Washington Rd. • McMurray, PA 15317 • 412-831-5555

Helen Cramer

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Kris Marra

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Internal Medicine Stephanie Colodny, M.D. Ashith Mally Mally, M.D. James Moreci, M.D. Walter Robison, M.D. W Anthony V Vitelli, M.D. 5000 Waterdam Plaza Drive Suite 120 McMurray, PA 15317 (724) 941-8877

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412.833.6636 Winter 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 2003*

All business regarding the operation of the Township is conducted at the regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Citizens are invited to comment on any Township matter. Complete Board minutes can be found at the Library or on the website at www.twpusc.org. For more information, please call 412-831-9000. June 2, 2003

Robert W. Orchowski

Approximately 50 people attended.

Vice President, Ward 3 Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-854-1868 2003*

Edward S. Long Ward 1

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-257-5197 2003*

Gloria Smith Ward 2

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-833-1284 2005*

Cheryl S. Bayne Ward 4

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-831-5814 2005*

Recognitions: • Commissioner Orchowski presented certificates of achievement for the Upper St. Clair High School WPIAL championship teams for girls’ golf, girls’ tennis and girls’ soccer. A certificate of achievement was also prepared for Katie Orchowski in recognition of her WPIAL girls’ track 400-meter championship and her third place in the PIAA State championship. • Commissioner Bates presented a Proclamation recognizing the 30th year reunion of the Upper St. Clair High School Class of 1973. The Board: • Granted tentative approval to the Offices at Clair Boyce, a planned office center. • Approved the changes to the SHACOG legislative agenda. • Continued the public hearing to July 7, 2003, Re. Wells Building, a nonresidential planned development. • Continued the public hearing to July 7, 2003, Re. Sunrise of Upper St. Clair. • Adopted Bill No. 11-03, adopting the proposed changes to the General Employee Retirement Plan and Police Pension Plan. Board Approval of Contracts: • Clean Net USA—Sewickley Custodial Services (three-year contract) ............................ $123,876 • Lane Construction—Pittsburgh Cook School Road Realignment........... $464,415 • Day Ford—Monroeville 2003 Ford 150 Super Cab Pickup Truck ... $22,823 Other Business: Commissioner Bates requested all Commissioners to visit the Mayview property to look at the building the Township has recently secured. He believed the condition of the building and adjoining area needed improvement.

Bill Bates

July 7, 2003

At Large

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-257-8115 2003*

Ernest T. Harris At Large

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-854-1119 2005*

*Date indicates expiration of term.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Approximately 10 people attended.

The Board: • Adopted Decision USC-PD 2-03 granting tentative approval of PLC03-0002 Re. Wells Building. • Adopted Bill No. 12-03 to grant Sunrise of Upper St. Clair, unified conditional use/preliminary and final land development approval subject to the modifications and conditions. • Adopted Bill No. 13-03 to accept dedication of the public improvement of IMP03-0001, the Rafferty Plan. • Adopted Bill No. 14-03 to accept dedication of the public improvement of IMP03-0002, Woeber Plan of Lots. • Adopted Bill No. 15-03 to authorize the acquisition of easements and rights-of-way, partly on the property of Robert Bedner, Arthur Bedner and Ruth Rostron, for the purpose of the realignment and widening of Cook School Road, Phase 2. Winter 2003

• Authorized the agreement for architectural services for the Upper St. Clair fire station with Kevin Turkall of Celli-Flynn Brennan Turkall, Inc. in the amount of $124,013. Other Business: Commissioner Bates indicated that he would like to have discussion regarding the deplorable condition of the building and fence at the Mayview property placed on the next agenda.

August 4, 2003 Approximately 22 people attended.

The Board: • Adopted Resolution 1435 to approve the five-year capital improvement program for 2004-08. • Adopted Bill No. 17-03 to authorize the Township Manager to execute the agreements to permit acquisition of a right-of-way and easements partly in the property of Dorothy Palombo Holden, Dominic, Richard G., and Lita McGill Palombo, Elsie Palombo, Red Lobster Inns of America, 1600 Washington Road Associates, and Family Restaurants, Inc. (successor to Chi-Mex, Inc.), located within the Township of Upper St. Clair and the Municipality of Mt. Lebanon to construct a new section of road to be known as Abbeyville. • Adopted Bill No. 18-03 to authorize the acquisition of a right-of-way and easements partly in the property of Dorothy Palombo Holden, Dominic, Richard G., and Lita McGill Palombo, Elsie Palombo, Red Lobster Inns of America, 1600 Washington Road Associates, and Family Restaurants, Inc. (successor to Chi-Mex, Inc.), located within the Township of Upper St. Clair and the Municipality of Mt. Lebanon to construct a new section of road to be known as Abbeyville. • Adopted Bill No. 19-03 to authorize the transfer of property between the Port Authority of Allegheny County and the Township of Upper St. Clair for the purpose of constructing a new fire station. • Discussed disposition of former Mayview Farm field kitchen. • Adopted Resolution No. 1432 to authorize the filing of an application for funds with the Allegheny County Department of Economic Development for handicapped accessible door hardware. • Adopted Resolution 1433 to authorize the purchase of life insurance by the Police Pension Plan to prevent the depletion of pension plan assets due to the catastrophic cost to the plan that could result from a police officer being killed in service. • Adopted Resolution 1434 to approve a composting toilet facility at the Regional Environmental Education Center located at Boyce Mayview Park. • Adopted Bill No. 16-03 to amend Chapter 57 of the Township Code entitled “Fees” for fee adjustments to the tennis bubble and paddle tennis programs. Board Approval of Contract: • Robinson Pipe Cleaning—Eighty Four Sanitary Sewer Televising and Cleaning ........................................ $298,900

Four-Way Win With Fitness Grant

Health of our fire fighters is important for residents’ safety.

If most people were asked to guess

the leading cause of death of volunteer firefighters on duty, they might say smoke inhalation or burns. In reality, the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in the volunteer fire service is stress related cardiac deaths, which historically have accounted for 50% of firefighter fatalities. The Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department began 2003 with the goal of providing all firefighters with the opportunity to improve their fitness and health. Every year approximately 1800 hours are devoted to maintaining the fire equipment, but little emphasis is placed on maintaining the physical condition of the firefighter. USCVFD invests in the health and well being of firefighters by providing department paid annual physicals. In addition, the department has a makeshift weight lifting room at the fire department sub-station on Morton Road. The weight room consists of several pieces of weight lifting equipment purchased over the last 15 years mixed with several other pieces donated by USC residents. Recognizing the need for equipment that helps improve cardiovascular per-

formance, the department purchased a Pacemaster institutional treadmill earlier this year. To promote use of the treadmill, the fitness committee designed a contest, the “USCVFD 100,” with T-shirts and incentive points awarded to those firefighters who achieve the 100-mile mark. Response to the program has been outstanding. Dave Kish, vice president of the fire department, was the first firefighter to cross the finish line of 100 miles in a little over three months. Deputy Chief Russell Rauch, who suffered a heart attack while on the scene of a car accident in February 2003, has also achieved 100-mile status. Logging the miles over several months was part of Rauch’s cardiac rehabilitation program. “Equipment doesn’t fight fires and perform rescues, firefighters do,” said Mike Russell, the fitness chairman of the department. “Our goal is to provide every opportunity to our firefighters to improve their overall health so that when the whistle blows or the pager sounds, we are ready to roll and provide the outstanding service that our residents expect.” The USCVFD is planning construction of a new fire station next door to the existing station. Plans include a 360-square foot room to serve as a fitness center. During the search for the most cost effective way to equip the fitness center, USCVFD applied for federal grant money. The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) offers grants for new firefighting equipment as well as health and wellness programs. After a long approval process, the USCVFD received notification that grant money for the fitness program had been approved. While investigating fitness equipment options, the USCVFD fitness committee

Township of Upper St. Clair Meeting Dates • 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 Meeting Room. The informational and general affairs meeting is held the last Monday of the month in the Board Meeting 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.

discovered “the deal of the century” at Dr. Mark Berkley’s chiropractic office in Peters Township. Dr. Berkley rented half of his building to Fitness Dynamics, a personal training studio. After several years of operation, Fitness Dynamics decided to close its doors and exchanged the roomful of equipment for rent. The equipment is in immaculate condition. The fitness committee agreed to purchase all of the equipment at a greatly

Dave Kish and Mike Russell are on their way to USCVFD 100.

reduced price, thus creating a win, win, win, win deal for FEMA, USCVFD, Fitness Dynamics and Dr. Berkley. The department will utilize the federal funds to purchase twice the amount of equipment originally anticipated, at no expense to Township residents. The new equipment will provide all USC firefighters the opportunity to follow a state-of-the-art, carefully crafted fitness regimen designed to meet the physical demands of firefighting, vehicle rescue and hazardous material handling. “We believe that it is just as important to invest in our human resources as it is to invest in our firefighting equipment, while at the same time minimizing the cost to the taxpayer,” said Fire Chief Ray Tomnay. “Weight lifting and aerobic training are perfect complements to our firefighting equipment and training. Our goal is to keep our firefighters safe and healthy while keeping our residents well protected.”

Winter 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

l j

Winter Storm Emergencies

Info Line 412-854-5353 www.twpusc.org Please Do NOT Call the Public Works Department! Winter storm emergencies are just

that—emergencies. The Township of Upper St. Clair’s administrative staff, Po lice De part ment and Public Works Department are on call 24 hours a day to help residents and businesses by making the streets safe. During the winter season, Township residents are asked to be patient and understanding. To help the Police and Public Works Department during storms, the Township asks the cooperation of residents in the following areas. 1. Keep calls concerning snow removal to a minimum. Public Works and Police phone lines need to be kept open for emergency calls only during storm situations. The Township is as eager as you to have the streets cleared quickly. Major roads such as Route 19, Boyce Road, McLaughlin Run Road, Lesnett Road, McMillan Road, Fort Couch Road and Mayview Road are plowed first as a matter of public safety and for emergency vehicles.

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

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8. Please keep fire hydrants clear of snow. They are for your safety.

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2. Do not shovel or plow snow back into the streets. This is a violation of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code and creates additional traffic safety problems. 3. When streets are plowed, snow will be pushed in front of driveways. Unfortunately, there is no other place for the snow to go. 4. The Public Works Department is not permitted to assist residents by clearing driveways, sidewalks, or paths to mailboxes. Public Works employees work as many hours as necessary to make streets, inlets, cul-de-sacs, sidewalks and parking lots safe for all vehicles and pedestrians.

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5. Under emergency situations, there may be delays or cancellations of garbage collection and recycling pickup. Please do not call the Township during a snow emergency to ask about gar bage collection. Until the snow situation is under control, it is impossible to say when garbage collection will be back on schedule. Check Cable 7 or the website www.twpusc.org for information on garbage collection.

Public Works Snow Removal—How It Works The Public Works Department is on call 24 hours a day to help residents with snow removal emergencies and related situations. During severe snow situations where plowing is needed, the main state and Township roads have priority, which in some cases require residential roadways to be designated secondary priority. Some considerations regarding the snow removal services that you receive as a resident of USC:

1. The Public Works Department must be alert to air temperatures and road surface temperatures. Sodium chloride (rock salt) is effective to about 23 degrees Fahrenheit. At temperatures below 23 degrees, road surfaces will require additions of liquid calcium chloride. Traffic causes rock salt to act more quickly, so streets with heavier traffic will show the results of sodium chloride application sooner than less traveled roadways. 2. Air Science Consultants are available to the Public Works Department on a 24-hour contracted basis and provide periodic advance weather forecasting.

6. The Township cannot rec om mend contractors or companies that provide UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

3. Peak traffic occurs between the hours of 4 a.m. and 8 a.m., and 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. Decisions to delay school must be made by school personnel by 5:30 a.m. to permit contacting their personnel.

Winter 2003

4. The Public Works Department minimizes the use of chemicals and anti-skid materials by plowing whenever possible. Generally, accumulations over two inches with additional snow predicted may require plowing as dictated by temperatures and information obtained from Air Science Consultants.

5. Constant monitoring of road conditions helps the Public Works administration coordinate snow removal actions to ensure total roadway coverage. All snow removal vehicle drivers assist and back each other up to ensure effective roadway salting and plowing. 6. Walks should be clear by 8 a.m. at the Township building and tennis bubbles. The Recreation Center schedule is checked to ensure clear walkways prior to scheduled activities.Evenings require walk clearing for the Township Building Li brary un til 9:30 p.m. and for any scheduled meetings which normally run until 11 p.m. Tennis bubbles operate until 11 p.m. It may be nec es sary to call personnel for morning walkway clearing by 5:30 a.m. or 6 a.m. as dictated by the size of the back-up crew.

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7. Excessive snow may require opening of inlets or location of fire plugs. 8. The Public Works supervisor coordinates with all drivers to ensure that vehicle breakdowns and problems are reported and scheduled, so that effective snow removal operations are not jeopardized. 9. On-call Public Works supervisors have access to four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Watch for the UPDATED GARBAGE and RECYCLING Calendar in January 2004.

What’s Happening Around Town? If you’ve been driving around the Township and wondering about all the con-

struction that’s going on, listed below are projects currently underway or soon scheduled to begin.

Beginning the sewer line replacement project along Route 19.

The project is underway.

• Sunrise Assisted Living building at the intersection of Route 19 and Village Drive • Port Authority of Allegheny County (PAT) parking garage on Village Drive • Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department building on Route 19 across from Orr Road • Route 19 sanitary sewer replacement and lining project, Concourse Drive to the High School • National City Bank building on South Hills Village property near Blackstone Jewelers • Route 19 signal and pedestrian improvements from the intersection of Devonwood Drive north to the Township line at Mt. Lebanon • Abbeyville Road project • St. Clair Pointe residential development at the end of Boyce Plaza Road • Offices at Clair Boyce at the intersection of Route 19, Boyce Road Extension and Old Washington Road • Cook School Road realignment project While a temporary inconvenience may be experienced, especially along the Route 19 corridor, the completion of many of these projects should greatly enhance our community and the surrounding area. Your patience during construction is greatly appreciated. Please contact the Department of Planning and Community Development or the Department of Public Works at 412-831-9000 for any questions pertaining to these projects.

Sewer line replacment project nearing completion. Winter 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Tips for Saving Energy and Money Are the thoughts of those winter gas and electric bills making you ner-

Sanitary Sewer Backups AND your homeowner’s coverage The Township maintains over 158 miles of underground sewer lines. There is no way to predict when the next sanitary sewer backup will occur. And while only a handful of our residents experience a significant sanitary sewer backup each year, we know that when it does occur, it is a distressing situation. It can be even more devastating if a resident is not insured for losses—losses that can easily run into tens of thousands of dollars. Sewer Backup Insurance Homeowners can alleviate possible sewer-related damage expenses by contacting their property insurance provider to verify that they have sewer backup coverage. Most homeowners’ insurance policies do not automatically include coverage for these occurrences. Given the potential for significant loss, it would be advisable for homeowners served by a public sewer system, particularly those with finished basements, to obtain some level of coverage. Lastly, if you experience a floor drain backup or otherwise suspect a sanitary sewer problem, please contact the Township’s Public Works Department immediately at 412-831-9000, extension 271.

vous? There are ways to improve your energy efficiency. Take the time to inspect your home to help reduce your energy needs. • Insulation—Install or replace worn out insulation in the attic and crawl spaces. • Window treatments—Keep your curtains closed. This prevents heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. • Rooms not in use—Close off rooms or areas that you do not use and close off unheated areas. • Thermostat—Keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Increasing the thermostat by one degree can increase costs by three percent. • Furnace—Clean your furnace and replace furnace filters regularly. This not only helps reduce your energy needs but also keeps interior dust to a minimum. • Clothing—Don’t be afraid to put on a sweater. Layer as necessary. • Appliances—When shopping for appliances choose energy-efficient appliances by comparing energy rating labels before you buy. While the ticket price may be higher, a more cost efficient appliance may save you money in the long run. • Stovetop burner—When cooking on the stovetop, choose a burner that is the same size as the bottom of the pot you’re using. • Turn off appliances—When appliances and electrical devices are not in use (including lighting), turn them off.

Hot Fact: If you have a lamp near your thermostat, it could be keeping your house colder than the temperature at which it is set. Because light bulbs produce heat as well as light, the thermostat registers the warmer temperature produced by the bulb. That heat may cause your air conditioner to run more and your furnace less, because the thermostat “thinks” your home is warmer that it actually is. Source: U.S. Department of Energy

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.

You are invited to participate in the

Township of Upper St. Clair’s Christmas Tree Recycling Project! Bring your tree, without decorations, to the YMCA upper parking lot between January 12–26, 2004. The trees will be ground for mulch for residents’ use.

Please remove all plastic tree bags!

For more information, call 412-831-9000, extension 271 or visit www.twpusc.org.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2003

U. S. House of Representatives

Teamed up to serve you with T 23 years of experience

Timothy F. Murphy

U.S. Congressman for the 18th District of Pennsylvania 226 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: 202-225-2301 Fax: 202-225-1844

504 Washington Road Pittsburgh, PA 15228 Phone: 412-344-5583 Fax: 412-429-5092

Bonnie

Website: www.house.gov/murphy E-mail: murphy@mail.house.gov

Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department Receives Funding This past July, Congressman Tim Murphy was pleased to announce that the Upper

St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department was the recipient of $21,480 from the Assistance to Firefighter’s Grant Program. This grant program is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response and is designed to aid firefighters in their role as first responders. Upper St. Clair was one of only 253 communities nationwide to receive the funding awarded this summer. The money will be used for personnel training, firefighting equipment and modifications to fire stations and facilities. “We can all sleep a little better at night knowing the firefighters who protect our families are receiving the aid they need to do their jobs to the best of their abilities,” said Murphy. “I am honored to be of service to our community and to the men and women who are committed to saving our lives and property.”

Marlene

Bonnie Detwiler ext. 158 Marlene McNaughton ex. 122

412-831-0100

We Are Pleased to Welcome W STEPHANIE SHA SHAW BROWN, M.D. To Our Practice Waterdam rdam Medical Of Off ice Park 4000 Waterdam Plaza Dr. Suite 180 McMurray, P PA 15317 St. Clair Prof Professional Building 1050 Bower Hill Rd. Suite 201 Pittsburgh, P PA 15243

PA PATRICIA J. BULSECO, M.D., P P.C. DEBORAH A. LENART, M.D. STEPHANIE SHA SHAW BROWN, M.D. LAURIE URIE SISMONDO, C.R.N.P C.R.N.P. Obstetrics & Gynecology

(724) 941-1866 Evening & Saturday Hours Available

Winter 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Annual Emergency Medical Services Subscription Drive Bethel Park and South Park Township. Additionally, your subscription is honored by the emergency medical services in surrounding communities. Residents of Upper St. Clair have a top-notch level of response to almost any emergency. Tri-Community works cooperatively with agencies on a local, county, state and federal level. This is accomplished only with proper preparation, training Tri-Community Medical Personnel (left to right) Kevin Rudolph, Jennifer Derringer and Shawn McDermott and equipment. Tri-Community staff has the Tri-Community South EMS (Tri- proper training and equipment necessary Community) is owned and operated by for expected and unexpected emergencies. the Township of Upper St. Clair, the Mu- Training and equipment needed to perform nicipality of Bethel Park and the Township this job are expensive but necessary to reof South Park. Though it is a municipal spond properly to large-scale incidents, agency, Tri-Community attempts to recover storms, floods, power failures, operating costs by hosting an annual sub- aircraft incidents, chemical scription drive and accepting insurance spills, biological spills and terreimbursements. When the operating costs rorist attacks. Should you have the opcannot be recovered by these means, the “system” must take money from munici- portunity to inspect the rear pal tax revenues to make up the shortfall. compartment of one of Tri-ComAt present the system is self-supporting, munity’s ambulances, which are and no municipal tax revenue is used for critical care units on wheels, you emergency medical services. This is only may be surprised at the amount possible through the support of commu- of equipment needed just to handle everyday emergencies. A nity residents. Your subscription to your emergency cardiac monitor, a necessary diagmedical service entitles you to medically nostic piece of equipment for the necessary emergency ambulance service pre-hospital cardiac patient, costs as often as needed anywhere in Upper over $24,000. Today as an emergenSt. Clair Township, the Municipality of cy medical service, Tri-Community is required to carry additional equipment specifically for possible terrorist attacks and pharmaceuticals for biological and chemical exposure. This requires additional training and equipment over and above what Tri-Community already must do to meet the standards set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Health for licensing of ambulance services. As you can see, training, preparedness 32

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2003

and necessary equipment comes at a cost in both time and money. Are you, as a citizen of Upper St. Clair, prepared for emergencies? Everyone should have the basics of home preparedness. Each home should have a fire extinguisher, a working smoke alarm on every level, a carbon monoxide detector, flashlights, a fresh water supply and a properly stocked medical supply kit. You can also do other things to prepare; take a class in CPR and basic first aid. Classes in CPR, first aid and additional course offerings are available through Tri-Community. The staff will help you with questions or problems, such as choosing proper medical supplies for your home to inspecting your child’s car seat to ensure proper installation.

tt responds to a

Shawn McDermo

call.

Tri-Community is now in its annual subscription drive. Subscription information will be mailed to each known occupied residence in Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park and South Park. Should you not receive subscription information by December 1, 2003, please contact Tri-Community South office at 412-831-3710, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In the end, only you can help keep your emergency medical service here for you. Won’t you please take the time to support Tri-Community South EMS with a household or family subscription?

Library

Artist in Residence at the Library: Lauren Alesse Picasso’s Corner is a multi-week art program for school-age children. The kids learn about famous artists and illustrators and have the opportunity to try an art technique used by the artist. This past summer kids explored watercolors, printmaking, ceramics and Jackson Pollack’s “Energy and Motion Made Visible.” Lauren and library program coordinator, Barb Campbell, ran the unique summer volunteer program for middle and high school students. The kids spent four weeks preparing for a puppet show for young children. They worked on scenery, props and puppets. The kids had a great time recording the scripts for the two puppet plays. Over one hundred children and adults attended the performance of Jack and the Beanstalk and The Gingerbread Boy this past July.

Lauren Alesse instructs program participants. School-age volunteers prepare scenery.

Summer was a busy time in the Children’s Department of

the Upper St. Clair Library. The kids, out of school on summer break, enjoyed the library as a popular place to hang out. Over one thousand kids and teens participate in the summer reading program. The library also offered many summer programs for kids of all ages. For the past two summers the library has been fortunate to have Lauren Alesse to plan and help conduct two popular programs: Picasso’s Corner and In-Production.

Here comes the giant: a scene from Jack and the Beanstalk performance.

Picasso’s Corner Program—Energy and Motion Made Visible

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Lauren combines her love of art and an innate ability to work with kids in her programs. She began working for the library four years ago when she was a senior at Upper St. Clair High School and has returned to the library every summer since graduation. Each year Lauren has successfully taken on additional responsibilities. She is a senior art education major at Edinboro University.

Winter Hours Monday thru Thursday 9:30 a.m. –9 p.m. Friday thru Saturday 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Sundays 1 p.m.–5 p.m. Winter 2003

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

SUSAN HIGHLEY Experience you can trust . . .

service you can

COUNT ON!

Art in Our Library Linda Messer The art collection in the library

provides materials for casual browsers and serious students alike. Books and videos cover topics ranging from oil, watercolor, and acrylic painting, to architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design, providing inspiration to those who create and those who appreciate the creative process. The popular Sister Wendy books and videos are patron favorites. Providing in-depth information is an important component of the library’s mission. The study of art history, for example, involves learning not only about the works of artists but also about the influences that helped to form their perceptions of the world around them. Township resident Louise Kogut uses the library extensively for research on topics related to her art history classes at the University of Pittsburgh. Louise, a teacher for 35 years, retired two years ago from Allderdice High School where she taught tenth grade English for gifted students. Now she enjoys using her time to pursue her love of art. In the library, Louise has found valuable information on individual artists such as Caravaggio, and has used the multi-volume Dictionary of Art published by Grove’s Dictionaries to locate obscure paintings and artists. Did you know that Vincent Van Gogh suffered from temporal lobe epilepsy? Louise found a book devoted to this topic in the library’s collection. Free access to a world of resources through the Internet provides Louise with a means to locate images of lesser-known works by photographer, Eugene Atget and sculptor, August Rodin. Images can be reproduced on the library’s color printers for minimal cost. For anyone interested in Van Gogh, Louise recommends this fascinating website: www.vangoghgallery.com.

Louise Kogut

The expertise of the library’s professional staff along with its many resources has helped Louise with her studies. “I love to learn new things. This library is my lifeblood. The Carnegie has antiquated materials and you have to pay to park. They hand you a stack of books and you’re on your own.” Of the Internet services provided by the library, Louise says, “I have a computer and printer at home, but it’s just not the same as having a librarian to help.” Interlibrary loan services enable Louise to pursue other interests she has developed as a result of her art studies. For example, the book La Joie de Vivre by Emile Zola is found in the Van Gogh painting Still Life with Open Bible, Candlestick, and Novel. Intrigued by this, Louise not only read the Zola books in the library’s collection, but also requested other books by the author, including some books that were difficult to find in English. “That’s why I like your library, because whatever I need, you always come through.” Through its various collections, the library strives to meet the needs and wishes of library patrons. Louise is one example. “I am so thankful that this treasure is three minutes from my house,” she says. Maybe the library is three minutes from your house, too. Art in Our Library will be continued in the next edition of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY.

Over 13 years in the South Hills Area Ar 412.833.3600 ext. 268 34

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Book Grouping: Therese Raquin (Emile Zola); Seized (Eve LaPlante); Germinal (Emile Zola); Vincent Van Gogh: the complete paintings (Ingo F. Walther); The Dictionary of Art (Grove’s Dictionaries) Winter 2003

Upper St. Clair League for the Arts

Jo Brown and Lou Coffin arranging Jo’s paintings for the Cozy Corner display.

As the holidays approach, the showcase will be filled with the beautiful and exotic baskets and gourds of Ceres Rangos, a member of USC/LA and Pittsburgh Center for the Arts in Shadyside. More of her work can be seen at Bird In Hand Gallery in Sewickley. Ned Garnhart’s exhibit of sketches, caricatures and paintings will follow. Ned designed our library card, the phone book covers for Bethel Park and Peters Township, and two of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY’s covers. Ned is teaching I Wish I Could Draw classes for QUEST, a lifelong learning program, sponsored by the Upper St. Clair Community Foundation. All art displayed in the Library’s Cozy Corner is for sale. -Black & White or Hand-Colored-

You are not only surrounded by books in the Library, but also by art. The

cozy reading nook provided by Friends of the Library has displayed works by members of the Upper St. Clair League for the Arts for the past dozen years. The showcase and walls offer a new exhibit every four to five weeks.

724.222.9121

www.robinphotography.com

Searching for a special holiday present? That unique gift could be in your library. Try looking in these two places:

FRIEND’S Books-For-Sale Showcase Upper St. Clair League for the Arts Cozy Corner Art Display

The Best is from Gillespie’s! 171 years of specialty in Quality Oil Paintings

Framing * Restoration 2871 Washington Road Photograph by Nancy Barnard Winter 2003

724-941-7515

www.JJGillespiegallery.com UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

We Have the Answer to Keep Keep busy in one of the exciting programs sponsored by the Recreation and Leisure Services Department. Contact the Recreation and Leisure Services Department, 412-831-9000, extension 256, for a full listing of classes available this winter. Children’s Dance Classes

Mommy and Me

Classes taught by Vella Dance Studio faculty under the direction of Donna Grove.

A special time for moms, dads or caregivers and their preschoolers (ages 2 and 3) to have fun together. Includes basic tumbling, puppet play and parachute games.

Dates: Day: Place: Fee:

January 13–March 30 Tuesdays Community Center Multi-Purpose Room I $40 per class/resident $53 per class/nonresident

All classes are one-half hour in length for 12 weeks, following the schedule below:

Dates: Times: Place: Fee:

Preschool Classes (ages 3-5)

January 14–March 31 Wednesdays, 10:30–11:15 a.m. or 11:15 a.m.–12 noon Community Center Multi-Purpose Room II $72/resident $96/nonresident

Ballet 10:15–10:45 a.m. or 1–1:30 p.m. or 5:45–6:15 p.m. Tap 11:15–11:45 a.m. or 2–2:30 p.m. Tumbling 10:45–11:15 a.m. or 1:30–2 p.m. or 6:15–6:45 p.m. Children’s Classes (ages 6-10) Jazz/Hip Hop 4:45–5:15 p.m. Tumbling 5:15–5:45 p.m.

Gingerbread House Workshop Decorate your own gingerbread house. We’ll provide the supplies—you bring your imagination. Session I: Times: Place: Session II: Times: Place:

Saturday, December 13 10:30 a.m.–noon (grades 1-4) 1–2:30 p.m. (grades 1-4) Community Center Multi-Purpose Room I

College Financial Aid 101: Making Dollars and Sense of It All • The different types of aid available including federal, state institution, loan or scholarship • How to fill out the FAFSA and CSS forms • Why some schools use the FA formula and some the IM formula • Common myths about financial aid such as “We make too much money for aid.” Parents will be taken through the FAFSA form that all families must fill out to receive financial aid. Date: Time: Place:

Sunday, December 14 1–2:30 p.m. (grades 5-8) 3:30–5 p.m. (grades 1-4) Community Center Multi-Purpose Room I

Fee:

Saturday, January 10 10 a.m.–12 noon Library Multi-Purpose Room $30 per family/resident $40 per family/nonresident

Session III: Monday, December 8* Time: 10:30 a.m.–12 noon (ages 3-5) Place: Recreation Center Session Fee: $15/resident

$20/nonresident

*Session III is designed for preschoolers (ages 3-5) accompanied by a caregiver to decorate a house together.

Congratulations Chess Team Congratulations to students Kevin Berthoud, Kent Berthoud, Elizabeth Dorsey and Ryan Rebel for taking first place in the club team category of the 2003 Pennsylvania State Chess Junior Championship held at the University of Pittsburgh this past September. You can learn this challenging game on Thursday evenings by joining Instructor Eric Berthoud from 6:30–8 p.m. in the Library multi-purpose room. Ages kindergarten through adult are welcome to this ongoing class. No need to pre-register. Fee is $3 per class. 36

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2003

Phipps Conservatory Come with us to tour the Phipps winter flower show. We’ll stop on the way for dinner at the Spaghetti Warehouse in the Strip District. Fee includes admission and transportation. Dinner cost paid by attendee. Date: Time:

Fee:

Tuesday, December 16 Bus leaves the Recreation Center at 3:10 p.m. Bus returns to the Recreation Center at 11 p.m. $19 per person No refunds after December 2

the Winter Blues Away! Our Time Art

Crafter’s Corner

Open to children ages 2-5 accompanied by an adult. Weekly art projects will allow you to explore creativity through the eyes of a child.

Join us in making a wooden snowman decoration you can give as a gift or proudly display in your home.

Dates: Day: Time: Place: Fee:

February 3–March 2 Tuesdays 10:30–11:15 a.m. Recreation Center $40/resident $53/nonresident +$10 materials fee paid to instructor at first class

Valentine’s Day Workshop Little ones can spend the morning working on a special Valentine’s Day craft they can keep or share with their favorite valentine. Includes a video and special snack. Date: Time: Place: Fee:

Saturday, February 14 10:30–11:15 a.m. Library Multi-Purpose Room $10/resident $13/nonresident No refunds after February 6

Trips and Tours— Gateway Clipper “Light up Night” A three-hour dinner cruise aboard the Gateway Clipper for a special view of Pittsburgh’s Light Up Night, the beginning of the city’s celebrated “Sparkle Season.” Includes buffet dinner, entertainment and a fireworks display. Date: Time: Fee:

Friday, November 21 Leaves municipal building at 5:10 p.m. Returns to municipal building at approximately 11 p.m. $57 per person No refunds after November 7

Fencing Covers warm up and stretching exercises, basic footwork and handwork and the basics of tactics and strategies. Equipment provided. Dates: Day:

Place: Fee:

January 19–March 12 Mondays, 5:15–6:15 p.m. (grades 5-6) Fridays, 5:15–6:15 p.m. (grades 7-8) Fridays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. (adults) Community Center Multi-Purpose Room I $60/resident $80/nonresident

Date: Time: Place: Fee:

Thursday, December 4 6:30–9 p.m. Recreation Center $10/resident $13/nonresident +$20 materials fee paid to instructor

Junior Ski Program Open to resident students grade 6 and above. Five-week program includes transportation to and from Hidden Valley Ski Resort, lift ticket, group lesson and free skiing. Dates: Day: Time: Fee:

January 10–February 7* *end date subject to weather conditions Saturdays 3 p.m.–12 midnight $200 with own equipment $250 with equipment rental

Cooking For Kids Participants will try out recipes to make a breakfast, lunch/ dinner, dessert and an appetizer. All aspects of working in the kitchen will be covered. Dates: Times: Place: Fee:

March 3–25 Wednesdays, 4:45–6:15 p.m. (grades 5-8) Thursdays, 4–5:30 p.m. (grades 1-4) Recreation Center $40/resident $53/nonresident +$8 materials fee paid to instructor at first class

Cooking II Open to students in grades 1–4 who have already taken the Cooking for Kids class. Students will tackle more challenging recipes as they work in small groups to prepare their culinary masterpieces. Dates: Day: Time: Place: Fee:

February 5–26 Thursdays 4–5:30 p.m. Recreation Center $40/resident $53/nonresident +$8 materials fee paid to instructor at first class

Register for any of the Recreation classes in person or by mailing registration with appropriate fee to: Upper St. Clair Recreation, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Please make checks payable to USC Recreation. Some classes have limited availability. Register early to guarantee yourself a spot! For more information, call the Recreation Department at 412-831-9000, extension 256, or check the website at: www.twpusc.org. Winter 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

2003 Winter Dining Guide l

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THE

Sesame Inn FINEST CHINESE CUISINE

ese n i h C “Bessttaurant” Re

Lunch • Dinner • Free Delivery Carryout • Banquet Facilities Gift Certificates

Mt. Lebanon 412-341-2555 Station Square 412-281-8282 North Hills 412-366-1838 McMurray 724-942-2888 www.sesameinn.net 38

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Splendid Food Enchanted Holiday Evenings

RESTAU ST RANT STAU RA

Order Café Georgio’s Gift Certificates by Phone. It’s Simple!

Make Your Holiday Plans Now!

Celebrating 10 Y Years of Consistency est. 1994 Dinner Served Monday–Saturday 5 p.m.–10 p.m.

Reservations Suggested

24 Donati Road • 412-833-7000

voted by the readers of • PITTSBURGH magazine 2002 & 2003 • Mt. Lebanon magazine • Post-Gazette • Tribune Review • Rated  by KDKA TV

Plan your holiday parties now!

CL SROOM CLAS

Lunch T Tues-Fri, 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner T Tues-Sat, 5:00 00 –10:00 pm

Peters T Township 724-942-4878 www.classroomrestaurant.com

Minnie Schlegel’s Pennsylvania Blue Ribbon Creamy Apple Pie (Winner 1990 Farm Show) Crust: Beat first three ingredients well with mixer. Gradually add flour until mixture forms soft dough. Press into bottom and sides of deep 9” pie pan. 1/2 cup soft butter 1/2 tsp. vanilla 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 cup all-purpose flour Cream cheese filling: Beat ingredients until smooth. Spread evenly over dough. 1 (8 oz.) cream cheese 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 egg 1/2 tsp. vanilla Apple filling: Combine first four ingredients and layer evenly over cream cheese mixture. Dot with butter. Sprinkle with nuts. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes, lower heat to 350° and continue baking for 30 minutes, or until apples are done. If apples appear too brown cover pan with foil while baking. 4 cups thinly sliced apples 1 tbs. butter 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 2/3 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup chopped pecans or hickory nuts This recipe is from Flavours, the recipe book sponsored by the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair, and courtesy of resident Carolyn Boyd.

Winter 2003

Gourmet Gour met Ch Chiinese R Restaur estaurant estaurant Treat eatt your ffamil ea amily to the a awar d winnin nning nnin ing Best est Ch Chinese inese R Resta estaurant estaur urant R Reser vations recommended va

(412) 279-8088 Open 7 days

Happy Holidays Open Christmas Day 11:30 - 9:30 Gift Certificates Available 1082 Bower Hill Rd. (next to St. Clair Hospital)

Pittsburgh, PA 15243

Winter Dining Guide 2003 k k l

A Culinary linar linary Masterpiece

Signature Service Eclectic Dining Experience American Cuisine, International Flair

Distinctive Dining

The Café at thee F Frick

Indulge in all the pleasures of The Café. Culinary masterpieces, fine wines and distinctively attentive service are the ingredients of a truly memorable dining experience. Serving lunch and afternoon tea. T Tues. – Sat. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Frick Art & Historical Center

For reservations call 412-371-0600

Pittsburgh, PA 15208

7227 Reynolds Street

Nothing Better. Better serving lunch and dinner, dinner Monday–Saturday g te Dinin • Priva m Roo tes ertifica • Gift C s the Alway Size Perfect

www.frickart.org

TAI PEI

CHINESE REST RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR

1-79 at Southpointe Exit 48 1000 Corporate Drive Canonsburg adjacent to the Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh/Southpointe phone 724.743.5005

experiencejacksons.com

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“Enjoy delicious gourmet Chinese food and sushi for lunch and dinner prepared by specially trained chefs”........... Jimmy and Kathy W Wan, owners

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Open 7 days Takeout keout Service

Free Delivery Fr Catering

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Scott T Towne Center Fox Chapel 2101 Greentree Road 1124 Freeport Road 412-279-8811 412-781-4131 412-279-8917 Fax 412-781-1898 Fax

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or $ 00 OFF Lunch Dinner

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With minimum purchase of $30 Winter 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Citron Jewelers— The Joy of Giving Philanthropy is rooted in a tradition

that goes back thousands of years. American philanthropy grew from a culture that saw diverse groups of people from varied backgrounds coming to a land where opportunity was not always equal. Because America fosters diversity, it is logical that our philanthropists come in a variety of shapes, sizes and relative net worth. It stands to reason, then, that there is no typical American philanthropist.

toys to the efforts of the Upper St. Clair Boyce Middle School Outreach program. The Outreach program at Boyce was designed to create the students’ awareness of the needs of others in their immediate area. The Boyce Middle School PTA sponsored Outreach committee works closely with the school’s guidance department to design the various projects. Dale Citron has joined the involvement this year with two donations. This November, Dale is

Left to right: Sharon Fohl, manager; Pat Gambridge; Kay Turko; Dale Citron, owner; Anne Walsh; Jenny Van Voorhis and Larry Gombos

In our community, we have a humble successful entrepreneur who is giving back. His name is Dale Citron. Dale Citron of Citron Jewelers has continued his tradition of giving each holiday season by contributing time and money to various charities in the Pittsburgh area. For the past eight years, Citron has donated gifts to needy children at the Womansplace in McKeesport, the Laughlin Run School, the Pittsburgh Head Start Program, UPMC McKeesport, Children’s Aid Society of Mercy County, Children’s Hospital Pittsburgh and last year to UPMC’s “Amazing Kids” at The Children’s Institute. This year Dale Citron has generously donated contributions of turkeys and 40

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

providing local families over 130 turkey certifi cates from Giant Eagle to SHIM (South Hills Interfaith Ministries) one week before Thanksgiving. Accepting the contribution for SHIM from Mr. Citron (pictured on the cover) is E. Jerry Ellis, SHIM Executive Director. Also working closely with Mr. Citron and Mr. Ellis is Boyce Middle School’s Amy Antonio, counselor, and coordinator of the SHIM project. Other donations by Mr. Citron are 150 toys for needy children to The American Red Cross of Southwestern Pennsylvania. The American Red Cross is honored to accept this donation from Mr. Citron. The toys will brighten this holiday for

Winter 2003

the children served by The Red Cross and will further their mission of service in responding to community need throughout southwestern Pennsylvania. The American Red Cross representative accepting the donation from Mr. Citron (pictured on the cover) is Michael J. Mingrone, Business Development Officer. The Boyce Middle School helping hands coordinator for the Red Cross project is school counselor Vicki Cayuela. Mr. Citron has two store locations in the South Hills area, South Hills Village and Century III Mall. He and his staff have enjoyed serving the Upper St. Clair community over the years and wish everyone a happy holiday season and a healthy New Year. “The loyal customers of Upper St. Clair have once again made it possible for Citron Jewelers to share its success with families and children in need for the holiday season and make it brighter,” said Dale. Dale Citron has continued his tradition of giving not only during the holiday season but also throughout the years. For the past several years he has actively contributed to charities such as the Mario Lemieux Foundation; Make a Wish Foundation; Jewelers Charity Fund for Children; a corporate sponsor for C. C. Riders and most recently, the Susan B. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Research. A comment from Dale Citron that sums up his business philosophy and appropriately closes this article states, “We are what we say we are, and we do exactly what we say we’ll do.” For more information, call Citron Jewelers: South Hills Village ........ 412-833-1667 Century III Mall ............ 412-653-4668 Shenango Valley......... 724-342-1575

Winter 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

PINE BRIDGE Pinebridge Commons McLaughlin Run Road at Lesnett Road ••••••••••••••••• Carlson Wagonlit Travel Pediatric Alliance Common Ground Café Pediatric Dentistry South Design Image Piccolina’s 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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Winter 2003

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Savvy Seniors

USC Seniors Gather at Nevillewood It was a vibrant, well-dressed crowd

raef ard, Eleanor G Martha Blanch en visit before lunch. ed and Helen Hab

at The Club at Nevillewood on September 17, 2003, as members of the United Senior Citizens program, sponsored by the Upper St. Clair Department of Recreation and Leisure Services, gathered for their annual “offsite” luncheon. Lynn Walcoff, Older Adult Coordinator, said that this group is designed to accommodate seniors of all ages and interests, and that everyone gets something different out of the program. “It’s a good way of meeting people in the Township or rekindling relationships,” she said. Open to retired residents of Upper St. Clair, 55 years and older, the group usually meets at the Township Recreation Center each Wednesday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for senior citizens’ lunches, activities and programs. In addition to the Recreation Center activities, day trips to various performances and places of interest are scheduled throughout the year. If you have questions about this program or other services available to senior citizens please contact Lynn Walcoff at 412-831-9000, extension 296.

Ruth Leister an

d Betsy Krebbs

Bill Taffe (Mt. Lebanon resident and Jim McVey, “Jambro,” prov ) ided the afternoon musical entertai nment.

Chris Orient Rita Hart, Vivean Lesnett and enjoy the luncheon.

Silvia Ruano and Tom Netherton

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. 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! It’s a great way to experience your community.

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 restrictions is eligible for the Silver Card Program. Applications are available at the Recreation Department. Stop in and ask for your Silver Card!

Winter 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

In the Mail How Should I Send It? Many options exist for sending mail. During the holiday season our post offices are busier than any other time. When you make that trip to the post office to mail your cards and packages, do you know what mailing services work best for you? If you do, it will help speed up your visit (and those behind you too!) The service you choose depends on three things; shape, speed and cost. The following chart explains the choices available. Shape + 70 pounds or less 70 pounds or less 13 ounces or less 70 pounds or less 70 pounds or less 15 pounds or less

Speed + 1-2 days (guaranteed) 1-3 days 1-3 days 2-9 days 2-9 days 2-9 days

Cost = $$$ (based on weight) $$ (based on weight and distance) $ (based on weight) $ (based on weight and distance) $ (based n weight and content) $ (based on weight, content and distance)

Service Express Mail Priority Mail First Class Parcel Post Media Mail Bound Printed Matter

Extra Services at a Cost Have you sent something in the mail to a loved one only to find out that when they opened the package it was damaged, or maybe it was never received? Many times a customer needs extra services to protect or confirm delivery. The following chart details extra services that are available through the U.S. Postal Service. Cost varies with the service and amount of protection requested. Service Proof Protection Confirmation Express Mail Receipt at time of mailing Insured to $100 (more can be added) Date and time of delivery provided, signature of recipient available upon request Priority Mail Certificate of mailing Insured mail, Registered mail Certified mail Delivery confirmation, Signature confirmation First Class Mail Certificate of mailing Insured mail, Registered mail Certified mail, Delivery confirmation*, Signature confirmation* Parcel Post, Media Mail, Bound Printed Matter Certificate of mailing Insured mail Delivery confirmation*, Signature confirmation* *for packages only

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2003

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Addressing the Envelope (accuracy affects speed and handling) • Return address—Print or type return information, including name and address in the upper left corner on the front of the envelope. • Postage—Use a stamp, postage meter, or PC Postage to affix the correct amount. • Extra services—Place labels for extra services, such as certified mail, to the left of the postage. • Delivery address—The address is centered in the middle of the envelope or package. Recipient’s name is listed first, followed by name of organization, if applicable. A street address, or post office box (but not both) is listed next, with the apartment or suite number following. The city, state and ZIP code are listed on the last line of the mailing address. Other Information To find the correct spelling of a city name or to find a ZIP code, or other information, visit www.usps.com or call 1-800-ASK-USPS. Packages that weigh one pound or more must be taken to the post office for mailing. Information contained in this article was taken from the United States Postal Service “A Customer’s Guide to Mailing,” July 2002.

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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Winter 2003

Facts About the Christmas Tree Walter Jarosh, Forester/ISA Certified Arborist The Christmas tree has a long his-

tory, first appearing in Riga, Latvia, in 1510. Christmas trees have been sold commercially in the Unites States since about 1850. They were often harvested from the forest until recent demand for high quality trees made commercial production more efficient and profitable. Thirty-four to thirty-six million trees are produced each year to satisfy the demand for real trees. In 2002, 32% of the Christmas trees displayed were real trees. If you’re shopping for a tree, today’s top selling trees are Balsam fir, Douglas fir, Fraser fir, Noble fir, Scotch pine and white pine. The 15,000 Christmas tree growers plant over one million acres of trees and employ 100,000 people in the Christmas tree industry, generating a harvested value that exceeds $360 million dollars. Pennsylvania ranks among the top six states in Christmas tree production. Today as many as 12,000 farms allow shoppers to wander the rows of trees to choose and cut their own tree. The perfect tree is out there, all you need to do is look through the 36 million trees to make sure you have chosen just the right one—preferably without the squirrel. Each year 73 million trees will be planted at two thousand trees per acre. Christmas tree farms provide shelter and habitat for wild life, reduce soil erosion, remove dust and pollen from the air, and produce enough oxygen to supply the requirements of 18 people for each acre that is planted. If you do the math that means 18 million folks can thank the Christmas tree growers for their next breath of air. Amazing! Fifty-nine percent of real trees are recycled through community programs and have been used to make sand and soil erosion barriers, animal habitat, or fish shelter ponds. Fish like the shelters, but few fishermen seldom celebrate Christmas in July when they drag their tree up from the bottom of the pond. In 1882 Edward Johnson, assistant to Thomas Edison, added electric lights to the tree. This custom evolved over the years as trees now sparkle and twinkle with a myriad of multi-colored hi-tech lighting and decorations. In 1923, President Coolidge started the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the White House, and the tradition continues today. Enjoy the sparkle of this holiday season and the Christmas tree. The Township and YMCA on McMurray Road will again partner to recycle trees from the community. Drop your used tree off at the pile in the Y parking lot in January and help in our recycling efforts. See announcement on page 30 for recycling information.

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Winter 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Upper St. Clair School District Board of School Directors

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

Back to School

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

Staff breakout session fosters ideas.

When given a choice about where to sit during a class or

Barbara L. Bolas 412-833-9841 2003*

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

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*

William M. Sulkowski, DMD 412-221-9516 2003* *Date indicates expiration of term. 50

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2003

lecture, most people avoid the first several rows. The staff in the Upper St. Clair School District was no exception, as evidenced by where they sat during Dr. James D. Lombardo’s welcome back speech on August 28, 2003. After a few teasing remarks about how the staff missed the $50 bills taped to the seats in the front of the High School theatre, Dr. Lombardo commented about how much he was enjoying his transition to Pittsburgh and Upper St. Clair. Building principals introduced their new staff members, and Dr. Lombardo presented commemorative pins to staff members with 25 years of service. Those receiving pins were: Karen O’Hara at Baker; Deborah Ford, Debbie Obrosky and Joyce Pratt at Boyce; Phyllis Feller at Central Office; Robin Forgenson, Pamela Refosco and Kathy Robinson at Eisenhower; Dennis Foor and Joanne Szymanski at Fort Couch; and Stephen Mehalik at the High School. Dr. Lombardo told the staff that his 20-year old daughter’s advice about his remarks was: “Don’t say anything; they just want to get to their classrooms.” While smiling and admitting that it was good advice, Dr. Lombardo said he wanted to take a few minutes to tell the group a little about his background, share information and give them a sense of what he finds important as an educator. Briefly describing his experiences as an educator, including some humorous anecdotes, Dr. Lombardo stated that his two daughters taught him more about learning and life than any course he took in school. “I learned that children are never predictable,” said Dr. Lombardo. He said his children taught him how hard school could be for the “invisible kids.” While many students get extra attention at school because they are gifted or because they act out, he explained that “invisible kids” are the children in the middle who move through the system without drawing attention to themselves. Dr. Lombardo shared recent PSSA (Pennsylvania School System Assessment) test results for the Upper St. Clair School District with the staff, commending them for the high number of students achieving proficient and advanced scores. He indicated that while many children have done well, the challenge is to work to bring all students in the District to these levels. Dr. Lombardo reminded the staff that despite high test scores, students have many, many needs.

School District Offers Comprehensive Program A journey that began in the mid 90s

for Upper St. Clair School District came to fruition in June 2003. The District’s initiative to implement a comprehensive K-12 International Baccalaureate program became a reality when the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), based in Geneva, Switzerland, authorized the District’s pilot IB Primary Years Program (PYP). The District’s International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (MYP) received authorization last summer, and Upper St. Clair’s IB Diploma Program, for

Creativity, Action and Service program, and writing an extended essay. The program goal is to educate the whole person. The MYP is for students in the middle school through tenth grade. This past June, the first group of students in the District’s history received the Upper St. Clair Middle Years Program Certificate. These students participated in a rigorous course of study, performed 30 hours of community service per year, and ultimately completed a Personal Project. This project is the capstone activity of the IB MYP. It requires

Gathered are IB teacher coordinators with USC students who received IB MYP certificates this past spring.

students in grades 11 and 12, was authorized in June 1999. Members of the USCHS Class of 2003 were the second group of students to receive the IB diploma along with their high school diploma. What began as an investigation into educational choices for students and parents is now a fully authorized instructional option. The reputation of IBO is excellent throughout the world. The organization, a nonprofit educational foundation, offers a rigorous diploma program for 11th and 12th graders that has the same academic criteria regardless of where it is offered in the world. Challenging traditional courses are combined with other requirements such as an interdisciplinary course entitled Theory of Knowledge, participation in the

the students to design a project, conduct extensive research, provide an exhibition of expertise and reflect on the nature and process of acquiring knowledge. The IBO’s Middle Years Program provides a framework of academic challenge and life skills for students 11 to 16 years of age. The five-year program offers an educational approach that embraces and transcends traditional school subjects. It is a natural extension of the Primary Years Program (PYP) and serves as excellent preparation for the Diploma Program. The MYP, like the other two programs of the IB, is based on the premise that education can foster understanding among young people around the world, enabling future generations to live more peacefully and

productively than we do today. Intercultural awareness is central to the program. Development of the PYP in USC began in September 1998, shortly after the IBO began to offer the program internationally in 1997. The USC pilot program began as a magnet option in four classrooms at Streams. Staff members were trained in the specific curriculum models and methodologies required by IB. Inquiry based learning is central to the IB approach. Teachers and students learn to ask and find the answers to increasingly complex questions about six major themes: who we are; where we are in place and time; how we express ourselves; how the world works; how we organize ourselves; how we share the planet. The curriculum is organized so that each year students have a “Unit of Inquiry” for each of these global themes. Over several years, the teachers have developed and implemented six Units of Inquiry for each grade level, kindergarten through four. These units are a compatible blend of Upper St. Clair’s core curriculum and the Inquiry Approach to learning which IB espouses. Other special elements of the PYP are a global perspective, an emphasis on developing “Characteristics of the Learner” and an action component in each unit. In the United States there are currently 396 Diploma Programs, 100 Middle Years Programs and 23 Primary Years Programs authorized by IBO. Upper St. Clair is proud to be one of the very few school districts that offer all three programs as educational options for students.

Winter 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

School District Central Office Administration

Dr. James D. Lombardo Superintendent of Schools

M. Jane Sierzega Director of Finance and Business

Robert Obrosky Director of Technology

Jean Toner Director of Human Resources

Eloise Stoehr Supervisor of Pupil Services

Dr. Sharon Suritsky Director of Special Education

Dr. John Bornyas Director of Education/ Instructional Principal (7-12)

Dr. Patricia Dunkis Director of Education/ Instructional Principal (K-6)

Charles Samek Director of Transportation

Kristy G. Cupelli D.M.D. Pediatric Dentistry

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To reach personnel, call 412-833-1600, press 1, enter extension number followed by the # sign. Administrator

Coleman

Extension

M. Jane Sierzega .............................................................. Bonnie Thomas ............................... 2266 Director of Finance and Business bthomas@uscsd.k12.pa.us Robert Obrosky ............................................................... Doreen Leech ................................... 2211 Director of Technology dleech@uscsd.k12.pa.us

Music Studios Harry G. Coleman Charlotte H. Coleman BM, MS

Secretary/Email Address

Dr. James D. Lombardo .................................................. Mary Ann Stabile ............................ 2201 Superintendent of Schools mstabile@uscsd.k12.pa.us

BS,, MM BS

Jean Toner ........................................................................ Debi Bakowski ................................ 2286 Director of Human Resources dbakowski@uscsd.k12.pa.us Eloise Stoehr.................................................................... Phyllis Feller.................................... 2283 Supervisor of Pupil Services pfeller@uscsd.k12.pa.us Dr. Sharon Suritsky ........................................................ Phyllis Feller ................................... 2283 Director of Special Education pfeller@uscsd.k12.pa.us Dr. John Bornyas............................................................. Cheryl Ellison.................................. 2202 Director of Education/Instructional Principal (7-12) cellison@uscsd.k12.pa.us Dr. Patricia Dunkis ......................................................... Cheryl Ellison.................................. 2202 Director of Education/Instructional Principal (K-6) cellison@uscsd.k12.pa.us

Nationally Certified Teachers of

Charles Samek................................................................. Karen Powers .................................. 3450 Director of Transportation kpowers@uscsd.k12.pa.us School District Building Administration

• Beginners • College Level • Advanced • All Ages

Upper St. Clair Studio 1373 McLaughlin Run Rd. (412) 276-3556 (412) 221-2737 52

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Dr. Terrence Kushner ................................... Principal of the High School Joe DeMar ..................................................... High School Assistant Principal/Dean of Students Dr. Mike Ghilani .......................................... High School Assistant Principal/Dean of Students Dr. William Rullo ......................................... Director of High School Guidance Dr. Timothy Steinhauer ............................... Principal of Fort Couch Middle School Kevin Deitrick .............................................. Administrative Intern at Fort Couch Karen Brown ................................................ Principal of Boyce Middle School Marsha Fries ................................................. Administrative Intern at Boyce Dr. Ruth Ann Matyuf ................................... Principal of Baker Elementary School Mark Miller ................................................... Principal of Eisenhower Elementary School Beverly Krill .................................................. Principal of Streams Elementary School

General USC School District website is www.uscsd.k12.pa.us

Winter 2003

Proficiency Interviews Conducted for Foreign Languages Connie Montgomery, Fort Couch Spanish Teacher

Jen Burke and Morgan Minerd

Nationally, throughout a foreign lan-

guage student’s career, he or she is tested for language proficiency at different levels. National standards provide guidelines for attaining the Novice Level, Proficient Level and Advanced Level. At Fort Couch Middle School, students participated in the process of oral proficiency testing in Spanish, French and German.

Sixty foreign language USC High School students visited Fort Couch this past spring to interview eighth grade students for oral proficiency in foreign language. Middle school students were paired up with high school students for the interviews. Fort Couch students were given a 20-item “I can” list in which they named colors, numbers, months, time, clothing, food and similar vocabulary items. They were then asked a series of 20 questions, such as: “What do you like to do on the weekend?” or “How many brothers and sisters do you have?” to determine their conversational mastery of their target language. Fort Couch students were proud of their proficiency and the high school students were extremely pleased with the younger students’ grasp of the language they studied. The interviews served a dual purpose. In addition to the middle level testing, the High School students were given a chance to highlight their speaking ability. After

completing the proficiency interviews the high school students were given the opportunity to describe a scene in their target language using a higher level of vocabulary, grammar and sentence structure. After listening to the older students, the middle school students appeared more motivated to study and succeed in their own target language. Both student groups enjoyed the interviews and were proud of what they had learned. All the students realized that the amount of time and effort put forth to study, practice and use the target language resulted in achieving a higher level of proficiency. One middle school student summed it up when he said, “I never realized how much I’ve learned already, and I am looking forward to speaking as well as the High School students in my foreign language of choice.”

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Getting to Know Our Superintendent Jim Meston The next time you

see a man on a motorcycle whizzing around the Township you may be seeing Dr. James Lombardo, Superintendent of the Upper St. Clair School District, hurrying to an appointment or going to visit one of our schools. He volunteers that he is an avid skier and motorcyclist, which aren’t activities you readily associate with someone in his position. He officially assumed his duties on July 1, 2003, but got a running start on the job by appearing earlier to visit schools, meet people in the community and get acquainted with District staff members. He’s a man in a hurry to get up to speed in his new assignment. If you remember the brief profile on Dr. Lombardo that appeared in the Fall issue of this magazine, you already know he obtained a BA in English from Middlebury College in 1971, working part time to help pay his tuition. He earned his Master of Education from the University of Vermont in 1977 and achieved his Doctorate in 1994. He’s spent the last 12 years as top administrator of the schools in the Middlebury, Vermont area and performed seven years in a similar position in the Bristol area. Prior to that he was a principal, curriculum leader and high school English teacher. During our interview Dr. Lombardo said that one of the most satisfying accomplishments from his years in Vermont was that the district always kept service to students

as the highest priority. He’s also proud of the expansion of the arts program as well as the Vermont statewide reputation as a leader in assessment for school improvement. He has a first-hand exposure to the cost of college. His oldest daughter, Merissa, is a senior at Bard College in New York and his youngest daughter, Mia, is a freshman at the Community College of Vermont. You would think he would be comfortable and content in the beautiful country landscape of Vermont and the important position he held. So what motivated him to accept the unanimous offer to come here? He said he was impressed with the community support for its schools and the board’s interest in the arts and international studies. Dr. Lombardo quoted other facts in a prior interview. “In my previous position, evening board commitments frequently prevented me from attending student concerts, plays and sports events. Serving nine school boards was a full time job itself. At Upper St. Clair I look forward to being able to participate more fully in the student life of our schools.” I’m familiar with the Middlebury area— my oldest daughter lives just a few miles from there. It’s a beautiful area. I asked Dr. Lombardo if he sees any similarities between the geographical landscapes of Vermont and the Pittsburgh area. He said, “I haven’t had much time to travel in this regional area, but the few motorcycle trips I’ve taken have shown me some rolling farmland similar to Vermont’s Champlain Valley.” With skiing season just around the corner, if he ventures

out to Seven Springs or Hidden Valley resorts, he will certainly see terrain that will remind him of Middlebury. I asked him what impressed him the most so far in his brief time as superintendent here in Upper St. Clair. “The warmth and dedication of the staff members I have met,” he said. “Also the desire of the board to advance Upper St. Clair’s School District beyond its current level of excellence.” He also commented on the question of what he saw as some of the major challenges he faces in his new job by stating, “Balancing the desire to maintain and expand excellent service to the students combined with the fiscal concerns of our community. I will continue to communicate the value of an Upper St. Clair education.” Even though he is new to his assignment he agreed to answer the following question: You are undoubtedly aware of the degree of differences in the community about the increase in school taxes. Do you have any plans to help reduce the tension around these issues? “We must research and share the facts about finance and commit to develop multi-year fiscal plans. We must ensure that we let the community know what their support provides and the student performance results it brings.” No one in this high profile, pressure packed job can please all of the people all of the time—we all know that—but it certainly looks like we have someone who has the ability and experience to continue to head our School District’s continued success.

USCHS Nutrition Center Earns Award The School District has won numerous awards throughout its relatively short history. The legacy continues. The Upper St. Clair Nutrition Center takes pride in providing nutritious and appetizing meals to its customers. In addition to being mindful of offering new and innovative menu choices, the Nutrition Center is conscious of providing these choices in a sanitary environment, with food safety always in the forefront. As a result of this commitment to food safety, the USC High School Nutrition Center received the 2003 award for Excellence in Food Preparation from the Allegheny County Health Department. To be considered for this award an establishment must show that they routinely go above and beyond the health department regulations. The USCHS Nutrition Center was the only school cafeteria in Allegheny County to receive this award. Congratulations to Russ Phillips, the USC School District Director of Food Services, and to Janet Tucker and the High School Nutrition Center staff for their dedication and commitment to excellence. 54

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2003

eCommunicate

Communication just got easier and quicker!

With the PTA provided email lists available to School District families you can check school calendars, receive pertinent emails regarding your child’s school and even post comments and share opinions with other USC families. See what interests you and subscribe for effective communication.

PTA email list To ensure effective eCommunication from the PTAs, please help by making sure that you are subscribed to the email lists of the schools that your children attend and unsubscribe yourself from the schools that they have graduated from. To subscribe—email USC_Baker_2004-subscribe@yahoogroups.com USC_Eisenhower_2004-subscribe@yahoogroups.com USC_Streams_2004-subscribe@yahoogroups.com USC_Boyce_2004-subscribe@yahoogroups.com USC_FortCouch_2004-subscribe@yahoogroups.com USC_HS_2004-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To unsubscribe—email USC_Baker_2004-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com USC_Eisenhower_2004-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com USC_Streams_2004-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com USC_Boyce_2004-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com USC_FortCouch_2004-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com USC_HS_2004-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Avoid duplicative District-wide emails: To subscribe—email USC_PTA_2004-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Last year parents who had students at more than one school got duplicate mailings when District-wide information was emailed. To avoid duplication this year, a new email list has been established which will be used by PTA Council for District-wide mailings.

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Other USC School District website information School board agenda and school board meeting minutes: www.uscsd.k12.pa.us/districtinformation/schoolboard.html

Calendar of events for School District and for each school: www.uscsd.k12.pa.us/calendars.html

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

2003 Upper St. Clair

2003 Halls of Fame Recipients

Academic Hall of Fame - Administration/Staff Honorees George Betcher (honored posthumously) Bruce Carney Charles Fleming D’Nis Lynch William Pope Stanley Zingle (honored posthumously) Academic Hall of Fame - Student Alumni Honorees Kavita Babu (1992) Bill Froehlich (1970) David Kimmel (1972) Sean McHugh (1986) Deirdre O’Connor (1981) Jack Radke (1972) Heidi Vollmer-Snarr (1991) Arts Hall of Fame - Administration/Staff Honorees Obbie McClintock James Bennett

Upper St. Clair High School held its fourth annual Halls of Fame induction

ceremony on Friday evening September 26, 2003. Twenty-six inductees, who symbolize the spirit of this award, were honored. The sell out crowd who gathered at Panther Stadium to see the winning USC vs. Plum football game and its pre-game festivities cheered with approval as the inductees were individually recognized. It is with great pleasure that we introduce you to the inductees of the 2003 Upper St. Clair High School Halls of Fame.

Academic Hall of Fame

Arts Hall of Fame - Student Alumni Honorees Caryn Wunderlich-Gott (1975) Randall Morgan Newsome (1982) Joseph A. Bonasso (1984) Heather Page (1981) David E. Norton (1968) Margaret Shortridge Werd (1982) Athletic Hall of Fame - Student Alumni Honorees John Bruno, Jr. (honored posthumously) (1982) Tom Cherry (1965) Rebecca Desman (1997) Lonny Harrison (1966) William “Mac” McArdle (1998)

Academic Hall of Fame Committee Chair Jane Hollman and Academic Hall of Fame recipient Dr. William A. Pope.

2002 Halls of Fame Recipients

Academic Hall of Fame - Administration/Staff Honorees Kathy DeBlassio Joseph Ferderbar (honored posthumously) Ann Gladden Jane Hollman George McClintock Alex Perinis Paul Pryor John Small Academic Hall of Fame - Student Alumni Honorees Lynn Digby Baxter (1981) Jonathan Bickham (1975) Joe Wesley Coltman III (1974) Daniel Cooper (1987) George Davis (1960) Amy Snyder Kaminski (1994) Simona Paulter (1985) Linda Decker Steindorf (1978) Norman Wagner (1984) William Warren (1982)

Academic Hall of Fame Left to right, front row: Deirdre O’Connor, Dr. Heidi Vollmer-Snarr, Dr. Kavita Babu, D’Nis Lynch, representative for Dr. Stanley Zingle and representative for George Betcher. Back row: Jack Radke, Sean McHugh, Bruce Carney, Charles Fleming and Dr. William Pope. Missing from photo were William Froehlich and Dr. David Kimmel.

Posthumously

Inductees Unable to Attend

Arts Hall of Fame - Administration/Staff Honorees Robert J. Gielas George McClintock Paul Pavlov Arts Hall of Fame - Student Alumni Honorees Edward Driscoll (1980) Sean Garnhart (1988) Martin Smith (1974)

George Betcher, Academic

John Bruno, Jr., Athletic

Dr. William Froelich, Academic

Caryn Wunderlich-Gott, Arts

Athletic Hall of Fame - Administration/Staff Honorees Joseph DePalma Willard Hartley Athletic Hall of Fame - Student Alumni Honorees Kristen Elias (1985) Kirk Ferentz (1973) Cullen Hawkins (1996) Joseph Luxbacher (1969) Kevin Orie (1990)

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Stanley Zingle, Academic Winter 2003

Dr. David Kimmel, Academic

High School Halls of Fame Arts Hall of Fame

2001 Halls of Fame Recipients

Academic Hall of Fame - Administration/Staff Honorees Joseph Argiro (honored posthumously) Robert Brosnahan Franklin Carr Rosemarie Rocher Donald Stoicovy Victor Zuraw Arts Hall of Fame - Administration/Staff Honorees Thomas Harshman Linda Serene

Arts Hall of Fame Committee Member Angela Petersen and Arts Hall of Fame recipient James Bennett.

Academic Hall of Fame - Student Alumni Honorees Raj Chakrabarti (1991) Dr. Lori Cherup (1972) Dr. Jeffrey Cooper (1983) Dr. Stephanie Fulmer-Smentek (1987) Dr. Melisa Lai (1990) Donald Lund (1985) Kenneth Lund (1983) Robert Swartz (1983) Arts Hall of Fame - Student Alumni Honorees Claudia Curley Benack (1976) John Edkins (1976) Wynn Harmon (1978) Thomas Kikta (1980) Preston Simpson (1980)

Arts Hall of Fame Left to right, front row: Joseph Bonasso III, representatives for Caryn Wunderlich-Gott, Obbie McClintock and Margaret Shortridge-Werd. Back row: David Norton, James Bennett, Heather Page and Randall Morgan Newsome.

Athletic Hall of Fame - Student Alumni Honorees Mark Battaglia (1978) Sean Casey (1992) Craig Dunaway (1979) Scott Hawkins (1968) Mark Hondru (1993) Kathleen Tomko Kappert (1990) Laura Koerner (1996) Jack Maitland (1966) Mary Moran (1985) Gary Schick (1989) Nancy Tomich (1979)

Inaugural 2000 Halls of Fame Recipients

Athletic Hall of Fame

Academic Hall of Fame - Administration/Staff Honorees Dr. Niles Norman Dr. Robert Christiana Dr. Donald Eichhorn Dr. John DeBlassio Dr. Carl Streams

Athletic Hall of Fame Committee Chair Jim Render and Athletic Hall of Fame recipient Rebecca Desman.

Academic Hall of Fame - Student Alumni Honorees Rev. Ray Bandi (1968) David Brewton (1977) Dr. Ed Chekan (1983) Tricia Hwang Connerly (1990) Dr. Mark Katlic (1969) Trisha Meili (1978) Dr. Brian Phillips (1978) Dr. Jack Phillips (1963) Dr. Karen Swartz (1983) Arts Hall of Fame - Student Alumni Honorees Stephen Chbosky (1988) John Graulty (1980) Laura Schrock (1968) Ann Talman (1975) Michael Werner (1989)

Athletic Hall of Fame Left to right, front row: Rebecca Desman, Dr. Lonny Harrison and representatives for John Bruno, Jr. Back row: William McArdle and Tom Cherry. Winter 2003

Athletic Hall of Fame - Student Alumni Honorees Missy Berteotti (1981) Joey David (1982) Jeff Delaney (1975) Bob Johnston (1990) Jeff Joyce (1966) Marty Sieckmann (1982) Dave Vanchina (1976) Frank Vanzin (1962) Mandy West (1995) Doug Whaley (1990) Mark White (1985)

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

“Home Improvement” Completed Most of us are all too familiar with remod-

eling projects. Dust, noise, dirt and debris are just part of a process that never seems to end. While it appears like the work takes forever, eventually the job gets finished, and the results make it all worthwhile. This past September the students from Baker, Eisenhower and Streams elementary schools returned to new additions and renovated interior spaces. A 15-monthlong construction project that took place from May 2002 through August 2003 saw many changes at each school.

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The project was designed to add additional classrooms, provide designated spaces for programs, such as gifted education, that were not part of the school curriculum when the schools were originally constructed, and recapture storage facilities that had been repurposed as learning areas over the years. Further, the buildings were brought into compliance with requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other code requirements. New HVAC systems in each building include air-conditioning, and several facilities in each school will serve well for community use. Students will have use of new enlarged libraries, a school computer lab and small clusters of computers within their classrooms. The nutrition centers’ kitchens at each school were also updated and enlarged. Although major portions of the previous buildings remain, Baker, Eisenhower and Streams look new because the “envelope”

of each school was updated with new windows, soffit and fascia. The exterior palette colors were chosen to blend with existing building materials, yet provide an updated look. The three buildings, which appeared very different from one another owing to their construction at different times over the School District’s history, now resemble one another. Schoolhouse red was chosen as the color for windows and trim.

Inside, the classroom areas feature new carpeting, bookshelves and lighting. The same interior colors were also chosen for each of the three schools in order to provide consistency across the schools. The colors used were mostly earth tones and, once again, schoolhouse red was used as an accent color. Corridors that were previously carpeted are now tiled for easier maintenance. The entrance corridor at each school features a “centrum” area, which is a crossroads between intersecting corridors. The centrum has a large compass rose design in the tile that serves both as a learning tool for students studying cardinal and ordinal directions and as a design feature for the schools. Families and the community participated in a series of open houses throughout the fall, beginning on November 1, 2003, when the schools were dedicated.

Eisenhower Before

Eisenhower After

Drawings by Michele Scureman 58

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2003

2003 Middle School Institute “Look at the middle school movement,

a long-overdue attempt to turn the chaos in junior high school into a more supportive, developmentally appropriate place for young adolescents. Today that movement is under siege by the guardians of the traditional model who seek tougher standards, more tests and a high school schedule to match.” With such thought provoking statements, William A. Pope, Ph.D., educational consultant and retired USC School District Superintendent opened the 2003 Upper St. Clair Middle School Institute for some 60 middle level educators this past August. In its third year, the District’s Middle School Institute has provided an opportunity for over two hundred teachers to receive professional training in areas related to teaching the middle level learner. Upper St. Clair’s commitment to middle school education has a long tradition since the District was one of the first in the nation to have an organizational pattern that included middle schools. From 1988 to 1994, the District annually sponsored a middle level learner conference, which is the forerunner to the current institute. Dr. John M. Bornyas, former District Director of Middle Level Education and currently Director of Education grades 7-12, used the foundation of the middle level conference to develop the concept of the institute. Unlike a conference in which participants select various sessions to attend, the institute offers participants three levels of prescribed sessions: induction, advanced or principal round table. Funded in the past by the Frick Fund of the Buhl Foundation and the Grable Foundation, this year’s institute was financially self-sufficient. Information presented at the institute follows the recommendations of the Carnegie council’s influential and widely quoted report called “Turning Points.” First published over a decade ago, but revised in November 2001, the compelling theme of the report is that middle schools must make commitments to a multi-year process with a goal to bring about systemic change. The report emphasizes that teachers and principals must work together to ensure academic excellence and developmentally appropriate instruction. At the Middle School Institute, teachers learned how to deliver a program that has a direct relationship with the learner’s age characteristics. The institute also served as a forum where teachers not only gathered information and formal training, but also learned from one another and discovered new techniques for meeting the needs of adolescents struggling with physical, intellectual and social issues related to puberty. This year’s institute coincided with the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s announcements of AYP (adequate yearly progress) as required by the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) federal law. Much of the “table-talk” at breakfast and lunch among the professionals gathered dealt with recent articles and the reporting of data released by the Education

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Department, and the law’s impact on requirements for instructional programming for the 2003-04 school year. Institute attendees not only heard from Dr. Pope, but from also two other keynote speakers: Dr. James D. Lombardo, District Superintendent and Mr. Leonard Ferrence, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Middle School Association. Dr. Lombardo used first-hand experiences of his youngest daughter’s middle school years to present what he called the “three P’s of middle school”: passion, place and performance. Mr. Ferrence presented on the challenges of middle level education in light of NCLB. Surrounding districts that sent representatives to this year’s institute included: Beaver Area, Bethel Park, California, Commodore Perry, Derry Area, Mechanicsburg, Franklin Area, Jefferson Morgan, Marion Center, Moon Area, Noreen, Pittsburgh City, Riddle Area and West Allegheny, together with new middle school staff from Upper St. Clair. This brings the total to 37 different school districts that have participated in the institute over the past three years. Under the direction of Dr. Bornyas and Dr. Clark Remington, Coordinator of Middle School Special Projects and Fort Couch Challenge teacher, members of the Middle School Leadership Team formed the Institute Committee. This year’s committee included Mrs. Karen Brown, Boyce Middle School principal; Dr. Timothy Steinhauer, Fort Couch Middle School principal; Dr. Patricia Dunkis, Director of Education grades K-6; Mrs. Carol Booth, Middle School Language Arts curriculum leader; Mr. Steven Levin, Middle School curriculum leader and Mr. James Smoyer, Middle School Science curriculum leader. Dr. Bornyas reflected on this year’s institute by saying, “This year’s institute was quite successful. It’s quite rewarding to spend a summer day with middle school teachers in a relaxed environment and see the energy teachers have as they share ideas and learn from one another. I hope that we are able to continue this tradition in 2004.” Winter 2003

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Eisenhower Elementary Wall of Fame With all of the construction going on, last year was

certainly a different environment for all students at Eisenhower Elementary. Cement floors, tennis balls on all of the chair legs and continuous noise from the construction were some of the inconveniences. The children were moved around from room to room, couldn’t always play outside at recess, and had limited gym access for most of the year. Through it all the kids were troopers and adjusted to every change like real champs. And now, if you ask any of them they will tell you how “really cool” their new school looks! Linda Johns, Eisenhower’s PTA advisor last year, came up with an idea for a Wall of Fame. She thought it would be a great way to let the children be a permanent part of Eisenhower’s new look. Eisenhower principal, Mark Miller, quickly

got District approval for the project. He then talked to Eisenhower art teacher, Michele Scureman, who agreed to help. Michele worked very hard with both children and staff to help them create a special piece of artwork for the Wall of Fame. Eisenhower families purchased a total of 438 tiles. Dr. William Pope and Dr. Patricia Dunkis joined in the fun and created a tile for the project as well. The artwork was sent to Artware by You, where the artwork was transferred onto six-inch tile squares, then fired. The completed tiles were placed in the new entranceway of Eisenhower this past September, with Rusmur Floors providing the installation. Not only does this give the entrance of the new school a bright, fresh and original look, but also, the project was done through the efforts of the children and staff at Eisenhower. Special thanks go to Mark Miller, Michele Scureman, Kathy Robinson, Linda Johns, Cara Hesse, Sharon Mackowick, JennaRae Johns and Cody Peters for their help and support of this project, and to Rusmur Floors for the tile installation. Please stop in and take a peak at Eisenhower’s artistically tiled entrance way. We are so proud of the result!

Middle School Students Attend Leadership Conference Student council representatives from Fort Couch and

Boyce Middle Schools had the exciting opportunity to attend the 2003 Student Council Leadership Conference at Northgate Middle School and High School this past spring. The conference was sponsored by PASC District #3 and is organized for middle school through high school-aged student council representatives. This year’s theme was “Let’s Make a Deal” (Delegates Experiencing Active Leadership). Mr. Tyler Durman, a nationally recognized speaker, made an inspirational presentation to the entire group. Several leadership workshops were offered to the students. The workshops included topics concerning “Parliamentary Procedure 60

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2003

for Student Government,” “Hand in Hand: Team Work and Communication,” “Times a Wastin’ Procrastination,” and “Like, Um, Ya Know, Speeches.” Student council members were excited to share their new ideas with fellow students and are looking forward to using their newly acquired leadership skills this year in student council. Student council teacher advisors Connie Montgomery, Debbie Obrosky and Vicki Cayuela accompanied the students to the conference and attended advisor workshops. A 2004 leadership conference will take place this coming spring.

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

link between the local PTAs and the district, regional, state and national PTAs. USC PTA Council works to support and speak on behalf of children and youth in the schools of our community, seeking better education, more resources and safer schools in the lives of our children. Get involved; join your PTA or PTSO. Your presence and voice can make a difference!

Our Schools Open houses, book fairs, fall celebrations, fund raisers, pictures, Open Mikes—every school hit the ground running! Fifth, seventh and ninth graders entered new buildings and eagerly searched for classrooms, guidance offices and lockers. Stories of summer and discussions of fall and winter sports and activities were heard everywhere. The action was nonstop! Odyssey of the Mind All schools held sign-ups for this year’s competition. Good luck to our teams as they prepare for presentations in March at Moon Area Middle School and High School. We’ll keep you posted on their progress. Baker The fall parent Open House took place this past September. It was well attended and the response to the renovations and the new surroundings was wonderful. The book fair, held the same evening, was a great success. Baker welcomed Matt Alloway as its newest first level teacher. The PTA is hosting an “Enchanted Shop” in early December. The new LGI Room will be transformed into a gift shop that will enable the children to buy special gifts for loved ones. It will also teach the priceless art of giving. The PTA sponsored Reflections contest ended November 1. Winners will soon be announced and a reception will be held this coming spring. Baker students participated in all four categories: art, music, photography and musical composition. Baker students are eagerly awaiting the Baker Caper in February. 62

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Streams With a beautiful, newly remodeled facility to welcome them, 441 students entered the doors on September 2. A PTA-sponsored breakfast on September 4 welcomed 25 new students and their families to the school. October 24 saw the primary PTA fundraiser, Stravaganza. For over 15 years Streams Stravaganza has been the event of the year. The halls, classrooms, nutrition center and gym were bursting with activity! An exciting new project got underway this fall—The Artist in Residence program. Jan Loney, a metal artist with a studio in Pittsburgh, is working with students throughout the year to create a sculpture that will become a permanent fixture at Streams. Parents and students are very excited. There are two new PTA happenings this year—Sharing and Caring Committee, designed to lend community support for Streams families in crisis and the Streams website, accessible at www.uscsd.k12.pa.us. Click on Streams for details about the ice cream social and the book fair scheduled for November 20 and 21. These nights promise to be special with guest readers. The Holiday Shop opens in December, giving our children the opportunity to buy gifts for family and friends in a secure, convenient setting. Parents can shop, too! Streams PTA meets the second Tuesday of each month. PTA President Peggy Dennin welcomes all parents to get involved! Eisenhower The Eisenhower school year opened with 27 new students, beautiful renovations, eight new staff members, and a total enrollment of 496 students! Eisenhower’s book fair was a success and featured an opportunity to buy the book, A Moment in Time written by our own Pearl Simmons. Her husband, Reid, and a number of close friends put the book together in Pearl’s memory. See page 67 for an article on this gesture of love. The new and improved Eisenhowler was held October 24, and was a huge success. Donna Fultineer, Sharon Mackowick and Tammy Murray brought a fun evening of carnival games, auctions and refreshments to us. Thanks for all of your hard work!

Winter 2003

Upcoming events include our annual Holiday Mart, followed by our second “Reading Night With Dad” in January. Last year’s program highlighted local celebrities reading their favorite children’s story. The rest of the evening is devoted to dads (or any male family member) reading with their children. We hope to encourage a more active role for fathers in school activities and to provide a reading connection between parent and child. Eisenhower PTA welcomes you to become more involved—join us! Check out our website www.usc-eisenhower.org for lots of great information about our school. Boyce Fall is always an exciting time at Boyce Middle School! The PTA sold Binder Reminders to help the students keep track of it all. The annual Breakfast with Teachers was held at Boyce September 9–12. What a wonderful opportunity for parents to meet their child’s teachers in a relaxed environment. Thanks to Adrienne English and her committee for this most pleasant morning. The Sally Foster Gift Wrap sale kicked off on September 12 with Sharon Mackowick and her dedicated team of committee members leading the way. This is the exclusive fundraiser for all activities sponsored by the Boyce PTA, including the sixth level Deer Valley experience. The fifth level welcome event was a perfect opportunity to reconnect with old buddies and to make new friends. World-renowned author Gordon Korman will be at Boyce on November 13 and 14 to share his experiences as a writer with the students. Gordon was born in Canada in 1963 and wrote his first book, This Can’t Be Happening at MacDonald Hall at age 12, while in the seventh grade. He’s authored over 45 books, and the success of his Monday Night Football Club series prompted Disney Studios to develop the show The Jersey based on the series. Check out Gordon’s website at www.gordonkorman.com. Thanks to Kelly Hanna for arranging such an exciting event. Winter is not a quiet time at Boyce! Listen for the students to make beautiful music when they present their choral

concert at USCHS on November 19. Also on November 19, students who enjoy math will have the opportunity to compete in the annual Calcusolve competition. December brings the Mosaic musical performance. Fort Couch School is back in session with 638 students. New clothes, shoes, haircuts and school supplies all added to the excitement on the first day of school as we hit the floor running. Time Trackers were distributed and money collected; activity fees, PTA membership fees and information forms were all collected. The bookstore was stocked and ready, the Blue Moon committee was ready for requests and all other committees were eager to begin. Thanks to the parents who dedicated many hours to volunteer. In October we had our first school social and, as usual, the students had lots of food, music and fun. PTA meetings are held the second Thursday of the month at 9:30 a.m. in the MPR. All parents are welcome to attend. PTA President, Kathleen Sullivan, is happy to be working with the great Fort Couch administration and staff. USC High School The High School got off to another exciting start of the school year. Senior activities began with a senior breakfast when they received their senior shirts. At the end of September they danced and dined on the Gateway Clipper for the Senior Cruise. Fall sports and band activities began early, with practices starting prior to school opening. The band is now under the direction of Don Pickell, a former USC student. The Homecoming celebration was a big success with a football game against Trinity and the naming of the King and Queen. The formal Homecoming Dance held at the High School capped the weekend. Parents had the opportunity to meet with their child’s teachers at Open House. The High School theatre hosted the fall play, the River City Brass Band, the Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra and a performance sponsored by Town Hall South. November hosts the fall sports and band banquets. The Madrigal dinner is scheduled for December along with spring musical try-outs. What will next year’s musical be? The High School PTSO meets the third Wednesday of each month. Join us!

PTA Council USC PTA Council serves to inspire and instruct the PTA/PTSO leaders at each school. By pooling resources, council can provide better quality programming that addresses issues in parenting, education and in areas of special need through the Together in Parenting, Topics in Education and Partners in Education programs. Importantly, through various chairmen, council keeps the local units apprised of legislative action and current issues related to the health, safety and education of our children. The community is invited to attend the following: Together in Parenting (TIP)—provides support and education concerning difficult parenting issues. • Thursday, November 20, 2003, 9:30 a.m. Dana Jornsay-Hester of Children’s Hospital presents “How Many Activities Are Too Many? A Developmental Perspective on Children’s Activities.” • Thursday, January 22, 2004, 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.–Lori Szala and Denise Shack, of South Hills Crisis Pregnancy present “The Big ‘S’ Talk.” All TIP presentations are held in the LGI Room at Fort Couch Middle School. USC PTA Council Special Projects fund, which annually provides book scholarships for summer reading to two students at each elementary and middle school, as well as a larger scholarship to a graduating high school senior, has an ongoing sale of Upper St. Clair woven afghans available for $40 with a new design available for this holiday season. Panther Pride license plate covers are available for $5. Contact Beth Hornak at 412-833-4993 for more information. Thanks to Darenda Lease, PTA Council Publicity Chair, for providing Paw Prints information.

Julia Zaitz Mortgage Loan Consultant (412) 851-3993

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Winter 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

USCHS Science Department

The USC High School Science Department provides Township stu-

dents with a wide variety of challenging opportunities to develop critical thinking skills used in the classroom and community. Two new electives have been added to the academic curriculum for 2003-04. Forensic Chemistry (Tracey Olkowski, teacher)—a course that emphasizes the application of chemistry to criminal investigation. This laboratory course focuses on scientific inquiry, logical thinking skills and problem solving procedures to understand how chemistry can be crucial in solving crimes and how this information is gathered and used in a Court of Law. Students develop a theoretical and experimental background in chemistry as well as written and oral communication skills. Environmental Science (Ed Callahan, teacher)—an interdisciplinary course embracing topics from the different areas of science. This class provides students with scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and preventing them.

Competitions and Enrichment Opportunities Allegheny County Envirothon (Ed Callahan, advisor)—a student competition held in April. The Envirothon is an international competition with five-member teams. 64

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Envirothon team members compete locally, with winners advancing to state and international competition. Five areas of study include wildlife, soil, forestry, aquatic and a current environmental issue. Allegheny General Hospital Partnership (Margie Heins, contact)—the AGH Partnership is a recently developed partnership with the hospital’s oncology department to provide students with research opportunities and the ability to observe surgery, interview doctors and more. Allegheny Intermediate Unit Apprenticeships—open to students currently in grades 9-11 who will be in grades 10-12 in September 2004. Students apply in May for September participation. Apprenticeships include astronomy, engineering, health careers, veterinary medicine, reproductive genetics, meteorology, and zoo animal care. Chemistry Olympics (Dom Frollini, advisor)—this competition is held in early May at the University of Pittsburgh. There are three divisions: students with one year of chemistry; students with two years of chemistry, and a third division made up of students with organic chemistry knowledge. The competition is open to grades 10–12. Creek Connections (Ed Callahan, Monica Erwin and Jack Zebo, advisors)— a partnership with Allegheny College where students conduct original aquatic research throughout the school year and report their findings to other students at the Creek Connections Student Research Symposium in April. Engineering Design and Fabrication (Margie Heins, advisor)—an academic class, which prepares for the National Engineering Design Challenge competition. Regional competition is held in January and national competition in April. The class is open to students in grades 11 and 12 who are enrolled in or have already taken physics.

Winter 2003

Future Problem Solving (Margie Heins, contact)—open to any grade level. State competition is held in April and national competition in June. Students participate as a team of four. Independent research and study is required. Governor’s School of Excellence (Margie Heins, contact)—this program includes agricultural sciences, health care and the Governor’s School for the Sciences and is held in July. It is limited to selected students in grades 10 and 11. Applications are due in January. Howard Hughes Medical Institute Scientific Research Partnership (Jack Zebo, advisor)—provides students the opportunity to do original scientific research on mycobacteriophages and to better understand what scientific research is, who does it and how it is done.

“JETS”: (Junior Engineering and Technical Society Competition) (Thomas Smedley, advisor)—a competition held in March. It is open to students in grades 11 and 12. The physics department organizes teams of four for this program. Kennywood Physics Day (Margie Heins, contact)—held in May. Students spend a day examining the physics and math of an amusement park. Students must be in, or have taken physics or pre-calculus. Magee-Women’s Research Institute High School Student Program (Jean Austin, advisor)—conducted during the summer, it provides students with a unique opportunity to get “hands-on” experience with medical research.

Continued on page 70

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

school located in their attendance area. All children five years of age on or before September 1, 2004, are eligible to register. School Area Date Baker...............................................................................................................Tuesday, March 2 Eisenhower............................................................................................... Wednesday, March 3 Streams ........................................................................................................ Thursday, March 4 Times for All......................................................................................... 9-11 a.m., noon-2 p.m. A special evening session for all elementary schools will be held on Thursday, March 18, 6:30–8 p.m. at the School District Central Office. It is not necessary that the student accompany the parent to registration. Readiness Evaluation

School personnel are available to screen children whose parents wish additional help in making a decision on entrance into kindergarten. Individual dates will be established during registration. Special Testing

Parents of four-year olds with birth dates between September 2, 1999, and January 31, 2000, may request school personnel to test their child to determine readiness for early admission to kindergarten. The final decision on a child’s readiness for school will be made by school personnel. Requests for early admission testing should be made by June 1, 2004.

^tà{ç `vVÄÉá ~xç An Upper St. Clair neighbor who you can count on & trust for your Real Estate needs

412-833-3600 ext. 227 412-831-0959

Admission Periods

The admission period for kindergarten is limited to the first two weeks of the school year unless the child’s family transfers to Upper St. Clair from another school district where the child was enrolled in a kindergarten program. Questions regarding kindergarten readiness should be directed to Eloise Stoehr, Supervisor of Pupil Services, at 412-833-1600, extension 2214. School Health Immunization Regulations

The Allegheny County Health Department’s (ACHD) Board of Health has enacted a revision to the School Health Immunization Regulations for children in Allegheny County. Since August 2002, all students entering school for the first time at kindergarten or first grade must have the following immunizations completed prior to entering any public, private or parochial school: • At least four doses of diphtheria/tetanus vaccine (one dose must be on or after the fourth birthday) • Three doses of polio vaccine • Three doses of hepatitis B vaccine • Two doses of measles vaccine, preferably as MMR vaccine • One dose each of mumps and rubella vaccine, preferably as MMR vaccine • Vericella immunity, either from vaccination, history of having chicken pox or laboratory testing Since 1983, Allegheny County Regulations have allowed provisional status only for students who transfer from another state. Students transferring from out of state may be enrolled provisionally provided there is evidence of having received at least one dose of each antigen and provided there is a plan to complete the required immunization within eight months. Families are encouraged to obtain the needed immunizations from their physicians. However, the ACHD does offer the required vaccines free of charge. To obtain information about clinic location and times, interested persons should contact the ACHD Infectious Diseases Program at 412-578-8060. Provisions for this regulation do not apply in cases where extenuating medical or religious factors are involved. If there is any reason why a child should not be fully immunized, parents must submit a physician’s certificate explaining the circumstances. Parents are also required to provide written documentation if they disapprove of immunizations for religious reasons. These documents will be accepted in lieu of a certificate of immunization. Registration Packets

Registration packets will be available at each elementary school after February 23, 2004. Parents are encouraged to pick them up during school hours and return the completed forms at the time of registration. Winter 2003

Real Estate Services

e-mail: Kmcloskey@howardhanna.com

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Around the Township Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair— “Building a sense of community by supporting activities and programs that enhance the quality of life for our residents.”

Come Aboard the

USC Partyliner! A great time was had by all who attended the recent

Bar y Gergich—Cigar

Jim Bennett and Ra

fundraiser for the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair held on September 20, 2003, at St. Clair Country Club. The club was transformed into a cruise ship from the entrance where guests were checked in and sent along to view and bid on over 70 silent auction items to the Tiki Bar and the pool deck outside. Entertainment was provided by DJ Brad Tupi, and highlights of the evening included performances by dancers from Janet Hays & Company, an elimination raffle emceed by Ray Gergich, and a special performance by Ron Mitchell who dazzled us with his impersonations of Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison and other celebrities. The event raised over $30,000 for the Foundation. Thanks to all chairpersons and committee members for your hard work and dedication to this event.

Left to right: Sand ie and Do Joan and Rick Pu n Thomas, and Linda and Ha rnell, rry Serene

Linda Small, Janet Cygan

Mike and Linda Marks tyliner. step aboard the USC Par

and John Small

Janet Hays Dance Studio dancers

The Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair was

incorporated in 1993 as a non-profit, charitable organization for the purpose of enhancing the quality of life for all residents, while building a sense of community. The Foundation trustees created four focus areas: Education and Lifelong Learning, Fine and Performing Arts, Recreation and Leisure, and Science and Technology to support the Foundation’s mission. Over the years, each of the focus areas has sponsored projects and programs that benefit the community in a way that would not be funded by tax dollars. Recently, the Fine and Performing Arts Committee raised over $40,000 to partner with the School District

in providing an acoustical shell for the High School theatre where many community-invited performances take place. The Education and Lifelong Learning Committee sponsors QUEST, an educational program for interested adults. The Committee for Recreation and Leisure has sponsored bicycle and fly fishing clubs, funded the building of a concession stand in partnership with the Township, and recently served as the enabling organization for the development of the regional Environmental Education Center at Boyce Mayview Park. The Committee of Science and Technology has spearheaded the development of the community website www.mainstreetusc.com and offers weekly e-newsletters to residents.

Community Foundation Contact Information

Phone: 412-831-1107 • Fax: 412-257-4160 Website: www.mainstreetusc.com/cfusc • Email: cfusc@adelphia.net 66

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2003

Town Hall South Announces its Membership Town Hall South makes avail-

able a lecture series at a one-price membership only. The 2003-04 five-lecture series runs from October 2003 to March 2004. The premier series promotes outstanding speakers and supports community causes. This past fall the series showcased Ann Compton and Harm de Blij, with Dr. Will Miller, Bruce Feiler and Judith Miller premiering this winter. Town Hall South has returned over $350,000 to local philanthropies since its inception 35 years ago.

2003-04 Town Hall South board members. Left to right, front row: Diane Paul, Marno Seitz, Dawn McQuillen, Ann Gabler (chair) and Debbie Norris. Back row: Barb Livingston, Martha Brown, Debby Underwood, Linda Serene, Susan Smith and Susan Miller. Not pictured: Georgia Schick.

A Poet Among Us Susan Finder taught many parents how to rear children who embody a positive attitude and high selfesteem. In addition to her responsibilities with the Positive Parenting Program, Pearl remained an advocate for children through her volunteer work at Beth El Congregation, where she was both a member of the nursery Pictured above are just a few of Pearl’s friends school board and the who contributed to the publication of this book. religious school board. Pearl Simmons was a member of Pearl was a community-wide speaker our community whose life was tragically on a variety of child related topics. She cut short last year at the age of 42. She was a guest lecturer on several occasions left behind three children and her loving for the TIP program (Together in Parenthusband, Reid. For those of us who knew ing) of the Upper St. Clair School District Pearl, or had the privilege of working with and spoke at many neighboring nursery her, it was easy to recognize that we were schools. Pearl’s advice and some of her in the presence of someone special. beautiful poetry were periodically feaPearl was an extremely vibrant, capable tured in the Pittsburgh Parent Magazine and accomplished woman. She had a great and the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. love for the well-being of children, and A group of Pearl’s close friends devoted a great deal of her time and en- focused on her poetry as a way to meergy to this end. She shared her insightful morialize her. They decided to collect guidance and wisdom with her own three and publish her poetry in a book. With children, Noah, Rachel and Joshua, and donations received from 72 local indiwas able to affect the lives of many other viduals, families and organizations, the children as a teacher for the Positive Parent- idea became a reality this past summer. ing Program of Children’s Hospital. Pearl This labor of love culminated with the

publication of A Moment in Time, a collection of 17 poems by Pearl Simmons. It is a beautiful compilation of parental feelings, insights and wisdom. The book contains pen-and-ink illustrations by Cathy Schuster, a personal friend of Pearl, and one poem written by Pearl’s son, Noah. The book is available at all three Border’s Books locations—in Monroeville, North Hills and South Hills. It can also be found at the Squirrel Hill Barnes and Noble; Create-a-Frame, Mt. Lebanon; Portobello, Mt. Lebanon, and the Beth El Gift Shop. The book may be purchased for use as a fund-raiser and sold by organizations for $14. Ten dollars from the sale of each book will benefit the Positive Parenting Program at Children’s Hospital. For more information please contact Carol Ashby at the Children’s Hospital Foundation at 412-692-7217, or email at carol.ashby@chp.edu.

Winter 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Profiles on USC Residents and Businesses

William Wolf and his grandson, Duncan

William Wolf, a 1955 graduate of

Waynesburg College, was named the recipient of the college’s 2003 Golden Key Award. This award is one of the two highest honors given by the alumni council of Waynesburg to graduates and friends. Bill “Woody” Wolf achieved professional success, continued his involvement with his alma mater and was active in his community. He worked for People’s Natural Gas for 34 years, serving in various supervisory and management roles. He retired in 1989. Bill served as Bridgeville’s elected auditor and councilman. He was also a civil service commissioner, home rule charter committeeman, and served as treasurer of the Bridgeville library for seven years. Bill and his wife, Jackie, have made Upper St. Clair their home. They have three children, Stacie, Pamela and Jeff, and four grandchildren, Megan, William, Kevin and Duncan.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Jack W. Elliot has been elected as

Stephanie S. Brown, M.D., FACOG,

president and chief executive officer of the law firm of Cohen & Grigsby, P.C. Jack is a corporate lawyer in the areas of business counseling and governance, mergers, acquisitions and corporate finance. He provides service and advice to a wide range of private and public entities regionally and nationally. Jack earned both his B.S. in business in 1978 and his J.D. in 1981 from Wake Forest University. He is a member of the Allegheny County and American Bar Associations. He also serves on the board of the Spectrum Family Network, where he is the past chairman of the board. He is active in many community activities with his wife, Mary Jo and three children, Laura, Eric and Emily.

an obstetrician/gynecologist has joined the practice of Dr. Patricia Bulseco. Dr. Brown, a native of Upper St. Clair, has returned to the area after a 12-year hiatus. After obtaining her medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine, Stephanie completed her OB/ GYN residency at the Medical College of Ohio. During her final year of training she was selected to serve as chief resident. Upon completing her residency training, Stephanie accompanied her husband, Michael Brown, M.D., to Fayetteville, North Carolina, while he served in the U.S. Army as an internist and pediatrician at Womack Army Medical Center and as Battalion Surgeon in the 82nd Airborne Division. During her stay in Fayetteville, Stephanie practiced obstetrics and gynecology with The Women’s Wellness Center at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. Stephanie and Michael have two children, Sarah and Zach, and are happy to be in the Upper St. Clair area. Stephanie has office hours at Waterdam Plaza and St. Clair Hospital Professional Building. She enjoys horseback riding and water skiing with her family in her free time.

Leslie Coulson

recently joined the sales team at the Prudential Preferred Route 19 South Office. Leslie graduated from Ohio University and worked as a financial consultant and as a financial planning analyst for the Fragasso Group, Inc./Linsco Private Ledger. Leslie also worked for Salomon Smith Barney in sales and management. Maxwell Miller,

fifth level student at Boyce Middle School, was recently honored by Carnegie-Mellon University for his achievement on the Explore test, an above grade-level test administered by Carnegie-Mellon. He was recognized for his performance in science, reading and over-all score. Maxwell is the son of Ed and Emily Miller of Upper St. Clair.

Winter 2003

Holiday Greeting Cards Do you want your holiday mail to bear a postmark from North Pole, Arizona? How about Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, or Rudolph, Ohio? Well, it’s not as hard as you think. Simply batch up your holiday cards and send them to “Postmaster” at the city you want your mail to come from. There are no extra charges for this, but make sure you have correct postage on all the mail or they won’t be delivered. Below are some holiday cities for consideration. Happy mailing!

Bethlehem, PA 18016 Christmas, MI 49862 Ho Ho Kus, NJ 07423 Mistletoe, KY 41351 Rudolph, OH 43462 North Pole, AZ 99705 Santa Claus, IN 47579

Celebrating

Yearss 25Year

of Excellence

Secon Corporation , a builder-

Edith Bottonari, a 35-year Trotwood

Hills resident of Upper St. Clair and Swiss native, taught a two and one-half hour culinary class entitled “Regional Swiss Home Cooking” at the suburban Washington, D.C. branch of the nationally renowned, Seattle, Washington-based, culinary store Sur La Table this past June. Edith followed in the footsteps of many notable chefs and PBS culinary celebrities like Julia Child, Jacques Pepin, Joanne Weir and Bruce Kimball (America’s Test Kitchen) who have instructed and signed books in the very same Sur La Table demonstration kitchen. The class was filled to near capacity with 23 paying guests who enjoyed sampling a

traditional Swiss five-course meal. The class was so well received, in fact, that the Sur La Table culinary program director invited Edith back to instruct another class. After reviewing her cooking repertoire, Edith decided to teach a class entitled “Creative Crepes for Holiday Brunches” scheduled for December 19. For this class, she will demonstrate eight different stuffed savory and sweet crepe recipes of her own design. For further information and a complete menu of the class to be held in Washington D.C. go to www.surlatable.com, then click on Culinary Programs to find Edith’s class and many others in 18 cities across the country.

Fine Fi ne

THE

developer manager of high-quality office developments located in Upper St. Clair at Summerfield Commons, recently celebrated 25 years in the commercial real estate industry. Twenty-five years ago Upper St. Clair resident Bill Corace was faced with the challenge of finding strategically located sites and then designing and building Class-A professional environments in the most cost effective manner, while, at the same time, complimenting the surrounding neighborhoods. “I am extremely happy of what Secon has developed and built and that these concepts have appealed to so many businesses in Western Pennsylvania.” With almost 400,000 square feet of distinguished office, flex and light industrial space in the Pittsburgh area, Secon offers a highly attractive, comprehensive “turnkey” real estate package that can benefit almost any business.

ART OF FORM, FUNCTION AND MANAGEMENT. For 25 years, SECON Corporation has provided its tenants with more for less. Locate your business at Summerfield Commons Office Park in Upper St. Clair or Abele Business Park in Bridgeville, and here’s what you can expect:

First class, one-story office space saves up to $5 per square foot in rental costs Beautifully designed offices and grounds are located just 20 minutes from both downtown Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh International Airport Expansion- and tech-friendly

DEVELOPER • BUILDER • MANAGER 2559 W WASHINGTON RD, PITTSBURGH, PA 15241 E-MAIL: secon@seconcorp.com

Celebrating

w w w. s e c o n c o r p . c o m

For More Information Call

(412)

831-1111. Winter 2003

Yearss 25Year

of Excellence

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Get Involved

USCHS Science Department Continued from page 64

Penguin Bowl (Jean Austin, advisor)—held in March, is a round robin, double-elimination academic tournament consisting of written and oral questions about the world’s oceans and the Great Lakes. Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (Science Department faculty)—individual students conduct research projects and present findings the first Saturday in February. State competition occurs in May. PJAS is open to all students, with competition on an individual basis. Physics Photo Contest (Tracy Doyle, advisor)—sponsored by the American Association of Physics Teachers, this contest is open to all students. Photos are judged on their quality and the accuracy of the physics in the explanation that accompanies the entry. Photos may be submitted in one of two categories: natural or contrived. Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair (Science Department faculty)—is open to all students. Individual research projects are presented in March. Science Bowl (Dom Frollini, advisor)—a tournament-style competition on science matters conducted between local high school teams. Four students constitute a team. Teams are composed primarily of seniors. The competition is held at CCAC in late February with the winning team advancing to national competition in Washington, D.C. in early May. Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh High School Science Essay Contest (Lynn Kistler, advisor)—is open to all students who write essays of up to 325 words on an assigned topic. Two essays may be submitted from USCHS. Deadline for entries is early December. Westinghouse Science Honors Institute (Ed Callahan, contact)—a prestigious lecture series available to select juniors and seniors. Applications are accepted in early September. The lecture series gives students a broader understanding and appreciation of science and engineering and is conducted on Saturdays twice a month. Additional information is available by calling USCHS Science Curriculum Leader Ed Callahan at 412-833-1600, extension 2603 or email at ecallahan@uscsd.k12.pa.us 70

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Asbury Heights— Lend a Hand and Volunteer Few things can make you feel as good as lending a hand to help others. Asbury Heights in Mt. Lebanon is currently seeking adults to fill many varied volunteer opportunities. They are searching for individuals to share their skills and talents with the health center residents, clerk in the Country Store, assist with activities and special programs or conduct friendly visits. Help them match your talents and passions to benefit the residents who live at Asbury. Call the volunteer office at 412-571-5150.

Kehila Program Offered to Jewish Community The Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh and South Hills area synagogues have created a partnership, the Kehila Program, to encourage people to connect with the South Hills’ vibrant Jewish community. The mission of the Kehila Program is to provide outreach that helps Jewish people become more involved in the community as well as to promote Jewish identity, culture and community. For details, call Sybil Lieberman, customer service manager at 412-278-1975, extension 208, or email at slieberman@jccpgh.org.

Healthy Cooking Classes The community is invited to learn how to cook and eat healthier, during the South Hills Jewish Community Center’s “Healthy Cooking” classes. A meal is included at each class. Chef and personal trainer Scott Goldstein will motivate students toward better eating habits with delicious and nutritious recipes. Goldstein is certified through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America for personal training. He earned his associate

degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. Easy Entrees: Monday, November 17 .............. 7-9 p.m. Delicious Desserts: Monday December 15 ............... 7-9 p.m. Cost: $17 per class/JCC members $22 per class/general public Advance registration is required. For more information, contact Bonnie Livingston, fitness and wellness director, at 412-278-1975.

Tennis Anyone? The Upper St. Clair High School boys’ head tennis coach, Ron Mercer, is offering junior and adult tennis lessons during the fall and winter season. Indoor sessions are available. Call Ron at 412-221-8059 for information.

Chess— The Mental Challenge The mental exercise chess offers is rewarding indeed! Upper St. Clair resident Eric Berthoud offers instructional lessons followed by friendly games among students. Classes are available year-round through the Township Recreation Department at the Upper St. Clair Library Multi-Purpose room and offered to fifth and sixth grade students at Boyce Middle School as an after-school activity. Contact Eric at 412-221-2394 or the Recreation Center at 412-831-9000, extension 256, for information on the next available class. A morning chess club is forming at Fort Couch Middle School for seventh and eighth level students. Please call Elise Boyas at 412-914-0777 for more information.

“Art in the Round, An Affair of the Senses” The sixth annual philanthropic “Art in the Round, An Affair of the Senses,” sponsored by WOMEN, will be held in the Washington County Courthouse Rotunda on Saturday, February 28, 2004. Featured artist is Washington County’s watercolorist Jim McConnell. The event brings together over 50 local artists to display original art and other media. Wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, desserts and entertainment are part of the evening. KDKA’s Brenda Waters is the honorary chairperson. WOMEN is a business and professional group located in the South Hills. This local non-profit organization helps women and children in need with grants from proceeds of Art in the Round. Date: Saturday, February 28, 2004 • Time: 5–8:30 p.m. • Cost: $25 in advance; $30 at the door Information/Tickets: Call Penny Thomas at 724-941-5513 or Carolyn Yurkovich at 724-941-6135

Winter 2003

Trachok Sisters Drive Hard in School and on the Golf Course cally in the last several years. Demanding national travel schedules, international competition, lengthy courses of over 6000 yards (from men’s tees), and many more hours in the gym and on the practice tee contribute to a successful experience on the national junior girls’ golf circuit. Katie and Megan Trachok, senior and sophomore student athletes at the High School have achieved high regard on the national level in the world of girl’s junior golf. The girls began playing golf at the age of five and entered competitions at age 12, the typical age when tournaments will accept participants. The Trachok sisters have enjoyed success on the travel level in not only golf but also softball, soccer and basketball. They were encouraged to pursue all sports to help develop various skills that would contribute to their golfing success. When they entered high school, their academic and athletic schedules became very demanding. It was at this time Katie

decided to focus solely on her main love, golf. Megan has remained active in lacrosse and joined the High School varsity team as a freshman at the end of last season. At the high school level Katie earned five WPIAL medals and two PIAA medals, having finished tenth and tied for second in the state in 2001 and 2002. Megan received a WPIAL team medal last year for her contribution to the winning WPIAL championship. Both girls have their sights set on successful 2003 seasons. On the local and national levels, the Trachoks have achieved a great deal of success. Katie was player of the year for the Tri-State PGA in 2001, medallist in many PJGT and IJGT national tournaments, participant in the U.S. Girls Junior, had several top three finishes in AJGA tournaments and several top five finishes in AJGA tournaments, and participated in AJGA invitationals. Megan won Tri-State PGA, PJGT and IJGT tournaments and participated in AJGA tournaments.

May your y r rooms be merry and bright!

N Ph ow as e O II pe n!

Girls’ junior golf has changed dramati-

• • • • •

Megan and Katie Trachok

Katie and Megan realize that their future should stress the academic arena even though they do plan to play collegiate golf. To that goal, they are enrolled in honors and AP classes at the High School, both with high honors status. This demanding academic and athletic schedule has garnered attention from many Division 1 colleges not only for Katie, but for Megan also. The girls hope to play on the same golf team in college. Their future looks bright and it can be attributed to the perseverance and stamina of both girls in the classroom and on the golf course.

It’s What You’ve Been Wait ing For!

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Christine high atop the Lost Mine Trail

ristine Waller

Like prisoners recently granted freedom, my mother and I roamed the

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Texan desert in early March 2003. Amongst the wild purple sage and the backdrop of the grainy sunset sky we hiked our way through wild terrain and unexplored territory. We forged an 11-mile trail, leaving our exhaustion behind in the drops of sweat that fell from our faces. Okay, so we were only pretending to be lone rangers wandering through Big Bend National Park in southwest Texas on the United States’ border with Mexico. We could only imagine that The Lost Mine and Window trails had yet to be discovered and that we were mapping a future destiny for travelers yet weary of the journey.

Five hours away from any town significant enough to deserve a miniscule dot on our Texas map, Big Bend National Park rests on the forefront of my mind as one of my life’s most valuable experiences. My mother and I may not have participated in a jailbreak to get there, which would have so much more appropriately suited the rustic Western landscape around us, but our trip did serve as a few days escape from reality into a world filled with endless memories that will last a lifetime. After making the last possible stop for gas 80 miles outside the entrance to the park, I slid Tracy Chapman’s second album into our rented Chevy Malibu’s CD player; an apt choice of music for what would turn

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Christine enjoys the hot springs. Winter 2003

out to be a very contemplative hour and a half drive to the park. The fullness of creation in the Chihuahuan Desert struck both my mother and I speechless for the next few moments; so much so that we almost forgot to notice that an hour had passed without any form of human contact; no cars, no buildings, no cell signal, no sign of civilization. A quick visitor’s center trip later, Mother and I found our bathing suits and hiked to the U.S. border. Towels in hand, we waved to Mexico and made our way to a hot spring nestled closely to the Rio Grande River. At a constant temperature of 103 degrees, the water felt nice on our skin, so accustomed to braving the Pittsburgh cold. “You can drink it,” an old man said about the water, pointing to his canteen. Taking a leery mental rain check, my mother and I soaked a while longer before hiking back three-quarters mile to our car. As the sun began to set, a pink wash colored the sky and turned the bluebonnets lining the road to a shade of deep purple. Like hands lifted in praise, the cacti formed dark silhouettes against the sky’s magnificent canvas. A few hours later, after many miles of driving, my mother and I arrived at the Longhorn Ranch Motel. We were glad to

B e a u t y

Deborah hikes the Lost Mine Trail.

find that our Internet reservations had not been made with an imaginary establishment as we ordered a healthy fixin’ of chicken livers and onion rings from the only local eatery in town. We found the quirks of small town America at their best in that restaurant.

“Let me tell you about a secret canyon I’m planning to buy,” whispered a potbellied man across his wife’s shoulder to my mother and me. “Maybe his cowboy hat has been tipped one too many times,” I thought to myself, fully aware of the Christopher Guest moment I was having. “What? No clocks? What is this place?” I exclaimed after dinner, as I fell backwards onto a hard bed in our motel room. “Where are the phones? What if I need a wake-up call?” Mother and I chuckled ourselves to sleep thinking about the minimal accommodations and awoke to find a courtyard outside our room, teaming with life exerting itself to the fullest through small songbirds. My mother and I would go on to hike 11 miles that day. I saw things for which words have no meaning. Beauty—we chased it all day long. What I wouldn’t give to chase that same kind of beauty everyday. I suppose the occasional jailbreak from everyday life, however, is what makes the rare chase for beauty that much more spectacular. Christine Waller, a second-year student at the University of Pittsburgh, is studying creative non-fiction writing, communications and Latin American studies.

T i p s

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone. People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others. —Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993), Actress

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

The Junior Woman’s Club Lori Long

Imagine having a delightful tea

served with savory sandwiches, scones and tasty desserts. Discover quaint shops just steps away from our community. Experience a variety of excursions with the Junior Woman’s Club–a Department of the Woman’s Club of Upper St. Clair. Laurie Buker and Julia Zaitz coordinate these day trips for the club. Each month, there’s a trip planned—leaving around 9 a.m. and returning by 3 p.m. Last year, there were trips to the Waterfront at Homestead, the Strip District, the PPG Wintergarden and a holiday walking tour of downtown Pittsburgh, a tour of Sewickley, and an excursion to the “new” Station Square. Recently, members explored the area on Route 19 South, in Washington. Less

than two miles off Route 19 near the Washington Mall, hides Ann Berry’s Tea House, which houses a lovely candle shop. Members were served tea sandwiches, scones, tiny tarts and desserts as well as a selection of teas. After the tea, members browsed the candle shop. Instead of going straight home, they strolled through the new Shoppes at Quail Acres, located at the intersection of Route 19 and Race Track Road (near the Meadowlands Racetrack). They enjoyed the antique and specialty shops, including Country Confections (gourmet apples and specialty gourmet candies), Alpaca Collection (comfortable elegance in natural fiber with sweaters, coats, socks, hats, scarves, yarns and teddy bears available), Cattail Coffee & Tea, and Asterino Boehm Couture (exclusive children’s clothing). Upcoming Junior Woman’s Club day trips include house tours, wineries, historic homes, craft fairs and festivals. There’s something for everyone at the Junior Woman’s Club, from the Liter-

ary Ladies’ AM & PM Book Club, Game Night of Bunco, gourmet lunches, Coffee & Crayons, Girls’ Night Out, family fun events, couples’ events, general club luncheons and programs, and special events such as an art auction, an overnight escape to Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, a holiday tea scheduled for December 5, and a spring fashion show. If you are new to the South Hills, or are just looking for something to get you out of the house, join the Junior Woman’s Club—this two-year new social, cultural, and philanthropic organization with membership open to women residing in Upper St. Clair, Peters Township, Bethel Park, Mt. Lebanon, South Park and South Fayette. As a member, you can attend as many, or as few of these fun events as you can fit into your schedule. For information, visit the website www.mainstreetusc.com or call the Junior Woman’s Club at 412-835-9607, option 5.

Luminaria Luminaria has come to represent warmth, peace and friendliness in Upper St. Clair and draws visitors from far and wide to enjoy our candlelit streets. Order by December 4. Delivery on December 13. Luminaria kits, including 12 candles, bags and sand are $7. The luminaria sale is sponsored by the USC Band Parents Association. Proceeds benefit USCHS music department students. For more information call 412-221-5657 or visit www.uscbpa.org.

Luminaria Kit Order Form Name: ________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________ Zip: __________________________________________________________ Phone: _______________________________________________________ Number of kits _______ x $7 per kit = $ _______Total enclosed Make check payable to: USC Band Parents Association Mail to: USC Band Parents Association 2354 Rexford Drive, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2003

Got kids? Bring them to me. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” At Westminster Presbyterian Church children are nurtured as gifts from God. Your children are invited to take part in the many programs of Your offered fered at W Westminster estminster. Come to “Breakfast at the Manger” - December 6th - 9 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. For children and their families. Call the church for tickets.

Westminster Presbyterian Church

2040 W Washington Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 412-835-6630 www.westminster-church.org -church.or -church.org

A I M I N G

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The Skies Above Us Dennis Fisher

Those of you who have been reading my astronomy related

articles for the past several issues, may ask, “What can he possibly talk about now?” Well, in a subject matter such as this, the possibilities are almost endless. My knowledge of it, however, is not. By the way… shame on me for not pointing out the recent close passage of the planet Mars in late August in my last article. For those of you who caught it, you got quite a sight and something that is historically memorable. Mars is now rapidly pulling away and getting smaller in the sky with each passing day. Let’s start off this time by talking about some of the equipment that can be used in this hobby. For the sake of simplicity, I Type

Reflector (also called Newtonian)

am going to skip binoculars and go straight to telescopes. There are many different brands, sizes and styles of scopes available on the market today. Which one you choose depends on things like your budget (especially), physical strength (some of these things can be quite heavy) and how far you want to go with this activity: casual observation or astrophotography. There are three basic types of telescopes currently available. Each has its good and bad points and which one you choose largely depends on your preferences and dedication. The accompanying table offers a brief description on the different types of scopes and their good and bad points. Refractor

Cassegrain

Functional description

Astronomical use only; uses a large mirror to reflect the light of an object to an eyepiece

Astronomical or terrestrial viewing; uses a lens at the end to gather light from an object and transmit it to an eyepiece

Astronomical or terrestrial viewing; light passes through a lens and is reflected by mirror to the eyepiece

Advantages

Fairly economical and simple to use

Natural right end up observation

Short tube design makes for a powerful scope in a small size; easily adapts to a camera

Disadvantages

Requires frequent mirror realignment and objects are upside down; generally heavy and awkward to carry

Medium priced; long tube on a tripod makes them somewhat awkward to handle

Somewhat more expensive than the others

Functional illustration

Although the reflector provides some of the best viewing, the tube on this scope can be upwards of 5-6 feet long. Not only is it heavy, but storage becomes something of an issue as well.

How Big is Big Enough? The size and power of the telescope you choose depend on how well you want to see things in the sky. For instance, my scope is a 90 mm (about 3.5”) Cassegrain. It is a modest size scope and does a good job of bringing in deep sky objects. When I look at the planet Saturn, I see something like this:

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2003

Even this image is pretty highly magnified for the sake of the printing in this article. One of my co-workers and fellow amateur astronomers, Adrian Vergot, owns a 7” Cassegrain scope. When he looks at Saturn, he gets something like this:

You can see that the detail and the magnification on the larger scope are much greater than on the smaller scope. (Let’s give credit where credit is due: Adrian is just plain better at this than I am as well as having better equipment.) However, the larger scope is about three times the cost of the smaller scope. Also, the larger scope has the problem of being so powerful that finding an object is more difficult since the field of view is so much smaller.

Is What You See Really What You Get? Sadly, not always. Many of the better images in the night sky such as nebulas, star clusters and galaxies will appear in the scope eyepiece as a fuzzy “Q-tip” and really won’t look like all that much to the casual observer. The Orion nebula, for instance is made up of gaseous trails that are orange,

yellow and red in color. However, when viewed through a telescope, even this nebula appears as just a large white-grey mist. The human eye is not capable of seeing the colors that are actually present on something this distant. The camera, however, is able to see the various colors and capture them on film. This process, known as astrophotography, will be reserved for another article. No matter which scope you may choose to use or how extensive you plan to take this activity, rest assured that it is enjoyable and rewarding at just about any level or skill. Comments can be sent email to Dennis Fisher at darkskyfish@hotmail.com. Adrian Vergot’s work can be seen on his website: www.compsci.duq.edu/~vergot/astronomy. Until next time!

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The Three Irish Tenors A Concert to Please All Celebrate the holidays with a

genuine Irish Christmas! Filled with songs of the season such as “The Little Drummer Boy,” “Adeste Fideles,” “Silent Night,” “Saviour’s Day” and “O Holy Night,” Christmas in Dublin is full of the warmth, charm and music, direct from the Emerald Isle that continues to enchant audiences throughout the world. Christmas in Dublin features The Three Irish Tenors: Ciaran Nagle from Riverdance The Show, Anthony Norton from La Scala Milan and Paul Byrom, the John McCormick Tenor of the Year 2001. Ciaran’s credits include Giuseppe in La Traviata with Lyric Opera Company and El Remendada in Carmen, a Bernadette Greavy production at The National Concert Hall in Dublin. Anthony has worked with Opera Ireland, The Wexford Festival of Opera, The Opera Theatre Company, and The National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland. Paul has performed in everything from musicals such as Fiddler on the Roof to operas such as Gounod’s Faust to Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. Joining The Three Irish Tenors will be an ensemble of musicians as well as special guest Jacqueline Whelan, one of Ireland’s most recognized sopranos, who will accompany herself on the traditional Irish harp.

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The friends met over a few pints of Guinness in McSorley’s Pub in Dublin, to talk about forming The Three Irish Tenors. They brought with them a wealth of diverse talents, energy, optimism and a sense of humor. Their aim: to sing songs and arias that would appeal to all generations, that could cross cultural and national boundaries and would be of superb quality. Together with their musical director, David Wray, the three tenors have created programs of their favorite songs and arias not only from Ireland but also from a truly international repertoire. Since their first performance this talented and exciting trio has performed to delight packed houses throughout Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States. Now on their fifth American tour, the journey for this young trio is proving to be not only a great success but also a great joy. These three golden voiced tenors continue to captivate audiences with their infectious Irish charm. Come to see The Three Irish Tenors at the USCHS theatre on December 15, 2003, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available through the mail by calling 1-800-482-3531 or through the USCHS theatre ticket office at 412-833-1600, extension 2353. Reserved seating price is $35.75. General admission is $32. Winter 2003

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Show Your Pride and Wear Your Colors! Upper St. Clair Panther clothing is available for sale at the High School bookstore.

Choose from screened T-shirts to embroidered shirts and sweaters. Stop in at the bookstore to see our selection, or call 412-833-1600, ext. 2265. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Her Final Days Ann Kravitz

Sky Albert and Ann Kravitz I live in a generation of people in the middle. We are parents with children but

sometimes we are also parents caring for parents. I don’t know if this is a phrase I’ve created, but I call myself a member of the “Sandwich Generation.” Although I’ve led a pretty simple life, I found myself in just such a role a few years ago. During Fall 1999, my 92-year old mother fell and broke her hip. I was called to play a part that I never would have chosen to play. In retrospect, I wish that I had handled a few things differently, but, unfortunately, we only learn as we mature. Sometimes good things can result from painful experiences and that was the case for me. I have one sister, Sky, who happened to be out of the country when my mother’s accident occurred. I was left to handle many of the decisions alone. My mother was living in Philadelphia, I was in Pittsburgh and Sky lived in Florida. With almost 12 years difference in our ages, my sister and I had never shared a typical sibling relationship in a family home. But, by January 2000, I practically lived in Philadelphia helping my mother and Sky commuted from Florida as much as she could. Because of this we spent a great deal of time together. When I was five years old, Sky was already in college. For me, her life was the kind of game

a kid played and I got to watch. She dated Sam, impatiently. I felt so frustrated when it seemed who was tall, dark and handsome and I saw him to take forever to find just the right wheelchair. as Prince Charming. I even asked him to forget I was afraid that while we waited, she would about marrying Sky and to wait for me to grow change her mind. We were at that point in time up. She was married by the time I was six and when it was so important to us to please her. having her own children not long thereafter. Finally a high backed wooden wheelchair was When my parents moved us to South Jersey, I found and we dressed her warmly. The nurse rarely ever saw her. When I did, she had a new helped her get into the chair, taking great care game, “playing house,” and she was my idol. to limit her pain. Then we covered her with The winter of my mother’s hospitalization blankets to keep out the cool air. was the first time in our lives that we visited As we began to roll her out of Martins Run as contemporaries. Sky and I were finally like care center, she asked us where we were going real sisters staying at my mother’s apartment. for lunch and wanted to make sure that she Each evening after dinner, while she chatted had her pocketbook. Of course there was no on the phone to her family, I would read. Then purse—there was no need for one. But she inwe settled down and got ready for bed. As we sisted and I handed her a wallet and she asked to lay in twin beds, side-by-side, we talked about see how much money was in it. I had to borrow our lives and ourselves for the first time. We some cash from her aide, Elizabeth, and filled it spoke with the honesty and closeness at once. It became clear to us that in of best friends. We giggled like two her mind she had gone back to the teenagers. times when we would take her to On the last Wednesday in March lunch and she would treat. She was 2000, Sky flew into Philadelphia. in such good spirits and seemed to Our visits had become the best part be happy. That added so much to our of a difficult and sad situation. On outing. We walked ’round and ’round Thursday morning the day dawned the buildings and finally rested at a clear and sunny. The temperature bench where Sky and I sat down. The was only in the high fifties, typical sun shone down on us and we could for late March, but the sun took feel its warmth. Mom just smiled and Billie Snyder away the chill. After breakfast, Sky we all relaxed. Then it seemed as and I went to see our mother. though we should take her back before It was mid-morning and Mom was awake she caught a chill. and fairly alert. We enthusiastically asked her When we got back, Mom was very tired and if she would like to go for a walk outside. Af- settled in for a nap. Sky and I went back to the ter many months of ennui, we were surprised apartment for lunch. The rest of the visit was when she smiled and said that would be great. uneventful, and Sky flew back to Florida on She had been unresponsive to any suggestions Friday morning. I left on Sunday to enjoy a few for so long that we jumped at the chance to days at my home. On the following Tuesday, get her out. We asked the attending nurses to April 4, 2000, at 2:20 p.m. Elizabeth called me find a wheelchair that would accommodate to say that my mother had just died peacefully and elevate her wasted right foot. Mom kept in her sleep. My mother, Billie Snyder, was gone repeating, “What’s the plan?” as she waited but my sister and I had been reunited.

Newcomers of Upper St. Clair Newcomers of Upper St. Clair, a women’s club organized to acquaint new residents to the Upper St. Clair community, announces its 2003-04 board. The club is open to any woman who has lived in the Township for less than two years. Membership may be retained for five years. Newcomers is a great way to meet new friends and enjoy many social and family activities. Monthly coffees and dinners as well as many interest groups are available. For membership and event information call President Marie Klos at 412-221-7998, or click on to the weblink from the community’s website at www.mainstreetusc.com.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Newcomers 2003-04 Executive Board, left to right: Desiree Kottensette, vice president; Peggy Canose, treasurer; Marie Klos, president and Jeanne McNamara, recording secretary. Missing from photo is Laura Jones, corresponding secretary.

Winter 2003

Real Estate: The Ultimate Investment Gary Straub There has been an astonishingly high

level of interest lately in the subject of real estate as an investment. Without question real estate is a viable alternative to traditional forms of investing. In fact in today’s economic environment it actually stacks up pretty well. Consider the volatility of the stock market, the mysterious nature of commodities and the down right pitiful returns offered by bank savings instruments, and real estate begins to look like the only sensible option available. Granted there are many positive aspects to this form of investment. The return, however, is not always a straightforward calculation. Of course there is the strict return on investment calculation, but there are a number of other variables that must also be considered in order to get the true picture. I think an example will illustrate best what I mean. The first thing that everyone looks for is cash flow. Cash flow can be either positive or negative. Simply put, if after you have collected the rent and paid all the bills, you have money left over you have a positive cash flow. If you had to pony up some cash to make the monthly nut, then unfortunately your cash flow is negative. Is negative cash flow always bad and positive cash flow always good? Not necessarily! Real estate investment, like any form of investment is a matter of personal goals and strategies. If, for example, you earn a substantial income in your career, you may be investing in real estate for the tax sheltering benefit. If this is the case, the last thing you want is to have a real estate investment that makes you more money, leading to more taxes. What you will be looking for is a real estate investment that can show a loss on paper, so as to provide you with an additional tax deduction. The ideal situation under these circumstances is to find an investment in which the income is just sufficient to cover property expense (so you don’t need to reach into your pocket). Then by writing off property taxes, mortgage interest and depreciation, the investment will show a substantial loss for tax purposes. If on the other hand, you are looking for an investment to supplement your income, you will be looking for a property with a high level of positive cash flow. However, it is my opinion that if this is your motive for investing in real property you might want to forget about it and get a second job instead.

Real estate as an investment has a lot of positive features—it’s tangible, it generates a fairly constant stream of income, in most locations it demonstrates consistent appreciation and it shelters dollars from tax. On the down side, there is maintenance, vacancy, potential for uncertain appreciation and tenants. Now if you’re a tenant don’t go getting defensive on me, but the fact is that as a landlord you are responsible for the habitability of the property you lease and the tenant is under no obligation to assist you in that matter. If the plumbing breaks it’s the landlord’s problem. The unpredictable nature of property condition is one of the major negatives to real property investing. Quickly, let’s do a simple comparison. Let’s say you have $100,000 to invest. You can either buy $100,000 worth of stock or you can purchase a duplex valued at $100,000. Now let’s say you can get a 10% return on the real estate ($10,000 per year after expenses) and an 8% return on the stock ($8,000). Under ideal circumstances the real estate will blow away the stock. Why? In our area the real estate may be appreciating at 5% per year. The allowable paper deductions save you taxes that in turn increase your rate of return. However, unexpected repairs can eat large holes in your plan, whereas you don’t need to install a new gas line in your IBM stock, not to mention that your IBM stock

will never call you in the middle of the night to complain about its neighbor. So am I trying to talk you out of real estate investing? If you’ve concluded that after reading these few paragraphs, then I hope so! Real estate investing is not for the faint of heart. You have to believe in it, love it and be willing to study it. If you got up this morning with the bright idea to go buy some real estate as an investment, go back to bed. This is serious business—many a colleague has gone belly up through careless investing. If you’re going to get involved, get serious; don’t just buy a property to buy one. Study it—consider all the ramifications. Work it over; inspect the numbers and the property thoroughly. Don’t spend less time thinking about it than you did on your own personal residence. Real estate is only a good investment when sufficient thought and research have gone into the decision. You would research stocks or bonds; you’d research your brand new Lexus for crying out loud. Do the same with your real property: it can serve you for a lifetime and provide for you in retirement if you’re smart about it. Gary Straub is vice president of local retail production for Washington Mutual Home Loans and a local real estate professional since 1970.

Classifieds Downsizing Solutions, LLC, full service help in downsizing households. $40 per hour, first six hours, subsequent hourly rate based on scope of job. Call 412 860-6623. Iron Horse Hobby Shop, headquarters for toy train fun, everything for the model railroader. Collector items, books, videos and expert repair shop. 1950 Painters Run Road, USC, 15241. Call 412-221-2250. To place your small business or professional ad in the classified section, send 35 words or less with a check for $50, made payable to the Township of Upper St. Clair, to UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241. Winter 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

How far you go in life depends on you being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;George Washington Carver (1864-1943), American Scientist

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Winter 2003

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Crossgates Shops(Peters Twp.) T 3521 Washington Road McMurray, McMurray PA 15317 724.941.7011

Family Hospice and Palliative Care Announces Opening This past September Family Hospice and Palliative Care

opened The Quality of Life Center, a landmark for daily care and life enhancement of hospice patients and their families. This center for families and caregivers as well as an activity center for patients provides a warm and home-like atmosphere. Family Hospice and Palliative Care’s president, Rafael Sciullo, is very enthusiastic about the new center. “Our new center is a place where patients and families can come for the day, a morning, or an afternoon and receive specialized attention to many of their needs. It is an important addition to the choices available to the people of Western Pennsylvania and the patients and families of Family Hospice and Palliative Care.” The center is located at Anderson Manor, a pre-Civil War mansion, in the historic Manchester area of Pittsburgh. The building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Winter 2003

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Advertiser Index Advertiser

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Action Builders .....................................................................................................61 * Amel’s Restaurant ................................................................................................39 Angelo Associates, Inc. .......................................................................................31 ARAMARK ...........................................................................................................55 Bedner’s Farm Market ..........................................................................................48 Betsy Ann American Chocolates ..........................................................................46 * Blackstone Fine Jewelers .......................................................................................1 Blue Horse Coffee ................................................................................................63 * Bruschetta’s .........................................................................................................39 C.W. Carlson Contractors, Inc. ............................................................................59 * Café Georgio’s .....................................................................................................38 * Calabro Tire & Auto Service ................................................................................25 Carlson Wagonlit Travel .......................................................................................43 Chinese Acupuncture Center of Pittsburgh ............................................................8 Citron Jewelers .......................................................................... Front cover, 40, 41 * Clark Construction Company ..............................................................................11 * Coffey Contracting Company ...............................................................................72 * Coldwell Banker–Route 19 South/Galleria, USC, South Hills, Peters Twp. Offices ........................................ Back outside cover * Coldwell Banker Real Estate, Inc. Corporate ............................................22, 23, 24 Coldwell Banker–Waterdam Farms ......................................................................71 * Coleman Music Studio ........................................................................................52 Crandall, Steven R., D.M.D. .................................................................................10 * Cupelli & Cupelli, Drs. ........................................................................................52 Downsizing Solutions, LLC .................................................................................79 Ferry Electric Company .......................................................................................77 Friendship Village of South Hills .........................................................................19 * Gabler & Associates, P.C. ....................................................................................61 Gateway Engineers ..............................................................................................59 George Girty Landscape Design ..........................................................................25 Ghelarducci’s Garden Center ...............................................................................72 * Gurecka, Joseph L. D.M.D., FAAHD ....................................................................61 Harmon, F.E., Inc. ..................................................................................................8 Hefren-Tillotson, Inc. ...........................................................................................11 * Herman J. Heyl Florist .........................................................................................13 Hollywood Tans ...................................................................................................81 * Howard Hanna Real Estate Services ............................................ Front inside cover * Howard Hanna–Susan Highley ............................................................................34 * Howard Hanna–Diane Horvath ............................................................................13 Howard Hanna–Kathy McCloskey .......................................................................65 Iron Horse Hobby Shop .......................................................................................79 J.J. Gillespie Gallery ............................................................................................35 Jackson’s Restaurant-Rotisserie-Bar ....................................................................39 * Janet Hays & Company Dance Studio .................................................................55 Jaro Interiors, Inc. ...............................................................................................21 Keller Williams–Sandy and Marshall Goldstein ...................................................29 * Kerr Dentistry ......................................................................................................43 Locke’s Personal Fitness Studio ..........................................................................21 Louis Anthony Jewelers ............................................................... Back inside cover

Advertiser

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MAGGIE’S Finishing Touches Boutique ...............................................................49 * Manalo, Larry E., D.M.D. .....................................................................................42 Mellon Private Wealth Management Services ......................................................65 New Perspectives Counseling Center ..................................................................77 Oxford Mortgage, Inc.–David and Cheryl Bayne.....................................................9 Northwood Realty–Bonnie Detwiler & Marlene McNaughton ..............................31 P & W SAAB ........................................................................................................44 Patricia J. Bulseco, M.D., P.C. .............................................................................31 Piccolina’s Restaurant ..........................................................................................43 * Pinebridge Commons Associates ........................................................................42 Pittsburgh Youth Ballet ........................................................................................61 Preferred Primary Care Physicians ......................................................................25 Prudential Preferred Realty–Terry Abbott ...............................................................9 * Prudential Preferred Realty–Route 19 South ........................................................84 * Regis McQuaide & Co. Master Remodelers, Inc. .................................................71 * Robin Richards Hand Colored Black & White Photography .................................35 Rusmur Floors .....................................................................................................83 * Scott Bros. Windows and Doors ..........................................................................53 Secon Corporation ..............................................................................................69 * Sesame Inn ..........................................................................................................38 Shadyside Academy ............................................................................................75 * Silk Road Gourmet Chinese Restaurant ...............................................................38 South Hills Orthopaedic Surgery Associates, P.C. ...............................................15 Southern Shores Realty .......................................................................................15 Southpointe Golf Club .........................................................................................44 St. Clair Fitness & Racquet Club .........................................................................49 * St. Clair Hospital ...................................................................................................5 State Farm Insurance–Cindy Brophy ...................................................................43 Steel Valley Orthopedic Associates, Inc. ..............................................................75 Studio 7 Salon .....................................................................................................25 * Swing Line Windows, Inc. ...................................................................................73 TAI PEI Chinese Restaurant and Sushi Bar ...........................................................39 The Body Forum ..................................................................................................46 The Classroom Restaurant ...................................................................................38 The Colony & Club Colony ..................................................................................47 The Frick Art & Historical Center .........................................................................39 The Spa at Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center ...........................................48, 81 The Washington Hospital .....................................................................................21 Tournesol .............................................................................................................47 Valley Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. ................................................................81 Walker Rugs ..........................................................................................................2 Washington Mutual Home Loans–Andrea Twardy and Julia Zaitz ........................63 Wellington Real Estate–Patty Thomas ..................................................................20 Wells Fargo Home Mortgage ...............................................................................77 Westminster Presbyterian Church ........................................................................75 Wild Birds Unlimited ...........................................................................................49 Willow Brook ~ Rug & Home .................................................................................7 * You’re Invited .......................................................................................................47

Advertise with UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, in publication since 1994.

Phone: 412.833.1600, extension 2284 • Website: www.twpusc.org/magazine/index.htm *The above VIP advertisers, who are advertising in this issue, have contributed their support for a minimum of 18 issues. 82

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2003

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“You Stand On Our Good Name Every Day!” – SOUTH – 500 Station Street Bridgeville, PA 15017 (412) 221-6366

– NORTH – 3230 Babcock Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15237 (412) 364-7330

– EAST – – WEST – – WHITEHALL – 2047 Golden Mile Hwy. 996 Brodhead Road 4720 Clairton Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15239 Moon Twp., PA 15108 Pittsburgh, PA 15236 Winter 2003 UPPER ST. CLAIR(412) TODAY (724) 325-1900 (412) 262-4707 884-360083

Terry Abbott

Bob Dini

Barbara Baker/ Bob Main

Alexis Fitch

Lynn Banbury

Elva Marotta

Bryan Russo

Whether it’s taxation concerns or life changing circumstances, when you list your home with a Prudential Preferred Realty agent, performance outsells promises with our Guarantee of Service. Your home will be center stage with an Online Virtual Tour 24 hours a day for more exposure – and a quicker sale! Call our Rt. 19 South office today for

Top of the Rock Results!

Judy Keener

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Rock Solid Performance!

Jackie Hamilton Gloria Hickton

Sally Kauper

Sharon Capan/ Bill Holden

Cindy Pace/ Jodi Bilski

Margie Schneider

Wendy Piquette

Judy Ward

Betsy Raber

Ruth Weigers

Diane Damian/ Helane Tobin

Lisa DeBartolo

Wayne Freund

Suzanne Gruneberg

Pat Hogan/ Mary Ann Zupon

Liz Hoyson

Florine Kelly

Barbara Kurdys-Miller Frank Conroy

JoAnn Robb

Alexandra Rudnitskas

Jane Compagnone, Manager

Preferred Realty Independently Owned and Operated

1679 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15228

Rt. 19 South Office • Call (412) 833-7700 • www.PrudentialPreferredRealty.com 84

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Winter 2003

Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date Shown in stainless steel and 18kt yellow gold, special time-lapse bezel with fliplock clasp and extension link Oyster bracelet. Pressure-proof to 1,000 feet. Also available in 18kt yellow gold.

Rolex,

, Oyster Perpetual, Oyster, fliplock and Submariner are trademarks.

COLDWELL BANKER www.pittsburghmoves.com

Check out these fabulous Upper St. Clair area homes! No Lender Fees Mortgage We’ll Beat Any Lender’s Price Or Pay You $500.* Galleria • 1-888-791-9079 Peters Township • 1-888-791-9080 South Hills • 1-888-791-9082 Upper St. Clair • 1-888-400-7965 *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.

Charming stone Colonial in “Old Trotwood”. 4 BR, 4.5 BA, familyroom, den, quality througout, parklike lot. Nancy Heffernan 412-344-0500 $529,000

Custom 5 year young 5 BR, 3.5 BA on a quiet cul-de-sac. 5th BR is great in-law suite. Jean Seiler 412-833-5405 $499,900

Stunning blend of traditional meets contemporary in this light filled 5 BR, 3 BA multi-level on prof landscaped 1.3 acres. Kris Marra 412-831-5555 $399,900

Wonderful large Colonial on a beautiful lot! 4 BR, 2.5 BA, familyroom, gameroom, screened porch, decks, great decor! B Byrnes/J Geisler 412-344-0500 $309,900

Exceptional Colonial! Gourmet kitchen, 4 BR, 3.5 BA, familyroom, den, gameroom, quality on cul-de-sac. Edith Gidwani 412-344-0500 $329,000

Beaut maint’d 5 BR, 3 BA w/hdwd flrs & spac mstr BR ste. Incl FR w/new carpet, built-ins & more. 4th BR has sep full BA. Helen Richter Cramer 412-831-5555 $299,900

Deerfield Manor in USC - 5 BR, 3 BA, beautifully updated bright kit w/separate eating area, gorgeous parklike yard. Michelle Bonnar 412-833-5405 $299,900

Sitting pretty on an oversized cnr lot, this spac 4 BR incl sunken LR & FR, open flr plan, 2+2 BA, finished GR & loads of space. Elaine Krelis 412-343-7711 $299,900

4 BR Brick w/lge bright E-I-K w/bay wndw & adjng lndry. Hdwd flrs, ceramic tile BA, 25’ LR w/lbfplc, FR,sunrm, lndscpd yard. Helen Moore 412-833-5405 $295,000

Spacious 4 BR Contemporary, new ceramic tile, hdwd flrs, crown mldngs, fresh neutral paint. Convenient, desired area/location. Stacy Romanias 412-833-5405 $294,900

Move right in! Updated 4 BR, 2.5 BA Colonial, FR, gameroom, LR fireplace, ceramic, hardwood, neutral decor. Kathy Enick 412-344-0500 $285,000

Updated 3 BR, 1.5 BA brick multi-level with a spacious floor plan, familyroom, beautiful grounds! Joyce Lewis 412-344-0500 $174,900

Large stone 3 BR Ranch. Oversized garage, newer windows, huge lower level on a great lot. Large stone patio. Barbara Cusick 412-833-5405 $159,900

Brick Cape Cod, 3 BR, 2 full BA, newer white kitchen, gameroom, many updates covered patio, picturesque yard! Maria & Joe Lane 412-3434-0500 $134,900

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Join our growing team. We are now hiring Sales Associates. Unlimited income opportunities, free training & tuition reimbursement. Call 1-888-373-3262.

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