FALL 2004 by UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Magazine

A l l t h e wo r l d ’s a s t a g e . B e b r i l l i a n t .

Fall 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Terry Abbott

Barbara Baker/ Bob Main

Lynn Banbury

Sharon Capan/ Bill Holden

Lora Le Clark

Leslie Coulson

Diane Damian/ Helane Tobin

We Salute USC Magazine! Lisa DeBartolo

Will Dennis

Wayne Freund

Shawn Gatto

George Herrington

Pat Hogan/ Mary Ann Zupon

Shirley Kersten Barbara Kurdys-Miller Frank Conroy

Bryan Russo

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Jane Compagnone, Manager

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2004

It started Fky years 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 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.

The Healing Power of Our Community.

All because of a promise made over 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. Every day, St. Clair Hospitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team of exceptional physicians, employees and volunteers unites for this one common purpose. To bring the healing power of our community to our neighbors, to our families, and to our friends.

1000 Bower Hill Road

Fall 2004

Pittsburgh, PA 15243 www.stclair.org

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2004

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Fall 2004

• Volume 10

•

Issue 3

Features and Around the Township 10

Community Art Contests Bring Out the Best Did you enter your artwork? Find out who did!

Children’s Library Programs

Boyce students travel to the Wetlands.

Build a Better Community

History of the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Magazine Dr. William A. Pope talks about our community publication.

Youth Sports and Children’s Health Resident Joe Luxbacher contributes to the Health and Wellness Guide.

QUEST for Life Long Learning Catch a glimpse of the Community Foundation’s fall offerings.

Town Hall South Delivers a Wonderful Lineup The 2004-05 lecture series hosts outstanding speakers while supporting community causes.

Township 32

Township Personnel are Ready to Help The Township’s departments, resources and personnel— what and who you need to know.

Cooking Up a Good Story The Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department discusses fire safety in the kitchen.

A Community Copes with Disaster Walter Jarosh writes about the Flight 427 memorial garden behind our Township Building.

Platform Tennis—Strong in Upper St. Clair This cold-weather game is hot!

Township of Upper St. Clair Map

School District 57

USCHS Class of 2004 Graduation Speech Dr. James Lombardo delivers his first graduation speech in Upper St. Clair.

School District Information Lots to know—Let us answer your questions.

Welcome to Ninth Grade Here’s an overview of freshman year at the High School.

Danny Holzer—Basketball Coach 24-7 and More Jim Meston interviews our high school basketball coach.

Did You Know Tidbits of the many accomplishments in our School District.

Cover 48

This cover, “The Spirit of Upper St. Clair,” is an artistic rendering of the historic 1830 Log House and was designed by resident Bennett Wallander. It is underwritten by Willow Brook Rug & Home, whose ad and feature article appear on pages 48 through 51. Fall 2004

Rug & Home UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Publishers Dr. James D. Lombardo Superintendent of Schools Douglas A. Watkins Township Manager

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Staff Says Thank You The staff and volunteers of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY would like to thank the Township of Upper St. Clair and the Upper St. Clair School District for making it possible to share this publication with our community and its residents. These two entities have helped us reach our ten-year anniversary because of their continued support and encouragement. We would also like to thank our advertisers who have financially supported our cause. But, as in all things, a magazine only continues to exist if it is found to be useful. Therefore, we would like to thank you, the readers, who find our publication useful, informative and fun to read. We look forward to serving you for another ten!

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 Cindy Kane, Township Associate Editor Terry Kish, School District Associate Editor Colleen DeMarco, Office Manager Lynn Dempsey, Advertising Nancy Beaulieu, Advertising Kathy Christie, Advertising Teri McMinn, Advertising Nancy Barnard, Photographer Samantha Reefer, Intern Jim Render, Writer Vince Yevins, Accountant

Front row, left to right: Nancy Barnard, Photographer; Teri McMinn, Sales Representative; Samantha Reefer, Intern; Kathy Christie, Sales Representative; Cindy Kane, Assistant Township Editor; Colleen DeMarco, Office Manager; Nancy Beaulieu, Sales Representative and Lynn Dempsey, Senior Sales Representative. Back row: Paul Fox, Managing Editor; Terry Kish, Assistant School District Editor; Mark Mansfield, Steering Committee member; Linda Dudzinski, Editor-in-Chief and Vince Yevins, Accountant. Inset photo, left to right are Thomas Labanc, Steering Committee member and Jim Render, Writer.

Township Board of Commissioners

David E. Bluey, President Angela B. Petersen, Vice President Barbara L. Bolas Russ Del Re Glenn Groninger Jeffrey W. Joyce Clark R. Nicklas Mark G. Trombetta, M.D.

Frank E. Marsh, President, Ward 5 Robert W. Orchowski, Vice President, Ward 3 Preston Shimer, Ward 1 Gloria S. Smith, Ward 2 Ched Mertz, Ward 4 Bill Bates, At Large Ernest T. Harris, At Large

Voluntary Contributors

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

Dina J. Fulmer, Editor/Writer Wayne Herrod, Writer Ann Kravitz, Writer Jim Meston, Writer Mary Lynne Spazok, Writer

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine is published and mailed quarterly to residents and businesses

The thirty-ninth issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a joint

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 412-833-1600, extension 2284 Fax: 412-851-2592

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. 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 Winter 2004 issue and will be published in November. 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. Add $10 to cover international mailings. Deadline for articles for the Winter 2004 Issue is Thursday, September 2, 2004. Deadline for advertising is Thursday, September 9, 2004.

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 6

School Board Directors

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2004

Article Information

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

Colleen DeMarco phone: 412-833-1600, extension 2284 (email: cdemarco@uscsd.k12.pa.us) Fax: 412-851-2592 Visit our Website: www.twpusc.org/magazine/index.htm

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Windows supplied by Brookside Lumber Fall 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

1820 McLaughlin Run Road • Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

Dr. James D. Lombardo

Douglas A. Watkins

Welcome to this special tenth anniversary edition of the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine, our 39 issue. th

The 1830 Log House—while to some this building, situated in our Township along McLaughlin Run Road, may be insignificant, to others it may evoke strong emotion and ties to the past. In all cases, it should remind us of a simpler, less complicated way of life, where completing daily chores—mundane at times—took up the majority of one’s day. This log house also reminds UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY staff of its beginnings. A photograph of the 1830 Log House was used for the cover of the premier edition of the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine published in 1994. It is fitting again to use an artistic rendering of this log house for our magazine’s cover to commemorate our ten years of publication. We invite all community residents to share in our excitement and help us celebrate this mark by enjoying and reading about our schools, our Township, and our residents who make this community such an exceptional place to live. Make sure to page through the Health and Wellness Guide on pages 16 to 23, sporting advertisements and articles related to fitness and well-being. This issue also presents our Residential Guide, published biennially, to inform you about “everything you always wanted to know about Upper St. Clair.” We appreciate the advertisers who have supported our efforts over the years. You are an integral part of our make-up and we wish you much continued success in your businesses. So, 1830 Log House, thanks for helping UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY commemorate its ten-year anniversary and observe what the staff remains dedicated to—simplicity—the simple sharing of information and enjoyment with our residents.

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 8

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Township of Upper St. Clair 412-831-9000 Fax: 412-831-9882 Website: www.twpusc.org Email: uscadmin@twpusc.org Fall 2004

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

10 Anniversary r i n B g s t O s e u t n tt o C t r A h e B es t th

Award winning entry by Hannah Benda

What better way to celebrate the special occasion of a community

magazine than to include the community in its celebration! Staff of the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine organized two community-wide art contests to help celebrate its ten-year anniversary of publication. The 1830 Log House was fittingly chosen as the subject of the contests because it was photographed on the cover of the premier edition of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY in September 1994. The 1830 Log House professional art contest was held this past June with five local artists entering a total of eight entries. Members of the magazine staff and representatives from the Township and School District judged the entries. First place prize-winner Bennett Wallander’s “The Spirit of Upper St. Clair” Log House rendering was used for our cover of this anniversary issue, which shows Major General Arthur St. Clair in the upper left corner. Artists Frank Bolock, Ned Garnhart, Regis Kirby and Joan Newman also put forth such fine entries that choosing a winner was very difficult. The 1830 Log House amateur art contest, which also included Upper St. Clair residents’ entries, was judged by people who visited Celebrating the Arts festival at USCHS in May. Festival visitors to the small gym enjoyed an entire wall filled with artistic renderings of the Log House. This contest included five divisions—senior, adult, high school, middle school and elementary school. Entries in each category were displayed for the community to view and vote on. Over 300 people voted for their favorite Log House drawing in each division. The elementary category, with 220 entries, had the most entries of all divisions.

play Amateur division dis 8, 2004. y Ma ts, Ar the ing rat leb

at Ce 10

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winners’ and runner up finishers’ entries were displayed at the Log House on Community Day for all residents to enjoy. Willow Brook Rug & Home, cover sponsor of this issue, then housed these entries at their store in Norman Centre throughout the early summer months. We would like to thank all those who submitted entries for the two contests, the community who helped judge the amateur contest and Willow Brook for sponsoring this magazine cover. As you know, a celebration of any kind takes planning and involvement. Thanks, USC, for being so energetic and involved in this project, thus making our planned celebration a fun community-wide event! 

First Place Amateur Division Results Elementary School Division (grades K-4)....... Benjamin Reicher Middle School Division (grades 5-8)............... Hannah Benda High School Division (grades 9-12)................ Andrew Guzzi Adult Division (ages 18 to 54) ........................ Radha Mahesh Senior Division (ages 55 and up) ................... Joanne Cox

Professional division runner-up entries surround the cover of the premier 1994 edition of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY (bottom center). Artwork by, front row, far left and far right: Joan Newman. Back row, left to right: Frank Bolock, Ned Garnhart, Regis Kirby. Winning entry by Bennett Wallander is shown on the cover of this magazine. Fall 2004

Radha Mahesh, with her fam ily, proudly holds her log hou se drawing.

1830 Log House A USC Landmark Andrew Guzzi Alexander Gilfillan, an ancestor of

the Gilfillans, whose farm was on Route 19 next to Westminster Church, was one of the original settlers in this area. He and his three brothers were ScotchIrish men in their teens and early twenties and immigrated to this country around 1760, before the American Revolution. Alexander owned the land where Upper St. Clair High School now sits; part of a 400-acre tract called “Cato” and built a log cabin on the land that is now St. Clair Country Club. It’s a common error to refer to all log structures as log cabins. A log house was a much more sophisticated structure than a log cabin, having two stories, wood flooring and glass windows. Log cabins were limited to one story, dirt floors and small window openings covered with linen or oiled paper, to keep out the elements. The 1830 Log House was one of four or five log houses built around 1830 in this area to house the families of hired men who worked the Gilfillan farm. A family could rent this type of house for three dollars a month. The 1830 Log House is the only one of the Gilfillan log houses still standing, and it is on the original spot where it was built. The house remained in the Gilfillan family until 1899 when it passed through a series of owners, including a blacksmith who built a lean-to on the rear and a lamplighter who eventually covered the building with siding, put on another addition and even added a front porch. In 1923 the parents of Jim Fulton, later the United States Congressman from the area, purchased the house. The Fultons had a permanent home in Dormont and used the log house as their summer home. A fire destroyed the frame structure surrounding the house in the 1960s. Upper St. Clair Township purchased the remaining log structure in 1972. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. In 1976, The Log House Restoration Committee completely restored the house, and it was open for visitors on July 4, 1976, the country’s Bicentennial. In 1977 the committee was incorporated and became the 1830 Log House and Historic Landmark Association. The association continues to maintain the house and open it for educational tours and community events. The Holiday Open House this year will be held on Sunday, December 5, from noon until 3 p.m.  Andrew, a junior member of the 1830 Log House and Historic Landmark Association and a USCHS senior, researched and wrote this article for his International Baccalaureate project.

SOS (Skydivers over Sixty)

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

One Down, One To Grow Walter Jarosh, Township Forester, Certified Arborist For well over one hundred years, the

horse chestnut tree at the 1830 Log House stood as silent witness to the ever changing traffic that passed beneath its branches. A brown shiny horse chestnut seed may have been carried home by one of the young children residing in the house only to be lost outside and have the chance to sprout and grow. The tree survived through times of growth and prosperity, times of peace and two major world conflicts. Horses, carriages, model T’s, school busses, 18-wheelers and SUVs have passed this tree as testament to time. A once rural farming area grew to the vibrant fast-paced collection of today’s neighborhoods. The tree saw expansion of the log house, a fire to the structure, then a restoration project by visionary citizens working to preserve the historical log structure. Through their efforts, the Log House stands today as a historical and educational gem of the community. The tree stood among the restoration efforts. Changes occurred all around the tree. The Municipal Building across McLaughlin Run Road expanded, then expanded

again to its present size to house the Township Government, School District Administration and Library. One high school was built, served for many years as an educational hub of the community, and was then renovated and replaced by the current structure. The tree, like all living things, grows, flourishes, matures and declines. Time exposed this tree to a countless succession of summers and winters, droughts, disease, insects and decay. Changes impacted and stressed the tree. In the early 80s, on a date not recorded, Davey Tree Company was hired to help the tree survive. The large cavity in the tree was treated and filled with foam, as a protection from insects and animals. The tree was trimmed to lighten its load, cabled to add support, then fed. The tree and the Log House were a pair—an item to be photographed, drawn and visited. It needed to be preserved. Children and adults visiting often gathered the shiny horse chestnuts to take home and plant. Preservation efforts continued from the 80s, but as an enemy to all living things, time continued to wage its battle. This year the inevitable time arrived. Richard Vrboncic of Bartlett Tree Expert Company offered to aid Walter Jarosh, Fall 2004

Township Forester, in measuring the structural integrity of the tree using a resistograph. The idea was to develop a program of preservation. The resistograph measured the amount of solid wood in the trunk of the tree by using a small diameter drill to graph the resistance encountered as it passed through the succession of growth rings in the trunk. By drilling in a few locations around the trunk it was quickly evident that there was very little solid wood in the trunk of the tree. The tree that stood silent as a succession of traffic passed beneath its branches was labeled an extreme hazard to those very vehicles. Cabling and bracing options were discussed, but failed to eliminate the hazard. Sadly, the tree was removed the following day. That is not the end of the story! Mark Mansfield, Assistant Township Manager, also a lover of trees, took one of those horse chestnut seeds home about seven years ago and planted it in the corner of his property. He quickly volunteered this tree to stand in for the original. Walter dug and balled the tree this spring, and it was planted in a brief rainy dedication ceremony on Community Day. Taylor Szalajda, Jennifer Tuttle, Christina McCombs and Lori Jarosh were drafted from the crowd of Community Day visitors to plant the offspring tree. The lineage of the original tree continues. Maybe tree junior can survive the ravages of time and be witness to the next hundred years of community growth and prosperity. Only time will tell. How many times have you passed by the old tree and how many times will you pass by the new one? 

Put your home

with the home

team.

Whether it’s Upper St. Clair’s little league team, Upper St. Clair’s high school football team or one of our very own softball teams, you’ll always find us rooting for the home team. And when it comes to homeowners insurance, we hope you’ll do the same...with Upper St. Clair’s very own Alcorn Christie Insurance Agency. After all, we’ve been serving the area’s insurance needs for over 56 years with quality insurance from companies like Travelers Insurance…the number one insurer of autos and homes among independent agents! For auto, business, or home insurance, call the home team…call us at 412-563-7828 today!

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Has Served Our Community Well Dr. William A. Pope, former superintendent of Upper St. Clair School District Ten years ago a partnership was formed

with the School District and the Township that resulted in the development of the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine. Now that it is more than ten years old, it seems as if we have always had a magazine. In truth, we worked very hard to make the magazine a reality. Today, the magazine is sent to every home in Upper St. Clair. It has become one of our most important and reliable communication instruments. Not only is it a beautiful addition to anyone’s collection of magazines, it is special for other reasons as well. First, it truly has brought us together in this community. TODAY celebrates who we are in the schools, in the community and in the Township. There is a culture here that we celebrate. Many of us grew up in places other than Upper St. Clair. What we have here we’ve created here. The Township and the School District have been instrumental in helping to define what Upper St. Clair means. We wanted to define what it meant

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Volunteer Contributors

Front row, left to right: Dina Fulmer and Ann Kravitz. Back row: Mary Lynne Spazok and Wayne Herrod. Inset photo is Jim Meston.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

to be from USC, and it was and continues to be important to demonstrate our spirit of cooperation by jointly producing one magazine that defines our community. Prior to the creation of TODAY, the School District and Township tried many vehicles to deliver its messages to residents. While they were known by different catchy names like Insight and the Township Report, the purpose was always to deliver facts, simply and judiciously. Insight communication was limited to news such as tax increases, school enrollment projections and standardized test dates. Even the name Insight heralded the fact that the issue’s contents were likely topical and known to a core group and not the general public. In other words, school taxes were important each spring, but the issue likely would be discarded after it was read. Few residents would pitch the TODAY even months after the issue was published. Each of the covers of the magazines tells a beautiful story of our community. Beginning with the initial issue in 1994 with the Log House on the cover (upper left) to the special one with pictures of me addressing the 2003 USCHS graduation class (upper right) to the most recent issue with new carriage homes built by one of our graduates, the magazine has always focused on our accomplishments, our people and our community. It has become a symbol of a young community that may lack the history of others but not the progressive attitude or the technicolor communication techniques that are used in our special magazine. I remember when we were first inspired to create a publication for the District and community. It was often heard and always felt that it needed to be better than all of the others. Many people will judge us by this magazine, especially our residents. Well, it is colorful, quality driven, includes important information regarding our schools and the Township, and the four sections of

Fall 2004

the magazine (Features, Around the Township, School District and Township) provide an in-depth focus on the unique policies and procedures of Upper St. Clair in an attractive, easy-to-read format. One of the greatest treasures of TODAY is the communications outlet that it provides for our citizens. More than 50 volunteers from ages five to over 70 contribute to TODAY. The contributors include writers, poets and artists, and the magazine has become a true public service for all of us. Its popularity has inspired new partnerships and collaborations with the community and local businesses. More importantly, it is now 100% funded by shops, companies and professionals who like their names and organizations advertised in the magazine. The ten years of the magazine have documented the best of Upper St. Clair. It is a proud history that can be documented visually and shared with our residents and those who are considering moving into this area. Features include highlights written by our people about our people. There are opportunities also for guest writers and artists to publish regularly and be seen and read by more than 20,000 residents. TODAY has become a first class periodical. It documents the achievements, awards and cultural characteristics of our community. Everyone wants to be included and everyone is proud of our magazine. It has given definition and recognition to us and has become a respected vehicle for sharing news and all communications about Upper St. Clair. I am just as proud of our magazine as I am of our schools. The periodical has proven what was always suspected. This is a pretty remarkable place to grow up and an equally wonderful place to live and raise a family. The TODAY magazine is of a quality commensurate with our schools and a visible record of our successes and our excellence. 

UPPER

S T. C L A I R T O D A Y ’ S

History in Review April-May 1974

Spring 2000

The first Township publication, Township Report, and a newspaper titled Upper St. Clair Schools were mailed to all households in Upper St. Clair.

To celebrate its 21st issue, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY received a “facelift” with a totally new look for the 21st Century, redesigned with different fonts, headlines and formatting styles. Jim Render began contributing to the magazine as a writer and Mary Etta Nader joined the sales department.

September 1994 Twenty years later, the 80-page premier issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY had a cover photo of the 1830 Log House, which was underwritten by the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair. Editors of the inaugural issue were Kathleen Slencak and Paul Fox. For all issues except two releases, Pentagon Printing has printed the magazine.

February 1995 The second edition of the magazine featured Tustin Farm with the first painted cover by local artist and resident Ned Garnhart, along with the initial unveiling of the Senior Citizens’ “Bulletin Board” and the start of Beverly Pini’s “Daytrip” travelogue series.

May 1995 With the arrival of Township Editor Harla Brown and volunteer artist/writer Cande Day, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY celebrated its first “Community Day” issue.

September 1995 The publication grew to 84 pages, and produced its first color advertisement, the Pinebridge Commons, on the inside front cover. The magazine earned its first Award of Merit in the National School Public Relations Association 1995 Publication and Electronic Media Contest.

January 1996 John Kotzuk signs-on as volunteer writer and provides inspiration for the development of the Senior Citizens’ “Bulletin Board.”

May 1996 Lauren Trocano became the first Advertising Editor during the second Community Day issue, which helped to spotlight many other “firsts”—the Celebrate the Arts festival and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra outreach concert in the Upper St. Clair High School auditorium, both sponsored by the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair.

Fall 2000

From the beginning to the present, the part time volunteer staff has been managed by Mark Mansfield and Thomas Labanc, sole members of the Steering Committee of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY.

October 1996 The goals of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY were reviewed and a comprehensive list of objectives was published. Taking a leadership position in advertising, Lynn Dempsey joined the magazine team and has remained one of the most prolific sales associates of all time.

August 1997

Fall 2000

December 2000 The comprehensive TEAM Manual— guidelines, standards, principles, code of ethics, resources, policies and procedures—was written and released by the staff.

Two positions of Associate Editor were added, welcoming former volunteer writers and proofreaders Ginny Stempkowski and Nancy Brown to the staff. Harla Brown took over as Editor-in-Chief, Nancy Barnard joined the staff as photographer and Susan Depe joined the sales department.

Underwritten by Black Box Corporation, the third Residential Guide featured the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Firefighters on the cover, and presented the first full-cover four-page centerfold advertising by Black Box Network Services.

Spring 1998

Summer 2003

Although student articles have appeared in many editions of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, the Young Writers’ Guild was established to provide a support group for young writers and a regular forum in the magazine. The addition of Dawn McQuillen as Administrative Assistant helped to improve office management, communications and business organization of the publication’s parttime staff.

Fall 1998

The Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair sponsored the second Residential Guide which showcased the cover painting by Ned Garnhart. Linda Dudzinski was appointed School District Associate Editor.

The first “Residential Guide,” the magazine mailed in August, serving as a comprehensive guide of “everything you ever wanted to know about Upper St. Clair,” featured Upper St. Clair graduate Susan Castriota’s illustration of the Township and School District Administrative Office Building on the front cover. The staff welcomed new Associate Editors Trish Donlon and Suzanne Vernon.

Fall 2002

Linda Dudzinski assumed the position of Editor-in-Chief and longstanding volunteer staff member Cindy Kane was promoted to the position of Township Associate Editor. Dr. William Pope wrote his farewell message before retiring with 14 years of service as Upper St. Clair Superintendent of Schools.

Winter 2003 The 36 th edition of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY unveiled additional changes in the staff: Terry Kish was hired as School District Associate Editor and Colleen DeMarco was hired as Office Manager.

Fall 2004 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is honored to celebrate ten years of publication, with 90 advertisers and 100 pages strong. Since 2003, additions to the sales department have included Nancy Beaulieu, Teri McMinn and Kathy Christie. 

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Adolescent Health Issues and Body Image Janice E. Mancini, R.D., Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionist What should parents do when a child is identified as over-

weight? Monitoring growth charts with the child’s pediatrician may help confirm when weight management is appropriate. The general approach is to limit further weight gain, and as the child grows taller, he or she will grow into the weight. In the meantime, the child may be struggling with body image issues. Here are a few ideas parents can implement. • Portion size awareness—Parents may recall when a muffin was not a mega-muffin. Twenty years ago, a cookie was one ounce, now a cookie can be as big as five ounces. When McDonald’s opened in the 50s, a soda was a seven-ounce serving. Today, a biggie size is 42 ounces—six times the original size 50 years ago. This is the type of reference that children today are using for portion sizes. Bigger isn’t always better. A simple guide to use—15 grams of carbohydrate equals a serving. Did you know that 15 grams of carbohydrate in a soda is about one half of a 12-ounce can? Take a look at grams of total carbohydrate on the labels of items like candy, drinks, cookies and snacks. Actual servings consumed may be a real eye opener. These are areas where common sense reductions can take place for weight control. To put it into further perspective, a typical 2000-calorie diet should consist of 50% of calories from carbohydrate or 250 16

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2004

grams per day. Although carbohydrates are found in sweets, they are also in foods necessary for health and growth such as grains, starches, vegetables, fruit and milk. Consequently, a low carbohydrate diet is not recommended for growing children, as Jan Mancini too many nutrients are excluded. • Avoid labeling foods as “good” or “bad.” Sweets can and should be included in moderation. Children learn early on that when they eat “bad” foods, they feel guilty and consequently feel bad about themselves. For weight management, moderation is the answer. • A diet should include adequate nutrients for growth and health. A strict weight loss diet is almost never appropriate for children. Weight management is affected by many factors including genetics, exercise, emotions, appetite and food choices.  Jan Mancini explored this subject during a PTA Council-sponsored Together in Parenting (TIP) program held this past March. You can reach Jan at janmancini.rd@verizon.net with questions. TIP programs cover a wide variety of topics. A TIP schedule will come home in your child’s Good News envelope during the beginning of the school year.

You’ve Got Something to Smile About Stephen Gurtner, DMD It’s truly an exciting time to be a dentist. There’s a revo-

lution going on in dentistry and it’s exhilarating to be a part of it. Previously, dentists could only repair damaged teeth. Often the repaired tooth bore little resemblance to anything found in nature. Gold crowns, mercury containing amalgam and crowns with black lines at the gumline were the best dentistry could offer. These procedures worked well, but they certainly didn’t look or feel natural. And plenty of healthy tooth structure was sacrificed to make up for the limitations of these dental materials. Healthy tooth structure was removed to hold the silver fillings, and good teeth were ground to small pegs so crowns could fit. Today there are such lifelike dental materials and up to date techniques that for the first time we can actually restore teeth so that they look, function and feel just like new. Today’s dentistry can be beautiful. Ceramic crowns, porcelain onlays, white fillings and porcelain veneers, will not only look absolutely natural, but they will also strengthen the remaining tooth structure. And speaking of porcelain veneers, no dental service has changed dentistry more. In as little as two visits, dentists can now change people’s lives forever. As we’ve seen on ABC’s Extreme Makeover, there are many people who feel isolated, unfulfilled and embarrassed because of their appearance. The root of this misery is often their teeth. With today’s porcelain veneers, dentists can erase years of pain and give people the smile of their dreams. When surveyed, patients who have received a smile makeover using porcelain veneers all stated that the greatest benefit that they received was a sense of confidence when they smiled. That’s a great gift! Unfortunately, I didn’t learn any of this stuff in dental school. In order to provide the latest and greatest dentistry that is available, I had to travel all over the country and study with the best dentists I could find. I attended lectures in New York City, Chicago and Tampa. I brought my patients with me to San Francisco and Las Vegas and worked personally with the nation’s finest cosmetic dentists. I journeyed to Baltimore to master digital photography and case presentation from an award-winning dentist and photographer. I even found myself holed up in a loft above a garage in Omaha picking the brain of a very gifted but somewhat eccentric genius. So, yes, it’s a great time to be a dentist. Equipment, materials and techniques have never been better. Dentists are able to do things that they couldn’t even dream of just a few years ago. But most importantly, it’s very rewarding to be able to change a person’s life. There’s no greater reward than the feeling you get when you share a person’s new smile for the first time. It’s a great time to be a patient, too. So the next time you see your dentist ask, “What’s new?”  Dr. Stephen Gurtner, DMD, is a graduate of USCHS, Northwestern University and The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. He has studied at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies and PAC Live, two leading institutions for advanced cosmetic dentistry. Only two percent of dentists nationwide receive this level of training. He and his wife, Dr. Maggie Gurtner, a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist, have provided dental care in the South Hills for 15 years.

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Diabetes—What We Should Know Diabetes mellitus (Diabetes) is a disease of the

Type 2 Diabetes in both adults and children is closely linked pancreas (an organ behind your stomach). Normally, the pancreas to being overweight and inactive and having a family history of releases a hormone called insulin that helps your body store and diabetes. In the last ten years alone, the prevalence of diagnosed use the sugar from the food you eat. Diabetes occurs when the diabetes cases has increased more that ten-fold, due mostly to pancreas does not produce insulin or produces too little; or when the upsurge in obesity. Once seen only in adults, Type 2 Diabethe body does not respond properly to insulin, a condition called tes has been rising steadily in children. According to the 1999 “insulin resistance.” to 2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, Diabetes is a life-long disease, 15% of young people ages six to and to date there is no cure. People 19 are overweight, nearly triple Type 2 Diabetes, which was originally must manage this disease to stay the 1980 rate. Type 2 Diabetes, an adult onset disease, is now developing healthy. There are two types of which was originally an adult diabetes—Type 1 and Type 2. The in children, resulting from being overweight. onset disease, is now developsymptoms of Type 1 Diabetes are ing in children, resulting from increased thirst, increased hunger being overweight. (especially after eating), dry mouth, frequent urination, unexA simple blood test indicates results of this disease. Proper pected weight loss, fatigue (weak, tired feeling), blurred vision health management, including healthy food choices and an and numbness or tingling in feet or hands. Symptoms of Type 2 active lifestyle can help prevent this disease and its severe Diabetes are slow healing sores or cuts, itching of the skin (usually consequences. in the groin area), yeast infections or recent weight gain. November is American Diabetes Month. Look for seminars and screenings in the local area or call your doctor to get more Did you know that: information.  • Seventeen million people, or 6.2% of the United States population, have diabetes. Information for this article was taken from medical information • Approximately one in every 400 children and adolescents provided by the Cleveland Clinic and media releases from Children’s has Type 1 Diabetes. Hospital of Pittsburgh and Mercy Hospital. • There are one million new cases diagnosed each year. 18

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Youth Sports and Children’s Health Joe Luxbacher It is no secret that physical activ-

ity is good for children and adults alike. It reduces the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and colon cancer. Regular exercise also helps to maintain normal body weight, build healthy muscles and bones, reduce stress and feelings of anxiety, and promote positive self image and psychological well being. In short, there is no single behavioral change you or your children can make that will reap as many positive health benefits as to simply get moving on a regular basis. That said, children today are heavier and less fi t than just ten years ago. The majority of children do not measure up to minimal standards for strength and endurance. Childhood and adolescent obesity is increasing at an alarming rate. The primary forces driving these trends are twofold. Our kids are eating too much and exercising too little. Studies suggest that children today consume approximately 200 calories more per day than they did a decade ago. Even if activity levels were the same now as then, and they are not, that still translates into a lot of extra body fat. The problem is magnified by the fact that kids are even less active today! Only one in three children participate in daily exercise of any kind. The typical grade school child spends 20 or more hours per week sitting in front of the TV, investing nearly as much time watching television and playing video games as they do in school. To make matters even worse, studies show that physical activity declines steadily with age. The growing trend towards adolescent couch potatoes has long-reaching ramifications. Although parents often view baby fat as merely a passing phase in their child’s life, for many it actually signals the beginning of a lifelong struggle with obesity. It is a statistical fact that overweight children are more likely to become overweight adults. It is estimated that 40% of obese children and 70% of obese adolescents will grow to be obese adults.

Our Responsibility as Parents Motivating kids to exercise has become an increasingly important responsibility for parents, teachers and health professionals. The National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) recommends that children five to 12 years of age get at least

playing in the woods, climbing trees, pick up basketball games and riding bikes. In my mind we had the best of all worlds, but it is a world that no longer exists for many people. So while I see many benefits associated with unstructured free play, today it is just not an option for many children. My daughter, Eliza, is seven years old and my son, Travis, is five. If my wife and I expect them to be physically active on a regular basis then we must consider alternatives, one of which is organized youth sports. An appropriately structured youth sport experience can provide regular exercise, develop motor skills and encourage socialization with peers. That is not to say there can’t be a downside. As a person involved in competitive sports for the past 30 years, both as a player and coach, I have witnessed first hand the ugly side of youth sports—coaches who value winning a trophy above the development of their players, leagues that eliminate kids at a very early age (ten and under) by trimming rosters and cutting players, and parents who push their kids to play for a specific club or team when the kids really don’t want to do so. As a responsible parent you have to choose your child’s youth sports well.

Potential Positives of Participation in Organized Youth Sports

Joe Luxbacher with his wife, Gail, daughter, Eliza, and son, Travis

60 minutes, and preferably more, of moderately intense physical activity every day of the week. That can be a tall order for some families, particularly if children do not have the opportunity to play on their own. As a young boy that was never a problem for me. I was fortunate to grow up in a small town surrounded by soccer fields, baseball diamonds and large tracts of wooded forests and fields. There was a group of kids my age. On a typical summer day I would be out the door after breakfast to meet up with friends for a full day of

• Enjoyment—For exercise to be “regular” it must be enjoyable, or it will not remain regular for very long. First and foremost, playing a youth sport should be fun. • Structure—Participating in a youth sport can provide structure and direction to physical activity—key elements for consistency. Kids are usually told when, where, and how often to practice so the exercise is already scheduled for them. All they have to do is show up and play! • Opportunity to socialize—Kids generally have more fun exercising with a group of friends or teammates than when exercising alone. They also learn to cooperate as well as compete.

Fall 2004

Continued on page 22 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Youth Sports and Children’s Health Continued from page 21

• Learn lifetime sport skills—Competence in a physical activity promotes continued participation. Youth sports provide an opportunity to learn skills and develop exercise habits that will carry into adulthood. • Keeps kids moving—Kids are built to move, so you want to choose a youth sport activity that achieves that objective. Remember, the goal is 60 minutes or more of moderately intense aerobic exercise on most days of the week. • Improved health and well being—Sports such as soccer, basketball, ice hockey and swimming can provide children with excellent aerobic workouts and burn lots of calories in the process.

Hidden Dangers of Youth Sport Participation • Parents and coaches consumed in the “hunt for victory”— Keep in mind that the primary reason for playing a youth sport is not to win a trophy or to provide a springboard for a professional athletic career, or even a college career! Less than one-tenth of one percent of our children will make a living as a professional athlete. • Elimination of children at early ages—Competition is a necessary part of youth sports and sports in general, but cutting kids from teams at early ages serves no useful benefit. The youngster who gets cut from the squad at age ten and quits the sport may have developed into the best player on the team by age 14. Even if he or she doesn’t, the potential physical and social benefits derived from playing the sport have been taken away.

• Too much organization—The concern here is that kids become overly dependent on a coach or parent to organize the practice, pick the teams, ref the game and so on. Kids should be encouraged to practice and play on their own whenever possible.

Ways to Make Youth Sport Experience More Fun • Choose age-appropriate activities—Children should be challenged, but must also be able to achieve some degree of success. Conversely, they become bored and may choose not to participate if the activity is too easy. As kids get older the complexities of the games can increase accordingly. • Provide appropriate game environment—Children are not miniature adults. Their bodies will not respond to exercise in the same ways as ours, and they cannot safely handle the same relative workload. Equipment and the general sport environment can be adjusted to accommodate the age and physical maturity of children. When dealing with young children you can decrease the field area and goal size (soccer), the height of the basket (basketball) and length of the base paths (baseball). • Modify the rules to get kids more involved—For example, playing small-sided soccer games (three vs. three or four vs. four) as opposed to full-sided (11 a side) games can enhance learning and increase enjoyment for children. Small-sided games promote increased contact with the ball (skill development), players are required to make more decisions (tactical development), and positional play is greatly reduced because players must assume both offensive and defensive responsibilities. Small-sided games are also fun to play since scoring is increased and all players are totally involved. This same philosophy can be applied to other sports as well.

Community Day Race Results Did you come out to run the Upper St. Clair 5K race? Those who did beat the rain and

enjoyed a morning of physical activity on Community Day this past May. Overall winners were Tim Wu in the men’s division with a 17.15 minute race and Kristin Petrini in the women’s division with a 22.28. Congratulations to all the runners, walkers and families who participated this year. Male Age Categories

Female Age Categories

Male Age Categories

Female Age Categories

8 and under Luke Walker .............. 26.36 Carson Kerr Kevin Muck

8 and under Nancy Benda ............ 36.45 Elaina Walnoha Anne Steen

20-29 Tim Wu..................... 17.15

20-29 Michelle Brodland...... 36.24 Kathleen Himler

9-11 Brian Griffith .............. 21.37 Peter Subosits Austin Wilding

9-11 Megan Hindman ....... 26.33 Mary Grace Franusch Katie Seech

30-39 Greg Christenson ....... 20.57 James Abinati Robert Aumer

30-39 Tara O’Brien.............. 23.08 Vicki Pilossph Robin Maggs

12-14 Paul Griffith ............... 20.28 Philip Yeung Michael McGuire

12-14 Hannah Benda.......... 25.44 Taylor Chakurda Sara Gelb

40-49 Mike Vighetti.............. 21.20 James Wilding Charles Subosits

40-49 Tina Seech................ 22.58 Carla Wilding Janice Gross

15-19 Michael Cartier........... 18.46 Andy Mueller Ross Dawson

15-19 Kristin Petrini ............ 22.28 Lisa Ripper

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2004

50-59 Glen Mole ................. 26.07 Steve Handy Mike Kirkpatrick

• Do Your Homework—Check out the situation—the coach, the overall philosophy of the organization, the atmosphere at the games—all prior to enrolling your child in an activity. I learned this lesson the hard way. My daughter has played in two different soccer leagues during her brief but spectacular (just kidding) career. One, in my opinion, was a waste of time because it was a parent-centered, rather than a player-centered activity. There were so many rules and regulations that the kids were afraid to make a mistake or leave their position to run after the ball. They basically stood around for 30 minutes, looked to mom or dad for instructions and then went home. The kids didn’t have much fun and they definitely didn’t get much exercise. As a parent I failed to do my job. I did not check out the situation beforehand and, sad to say, Eliza paid the price. The other league was just the opposite. The coach was always positive and supportive, the girls were in constant motion for most of the match, and at the end of the day, win or lose, they celebrated with a post-game snack. Although the action on the field did not resemble soccer to any great extent, the kids all had a good time and broke a sweat.

Habits Learned Early Can Shape a Life (and a Body!) A child’s perception of exercise, sports and physical activity in general is influenced by a variety of sources. Although teachers, peers, television and the print media all play a role, parents ultimately shoulder the bulk of responsibility. Eating and exercise habits are learned behaviors. Modeling is a powerful learning tool. It is important for mom and dad to set a good example. Studies show that parents who are physically active have a six times greater chance of developing lifelong exercise habits in their children. Lecturing a child to eat responsibly and exercise regularly won’t carry much weight if she sees firsthand that her parents place little value on physical activity and healthy eating habits. If you have kids like I do you will attest to the fact that children are poor listeners but great imitators.  Joe Luxbacher, Ph.D., is the head coach of the University of Pittsburgh’s men’s soccer team. A 1969 graduate of USCHS, he resides with his family in Upper St. Clair. Fall 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair

winning float— 2004 Community Day parade Off to Boyce” Streams Fourth Level “Sailing

Sneak Preview Of Fall’s Quest Offerings QUEST for Lifelong Learning, Upper St. Clair’s college in

the neighborhood, kicks off its fall session of classes the week of October 4. This semester’s offerings cover a wide spectrum of interests: drama, history, environment and ecology, investment strategy, travel and education. • Macbeth, William Shakespeare’s most widely read play, is the tragedy of a good man led astray by his own overreaching ambition, abetted by his loving wife. Join Jane Hollman, resident Shakespearean and former USCHS teacher, as she leads us through the story which has bedeviled generations of high school seniors. Macbeth has everything a modern audience could wish for—romance, witches, treachery, murder, and an appropriate comeuppance for its antihero, brought down by his own free will. • Canon Richard Davies of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Mt. Lebanon and an expert on local 18th century history will be conducting a class on each of the following topics: The Whiskey Rebellion, Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, and The Status of the Military in 1794. For the fourth session, Dr. Davies will conduct a tour of Old St. Luke’s Church. • USC Citizens for Land Stewardship is sponsoring its fourth course for QUEST; this one, Sustainable, Green Home Improvements looks at choices that both improve the environment and save money in the long run. When it comes to replacing the roof, reducing HVAC expenses through landscaping or cutting water usage and the sewer bill, this course will help homeowners make long-lasting environmentally friendly cost-effective Jim Bennett la Petersen and s Duck Race. ge An l, decisions. al Sm John Foundation’ m promote the Co

munity

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2004

• Back for another go at instructing USC residents on the principles of investing, Jay Descalzi will delve into the intricacies, benefits and pitfalls of Alternative Asset Classes, those investments which are not stocks, bonds or CDs and about which the average investor knows little—rather esoteric investment vehicles such as commodities and REITs. • Fresh from their participation in the Sino-American Seminar on Educational Leadership in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, Dr. James Lombardo, USC Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Tim Steinhauer, Principal of Fort Couch, and Dr. Mike Ghilani, High School Assistant Principal, will talk about their trip to China and Curriculum Reform in the U.S. and China. All three presented papers at the seminar, and their course for QUEST will focus on the establishment of an Asian Studies Program in Upper St. Clair. This program should be of great interest to parents as well as those who do not have children in the schools. Watch for QUEST’s neon-yellow brochure, which will reach USC’s mailboxes shortly after Labor Day. Residents can enroll in as many courses as they wish for $35 per participant. Don’t delay; registration ends on September 23. If QUEST’s brochure fails to arrive at your house, you can find a downloadable registration form at the USC Community Foundation’s website, www.mainstreetusc.com, or reach the foundation offices by phone at 412-831-1107, by fax at 412 257-4160 or by e-mail at cfusc@adelphia.net.

Fiddlesticks To Appear at USCHS Theatre Families, mark your calendars! Fiddlesticks, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s seven-foot feline ambassador, will teach his bright-eyed audience of youngsters that music is a tradition people hand down from generation to generation. Resident Conductor Lucas Richman will lead the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in this educational and entertaining family concert event on January 9, 2005, in the Upper St. Clair High School Theatre at 2:30 p.m. Fiddlesticks concerts are designed for families with children ages four to ten. Contact Celeste Acinapura at 412-257-5682 or Peggy Snavely at 412-833-4408 for more information.

Working the CFUS C Booth at Terry Himes, Celes Community Day are Angela Peter te Acinapura and sen, Rick Purnell.

Township Commissioner Gloria Smith dresses for the theme “Panthers of the Caribbean” in the Community Day parade.

Mainstreet USC eNews A Service of the Community Foundation Do you want to know about what’s happening in Upper St. Clair while you surf the net? Join eNews, sponsored by the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair, to get information on general community news and the foundation’s four focus areas: Fine & Performing Arts, Education & Life Long Learning, Recreation & Leisure and Technology & Science. Consider joining eNews today. It’s free and all at the click of a button! Visit the Community Foundation’s home page at www.mainstreetusc.com and click onto the MainstreetUSC eNews community link on the left hand side of the page. Follow the directions for information submission. A follow up confirmation of your completed submission will be returned to your email address. Sign up today and begin receiving email bulletins regarding community news and activities. 

Community Foundation Contact Information Phone: 412-831-1107 Fax: 412-257-4160 Website: www.mainstreetusc.com/cfusc Email: cfusc@adelphia.net

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Fall 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Native American Pride—A Day Trip Mary Lynne Spazok

Ah… there’s nothing that signals the retreat

from summer into fall more than Mother Nature’s glorious explosion of crimson and golden leaves. Add to that joy a myriad of fall festivals. Yikes! Are you weary of mundane calorie-laden pies and too many pumpkins? Then expand your horizon with a pioneering day trip just 15 minutes from Upper St. Clair. Bike, hike or drive to Heritage Park in nearby McDonald and experience a Native American PowWow. Travel on Route 50 west, then turn right onto newly paved 980 north, also known as the Pennsylvania Bicycle Route A. Enjoy the country call of crowing roosters before coming upon the memorial landmark at Heritage Park. It boasts an 1895 Chaplin Fulton “Pittsburgh” bell. At the next left, park for free to begin this enlightening experience. Here, Native Americans rally in thanksgiving to ensure that all citizens gain knowledge of the similarities and differences in ideas of beauty and culture. Contrary to Hollywood depictions, Native Americans were a successful, civilized society, especially in Western Pennsylvania. Washington and Greene counties boasted a domain where spiritual reverence for nature ensured diplomacy. Winding trails, brisk commerce and celebratory tribunals dictated daily life. Indians cordially welcomed English speaking immigrants at first, but soon became hostile when these visitors seized their homeland and forced them to adopt alien lifestyles. Decimating European-based disease, such as smallpox, against which Indians had no immunity, further diminished their heritage. Rather than becoming

subservient second-class citizens, they had to fight for freedom—their only choice. For 250 years, they fought many bloody battles, but in the end, the natives were restricted to derelict reservation real estate. Vivid histories of regional tribes are nearly completely lost. To overcome their negative image, the Native American Indian Coalition of Pennsylvania was formed in 1999. In peace and harmony, you are invited to learn “the ways of the ancestors.” Steve Skarupa of McDonald has been a trapper for 60 years. Fox, coyote, muskrat, mink and a nuddler (turtle) or two are indigenous in our region. Gathered over time, arrowheads and knives from prime locations such as Steve Skarupa freshly plowed fields or excavation sites are included in his prized collection. Artifacts are displayed, along with garb including a rare war shirt from either the Sioux or Cheyenne tribes. So impassioned, Steve feels that through genuine association he will be reincarnated as a Native American. Continuing along, examine Hogan shelters (igloo like) and the traditional Teepee. Close by is an exhibition of skunks—yes, I said skunks! Deborah Cipriani, a member of the American Domestic Skunk Association Inc. of Ohio and Indiana specializes in skunk rescue. Owner training and public education is paramount. Observe that fur color includes lavender, brown, apricot, mahogany, rare albino and the traditional black and white. Although they are quite beautiful and tempting to pet, no one except the owner is permitted to touch these animals. It is not because they are unfriendly, but it is a law of the Common-

Wanishi

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2004

wealth. A family of their own, skunks were once thought to be related to weasels, ferrets or badgers, but DNA testing discounted this theory. Skunks are omnivores, constant eaters who will eat almost anything such as mice, snakes, toads and small animals. Should you decide this is the pet for you, keep in mind that hours of supervision, patience and affection are necessary training tools. Skunks require constant attention to behave as well-tempered adults. A willing veterinarian is a must, but scarce in our region. Overall, skunks are clever and devoted, and easily learn the right and wrong thing to do. Fascinating! Booth displays include finely crafted silver and turquoise adornments as well as quality hand-tooled leather goods. Some of the turquoise is “old Pawn,” but there are contemporary designs too! Cheyenne, a 98% arctic white wolf gingerly greets visitors. At noon, the Prayer Circle comes

Cheyenne

alive with Native Americans dressed in regalia. They dance and chant to honor friendship, children and military veterans. You are cordially invited to participate as does the McDonald American Legion and Boy Scout Troop 1392. Always respect the lead of the head male and female dancers. You will be called to join in at the proper time. It is considered rude to touch another’s clothing or any other object without permission. Such items are usually treasured family heirlooms passed from one generation to another. Dancers, singers, elders and Council are happy to chat about etiquette and rituals. If you request a special song, tradition dictates a small symbolic gift to the drum such as tobacco or the herb sage.

PowWow Etiquette: • No drugs or alcohol allowed. • The arena or “Circle” has been blessed and is considered sacred—not to be entered unless invited. • Never enter a personal living space such as a Hogan (Eastern U.S.) or Teepee (Western U.S.) unless supervised. • Photograph with permission only. • Demonstrate respect for Mother Earth by depositing trash in containers. • Wanishi (thank you) is appreciated for favors granted.

Shawnee, John Dowdi and Powhatten, Sherrie Dowd

Descendants from the Shawnee, Algonquin, Seneca, Lenape, Mingo and the earliest known pre-historic settlers, the Monongahela tribe strive to ensure that each visitor is embraced in friendship. Activities such as drumming, dancing, crafts and art can be enjoyed while relishing corn soup, fried bread and buffalo patties. There are storytelling sessions, pipe making, hair braiding, face painting and the handling of birds of prey. Chief Billy Red Fox, his council and all members of the Native American Indian Coalition are thankful for those who share in tribal ancestry. Their future includes the dream of a cultural center and living village. The public education program is exemplary. All schools are welcome. Grasp the magnitude of Western Pennsylvania in United States history by taking part in Pittsburgh’s six-year-long commemoration of the French and Indian War. Begin your adventure with the Native American PowWow. This “hands on” interactive encounter will definitely motivate you to delve further into provincial history. Continue with a follow up day trip to Fort Pitt at the Point and Fort Ligonier, which feature the permanent exhibit “Keystone of the Frontier.” Wanishi! 

Visit Our BEST PICKS

Inquiries are welcome for the NAICPA 2004-05 Schedule of Events. Visitations by large groups must be arranged prior to the main event. Billy Red Fox, phone: 724-356-7893 John Zirwas, Head Councilman, phone: 724-926-0129 NAICPA, P. O. Box 191, McDonald, PA 15057 Fall 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Savvy Seniors C

Oldies but Goodies Samantha Reefer, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Intern Upon returning to Upper St. Clair after my freshman

year at John Carroll University, I was invited by Lynn Walcoff, coordinator of the United Senior Citizens of USC, to spend an afternoon with some of Upper St. Clair’s Senior Citizens. This was a homecoming—as it was my first assignment last year as a USCHS intern. On a Wednesday in late May, I arrived at the USC Recreational Center where I was greeted warmly by many of the organization’s members who were enjoying a lovely spring lunch. I was invited to sit with a few of the ladies who explained the details and preparation that went into the annual bake sale and bingo that takes place in the Rec Center every Community Day. Among the ladies I was seated with was Vivian Lesnett, wife of Dell Lesnett of the well-known Lesnett family in Upper St Clair. Of the many active participants of Community Day, Dell Lesnett pulled the numbers for bingo and was relieved later in the afternoon Left to right: Marion Harris, Rita Hart by John Lesica. and Vivian Lesnett Vivian, along with Flo Kenny, who was in charge of the bake sale, and Wanda Voinovich had all prepared rhubarb pies, something I’ve never had or even heard of before. Vivian won first place for her rhubarb pie and shares her recipe with TODAY readers. Many women at the table were tickled pink to hear that I’d never heard of rhubarb pie, and I was quite curious to find out exactly what it was. Thirteen rhubarb pies were made and sold, helping the bake sale’s profit of $800, said to be their best year yet. Included in the bake sale were raisin cinnamon sticky buns—one of my all time favorites—baked by Liz Jawelak, cashier of the bake sale. She sold them, along with fresh coffee, to early risers of Community Day who were setting up booths.

Left to right: Liz Jawelak and Wanda Voinovich 28

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2004

While the ladies I was sitting with enjoyed their lunch, the Tapestry Choir of the South Hills performed foot tapping songs such as “Pretty Baby,” “I Left My Heart In San Francisco” and the ever popular, “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” that had everyone singing along. Sadly, my day came to an end and I thanked all the ladies for speaking with me and Lynn Walcoff for inviting me to spend a Wednesday afternoon with everyone at the Rec Center. I was welcomed home.

Rhubarb Pie Ingredients: • 6 to 7 stalks (1 3/4 pounds) fresh rhubarb, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick slices (about 5 cups) • 1 1/2 cups sugar • 4 1/2 tablespoons flour • Two 9" unbaked pie crusts • 1 teaspoon lemon juice • 1 tablespoon butter Procedure: Preheat oven to 450°. Line the 9" pie pan with one pie crust shell. Mix rhubarb, sugar and flour together and pour into pie crust. Sprinkle with lemon juice. Top with second pie crust shell. Cut several decorative vents or slashes in the upper crust. Seal the two crusts together around the edges. Dot with butter. Bake ten minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°. Bake 20 minutes longer or until rhubarb is tender.

Join Us For Bowling The Upper St. Clair Senior Citizens’ bowling group will begin a new season on Monday, August 30. The Township’s senior citizens bowl at the AMF Bowling Center in Mt. Lebanon every Monday at 1 p.m. (except holidays). The group includes both men and women—so bring a friend or your spouse. The group currently has a minimum of four openings. Beginners are most welcome. No experience required. To join in the fun, call Harry Finke at 412-221-0959 or Lynn Walcoff at 412-831-9000, extension 296. 

Left to right: Chris Orient, Hilda Carson, Betsey Krebbs and Doris Fallon

County of Allegheny Vince Gastgeb

County Councilman - District #5 Allegheny County Courthouse - Downtown Office 436 Grant Street • Room 119 • Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Phone: 412-350-6490 • Fax: 412-350-6499 Bethel Park Municipal Building District Office 5100 West Library Street • Bethel Park, PA 15102 Phone: 412-851-2470 • E-mail: vgastgeb@county.allegheny.pa.us

As part of the back to school routine, I would like to remind parents to

participate actively in the campaign to protect our young people from the destructive, but pervasive, use of drugs. Allegheny County has positioned its government to champion the cause of awareness, education and prevention. The Allegheny County Department of Human Services and the Allegheny County Health Department both offer an array of information and options. One of the more recent programs is a drug awareness, prevention and education seminar. I have been active in organizing these forums and will continue to do so throughout the school year. The forum works by way of lecture and interaction with governmental agencies, private companies, care providers, law enforcement and young adults in recovery. If you would like further information about the seminar program, please call my office. In addition, the following are also resources that you can contact. Together we can make a difference in our communities!

Cole Haan Outerwear Fall 2004

Allegheny County Department of Human Services .................. 412-350-5701 Allegheny County Health Department ..................................... 412-687-2243 Allegheny County Police .......................................................... 412-473-1200

Do Your Part Upper St. Clair Cardboard and Paper Recycling Program A volunteer group of USC residents has come together to organize a Townshipwide cardboard and paper recycling program. Donations are welcomed. A donation jar will be available on site. When: Saturday, September 4 and Saturday, December 4, 9 a.m.-noon Where: USC Public Works Parking Lot (corner of Truxton Road and McLaughlin Run Road) Items to be Collected: Corrugated cardboard, paper (not newsprint), magazines, catalogues, phone books, junk mail and shredded paper. Please do not drop off newsprint. Continue to recycle newsprint at your curbside. Questions: Call 412-831-9000. 2004 Trash-Recycling Holiday Collection Week of Labor Day................... Friday, September 10 (Delayed one day) Week of Thanksgiving Day ...... Friday, November 26 (Delayed one day) Week of Christmas................... Thursday, December 23 (No change) Fall Yard Debris and Leaf Waste Collection—Saturdays Collections will take place the following Saturdays. Please place your fall yard debris and leaf waste in compostable paper bags and place the bags at curbside by 6 a.m. the morning of pick up. October 23 October 30 November 6 November 13 November 20 December 4 Fall 2004

Galleria 412-531-9663 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Township of Upper St. Clair Frank E. Marsh President, Ward 5

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 724-941-6244 2007*

Robert W. Orchowski

Vice President, Ward 3 Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-854-1868 2007*

Preston W. Shimer Ward 1

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-221-1736 2007*

Gloria Smith Ward 2

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

Ched Mertz Ward 4

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-833-3631 2005*

Bill Bates At Large

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-257-8115 2007*

Highlights of the Board of Commissioners Meetings 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, call 412-831-9000.

March 1, 2004 Approximately 100 people attended.

The Board: • Reviewed and closed the public hearing PLC03-0015 Gilfillan Farm Site Plan, Unified Conditional Use/ Preliminary and Final Land Development Approval. • Heard proposal by Mr. Todd Flynn, Upper St. Clair High School teacher, regarding the Veterans’ Memorial. • Accepted the SHACOG Legislative Agenda. • Reviewed and authorized various elements of the Boyce Mayview Action Plan. • Authorized the Township Manager to proceed with the formation of the Boyce Mayview Park Internal Trails Ad Hoc Committee. • Adopted Resolution No. 1438 joining with the Upper St. Clair School District to file real estate tax appeals for 2004 and 2005. • Reaffirmed Resolution No. 1430 supporting House Bill 612, which amends the exemption amount of the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Exemption Act. • Adopted Resolution No. 1439 authorizing the Township to enter into an Administrative Consent Order with the Allegheny County Health Department concerning illegal sanitary sewer overflows in the Township’s sanitary sewer system. Board Approval of Contracts: • Peter J. Caruso and Sons, Inc.–Pittsburgh 2004 Annual Street Resurfacing.......$948,104.96 • Penn Line Service, Inc.–Scottdale 2004 Street Crack Sealing .......................$27,000 • Five Star International–Harrisburg A 2005 35,000 GVW International Cab & Chassis.........................................$58,377 • U.S. Municipal Supply–Huntingdon A Dump Body Up-Fit for 35,000 GVW International Cab & Chassis ..................$26,924

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

Special Board of Commissioners Meeting

April 12, 2004 Approximately 1 person attended.

The Board: • Authorized the Township Manager to make arrangements to convert the current three-year lease of modular classrooms at the Boyce Mayview Environmental Education Center in the amount of $108,791 to a purchase of the same modular classrooms for $134,207 subject to arrangements satisfactory to the Township as reviewed by the Township Attorney and subject to DEP review.

April 5, 2004

May 3, 2004

Approximately 15 people attended.

Approximately 10 people attended.

Recognition: • A Proclamation declaring April 18-24, 2004, as National Library Week was presented to Lois Hoop, Director of the Library and Diane Ornato, Reference Librarian. The Board: • Adopted Bill No. 1-04 granting unified conditional use and preliminary and final land development approval to the Gilfillan Farm Site Plan (1950 Washington Road), subject to certain conditions.

Proclamation: • The Board presented a Proclamation declaring the week of May 16-22, 2004, as EMS Week in Upper St. Clair. Nora Helfrich, Director of Tri-Community South EMS and several TCS staff members were present to receive the Proclamation. The Board: • Adopted Bill No. 3-04, amending Chapter 57 of the Township Code entitled “Fees”, to adjust charges for overdue Library books.

Township of Upper St. Clair Meeting Dates

Ernest T. Harris At Large

• Adopted Bill No. 2-04 authorizing 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. Board Approval of Contracts: • Alpha Space Control Co., Inc.–Fayetteville Hot Thermoplastic Applied Pavement Markings................... $24,568 • Overhead Door Company of Greater Pittsburgh– Pittsburgh Public Works Building Garage Door Replacement ...................... $69,631 • Day Chevrolet–Monroeville Replacement of Staff Vehicle................... $36,000 • Medtronic Physio-Control Corporation– Redmond, WA Fifteen First Responder AEDs .................. 24,925 • Cardiac Science, Inc.–Irvine, CA Eighteen Public Access AEDs ................. $35,982 • The Board voted to table the Approval of the Contract with Resun, Ambridge for the Conversion of a ($108,791) three-year lease of Modular Classrooms at Boyce Mayview Environmental Education Center, until the May 3, 2004, Board meeting.

• 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.

*Date indicates expiration of term.

3030 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 2004 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Fall Fall 2004

Visit our Website - www.twpusc.org

Our Community Government The Township of Upper St. Clair became

a Home Rule Community on January 1, 1976. As a Home Rule Community, the Township is governed by a locally drafted charter adopted by the voters of Upper St. Clair. The Home Rule Charter provides for a Board of Commissioners comprising seven members. Two commissioners are elected at large by all the voters of the Township and five are elected by ward. Commissioners are elected for four-year terms. In a Commissioner/Manager form of government, the Charter provides a clear distinction between policy-making functions and administrative functions. The Board of Commissioners is responsible for the policy-making functions. The Township Manager is appointed by the Board of Commissioners and serves as Chief Administrative Officer. He is responsible for the administrative functions of the Township. The Township Manager is directly responsible and accountable to the Board of Commissioners.

The Township Manager and his designated representatives are responsible for the following: directing and supervising the operation of all Township departments, preparing an annual budget and an annual financial report, signing papers, contracts, obligations and documents on behalf of the Township as required by law, preserving order in the Township, enforcing ordinances and regulations, representing the Township to other governmental organizations and agencies and providing staff assistance to the elected Board of Commissioners. The Board of Commissioners meeting agendas are posted on the bulletin board in the main lobby of the Township Municipal Building and on the website. At the Board of Commissioners meetings, all business with regard to the operation of the Township is conducted and residents are invited to attend. Residents may speak at the meeting during the portion of the meeting designated “Public Comments.”

Correspondence regarding the meetings or correspondence to the seven elected Commissioners should be mailed to: Township of Upper St. Clair, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241. Minutes from the meetings are public information and can be reviewed at the Township Municipal Building by completing a “Request Form to Review Records.” This form is available from the Township Receptionist or the Community Development Department. The minutes and many other Township documents are also available in the Library. Call 412-831-9000 for more information. Douglas A. Watkins has been the Township Manager since 1982. The Township Attorney is Charles McCullough and the Township Engineer is Ruthann Omer of The Gateway Engineers, Inc. 

Upper St. Clair Township Boards and Commissions The Township’s Board of Commissioners appoints Boards or Commissions to specialize in selected areas of municipal government

and to serve as advisors. These residents volunteer their expertise to make our community a great place to live. The Township’s Board and Commission members, with their December 31 term of expiration, are as follows: Planning Commission James E. Sekela, Chairman....................................................... 2005 Joel M. Helmrich, Vice Chairman ............................................ 2004 Scott R. Slagle, Secretary .......................................................... 2004 Marvin Haddox ........................................................................ 2005 Robert J. Ridge ......................................................................... 2006 Douglas L. Shuck ..................................................................... 2007 David Wade .............................................................................. 2006

Building and Fire Codes Appeals and Advisory Board Michael McDonnell, Chairman................................................ 2004 James A. Sampey, Vice Chairman ............................................. 2004 Russell R. Del Re ...................................................................... 2006 David J. McLean ....................................................................... 2005 Joseph F. Valvo.......................................................................... 2005 Robert T. Stevens, Alternate ..................................................... 2006 Cable Television Board (one vacancy) Robert M. Unetich, Chairman.................................................. 2005 Rich Sandala ............................................................................. 2004 Civil Service Board Gene Musial, Chairman ........................................................... 2005 James L. Conn .......................................................................... 2006 P.J. Murray, III........................................................................... 2004

Planning Commission Left to right: Marvin Haddox; James E. Sekela, Chairman; David Wade; Joel M. Helmrich, Vice Chairman; Scott R. Slagle, Secretary; Douglas L. Shuck. Not pictured: Robert J. Ridge

Zoning Hearing Board David E. Tungate, Chairman .................................................... 2006 Dwight D. Ferguson, Vice Chairman ....................................... 2004 Robert L. Allman, II ................................................................. 2005

Zoning Hearing Board Left to right: Dwight D. Ferguson, Vice Chairman; David E. Tungate, Chairman; Robert L. Allman, II

Library Board (two vacancies) Michael P. Bova......................................................................... 2005 Municipal Authority Board C. James Parks, Chairman........................................................ 2008 Thomas I. Samson, Vice Chairman .......................................... 2005 Douglas A. Watkins, Secretary/Treasurer ................................. 2005 Russell L. Crane ....................................................................... 2007 T.A. Ward ................................................................................. 2004 Parks and Recreation Board Raymond D. Gergich, Chairman.............................................. 2006 Karen M. McElhinny, Vice Chairman....................................... 2005 William O. Barnard .................................................................. 2005 Thomas Browand ..................................................................... 2005 Michael P. Gleason ................................................................... 2004 Roger Hartung.......................................................................... 2004 Don Rectenwald., Jr.................................................................. 2004

Fall 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

A WARRANTY THAT’S HARD TO OUTRUN CADILLAC DEVILLE DTS

Meet Our Township People Township Manager

• CERTIFIED Pre-Owned • Extension of New-Vehicle Limited Warranty to 6 years/100,000 Miles* • 100-Plus Point Inspection • 24-hour Cadillac Roadside Service • 6 Months of OnStar Service at No Additional Charge**

Douglas A. Watkins Township Manager 412-831-9000, ext. 216 www.twpusc.org

Assistant Township Manager Mark S. Mansfield Assistant Township Manager 412-831-9000, ext. 219 www.twpusc.org

The Township Manager is appointed

by the Board of Commissioners, serves as Chief Administrative Officer and is responsible for the administrative functions of the Township. The Manager is directly responsible and accountable to the Board of Commissioners. The Township Manager and his designated representatives are responsible for the following:

www.rohrich.com

One mile south of the Liberty Tubes

412.344.6000

Kathy McCloskey An Upper St. Clair neighbor who you can count on & trust for your Real Estate needs

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

• Directing and supervising the operation of all Township Departments • Preparing an Annual Budget and Financial Report • Signing papers, contracts, obligations and documents on behalf of the Township as required by law • Preserving order in the Township • Enforcing ordinances and regulations • Representing the Township to other governmental organizations and agencies • Providing staff assistance to the elected Board of Commissioners The Township Manager oversees the activities of the following Departments: • Administration • Community Development • Finance and Tax • Information Technology • Library • Police • Public Works • Recreation and Leisure Services

e-mail: Kmccloskey@howardhanna.com UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

accordance with the Home Rule Charter, is appointed by and assigned responsibilities and obligations through the Township Manager. The Assistant Township Manager also serves as Director of Administration. In addition to working closely with the Township Manager on day-to-day matters or special programs, the Assistant Township Manager also takes a lead role in the administrative service areas listed below: • Personnel administration • Purchasing • Labor relations and negotiations • Public relations • Community communications and cable television • Office management • Records maintenance and retrieval • Coordination of departmental operations • In-service training programs • Coordination of grant applications • Staff assistance to Boards and Commissions

Diana Pifer Secretary to Finance Director and Assistant Township Manager

Sandra Geib Administrative Assistant to Administration and Finance

Cindy Kane Office Assistant

Real Estate Services

The Assistant Township Manager, in

Victoria Spence Executive Assistant to Township Manager

Fall 2004

Community Development

Matthew R. Serakowski Director of Community Development

Shannon Miller Planning and Zoning Administrator

Walter “Butch” Anthony Chief Inspector

Glenn Prokopovitch Code Enforcement Officer

Carla Esselstyn Secretary

Kate Oberle Director’s Secretary

Deborah Waller Fire Marshal

412-831-9000, ext. 501 www.twpusc.org

Community Development’s goals

are to protect the property values and residential character of the Township. Development of the community is guided by the Township’s Comprehensive Plan. The functions of this department include long-range planning assistance in conjunction with the Township’s Comprehensive Plan, administration and enforcement of land use codes, issuing permits related to zoning approvals, building, fire protection, driveways, sewers, alarms, grading and street openings and technical and staff-review assistance to the Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, Building and Fire Codes Appeals and Advisory Board. Permits are required for the following activities: remodeling, adding to or altering any structure, construction of new structures, change in land usage, installation of alarm systems, grading other than minor landscaping, electrical installations, alterations to or enlargement of a driveway, tapping into, altering or constructing a sewer, grading over a sewer and installation of air conditioners/furnaces. The Department of Planning and Community Development is currently working on the 2005 Comprehensive Plan. This Plan will include the goals and objectives of the Township over the next decade. Due to the limited amount of developable land left within the Township, this Plan will encompass future development along with reevaluation of existing land. For information on development and land use in the Township, the 1995 Comprehensive Plan, Township Code, 2004 compilation of Commercial Property Plan or the revised Sidewalks and Bikeways Plan, contact the Community Development Department, the Library or visit the Township’s website at www.twpusc.org. A variety of information is available on the website including downloadable permit applications and updates on implementation of the revised Sidewalks and Bikeways Plan. 

Township Ordinance Reminders • Yearly permits are required for the operation of a fire and/or intrusive alarm system. • Smoke detectors are required in all residential structures. • Outside burning of leaves, trash, or other material is prohibited by the Township Code and by the Allegheny County Health Department, Air Pollution Control Ordinance. • House numbers on residences should be at least a three-inch visible Arabic number close to the door facing the street. • Residents operating a home occupation are required to obtain a permit from the Township. Certain types of businesses qualify as home occupations. • The covering of sewer manholes and interference with drainage facilities, including swales, is prohibited. • There are Township guidelines for erection of mailboxes in street right-of-ways in accordance with the U.S. Postal Service regulations. • Parking is permitted only on paved parking areas or driveways. If you are contemplating expanding your parking areas or driveway, please contact the Community Development Department for guidelines before work begins.

Coming Soon! In preparation of the 2005 Comprehensive Plan, a Quality of Life survey will be mailed to each Township household. Watch for it before the end of the year. Fall 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Finance

August G. Stache, Jr. Director of Finance 412-831-9000, ext. 218 www.twpusc.org

Group Benefits Commercial Insurance Individual Financial Planning Professional Liability Coverage Life-Disability-Automobile-Homeowners

Protecting Today. Securing Tomorrow .

sponsible for all fiscal concerns of the Township, including budget preparation, expenditure control, financial reporting and projecting, insurance management, debt management, property and inventory control, purchasing, investment of idle funds and operation of the Tax office. The Township Tax Office collects taxes for both the Township and the School District. Township Budget is prepared each fall by the Department of Finance. The Township’s fiscal year runs from January 1 through December 31. A public hearing is held at the regular commissioners’ meeting scheduled in November for comments and concerns on budgetary matters. A copy of the budget is available in the Reception Area and in the Library. Taxes and User Fees Taxes are the primary source of revenue for municipal governments and school districts. Tax rates are determined by state and/or local regulations to yield sufficient funds to pay for the expense of providing schools and public services. In April 1999 the Board of Commissioners awarded a tax collection contract to Jordan Tax Service. All payments for School District and Township taxes are still received in the Township Tax office. Real Estate Tax referred to as property taxes, are levied by three separate government entities: Allegheny County, the Township and School District of Upper St. Clair. The tax is levied on all residential, commercial, industrial and other non-exempt real estate.

2004 BUDGETED REVENUES BY MAJOR CATEGORY

6,000,000

5,000,000

4,000,000

3,000,000

2,000,000

1,000,000

0 Real Estate Taxes

CATEGORY Earned Income Taxes

R.E. Transfer Tax

Tax Due

Township

School District

920 Fort Duquesne Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15222 T • 412 261 1842 F • 412 261 4149 E • info@hendersonbrothers.com

Bills Mailed

April 30

July 1

Due–2% discount

April 30–June 30

July 1–Aug. 31

Due–face value

July 1–Aug. 31

Sept. 1–Nov. 1

www.hendersonbrothers.com

Due–10% penalty

To Lien Date

to Lien Date

Taxes Liened

December

Henderson Brothers, Inc.

Faye Rush Office Assistant

The taxes are calculated as the product of two factors: The assessed value of the property and the millage rates. The assessed value is the market value of the property as determined by Allegheny County. The millage rates are set yearly by each of the three taxing jurisdictions. A mill is 1/1000 of a dollar of total assessed property value in the Township. Tenant Registration is required of all property owners and is due each June. Forms are mailed with Township real estate tax statements to all property owners each May. Changes in the status of tenants must be reported to the Tax Office every 30 days.

DOLLARS

The Department of Finance is re-

Vince Yevins Chief Accountant

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2004

Other Revenues

Township of Upper St. Clair Real Estate Tax Millage

ALLEGHENY COUNTY 4.69 MILLS

2004 GENERAL FUND APPROPRIATIONS BY EXPENDITURE TYPE

USC TOWNSHIP 2.60 MILLS

OTHER 10.8%

CONTRACTED SERVICES 23.5%

COMMODITIES 7.5%

PERSONNEL SERVICES 58.2%

USC SCHOOL DISTRICT 21.78 MILLS

Earned Income and Net Profits Tax is a 1.25% (0.75% Township; 0.5% School District) tax on earned income and compensation (W-2 income from salaries or wages) and net profits from a business, profession or farming (Federal Schedules C, F, and K-1 1065).

Tax audits are routinely conducted on residents, including those who are moving out of the Township. Failure to comply with the tax regulations will result in penalty and interest charges, charges at the District Justice, fines up to $500 per year and/or wage attachments. Sewer User Fees—are based on water meter readings. Sewer billing information and rates are determined by ALCOSAN (the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority) and a Township multiplier for sanitary sewer rehabilitation and repair. Sewer users’ fee bills are issued quarterly. A five percent penalty is assessed for late payments. Failure to pay sewer bills may result in water shut-off and/or liens against the property. Property owners are liable for the unpaid sewer bills of their tenants. A new resident may receive one or two sewer bills for the previous resident. Buyers and sellers of homes should make arrangements for payment of these bills at the time of the closing of the home. 

Earned Income Tax Quarterly Tax Dates 2004 First Quarter .......... April 30 Second Quarter ...... August 2 Third Quarter......... November 1 Fourth Quarter ...... January 31, 2005 Two-income households must file separate quarterly and final tax returns. Quarterly tax payments are required. A taxpayer whose employer does not withhold local tax must file quarterly tax returns. Final tax returns are required for all taxpayers.

2004 GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES BY MAJOR EXPENDITURE CATEGORY

4,000,000

3,500,000

3,000,000

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Police Department Ronald J. Pardini Chief of Police Emergency 412-833-7500 724-941-7500 Non-Emergency 412-833-1113 www.twpusc.org

Doug Burkholder Deputy Chief

John Sakoian Lieutenant

James Englert Lieutenant

Public Safety The Township of Upper St. Clair has received national recognition as one of the top ten safest communities compared with others of similar population in the United States. Police protection is one of the most vital, visible and costly services provided by local governments. The Police Department is responsible for insuring public safety and for the enforcement of the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the laws and ordinances of the Township of Upper St. Clair. The Police Department has 27 full time, sworn police officers and seven civilian employees. The department maintains a 24-hour dispatch center that coordinates all emergency services, including police, fire and emergency medical services (ambulance). The Police Department provides the following services: • Vigorous residential patrol • Patrol squads dedicated to • Vacation home checks neighborhood patrol and protection of life and property • Traffic safety programs • Bicycle registration • Criminal investigations programs each spring • Polygraph service • Project Safe Neighbor • Crime prevention (community watch) • Telecommunication Devices • Business patrol checks for Hearing Impaired(TDD) • Property identification • Traffic squads dedicated to checks enforcement of traffic laws • Engraving services and safety • Special investigation tactical • Law enforcement speakers • Juvenile investigations team prepared to respond to emergencies

Joe Sanker, on duty at the Dispatch Center

Congratulations! For the 12 th consecutive year, Chief of Police Ron Pardini won the gold medal in the Senior Division at the National Judo Championships in San Diego. Chief Pardini has been active in Judo for 46 years and trains and instructs at Kim’s Martial Arts and Fitness. He is a sixth degree black belt and the highest ranked Caucasian in Pennsylvania. 36

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2004

Sue Lekse Records Coordinator

Russell Rauch Technical Coordinator

Lisa Frezza Chief’s Secretary

Ordinance Reminders • On-street parking is prohibited between 2 and 6 a.m. • Dogs and cats must be on a leash when outdoors or kept in an enclosed area. Yearly licenses are required for dogs and cats. • Solicitors and peddlers must be issued a permit. If someone comes to your door, ask to see an Upper St. Clair permit. • Pennsylvania Vehicle Code requires that walkers, joggers, bicyclists and people walking dogs yield to the right-of-way to vehicles on the roadway.

Lost and Found Lost items and recovered stolen items frequently turn up in the Police Department’s Lost and Found. Residents who have an item to recover should contact the Police Department.

Upper St. Clair Police Prepare for Terrorism In 1989 Police Chief Ronald

Pardini began preparing Upper St. Clair police officers for terrorism by forming a 12-officer Special Investigative Tactical Team to train in Left to right: Upper St. Clair Chief anticipation of an extraordiRonald Pardini and Lieutenant nary crisis event requiring John Sakoian (holding SHACOG award plaque). special skills for a successful resolution. In 1995 all officers were trained in these skills. This program and the specialized lesson content expanded into the South Hills Council of Governments (SHACOG) Police Chief Advisory Committee’s program for the purpose of multiple community preparedness and effective mutual aid. In April 2004, SHACOG presented Lieutenant John Sakoian of the UCS Police Department with a plaque of recognition for assisting in developing the curriculum and directing the training of 200 South Hills officers.

Citizens’ Police Academy for Residents

Bicycle Registration and Safety Program Sgt. Robert Williams On May 22, 2004,

the Upper St. Clair Police Department Bicycle Registration and Safety Program was held with many residents participating. Those attending had their bicycles registered and thoroughly inspected. A certified bicycle mechanic from Bike Outfitters was on hand to make necessary repairs and adjustments. Left to right: Lieutenant James Englert, winner Michael McCoombs, Participants then rode Eagle Scout Mike Seese and Lieutenant John Sakoian. their bicycles on a specially designed bicycle course at the rear of the Municipal Building. Numerous related safety videos were shown during the program. At the end of the day prizes were awarded to several youngsters who participated. Winning the bicycle donated by Dick’s Clothing and Sporting Goods at South Hills Village was Michael McCombs and Katie Seech won the helmet. Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania supplied additional helmets. The Police Department would like to thank Dick’s, McDonald’s Restaurant, Lorenzato Automotive and Dunham Sports for assisting with the event. The assistance of the Upper St. Clair Public Works Department and the Upper St. Clair School District was also appreciated. 

The Upper St. Clair Police Department

is hosting its fifth Citizens’ Police Academy in October 2004. The Academy classes will be conducted at the Police Department, once a week for seven weeks, with a combination of three-hour evening and day sessions. The course syllabus includes instruction and scenario-based training on various aspects of law enforcement. Objectives would include: • An overview of the Criminal Justice System • Local Ordinances, Crime and Vehicle Code updates • The U.S. Constitution and Citizens’ Rights • Firearm Safety, Use of Force Policy and Defensive Tactics • Patrol Procedures, Traffic Stops and Officer Safety • Criminal, Drug and Gang Investigations (Mock Crime Scene) • Domestic Crimes and Custody Disputes • The Role of the District Attorney and the Court System • Local Programs and Public Issues To help us determine interest in the program, please contact the Upper St. Clair Police Administration at 412-833-1113, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional applications will be available at the Police Department for Township residents. 

2004 Upper St. Clair Citizens’ Police Academy 2002 Graduating Class Upper St. Clair Police Department Citizens’ Police Academy Application I would like to participate in the Citizens’ Police Academy. I am willing to assume the responsibilities of the Academy and to permit the required police background investigation. Applicants must be residents of the Township of Upper St. Clair, at least 21 years of age and in good health. Name: (last, first, middle) ________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ Home Phone: _____________________________________________________ Employer(s): ______________________________________________________ Social Security #: __________________________________________________ Date of Birth: _____________________________________________________ Daytime Phone:____________________________________________________ Business Phone: __________________________________________________ Previous Address(es): (for the last 10 years) ________________________________________________________________ Have you ever been arrested? ________________________________________ If yes, please explain: _______________________________________________ The final decision on class participants is up to the sole discretion of the Upper St. Clair Police Department.

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

Signature: ________________________________________________________ Please mail or deliver to: Upper St. Clair Police Department • 1820 McLaughlin Run Road • Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Emergency 412-833-7500 or 724-941-7500 • Administration 412-833-1113

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Library

Adult Library Staff Left to right, front row: Diane Ornato, Anna Marie Orient, Hazel Tanner, Helen Palascak; back row: Susan Saxman, Parry Kokalis, Maureen Case, Linda Messer, Dorothy Curley

Lois Hoop Director of Library 412-835-5540 www.twpusc.org

Debra Conn Head of Children’s and Youth Services Helen Palascak Head of Technical Services

Adult Library

Easy Access to Your Library Phone: 412-835-5540 FAX: 412-835-6763 INFO LINE: 412-854-5353/7113 E-Mail: usc@einetwork.net Homepage: www.twpusc.org/libmain/lib.html

Collection: • Approximately 100,000 circulating items and reference books • Magazines • Videocassettes and DVDs • Music CDs • CD ROMs • E-book Readers • Books on tape and books on CD— abridged and unabridged • Large print books • Vertical file including pictures • Special focus areas for Business/Investing Education/Career Foreign Language Consumer Materials

Services: • Reference service at Library and, when practical, by telephone and email • Interlibrary loan • Photocopying machine with reduction/enlargement and duplexing capabilities • Computer stations with Microsoft Office, Internet and specialized online databases. • Microfiche reader • Community Events and Student Job Exchange bulletin boards • Student job opportunities • Tribute Books Collection • Study rooms and Cozy Reading Corner • Online catalog to renew items and place holds

Program/Activities: • Book reviews for community organizations • Adult volunteer program • Special interest programs throughout the year • Display cases for collections, hobbies and themes • And much more! Friends of the Library collect used books at the USC Community Center Lobby the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Friends annual book sale is in May.

“Go Live Day” May 5, 2004, was “Go Live Day” for Horizon, the Library’s new automated system. The first book checkouts went smoothly. See article on page 32 in the Summer 2004 issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY.

Left to right: Lois Hoop, Director of Library; Douglas Watkins, Township Manager and Darrell McNamara, Dynix Consultant

Left to right: Commissioner Frank Marsh and Hazel Tanner

The Library would like to recognize and thank the many organizations and businesses whose generosity made the Upper St. Clair Library’s 2004 Summer Reading Program possible. Upper St. Clair Library’s Friends of the Library, Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair, Woman’s Club of Upper St. Clair, County of Allegheny Parks Department, National Aviary, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center, Upper St. Clair Parks and Recreation Department, Rita’s Italian Ice, Brookside Women’s Club, Citizens Financial Group,Ardolino’s, Donut Connection, Pati Petite Cookies, King’s Restaurants, Loafer’s Bread Company, Gateway Clipper Fleet, Pepperoni’s, Dairy Queen, Subway, Friday’s, Barnes & Nobles, Target, Bethel Bakery, 38

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2004

Bruster’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream and Yogurt, Carnegie Science Center, Mm! Mm! Pizza, Phipp’s Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Pittsburgh Children’s Museum, Pizzaz Pizza, Trax Farms, Cool Springs, Eat ’n Park, Panera Bread, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Pittsburgh Steelers, Star City Cinema, Toys-R-Us, Don’s Appliance, Starbucks Collier Town Square, Starbucks Galleria, Rotelli at Collier Towne Square, Cold Stone Creamery, Build-a-Bear, Ace Hardware, Giant Eagle, McDonald’s, Max and Erma’s, Pizza Hut, Frosty Valley

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Children’s Staff Left to right: Barbara Brown, Eileen Smith, Debra Conn (Head of Youth Services), Vanessa Ryzner

Time for Twos is a half-hour program featuring action rhymes, songs, books, puppets and play. Kids love the balls and bubbles.

Children’s Library We want to welcome you to the Children’s Library.

Here’s what’s available for you and your child: • A friendly and helpful staff • Books for children from birth through high school • Parenting books • Puzzles and puppets • Music cassettes, CDs, audio books, videos and DVDs • Computers equipped with educational games, reference tools and the Internet • Booklists available in print and on the web Children’s Library Program Guide The Children’s Library offers a variety of programs throughout the year. Specific information is available in the seasonal program brochures available at the Library, on the web at www.twpusc.org/ libmain/lib.html, on the USC INFO LINE at 412-854-5353, extension 7546, or call the Children’s Library at 412-835-5540, extension 251.

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Preschool Storytime is a fun and educational program featuring stories, song, fingerplays and book-related activities.

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More than a Story is a 45-minute after school program for kids in kindergarten through second grade. Each week the kids explore a different topic using all the Library’s resources.

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Summer Reading is open to children of all ages. This program provides a nopressure, fun way to read during summer vacation. Summer reading participation promotes retaining and improving reading skills mastered during the school year. 

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Library Hours

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Monday–Thursday 9:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Friday–Saturday 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday 1 – 5 p.m.

Babies and Toddlers combines action rhymes, songs, interactive play and books in a fast paced program designed to hold the attention of our youngest participants. It concludes with a playtime.

Closed Monday, September 6

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Outside book and video return available 24 hours a day, collected daily at 9 a.m.

Fall 2004

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�� UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Recreation and Leisure Services Paul Besterman Director of Recreation and Leisure Services 412-831-9000, ext. 256 www.twpusc.org

Karen Babeji Program Coordinator

The Department of Recreation and Leisure Services is responsible

for recreation programming and activities for Township residents of all ages. The Recreation Department bi-annually publishes a program brochure that lists the many activities offered for residents. The spring/summer issue is delivered to residents at the beginning of April and the fall/winter issue is delivered in early September. Additionally, the program brochure can be viewed online at the Township website www.twpusc.org. Registrations for various programs can be done by mail or in person at the Recreation Office during regular business hours, Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents can also contact the Recreation Office for information on reserving Township facilities such as the Recreation Center for parties or special activities, meeting rooms, or availability of Township athletic fields.

Julie Shriver Director’s Secretary

• Cable 7 is located in the Township Building near the Recreation and Leisure Services office. Cable 7’s purpose is to provide a conduit for information from community groups and individuals to the residents of the Township. Cable 7’s Public Access TV offers community access television to Township residents. Volunteers can make arrangements to get trained on camera equipment and tape various sporting events or school activities. A video newspaper on Cable 7 displays information and meeting announcements for a variety of Glenn Ward—Cable 7 Township activities, community groups and churches. For additional information, call 412-831-1030.

Animal Control 412-833-7500 • 724-941-7500

• Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair provides Wednesday lunches and programs for all residents ages 55 and older. A variety of activities and field trips are planned each year. Meetings are held every Lynn Walcoff Older Adult Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. Coordinator at the Recreation Center. • The Parks and Recreation Board meets the fourth Tuesday of the month. There is no meeting in December. • Community Day is a day of activities for the entire family held on a Saturday in May. • The annual flea market is held on a Saturday in July in the Upper St. Clair High School parking lot. • The Township has more than 500 acres of community and neighborhood parks and facilities. These include ten parks, five baseball fields, 16 tennis courts, a three-hole golf course, nine basketball courts, five soccer fields, two roller hockey decks, a walking trail in Gilfillan Park, nature trails at Boyce Mayview Park and various other recreational areas. 

Left to right: Don Cooley, Dan Spinnenweber, Tony Capozzoli and Bob Habjanetz

The Township participates in a joint animal control program with Mt.

Lebanon, Scott Township, Dormont, Greentree, Castle Shannon, Whitehall and Heidelberg. Four Animal Control officers are on duty seven days a week, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and provide emergency service 24-hours a day. Clair’s Kennel provides a temporary home for wandering pets. Residents can call the Police Department for Animal Control Service to report animals running at large, to enforce nuisance animal regulations and to report injured or killed animals. Returning pets to their proper owner and finding homes for unclaimed animals are priorities for Animal Control officers.  40

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2004

Look for the Fall/Winter Recreation Program brochure arriving in September!

Public Works F. Kyle Robinson Director of Public Works 412-831-9000, ext. 271 After Hour Emergency Number 412-833-7500 www.twpusc.org

George Kostelich Superintendent of Operations

Dave Kutschbach Superintendent of Projects

Walter Jarosh Superintendent of Buildings/Forester

Dan Flatz Public Improvements Inspector

Mike Russin Projects Inspector/ Technician

Rich Botz Projects Inspector/ Technician

Cindy Lockovich Director’s Secretary

Charlotte Adams

The Department of Public Works

is responsible for the management and supervision of all activities relating to streets, storm sewers, sanitary sewers, trash and refuse collection, recycling, leaf waste collection, parks and recreation facility maintenance, building and grounds maintenance and forestry. Six supervisory personnel, two secretarial staff and 20 laborers staff the Public Works Department.

Trash Collection Trash and refuse collection is contracted to be removed weekly on Thursdays. Trash collection will be delayed one day when a holiday falls during the week. Rules and Regulations plus pick-up schedules concerning trash, recyclable material and leaf and yard wastes are mailed to each resident annually and appears on the website. Trash, rubbish and recycling bins must be placed at the curbside either after 6 p.m. Wednesday or by 6 a.m. Thursday. Trash and/or recycling reported by the hauler as “late” (placed at the curbside after 6 a.m. Thursday) should be held for disposal the following Thursday or may be disposed of at the homeowner’s expense. Containers must be removed from the curbside by midnight on Thursday. During the winter months (November-March) trash may be placed at the curbside as early as 4:30 p.m. due to the decrease in daylight.

Recycling The Township of Upper St. Clair contracts for a bi-weekly collection on Thursdays of the following recyclables: • Aluminum and bi-metal beverage cans • Steel cans (tin) • Plastic PETE such as a two-liter pop bottle and HDPE such as a milk container • Newsprint and inserts (Must be placed in, on top of, or beside recycling container. Plastic bags or bundles will not be accepted.) • Clear, green and brown glass containers

Tires may be returned to tire dealers or automotive centers for a small charge. Used motor oil may be dropped off at various Valvoline or Pennzoil oil-change centers.

Recyclable Material All recyclable material, with the exception of newsprint, may be co-mingled. Recyclable materials which exceed the designated bins capacity may be placed in an open paper bag and placed next to the bins at the curb. White recycling stickers may be placed (available at the Municipal Building or Public Works Building) on containers purchased by residents to hold additional recycling material. Recyclable materials must be properly prepared before they can be placed in the bins. All cans should be drained and free of foreign materials. The metal or plastic safety rings remaining on the neck of all bottles with twist-off caps must be removed. All containers should be rinsed, and the lids should be removed. Plastic and aluminum containers should be crushed to save space.

Leaf and Yard Waste Leaf and yard waste will be collected on Saturdays in the fall and on one Saturday in the spring. Check the Rules and Regulations for the collection dates involved. Any mixture of grass clippings and leaves is considered leaf and yard waste and should be placed in an appropriate compostable paper bag. These bags are taken to the Township’s composting site for processing and must be free of foreign objects such as stones, plastic and duct tape. Under no circumstances will leaf and yard waste in plastic bags be picked up during the scheduled leaf waste collection.

Winter Snow Reminders In case of inclement weather, it may be necessary to delay or cancel trash collection. Please refer to Cable 7 or see our website www.twpusc.org. • Residents are asked not to shovel or blow snow from sidewalks or driveways into the street. • Residents are reminded not to park their vehicles on the street. • Residents with sidewalks are requested to clear their sidewalks of snow. 

2004 Fall Leaf Collection Dates are: October 23, October 30, November 6, November 13, November 20 and December 4. Leaves must be in compostable paper bags only! Fall 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Information Technology

Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department 412-835-0660 (non-emergency)

Barbara Hull Director of Information Technology 412-831-9000 www.twpusc.org

Paul Jaglowski Support Technician

Ed Poljak Support Technician

Joan Raymond Web Developer

Firefighters Hit Their Mark

The Department of Information Technology is respon-

Mike Russell

sible for the computer needs of all Township departments. The functions of this department include installing and troubleshooting hardware/software, maintaining the Township’s LAN and Internet access, supporting various department applications and maintaining the Township’s website. The Township’s website, www.twpusc.org, provides residents with general government information. The site contains:

The Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department Fitness Com-

• • • •

Board agendas and minutes Downloadable applications and permits Trash and recycling information Calendars providing Township, School and Community events • UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine • Departmental Information • And much more…

Tri-Community South Emergency Numbers 412-833-7500 724-941-7500

Non-Emergency Number 412-831-3710

Emergency Medical Services The Township participates in a jointly-operated and financed emergency medical ser vices program with the Township of South Park and the Municipality of Bethel Park. This program provides emergency and non-emergency ambulance transport. An annual subscription drive is held each fall for Township residents. For a nominal fee, the entire household and visitors are provided with emergency ambulance coverage when emergency transport is needed. 42

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2004

mittee is proud to announce the winners of the USCVFD 100. In February 2003 several firefighters began their 100-mile treadmill trek toward becoming more physically fit and better prepared to respond to fire calls. Of the 23 firefighters who entered the challenge, 30% (seven firefighters) completed or exceeded the 100-mile mark. The USCVFD 100 Challenge is a contest designed to encourage firefighters to participate in health and fitness activities. Firefighters agreed to obtain physicals prior to participation to ensure their readiness for the challenge. Additionally, participants agreed to keep a log of their fitness miles on the Department’s treadmill. The winners include Deputy Chief Russell Rauch, Vice President Dave Kish, junior firefighter Dave Goldberger, and firefighters Heidi Cohen, Justin Willott, Darren Gilbert and Mike Russell. All 100 milers were presented with a small brass bugle for their accomplishment. A special “Fit to Fight” bugle award was given to Deputy Chief Russell Rauch for completing more than 400 miles! This is quite an accomplishment considering that a little over a year ago Deputy Chief Rauch suffered a heart attack while responding to an emergency call on Route 19. “Consistency, commitment and having a clear objective in mind are the keys to accomplishing fitness objectives. I had many reasons to want to complete and exceed my goal,” said Deputy Chief Rauch. Other health and fitness related programs that the Department participates in include playing wallyball at St. Clair Racquet and Fitness Club and playing basketball in the elementary gymnasiums. Township residents may even see a fire engine parked next to one of our local outdoor parks with USC firefighters playing basketball on a balmy summer evening. All activities are designed to ensure the firefighter’s readiness to respond safely and effectively when called. “Our fitness activities have been made possible by the leadership of our Department and the Federal Emergency Management Administration grant for fitness equipment that the Department received in 2003. It has permitted us to purchase four pieces of cardio equipment and first class weight lifting equipment,” said Mike Russell, Fitness Director for the department. The USCVFD fitness committee will be offering new challenges to the firefighters in 2004. The committee’s goal is to have at least 60% of all firefighters complete the 100-mile mark. 

Cook Up a Winning Recipe For Fire Safety Russell Rauch, Deputy Fire Chief The kitchen is a center of activity in most homes. It’s the place where we make

our meals, pay our bills, finish our homework or chat over a cup of coffee. But it can also be the most dangerous place in the home. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking fires are the number one cause of reported home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Nearly all cooking fires occur in the kitchen. In 1999, cooking equipment was involved in 96,200 reported home structure fires, 331 deaths and 4183 injuries nationwide. Property damage totaled $511 million. Most people prepare a meal as a matter of routine and don’t concern themselves with what could go wrong. It’s not that they don’t care; they just don’t think about it. Cooking fires start small and simple, with items that don’t seem dangerous. Most fires involving cooking equipment start when food, grease, wall coverings, paper plates, cabinets, curtains or other common household items ignite. If a fire does occur, the damage may not be confined to a couple of pots and pans or the

stovetop. I’ve been on the scene when a fire has spread not only beyond the stove but well beyond the kitchen. What gets me is that the majority of cooking fires don’t have to happen. Cooking safety begins with the cook. Here are some safety tips to follow: • Never leave cooking food on the stovetop unattended. Keep a close eye on food cooking inside of the oven. The leading cause of home cooking fires is cooking food left unattended. It only takes seconds for a fire to start and spread. • Keep cooking areas clean and clear of rags, towels, low-hanging drapes or curtains and other items that can burn. • Dress appropriately for cooking. Wear rolled-up or tight-fitting sleeves instead of loose clothing that can catch fire. • Enforce a three-foot (one meter) “kids-free” safety zone around the stove. Pets should not be allowed underfoot and should be kept off cooking surfaces. • Always keep a potholder, oven mitt and lid handy. If a small grease fire starts in a pan,

How Fast Could You Escape in a Home Fire? Russell Rauch, Deputy Fire Chief Suppose it’s three o’clock in the morning and you’re in a sound sleep. Someone in

the family has forgotten food cooking on the stovetop and a fire breaks out. As the flames spread and smoke begins to fill your home, will you wake up and escape safely? If you have a smoke alarm, the device’s warning signal can rouse you from your sleep and alert you to the danger in your home so you can escape. The Upper St. Clair Volunteer firefighters feel strongly about the importance of working smoke alarms. They’re teaming up with the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and other firefighters across North America in promoting Fire Prevention Week, October 3 through 9. The theme for this year’s campaign is “It’s Fire Prevention Week: Test Your Smoke Alarms.” NFPA has been the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week since 1922. USC firefighters will be visiting schools and other places throughout the community to talk about the importance of installing and maintaining smoke alarms. In addition, they’ll be encouraging children and adults to plan and practice home fire drills so that every person in a household knows how to get out safely if he or she hears the smoke alarm sound.

A fire can grow and spread throughout a home quickly. In fact, you may have as little as two minutes to get out safely once the alarm sounds. With close to 80% of all fire deaths occurring in the home, it’s easy to see why smoke alarms are essential in every household. People have been using smoke alarms since the 1970s, when they became available for purchase. Since then, they’ve helped to cut the risk of dying in a fire by nearly half. I wish that everyone had a smoke alarm but that’s not the case. Roughly 70% of home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or in homes where smoke alarms were not working properly. Fires in the home kill thousands of people each year. Last year in Pennsylvania 245 people died in home fires. Many of the fires that the USCVFD responds to could have been prevented if safety measures had been followed. NFPA recommends that at least one smoke alarm be installed on each level of a home—including the basement and outside every separate sleeping area. Alarms should be tested once a month using the test button. The batteries on smoke alarms should be replaced once a year or sooner if the alarm “chirps,” meaning that the

put on an oven mitt and smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner. Don’t remove the lid until it is completely cool. Never pour water on a grease fire and never discharge a fire extinguisher onto a pan fire, as it can spray or shoot burning grease around the kitchen, actually spreading the fire. • Don’t cook if you’re drowsy or under the influence of alcohol or medication that makes you drowsy. Cooking fires outside of the kitchen are also a concern. Turkey fryers, used to cook deepfried turkey, have become popular in recent years, especially for holiday gatherings. The cooking method involves lowering the turkey into three gallons or more of oil, heated by propane or electricity. Turkey fryers can easily tip over, spilling hot, scalding oil on anyone or anything nearby, leading to fires, burns and other injuries. Some units don’t have an automatic thermostat control, so the oil may continue to heat until it catches fire. Turkey fryers pose so many dangers that the NFPA urges consumers not to use them. If a fire occurs at your home, the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department will be there to help you. But I’m sure you’d prefer us not to have to come at all. Cooking fires are preventable. That’s why it’s so important to use care when using any cooking appliance.  battery is low. Replace all smoke alarms after ten years, even those that are hard-wired or smoke alarms with “long-life” (ten-year) batteries. Smoke alarms with long-life batteries should also be replaced when the alarm chirps or fails to respond to periodic testing. The batteries in these units cannot be replaced. If you have questions concerning smoke alarms or need assistance installing smoke alarms please call the USCVFD’s non-emergency number at 412-835-0660. 

Fall 2004

Commissioner Bill Bates presents former Fire Chief Ray Tomnay with a Township Proclamation for his 33 years of volunteer service (20 as Fire Chief). Ray continues to serve as a volunteer firefighter. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

P INEBRIDGE Pinebridge Commons McLaughlin Run Road at Lesnett Road ••••••••••••••••• Carlson Wagonlit Travel Pediatric Dentistry South Common Ground Café Piccolina Restaurant Design Image Pinebridge Commons Assoc. Peter Gialames & Associates 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 Pediatric Alliance Suburban Dry Cleaners Weidmann Technical Services

•••••••••••••••••

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

Larry E. Manalo, D.M.D. Quality Dentistry with a Gentle Touch & the Personalized Service That YOU Deserve! We believe in Prevention! We want to maintain your dental health to detect and correct small problems before they become major ones. As a Multi-Specialty practice we treat most of your dental needs in our office.

Complete General & Specialty Dental Care. We want you to be Smiling Brightly!

CASTLE SHANNON

412-343-4100 88 Dental 4100 Library Road

u a

New Patients Welcome! Convenient Hours Senior Citizen Discounts

UPPER ST. CLAIR

412-221-2221

Pinebridge Dental 1580 McLaughlin Run Rd.

Provider of Aetna-US Healthcare, Blue Shield, Cigna, Concordia, Delta, Guardian, Met Life & many more!!!

4444 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 2004 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Fall Fall 2004

COMMONS Northern Italian Restaurant “ Come visit with the little one”

Expanded seating at bar Now holding wine dinners & specialty evenings New menu & expanded wine list including our Twenty for Twenty Wines List Reservations suggested  Gift Certificates available

Phone (412) 257-1880 Fax (412) 257-2895

TIMOTHY J. KERR, D.M.D. ROMANA PAUTLER KERR, D.M.D. FAMILY AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY Chairside Whitening System

PINEBRIDGE COMMONS SUITE 207 1580 McLAUGHLIN RUN RD. UPPER ST. CLAIR, PA 412-257-4250

1580 McLaughlin Run Rd., Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Visit our website: www.piccolinas.com

USC Soccer–Kick-Off Classic

Coach Render Inducted into Hall of Fame Jim Render, Upper St. Clair High School’s head football coach and retired physical education teacher, was inducted into the Western Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame this past May. Jim’s record to date of 22565-1 while coaching at USC includes 15 Conference Championships, four WPIAL Championships in nine WPIAL final appearances, and one State Championship in three tries. His teams won 69 consecutive conference games from 1988 to 1998. He was named the Associated Press Coach of the Year in 1989, a four time Coach of the Year by the Pittsburgh Press, Post-Gazette and Tribune Review, and a 12-time Quad A West Conference Coach of the Year.

Friday, September 3 and Saturday, September 4 Schedule of Events

(Preliminary rounds played at Morton Soccer Complex) Boys Girls

Boys Girls

Friday, September 3 USC (visitors) vs. Linsly (home)–3 p.m. Penn Trafford (visitors) vs. Thomas Jefferson (home)–3 p.m. Upper St. Clair (visitors) vs. Center (home)–5 p.m. Canon Mac (visitors) vs. Bethel Park (home)–5 p.m. Saturday, September 4 Consolation Game at Morton Field–10 a.m. Championship Game at USCHS Panther Stadium–3 p.m. Consolation Game at Morton Field–10 a.m. Championship Game at USCHS Panther Stadium–1 p.m.

2004 Varsity Football Schedule Friday Night Kick-Offs at 7:30 p.m.

August 27 September 3 September 10 September 17 September 24 October 1 October 8 October 15 October 22

Canon McMillan .........................................................Away Baldwin .....................................................................Home Butler ................................................. Home (Youth Night) Mt. Lebanon...............................................................Away North Allegheny .............................Home (Halls of Fame)* Bethel Park.................................................................Away North Hills..................................................................Away Seneca Valley .............. Home (Homecoming/Senior Night) Shaler.........................................................................Away *7:45 p.m. kick-off

Fall 2004 UPPER UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 4545 Fall 2004 ST. CLAIR TODAY

Tri-Community South EMS Tri-Community South EMS has

begun training its employees in Advanced Burn Life Support (ABLS). ABLS PreHospital Course is a six-hour course presented by the American Burn Association. It is designed to provide paramedics, transport teams and emergency care personnel with the skills and information that will enable them to assess and stabilize the burn patient at the scene of an emergency in preparation for transport to the nearest appropriate emergency facility. The Pre-Hospital ABLS addresses: medical control, scene safety, multiple casualties, initial assessment, smoke inhalation injury, circulation, electric injury, chemical injury and pediatrics. Case studies are presented and students are given an opportunity to discuss these cases in a group setting. Clinical simulations, based on actual burn situations, provide the student with the opportunity to exercise individual judgment in assessment and stabilization measures. The course concludes with a performance evaluation of the clinical assessment skills and a written examination.

At the May Upper St. Clair Board of Commissioners meeting, Tri-Community South EMS was given a proclamation from Commissioner Gloria Smith (far right) to commemorate EMS week.

Although burn injuries are relatively infrequent in Tri-Community South’s area, and most of these are minor, critical burns represent a challenge to the EMS provider’s skills that is best met with continuous training. The ABLS Pre-Hospital Course is intended to help providers identify potential dangers to the rescuer, patient or bystanders at the emergency scene; identify the role of medical control in managing the burn patient in the pre-hospital setting; determine the magnitude and severity of injury of a burn patient; identify and establish priorities of emergency care in the pre-hospital setting; and identify

criteria to be used in establishing priorities of care and evacuation in a multiple casualty or disaster situation. Tri-Community South’s paramedics already maintain certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support and Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support. All employees are Basic Cardiac Life Support (CPR) Instructors, and maintain certification in Emergency Vehicle Operations, Basic Vehicle Rescue and Hazardous Materials Operations. All paramedics complete at least 18 hours of additional continuing education each year, and EMTs must complete nine hours.  For more information on ABLS, other EMS training, or for any other questions on emergency medical services, call Tri-Community South at 412-831-3710, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or visit the website at www.tcsems.org.

Westminster Presbyterian Church members invite you to experience our caring community of faith. Listed below are some of the many activities to which you’re invited!

WROC (Westminster Recreational Outreach Center) Classes...The Bridge...Mission to Haiti...Youth Crossfire & Crossroads...Sunday Worship at 8:20, 9:40 & 11:00 a.m. ...The Year of the Bible...Children’s Choirs...Christian Formation Seminars...Labyrinth Walk...Handbell Choir...Spirit Alive...Fishers of Men.net...Stephen Ministry...Counseling Center...Nursery School & Childcare...WOW Dinners...Children’s Day In...Retired Men’s Luncheon...Local Missions...The Yahweh Cafe’

WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2040 Washington Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Call 412-835-6630 or visit www.westminster-church.org for details 46

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2004

A Community Copes with Disaster—

The POWER of TEAMWORK

Flight 427 Memorial Garden Walter Jarosh Many communities are struck with a

tragedy. It may be a bombing, a shooting, a school bus accident, a fire, an airplane crash or a natural disaster. The Township of Upper St. Clair and many other surrounding Pittsburgh communities were shocked on the morning of September 9, 1994, as details from the Flight 427 disaster were released. Reports from the previous evening indicated that no one survived the disaster on the Hopewell hilltop, but few knew how deeply it would touch this community. News of the losses spread throughout the Township even before release of the official passenger list. On the eve of September 8, ten members of the Upper St. Clair community perished on the flight. Everyone knew one of the passengers as a neighbor, fellow classmate, work associate, church member, a passing acquaintance, a sports team member, a fellow volunteer or club associate. The community suffered a terrible loss individually and collectively.

A Township Acts Out of Love In friendship and support for the families and friends in the community, the Township of Upper St. Clair conceived the idea of a permanent memorial garden with the hope that it would comfort the families and honor the deceased. The November 9, 1994, groundbreaking began the healing process. GWSM Inc. Landscape Architects donated their efforts in choosing a location and providing the design. An unused corner of the Municipal parking lot offered a central site with ample parking and easy access. The wooded hillside and creek provided a backdrop that truly became special as the memorial evolved. Gaydos Monument Company donated a granite memorial stone listing the names of the Upper St. Clair residents who were on the flight. The Upper St. Clair Public Works Department worked throughout the winter to build a gabion wall to protect the site from creek erosion, installed concrete curbs, built walkways, created landscaped beds and prepared the site for the many community volunteers. Contributions came from many individuals, classmates, neighbors and groups in their effort to ease the loss and create a lasting remembrance. Scout groups,

Pat Hogan

The memorial stone, listing names, reads: “Dedicated to the memory of the residents of Upper St. Clair who perished on Flight 427, September 8, 1994, on a wooded hillside 22.4 miles northwest from this monument.” It was set directionally to point to the Hopewell site. A small plaque on the railing reads, “Across the stream nestled among the trees and wildflowers is a cherry tree and spring beauty wildflower that once grew at the Hopewell site.”

garden clubs and classmates came to plant trees, bulbs, annual flowers, then sweep and clean the site as the spring dedication date came closer. Invitations were sent to families and friends. Dedication thoughts were drafted and interpretative dance performed by 13year-old Bethany Pellow, to the music “As We Sail to Heaven’s Shore” was rehearsed. The final touches for the dedication included the set-up for the community gathering. On May 26, 1995, the clouds parted on an overcast morning. Streaming sunshine bathed the hundreds of people sharing in the dedication of the memorial that so many had worked to create. Though many tears were shed as the monument and inscribed benches were unveiled, everyone shared an inner peace knowing that those friends and neighbors no longer with us would be long remembered. This past spring marked nine years since the dedication. The blooming spring flowers and shrubs herald another year’s passing. Visitors come to the memorial and leave special flowers or a wreath as both a tribute and reassurance that the community has not forgotten its departed members. 

Mary Ann Zupon USC Residents Since 1976

Preferred Realty Independently owned and operated.

Rt. 19 South Office

412-833-7700 Ext. 271/229

HoganZupon@PrudentialPreferredRealty.com

Fall 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Come see what every

Rug &

Norman Centre II

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2004

yone is talking about.

& Home

v (412) 831-2460

Fall 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

d The conception of Willow Brook Rug & Home was as unique as the items that now adorn

its showroom floors. Located in Norman Centre II, Willow Brook features a collection of furniture, accessories, lighting, gifts and Oriental rugs that make it unlike any store you’ve ever visited. One step into the store and you realize you are in for a special experience. The idea for Willow Brook was conceived one night at the dinner table of Chris and Ariana Welling, 1984 graduates of Upper St. Clair High School. During a dinner conversation between Chris and Ariana and their five children, the topic of redecorating was brought up. Being the owners of London Rug Company, an Oriental rug wholesaler that supplies Oriental rugs to upscale furniture stores in Pittsburgh, Ohio, Indiana, Mississippi and Florida, finding home furnishings and rugs would not be a problem. The question that arose was, “If we weren’t in the business, where would we go to find good looking, unique home furnishings and Oriental rugs, without spending an arm and a leg?” Sure there were rug stores, furniture stores, lighting galleries and accessory boutiques, but no one was blending it all together. What Chris and Ariana envisioned was a store that would combine upscale design with moderate price points, without sacrificing quality. This vision was the beginning of a constantly evolving business plan that would ultimately become Willow Brook Rug & Home. Willow Brook Rug & Home has been opened for a year-and-a-half and still, the most frequently asked question by customers is, “What are you guys?” This is completely understandable. Where else can you go and see Oriental rugs gracing the walls, mouth-blown glasswork from France, beautiful inlayed accent tables, custom made floral arrangements, purses from Milan, chandeliers, pashmina silk scarves, leather club chairs, paintings, marble top game tables and countless other treasures? What makes it even more amazing is that all of these items are being sold at what have traditionally been considered to be mid to low price points. “This is exactly what we were going after. We wanted to prove that you can still have upscale, high-end home furnishings, accessories and especially Oriental rugs without being limited to a high-end price point,” said Welling. It is Willow Brook’s large volume of sales that has enabled them to keep prices low every day. “I never wanted to be one of those guys who have gimmicky sales every other week. If your prices are good, there is no need to have a sale more than once or twice a year. We’ve been open for business for over a year and we have yet to advertise a special sale. If our everyday prices are lower than most advertised sale prices, what’s the use of having a sale?” 50

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Fall 2004

Welling says Oriental rugs are still the foundation of Willow Brook Rug & Home. “Nothing defines the character, enhances the atmosphere, and strengthens the design statement of a room more than an Oriental rug.” Most interior designers recommend starting from the floor up, using an Oriental rug as the foundation of the room. Willow Brook has assembled an unbelievable collection of some of the most beautiful and unique rugs in the region. What’s even more amazing is how inexpensive these rugs are; an eight by ten rug (room sized) sells for between $650 and $1895. “When I select rugs for Willow Brook, I have my own family in mind,” Welling reflects. “With five children and another on the way I need Oriental rugs that are as durable as they are beautiful.” This philosophy extends to most of the home furnishings and accessories sold at Willow Brook Rug & Home.

As the concept for the store evolved, it became apparent that Willow Brook would need to provide its customers with expert interior design help. Welling went out and found two award-winning designers with over 50 years experience between them. These experts are available to offer free advice to every Willow Brook customer. Interior designers Bob Young and Lou Ferry are tremendous assets, both having vast experience in residential and commercial design. In addition to doing design work in Pittsburgh, Bob and Lou have been decorating homes in New York, Atlanta and Florida for the past 30 years. In addition to the Willow Brook design experts, another familiar face at the store is that of Jeff Yeckel. Jeff has been working in the Oriental rug industry for over ten years. He is always happy to answer questions or make suggestions on what style of rug is right for you. Whether you are looking for formal, casual, traditional, contemporary or anything in between, you will find it at Willow Brook Rug & Home. 

Fall 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

S OME P EOPLE T HINK A NY R EAL E STATE Most real estate companies offer one level of service. At Coldwell Banker, we believe you should expect more and that’s why we surround you with a team of real estate experts.

Expect More Norma Bishop

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Upper St. Clair Office

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1699 Washington Rd. • Pittsburgh, PA 15228 • 412-833-5405 52

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2004

Linda Davis

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COMPANY WILL DO. OTHERS E XPECT MORE. 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. Owned And Operated By NRT Incorporated

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Rt. 19 South/Galleria Office

1539 Washington Rd. • Pittsburgh, PA 15228 • 412-344-0500 Fall 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

SOME PEOPLE THINK ANY REAL ESTATE COMPANY WILL DO. OTHERS EXPECT MORE. Peters Township Office

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

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South Hills Office

1695 McFarland Rd. • Pittsburgh, PA 15216 • 412-831-9500

Roberta Allen

Hope Bassichis

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Paul Bergman

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2004

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Dal Goldstein

Sandy Wiedt

Platform Tennis—

Taking the Game to a New Level Renee Russell The end of autumn brings two unmis-

takable changes to the tennis complex along McLaughlin Run Road; the tennis bubbles are inflated and platform tennis (a.k.a. paddle tennis) season begins. Numerous Upper St. Clair residents willingly bundle up to brave the cold of winter to enjoy a niche sport called platform tennis, played outdoors during winter months. Upper St. Clair platform tennis courts are located on the hill between tennis courts four and six. For those not familiar with platform tennis, it is a sport played on a smaller version of a tennis court (about one fourth the size of a regulation tennis court) surrounded by a ten-foot high, chicken wire fence. Participants use a solid core paddle constructed of wood or carbon fiber about the size of a racquetball racquet. The rules of tennis are employed with the exception that shots may be played off the screen, provided that the shot was in on the bounce.

In greater Pittsburgh, approximately 1300 players participate in organized league play, with 190 Upper St. Clair residents participating. Nationwide, more than 250,000 players participate in organized league play. The United States Paddle Tennis Association was founded in 1923, born of a concept that started in Albion, Michigan. Nine courts were constructed in a gymnasium to provide recreational activities to children in smaller spaces. Platform tennis evolved from the game of tennis but in a much more confined area. In the 1970s a number of Upper St. Clair residents including John Hooton, Kay Dyer and Diane Morris approached Township commissioners to request

that two platform tennis courts be built for all residents to enjoy. In 1975 the Township constructed the two courts currently used. Like many properties in Upper St. Clair, the sloping topography presented a major challenge for the ensuing construction. Instead of using a mule team to drag the supplies to the location, the innovative Upper St. Clair residents and commissioners decided that bringing the supplies in by helicopter made the most sense. Sure enough, the task was completed by partially assembling the courts on level ground and lowering the frames in by helicopter. Residents enjoyed the courts for several years while braving the cold in the open. Spectators could be seen huddled on wooden benches along the side of the courts all bundled up in ski apparel and blankets. In 1982 Kyle Robinson and Ted Rauch approached the Township to lobby for a hut to be built. A stipend of $400 was allocated for the construction of the platform tennis hut. The avid paddle players collectively pooled their talents and resources to construct the hut using the Township money and donated materials from interested residents. After finishing their Thanksgiving dinners in 1982, residents John Hooton, Russ Crane, Dan Majestic, George Morris, Dick Lund, Bill Stossel, Russ Davis, Ray Conaway, Bill Shields, Don Freund and numerous other Upper St. Clair paddle enthusiasts worked all weekend to complete the new hut. Not stopping to eat, the faithful wives and friends delivered their meals to the job site to ensure that the project would be completed. Bill Singleton donated much of the paneling while Frosty’s beer truck delivered additional important supplies.

Eventually, ever increasing league play warranted the demolition of the old wooden structure and the construction of a new brick and block hut. As with all Upper St. Clair community projects, a first class platform tennis hut was constructed to accommodate the popular sport. Constructed in 2003, the new hut includes the following amenities: handicap accessible restroom, wide windows for viewing both courts, furnace and thermostat system, large 15' x 25' indoor

spectators’ area, a large 12' x 12' outdoor covered porch/veranda spectators’ area, breathtaking views of all the tennis courts in the front and a peaceful view of the natural habitat along the hillside in the rear and a restricted access Township road designed to give Township vehicles access to the new facility. All paddle players are grateful to have such a nice, new, professional hut to watch matches and warm up for the next big match. If you are willing to climb the 63 steps, it’s worth the trip to view the new facility. 

Residents interested in participating in league play may contact the Recreation Department at the Township at 412-831-9000, extension 256. Leagues include levels one (expert) through seven (beginner).

Fall 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Upper St. Clair School District Board of School Directors

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

Barbara L. Bolas 412-833-9841 2007*

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 Supervisor of Special Education

Dr. John Bornyas Director of Middle Level Education/Instructional Principal (5-8)

Dr. Judy Bulazo Director of Elementary Level Education/Instructional Principal (K-4)

Charles Samek Director of Transportation

Angela B. Petersen Vice President 412-831-7182 2007*

Russ Del Re 724-941-3336 2005*

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

Glenn Groninger 412-854-5345 2007*

Jeffrey W. Joyce 412-257-1704 2007*

Clark R. Nicklas 412-831-1027 2005*

Mark G. Trombetta, MD 412-831-8543 2007*

*Date indicates expiration of term. The 2004 regular meetings of the Upper St. Clair Township Board of School Directors are held at 7 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month at the Central Office School Board meeting room. No regular meeting is scheduled for July. A vacancy of an open Board of School Director position was filled on July 26, 2004.

Did you miss the latest School Board meeting? You can find out what went on by visiting the School District website at uscsd.k12.pa.us and clicking on “District Info.” Then click on “School Board.” The latest meeting’s information is listed under that report’s date. To get information regarding a previous meeting, click on “Prior Board Meeting Report.” Information regarding all board meetings held since August 2001 can be accessed on the site. 5656 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 2004 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Fall Fall 2004

Secretary/Email Address

Extension

Dr. James D. Lombardo .............................................Mary Ann Stabile ......................................2201 Superintendent of Schools mstabile@uscsd.k12.pa.us 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 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 Supervisor of Special Education pfeller@uscsd.k12.pa.us To Be Named...............................................................Cheryl Ellison............................................2202 Director of Secondary Education/Instructional cellison@uscsd.k12.pa.us Principal (9-12) Dr. John Bornyas........................................................Cheryl Ellison............................................2202 Director of Middle Level Education/Instructional cellison@uscsd.k12.pa.us Principal (5-8) Dr. Judy Bulazo ..........................................................Cheryl Ellison............................................2202 Director of Elementary Education/Instructional cellison@uscsd.k12.pa.us Principal (K-4) Charles Samek............................................................Karen Powers ............................................3450 Director of Transportation kpowers@uscsd.k12.pa.us School District Building Administration 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 Karen Brown ........................ Principal of Boyce Middle School Dr. Ruth Ann Matyuf ........... Principal of Baker Elementary School Mark Miller .......................... Principal of Eisenhower Elementary School Claire Miller ......................... Principal of Streams Elementary School

USC School District website: www.uscsd.k12.pa.us

Graduation Speech to the Class of 2004 James D. Lombardo, Ed.D, Superintendent of Schools Last Thursday night I had the op-

portunity to attend the Upper St. Clair Senior prom. What a wonderful event! The young men dressed in their tuxedos looked dashing—uncomfortable—but dashing. The young women were glorious in their gowns, many of which were worth more than my car. As the limousines pulled up to the curb, and the doors opened, parents and family members lined both sides of the red carpet, readying cameras to capture the moment as their children—their babies (we still call you that, you know)—emerged from their opulent motorized carriages. I could hear their ooh’s and ahh’s. It was a wonderful night for all. I recall thinking as I observed the crowds of ogling family members about how natural it is to reminisce about past events as we participate in new ones. Proms have a way of doing that to people. Graduations also bring back memories for all of us. For me, today’s events can’t help but rekindle memories of my own graduation from high school 37 years ago. 1967 seems like a long time ago, but today it seems like only yesterday as I see you all sitting before me in your caps and gowns. As my classmates and I left our graduation ceremony, we were filled with the exhilaration that only the pomp and circumstance of an event like graduation can elicit. Our heads were filled with our academic and athletic successes, symbolized by the cardboard diplomas and prizes we clutched in our hands, and they were also filled with our fears of the unknown world we were about to enter. For most of us, college was the next big challenge, and as the days of summer carried us closer to that next life challenge, the anxiety of so many unanswered questions filled our thoughts: What would college be like? Would I succeed in my college courses? Would I make friends easily in this new environment? What would my roommate be like? Would I be happy? But in 1967, much as in 2004, world events cast an eerie shadow on the individual dreams we all shared. The Vietnam War filled the front pages of every newspaper and magazine. Pictures of fallen soldiers in some far away jungle environment were the daily images of our lives. Body counts (“112 Americans, 200 Viet Cong”) rang out from our television sets and radios. We planned our evenings so we could see the news reports from each of the news bureaus. And in the back of our minds continued to ring a single fearful toll—the draft—the chance that

we, like many others, would be picked by some random stroke of fate to fight in that strange foreign war. As some of my friends headed off to that strange land of Vietnam, and as my first year in college thrust me forward into adulthood, other images began to flash across the media as well—protests, hundreds of thousands of young men and women clashing with police in often violent confrontations on campuses all over the country: Berkeley, Columbia, Harvard and Kent State. Kent State, just west of the Pennsylvania state border, where the image of a young woman kneeling beside the lifeless body of her classmate, became the visual symbol of the protests and desperation of my generation. Other events and images rush back to haunt my memories of that year after high school: the assassinations of Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. and the long lines of civil rights marchers chanting for the right to be recognized as human beings—not to be judged

…you don’t have to do something big to make a difference in our world; it’s the little stuff that counts… by the color of their skin, but by the strength of their character. The world seemed to be falling apart around me, and I, like so many of my peers, struggled to make sense of it all. 2004 is now here and so much has changed, much of it for the better, but with some guilt I look at you today and bemoan the reality that so much still has not. The world in which you live, the world in which you leave high school, is not a world my generation is necessarily proud to leave to you. For you, too, live in a world where our newspapers and televisions cry out with images of soldiers dying in far away places. You live in a world where children, most younger than you, kill other children, also younger than you—in strange places like Sudan, Somalia, Angola, Rio De Janeiro, Colombia, and, yes, even in Pittsburgh. You live in a world where human beings are still tortured and imprisoned not just for their acts, but for their beliefs, their religion, and, yes, still for their color. You live in a world where airplanes run into buildings and we are told of ongoing “terrorist alerts” and warnings that Americans should not travel abroad. You live in a world where industrial pollution threatens the future of our planet, while corporate leaders make more and more money. And, like for me, in 1967, it may feel to you sometimes that the whole world is falling apart.

Not a very pretty picture I’ve painted here today. So what’s this all have to do with you? After all, you are just 18 year olds heading off to college—to learn, to start a new career, to have a lot of fun. And believe me we do want you to have fun. But as you are enjoying your first few years out of the Upper St. Clair nest, think about what you can do to influence what the world will be like when your children sit here 20 or 30 years from now. Sure you can decide to spend four years in the Peace Corps or devote four years of service to your country in the Armed Forces, but I know most of you will not make those choices. Few of you will have the opportunity, as former President Reagan did, to influence the dissolution of communism or some other tyrannical government structure. But there is so much else you can do. You can do something. You can make a difference. I know that the members of your class can do so much more than simply be successful in a career and make a lot of money. After all, what other class has had 17 valedictorians? Thirtyfour merit semi-finalists, nine of whom became merit scholarship finalists? Rated number one in mathematics and number two in reading among all groups of high school students in the state of Pennsylvania PSSA? Inducted 143 members into the National Honor Society for character, scholarship, leadership and service to others? Yes, your class has the stuff, the tools, as they say, to make a difference. And you don’t have to do something big to make a difference in our world; it’s the little stuff that counts, that adds up over time to make such a notable difference in our world. • When you travel to a different country, be the very best American you can be. • Donate to an organization that helps children in undeveloped countries. • Volunteer a few hours of your free time to work in a hospice or halfway house. • Think before you buy that next pair of $120 running shoes about where the product was made and whether or not poor children were exploited in another country in its production. • Attend a local town meeting and voice your opinion. • Take a moment to talk with and welcome a visitor to this country. • Recycle that pop bottle or newspaper and urge your family and friends to do the same. • Think about how every consumer choice you make has an impact on some person in another country. • Have the courage to confront a friend or family member who makes a disparaging comment about another person because of their color, gender or sexual orientation. • Each week spend two minutes thinking about who made a difference in your life that week, then let them know. • Donate a portion of your graduation gifts to a charity that makes a difference in other people’s lives.

Fall 2004

Continued on page 58 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Board Response—Vision and Values Dave Bluey, President, Board of School Directors

Vision and values—two simple words that

sound cliché or that have become platitudes in today’s society. Vision and values—two profound and significant concepts, which can be life changing and foundational when applied in a careful and thoughtful manner to our lives. What is meant by the term “vision?” The dictionary defines vision as “ongoing and creative discernment or foresight.” Vision is the dynamic roadmap for our mission in life. It’s also the progressive benchmark that determines how we measure success. Vision equips us to deal effectively with the achievements, failures, mountaintop experiences and valleys that we are sure to experience throughout our lives. An ancient Old Testament scripture admonishes us with the warning, “Without a progressive vision, people will dwell in the land aimlessly and without purpose.” Consistent reflection and renewal of vision rejuvenates our sense of purpose and meaning as we journey through life. It maintains our focus on those priorities that are truly important and prevents us from straying off course. To illustrate this point, I’d like to interject the words of John Rockefeller, the pinnacle of success several decades ago and considered to

Graduation Speech to the Class of 2004

be the “Bill Gates” of his generation. Towards the end of his life, Mr. Rockefeller was known to say on several occasions that, “No man on his death bed ever said, I only wish that I had spent more time at the office.” The graduates in this stadium today are about to step out beyond high school into new horizons such as college, the workforce or the military. Many will eventually begin new families, become professionals, government leaders and will mold the minds of a future generation. I want to take this opportunity to implore each of you to establish or enhance a solid foundation of sound values, morals and ethics that will enable you to obtain true success in life. Values define who you are, your principles, your merits and the qualities that compose your overall character. Dr. Lombardo, in his talk to you, emphasized the value of service to others. Other significant values include respect for others, leadership by example, patience and kindness—it’s up to you to fill in the blanks. One value that should be on everyone’s list is integrity. Sadly, this critical value is often forgotten and easily ignored as we go about our daily business and in our relationships with other people. The recent onslaught of scandals in corporate America, various governmental entities and our military clearly demonstrates the decline of moral rectitude and integrity in society as a whole. Integrity is best defined as “being true to one’s self or character.” In practical terms, it means honoring your word, taking responsibility for your actions, being honest and authentic with others and respecting confidentially. In short, it means you have substance or as the old adage states, “What you see is what you get.” A box of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes serves as a good example of the concept of integrity or its

lack thereof. The box is eight inches by 11 inches. Printed on the box is a bunch of marketing and advertising glitz as well as its contents listed as being 12 ounces, net weight. When taken off the grocery shelf, the box is only three quarters full. If you shake the box rigorously, the corn flakes compact further to about one half of the box. Crushing the corn flakes with outside pressure or force further reduces the contents to one quarter of the box or less even though its weight remains at 12 ounces. How does this analogy apply to us? All of us will be shaken by experiences or circumstances at points in our lives. Pressures are sure to come upon each of us from all kinds of outside forces and increased responsibilities. Puffed up pride, falsehood or empty air space will be removed and the real you or the substance of your being will remain. What’s the moral of this story? Fill the box of your life or personhood with truth, honesty and sincere conviction to withstand the test of time. The chairs or bleachers that you are sitting on are excellent examples of this aspect of integrity. We are presently putting significant trust in the integrity of their design and in the engineers who built them. They must be strong enough to hold up our individual or corporate weights over time and under various circumstances and forms of stress. As I am about to take my seat again, I trust that the chair that successfully held up before I came to this podium will do so again upon my return. You’ve clearly demonstrated the additional value of endurance, sitting through this rather extensive parade of speakers this afternoon. Be encouraged, because the only parade that remains is getting your diplomas and exiting stage right as you head off to your futures. 

Class of 2004 High School Academic Achievers

Continued from page 57

• Tell your dad and mom how much you appreciate what they did for you during the last 18 years; before you head off to college, or the service or a job. • Make the choice to encourage others to do what is just and kind and right. Yes, there are so many little things that you can do, so many things that together will help to create a kinder, more appreciative and less violent world. Yes, we’ve handed you an incredibly violent, confusing and complex world. We are counting on you to make it better, so that 20 to 30 years from now when you sit in the audience and watch your children receive their diplomas, you will know that you have handed them a better world.  58

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2004

Valedictorians (Pictured above, listed alphabetically) Blair Ashley, Aaron Block, Nicholas Fell, Anthony Ferrara, Philip Gorman, Jeffrey Greenberg, Ashley Harsh, Tara Kauffelt, Rebecca Kovel, Jacob Lambach, Sean Murphy, Kelly Porter, Anjeli Prabhu, Elisa Suarez, Erin Twerdok, Andrzej Wojcieszynski, Kathryn Yankura. Superintendent’s Academic Achievement Award Recipients Shannon Burkey, Alexandra Castro, Kathleen DeLeo, Daniel Grealish, Andrew Wellins. International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidates Nicholas Fell, Akshaya Kumar, Katherine Kuzko, Charles Vasko, Jr.

School District Information School Board Local school districts and their governing boards were established by the Pennsylvania General Assembly over 150 years ago. Public education is the only public service mandated by the Pennsylvania Constitution. Although elected locally, as agents of the General Assembly, school directors are state officials. Such local control of education is one of the unique strengths of our public education system. The Upper St. Clair School Board consists of nine elected directors: David Bluey (President), Angela Petersen (Vice-President), Barbara Bolas, Russ Del Re, Glenn Groninger, Jeffrey Joyce, Clark Nicklas and Mark Trombetta. There was one seat open at the time of going to press.

The regular meeting of the School Board generally takes place on the fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Central Office Board Room. There is no scheduled meeting in July. Copies of School Board minutes are available at School District Central Office and on the School District website at www.uscsd.k12.pa.us. For further information regarding meetings call 412-833-1600, extension 2202.

Pupil Services Left to right: Colleen Czekaj, Karol Kommer, Phyllis Feller and Shannon Dressler

Business Office k, to right: Mary Boncze left ng, ndi Sta Berquist. ky Bec and in Kle ncy Na as Seated, Bonnie Thom

Central Offic Standing, left to right: e Staff Do Debi Bakowski, Mary nna Faccenda, Ann Stabile and Diane Rodi. Seated, Cheryl Ellison

Christine School Psy Hack chologist

Central Office The School District’s Central Office is located in the Municipal Building at 1820 McLaughlin Run Road—412-833-1600. As you enter the building, the School District offices are straight ahead. Continued on page 60

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School District Information Continued from page 59

Elementary Schools (Grades K-4) All three elementary schools underwent extensive renovation, completed in the 2003-04 school year. Albert Baker 2300 Morton Road—412-833-1600, ext. 4000 Erected: 1968 • Current enrollment: 480 Carl R. Streams 1560 Ashlawn Drive—412-833-1600, ext. 6000 Erected: 1966 • Current enrollment: 447 Dwight D. Eisenhower 100 Warwick Drive—412-833-1600, ext. 8000 Erected: 1960 • Current enrollment: 497 Middle Schools (Grades 5-8) Middle level education was introduced to American public education by Upper St. Clair in the 1960s through the work of Dr. Donald Eichhorn, who was then assistant superintendent in the District. He is internationally remembered as the founder of the middle school in America. Boyce (Grades 5-6) 1500 Boyce Road—412-833-1600, ext. 5000 Erected: 1968 • Current enrollment: 648 Fort Couch (Grades 7-8) 515 Fort Couch Road—412-833-1600, ext. 3000 Erected: 1951 • Current enrollment: 639 High School (Grades 9-12) Major renovations were completed in the 1999-2000 academic year to this state-ofthe-art facility. The school’s three archways of entrance showcase the academic, arts and athletic wings of the school. The theatre, inside the arts wing, is host to numerous student and community activities with seating capacity of 860. Upper St. Clair High School 1825 McLaughlin Run Road— 412-833-1600, ext. 2236 Erected: 1960 • Current enrollment: 1432 Buses/Transportation The Upper St. Clair School District’s Department of Transportation enjoys an impeccable safety record. Charles (Chuck) Samek, Director of Transportation since 1983, puts a high premium on safe operating procedures. He says, “Our primary responsibility is to provide safe, efficient transportation for our 4400 public, private 60

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

and special needs students who attend approximately 30 schools within a ten mile radius of Upper St. Clair.” All Upper St. Clair school bus drivers are required to carry a Pennsylvania class B commercial driver’s license with a passenger endorsement and no air brake restriction. They must possess a Pennsylvania school bus driver certification, pass an annual physical and recertify every four years. Chuck is a certified instructor examiner and provides the required ten hours (seven in the classroom, three behind the wheel) of training for recertification. A typical day for an Upper St. Clair bus driver includes about sixty miles and four-and-a-half hours behind the wheel. All new employees are required to have Act 33 and Act 34 clearances and must be pre-employment drug tested as required by the Federal Highway Administration. Additionally, 50% of all Commercial Drivers Licensed bus drivers must be randomly drug tested on an annual basis under FHA regulations. The bus garage, where the District’s 52 school buses and vans are stored is located on Fort Couch Road next to Fort Couch Middle School. For more information, contact Chuck Samek at 412-833-1600, ext. 3451. Food Services To best digest the sweet food of knowledge offered every day by their teachers, Upper St. Clair students first need food. The District’s six nutrition centers serve thousands of healthy meals each day— meals that play an important role in the education of our children. Under the supervision of Russ Phillips, Director of Food Service for Upper St. Clair Schools, the nutrition center managers and their dedicated staffs happily provide a break from the classroom, allowing the children to return nourished and ready to learn. For information, contact Russ Phillips at 412-833-1600, ext. 2287. Technology The role of the Technology Department in the Upper St. Clair School District is to provide and support the use of resources which enhance the teaching and learning processes, strengthen communication, and improve efficiency of operations. Robert (Bob) Obrosky has served as Director of Technology since August 1988. With the help of staff members Doreen Leech, Ray Berrott, Erin Walker, Susan Ramolt and Carol Seibert, the department

Fall 2004

Tech Department Seated, left to right: Susan Ramolt, Bob Obrosky and Doreen Leech. Standing, left to right: Ray Berrott, Carol Seibert and Erin Walker

plans for and manages the acquisition and implementation of technology to ensure that it supports the curriculum and the needs of students, teachers, and administrators. Each member of the District’s teaching staff has a laptop computer that is used to plan and present instruction, to gather information, and to communicate with colleagues and parents. One hundred percent of the classrooms have access to the District’s high-speed, wide area network and to the Internet, so that both staff and students can extend learning and communication opportunities beyond the walls of the classroom—virtually to the entire world. An instructional technology aide supports technology in each school building. This aide is on site and works with the teachers and staff to optimize implementation and utilization of a wide variety of available technical resources. The District offers training so that all staff members may enhance their skills to apply technology to their job responsibilities. The District’s vision for integrating technology into daily activities in our schools includes incorporating the use of appropriate hardware and software throughout every area of the curriculum. Instead of studying computer science as an end in itself, computers are used as teaching and learning tools in each subject. In addition to computers, the Technology Department manages the telephone, email, and voice mail systems, satellite and television systems, audiovisual resources, and photocopiers and printers. For more information, contact the Technology Department at 412-833-1600, ext. 2211. See article, “You’ve Got Mail,” on page 66 which concerns the District-wide electronic mail system. Continued on page 62

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School District Information Continued from page 60

PTA Council PTA Council is the “umbrella” PTA organization in Upper St. Clair, which provides leadership and coordination for all the PTAs in USC. What does PTA Council do for you? • Publishes the District Student Directory • Coordinates the District-wide phone chain • Provides “Together in Parenting” programs • Coordinates Community Day duties shared by the various schools • Provides an annual appreciation breakfast for the District’s Central Office administrators and staff • Maintains the Yahoo Groups email data bases for communicating with parents • Provides District-wide leadership training for PTA officers • Maintains consistency among the PTAs in many areas If you’d like to be involved with PTA and get the “big picture,” you’re welcome to join us! For more information, call Amy Billerbeck at 412-833-2712. PTSO (Grades 9-12) The Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO) is an organization of parents, teachers and high school students that provides an opportunity to work on additional programs and educational and social activities at the High School. For more information, call 412-833-1600. PTA (Grades K-8) The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is an organization of parents of school-age children together with their teachers that allows parents to work within the schools to provide extra help, additional programs, and educational and social activities for the children. The PTA has branches at each school in the District. For information, call your building’s school principal or PTA representative. A list of some PTA sponsored or affiliated activities follows: Odyssey of the Mind Available in Upper St. Clair since 1997, Odyssey of the Mind is an after school program designed to develop creative thinking in children. Students work in teams under voluntary coaches to solve problems that are proposed by the national Odyssey of the Mind organization. For more information, contact your PTA representative. 62

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

2004-05 PTA Council Executive Board Left to right: Suzanne Kennedy, Treasurer; Amy Billerbeck, President; Lori Feldman, Board Advisor; Vicki McKenna, First Vice President and Dr. James Lombardo, Second Vice President. Missing from photo Dana Weber-Horton, Secretary.

Partners in Education (PIE) PIE is a group of parents, administrators and staff formed as a branch of the PTA to foster the best educational environment for all exceptional children and to educate and assist parents of exceptional children. Over the years PIE has provided programs, workshops and opportunities to network for staff, parents and students. The guidance department runs a spring orientation for parents of special education students making the transition into middle school and high school. For more information, contact Nancy Douglass at 412-833-6583 or Deb Dorsey at 412-831-0892. Together in Education (TIE) TIE is a branch of the PTA formed to foster and address general education issues for all school-aged children. TIE meets twice annually. Guest speakers address the audience with discussion following. For more information contact Deborah Engel at 412-854-1459. Together in Parenting (TIP) TIP is a branch of the PTA Council and offers support and education on difficult parenting issues. TIP is open to all Upper St. Clair residents. Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month. Call Stacie dela Parra at 412-833-2366, Kim Frenette at 412-851-1709 or Lynn Zacur at 412-854-2370 for more information. USC Guild for the Gifted Child Upper St. Clair Guild for the Gifted Child is a chapter affiliate of the Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education (PAGE). This program is offered for children in nursery school through grade 12. For more information, contact Central Office at 412-833-1600 or your building’s school principal.

Fall 2004

International Baccalaureate (Grades 1-12) The Upper St. Clair School District piloted the International Baccalaureate Program in 1998 and is offering this program for grades one through 12. The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), a nonprofit educational foundation based in Switzerland, offers the Diploma Program for students in the final two years of secondary schools, the Middle Years Program for students in the 11-16 age range and the Primary Years Program for grades one, two and three. Requirements for the IB Diploma are structured to meet the entrance requirements of the best universities throughout the world, while striving to meet the ideal of a liberal arts education. The general objectives of the IB Program are to provide students with a balanced education, to facilitate geographic and cultural mobility and to promote international understanding through academic experience. IB is now a significant educational force in some 720 schools in 94 countries worldwide. The School District is accepting tuition students for its Diploma Program. Students from local schools who are entering eleventh grade this fall can apply and will be expected to complete the two-year program and graduate in the year 2006 with International Baccalaureate and Upper St. Clair diplomas. Those interested or for more information, please call Central Office at 412-833-1600. School-Wide Enrichment Program (SWEP) Grades 1-4 Many opportunities are available for elementary level students to explore topics that interest them through SWEP. Miniassemblies, mentorships and independent study projects are all part of SWEP. This program is a three-pronged approach that consists of Type I, Type II and Type III activities based on Renzulli’s “Talents Unlimited” model. Type I activities are exploratory activities for all students. Type II activities consist of process training skills for students who are identified as academically gifted. Type III activities are investigative enrichment projects and are for all students. Enrichment specialists in each school direct these activities, with the major responsibility of execution and completion lying with the student. For more information, contact Central Office at 412-833-1600 or your building’s school principal.

Volunteers in Our Schools (Grades K-12) There are well over one thousand volunteers who share their time and talents with the children in our schools. They take on a thousand different roles. They listen, read, type and file. They tutor, bake, compute and encourage. They raise money and they raise awareness. Our volunteers help tutor math and reading, and they help in the library and in the classrooms. They are Great Book discussion leaders, foreign language tutors, and computer resource volunteers. Our schools could survive without volunteers, but the loss would be immeasurable. They affirm that our schools are not just another consumer service but are an integral and vital part of our community. Upper St. Clair’s Volunteer Program started in 1976 by Dr. Catherine Luke, former Deputy Superintendent, with only a handful of volunteers. Since then and because of the tremendous volunteer support, dozens of learning and extracurricular activities have been added at our schools. Any resident who is interested in volunteering in any of our schools is encouraged to call 412-833-1600, ext. 2202 or contact your building’s principal. Boosters (Parent Support Groups) Athletic Athletic Boosters are parent groups formed to support various sports teams. For information, call the High School Athletic Office at 412-833-1600, ext. 2260. Fine and Performing Arts The Upper St. Clair Band Parents Association is a parent group formed to support the band and orchestra. The Upper St. Clair Choral Boosters is a parent group formed to support the choral groups. For information, call the High School Fine and Performing Arts Department at 412-833-1600, ext. 2516. Boyce Wrapping Paper Sale This sale, sponsored by the Boyce PTA, is conducted each September to support the sixth level Deer Valley Program and other educational activities at Boyce. MESH “Multicultural Education for Social Harmony” (MESH) brings students and their families of different cultures together for educational and social growth. Cultural events are scheduled at each school throughout the academic year.

For more information, call your building’s school principal. Open Mikes Open Mikes are informal meetings between building principals, teachers, administrators and parents where current issues are discussed and concerns are voiced. They are held in parents’ homes, at schools or at the Township’s Municipal Building. They serve as an additional avenue of communication between the School District and the parents. Call your building’s school principal or PTA president for more information. Extracurriculars Sports programs are available at all levels. For information regarding High School sports, call Athletic Director Ted Petersen at 412-833-1600, ext. 2261 or Athletic Office secretary Cindy Storer at 412-833-1600, ext. 2260. Music programs, including chorus, theater, band, as well as cheerleading and dance are available at each grade level. For information regarding High School activities, call Activities Director Danny Holzer at 412-833-1600, ext. 2263, or Assistant Activities Director Sheila Bartlett at 412-833-1600, ext. 2264. Also, see page 72 for a list of High School activities. For information regarding elementary and middle school activities, call your building’s school principal. Rent School Gyms, Panther Stadium and the Theatre School gyms are often available for rent. For High School gym rental contact Cindy Storer at 412-833-1600, ext. 2260. For rental of arts wing rooms, including the theatre, call 412-833-1600, ext. 2599. For all other facility rentals or for information, call Donna Faccenda at Central Office—412-833-1600, ext. 2218. Kennywood Day (Community-Wide Tradition) Kennywood Day, originally sponsored by the PTA Council for school-age children, is now truly a community-wide tradition. Each June after the last day of school all Upper St. Clair residents are invited to participate in a day at Kennywood Park. Discount tickets are sold at the schools and at Central Office on designated days during the last few weeks of the school year. Bus transportation is available from the School District. Kennywood Day is planned for Monday, June 20, 2005. Contact your PTA representative or Cheryl Ellison at 412-833-1600, ext. 2202 for information. 

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2004 Upper St. Clair School District Calendar (August–October) Legend: BA – Baker Elementary CO – Central Office FC – Fort Couch Middle ST – Streams Elementary BO – Boyce Middle

EI – Eisenhower Elementary

HS – High School

August 2004 9 11 16 17 23 24 26 30

CO–Academics, Arts & Extra Curricular Activities Committee Meeting–7 p.m. HS–Band Parents Meeting (Band Room)–7:30 p.m. CO–Finance, Facilities & Operations Committee Meeting–7 p.m. HS–Band Pictures HS–Marching Band @ Kennywood–8 p.m. CO–Regular Board Meeting–7 p.m. FC–New Student Orientation–9-11 a.m. HS–Band Parent Salute Night & Picnic–4-9 p.m. HS–New Student Orientation–9-10 a.m. First Day Of School For Students BA/EI/ST–Kindergarten Orientation

September 2004 1 2 3 6 8 9

10 11 13 14 15 16 17 20

PTA Council @ Central Office–9:30 a.m. ST–New Family Breakfast FC–School Pictures Labor Day Holiday–Schools Closed HS–Band Parent General Meeting (Band Room)–7:30 p.m. BO–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. HS–Senior Parent Meeting (Theatre)–7-9 p.m. FC–PTA Meeting (MPR)–9:30 a.m. BA/EI/ST–Elementary Band Parent Meeting @ HS Band Room–7 p.m. ST–New Family Breakfast BO–School Pictures EI–PTA Meeting 9:30 a.m. BA–New Family Reception (LGI) 9:30 a.m. HS–Yearbook Workshop HS–Band Parent Carwash (Fort Couch–9 a.m.-3 p.m.) CO–Academics, Arts & Extra Curricular Activities Committee Meeting–7 p.m. HS–School Pictures ST–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. HS–School Pictures HS–PTSO Meeting (Room 148/149)–9:30 a.m. BA/EI/ST–Elementary Strings Demo @ HS LGI Room–7 p.m. BA–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. FC–Social (Gym/MPR/NC)–8-10 p.m. HS–College Seminar (Theatre)–9-11 a.m. CO–Finance, Facilities & Operations Committee Meeting–7 p.m.

23 24 27 29

BO–Early Dismissal–1:45 p.m. BO–Open House–7-9 p.m. ST–School Pictures EI–Book Fair BA/EI/ST–Early Dismissal–12:45 p.m. BA/EI/ST–Open House–7-9 p.m. Teacher Inservice–No School HS–Halls of Fame Inductions HS–Combined College Fair @ Mt. Lebanon–7-9 p.m. CO–Regular Board Meeting–7 p.m. FC–Early Dismissal–1:40 p.m. FC–Open House–7-9 p.m.

October 2004 1 5 6

First Marking Period Progress Reports Sent EI–School Pictures HS–Early Dismissal–12:45 p.m. HS–Open House–7-9 p.m. BA–PTA Council–9:30 a.m. EI–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. BA–School Pictures

HS–PSAT/NMSQT Test HS–SAT (Alternative Location) HS–Band Festival–7 p.m. 11 CO–Academics, Arts & Extra Curricular Activities Committee Meeting–7 p.m. 12 ST–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. BA–PTA Meeting (LGI)–9:30 a.m. 13 HS–Homecoming Bonfire HS–PSAT (Alternative Location) HS–Band Parents (Band Room)–7:30 p.m. BO–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. 14 FC–PTA Meeting (MPR)–9:30 a.m. 16 HS–Homecoming Dance 18 HS–Finance, Facilities & Operations Committee Meeting–7 p.m. 18-22 Ninth Grade PSSA Writing 19 HS–School Picture Make-Up Day 20 HS–PAC Meeting–8:30 a.m. HS–PTSO Meeting (Room 148/149)–9:30 a.m. 22 FC–Social (Gym/MPR/NC)–8-10 p.m. ST–Stravaganza–5-9 p.m. EI–Eisenhowler–5-9 p.m. 23 HS–ACT Tests (BP or ML) 25 CO–Regular Board Meeting–7 p.m. 25-29 12th Grade PSSA Retest 26 HS–Senior Cap/Gown Order ST–2nd Level Open Mike–9:30 a.m. 28 HS–Fall Play Performance–7:30 p.m. 29 BA/EI/ST–Harvest Parties 30 HS–Fall Play Performance–7:30 p.m. 31 HS–Fall Play Matinee–2 p.m.

2004-05 School Calendar August 30–First Day For Students September 6–No School (Labor Day) September 24–Teacher Inservice November 1-2–Teacher Inservice November 25-26–No School (Thanksgiving Recess) December 23-January 2–No School (Winter Recess) January 17–Teacher Inservice January 24–Teacher Inservice March 21-27–No School (Spring Recess) March 28–Teacher Inservice May 30–No School (Memorial Day) June 10–Last Day For Students June 13-14–Possible Snow Make-Up Days June 20–Kennywood Day

2004-2005 • PANTHER PASS REGISTRATION •

Upper St. Clair School District Department of Athletics

Name ___________________________________________________________ Address _________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ Phone __________________________________________________________ Good for all paid sporting events in the 2004-05 school year

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Upper St. Clair High School Athletic Department

ADULT PASS: $50 one-time fee for all events

RETURN TO: Upper St. Clair High School Athletic Department 1825 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

Add $4 for Reserved Football Seats STUDENT PASS: $25 Contact Cindy Storer at the USC High School Athletic Office at 412-833-1600, extension 2260, for details.

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Fall 2004

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School District Notices

The following information is designated as directory information: Directory Information Categories • Student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth • Awards won and offices held • Major areas of study • Participation in officially recognized activities and sports • Post-high school endeavors • Recognition of achievements in academic and non-academic areas • Recognition of graduating seniors • Weight and height of athletes

Annual Notices to Parents of Children Who Reside in the Upper St. Clair School District Notification of Rights for Elementary and Secondary Schools The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. These rights include: 1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the school receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to their child’s building principal or Supervisor of Pupil Services—Ms. Eloise Stoehr, Upper St. Clair School District, at the address listed on page 77—a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The building principal or Supervisor of Pupil Services will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. 2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate. Parents or eligible students may ask the school to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write their child’s building principal or the Supervisor of Pupil Services, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when the school is notified of the request for a hearing. 3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate education interests. A school official is a person employed by the school as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); members of the School Board as a whole; a person or company with whom the school has contracted to perform a special task (e.g. attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his/her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the school official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his/her professional responsibility.

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the school system to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20202-4605

Confidentiality

Disclosure of Personal Information FERPA requires that the Upper St. Clair School District (District), with certain exceptions, obtain written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child’s education record. However, the District may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless you have advised the District to the contrary in accordance with District procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the District to include this type of information from your child’s education records in certain school publications. Examples include the annual yearbook, honor roll or other recognition lists, graduation programs, sports activity sheets, a playbill showing your student’s role in a drama production and the like. Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws required local education agencies (LEA) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories—names, addresses and telephone listings—unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent. If you do not want the District to disclose directory information without your prior written consent, you must notify the District in writing. The parent or eligible student may refuse to permit the designation of any or all of these categories, with respect to that student, by notifying the child’s building principal within 30 days of the publication of this notice.

All information gathered about your child is subject to the confidentiality provisions contained in federal and state law. The District has policies and procedures in effect governing the collection, maintenance, destruction and disclosure to third parties of this information. For information about these policies and procedures as well as rights of confidentiality and access to educational records, you may contact in writing your child’s building principal or the Supervisor of Pupil Services.

Annual Notice To Parents Regarding School Records School records are an inherent part of a student’s formal education in the public school setting. They are used to collect, maintain and disseminate pertinent information. The District has adopted a policy and administrative regulations in accordance with both the regulations of the State Board of Education on Pupil Records, adopted July 12, 1974, amended July 15, 1977, and the FERPA. Parents and eligible students (students who have reached the age of 18 or are emancipated minors) are accorded the following rights: 1. To inspect, review and be given a copy of school records 2. To obtain a copy of the District’s policy and regulations regarding the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of school records upon written request to: Supervisor of School Guidance Counseling or Supervisor of Pupil Services–addresses listed on page 77 3. To file complaints with the FERPA Office (See FERPA compliance address listed above.) 4. To be informed of the transfer of records to officials of another school or school system upon notification of the student’s enrollment 5. To challenge the contents of the records 6. To refuse individual consent where it is required for release of information from the record 7. To be informed of the data collected and maintained by representational consent If you wish to examine school records, you may make arrangements to do so by contacting the principal or counselor at the school your child attends. Continued on page 76

Fall 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Reverse the ravages of time.

You’ve Got Mail! Bob Obrosky, Director of Technology of Upper St. Clair School District Riddle: What local resource handles more than 5000 pieces of “mail” per day and, while doing so, saves its readers the problem of dealing with the 25% of them that are “junk?” Answer: The Upper St. Clair School District-wide email system. With Novell Corporation’s “Group-

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Wise” product at the heart of the system, nearly six hundred School District staff members depend daily on the smooth operation of this electronic mail system. Although it has gone through several changes and improvements, GroupWise has served the District well for more than five years and is expected to do so for the foreseeable future. Since its initial activation, the goals of the District’s email system were to enhance communications and collaboration among teachers and staff to reduce the barriers in communications between parents and teachers, and to do so in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Staff members agree that GroupWise has successfully met those goals. Email, because of its speed and broadcasting ability, is fundamentally different from paper-based communication. It’s cheaper and faster than a letter, less intrusive than a phone call and less hassle than a FAX. Because its turnaround time can be so fast, email tends to be more “conversational” than traditional paper-based media. In written documents, it is very important to make everything very clear and unambiguous because the reader may not have a chance to ask for clarification. With email documents, one’s recipients can respond or ask questions immediately without having to play “phone tag” or to interrupt the sender to do so. The “broadcasting” capability comes into play when the message can be sent to dozens of people as easily as it can be sent to just one reader. This is a real benefit when, for example, a teacher might wish to inform the parents of all students in a classroom about an upcoming event. Likewise, email can’t be beat if he or she wants to ask a group of colleagues from across the country about the availability of resources to meet a unique instructional need or problem. Unfortunately, many readers who have suffered the disadvantages of email may question its value as a resource, but the District’s Technology Department has attempted to configure the system to help its

Fall 2004

users avoid those problems. To reduce that unwanted “junk mail” or SPAM, each piece of email that comes into the District is checked by a system that discards those that contain objectionable material or that attempt to sell something to the reader. Latest statistics show that this process prevents readers from having to deal with more than 11,000 items of electronic junk mail each week. Each piece of email that moves through the system is also checked for the latest known computer viruses. Unchecked viruses can cost an organization like the School District many thousands of dollars a year to identify and eliminate.

Ray Berrott, Susan Ramolt and Doreen Leech are tech savvy.

During summer 2003, GroupWise was upgraded to a web-based system, which enables USCSD staff members to read and respond to their email from home or anywhere in the world. One administrator, upon her return from summer vacation, was excited that the system had allowed her to handle about a dozen emails per day instead of finding 100 or more of them in her email “in box” upon her return. In addition to the above features, GroupWise provides users better tools with which they may manage their day-to-day workloads. With the system, District staff members can manage contact, mailing and to-do lists or they can sync calendars with PDAs (personal digital assistants) and other handheld devices like cellular phones. The District email system has enabled staff members to take collaboration and communication further than many had ever thought possible.  To email District staff members, check the directory at www.uscsd.k12.pa.us/directory.html for addresses.

Where Are They Now?

Teamed up to serve you with 27 years of experience

Jim Render Have you ever wondered what hap-

pened to the intelligent, attractive and very young Channel 11 (WPXI-TV) 5:30 p.m. news anchor from Upper St. Clair? In 1990, at age 25, our own Margaret Shortridge co-anchored the evening news. During the four years that she served in this capacity, the show was rated number one in that time slot and won the Associated Press Award for best newscast.

Jim Bennett with Margaret Shortridge-Werd in 2003

Margaret, senior class president for the USCHS class of 1982, has enjoyed success in virtually everything she has attempted. While in high school, Margaret was the recipient of the Louis Kaplan Human Relations Award. She also served on student council, was a member of the Broadcasting Club, the Thespian Club, participated in the spring musicals and was a member of the swim team. Margaret helped organize the first Community Day and was elected to the homecoming court. Speaking of elections and homecoming, we brought Margaret home last September to be inducted into the 2003 Upper St. Clair High School Arts Hall of Fame.

Following high school, Margaret attended and graduated from Denison University in Granville, Ohio, where she majored in communications and minored in economics. Before graduating in 1986, she spent a semester abroad in Salzburg, Austria. After college, Margaret worked as a reporter at WICU-TV, a NBC affiliate in Erie. Her next move was to Scranton, where she worked as a reporter at WNEP-TV, an ABC affiliate. These experiences gave her the opportunity to come to Pittsburgh and work in prime time. In a very competitive market, Miss Shortridge became a star and more than held her own against the veterans on the other channels. While in Pittsburgh, her personal life changed and she became Mrs. Greg Werd. Shortly thereafter, her husband’s career moved them across country to San Francisco. Although she was offered several TV jobs on the west coast, her “prime-time” effort was to start a family. Margaret is the proud mother of three boys, ages three, five and seven. Her fourth child is a one-year old little girl. In the meantime, the family moved to Chicago. Many of you who travel to the windy city or use your satellite dish to scan the middle of the country can now look for Margaret Shortridge-Werd on Fox News Chicago, WFLD-TV. Margaret is the health reporter and does a live feature three nights a week on the evening news. Her segment, Fox Family and Health, was recently nominated for an Emmy award. So if you have wondered about “Margy” and her whereabouts, you can rest assured that she is still talented, still successful and very busy in Chicago. By the way, her parents, John and Margo continue to reside in Upper St. Clair. 

Enrollment Realignment Last year, before retiring from the position

of Director of Education and Instructional Principal K-6, Dr. Patricia Dunkis was busy working on a plan to achieve greater balance of student enrollment among the District’s three elementary schools. Currently, the enrollments at Baker, Eisenhower and Streams schools are 480, 497 and 447, respectively, and have been about the same for the past five years. By reducing the Eisenhower enrollment by approximately 25 to 30 students and increasing the Streams enrollment by about the same number, the District could achieve balance. There would be a gradual realignment of enrollments that, over time, would result in parity between the schools. Dr. Dunkis worked with USC’s Transportation Director, Chuck Samek, to review scenarios that might achieve the goal by analyzing where students live and how the District might make the easiest transition. Their recommendation was based on two assumptions: that the number of students drawing from the various neighborhoods

would remain relatively stable over time, and that no family would be required to leave their currently assigned elementary school. At present, there are 90 students attending Eisenhower who live east of Washington Road, with 59 residing in the Brookside Farms area and the remaining 31 residing in the area east of Bethel Church Road and on, or north of, McMurray Road (the area located behind King’s Restaurant). This area is referred to as the Alton Drive-Ruthfred Acres neighborhood. If, beginning with the entering kindergarten classes of 2004-05 school year, students who reside in the Alton-Ruthfred area were enrolled at Streams instead of Eisenhower, it appears the District would achieve balance within three to five years. The District will not require any entering kindergartener who already had a sibling at Eisenhower to make the change; however, all families in the Alton-Ruthfred neighborhood would have the opportunity to make a voluntary change. New families with students in grades K-4 will be enrolled at Streams.  Fall 2004

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Welcome to the High School What Every Ninth Grade Parent Should Know and Expect During the High School Years As the 2004-05 school year is nearing,

there is much excitement and anxiety about the start of another year. Parents of incoming ninth-graders may ease student transition and better prepare their children for school success by learning more about the various academic, extracurricular and athletic aspects of the high school, such as: • Knowing the structure of the school day (what is a mod?) • Using unscheduled time in a responsible manner • Developing strong self-advocacy skills • Selecting an appropriately challenging curriculum • Understanding expectations regarding homework and grading • Fulfilling graduation requirements • Participating in extracurricular activities • Becoming involved in athletics Most importantly, it is vital for parents to have an understanding of the many available high school resources, which stand ready to assist students as they grow.

The Structure of the School Day The high school day begins at 7:30 a.m. At this time, the students report to homeroom for ten minutes. This is a time to hear the morning announcements and receive any important information or messages from the homeroom teacher. Students are assigned to the same homeroom and locker for all four years of high school. At 7:40 a.m., the first class of the day begins. Class time at the high school is segmented into “mods.” A mod is 25 minutes long with two mods making up most classes. Therefore, most classes are approximately 50 minutes long. This includes passing time between classes of approximately four minutes. Ninth graders are typically scheduled in four or five “core classes” (math, science, English, history and foreign language), physical education and health, one or two related electives and lunch, making up a 16-mod day. Related electives are designated as freshman-only courses. Students may earn a grade of Honors, Pass, or Fail in related electives. These classes afford students the opportunity to experience the high school’s extensive elective offerings without the possible penalty of a low letter grade. There are three lunch periods in each day: mods 7-8 (10:10-11 a.m.), mods 9-10 (11-11:50 a.m.), and mods 11-12 (11:50 a.m.-12:40 p.m.). All four high school grade levels are represented in each lunch period. When the mod bell rings during their lunch period, students may opt to move to a different location in the school. For example, if a student has a quiz to make up due to an absence, he or she may make up the 68

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

quiz in the Testing Center mod 7. At the mod bell, he or she may then report to the Nutrition Center for mod 8 lunch. Dismissal is at 2:20 p.m. each day, early enough for students to take advantage of the many extracurricular and athletic opportunities available at the high school.

Using Unscheduled Time in a Responsible Manner Freshmen commonly do not have much unscheduled time. Typically, ninth grade students can count on two mods (50 minutes) per week of unscheduled time because both physical education 9 and health are only fourday per week classes. If a student does not have a class, then that student is free to report to various supervised areas within the school building. The Nutrition Center is available for group study or a snack. The Testing Center allows students to make up missed tests or to study in a quiet atmosphere. The Library is a solid choice for the student who requires reference materials and a quiet place to work. The Resource Center is staffed with a

… it is vital for parents to have an understanding of the many available high school resources, which stand ready to assist students… certified math, science, English, history and foreign language teacher nearly every mod of the day for in-house tutorial assistance. Finally, The Commons, a student activity area, is an option for pool-playing, TV-watching, or just spending time with friends. Students are encouraged to use common sense in utilizing The Commons; academics should be top priority.

Developing Strong Self-Advocacy Skills The vision of Upper St. Clair School District (District) is to develop learned and responsible citizens, while nurturing the uniqueness of each child in promoting happiness and success. A key ingredient in achieving these goals is to teach and encourage students to engage in ageappropriate self-advocacy and independence. As students prepare for the life-long learning they will accomplish in their post-secondary pursuits, they must also cultivate a sense of responsibility and accountability. They do so through their use of unstructured time, their planning and decision-making and their life choices as they continue to grow and develop through the high school years and beyond.

Fall 2004

Academics—Selecting an Appropriately Challenging Curriculum USCHS offers an appropriately challenging curriculum for every student. Teachers and administrators communicate to each family the District’s recommendation for course selection for every student based upon the student’s academic standing. In considering these recommendations, students may select from a range of levels including Academic, Honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Learning Support and Vocational Education. Please keep in mind students do not need to be enrolled in all Honors or Advanced courses in order to be appropriately challenged at the high school.

Understanding Expectations Regarding Homework and Grading Students are expected to complete their homework nightly in order to be prepared for the next day’s classes. Some assignments are collected and graded while others are discussed in class. In some instances, homework may have as much value as test scores. For the first time in your child’s academic advancement, students will receive the letter grades of A = 100 to 90%, B = below 90 to 80%, C = below 80 to 70%, D = below 70 to 60% and F = below 60%. When needed, progress reports are mailed home to indicate student performance approximately four weeks prior to report cards. Report cards are issued every nine weeks. The grade recorded on the student transcript for each class is the semester grade earned at the end of 18 weeks. All semester grades earned from ninth grade through 12th grade appear on the student’s transcript and are incorporated into the weighted rank and the unweighted grade-point-average (GPA) calculation. More information regarding these calculations is available through the High School Counseling Department. The Honor Roll is calculated each quarter of the academic year based entirely upon the student’s unweighted GPA. Students may qualify for Highest Honor Roll (4.0), High Honor Roll (3.001-3.99), or Honor Roll (3.0). Students become eligible for consideration for the National Honor Society (NHS) at the end of their fifth semester (mid-way through junior year). NHS recognizes students with a GPA of 3.5 or above, and exceptional attributes in the areas of character, service and leadership.

Fulfilling Graduation Requirements The District and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have strict requirements regarding high school graduation. By the end of a student’s senior year, he or she must successfully complete 45 credits in the following manner: English (eight credits), mathematics (six credits), social studies (six credits), science (six credits), arts and humanities (four credits), physical education (three credits), health (one credit) and electives (11 credits). Foreign language is not a graduation requirement; however a minimum of two years is an entrance requirement for most colleges and universities. Foreign language credits are designated as elective credits. In the core academic subject areas (English, mathematics, social studies, science, and foreign languages), students earn one credit for every semester during which they achieve a passing grade. For more detailed information, please consult the High School Student Handbook and the High School Program of Studies booklet.

Activities—Participating in Extracurricular Activities USCHS offers a wide variety of activities in which each student can become involved. The types of activities offered allow students to express their interests and abilities in the areas of academics, fine and performing arts, athletics and special interests. Participation in extracurricular activities gives students the chance to meet other students they may not normally meet in class. Furthermore, as part of the admissions requirements, colleges and universities are placing more emphasis on how active the student is in high school. Ninth grade is the year students should begin their activities resumé. Within the first two weeks of the school year, a Freshman Activities Rush is held in the gym as a means of providing all freshmen with the prospect of joining different organizations, clubs and activities. This is a great opportunity for students to learn more about areas in which they have an interest. See page 72 for a list of activities available at the high school.

Athletics—Becoming Involved in Athletics Numerous interscholastic sports are available for all students during their high school years. Students seeking eligibility to participate in these sports must meet PIAA eligibility requirements and the District’s academic and attendance requirements. Students must comply with the District’s Code of Student Conduct and must demonstrate good judgment, teamwork, enthusiasm, effort, reliability, responsibility and willingness to accept direction. Any student interested in continuing athletic pursuits at the collegiate level should meet with his or her counselor as early as possible to discuss NCAA requirements and to make sure that the appropriate high school courses are taken.

Looking Ahead—Sophomore Year In tenth grade, students focus on selfassessment, exploration and awareness by using several USCHS resources. These include E-discover, a web-based program allowing students and parents to research student interests and abilities with an eye on career searches and post-secondary planning. For college-bound students, college entrance exams like the SAT and ACT lie just around the corner in the junior year. Further resources to aid students in self-exploration include both the PSAT, a practice SAT, and the PLAN Test. The PLAN is a practice ACT test containing a career interest inventory along with an academic assessment. It allows students to understand their academic skills and abilities, their preferences for different work tasks and their personal needs, plans and goals. Students can use this information in developing a sound academic schedule for the rest of high school and in considering the many options available after high school. Lastly, sophomores should continue to maintain an up-to-date activities resumé.

Junior Year Eleventh grade is a critical year for goal setting, decision-making and post-high school planning for each student. All students are required to take the math, reading and writing components of the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA). Students must exhibit proficiency in order to graduate. Junior year is also the primary year for college entrance exams such as the SAT and the ACT. College-bound students should consult with their counselor regarding a test-schedule strategy with an eye on testing in the spring semester of their junior year. This is also the perfect time for the collegebound to begin looking at various schools. Numerous college admissions representatives visit USCHS throughout the year. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to meet with the representatives of their schools of choice. Juniors should remember to keep their activities resumé current.

Senior Year In 12th grade, students take concrete steps to transitioning to life-long learning. The largest academic transition of your child’s life will be the transition from high school to post-secondary plans. Students are encouraged to research thoroughly the objectives they must meet in order to achieve their goals. This is a highlight of what students and parents may expect during the high school years. Parents are always encouraged to contact teachers, counselors and administrators with questions or concerns. It is essential to keep the lines of communication open in order to ensure every student’s transitions are smooth and to promote every student’s school success.  Fall 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Danny Holzer—

Basketball Coach 24-7 and More Jim Meston You don’t have to spend much time

with Danny Holzer to get the picture that he is enthusiastic and optimistic about everything he does. This not only includes coaching basketball at Upper St. Clair High School, but also being the director of student activities at the high school, advisor to the senior class and student council, as well as instructing in the classroom. He’s involved with the students in numerous activities and can’t think of anything he would enjoy more. He says the high caliber of young people and parents he’s involved with at Upper St. Clair make his responsibilities a pleasure. He’s quick to praise his players, coaching staff and students.

years. They were section champions in 1996, 2002 and 2003. They won the WPIAL championship in 1996 for the first time in school history. They were runner up champion in 2003, posting the best record in all of Danny’s years at USC—27 wins and only four losses. They competed for the state championship in 2002, 2003 and 2004. Danny’s overall USC basketball coaching record is 155 wins and 81 losses in a section that perennially includes very competitive teams. His section record is 76 wins and 32 losses.

Building and Maintaining the Program

The regular basketball season runs from November to March, but Danny’s schedule includes year-round involvement. He runs a summer basketball camp and a Township recreation program in June and July for kids in grades one through 12. Beginning in April and going through July, he’s involved in summer leagues, training camps, recreation programs and weight lifting programs. Beginning in August and extending through the start of basketball season, he’s supervising weight lifting Watching the Action and conditioning drills and coaching Danny, with his hand on his chin, intently studies what’s going on on the court, deciding what strategy is needed to gain another win. fundamentals. Then the regular season begins. Just looking at records alone, there’s no Danny says, “Playing in Quad A demands question that Danny is a highly successful mental and physical stamina. During the head basketball coach. He started his bas- season we continue lifting and do sprint ketball career in high school as team captain work. We have developed our program to a at Thomas Jefferson High School. He earned Quad A power, and I believe our conditioning his undergraduate degree from Edinboro program is a big reason why.” Danny’s experience at breaking down University and received his masters degree from California University of Pennsylvania. tape at Duquesne has contributed to how His coaching career started at Thomas he scouts opponents and develops his game Jefferson as an assistant in 1987. He then be- plan. He said, “I make sure that somebody came assistant coach at California from 1989 on our coaching staff sees every opponent to 1991, helping to attain the conference at least once. I also have people go to games championship in 1991. He was then recruit- and tape them. I am a firm believer in watched to coach under John Carroll at Duquesne ing and breaking tape down to help form a University. Danny was in charge of scouting, game plan. We try to attack our opponent’s recruiting, teaching fundamentals, pre-sea- weakness and utilize our strengths. I show son conditioning and video breakdown. He our team an edited film of our opponents’ learned well under coach Carroll and with offense and defense play. We also prepare a Danny’s assistance, Carroll led Duquesne to written report on the board in our team room the NIT tournament; their first post-season as well as give the players a game motivation opportunity in 17 years. John Carroll now handout.” Danny said that after a game he goes home, talks with his wife, Carol, kisses coaches the Boston Celtics. In 1995, Danny became head coach at his son, Riley, good night, but is still too USCHS. Since then, his teams have made the keyed up to go to bed. He usually retires to Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athlet- his video room and breaks down game tape ic League (WPIAL) playoffs seven out of nine into the wee hours of the morning. 70

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2004

Outstanding Assistant Coaches Contribute Greatly to the Success The head coach is responsible for creating a positive culture where potential can be realized, but behind every successful coach is a staff of competent assistants, and Danny speaks highly of the men helping him. Darelle Porter–Darelle is a graduate of Perry Traditional Academy where he was named City League Player of the Year in football and basketball. He was a basketball standout and started all four years at The University of Pittsburgh. For three years he was head basketball coach at Duquesne University. This is his third season at USC. Gary Goga–Gary played high school basketball for Bethel Park. He played basketball for four years at the Bradford campus of Pitt. He currently teaches ninth and tenth grades at Steel Valley High School. This is his fourth year coaching at USC. Gavin Williams–Gavin is a 1996 USCHS graduate and a graduate of Wake Forest University. He is currently living in Upper St. Clair while attending law school at The University of Pittsburgh. This is his third year coaching the JV team. Mike Barnard–Mike graduated from USCHS in 1997. He starred in basketball, soccer and baseball, playing on Coach Holzer’s first WPIAL championship team. A graduate of Johns Hopkins University in mechanical engineering, he also starred in college baseball. He is employed at Limbach Engineering. This is Mike’s third year coaching. Bryan Bennett–Bryan is a graduate of Freedom Area High School where he played basketball. A graduate of Penn State University, he majored in secondary education with a mathematics option. He teaches math at USC. Bryan is the freshman basketball coach. This is his second year on staff.

His Other Hat For the past five years Danny has been the director of the high school’s student activities. The responsibilities include arranging the dances, homecoming and prom activities, obtaining a baccalaureate speaker and coordinating the activities for graduation. He is also teacher advisor to the senior class and the student council. Students come to him for advice and problem solving. In an annual student survey conducted at the high school, students are asked to choose a teacher they would feel comfortable confiding in. Danny is one of the “top-teacher” student picks each year. His optimistic personality and caring nature are undoubtedly factors in how comfortable the students are in talking with him. It’s obvious that he’s in tune with the students’ needs and is interested in their well being.

His personality also shows through in his coaching style. “What I like about coaching basketball is seeing kids develop as players, but more importantly, as young men. As a high school coach, I believe I have the responsibility to help kids grow through hard work. It’s amazing to see kids develop from ninth graders to graduating seniors. At USC we have great people—from students to parents, teachers to administrators, residents to school board members. Another reason why I like working with these athletes is that they are as dedicated to their education as they are to basketball. There’s no stress about having my players remain academically eligible.” Danny has created a team culture where everyone pulls together regardless of what grade they’re in. Jeff Meinbresse, father of Dale Meinbresse, a senior star on last year’s team,

told me how the senior players accepted him as a teammate when he was just a freshman on the team. That model of behavior is typical through all of the years Danny has coached. Jeff credits Danny for creating that kind of culture in his program. Building a strong bond of camaraderie is a big part of Danny’s coaching style. North Allegheny High School recently offered Danny the head basketball coaching job and a teaching assignment. He declined the attractive offer saying, “I’m flattered North Allegheny pursued me, but I’m happy staying at Upper St. Clair, a place I enjoy and cherish.” Danny’s personal plans are to eventually move to Upper St. Clair so that he and his family can become a part of a community he respects so much. My feelings are that it can’t happen soon enough. 

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Giant Eagle, enabling area schools to earn points for money spent at Giant Eagle stores. These points are then redeemed to purchase educational equipment for our schools. Points are earned every time you use your Giant Eagle Advantage card from November 2004 through March 2005 for the 2004-05 school year. There’s no need to collect and turn in your paper grocery receipts. You can designate up to five school codes. The points you earned are allocated equally among the codes that you choose. If you’ve registered last year, you do not need to re-register unless you want to make a change to your designated school(s). Remember to tell your relatives, friends, neighbors and colleagues, even if they’re out of town or don’t have children in the school system. Anyone who has an Advantage card can register! Register either by calling 1-800-474-4777 or by logging on to www.gianteagle.com and clicking on the link for the Apples for the Students program and following the instructions. Have your Giant Eagle Advantage card with you and locate your 14-digit number on the back of the card, just below the bar code. Also have your designated school code number(s) ready. It’s that simple! You will be able to register in the fall when the program begins for the 2004-05 school year. Last year this program enabled our schools to earn computers, scanners, stereos, VCR/DVD players and computer software—all because of your efforts. Thanks for participating in this worthwhile program for our students.  School Code Baker ............................... 0045 Boyce ............................... 0107 Eisenhower...................... 0302 Fort Couch ...................... 0353

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Beginning with the 2004-05 school year, there will be only two email lists on yahoogroups. To subscribe to the PTA elementary and middle school list, send an email to USC_PTA_2004-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. To subscribe to the High School PTSO list send an email to USC_HS_2004subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Sign up to begin receiving weekly information concerning your school(s). Connect and find out what’s happening! Fall 2004

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Did You Know?

USC High School Activities Art Club

Majorettes

3-D Art Club

Mathematics League

Marching Band

Model U.N. Club

Bookstore

Montage (literary publication)

Basketball

Multicultural Club

Baseball

Music (choral and instrumental)

Bowling Club

National Honor Society

Breaking Barriers

Natural Helpers

Broadcasting Club

Orchestra

Campus News Video Club

Outdoors Club

CHANGES

Panther Pride

Upper St. Clair School District Retires 21

Cheerleading

Pantherettes

Chess Club

Principals’ Advisory Committee

Choral Groups

PTSO

Clairvoyant (yearbook)

Quill and Scroll

Color Guard

Rifle Team

Computer Programming Club

Rugby

Crew Team

Senior Class Officers

Cross Country

Students Against Drunk Driving

Fall Play

Science Scholars

Fencing Club

Soccer

Fishing Club

Softball

Field Hockey

Sophomore Class Officers

Film Club

Spanish Club

Football

Spring Musical

Forensics

Stage Crew

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. French Club

St. Clarion (high school newspaper)

Freshman Class Officers

Student Council

Future Business Leaders Association

Student Environment Action Coalition

German Club

Swimming and Diving

Golf

Tennis

Help Club

Thespian Society

Ice Hockey

Track

Improv Club

Ultimate Frisbee Club

Inline Hockey Club

USC Serves

Interact Club

Volleyball

Japanese Club

Volunteer Corps

Junior Class Officers

Westinghouse Institute

Lacrosse Clubs

World Affairs Club

L.I.N.K.

Wrestling

Latin Club

Xcept

Ten of the 2003-04 school-year retirees

After many years of service in education, the following 21 persons retired from the Upper St. Clair School District during the 2003-04 school year: Barbara Andrews, Judy Casturo, Rose Demsher, Pat Dunkis, Janet Hough, Susan Hughes, Nancy Kilbane, Ruth Kotz, Beverly Krill, Henry Luck, Anthony Maggio, Donald Merkt, Maryann Pierallini, Mary Raupp, Jim Render, Paul Schlachter, Nancy Uhler, Donald Welsh, Fred Wickstrom, James Yerkes and Janice Zahurak. Your dedication was outstanding. All the best in the future!

Matt Boyas

Experiment is a “Natural” Winner Matt Boyas, an eighth grade student at Fort Couch Middle School, was awarded an Honorable Mention at the Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair. Matt’s project was entitled “Effectiveness of Natural Heartburn Remedies.” Great job Matt!

Library Aides

For information, call 412-833-1600. Guidelines for Dress in Schools Beginning August 30, 2004 • • • • •

No hats Undergarments should not be visible No bare midrifts Shorts and skirts of reasonable length T-shirts should not display inappropriate messages

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Economics Team Places at Regionals The High School AP Economics Team placed fourth in the Adam Smith Division at Eastern Regional Competition this past April after placing first in the statewide National Council for Economic Education/ Goldman Sachs Economics Challenge. Kudos to team members Kevin Hoch, Laura McCabe, Dan Janiak and Ben Mysliwiec, and their coach, Beth Chadwick. Fall 2004

USC’s Engineering Team First in Nation Upper St. Clair High School plac ed first in the nation during this year’ s National Engineering Design Challenge (NE DC). This year’s challenge tasked the students with developing a produc t to help the elderly drive safely. Congratula tions to team members Adrienne Belasco , Kathleen DeLeo, Tony Ferrara, Christophe r Godla, Philip Gorman, Alex Kandabarro w, Jacob Lambach, Alex Langley, David Lo, Tyler Orchowski, Michael Riley, Jeff rey Shock, Mic hae l Wa lter s-S lez ak and An drz ej Wojcieszynski. The team was coached by Ma rjorie Heins, and the engineering adv isor was Rachel Heins, a biomedical eng ineer with UPMC Presbyterian Hospital Art ificial Heart Program and a USCHS graduate. Sophomores Receive MYP Certificates On May 19, the sophomores from the USCHS International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (MYP) received their MYP Certificates. These students completed a rigorous five-year course of study including honors courses, art and technology electives, a personal project and community service. Students who received certificates were: Ben Burns, Clara Eisinger, Amanda Frennier, Maria Gaudio, Pooja Godbole, Tyler Hassenfeldt, Zach Hunter, Emily Jaquay, Laura Kearns, Mrudula Kudaravalli, Raksha Kumar, Phillip Lueckgen, Jordan Meenen, Jon Paek, John Uhl, Daniel Williams, Steven Yanosky and Ashley Young. USCHS Athletics Spring Season Wins-Losses Baseball............................. 13 2 Lacrosse–Men’s ................. 11 4 Lacrosse–Women’s............. 7 6 Softball .............................. 7 11 Tennis–Men’s .................... 16 0 WPIAL Champion

Track–Men’s ....................... 6

PIAA gold medalist Rob Rankin for shot put throw–59' and 10.5''

Track–Women’s ................. 2 Volleyball–Men’s ................ 6

6 8

Junior Academy Of Science Congratulations to Ellen Goodlett, Christopher Carosella and Mrudula Kudaravalli, who won first place awards and Brian Lui, who won a second place award at the Junior Academy of Science state meet at Penn State this past spring.

pre Dr. Tim Steinhauer

a sents award to Sheen

Kapples.

Award t Finalist for State Fort Couch Studen gnized co re ly s recent Sheena Kapples, wa Outer ich Sp 03-04 Joan as a finalist for the 20 nia lva sy nn Pe e ard from th standing Student Aw ely at im ox pr Ap sociation. Middle School As for s nt de stu d s nominate 500 middle school g leadcognizes the “unsun the award, which re s. ol iddle scho ers” in the state’s m

Fort Couch Students Shine in Academic Games Congratulations to the Fort Couch Challenge students for their success in the Stock Market Game of Pennsylvania. Sheena Kapples placed first in the Pennsylvania stock market game, while the team of Brian Kelly, Ed Benda, Scott Bussey and Joey Rubino placed seventh in the state. In the Pennsylvania Math League contest, 30 Fort Couch students scored in the commendable range. Ed Benda, Drew Gallagher, Andrey Grinshpun, John Subosits and Nikhil Venkatesh represented the seventh grade in the state competition, placing seventh in Pennsylvania and first in Allegheny County. Drew, Andrey and John placed in the top five students in Allegheny County. Andrew Lee, Angela Liu, Andreea Manolache, Aaron Miller, Kevin Su, Shawn Summers and Akhil Venkatesh represented the eighth grade in the state competition, placing sixth in Pennsylvania and second in Allegheny County. Angela and Kevin tied for eighth place in Pennsylvania and tied for third in the top five students in Allegheny County. Are You Ready To Cook? Eisenhower Has A Way The Eisenhower Elementary School PTA is proud to announce that the Incredible Edibles & More cookbook is now available for purchase featuring over 500 of the best recipes contributed by the families, friends and staff of Eisenhower School. This fundraiser augments Eisenhower’s multimedia center and classrooms with new and innovative equipment. Copies can be purchased at the School District Central Administrative Office or by contacting Janie Taraszewski at 412-851-7207.

Fast Professional Real Estate Appraisals Offering Real Estate Appraisal and Consulting for Mortgage Financing, Purchase, Listing, Estate and Assessment Appeals Christie Parkinson

Reflections Winners Place at State Level Two Upper St. Clair students who participated in the 2003-04 National Reflections program placed near the top in the state of Pennsylvania this past school year. The theme was “I am really happy when…” Christie Parkinson placed fourth for her music composition written for piano, entitled “A Dolphin’s Surprise,” in the Intermediate Division (grades three through five). Adam Taraszewski, placed second for visual arts, Intermediate Division Specified Category (grades three through five).

Mobile Onsite Appraisals Available!

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Phone 412.833.2760 Fax 412.833.6659 37 McMurray Road, Upper St. Clair

Left to right: Joanne Szymanski, Fort Couch teacher; Chrissy Lee; Stuart Block; Noah Simmons and Ashley Clermont, Fort Couch intern

Challenge 24 This spring, students from Boyce and Fort Couch Middle Schools participated in the Challenge 24 Math Tournament. Chrissy Lee, Stuart Block, Noah Simmons, Cassandra Smith-Newman and Connor Buker represented USC School District at the Greater Pittsburgh Area 24 Tournament held this past April, where they competed against students from all over Allegheny County. Cassandra Smith-Newman received a silver medal for finishing in the Top 16 of her age group. Chrissy Lee placed second in the very competitive Platinum Division and went on to compete at the 12th annual Pennsylvania State finals, placing first this past June. Fall 2004

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Fort Couch Students Reach Out Judy Casturo

Boyce Students Travel to Wetlands Close your eyes and imagine a per-

Left to right: Jennifer Kirk, Fort Couch guidance counselor and students Will Schuster and Brendan McNally

fect September day—the sun is shining, a gentle breeze cools your skin, and the sky is so blue—almost indescribable. Now imagine you are a fifth grader with lots of new friends at a brand new school and you’re on your first field trip. In reality it doesn’t take much imagination to understand how excited fifth level students at Boyce are when they take their first field trip to the wetlands at the Boyce Mayview property.

Each October Fort Couch Middle

School hosts children and their caregivers from a Munhall family center. It is a day when the best of the middle school child is evident and everyone at Fort Couch is proud and pleased to watch the students make a positive contribution to a worthwhile project. The project begins in guidance classes when students are asked to contribute items that would be appreciated by young children. The Fort Couch students respond generously. Students in the homeroom contributing the most are given the honor of spending the day as a big brother or sister to a child from the family center daycare. The middle school students are truly honored to be caregivers for the day. Each selected Fort Couch student is asked to care for a child during his visit to the school. They entertain the child, watch over the child, help the child with various activities and have lunch with the child. It doesn’t take long for the middle school students to bond with their little brother or sister. The daycare children come dressed in Halloween costumes and parade through the building going from classroom to classroom as they Trick-or-Treat. This gives students and teachers alike the opportunity to participate and enjoy the day with these children. Students love passing out candy to Mickey and Pooh, commenting on the adorable costumes. The students and teachers enjoy giving to and feeling the rewards of sharing time, talents and gifts with others. The family center visit is organized by Jennifer Kirk and Zoltan Toth, guidance counselors at Fort Couch.  74

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

(L-R) Dewey Cassler and his daughter, enjoy the wetlands together.

Delaney,

Each year the fifth level classes visit this Township resource for an environmental experience where, according to fifth level teacher Debbie Ford, they are introduced to the flora and fauna of the wetlands. Each class hikes from Boyce to the wetlands where they take part in activities designed to help them learn about ecology and the environment. Fifth level teacher Steve Nicklas said the field trip is tied in with some of the ASSET science kit topics covered at Boyce such as ecosystems and micro worlds. Students spend time hiking around the lake and try to identify various plants and animals, make leaf prints, test the water quality of the lake, listen to the sounds of nature and write poetry about their experiences.

Fall 2004

Jessica Dupree “discoveries”—a piedisplays her wetland ce of coal and clams hells

After the Boyce wetland trip last year, Joshua Biggart, a self described “nature fanatic,” said the hiking and climbing were his favorite parts of the trip, while Jessica Dupree liked the water testing activity the best. Matt Moses said his favorite part of the trip was seeing all the animals. “I saw a beaver, which I never saw before,” he commented, adding that he would go on this trip again if he could. Michael Ortenzo and Alex Checca were just two of many students who said their adult leader made the trip a good experience. “I learned a lot of things from my leader,” said Michael Ortenzo. The comments on the leaders’ skills reflected the time and effort Township Forester Walter Jarosh spends before each trip training parents and teachers about what the students will find while exploring the wetlands.

Group discussion and writing

before lunch

Rebecca Petersavage, who started teaching fifth level at Boyce last year, thought that the students learned so much through the hands-on experience they got during the trip. As a former special education teacher, Rebecca said that hands-on experience is such an important part of learning.  Testing water quality

Fourth Level Science Roundup Ginny Stempkowski Upper St. Clair School District’s annual

Science Roundup took place May 26-28, with the fourth level students from the District’s three elementary schools traveling to Upper St. Clair High School for an entire day of hands-on science fun. The Roundup, sponsored by the PTAs from Baker, Eisenhower and Streams schools, provided students the opportunity to participate in a variety of scientific experiments, including “Egg Drop,” “Huff Puff Mobile” and “Tower of Pasta.” USC High School science students facilitated the various experiment stations, at which mixed groups from the different elementary schools worked together. The children also

enjoyed science-centered entertainment while they ate lunch. Science Roundup was a fantastic learning experience for our students, in addition to being a great way for them to meet future Boyce Middle School classmates.

Pennsylvania School Immunization Requirements Children in all grades (K–12) who started school before 1997 need the following vaccines: • 3 doses of tetanus* • 2 doses of measles** • 3 doses of diphtheria* • 1 dose of mumps** • 3 doses of polio • 1 dose of rubella (German measles)** Children entering school (at K or grade 1), in 2004-05 need the following vaccines: • 4 doses of tetanus* (1 dose on or after the fourth birthday) • 3 doses of polio • 4 doses of diphtheria* (1 dose on or after the fourth birthday) • 2 doses of measles** • 1 dose of mumps** • 1 dose of rubella (German measles)** • 3 doses of hepatitis B •1 dose of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or history of the disease Children entering grade 7 in 2004-05 need the following vaccines: • 3 doses of tetanus* • 1 dose of mumps** • 3 doses of diphtheria* • 1 dose of rubella (German measles)** • 3 doses of polio • 3 doses of hepatitis B • 2 doses of measles** • Age appropriate dose(s) of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or history of the disease * Usually given as DTP or DTaP or DT or Td ** Usually given as MMR Families are encouraged to obtain the needed immunizations from their physicians. However, the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) does offer the required vaccines. To obtain information about clinic locations and times, interested persons should contact the ACHD Infectious Diseases Program at 412-578-8060. Students must provide evidence of immunization in order to attend school. These requirements allow for exemptions for medical reasons and religious beliefs. Parents must provide written documentation of exemptions to the District. If your child is exempt from immunizations, he or she may be removed from school during an outbreak.

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

Framing * Restoration 2871 Washington Road

724-941-7515

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Coffey Contracting Co. ROOFING & CHIMNEYS Slate • Tile • Shakes Tinning • Spouting Flashing • Box Gutter Repair We can recreate workmanship and styles from any Architectural Era

The Upper St. Clair Panther Pride Throw “A Warm Memento” One hundred percent pre-washed cotton, this fully-fringed 50" by 65" throw, woven in natural, black and red, is available for only $45. Proceeds benefit the USC PTA Council Special Projects Scholarship Fund. Order yours today by completing and mailing the form along with payment to: Lori Feldman, 328 Oaklawn Drive, Upper St. Clair PA 15241 412-835-2513 Quantity______ @ $45 each = Total $_______ enclosed

FREE ESTIMATES FULLY INSURED

Name: _______________________________________ Address: _____________________________________ City: ________________________________________ State, ZIP: ____________________________________

412.341.1127

Phone: _______________________________________ Method of Payment: ___Cash

___Check (payable to USC PTA Council) Fall 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

School District Notices Continued from page 65

Planned Program of Standardized Testing The planned program of standardized testing by the District is collected and maintained by representational consent and is shown below. The results of these tests, as well as the results of aptitude and achievement tests taken by the individual student on a voluntary basis and required for admission into post-secondary education institutions are maintained and made a part of the record. Should you wish to examine the record, you may arrange to do so by making an appointment with your child’s principal or counselor. For specific information regarding matters pertaining to school records, parents or eligible students may contact the principal of the school in which the student is enrolled. Test Grade Pre-school screening Pre-school Terra Nova CTBS Battery/ Otis-Lennon School Ability Grade 1 Terra Nova CTBS Battery/ Test of Cognitive Skills Grade 2 Terra Nova CTBS Battery/ Test of Cognitive Skills Grade 4 California Achievement Test/ Test of Cognitive Skills Grade 8 Academic and Career Assessment Inventory (PLAN) Grade 10

Date of Administration Prior to Entrance March/April March/April March/April December October

In addition, the Pennsylvania Department of Education requires that all school districts participate in the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA). Listed below is the schedule for the administration of the PSSA for the 2004-05 school year. PSSA Area of Assessment Math, Reading, Writing Retest

Grade

Date of Administration

Grade 12

October 25–November 5, 2004

Writing

Grade 5, 8, 11

February 14–23, 2005

Math and Reading

Grades 3, 5, 8, 11 April 5–15, 2005

Math and Reading* Grades 4, 6, 7 *(Newly required field test)

April 5–15, 2005

Programs for Eligible or Protected Handicapped or Gifted Students In compliance with the state and federal law, notice is hereby given by the District that it conducts ongoing identification activities as a part of its school program for the purpose of identifying disabled students who may be in need of special education and related services (eligible students). Individualized services and programs are available for children who are determined to need specially designed instruction due to the following conditions: autism; blindness or visual impairment; deafness or hearing impairment; deafness and blindness; emotional disturbance; mental retardation; multiple disabilities; orthopedic impairment; other health impairments; specific learning disability; speech and language impairment and traumatic brain injury. If you believe that your school-age child may be in need of special education services or related programs, or your young child (age three to school-age) may be in need of early intervention, screening and evaluation processes designed to assess the needs of the child and his/her eligibility are available to you at no cost, upon written request. You may request screening and evaluation at any time, whether or not your child is enrolled in the District’s public school program. Requests for evaluation and screening are to be made in writing to your child’s principal or Eloise Stoehr, Supervisor of Pupil Services, at the address listed on page 77. In compliance with state and federal law, the District will provide to each protected handicapped student without discrimination or cost to 76

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2004

the student or family, those related aides, services, or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the student’s abilities. In order to qualify as a protected handicapped student, the child must be school age with a physical or mental disability which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program. These services and protections for “protected handicapped students” are distinct from those applicable to all eligible students enrolled (or seeking enrollment) in special education programs. In compliance with state law, the District provides services designed to meet the unique needs of gifted students. The District identifies “gifted” students on a case-by-case basis based on state law and District procedures. Such students may possess superior IQ scores and meet multiple criteria indicating gifted ability. If your child is believed to be in need of such services, you will be notified of evaluation procedures. If you believe your school-age child may qualify for gifted education services, you may contact in writing your child’s principal or Eloise Stoehr at any time to request determination of eligibility. Please note that entitlement to gifted services includes only those rights provided for by Pennsylvania law. For further information on the rights of parents and children, provision of services, evaluation and screening (including purpose, time and location), and rights to due process procedures, contact in writing to your child’s principal, Eloise Stoehr, Supervisor of Pupil Services, or Dr. Sharon Suritsky, Supervisor of Special Education at the addresses listed on page 77.

Child Identification Activities The District provides a free appropriate public education to exceptional students. To be eligible, the student must be of school age, in need of specially designed instruction and meet eligibility criteria for mentally gifted and/or one or more of the following physical or mental disabilities as defined by Pennsylvania state standards: autism; blindness or visual impairment; deafness or hearing impairment; deafness and blindness; emotional disturbance; mental retardation; multiple disabilities; orthopedic impairment; other health impairments; specific learning disability; speech and language impairment and traumatic brain injury. The District makes use of the following procedures for locating, identifying and evaluating needs of school-aged students requiring special programs or services. As prescribed by Section 1402 of the School Code, the District routinely conducts screenings of a child’s hearing acuity, visual acuity, and speech and language ability. Gross motor and fine motor skills, academic skills, and social/emotional skills are assessed by classroom teachers on an on-going basis. Specified needs from all of these screening sources are noted in the student’s records. Such school records are open and available to parents. Information from the records is released to other persons or agencies only with appropriate authorization, which involves written permission by parents. Parents with concerns regarding their child may contact the school principal at any time to request screening or evaluation of their child. Communication with parents and exceptional students shall be in English or the native language of the parents. Screening information will be used by the student support team within the student’s school to meet his/her specific needs or to document the need for further evaluation. If it is determined that a child needs additional services, the student support team will make recommendations for adjustments relative to such things as the child’s learning style, behavior, physical inabilities and speech problems to assist the student in reaching appropriate gains based on his/her rate of learning. Multidisciplinary evaluations of students thought to be exceptional can be initiated by parents/guardians or school personnel. Parents/guardians are part of the multidisciplinary team (MDT). Permission of the parent/ guardian is needed to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation.

The purpose of a multidisciplinary evaluation is to develop conclusions and recommendations regarding eligibility and programming appropriate for the student. Multidisciplinary evaluations use multiple sources of information in assessing a student, such as District-wide testing results, input from school personnel, team interventions, classroom observation, parent input, and formal educational and psychological testing. After the evaluations are completed, an evaluation report is compiled and includes specific recommendations for the types of interventions necessary to deal with the student’s needs. Parents are then invited to participate in a meeting where the results of the evaluation are discussed. If the child is determined to be exceptional and in need of specially designed instruction, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is developed. The extent of special education services and the location of the delivery of these services are determined by the IEP team and are based on the student’s identified needs and abilities, chronological age and level of intensity of the specified intervention. The District also provides related services that are necessary for an exceptional student to benefit from special education. When the IEP is complete, the parents are presented with a Notice of Recommended Educational Placement (NOREP) with which they may agree or disagree. If parents disagree with the program being recommended, the issue may be taken to mediation or a due process hearing. The District provides a continuum of options ranging from supportive intervention in the regular classroom to supplemental intervention in the regular class or in a resource room, to a part time or full time special education class in or outside the regular school. Students receive services in the least restrictive environment as determined by the IEP team. The District provides learning support for students whose primary identified need is academic support. Life skills support is provided for students whose focus is on independent living skills. Additionally, the District provides hearing support, speech/ language support, emotional support, vision support and physical support to meet students’ individual needs. Students who are mentally gifted receive gifted support. Based upon students’ individual needs, the District provides extended school year services, adaptive physical education for students who cannot benefit from regular physical education with modifications, behavior management programs for students whose behavior interferes with learning, vocational assessment, assistive devices and enrichment/advancement. Information about parental rights, mediation or due process procedures special education services and programs offered by the District and the District’s Educational Records policy is available upon request from the student’s school principal.

Notification of Rights Under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) affords parents and students who are 18 years of age or emancipated minors (“eligible students”) certain rights regarding the conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes and certain physical exams. These include the right to: • Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (protected information survey) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED): 1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parents 2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family 3. Sexual behavior or attitudes 4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior 5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships 6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors or ministers 7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents 8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility • Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of: 1. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding 2. Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under State law; and 3. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or to otherwise distribute the information to others • Inspect, upon request and before administration or use: 1. Protected information surveys of students 2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes 3. Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum The District will develop and adopt policies, in consultation with parents, regarding these rights, as well as arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution purposes. The District will notify parents and eligible students of these policies at least annually at the start of each school year and after any substantive changes. The District will notify parents at the beginning of the school year if the District has identified the specific or approximate dates of the activities or surveys at that time and will provide an opportunity for the parent to opt his or her child out of participation of the specific activity or survey. For surveys and activities scheduled after the school year starts, parents will be provided reasonable notification of the planned activities and surveys listed below and be provided with an opportunity to opt their child out of such activities and surveys. Following is a list of the specific activities and surveys covered under this requirement: • Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution • Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by ED • Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as described above. Parents/eligible students who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with: Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20202-4605 Correspondence addresses referenced in this article Dr. Sharon Suritsky Supervisor of Special Education Upper St. Clair School District 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Pittsburgh, PA 15241 Dr. William Rullo Supervisor of High School Guidance Counseling Upper St. Clair High School 1825 McLaughlin Run Road Pittsburgh, PA 15241

Ms. Eloise Stoehr Supervisor of Pupil Services Upper St. Clair School District 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Pittsburgh, PA 15241

Fall 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall Dining Guide THE

CLASSROOM RESTAURANT

Sesame Inn

Toasty Nights Glorious Foods!

FINEST CHINESE CUISINE

ese n i h C “Bessttaurant” Re

Reservations Suggested

24 Donati Road • 412-833-7000

voted by the readers of • PITTSBURGH magazine 2002, 2003 and 2004 • Mt. Lebanon magazine • Post-Gazette • Tribune Review • Rated  by KDKA TV

“In the South Hills, all roads lead to Amel’s,”

Gourmet Chinese Restaurant

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Pittsburgh Magazine, June 2003

Restaurant

Treat your family to the award winning Best Chinese Restaurant Reservations recommended

(412) 279-8088 Open 7 days

Join us for our Sunday Brunch Noon til 3:00 1082 Bower Hill Rd. (next to St. Clair Hospital)

www.sesameinn.net 78

Peters Township Lunch Tues-Fri, 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tues-Sat, 5:00 –10:00 pm 724-942-4878 www.classroomrestaurant.com

Lunch • Dinner Free Delivery • Carryout Banquet Facilities Gift Certificates McMurray 724-942-2888 Mt. Lebanon 412-341-2555 Station Square 412-281-8282 North Hills 412-366-1838

Try the Blue Plate Special Monday–Saturday 5 p.m.–6 p.m. $13.00 Everything!

Celebrates a Decade of High Honors In a Century Old Schoolhouse American - Grill/Casual Dining

Pittsburgh, PA 15243 Fall 2004

COUPON

McNeilly at Sussex

412-563-3466

50% Off

dinner entrée with the purchase of 2nd dinner entrée of equal or greater value. Sunday thru Thursday Expires October 30, 2004

Winner, Pittsburgh Magazine 2003 Readers’ Poll Winner, Pittsburgh City Paper 2003 Readers’ Vote

Lunch ’til 5 pm • Early Birds Late Dinners and Snacks • Patio and bar ’til 2 am

Amel’s Restaurant McNeilly Road 412-563-3466

2004

Since this issue of the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is all

s for Join u dards Stan Great oth Jazz pm mo and S nd Sat. from 8:00 ri. a

Every F

Signature Service Eclectic Dining Experience American Cuisine, International Flair serving lunch and dinner, Monday–Saturday 1-79 at Southpointe Exit 48 1000 Corporate Drive Canonsburg adjacent to the Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh/Southpointe phone

Nothing Better.

Celebrate an Anniversary with that Special Gift

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www.experiencejacksons.com

TUESDAY NIGHT IS PIZZA NIGHT! $5.95 for a LARGE CHEESE PIZZA! Phone 412.306.0866Dine-In, Take-out, & We are located at 1535 Washington Road Fax 412.306.0865 Delivery avaliable! (across from The Galleria) www.rotellipizzapasta.com

about an anniversary celebration, we thought a lesson on proper etiquette, when it comes to gift giving, is in order. What memento is appropriate to help family and friends mark an anniversary? A quiet dinner? A party? A special gift? Do you remember that list of suggested products to mark the occasion? In case you’ve forgotten, but want to stick to tradition, here’s the list of anniversaries and related gift ideas from that special “number one” to the celebrated sixtieth. Anniversary Products First Paper Second Cotton Third Leather Fourth Fruit/Flowers Fifth Woodenware Sixth Candy/Iron Seventh Wool/Copper Eighth Bronze/Pottery Ninth Pottery/Willow Tenth Tin/Aluminum Eleventh Steel Twelfth Silk/Linens Thirteenth Lace Fourteenth Ivory Fifteenth Crystal Twentieth China Twenty-fifth Silver Thirtieth Pearl Thirty-fifth Coral Fortieth Ruby Fiftieth Gold Sixtieth Diamond While we’re on the subject of recognizing special events and the subject of gift giving, how's your memory for birthstones and flowers associated with the months of the year? Ladies, you might want to clip this piece and place it in a spot that your partner is sure to see. If you prefer another month’s jewel or flower, let him know that too! Month Birthstone Flower January Garnet Carnation February Amethyst Primrose March Aquamarine Violet April Diamond Daisy May Emerald Lily Of The Valley June Pearl Rose July Ruby Water Lily August Peridot Poppy September Sapphire Morning Daisy October Opal Calendula November Topaz Chrysanthemum December Turquoise Narcissus

We are located at

1535 Washington Road (across Rt. 19 from The Galleria)

Fall 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Around the Township

Building a Better Community— Together

urri e, Kevin McManus, Jimmy McC Left to right: Michael McCurri k Billa Alex Eric Gemme and

This story is dedicated to the memory of Ann Billak. Ann was the inspiration of “Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh” and co-founded the chapter in 1993. She lost her battle with cancer on July 15, 2004. She will be missed by her family and friends in Upper St. Clair and beyond.

new sub-floor, floor covering and toilet in the bathroom; replacing rusted kitchen cabinets with new cabinets and countertop; electrical repairs; patching holes in the ceilings and general cleaning, painting and yard work. USC and Bethel Park Rotaries tackled repairs on a house located in Brentwood. Congressman Tim Murphy, an advocate and volunteer for Rebuilding Together for many years, was busy doing yard work at the house. He obtained grant money to repair roofs for Rebuilding Together and has written on their behalf to Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman James Walsh (R-NY) requesting $150,000 in funding for the Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill for 2005.  National Rebuilding Day always takes place on the last Saturday in April. For more information or to volunteer, pleases contact Cindy Gilch, Executive Director at 412-922-0953. Left to right: Scott Boyer, Matt Buchta, Jeremy Block and Emily Heise

On April 24, 2004, many Upper St. Clair residents were part

of the over 1100 volunteers throughout Allegheny County who took the time to help elderly homeowners repair their homes by participating in “Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh.” This nonprofit home repair and renovation program for low-income elderly and disabled homeowners helps restore their properties to safe, warm and dry places to live. During the 2004 National Rebuilding Day, volunteers in Allegheny County renovated 29 homes with an estimated market value of $300,000. Upper St. Clair resident Dan Gemme was the house captain or “boss” at a home in Mt. Oliver as he coordinated all the activity there. Assisting Gemme by coordinating the unskilled labor were Upper St. Clair High School students Zach Kavo, Margaret McManus and Rachel Billak. Among the repairs that took place at the Mt. Oliver home were replacing stairs from the kitchen to the basement; installing a

McCurrie Left to right: Michael nus and Kevin McMa

Left to right: John Heise, Jim Tepe and Dan Gemme

Kids Who Make a Difference

Anonymous

Many experts say pre-teens are egocentric

and care only about their peer group and fitting in. It is supposedly a time when middle schoolers can revert back to terrible twos behavior. I know a Fort Couch eighth grader whose behavior would make the professionals think twice about their analysis of this age group. Carrie Thompson is a very caring girl. When a family friend became seriously ill last year and required intensive care and lengthy medical treatment, Carrie decided to do something to lend support to the patient and her family. Carrie wrote letters to approximately 50 of their mutual friends. She asked each friend to write a letter with get well UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Fall Fall 2004 8080 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 2004

wishes and fond memories of time spent with the patient. Carrie spent many hours completing this project. Her parents supported her idea, but Carrie did all the work and planning herself. Carrie compiled the letters into a beautiful scrapbook that she presented to her friend. The patient believes that the love and support she received from this special book helped her get through a difficult time. It truly touched her heart. I frequently hear people say that kids are our future. We can be assured that we will have a great future with kids like Carrie Thompson in charge. 

Happenings Southwinds’ Third Annual Golf Event Southwinds will host its third annual golf event at Southpointe Golf Club on Wednesday, September 15 with a 1 p.m. shotgun start. This year the event becomes the PNC Advisors Missie Berteotti Golf Classic. PNC joins the event as the major sponsor, and LPGA champion Missie Berteotti will participate in the day’s activities. The cost is $175 per golfer, which includes 18 holes of golf, cart, greens fees, lunch, dinner and gifts. Individuals and companies can sponsor holes or purchase advertising in the programs. Proceeds help Southwinds continue its work of providing homes and community living for persons with developmental disabilities, allowing the agency to achieve its mission of making it possible for the 51 individuals it serves to have lives full of dignity and enriching activities. Email suey@southwindsinc.org or call 724-941-7600 or for further information. Community-Wide Flea Market PRIME TIME Adult Care is sponsoring a community-wide flea market on Saturday, September 11 at Christ United Methodist Church in Bethel Park (across from Village Square Mall). For a $10 donation you will be provided a 8' by 2 1/2' table and two chairs. To request a registration form contact PRIME TIME Director Mary Ann Weber at 412-835-6661. PRIME TIME is a non-profit, statelicensed organization providing medical supervision and mental and physical stimulation to the frail elderly, those with functional impairments and those with Alzheimer’s disease. Frick Art & Historical Center’s Garden Tours Now through September 29 the Frick Art & Historical Society is offering garden tours every Wednesday and Sunday at 1 p.m. A leisurely stroll through the lush grounds, garden and greenhouse of the Frick’s 19th century estate will provide an educational look at many heirloom varieties of flowers and plants. The tours are led by Clayton docents trained in the history and horticulture of Frick’s site for $5 per person. Call 412-371-0600 for reservations and special group tour arrangements.

Card Party and Luncheon Friends of Family Hospice and Palliative Care auxiliary group will hold its 13th annual card party and luncheon on October 27 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at South Hills Country Club. A Chinese auction and Treasure Table shopping will take place from 10-11:30 a.m., followed by lunch and the card party. The cost is $20 per person. All donations will benefit services provided to Family Hospice patients and families. To get more information or to make a reservation, call Mary Jean Rufft at 412-881-8892. Dinner Dance to Benefit Family Hospice Family Hospice and Palliative Care will host its fifth annual Toast To Life Celebration on Saturday, October 30 at the Rivers Club in downtown Pittsburgh beginning at 6:30 p.m. The formal dinner dance includes a silent auction and a jazz band and benefits the services provided to patients and families in the hospice program. Three area women (Ann Lytle of Upper St. Clair, Nancy Gannon of Mt. Lebanon and Delores Smith Barber of Thornberry) will be honored for their outstanding volunteerism and donations to Family Hospice and Palliative Care. If you are interested in helping or attending, call 412-572-8812. Dormont High School Reunion—All Classes There will be an annual gathering of all graduates of Dormont High School at the Castle Shannon Fire Hall on Saturday, October 2 from 6-11 p.m., with buffet at 7:15 p.m. Registration is required. Contact Betty Chrise at chrise243@cs.com or 412-372-5812. Mothers & More Mothers & More is a non-profit support group for women who have altered their career paths to care for their children at home. There are a lot of activities for mothers and their children. Contact the Mothers & More South Hills chapter at www.geocities.com/mothersandmore_swpgh or call 412-278-0529.  Fall 2004

D• A• V• I• N• i n t e r i o r

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(412) 759-4929 cdavin@adelphia.net USC Resident

Diane Horvath, GRI

The Commitment You Need The Results You Deserve TOP PRODUCER IN THE UPPER ST. CLAIR OFFICE 2001, 2002 and 2003

Real Estate Sales Leader for Upper St. Clair Office Visit Diane’s Internet Properties at: www.howardhanna.com

412-833-3600 412-833-6808

Real Estate Services

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Z Side by Side with the Pittsburgh Symphony

Custom Designed Handmade Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Original and unique handmade cards designed for your special occasion s s s s s

Birth Announcements Christmas Cards Thank You Notes Personalized Stationery Birthday Parties s s s s s

Communion Invitations Graduation Showers Wedding

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zoey Shorts 412.257.8696 home 1411 Lesnett Road 724.312.8960 work Upper St.Clair, PA zoeyshorts@aol.com

This past June, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra held its fifth annual Side-By-Side concert allowing some 60 amateur musicians to play their instruments alongside members of the PSO. This performance was for musicians’ families and invited donors and guests. A program of the Symphony’s Education and Community Engagement activities, this unique event grew out of ideas from Pittsburgh Symphony musicians and other community members to create innovative adult education initiatives and to support, rekindle and build amateur musicians’ interest in classical music. Upper St. Clair residents who participated, playing viola, were Arlene Cook and Tracy Wazenegger (USCHS ’97). 

Citizens for Land Stewardship Are you interested in activities that

promote harmony between people and nature? Education on environmental issues? Do you support sustainable land use to protect and enhance natural resources in our communities? Do you want to be involved in watershed restoration and reintroduction of native plant species? If you’ve answered yes to one or more of these questions, USC Citizens for Land Stewardship is the conservation organization for you. This non-profit organization invites you to join with a tax-deductible membership. Many volunteer opportunities are available. Visit the organization’s website at www.usccls.org or call 412-831-3289 for more information. 

USC Lions Club— Help Us Help Others

USC Lions Fall Leaf Bag Sale Saturdays–9 a.m. to 1 p.m. October 9, 16, 23, 30 and November. 6, 13, 20 USC Public Works Building– Corner of McLaughlin Run Road and Truxton Drive

Left to right: Diane Ornato, Manager of Large Print Book Collection; Lois Hoop, Director of Library; Roy Johnson, Board of Directors Upper St. Clair Lions Club; Wes Hurst, President of Upper St. Clair Lions Club

We accept cash or check.

The Upper St. Clair Lions Club conducted a special fund

Drive up and we’ll load them in your car! Also for sale–vinyl trash bags (black 30 and 33 gallon and tall white kitchen), brooms and nuts.

We look forward to serving your needs! 82

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

The Lions Club donates annually to Pittsburgh Vision Services (PVS). PVS was formed through a consolidation of the Greater Pittsburgh Guild for the Blind (Bridgeville) and the Pittsburgh Blind Association and has collectively served the people of Allegheny County for over 130 years. 

raising effort dedicated to the Upper St. Clair Township Library for the purchase of materials for visually impaired patrons. Their generous donation will provide many large print books and books on CD that are very popular collections with high circulation.

Fall 2004

Stephen Barrett (left), President of Pittsburgh Vision Services, accepts a $3000 check from Robert Spears, Treasurer (center) and Paul Rebolz, President, Upper St. Clair Lions Club (right).

Rotary Changes Officers

The officers of the Upper St. Clair-Bethel

Park Breakfast Rotary Club were recently installed for the 2004-05 year. Photographed are Robert Hackett, president of the club for 2003-04 congratulating Susan B. Hicks, incoming president. Susan, an Upper St. Clair resident, is an administrator with the Clairton School District and will hold her Rotary office until July 2005. This Rotary Club meets at The Grand Residence every Tuesday at 7 a.m. and has a membership of 37 business men and women. The Rotary raises funds which are used for many charitable causes. Their annual fundraiser is the Chicken Barbeque which, this year, will be held Saturday, October 2, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Working with and under the direction of the Upper St Clair High School

nutrition center professionals, club members will prepare and serve chicken dinners to approximately 2200 individuals on that day. The majority of the dinners are prepared for take out, a convenient way to enjoy the meal. Other guests enjoy their dinner in the attractive church dining room. Tickets can be purchased at the church on October 2. Rotary members work on several “hands on” projects throughout the year. In addition, the entire proceeds from the barbeque fundraiser are distributed to several charitable causes which include YMCA Camp Aim, South Hills Interfaith Ministries, Southwinds, Make A Wish, Early Learning Institute, Wesley Institute, scholarships to Upper St. Clair and Bethel Park High School graduating seniors, Rebuilding Pittsburgh, the Rotary Foundation and other worthy charities. Individuals interested in Rotary membership or in acquiring Chicken Barbeque tickets can contact any member of the club or call 412-833-7753 for information about membership or the dinner. 

HERMAN J. HEYL FLORISTS 2516 Washington Road Pittsburgh, PA 15241

(412) 833-3833 Fresh Floral Arrangements & Dish Gardens C

Complete Wedding Flowers C

Sympathy Flowers & Plants C

Balloon Arrangements C

Silk Flowers & Dried Designs

Annual Chicken Barbeque Saturday, October 2 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Eat in or pick up!

General Election—Tuesday, November 2, 2004 Polls Open 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Monday, October 4, 2004, is Voter Registration Deadline Date. (Date subject to change pending Pennsylvania legislative action.)

If you have questions regarding the election, registration or absentee ballots, please call the Allegheny County Elections Department at 412-350-4500 or visit www.twpusc.org. The Township Library and the post office have voter registration forms.

Please exercise your right to vote! Ward District Polling Place 1

Township Building, Library Multi-purpose Room, Ground Floor - McLaughlin Run Road

Baker Elementary School, Gymnasium Morton Road

Fort Couch Middle School, Multi-purpose Room (Miranda Drive Entrance) - Fort Couch Road

Ward District Polling Place 3 1 Recreation Center - McLaughlin Run Road 3

St. Louise de Marillac School - McMurray Road

Recreation Center - McLaughlin Run Road

Fort Couch Middle School, Multi-purpose Room (Miranda Drive Entrance) - Fort Couch Road

Baker Elementary School, Gymnasium Morton Road

Boyce Middle School, Gymnasium - Boyce Road

Fort Couch Middle School, Gymnasium (Miranda Drive Entrance) - Fort Couch Road

Boyce Middle School, Gymnasium - Boyce Road

Westminster Presbyterian Church - Washington Road

Boyce Middle School, Gymnasium - Boyce Road

Fort Couch Middle School, Multi-purpose Room (Miranda Drive Entrance) - Fort Couch Road

Wesley Institute, Gymnasium - Johnston Road

Fort Couch Middle School, Gymnasium (Miranda Drive Entrance) - Fort Couch Road

Wesley Institute, Gymnasium - Johnston Road

Boyce Middle School, Gymnasium - Boyce Road Fall 2004

fe harmon ad FILM Spring 2003 Page 40

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Town Hall South 36th Lecture Series Starts in October

David Baldacci October 5, 2004

Joe Klein November 9, 2004

Peter Greenberg December 7, 2004

For 36 successful seasons a unique lecture and luncheon

series, Town Hall South, has flourished in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. The five-lecture series brings diversified speakers with world-wide reputations to the Upper St. Clair High School Theatre followed by a luncheon at St. Clair Country Club and concluding with a question and answer period with the celebrity speaker. The 2004-05 season opens in October with best-selling novelist, David Baldacci. A former trial lawyer and corporate attorney turned novelist, David Baldacci has become one of the foremost writers of our time. He is the prolific author of seven novels, including such best-sellers as Absolute Power (also a major motion picture, starring Clint Eastwood and Gene Hackman), The Christmas Train, The Winner, Saving Faith and his most recent blockbuster, Split Second. Currently, Mr. Baldacci is working on a television mystery series for USA Networks titled McCourt and Stein. He is a tireless advocate for literacy, espousing the importance of reading, especially among children and teens. As a speaker, his presentations are engaging, passionate and impeccably funny. This lecture will be Tuesday, October 5. Joe Klein, political journalist, author, and TIME columnist speaks on Tuesday, November 9. Joe Klein’s knowledge of the political scene, his incisive commentary and quick wit make him the perfect guest speaker for the week following the 2004 Presidential Election. During Mr. Klein’s award-winning career, he has been associated with New York, Rolling Stone, CBS News, Newsweek, and most recently, The New Yorker. Currently he writes a weekly column for TIME, “In the Arena,” covering national and international affairs. He is a regular contributor to Paula Zahn Now on CNN and makes frequent appearances on Meet the Press and The Chris Matthews Show. As “Anonymous,” Mr. Klein wrote the critically acclaimed, bestseller, Primary Colors, inspired by the 1992 presidential race. He is a veteran of seven presidential campaigns and has been praised for his “dogged reporting, a thorough, subtle grasp of issues, and a clear-eyed, compelling style.” His other books include The Running Mate and the bestseller, The Natural: The Misunderstood Presidency of Bill Clinton, a serious look at the successes and failures of the Clinton administration. Next in the lineup is Peter Greenberg, travel editor for NBC’s Today Show and best-selling author, on Tuesday, December 7. As Today Show travel editor, Peter Greenberg travels more than 400,000 miles a year and is the nation’s pre-eminent expert on travel and the tourism industry. An Emmy Award-winning producer and writer, Mr. Greenberg is also chief correspondent for Discovery Network’s Travel Channel and editor-at-large for National Geographic Traveler magazine. 84

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2004

Judy Collins February 1, 2005

Steve Coll March 1, 2005

Greenberg has written two bestsellers, The Travel Detective: Secrets You Can’t Leave Home Without and The Travel Detective Flight Crew Confidential. In addition to Today, Mr. Greenberg has appeared on The View, The O’Reilly Factor, MSNBC, Fox News and Oprah. Mr. Greenberg offers information on how to become a proactive traveler with information only pilots and flight attendants know. He gives specific tips to enhance the travel experience, which he rates above the destination. Greenberg is the travel industry’s foremost consumer advocate and also educates corporations on strategies to protect their most valuable asset, their customers. Judy Collins, legendary folk singer, picks up the series on Tuesday, February 1. Few artists have had the staying power of music icon Judy Collins, celebrating over 40 years of recording with 37 albums, top-ten hits, Grammy nominations and gold and platinum status. Miss Collins’ early musical background was in classical piano, and she made her public debut performing Mozart. However, the revival of folk music fired Miss Collins’ love of lyrics, and by age 16 she was singing and playing guitar. The turning point in her career came in the late 60s with her first major single and signature song, “Both Sides Now.” During her extensive career she has worked alongside the social poets of the time such as Bob Dylan, the best musicians, has re-embraced her classical musical roots, and brought other performers like Joni Mitchell to widespread public exposure. Miss Collins published Sanity and Grace in 2003, which focuses on suicide recovery, based on her own experience with the tragic loss of her son. Her influence in music and politics and her life-long commitment to social causes and human rights make her not only an inspiration but also a living legend. The Managing Editor of The Washington Post, award-winning journalist and author Steve Coll, concludes the series on Tuesday, March 1. Steve Coll has been a foreign correspondent and editor at The Washington Post since 1985. He has covered the world of corporate takeovers on Wall Street, the stock market crash, the Michael Milken investigations and the SEC as the Post’s financial correspondent in New York. In 1989, he moved to New Delhi to become the Post’s South Asia correspondent, covering India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal. Mr. Coll has earned numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize in 1990 for explanatory journalism. He is the author of four books and his latest, Ghost Wars portrays the secret history of the CIA, Afghanistan and bin Laden, and he has been lauded

for an account of the CIA’s involvement in the covert wars in Afghanistan that fueled Islamic militancy and gave rise to bin Laden’s al Qaeda. Coll reveals how our intelligence knew about Islamic radicalism before September 11 as well as who tried to stop bin Laden and why they failed. Mr. Coll served as editor and publisher of The Washington Post National magazine before being appointed Managing Editor of the newspaper in 1998. The premier Town Hall South series purpose is two-fold: promoting outstanding speakers and community education as well as supporting community causes through its philanthropic gifts. Town Hall South has returned $356,000 to local causes since its inception. The series was established as part of the Outreach Mission of Westminster Presbyterian Church.  Memberships are sold as a series for $95. (Purchase of luncheon tickets is optional.) Lectures are held on Tuesdays and begin at 10 a.m. at the USC High School Theatre. Brochures are available in the Westminster Church Gallery. For tickets, please send checks payable to Town Hall South, 2040 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15241. For additional information contact Martha Brown at 412-833-8503 or Barb Livingston at 412-835-7579.

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USC Youth Wrestling The Upper St. Clair Youth Wrestling team ended on a winning note this season by

bringing home a first place team trophy at the annual Bethel Park Youth Tournament this past February. Throughout the season, the wrestlers won many first, second and third place honors at area tournaments. Wrestling season runs from December to March and ends with a team banquet. Coaches for the youth team include: Jim Kyriacopoulos, Jim Walnoha, J.C. Morrow, Bill Erdman and Jim Wilding with generous help from many parents. There were 38 wrestlers who competed in the 2003-04 season. Registration for the 2004-05 season will begin this fall. Be on the look out for information in your child’s Good News envelope. 

Fall 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

The Wind Upon My Face

The Township of Upper St. Clair

—Jay Walsh, Eisenhower School Custodian

Federal and State Elected Officials

I felt the wind upon my face As I ran each and every day Baseball, soccer, track or tag No matter what game I’d play

A big decision was made that day I would enter a wheelchair race Hoping one day I could once again Feel that old wind upon my face

I always ran when I was young It made me feel so very free Not one kid in my neighborhood Could ever catch up with me

I called some doctors in Harmarville They gave me needed information Many people that I should talk to About my plans for rehabilitation

One day while pleasure running As I ran in the noonday heat I ran in front of a moving car And I went crashing to the street

A list of many kinds of exercises I should have been doing all along When I was feeling sorry for myself It made everything turn out wrong

It’s funny what you’re thinking of When you’re feeling so great a loss I can still hear my mother saying, “Look both ways before you cross.”

Bending, pull-ups, lifting weights Eating the right foods every week Toning up both my mind and body ’Til it finally reached its peak

The doctor came in to tell me As I lay in that hospital bed My legs would never move again I said, “I might as well be dead.”

It’s not as easy as one might think To push a wheelchair to the hilt All those blisters must be calloused Muscles torn apart and then rebuilt

I hated the driver of that car That had taken away all my fun I hated my ever loving mother For having such a crippled son

I remember thinking on race day Waiting for the sound of the gun With this training and dedication, “Could I soon again be number one?”

I even hated God above This impairment just can not be I hated those who tried to help I did not put the blame on me

The gun went bang, the race was on It wasn’t long before I was passed Reality came quick for me that day I did not win, but I was not last

I felt like such a worthless kid With nothing left to do but cry Just sit all day in a wheelchair And see the good times passing by

The race taught me new lessons About what would lie ahead for me Just do the best with what you have Things will work out… you’ll see

One day while staring at the TV Watching the Pittsburgh marathon I saw some guys wheelchair racing Inside my head a light came on

I am working now and still I race With a third place best to my name I will keep trying to come in first ’Cause that’s how you play the game

A new way for me to compete again A small spark to ignite the fire So what if my two legs don’t work If the rest of me has great desire

There will be some rough times ahead Each challenge is a brand new race If I keep pushing myself ever forward I will feel that wind upon my face

Federal Government Elected Executive Officials President George W. Bush Vice President Dick Cheney Comments Line: 202-456-1111 Fax: 202-456-2461 Elected Legislative Officials U.S. Senators Website: www.senate.gov Arlen Specter - 412-644-3400 Fax: 412-644-4871 Rick Santorum - 412-562-0533 Fax: 412-562-4313 U.S. House of Representatives Website: www.house.gov Tim Murphy–18th District 412-344-5583 • Fax 412-429-5042

Pennsylvania State Government Elected Executive Officials

800-932-0784 www.state.pa.us Governor Ed Rendell Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll Auditor General Bob Casey, Jr. State Treasurer Barbara Hafer Attorney General Gerald Pappert Elected Legislative Officials State Senator John Pippy 724-942-7210 • Fax: 724-942-7211 37th District State Representative John Maher 412-831-8080 • Fax: 412-831-8083 40th District District Justice Sally A. Edkins 724-941-6724 Information from Facts for Citizens published by the League of Women Voters. 412-261-4284

VOTER REGISTRATION 412-350-4500

Registration closes October 4, 2004 86

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2004

Serving Upper St. Clair Churches and Synagogues Alliance Church of Upper St. Clair 2510 Old Washington Road—412-835-4775 Berean Fellowship Church 300 Rockfield Circle, Scott Township 412-220-4673 Bethany Presbyterian Church 740 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville 412-221-5132

Nursery Schools

St. George Orthodox Church 610 Dewey Avenue, Bridgeville 412-221-2277 St. Gregory Byzantine Catholic Church 2005 Mohawk Road—412-835-7800

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

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

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

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

Christ United Methodist Church 44 Highland Road, Bethel Park—412-835-6621 Faith Lutheran Church of Upper St. Clair 80 Bartley Road—412-835-4590 First Bethel United Methodist Church 5901 Library Road, Bethel Park—412-835-0700 First Church of Christ Scientist 1100 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon 412-561-1125

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

St. Louise de Marillac Roman Catholic Church 312 McMurray Road—412-833-1010 St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 1066 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-531-7153

Chartiers Creek Community Church 4017 Washington Road #1000, McMurray 412-835-0700

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

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

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

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

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

First Bethel United Church Weekday Ministries 5901 Library Road, Bethel Park—412-835-6141 Little Lambs Of Hope Preschool 2799 Old Washington Road—724-941-9441 Montessori Early Childhood Center 2400 Old Washington Road—412-835-3340 Montessori Nursery School 957 Connor Road—412-833-2439

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

Mushroom Family Learning Center 1240 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon 412-531-1225

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

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

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

St. Agatha Montessori Preschool Bridgeville—412-221-4720 St. David’s Episcopal Preschool McMurray and Hays—724-941-2058

South Hills Presbyterian Church in America 110 Hays Road—724-941-3480 www.southhillspca.org Temple Emmanuel 1250 Bower Hill Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-279-7600

St. Paul’s Episcopal Nursery Washington and Mayfair, Mt. Lebanon 412-531-2644 Temple Emmanuel 1250 Bower Hill Road, Scott Twp.—412-279-7687

Full Gospel Church of Carnegie 1050 Campbells Run Road, Carnegie—412-279-2996

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

Good Shepherd Church USC High School, LGI Room

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

YMCA 79 McMurray Road—412-833-5600

Day Care (Children)

Day Care (Adult)

Alphabet Land Day Care Center 3918 Washington Road, McMurray 724-941-4011 Bethel Park Presbyterian Church 2999 Bethel Church Road, Bethel Park 412-835-1043 Brookwood Center 250 Brookwood, Peters Twp.—724-942-4511 Christ United Methodist Child Care Center 44 Highland Road, Bethel Park 412-854-4310 First Bethel United Methodist Church Weekday Ministries 5901 Library Road, Bethel Park—412-835-6141 Happy Face Day Care Center 3322 Washington Road, McMurray 724-941-4172 KinderCare Learning Center 1040 Clifton Road, Bethel Park 412-831-1888 Magic Years 119 Hidden Valley Road, McMurray 724-941-5569 Westminster Child Development Center 2040 Washington Road—412-835-9450

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

Holy Child Parish 212 Station Street, Bridgeville—412-221-5213 Holy Cross Greek Orthodox 123 Gilkeson Road, Mt. Lebanon 412-833-3355 Hope Lutheran Church 2799 Old Washington Road—724-941-9441 Mt. Lebanon Christian Church Cedar Blvd., at Hollycrest Dr., Mt. Lebanon 412-531-8554 Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church 255 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-531-3387 New Day Assembly of God 701 Circle Drive—724-941-1661 New Song Church 3755 Library Road, Castle Shannon 412-341-1293 Our Redeemer Lutheran Church (ELCA) Route 19, McMurray—724-941-7467 Peters Creek United Presbyterian Church 250 Brookwood Road, Peters Twp.—724-941-6210 Ruthfred Lutheran Church Patterson and South Park Roads, Bethel Park 412-835-7140 St. David’s Episcopal Church 905 E. McMurray Road, Peters Twp. 724-941-4060

Westminster Nursery School 2040 Washington Road—412-835-2906

If we overlooked your information, have incorrect information, or if you would like your Upper St. Clair facility to be represented in our magazine with an article, please write to: Editor, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 *Unless otherwise listed, the organization is located in Upper St. Clair Township.

Fall 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2004

Street Index for the Township of Upper St. Clair ADAMS DRIVE ...............................J4 AETNA DRIVE ................................E6 ALAMO DRIVE ...............................F12-G12 ALGONQUIN ROAD........................I7 ALJO DRIVE...................................H2-I2 ALLENCLAIR CIRCLE.....................E5 ALLISON DRIVE.............................F3-G3 ALTHERTON DRIVE........................I8 AMESBURY DRIVE ........................H8-H9 APACHE ROAD...............................I7 APPLETREE DRIVE ........................F10 ASHLAWN DRIVE...........................E8-E9 ASHLEY CIRCLE ............................F2 ASHWOOD CIRCLE........................E5 ASTER CIRCLE...............................C4 ASTRONAUT CIRCLE .....................C6 BARTLEY ROAD.............................J3-J4 BERKSHIRE DRIVE ........................F9-G8 BETHEL CHURCH ROAD ................H8-I8 BILLINGS DRIVE............................D4 BINGHAM DRIVE ...........................C10-C11 BLACKHAWK TRAIL.......................I7 BLAIRMONT DRIVE .......................H5-H6 BONVUE DRIVE .............................G1 BOWER HILL ROAD.......................E1-F1 BOXFIELD ROAD............................H4-I4 BOYCE ROAD.................................A10-E11 BOYCE PLAZA ROAD .....................B9-B10 BOYCE SCHOOL ROAD ..................D9-E10 BRIDGE STREET ............................I1-I2 BROADLAWN DRIVE......................F9-G9 BROOKDALE DRIVE.......................H7-I7 BROOKHAVEN LANE......................F11 BROOKSIDE BOULEVARD..............H6-I7 BYRNWICK DRIVE .........................G1 CADBERRY COURT........................J3 CANDLEWOOD DRIVE ...................C11-D11 CARMELITA DRIVE ........................F13 CARMELL DRIVE ...........................F12-G12 CARRIAGE LANE............................F10 CASA DRIVE ..................................F12 CATALINA DRIVE ...........................H10 CEDARVUE DRIVE .........................D11-E11 CHAPELWOOD DRIVE....................E8-E9 CHARTWELL DRIVE.......................E4 CHELSEA COURT...........................J3 CHEROKEE ROAD ..........................I6 CIRCLE DRIVE ...............................D12 CLAIR DRIVE .................................I2-J4 CLAIRMONT DRIVE .......................E4-F6 CLEARVIEW DRIVE........................I3 COCHISE DRIVE.............................H7 COMANCHE ROAD.........................I6-I7 CONEWANTA ROAD.......................I7 COOK SCHOOL ROAD....................D2-G3 CORAL DRIVE................................H9-H10 CORTELAND DRIVE .......................F10-G11 COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE .................G8-G9 CRAMDEN ROAD ...........................G9-H9 CREMONA DRIVE ..........................H8 CREOLE CIRCLE ............................I7 CYNTHIA LANE ..............................H11 CYPRESS DRIVE............................H9-I9 DEARMENT PARKWAY ..................J3 DEEP WOOD DRIVE.......................E3-E4 DEER MEADOW DRIVE..................G6-H6 DEVONWOOD DRIVE .....................G5-H6 DIABLO DRIVE...............................G12-G13 DOMINION COURT ........................F2 DOMINION DRIVE..........................F2-F3 DOMINION HEIGHTS .....................F3 DRAKE ROAD.................................I8-I9 EDGEWOOD DRIVE........................G10-G11 ENGELWOOD DRIVE ......................E6-E7 ETON ROAD ...................................G9 EWING CIRCLE ..............................F6 FAIRGREEN DRIVE.........................D11-E10 FAIRWAY CIRCLE...........................H8 FERNRIDGE DRIVE ........................D4 FIELDGATE DRIVE .........................I4-I5

FIELDMONT DRIVE........................I4 FIFE DRIVE.....................................F10-F11 FIRSTON CIRCLE ...........................D4 FOREST BROOK DRIVE..................F11 FORT COUCH ROAD.......................H2-J4 FOX CHASE LANE ..........................G2-H2 FOX RUN CIRCLE...........................E5 FRANKLIN DRIVE...........................E12-E13 FREDERICK DRIVE.........................E11-F11 GALAXY CIRCLE ............................C5 GAYWOOD CIRCLE ........................I3-I4 GERRIE DRIVE...............................E12-F13 GIANT OAKS DRIVE.......................E8-E10 GLENCAIRN CIRCLE ......................H3 GLENDALE DRIVE..........................H7-G8 GLENWOOD ROAD ........................D8-E8 GLOMIN DRIVE..............................H3-I3 GLOUCESTER DRIVE .....................E11-D12 GOLFVIEW DRIVE..........................E7-E8 GREENFIELD DRIVE.......................C11 GREY MILL DRIVE.........................E9-E10 GREYSTONE DRIVE .......................E5 HACIENDA DRIVE ..........................F10 HARDY DRIVE ...............................F11 HARROGATE ROAD .......................I2-H3 HARROW ROAD.............................G9-H9 HARVESTER CIRCLE .....................H2 HASTINGS MILL ROAD..................E7-F8 HATHAWAY LANE ..........................G6-F7 HAYS ROAD ...................................E12-G13 HEARTWOOD DRIVE......................F8-F9 HEMPSTEAD LANE ........................I3-J3 HIDDEN TIMBER DRIVE ................E6-E7 HIDDEN VALLEY DRIVE.................B10 HIGH KNOLLS DRIVE ....................E6 HIGH OAK COURT..........................D6-E6 HIGH SIERRA CIRCLE....................F12-G12 HIGHGATE ROAD ...........................H5 HIGHVIEW DRIVE ..........................H9 HOLLOW TREE DRIVE ...................C11-D12 HOLLYDALE CIRCLE ......................G13 HOLLYDALE DRIVE........................G13 HOWARD DRIVE ............................J3-J4 HUNTERS PATH LANE ...................G2 HUNTINGTON DRIVE .....................F9-F10 HYCROFT DRIVE............................H5-H6 IVANHOE ROAD .............................H6-I7 IVYDALE DRIVE .............................D10-D11 JENKINS DRIVE .............................E7 JOHNSTON ROAD..........................E10-H10 KEIFER STREET .............................J2-J3 KENT DRIVE...................................H3-I4 KINGS LANE ..................................F10-G10 LAMAR ROAD................................I6-H7 LAMBETH DRIVE ...........................G7-H9 LAMSON CIRCLE ...........................D4-E4 LANGPORT DRIVE .........................C5 LARCH CIRCLE ..............................E11 LAREDO DRIVE..............................G12-G13 LATTIDOME DRIVE ........................E8-D9 LESNETT ROAD .............................C4-F5 LINCOLN DRIVE.............................E12-F13 LINDENWOOD DRIVE ....................F10-F12 LITTLE MEADOW ROAD ................H2-H3 LOCHLIN DRIVE.............................G1 LOCUST DRIVE..............................F13 LOCUST LANE ...............................I2-J4 LONG DRIVE..................................I2-J4 LORLITA LANE...............................H12-G13 MANOR DRIVE...............................D8-E8 MANORDALE ROAD.......................H3-I4 MAPLE LANE .................................B9-B10 MARSHFIELD DRIVE .....................E12-F12 MARWOOD DRIVE.........................H8 MARYLAND DRIVE ........................F9-G9 MAYVIEW ROAD............................C4-B7 MCLAUGHLIN RUN ROAD .............D2-H7 MCMILLAN ROAD..........................F5-H2 MCMURRAY ROAD........................G10-H7 MEADOWCREST DRIVE.................I3-I4

MEADOWMONT DRIVE..................E5 MELROSE PLACE...........................H9-I9 MERRYOAK LANE..........................D11 MESA CIRCLE................................F12 METEOR CIRCLE ...........................C5 MILL GROVE ROAD .......................F6-F7 MILLWOOD DRIVE.........................C10 MINGO ROAD ................................I6-I7 MIRANDA ROAD............................H3-I3 MITCHELL DRIVE ..........................J3 MOHAWK DRIVE............................H7-I6 MONTCLAIR DRIVE .......................D4-E4 MONTEREY DRIVE.........................F12-G11 MOON RIDGE DRIVE .....................C6-D6 MORROW ROAD............................C5-G6 MORTON ROAD .............................C11-E7 MOYNELLE DRIVE .........................G1 MURDSTONE ROAD ......................G6-H3 MYRNA DRIVE...............................H10 NAVAJO ROAD...............................I6 NORSEN DRIVE .............................G1 NORTH HIGHLAND ROAD..............J4-K3 NORTH OLD MEADOW ROAD........D3-E4 NORTHGATE DRIVE .......................E4-F5 NORTON ROAD..............................G9-G10 OAK LEDGE COURT .......................D6 OAK PARK COURT .........................C5 OAKLAWN DRIVE...........................G10-G12 OLD BOYCE ROAD.........................B10 OLD LESNETT ROAD .....................C4-D4 OLD MEADOW ROAD.....................C4-D4 OLD WASHINGTON ROAD .............E12-H7 ORCHARD DRIVE...........................F10 ORR ROAD.....................................G4-I5 OUTLOOK DRIVE ...........................G5-G6 OXFORD PLACE .............................F3 PAINTERS DRIVE...........................H1 PAINTERS RUN ROAD ...................F1-H2 PARAGON PLACE...........................F3 PARTRIDGE DRIVE ........................E9-E10 PARTRIDGE RUN ROAD ................E9 PATTON DRIVE ..............................J3 PETERSON PLACE .........................F2 PHEASANT CIRCLE........................E3 PHILLIP DRIVE ..............................E11 PHILLIPS DRIVE............................J3-J4 PHILLIPS WAY...............................J3-J4 PINEHAVEN DRIVE ........................H10 PINEHURST DRIVE........................F4-F5 PINETREE DRIVE ...........................D10-D12 PINEVIEW DRIVE...........................F4 PLEASANTVUE CIRCLE .................H8 POLARIS CIRCLE...........................C6 PONOKA ROAD..............................H7-I7 QUAIL HILL ROAD .........................D10-D11 QUIGG DRIVE ................................I2 RAMADA DRIVE.............................G13 RED MILL DRIVE ...........................E9-E10 REDFERN DRIVE............................C11-D10 REDPATH TRAIL ............................I7 RHETT DRIVE ................................F2 RIDGEWOOD ROAD.......................D8-E7 RIO CIRCLE ...................................G12 ROBB HOLLOW ROAD...................H1 ROBSON CIRCLE ...........................F3-G3 ROLLING MEADOW CIRCLE ..........D4 ROLLING MEADOW ROAD.............D4-D5 ROSE CIRCLE ................................D4 ROSE DRIVE ..................................E12 ROSSMOOR DRIVE .......................F11-F12 ROSTRON DRIVE...........................D9 ROYANNA DRIVE ...........................J3 RUTHFRED DRIVE .........................H9-I9 RUTLEDGE DRIVE..........................C11 SALEM DRIVE................................G4-H4 SANDHURST ROAD .......................G9 SATELLITE CIRCLE ........................C6 SAXONY DRIVE .............................G8-G9 SCARLETT DRIVE ..........................F1-F2 SCENERY RIDGE DRIVE ................D7-E7 Fall 2004

SEEGAR CIRCLE ............................I3 SEEGAR DRIVE..............................G3 SEEGAR ROAD...............................G3-I3 SEQUOIA DRIVE ............................E5 SHAWNEE ROAD ...........................I6 SHENANDOAH DRIVE....................D8-D9 SHERBROOK DRIVE ......................E4 SHIRE LANE...................................F1-G1 SIDGEFIELD LANE .........................F6 SIESTA DRIVE................................F12-G12 SILLVIEW DRIVE............................G1 SKENDER DRIVE ...........................I2 SKY RIDGE DRIVE .........................C6-D6 SKYVIEW DRIVE............................E13 SOMERVILLE DRIVE......................H1 SOUTHAMPTON DRIVE .................E6 SOUTHERN HILANDS DRIVE.........G8 SOUTHGATE DRIVE .......................E5-F4 SOUTHRIDGE DRIVE .....................H10-H11 SOUTHVUE DRIVE .........................F10-G11 SOUTHWICK DRIVE.......................C5 SOUTHWOOD DRIVE .....................E6-E7 SPRINGMEADOW DRIVE...............I4-I5 SPRINGMONT DRIVE ....................I4-I5 STAR RIDGE ROAD........................C5-D6 SUN RIDGE ROAD .........................C5-D6 SUNNYFIELD DRIVE ......................E11-E12 SURREY LANE ...............................E9 SWANSON LANE............................F6 TALL TREES DRIVE........................D5-E6 TAPER DRIVE.................................F3-G4 TERPHIN DRIVE.............................F3-G3 TERRIE DRIVE ...............................G3 THAMES PLACE.............................G9 THORNTREE DRIVE .......................D11-E11 THORNWICK DRIVE.......................G1-G2 THOUSAND OAKS DRIVE ..............E12 TIER DRIVE....................................G3-G4 TIFFANY CIRCLE ............................F5 TIFFANY DRIVE..............................E4-E5 TIFFANY LANE ...............................F5 TIFFANY RIDGE..............................F5 TILTON DRIVE................................F4-G4 TIMBERWOOD DRIVE....................E3 TOPSFIELD ROAD..........................H4 TRAGONE DRIVE ...........................G3-G4 TROLIST DRIVE .............................F4-G4 TROTWOOD CIRCLE......................G5 TROTWOOD DRIVE........................G5-H5 TROTWOOD RIDGE ROAD .............H2-H3 TROTWOOD WEST DRIVE .............G3-H3 TRUXTON DRIVE ...........................G6-H6 TURNBERRY DRIVE.......................C11-D11 TUSCANY DRIVE ...........................H2 TYBURN DRIVE .............................G3-G4 TYRIS DRIVE .................................G3 UPPER ROAD.................................I1-I2 UPPER ST. CLAIR DRIVE ...............G3 VALLEY COURT .............................F6-F7 VILLAGE COURT ............................F8-G8 VILLAGE DRIVE .............................I5-I6 WALTHER DRIVE ...........................H7-I8 WARWICK DRIVE ..........................G4-I4 WASHINGTON ROAD.....................D12-K4 WATERFORD COURT .....................E2-F2 WATTERSON COURT…………...G2-H2 WELLINGTON DRIVE .....................F4 WEST GATE DRIVE ........................H2 WESTON DRIVE.............................F9-G10 WILLIAMSBURG CIRCLE...............E11-E12 WILLOWBROOK ROAD..................G9-G11 WILLOWBROOK ROAD EXT...........G12-H11 WILTSHIRE DRIVE.........................H8-H9 WINDSOR COURT..........................F4 WOODLANDS CIRCLE ...................F4-F5 WOODLAWN COURT .....................D6 WOODSDALE DRIVE......................E8 YORK ROAD...................................G9 ZENITH COURT ..............................F3

July 2002/The Gateway Engineers, Inc. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 89

UPPER ST. CLAIR INFO LINE 412-854-5353

Directory of Important Numbers Police/Fire/Ambulance Emergency

412-833-7500 • 724-941-7500 Township Offices are open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday - Friday Administration/Township Manager 412-831-9000, ext. 216 Community Development 412-831-9000, ext. 501 Finance/Tax – 412-831-9000, ext. 226 Recreation – 412-831-9000, ext. 256 Public Works – 412-831-9000, ext. 271 Public Works Hotline Emergency After Hours 412-833-7500 Police Administration – 412-833-1113 Animal Control 412-833-7500 or 724-941-7500 Tri-Community South EMS 412-831-3710 Volunteer Fire Department (Fire Station) 412-835-0660 Library – 412-835-5540 Township INFO LINE (24-hour access) 412-854-5353 Frequently Called Numbers

Cable 7—Public Access Television 412-831-1030 Sally Edkins, District Justice 724-941-6724 League Of Women Voters 412-261-4284 Neighborhood Greetings 412-561-8845 Post Office – 1-800-275-8777 School District – 412-833-1600 Tennis Administration – 412-831-7556 Three-Hole Golf Course 412-831-7556 USC Chamber of Commerce 412-833-9111 Utilities & Services

Adelphia Cable Communications Sales, Service and Billing 1-888-683-1000 Allegheny Power – 1-800-255-3443 Columbia Gas Company 412-344-9800 Dominion People’s Gas Company 1-800-764-0111 Equitable Gas Company 412-395-3050 PA American Water Company 412-344-4400 Verizon – 1-800-660-7111 90

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Information on Township of Upper St. Clair services and resources is available 24 hours a day, courtesy of the UPPER ST. CLAIR INFO LINE 412-854-5353. Residents calling the INFO LINE may request messages on a variety of topics ranging from dog licenses (message 7233) to street maps (message 7332) to Tax Office (message 7815) through the use of a touch tone phone. Using the listings below, you may quickly access messages and information of interest to you. Department Directory................................. 7000 General Box ................................................ 7100 Administration ........................................... 7101 Request Township Services .......................... 7201 Reviewing Public Records............................ 7202 Animal Control ........................................... 7102 Animal Bites................................................. 7230 Animal Control and Kennel......................... 7231 Dead Animals on Roadway .......................... 7232 Dog Licenses ................................................ 7233 Lost or Found Dogs ..................................... 7236 Loud or Barking Dogs.................................. 7237 Rabies........................................................... 7239 Rodent Control ............................................ 7240 Wildlife Problems/Animal Traps .................. 7241 Building Requirements ............................... 7103 Building a House.......................................... 7270 Building Inspections .................................... 7271 Building Permit Requirements..................... 7272 Construction Debris .................................... 7273 Occupancy Standards................................... 7276 Property Surveys .......................................... 7277 Swimming Pool/Hot Tub Installation........... 7279 Code Enforcement ...................................... 7104 Brush, Grass, and Weed Control.................. 7300 Frequently Requested Chapters of the Township Code.................................. 7301 Health and Safety Ordinance ....................... 7302 House Numbering........................................ 7303 Open Storage of “Junk” ............................... 7305 Swimming Pool Operation and Safety ......... 7306 Community Development ........................... 7105 Demographics/Census Data ......................... 7331 Street Maps................................................... 7332 District Court ............................................. 7106 District Court............................................... 7350 Employment ............................................... 7108 Applying for Job Vacancies .......................... 7400 Available Positions ....................................... 7401 Fire Department ......................................... 7109 Fire Code ..................................................... 7430 General Information .................................... 7435 Hazardous Materials .................................... 7436 Services ........................................................ 7439 Smoke Detector Program ............................. 7440 Tours of Fire and Police Facilities................ 7441 General Information................................... 7110 Board of Commissioners.............................. 7460 Federal & State Elected Officials ................. 7463 Township General Information.................... 7467 Homeowner Information ............................ 7112 Garage and Yard Sales .................................. 7510 Inactive/Underground Coal Mines/ Mine Subsidence Insurance ......................... 7511 National Flood Insurance ............................ 7512 Library Services .......................................... 7113 Children’s Programs .................................... 7540 General Information .................................... 7541 Special Children’s Programs......................... 7546 New Residents .............................................7114 General Information .................................... 7570 Welcome Wagon .......................................... 7571

Fall 2004

Parks and Recreation ..................................7115 Department of Recreation and Leisure ........ 7587 General Recreation Programs ...................... 7588 Golf Course.................................................. 7589 Tennis Courts............................................... 7598 Tennis Registration ...................................... 7599 Permit Information......................................7116 Decks and Patios.......................................... 7616 Driveway Permits......................................... 7618 Electrical Permits ......................................... 7619 Fences .......................................................... 7620 Retaining Walls, Driveway Pillars, Basement/ Garage Wall Repair ...................................... 7622 Storage Sheds ............................................... 7623 Wood Stoves ................................................ 7626 Planning and Zoning ...................................7117 Board Meetings ............................................ 7640 Signs............................................................. 7644 Zoning Code ................................................ 7647 Police Department .......................................7118 Department of Police ................................... 7675 General Information .................................... 7677 On-Street Parking ........................................ 7680 Public Works ...............................................7119 General Information .................................... 7695 Recycling .....................................................7120 Curbside Pickup .......................................... 7711 Newspaper ................................................... 7714 Recycling...................................................... 7716 School District.............................................7121 Calendar and Holiday Schedule................... 7730 Challenged Student Protection .................... 7731 Education General Health Policy................. 7732 Emergency School Closing Announcement. 7733 Registration of New Students ...................... 7734 School Attendance ....................................... 7735 School Board Information............................ 7736 Special Education......................................... 7737 Transportation to School.............................. 7738 Elementary School Lunches......................... 7739 Middle School Lunches................................ 7740 High School Lunches ................................... 7741 Tax and Finance Department ......................7125 Earned Income and Net Profits Tax............. 7807 Real Estate Assessment and Appeals............ 7812 Real Estate Tax............................................. 7813 Sewer User’s Fee Bills .................................. 7814 Tax Office..................................................... 7815 Voter Information ........................................7126 General Information .................................... 7825 Waste Management......................................7127 Appliance/Furniture Removal...................... 7835 Disposal of Motor Oil and Flammable Materials............................... 7837 Disposal of Refrigerators, Freon, CFC’s, etc.................................... 7838 Garbage Collection ...................................... 7840 Grass Clippings Removal............................. 7841 Leaf and Yard Waste Collection ................... 7843

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To place your small business or professional ad in the classified section, send 35 words or less with a check for $75, made payable to the Township of Upper St. Clair, to UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Magazine Call 412-833-1600, ext. 2284 Fall 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

10 Anniversary th

L A U T T IONS! A R G N O C UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Staff

S T.

PER ti o n s to U P C o n g ra tu la n years te r fo magazine AY D is TO IR CLA th Hills. Th to the Sou e n ic io rv at se ic f bl o pu ell-produced It d. ne ai rt thoughtful, w te ed and en rm fo in us gh s hi keep unity, nse of comm se a us es g id in ov pr d lead strengths an lighting our e good work.th th up p ee .K into the future g the 20 at to celebr in d ar rw fo ok I lo y anniversary. an Tim Murph —Congressm

Congratulations and best wishes to the

USC TODAY magazine on your ten-year

Have a great next decade. Keep up the good work and keep those good publications coming. All the best! —George Girty Landscape Design

Congratulations on your 10th anniversary. Remember the early beginnings and many changes that have taken place to bring it to TODAY! —THE GOLD TEAM, Sandy and Marshall Goldstein, Keller Williams Realty The Township of Upper St. Clair commends and congratulates the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine staff, volunteers, sponsors and School District partners for their invaluable contributions throughout the magazine’s ten years of publication.

Rusmur Floors congratulates UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY on your

10th anniversary. We extend our thanks to the magazine staff and volunteers for creating an exceptional community magazine. The USC Board of School Directors and administration congratulate the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine for ten years of excellent publications for the residents and extend our sincerest best wishes for the magazine’s continued success.

Way to go USC TODAY! You publish a quality magazine. Glad to be part of it and it’s great working with Lynn Dempsey! Best wishes, —Clark Construction Company

a USC TODAY on Congratulations m lis na ur jo ity un decade of comm +. grade you an A excellence. We n tio ca du r E —Upper St. Clai Local 4270 Association, AFT 92

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

It is my great pleasure to offer warmest congratulations to the staff and contributors of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine on the occasion of your 10th anniversary. Thank you for allowing me to share news of our Commonwealth and for keeping all of us connected to the community. —Senator John Pippy USC Soccer Boosters congratulates the USC TODAY magazine. It’s been a “kick” reading

your articles and seeing the photos. Upper St. Clair really scored a “winning goal” when you became our signature magazine. Congratulations on a picture perfect magazine! —Robin Richards Photography

Congratulations to UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine on its ten-year anniversary. There is nothing better than getting information out and keeping government open. Nobody does it better! Thanks for your commitment to the community. —Vince Gastgeb, Allegheny County Councilman Congratulations on ten years UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY! It’s a pleasure to be associated with such a prestigious community magazine. Here’s to many more years of publication. Best wishes, —Scott Bros. Windows and Doors Congratulations UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY on your ten-year milestone. We’ve enjoyed the longstanding working relationship and the cooperation between the Township, the School District, the magazine staff and its many contributors. It has truly been a team effort to publish the best community magazine in the region. —Pentagon Printing Corporation Fall 2004

anniversary. We are proud to be inclu ded in the leadership role that this commun ity mag azin e poss esse s and appl aud your ded icat ed effo rts for such a qual ity publication.We wish you continued succe ss. —The Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair

Congratulations TODAY magazine on your ten-year anniversary. We are proud to be associated with such a quality publication. Best wishes and much success for the future. —Coffey Contracting Company

y to the ar anniversar for future Happy ten-ye he Best wis s e. in az ag m publication. TODAY professional ur .P. yo in s es succ forts as a V.I orted your ef e’ll w d an s, ar We’ve supp ut the ye ho ug ro th in er ur magaz e. advertis a part of yo be s. to ue in cont future effort ard to your We look forw ay to go! W n —Sesame In Congratulations on ten years of quality publications and our best wishes for your continued success in the future. —Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department Con gra tula tion s UPP ER ST. CLA IR TODAY on your 10th anniversar y. You ’ve been a great marketing tool for our compan y. You should be very proud of your professiona l and informative publication. —Wellington Real Estate

Congratulations to USC TODAY on your ten “winning seasons!” —the Upper St. Clair Football Boosters USC PTA Council congratulates USC TODAY on ten great years. Thanks for educating your readers about how our schools are helping to make our community and world a better place to live.

Local Clubs and Organizations Directory 1830 Log House Association Kimberly Guzzi ......................................................412-851-0570 American Assoc. of Retired Persons Jean Locke ...........................................................412-220-0717 American Assoc. of University Women Helpline........................................................... 1-800-326-AAUW Bethel-St. Clair Evening Rotary Club Tom Atkins..............................................................412-901-0987 Boy Scouts of America Darla DiGiovanni .................................................412-471-2927 Boyce Road Gardeners Phyllis Kender, Registrar ....................................... 412-221-3118 Brookside Women’s Club Peggy Egan ......................................................... 412-833-7932 Civil Air Patrol Glenn Ward.......................................................... 412-221-0846 Community Foundation of USC Linda Serene, Executive Director....................... 412-831-1107 Democratic Committee Chris McNally ....................................................... 412-851-1918 Different Strokes Tennis League Gina Braun ...........................................................412-221-5717 Friends of the Library Henry Higman, President ....................................412-833-5713 Friends of the Montour Trail in Bethel Park Peter Kohnke, President ...................................... 412-854-1835 Girl Scouts of USC Colleen Pikras .......................................................412-854-8150 Junior Woman’s Club, a Department of the Woman’s Club of USC ............................... 412-835-9607 League of Women Voters Laryn Finder ......................................................... 412-835-4097 Lifespan Virginia Jorofcik, Executive Director .................. 412-464-1300 Mothers and More Kari Halloran......................................................... 412-278-0529 PTA Council Amy Billerbeck ......................................................412-833-2712 Parent/Teacher/Student Organization (PTSO) Marsha Roche .....................................................412-835-0622 South Hills Chamber of Commerce www.shchamber.org ..........................................412-833-1177 South Hills Chorale (Performances) Jean Wright.......................................................... 412-429-9501 South Hills College Club Toni Tierny, President ............................................ 412-343-2527 South Hills Cotillion Club www.southhillscotillionclub.org ..........................412-221-5976 South Hills Interfaith Ministry (SHIM) Barbara Houston, Program Director .................. 412-854-9120 South Hills Junior Orchestra Janet Vukotich .....................................................412-341-5160

South Hills Kennel Club Thomas Oelschlager ........................................... 724-941-6973 Town Hall South Ann Gabler .......................................................... 412-221-0297 USC Athletic Association Rick Murray, President ..........................................724-941-7183 Baseball......................Rick Murray .................. 724-941-7183 Boys’ Basketball .........Jeff Conn ..................... 412-257-3239 Girls’ Basketball..........Tom Burke..................... 412-221-8591 Football ......................Joe DeMarco .............. 412-221-1325 Softball........................Keith Henderson.......... 412-833-2430 Fall Soccer..................Bill Littrell ....................... 412-835-7533 Traveling Soccer ........Craig Howie................. 412-835-2128 Wrestling .....................Jim Wilding................... 412-835-4270 Fields & Facilities ........Bill Barnard ................... 412-833-9374 Concession Stand .....Roseanne Geyer ......... 412-854-4314 USC Band Parents Jim and Tara Gilson .............................................412-220-6077 USC-Bethel Park Breakfast Rotary Susan Hicks........................................................... 412-833-7753 USC Chamber of Commerce Rosemary Siddall ................................................. 412-833-9111 USC Citizens for Land Stewardship Tracey Buckman.................................................. 412-831-3289 USC Coterie ...........................................................412-833-6945 USC Historical Society Jean Brown .......................................................... 412-833-2323 USC Hockey Club Bob Lohman ........................................................ 412-854-0807 USC League for the Arts Dave Criner, President ........................................412-831-6025 USC Library Lois Hoop, Director .............................................. 412-835-5540 USC Lions Club Wesley Hurst ......................................................... 724-941-8329 USC Lions Club Plastic Trash Bag Sales Wesley Hurst ......................................................... 724-941-8329 USC Newcomers Club Desiree Kottenstette, President...........................412-854-1433 USC Republican Committee Jim Bolas .............................................................. 412-833-9841 USC Senior Citizens Lynn Walcoff, Coordinator.................................. 412-831-9000 USC Swim Club Audrey Reilly, President ........................................412-429-0316 USC Volunteer Firefighters Jerry Kopach, Jr., President ................................ 412-835-0660 USC Welcome Wagon Barbara Brown ......................................................412-851-9103 USC Woman’s Club .............................................. 412-835-9607 YMCA South Hills Area Martin Brocco ...................................................... 412-833-5600

Enjoy reading about seven of the local clubs and organizations that are profiled in this issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY: 1830 Log House Association (page 11); Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair (page 24); USC Senior Citizens (page 28); USC Lions Club (page 82); Bethel-St. Clair Breakfast Rotary (page 83); Town Hall South (page 84); USC Athletic Association Youth Wrestling (page 85). Please call the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY office at 412-833-1600, extension 2284 if you would like your club or organization to be in our directory or if our information is incorrect. Thank you. Fall 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Advertiser Index Advertiser

Page

A Slight Indulgence ............................................................................................ 16 Action Builders ..................................................................................................... 9 Alcorn Christie Insurance Agency ....................................................................... 13 * Amel’s Restaurant ............................................................................................... 78 * Angelo Associates, Inc. ...................................................................................... 61 Asbury Heights ................................................................................................... 25 * Bedner’s Farm Market ......................................................................................... 71 * Blackstone Fine Jewelers ...................................................................................... 1 Brenlove Real Estate Management ...................................................................... 13 * Café Georgio’s .................................................................................................... 78 * Calabro Tire & Auto Service ............................................................................... 59 * Carlson Wagonlit Travel ...................................................................................... 44 Catalucci Painting & Restoration, Interior & Exterior .......................................... 85 Cathy Davin Interior Design ................................................................................ 81 Center for Theater Arts ........................................................................................ 39 Churchill Real Estate Services ............................................................................ 73 * Clark Construction Company ......................................................Back inside cover * Coffey Contracting Company .............................................................................. 75 * Coldwell Banker–Route 19 South/Galleria, USC, South Hills, Peters Twp. Offices ................................................. 52, 53, 54 * Coldwell Banker Real Estate, Inc. Corporate ..............................Back outside cover Coldwell Banker–Waterdam Farms ....................................................................... 9 Coldwell Banker– Nancy Beaulieu, Leigh Harkreader, Kathi Kernan .....................Back inside cover Crandall, Steven R., D.M.D. ................................................................................ 66 * Cupelli & Cupelli, Drs. ....................................................................................... 73 Deckmasters Technologies ................................................................................. 46 Elegant Impressions ........................................................................................... 82 Ferry Electric Company ...................................................................................... 85 Footloose, Etc. .................................................................................................... 29 * George Girty Landscape Design ........................................................................... 9 Ghelarducci’s Garden Center .............................................................................. 85 * Gurecka, Joseph L. D.M.D., FAAHD ................................................................... 20 Gurtner, Steven M., D.M.D. and Gurtner, Maggie, D.M.D. .................................. 23 Harmon F. E., Inc. ............................................................................................... 83 Hefren-Tillotson, Inc. ............................................................................................ 7 * Henderson Brothers, Inc. .................................................................................... 34 * Herman J. Heyl Florist ........................................................................................ 83 * Howard Hanna Real Estate Services ........................................ Front inside cover, 4 Howard Hanna–Maureen Cavanaugh ................................................................. 71 * Howard Hanna–Susan Highley ........................................................................... 12 * Howard Hanna–Diane Horvath ........................................................................... 81 Howard Hanna–Kathy McCloskey ...................................................................... 32 J. J. Gillespie Gallery .......................................................................................... 75 Jacksons Restaurant-Rotisserie-Bar ................................................................... 79 * Jaro Interiors, Inc. ................................................................................................ 9 Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh ................................................ 69

Advertiser

Keller Williams–Sandy and Marshall Goldstein .................................................. 27 * Kerr Dentistry ..................................................................................................... 45 Kitchen Connection Design & Remodeling Services .......................................... 95 * Lesko Builders and Remodelers ......................................................................... 59 Little Lambs of Hope Christian Preschool ........................................................... 67 * Manalo, Larry E., D.M.D. .................................................................................... 44 MANDERLEY, ltd. ............................................................................................... 96 Mellon Private Wealth Management Services ....................................................... 4 New Perspectives Counseling Center ................................................................. 19 Northwood Realty–Bonnie Detwiler and Marlene McNaughton .......................... 67 P & W SAAB ....................................................................................................... 95 Piccolina’s Restaurant ......................................................................................... 45 * Pinebridge Commons Associates ....................................................................... 44 Pottery Cafe................................................................................................... 19, 91 Preferred Primary Care Physicians ..................................................................... 19 Premier Granite & Stone ..................................................................................... 96 Providence Point ................................................................................................ 11 * Prudential Preferred Realty–Route 19 South ......................................................... 2 Prudential Preferred Realty–Pat Hogan and Mary Ann Zupon ............................. 47 * Regis McQuaide & Co. Master Remodelers, Inc. ................................................ 61 * Robin Richards Photography .............................................................................. 69 Rohrich Cadillac ................................................................................................. 32 Rollier’s Hardware ............................................................................................... 91 Rotelli T & L Restaurants, Inc. ............................................................................ 79 * Scott Bros. Windows and Doors ........................................................................... 7 * Sesame Inn ......................................................................................................... 78 * Silk Road Gourmet Chinese Restaurant .............................................................. 78 * South Hills Orthopaedic Surgery Associates, P.C. .............................................. 20 * St. Clair Fitness & Racquet Club ........................................................................ 16 * St. Clair Hospital .................................................................................................. 3 St. Clair Pointe ................................................................................................... 35 * State Farm Insurance–Cindy Brophy .................................................................. 44 Steel Valley Orthopedic Associates, Inc. ............................................................. 17 The Body Forum ................................................................................................. 17 The Classroom Restaurant .................................................................................. 78 The Spa at Wilfred Cameron Wellness Center ..................................................... 18 The Thomas Studio of Performing Arts, Inc. ....................................................... 61 The Washington Hospital .................................................................................... 20 Therapeutic Specialists, Inc. Occupational and Physical Therapy.................. 19, 91 Tucker Arensberg Attorneys–Charles P. McCullough, Esq. ................................. 85 Valley Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. ............................................................... 91 Vocal Lessons ..................................................................................................... 91 Wellington Real Estate–Patty Thomas ................................................................. 63 Westminster Presbyterian Church ....................................................................... 46 Willowbrook Rug & Home (Underwriter of Front cover) .................... 48, 49, 50, 51 * You’re Invited ...................................................................................................... 61

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 19 issues. 94

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2004

Page

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Check out these fabulous Upper St. Clair area homes! Point. Click. Incredible Architecture! Open flr plan, gourmet kit, fmrm, den, 4 bdrms, 3.5 ba, marble, hdwd & cpt flrs, prof landscaping! Kathi Kernan 412-344-0500 $699,000

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Fabulous Provincial! 5,000+ sqft, flexible flr plan, 6br, 3.5 ba, fmrm & mstr bdrm firepl, 4 season rm, 2nd flr laundry & more! Sydnie Jones 412-344-0500 $539,900

Contemporary w/ walls of windows, 4br, mstr suite has sitting rm & deck, 2+2 ba, fmrm, gmrm, 2 lvl deck, great values! Leigh Harkreader 412-344-0500 $385,000

Contemporary, 4br, mstr w/ dressing area, 3.5ba, mst w/ whirlpl tub, fmrm firepl, breakfastrm, den, gmrm, 1st flr laundry! Sophia Alexiades 412-344-0500 $339,900

Wonderfully renovated split entry! 4br, 2.5ba, fmrm, 2 firepl, lovely patio & landscaping, move in and enjoy! Paula Stoltz 412-833-5405 $339,577

Brookside Farms-Open flr plan, livingrm firepl, beamed fmrm w/ firepl & wet bar, updated kit, 2nd flr laundry, screened patio! Suzanne Sala 412-831-5555 $319,900

Brookside Farms-Elegant entry, step down livingrm, fmrm & den built-ins, 4br, gmrm, brick patio overlooks, parklike setting! Diane Paul 412-831-5555 $319,000

Bright & spacious 4br, updated kit w/ oak cabinetry, tile countertops & breakfast bar, fmrm firepl, many amenities! Tade Bua-Bell 412-343-7711 $239,900

Center hall Colonial w/ a contemporary flair, 5br, 2.5ba, fmrm, den, gmrm, center island kit, cath ceilings, skylights & more! Jim Walsh 412-833-5405 $239,900

Well maintained 4br, 2.5 ba Colonial livingrm marble firepl, fmrm, generous rm sizes, covered patio, quality throughout! Sue Kelso 412-344-0500 $219,900

Jr. beam constructed, slate entry, livingrm firepl, 3br, 2 full ba, den, gmrm, loads of storage, security system! Norma Bishop 412-833-5405 $199,500

Meticulously maintained 3br, 2.5ba, 2 sty, w/ many updates, 2nd flr den, covered porch overlooks beautiful half acre lot! Cindy Demel 412-831-5555 $132,900

22%

Homes Listed On The Market April, 2004

Howard Hanna

17%

South Prudential Suburbs

12% Owned And Operated By NRT Incorporated.

Northwood

Follow The Leader More people in the South are choosing Coldwell Banker to sell their home.

Owned And Operated By NRT Incorporated. All listings taken based on West Penn Multi-List between April 1 and April 30, 2004 in SAL (Upper St. Clair, Mt. Lebanon, Betehl Park, South Park, Jefferson Boro, Pleasant Hills, Scott Twp.-SAL, Baldwin Twp., South Side, Mt. Washington, Allentown, Arlington, Beltzhoover, Knoxville, Carrick, Bon Air, Mt. Oliver, Overbrook, Brentwood, Whitehall, Baldwin Boro, Duquesne, Homestead, West Homestead, Lincoln Place, Munhall, West Elizabeth, Whitaker, Dravosburg, Clairton, West Mifflin, Castle Shannon, Beechview, Brookline, Dormont)

1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

ECRWSS* CARRIER ROUTE

POSTAL CUSTOMER Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

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