SUMMER 2004 by UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Magazine

SUMMER 2004

Summer 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Terry Abbott

Lisa DeBartolo

Barbara Baker/ Bob Main

Bob Dini

Shawn Gatto

Suzanne Gruneberg

Pat Hogan/ Mary Ann Zupon

Liz Hoyson

Barbara Kurdys-Miller Frank Conroy

Elva Marotta

Chris Sammons

Lynn Banbury

Sharon Capan/ Bill Holden

Lora Le Clark

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2004

• Volume 10

•

Issue 2

Features and Around the Township 16

Community Day—Saturday, May 15 Make it a tradition in your family.

A Trip to the African Safari Wayne Herrod shares a story about the largest land animal.

A Ride for Make-A-Wish

USC Community Flea Market

A bike rally rides for charity on June 6.

Encouraging Conservation and Preservation The USC Citizens for Land Stewardship promotes harmony between people and nature.

Knowing Our Neighborhoods—Westminster Manor Development of this plan began in 1961.

Township 27

Township Commissioners Welcome New Board Member Meet our new Ward 4 Commissioner Ched Mertz.

360 Emergency Calls in 2003 The USCVFD responded to both severe and unusual emergency calls.

Library Automation The Library’s automated system is undergoing a migration.

USC Summer Playground

Boyce Road Gardeners

Is Your Bike Registered? The USC Police sponsor a bike safety program and registration on Saturday, May 22.

School District 54

The Greatest Generation Jim Render covers USCHS’s community-involved history project.

The Budget Process—A Step-by-Step Analysis Dina Fulmer discusses the formulation of the School District budget.

Rowing in Upper St. Clair? Crew is growing in USC even without a river.

2004 USC Summer School Program Enhance your child’s summer—enroll in these specially designed workshops and labs.

Cover 12

Simplify your life in a beautiful new luxury carriage home built by M-Squared Development and shown on the cover of this issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. On pages 12 and 13, read about St. Clair Pointe, an exciting new community featuring single-level living. Cover and article photography provided by Nancy Barnard. Cover graphic design by Dave Fotta. Summer 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Publishers

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

Dr. James D. Lombardo Superintendent of Schools

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

Douglas A. Watkins Township Manager

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

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 Teri McMinn, Advertising Nancy Barnard, Photographer Jim Render, Writer Vince Yevins, Accountant

Voluntary Contributors

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

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

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

School Board Directors

Township Board of Commissioners

David E. Bluey, President Angela B. Petersen, Vice President Barbara L. Bolas Russ Del Re Albert E. Ferrara, Jr. 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

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

Political advertising and political commentary are not accepted. The publishers of this magazine reserve the right to reject advertising or articles inconsistent with the objectives, image and aesthetic standards of the magazine. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine is published and mailed quarterly to residents and businesses

in Upper St. Clair. Extra copies of the magazine are available at the Township of Upper St. Clair Municipal Building and the Township Library. If you did not receive a copy in the mail, please call 412-833-1600, extension 2284. The next issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY will be the Fall 2004 issue and will be published in August. 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 Fall 2004 Issue is Thursday, June 3, 2004. Deadline for advertising is June 10, 2004.

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

Article Information

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

Colleen DeMarco Lynn Dempsey Nancy Beaulieu Teri McMinn

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

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2004

412-833-1600, extension 2284 (email: cdemarco@uscsd.k12.pa.us) (email: ldempsey@uscsd.k12.pa.us) (email: nbeaulieu@uscsd.k12.pa.us) (email: tmcminn@uscsd.k12.pa.us) Visit our Website:

www.twpusc.org/magazine/index.htm

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

Sometimes moments of fun can present unanticipated twists and painful turns. Which is why the residents of the South Hills community built St. Clair Hospital 50 years ago. Answerable only to the needs of the people who call the South Hills home, St. Clair Hospital has evolved into one of this nation’s Top 100 Hospitals, and one of the 100 Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania. With a half a century of Frsts that are unheard of in

Chances Are, One Day You’re Going To Need Us. We’ve Spent 50 Years Getting Ready For That Day.

most community hospitals. Including the Frst Emergency Department in the area, which now treats over 48,000 people a year. The Frst robotic assisted pharmacy in the nation, which has Flled more than a million prescriptions without error. The Frst community hospital in Pennsylvania to install a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanner. The only community hospital that has critical care physicians on-duty 24/7. And even though our technology and staJ have changed over the last 50 years, our mission remains timeless. To be there for you, your loved ones, and the community whenever you need us. Just in case.

The Healing Power of Our Community.

1000 Bower Hill Road

Summer 2004

Pittsburgh, PA 15243

www.stclair.org

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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

Dr. James D. Lombardo

Douglas A. Watkins

Welcome to our 38th edition of the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine and our annual “Community Day” issue. The splendor and brilliance of Upper St. Clair truly shines forth as we approach the warm-weather season. Community pride is especially visible throughout our Township this time of year, as individual homeowners spruce up their houses and lawns and neighborhood groups gather together to beautify their subdivisions. The Township, through the Public Works Department, has also been busy, as they take pride to ensure that all community property is well maintained and aesthetically pleasing. Attention to detail can be noticed in the magnificent flowerbeds and the well-manicured public “green” areas. Take a ride around the Township and observe its beauty on a warm summer evening. Refer to our Home and Garden advertising guide on pages 46-51 for help with your summertime projects. See the Library’s article on page 47 for reference books. It’s also during this season that we enjoy Community Day—a day where all residents are invited to take part in the many planned activities including mud volleyball, the Fun Run, the parade, the fair booths, Gilfillan Farmhouse and the Community Foundation’s Duck Race. See pages 16-19 for a list of events and times. If you attend Community Day every year, keep up the tradition! If you are new to the community, and have not attended this fun-filled community-wide event, take the opportunity to do so when we celebrate “Panthers of the Caribbean,” on Saturday, May 15, 2004. Enjoy your summer and this wonderful time of year! Sincerely,

Sincerely,

Dr. James D. Lombardo Superintendent of Schools

Douglas A. Watkins Township Manager

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

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Flea Market Finds—USC Style Mary Lynne Spazok

with an ardent fervor are marvelous mahogany case goods, antique cut glass, crystal chandeliers and fashionable silver. College students seek alma mater memorabilia, bedding (especially extra long sheets) and just about anything desirable for college life. Collectors rummage through baskets of costume jewelry hoping to find a desired trademark such as Monet. Specialty trading cards are bought and sold. Flora and fauna fanatics seek out Walter Jarosh, our Township Forester, who offers for sale a variety of hearty, disease-free, homegrown hostas. Yes, there is something here for everyone! As the sun ascends and the day progresses, merchandise is often bargain basement priced. After all, who wants to pack up what you brought to sell in the first place? A successful vendor will save, sort and pack commodities It’s 6:30 a.m. A cool dawn evaporates as a shimmering sun peeks just over the horizon. carefully beginning at least three months in The dedicated USC Recreation Department advance. Use large boxes (such as TV or comstaff of Paul Besterman, Karen Babeji and puter monitor boxes) that can be unpacked, Julie Shriver zealously grip their clipboards. turned over and used for display tables. Gather Crammed full of merchandise, a parade of card tables that fold flat, are not terribly heavy cars, trucks and vans streams into the Upper and are easily transportable. Affix a price tag or St. Clair High School stadium parking lot. sticker to each item. A tape measure is a must. Vendors seek their selling site. Impatient buy- Signs are helpful but buyers and sellers enjoy ers circle the perimeter with passion. At last, an exchange of spirited banter. Bring plenty the USC annual community-wide flea market of loose change and used grocery bags. For quick sales, fabric goods such as bedding and quest commences! attire must be clean, never faded and no repair necessary. Toys are whisked away at a fraction of their original cost, as long as all necessary parts are on hand. Original product warranties with directions are a positive selling tool, especially for electronics. Please keep in mind that baby items that do not meet current safety guidelines, such as outdated car seats, usually go unsold. Outdoor markets are festive. Whether you call Left to right: Ray Schmitt, Paul Besterman, Karen Babeji and Julie Shriver it a junque fair, tag sale This second Saturday in July (July 10) isn’t or fleatique, be assured this event will entice just a run of the mill get-together. It’s a splen- shopaholics who bring a “cache of cash.” did summer social scene where smiling faces of Some bazaars charge a nominal entry fee, but families, friends and neighbors greet each other browsing at the USC flea market is free. For warmly. Energized first time vendors swiftly set three dollars, one can shop at the enormously up. Since the flea market’s beginning in 1996, popular indoor/outdoor Meadows Racetrack approximately 40% of the participants return marketplace held the last Sunday of each annually. They come with card tables, clothes month. If your preference is a variety of new racks, shoe racks, ground tarps and tents for and used merchandise, Trader Jack’s, off Route display. Their money boxes are jam-packed 50 at Heidelberg, is open every Saturday and with shiny quarters and crisp greenbacks. Bonus Sunday, weather permitting. provisions include a comfy chair, sunglasses or Rain or shine, the Upper St. Clair comvisor, refreshments and snacks. As the morning munity-wide flea market is the place to see progresses, it isn’t unusual to ask your next door and be seen. A timely registration guarantees neighbor to keep an eye on your “stuff” while residents one or more of the 87 spaces. Reserve you anxiously survey the competition. Procured your space(s) today by visiting the Recreation 8

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2004

Brittany Martin sells food and drink for the dance team.

Department at 1820 McLaughlin Run Road. Reservation by mail is accepted. Complete the official entry form printed in the Spring/Summer 2004 Township Recreation Program brochure. Payment in full by check to the Upper St. Clair Recreation Department must accompany your application. This year’s fee per space is six dollars. Each space is 9’ x 18’ which accommodates one vehicle and lots of room for setup. Keep in mind, availability is based on a first come, first served basis. So, clean out that attic and rid that basement of clutter, then reap the monetary reward! Additional information is available at the Township’s website at www.twpusc.org. Lauren Wharton sells the everpopular USC umbrellas.

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair Partnership and Support

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the USCHS Pantheon Choir

The Community Foundation partners with and supports many efforts in the community. The following grant recipients represent a sampling of the support to the Upper St. Clair community: acoustical shell for the USCHS Theatre, Regional Environmental Education Center, High School crew team, Pony League fields, USCHS botanical garden, USCHS fencing club, USCHS rifle club, Library Summer Reading program, Celebrating the Arts, Pittsburgh Jewish-Israeli Film Festival, USC School District presentation of motivational speaker Bobby Petrocelli “Ten Seconds that Can Change Your Life—Tragedy to Triumph.”

PSO Concert

Flavours Cookbook Wins Award

Epitomizing the meaning of outreach, the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair continues to bring wonderful events to our community. On February 8 the Community Foundation hosted the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in the USCHS Theatre. Attendees enjoyed the opportunity to hear the orchestra, conducted by Daniel Meyer, Assistant Conductor, perform pieces from Antonin Dvorak’s Symphony #9 in E Minor, Op. 95 from the “New World.” The orchestra was joined by Jared Jones, a student soloist from CAPA, who thrilled the audience with Swing Low Sweet Chariot and Goin’ Home, a piece written by Dvorak for the “New World.” USCHS’s Pantheon Choir, directed by Christine Frattare, was featured with the orchestra, conducted by Lucas Richman, Resident Conductor, in the performance of Lucas Richman’s Wake Me a Song. Maestro Lucas wrote this exceptional piece for the dedication of the USCHS Theatre in 1999. Over 700 tickets to the performance were sold and a sell out crowd of 160 enjoyed a delicious dinner at the high school before the concert. Look forward to some very exciting news about future programs to be hosted by the Community Foundation!

Congratulations to the Community Foundation and the Women of Wednesday for being selected as the MidAtlantic Regional winners of the McIlhenny Company’s 2003 Tabasco Community Cookbook contest. The award is given to recognize a uniquely American book form—the community cookbook—and the committed volunteers who use it effectively to benefit charitable causes. Flavours met McIlhenny Company’s criteria for a cookbook that provides a record of regional culinary culture and improves the quality of community life with the funds it generates. Copies of the cookbook will be placed in the Walter S. McIlhenny Library for community cookbooks on Avery Island, Louisiana. The books are catalogued on a computer and are available for professional and public reference upon request. For more information or to order the cookbook, contact Sandie Thomas at the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair at 412-831-1107.

Community Day 2004 Get ready for some great fun at Community Day this year! The Duck Race is an annual event sponsored by the Community Foundation each Community Day and promises lots of fun for all ages. Be on the lookout for opportunities to “adopt a duck” for the race.

The ducks are nearing the finish line at the 2003 Community Day duck race. 10

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2004

Linda Marks retrie ve the last of the duck s s.

Education and Lifelong Learning In a joint effort with the USCHS counseling department, the Community Foundation hosted “Becoming a Competitive College Applicant” seminar on Saturday, February 7. In spite of the snowy weather, the event was very well attended. Many tips for preparing for the college application process were offered. Look for additional programs for preparing for college to be presented by the Community Foundation in the near future. For more information, contact Rick Purnell at the Community Foundation at 412-831-1107. The QUEST program was a huge success this spring. Seven classes were offered that concluded at the end of March. Look forward to receiving your mailing for additional QUEST programs to be offered this coming fall. If you would like more information on the QUEST program, contact Diane Vater, Curriculum Director at the Community Foundation at 412-831-1107.

Recreation and Leisure A fly fishing club members’ outing to Yellow Creek Trout Club in Indiana was held in April. Did you know that the fly fishing club is now close to 50 members strong? For more information on joining the club or for upcoming fly fishing events, contact Roy Johnson at 412-835-7330 or Ed DiGangi at 412-851-2927. The trail bike club will be gearing up for more activities soon. Contact Roy Johnson at 412-835-7330 for more information on upcoming events. If there is significant interest from the community, a chess club may be created. Contact Roy Johnson at 412-835-7330.

Science and Technology MainstreetUSC has been revised and updated and is consistently sharing useful information with our community residents. Many links are included such as the Community Foundation’s eNews, and links to the Township, the School District and the community Library. Make sure your email address is added to the distribution list for the Community Foundation’s website: www.mainstreetusc.com.

Community Foundation Contact Information Phone: 412-831-1107

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Email: cfusc@adelphia.net Summer 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

St. Clair Pointe—

A Simplified Lifestyle of Quality and Luxury

You may have seen the signs along

Route 19 or Boyce Road. Maybe you’ve heard about it from your friends or someone in your family. Perhaps you’ve come upon the construction site, or read about it in last fall’s UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine. However you may have come to know of it, it’s hard to miss something as special as St. Clair Pointe in the close-knit community of Upper St. Clair. Last fall, an article was published in this magazine highlighting the approval of an exciting, new residential community in the Township, St. Clair Pointe. M-Squared Development, owned and operated by Upper St. Clair residents James Bunn, Jr. and David Cherup, was granted approval from the Township’s Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners to begin construction of a new luxury carriage home community, located just off of Boyce Road along Chartiers Creek. Despite an unusually cold winter, construction at the site has been underway since November, and if all goes according to plan, St. Clair Pointe will have its first residents in September of this year!

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

St. Clair Pointe is unlike any other community in the Township. M-Squared’s luxury carriage home design is perfect for those looking to simplify their lives without sacrificing the quality or luxury they have come to expect from their home. The concept behind the community is that it offers single-level, maintenance-free living without compromising luxury, quality or comfort. St. Clair Pointe will offer several floor plans, all of which feature a first floor master suite, an 18-foot cathedral

Summer 2004

ceiling, an oversized two-car garage and a private outdoor courtyard. Homeowners will become members of the community’s condominium association, which provides services such as exterior building maintenance, lawn and landscape care and snow removal. The association also maintains the St. Clair Pointe community center. Sure to be the social center of the community, the center makes available to residents amenities such as a fitness facility, a conference room and an expansive great-room (perfect for large gatherings and celebrations). Equally as luxurious as the homes it complements, the community center features a beautiful two-story fireplace, fully equipped kitchen and a cathedral ceiling. From the expansive deck and covered patio, one can enjoy the calming sounds of the rippling Chartiers Creek or the wildlife of the protected natural wetlands nearby. Whether relaxing with neighbors on the deck or walking together on the community’s walking trail, residents of St. Clair Pointe are sure to enjoy the many amenities offered through their association. M-Squared Development has other similar developments throughout the Pittsburgh area, and they are very excited about bringing their expertise to their own backyard. Co-owner David Cherup comments, “I’ve been a USC resident for 40 years and have seen many homeowners whose children have grown live in the same house they did 20 or 30 years ago. Yet, they

no longer need the four-bedroom home or large yard they once did. As a result I have watched family friends move away from the Township to homes that better fit their needs. By working closely with residents and Township officials, we feel we have managed to design a community that fits in well with the rest of the Township and provides a type of housing that the Township currently lacks. The single-floor living and maintenance-free aspects of St. Clair Pointe provide the perfect solution for long time residents who do not want to leave the Township, yet are looking for a comfortable, easier lifestyle.” Cherup also adds that the homes are perfect for the many perennial “snowbirds” who often leave the area in the winter months for warmer climates. “At St. Clair Pointe residents can simply lock the door and leave, knowing that their home is in a safe community and their association will care for their snow-removal and landscaping maintenance.” Local architects designed the homes at St. Clair Pointe with a focus on large, open rooms and plenty of natural light. The result is a contemporary living space conducive to an active and social lifestyle. In addition to the beautiful design of the homes, the quality of construction is outstanding as well. James Bunn explains, “Although these homes are beautifully designed and finished, the added value of quality that is hidden beneath the surface is just as noteworthy. With features such as our recessed and insulated floors, vertical and horizontal perimeter insulation

at the foundation walls, and extra thick party walls between units, our construction meets and exceeds the highest standards of quality.” It is this type of high quality construction that separates M-Squared Development from other carriage home builders, and it is one of the reasons its owners feel St. Clair Pointe will be a success not only in the immediate future, but also for years to come. James Bunn comments, “Most of our customers have owned their own homes for many years. They’ve

had experiences with home repairs and maintenance and know what to look for in a new home. We welcome these types of customers because we feel the quality of our construction will impress even the most scrutinizing eye. Customers can see the quality of our work while the home is being built, and they appreciate the attention to detail that only a dedicated builder takes the effort to provide.” With the real estate season in full swing, M-Squared Development is currently taking reservations and contracts on the homes at St. Clair Pointe. The demand for this product in Upper St. Clair is evident from the overwhelming response that the company has already received from customers. Director of Sales and Marketing, Robert Bunn comments, “At this point there are still homes available. We started taking reservations and contracts in April, and it appears that we will sell all units pre-construction.” M-Squared Development invites all residents to come visit this exciting new community in Upper St. Clair. St. Clair Pointe is privately situated at the end of Boyce Plaza Road off Boyce Road. It offers a simplified lifestyle of quality and luxury in the Township of Upper St. Clair. For information on becoming one of the 65 homeowners in this premier community, contact M-Squared Development at 412-221-1355 or visit the web at www.msquareddevelopment.com.

Summer 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

D. Michael Fisher Appointed to Bench Chester A. Dudzinski Few, if any, town-

ships the size of Upper St. Clair can count as residents a State Senator, a State Attorney General, a gubernatorial candidate and a Federal Third Circuit Judge. Even fewer townships can point to one lifelong resident as the person having achieved all of these positions. For Upper St. Clair, that person is Mike Fisher. The crowning achievement in his career is the appointment of Judge Fisher to the United States Court Of Appeals for the Third Circuit, having been nominated for this position on May 1, 2003, by President George W. Bush. After confirmation by the United States Senate, he was sworn in as a judge on the Court of Appeals on December 15, 2003. The Third Circuit Court Of Appeals is one of 12 federal intermediate appellate courts throughout the United States and its territories. The United States Supreme Court is the next, and last, level of appeal after the Third Circuit. There are only 179 Court Of Appeals judgeships authorized under current federal law. “I’m fortunate to have been raised in Upper St. Clair, where I was given my start,” recalled

Judge Fisher during a recent interview with UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. “My experiences in public service were so vital to my development, and positions that I have held provided me the foundation and career opportunities that have led me to where I am today.” Public service has not only been a benchmark of the career of Judge Fisher, but was also a way of life of the Fisher household. Judge Fisher’s parents, C. Francis and Dolores Fisher, were among the first of the “new wave of residents” arriving in Upper St. Clair in the 1950s, according to Judge Fisher. As the longtime solicitor and Republican chairman of Upper St. Clair, C. Francis Fisher and others expressed wisdom and vision in establishing the municipal building, enacting zoning ordinances to restrict commercial development, and helping to create the Upper St. Clair of today. Judge Fisher expressed the same type of foresight in his own career. He assisted local Township officials, including Township Manager Doug Watkins, in consummating the purchase of the Boyce-Mayview property approximately ten years ago, while a member of the state Senate. Upper St. Clair purchased this property from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania during his Senate tenure. “We figured that Upper St. Clair would best know how to utilize this property,” stated Judge Fisher matter-of-factly. While serving the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in his capacity as State Senator

and Attorney General, Judge Fisher acknowledges the principal role his wife, Carol, played in the raising of their children, Michelle and Brett. Judge Fisher also fondly recalls that he met Carol while she was a first grade teacher at Baker Elementary School. “It’s hard to believe that today people come up to us and ask how Mrs. Fisher is doing, and that they were her first grade students,” said Judge Fisher, with a grin. Judge Fisher also recalls often traveling from Harrisburg for his children’s evening events; only to wake up early the next morning and travel back to his public service duties. These types of family sacrifices have led to Michelle (USCHS 1994) and Brett Fisher (USCHS 1997) graduating from college and successfully beginning careers of their own. Brett resides in Washington, D.C., and is an information technology sales consultant for Oracle. Michelle recently married Alex Reyes; both are attorneys at the downtown law firm of Buchanan Ingersoll. They are currently searching for their first home. “They are looking in Mt. Lebanon,” says Judge Fisher. “I figure if they purchase a home in the South Hills, I can help convince them to live in Upper St. Clair, eventually.” Given the tremendous impact that the Fisher family has had upon the past, present and future of Upper St. Clair, perhaps this is an effort that others should rally around.

Kids Triathlon Benefits Habitat for Humanity The countdown has begun for number four in 2004! The fourth

annual Kids Triathlon in South Park is off to a great start with premier sponsor, Citizens Bank and committed media sponsors, The Almanac, Adelphia Cable and Comcast Communications and WTAE. Congressman Tim Murphy is once again partnering with Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity for this annual event. The race will be held on the grounds of the South Park wave pool, Saturday, July 17 at 8 a.m. The race offers a unique opportunity for children, family members, volunteers and sponsors alike to support an effort that encourages physical activity, establishes a foundation for children to be healthy for life, and exposes them to the benefits of community service by helping to build a future for other kids and their families in a fun and meaningful way. The 2004 Kids Triathlon will host 200 children, ages seven through 12. Family and friends cheer the participants on as they swim, bike and run across the finish line. Each boy and girl will receive a finisher’s medal and “Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition” from Congressman Murphy in recognition of invaluable service to the community. After everyone has completed the race, an awards ceremony is held to recognize the efforts of every child, and award first through third place trophies in each age group, male and female. 14

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2004

Congressman Murphy with the 2003 triathlon finishers.

The joy on this day is matched only by the joy of the family who receives the keys to their new home. Their home ownership is made possible by 350 hours of their own labor, volunteers, sponsors and events like the fourth annual Kids Triathlon. All race sponsorship dollars go directly to Habitat for Humanity. You can sponsor the event by calling the Habitat office at 412-466-6719. If you are interested in volunteering for race day events, please contact Volunteer Race Director, Dana Barone at 412-653-4384 *1. For general race information and application questions please contact Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity at 412-466-6719. Come join us for a great day for humanity. On your mark... get set… go!

Representative John A. Maher

Thomas Builders, Inc. and Thomas Homes, Inc.

2547 Washington Road Suite 711 Pittsburgh, PA 15241

PROUDLY INTRODUCES…

Phone: 412-831-8080 or 724-942-6940 Fax: 412-831-8083 or 724-942-6941

Federal Mandate Leads to New Pennsylvania DUI Law Pennsylvania has a comprehensive new

drunken-driving law, which will force all drivers to be more aware of their alcohol intake and which gets tough on problem substance abusers who may become repeat offenders. Rewritten by the Legislature last fall, Act 24 of 2003 completely reformed and consolidated most DUI-related laws into a single chapter of the Vehicle Code, “Driving After Imbibing Alcohol or Utilizing Drugs.” The new standards took effect immediately but associated penalties were delayed until this February. The law established a tiered system of charges. This graduated grading of offenses based on a person’s blood alcohol content (BAC) and the number of prior offenses gives first-time offenders some leniency, but recommends harsher penalties for high-risk drivers and those with chronic drug- or alcohol-related offenses. In an attempt to lower Pennsylvania’s recidivism rate, the law also focuses on counseling and treatment. All violators are screened for drug and alcohol addiction, and a full assessment with treatment is required if the screening detects addiction. The most publicized change to the DUI law was mandated by the federal government. In order to continue receiving highway construction funding, Pennsylvania lowered the threshold for intoxication to a blood-alcohol level of 0.08%, from the previous 0.10%. The federal mandate means, depending on his or her body weight, a person could be considered legally intoxicated after just two or three drinks. The threshold is even lower for minors. Along with school bus drivers, they are considered legally drunk with a blood-alcohol content of 0.02% and higher. Commercial drivers reach the limit at 0.04%. The statute now divides DUI offenses into three categories: “general impairment,” for drivers with a BAC of 0.08–0.099%; “high rate,” 0.10–0.159%; and “highest rate” for 0.16% and above. Although a judge would have discretion in levying actual punishment, in most cases a person convicted of drunk driving in Pennsylvania will face fines of several hundred to several thousand dollars, attendance in alcohol highway safety school, license suspension and a period of probation or prison term. At the highest tier, drivers who register a BAC of 0.16% and above face increased penalties and mandatory drug and alcohol treatment.

National studies indicate that high BAC offenders are the most dangerous and are responsible for a high percentage of DUI-related fatalities. In addition, repeat offenders are required to install ignition interlock devices on any motor vehicle they own for one year prior to having their driving privileges fully restored. A repeat offender cannot operate a vehicle without an ignition interlock system, although the law does permit the Department of Transportation to grant a person an employment exemption to drive an employer’s vehicle, for employment purposes only. Another change in the law is known as the “two-hour rule.” That is, a driver is legally intoxicated if a test administered within two hours of an accident or traffic stop confirms a BAC level in violation. This eliminates the difficult and costly task of having experts attempt to determine a person’s blood-alcohol level at the time he or she was driving, on the basis of a test taken later. Forensic toxicologists who argue test results in court can cost counties approximately $2500 per DUI trial. The DUI law applies not just to alcohol consumption but also to drugs. Pennsylvania became the ninth state to enact a per se “drugged driving” law. A person who ingests any controlled substance not medically prescribed is prohibited from driving, and the state does not have to prove impairment against drivers under the influence of drugs. In addition to establishing stricter guidelines to curb the dangers of drinking and driving, Act 24 contains provisions that could save taxpayers money. These include: • Non-jury trials for all first and nearly all second offenses, which are ungraded misdemeanors subject to a maximum six-month sentence. • Fines are doubled and, in some cases, tripled under the new law. • In most cases, offenders will pay for treatment and other costs, such as ignition interlock systems. Treatment can save taxpayer dollars in health care costs, highway crashes, workplace costs and other related expenditures. Of course, it will take time to gauge the effectiveness of the law, in terms of alcohol-related accidents and the associated costs to us all, but the new Pennsylvania law was crafted after much debate to balance the federal mandates with common sense.

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Panthers of the Caribbean 26th Annual Community Day—May 15, 2004 Activities Mud Volleyball will begin at 6:30 a.m. This annual event for high school juniors and seniors kicks off the 26th Annual Community Day Celebration. Run for Fun will begin at 9 a.m. sharp! Please pre-register by completing the form on page 18 and mailing it prior to the May 10 deadline. The 3.1 mile non-sanctioned race will begin in the lower parking lot at the Upper St. Clair High School stadium. The race is open to runners of all ages. Race day registration is between 7:45 and 8:30 a.m. The annual Community Day Parade will begin at 11:30 a.m. The parade will follow the route from Truxton Drive, down McLaughlin Run Road and follow Panther Pass back up to the High School. Pony Rides will be offered for children for $3. The arena will be located behind the Recreation Center. The rides will be offered immediately following the parade until 4 p.m. The Middle School Games for Fort Couch and Boyce School students will be held on the Municipal basketball courts from 1–2:30 p.m. These games will consist of an obstacle course and a water balloon toss. The annual Water Balloon Toss will be held on the Municipal Little League field at 2:30 p.m. All participants will receive a prize. The annual Community Day Treasure Hunt will be held at noon. Clues will be displayed at booth Number 1 immediately after the parade. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the search for the treasure and win a prize! The 1857 Gilfillan Farm House, a work of restoration in progress, and the surrounding buildings will be open on Community Day from noon–3 p.m. Visit the farm for house tours, wagon rides and to see the farm animals. Access will be from Orr Road by Community Day shuttle bus. Country Fair Games will be held noon–3 p.m. at the Gilfillan Farm House. Take the Community Day shuttle bus and join in for some crafts, games and special activities designed for children up to grade four. The Moonwalk and Rainbow Express Train will be located in the Library parking lot from noon–4 p.m. These activities will be offered free of charge through a donation by the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair. The Petting Zoo will be located behind the Library and will be open from noon–5 p.m. Children can visit the animals at no cost. There is a minimal fee for food and milk for the animals. Clair’s Kennel will be open noon–3 p.m. Get information regarding your pet’s care and licensing. See where runaway pets are temporarily held. Talk with an Animal Control Officer. Animals will be available for adoption. The Log House will be open for tours, noon–3 p.m. and will have demonstrations, crafts and activities for the whole family. There will be a tree planting ceremony at 1 p.m. The Duck Race sponsored by the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair will start at 3:30 p.m. Watch for information on pre-purchasing your duck or buy your duck at the Community Foundation booth on Community Day.  16

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2004

Annual Community Day Schedule 6:30 a.m. ...................................Junior/Senior Mud Volleyball Behind Recreation Center 7:30–9:30 a.m. .............................................. Fair Booth Setup Recreation Center Parking Lot 7:45–8:30 a.m. .................................Run for Fun Registration High School Stadium—Registration form on page 18 9 a.m. .................................................................... Run for Fun High School Stadium Entrance 10–11 a.m. ........................................... “Hottest Dog” Contest Stage Area—Registration form on page 18 10:30 a.m....................................... Three on Three Basketball Municipal Basketball Court 11 a.m.–5 p.m. ....................................................... Fair Booths Open Entertainment 11:30 a.m. ...................................................................... Parade Noon ..................................................................Treasure Hunt Booth #1 in Fair Area Noon–3 p.m. ...................................... Log House Open House Clair’s Kennel Open House Gilfillan Farm Tours Country Fair Games Gilfillan Farm House Noon–4 p.m. ............ Moonwalk and Rainbow Express Train Library Parking Lot Pony Rides Behind Recreation Center Noon–5 p.m. ...........................................................Petting Zoo Behind Library 1 p.m. ................................................ Tree Planting Ceremony Log House 1–2:30 p.m. ........................................... Middle School Games Municipal Basketball Courts Water Balloon Toss at 2:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. ..................................................Run for Fun Awards Stage Area Diaper Derby Municipal Little League Field Registration form on page 19 3 p.m. ............................................ Flag Retirement Ceremony Fire Circle behind Recreation Center 3:30 p.m. .................................................................. Duck Race McLaughlin Run Creek

Shuttle Bus Parking

Shuttle bus service will be available to the Municipal Building every half-hour starting at 10 a.m. from the following locations: • Boyce Middle School • Fort Couch Middle School • Gilfillan Farm • USC High School • Westminster Presbyterian Church Please be advised that permit parking only will be permitted in the Public Works parking lot.

Community Day 2004 Committee Heads and Co-Heads Students Diaper Derby–Robbie Schreiner, Lindsay Lynch Three on Three Basketball–Derek Del Re, Jeff Greenberg Entertainment–Kelly Porter, Sarah Hipps, Jessica Miller Country Fair Games–Rob Neilson, John Kardos Run For Fun–Katie Deleo, Emily Bird, Julie Poljak Parade–Sam Hornak, Nicole Paladino, Kelly Porter Publicity–Sam Hornak, Megan Zotis, Jenny Kline

Middle School Games–Matt Shea, Jen George T-Shirts–Katelyn Laboon, Tim Wagner Mud Volleyball–Sean McMillan, Adrienne Belasco Parking Lot–Brian Weller, Tom Tawoda Booths–Tony Ferrara, David Lo Auxiliary–Andrew Mueller, Bobby Petrini, Chris Sukenik

Township and School District Representatives 1830 Log House Association–Kim Guzzi Cable 7–Glenn Ward Township of Upper St. Clair– Paul Besterman, Director of Recreation and Leisure Services Karen Babeji, Recreation Program Coordinator George Kostelich, Superintendent of Operations David Kutschbach, Superintendent of Projects Ron Pardini, Chief of Police United Senior Citizens–Lynn Walcoff

Baker PTA–Treasure Hunt–Lisa Davis, Cathi Hopkins Boyce PTA–Parade–Janine Gross, Carla Roehner Eisenhower PTA–Run For Fun–Mary Schmitt Fort Couch PTA–Middle School Games–Kathy Sullivan High School PTSO–Programs and Publicity–Donna Kavo USC High School–Danny Holzer, Director of Student Activities and Sheila Bartlett, Assistant Director of Student Activities USC Historical Society Gilfillan Farm and Country Fair Games–Jean Brown

Fair Booths: The following organizations ask you to stop by to enjoy food, games and fun on Community Day! Baker PTA—Treasure Hunt Coldwell Banker Real Estate—“Bake-Off,” Nerf Ball Contest Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair—Duck Race, Float Contest, Moonwalk, Rainbow Express Train Fort Couch Girls Lacrosse Club—Cow Bean Bag Toss Fraudin Advanced Chiropractic & Rehab—Spinal Screenings Friends of the Library of USC—Book Raffle, Sale Gobbie Chiropractic Center—Sports Massage Hillcrest Christian Academy—Bottled Water, Pop Hufnagel Chiropractic Center—Health Screening Hulin Chiropractic—Raffle, Give-away Items Peters Creek Baptist Church—Child Craft, Balloons, Information Prudential Preferred Realty—Ring Toss Game Sala Chiropractic and Rehabilitation—Carpal Tunnel Screening South Hills Community Baptist Church—Give-Away Contest, Literature Students of USCHS for World Wildlife Fund— Ring Toss Game, Raffle Tri-Community South EMS—Emergency Medical Service United Senior Citizens of USC—Bingo, Bake Sale, Beverages USC/BP Breakfast Rotary—Pinball Game USC Band Parents—Musical Game USC Baseball Boosters—Pizza, Baseball Throw USC Cub Scout Pack 660—Identification Kits for Kids, Soda USC Democratic Committee—Cotton Candy, Nachos, Drinks USC Fencing Club—Game USC Football Boosters—Pick-A-Ticket, USC Football Gear USC Girl Scout Troop 1328—Face Painting, Chocolate Covered Pretzels, Tie-dyed Bandanas

USC Girls Tennis Team—Tennis Game USCHS Cheer Boosters—Lemonade Stand, Putting Green, Megaphone Ring Toss USCHS Field Hockey Booster Club—Craft, Sarris Candy Sale USCHS Girls Basketball—South Side Pretzels, Drinks USCHS Hockey Association—Hot Sausage Sandwiches, Drinks USCHS PTSO—Game USCHS Soccer Boosters (Boys and Girls)—Soccer Shots on Goal, Merchandise USCHS Softball Boosters—Bean Bag Toss USCHS Student Bookstore—Game, USC Clothing USC Lacrosse Club—Sponge Throw Game USC Lady Panther Basketball Boosters—Closest to the Pin Game USC Lions Club—Flower Bulbs, Peanuts, Trash Bags, Brooms USC Newcomers—Clown Bean Bag Toss USC Police Department—Information USC PTA Council—Carnival Game, Display of New Afghan Design USC Republican Committee and USC Council of Republican Women— Hot Dogs, Kielbasi, French Fries, Drinks USC Volunteer Fire Department—Fire Safety Welcome Wagon of USC—“Sandy” Candy in Hollow Tube Wellington Real Estate—Bean Bag Toss Game Woman’s Club of USC—Funnel Cake Xi Zeta Tau—Pick-A-Ticket Youth Steering Committee—Dime Toss 1830 Log House Historical Landmark Association— Art Contest Celebrating Ten-Year Anniversary of the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine

Patrons: Thanks to the following patrons for their financial support of Community Day! Chuck’s Complete Auto Service Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair CONSOL Energy Inc. Don’s Appliances Kings Family Restaurant Lorenzato Automotive Service Louis Anthony Jewelers Pasquarelli’s Restaurant

Pittsburgh Riverhounds South Hills Financial Group St. Clair Country Club Taylor Rental/Party Plus The Gateway Engineers, Inc. Traffic Control Equipment & Supplies Co., Inc. Upper St. Clair Chamber of Commerce ZEP Manufacturing Co./Ray Santomo Summer 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Panthers of the Caribbean—Community Day 2004 USC’s “Hottest Dog” Contest Community Day—May 15, 2004 10 - 11 a.m. at Stage Area Sponsored by Howard Hanna of USC FIVE CATEGORIES OF COMPETITION

• Best Dressed Dog • Best Pet Trick • Most Colorful Dog • Cutest Puppy • Owner and Dog Look-Alike

Entries are limited to ten dogs per category. Prizes will be awarded to the top three dogs in each category. All participants must register in advance.

Name: ________________________________________ Address:_______________________________________ Phone Number: ________________________________ Dog’s Name: ___________________________________ Category Dog is entered in: _______________________ Send registration form and current immunization record with $3 entry fee to: Howard Hanna Real Estate 180 Fort Couch Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Questions should be directed to: Julie Lim, Kathy McCloskey or Maureen Cavanaugh at 412-833-3600 Please register prior to May 12, 2004.

Diaper Derby

The Diaper Derby, a crawling race, will be held at the Municipal baseball field’s outfield. The Diaper Derby will be held at 1:30 p.m. sharp! Proud parents and their babies can enter the Diaper Derby. Categories include 1 day to 6 months and 6 months, 1 day to 1 year old. The winners in each age group will receive a prize. Registration can be done in advance by mail or by bringing a registration form to the event.

Diaper Derby Registration Form Name of baby _____________________________________ Address __________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Telephone ________________________________________

Community Day Run for Fun When: Saturday, May 15, 2004. Race begins at 9 a.m. sharp! Where: Upper St. Clair High School: A 3.1 mile, moderately

hilly course, starting and finishing at Panther Stadium. Advanced Registration: $2 registration fee prior to

May 10, 2004. Mail registration to the address below. Pre-registered runners should pick up their numbers between 8:30 and 8:45 a.m. on the day of the race at the High School track parking lot on Truxton Drive. Late Registration: $3 the day of the race. Registration will be

held at the High School parking lot on Truxton Drive the morning of the race from 7:45 to 8:30 a.m. Please arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. to allow time for registration before the start of the race. Awards will be presented at the stage area at 1:30 p.m. Race

results will be posted at the Recreation Center on Community Day. Come run for fun and exercise. Bring the whole family!

Trophies or plaques for first place, and ribbons for second and third place will be awarded in the following age groups. (Please note—this is not a sanctioned race.) • 8 & under • 9 to 11 • 12 to 14 • 15 to 19

q Female

Age as of May 15, 2004 q less than 6 months

q between 6 months and 1 year

St. Clair, the Community Day committee and volunteers, and/or any employees thereof harmless and blameless for any accident or injury which may occur while participating in the Diaper Derby.

_________________________________________________ Date

Return this form by May 12, 2004 to:

Department of Recreation and Leisure Services Township of Upper St. Clair 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

• 8 & under • 9 to 11 • 12 to 14 • 15 to 19

• 20 to 29 • 30 to 39 • 40 & over

Run For Fun Registration Form Name____________________________________________ Age as of May 15, 2004 ____________

Sex ___________

Address __________________________________________ Telephone Number ________________________________ Make checks payable to:

Return this form by May 10, 2004 to:

Mary Schmitt 2064 Outlook Drive Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

CONSENT RELEASE FORM: I agree to hold the Township of Upper

• 20 to 29 • 30 to 39 • 40 to 50 • 51 & over

Upper St. Clair Community Day

q Male

Parent’s Signature

FEMALE

MALE

Summer 2004

CONSENT RELEASE FORM: I agree to hold the Township of

Upper St. Clair, the Community Day committee and volunteers, and/or any employees thereof harmless and blameless for any accident or injury which may occur while participating in the Run For Fun. _________________________________________________ Signature

Date (Parent/Guardian if Under 18 Years of Age)

Panthers of the Caribbean—Community Day 2004

The Gilfillan Heritage

First Annual USC Bake-Off!

Doors are Open for Community Day—May 15

Community Day—May 15, 2004 Sponsored by Coldwell Banker

Six Categories of Competition: Adult Categories Best Fruit Pie Best Brownie Best Cookie Children’s Categories Most Patriotic Dessert Best USC-Themed Dessert Most Original Dessert

Great prizes for winners in each category! Pre-registration required. For information call Virginia Montgomery at 412-344-0500 or Sandy Learish at 412-833-5405.

Down and Dirty

Come experience the Gilfillan Homestead and Farm on Community Day

this year and be a part of Upper St. Clair history. Once again, the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair will open the Gilfillan property for tours, wagon rides, country fair games and visiting with farm animals from noon to 3 p.m. This continues to be a “restoration in progress.” Access will be from Orr Road by Community Day shuttle bus. Please check Upper St. Clair Cable 7 for more information. a senior team during the finals, so bragging rights are on the line. Sheila explained that the teams are co-ed and that the minimum of either males or females on a team is five. Since the tournament is limited to 16 teams, students must sign up early. While getting clean after the tournament would make a great commercial for laundry detergent, many parents opt to send the clothing straight to the trash!

Ready for some old fashioned mud slinging? Then get

up early this May 15 to watch USCHS students go head to head in the annual Community Day mud volleyball tournament. This activity, which is organized by student council, pits juniors against seniors as they battle to become the 2004 mud volleyball champs. The event starts at 6:30 a.m. when members of the USC Volunteer Fire Department light a bonfire and flood the volleyball pit with water. The water stays on for the entire tournament, so the longer the teams play, the muddier the action becomes. Sheila Bartlett, USCHS Assistant Activities Director, said the students “play for pride.” Typically there is a junior team playing Summer 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Day Trip To Altoona— The Game Was Icing on the Cake Jim Render The only way to properly recommend that

someone leave early in the morning and take a day trip is to actually make this journey and enjoy the experience oneself. Only then can you speak or write from the heart and project genuine enthusiasm. In my case, I would be less than truthful if I told you that I did a “day trip” to Altoona. Oh, I made the trip, all right, but I stayed eight days! A year ago, in June, I had the pleasure of being the head coach of the East/West Pennsylvania All-Star football game. This game is sponsored and presented by the Allegheny Mountains Convention and Visitors Bureau in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association. The Altoona committee was fantastic, going out of their way to make this a great experience for the players and coaches. It was like a bowl game with banquets, luncheons, amusement parks and outstanding television coverage. Joe Paterno could not have been treated any better! The fact that my team (the West) won the game was only icing on the cake. The week in Altoona was marvelous. Several of the events were held at the new modern convention center, a major attraction of the Allegheny Mountain area. By the way, this year’s game will be played on Saturday, June 26, and Upper St. Clair will be represented by three of our senior class members; Matt Shine, Pat Shepard and Nick DeBartolo. The crown jewel of the sports and family recreation activities in the Altoona area is the Blair County Ballpark, home of the Altoona Curve, the Class AA affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. It is a beautiful baseball facility—second to none. Major league stadiums may be bigger, but as for charm, convenience and amenities, this park has it all. The ballpark seats 7210, but with a hillside and standing room, it can accommodate 9500 people for a big game. The Curve promotes itself as “Everybody’s Hometown Team.” Altoona sits within a 60-mile radius of State College, Indiana, Johnstown and Bedford. In addition, there are a lot of smaller towns like Ebensburg, Tyrone, Hollidaysburg and Spruce Creek that claim some allegiance to the team. Nineteen partners own this baseball franchise. You might recognize some of the names—Lemiuex, Bettis, Sheetz. There is even an Upper St. Clair connection—and a major connection it is! Charles “Chuck” Greenberg (USCHS 1978) is the president and managing partner of the Altoona Curve. Chuck is also a member of the law firm of Pepper, Hamilton LLP and serves as chairman of their sports group. His pride in and enthusiasm for the stadium and this ball 20

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

club come out very quickly when you sit down and talk with him. His mind works like a computer as he gives numbers and statistics about ballplayers, attendance and promotional nights. He talks about averaging 5700 people a game, 7000 a game when school is out and 8500 on weekends. Chuck boasts of 25 firework shows and a promotion called “Awful Night” when they honored horrendous teams like the ’62 New York Mets and the Cincy Bengals of the 90s, complete with a “wretched” fireworks display where most of them fizzled. Chuck talks of AA baseball having the best concentration of quality major league prospects. Many players in AAA are on their way down from the majors rather than continuing toward the parent organization. Chuck also speaks proudly of his partnership group’s taking over the team two days before the opening game in 2002, and being featured in a USA Today story on August 8, 2002, about the day in the life of a minor league baseball franchise. I’m sure many of you are aware that the Curve is so named because the Pennsylvania Railroad built the famous horseshoe curve, which is an official National Historic Landmark. This engineering marvel was built in 1854 to allow trains to negotiate their way around the mountains and into Altoona. The Railroaders Memorial Museum is also located nearby. Let me suggest a few other activities and events that could be of interest to you. First of all, there is Del Grosso’s Amusement Park. It’s a great water works park that also has everything from miniature golf to go-carts. When you get hungry, you can get a full Italian dinner from the same kitchen that makes the sauce we buy in Pittsburgh. Incidentally, Del Grosso’s also sponsors the Native American Pow Wow, which displays early American history and culture. This is a mid-July event, and in

Summer 2004

mid-September they have a huge Italian food festival. For golfers, I recommend Scotch Valley Country Club, located in the mountains above Altoona—beautiful scenery, great fresh air and the public is welcome. If you are interested in visiting colleges, Penn State Altoona, an attractive four-year residential college, offers many bachelor degrees in a small college environment with a world-renowned degree. St. Francis University is located nearby in Loretta and Mount Aloysius College is in Cresson. There are hundreds of shops, antique venues, craft stores, furniture and woodcraft accessories, as well as The Hollidaysburg Souvenir Shop and Slinky Toy Outlet Store. In short, there is everything from model train museums to Bonnie’s Baskets to Unkel Joe’s Woodshed in Altoona and the surrounding area. As for lodging, there is a range from a Courtyard by Marriott to Wright’s Orchard Station Campground with a good selection of bed and breakfast lodgings in between. The restaurant selections for dining are as wide as you want them to be. Yes, friends, there is an Outback Steakhouse in Altoona, so you can travel with confidence! Bottom-line; go see the Curve, the one in the mountains and the one in the ballpark. Allegheny Mountains Convention and Visitors Bureau Phone: 1-800-842-5866 Website: www.visitcentralpa.com Altoona Curve Baseball Website: www.altoonacurve.com

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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: 412-854-2470 • E-mail: vgastgeb@county.allegheny.pa.us

Consolidation Opportunities Within Pittsburgh One cannot go anywhere without hearing

about the fiscal health of the city of Pittsburgh and its impact on the region in general. This subject also prompted much interest and conversation at a recent speaking engagement at the Deerfield Manor Association annual meeting in February. Allegheny County is in the position of looking at services, mergers and consolidation. Any type of consolidation needs to save the city money, while not being a burden to the county. The county must be able to absorb the consolidation within its budget or framework and reduce costs as well. In most regions, a county government would have trouble maintaining services of a large city government, but that is not the case here. The question is whether the city will stop the spending and contract agreements that have spiraled into the mess we see today. Areas for consolidation

are as minor as 911 dispatch, as purchasing and computer services, while a bolder and much needed approach would be to look at things such as parks, public works, public safety and economic development. Sadly and historically, it seems that additional taxes, additional bonds and additional gambling have always been the answer. Again, these discussions and any subsequent legislation are strictly within the city of Pittsburgh’s borders. As suburbanites, we should be particularly troubled if an elected official in the city, someone for or against whom we cannot vote, has the ability to raise taxes—either directly, such as a tax on commuters’ wages, or indirectly, like the parking tax instituted in early 2004. This used to be called taxation without representation. For this reason alone, consolidation efforts should (at least) be explored to avoid duplication and unnecessary spending.

As County Council considers these types of proposals with city and state officials, success can be achieved only by tangible results. Credibility needs to be gained and earned. If so, then all issues need to be examined including the possible elimination of the mayor and city council. City voters already directly elect county council members by district and are part of electing the County Executive. Concerning operations, two separate boards have been created, representing “parallel tracks”—the Oversight Board, by way of state legislation and Act 47 Coordinators because of the city’s financially distressed status. County Council developed working groups to consider eight areas of possible consolidation. The committees consist of city councilmen and state representatives to provide recommendations and solutions. A summit meeting occurred this spring at County Council’s chambers to begin the process. After completion, these plans will be discussed with the Oversight Board. I believe a two-party system can act together in a bipartisan manner to make decisions in the best interest of all residents in this region. Upper St. Clair and other communities should hold public officials accountable for policies that reduce the tax base and increase costs. Suburban taxpayers should not have to save the city from the consequences of its past mistakes. There is much to be gained by fostering cooperation and bringing our government into the 21st century; we can no longer afford the high spending and high tax structure that currently exist today.

Concert Marks SHJO’s 20th Anniversary Marita Howell The South Hills Junior Orchestra (SHJO) is celebrating its 20th anniversary

season with a concert on June 6, 2004, at 2 p.m. in the USCHS gymnasium. Over the past 20 years, more than 800 young musicians, ages eight to 18, have benefited from the unique philosophy of the orchestra. Invitations to perform at this anniversary concert will be sent to alumni members of the orchestra. Following the concert, a reception will be held in the nutrition center for alumni, friends, family members and current musicians. In spring 1983, Paul Fox, a USCHS teacher, approached Superintendent Dr. Robert Christiana and suggested establishing a youth orchestra. Paul and his wife, Donna, became the directors, and their vision of a non-competitive orchestra complementing school programs while advancing skills was realized. The orchestra made its home at USCHS. The premiere concert, performed by 54 musicians, was held on Sunday, May 13, 1984, and began a tradition of Mother’s Day concerts. During that first year of operation, the parent booster association was established. Their untiring efforts and volunteer commitment al22

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

1984 SHJO members

lowed the directors to concentrate on making music and providing an extraordinary experience for the students. In 1986, William Critser, a composer and teacher from Mt. Lebanon, joined the Foxes to direct the orchestra. As the orchestra grew, the adult staff also increased with the addition of Greg Zawacki, Janelle Jacks, Catherine McClelland, John Howald and Janet Vukotich. Recently, alumni members Heidi Volk, Kerry Conners, Nicole Morrow Stenger and Brian Havey have returned to the orchestra to share their time and talents directing ensembles. No other youth orchestra in the area is quite like the SHJO. There are no auditions—students come to open rehearsals and decide for

Summer 2004

themselves if they want to stay. Over the years, orchestra members have played music of every major composer. They have learned to appreciate good music by playing it. The 2003-04 season is an exciting one for current and past members of the orchestra. The fall concert held on November 9, 2003, featured music from the 20-year history. This year the orchestra launched its newest project: “Buy a Key Piano Fund” to help purchase a new Steinway concert grand piano for the USCHS Theatre and instruments for rehearsal rooms. For information about the SHJO’s upcoming events, contact managing director Janet Vukotich at jlv_pgh@yahoo.com or write to SHJO, P.O. Box 12642, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241.

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Summer 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

African S a f a r i Wayne Herrod

This story is dedicated to the memory of Allen Campbell— Willie’s mentor and friend who gave Willie the desire and passion to save the African elephant. I recently had the thrill of going on an

African safari. I couldn’t contain my excitement as my guide drove our vehicle into the African Savanna. Within moments we came upon an extremely large and powerful-looking black rhino on our right. It had to weigh at least 3500 pounds. He lazily scratched himself against a huge termite mound. We didn’t have long to admire this magnificent animal because just a short

Wayne Herrod and his daughter, Meghan, (USCHS 2001) are wearing T-shirts designed by the Pittsburgh Zoo from this elephant family photo taken by Wayne. The photo was selected as the official logo of the Pittsburgh Zoo’s elephant program and worn by zoo personnel at a national conference this year. 24

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

distance away, atop a hill overlooking the savanna, was a male lion, the king of the jungle. Perched on a huge rock with his lioness beside him, he surveyed everything around him. With his mane blowing in the wind he let out a roar, showing razor sharp teeth, to let us know that we were intruding on his territory. We didn’t need a second warning and quickly drove out. After a short drive we arrived at the plains. Grazing cautiously were three zebras, several ostriches and a herd of sleek gazelles. Several vultures hovered in the area, ever hopeful of a free meal. None of the animals took their eyes off of us, totally aware of the constant danger in the savanna. Then suddenly we saw a family of elephants. Not more than 50 yards away were three adults and two babies. The adults immediately surrounded the babies. One let out a rumbling sound and another trumpeted with its trunk to let us know who was boss of this area. What a thrill! What a rush of energy and excitement! Was I really in Africa? No! I was visiting my favorite place, the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. I was in my favorite area—the African Savanna. My guide was Bwana Rachel (better known as Rachel Capp), the talented manager of media and public relations at the zoo. The African Savanna covers 16 of the zoo’s 77 acres. It is my favorite place at the zoo because it contains my favorite animals, the African elephants. But one thing you must

Award-winning ph

oto

Summer 2004

remember when you go to the zoo—“Once is not enough!” (the zoo’s publicity theme). While I can spend my entire day with the elephants, there are seven additional naturalistic habitats including the Asian Forest, Tropical Forest, Cheetah Valley, Bears, the PPG Aquarium, Niches of the World and Kids Kingdom (ranked among the best four children’s zoos in the country). I spend many hours observing, photographing and learning as much as I can about the elephants at the zoo. They are the largest land animal on earth (females near 8000 pounds and males over 10,000) and are remarkably agile and fast (they can run up to 25 miles per hour). They are also gentle and loyal, loving and intelligent— having the largest animal brain. The oldest and largest elephant is Tash, a 26-year old matriarch who has been at the zoo for 22 years. The next oldest elephant, who has been at the zoo for nine years, is Moja, a 21-year old mother of the first baby (girl), Victoria, born at the zoo. There is another 21-year old female elephant, Nan, who has been at the zoo for 11 years, and who gave birth to the male calf, Callee. The elephants are trained and handled by the zoo’s elephant manager, Mr. Willie Theison. Willie’s relationship with his “family” is not only amazing, it is vitally important to the conservation of the captive population of African elephants. From 1985 to 1999 no African elephant calf born in the United States had survived more than one year. Not only did the Pittsburgh Zoo witness the birth of Victoria on September 13, 1999, but a year later along came Callee on September 19, 2000. Both calves, who were over 200 pounds at birth, today weigh over 2000 pounds. This September Victoria will be five years old and Callee will be four. Currently there are only seven African elephant babies in captivity in North America. Four were bred naturally and three were bred by artificial insemination. The two babies in Pittsburgh were bred naturally. Jack, the father of the Pittsburgh

Zoo’s babies, is one of only three breeding bulls in the United States and has been at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom. Another male, Mackie, formerly of the Pittsburgh Zoo and currently at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, has bred the other two calves born naturally. Jack recently returned to the Pittsburgh Zoo from Disney and plans are to breed him with two females. It shouldn’t be surprising that the Pittsburgh Zoo is one of the world’s leaders in breeding captive African elephants. In 1999, shortly after the first calf birth, Dr. Barbara Baker, President and CEO of the zoo stated, “This is an exciting and historic occasion. It is the result of the dedication of our staff and the investment we have made in the African elephant breeding program. This has major implications for animal conservation worldwide.” The zoo has plans to add two additional babies to the herd in the near future. The zoo hopes to announce one or more births by spring 2006, by mating Jack with Tash and Moja. If you are wondering why no babies ’til 2006? The answer is simple—an African elephant’s gestation period is 22 months! Willie is the key element to this program. He’s worked with elephants for over 26 years and is one of the world’s leading experts on captive elephant breeding. Willie is the special consultant to the new elephant-breeding program in Wuppertal, Germany, and consults with zoos from around the world about African elephant handling and breeding. What makes Willie so special? I believe it’s the bond between Willie and the herd. Willie and the elephants are family. Willie describes his relationship simply, “Technically I am the leader of the herd. But I do give the female matriarch enough room to lead, only stepping in when needed.” To see this relationship you only have to go to the elephant viewing area. These elephants Willie training

Willie and the elephants share trust and friendship.

are part of Willie and Willie is part of the elephants. Amos Morris, the zoo’s mammal curator said, “Willie is the champion of our elephant program. His handling style builds a bond and develops a relationship with each elephant while still respecting and maintaining herd dynamics.” Willie’s style is something to behold. He definitely walks with and talks to the animals—a style called free contact. What is free contact? When Willie walks among the herd, talks to the adults, brushes a mother, plays with a baby—that’s free contact. There are no bars; there is no protection. Willie’s protection is his expertise and his love for these animals. His bars are his knowledge and his bond with these elephants. I asked Willie about free contact since there are not many trainers that work this way. Willie smiled and said, “I’m not afraid to be with elephants. However I respect their size and strength every minute I’m with them. This is just the way I work.” Without successful breeding there is the prospect that African elephants will disappear from zoos in the United States

Elephant ba

bies playing

within 40 years. It is the goal of the zoo to reverse this trend. Dr. Baker is committed to this breeding program. At times you can find her in the yard or pen with Willie and the elephants. Last summer the size of the elephant yard was tripled to allow for more room for the herd and the anticipated additions to the family. Additional improvements were made inside the barn to facilitate movement and handling of the elephants, especially with the recent addition of the bull. With the assistance of the Allegheny Regional Asset District and the Weezie Foundation, the zoo has built an elephant breeding facility and developed an innovative African breeding program that takes into consideration the genetics, physiology and social behavior of the elephants. Amos described the zoo’s program. “We utilize our expertise in handling and managing elephants and use our facility to the fullest. We are a facility that not only handles the female, but the bull also, while maintaining the family herd structure in as natural a manner as possible, including natural birth.” Go to the zoo to see these wonderful creatures. We are fortunate to have two of the seven captive babies right here in Pittsburgh. Watch and enjoy them as they grow into young adults. I hope there will be more babies in the zoo’s future. I have no doubt that the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium will make it happen! For hours of operation or other questions visit www.pittsburghzoo.com or phone 412-365-2541.

Summer 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 724-941-6244 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, please call 412-831-9000.

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

January 5, 2004

January 19, 2004 Special Meeting

Approximately 19 people attended.

Approximately 17 people attended.

• D. Michael Fisher, Judge of United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, participated in the swearing-in of the recently elected Commissioners prior to the start of the meeting. • Vince Gastgeb, Allegheny County Council Representative, District #5, reviewed the following items with the Board: Homestead Exemption, Act 77 Senior Tax Relief, Smoke Detector Program, Allegheny County Real Estate web page enhancements, Painters Run Road project, South Park improvements, CDBG opportunities, Megan’s Law link, programs of interest, County/city consolidation talks and the state budget. The Board: • Re-elected Commissioner Frank Marsh and Commissioner Robert Orchowski as President and Vice President of the Board, respectively. • Set the date for the first public meeting of the proposed EPA Sanitary Sewer Administrative Consent Order for January 19, 2004. Presentation: • Shannon Miller, Planning and Zoning Administrator, presented the Board with the National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System Certification Award. Board Approval of Contracts: • Babe Charapp Ford—McKeesport (3) 2004 Police Crown Victoria Police Interceptor packages ............................... $59,346 • Woltz & Wind—Heidelberg (1) 2004 Police Ford Expedition 4x4 special service vehicle ............................. $25,153 • Playground Concepts of Western PA—Pittsburgh Play equipment for Morton Field ........... $20,000

• A presentation of the proposed Sanitary Sewer Administrative Consent Order was given by Ms. Ruthann Omer, Township Engineer; Mr. Charles McCullough, Township Attorney and Mr. August Stache, Director of Finance. • Consent Order acted upon at January 26, 2004, Informational and General Affairs Meeting.

February 2, 2004 Approximately 35 people attended.

The Board: • Continued the public hearing to March 1, 2004, Re. the Gilfillan Farm Site Plan, Unified Conditional Use/Preliminary and Final Land Development Approval. • Adopted Decision USC-PRD 1-04, granting amended tentative approval for PLC03-0016, Ridgewood Manor PRD, removal of parking pad. • Approved confirmation of members of the Regional Environmental Education Center Corporation Board. Members are Douglas Shuck, Thomas Hoffman, Timothy Murphy and Paul Pavlik. All terms are three years, ending December 2006. • Adopted Resolution No. 1437 to authorize the disposal of Township records. Board Approval of Contracts: • Insight Pipe Contracting, L.P.—Harmony Pipe liner/McLaughlin Run trunk sewer.... $34,000 • E.H. Griffith—Pittsburgh Toro Groundsmaster Fields mower ... $22,740.75 Resignation: • The Board expressed their appreciation to Cheryl Bayne, Commissioner Ward 4, for her contributions. Commissioner Bayne thanked the Board and staff.

At Large

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

Ernest T. Harris

Township of Upper St. Clair Meeting Dates • The Board of Commissioners meets at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building. The regular public meeting is held the first Monday of the month in the Board Meeting Room. The informational and general affairs meeting is held the last Monday of the month in the Board Meeting Room. • The Planning Commission meets the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

At Large

• Parks and Recreation Board meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m., no meeting in December.

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

• 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.

2626 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 2004 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer Summer 2004

Visit our Website - www.twpusc.org

Board of Commissioners Appoints New Member Upper St. Clair Township Board of Commissioners

appointed Charles “Ched” Mertz Fourth Ward Commissioner. This position, to which Ched was formally appointed on March 1, was created by the resignation of Cheryl Bayne. Cheryl moved out of the Township in February, making her ineligible to sit on the board. Ched will fulfill this position through the end of 2005, when the term expires. Ched is a 1960 graduate of Bucknell University with a major in business. He is the founder, partner and president of Promet Group LP, a business that supplies raw materials to the steel industry. Ched was formerly a member of the Upper St. Clair Republican Committee as a representative of the fourth ward, second district—a 13-year position he relinquished as a result of accepting the commission seat. He also served as president and founding member of the Upper St. Clair High School Soccer Booster Club and was president of the USCHS Band Parents Association.

Left to right: H.B., Emma, Rachel and Ched Mertz with Judge Michael Fisher at the swearing in ceremony.

Ched and his wife, Rachel, are long-time Township residents, living in the community for 33 years. Their four children, two of whom live in Upper St. Clair, all graduated from USCHS. Ched and Rachel have 14 grandchildren and are happy to have eight of the 14 right here in USC. “I believe the legacy that the Township commissioners have given us over the last 50 years has allowed Upper St. Clair unique positioning in the South Hills,” said Ched. “With many opportunities before us, especially Boyce-Mayview Park, our community is poised for the future as a very special place to live.”

Dorothy Curley Completes 27 Years of Service Dorothy Curley has talked with every resident of the Town-

ship. Well, that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but if you’ve ever had occasion to visit the Township’s administration office or meet with the Township Manager, you’ve probably spoken with Dorothy. For the past 27 years, Dorothy has been secretary to the Township Manager—three managers, that is. C. James Park and Michael Bova were the first managers Dorothy provided secretarial support to. For the past 22 years she has been executive secretary to current manager, Douglas Watkins. “Without Dorothy’s help, kindness and consideration, I would never have been able to accomplish my job effectively. Our residents

have been well-served by her professionalism and dedication,” said Doug. In February of this year, Dorothy decided to move on, but not too far. She has left the administration office to work on special projects in the Library—a perfect haven for this avid reader. Dorothy and her husband, Jack, have been Township residents for 42 years. Son John is an attorney and daughter Claudia Benack is a professional musician and teacher at Carnegie Mellon University. Dorothy and Jack have two grandchildren, Laura and Ben, who are enrolled in the USC school system. Thanks Dorothy for your commitment to our Township.

Cable 7—We Provide the Tools; You Provide the Message

Cable 7 has a rich history in Upper St. Clair—a 20-year his-

tory to be precise. As Cable 7 enters its 20th year of operation, it continues to provide an opportunity for Township residents to share their interests with our community.

Volunteers are welcomed and encouraged to produce Cable 7 shows with the equipment, training and technical support provided by Cable 7 staff. It’s more than just another channel on your TV. It’s your channel, your voice, your Township. If you want to see an event or subject on Cable 7 invest your time, your talents and your ingenuity—the possibilities are endless! We provide the tools; you provide the message. For more information on Cable 7 productions and other related questions call Cable 7 at 412-831-1030. Summer 2004

A Friend Retires

Skip Hudzema, Dan Beard and Ruthann Omer

Dan Beard, Supervising Projects

Inspector with the Township’s Public Works Department, recently retired. Dan was a great employee known for his good nature and ability to spin a great story. Dan could take the worst situation and turn it into gold. He is one of a kind and will be missed! UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department Responds to Calls In 2003, the Volunteer Fire Department of Upper St. Clair re-

sponded to 360 emergency calls. These calls involved various types of fires, alarms, rescues and other services. The department’s 50 volunteers spent 2837 hours responding to these emergencies. In addition, the members spent 11,474 hours in other non-emergency activities such as training, fire prevention programs, meetings, truck and equipment maintenance, along with participation in neighborhood parades and block parties. This amounts to an average of seven hours per week per volunteer. Breakdown of Calls for 2003 Number 29

Percentage 8.06%

2.78%

2.22%

2.5%

4.72%

194

53.89%

14.44%

11.39%

Type Structure–calls involving a structure or a fire within a structure Vehicle–calls involving motor vehicle fires Brush/Trash–fires involving brush, trees or trash Rescue–calls involving extrication from vehicles or rescue of trapped or injured persons HazMat–calls involving hazardous materials such as gasoline, natural gas, propane, etc. Alarms–includes any type of alarm, good intent, false, malicious false and carbon monoxide Miscellaneous–includes odor investigations, smoke conditions, water conditions, clean up, etc. Mutual Aid–assistance provided to surrounding fire departments

April 23 April 24 April 29 May 1 May 2 May 3 May 3

May 13 May 13 June 10

June 14 June 22

Summary of Major or Unusual Calls for 2003 January 1 January 9 January 19 January 21

January 25 January 26 February 1 February 3 February 23

Several basements were pumped out due to water from heavy rains. Reported carbon monoxide problem at Baker School building was checked with metering equipment. No problem found. Responded to The Grand Residence on McMurray Road for a broken sprinkler system pipe above the main entrance that had been frozen. Assisted with clean-up of water. Responded to Eisenhower School for a carbon monoxide problem. Found construction equipment digging elevator pit in building causing exhaust fumes to travel into occupied portion of building. Equipment was shut down and fumes vented from building. Sprinkler pipe frozen and burst in the loading dock area of Kaufmann’s. Assisted with water clean-up. Assisted Bethel Park VFC at Lincoln Pointe Apartments with a broken sprinkler pipe that caused severe water damage to several floors of the building. All occupants were evacuated. Responded to an odor investigation on Polaris Circle. Found wet carpet in bathroom, possibly the result of a potty training accident. Responded to a vehicle accident on Route 19, south of Boyce Road. Vehicle struck a deer and went off road. Driver had to be extricated from vehicle. Responded to a fire alarm at Westminster Church. Smoke detector activated by smoke from candles on a birthday cake.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2004

July 15 August 4 August 25 September 13 September 24

October 23 November 17 November 25 December 31

Assisted Bridgeville VFD with a tractor trailer leaking hydrogen peroxide on I-79. Responded to a gasoline odor in PNC Bank on Fort Couch Road. Odor was coming from construction when workers were removing tanks at the old BP gas station next door. Assisted Bridgeville VFD with an odor investigation and ventilation in a house on Chestnut Street due to high gas readings in house. Responded to a fully involved structure fire on Lincoln Drive. The residents were not home at the time of the fire. However the owner’s dogs were overcome by the smoke and died. Responded to a fully involved structure fire on Mayview Road. This was a vacant structure on the former Wingfield Pines property. Assisted Bridgeville VFD with a basement fire on Chestnut Street. This was the same house that was called about on 04-29-03. Assisted Bridgeville VFD with a house that exploded on Chestnut Street. This house was next door to the previous call. It was later determined that gas from a nearby well had leaked into an abandoned mine that ran below these two houses and had filtered into these homes. Responded to Clairmont Drive to extricate a three-year old child whose head was caught between the balusters of a stair railing. Used a hydraulic rescue tool to free the child. Responded to an odor investigation on Rio Circle. Found the source to be a rotten cantaloupe in the basement refrigerator. Responded to Friendship Village to search for an 82-year old woman who was lost. The woman was found lying in the woods on a hill with her leg caught under a log. She was extricated and transported to the hospital for evaluation where she was treated and released. Responded to a fire alarm at Kaufmann’s. Found a customer who had been locked in the store at closing. To get help she pulled the fire alarm. Responded to rescue three ducklings that were stuck in a storm sewer on Norton Road. Ducklings were removed from sewer and returned to mother duck, which had been circling the sewer with her other ducklings while the rescue was taking place. Responded to the BP gas station on Washington Road in Mt. Lebanon to assist with a structure fire. Pumped water from eight flooded basements. Responded to a structure fire on Murdstone Road caused by an overheated extension cord connected to a sump pump. Responded to a natural gas leak in a residence on Morrow Road. The resident was drilling a hole in the basement ceiling and accidentally drilled through a gas pipe. Responded to a structure fire on Southgate Drive. Two teenage boys were playing with burning sticks that caught mulch on fire next to the garage. The fire extended to the side of the garage. Responded to a structure fire on Greystone Drive. Fire started in the chimney and extended to the attic. Responded to a fully involved structure fire on Mayview Road. The resident was not home at the time of the fire. A passing motorist reported the fire. Responded to McMurray Road to extricate a construction worker who was hit by a falling tree. Worker had to be lowered from the hillside to the roadway. Responded to burning odor at a residence on Warwick Drive and found an overheated outside electrical outlet that Christmas lights were plugged into.

Can We Find You in an Emergency? There’s nothing like knowing someone is out there waiting for your help, but you

can’t find him. Your address numbers can be a vital link to your safety. A poorly marked address can delay emergency response time when minutes, even seconds, can make a difference between life and death. Addresses covered by paint and shrubbery are hard to see. Night and weather conditions may affect their visibility also. Many obstacles can make identifying one home from the next time consuming when seconds are critical. Also, let’s not forget your local mailman, UPS drivers, friends and relatives who try to find your home. A few helpful hints: • Mailboxes—Mailbox numbers should be at least three inches in height and should be located on both sides of the mailbox. Fire, police, and medical units may arrive from either direction. • Homes—For homes located on a single driveway, the numbers should be clearly visible on the home. For homes you can’t see from the street, numbers should also be on a post located at the driveway leading directly to the home.

Yield Safely to Emergency Vehicles It’s happened to all of us, peacefully motoring along in the family car, and from out of nowhere there’s a fire engine in your rearview mirror. What happens next can be smooth and easy, or confusing and disastrous. State law requires motorists to yield the right of way, pull over to the right as far as possible and stop, allowing the emergency vehicle to pass. Easier said than done, especially in heavy traffic. If you can’t get to the right side of the road, stay where you are and let the emergency vehicles drive around you. Whatever you do, don’t jeopardize anyone else’s safety, and don’t panic. Many times emergency vehicles travel in groups, and not necessarily from the same direction. So if you have just gotten out of the way for one emergency vehicle, anticipate another unit. Here are some tips to help you from being startled or surprised while driving: • Always drive defensively. Be aware of potential problems around you. • Check your rearview and sideview mirrors on a regular basis. • Keep your radio volume down. You can’t react if you can’t hear. You never know, maybe those emergency vehicles are responding to an emergency in your neighborhood right now.

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

Fast Professional Real Estate Appraisals

2004 Volunteer Fire Department’s Annual Fund Drive

Offering Real Estate Appraisal and Consulting for Mortgage Financing, Purchase, Listing, Estate and Assessment Appeals

The Volunteer Fire Department’s annual fund drive begins in May with a

mailed donation request sent to all Township residents and businesses. The Fire Department needs your support in order to continue to provide quality emergency fire and rescue services to the community. Funds are used to maintain the Department’s two stations and seven vehicles along with purchasing and maintaining all the specialized equipment necessary to protect the community. Without the support from friends and neighbors, our 50 volunteers would not be able to continue their commitment to the community. The Fire Department solicits funds by mail only and does not solicit funds by telephone. There are some legitimate fire related organizations that solicit funds by telephone; however, the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department does not receive any funds donated to these organizations. Please take this opportunity to support the volunteer firefighters who respond to your call for assistance with your tax-deductible donation. Summer 2004

Mobile Onsite Appraisals Available!

Owned and Operated by Scott E. Churchill, SRA

Phone 412.833.2760 Fax 412.833.6659 37 McMurray Road, Upper St. Clair UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Firefighters’ Ball

Residents of Upper St. Clair’s The Grand Residence and members of the

Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department enjoyed each other’s company at the Firefighters’ Ball on February 12. Fire department members arrived in dress uniform to escort the residents to a dessert reception. The Grand Residence presented the fire department with a donation, expressing thanks to the volunteers for their continued willingness to serve the community.

Know the Warning Signs— Save a Life! You’ve probably heard it before—early detection increases the chance of

survival in a medical emergency. But would you know if you or someone with you were suffering a heart attack or brain attack (stroke)? Signs of a Heart Attack • Chest pain • Shortness of breath • Sweating • Nausea, vomiting Signs of a Brain Attack (Stroke) • Headache • Dizziness • Blurred vision • Paralysis, numbness • Slurred speech • Difficulty in using correct words If you, or someone you are with, encounter these symptoms, implement the chain of survival, which starts by calling Upper St. Clair’s emergency response number at 412-833-7500. 30

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2004

Library

Discover New Trails at Your Library Summer Reading Program Kids who read succeed. It’s a well-documented fact that

reading is a key to success in school and in life. There is clear evidence that the volume of reading directly impacts reading achievement. The Summer Reading program is a fun way to encourage children to spend extended periods of time reading books they want to read. Children benefit greatly from reading often and widely. A child’s repeated experience with good books plays an important role in smoothing the transition from beginning reading to fluent reading. Participation in Summer Reading plays an important role in creating lifetime readers. Kids of all ages are invited to participate in the Library Summer Reading program. Children who participate will receive their own personal reading record log to record the titles of books they have read. Children who are reading will receive one ticket for each book read for a weekly drawing of prizes. Young children who are read to will receive one ticket for each set of ten books they listen to. The Library will have weekly drawings for prizes. The more you read, the greater your chance of winning! There will be six weekly drawings, with the first drawing to be held on Wednesday, June 23. Registration for Summer Reading begins Monday, June 7. Book logs will be checked beginning Monday, June 14. Summer Reading ends July 27 at 8:30 p.m.

Summer Programs Art in the Park Friday, June 11, 10 a.m.–12 noon Tot Lot next to the Library

Kids up to six years of age accompanied by an adult are invited to join us for a fun morning creating with paints, scissors, play dough, foam, chalk, shaving cream, bubbles and a few surprises. Remember to dress for a mess and keep your fingers crossed for sunshine and blue skies. Registration begins Tuesday, June 1. Millennium Marionettes Wednesday, June 16 at 2 p.m. in the Children’s Library

We’re Holden Puppets returns with their newest show. They’ve teamed some of their favorite puppet acts from the past with some brand-new performers for an exciting and colorful “retrocontempo” puppet show. Kids of all ages accompanied by an adult are invited for a fun time at the Library. Registration for residents begins Tuesday, June 1 and Monday, June 7 for non-residents. Continued on page 32

Summer Library Hours Monday–Thursday 9:30 a.m.–9 p.m. • Friday–Saturday 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Closed Summer Sundays Memorial Day–Labor Day Closed Monday, July 5 and Monday, September 6 Summer 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Library Automation System Migration Planned for May 5, 2004 Helen Palascak and Maureen Case Migration—to move from one place of abode to another, especially in a different country. (Oxford Dictionary)

home in recycling row), new procedures have been developed and practiced, and new terminology has been explained and Most people reading this article put into use. “Go Live Day” is scheduled have had the experience of living in differ- for Wednesday, May 5, 2004. The Library is ent places, of moving possessions, changing scheduled to open at 1 p.m. on this day. billing addresses, learning new routines and Part of the new look has been here maintenance tasks and finding your way since March. Those of you who use the around a new location. Now, imagine doing Internet catalog have seen the new screens all these things in a foreign country when and perhaps wondered about the “Horizon you are just learning to speak the language. Information Portal” logo. Horizon is the The Library has embarked on just such a name of the new system, and the searches voyage, with all the accompanying details you do query the system for information to be worked out—a virtual voyage to a new and present it through the portal in a library automation system. pleasing graphical view. All of the patron computers in the Library will display the same screens you have become familiar with at home. In addition, the Friends of the Library have agreed to purchase an additional product for the catalog, an enriched content component, which will display jacket covers, tables of contents, reviews and plot descriptions, and may also provide chapters and excerpts. This enriched content Diane Ornato and Barbara Campbell studying the new Horizon interface. will be available for most new books in the catalog. Just as there are very complicated reaWhat else is different? Well, just as you sons for a personal move, the Library has might spend more time looking for somecompelling reasons to migrate its data to a thing you’ve unpacked in a new home and new integrated library system. Briefly, the now can’t quite remember where it is, staff software currently in use was developed will need to remember many new methods in 1984 and is structured in flat files using for doing the same tasks. Checking out will system architecture that is becoming expen- still mean having your card and then the sive to maintain. Also, the current system books scanned, but the library assistant will hardware needs replacing and it makes need to be on the right screen. Renewing a sense to move to new software at this time. book will mean opening a different screen The new software is based on MS SQL and and highlighting the correct title. Paying a is structured in easily accessible tables in a fine involves going to another screen. It may graphical windows environment. just take a little longer for a little while for Staff members have been industriously everyone to do these same tasks in our “new planning and training since the beginning home.” Please bear with us and remember of the year. The data has been packed that this migration has been like a move to and then unpacked in its new computer a foreign country—a place we want to be, home, new computers have replaced the a place that will be a very good place for old text-based terminals (that are them- us, but still a very new and very different selves moving to a wonderful retirement Horizon to learn to live with. 32

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2004

Discover New Trails at Your Library Continued from page 31

Discover Trails Wednesdays, June 23–July 14 in the Story Room

Each week we’ll investigate a topic using books and our summer reading theme as the springboard. Program topics will include cowboys and cowgirls, Native Americans, frontier toys and outer space. Kids going into first and second grades will meet at 2 p.m. Kids going into third through fifth grades will meet at 3:15 p.m. Programs are approximately 45 minutes long. Registration for residents begins Monday, June 7 and Monday, June 14 for non-residents. Captain Cutlass Wednesday, July 21 at 2 p.m. in the Children’s Library

Ahoy, ye mateys! It’s pirate day at the Library. The famous swashbuckling renegade, Captain Cutlass will astound you with tales of high jinks on the high seas. Mateys four and older accompanied by an adult are invited. Registration begins Tuesday, July 6 for residents and Monday, July 12 for non-residents.

The Friends of the Library Used Book Sale

Wednesday, May 5— Tuesday, May 11, excluding May 9

Games Day Tuesday, July 27, 2–4 p.m. in the Children’s Library

We’ll wrap up Summer Reading with a fun afternoon at the Library. Stop in and report for the last time, then stay and play. All kids who participated in Summer Reading (accompanied by an adult) are invited. Registration begins Monday, July 12. Storytimes

• Babies and Toddlers (Children four to 24 months of age) will meet Thursdays at 10 or 11 a.m. June 17–July 1. Registration for residents begins Tuesday, June 1 and Monday, June 7 for non-residents. • Time For Twos (Children 24 to 36 months of age) will meet Fridays at 10 or 11 a.m. June 25–July 9. Registration for residents begins Tuesday, June 1 and Monday, June 7 for non-residents. • Preschool (Children three to six years of age who have not yet attended kindergarten) will meet Tuesdays at 10 or 11 a.m. June 22–July 6. Registration for residents begins Tuesday, June 1 and Monday, June 7 for non-residents. • Bedtime Stories (Children three and one half to six years of age) will meet Monday, June 7 and Monday, July 12 at 7 p.m. Registration for the June storytime begins Monday, May 24 for residents and Tuesday, June 1 for non-residents. Registration for the July storytime begins Monday, June 28 for residents and Tuesday July 6 for non-residents. Summer 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Upper St. Clair Police Department Bicycle Registration and Safety Program The Upper St. Clair Police Department will sponsor

a Bicycle Registration and Safety Program for Upper St. Clair residents on Saturday, May 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Municipal Building rear lot. Assisting the Police will be Eagle Scout candidate Michael Seese and volunteers from the Upper St Clair Boy Scout Troop 366. Registration will include a bicycle inspection, a rider skill course, repair and traffic safety instruction and safety videos. A certified bicycle mechanic donated by Bike Outfitters of Bridgeville will be on hand. Participants will receive a bicycle license plate, an adhesive reflector strip and safety pamphlets. The license number will also be stamped into the frame of the bicycle. Each participant will have chances to win a new Dick’s Sporting Goods bicycle, a safety helmet and other prizes. McDonald’s restaurant will provide complementary beverages. A fourth sponsor is Lorenzato Automotive. Parents are urged to bring their children to the Bicycle Registration and Safety Program. For additional information, contact the Police Department Administrative Office at 412-833-1113.

2003 prize winners (left to right) Kyla Feliz-Williams and Carolyn Painter with Officer Ronald Klein.

Recreation and Leisure Services Department A Whole Lot of Fun Goin’ On! Are you a parent or guardian of a

six- to 12-year old who has to answer the summer question of, “I’m bored. What’s there to do today?” The Township’s Recreation and Leisure Services Department has the answer for you. The fiveweek summer playground program just might be your ticket to a summer to come back t filled with suai w t n’ ca “I tomorrow!” pervised group activity, keeping your child “bored-free.” The goal of this recreational program is for all participants and staff counselors to have a fun, positive and safe experience. Playground staff is working hard to ensure many activities are available at age-appropriate levels including sports, crafts, games and scheduled field trips. Participants are divided by age and sex and are mixed when situations allow. 34

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Morning activities are held from 9 to 11:45 a.m. with supervised afternoon activities occurring generally between 1:15 and 3:15 p.m. The onsite camp talent show and Camp Olympics as well as field trips to bowling, mini golf and Little Lake Theatre are just a few of the activities planned for your child’s enjoyment. Take a look at the Township Recreation Program Spring and Summer 2004 brochure that was delivered in April. Hunt down the summer playground information among the many exciting programs

Summer 2004

The ballgame is tied wit

h one out to go.

being offered and complete the required registration form. Register at once—don’t be left behind. There’s a whole lot of fun goin’ on that you don’t want your child to miss!

Campers and counselors stop play to pose.

Community Development 412-831-9000, extension 501 • www.twpusc.org Just a Reminder!

Terry Abbott GRI - CRS

According to the Township of Upper St. Clair Codes: • Lawns need to be maintained at a maximum height of six inches from April through October. • Satellite dishes that exceed 24 inches in diameter require building and electrical permits. • Vehicles without current inspection or registration must be stored in a completely enclosed structure. • Waste receptacles and recycling containers should be placed at the curb line after 6 p.m. Wednesday evening and should be removed before midnight on Thursday, day of pickup. • Boats, trailers, campers and other types of recreational vehicles must be stored in completely enclosed structures. • Garage sale signs are permitted provided the following regulations are met: – Signs are located only on the lot where the sale takes place. – Signs are displayed only on the day of the sale. – Signs do not exceed nine square feet combined. – Signs are set back a minimum of ten feet from any side lot line. – Signs are to be placed outside the Township right-of-way. Typically, the right-of-way extends a minimum of 13 feet back from the edge of the street or curb. – Signs may not obstruct sidewalks. • No structure may be placed within the Township right-of-way except for a driveway or mailbox. A structure is any object having a stationary location on or in lots. The Township right-of-way typically extends back 13 feet from the edge of the road. • A newspaper tube is permitted provided it is attached to the existing mailbox post. The newspaper tube may not be supported by a separate structure such as a post or column.

Preferred Realty

412.833.7700 70+ Million in Sales Since 1982

• Realtor open house signs are permitted provided the following regulations are met: – One tent or easel type sign not to exceed four square feet. – Sign permitted to be displayed Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. – Sign must be located a minimum of 13 feet back from the edge of the street or curb. – With permission of property owner, open house signs may be placed on a lot other than the one for sale with the same restrictions above. – No open house signs are allowed on Township owned property. • Building Permits are required for most construction and remodeling projects. Typical projects that require a Building Permit include, but are not limited to sheds, garages, swimming pools, decks, additions, retaining walls, driveway pillars and patio enclosures. Some projects such as patios and driveways require only Zoning Approval. In all cases, when a Building Permit or Zoning Approval is required, a land survey of the property must be submitted as a part of the permit application process. The Township may have a copy of the property survey on file. Please check the Township website at www.twpusc.org for types of projects requiring a permit and the application process. Questions concerning permit requirements can also be directed to the Community Development Department at 412-831-9000, extension 501.

Cheryl and David Bayne

Merrill Lynch Offers Charitable Contribution Merrill Lynch, a leading financial management and advisory company, is proud

to be a member of the South Hills community. In celebration of its ten-year anniversary in this area and in an effort to support the community, Merrill Lynch seeks applications from local charities wishing to be considered as the beneficiary of charitable dollars and volunteer time. This is an excellent opportunity for charitable organizations to receive the notice and support they deserve. Applicants should submit background information and a copy of Form 990 by May 31, 2004, to: Merrill Lynch Attention Charity Committee 180 Fort Couch Road, 5th floor Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Summer 2004

40 Years Lending Experience 2 Hour Loan Approval Purchase and Refinance Residential and Commercial No-income Loans All Credit Types

1131 BOYCE ROAD

(724) 942-6933 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer Dining Guide THE

CLASSROOM

Sesame Inn

RESTAURANT

We Love to Cater! Stop by the kitchen and say hi to G and the guys!

FINEST CHINESE CUISINE

ese n i h C “Bessttaurant” Re

24 Donati Road • 412-833-7000

Lunch • Dinner Free Delivery • Carryout Banquet Facilities Gift Certificates

www.sesameinn.net 36

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Dinner Served Monday–Saturday 5 p.m.–10 p.m. Reservations Suggested

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

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

Celebrates a Decade of High Honors in a Century Old School House Lunch Tues-Fri, 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tues-Sat, 5:00 –10:00 pm

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

Grilled Pesto Shrimp 3 large garlic cloves 3 cups loosely packed fresh basil 1/2 cup pine nuts 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 2/3 cup grated parmesan cheese coarse salt to taste 1/2 tsp. black pepper 2 lbs. extra large shrimp (shelled and deveined) Pesto: With blender running, drop in garlic and finely chop. Stop motor. Add nuts, cheese, pepper and basil. Blend until finely chopped. With motor running, add oil until mixed well. Add salt to taste. Marinate shrimp for 2-4 hours in pesto. Grill in mesh basket or on skewers to desired doneness (approximately 2 minutes). Can be served immediately as main course, or chilled for appetizer. Recipe compliments of Paul H. King, Asbury Family Recipes cookbook.

Summer 2004

Gourmet Chinese 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)

Pittsburgh, PA 15243

2004

Music CD Released for Fundraiser

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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.

724.743.5005

www.experiencejacksons.com

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Tom Meston and his saxophone Musician and Upper St Clair native and resident Tom Meston has

released Upside, a contemporary jazz CD, as a fundraiser for “A Reason To Hope” Cancer Fund. The fund benefits the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI) and UPMC Cancer Centers, organizations that rely on donations to help fund continued research and development for new treatments and cures for all types of cancer. Upside consists of original contemporary jazz composed by Meston, who plays saxophone and keyboard on the recording. Upside features some of Pittsburgh’s best young musicians, including David Throckmorton on drums, John Hall, Paul Thompson and Steve Landay on bass, Dan Gochnour and Juan Vasquez on guitar and Tracey Whorton on percussion. All proceeds, less production costs, will go to UPCI and UPMC. Meston kept costs down to maximize funds to be donated and all the musicians graciously donated their time and talents. “I’m really pleased with the results and I hope to raise $10,000 to $15,000 for the fund.” So how did Meston choose a cause that benefits UPCI and UPMC Cancer Centers? “I wanted this recording to benefit a cause that I feel strongly about,” said Meston. “I’ve seen what so many people have gone through in dealing with their family members who have battled the disease. I’ve also seen how UPCI’s clinical trials can add years to a cancer patient’s life. A friend’s father received experimental treatments through UPCI that allowed him to see the birth of my friend’s daughter, as well as the birth of his other grandchildren. Other friends’ parents and wives also received experimental treatments that added quality time to their lives, but there’s still so much research that needs to be done to find a cure.” Meston said those experiences raised his awareness of the innovative treatments that can be available to cancer patients, and he realized that significant funds are needed to continue the search for new types of treatments and potential cures. “Every little bit counts,” said Meston. “Music is my fundraising tool. It may not be the music you hear on the radio every day, but I hope people will be open to experiencing a different type of music for a good cause.”

Tom Meston’s CD, Upside, is available at all Pittsburgh area Borders Books and Music stores, Dave’s Music Mine in Oakland and the Southside, Record Village in Shadyside, online at www.cdbaby.com or by calling CD Baby toll free at 1-800-448-6369. For more information visit www.tommeston.com. Summer 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

Michelle Bonnar

Linda Cobb

Jim Cuddy

Barbara Cusick

Janine Dillon

Paula Franklin

Kathryn Gerhart

Judy Hlister

Sandy Learish

Helen Moore

Marcie Parrish

Toni Petrucci

Michael Powers

Stacy Romanias

Mary Kay Schiller

Kathy Sekeras

Karen Skrainy

Paula Stoltz

Upper St. Clair Office

Jim Walsh

1699 Washington Rd. • Pittsburgh, PA 15228 • 412-833-5405 38

Linda Davis

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2004

Jane Washil

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

Nancy Beaulieu

Edith Gidwani

Nancy Heffernan

Julie Leslie

Bonnie Byrnes

Genie Gooding

Sydnie Jones

Joyce Lewis

Anita Crago

Lois Goodrich

Sue Kelso

Mitch & Angela Mize

Kathy Donoghue

Kathy Enick

Sandy Hanson

Kathi Kernan

Leigh Harkreader

Jane Krauth

Shirley Schultz

Mary Ann Wellener

John Geisler

Heather Harrison

Maria & Joe Lane

Don & Arlene Murray

Rt. 19 South/Galleria Office

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

Ondrea Barnes

Helen Richter Cramer

Ginny Macaul

Lisa Santangelo

Kris Marra

Gary Magreni

Kathy Subrick

Monica Mahla

Mona Sutcliffe

Expect More Owned And Operated By NRT Incorporated

South Hills Office

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

Roberta Allen

Hope Bassichis

Elaine Krelis 40

Paul Bergman

Carol Marks

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2004

Tade Bua-Bell

Nancy Morgan

Darla D’Anna

Michael Wheeler

Dal Goldstein

Sandy Wiedt

Senate of Pennsylvania John Pippy

State Senator - 37th District Senate Box 203037 • 168 Main Capitol Building Harrisburg, PA 17120 Area Offices: 650 Washington Road, Suite 106 • Mt. Lebanon, PA 15228 610 East McMurray Road, Suite 105 • McMurray, PA 15317 Phone: 1-866-736-7477 (1-866-SEN-PIPPY) Fax: 412-262-6394 Website: www.senatorpippy.com • E-mail: jpippy@pasen.gov

Experience Pennsylvania’s Great Outdoors With spring upon us and summer just

around the corner, I thought I’d take this time to tell you about some of the many great things to do in our own backyards. Pennsylvania is home to 4.5 million acres of public land and you’re never more than 15 minutes from a state park, forest or game land. Whether you prefer family camping, swimming, biking, boating, hiking, fishing or just being in the great outdoors, Pennsylvania offers something for everyone. According to Tony Hawk, the Woodward Action Sports Camp near Philadelphia is one of the world’s best skateboarding

locations. Did you know Philadelphia hosted the X Games in 2001 and 2002? If Extreme Sports is what you like to do, visit www.extremepa.com for more information on the best places to get your fill of action sports including skateboarding, BMX racing, rock climbing and wakeboarding. If you prefer biking, Pennsylvania hosts some of the finest biking trails in the country, supported locally by the Montour Trail Alliance. Visit www.montourtrail.org to see what the Montour Trail has to offer those of us who play in Western Pennsylvania. The Rails-to-Trails programs across the

state provide over 1100 miles of trails for public use, with many more miles to come. You can download a bike map at www.dot.state.pa.us and chart your own path to fun. Fishing more your speed? In Pennsylvania’s many lakes and streams you can find more than 30 species of game fish. Spend a relaxing day on the water and spend the night in one of our beautiful state camping grounds. For more information on fishing in Pennsylvania, visit the official website for hunting, fishing and nature watching at www.pahuntandfish.com. In Pennsylvania you can experience raging rapids or serene lakes—water slides and wave pools, sailing and boating, and beaches and caves await you. You can visit historical parks and monuments or beautiful arboretums and museums. With so much to do and see, Pennsylvania offers something for everyone. The tourism industry is strong and growing stronger everyday in our beautiful state. If you would like more information on any of the many things to do in Pennsylvania, you can call my office for a complimentary copy of the Pennsylvania Travel Guide, or visit www.experiencepa.com. Enjoy the view in Pennsylvania!

Boyce Road Gardeners

A happy group of Boyce

clusion of last year’s judgin

Road gardeners at the con

The Upper St. Clair community gardening group,

Boyce Road Gardeners, welcomes all people interested in organic gardening. The gardens began in 1975 and continue today with a core group of great and loyal members, eagerly anticipating the 2004 season. Boyce Road Gardeners is proud to be a part of the growing number of both urban and suburban community gardens across the country. Activities during the year include a spring educational and social meeting and the highlight of the year, the Garden Fair

and picnic, in the latter part of August. Sandy Feather, Penn State Extension Educator judged last year’s numerous entries from members’ gardens. The categories judged ranged from vegetables to flower arrangements to herbs, and included a special children’s table for children-grown produce. A best of show award was also given and is selected by secret ballot of attending members. In addition, the “grow-a-row” project donated fresh vegetables and herbs delivered weekly by Murray Hoover to the St. Winifred Food Pantry for needy area families. The gardens are located at the southern end of Boyce Mayview Park at Boyce and Morton Roads. Annual membership is $5 and 40-foot by 40-foot plots rent for $10. A sample of flower This minimal cost is sure to from membe s and vegetables rs’ gardens. produce maximum benefit for persons and families who join. For further information or to register for the 2004 season call Phyllis Kender at 412-221-3118. Summer 2004

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

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

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

If you are looking for a destination specialist, we have them. Our Vacation specialists include everywhere from the Caribbean, Europe to Australia. Our European specialists are Austria, Great Britain, Ireland, Hungary, Switzerland and the Scandinavian countries. We also have a Master Cruise Counselor for all cruise markets and a Group and Incentive specialist. We also have over 125 years of experience in our office.

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

Fax: 412-221-7223

E-mail: cwtusc@aol.com

’s Americaon Vacati ts Exper 4242 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 2004 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer Summer 2004

800-962-9450

Vacation Packages / Business Travel Cruises / Airline Tickets

COMMONS

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!!!

The USC Football Boosters Annual Golf Outing

Monday June 7, 2004 St. Clair Country Club

Shotgun Event Beginning at 12:30 p.m. This is always a fun event attended by Coach Render, his staff, alumni and friends. Interested in participating? Contact Kenny or Frannie Brown at 412-854-4512.

Support Our 2004 High School Varsity Football Team Cheer on our Panthers in the new Quad West Conference!

Kick-offs Fridaysâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;7:30 p.m. at Panther Stadium September 3

USC faces Baldwin

September 10 Youth Night

USC battles Butler*

September 24 Halls of Fame

USC confronts North Allegheny*

As Always, We Look Forward To A Fun Filled, Sold Out Event. Hope To See You There.

October 15 Homecoming Senior Recognition Night

Go Panthers!!

USC challenges Seneca Valley*

(Band, Cheerleader and Football)

*Conference Game

Summer 2004 UPPER UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 4343 Summer 2004 ST. CLAIR TODAY

A Ride for Make-A-Wish Jim Meston On New Years Day 1999, David

Steve Gielarowski, Dave Williams and allowed the use of their facilities and serCherup, a life-long Upper St. Clair resi- Kevin Keane. The balance of the committee vices to add to the enjoyment of the ride. Net proceeds from the first five years of dent, was thinking about his goals for the is made up of men from the surrounding coming year. He wanted to do more for Pittsburgh area. Committee members meet the rides total $237,000, with the 2003 ride monthly and remain focused on David alone netting $65,000. The 2003 ride ended charity. at Heinz Field and Coca-Cola Hall, complete He’d recently bought a Harley Davidson Cherup’s original goals: with music, refreshments and the motorcycle motorcycle, something he’d coveted since drawing. The event his days at Upper St. was continuously Clair High School. captured on the Heinz Since parents didn’t Field Jumbotron. always approve of The Western “getting our hearts’ Pennsylvania Harley desires,” David was Davison Dealers well into adulthood Association has when he bought been an important himself a bike. He contributor to the conceived the idea success of the anof organizing a group nual event. They of businessmen with donated $7500 to last similar interests year’s ride. Through in motorcycles to individual dealer embark on an aftersponsors, they also noon weekend ride help promote the to benefit charity. ride and its cause. Charitably Conscious When meeting Riders (CCRiders) with both David was formed when Cherup and David David invited a small A group of riders enjoying the 2003 after-the-ride party. This year’s ride will take place on June 6. Swanson it’s obvious group of South Hills • Assemble area business people who the enthusiasm they share for the group, friends and motorcycle enthusiasts to acshare a common interest in riding. the charity event and, maybe most of all, the company him on a ride for charity. The • Raise funds for area children with work of Make-A-Wish Foundation. They original committee consisted of eight memhealth-related illnesses. couldn’t say enough good things about the bers, each being responsible for recruiting • Hold an area premier motorcycle foundation, its mission and its people. eight to ten riders. event. Many people have misconceptions that On April 25, 1999, CCRiders held the children receiving wishes are only those its first annual charity ride. The original In 2000, they established a relationship children with terminal illnesses. I learned eight-member group solicited enough participants for 80 bikers to take part in with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an or- that is not the case. Many children are very the first ride. The fee to ride was $250, ganization that provides wishes to children sick, but some do recover. The wish that which included two tickets—one for the with life-threatening illnesses. Since that each of these children is granted can be a rider and one for a guest. The committee time, all money raised by the ride has gone helpful part of their recovery. The most popular child’s wish is a trip also solicited sponsors, both corporate and to Make-A-Wish. A representative from the private. The riders gathered in the parking foundation has served on CCRiders’ plan- to Disney World. The average cost for a lot at South Hills Village for registration, ning committee and has been a valuable child’s wish is $3400. Many corporations where breakfast was provided. After rid- resource to help promote and support the help the foundation’s cause by reducing or donating the cost of travel or accommodaing on scenic roads in Allegheny and charity ride. The ride includes stops at local es- tions. Of course, many wishes are much Washington Counties, the riders ended up at Duke’s Station in Bethel Park for a party tablishments to rest, socialize and enjoy less costly than a trip to Disney. A wish to that included music, refreshments, a bike refreshments. The rides in 2000, 2001 meet a local celebrity is less expensive and show and other fun activities. Net proceeds and 2002 took CCRiders to such places as is just as meaningful. The cost of a charity ride ticket remains of $21,000 were donated to the Juvenile Peters Place, The Warehouse Café, Quaker Steak & Lube, Fox Chapel Yacht Club, at $250 and includes the bike ride for the Diabetes Foundation for local research. David Cherup and David Swanson The Tradesmen Inn, Monterey Restaurant rider and a guest, refreshments along the co-chair the committee that has grown to and Marina, Pete’s Island Grill and the way, a commemorative T-shirt, food, music more than a dozen members. Other Upper Auto Palace Porche dealership and mu- and activities at ride’s end, and a chance to St. Clair committee members are Don Fehl, seum. These businesses have cooperatively win a Harley Davidson motorcycle. There 44

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2004

are also corporate sponsorships at $1000, $3400 and $10,000 levels. The $1000 and $3400 level contributions include sponsorships names on the commemorative T-shirts and a banner. The $10,000 level includes the T-shirt and banner name display and also allows the sponsor naming rights of that year’s ride. The 2002 ride sponsorship was provided by Auto Palace Porche. If you have a bike and want to participate, all you need to do is register. If you don’t have a bike, but are interested in contributing, buy your $250 ticket for you and a friend to attend the after-ride festivities and become eligible to enter the bike drawing. If you win, you can practice your riding for next year’s event. All registration or sponsorship checks are made payable directly to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This year’s ride, the sixth annual CCRiders ride, will be held on June 6, with registration from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Peters Place Restaurant on Route 50 and Vanadium Roads. The ride is expected to be 60 miles, with a midway stop at Mingo Creek Park in Washington County. Final details, including the after-ride festivities, remain in the works. Wherever it ends up though, rest assured it will be a good time with good people and all for a good cause. I can’t think of a better way for an old geezer like me to impress my grandkids than to pull up in front of their house aboard my new Harley, with Grandma hanging on behind me. It might even impress my kids! If you are like David Cherup was six years ago and you are looking for something you can do that will, in some way, help kids with life-threatening illnesses, please support the June 6, 2004, ride, however your interests and means allow you to. We should all wish CCRiders success for this year’s event and a record-breaking contribution for the wishes of children. For more information on CCRiders and the 2004 Make-A-Wish charity event call David Swanson at 412-276-3303 (office) or 412-551-5338 (cell) or David Cherup at 412-999-1582 (cell). Or visit the CCRiders website at www.ccriderspa.com or call Make-A-Wish Foundation at 412-471-WISH.

Cultural

Corner

Celebrating the Arts

Celebrating the Arts will be held at Upper St. Clair High School on Saturday, May 8. Come to enjoy the sights and sounds of this one-day festival. Included in this year’s Celebrating the Arts is the table for community judging of the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine cover contest of the 1830 Log House. Residents young and old have entered this print media art contest for consideration in either the amateur or professional division to help the magazine celebrate its ten-year anniversary. All persons visiting the booth will have the opportunity to cast votes by paid ballot for their choice(s). Votes will be tallied at the end of the day to determine the winners and first runners up in the five age categories of the amateur division. These ten art renderings will then be displayed May 15 at Community Day. Please stop by the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY table and vote for your favorite log house rendition. It’s a community affair needing your input!

The Rat Pack A Salute to Frank, Sammy and Dean with the Copa Dancers “Memories” is perhaps one of the few special productions that will become as timeless as the actual counterparts (Frank as sung by Gary Corsello, Sammy as sung by Lonnie Parker and Dean as sung by Steve Apple). This fantastic show transports its audiences to a time when life was a lot less complicated. This unforgettable trio (Frank, Sammy and Dean) excited audiences nightly in the Copa Room at the Sands Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. With so much talent on stage together, these wild, wonderful performers would set the standard for all those who came to Vegas throughout the swingin’ 60s. These performances have been recreated with absolute authenticity. Critics proclaim “Memories” as being as close as any person could come to experiencing the original Rat Pack. Along with this and the fact that each member of this cast is talented in his own right, make “Memories” a show to see! Upper St. Clair High School Theatre 5 p.m. Sunday, July 18 Show only $32.50 and $29 A pre-show meal at Salvatore’s can be arranged for $14.50 per person by calling the office of JB Promotions, Inc. at 1-800-482-3531.

PNC Pittsburgh Symphony Pops— Ten Years of Entertainment It’s been ten years of entertainment with Marvin Hamlisch at the helm of the PNC Pittsburgh Symphony Pops Series. The 2004-05 season is a celebration of Marvin and his influence on the series. He combines his musical talent, commanding stage presence and quick wit to deliver a show like no one else. The season will feature the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in all seven programs. For subscription information to the seven-concert series with prices ranging from $129.50 to $458.50, visit the website www.pittsburghsymphony.org. October 14-17, 2004–Barbra Streisand Songbook (Marvin Hamlisch, conductor) November 18-21, 2004–Beatles Tribute, Classical Mystery Tour (Daniel Meyer, conductor) December 15-19, 2004–Holiday Pops (Daniel Meyer, conductor) January 20-23, 2005–Tribute to Irving Berlin (Marvin Hamlisch, conductor) February 24-27, 2005–Salute to Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong (Daniel Meyer, conductor) April 28-May 1, 2005–Pops Goes British, featuring music of Andrew Lloyd Webber (Jack Everly, conductor) June 2-5, 2005–They’re Playing My Song featuring Lucie Arnaz and Robert Klein (Marvin Hamlisch, conductor) Summer 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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Summer Time Projects It’s summer— time to stop watching TV and start those

projects! Start at your library. Are you a cable television viewer? Have you been watching the Home and Garden channel and dreaming of projects for your house and yard? Do home improvement shows encourage you to work on projects you’ve been meaning to get to? Does watching cooking shows send you to your computer for recipes from TV show websites? The Upper St. Clair Library is happy to provide assistance in all these areas with book selections featuring some of our favorite television personalities. Of course, we also have many other books to offer with illustrated guides, detailed directions and wonderful photographs. Our librarians are also happy to help you find websites with information, perhaps from one of those TV show tie-ins. Some of our favorite “TV show books” are: Antiques Roadshow—Antiques Roadshow Primer: The Introductory Guide to Antiques and Collectibles from the Most-Watched Series on PBS by Carol Prisant (745.1 PRI) Ciao Italia—Ciao Italia in Tuscany: Traditional Recipes from One of Italy’s Most Famous Regions by Mary Ann Esposito (641.5945 ESP)

Treasures in Your Attic— Treasures in Your Attic: An Entertaining, Informative, Down-To-Earth Guide to a Wide Range of Collectibles and Antiques by Helaine Fendelman and Joe L. Rosson (745.1 FEN) The Library also has a broad selection of new gardening books. Here’s a sampling: The Best Trees for Your Garden by Allen Paterson (635.977 PAT) Consider the Leaf: Foliage in Garden Design by Judy Glattstein (715 GLA) Fast Plants: Choosing and Growing Plants for Gardens in a Hurry by Sue Fisher (635.9 FIS) Front Yard Gardens: Growing More than Grass by Liz Primeau (635.967 PRI) The Well-Designed Mixed Garden: Building Beds and Borders with Trees, Shrubs, Perennials, Annuals, and Bulbs by Tracy DiSabato-Aust (712 DIS)

Designing for the Sexes—Let’s Ask Michael: 100 Practical Solutions for Design Challenges by Michael Payne (747 PAY) Gardening with Jerry Baker—The Impatient Gardener by Jerry Baker. (635 BAK) The Iron Chef—Iron Chef: The Official Book (791.4572 IRO) Martha Stewart Living—Good Things for Easy Entertaining (642.4 STE) The Naked Chef—Happy Days with the Naked Chef by Jamie Oliver (641.5 OLI) Smart Solutions—Joey Green’s Gardening Magic: More than 1,120 Ingenious Gardening Solutions Using Brand-Name Products by Joey Green (635.0484 GRE) This Old House—Bob Vila’s Complete Guide to Remodeling Your Home: Everything You Need to Know About Home Renovation from the #1 Home Improvement Expert by Bob Vila and Hugh Howard (643.7 VIL) Trading Spaces—Ty’s Tricks by Ty Pennington (643.7 PEN)

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color is a powerful element that affects our mood and energy level. Our homes reflect our personality and style. Why not fill your home with the colors that you love; your spirits will be lifted and you will feel welcomed and energized! When making wardrobe selections, we all want to be up to date and stylish. We know though, that regardless of clothing trends that come and go, we select the styles and colors that are appropriate and appealing to us. The same holds true with interiors. I always encourage my clients to use the colors they love and not to be overly concerned with what is “in” or “out.” Now more than ever we are free to incorporate our favorite color palettes. This is a great time to branch out, experiment and color your home so that it expresses and energizes you. Gone are the days when one color scheme dominated for a decade. Today, trends and styles are far more diffused and diversified. Most areas of the world are using bright orange (wow!) in interiors and other consumer goods. Americans are just beginning to embrace this color family. If the brights are too much for you, try deep oranges such as terra cotta and chili pepper or softer tints such as apricot or melon. Countless beautiful shades of brown, blue and red are also strong. Thanks to the global economy and technology, special color and finish effects are now widely available. Consider textured paint finishes and pearlized or metallic finishes on fabrics. When selecting colors for your home, choose a key color to dominate each space. • Red Hot—powerful, stimulating and attention getting. Think of the red badge of courage, red letter days and seeing red. True red is a great accent color for accessories and artwork. Earthy reds such as chili pepper and paprika are extremely popular, as are blue-reds such as burgundy, rose and pink. • Sunny Yellow—cheerful and welcoming. Think of sunshine, lemons and yellow ribbons. Yellow is a color that most people feel definite about—you either like it or you don’t. Yellow can be used to warm and lighten north-facing rooms. Buttery, creamy yellow is easy to live with and is a great background color for many decorating styles. Golden yellow is rich and luxurious. • Soothing Blue—universally, our long-standing favorite color. Think blue ribbon, blue chip, and true blue. Blue’s calming effect makes it a great choice for bedrooms and family rooms. Some shades of blue such as pale blue-green or blue-grey can be cold and depressing. Instead, choose navy, botanical, or porcelain blue for a traditional look, or blue-green, lapis, or atmospheric blue for a dramatic updated scheme.

• Nature’s Green—restful, peaceful, nature’s color. Think of green thumb, greenbelt, and green lights that mean “go.” A green room can feel soothing, cozy and not distracting. Green easily blends and harmonizes with most other colors. Try moss, sage, and fern, pistachio or classic traditional hunter green. • New “Newtrals”—understated and sophisticated. We used to think of black, brown, grey and white as the neutrals. Today we’ve expanded the “newtrals” to include shades of green, yellow and even red. We think of brown as the “new black.” There are many rich shades of brown such as currant, sable, caramel and deep chocolate. In a metallic try “silger” which is gold overlay over silver as a rich, warm neutral. Enliven a neutral color scheme by varying shades of the color, adding a variety of rich textures and using an accent color for interest. • Black and White—black is elegant, formal and powerful. Think black tie and black belt. Alone, black is typically used in small amounts and can settle other colors. White is pure, crisp, and energetic. Think white knight, white wash and white light. White is a best selling color and can stand alone or be used in any color combination. Together, black and white make a lively, classic combination. Don’t be afraid to use color in your home. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

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• Color inspiration is everywhere. Study color combinations used in paintings and other artwork that you admire. • Look at the colors and color combinations found in nature. Study nature from a large scale by looking at the sky, ocean, or meadow. Closely examine the breathtaking color combinations that are in the feathers of a bird or in flower blossoms.

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• Take a look at your wardrobe to reveal colors that you love and are comfortable with. • Remember that the colors in a room affect and are affected by surrounding colors. If you paint bright yellow walls in your kitchen, the entire kitchen will be warmed and “yellowed.” • While you certainly want each room in your home to have its own identity, be sure that the color flows from one room to the next.

• • • •

• Paint or stain all the trim in your house the same color. This will add to the color flow and provide unity. • Look for small ways to incorporate your favorite colors throughout your home. As you purchase tablecloths, toss pillows, bed linens and even pots and pans, look for the colors that energize and appeal to you. Cathy Davin is the owner of Cathy Davin Interior Design. An Upper St. Clair resident, her interior design degree is from LaRoche College. She has been designing and bringing color into clients’ homes for nearly 15 years.

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SOIL pH Walter Jarosh, Forester/Certified Arborist Do you work to fertilize, water and over-

seed your lawn, only to have the weeds take over? Do your trees and shrubs have a sickly color while all your neighbors’ plantings are beautifully green and healthy? Does your garden only fill your salad bowl, instead of growing bushels of produce? You may have a soil pH problem. Soil pH is a measure of the reactivity of the soil—its ability to store, hold and release the many nutrients vital to plant growth and development. These needed plant nutrients are in soil solution as positively or negatively charged ions ready to become the building blocks of the plants. Soil reaction describes the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. The pH of a soil strongly affects plant growth. The pH scale runs from zero to 14, with seven being neutral. The pH scale indicates how acidic or basic a substance is by

giving the concentration of hydrogen (H+) or hydroxyl (OH-) ions. A pH of 1.0, like hydrochloric acid, is extremely acid while a pH of 6.0 is slightly acid. Vinegar, tomato juice and lemon juice are examples of acid materials. These acid foods have a sour taste. pH readings between 7.0 and 14.0 are alkaline or basic. Soap is slightly basic, while ammonia, with a pH of 11, is strongly basic. Basic or alkaline foods taste bitter. The pH scale is logarithmic. A move between numbers increases effects tenfold. From a neutral seven, moving to six increases the acid level ten times. Moving on the scale to five increases the acid ten times what it is at six, but 100 times the acidity of seven, while four becomes 1000 times the acidity of seven, and so forth. Most natural mineral soils range between extremes of four to ten. A small pH change can have dramatic influences on plant success. Pure water has a neutral pH, but can easily become acidic if carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is dissolved to form a weak acid called carbonic acid. This acid is found in carbonated beverages. Pollutants in the

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atmosphere such as sulfur create a lower pH “acid rain.” As the pH changes, the nutrients in the soil may become chemically bound so tightly to the soil that it becomes unavailable to plants. Pin Oak trees in our area frequently suffer from a pH induced iron chlorosis. The iron in the soil is not available to the tree causing the leaves to yellow, the tree to weaken and ultimately die if the soil condition is not corrected. After reading this lesson in chemistry, what have you learned? With a simple soil test you can determine soil pH. Plants vary in their ability to grow at differing acidity. Turfgrass competes best at 6.3-7.0, dandelions and plantain around 5.5. Pines and azaleas prefer a pH close to 5.0. Potatoes, 5.0-5.5, but lettuce and tomatoes prefer 6.0-7.0. Decide what you plan to grow, research the preferred pH, and then test your soil to see if you are within the preferred range. Research the library or Internet to determine the preferred pH range of your “crop.” You may then modify your soil Continued on page 81

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Upper St. Clair School District Board of School Directors

Mandates Affect Local Budgeting Barbara Bolas, Upper St. Clair School Board Director Each year during the Upper St. Clair School District budget

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

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

Barbara L. Bolas 412-833-9841 2007*

Russ Del Re 724-941-3336 2005*

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

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. 5252 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 2004 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer Summer 2004

process, the District faces the challenge of funding programs and services mandated by the state and federal governments. Costs not covered by state and federal funding must be made up by local taxpayers or offsetting savings must be found. However, the goal continues to be to provide a high quality educational program for the students, regardless of mandates. Students with special needs require differentiated instruction and other services. Special education students have an individualized education plan (IEP) agreed upon by the administration and parents of the student. The local district is responsible for implementing the plan. The problem arises when the federal government does not support the mandated educational program to the levels originally intended when the law was passed. At that time, the commitment to fund IDEA (Individuals with Disability Act) was at a level of 40% funding. The current funding level of 18% creates a 22% gap to be filled by the state and local taxpayers. Special education costs borne by local taxpayers have increased over the past few years as a result of inadequate funding from state and federal sources. In the 1999-2000 school year the total expenditure for special education was $2,428,596. For the 200304 school year the budgeted amount increased to $4,150,982, an increase in expenditures from 1999-2000 to 2003-04 of 70.92%. During that same period, special education funding levels from the state and federal levels increased only 41.79%. The net unfunded special education cost to the local taxpayer for the 2003-04 school year was $2,173,400 equivilant to 1.3 mils. This does not include transportation of special needs students to needs-specific private schools. Upper St. Clair is mandated to transport special education students who require placement outside of the School District. There are no mileage limitations on this obligation. We currently have approximately 35 students who are transported to placements outside of the District. In addition, we must provide the same level of service to students who attend private schools that are within a ten-mile radius of the School District boundaries. We transport about 350 students to private schools each year. This accounts for approximately 20% of the miles driven by our buses annually. Furthermore, we must provide seats for every student on our buses, even though many of the students are driven to school by their parents, to meet the state requirements for the transportation reimbursement formula. Even that is not without a cost to the District for additional clerical work and record keeping. How much of this would be spent in any case to meet the needs of the students is unknown, given the guidelines the programs must be implemented under which. However, some of the discussions over the years have included classrooms based on age levels 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.

rather than ability levels. The number of students in a specific classroom also impacts the budget since those limits are set by the state. Since the passage of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) more highly qualified paraprofessionals are required in the classrooms. This places added financial burden on the District to hire more qualified personnel than they had previously hired. Furthermore, since these paraprofessionals must obtain a higher level of education, the trend has been to find higher paying positions in non-educational settings. Since the passage of NCLB, students are required to meet predetermined standards set by the State Board of Education. This forces the District to pay for more testing and remedial work to bring students up to proficiency levels without concomitant levels of funding from outside sources. In addition, the District must hire personnel to do more record keeping and reporting to comply with NCLB. Another mandate that impacts the District budget is in the area of health services. Nurses must also have teacher certification and their salaries are calculated the same as teachers. We must have one nurse for 1500 students, including students attending private schools within our District. We

cannot have a part time position to meet that ratio. English as a Second Language is a mandated program that helps non-English speaking students become proficient in the English language. In some districts there are 30 to 100 different dialects spoken. Upper St. Clair’s numbers aren’t nearly as great, but the District does currently have students enrolled in the program. More recently, the state has tried to track how districts spend their money in a reporting system for public use. The “Your Schools Your Money” program provides that data, but it requires additional record keeping and reporting. This program represents yet another mandate from the state that costs more for the District to manage. There are two organizations that work continuously toward fully funded mandates or relief from mandates. The staff of the Pennsylvania School Boards and the National School Boards Association together with locally elected board members, work to provide information to representatives at the state and federal level informing them of the cost impact of the laws they pass. This current school year there was some increase in funding at the state and federal levels, and a couple

of years ago a program was implemented establishing a process through which a district may request mandate relief. As time goes on and more work is done in this area, costs to local taxpayers for these programs should be offset by increased government funding or mandate relief. There continues to be increasing challenges to the Upper St. Clair School District to accommodate changes in demographics, government mandates, and other cost-related factors yet maintain the high level of educational excellence Upper St. Clair has deservedly earned and has come to expect. The awards of excellence given to the School District and the District’s excellent reputation are tributes to the close cooperation of the taxpaying residents, parents and students, teachers, administrators and the school board. Even without mandates, the District would still need to provide transportation, instruction in English as a second language, special education programs and other programs to support student learning. The issue is the lack of flexibility to allow local school districts to make the decisions on where to spend the money when there is not full funding for mandated programs.

Boyce Middle School Receives Flags Marsha Fries This past fall Boyce Middle

School was proud to receive two new flags from State Senator John Pippy to display in front of the school. Susan Nichols and William Thomeier, Jr., members of Senator Pippy’s staff, presented the American flag and the Pennsylvania State flag to Boyce principal Karen Brown and student council officers and homeroom representatives. Student council members accepted the gift on behalf of the School District and Boyce staff and student body. The students extended their thanks and appreciation to Senator Pippy for the flags and also for his service to our country in the war with Iraq. Left to right: Karen Brown, Boyce Middle School principal; David Loebman, student council president; Chris Labelle; Phillip Williams, student council vice-president; Mallory Winner; Erin McTiernan, student council secretary and Susan Nichols, representative from Senator Pippy’s office.

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Township Manager Doug Watkins (center) congratulates students Kris McDonough (left) and Tyler Hassenfeldt (right) for their work on this project.

Tom Brokaw, of NBC Nightly News, wrote a book in 1998 entitled The Greatest Generation. It is an outstanding book about the people of the United States who were asked to enter World War II. “The United States government turned to ordinary Americans and asked of them extraordinary service, sacrifice, and heroics. Many Americans met those high expectations and then returned home to lead ordinary lives. They were proud of what they accomplished but they rarely discussed their experiences, even with one other.” In the preface to his book, Mr. Brokaw wrote the following: “In the spring of 1984, I went to the northwest of France, to Normandy, to prepare an NBC documentary of the fortieth anniversary of D-Day, the massive and daring Allied invasion of Europe that marked the beginning of the end of Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich. There, I underwent a life-changing experience. As I walked the beaches with the American veterans who had returned for this anniversary, men in their sixties and seventies, and listened to their stories, I was deeply moved and profoundly grateful for all they had done. Ten years later, I returned to Normandy for the fiftieth anniversary of the invasion, and by then I had come to understand what this generation of Americans meant to history. It is, I believe, the greatest generation any society has ever produced.” Summer 2004

USCHS social studies students are in the process of both studying about this generation and honoring American veterans for their sacrifices and successes. On May 25, a student-generated daylong learning project will take place at the high school. Appropriately it will be entitled “USC Honors the Greatest Generation.” It is the desire of the students to give respect to the men and women who made many sacrifices so that future generations could live comfortably in a peaceful democracy. Sophomore student Christine Aspiotes states, “It’s about time our generation honors all that has been done for us.” She is one of many students involved in the planning and preparation of the project. The leadership guiding the students comes from history teacher Todd Flynn (USCHS 1969). As a 31-year veteran teacher, Todd admits that history and WWII, particularly, have been both a vocation and a hobby. Todd was a social studies major, graduating from Mt. Union

College in 1973. This is the third time he has headed the high school WWII project, but this is the first time it will be billed as “honoring the greatest generation.” It is his desire to get the whole community involved for the May 25 event. There are two central themes that students are focusing on: first, what was life like for the people of this generation and second, how can we respect the veterans of this era. Another sophomore history student, Kristen Kampetis, expressed her feelings by saying, “There is so much history in that generation that should not go to waste. By working on this assignment, we are going to get to meet, interview and thank the veterans before they are all gone.” Still another sophomore, Rich DiSante, said, “This is a great way for students to link to the past, while meeting new people.” Todd divided the approximately 150 students into various study groups. Some elected to work on the Holocaust, some chose to study the Army in Europe and still others picked the Navy in the Pacific.

tables as their long hours of preparation come to fruition. Honor student Kris McDonough said that he is very excited to be involved in this project and, “looks forward to meeting the people who made our country victorious and honorable.” Todd’s history students have one more very ambitious goal: to honor veterans of all military forces that have served America. They are hopeful in forming a partnership with the Township of Upper St. Clair to erect a Veterans’ Memorial monument. Students will be selling “war bonds” to raise money to begin the design of this memorial. Family and friends of veterans will be able to buy a bond that will be either in memory of or in honor of their particular military hero. All interested friends and patrons are encouraged to participate so that this monument can become a reality. Township Manager Douglas A. Watkins purchased the first bond and had this to say, “The Township started working on a Veterans’ Memorial project several years ago. Our motivation was stimulated by the revelation that we are one of the few communities in Allegheny County without a memorial. The recent activity which high school teacher Todd Flynn and a group of students have planned for recognizing veterans is commendable and will give us an excellent stimulus to get our project back on track.” When Tom Brokaw Doug Watkins purchases the first bond from project coordinator Todd Flynn. wrote the final paraAll phases of World War II were covered. graph of his acknowledgements in his Each student was required to interview at book, he apologized to the many people least one person from that time period. whose stories he was unable to tell, Between Todd’s connections with VFW “To those families and friends of other groups and the students’ grandparents and members of the greatest generation, may acquaintances, many veterans have agreed I suggest you now begin to ask the questo share their time, momentos and stories tions and hear the stories that have been about their life in the Pacific, Europe locked in memory for too long.” USCHS and America in the ’40s. A considerable students are certainly doing their part in number of them are coming to participate getting the stories told for “the greatduring the May 25 event. est generation,” and paying them, and The day will begin properly with honor everyone else who sacrificed for the guard presenting the colors at 7:30 a.m. United States of America, respect. At noon, a mess hall tent will serve food to the students and veterans. In between Call USCHS history teacher Todd Flynn at will be time for visiting with students 412-833-1600, extension 2651 with questions (and veterans) at their booths and display or for more information. Summer 2004

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School District Budget Process

$ $$ $ $$ $$ $$

Dina Fulmer Soon, residents of Upper St. Clair will open their mail to

find a not-unexpected, but still daunting, bill: their school taxes. And once again, many will ask, “Just how does the school board decide how much each of us is to contribute to the education of the children of this community?” Formulating the school budget in USC is a deliberate process that takes several months. While the superintendent presents the proposed budget to the board, the nitty-gritty work of putting all the numbers together falls to Jane Sierzega, USC’s business manager. The budget takes up much of her working hours from mid-January through the passage of the final budget in June. About three quarters of the budget is personnel costs. Before putting pen to paper (or hand to computer), the District must determine the number of employees that will be necessary to run the District, starting with the best estimate of enrollment, grade by grade and course by course, based on curriculum revisions developed over the previous year: teachers, aides, secretaries, administrators, coaches and other extra-curricular leaders, maintenance personnel, bus drivers, mechanics, etc. Then Jane puts salaries into the expense side of the budget. Contracts set the changes, year by year, of teachers and other contract employees; each position moves on a salary scale. For continuing non-contract personnel, an overall percentage increase is normally established. Next, both the District’s and the state’s contributions to Social Security for all employees are added in. (The District is reimbursed for the state’s share a year later.) Then comes the cost of health insurance, based on the type of benefit an employee has and the historic trend of switches between health plans, plus a projected increase. (Last year, premiums increased 28%; the estimate this year is 20% more. With multi-year labor contracts, the School District lacks the flexibility that businesses have to save by adjusting coverage for their professional employees year by year.) Salaries and benefits of retiring employees are subtracted and any retirement bonuses and projected salaries and benefits for replacement employees are added. (Because of Upper St. Clair’s contract, where the pay scale becomes steep near the top, the District saves substantially when a new teacher replaces an experienced one.) In addition to a limited retirement bonus, the District contributes to a retiree’s pre-Medicare health insurance at the same dollar amount as in the teacher’s last year of employment. Next is the District’s cost for state-mandated benefits: Pennsylvania Public Employees Retirement (set by the state—up 227% in 2003-04, expected to rise somewhat more in 2004-05) and Worker’s Compensation (up 25% in 2003-04, expected to be flat for 2004-05). Next fixed expenses are added: 1. debt service; 2. contracted educational services, many of which are a result of state-mandated Individualized Education Programs—much of special education, outside placement, etc.; 3. transportation exclusive of salaries and benefits—cost of buses, gasoline, maintenance, etc.; 56

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4. operation of the plant—electricity, natural gas, insurance, telephones, a number subject to some guesswork, but very weather dependent, just as our home energy costs are. Outsourcing of custodial management and supplies, refuse and lawn service, routine repair and maintenance has made those costs no longer a guess, as we have a fixed-cost contract with ARAMARK. Penultimately, comes the cost over which the District has greater control: legal fees (usually higher during years when there are contract negotiations with the teachers’ union); tax collection; and costs of athletic programs and other extra-curricular activities, excluding salaries. Finally, books and other supplies are added in. For new textbooks, requests are made by teachers through the curriculum panels to curriculum leaders, then to curriculum supervisors, and finally to the superintendent. Non-educational supplies, such as paper and pencils are bid out. During this time, the superintendent has met several times with District administrators to fine-tune and adjust the budget. Every budget year, several hundred thousand dollars from original requests are eliminated in an effort to present a lean budget to the board. In May, the board adopts the preliminary budget; final budget adoption must occur before June 30. By this time, the board has had several opportunities to review the budget and require changes. By law, there can be no reduction in professional staff for economic reasons: only for declining enrollment or changes in program. The District expects enrollment to remain fairly flat in the coming school year, except for special education, for which USC will be required to add both professional and non-professional staff. (The cost of special education has been increasing unrelentingly in the last decade and takes up an ever-increasing portion of the budget.) The board received the first draft of the budget this year at its February meeting. Proposed expenditures for 2004-05 are $48,859,850. This amount reflects increases of 1. 2.3% ($606,291) in salaries, with the addition of one teacher at Streams, two special education teachers and two special education aides, 2. 13% ($1,082,803) for benefits—mostly a result of health insurance and retirement costs, 3. 14% ($39,012) for purchased professional services, 4. 12.1% ($142,353) for purchased property services—mostly for utilities and maintenance projects that were postponed from the 2003-04 budget, 5. 6.7% ($84,171) in other purchased services—for travel and conference expenses and contracted carriers for special education, 6. 6.2% ($85,056) for supplies—primarily maintenance and natural gas, 7. 28.8% ($139,274) for equipment—primarily technology (computers and auxiliary equipment), which had been severely curtailed during the past two fiscal years, and 8. 12.7% ($484,848) in debt service—a result of the final phase-in of the indebtedness incurred to complete the elementary schools’ renovation.

So, how does the District pay for all of this? Only 17% of Upper St. Clair’s funding comes from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with the federal government kicking in about 1.5%. One hears arguments from time to time that the state should equalize education funding between wealthier and poor districts. Pennsylvania already does that to a great degree. State educational funding for poor districts is much higher than for better-off communities like Upper St. Clair. A very small portion of the revenue comes from the mercantile tax (0.5% of revenue in 2003-04), a bit more from deed transfer taxes (0.85% of revenue in 200304), and still more from the earned income tax (7.75% in 2003-04). The rates for those

The most significant thing the school board does that affects your taxes is negotiating the teachers’ contract. three taxes cannot be increased; like most school districts, Upper St. Clair is at the maximum rate allowable by law. Several years ago, Pennsylvania placed an extra burden on local taxpayers when it changed the rules for distributing PURTA, a tax on public utilities, which ten years ago brought in about $350,000 per year. For 2004-05, PURTA will add only about $62,000 to USC’s coffers. The balance of the money to fund the schools, 72.4% of the estimated 2004-05 budget, is in the form of real estate taxes, and you, dear property owner, bear that burden. Every year the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the federal government (or, frequently, both) adds more mandates on to the District without any additional money to pay for them. At this point expenses are estimated to be about $3.2 million more than expected revenue and $1.9 million more than available funds should the District take its unreserved fund balance to zero. One of the decisions made in each budget is what to do about the unreserved fund balance. From the taxpayers’ point of view

this is essentially only a timing question. If there is money in the fund balance and it is taken out for this year’s expenses, it will not be there to be used next year if the same expense recurs. But there are other considerations. The size of the fund balance affects the District’s credit status, enabling it to borrow money at a lower rate, and to some degree serves as a cushion against the unexpected. When interest rates are high, it can produce some significant revenue, essentially the District investing on the taxpayers’ behalf, but that has not been the case recently. Every year for the past several years, the District has taken a portion of the unreserved fund balance to keep tax increases low; whereas the fund balance eight years ago was close to 10% of the annual budget, it is now only 2.5%. What can you and your school directors do to keep school taxes down? Most of the opportunities for reform are at the state and federal levels, and that discussion is worth a separate article. The number of useful things that can be done at budget time is severely limited. The superintendent has the continuing charge to see that the District maximizes productivity, efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The District could charge for extracurricular activities, paper and pencils, but the pain and additional bureaucracy might outweigh the savings. Class size is an issue where there is flexibility within a range, but one that quickly becomes a tradeoff between cost and quality of education. Beyond that, the question tends to go to the nature of Upper St. Clair’s education. Should we consider scrapping advanced placement? Foreign language? Music? Art? Athletics? Along that path lies distress for real estate agents and homeowners when the time comes to sell their properties, not to mention residents who moved to Upper St. Clair because of the quality of the education offered. The most significant thing the school board does that affects your taxes is negotiating the teachers’ contract. In Upper St. Clair, the current contract was negotiated in 1999 and expires in August 2005. The use of computers in industry has enormously reduced expenses, but the potential is less with the schools. Although they have made the staff more efficient and increased productivity, at least at present they cannot replace teachers. Education is people-intensive and likely to remain very expensive. Summer 2004

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Did You Know?

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

Marcy Bruce with Dave Dinkins, USPTR Board of Director.

annon Whalen, , Lexi Martin, Sh s, Katie Orchowski, rd Bi y lse Ke w: Lewi nt ro Left to right, fro row: Laura McCann, Brianna ch, Cecilia Petursson, middle n Kopa Amy McGinnis; Katie Law; back row: Kaitlyn Roarty p, Katherine Kirsten Luther, Stephanie Knop

l Competition th 04 am in Nationa ed 11 at the 20 USC Dance Te ance Team plac D ld ir he la C ip . St sh on er mpi The Upp n National Cha tio t ia al oc W ss A at ts ce or an World of Sp e Universal D id W at 3 ry ua am h Febr . Clair’s Dance Te January 30 throug rlando. Upper St O the in d rt an so n, Re io ld is Jazz Div ity Disney Wor rs Va l al Sm e e dance oups in th e it to finals. Th was one of 70 gr ak m to t as co the east ongratulations! only team from d Joyce Vance. C an th Be by d he team is coac

USC Coach Named Coach of the Year Marcy Bruce has been the coach of the Upper St. Clair girls’ tennis team for seven years, and during that time has led them to six WPIAL titles and three PIAA championships in four years. But her most recent award is that of High School Coach of the Year. Marcy received the Coach Verdieck Award this past February at the United States Professional Tennis Registry’s annual tennis symposium in Hilton Head. In addition to coaching the Lady Panthers, Marcy teaches part-time for Upper St. Clair Tennis Development Program, Inc. When she’s not on the courts, she is busy with her family: husband, Allan, and sons, Hunter, four, and Conner, two.

Sam Hazo Wins National Award By day, he’s the mild-mannered band director at Boyce Middle School. But after hours, he’s Sam Hazo, award-winning composer extraordinaire! Sam is the recipient of the 2003 William D. Revelli Composition Award for his piece Perthshire Majesty for wind orchestra. He shares the 2003 Revelli Award with Dr. David Dzubay, Professor of Composition at Indiana University in Bloomington. In 2001, Sam won the Merrill Jones Composition Award for the best composition written for high school wind symphony for his piece Novo Lenio. He is the first composer in history to win both composition awards, which are given by the National Band Association. Sam Hazo Sam donates many of his pieces to the Boyce band program, but schools and universities across the country pay commission fees to have him write for them. His works are being featured at two college band association conventions this year, and will be performed by seven All-State bands this spring. Internationally, the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra in Japan and the Birmingham Symphonic Winds in the United Kingdom will be performing his music on tour. 58

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Summer 2004

2003 Winter High School Sports Sport Basketball-Boys Basketball-Girls Rifle Swimming-Boys Swimming-Girls Wrestling

Wins-Losses 21-4 14-10 6-8 9-4 9-4 8-7

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Summer 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Upper St. Clair High School Halls Of Fame Mission Statement: To identify and to honor those who have distinguished themselves in academics, the arts, or athletics at the high school, collegiate, or professional level and who, in so doing, have contributed to the pride and prestige of Upper St. Clair High School. A former student must meet the following criteria to be considered for any of the three Halls of Fame. The individual must be

a graduate of Upper St. Clair High School and must be away from the high school for at least five years. The individual must have made a positive contribution during high school as well as significant achievements after leaving USCHS. Students are nominated by members of the high school staff, an Upper St. Clair alumnus or the Upper St. Clair community. Administrative staff, teachers and coaches are also eligible. Each Hall of Fame committee will include representatives from the high school staff, alumni and the community. Nominees must earn a 75% vote of a quorum of the committee. During and after high school, the student could have excelled in one or more of the following: Arts • School and Local Awards • District and Regional Awards • • State and National Recognition • Contributions in the Field • • Post Graduate Recognition • Collegiate Recognition • • Professional Accomplishments • • School Service and/or Leadership in Field • • Benefactor of the Arts • Contributions to Society • • Excellent Citizenship •

Athletics Academics • Academic Honors • National Merit Recognition • • National Honor Society • Valedictorian • • Student of the Year • Scholarship Awards • • School Service and/or Leadership • • Post Graduate Recognition • Collegiate Recognition • • Publication of Work • Professional Accomplishments • • Contributions to Society • Excellent Citizenship •

2004 Halls of Fame Inductee Nomination Nominee’s Name: ________________________________ My nominee should be honored in the Upper St. Clair High School Halls of Fame because: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ (include a separate sheet if necessary)

All Nominations Due June 4, 2004. Please submit your name, address and phone number along with your completed nomination to: Principal’s Office Halls of Fame Committee Upper St. Clair High School 1825 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2004

• High School Awards and Records • • WPIAL or PIAA Champion • Post Season Recognition • • National Recognition • Multiple Sport Consideration • • Post Graduate Recognition • • Collegiate Accomplishments • • Professional Accomplishments • • Leadership Accomplishments • • Other Hall of Fame Honors • Media Recognition • • Excellent Citizenship •

USC Kennywood Day

Monday, June 21 ater Bottled wby the provided Foundation nity Commu the shelter at ill. he Old M t d in h e b

Rides open at 11 a.m. Bus servic available e is fr Fort Cou om Middle S ch chool.

Ticket Sale Price

$16

Ticket sales available from Kennywood personnel on Friday, May 21 at the following school buildings: High School 6:45 – 7:45 a.m. Eisenhower 8:15 – 8:45 a.m. Fort Couch 9 – 9:30 a.m. Baker 9:45 – 10:15 a.m. Boyce 9:45 – 10:15 a.m. Streams 10:30 – 11 a.m. St. Louise de Marillac 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. Watch for mailings or call PTA Kennywood representative Amy Walker at 412-833-1904 or Cheryl Ellison at School District Central Office at 412-833-1600, extension 2202.

in our river-rich area. This became the Three Rivers Rowing Association, which now has two boathouses in the Washington’s Landing and Millvale area along the Allegheny River. As the boathouse facility developed, high school students in the greater Pittsburgh area began to Mark Tamilia, Co-President Upper St. Clair Crew Association form their own clubs in order to propagate the sport. Of all the great sports activities availHigh school rowing in Western Pennsylvania the water with his back, pressing with his legs able in Upper St. Clair, the one that is sponsored and curling with his arms through the arc of the is not a WPIAL recognized activity, and as here but cannot be performed in the Township oar. The oars are alternated left and right, and such, its principal sources of funding are is rowing. Upper St. Clair Crew is a club sport each rower moves in concert with the rower dues from the participants and fund raising supported by the Upper St. Clair school system directly in front of him to pull in one straight by parent associations. USC School District and funded through the Upper St. Clair Crew and powerful move. At the end of the boat sits supports the sport by providing workout faAssociation, and has existed for approximately a coxswain, who steers the boat and barks sig- cilities for the crew members when they are ten years. Currently the team has a student mem- nals to the rowers, setting the pace of the boat. not participating at the boathouse, and aid bership of 30 athletes who practice at the high All this is accomplished while dealing with the in transportation when the student rowers school and row from the Three Rivers Rowing distractions of cross winds, choppy water and need to travel between the high school and Association boathouse at Washington’s Landing the wakes of passing boats. the boathouse. Other sources of support come on Allegheny River. The team competes in the Winter is the time to prepare for on-the- from private individuals who have aided in fall and spring in races and sprints at local and water time. The rowers and coxswains meet purchasing equipment and foundations, such Midwest regional sites. The team trains in late several times a week at the high school training as the Community Foundation of Upper St. summer, late fall and winter, both at the boat- facility and condition by running, stretching Clair, which has provided grants for the house and at the high school athletic facility. purchase of equipment. Over the past ten and erging. Rowing has become a rapidly growing Erging, you say? Ergonomic rowing ma- years the Upper St. Clair Crew Association sport at local high schools and at many col- chines measure time and distance, and the has accumulated two eight-man boats, three leges and universities throughout the country. movement of the machine simulates the move- launches and oars for all. This is no mean By virtue of the expansion of the sport, the ment in an actual boat. Rowers can do timed feat when an eight-man boat costs $20,000 opportunity for students to access many of these colleges is enhanced by their participation in crew. The advantages to our students and to our community lie in the recognition and opportunity that it brings. College-bound students who participate in crew receive invitations from colleges who have crew as part of their program. Many colleges and universities have focused on crew to satisfy their Title IX requirements for providing sports opportunities for women, which corresponds to the typically male-oriented programs of football and basketball. As the Upper St. Clair crew team travels around the Northeast and participates in the various regattas, there is a growing recognition that this is a serious program dedicated to excellence in athletics and academics. Crew is the highly coordinated rowing of four to eight athletes in a 400-pound boat that pieces over a measured distance while never and four-man boats range from $14,000 to stretches from 40 to 60 feet in length. Each leaving the gym. The Rowing Association, in $16,000. Launches, motors, communication stroke, lift and glide must be accomplished with conjunction with the high school, maintains devices, outfits and other rowing parapherthe utmost coordination in order to maintain a seven of these sophisticated rowing machines nalia rival hockey and football in terms of competitive pace. Needless to say, crew is the for indoor training from January through the cost necessary to support the sport. As consummate team sport; everyone must pull March. When the weather begins to warm, community awareness grows with the prothe rowers are back to the water in April and liferation of the sport, the opportunities for together in exactly the same way. The crew team members condition and May. In August, they begin to condition again raising funds increase on an annual basis. Rowing in Upper St. Clair is alive and well compete year round. It is said that rowing for races, which take place in late September without a river or a lake. Come to see the crew requires an athlete to possess the leg power of through late October. Rowing is in its infancy in the greater team row along the banks of the Allegheny on a speed skater, the back strength of a weight lifter, the endurance of a marathon runner, Pittsburgh area compared to areas like Phila- any late weekday afternoon—you’ll never forget the reflexes of a sprinter and the balance of a delphia and Boston. Approximately 15 years the experience! Any student interested in joining the USC skateboarder. A rower sits on a sliding seat with ago, a group of dedicated individuals who had his feet strapped to the bulkhead of the boat, rowing experience in their college days formed Crew Club should contact Mark or Kathy the sides of which measures less than two feet an association dedicated to raising money and Tamilia at 412-221-0504. across. The rower pulls the 12-foot oar through ultimately building a club to develop the sport

Rowing in Upper St. Clair?

Summer 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Baker Students Open Their Hearts During the month of December, people are gen-

Open Your Hearts to Others

erous. However, throughout the year many senior citizens do not have as many opportunities to interact with the youth of today. In addition, local food banks remain in need of nonperishable items. Baker Elementary addressed these two issues to help others and show love and support. Thus the theme “Open Your Hearts to Others” was created by Baker staff and supported by Baker students and their families. In January the planning began. A representative from each grade level and the special classes helped shape the focus. Fourth level teacher David Fee created the poem “Open Your Hearts to Others.” When Valentine’s Day arrived, students celebrated the holiday by exchanging cards with classmates. In addition, each student created a Valentine’s card for a resident at Friendship Village. The cards were

—David Fee Let’s celebrate Valentine’s Day this year by showing others how much we care. Our school community will do something good by helping our friends in the neighborhood. Sending a card and a food item or two will let them know, “We are thinking of you!” When our celebration is over, we’ll have something more fine than our own bags and boxes of happy valentines.

Jump Rope for Heart Carol Olack February 16 was Jump Rope for Heart Day at Eisenhower

School. The students collected more than $3800 for the American Heart Association; well over their $2000 goal. Students in levels one through four participated in this event. Each level jumped rope for one hour in support of heart disease research. At the end of each hour the students had a competition to see which class could keep the most kids jumping for the longest time using long ropes. Students in art class made jumping hearts and displayed them on the gym walls to create a festive atmosphere and many parents volunteered their time to help make the event successful. 62

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2004

delivered in time for Valentine’s Day. The residents had the opportunity to see and appreciate the artwork, writing and love from the students. Baker also sponsored a nonperishable food drive for South Hills Interfaith Ministries (SHIM). Baker’s goal was to collect 500 pounds of food in five days. As a school, Baker collected over 800 pounds of nonperishable food during the week of February 9, far exceeding the original goal. “When we work together, pool our resources and show how much we care for one another we can help to make this world a more caring place,” said principal Ruth Ann Matyuf. “We care about our neighbors.” The Baker staff would like to thank Baker students and their families for helping “open our hearts to others.”

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

Jan Moore

Left to right: Carla Roehner receives award from Lori Feldman, PTA Council President.

Barbara Bolas

PTA Council Presents Awards Upper St. Clair PTA Council

honored two of its members this past February by presenting Jan Moore with the National PTA Life Achievement Award and by presenting Carla Roehner with the Pennsylvania State Life Membership Award. The Council also presented School Board of Director Barbara Bolas with the State Life Membership Award. The National PTA Life Achievement Award, one of the highest honors PTA can bestow, was awarded to Jan Moore based on her leadership both locally and at the state level. Currently Region VII vice-president, Jan served on the Pennsylvania Athletic Oversight Council and was the comprehensive health chair of the Pennsylvania PTA Board of Managers. Her past leadership roles include PTA Council president and Streams PTA president, as well as various committee chair positions. In many ways she made Upper St. Clair PTA what it is today by encouraging PTA leaders to attend training seminars, and to learn skills to make Upper St. Clair PTA more professional.

Carla Roehner was awarded the Pennsylvania State Life Membership Award based on her service to children and her leadership in PTA, which included serving as Streams PTA president and chairing committees from Stravaganza to Book Fair. Carla has headed the Community Day committees at Streams and Boyce and next year will chair the committee at the Council level. Barbara Bolas was awarded the State Life Membership Award for her involvement in education at the local, state and national levels. She has been a member of the Upper St. Clair School Board from 1985-89, and from 1991 to present, serving as president of the school board in 1989 and 1998. She has been a member of the South Hills Area School Districts Association (SHASDA) since 1994 and has been a member of the Pennsylvania School Boards Association Executive Board since 1998, serving as president in 2001. She has also been a member of the National School Boards Association Board of Directors since 2001. Congratulations to all three women.

Reflections

The Reflections program is sponsored by the National PTA in an effort to encourage children to be creative. This year’s topic was “I am really happy when…” 115 USC students submitted 154 entries. Ten entries were recognized at the PTA District 10 (Allegheny County) level. Congratulations to all the students who entered. Category

Name

School

Level

Place

Literature

Marissa Bowman Yasaswi Duvvuru Jessica Frey Nicole Gans

Baker Eisenhower Fort Couch Fort Couch

3-5 K-2 6-8 6-8

Fourth Place Honorable Mention Fourth Place Second Place

Music

Christie Parkinson Baker

3-5

Second Place

Visual Arts

Heidi Crossley Heather Crossley Alexandra Steve

Visual Arts SC

Adam Taraszewski Eisenhower 3-5 Adam Taraszewski Eisenhower 3-5

Fort Couch 6-8 Fort Couch 6-8 Streams K-2

Fourth Place Fifth Place Honorable Mention First Place Second Place Summer 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Invasive Species: A

G r o w i n g

P r o b l e m

Daniel Williams As warmer weather approaches

Upper St. Clair. Economically, invasive speand the leaves and buds begin to reappear cies cost a good deal of money to control on the trees, the natural beauty of Western and can adversely affect agriculture. All in Pennsylvania begins to come to life. Upper all, invasive plants are just plain bad news St. Clair coexists with natural settings like for communities like Upper St. Clair. Their woodlots, wetlands and ravines, as well as impact is great and varied. Says Wagner, gardens and landscaped residential settings. “You can translate it economically, you can Yet these areas are facing an often-unnoticed translate it aesthetically, you can translate threat that has the potential to devastate it biologically.” them. Native plant and animal species are So what is being done to combat the being overrun with the newly introduced problem? Unfortunately, not enough. plant life called invasive species. These plants cannot simply be dug up beOn a geological scale, the introduction cause they have already seeded the ground of invasive plants has been an extremely around them with the next generation of sudden event for local plant communities. plants. Herbicidal spraying seems to work, In just the past 300 years or so, these plants but has a limited and isolated effect on an have been transported from their native extremely widespread problem. Even if a land to North America by shipping ports particular area of land is rid of the plants, and nurseries. Once settled in the wild, it won’t take long before more invasives invasive species may not have any strong have spread to competition or may it once again. not have predators to The only real keep them in check, so way to begin their population rapidly grows out of control. They begin to push out native plant species that have not evolved the capabilities to deal with these intruders. They are highly aggressive in both natural and cultivated residential settings. As a result, biodiversity is lost as these invasives eventually dominate the landscape around them. “Overall, habitat loss is the number one issue for species loss and biodiversity in general,” says Upper n St. Clair Citizens for Land Tree-of-Heave Leaves of the Stewardship Vice-President Jeffrey D. Wagner. “Invasive exotics do, essentially, represent habitat loss.” Native plant populations dwindle to fractions of their original size, affecting local wildlife that relies on them as a food source. Local naturalists point to such invasive species as Tree-of-Heaven (ailanthus atissima), Japanese knotweed (polygonum cuspidatum), garlic mustard (alliaria petiolata), and purple loosestrife (lythrum salicaria) as the most common threatening plants to 64

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2004

confronting this problem is to have people do their best to make sure that their properties do not become havens for invasive plants. The first thing a homeowner can do is to shop smartly. Invasive plants are often introduced to an area by nurseries that sell the harmful plants and the people who plant them in their yard or garden. After being planted, they then germinate and begin to populate on their own in the wild. It’s a good idea to find out exactly what it is you’re purchasing when looking for plants. Many homeowners choose a plant based solely on its colorful appearance without realizing the consequences they may yield if they spread beyond their own yard. Always make sure to ask whether or not it is native to Western Pennsylvania. A plant native to somewhere else in North America may be harmful to this area. Additionally, native plants are specially Tree-of-Heaven behind The Grand Residence

adapted for the growing conditions that exist around here. They will require less watering and maintenance than exotics, and they add to the ecological uniqueness of the area. Some good local choices include cardinal flower (lobelia cardinalis), trillium (trillium grandiflorum), American beech (fagus grandifolia), and flowering dogwood (cornus florida). Be sure that proper shade and moisture are available in your yard to grow your choice. By making sure that your yard is invasive-free, you are helping to keep invasives out of ecologically sensitive habitat such as the PennDot wetlands and Boyce-Mayview Park. Another way of approaching the problem is more proactive. In mid to late spring, go out and search your yard and garden for invasives. Contact the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) for information on the identification of invasive species. Once you’ve identified invasives, go ahead and dig them up. Catching the problem early can Japanese knotweed on a behind the high school hillside save time and money. stadium If you can, fill the empty patch of soil with some good native plants. Wagner notes, “If you do a good job of revegetating the empty soil with natives, it’s going to be a bigger barrier to invasives.” Then, in the fall before the first frost, spray any remaining invasive plants with a herbicide, found in the gardening section of any home-maintenance store. The plants may reappear next spring, but the key to control is persistence. After a few years of good, steady control, you will notice that the plants are no longer in abundance in your yard. Invasive plant species are one of the largest and most difficult environmental threats today. Out of control, they have the potential to change the face of the earth through their aggressive nature. Man is solely responsible for their introduction and spread, yet the problem goes unnoticed by many of us. The way to address this problem is through education. Mr. Wagner says, “People would care about the problem if they knew about it. Most people wouldn’t want to do harm.” By making thoughtful landscaping choices, educating others about the problem, and calling upon local officials to create a management plan for invasives, Upper St. Clair can set the example by truly confronting this problem rather than letting it go another day without action.

Dan Williams is a sophomore at USCHS. Dan has an interest in environmental conservation.

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Russ Phillips, Food Services Director Joe Wightkin, Support Services Director

Summer 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fort Couch Social Seventh and eighth graders at Fort Couch Middle School took time out from

their studies and enjoyed an evening of dancing with their friends at the Valentine’s Day Social on February 12. The social was sponsored by the Fort Couch PTA.

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Baker Students “Get Physical” at Fort Couch Fourth level students from Baker had the

opportunity to visit Fort Couch on February 6 for a fun-filled morning of physical activities directed by the students of the seventh level IB team. This cooperative learning experience started last year when Baker was under construction and had no gym facilities to use. The response was so positive that plans were made to continue this year.

“It’s a great experience for all of them,” commented Baker physical education teacher Barb Rahr. The middle school IB students are well organized and are involved with an outreach program, and the fourth level students have a lot of fun. 66

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2004

MOSAIC Musical Teaches History and More Jon Lippert, Tiffany Eby, and Olivia Lammel– MOSAIC team students Sponsor: Dawn Yoder–MOSAIC team teacher How is the MOSAIC team different from other sixth grade teams?

Actually, it’s not very different at all! MOSAIC is an acronym for Meaningful Opportunities to Study the Arts through an Integrative Curriculum and was created in 1998 by teachers Dawn Yoder and Patrick McClintock-Comeaux.

family and consumer science. The music teacher works with the choruses and the “leads” during music class. The classroom teachers work with all of the acting scenes during this time. The student producers make the sideshows and the programs and contact the media. It truly is a team effort to pull everything together and make each production work.

Photos by Clare Froehlich

The team studies the same curriculum and follows the same standards as all the other teams at Boyce. The one difference between MOSAIC and the other sixth grade teams is that every year during the second nine-week semester, the MOSAIC team performs a musical. The musicals are usually written by the classroom teachers. Each musical is based on a specific historical time period studied in sixth grade. So far, students have had performances based on China, The Middle Ages, Greece, Egypt and Rome. Rehearsals are held during regular school hours, but the students miss very little class time. This is achieved by practicing during regularly scheduled Expressive Arts (EA) time. Most students at Boyce have four EA rotations per year. The MOSAIC students have five rotations. During musical time, the students get to pick their EA based upon their preference. In tech studies, students construct the sets for the musicals. The art teacher helps the students with painting the props and scenery. Costume design and sewing is done in

The MOSAIC team has something special to offer everyone. For example, if a student doesn’t like to be on stage with a singing or speaking part, he or she might consider being part of the stage crew or choose to run the spotlights or music. If a student plays an instrument, the teachers will try to highlight that talent by creating a part for them, too. The musical is truly a great experience and really builds self-esteem. If a student is shy about singing or talking in front of a group, he doesn’t need to worry. The MOSAIC teachers make all students feel comfortable. The musical helps to create team unity because everyone works so hard together.

Summer 2004

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

USC Summer School Program 2004 (Application forms available at all school buildings) Back-To-School Reading Camp (Grades K-1) Students who have completed kindergarten or first level may enroll in a special workshop designed to compensate for regression that may take place during the summer months of play and relaxation. Skills, letters and sounds will be emphasized and some time will be devoted to individual tutoring and story appreciation. Location: Eisenhower Library Dates: August 9–13 Hours: Exiting K 8:30–10 a.m. Exiting level 1 10:15–11:45 a.m. Fee: $55 Elementary Math Lab (Grades 1-4) This lab is for students who are experiencing difficulty with mathematics. Manipulatives, learning games and individual practice will be a part of this lab. Location: Streams Elementary School Dates: June 28–July 16 (no class Monday, July 5) Hours: Exiting levels 3 and 4 8:30–10 a.m. Exiting levels 1 and 2 10:15–11:45 a.m. Fee: $125, $10 discount if registered by June 4 Elementary Reading Lab (Grades 1-4) This lab is for students who are experiencing difficulty with reading. Each child will experience small group instruction designed to meet individual learning needs. Learning games and independent practice will also be a part of this lab. Location: Streams Elementary School Dates: June 28–July 16 (no class Monday, July 5) Hours: Exiting levels 1 and 2 8:30–10 a.m. Exiting levels 3 and 4 10:15–11:45 a.m. Fee: $125, $10 discount if registered by June 4 If taking both reading and math labs, combined fee is $235 per child. Keyboarding Workshop (Grades 3-8) This workshop will be an opportunity for students to learn or sharpen keyboarding skills. Individualized practice will be arranged to meet varying skill levels. Enrollment is limited to the first 60 students who enroll for each session. Location: Fort Couch Computer Lab Dates: July 26–30 Hours: 8–10 a.m. or 10:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Fee: $125 68

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Middle Level Math Lab (Grades 5-8) This lab is for students who are experiencing difficulty with mathematics as well as those who are working at grade level and would like additional practice. Some computer time and learning games may be a part of this lab. Location: Fort Couch Middle School Dates: June 28–July 16 (no class Monday, July 5) Hours: Exiting levels 7 and 8 8:30–10 a.m. Exiting levels 5 and 6 10:15–11:45 a.m. Fee: $125

Middle Level Reading/Language Arts Lab (Grades 5-8) This lab is for students who are experiencing difficulty with reading and language arts as well as those who are working at grade level. Some computer time, learning games and independent practices will also be part of this lab. Location: Fort Couch Middle School Dates: June 28–July 16 (no class Monday, July 5) Hours: Exiting levels 5 and 6 8:30–10 a.m. Exiting levels 7 and 8 10:15–11:45 a.m. Fee: $125 Camp Invention (Grades 1-5) This program is an exciting one-week invention camp created by Inventure Place, National Inventors Hall of Fame, which is located in Akron with a local site planned at Boyce Middle School. Students will solve problems combining science, math, art and history using their minds and imaginations. This will be of special interest to gifted and talented students. Location: Boyce Middle School Dates: June 21–25 Hours: 9 a.m.–noon Fee: $199 until May 31, $219 June 1 until June 21 Registration is through Camp Invention. Visit: www.campinvention.org or phone: 1-800-968-4332.

Summer 2004

High School English and Math (Grades 9-12) Classes in English and mathematics will be held for students who need to repeat course work. Enrollment will be in the guidance office at USC High School. Location: Upper St. Clair High School Dates: June 28–August 6 (no class Monday, July 5) Hours: 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Fee: $100 per semester, $200 for the year Physical Education (Grades 10-12) This course is designed for students who either have not met the requirements of a previous year’s physical education class (PE) or a student who wishes to complete next year’s PE requirement over the summer to ease their schedules for 2004-05 school year. Attendance hours required for PE 11 and PE 12 are 30 hours each; PE 10 requires 60 hours. Location: Upper St. Clair High School Dates: June 28–August 6 (no class Monday, July 5) Hours: 8:30–11:30 a.m. An afternoon session may be added if enrollment permits. Fee: $150–30 hours for PE 11 and 12, $275–60 hours for PE 10 Make-ups charged on a per diem basis at $20 per day.

Registration Information • Registration is underway now through one week before each class starts. Note the discount for certain elementary level classes. • Applications for high school classes are available at the guidance office in the high school; for elementary and middle school classes at the principal’s office at each school. • Student transportation to summer school is a parental responsibility. • Families for whom tuition presents a hardship are encouraged to contact the counselor at their child’s school. • Students who do not attend Upper St. Clair schools will be accepted on a space available basis. • Make checks payable to: Upper St. Clair School District.

Upper St. Clair School District 2004 Calendar (May–June) Legend: BA – Baker Elementary BO – Boyce Middle

CO – Central Office EI – Eisenhower Elementary

May 2004 1 2 3 4 5

7 8 10

12 13

15 16 17

HS – SAT I & II HS – Band/Choral Music Trip HS – Band/Choral Music Trip HS – AP Exams HS – AP Exams/IB Tests HS – River City Brass Band (Theatre) @ 8 p.m. HS – AP Exams/IB Tests HS – PTA Council @ 9:30 a.m. FC – Choral Musical (High School Theatre) @ 9:30 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. BO – Deer Valley Begins HS – AP Exams/IB Tests BA – Early Dismissal @ 12:45 p.m. BA – Spring Exhibit/Book Fair @ 7–9 p.m. BO – Deer Valley ST – Spring Musical @ 7:30 p.m. HS – Senior Fourth Marking Period Progress Reports Sent HS – Spring Art Exhibit (Theatre Lobby) HS – AP Exams/IB Tests BO – Deer Valley HS – Celebrate the Arts Festival HS – Spring Art Exhibit (Theatre Lobby) HS – AP Exams/IB Tests BO – Deer Valley K-11 Fourth Marking Period Progress Reports Sent CO – Academics, Arts & Extra Curricular Activities School Board Committee Mtg. @ 7 p.m. HS – Spring Art Exhibit (Theatre Lobby) HS – AP Exams/IB Tests HS – National Honor Society Induction (Theatre) BA – PTA Meeting (LGI Room) @ 9:30 a.m. ST – PTA Meeting @ 9:30 a.m. BO – Deer Valley HS – Spring Art Exhibit (Theatre Lobby) HS – AP Exams/IB Tests BO – Deer Valley HS – Spring Art Exhibit (Theatre Lobby) HS – AP Exams/IB Tests HS – Quill & Scroll (LGI Room) @ 3–5 p.m. BA – Spring Choral Musical @ 7:30 p.m. EI/ST – Early Dismissal @ 12:45 p.m. EI/ST – Spring Exhibit @ 7–9 p.m. BO – Deer Valley HS – Spring Art Exhibit (Theatre Lobby) HS – American Theatre “Sleeping Beauty” HS – AP Exams/IB Tests FC – Social (Gym/Multi-Purpose Room/Nutrition Center) @ 8–10 p.m. BO – Deer Valley EI – PTA Meeting @ 9:30 a.m. Community Day HS – Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra Concert (Theatre) @ 8 p.m. HS – South Hills Junior Orchestra Concert (Theatre) @ 3 p.m. HS – Spring Art Exhibit (Theatre Lobby) HS – IB Tests BO – Deer Valley CO – Finance, Facilities & Operations School Board Committee Mtg. @ 7 p.m. HS – Spring Art Exhibit (Theatre Lobby) HS – IB Tests BO – Deer Valley BA/EI/ST – Elementary String Concert (High School Theatre) @ 7:30 p.m. HS – Spring Art Exhibit (Theatre Lobby) HS – IB Tests HS – Spring Sports Banquet (High School Nutrition Center) @ 6:30 p.m. HS – PTSO Meeting (Room 148/149) @ 9:30 a.m. BO – Deer Valley HS – Spring Art Exhibit (Theatre Lobby) HS – IB Tests HS – Senior Banquet BO – Deer Valley FC – Band Concert (High School Theatre) @ 7:30 p.m. HS – Spring Art Exhibit (Theatre Lobby) HS – IB Tests BO – Deer Valley Ends HS – Band Parents’ Post Trip/Turn-Over (LGI Room) @ 6:30 p.m.

FC – Fort Couch Middle HS – High School 22 23 24

28 31

ST – Streams Elementary

HS – Fabulous Talent (Theatre) HS – Fabulous Talent (Theatre) HS – Spring Art Exhibit (Theatre Lobby) HS – IB Tests HS – Multi-Cultural Dinner (LGI Room) @ 5:30–8 p.m. CO – School Board Meeting @ 7 p.m. HS – Spring Art Exhibit (Theatre Lobby) HS – IB Tests HS – 8th Level Marching Band Orientation @ 4–6 p.m. BA/EI/ST – Elementary Band Concert (High School Theatre) @ 7:30 p.m. HS – Spring Art Exhibit (Theatre Lobby) HS – 8th Level Marching Band Orientation @ 4–6 p.m. HS – Freshman Band Parent Orientation (Band Room) @ 5–6 p.m. BA/EI/ST – Elementary Science Round Up (High School LGI Room) @ 7 a.m.–3 p.m. BA – Moyer Test AM EI – Moyer Test PM HS – Spring Art Exhibit (Theatre Lobby) HS – Choral Concert (Theatre) @ 7:30 p.m. HS – 8th Level Marching Band Orientation @ 4–6 p.m. BA/EI/ST – Elementary Science Round Up (High School LGI Room) @ 7 a.m.–3 p.m. ST – Moyer Test AM HS – Spring Art Exhibit (Theatre Lobby) BA/EI/ST – Elementary Science Round Up (High School LGI Room) @ 7 a.m.–3 p.m. Memorial Day – No School

June 2004 1 2 3 4 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 21 25 28

HS – Awards Night @ 7 p.m. BO/FC/HS – String-A-Thon Concert (High School Theatre) @ 7:30 p.m. CO – PTA Council @ 9:30 a.m. HS – Band Concert (Theatre) @ 7:30 p.m. HS – Last Senior Day ST – Fun & Fitness @ 6–8 p.m. BO – 4th Level Parent Orientation (LGI Room) @ 7 p.m. CO – Academics, Arts & Extra Curricular Activities School Board Committee Mtg. @ 7 p.m. HS – Jazz Concert (LGI Room) @ 7:30 p.m. BA – Kindergarten Orientation FC – Incoming 7th Level Parent Meeting (Multi-Purpose Room) @ 7–9 p.m. HS – Prom HS – New Parent Coffee @ 9–11 a.m. Last Day for Students HS – Baccalaureate & Commencement CO – Finance, Facilities & Operations School Board Committee Mtg. @ 7 p.m. Kennywood Day Report Cards Mailed CO – School Board Meeting @ 7 p.m.

July 2004 5

Independence Day Observed – School District Offices Closed

2004-05 Proposed School Calendar Overview August 30–First Day For Students September 6–No School (Labor Day) November 25-26–No School (Thanksgiving recess) December 23-January 2–No School (Winter recess) 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

Summer 2004

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Around the Township

USC Citizens for Land Stewardship Jan Flickenstein

USC Citizens for Land Stewardship (CLS) is an all-volunteer, non-profit orga-

nization whose purpose is to encourage the careful conservation of Township lands and to foster an awareness of the importance of these natural resources for this and future generations. CLS was founded in 1996 and is now established as a leading voice on environmental issues in the Township. The organization sponsors programs and projects that encourage the preservation of greenspace and improvement of water quality within the community. Hands-on and fun, these events leave participants with a new perspective about where they live and work and an increased awareness of the natural resources that exist close to home. As with other organizations in the Township, CLS relies on the commitment and dedication of volunteers. Its board and membership have advanced numerous initiatives and created an impressive record of accomplishments in their seven short years. Here’s an overview of CLS’s key accomplishments. • CLS was a leading advocate for the public process that forged the Boyce-Mayview Park Master Plan. This process fostered open discussion about the needs of residents and recognized a strong desire within the community to preserve the natural beauty and diverse habitats of the Boyce-Mayview property. The resulting Master Plan forged by consultants Wallace, Roberts & Todd laid out a broad concept of how the park would be structured. As a keystone of the plan, a set of guiding principles was created that defined how “green” development would proceed. • For the next phase of planning for BoyceMayview, CLS endorsed the completion of a pre-schematic plan to add details to the broad concepts of the Master Plan. Upper St. Clair continued its commitment to the Boyce-Mayview planning process and with the pre-schematic plan now completed, 2004 promises to be a busy year at Boyce-Mayview as work begins on trail construction and development of interpretive signage. • CLS helped to create a sound conceptual framework for the Regional Environmental Education Center (EEC) through a period of intense work on the Project Development Committee. Now, with a guiding board, infrastructure, and permanent and interim facilities in place, the EEC is slated to begin environmental education programs in 2004.

kinglly n i Th ba Glo

Ac Loc ting ally

• CLS forged a partnership with the Township to take advantage of state and federal grant funds available for watershed stewardship. It started with an idea for addressing some of the challenging problems of erosion and water quality in the McLaughlin Run watershed and evolved into a series of stream restoration and monitoring projects that continue today. Projects completed to date include an extensive watershed assessment study produced by consultants Skelly & Loy, stream bank fencing and restoration on the Gilfillan property, implementation of Fluvial Geomorphology (FGM) stream restoration techniques along McLaughlin Run (downstream of the municipal building), flow characteristic improvements of the small stream that runs behind Baker School, and ongoing water quality monitoring in the watershed. The Gilfillan and FGM restoration projects were honored with the 2001 Governor’s Award for Watershed Stewardship. FGM stream restoration along McLaughlin Run is scheduled to continue in spring 2004, and a number of other watershed stewardship projects are in various stages of development.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer Summer 2004 7070 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 2004

• In 2002, the alliance that CLS and the Allegheny Land Trust forged came to fruition with the purchase of almost 80 acres of floodplain property along Chartiers Creek. CLS helped to organize key publicity events and raise funds for the purchase of the property known as Wingfield Pines. The Trust continues work to improve the environmental quality of this community through its efforts to design and implement a remediation plan for the “abandoned mine drainage” water that surfaces on the property and flows into Chartiers Creek. • CLS worked to establish the Audubon Pittsburgh South Hills Bird Circle and is now its primary sponsor. CLS organizes two bird counts annually: the spring migratory count and the Christmas bird count. These outings are not only mentally and physically invigorating but provide valuable, scientifically sound data that is used by the Audubon Society to document migratory routes and assess population robustness. • In association with the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair, CLS organizes educational programs as part of the QUEST program. CLS QUEST courses thus far have focused on water quality issues, land management challenges, and “smart gardening.” (Watch for CLS QUEST courses aired on the USC cable channel, Cable 7, or borrow the videos from the Upper St. Clair Library.) • CLS recognizes the work of local environmental stewardship volunteers through the presentation of the Tracey Buckman Stewardship Award. This award, established in honor of founding president Tracey Buckman, may be awarded annually to an individual or organization whose efforts have provided a significant positive impact related to the CLS purpose. “Thinking globally and acting locally,” CLS strives to raise awareness of local environmental stewardship issues and to provide opportunities to participate in activities that promote harmony between people and nature. Want to get your hands dirty? Join us for RiverSweep stream cleanup day. Want to get your feet moving? Join us for a hike. Want to learn more about our current activities and opportunities? Visit our web site at www.usccls.org. CLS welcomes members and appreciates volunteers. Won’t you join us?

Upper St. Clair Township Football Team Champions

Teamed up to serve you with 25 years of experience

The six- to seven-year old Township football team of the Upper St. Clair Athletic Association had an undefeated season with a 10-0 record. The team ended their fall playoff season with a championship 19-0 win over Peters Township. Congratulations to the boys and their families.

Bonnie

Marlene

Bonnie Detwiler ext. 158 Marlene McNaughton ex. 122 Front row, left to right: Braden Kaib (#61), Joe Repischak (#21), Benjamin Huss (#55), Joseph Pateras (#62), Cole Zakis (#24), Zack Morris (#66), Jordan Conn (#11), Eric Baumann (#31); middle row: Andrew Bartusiak (#25), David Williams (#81), Benjamin Haus (#44), Morgan Lee (#75), Alex Hardwick (#68), Christian Kelly (#72), Michael McGuire (#15), McFerron Pope (#60), Thomas Steve (#10), Brendan O’Keefe (#23), Jesse Slinger (#76), Bradley Boyle (#64); back row: Dan Hardwick (assistant coach), Dan Repischak (assistant coach), Chris Lee (assistant coach), Eric Huss (assistant coach), Jeff Conn (head coach)

The ten- to 11-year old Township football team of the Upper St. Clair Athletic Association won the Greater 19 Youth Football League championship with a win over Keystone Oaks 20-0. Their overall season record was nine wins and one loss. Congratulations to the players and their families.

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Steven, and I left Pittsburgh, a very chilly five degrees. Only two and a half hours later we were in West Palm Beach, Florida, on a trip to see my sister with a little business on the side. Steven had a trade show in Miami to attend and we surrounded that event with David Goodman, Ann people, places and things. Walking outside Kravitz, Hari Goodman, Sky Albert the terminal, sunshine with temperatures in the low 70s greeted us. On our first day, after doing a little close friends. Howie, Lee and Jimmy were catching up, we went out for dinner and ushers in our wedding. About three months took in a play at a small community the- ago Howie contacted Lee from a random ater. For our second day, my brother-in-law, search on the Internet. As a result the two of Arthur, and my sister, Sky, prepared lunch them ended up reuniting. Lee’s reunion with and our cousin Hari, formerly known as Howie inspired Steven to call him as well. Harriet, formerly known as Puddy and Howie and Iris moved to Florida two and her husband, David, joined us. Hari and a half years ago from Long Island. Howie, my sister are just two years apart so they an outgoing, contented guy was the catalyst shared special visits growing up. That was for arranging the first date for my honey the Puddy stage of her life. and me. Jimmy was with Steven at the first I worked for Harriet’s company in 1967 moment we laid eyes upon each other, but as a co-op student from Drexel University. it was Howie who got us together. Howie We traveled by train from New Jersey to stood with his arms around the both of us Philadelphia together—a 45-minute ride and asked us what day would be convenient five days a week for six months. We became for a date. After some discussion, the date very close. It was wonderful to see David was set for January 30, 1966. and Hari and share pictures and news of Freshman year of college… it doesn’t children and grandchildren. Interesting I get much better than that. You look your thought, that these two women, aged 66 best, your brain is sharp and your fuand 68, had both changed their names. My ture is waiting before sister, born Sandra you. You’re on your Toby Snyder, marown and life is a fresh ried and became new journal in which Sandy Silverman. to record all that is to In 2002 she became be. In 1966 the boys I Sky Albert (the Sky knew were filled with part added in 1999). raging hormones and After becoming widthe girls were expert owed in 1998 she felt in the art of flirtthat the “sky” was ing. In the student the limit in facing this lounge the windows new phase of her life. were steamy from Kravitz en ev St n, bi At a young 56, I’m still all that heat. It was Howie Cor using my same name. a time for us when Vietnam was Sunday night, after spending such a a far away place that was just beginning to delightful day with my cousins, Steven and dwell in our collective consciousness. As I had dinner with Howie and Iris Corbin. we came closer to graduation it began to Friends… those very special people who mean much more. But I digress. love you no matter where you are in the We met at a restaurant in Boynton Beach, time-space continuum. Howie is one of seeing Howie and Iris for the first time in three brothers of Tau Epsilon Phi Fraternity 33 years. We had spoken on the phone only from Drexel University who Steven considers maybe once or twice in all that time. From

Summer 2004

the moment they walked into the restaurant, the years melted away and we easily picked up from when we last parted. The week continued pleasantly from walks with my sister, to reading and just relaxing. On Wednesday morning Steven and I drove down to Miami to set up his booth for the show. I hadn’t spent any time in Miami since I was five years old, and I was looking forward to seeing it as an adult. We checked into our hotel and I was hoping for a scenic window, perhaps looking out toward Miami Beach. Instead we overlooked a construction site 26 floors below us. There were four huge cranes just outside our window and I glanced down to see what was going on. There was lots of hustle and

about five minutes to climb to the top. I watched the sun come up over the horizon and by then the men were already at work. I couldn’t take my eyes off the project. The first job that caught my attention was the crane unloading and transporting construction materials from a flatbed truck onto the site. A bulldozer was smoothing over the ground that had become rutted and filled with water because this was the current major thoroughfare from one end of the project to the other. Soil and rocks were being delivered to fill in the areas around the support structures and an excavator was carrying them onto each location. There was a hubbub of small group activities throughout the

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The construction site view from Chopin Plaza, The Hotel Intercontinental

bustle and I could see the crane operators in their cabs. I wondered how they got all the way up there from the ground. The next day and a half was mine alone to do any of the things that tourists do. I read all the tour books that first night and planned a few things for myself. I woke up at 6:45 a.m. and looked out of the window. It was still dark and there were two men on one of the cranes installing a light to illuminate the ground at the bottom of the crane. I congratulated myself on my good fortune. Now I would have the answer to my question. I could wait and see for myself, I thought, how they got to the top. To my amazement it was as simple as a ladder through the middle. When I first saw the cranes the day before, I was sure the men were dropped off each morning by helicopter. How else could they reach such heights without an elevator? It only took them

construction site. This certainly gives new meaning to “Bob the Builder,” I thought, and wished my small grandson could be watching the activity beside me. After making a pot of coffee, I continued to watch. To my wonder, a hawk was flying just a floor or two under my window and I was able to observe his flight from above—close enough to see the color of his feathers. There were tugboats guiding larger vessels from the Miami River out to Biscayne Bay. There was a man rowing a kayak. It was with great difficulty that I tore myself away from that window. I thought I was going to see Miami through the eyes of an adult but instead, I saw it through the eyes of a child and it was awesome. It occurred to me that the morning had all the wonders of Disney World and I never left my room. Joy can be found in such unexpected places, and isn’t that great! Summer 2004

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

Real Estate Services

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

Are Sexually Transmitted Disease Rates Really on the Rise? Lori Szala, Pregnancy Resource Center Abstinence Program Director There has been much talk about how “safe-sex” programs

are decreasing the number of teen pregnancies and abortions across our nation. Backers of these programs are claiming that their classes are working. Yes, there has been a decrease in the number of teen pregnancies. In fact, in Pennsylvania in 1996, there were 27,130 births to females aged 15-19. That rate declined to 14,604 among the same age group in 1999. Abortion rates have also declined from 35,025 in Pennsylvania in 2001 to 33,502 in 2002. These numbers are showing us something, but what is it? While the above numbers are impressive, what is really going on behind the scenes? There is a lot of information that is being left out of these debates. For one, STD rates continue to climb to epidemic levels. Why? Because condoms don’t protect from many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Did you know that… • One in four teenagers is living with a STD. • Human Papillomavirus (HPV), also known as genital warts, has 5.5 million new infections each year. • There are about 80 different strands of the HPV virus and some of those strands cause cervical cancer in women. • Greater than 50% of sexually active adolescents are infected with Chlamydia and the majority of those infected have no symptoms and are not getting treatment. • Gonorrhea has an estimated 650,000 cases each year and has the highest rates among females age 15 to 19. • Syphilis is making a comeback. There were 6103 cases reported in 2001. • Trichomoniasis has an estimated five million new cases each year. • Hepatitis B has 78,000 new infections each year, and with Hepatitis C there are 3.9 million Americans infected. • Forty five million Americans, age 12 and older are testing positive for Herpes 2. • Syphilis, Gonorrhea and Herpes 1 and 2 are being spread through oral sex. • HIV and AIDS causes 13,000 new infections each day worldwide and is highest among 15- to 19-year olds. So how do we effectively educate our youth? ABC is the answer. Abstinence prior to marriage. Be faithful after marriage. Change behavior. This is the message that abstinence-until-marriage educators are bringing into the public schools and this is the message that is causing the decline in teen pregnancy rates and abortions. The problem still remains as safe-sex programs continue to reach the minds of our youth. Hearing that message is causing the increase of STDs. We need to change that message and change what is being taught to our youth. Then we will begin to also see a decline in STD rates. This is being proven in Africa. The ABCs have been taught in Africa and are reducing the number of HIV infections, and, therefore, life expectancy is increasing. Since the ABC program began in Uganda (1991-2002) there has been a decline in HIV prevalence from 21 to six percent. Premarital sex among young males has decreased from 60% in 1989 to 23% in 1995. And among young 74

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females, HIV declined from 23% in 1989 to nine percent in 1995. These numbers will help raise the life expectancy rate from age 44 to age 68. What a difference ABC is making! Now we need this message to reach more young people worldwide. Parents, talk with your teenagers about sex. Don’t put it off any longer. Today is a very different day from when we were teenagers. Pressures are greater for teens as well as for parents. Are you equipped to handle the pressure? Are your teens and pre-teens equipped? How do we, as parents, become equipped? • • • • • • • • • •

Be informed. Explain the risks. Be committed to the message. Stress the rewards. Be there for them. Build self-esteem. Talk about relationships. Establish rules and boundaries. Teach refusal skills. Practice unconditional love.

We need to stay focused on what is best for our kids. Decide for yourself what that is and then do whatever it takes to protect them. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. Protect your children from the negative consequences. How can you help? Talk to your churches, schools and parent groups about abstinence-until-marriage programs. Let them know what needs to happen to change the future for our youth. The Pregnancy Resource Center (PRC) offers a one-hour parents program that educates parents on how to bridge the communication gap with their teens. The PRC also offers an abstinence program called, “in the kNOw” for high schools and middle schools. These free programs help parents and schools encourage our youth to choose abstinence until marriage. For more information about the PRC’s programs, or if you have a name of someone you would like us to contact, call 412-833-1772. The PRC’s hours of operation are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 1 to 9 p.m. Pregnancy, abortion and sexually transmitted statistics were gathered from the following sources: American Social Health Association: STD’s in America, December 1998 National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institute of Health: Fact Sheet: An Introduction to Sexually Transmitted Diseases, July 1999 Alan Guttmacher Institute: Sex and America’s Teenagers, 1994 Pennsylvania Records for Vital Statistics, www.pa.state.gov/vitalrecords

Knowing Our Neighborhoods Westminster Manor Jean Brown

Westminster Manor was Espy Farm

before being purchased by Alexander Gilfillan (1857-1934) and rented to a cattle farmer. After the Gilfillans sold 25 acres to the Upper St. Clair School District in 1960, the cattle farmer moved his herd north to his father’s farm and the property was sold to Westminster Manor, a limited partnership. Grading and road construction began in 1961 and was to be developed in five phases. This later extended to an eightphase development. Five undeveloped lots, along with the property between Blairmont Drive and Washington Road, were sold to the School District. Devonwood Drive and a section of Hycroft Drive were the first streets in the development and were the first in the Township to require sidewalks, lamp posts and underground utilities. House and landscape plans, with acceptable building materials, were required by

registered architects. The first house was built by “Ab” Young on Hycroft Drive for Donald and Jean Brown. Perry and Louise Dick built their home on a three-acre knoll next to the Browns. The last remaining lot in Westminster Manor was sold in 2001. New homes in Westminster brought new families with many children who walked to Eisenhower Grade School, Fort Couch Junior High School and the newly opened Upper St. Clair High School. The children played outside most of the year, the dogs and cats ran free—all roaming the 70 some undeveloped acres in search of childhood exploration. There was a basketball court and sled riding hill in the Brown’s backyard used by the entire neighborhood. Deceased birds, mice, squirrels and rabbits were given proper funerals in Mr. Whisker’s graveyard. Frisbee golf was the game of choice for the older boys and was played from one neighbor’s yard to another’s for a nine-hole game. In the late ’60s trampoline gymnastics became popular. One zealous young future filmmaker was always producing a neighborhood movie. Today this person films surgical procedures in a hospital operating room. Mail was delivered by a much loved postman, Henry Bier, who knew all our

names and our schedules. Mr. Guernsey delivered milk to the back door insulated boxes. At first, our newspaper was delivered by a young man on horseback. Years later, the newspaper was delivered by young children riding in a white Rolls Royce. Trash, first collected in cans in the backyard by private contractor, moved to the front curb by Township contract in red and white striped bags, two per week per household. The bags changed to orange and black before the current system went into effect. The adult men in the neighborhood reflected a cross-section of the business and professional world. Most mothers were at home during the day. Block parties were an annual event and continue to this day. The neighborhood children have become adults in the business and professional world, and some are homemakers. Some original residents remain in Westminster with pleasant memories of times gone by. Jean Brown is the president of the Upper St. Clair Historical Society. Jean was recently honored with the Bethel-St. Clair Rotary Club’s Volunteer of the Year award resulting from her service to the community.

USCommunicates How many times a day do you get interrupted by a phone

call from a telemarketer? If the answer is “Too many!” there’s a way to reduce the number of unwanted calls to your home. Register your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforce the National Do Not Call Registry. Registration is free. The federal rule mirrors Pennsylvania’s existing law in terms of who can and cannot call you. If you are enrolled on Pennsylvania’s Do Not Call List, you are protected from unwanted telemarketing calls and you do not need to re-register.

Persons or entities making telephone solicitation calls to others must be aware of and in compliance with the National Do Not Call Registry requirements as set forth in 47 C.F.R. SS64.1200 and 16 C.F.R. Part 310. For more information, or to register or revoke registrations on the list, call toll-free at 1-888-382-1222 (TTY 1-866-290-4236) from the number you wish to register. You can also register online at www.donotcall.gov.

Summer 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Happenings Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation Tours When out-of-town guests come to visit, do you find yourself not knowing much about your fair city? It’s time to get to know Pittsburgh and you can do it by choosing any one or all of the six tours made available through the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation this season. • A Spring Visit to Homestead Saturday, May 22, 1:30–6p.m.

Woman’s Club of Upper St. Clair Tour of Homes and Gardens

• Weekly Downtown Walking Tours Wednesdays, June 2–September 29, noon to 1 p.m.

The Woman’s Club of USC is hosting a tour of homes and gardens and a boutique sale on Friday, May 21. Gather your friends, welcome spring and explore a gallery of distinctive homes. Homes and gardens located in Upper St. Clair, Peters Township and South Fayette will be featured from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. A specialty boutique and luncheon, provided by Legends on the Green, will be held at the Woman’s Clubhouse, located at 2451 Edgewood Drive from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Woman’s Club of USC and the Light of Life Rescue Mission, a non-denominational mission dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of homeless and nearly homeless men, women and children at no charge and without regard to race, color or nationality. Tickets for the tour, boutique and luncheon can be obtained in advance by calling 412-835-9607 or completing and mailing the order form below. Tickets will also be available the day of the tour at the clubhouse.

• Woodland Road Walking Tour Saturday, June 12, 2–4:30 p.m.

Mail in order form with payment and a self-addressed stamped standard envelope to: Woman’s Club of Upper St. Clair P.O. Box 12601, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Tour of Homes only Qty: ______ x $20 = $ ______ Luncheon and Boutiques Qty: ______ x $8 = $ ______ Tour, Lunch and Boutiques Qty: ______ x $25 = $ ______ Checks made payable to: Woman’s Club of USC Total due: $ __________ Name: ______________________ Phone: ______________ Address: __________________________________________ __________________________________________________

Jewish Community Center of South Hills Health Fair Sunday, May 23, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. (free)—Attend the fair for fitness and massage demonstrations, wellness lectures, health screenings and a blood drive. Call 412-278-1975 for details.

St. Louise de Marillac Guild Garden Tour St. Lousie De Marillac Guild is sponsoring a garden tour on Sunday, July 11 from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the church and both Miller Hardware stores. Call 412-221-8792 or 724-356-4660 for more information. 76

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• Sacred Heart and Calvary Episcopal Church Walking Tour Sunday, June 13, 1:30–3:30 p.m. • A Walking Tour of Oakland Churches Tuesday, June 29, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. • An Evening at Longue Vue Country Club Monday, July 26, 5:30–8 p.m. For more information about the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, or to make reservations, phone 412-471-5808, extension 527 or email marylu@phlf.org. Inquire about tour fees and membership in the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation.

St. Clair Hospital Golf Outing The seventh annual St. Clair Hospital Golf Classic is scheduled for Sunday, July 18 at the Hilton Garden Inn, Southpointe, and Monday, July 19 at St. Clair Country Club. All proceeds from this event benefit St. Clair Hospital’s building and capital campaign projects. This year’s event commemorates the hospital’s celebration of its 50-year anniversary. For more information contact the St. Clair Hospital Foundation at 412-344-6600, extension 2465 or visit the website at www.stclair.org.

Family Hospice and Palliative Care Provides Speakers and Services Family Hospice and Palliative Care Speakers’ Bureau can provide programs for your club, neighborhood group and church or synagogue group. Possible topics include the philosophy of hospice care and grief and loss. Call 412-572-8809 to arrange for a speaker. Hospice services are also available to those with a life-limiting illness. Family Hospice and Palliative Care provides physical, emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families. Call 412-572-8800 for more information.

Upper St. Clair-Bethel Park Rotary—Service Above Self

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Left to right: Ford Parker (Camp Kon-O-Kwee), Tammy Giglotti, Michael Giglotti, Natalie Schwoeble (Early Learning Institute), Susan Hicks (2003-04 Upper St. Clair-Bethel Park Rotary vice president and event chair), Robert Hackett (2003-04 Upper St. Clair-Bethel Park Rotary president) and Matt Giglotti

The Upper St. Clair-Bethel Park Breakfast Rotary Club held a

Celebration of Giving at Valley Brook Country Club this past February. Presentations were made to the following organizations: South Hills Interfaith Ministries (SHIM), Camp Kon-O-Kwee/ Camp Spencer, Southwinds, Inc., YMCA Camp AIM, Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh, Wesley Institute, Mission for Haiti’s Children, Appalachian Work Camp and the International Rotary Foundation. Additionally, a very special contribution was made in the name of former fellow Rotarian, Michael A. Giglotti, who passed away last year. Throughout Michael’s life, he followed the Rotary motto of “service above self.” His commitment to helping special needs children was evident through his work with Camp Kon-O-Kwee and at the Early Learning Institute. The Michael A. Giglotti Scholarship each year will pay for two former students of the Early Learning Institute to attend

one of the special camping weeks at Camp Kon-O-Kwee. Michael’s wife, Tammy, and sons, Michael and Matt, were at the Rotary’s February celebration to dedicate this special scholarship. The object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the committee to service. Rotarians throughout the world serve others by giving freely of their time, talent and resources while setting high ethical standards in their personal, business and community lives. Over $25,000 was raised last fall during the Upper St. Clair-Bethel Park Breakfast Rotary Club’s annual chicken barbeque. Since the club’s inception 16 years ago, more than $300,000 has been raised to benefit individuals and organizations in need. This year, the chicken barbeque fundraising event will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on October 2. Call 412-833-7753 or 412-835-2036 for barbeque tickets or for membership details.

Junior Woman’s Club Capture the Power of the 21st Century Woman Are you a working woman? A

homemaker? Expand your circle of connections. Join us for a fresh perspective on networking offered through the Woman’s Club of Upper St. Clair. Learn how to showcase your business in ten minutes, create a one-minute infomercial, dress for success and more. The group meets once a month for a special program geared at helping women to improve their skills and to make new connections. Non-members

are welcome to attend. Diane Scabilloni and Rebecca Kroll are the coordinators of the group. Meet women from a variety of backgrounds including interior design, home health care, virtual business solutions, insurance, marketing communications, advertising sales, software design and sales, travel, professional volunteers and more. Call the Woman’s Club of Upper St. Clair at 412-835-9607 for more information. Summer 2004

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The Skies Above Us Dennis Fisher

My past articles in the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY have dis-

cussed what can be seen and how to look for things in the sky. Anyone can see things in the sky. It takes a special degree of dedication (and lunacy) though to take this one step further and photograph things as well. However, it is well worth the effort because the human eye cannot always see the colors that the camera can detect on many of the deep sky objects visible to us. This article will discuss the various methods for performing the art of astrophotography. Before we get into this, a brief update on upcoming celestial events. Venus will be making a transit across the sun that will be visible here on Earth for the first time since 1882. The transit will occur on June 8 between 7 and 7:25 a.m. In order to view this marvel or look at it with any optical device, special care must be taken. The sun will burn out the optics in a telescope or binoculars and it will cause permanent eye damage just by looking at it directly. Never look at the sun directly without a very dark filter and never point a telescope at it without a special solar filter. There are also several comets in the area now coming up from the south that will be visible to the naked eye. For those of you who remember Comet Hale-Bopp a few years ago, you may remember how stunning a sight that was. Not much data is available on these comets yet, but keep an eye out in the southern sky. Astrophotography takes time and patience. In many cases it also requires extensive brain surgery because you need to be about half nuts to get into this aspect of the hobby. I have spent many nights outdoors in the winter when it was five degrees just to get a picture of something in the winter skies. Sometimes they turn out and sometimes they do not. Astrophotography can be done with either a digital camera or a standard 35 mm film camera. I do not own a good digital camera so my experience is limited in this area. I do know that digital camera exposure times are different and the heat that the camera’s charged-coupled device (CCD) chip generates can greatly affect the outcome of the picture and needs to be compensated for. I will limit this discussion to film photography. Before a single picture is taken, I will offer these tips, most of which I have found out the hard way. 1. Make sure there is film in the camera and it is properly loaded. 2. Keep a log book of all the pictures you take, recording the time, date, subject, photography method, camera settings and exposure times. 3. Use a remote cable release to fire off the shutter button. 4. Be aware of your surroundings so that your chair does not tip over a hill or you take the chance of bumping the tripod. 5. Dress appropriately for the temperature. 6. Use short quantity rolls (I use 12 exposure) so it doesn’t take forever to use a roll. With the clouds around here, you could go for weeks without getting out and the item that is on the roll may move out of your line of sight by the time you finish a 24- or 36-exposure roll. 7. Make sure the lens cap is off. 78

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8. Get the film developed locally by a reputable photo shop. Mail order services and “snapshot” developers just run the film through a machine automatically and will likely see mostly dark with some of these pictures and not print them. You need to see all the shots, even the bad ones to learn from your mistakes. You therefore need to talk face to face with a person before getting your film developed. 9. Check the sky in all directions for clouds. If you see any, use judgment before going to all the trouble of setting up and going out. 10. Again, make sure there is film in the camera! You may laugh at some of these tips, but they should be kept in mind. A friend of mine went out one night and shot off six pictures over the course of several hours only to come back inside his house to find the roll of film sitting on the kitchen table. There are three basic methods of astrophotography: short exposures on a tripod, piggyback on a scope and through the actual scope lens. These three methods are listed in order of increasing difficulty and should be tried in that order to gain a mastery of the methods. The type of object you photograph will also govern your success rate. Deep sky objects are much more difficult than larger more visible objects. The suggested setups and some results are as follows:

Camera On Tripod Method This is by far the easiest method for night photography. The tripod is necessary to keep the camera steady and allow you a degree of comfort while taking pictures. You can set up a lawn chair and look up through the viewfinder with a certain degree of comfort while taking the picture. Since you are just using the lens on the camera, your field of view is generally pretty wide. This is good because the earth’s movement causes objects in the sky to not stay in one place. Using the camera lens (a 50 mm lens is pretty good for most of this), photographs of some of the larger, brighter constellations are not too difCamera on tripod setup ficult. Exposure times need to be kept short (less than five minutes) in order to prevent “star streaks” which occur because of the Earth’s rotation. This streaking will still occur on some of these exposures but the wide-angle view of the 50 mm lens will be fairly forgiving and the streaks will not show up too prominently. One thing to keep in mind in this method is that the screen and mirror arrangement in many 35 mm cameras is somewhat dark and you will not be able to see much through the lens. Set the focus at infinity and point it in the general direction of the constellation. You will be surprised at what you can capture.

Through The Lens Method

Constellation Orion

Piggyback Method The previous method was fairly easy and generally result rewarding. However, that is only the beginning. Longer exposures require a telescope with tracking capabilities to “follow” the object across the sky. This will eliminate the star streaking problem and allow you to take exposure times that are limited only by your own endurance and patience. Piggybacking involves securing a camera (or another scope attached to a camera) and following a “guide star” with the main telescope while the piggyback device is taking the picture. The viewer must keep the guide star centered in the telescope eyepiece (usually with a crosshair) for the duration of the shot. The remote Camera on Piggyback cable can be set to keep the lens aperture open during the shot. This method will allow long exposure times to get better constellation shots and pictures of things like star clusters, nebulas and galaxies (depending on the power of the lens on the camera, of course).

Saturn (courtesy A. Vergot)

This can be the most difficult of the three main methods. It involves attaching the camera directly to the scope and taking the picture through the main scope’s mirror and lens. Since the drive motors on most amateur telescopes today are not 100% perfect, this method allows some errors to occur. Perfect tracking is required in order to keep the subject in the field of view. Any deviation will result in streaks and ruin the picture. This method is not without its rewards. For instance, since the sun is so large and bright, it can be Camera mounted directly to main scope photographed with this method using fairly short exposure times (1/250th of a second to about 1/500th of a second with a special filter). These exposure times are short enough to not cause any real problem with tracking.

Sun photographed thr ough the lens of main

Spiral galaxy M51

scope with special filter

in gh the lens of the ma photographed throu t) (courtesy A. Vergo

scope

Rest assured that it takes time, patience and lots of lost film to get the hang of this aspect of astronomy. Once you do, however, the results can be astounding!

Great Orion (courtesy A Nebula . Vergot)

Comments can be sent to Dennis Fisher at darkskyfish@hotmail.com. More of Adrian Vergot’s work can be seen on his website: www.compsci.duq.edu/~vergot/astronomy. Summer 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

USC Profiles Arun Bose, a physical

scientist and senior project manager at the United States Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), recently received a patent title “Method to remove ammonia using a proton-conducting ceramic membrane.” The method decomposes ammonia present in the fuel gas produced during coal gasification. The invention overcomes several limitations of the prior art, driving ammonia decompositions to nearly its theoretical completion limit. When fuel gas is burned in a turbine to produce electricity, ammonia is readily converted to nitrogen oxides (NOx). NOx is a precursor to acid rain and its

Jack

atmospheric emission is regulated. The invention relates to the decomposition of ammonia in a catalyst-coated ceramic membrane reactor as a method to reduce NOx emissions from coal-fired power production systems using coal gasifiers. The catalyst decomposes the ammonia into nitrogen and hydrogen, and the hydrogen is removed continuously through the reactor wall for further use. This invention is an enabler for future clean, affordable and efficient coal gasification systems for producing electricity. “Hopefully, this invention will contribute new knowledge to overcoming a technical barrier towards deploying environmentally superior coal gasification systems,” Bose said. Bose, an employee of NETL for over 13 years, resides with his wife, Manidipa, and daughter, Monika.

Cindy Roche, RN has been promoted to the director of clinical

operations at Family Hospice and Palliative Care. She oversees all clinical staff in the four offices throughout Western Pennsylvania. Family Hospice and Palliative Care provides care and comfort to those with a life-threatening illness and their families. Cindy and her husband, Kevin, have two sons, Tommy (a freshman at Purdue University) and Sean (a freshman at USCHS).

Mascaro,

President and CEO of Mascaro Construction Company, was recently honored by the Arthritis Foundation, Western Pennsylvania Chapter for his outstanding contributions to the greater Pittsburgh community. Mascaro, a civil engineer, leads the multi-faceted regional general contracting, construction management and design/build firm. Mascaro Construction has grown to be one of Western Pennsylvania’s largest contracting firms. A recent Arthritis Foundation gala event held by the Pittsburgh chapter raised over $130,000 for programs and services. The foundation works to improve lives for people living with the chronic pain of arthritis—the nation’s number one cause of disability. More than 70 million Americans have one of the 100 or so types of arthritis. Over 300,000 children in this country are affected by this disease. Jack and his wife, Darlene, have three sons and four grandchildren.

Errata UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY • Spring 2004

Left to right: Judy and Sam Douglass with Douglas Muetzel, Wesley CEO and Daniel Findley, Wesley COO

Samuel Douglass, attorney with

Katelyn Laboon

Erika Spence-Polera

The “2003 Upper St. Clair Medallion Ball Honorees” article appearing on page 70 of the spring 2004 issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY did not include information on Medallion Ball honorees Katelyn Laboon and Erika Spence-Polera. Katelyn and Erika, along with 19 other Upper St. Clair honorees, were awarded the celebrated Joan of Arc Medallion for their commitment to volunteer service. 80

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2004

Rothman Gordon P.C., and his wife, Judith, are the 2004 recipients of the Wesley Institute Odyssey Volunteer Award. The award was presented to the couple at The Wesley Institute’s annual gala on March 6, 2004, at the Hilton Garden Inn at Southpointe. The Odyssey Volunteer award is presented to a volunteer(s) who emulates an outstanding commitment to the Wesley mission and commandeers the journey of working wonders for kids. Sam and Judy both have long been committed to improving the lives of children. They both served on Wesley’s Board of Trustees and Sam was president of the board for two terms. Judy also is a member of Wesley’s house tour committee. Sam is the former USC School District solicitor. Sam and Judy have four children and six grandchildren.

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SOIL pH Continued from page 50

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Newly Designed Upper St. Clair Afghan

beds, turf areas and garden beds to achieve the preferred acidity range for your plants. Most plants tolerate a pH range, but thrive and compete best at their preferred pH. Soil should not have the same pH throughout your property. Even if your garden has been productive for years, a soil test can be beneficial. It will provide you with a detailed analysis of the pH and nutrients most needed in your soil. A test kit will also provide directions for taking and mailing the sample. Results detailing recommended changes will arrive in about two weeks from date of mailing. Soil pH can be changed with the addition of lime or sulfur. Don’t be the unhappy homeowner who spends bushels of money on lawn or garden fertilizer only to have it “locked up” in the soil particles and never reach the plants. Homeowners who invest in the soil test can grow a better lawn or garden and frequently save money. So, what’s your pH?

An afghan to fit your needs—the newly designed Upper

Soil tests are available from the Penn State Cooperative Extension service, 400 N. Lexington St., Pittsburgh, PA 15208 for $6. If you send a check for $6.50 for each kit, they will mail the kits directly to you. For questions concerning soil test interpretation or other advice call Penn State Cooperative at 412-473-2540. Last year Penn State tested over 9000 samples.

Email address: __________________________________

St. Clair afghan is perfect for those breezy summer evenings, or as a second layer for those chilly fall football games. The 50” x 65” afghan in red, black and white sports new graphics and costs only $45. Order one today for yourself, for that special graduate, for a gift, or maybe for all three! Make check payable to: Upper St. Clair PTA Council and mail to Beth Hornak at 2368 Mill Grove Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241. Name: ________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________ _______________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________ Preferred school for pickup: _______________________ Number of afghans @ $45 each: _____ Total $: ________ Check #: _____________

Summer 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Advertiser Index Advertiser

Page

A Slight Indulgence ............................................................................................. 21 Alcorn Christie Insurance Agency ......................................................................... 7 * Angelo Associates, Inc. ...................................................................................... 50 * ARAMARK ........................................................................................................... 65 Asbury Heights ................................................................................................... 11 * Bedner’s Farm Market ......................................................................................... 51 Benichopsticks Chinese & Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar .......................... 37 * Blackstone Fine Jewelers ...................................................................................... 1 Brenlove Real Estate Management ........................................................................ 7 * Café Georgio’s .................................................................................................... 36 * Calabro Tire & Auto Service ............................................................................... 21 * Carlson Wagonlit Travel ...................................................................................... 42 Cathy Davin Interior Design ................................................................................ 51 Changing Seasons .............................................................................................. 63 Churchill Real Estate Services ............................................................................ 29 * Clark Construction Company ............................................................................. 48 * Coffey Contracting Company .............................................................................. 48 * Coldwell Banker–Route 19 South/Galleria, USC, South Hills, Peters Twp. Offices ................................................. 38, 39, 40 * Coldwell Banker Real Estate, Inc. Corporate ..............................Back outside cover Coldwell Banker–Waterdam Farms ..................................................................... 21 * Cupelli & Cupelli, Drs. ....................................................................................... 69 Deckmasters Technologies ................................................................................. 51 European MASSAGE Therapy ............................................................................. 81 Ferry Electric Company ...................................................................................... 49 Franz, V. Steven, D.M.D. ..................................................................................... 67 * Gabler & Associates, P.C. ................................................................................... 59 Gateway Engineers ............................................................................................. 66 * George Girty Landscape Design ......................................................................... 50 Ghelarducci’s Garden Center .............................................................................. 77 * Gurecka, Joseph L. D.M.D., FAAHD ................................................................... 59 Gurtner, Steven M., D.M.D. and Gurtner, Maggie, D.M.D. .................................. 33 Harmon F. E., Inc. ............................................................................................... 73 Hefren-Tillotson, Inc. ............................................................................................ 9 * Henderson Brothers, Inc. .................................................................................... 54 * Herman J. Heyl Florist ........................................................................................ 69 * Howard Hanna Real Estate Services ............................................Front inside cover Howard Hanna–Maureen Cavanaugh ................................................................. 67 * Howard Hanna–Susan Highley ........................................................................... 55 * Howard Hanna–Diane Horvath ........................................................................... 29 Howard Hanna–Kathy McCloskey ...................................................................... 73 Jacksons Restaurant-Rotisserie-Bar ................................................................... 37 Jaro Interiors, Inc. .............................................................................................. 23 Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh ................................................ 63

Advertiser

Keller Williams–Sandy and Marshall Goldstein .................................................. 30 * Kerr Dentistry ..................................................................................................... 42 * Lesko Builders and Remodelers ......................................................................... 47 Louis Anthony Jewelers ...............................................................Back inside cover MAIN LINE II ........................................................................................................ 9 * Manalo, Larry E., D.M.D. .................................................................................... 43 Mellon Private Wealth Management Services ..................................................... 72 New Perspectives Counseling Center ................................................................. 77 Northwood Realty–Bonnie Detwiler and Marlene McNaughton .......................... 71 Oxford Mortgage, Inc.–David and Cheryl Bayne ................................................. 35 Petrelli & Sons, A., Inc. ...................................................................................... 46 Piccolina’s Restaurant ......................................................................................... 42 * Pinebridge Commons Associates ....................................................................... 42 Preferred Primary Care Physicians ..................................................................... 59 Premier Granite & Stone ..................................................................................... 83 * Prudential Preferred Realty–Route 19 South ......................................................... 2 Prudential Preferred Realty–Terry Abbott ............................................................ 35 * Prudential Preferred Realty–Judy Ward .............................................................. 57 * Regis McQuaide & Co. Master Remodelers, Inc. ................................................ 46 * Robin Richards Photography .............................................................................. 72 Rohrich Automotive Group ................................................................................. 71 Rollier’s Hardware ............................................................................................... 81 * Rusmur Floors .................................................................................................... 84 * Scott Bros. Windows and Doors ......................................................................... 46 * Sesame Inn ......................................................................................................... 36 * Silk Road Gourmet Chinese Restaurant .............................................................. 36 * South Hills Orthopaedic Surgery Associates, P.C. .............................................. 23 Southpointe Golf Club ........................................................................................ 83 St. Clair Fitness & Racquet Club ........................................................................ 21 * St. Clair Hospital .................................................................................................. 5 St. Clair Pointe ................................................................................... Cover, 12, 13 * State Farm Insurance–Cindy Brophy .................................................................. 43 Steel Valley Orthopedic Associates, Inc. ............................................................. 65 Studio 7 Salon .................................................................................................... 59 * Swing Line Windows, Inc. .................................................................................. 49 The Body Forum ................................................................................................. 23 The Classroom Restaurant .................................................................................. 36 The Spa at Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center ................................................. 81 The Thomas Studio of Performing Arts, Inc. ....................................................... 77 Valley Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. ............................................................... 51 Washington Mutual Home Loans–Andrea Twardy and Julia Zaitz ....................... 66 Wellington Real Estate–Patty Thomas ................................................................. 15 * You’re Invited ...................................................................................................... 23

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. 82

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2004

Page

Southpointe Golf Club where meetings meet...â&#x20AC;&#x153;successâ&#x20AC;?

Room Accommodations for

Golf Accommodations

Holiday Parties Weddings Rehearsals Bar Mitzvahs Bat Mitzvahs Graduations Christenings Catered Events also available

18 Hole Championship Golf Course to accommodate... Charitable Golf Events Corporate Golf Outings Member Golf Events Golf Clinics Jr. Golf Programs PGA Professional Staff eager to assist you. 724-746-6014

All your celebration needs... 724-746-6018

Meeting Accommodations

Memberships Available Corporate Memberships Master Memberships Social Memberships Associate Memberships Corporate Associate Memberships Where all your business and social needs are met and exceed your expectations. 724-746-6007

State of the Art Equipment & Setting Incredible Food and Challenging Golf From the Board Room to the Golf Course... Briefcase in one hand, Golf Bag in the other...Southpointe, where meetings meet...success!

360 Southpointe Blvd. Canonsburg, PA 15317 (724) 746-2950 www.southpointegolfclub.com

Summer 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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“You Stand On Our Good Name Every Day!” – SOUTH – – NORTH – – EAST – 500 Station Street 3230 Babcock Boulevard 2047 Golden Mile Hwy. Bridgeville, PA 15017 Pittsburgh, PA 15237 Pittsburgh, PA 15239 84(412)UPPER Summer 2004 221-6366ST. CLAIR TODAY (412) 364-7330 (724) 325-1900

– WEST – 996 Brodhead Road Moon Twp., PA 15108 (412) 262-4707

– WHITEHALL – 4720 Clairton Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15236 (412) 884-3600

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

Rolex,

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

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Check out these fabulous Upper St. Clair area homes! Point. Click. Builder showcase home! 2 sty mstr BR w/ loft BA & fplc, 2 sty FR w/ fl to ceiling windows, 4 BR, 3+2 BA, gamerm, 3 car gar! Janine Dillon 412-833-5405 $499,900

Move.

Stunning 4 BR, 2+2 BA Contemporary w/ abundance of windows & skylights, LR fplc, FR wet bar, den, 1st fl laundry, gamerm! Kathy Enick 412-344-0500 $419,000

Stone home on one acre wooded setting. Old World Charm, 4 BR, 4 BA, den, FR w/ stone fplc, well maintained! Cindy Demel 412-831-5555 $369,500

Spacious, updated colonial, 1st floor laundry, den or 5th BR, 3.5 BA, FR fireplace, gameroom plus workshop. Leigh Harkreader 412-344-0500 $319,900

Quality & spacious home on tabletop lot, 5 BR, 3.5 BA, 3 fplc, 2 gamerooms, hardwood floors, 2 covered porches. Allyson Fritz 412-831-5555 $299,900

Beautifully maintained on nice sized lot, 5 BR including spacious master suite with office, 3.5 BA, lots of updates & built-ins. Helen Richter Cramer 412-831-5555 $277,500

Immaculate all brick 2 sty colonial , hardwood floors throughout, 1st fl laundry, FR, fplc, great room sizes, covered deck. Kathi Kernan 412-344-0500 $275,000

Beautifully maintained home with many updates, 4 BR, 2.5 BA, familyroom fireplace, gameroom, lovely yard. Helen Moore 412-833-5405 $252,900

Inviting colonial, well maintained, beamed ceiling FR w/ fplc, hdwd fls, 3 BR, 2.5 BA, daylight gamerm, deck, patio. Sue Kelso 412-344-0500 $269,500

4 Lrg BR, 2 1/2 bath 2 sty col w/updated Oak eat-in kitchen opens to Fam Rm w/brick fp. 2 car attchd grg. Home Warranty Tade Bua-Bell 412-343-7711 $264,900

Super California ranch bright & open, walls of windows, 3 BR, 3 BA, familyroom, gameroom, deck overlooks double lot. Michelle Bonnar 412-833-5405 $195,000

Charming brick colonial, hardwood floors, French doors, FR, gamerm, 3 BR, 1+2 BA, large deck, move in condition. Edith Gidwani 412-344-0500 $179,000

Stone & frame Ranch with private back yard, Livingroom fireplace, gameroom fireplace, hardwood floors, one acre lot. Suzanne Sala 412-831-5555 $135,900

Custom home, 6 yrs young w/ complete in-law suite, 1st floor laundry, 5 BR, 3.5 BA, FR, gamerm, deck, on cul de sac. Jean Seiler 412-833-5405 $499,900

Need A Mortgage? We’ll Beat Any Lender’s Price Or Pay You $500.* Owned And Operated By NRT Incorporated.

Mt. Lebanon • 1-888-791-9079 • Peters Township • 1-888-791-9080 South Hills • 1-888-791-9082 • Upper St. Clair • 1-888-400-7965 *A customer must provide a complete, system generated Good Faith estimate, listing a specific lenderís name that is dated the same day as the rate quoted by us. If such Good Faith Estimate indicates an equivalent or lower interest rate and closing costs package, for the same loan program that is offered by us, and we have verified the accuracy of the rate and fees listed then we will have the option of beating that lenderís total loan costs by $100 or paying the customer $500 when they close with that lender and provide us with a copy of the signed Note and Final HUD-1 Settlement Statement.

1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

ECRWSS* CARRIER ROUTE

POSTAL CUSTOMER Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

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