WINTER 2004 by UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Magazine

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Winter 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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Pittsburgh, PA 15232

Winter 2004

• Volume 10

•

Issue 4

Features and Around the Township 12

Holocaust Memorial Garden Resident Lynn Rubin helps create a living garden.

Going, Going, Gone!

Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair Fundraiser

Medical Mission to Tanzania

“The Pride of Upper St. Clair” Panther Marching Band

Day tripping to Dargate Auction Galleries—I’m sold!

Cultural Corner—What’s Happening? Festivals, performances, dances—we’ve got it cornered.

The Marines Come to Upper St. Clair A Salute to America rally engages a speech on terrorism.

A Gift of Life One writer shares her “gift of life” story.

Township 30

Invite Your Library Home for the Holidays A list of books, CDs and videos to get you in the holiday mood.

Public Works Touches Your Life Every Day This department makes your life a little easier—day by day.

A Stunning Lineup of Activities at the Recreation Center So much to do. So little time. Get moving!

Vehicle Rescue… Basically Brian Reddecliff discusses vehicle rescue tactics performed by the USCVFD.

Tri-Community South Serves Our Township The annual subscription drive is underway to keep excellent service coming.

School District 55

Changes in Administration Upper St. Clair School District sees familiar faces in new positions.

School District Committees Establish Goals District initiatives are in place for school year 2004-05.

Astronaut Fincke, Phone Home! USC students talk to astronauts during space mission.

Halls of Fame Welcome Its 2004 Inductees USCHS honors 20—A night to celebrate!

Paw Prints—Highlights About Our Schools Read about our schools’ fall reviews and coming winter attractions.

Cover This cover of the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine features jewelry and gemstones from Citron Jewelers, South Hills Village and Century III Mall modeled by Upper St. Clair resident Sandy Boring. See pages 43 through 46 for Citron Jewelers advertisements and feature article. Cover photography by Bill Helinski of Envisions. Winter 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

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

Editors and Staff Linda M. Dudzinski, Editor-in-Chief Paul K. Fox, Managing Editor Cindy Kane, Township Associate Editor Terry Kish, School District Associate Editor Colleen DeMarco, Office Manager Lynn Dempsey, Advertising Nancy Beaulieu, Advertising Kathy Christie, Advertising Teri McMinn, Advertising 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 fortieth issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a joint

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

The fortieth 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.

School Board Directors

Township Board of Commissioners

David E. Bluey, President Angela B. Petersen, Vice President Barbara L. Bolas Russ Del Re Glenn Groninger Jeffrey W. Joyce Vicki A. McKenna 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 Spring 2005 issue and will be published in March 2005. 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.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 412-833-1600, extension 2284 Fax: 412-851-2592 School District: 412-833-1600 Township: 412-831-9000 Printed by Pentagon Printing Corporation 18 West Steuben Street • Pittsburgh, PA 15205 412-922-0422 • Fax: 412-922-2922 6

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2004

Deadline for articles and advertising for the Spring 2005 Issue is Monday, January 3, 2005. Article Information Editor Linda Dudzinski phone: 412-833-1600, extension 2681 (email: ldudzinski@uscsd.k12.pa.us) Advertising Information Office Manager Colleen DeMarco phone: 412-833-1600, extension 2284 (email: cdemarco@uscsd.k12.pa.us) Fax: 412-851-2592 Visit our Website:

www.twpusc.org/magazine/

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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

Dr. James D. Lombardo

Douglas A. Watkins

The Township and the School District of Upper St. Clair proudly present the 40th issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY—the winter edition. Memory… a lasting impression of a person or a special time in place… a moment, no matter how brief. As we enter this winter season, may the memories each of us bring forward be rooted in happiness. May we take this opportunity to surround ourselves with family and friends, making new and promising memories. This season, let’s also try to make a lasting impression (a memory, if you will) on someone new to us—perhaps a neighbor, a work associate or a peer we’ve yet to meet. Let’s share our good fortune and good nature, because we, the citizens of Upper St. Clair, have been blessed with much. Over the past ten years and since its first publication, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY has helped our community record many memories, steeped in the rich tradition of this great Township in which we live. We look forward to continuing with this tradition of sharing stories, photographs and memories of our people, our places and our things. If you have a memory to share—let us know by contacting the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine office at 412-833-1600, extension 2284. Be sure to turn to the gift guide on pages 16 and 17 for some great gift-giving ideas. Please support all of our advertisers who are here to serve you. The advertiser index on page 86 lists our advertisers alphabetically to make your search easier! Let them know you saw their ad in UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. We wish you health and happiness throughout this winter season and into the New Year, as you continue to make new and lasting memories. 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 8

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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

Winter 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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

Take Care With Holiday Charitable Contributions Senator John Pippy At this festive time of the year, ev-

eryone seems to be caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays. With so much going on, it’s sometimes easy to forget the true meaning of the season. Beyond the food, the lights and the gifts, the holidays, which fall during the coldest and darkest part of the year, should serve to remind us that hope and love are not only essential parts of our lives, but provide the light and the warmth that help us carry on. The holiday season is a time when many people share with others who are not as fortunate—through charitable contributions. And, unfortunately, it’s also a time when some “grinches” try to take advantage of that holiday spirit. The vast majority of Pennsylvania’s charities are law-abiding, highly ethical

organizations that provide many worthwhile services to people in need, but it is important to remember, especially during the holiday season, that there are some whose business practices and solicitation tactics are nothing less than criminal. Therefore it’s important for contributors to make informed decisions when they choose to give. Simply put, you should consider a charitable donation with the same care and diligence that you use for other purchases in your daily life. First, know your charity. Before you donate, ask for and read literature about the organization. Determine its goals and make sure you know how the money will be used. For instance, do you want your money to go to a charity that focuses on research, patient services or public education? These are important factors to consider.

Also, be aware that some disreputable charities use names and logos that are similar to those of respected charities in order to take advantage of someone else’s reputation. Don’t be fooled. Find out whom you’re really dealing with before you give. Just as importantly, look into the charity’s finances and programs. Ask how much of your donation goes toward actual services as opposed to fundraising and administrative expenses. Pennsylvania law says charities must, upon request, provide potential donors with a financial statement, including separate categories for program services, administrative costs and fundraising costs. Misrepresenting this information is illegal. Finally, keep in mind that Pennsylvania law requires most charities to register with the state’s Bureau of Charitable Organizations. To receive financial information about a particular organization, call the Bureau’s toll-free number at 1-800-732-0999. If you have doubts or suspect fraud or wrongdoing, contact the Office of Attorney General, Charitable Trusts and Organizations Section at 717-783-2853 or by email at www.attorneygeneral.gov. I know that I’m particularly grateful for the gifts of family and friendships and all of the support that my family and I received when I was serving in the military during the holidays last year. I’m looking forward to being home this year to celebrate with them and want to offer to all of you my best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a peaceful, prosperous New Year. 

L u m i n a r i a Luminaria has come to represent warmth, peace and friendliness in Upper St. Clair

and draws visitors from far and wide to enjoy our candlelit streets. Order by December 4. Delivery on December 11. Luminaria kits, including 12 candles, bags and sand, are $11. The luminaria sale is sponsored by the USC Band Parents Association. Proceeds benefit USCHS music department students. For more information call 412-835-2105 or visit www.uscbpa.org.

Luminaria Kit Order Form Name: ________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________ Zip: __________________________________________________________ Phone: _______________________________________________________ Number of kits _______ x $11 per kit = $ _______Total enclosed Make check payable to: USC Band Parents Association Mail to: USC Band Parents Association 2354 Rexford Drive, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 10

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2004

Thanksgiving Thoughts —Jay Walsh, Eisenhower School Custodian When you think about Thanksgiving, What do you think or feel? Do you think about the Pilgrims crossing, Or a great big delicious meal? Do you think about the huge heartaches, The Pilgrims had to endure, Or do you see your mom with tons of food, Coming out of the kitchen door? Do you think of the year 1620, Because it’s an important date, Or do you see mashed potatoes and gravy, Just dripping off your plate? Do you envision some hard-working people, With hands all cracked and dry, Or do you see globs of whipping cream, Covering up your pumpkin pie? Do you think about a brand new nation, Being built just for me and you, Or do you think there could be a chance Of getting another helping or two? I hope you’ll all think about giving thanks, In almost every possible way. You see, if it were not for those Pilgrims, There’d be no Thanksgiving Day.

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Asbury Heights †Operated by United Methodist Services for the Aging 700 Bower Hill Road • Pittsburgh, PA 15243-2040 www.asburyheights.org

Winter 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Temple Emanuel Dedicates Holocaust Memorial Garden Bill Labovitz Eva Kent doesn’t need the sky-blue

forget-me-nots to remember the Holocaust, but she hopes that the flowers will keep others from forgetting. Kent donated two dozen of the five-petalled flowers for planting in the Holocaust Memorial Garden at Temple Emanuel of South Hills, Mt. Lebanon. The garden, formally dedicated on August 15, was designed by Lynn Rubin of Upper St. Clair. The garden features hundreds of colorful and symbolic plantings, as well as two black granite benches inscribed with the word “remember” in English and Hebrew, an urn filled with soil from the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and a granite boulder engraved with the names of six concentration camps. In addition to the forget-me-nots, temple youths, board members, temple employees, Rubin and other volunteers planted all sorts of flowers, bushes and trees rich in meaning. The 32-by-16-foot garden in a new temple courtyard includes ramrod straight, red salvia flowers symbolizing prison bars; burning bushes; bleeding hearts representing pain, sorrow and death; and sweet potato vines symbolizing potatoes that Jews ate to survive, according to Rubin. “I don’t need the forget-me-nots to remind me. It’s been with me all these years,” said Kent, who fled Austria with her parents after Kristallnacht or “Crystal Night,” when Nazi storm troopers looted and destroyed synagogues and businesses, killing about 100 Jews and sending about 30,000 people to concentration camps in November 1938. “We all don’t want to forget what happened.” Kent, a long-time temple member, obtained many of the forget-me-nots back in 1988 from a close friend, the late Johanna Zimmerman, who also lived through Kristallnacht and was smuggled to Sweden. Zimmerman’s daughter, Lynn Rubin, designed the garden and was instrumental in making it a reality. About two years ago, Holocaust survivor and temple member Marga Randall approached Rubin with her dream of creating a memorial garden at the temple she 12

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Lynn Rubin describes the symbolism of each plant in the memorial garden.

attends. Randall hoped that the garden would be a tangible gift that she could leave as her legacy, Rubin said. Randall solicited more than $5000 in donations, enough to establish an ongoing charitable fund at the temple to support upkeep of the garden and courtyard, Rubin said. Randall also donated the soil to be buried in the urn, which she obtained on a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in Poland. For Rubin, the Holocaust Memorial Garden was an opportunity to capitalize on her multiple roles as a docent at the Holocaust Center of the United Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh in Squirrel Hill, a Pennsylvania State University master gardener and a member of the Temple Emanuel Board of Trustees. “My mother gave Eva [Kent] the flowers, Eva gave them to Temple and I planted them. It’s almost a full circle,” said Rubin. “As a gardener, one of the loveliest kinds of memorial is a garden. It’s a living memorial.” Like Rubin, Linda Hurwitz, the Holocaust Center executive director, said it was significant that the memorial is in the

Winter 2004

form of a garden that will bloom year after year. “It’s something that is living and growing and renewing itself,” Hurwitz said. “It tells us not to give up hope. The cycle of life for the Jewish people will never be destroyed.” Rubin said that she hopes the Holocaust Memorial Garden “will become a teaching garden, as well as a spot to quietly meditate, or simply to sit, read and take in the surroundings.” Churches and other synagogues in the area will be invited to visit the garden and to hold classes about the Holocaust, Rubin said. Rubin thanked area businesses for their support. South Hills Landscaping, Bellini Brothers Lawn & Garden Center, Bedner Farm Market and Jim Jenkins Lawn & Garden Center donated bushes, flowers and trees and performed preliminary landscaping work. Burton L. Hirsch Funeral Home donated the urn. Rubin also recognized members of Temple Emanuel for their “labor of love,” including Torah Center students Adam Handen and Michael Blattner of Upper St. Clair; Kyle Chizeck, Naomi Blaushild and Daniel Blaushild of Mt. Lebanon; and adults Janice Keilly, Lynn Mandel, Suzan Pore and Eva Kent. Temple Emanuel of South Hills is a Reform Jewish congregation with about 600 member families residing primarily in the southern and western suburbs of Pittsburgh. The congregation is served by Dr. Mark Joel Mahler, senior rabbi and Jessica Locketz, associate rabbi. Reva Schulman is executive director. Founded in 1951, Temple Emanuel completed a $3.6 million annex in 2003 that includes a new library, youth lounge, community room, sanctuary and additional classrooms. The temple offers an extensive religious school and a nursery school accepting children of all denominations that has been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the nation’s largest organization of early childhood educators. For more information call 412-279-7600 or visit the website at www.templeemanuelpgh.org. 

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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

Marvin Hamlisch Visits Upper St Clair

Left to right: Marvin Hamlisch, Mariam Richardson, Linda and Harry Serene

Seafood provided the entrée, a delicious salmon selection. Benkovitz has offered to again provide the entrée selection for next year’s event. After dinner, Mr. Hamlisch and the dinner guests traveled to the Upper St. Clair High School Theatre to join other PSO enthusiasts, where Mr. Hamlisch conducted the PSO for a very memorable performance. The relationship that the Community Foundation maintains with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra travels back over ten years. In an effort to help with the inaugural launch of the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair

In a partnership between the Community

Foundation of Upper St Clair and The Almanac, a fundraiser was co-hosted by Dr. Harry and Linda Serene and Bill and Mariam Richardson for the benefit of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. This event was held on July 16 at the Upper St. Clair home of the Serenes. The guest of honor was Marvin Hamlisch, conductor of the PSO’s POP orchestra. A lovely dinner featuring recipes from the Flavours cookbook (itself a production of the CFUSC) was served to 30 guests who generously donated $500 a plate for the event. Mariam Richardson fashioned the dinner menu and provided the majority of the food. Benkovitz

Clockwise, starting from the left: Virginia Wright, Tom Wright, James Marsh, Nancy Kunkle, Matt Butterfield, Gordon Mathews, Jack Kunkle, Aleen Mathews

Left to right: Terry Cavanaugh, Rose Kutsenkow and Ann Gabler enjoy the wonderful food.

in 1993 and to lead communities to the PSO Outreach Program, the PSO performed a free concert. Over $54,000 was raised for that event. This year’s dinner and concert raised $26,000 for the PSO—$11,000 from the dinner and $15,000 from concert ticket sales. As a result of the success of this year’s summer program, another concert will be scheduled for July 2005. Look for details about another great Community Foundation event on the horizon and plan to be there!  Linda Serene is the Executive Director of the Board of Trustees for the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair. Mariam Richardson is a former trustee and past Chair of the CFUSC.

An Upcoming Event Fiddlesticks matinee concert at Upper St. Clair High School Theatre • Sunday, January 9, 2005, at 2:30 p.m. The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will be appearing with Fiddlesticks in this premiere outreach program. Additionally, a choral presentation from the three Upper St. Clair elementary schools will delight the audience. For more information, contact Celeste Acinapura by phone at 412-257-5682 or by email at cacinapura@adelphia.net or Peggy Snavely by phone at 412-833-4408 or by email at snavely3350@adelphia.net.

Going, Going, Gone!—A Day Trip Mary Lynne Spazok

Let’s go to an auction! Ask friends, rela-

tives and acquaintances to participate and more than likely the answer will be “No, absolutely not!” Replies include, “It’s too fast,” “I don’t know what to do,” or “How do I know I am not getting ripped off?” 14

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Well, Dargate Auction Galleries has taken the trepidation out of this experience. These day trippers learned quickly that the pre-show and real auction are quite exhilarating. Tim Murphy, manager of Dargate, is sincere, inviting and well versed. His gentle demeanor and genuine patience ensures both the veteran and novice an upbeat experience. Conveniently located at 214 North Lexington Avenue in Point Breeze, free parking is abundant. Enter into a bright, handicap-accessible exhibit area. At the showroom office you are greeted by smiling employees who graciously respond to all inquiries. Pre-auction viewings allow one to browse leisurely while making mental and written notes as needed. Great for off-site research, an

Winter 2004

Kathy Galbraith enters Dargate Galleries.

are fees and taxes that accrue at payment. A favorite event, especially for novice visitors, is the semi-annual warehouse sale. Leftovers include a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Low key, this event affords the first time buyer participation without anxiety. Internet bidding is excluded. The gallery prefers removal of merchandise immediately. For larger items however, alternate pick up days may be arranged. Dargate rest rooms are clean. Catered cuisine is available for purchase. Should you have an hour or so in between the bidding process, visit Construction Junction just around the corner. Trucks, vans and cars come and go with goods discounted 50 to 75% and more. Here, conservation through the reuse of building materials is the

easy-to-read merchandise catalog is for sale at a nominal fee. This purchase is worthwhile since “to be auctioned” items are featured on Dargate’s website through any computer Internet provider. Each event features varied commodities. For example, it may be an entire personal estate, high end art or a mélange. Porcelain, flatware, textiles, furniture, chandeliers and toys are categories that may interest you. I do have my favorite. Each piece of estate jewelry, which ranges from a contemporary diamond encrusted designer watch piece for a mere $5000 to art deco designs, piques my interest. By the way, the term “estate” does not necessarily mean old. Simply, it’s pre-owned. Be sure to take a jewelers loupe since goods are sold “as is.” A tape measure and small flashlight are suggested for investigation as well. At first you may feel self-conscious, but when you see potential bidders on their hands and knees examining merchandise, the anxiety dissipates. In the end, the preview is educational and a must for first-time bidders. Each sale item is assigned a code, which is invaluable since the event may last several days. If you wish to bid just once, check its code to see which day the item will be auctioned. If several items are in your bidding future, then multipleday attendance may be necessary. According to Tim, “If you’re not doing business on the Internet, then you’re not doing business.” Therefore, if you are computer literate, Internet bids are welcome. Management requires pre-registration per auction. Ask for details at the information desk. When registering, personal ID, such as a driver’s license, is required. Electrifying best describes the hustle and bustle of auction days. Early arrival and arranged seating assures a clear view of the PowerPoint presentation. Auctioneer Tim Murphy is visible and clearly enunciates bid amounts. Remember, most events include competitive Internet and phone bids. Should you be successful in the end, payment is by cash, pre-approved check or credit card. A key rule is not to be swept away in a bidding frenzy. Establish a budget or dollar limit ahead of time and stick with it. After all, there

goal. It features odd lots, artifacts and new stock overruns. It’s a helter-skelter treasure hunt with the proverbial pot of gold at the end. Continuing on, Henry Clay Frick’s Clayton Estate is a ten-minute or two-city block foot excursion. Stroll leisurely through the Frick Art Museum, delight at glamorous vintage transportation featured at the Car and Carriage Garage, then inhale the aura of the flora and fauna conservatory. Take pleasure in all of this for free. The Café at the Frick features delightful lunches at a moderate price with a glorious view. Return to Dargate invigorated. Western Pennsylvania offers a plethora of first-class chattels. Citizens often keep their treasures for a lifetime. Oil and steel magnates, industrious entrepreneurs and the conventional collector have left their mark. For instance, Tim Murphy recalls a most

Michael Walter, Dargate employee, invites bidders and browsers to enjoy homemade delectables.

fabulous attic find that caused frenzied demand. Pittsburgh artist Aaron Garson’s “Steel Mills at Night” was guesstimated to go for $500. When the gavel fell, the buyer paid $19,000. A Daniel Ridgeway Knight painting sold for $105,000 with a five-way bidding war. Historically speaking, Abraham Lincoln’s one sentence letter, summoning Salmon P. Chase (Lincoln’s Secretary of Treasury) after South Carolina seceded from the Union, sold for $54,000. Most exotic is a pair of bronze Mejii Period Nio Temple Guardians (69" high) once owned by the Coal Baron of America Josiah Thompson. Bidders from Cleveland and London, England, competed fiercely; but in the end, the London bidder was successful. Gitchy exotics include $2000 mischievous clay cat sculptures signed by Leesa McVey, sapphire and diamond encrusted Lorgnette Opera glasses for $16,000, or a vintage Mercedes in desperate need of devoted restoration. Can good fortune come to you? You bet! In summer

Auctioneer Tim Murphy

2004, a common suitcase was purchased at an Australian tag sale for $35. It was jam packed with Fab Four souvenirs. After authentication, Beatle mania will ensue for this savvy Beatles sleuth. Each visit to Dargate is an escapade. It isn’t unusual to see families at the preview. Youngsters should learn the value and quality of their heritage. Plan ahead by visiting Dargate’s website at www.dargate.com. Inquiries may be faxed to 412-371-0258 or telephone 412-362-3558. Pittsburgh’s premiere Dargate Gallery for Fine Art and Antiques is truly a delightful all-day trip! British Broadcasting airs the television show “Bargain Hunt” several times a week. “Cash in the Attic” enlightens the viewer as to potential unearthed treasures. Merchandise is similar to what you’ll recognize at any auction in the U.S. Experts offer valuable tips on bidding; potential shrewd buys as well as monumental losers. Keep in mind that trends do prevail. What was in vogue several years ago may now be passé. View these programs to develop savvy buyer and seller skills. After all, knowledge is power. Check the Pittsburgh Post Gazette and Tribune Review special interest sections Tuesdays for auction highlights. Other regional galleries include Constantine and Mayer, Three Rivers Auction Company, J.S. Dill Auction Galleries and Royal York Auction Gallery. 

Winter 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED WE BRING PEOPLE AND NATURE TOGETHER

Fine table linens, ceramics and gifts for the home from around the world.

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Winter 2004

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Winter 2004

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Books

By Local Author:

Jim O’Brien has two new books out just in time to add

them to your holiday shopping list. Lambert: The Man in the Middle is about Jack Lambert, the most popular member of the Pittsburgh Steelers from the glory days of the 70s. It shares stories about several people who’ve called Upper St. Clair “home” through the years, including Chuck Noll and assistant coaches Woody Widenhofer, George Perles, Dick Walker and Tom Moore. Players such as Mike Wagner, Andy Russell, Ray Mansfield and Steve Furness are also touched upon. With Love and Pride is a collection of stories written about the women in Jim O’Brien’s life: his mother, his mother-in-law, his wife, their two daughters, and his beloved female dog, Bailey. These two books, numbers 19 and 20, are Jim’s latest offerings in his “Pittsburgh Proud” series. The following excerpt from Jim gives a little insight into the books. Terry Bradshaw is better known on a national level, but Jack Lambert is a lock when it comes to being the favorite of fans from Western Pennsylvania and the tri-state area. For many, Lambert symbolizes

Choose the Library for Your Gift Guide

Create your own very special gifts from a warm heart and talented hands. Fun to make! Fun to give! Fun to receive! Special gifts are also available from the Upper St. Clair League for the Arts and Friends of the Library in the display cases at the Library. 18

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2004

Jim O’Brien

the spirit of the Steelers who won four Super Bowls in six years. Lambert doesn’t come back to Pittsburgh much anymore, preferring to spend time with his family about 45 miles away in the woods of Worthington, just east of Butler. So he’s a bit of a mystery man. I went to Worthington and to Lambert’s hometown of Mantua, Ohio, and to Canton, Ohio, where Lambert is enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame to find out more about him. I spoke to family, friends and former coaches and teammates to gain greater insight into this strange, sometimes mystifying man. Lambert likes his privacy and prefers to be left alone, so he didn’t personally cooperate in this project. Lambert is the heart of this book, but it’s also about some of the people whose company he kept; his friends and former teammates—adding much intrigue and interest. Their stories are compelling. This book goes back in time to find former linebackers, some who suited up for the Steelers in earlier years, and many who came out of the tri-state area to shine as linebackers elsewhere in the National Football League. Most fans are aware that many great quarterbacks came from this region, but in researching this book, frankly, I was surprised to discover how many great linebackers were produced here as well. I’ve been promising my women customers their own book for several years, and finally I’ve made good on that promise. With Love and Pride is a collection of stories I’ve written about the women in my family: my mother, my mother-in-law, my wife and our two daughters, and a beloved female dog named Bailey. This book is about my family, but I’ll bet it’s about your family as well. These women are portraits of a Pittsburgh family, but you’ll find familiar themes and events in their lives that relate to your family and your own experiences. It’s about births and deaths, triumphs and disappointments, schooldays, graduations, weddings, reunions, as well as the challenges posed by teenagers and elderly parents. There are smiles and tears.  Pittsburgh sports author Jim O’Brien was inducted into the U.S. Basketball Writers Hall of Fame in April 2003. He’s been a sportswriter for The Philadelphia Evening Bulletin, The Miami News, The New York Post and The Pittsburgh Press, a contributing columnist to The Sporting News, The Football News and Basketball Times, and editor of Street & Smith’s Basketball Yearbook. He continues to write a weekly column for The Almanac and The Valley Mirror. Jim has been married to Kathleen Churchman O’Brien for 37 years, and they have two daughters, Dr. Sarah O’Brien-Zirwas and Rebecca O’Brien. Jim and Kathleen reside in Upper St. Clair. Email inquiries to jbobrien@earthlink.net.

Do You Believe? —Jay Walsh

Continuing the Tradition

Bah! Humbug! I say on this Christmas Eve For I am that one boy who does not believe. I’m nine years old, I know what it’s about I’ve now come of age, I can figure things out. Sure I’ve sent my letter to good old Saint Nick I won’t tell my brother. That’s too mean a trick. I’ll allow him sweet dreams tonight in his head While I toss and turn in my own big boy’s bed. How foolish it is to imagine such a sight As a Santa with reindeer and sleigh in the night. Alighting on rooftops, all covered with snow Then with a big sack, down the chimney he’ll go. Now back to the rooftop, for his reindeer and sled To be guided by old Rudolph, with a nose oh so red. He can visit each home, all along his great way And be done before night-time turns into day. Ha! Ha! I do laugh. Do they think I’m a fool? I sure don’t believe. Let the little ones drool. Suddenly, from up above, there was such a clammer, I had goose bumps galore and my heart it did hammer. It can’t be, it can’t be, it must all be a dream “Have I been the dumb one?” I ask with a scream. I jumped out of my bed, I stood straight and tall Then I ran through the doorway and out in the hall. I descended the stairway, at such a quick pace Then I glued both my eyes on that old fireplace. Through the ashes and soot, someone came into sight A jolly round man with a beard fluffy white. This just cannot be. He is not really here. I stood there and watched with a heart full of fear. He began placing some packages under the tree For my parents, my brother, but none were for me.

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He filled only three stockings—mine he left bare. How can he do this? Does he think I don’t care? Then I recalled who it was that did not believe In the magic that happens on each Christmas Eve. I fell down on my knees then and I started to pray, Santa Claus, Santa Claus please don’t go away. I believe, I believe in each thing that is true, Give me one more chance. I will always love you. He had finished his task now and was ready to go. Then he stopped in his tracks. Why I don’t know. He left three more boxes, filled my sock to the brim, It was then that I knew how I trusted in him.

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He gave a nod of his head, as if he did agree Then he started his hard climb, back up the chimney. I rushed off to the window and I heard him say Merry Christmas Johnny! A Merry Christmas today!

Winter 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Cultural

Corner

Festival of Cultures

Sponsored by South Hills Interfaith Ministries

Music and dance from around the world will once again take the stage at Upper St. Clair High School on Saturday, November 13. Irish, Polynesian, Chinese, Israeli are just some of the cultures that will be represented in song and dance. Pittsburgh native and nationally recognized jazz guitarist Joe Negri will host the event. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and seniors. The festival begins at 7 p.m. in the High School Theatre. For more information, contact Barbara Houston, SHIM Program Director, at 412-854-9120.

River City Brass Band The River City Brass Band, America’s premiere brass band, announced its 2004-05 performance schedule. Listed below are the remaining four (of seven) 8 p.m. performances scheduled at Upper St. Clair High School. Other venues also holding the same concert programs, but on different dates, are North Allegheny Intermediate High School, The Palace Theatre in Greensburg, Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center in Johnstown, Gateway Middle School in Monroeville, Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland and Baldwin High School.

To Grandmother’s House We Go! Friday, December 3, 2004

From seasonal favorites to Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs this concert is filled with music that will have you reliving your favorite holiday memories.

Going “Pops” With The Mendelssohn Choir Tuesday, March 15, 2005

The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh blends with the velvety sound of the RCBB to offer a program selection featuring Broadway, Hollywood, pop music and opera.

Stardust

Tuesday, April 5, 2005

The elegant and romantic Big Band era, with the unforgettable music of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington and the Dorsey Brothers, is sure to please.

America’s Songwriters

Tuesday, May 10, 2005

This performance, which portrays our country’s rich tradition of music from stage, screen, television and radio, showcases the best American songwriters like Burt Bacharach, Stephen Sondheim, Alan Jay Lerner and Isaac Hayes. The River City Brass Band offers several buying choices. Single-priced tickets and subscriptions vary according to venue and seating options. Tickets may be purchased online at www.rcbb.com or by calling 1-800-292-7222 or 412-322-7222. 20

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2004

PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh An ambitious schedule, PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh has put together its 2004-05 season with seven wonderful productions.

On the Record

November 23-28, 2004—Benedum Center

This new family musical includes more than 50 of the most beloved songs ever written, from some of the most popular films ever made.

Oklahoma

December 28, 2004–January 2, 2005—Heinz Hall

This Rodgers and Hammerstein’s landmark show changed American music forever!

Oliver

February 1-6, 2005—Benedum Center

Lionel Bart’s magical musical springs to life many of Dicken’s greatest characters.

Matters of the Heart

February 8-20, 2005—Byham Theater

This brand new show stars Tony Award-winner Patti LuPone, who takes you on a musical journey about affairs, crimes and mysteries of the heart.

Big River, the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn March 8-13, 2005—Heinz Hall

This musical allows the audience to enjoy music and lyrics and uses deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing actors to perform each role in a synchronized ballet of speaking and signing.

Little Shop of Horrors

March 22-27, 2005—Heinz Hall

This production is a favorite “boy meets girl” and “plant eats world” phenomenon. Laughter, romance and horticulture combine for this spectacular new production.

Hairspray

April 12-24, 2005—Benedum Center

The Tony Award-winning musical and comedy is staged in the early 60s and jam-packed with tuneful new songs about a big girl with big dreams who has even bigger hair! PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh is sold as a seven-show season. For subscription information, call 412-456-1390 or visit online at www.pgharts.org/subscribe.

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Classical Mystery Tour—A Beatles Tribute Daniel Meyers, conductor PNC Pittsburgh Symphony Pops presents the reincarnation of The Fab Four on the Heinz Hall stage. Original members of the Broadway sensation Beatlemania perform live with the PSO for this wonderful tribute to the Beatles. Four concerts have been scheduled for this program, where more than 20 Beatles’ songs will be performed. Thursday, November 18—7:30 p.m. Friday, November 19—8 p.m. Saturday, November 20—8 p.m. Sunday matinee, November 21—2:30 p.m.

Mellon Grand Classics— Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, Rossini, Strauss Martin Haselbock, conductor Two shows will allow you to enjoy the Classics of these talented composers. Friday, November 26—8 p.m. Sunday matinee, November 28—2:30 p.m. Visit the website at www.pittsburghsymphony.org or call 412-392-4900 for ticket information.

Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra

The Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra performs on the following Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. in the USC High School Theatre: November 6, 2004 December 18, 2004 January 29, 2005 April 2, 2005 May 14, 2005 Tickets may be purchased at the door—adults $10, seniors $7. Students with valid ID and children are free. For more information, call 412-278-2326 or visit www.artsnet.org/pco.

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

2004-05 Season November 6, 2004 Valley Brook Country Club January 8, 2005 St. Clair Country Club March 5, 2005 Edgewood Country Club May 14, 2005 South Hills Country Club

Pittsburgh CLO’s A Musical Christmas Carol Pittsburgh CLO’s 13th annual holiday production, A Musical Christmas Carol, will delight audiences of all ages. Performances will run from December 10-22 at the Byham Theater. The story features classic characters, like Ebenezer Scrooge, and a wealth of yuletide melodies. Ticket prices range from $22-$38, with half-price tickets available for children three to 14 and can be purchased online at www.pittsburghclo.org or by calling 412-456-6666 or stopping by the box office at Theater Square.

South Hills Chorale Holiday Concert South Hills Chorale will delight with two holiday performances, blending the old with the new, on December 17 and 18, 2004, at 7:30 p.m. at the Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church, located on the corner of Washington and Scott Roads. The Chorale is directed by Hank Monsch and this year’s guest performers are the Slippery Rock University’s men’s and women’s ensembles. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or in advance from South Hills Chorale business manager Jean Wright at 412-347-0175. Group rates are also available.

Flea Market at Bower Hill Community Church Bargain hunter’s galore! Bower Hill Community Church proudly announces the return of its famous flea market on Saturday, November 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. If you are looking for great deals, take the short trip north to the church’s fellowship hall at 70 Moffett Street in Mt. Lebanon. For additional information, call the church at 412-561-4114.

Family Hospice and Palliative Care November is National Hospice month. Family Hospice and Palliative Care displays the Memorial Tree of Love at the Galleria and other locations. Memorial tags can be placed on the tree for a minimal donation. Call 412-572-8812. While dealing with grief is never easy; it’s harder during the holidays. Call Family Hospice and Palliative Care at 412-572-8800 for information about grief support or to schedule a speaker for your group on this subject. 

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Did You Know? • It takes ten weeks to produce each edition of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. • Every issue uses 75 pounds of paper and 50 pounds of ink. • Since its inception, the community magazine is divided into four sections: “Features,” “School District,” “Township” and “Around the Township.” • Circulation of the publication is 10,000 household and business addresses, with over 20,000 residents enjoying the magazine. • Advertising and subscriptions fund 100% of the four editions per year. • Over its entire ten-year history, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY has had only two advertising rate increases, with a rate schedule still lower than any other comparable periodical. • The average postage cost for mailing a single magazine is 40 cents. • Each issue can be viewed or downloaded from the Township website at www.twpusc.org. Link on USC Today magazine. • Each issue can be viewed or downloaded from the School District website at uscsd.k12.pa.us. Link on Information, then on Community Links to find UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY.

Winter 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Big Cats Story and photography provided by Wayne Herrod

Juma

d athy Suthar Yorgi and K

Skillet

When Kathy Suthard says, “Here kitty,” it takes on an entirely

different meaning. Kathy is the lead keeper at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium and the “big cats” are her responsibility. Kathy, Diane Hagey and Moe Brown (keepers) have over 60 years of experience at the zoo and handle six lions, four Siberian Tigers, two snow leopards, two Asian Amur leopards and one cheetah. These animals are some of the most beautiful, but also the most dangerous animals in the world. All of these animals are predators, never losing their wild nature. Although they are in captivity, they are not tame. There is much more to caring for these animals than meets the eye. When you see them on exhibit, there is no way to know about everything that goes on behind the scenes. All of the cats are put on exhibit at various times of the day. They must be moved in and out of their off-exhibit homes. One group comes in and is secured in their home. Then the next set is sent out to the exhibit for visitors’ enjoyment. Gates must be mechanically moved, doors locked and great care must be taken. When one cat is secure, the second goes out with the same care and caution. A fraction-of-asecond mistake could be a major problem. Kathy put it very simply, “You always have to think and be careful. These are predators and you develop an instant respect for these beautiful animals and an awareness of their size and strength.” All of the cats are fed meat daily—from several pounds of meat for a cheetah to more than ten pounds for a lion. The cats are given enrichment time everyday. All the cats are given play items, including extremely durable balls, logs, boxes with treats hidden inside to tear up and paper maché replica animals to hunt. The cats’ favorite activity is enjoying spices. The keepers know each cat’s favorite spice, but they continually experiment with new and different ones. Some of the spices used are cinnamon, lavender, pumpkin, ground cloves and citronella oil. The oil has a second use—it cuts down on bugs. Juma, the largest male lion, loves it when his cage is sprayed with the oil. He will slink over to the sprayed area and plop down and roll over it like a kitten with catnip.

A 22

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2004

Kathy has worked with the cats since 1987. Although she loves all of the cats, her favorites are the Siberian Tigers. Kathy feels that they are more responsive to human contact (behind bars of course) and she has a special bond with Shepis and Shasta, the brother and sister team who were born at the zoo in 1986. Kathy has watched them and worked with them since their births. Toma and Yorgi are the zoo’s two newest tigers.

Siberian Tigers The Siberian Tiger is one beautiful and magnificent cat. In the wild, the Siberian is larger than the lion, weighing up to 700 pounds and reaching up to ten feet in length. Captive tigers are much smaller. When not on exhibit, these tigers live in outside cages. They are supplied with cover and have heated slabs in the cage area. Don’t worry about the tigers, they are from Siberia. Our winters are mild in comparison. Shepis, a male, was born August 1, 1986, at the Pittsburgh Zoo along with his sister, Shasta. This twin team has been on exhibit together since birth and they have lived at the zoo all of their lives. Toma, a female, was born May 5, 1998. Toma was brought from St. Petersburg, Russia, specifically to breed with Yorgi. Toma’s Russian bloodlines are not represented in the American captive population. She was matched with Yorgi by the Species Survival Plan (sort of like computer datToma ing for endangered animals). Yorgi, a male, was born April 16, 1996. Yorgi was brought to Pittsburgh from Russia (via the Philadelphia Zoo) for the sole purpose of mating with Toma. Yorgi and Toma are the most genetically valuable pair of Siberian Tigers in the United States today since they have no offspring or siblings in America.

Lions The lion is the biggest meat eater in Africa. Wild lions develop strong muscles and heavy skeletons from hunting. Zoo lions are not as strong, but they live twice as long. When not on exhibit, the zoo’s six lions live in the lion house in pairs in separate cages. They live in the same combination as displayed, two sets of male and female lions and two cubs. The males are never together and are even prevented from seeing each other. By nature, they are very territorial and cannot coexist. If you ever wondered about the lions being out on a cold day, don’t worry—the rock that they lie on is heated to at least 80 degrees. The zoo trainers are slowly introducing the two cubs to Juma and Shiba and they will eventually be on exhibit together as a small pride of lions.

Katerina, a beautiful female, was born in October 1995 and was obtained from the Minnesota Zoo. Katerina has borne three cubs, which were given to other zoos to help this species survive. Skillet, a male, was born in July 1993. He was obtained from the New Orleans Zoo and reacted strangely to snow when he first arrived in Katerina Pittsburgh. He’d never seen snow and it was cold on his feet. Skillet is a little larger than his mate and the spots on his legs are a little darker. Skillet got his name when he initially arrived in the U.S. from Asia. When the New Orleans staff opened his storage crate there was a cooking skillet in it for his water.

Cheetah

Shiba and Juma

Juma, a male, was born in 1990 and was obtained as a cub from the pet trade. He was paired as a cub with the female lion, Shiba, who was born on December 26, 1989. Shiba was obtained from the Louisville Zoo. Shiba is the most dangerous cat at the zoo. She is the only cat that was raised by her mother. Kathy described Shiba as, “All lion—never losing her lion instincts.” Without human intervention, her wild instincts were never tempered. I stood two feet from her. Her look was intimidating and cold. I was happy there was a large protective fence separating the two of us. Brother and sister team Kushikilia and Kukamata were born in September 1990. Kushikilia, a male, and Kukamata, a female, were both obtained from a private individual through the Pennsylvania Game Commission. They were given African names by their keepers to recall their history—Kushikilila’s name means capture; Kukamata means seize. The keepers have nicknamed them Sheik and Cookie.

Kaidi-Tunu and Mhina

Kaidi-Tunu and Mhina, the two cubs, are sisters and were born on August 11, 2000. They were also confiscated from a private individual by the USDA. The cubs were given African names by the keepers—Kaidi-Tunu means stubborn; Mhina means beautiful. According to Kathy, the lionesses are named appropriately.

The zoo currently has one female cheetah on its grounds living in Cheetah Valley. The exhibit is large due to the speed and room requirements of a cheetah. The cheetah is known for its speed, reaching up to 60 miles an hour in three seconds. Jasmine, the zoo’s female, is 11 years old and is 90 pounds of muscle. She is about five to six feet long and about 30 inches at the shoulder in height and can leap approximately five times her body length.

Snow Leopards

Jasmine

Snow leopards are found in Central Asia and can be found in elevations from 6000 to 11,000 feet. The zoo currently has two snow leopards. When not in their glass exhibit they live outside with cover and a heated slab. Arant was born April 28, 1988. His son, Timu, was born May 4, 1993. Timu has a wider face than his father. Now that you’ve been introduced to the big cats at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium why don’t you go visit them yourself? If you see the keepers, don’t be afraid to ask them questions. They are happy to accommodate, and really do enjoy talking about these magnificent creatures. 

Amur Leopards The Asian Amur leopard can be found in more kinds of habitat than any other big cat. We are lucky to have two beautiful Amur leopards in Pittsburgh. When not in the netted exhibit, they live in the lion house in their own individual cages. The zoo has plans to breed the two leopards.

Timu Winter 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

County of Allegheny Vince Gastgeb

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

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

WROC (Westminster Recreational Outreach Center) Classes...Sunday School for Children, Youth and Adults...The Bridge...Sunday Worship at 8:20, 9:40 & 11:00 a.m. ...Mission to Haiti...Youth Crossfire and Crossroads...Children’s Choirs...Labyrinth Walk...Christian Formation Seminars...Nursery School... Westminster Child Development Center...Children’s Day In...Wednesday WOW Dinners...Retired Men’s Luncheon ...Counseling Center...Stephen Ministers...Handbell Choir...Local Missions...Fishers of Men.net

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

May your rooms be merry and bright

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN • PLANNING PAINTING • MASONRY • CARPENTRY

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2004

Assessment Process For 2006 Begins in 2005 Allegheny County will perform the next round of assessments

starting in 2006. The county remains under a judicial mandate stemming from lawsuits brought about in the 90s. County council has attempted to legislate a process to offer a better system for taxpayers. Residents will receive a certification of value of their property on or before February 15, 2005. Residents’ appeals must be filed by April 30, 2005, for a desired hearing. Hearings will be scheduled beginning May 1, 2005. Although the assessment valuations are for the year 2006, homeowners will receive their new assessments in early 2005. Council passed this triennial law through 2009 which allows for stabilization in the system but also provides a one-year-inadvance hearing process before any tax consequence is due. Therefore, a homeowner can schedule an appeal in 2005 for his 2006 assessment. Cole Layer Trumbull (CLT) has been contracted by the County Chief Executive to provide expertise with the assessment process, updating the model and training. The process is computer aided to support the staff of field assessors in Allegheny County. I am working on a plan to allow specific administrative, physical or data entry errors to be handled separately, outside of the hearing appeal process. These errors must be specific and significant—affecting the assessed value of a county resident’s home. Remote centers will be set up in the South Hills for the convenience of taxpayers who live in southern communities. There will be a clear process for residents to follow for those wishing to use this option. My office can help you determine if your assessment is fair and accurate, prepare you for an assessment hearing, and process corrections to administrative errors or mistakes in your assessment. Remember that my office is a resource for you. I have two offices for your convenience. My Bethel Park office is staffed by four senior citizen volunteers and I have a full-time staff at my downtown office. While the property assessment is one portion of your property tax bill, the main and driving force is the millage rates for your three bodies of government (county, municipal and school district). Your tax bill is a mathematical calculation (multiplying your assessment by your millage rate). The millage rate is the tax you pay on your property.

I’ve voted for a Homestead Exemption every year to provide a reduction in assessed value for the county portion of the tax bill. Effective in 2004, county council passed a Homestead Exemption of $15,000 as a reduction to the assessed value of a county resident’s property tax. I also voted for the Act 77 Senior Citizen Relief, which gives senior citizens a discount off their county tax bill. You must apply for both the Homestead Exemption as well as Act 77. Once you’ve initially signed up, you automatically renew on an annual basis. The Homestead has few qualifications. However, Act 77 does have some requirements concerning income and home ownership. Concerning the tax consequence, I believe and have authored legislation that increased assessments should be revenue neutral. Any increase in assessed value should have a proportionate reduction in the millage rate. I am currently working with county officials to see if this piece of legislation can extend beyond the local level. There are efforts underway for similar legislation at the state level. I remain committed to improving the archaic county governmental system, while mindful of the judicial decree. Lastly, I believe Allegheny County needs to be more customer friendly. I personally expect to give prompt response to real estate assessment administrative and data errors to residents of this county. I believe in providing required county services, but, while doing so, tax reduction and necessary reform can be achieved by lowering the size and cost of government.

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Calabro Tire & Auto Service 1476 Bower Hill Road Pittsburgh, PA 15241 Phone (412) 221-4300 Fax (412) 257-1940 www.calabrotire.com

Happenings in South Park There is now a leash-free dog park for all residents to enjoy. This fenced-in park is located between Corrigan Drive and the gazebo and pond area at the old Skybus site. There is a water supply on the grounds as well as lawn tables and chairs. Parking is available on Maple Springs Drive. This dog park is a part of the master plan of South Park concerning the development of new amenities and recreational venues. Funding was appropriated in this year’s county budget and construction was recently completed. I hope you and your dog are able to enjoy the newest facility in South Park! 

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Karen Zanin RN, Bonnie Scavo PA, Leslie DiNunzio CRNA, Tara Burns, Dr. Richard Feduska and non-professional volunteers Jack Zanin, Carol Wood, Christina DiNunzio, Katie Swank, Jen Boyle, Kristi Demos, Lindsy Wittmer and myself. The mission in Tanzania was to provide plastic surgery to individuals with debilitating burn contractures and cleft lips and palates. During our time in Arusha, the Surgicorps team provided care to 28 patients. After reflecting on my trip, I realize that Surgicorps not only fixes physical ailments but the effect of this work is also life altering. While observing Dr. Demos in the OR and watching the reaction of post-op patients, I witnessed the joy of those whose lives had been forever changed. These people, who have no money, no clean clothing, no proper health care resources and no one to turn to for help, and who live in nearly hopeless conditions, were given the chance to be happy and live a life without fear or shame. After seeing the effects of our work in Africa, I realize that happiness can be found in the caring bond between patient and physician, in family and friends, and even with strangers. Amanti, a nine-year-old boy, looks more like a toddler. He is afflicted with osteogenesis imperfecta, a degenerative bone condition which causes abnormal fragility in bone structure. His mother died of AIDS a few years ago and his father has abandoned him. He lives his life in a bleak hospital without friends and family—his time here measured between bone fractures and surgery to straighten his broken body. While treatment in the U.S. might give him an extra ten years, the medical technology at Selian Hospital cannot even guarantee that he will survive his teenage years. The remainder of his life will be spent fighting a disease he cannot conquer. While making rounds with Dr. Demos, I was greeted by Amanti Amanti’s glowing smile and vibrant attitude unrivaled by any person I’ve ever encountered. I sat on his bed and gave him a page from a coloring book and some crayons, snapped a few pictures, and continued around the hospital. The following day I visited him again. Bursting with pride he gave me a page from the coloring book, now brightly colored. I continued to see him throughout the week, and every day he greeted me with unparalleled enthusiasm, regardless of whether I came bearing gifts. Though Amanti enjoyed coloring that page, I believe he loved the fact that someone cared enough to visit him and spend time with him. He knew that our team of volunteers had come to Arusha to bring hope for a brighter future to him and those like him.

Growth and Healing Through Service Michael Feduska

Arusha Sunset Moses has lived half of his nine years of life in Arusha, Tanzania, with a burn

contracture that extends from his left ear, covering the entire left side of his face, to his shoulder. His injury has prevented him from seeing, hearing and moving his head. He has lived a life of fear and shame, with no hope of facial reconstruction. Moses’ situation is tragically common in developing countries. Open fires in crowded and dimly lit huts cause horrific damage to children unfortunate enough to fall in. If the individual survives a burn, the hospital will provide only minimal relief by attempting to keep the wound clean and provide some kind of narcotic for pain relief. As the burn heals, the scarring tightens skin around the wound, leaving the victim incapable of movement. Some burns are severe enough to fuse digits and scorch limbs into stumps. Genetic disorders such as cleft lips and cleft palates also plague developing nations. Corrective surgery provided to children after birth in more affluent countries is not feasible in places like Arusha. Due to the poor health care in developing countries like Tanzania, children born with cleft lips and individuals who survive burns are forced to live their lives with terrible deformities which inhibit speech, sight and basic movement. Victims of both cleft lips and palates or severe burns, like Moses, are outcasts

Michael and rehabilitation patients

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

from tribal society because of their deformed appearance. They live their lives draped behind layers of clothes or hidden inside their homes for fear of emotional and physical abuse. Like millions of others in Tanzania, Moses comes from meager means. Even if his family were fortunate to have enough money to pay for

Rick and Michael Feduska in OR

extensive surgery, which is nearly unheard of, finding a doctor skilled enough or a hospital with the technology to perform such an operation would be nearly impossible. This past June I traveled to Arusha with Surgicorps International. Dr. Jack Demos, a local Pittsburgh plastic surgeon, founded Surgicorps in 1994. Representatives of this non-profit organization have traveled to countries that are limited in medical technology and have operated on individuals too poor to afford surgery. Making two to four trips a year, Surgicorps has traveled to countries such as Peru, Kenya, Nigeria, Brazil, Paraguay, Mali and the Philippines, leaving an indelible impact on all those touched by the caring hands of its volunteers. Accompanying Dr. Demos on the 2004 Tanzania trip was a team of local professional and non-professional volunteers, including

Winter 2004

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Jack Zanin with burn contracture child victim

Those who have nothing must turn to others for support. They cling to their faith, family, and in the case of Amanti and Moses, caring strangers to give them hope to face tomorrow, another day spent entirely devoted to surviving. Some refer to faith and family as a “crutch,” a support for those too pathetic to stand alone. This term implies that these gifts are compensating for some weakness. However, it is this same condition of helplessness that allows someone like lip Cleft Amanti to open himself to others. His weakness is his strength. The power of his open disposition is evident in his ability to face such terrible adversity with such unflappable optimism. By helping to provide people with the opportunity to live a life free of social anxiety and injustice, I have found that the simplest gesture of kindness can be more influential than buckets of toys. It can give hope even to the most desperate. Though the role of a doctor may appear to be more impacting, the role of a volunteer who is willing to help cannot be underestimated. The lesson I learned from my trip focuses on the intangible gifts of life and of the loving nature of friends and family and strangers. I learned of the ease with which one can directly affect the life of another. It is this concept that gives me hope. Despite the pain, sorrow and misery of this world, I believe that one can change another’s life. One can take action to remind us why life is worth living. 

Michael Feduska, a ’01 USCHS graduate, is currently a senior at the University of Notre Dame. He is majoring in pre-professional studies and is applying to medical school. His parents, Barb and Rick Feduska, live in Upper St. Clair with their children, Eric (USCHS senior), Collin (USCHS freshman) and Carly (fourth grader at Eisenhower).

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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, call 412-831-9000.

June 7, 2004

Robert W. Orchowski

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

Preston W. Shimer Ward 1

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

Gloria Smith Ward 2

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

Ched Mertz Ward 4

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

Bill Bates At Large

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

Ernest T. Harris At Large

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

*Date indicates expiration of term.

Approximately 20 people attended.

Recognitions and Proclamations: • Certificates of Achievement were presented to Upper St. Clair High School WPIAL championship teams for girls’ golf, girls’ tennis, boys’ golf and boys’ tennis. • Certificates of Achievement were presented to Katie Orchowski and Ashley Dodd for placing third in the PIAA State championship for the 400 meter dash and the pole vault, respectively. • Proclamations were presented to the PIAA State championship winners for the boys’ soccer team and to Rob Rankin for capturing the State shot put championship. The Board: • Adopted Bill No. 4-04 granting preliminary and final subdivision approval to the Township of Upper St. Clair Fire Station subdivision plan. • Established a public hearing regarding PLC04-0004 (Township of Upper St. Clair Fire Station Site Plan Approval) on Tuesday, July 6, 2004. • Adopted Bill No. 5-04 authorizing the proper Township officials to execute the documents necessary to complete the joint purchase with Bethel Park and South Park of lots 412 and 413 Bethel Park Industrial Park, at a cost of $135,000 plus closing costs not to exceed $14,000. This was done on behalf of Tri-Community South EMS for construction of a new EMS base. Board Approval of Contracts: • T.A. Robinson Asphalt Paving, Inc.—Bridgeville Abbeyville Connector Construction.... $556,632.03 • Environmental Planning and Design Pittsburgh Consulting Services— 2005 Comprehensive Plan ...................... $68,124 • Vermeer Sales and Service, Inc.— Cranberry Township Tub Grinder........................................... $251,741 • Robinson Pipe Cleaning Co.—Eighty Four, PA Sanitary Sewer Line Televising Linear Foot Pricing approximately ........ $ 50,000

July 6, 2004 Approximately 24 people attended.

The Board: • Adopted Pennsylvania Construction Code Act 45, known as the Statewide Building Code. • Adopted Bill No. 6-04 amending the Code of the Township, Chapters 51 “Building Construction”and 61 “Fire Prevention,” to adopt the Pennsylvania Construction Code, Act 45 of 1999, 35 P.S. 7210.101-7210.1103, as amended from time to time and its regulations.

• Adopted Bill No. 7-04 amending Chapter 5 of Code of the Township of Upper St. Clair, entitled “Enforcement of Ordinances; Penalties” to accurately reflect the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act (P.L. 491, No. 45). • Adopted Bill No. 8-04 amending Chapter 57 of the Code of the Township of Upper St. Clair, entitled “Fees” to accurately revise the numerical designations of the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act (P.L. 491, No. 45). • Continued the public hearing of PLC04-0002, J.C. Schultz Interiors Plan, to Monday, August 2, 2004, for the purpose of taking staff testimony. • Adopted Bill No. 9-04 granting site plan approval to the Upper St. Clair Fire Station. • Authorized staff to renovate the existing Boyce Mayview Park field kitchen. • Approved Phase I of the Boyce Mayview Park Work Plan. Board Approval of Contracts: • Edelmann Project Management—Bradfordwoods Architectural and Engineering Services for new EMS base. Amount not to exceed $115,253. • Multiple-Prime Construction Management Services for new EMS base. Amount not to exceed $82,718. • Full-Time Construction Supervision for new EMS base ..................................... Rate of $55 per hour Estimated amount for the project $57,750.

August 2, 2004 Approximately 13 people attended.

Recognition and Proclamation: • Commissioner Shimer presented a Proclamation to David M. Hauge, recognizing his attainment of Eagle Scout rank. Presentation: • Nora Helfrich, Director of Tri-Community South EMS, introduced Dr. Vincent Mosesso who gave a PowerPoint® presentation on the AutoPulse Assisted Prehospital International Resuscitation (ASPIRE) trial study which will test the effectiveness of a mechanical chest compression device. The Board: • Continued the public hearing of PLC04-0002 J.C. Schultz Interiors Plan to September 7, 2004. • Adopted Resolution No. 1440 to authorize the filing of an application for funds with the Allegheny County Department of Economic Development for ADA improvements to the Township Library entrance. 

Township of Upper St. Clair Meeting Dates

• The Board of Commissioners meets at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building. The regular public meeting is held the first Monday of the month in the Board Meeting Room. The informational and general affairs meeting is held the last Monday of the month in the Board Meeting Room. • The Planning Commission meets the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. • Parks and Recreation Board meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m., no meeting in December. • Zoning Hearing Board meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 8 p.m. • Civil Hearing Board meets as needed. • Building/Fire Codes Appeals and Advisory Board meets as needed. Visit our Website - www.twpusc.org

2828 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 2004 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Winter Winter 2004

Community Development Amendments to the Township’s Building and Fire Codes The impact will be minimal to the average Township resident; however, new residential construction or additions and all commercial construction must conform to the new code. Please contact Butch Anthony, Chief Inspector, or Deborah Waller, Fire Marshal, at the Department of Community Development Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with questions regarding this newly adopted code. Chapter 51 (Building Construction) and Chapter 61 (Fire Prevention) are available on the Township’s website at www.twpusc.org.  On July 6, 2004, the Board of Commissioners adopted

Ordinance No. 1914, which in turn adopts the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act (also known as the Statewide Building Code), Act 45 of 1999, P.S. §§7210.101-7210.1103 with amendments. This ordinance amends both the Township’s building and fire codes. The Township, along with 2166 other municipalities throughout Pennsylvania, has adopted the 2003 International Building Code (IBC) as its building and fire code enforcement document. The IBC was created in order to provide uniformity among the communities. With the adoption of this code, municipalities that had no regulations in the past are now subject to the same requirements.

Real Estate Open House Signs Recently there has been a significant in-

crease in the number of signs, specifically open house signs, retrieved by the police on the weekends because of illegal placement within the public right-of-way and traffic islands. The Township’s zoning code was amended on September 5, 2000, to incorporate new regulations regarding signs. In an effort to resolve confusion regarding placement, the Department of Community Development began informing real estate agencies in 2001 of the Township regulations. In order to avoid future improper placement of signs, please review the following requirements: • Section 130.26.8.9.–One tent or easel type open house sign, four square feet in area, is allowed and can be displayed from noon–5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday for existing dwellings and for new construction on the lot and with the permission of

the property owner. On realtor tour days on the property for sale, one open house sign, four square feet in area, in addition to the real estate sign is allowed. • With permission of the owner, open house signs may be placed on a lot other than the one for sale with the same restrictions as above. • Section 130.26.1.–Open house signs and real estate signs are not permitted in the public right-of-way, which for Township streets is typically 13 feet back from the edge of the curb or pavement. • No open house signs or real estate signs are permitted on traffic islands or on Township owned property. Code requirements concerning real estate signs can be found on the Township website at www.twpusc.org or by contacting Glenn Prokopovitch, Code Enforcement Officer, at the Department of Community Development at 412-831-9000, extension 501. 

2005 Comprehensive Plan The Township of Upper St. Clair has retained the services of Environmental Planning and Design for preparation of the 2005 Comprehensive Plan. Every ten years the plan is updated to outline the goals and objectives for the Township over the next decade. One of the main components of the plan is the Quality of Life Survey. This survey gives residents an opportunity to voice opinions regarding a number of issues that affect everyday life in the Township such as traffic, parks, open space, programs and development. You are encouraged to complete and return the survey that has been mailed to each household. Extra copies of the survey will be available at the Township offices. Your input is very valuable in forming the future of the Township, so don’t delay your chance to assist the Township on its path into 2015.  Winter 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Library

Invite Your Library Home for the Holidays

Susan Saxman

The holiday season is here, and what better place to find

festive craft and decorating ideas, delicious cookie recipes, fun party plans, and seasonal music, movies and stories than at the Library. When you are fed up with spending too much money in crowded, noisy malls, come to our Library and find a peaceful atmosphere where you can spend time browsing through our many collections. You can relax in our comfortable chairs and leaf through the holiday issues of popular magazines. Taste of Home and Gourmet will give you holiday recipe ideas, while mpbell Librarian Barb Ca Victorian Homes and Southern checks out Knitting With autiful Living will give you decorating Beads: 35 Be , Hats Sweaters, Scarves Austen. n hints, to mention just a few. and Gloves to An If you are looking for a good Christmas novel, some of our most popular books are Visions of Sugar Plums by Janet Evanovich, The Christmas Train by David Baldacci and Skipping Christmas by John Grisham. So many well-known authors have written holiday short stories and poems—remember The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry and A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement C. Moore? We have collections of traditional as well as contemporary stories and poems. If you are looking for creative ways to celebrate the season, the Library is the place to be. You can find craft ideas for giftgiving and decorating in books such as Country Living Handmade Christmas and Christmas Trees: Fun and Festive Ideas. Betty

Crocker’s Best Christmas Cookbook and Hadassah Jewish Holiday Cookbook are two of the Library’s nicest holiday cookbooks with hundreds of recipes for parties or family dinners. And when you are in the mood to bake, Cookies for Christmas is just one of the many books you can use. When it’s time to go home and spend a relaxing evening or weekend, make sure you browse our music and movie collections before you go. You might want to listen to some holiday music while you are decorating, baking or wrapping gifts, and we have many CDs to choose from, like Celine Dion’s These are Special Times and A Christmas Festival with Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops. When you are ready to sit down and relax, you could watch one of our videos or DVDs. We have White Christmas and Miracle on 34th Street for the sentimental crowd, Scrooged and The Santa Clause for comedy lovers, and many others. Look for special displays of our many holiday collections at the end of November and in December. Books will be pulled and put on the two browsers in front of the circulation desk and the elevator. There will be signs directing you to our CD, video and DVD collections. If you don’t find what you want, be sure to ask the librarians—they are always ready and willing to help. We hope to see you soon at the Library! 

Some additional holiday titles from the Library’s collection: Books • A Hamptons Christmas by James Brady • A Newbery Christmas: Fourteen Stories of Christmas by Newbery Award-Winning Authors selected by Martin H. Greenbert and Charles G. Waugh • Chicken Soup for the Soul Christmas Treasury: Holiday Stories to Warm the Heart compiled by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen • Christmas at The New Yorker: Stories, Poems, Humor, and Art from the editors of The New Yorker • Christmas Family Gatherings: Recipes and Ideas for Celebrating with People You Love by Donata Maggipinto • Christmas Tales for Reading Aloud: A Treasury for Young and Old compiled and adapted by Robert Lohan • Festival of Deaths by Jane Haddam • Hanukkah: The Family Guide to Spiritual Celebration by Ron Wolfson • Heaven Scent: Aromatic Christmas Crafts, Recipes, and Decorations by Julia Lawless • Inventing Christmas: How our Holiday Came to Be by Jock Elliott • Kwanzaa Crafts: Gifts & Decorations for a Meaningful Celebration by Marcia Odle McNair 30

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2004

• Shepherds Abiding by Jan Karon • Simply Christmas: Craft Projects for the Season of Giving by Miriam Gourley • Thanksgiving: A Time to Remember by Barbara Rainey • The Christmas Almanac edited by Natasha Tabori Fried and Lena Tabori • The Essential Christmas Cookbook by Whitecap Books CDs • A Charlie Brown Christmas, Vince Guaraldi Trio • A Child Shall Lead, Interior Castle • Elf, Music From the Major Motion Picture • It’s Christmas Time, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole • The Christmas Attic, Trans-Siberian Orchestra • The Powers of Heaven, Orthodox Music of the 17th and 18th Centuries, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir Videos and DVDs • A Christmas Story • It’s a Wonderful Life

• Prancer • Santa Claus, The Movie

Children’s Library Colleen Miles— Our Newest Librarian

Holiday Read Alouds

We’re happy to announce the addition of

As the days get shorter and are filled with more activities

a new youth services librarian. Colleen Miles is now a permanent part of the Children’s Library staff. Colleen has an undergraduate degree in humanistic studies from Saint Mary’s College. She completed her master’s degree in library and information sciences at the University of Colleen Miles Pittsburgh in August. Colleen always knew she wanted to be a librarian, but she discovered that she wanted to be a children’s librarian while working as a summer intern at the Library. From Colleen’s first days of interning, the Library staff was impressed with her enthusiasm, knowledge of books and “can do” spirit. Colleen’s most favorite book is From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg. She also recommends The Conch Bearer by Chitra Devakaruni and Millicent Min, Girl Genius by Lisa Yee. She loves to talk about books as do all the librarians—so stop in to visit. They’ll help you find a good read. 

than anyone imagines, can there be a place for a quiet family tradition? Luckily for my family, the answer is yes. My husband reading A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, a few pages each night ending on Christmas Eve, is actually a second-generation tradition for him. He once was the eager listener; now he is the reader. No matter what winter holiday your family celebrates, consider making the read-aloud tradition part of your family too. The Library has these suggestions for you to try. The Chanukkah Guest by Eric A. Kimmel is for families with primary grade children. This mistaken identity tale finds Bubba Brayna welcoming Old Bear (she thinks he is the rabbi) to her home on the first night of Chanukkah. Will there be any potato latkes left when the real rabbi arrives? Told in rhyme ala “The Night Before Christmas,” Leslea Newman’s Runaway Dreidel is a rollicking good time for all ages. A family’s preparations for Chanukkah are disrupted by a wildly spinning dreidel. Kids in grade two and up will like Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric Kimmel. On the first night of Hanukkah, Hershel arrives tired and hungry to find the village under the curse of goblins that forbid all forms of celebration. Clever, clever Hershel comes up with a plan to outwit the goblins, thus ending the curse! Nina Jaffee’s In the Month of the Kislev is about a rich, arrogant merchant who takes the family of a poor peddler to court for smelling his potato latkes! Thank goodness the wise rabbi teaches everyone a lesson about the miracle of Hanukkah and its meaning in their lives. In The Magic Dreidels by Eric A. Kimmel, Jacob tries to retrieve his new brass dreidel from the village well. A goblin brings Jacob magic dreidels of wood, silver and lead instead. Fruma Sarah may be able to trick Jacob out of the magic dreidels but, with the goblin’s help, Jacob is able to secure a happy Hanukkah for everyone. Intermediate students will enjoy How I Saved Hanukkah by Amy Goldman Koss, a contemporary book about Marla, the only Jewish girl in her fourth grade class who wants to celebrate Christmas like her best friend Lucy. One year Marla’s curiosity about Hanukkah leads her to learn about the story and traditions of the holiday that she shares with her family and friends.

Sing-A-Long with Margaret Hooten

V Kids of all ages and their parents and grandpar-

ents are invited to an old fashioned sing-a-long. Margaret Hooten will be visiting and she’ll be bringing her wonderful instruments for all to try. She’ll be at the Children’s Library on Tuesday evening, November 30 at 7 p.m. Registration for this free program begins November 15. Stop by the Children’s Library to register. 

Eileen Smith

j ; j k

Continued on page 32

Winter Hours

;

Closed early at 1 p.m.:

Wednesday, November 24—Thanksgiving Eve Friday, December 31—New Year’s Eve

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

Closed full day:

Thursday, November 25—Thanksgiving Day Friday, December 24—Christmas Eve Saturday, December 25—Christmas Day Saturday, January 1, 2005—New Year’s Day Winter 2004

j k

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Holiday Read Alouds Continued from page 31

In The Trees of the Dancing Goats Patricia Polacco integrates the traditions of Hanukkah and Christmas. Polacco draws on her own childhood for a story of “that incredible winter of the fever, the miracle of true friendship and the trees of the dancing goats.” Her well-loved and heartwarming style of words and pictures make this a delight for all ages. For the younger set Merry Christmas, Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola and The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg are good choices. In dePaola’s book, familiar characters Strega Nona and Big Anthony prepare for the Natale feast throughout Advent. Big Anthony begs Strega Nona to use her magic, but it is his magic that creates the perfect gift for Strega Nona. Van Allsburg’s classic tells of a young boy’s Christmas Eve ride on The Polar Express train to the North Pole where he is chosen by Santa Claus to receive the first gift—a sleigh bell that only true believers can hear. For audiences a bit older, try The Christmas Kitten by James Herriot. This touching story is about Debbie, a stray tabby cat, who arrives Christmas morning near death entrusting her kitten to Mrs. Pickering who has always welcomed her with meals and

David J. Stapor, M.D. Donald F. O’Malley, Jr., M.D. Edward D. Poon, M.D. Mark L. Lesh, M.D. Jeffrey M. Matheny, M.D. Certified American Board of Orthopedic Surgery

• Sport Related Injuries • Total Joint Replacement Including Minimally Invasive Techniques • Arthroscopic Surgery • Carpal Tunnel • Rotator Cuff Repair • ACL Reconstruction • Fracture Care 1000 Higbee Drive, Suite 106 1200 Brooks Lane, Suite 240 Bethel Park, PA 15102 Jefferson Hills, PA 15025 Phone: (412) 854-5664 Phone: (412) 469-1660 Office Hours by Appointment 32

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2004

The Polar Express, The Trees of the Dancing Goats and Merry Christmas, Strega Nona are great for sharing during the holidays.

a warm place to rest. Another possibility is Welcome Comfort by Patricia Polacco. Wonderful illustrations enhance the story of Welcome’s Christmas Eve adventure across the night sky. Families with intermediate grade students that like quirky humorous stories may want to try The True Story of Christmas by Anne Fine. Ralph Mountfield finds himself banished to his room Christmas day as his wacky extended family plays the Christmas quiz. There are too many houseguests, a hostess feeling a bit overwhelmed, regifting and broken appliances—just the normal family holiday! The read-aloud edition of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens illustrated by Carter Goodrich may make its way into our home this year. This streamlined story of the miser Ebenezer Scrooge is a read-aloud version set down exactly as Dickens himself performed it at public readings. Shorter than his original, this may be just the ticket to continue our tradition as we gather to celebrate the holidays once more. In Seven Spools of Thread by Angela Shelf Medearis, the seven principles of Kwanzaa are woven into a tale of seven Ashanti brothers who are given the seemingly impossible task of turning thread into gold.

Library’s Online Catalog Helen Palascak

Horizon Enriched Content, funded by Friends of the Library, enhances the Library’s catalog with the visual appeal of color and added information. For many of the items in the catalog, you can now: • See images of book covers • Read tables of contents or reviews • Scan lists of characters This added information is available for most books. However, items with older copyright dates or audiovisual items without ISBN numbers will not display the added content. By assisting the Library’s users with their reading choices, Horizon Enriched Content should greatly enhance the overall reading experience of its patrons. Log on to the catalog at www.uscpac.org and try it yourself! 

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Both The Story of Kwanzaa by Donna L. Washington and Seven Candles for Kwanzaa by Andrea Davis Pickney explain the history, traditions and symbols of Kwanzaa. Each has colorful illustrations and is a good choice for families with primary grade students. Older children and adults will find The Children’s Book of Kwanzaa by Dolores Johnson and Kwanzaa by Maulana Karenga great sources of information. Both books have crafts, activities, and recipes too! From simple to intricate you are sure to find something to help you celebrate the holiday. The Kwanzaa Contest by Miriam Moore and Penny Taylor makes a good family read aloud. Ron is a third grader who reluctantly enters the Kwanzaa contest at the community center. Quietly working on his creation, Ron learns about his gift and its value to his family, community and culture. The Library has suggestions for books to read aloud for families with children of all ages. The Library staff hopes that the experience of sharing books together as a family will enrich not only your holidays, but all of your days. 

It’s What You’ve Been Wait ing For!

• Custom carriage homes and single family homes • First floor master suites and two car attached garages • Landscape maintenance and snow removal • Fabulous clubhouse, pool and tennis courts • Pricing starts at $270,000 Open Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

Township Website has New Look

For Information Call Bonnie Byrnes or John Geisler at 412-344-0500 x210 or x222

The Township of Upper St. Clair website recently un-

veiled its updated look. In addition to current announcements and Township happenings, the website offers information on boards and commissions, building permits, police and fire departments, recreation programs, trash and recycling guidelines, library events, tax deadlines, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine and much much more! Visit www.twpusc.org. It’s here for you! www.waterdamfarms.com Winter 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Public Works Touches Your Life Every Day Walter Jarosh The warm covers surround you

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

Protecting Today. Securing Tomorrow .

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

as you roll over in bed to check the alarm clock. It’s 4 a.m. The predicted winter storm started snowfall shortly after midnight and continues to transform the houses, yards and roadways into a winter landscape of soft snow and ice. The outside rumble that roused you from sleep was one of the Upper St. Clair salt trucks—on the job, in your neighborhood and preparing the roadways for your morning commute. Shortly after the snow started to fall, the call went out from the police to over 20 dedicated Public Works employees to report for snow duty. These personnel left their warm beds and traveled quickly to report to their designated salt trucks and assigned routes to battle the snow and ice, making the roadways as passable as possible. Plowing removes the snow and an arsenal of anti-skid materials is then applied in varying amounts as dictated by snow accumulation and temperature changes. The supervisor monitors predicted snow amounts and temperature, then radios updates and directives to the crews. For most storms, the trip to work or bus ride to school is normal and routine. Leave a little early, perhaps a two-hour school delay—all normal for Pittsburgh. Occasionally, nature unleashes those storms that tax the equipment, personnel and material. These storms are frozen in our memory, like the snow of 1993 that piled snow waist deep and froze the mercury in the thermometer. That cleanup went round the clock for days! Most everyone knows the winter value of the Public Works Department. What else does the Department do that touches your lives on a daily basis? Long before the blooming of the first spring flowers, preparation is underway to repair equipment for spring. Mowers, tractors, tillers, saws and trucks are inspected and repaired. Roadways are also a priority as the winter’s constant freeze-thaw cycle keeps the crews busy repairing potholes. The first crocus is followed by acres of grass in the parks, parklets and traffic islands that require feeding and mowing. “Play Ball!” echoes throughout the community in March, April and May as over 800 Upper St. Clair youth take to the fields. Winter 2004

Infield dragging, bases, fences, dugouts, grass and lights need to be ready to go. The responsibility for the maintenance of the parks and fields falls to personnel at Public Works. Public Works personnel constructed the Morton field restroom and concession stand building, Municipal field broadcast booth, and even the paddle tennis building. New park equipment installation, concrete bleacher pads and sidewalk construction are all blended into the work schedule. The Municipal building boasts a front concrete handicap walkway and entrance kept ice-free by hot water circulation within the concrete—built and installed by Public Works. Personnel from the department perform a majority of the day-to-day equipment maintenance, painting and support to keep all the Township buildings attractive, safe and smooth running assets for the community. If you drive along McLaughlin Run Road in April, the familiar tennis air support buildings (tennis bubbles) will vanish, as the Public Works crew gathers to deflate, fold and store the structures. It takes a mammoth effort to dismantle and store everything, especially when it must be put away dry. Frequently, April showers create a challenge in this area. Community Day follows in May with all its preparation and clean up. Flowers and trees need to be planted and watered, while the street sweeper cleans winter debris from all neighborhood streets. Warmer, drier weather brings a flurry of roadwork and sewer restoration projects. Storm sewer catch basin repairs or replacement become a priority in advance of the annual road-resurfacing program. Catch basin replacement by Public Works is a significant tax savings instead of contracting out the same work to private contractors. Savings in this area mean that more roads can be repaired or court surfaces restored. Specialized road resurfacing equipment necessitates outside contractors for the road resurfacing. Public Works administrative personnel prepare the specifications and bid procedures then guide the work and oversee the projects. Sanitary and storm sewer restoration also requires similar procedures for outside contractual work. Much of the visual and underground television inspection is performed by a combination of Public Works

personnel and outside contractors. Public Works personnel respond on a 24-7 basis for sewer blockage or overflows. Strangely enough, many sewer blockages occur January through March, as late winter and early spring tree root growth creates blockages. Trees create other problems that constantly require attention. Roadways and parks are inspected to identify and then remove dead or weak trees or limbs that pose a potential hazard. High winds, ice or severe storms may require immediate response to remove fallen limbs or trees blocking roadways. Regulatory signs, intersection line of sight and driveway egress may require tree limb removal through owner notification to ensure trees are trimmed and visibility is adequate. Residents can assist the Department by ensuring that their trees are not blocking signs or hanging into the roadway. Most trucks and busses need a minimum of 12.5 feet of vertical clearance above the curb and traffic lane. Branches may be bundled for weekly trash pick up. Unsure of the regulations or perhaps you are new to the area? Public Works can answer your questions and assist you. Public Works is instrumental in the

preparation and implementation of the garbage contract. Interested in recycling? Leaf pick up dates are already scheduled with Public Works’ new tub grinder awaiting their delivery to the compost site. For more recycling opportunities, including the newly instituted phone book and cardboard recycling Saturdays, see “Voluntary Upper St. Clair Cardboard and Paper Recycling Program” section on this page or visit the Township website at www.twpusc.org. Numerous unusual items require Public Works service. Ducklings trapped in a storm sewer—Public Works to the rescue! Smashed piano on Route 19—Public Works responds with a loader and truck. (We never did find out who lost that piano, but its remains would have been a career challenge to the best piano tuner after it departed from the truck). So if we haven’t touched your life with these items, we hope you are enjoying your vacation on the beach or at some ski resort. When you return, the Public Works Department will be on the job to make your neighborhood brighter, your drive smoother, leisure time better and problems easier. 

Trash Collection and Recycling Schedules

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2004 Township Trash Collection and Recycling Holiday Collection Week of Thanksgiving Day ........... Friday, November 26 (Delayed one day) Residents designated as (b) recycling will have their recyclables picked up Friday, November 26. Week of Christmas ........................ Thursday, December 23 (No delay)* Week of New Year.......................... Thursday, December 30 (No delay)* *With the 2004 Christmas and 2005 New Year holidays falling on Saturdays, regular trash and recycling pick up days are not affected.

2004 Fall Yard Debris and Leaf Waste Collection—Saturdays Collections will take place the following Saturdays. Please place your debris in compostable paper bags and place them at curbside by 6 a.m. the morning of pick up. November 13

November 20

December 4

Voluntary Upper St. Clair Cardboard and Paper Recycling Program

• 16 Huge cul-de-sac lots • 3 Lots still available in Phase I • Custom designed to your specifications with Architect

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A volunteer group of USC residents have organized a Township-wide Cardboard/Paper Recycling Program. Donations are welcomed. A donation jar will be available on site. Date and Time: Saturday, December 4, 9 a.m.–noon Where: USC Public Works Parking Lot (Truxton Road at McLaughlin Run Road) Items to be Collected: Corrugated cardboard, paper (not newsprint), magazines, catalogues, phone books, junk mail, shredded paper and household batteries (9v, AA, AAA, C, D). Please do not drop off newsprint. Continue to recycle newsprint at your curbside. Questions: Call 412-831-9000.

Broker of Record Office:

724-731-0100 Fax:

724-731-0103

2005 Trash and Recycling Calendar Be on the look out for the Trash and Recycling Calendar due in mailboxes late December. Christmas tree recycling occurs January 10–24, 2005. See page 42 for announcement.

email: pltre@aol.com www.wellingtonrealestatepa.com Winter 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

We Have Just the Thing Keep busy with one or more of the exciting programs sponsored by the Recreation and Leisure Services Department this winter. Contact the Recreation and Leisure Services Department at 412-831-9000, extension 256, for a full list of classes available. Three easy ways to register: Some classes have limited availability. Register early to guarantee yourself a spot! 1. New! Register online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at www.twpusc.org/rec. 2. Mail registration with appropriate fee to: USC Recreation, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241. Make check payable to USC Recreation. 3. Stop in to the Recreation Office during regular business hours Monday through Friday 8 a.m.–4 p.m. in the lower level of the Municipal building.

Children’s Dance Classes Classes are taught by faculty from the Vella Dance Studio under the direction of Donna Grove. Dates: January 11–March 29 Day: Tuesdays Place: Community Center Multi-Purpose Room 1 Fee: $40/class resident, $53/class nonresident Note: Children must meet minimum age requirement by the start of the session. All classes are one-half hour in length for 12 weeks, following the schedule below: Preschool Classes (ages 3-5) Ballet 10:15–10:45 a.m. or 1–1:30 p.m. or 5:45–6:15 p.m. Tap 11:15–11:45 a.m. or 2–2:30 p.m. Tumbling 10:45–11:15 a.m. or 1:30–2 p.m. or 6:15–6:45 p.m. Children’s Classes (ages 6-10)

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

Monday, December 13* 10:30 a.m.–noon (ages 3-5) Recreation Center $15/session resident, $20/session nonresident + $5 materials fee paid to instructor at class.

Kid’s Crop–Beginning Scrapbooking Are you a crafty kid? Do you have a lot of photos? Come and learn the basics of scrapbooking. Bring some photographs and your imagination. The rest of the supplies you will need to get started will be provided for you. Materials fee includes paper and supplies you will need to create beginning layouts and pizza for lunch. No school today! Register with a friend and come to learn a new hobby. All school-age children are welcome! Date: Time: Place: Fee:

Thursday, December 30 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Recreation Center $10/resident, $13/nonresident +$5 materials fee paid to instructor at class.

Junior Ski Program

Fencing Covers warm-up and stretching exercises, basic footwork and hand work and the basics of tactics and strategies. Requires the purchase of a fencing glove (approximate cost $13). Dates: January 24–March 14 Day: Mondays, 4:30–5:30 p.m. (grades 5-6) Mondays, 5:45–6:45 p.m. (grades 7-8) Place: Streams Elementary Gym Fee: $90/resident, $120/nonresident

Mommy and Me A special time for moms, dads or caregivers and their preschoolers (ages 2 and 3) to have fun together. Includes basic tumbling, puppet play and parachute games. Dates: January 11–March 29 Times: Tuesdays, 11:50 a.m.–12:35 p.m. Place: Community Center Multi-Purpose Room 1 Fee: $72/resident, $96/nonresident UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Saturday, December 18 10:30 a.m.–noon (grades 1-4) or 1–2:30 p.m. (grades 1-4) Recreation Center

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

Jazz/Hip Hop 4:45–5:15 p.m. Tumbling 5:15–5:45 p.m.

Sunday, December 12 1–2:30 p.m. (grades 5-8) 3:30–5 p.m. (grades 1-4) Recreation Center

Winter 2004

Open to resident students grade six and above. Five-week program includes transportation from the Municipal building to and from Hidden Valley Ski Resort, lift ticket, group lesson and free skiing. Dates: January 8–February 5* (*End date subject to weather conditions.) Day: Saturdays Time: 3 p.m.–midnight Fee: $205/with own equipment, $255/with equipment rental

Our Time Art Open to children (ages 2-5) accompanied by an adult. Weekly art projects allow you to explore creativity through the eyes of a child. Dates: Day: Time: Place: Fee:

February 1–March 1 Tuesdays 10:30–11:15 a.m. Recreation Center $40/resident, $53/nonresident +$10 materials fee paid to instructor at first class.

You’re Looking For! Valentine’s Day Workshop

MUSICTIME Productions, Inc.

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

MUSICTIME is a unique learning experience that utilizes the power of music to teach children about the importance of self, each other and the world.

Date: Time: Place: Fee:

Session I: Session II: Day: Place: Time:

Saturday, February 12 10:30–11:15 a.m. Library Multi-Purpose Room $10/resident, $13/nonresident No refunds after February 4.

January 4–February 15 March 1–April 12 Tuesdays Library Multi-Purpose Room 9–9:30 a.m. (ages 4 months to walking) 9:30–10 a.m. (ages walking to 3) 10–10:30 a.m. (ages walking to 3) Fee: $45/session resident, $50/session nonresident Registration: To register for this program, call MUSICTIME Productions at 412-341-6742.

Hartwood Acres Trip Celebrate the season with us at Hartwood Acres. Trip includes dinner at the Stone Mansion restaurant, a candlelight tour of the Hartwood Mansion and a tour of the Hartwood Celebration of Lights—the three and one-half mile stretch of holiday light displays leading up to the stunning mansion. Date: Time: Fee:

Monday, December 13 Leaves Municipal building at approximately 3:30 p.m. Returns to Municipal building at approximately 10 p.m. $69/person (includes transportation, dinner and all admissions) No refunds after November 29.

Friday Night Pizza Crops Experienced or beginner, join us for six hours of cropping fun. Pizza and beverages will be provided. Bring all of your supplies. Dates: January 14 or February 11 or March 11 or April 8 (second Friday of each month) Day: Friday Time: 6 p.m.–midnight Place: Community Center Multi-Purpose Room 2 Fee: $10/crop session resident, $13/crop session nonresident +$5 fee paid to instructor at the class for dinner expenses.

Get Ready to Read Give your preschoolers a fun way to get a head start in education by helping them develop pre-reading and writing skills. The class will emphasize early learning skills for reading and math taught through music, art and muscle movement. Date: Days: Time: Place: Fee:

January 17–February 23 Mondays and Wednesdays 9:15–9:45 a.m. Community Center Multi-Purpose Room 2 $65/resident, $87/nonresident

Family Swim Take the plunge during the open swim hours at the High School pool. Open only to Township residents. All children ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Dates: Days: Time: Place: Fee:

February 5–May 15 Saturdays and Sundays 2–4:30 p.m. USC High School Pool $20/individual membership $45/family membership $5 per person walk-in/guest fee at the door

Club Amigos Students (ages 3–6) will participate in a variety of fun activities including music, games, art activities and crafts all in Spanish. Emphasis will be placed on helping the student enjoy learning a foreign language. Cultural awareness will also be taught through learning geographical areas, traditions and customs. Dates: Day: Time: Place: Fee:

January 20–February 17 Thursdays 1–1:30 p.m. Community Center Multi-Purpose Room 2 $66/resident, $88/nonresident

Drawing and Painting for Children Create drawings and painting with acrylics, watercolors and pastels. Learn about line drawing, color and design by drawing from still life, the figure and your imagination.

Cooking for Kids Participants (grades 1-4) will try out recipes to make a breakfast, lunch/dinner, dessert and an appetizer. All aspects of working in the kitchen will be covered.

Dates: February 1–March 8 Times: Tuesdays, 4–5 p.m. (ages 6-8) Tuesdays 5:15–6:30 p.m. (ages 9-12) Place: Recreation Center Fee: $50/resident, $66/nonresident +$12 materials fee paid to instructor at first class.

Dates: February 2–24 Times: Wednesdays, 4–5:30 p.m. or Thursdays, 4– 5:30 p.m. Place: Recreation Center Fee: $40/resident, $53/nonresident +$8 materials fee paid to instructor at first class.

The Recreation and Leisure Services Department sponsors many ongoing exercise and fitness programs throughout the year. Classes are available in Bodysculpting, Yoga, Body Effort and Pilates. Check your Recreation Booklet, the Township website at www.twpusc.org or contact the Recreation Office at 412-831-9000, extension 256 for a complete list of classes and times. For additional information on any of the Recreation Department classes contact the Recreation Office at 412-831-9000, extension 256. Winter 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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ww w. s t eve n rc r a n d a l l d m d . c o m 38

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Vehicle Rescue… Basically Brian Reddecliff, Chief, USCVFD Being a firefighter in Upper St. Clair is truly an exciting and rewarding

experience. Often, when people learn of my involvement with the Fire Department, I find they have no idea of the amount of work and commitment given from the members within the Department. Firefighting goes beyond the most obvious function of fighting fires and requires many hours of training and hard work. Perhaps the most important function the Fire Department performs outside of firefighting is vehicle rescue. Throughout the months of August and September, members of the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department attended a 48-hour Basic Vehicle Rescue class sponsored by the Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Department. Vehicle rescue is the art of extricating a person from a vehicle after an accident. I call it an art because today’s vehicles are so complex that brute force will no longer get the job done, and will probably result in increased injury to the person in the car and firefighters operating on the scene. It takes a well-trained, creative firefighter to operate on modern vehicles.

During any type of accident where there is trauma to a patient, the first hour is known as the “golden hour.” Studies have shown that the patient’s odds of survival increase if they reach a hospital within that hour. One hour sounds like a long time with the use of medical helicopters and the fact that Upper St. Clair is only a 15- to 20-minute drive to various local hospitals, but consider the following. Once an accident occurs, the clock begins ticking. It could take as long as 15 minutes for the Fire Department to reach Winter 2004

the scene after the initial impact. This time varies depending on many factors, including information given by the caller, traffic conditions at the time of the incident and weather conditions. Simple things such as dialing 911 instead of 412-833-7500 can add to response time. The 911 dispatcher has to call the dispatcher in Upper St. Clair, who then dispatches the call to the police and medical units. Typically, the first officer or medic on the emergency scene will determine if a fire department is needed for extrication, and at that point, the Department will be dispatched. As our name infers, the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department is a volunteer organization, and all of its members respond from their homes to the nearest station. This means it takes at least three to five minutes to get a truck on the road to the scene of the accident. Let’s do the math: 15 minutes to arrive on the scene and begin extrication, 15 minutes to transport the patient to the hospital—that leaves the Fire Department only 30 minutes to perform the extrication and remove the person from the vehicle and still stay within the golden hour. Many years ago, extrication and vehicle rescue were straightforward processes. We arrived on the scene, stabilized the vehicle, and then began cutting and prying metal until the victim could be removed (I make it sound so easy). As vehicle manufacturers began adding safety features to their products, things started becoming complicated for the rescuer. Ironically, the items in your vehicle that add to your safety and convenience actually make the rescuer’s job more dangerous and harder to perform. For example, every new car today has some type of airbag system. When a vehicle is involved in an accident and one or more of the airbags do not deploy, they act as loaded cannons waiting for the rescuer to cut or pry the vehicle in the wrong spot,

deploying the airbag at the worst possible time—when a rescuer is kneeling in the vehicle next to the victim. There are many different airbag configurations. Some are in or under the dashboard, in the seats, above doors, in the doors and various other locations throughout the passenger compartment. I’ve read many articles and seen videos of firefighters being hit by these airbags when they deploy—it’s quite damaging. Another new technology that dramatically affects the rescue process is seat belt pre-tensioners. When a vehicle is struck, a gas charge instantly pulls the seatbelt tight around the occupant’s waist and shoulder. All of the components for this system are housed in the vertical post behind the driver and passengers’ heads. Cutting through one of these systems to remove the roof of a vehicle could cause serious injury to the rescuers. Still another item that is taken for granted is the gas strut on car trunks and hoods which allows for ease of opening and closing. These struts could fail if damaged during a rescue and launch the piston, like a missile, across the rescue scene impaling anything, or anyone, in its path. Safety innovations within vehicles have come a long way toward saving lives. Vehicles are actually designed to fail around the occupants and not on top of them. This is known as the “crumple zone” and it makes vehicle rescue quite difficult. Many of the structural supports members of the Fire Department use to push against when moving dashboards off of the victim are now designed to fail and bend away from the occupant, making them almost useless during the rescue process. Dangers are not only associated with the modern innovations and systems within the car, but with the type of car as well. One of the most unknown and feared items on the market is the Hybrid vehicle. Firefighters have to worry about the possibility of electrocution while performing rescue operations on this type of car due to the fact that these vehicles can carry as much as 500 volts of electricity. Hybrids are

so new to the industry that training on this type of vehicle is almost non-existent. When responding to calls I often walk away thinking, “It doesn’t get any more unique than this,” only to find at the next call, it does. The fact is, when there’s an incident in the Township, and nobody knows what to do or who to call, they call the Fire Department. It’s impossible for every member of the Department to be trained for every type of call we respond to—many of them are one-of-a-kind calls. Training for various situations firefighters may encounter takes place for three hours every Wednesday. Each new member is required by the Department to attend additional training, “Essentials of Firefighting,” during his first year of membership. This is an 88-hour class that teaches firefighters the basic skills necessary to function on an emergency scene. In addition, each member must attend a minimum of 16 hours of continuing education per year at fire schools. Although obligated to attend only 16 hours of training each year, many members attend much more to stay ahead in an ever-changing world. Some members attend as many as 100 hours of training in a single year, most of which takes place on weekends. Classes are offered all over the country and cover many different topics. In March 2004, for example, five USCVFD members attended a one-week training session in San Diego where they studied advanced firefighter survival techniques and participated in simulated flashover and fire evolutions. As the automotive industry continues to advance in vehicle design, so must fire departments advance in training for these new innovations. This is no small task, for as I’ve mentioned, all of the members of this Department are volunteers. USC volunteer firefighters train, taking time away from their families, their homes and their personal lives, in the quest of keeping each and every resident in Upper St. Clair safe. 

Winter 2004

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Letter to the Editor The following letter was submitted to UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY for publication consideration in gratitude for a job well done by the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department.

St. Clair, , a long-time resident of Upper While my 85-year-old father his 45-foot Clair Hospital, lightning struck St. at ion dit con al tic cri in was this past d just before dark one evening yar nt fro his in e tre k Oa Pin all four of chunks of bark exploded into ge lar and ips str de Wi . mer sum s, but the front windows of his home. eting across two of the window Kind neighbors put plastic she daughter and to two additional windows. My age dam r ila sim ice not n’t long did Pittsburgh area, were spending the in ves ati rel y onl ’s her fat I, my hospital by his side. e leaving days, even whole nights at the al condition, I was uncomfortabl d and Because of my father’s critic damage home and to the two remaining the hospital to attend to his Upper St. the l cal we ted al nurse sugges pit hos A s. dow win ed ect rot unp ident crisis, nt who often help in times of res tme par De e Fir eer unt Vol ir Cla the beyond fighting fires. three volunteer firefighters and The deputy fire chief contacted er the unprotected broken windows. e to cov four men visited my father’s hom l from the deputy chief who reassured me cal a ed eiv Later that evening I rec protected and covered. eer Fire that the windows were properly ted the Upper St. Clair Volunt bers My elderly father has suppor its mem volunteer fire department and Department for decades. This to keep this p hel ly ling wil so port as they sup ’ nts ide res ued tin con es erv des ce to live. community a safe and secure pla Sincerely,

alloy Ms.Ty Malloy and Ms.TalliammM Stelzer) r of Mr. Wi

(daughter and granddaughte

Santa Claus is Coming to Town Santa Claus is coming to town and

Visit Our BEST PICKS

he travels in style! Each December, members of the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department chauffer Santa throughout the Township, while kids of all ages are drawn outdoors to view the jolly old man on top of a fire engine. Santa’s elves pass out candy to the kids, a novelty item for the adults and even a treat for good dogs. Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 18, and join in the fun as Santa makes his way from neighborhood to neighborhood in his sleigh. Information will come home in your child’s Good News school envelope closer to the date of Upper St. Clair’s own “Santa arrival.” 

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2004

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Winter Storm Emergencies

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

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

private snow removal. Please refer to the Verizon Yellow Pages. 7. The Township receives numerous calls regarding sidewalks not being adequately maintained during heavy snow periods. Sidewalks with unshoveled snow may cause problems for residents, school children, mail carriers, delivery persons, etc. Chapter 109 of the Township Code states that the standard removal time of snow and ice from sidewalks is within 12 hours after the snow or ice has ceased to fall or be formed. There are several Township-owned sidewalks that are posted “No Winter Maintenance” and are not covered under this ordinance.

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

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

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

6. The Township cannot rec om mend contractors or companies that provide

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

1. The Public Works Department must be alert to air temperatures and road surface temperatures. Sodium chloride (rock salt) is effective to about 23° Fahrenheit. At temperatures below 23°, road surfaces will require additions of liquid calcium

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chloride. Traffic causes rock salt to act more quickly, so streets with heavier traffic will show the results of sodium chloride application sooner than less traveled roadways.

2. Air Science Consultants are available to the Public Works Department on a 24-hour contracted basis and provide periodic advance weather forecasting. 3. Peak traffic occurs between the hours of 4–8 a.m. and 2–9 p.m. Decisions to delay school must be made by school administration by 5:30 a.m. to permit contacting School District personnel. 4. The Public Works Department minimizes the use of chemicals and anti-skid materials by plowing whenever possible. Generally, accumulations over two inches with additional snow predicted may require plowing as dictated by temperatures and information obtained from Air Science Consultants.

5. Constant monitoring of road conditions helps the Public Works administration coordinate snow removal actions to ensure total roadway coverage. All snow removal vehicle drivers assist and back each other up to ensure effective roadway salting and plowing.

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6. Walks should be clear by 8 a.m. at the Township building and tennis bubbles. The Recreation Center schedule is checked to ensure clear walkways prior to scheduled activities.Evenings require walk clearing for the Township Building Li brary un til 9:30 p.m. and for any scheduled meetings which normally run until 11 p.m. Tennis bubbles operate until 11 p.m. It may be nec es sary to call personnel for morning walkway clearing by 5:30 a.m. or 6 a.m. as dictated by the size of the back-up crew. 7. Excessive snow may require opening of inlets or location of fire plugs. 8. The Public Works supervisor coordinates with all drivers to ensure that vehicle breakdowns and problems are reported and scheduled, so that effective snow removal operations are not jeopardized. 9. On-call Public Works supervisors have access to four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Winter 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Safety Tips to Help Avoid Frozen Meters and Pipes Sanitary Sewer Backups AND your homeowner’s coverage

When the outdoor temperature falls below 20°, water pipes and meters in homes with-

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

out adequate insulation are at risk of freezing. With another round of frigid temperatures in the forecast, people should winterize service lines and meters. Unexpected expenses can be avoided by following five basic steps: • Insulate the water meter (indoor or outdoor). • Insulate the pipes with insulating pipe sleeves, rags, blankets or commercial wraps. • Open doors under the sink to allow warm air to reach water pipes. • Eliminate drafts by sealing crawl space vents and broken windows. • Drain water lines to outside faucets, disconnect garden hoses and use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets.

Answers to commonly asked questions: What is the lowest temperature I should set my thermostat? Fifty-five degrees is the lowest temperature setting you should consider. Lower settings may not sufficiently warm the air where pipes are typically found—along outside walls, near windows and under cabinets. At what outside temperature is there a danger of freezing pipes? When the temperature drops below 20°, pipes in homes without adequate insulation may freeze and break. What do I do if my pipes freeze? Don’t attempt to thaw it with an open flame, as it could start a fire. Instead, hot air from an electric hair dryer, hot towels or heat tape

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

is recommended, but never leave a hair dryer running unattended. What should I do if my pipes burst? Turn off the water at the main shut-off valve. Be sure everyone in your family knows where the shut-off valve is. Tagging it with a brightcolored ribbon can be helpful. How much damage can a burst pipe cause? A crack that is only an eighth-of-an-inch wide can release 250 gallons of water in one day. This could translate to inches of water on the floor, if you’re not home when a frozen pipe bursts.  Source: Pennsylvania American Water Company

You are invited to participate in the

Township of Upper St. Clair’s Christmas Tree Recycling Project! Bring your tree, without decorations, to the YMCA upper parking lot between January 10–24, 2005. The trees will be ground for mulch for residents’ use.

Please remove all plastic tree bags!

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

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Citron Jewelers

More Than Designs… Gemstones have been sought after and

Southwestern Pennsylvania where these total of over 100 years of experience in treasured throughout history. They have turkey gift certificates and toys will be the jewelry industry.” been found in ruins dating back several given to needy families and children. Citron Jewelers is well known for its thousand years. They are valued as gifts In addition, Mr. Citron will also con- unique designs of diamond and precious symbolizing love. tribute new microwaves to needy families gemstone jewelry in the Pittsburgh market. Continuing his generous tradition to affected by the flood from Hurricane Ivan to On the previous page an ad features Ms. our community, we have a humble suc- the Bridgeville and Carnegie communities. Nicole Bigham, Miss Pennsylvania U.S.A. cessful entrepreneur who 2002 and a former employee continues to give back. of Citron Jewelers, wearing Dale Citron of Citron “Designs by Dale.” Also a Jewelers is continuing his sampling on the following tradition this 2004 holiday page exhibits “Designs by season. For the past nine Dale,” unique and original years, Citron has donated jewelry creations using gifts to needy children diamonds and exotic colat the Womansplace in ored gemstones. McKeesport, the Laughlin Featured top left is a Run School, the Pittsburgh rare Paraiba Tourmaline Head Start Program, UPMC pendant with natural McKeesport, Children’s Aid fancy yellow and white diaSociety of Mercer County, monds set in platinum and Children’s Hospital Pittsyellow gold. Top center is burgh, UPMC’s “Amazing a 4 ct. diamond bangle Kids” at The Children’s bracelet. Top right is a 16 Institute and last year to ct. total-weight diamond the efforts of Upper St. men’s bracelet. Center left Clair Boyce Middle School is a man’s 18 ct. yellow and Outreach Program. white gold diamond ring, In 2003, Dale Citron of featuring a 5.02 ct. oval Citron Jewelers contribshaped center diamond. uted two large donations Center middle is a yellow USC resident Sandy Boring and Dale Citron of Citron Jewelers in our area, providing logold diamond pendant with Mr. Citron serves his customers with a 15 ct. radiant shaped diamond surroundcal families with turkey certificates from Giant Eagle to SHIM (South Hills Interfaith two store locations in the South Hills ed by 3 cts. of pavé set diamonds. Center Ministries) one week before Thanksgiving area. His first location at Century III right is an extremely rare 2.11 ct. emerald and toys for needy children to the American Mall was established in 1996 followed shaped Red Beryl, sometimes referred Red Cross of Southwestern Pennsylvania. by his second location opening at South to as red Emerald, set in a yellow gold These organizations were honored to Hills Village in 1998. Citron Jewelers diamond ring setting. Bottom left is a accept the much needed donations from will open a newly designed Century III 4.02 ct. colorless emerald shaped diamond location this November. “The overwhelm- with 1 ct. of accenting diamonds set in Mr. Citron. This holiday season, Mr. Citron is con- ing success and customer loyalty has platinum. Bottom center is a princess tinuing his gracious giving with donations allowed me to design a larger, more com- shaped 5.05 ct. diamond with two 1 ct. of 100 turkey gift certificates from Giant fortable store to make it bigger and better trillion shaped diamonds set in platinum. Eagle and 150 toys to help the immediate for our customers,” states Dale Citron. Mr. Bottom right is a natural vivid intense needs of flood victims from our local area. Citron also attributes his success jointly yellow flawless 3.70 ct. cushion-shaped Citron Jewelers will be presenting these to the professionalism and customer care diamond with two colorless cushiondonations to the American Red Cross of attitude displayed by his staff and the shaped side diamonds set in platinum.  management of Sharon Fohl, Century III Mall store manager. “Sharon is a very critiFor more information, cal and important part of the company’s call Citron Jewelers: success. She has been with the company for over eight years,” states Mr. Citron. “When you walk into Citron Jewelers you can trust our staff who have a combined 44 44

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2004 Winter 2004

South Hills Village 412-833-1667 Century III Mall 412-653-4668

Winter 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2004

Holiday Lighting Safety Tips The 2004 holiday season fast approaches, and many

will be putting up sparkling lights and other decorations to add to the festive atmosphere. Checking electric lights and decorations before installation can help to ensure a safe holiday season. Don’t assume that because the lights worked last year that they are in good working condition—lights should be inspected annually. Look for frayed wires, damaged sockets, or missing insulation, and, if you find any of these conditions, throw the lights away. When purchasing new lighting, you can reduce the possibility of electrical shock or fires by checking for the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label before stringing lights and setting up other decorations. Equally important is using the lighting according to the manufacturer’s specifications—indoor lights for indoor use only and outdoor lights for outdoor use.

In addition to visually inspecting holiday lighting and decorations, the following tips are useful: • Always unplug a light string or electrical decoration before replacing light bulbs or fuses. • Do not overload extension cords—it could cause the cord to overheat and start a fire. • Keep all outdoor extension cords and light strings clear of snow and standing water and well protected from weather. • Do not allow children or pets to play with light strings or other electrical decorations. Even small light decorations can produce deadly electric shocks if misused. • When hanging lights outside, around your house, or in trees, be sure to survey the area for overhead power lines and maintain at least a ten-foot distance.  Source: Allegheny Power Company

Annual EMS Subscription Drive The 2005 Tri-Community South EMS

annual subscription drive is underway. Subscription information has been mailed to each known occupied residence in the municipality. If you have not yet received this information, please contact the Tri-Community South EMS office at 412-831-3710, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Your subscription to Tri-Community South EMS means that should you need medically necessary ambulance transportation, Tri-Community South EMS will accept reimbursement from your health care or other appropriate insurance carrier as payment in full for the services rendered, and you will not receive any direct bill for these services. Medicare generally pays about half of the billed costs, while other insurers may pay up to 80% of billed costs. Your subscription helps to make sure that Tri-Community South will continue to provide quality ambulance service when you need it, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Tri-Community South EMS is owned and operated by the Municipality of Bethel Park and the Townships of South Park and Upper St. Clair. Though it is a municipal agency, TriCommunity South EMS attempts to recover operating costs by billing for services and accepting insurance reimbursements and by conducting the annual subscription drive. If operating costs cannot be recovered by these means, the system must take money from municipal tax revenues to make up the shortfall. At present, the system is completely self-supporting and no municipal tax revenue is being used for EMS operation.

Your subscription entitles you to medically necessary emergency ambulance service as often as needed anywhere in the Municipality of Bethel Park, South Park Township and Upper St. Clair Township, and also in Mt. Lebanon Township, Dormont Borough, Castle Shannon Borough, Whitehall Borough, Green Tree Borough, Baldwin Township, Baldwin Borough, Pleasant Hills Borough, Brentwood Borough, Peters Township, Jefferson Hills Borough and Scott Township. Your subscription covers all family members living at your home address and any guests or visitors at your home. Your subscription also covers pre-scheduled non-emergency ambulance service when medically necessary—when the service meets the requirements or guidelines of your health care insurance provider and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Your subscription covers medically necessary emergency and non-emergency ambulance service only. According to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the criteria for medical necessity for emergency ambulance service are that the service be “reasonable and necessary.” In addition, for non-emergency ambulance service to qualify as “medically necessary,” the patient must need care or monitoring by trained attendants, the destination must be an approved medical facility and the patient must be unable to walk, or must be stretcher bound, and cannot be safely transported by other means such as wheelchair van, invalid coach, private vehicle or commercial common carrier.

The following services are specifically designated by CMS as not being medically necessary: • Ambulance transportation provided solely for the convenience of the patient or family, or to accommodate a specific physician • Ambulance transportation to obtain services which could be performed at the patient’s bedside or at the point of origin of the trip • Ambulance transportation to a doctor’s office • Ambulance transportation to a more distant facility, when a closer facility can appropriately provide the services required Services for these reasons, or services that are not reasonable and necessary are not covered by your subscription. 

Winter 2004

Subscribe Now Your subscription takes effect as soon as it is received and payment is accepted by Tri-Community South. It remains in effect through December 31, 2005, regardless of the day it is received. If you have any questions about your ambulance subscription or about Tri-Community South EMS and the services they provide, contact them at 412-831-3710, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or visit the website at www.tcsems.org. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

P INEBRIDGE Pinebridge Commons McLaughlin Run Road at Lesnett Road ••••••••••••••••• Carlson Wagonlit Travel Common Ground Café Design Image Peter Gialames & Associates Henderson Investment Corp. Hickory Heights Land Co. Jimcor Associates, Inc. Timothy Kerr, DMD & Romana Pautler Kerr, DMD Larry E. Manalo, DMD Pediatric Alliance Pediatric Dentistry South

Piccolina Restaurant Pinebridge Commons Assoc. Primary Physicians Research Questa Petroleum Co. REFCO Eric J. Reitz DMD & Gary J. Yanniello, DMD South Hills Financial Group State Farm Insurance Suburban Dry Cleaners Triorient Trading, Inc. 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

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Larry E. Manalo, D.M.D. Pinebridge Dental • Upper St. Clair • 412-221-2221 88 Dental • Castle Shannon • 412-343-4100

Tri-Community South Involved in the ASPIRE Trial Tri-Community South EMS is participating

in the ASPIRE trial sponsored in Pittsburgh by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). The lead investigator at UPMC is Dr. Vince Mosesso, a resident of Upper St. Clair. The full name of the ASPIRE trial is the AutoPulse Assisted Pre-hospital International Resuscitation trial. The ASPIRE trial is a multi-center clinical trial Dr. Vince Mosesso comparing mechanical chest compressions using the AutoPulse to standard manual chest compressions in resuscitation of cardiac arrest patients. The study involves five study centers in the U.S. and Canada. The coordinating center for this trial is the University of Washington in Seattle. The study will evaluate survival of cardiac arrest patients at four hours following a 911 call. All patients with non-traumatic cardiac arrest will be eligible for enrollment. The study should take one year to complete. The AutoPulse is a battery-powered device that performs mechanical chest compressions in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as an alternative to the standard manual chest compressions. It is currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in adult patients in cardiac arrest, and is in regular use by several EMS agencies in the U.S. and Canada. However, it is not yet known whether the device ultimately improves patient survival. Since animal and human test data suggest that mechanical chest compressions using the AutoPulse provide better blood flow to the brain and heart than high quality

manual chest compressions given by well-trained individuals, the hypothesis for the ASPIRE trial is that the use of the AutoPulse in patients suffering cardiac arrest may improve patient outcome by providing more effective CPR. This study hopes to prove or disprove this hypothesis. There are five centers participating in the ASPIRE trial. The three centers in the U.S. are Seattle, Columbus and Pittsburgh. The two Canadian sites are Vancouver and Toronto. Both emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics will be included as providers. In the Pittsburgh area, the EMS agencies participating in the study are Tri-Community South EMS, Baldwin EMS, Eastern Area PreHospital Services, McKeesport EMS, Medical Rescue Team South Authority, Northwest EMS and Ross-West View EMS Authority. This study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the University of Pittsburgh. Because patients in cardiac arrest are unconscious and cannot give consent to participate in this research, the Pittsburgh IRB will ensure that notification and consent procedures protect the rights of all patients. In each area where the study is being conducted, public disclosure has been made. Dr. Mosesso presented the details of the study at a Township of Upper St. Clair Board of Commissioners meeting on August 2. For more information on the ASPIRE trial, or for any other questions on emergency medical services, call Tri-Community South EMS at 412-831-3710, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or visit the website at www.tcsems.org.  Winter 2004 UPPER UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 4949 Winter 2004 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.

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Rt. 19 South/Galleria Office

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1539 Washington Rd. • Pittsburgh, PA 15228 • 412-344-0500 50

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2004

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COMPANY WILL DO. OTHERS E XPECT MORE. Whether your journey leads you across town, across country or around the globe, you can count on Coldwell Banker to make your real estate experience personalized, effective and satisfying. Owned And Operated By NRT Incorporated

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Upper St. Clair Office

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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

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

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South Hills Office

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

Roberta Allen

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2004

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Michael Wheeler

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Seasonal Fear of Deer Alaya Boisvert importantly, consumers should seek out safe, non-toxic repellents that do not cause harm either to the animal or the environment. A recent study conducted by the National Wildlife Research Center investigating the efficacy of deer repellents concluded that: Studies investigating the trends in efficacy of deer repellents indicate, of the 20 products tested, repellents with active ingredients that emitted sulfurous odors (i.e. bloodmeal or egg solids) generally provided the best results. Products that contained active ingredients which cause pain/irritation (capsaicin, allyl isothiocyanate), or illness (thiram) were less effective. —USDA/APHIS, Olympia, WA With fall coming to an end and winter quickly approaching, gar-

deners have prepared their gardens for the dormant winter season and have put their plants to bed. Fear often stirs in the hearts of gardeners at the prospect of losing their plants due to long winter frosts, fungus or insect infestation. Also, for many gardeners, the all-dreaded concern is deer! According to the United States National Parks Service, in 1999 the deer population in the U.S. had reached over 24 million. In Pennsylvania alone, deer populations are estimated at 1,500,000. These populations are reported to cause one billion dollars in annual damage to desirable plants throughout North America—significant costs incurred by home gardeners, foresters, professional growers, landscapers and farmers alike. For many home gardeners there is nothing more aggravating than having the fruits of their labor become food for foraging animals. Deer commonly live on the edge of forests rather than deep in fullforested range. Incredibly adaptive animals, deer will venture from their common habitat in search of food. Shrinking natural habitat and growing suburban developments along agricultural and forested lands create crossboundary grounds for deer to enter into human-populated areas. The U.S. Census Bureau claimed in 2000, over 59 million people, or 21% of the population, were living in rural communities. With developments pushing into once forested lands and creating more suburban neighborhoods that offer an abundant food source from lawns, shrubs, trees and lush freshly planted flowers and greenery, deer are becoming a greater nuisance to the home gardener. Animal repellents can be effective solutions to mitigating browse damage. The trick is in understanding deer behavior to know how to best use a repelling product, and to employ some savvy consumer skills to weed through the less effective mom and pop home brews. Deer are creatures of habit and once behavior patterns are established it is very difficult to alter them. Animal repellents deter deer away from the area where applied, either by taste or odor—driving the deer to another location to forage. It is therefore best to apply the repellent before the deer have begun feeding on your plants so they will not grow accustomed to snacking on your shrubs, perennials and annuals. Repellents should be applied to plants when they are dry, allowing a minimum of 24 hours for the product to set before being exposed to rain or watering. Re-apply the repellent after any new growth has emerged. Most

This research confirms that animals need not be harmed in an effort to protect your garden. There are even a few organically listed animal repellents available on the market, providing environmentally sound choices to consumers. While, there are no commercial repellents that can guarantee 100% efficacy, the key is to find natural, effective solutions that allow you to settle calmly into the winter months, dreaming of your perfect spring garden, instead of worrying about whether your plants will survive the night! 

For more information about plant protection techniques, please contact: TreeWorld • Phone: 1-800-252-6051 Email: info@treeworld.com • Website: www.plantskydd.com Photography by Walter Jarosh and Nancy Barnard.

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Winter 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Upper St. Clair School District Board of School Directors

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*

Glenn Groninger 412-854-5345 2007*

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. Jeffrey W. Joyce 412-257-1704 2007*

Vicki A. McKenna 412-831-7125 2005*

Clark R. Nicklas 412-831-1027 2005*

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

*Date indicates expiration of term.

School District Central Office Administration

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

Dr. James D. Lombardo Dr. Terrence Kushner Superintendent of Schools Assistant Superintendent/ Director of Secondary Education ( 9-12)

M. Jane Sierzega Dr. Judy Bulazo Director of Elementary Level Director of Finance and Business Education/Instructional Principal (K-4)

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

Robert Obrosky Director of Technology

Jean Toner Director of Human Resources

Secretary/Email Address

Extension

Dr. James D. Lombardo . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Ann Stabile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superintendent of Schools mstabile@uscsd.k12.pa.us Dr. Terrence Kushner . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donna Faccenda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Superintendent/Director of dfaccenda@uscsd.k12.pa.us Secondary Education (9-12) Dr. John Bornyas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cheryl Ellison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Middle Level Education/ cellison@uscsd.k12.pa.us Instructional Principal (5-8) Dr. Judy Bulazo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cheryl Ellison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Elementary Education/ cellison@uscsd.k12.pa.us Instructional Principal (K-4) M. Jane Sierzega . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bonnie Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Finance and Business bthomas@uscsd.k12.pa.us Robert Obrosky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Doreen Leech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Technology dleech@uscsd.k12.pa.us Jean Toner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debi Bakowski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Human Resources dbakowski@uscsd.k12.pa.us Eloise Stoehr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phyllis Feller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Supervisor of Pupil Services pfeller@uscsd.k12.pa.us Dr. Sharon Suritsky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phyllis Feller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Supervisor of Special Education pfeller@uscsd.k12.pa.us Charles Samek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Powers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Transportation kpowers@uscsd.k12.pa.us

2201 2218 2202 2202 2266 2211 2286 2283 2283 3450

School District Building Administration

Eloise Stoehr Supervisor of Pupil Services

Dr. Sharon Suritsky Supervisor of Special Education

Charles Samek Director of Transportation

Dr. Timothy Steinhauer ..... Principal of the High School Dr. Mike Ghilani ................ High School Assistant Principal/Dean of Students To Be Named ....................... High School Assistant Principal/Dean of Students Dr. William Rullo ............... Director of High School Guidance Joe DeMar ........................... Principal of Fort Couch Middle School Dr. Kevin Deitrick............... Assistant Principal of Fort Couch Middle School Karen Brown ...................... Principal of Boyce Middle School Dr. Ruth Ann Matyuf ......... Principal of Baker Elementary School Mark Miller ........................ Principal of Eisenhower Elementary School Dr. Claire Miller ................. Principal of Streams Elementary School

USC School District website: www.uscsd.k12.pa.us 5454 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 2004 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Winter Winter 2004

Meet the Directors Changes in Administration There are some new faces at Central

Office this year, even though they are familiar to many in the District. Dr. Terrence (Terry) Kushner, former principal at the High School, was named Assistant Superintendent/Director of Secondary Education (9-12) this past August. In addition to his responsibility for secondary education, he will manage the District’s communications. Terry graduated from Clairton High School and went on to earn his bachelor of arts in mathematics from Colgate University. He received his MAT in mathematics and his PhD in curriculum and supervision from the University of Pittsburgh. Upon graduation from Colgate, Terry began his educational career as a math teacher at Moon Area High School, where he also coached football. He moved to Peters Township High School as a math teacher and football coach, then to Trinity High School as an assistant principal and head football coach. In 1984 he became vice-principal at Baldwin High School. Terry began his career with the Upper St. Clair School District in 1986 when he accepted a position as an associate principal at the High School. He was appointed principal of the High School in 1995. “It’s a great place to work,” commented Terry, adding that, “The best thing about the District is our kids.” Terry said in his new position he is looking forward to working even more closely with the curriculum leaders. He will also focus on standards, course objectives and assessment of student achievement.

Left to right: Dr. John Bornyas, Dr. Judy Bulazo, Dr. Terry Kushner

Dr. John Bornyas, formerly Director of Education/Instructional Principal (7-12), is now Director of Middle Level Education/Instructional Principal (5-8). His primary focus will be middle level education. He is also responsible for the District’s physical plant operations. John earned his bachelor of science in secondary education from Penn State, his MS in human resources management from LaRoche College, his MA in counseling education and his EdD in administrative policy studies from the University of Pittsburgh. During his studies he performed his student teaching at USCHS. John began his educational career with the District as an English and social studies teacher at USCHS, where he also coached swimming and was an advisor/sponsor for several activities. In 1986, John began teaching at Boyce Middle School, where he was the social studies curriculum leader.

In 1993, John accepted a position with the Fox Chapel Area School District as assistant principal at the Dorseyville Middle School, where he helped open their middle school program for grades six through eight. He then moved to the Moon Area School District as principal of their middle school. John returned to Upper St. Clair in 1999 as Director of Middle Level Education/Instructional Principal. Dr. Judy Bulazo is the District’s Director of Elementary Education/Instructional Principal (K-4). She is also responsible for staff development of K-12 teachers, which she does jointly with Karen Brown, principal at Boyce Middle School. Judy’s responsiblities also include the induction and mentoring of new teachers. She said that this year more than 20 new teachers joined the District. Judy started her teaching career in 1990 at Streams Elementary as a third grade teacher. During her tenure with the District she has been elementary mathematics curriculum leader, resource teacher, elementary reading and language arts curriculum leader, curriculum database project leader and elementary reading specialist. From January 2001 until June 2003 she was acting principal at Eisenhower Elementary School. Judy received her bachelor of arts in elementary education from Grove City College, her MA in education from the University of Pittsburgh and her PhD in reading education from the University of Pittsburgh. 

Congratulations on Retirement When they took roll this fall,

there were two notable absences in the District—those of Pat Dunkis and Beverly Krill, both of whom retired at the end of the 2003-04 school year. Dr. Patricia (Pat) Dunkis started her tenure with the Upper St. Clair School District in 1973, teaching primarily at Baker School. In 1985, Pat was named principal of Streams Elementary, becoming the first female principal in the Upper St. Clair School Pat Dunkis District. In 1997, Pat was named Director of Elementary Education. In addition to her duties with elementary education, Pat was responsible for staff development for grades kindergarten through 12 for both professional and classified staff. When asked about retirement, Pat said she’s been very busy, commenting, “I don’t know how I squeezed a job into this life!”

Beverly Krill, who retired from her position as principal of Streams Elementary, echoed Pat’s sentiments, stating that retirement has provided her and her husband the opportunity to do things that they didn’t have time to do previously, including frequent travel. The start of Beverly’s career with the Upper St. Clair School District began in 1970 when she started teaching at the former Johnston Elementary School. She taught there for two years until Beverly Krill family commitments required a move. Beverly continued her career as a teacher, and later a principal, with various school districts until her return to Upper St. Clair in 1989 as principal of Boyce Middle School. When Pat was named Director of Elementary Education, Beverly took over as principal at Streams. Beverly commented that both she and Pat were fortunate to have jobs they loved, stating, “It’s good to know you’ve made a difference.” 

Winter 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Changes in Personnel On School Board and in School Buildings Vicki McKenna Named to School Board There’s a new face on

the Upper St. Clair School Board—that of Vicki McKenna. While she is new to the board, Vicki has been actively involved in the District’s schools for many years. Vicki’s professional Vicki McKenna career included experience as a director of human resources for KoolVent Aluminum Products, and as an assistant personnel director for Saks Fifth Avenue. Vicki’s volunteer experience is extensive. She has served as a past president of Baker’s PTA and was vice-president of Upper St. Clair PTA Council, a position she had to resign when she was appointed to the School Board. Vicki was the School Wide Enrichment Program (SWEP) coordinator for three years, which gave her the opportunity to work with all three elementary schools. She donated the stipend she received for the position back to the SWEP program, enabling her to improve the quality of programs provided. In addition to her volunteer work in the schools, Vicki is an active volunteer with MakeA-Wish Foundation and the National Alliance for Autism Research and volunteers for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Vicki believes her background will help her as a Board of School Director, especially with the upcoming contract negotiations. She said that she is a rational, reasonable person and likes to debate issues and express her opinion. Vicki and her husband, Mark, have two children; Andy, a seventh grader at Fort Couch and Kylie, a fifth grader at Boyce. While Vicki enjoys her other activities, she loves being a mom. “That’s what it’s all about. Helping the community, helping the children.” she said. Vicki was appointed to the seat vacated by Al Ferarra, who resigned from the board this past June due to work commitments. Al is CFO for A.K. Steel in Middletown, Ohio. He served on the School Board from December 1997 to June 2004. Al said he enjoyed working with the District’s professional staff. Al was proud to be part of the policy making process during an important period of the District’s history, including the construction at the High School and elementary schools, and the hiring of a new superintendent. Al, his wife, Rita, and their daughter, Allison, are living between Cincinnati and Dayton. Their son, Bert, is a sophomore at Yale, and son, Tony, is a freshman at the University of Michigan. “I have been blessed with many things in my life,” stated Al, “but none more than my family.” 

Back to the Fort

Teresa Bryson, Fort Couch attendance secretary, welcomes Joe Demar on his first day at the Fort. Former assistant high school principal, Joe DeMar, packed up his office and

moved to the Fort—Fort Couch that is! Joe was recently named principal at Fort Couch Middle School, replacing Dr. Tim Steinhauer. Joe started his teaching career at Lawrence County AVTS, where he taught general science, grades nine through 12. He joined the Upper St. Clair School District nine years ago, when he was hired as the assistant principal at Fort Couch. Two years later he became assistant principal at the High School. Joe received his bachelor of education with a major in general science from Slippery Rock. He earned his ME in educational administration from Westminster College.  56

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2004

Dr. Steinhauer Moves to the High School

Sara Boyd and Elizabeth Kopach, eighth grade students at Fort Couch, say goodbye to Dr. Steinhauer. No one could blame this year’s fresh-

man class at the High School if they feel like they’re being followed. That’s because Dr. Tim Steinhauer, their principal at Fort Couch last year, has been appointed USCHS principal. Tim started his teaching career at Clearfield Area High School as a secondary (8-12) instrumental music director, then went to Conrad Weiser Jr./Sr. High School as a secondary (7-12) instrumental music director. In 1993 he was hired as assistant principal at Bentworth Area High School. Tim joined the Upper St. Clair School District in 1995, when he was hired as the dean of students at the High School. Two years later he was named principal at Fort Couch. Tim received his bachelor of science in music education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and his MS in educational administration and EdD in educational administration from The Pennsylvania State University. During the transition period from Fort Couch to the High School, Tim said he expects to spend a lot of time being a good listener and observer, indicating that he wants to get reacquainted with the processes at the High School before doing anything to enhance an already excellent program. He remarked that he’ll need to learn the physical layout of the school as well, since the building is completely new since he worked there in 1995. Tim said that taking over for Dr. Kushner is a challenge, commenting, “I have some big shoes to fill.”  Continued on page 77

School Committees Help Establish Goals Dr. James D. Lombardo The 2004-05 school year began smoothly for the six schools of the Upper St. Clair School District.

While the teachers and staff of over 500 have been hard at work serving the District’s 4151 students, the Board and administrators have established some formidable goals and priorities for the year, most of which emerged from the work of five District committees. What follows is a brief overview of these initiatives. • Improve the District professional evalu• Develop a five-year fiscal plan for the ation process. The District has enjoyed the District. The Board is committed to maintaining learning benefits of an extremely talented and the quality of Upper St. Clair school programs, experienced group of educators over the past while, at the same time, recognizing the fiscal 20 years. Anticipated retirements, however, will limitations of our community. Last year, we deplete the experience level of the overall staff, developed a five-year projection of District requiring significant investment in ongoing pro- expenses and revenues. Beginning this fall, fessional development for those teachers new to that projection served as the basis of a five-year the instructional practices of the Upper St. Clair expenditure plan for the District. Recent state School District. The newly designed supervision legislative actions will complicate that process, model provides for a three-year mentoring pro- but good planning is necessary in order to avoid gram for new hires, more frequent observation the need to cut programs in the near future. of classes by supervisors, and a differentiated • Improve District communications with approach that recognizes that the supervisory all Upper St. Clair constituencies. Staffing needs of new staff are very different from those reductions in recent years have cut into the of experienced veteran teachers. District’s ability to communicate with the en• Ensure that the District assessment tire Upper St. Clair community regarding our practices serve all constituencies well. The successes and needs. We have developed a new federal “No Child Left Behind” legislation communications plan that is aimed at keeping has increased dramatiour community well-incally the frequency of formed about all District The Board is committed large scale testing for activities. This plan to maintaining the quality of students. State PSSA includes an improved Upper St. Clair school programs, School District website, tests will now be administered at grades more frequent school while, at the same time, three through eight and recognizing the fiscal limitations publications and planned in grade 11 in reading community forums for a of our community. and mathematics, and variety of purposes. grades five, eight and • Develop an Asian 11 in writing. Graduation is dependent on Studies Program in conjunction with the “meeting the standards” on the grade 11 test. Community Foundation and other grant This new initiative is designed to ensure that organizations. Last year three of our adour local assessment practices provide students, ministrators traveled to China as part of the parents and policy makers with the very best in- University of Vermont Asian Studies Program. formation to guide decision-making at all levels. This year we hope to develop a long-range plan In addition, we want to provide the public with that will allow for exchanges of teachers and an annual report on USC students’ performance students with schools in Asia. The Community on a variety of assessment instruments. Foundation has already committed to assisting • Review the report of the class size the District with this effort. committee and make appropriate recommen• Review the District’s programs to ensure dations to the Board of School Directors. Last that we model the most appropriate health year a group of teachers, administrators and and wellness practices for USC students. Our Board members reviewed the research on class nation is increasingly concerned about childsize and achievement and have issued a number hood obesity and other conditions that affect of recommendations for class sizes in Upper St. the health and wellness of our children. By exClair. The primary finding of the committee was amining all aspects of our school programs that that the Board should consider reducing class have an impact on health (physical education, sizes in grade levels K-2, in particular, but also guidance and health services, lunch programs, should study the potential impact on achieve- school climate), we can make certain that all ment of selective class size reductions in other programs convey a unified message about the levels and subject areas. need for healthier life styles. 

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Astronaut Fincke, Phone Home! Several “how I spent my summer vacation” essays written by Upper St. Clair

students should be out of this world! The High School was scheduled for an International Space Station ground contact on Friday, August 27. The window of communication was open for only a few minutes, but during that precious time, students from the District were able to have their questions about life on a space station answered by astronaut Mike Fincke, a Pittsburgh-area native who considers Emsworth home. Because classes did not begin until August 30, and due to the need to be flexible about the changing date of contact, coordinating teacher Pat Palazzolo had to do some creative problem solving to find a group of students interested in science, technology and international relations who could also guarantee that they would be available to participate on any given date. The group of eight boys and seven girls included representatives from the High School, Fort Couch and Boyce middle schools, and one fourth grader who represented the District’s elementary students. (In conducting research for his proposed question, this young man, Luke Walker, discovered that he is the great nephew of Joe Walker, NASA’s first X-15 pilot who is mentioned in The Right Stuff and whose altitude record for winged flight still stands.)

Maruca, Pat Left to right: Michelle Szucs, Alex s, J. T. Gralka Palazzolo, Anna Gorman, Matt Boya

NASA calls this space-to-students contact program ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station). It is a joint effort of NASA, the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT). This experience would not be possible without the assistance of local amateur radio clubs. Members of both the Wireless Association of South Hills (WASH, President Bill Hill, Club Liaison Ron Notarius) and Washington Amateur Communications (WACOM, Club Liaison Ed Oelschlager) had been flexible in scheduling and then rescheduling their vacation days in order to be able to set up the radio equipment and handle the technology that provided this special learning opportunity for the students. On August 27, the pressure was on primary radio coordinator Jim Sanford (WB4GCS) and secondary radio coordinator Kevin Smith (N3HKQ). Both men have had some prior experience with satellite contact, with Mr. Sanford having set up an astronautstudent contact in Virginia. NASA stated the 58

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

general success rate for contact is 70%. Reasons for failure include not only technical problems with the radio equipment on Earth, but also unexpected situations arising on the space station that need to be addressed immediately by the crew. In addition to the many volunteers who set up the antenna and other equipment, there were those who helped provide the items that made this event memorable for all. Rick Bell (KB3IAC) set up audiovisual equipment that allowed observers to view the tracking program and close-ups of the radio equipment on large screens in the High School LGI. WASH member Dan McCann made special shirts for the volunteers and students to wear during the event. Upper St. Clair Director of Facilities Services Joe Wightkin was instrumental in determining a way to allow the temporary set-up of the necessary coaxial cables, and the District’s technology personnel were hard at work setting up the required dedicated phone lines for a webcast. This is not the first “space-tacular” event involving USC students. Coordinating teacher Pat Palazzolo was a finalist in the NASA Teacher-in-Space program and is an international faculty member of the Challenger Center for Space Science Education. In 2002, she was awarded the Ann Morrow Lindbergh Educator Award, a national award given by the Women in Aerospace Organization to an educator known as a leader in aerospace education and who, especially, encourages young women to consider careers in science and technology. In 1990, a group of Pat’s students won a competition for their design of a shuttle experiment. The prize included a trip to view the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope. In 1994, these students assisted her as she coordinated the precursor of ARISS as a combined effort of the Upper St. Clair and Mars Area school districts. The program back then was called SAREX (Space Amateur Radio Experiment) and, thanks to the help of the North Hills and Butler amateur radio clubs, students from both districts were successful in speaking with cosmonaut Sergei Krikalev and astronaut Jan Davis, orbiting the Earth on

Winter 2004

the first joint AmericanRussian shuttle mission. In 1996, Pat turned the Boyce Middle School gym into a Martian colony. Designed as a tribute to space education for the tenth anniversary of the Challenger tragedy, Boyce was one of 14 sites across North America (seven in Canada and seven in the U.S.) linked together via telecommunications as the students built their colonies in five different time zones. (Included was a site in Quebec with whom the Upper St. Clair students communicated in French.) In 1998, USC students designed an experiment that was selected to fly in orbit with John Glenn on his historic return to flight. (The middle school students sent up sea monkey eggs and Chia Pet seeds.) Many of the students involved in these activities have gone on to careers in the sciences. Among them are several doctors, chemists, physicists and engineers. Former student Amy Kaminski is now the Space Programs Examiner for the White House, and former student Daniel Zelik is an industrial engineering major currently doing a “co-op” with NASA at the Johnson Space Center.

Waiting to make contact

with the Space Station.

The 15 students who asked questions on August 27 served as ARISS ambassadors when the school year began, sharing their experience with other students in their respective buildings. In addition, Upper St. Clair alumna Lesley Retallick Lee will speak with students when she visits in November. She has been working in life sciences for several years at the Johnson Space Center and has encouraged students and teachers to seek out the many educational opportunities offered by NASA. In addition to working with fellow Pittsburgh-area native Mike Fincke, she also travels to Russia to work with the cosmonauts. She may be able to answer additional questions that were sure to be raised in students’ minds in the course of the few treasured minutes of the ARISS pass. 

What Do You Ask an Astronaut? just a few of Following are ts s USC studen the question sk a ce to had the chan e Fincke. ik M t astronau

Would you please describe the experience of walking in space? (Stephen Trombetta, grade eight) It’s “really cold,” commented Fincke. You can feel the cold through the spacesuit, but it’s no worse than a winter in Pittsburgh.

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Fincke stated that it was tough to live with the same person for six months, but the secret was not looking for fault with each other. “We look at the other person’s point of view, and know that they are trying to do the best job they possibly can.”

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Where would you like to see humankind go next in space? (Brian Weller, grade 12) Fincke said he really believes in the president’s vision that man should go to Mars. Ultimately, he’d like to see man go to the stars, adding that we need to explore who we are and explore our potential. 

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2004 Upper St. Clair High School Halls of Fame Friday, September 24, 2004, was the date that Upper St. Clair High School honored 20 of its best at the fifth annual Halls of

Fame Induction Ceremony. The spirited crowd at Panther Stadium, who gathered to see the USC victory over North Allegheny that evening, cheered each inductee as they were individually recognized during pre-game festivities. It is with great pleasure that we introduce you to the inductees of the 2004 Upper St. Clair Halls of Fame.

Academic Hall of Fame

Arts Hall of Fame

John Sholl

Rick St. John

Left to right: Jennifer DePalma, Herbert Kirkwood, Donnan Stoicovy, James Saunders and Barbara Carney

Alan Popp

Class of 2004 Halls of Fame Inductees Academic Hall of Fame

Left to right: Samuel Hazo, Charles Wood, Sandra Stein, Donald Mincher and Jonathan Baker

Rob Truver

Athletic Hall of Fame

Student Alumni Honorees Jennifer DePalma (1992) Richard St. John (1970) Alan T. Popp (1964) Donnan Stoicovy (1991) Administrative/Staff Honorees Barbara Carney Herbert Kirkwood James Saunders

Arts Student Alumni Honorees Jonathan Baker (1974) John Sholl (1983) Sam Hazo (1984) Robert Truver (1986) Charles Wood (1977)

Joe Moore (Posthumously)

Administrative/Staff Honorees Donald Mincher Sandra Stein

Athletics Student Alumni Honorees Kathy Haddox Clark (1991) Beth Friday (1999) Nick Cullen (1987) Steve Tazza (1985) John Welch (1998) Administrative/Staff Honorees Joe Moore (Posthumously) (Year in parenthesis signifies year of high school graduation.)

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2004

Left to right: Nick Cullen, Katherine Haddox Clark, John Welch, Beth Friday and Steven Tazza

Upper St. Clair High School Panther Marching Band Don Pickell, Band Director

Joey and Don Pickel

I’ve been a part of the Upper St. Clair High School Panther Marching Band for about 16 years. The marching band has been a constant in Upper St. Clair, having only three directors in the past forty years—Mr. Andy Russini, Mr. James Bennett and myself. Since its inception, the marching band has represented the community and School District with a tradition of excellence, a tradition that I take great pride in continuing. The marching band is one of the largest student organizations at USCHS, with 160 students taking part this year. It’s a non-competitive show band, designed to entertain and represent the community. Aside from regular performances at Friday night football games, the band has performed at festivals and parades all over the U.S. and Canada. This year, the band will travel to Chicago. In 2005-06, we will travel to Orlando to perform at Disney World. The marching band is largely student run. There are a number of leadership positions, usually staffed by seniors. We

Assistant Drum Major Jame leads the band on s Marsh (front right) to the field.

have a head drum major and two assistant drum majors this year, as well as an overall auxiliary captain and separate captains for each of the auxiliary groups—the Pantherettes, color guard and majorettes. We also have a drum captain, and a band president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. The students and adult staff meet throughout the year to discuss successes and difficulties within the band and to keep things running smoothly. As Band Director, I try to gradually give the students more responsibility as the season progresses, so that by late September the head drum major is in charge of assembling the band for performances and running some of the rehearsals. The band begins each new school year with evening music rehearsals in July. These rehearsals lay the foundation for the band’s sound throughout the year.

Jenna Cook and Mary Brodland

The senior leaders and I attend the Fred J. Miller (FJM) Leadership Camp for four days in July. The FJM camp utilizes experts in the various skill areas of marching band from across the U.S. and provides an opportunity for the leaders to spend a lot of time together planning for the upcoming season. The entire band comes together in early August for a two and one-half week band camp held at USCHS. During band camp, my staff and I teach the students the music for our shows and the positions on the field. We also reinforce the basic techniques of a marching band, such as playing an instrument while marching. Most choreography for the auxiliary units is written by student leaders with some assistance from instructors. The band provides students with a social and performance opportunity unlike any other offered at the High School. Students spend a great deal of time working together

Jesse Cibella

Drum Major Dan Knopp

and develop strong, lasting friendships. Students also learn teamwork and cooperation, and develop a sense of pride in a job well done. I feel privileged this year to have had the opportunity to work with a fantastic group of students in the 2004-05 marching band. We tried a few new ideas this year. The band performed three shows this season, a pre-game show and two separate halftime shows. Our first halftime show used traditional Latin music, including a very complex and authentic Latin percussion feature. Our second show, which premiered in mid-September, consisted of Latin-influenced pop and jazz numbers, including “Birdland,” “Late in the Evening,” and “Hey, Pachuco!” We also had a brief senior show for the October 15 senior recognition and homecoming performance. This show was student written, with students choosing the music and writing the field positions. The band provides students with more performance opportunities than any other ensemble at the High School. This season, we performed at all the football games, the homecoming bonfire parade and at Kennywood Park’s Fall Fantasy Parade. We took part in four band festivals this season—September 18 at the Mt. Lebanon Band Festival, September 25 at Montour and Bethel Park high schools and our own annual Upper St. Clair High School Band Festival on October 9, featuring the West Virginia University Marching Band. As always, all marching band performances are open to the public. If you missed us this season, we hope to see you next year! 

Winter 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Odyssey of the Mind High School Team Competes at Worlds To the universe and beyond! This phrase

was quite evident to the USCHS Odyssey of the Mind team that placed first at the regional level and second at the state level. This same team went on to compete with over 700 national and international teams (six to seven thousand students) at Odyssey’s Worlds competition at the University of Maryland, placing 14th out of 46 teams in their problem. This was the first time a USC team attended Worlds. Odyssey of the Mind is an international competition that encourages children to solve problems with creative and divergent thinking, planning and teamwork. The USCHS team of Lucas Wilson, David Bucholtz, Raymond Van Cleve, Noah Simmons, Johnny Simons, Ali Klos and Eilleen Klos placed first in the Pittsburgh South West Regionals in their problem “Balancing Act,” a balsa structure problem. They moved on to compete at the Pennsylvania State competition in Altoona this past spring. Securing second place at the state level allowed them to advance to Worlds and represent the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The team competed at the division three level. Their task was to design a balsa structure, eight inches tall and weighing no more than 18 grams. The bottom of the structure had to fit into a five and one-half-inch square box and the

Front: Lucas Wilson; left to right, middle: Johnny Simons, Eilleen Klos, Ali Klos; back: Raymond VanCleve, David Bucholtz, coach Ed Wilson, Noah Simmons

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top of the structure had to encompass an eightinch-by-eight-inch box. The problem’s goal was to build a structure that held the most weight while the team performed an eight-minute skit to demonstrate the solution to the problem. Spontaneous and style scores were judged to get an overall final score for the team. A side activity that was very popular with the kids was trading the State’s official Odyssey pin with other states and countries. While Pennsylvania pins equaled other states pins’ tradability, the foreign teams’ pins, as expected, were the most popular and hardest to obtain. Pennsylvania is a very competitive state in the Odyssey program throughout the country. Other Pennsylvania teams placed first and second at Worlds in their respective division and problems. Traveling arrangements, registration fee and housing were accomplished through fund raising and donations. The USCHS team would like to thank the USC Odyssey program, Pennsylvania State Odyssey Association and the Community Foundation of Upper St Clair for their support of this trip. Pictures of the team’s performance can be viewed at www.odysseyofthemind.com. Click onto 2004 Photo Gallery, then click onto Balancing Act. 

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Winter 2004

Time for Connections Deanna Baird Connections—everyone needs them. What kind of

connections do you have? Connections to your family? Connections to school, church or the volunteer community? To the international community? International community? Yes, we have more connections to the global community than we might think, and that is what students at USCHS celebrated during International Education Week held November 8–12, 2004. International Education Week, which is a national celebration promoted by the U.S. Departments of State and Education, promotes student awareness and learning about international issues, cultures and opportunities. During its second annual celebration of International Education Week, the High School focused on connections that students could have to the rest of the world. The second day emphasized student connections to the world with “Where in the World Have You Been?” T-shirts and ethnic heritage clothing. The third day featured speakers for the entire student body including a CNN reporter who was at the Tiananmen Square demonstrations and speakers on Amnesty International, China, Peace Corps, Latin America and others. The fourth day was International Baccalaureate Day with IB students hosting students from another IB school, and enjoying a program of cultural and political speakers from Pittsburgh’s World Affairs Council.

Working on plans for International Education Week are left to right, front row: Barb Wagner, Tom Labanc and Deanna Baird. Back row: Helen Krizner, Cathy Bowen, Bethany Wolf and Richard Platts. Missing from photo are Clark Remington, Tanya Chothani, Ron Sivillo and Karen Momyer.

The final day offered international entertainment from student groups, and showcased international opportunities with information booths from Amnesty International, the Peace Corps, High School foreign language clubs and exchanges, and others. A foreign film was shown after school each day. This school-wide celebration was coordinated by a multi-departmental team of teachers. 

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Winter 2004

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Paw Prints The USC PTA Council is an important

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

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Every school in the District was bustling with activity as the school year started. Pictures, Binder Reminder sales, fundraisers, and activities were just some of the events taking place this fall. The faculty and administration at each building hosted a parents’ Open House, to give parents the opportunity to meet the teachers and learn more about their child’s schedule. Baker The new extended day option for kindergarten students has been a great success, as was the fall clothing drive. Many students participated in the PTA Reflections contest. November’s Family Fun Night was wonderful as the children laughed and played bingo. December’s Enchanted Shop will help with all of the gift-buying needs of our young students. As the weather gets colder, we are really looking forward to the annual Baker Caper on February 25. Eisenhower Eisenhower’s Open House and fall book fair in September were quickly followed by the fall fundraiser, the Eisenhowler, a carnival with games, raffles and silent auctions. All students enjoyed the harvest parties and costume parade on October 29. November brought the fourth level breakfast and second level social, followed by the Holiday Mart on December 2 and 3. Students, parents and other family members love to come and browse for holiday gifts. In the New Year, Eisenhower is looking forward to our very popular family event Reading with Dad, a special evening of child and parent bonding. The PTA provides refreshments while dads and children mingle between rooms with guest and local celebrity readers.

Winter 2004

Streams students en joy

the first day of sch

ool.

Streams Kindergarten orientation and a New Parent breakfast got the school year rolling at Streams, followed by Stravaganza, the annual school carnival that is the main fundraiser for the Streams PTA. Harvest parties on the 29th rounded out October’s happenings. November featured the book fair and the ice cream social. Buying books to read for those upcoming long, cold, winter nights was great fun. The Holiday Shop will be held in early December before the winter parties and school break. As 2005 begins, Streams students will enjoy the ice skating party on January 24. Boyce Boyce has been a whirlwind of activity since the start of school this fall, including the annual Binder Reminder sale, get-acquainted activities for incoming students, and our primary fundraiser—the Sally Foster Gift Wrap sale. While this event funds a small part of the PTA activities at Boyce, it allows the students to earn the funds needed for their trip to Deer Valley at the end of sixth grade. This month we welcome author Katherine Ayers as a “Writer in Residence.” During her week at Boyce, she will help teach fifth and sixth level classes, hold special writing workshops and sign books purchased by the students. Boyce had many students enter their own original drawings, photos, musical compositions, and essays and poems in “Reflections,” an Arts in Education program sponsored by the National PTA. Boyce chorus and orchestra will perform on December 2 at Boyce at 7:30 p.m.

Fort Couch This fall was busy with new schedules, school pictures, fall sports and of course, Fort Couch socials! As we move into December, Fort Couch Reach Out, begins as our students raise money for those less fortunate. Eighth level achievement tests run December 6–10, followed by a book fair. Caught You Being Good starts December 13 and runs through December 22, the date set for the school’s holiday assembly. The first month of 2005 includes the combined band and orchestra concert on January 11, a social on January 14 and a choral concert on January 20. High School At the High School the seniors kicked off their journey towards graduation with a senior breakfast in September and a cruise on the Gateway Partyliner in October. Activities were plentiful for the students this fall, with sporting events in full swing, auditions, practices and performances of the fall play, marching band festivals, band and orchestra concerts, performances by the River City Brass Band and student council elections. Homecoming festivities included the football game against Seneca Valley, senior recognition and the formal homecoming dance. Surveys went out to the student body for the purpose of selecting representatives

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of their peer group to become part of the Natural Helpers organization and to help identify issues that are of concern, specifically to Upper St. Clair students during their teen years. Students selected through this survey will attend a retreat in December to learn how to help and direct fellow students who are experiencing problems. In December, auditions will be underway for the spring musical. The Madrigal Dinner will take place as well as the choral concert and a combined band and orchestra concert. Parents are encouraged to attend PTSO meetings, which are held on the third Wednesday of the month at 9:30 a.m. in classrooms 148/149.

PTA Council USC PTA Council serves to inspire and instruct the PTA/PTSO leaders at each school. This year, council is focusing on increasing PTA membership. If you haven’t joined already, it’s not too late. Contact Kim Scott at 412-220-2723 and join today. Some of the projects sponsored by the USC PTA Council include the District-wide directory, the District phone chain (used a lot last winter!) and Internet communications. In addition, by pooling resources, Council can provide better quality programming that addresses issues in parenting, education, and in areas of special need through the Together in Parenting, Topics in Education and Partners in Education programs. Importantly, through various chairmen, Council keeps the local units apprised of legislative action and current issues related to the health, safety and education of our children. Together in Parenting (TIP) provides support and education concerning difficult parenting education issues. All TIP presentations are held in the LGI Room of Fort Couch Middle School. The community is invited to attend the following TIP programs: Thursday, November 18, 2004, 9:30 a.m. Dana Jornsay-Hester of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh presents “Raising Responsible Kids.”

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Neighbor to Neighbor

A Taste of Japan

Working on the holiday giving project are students (left to right) Ashley Lahr, Leanna Clarke, Alyssa McKenzie, Christian Meyer and Patrick Jonnet. Overseeing the project are Michele Scureman (left), art specialist at Eisenhower School and School District Fine Arts Curriculum Leader, and Dale Citron (center).

Dale Citron, owner of Citron Jewelers, has once again involved Upper

St. Clair School District in his generous offer to donate items to those in need. Last year through Dale’s donations, students at Boyce, along with guidance counselors Mrs. Vicki Cayuela and Ms. Amy Antonio, provided charitable items to SHIM and the American Red Cross. This year, students at Baker, Eisenhower and Streams schools created beautiful home-made holiday cards to accompany Giant Eagle turkey gift certificates and items from Toys R Us that Dale provided. The recipients of this charitable project are local area families who suffered losses due to the flooding that occurred as a result of Hurricane Ivan. Under the direction of Dr. Judy Bulazo and elementary school guidance counselors Ms. Kelly Altamus, Ms. Rosemary Fouts and Dr. Jane Walters, students worked on this giving-related art project in October and early November in their art classes. Recipients of the students and Dale Citron’s efforts will be our neighbors in Bridgeville and Carnegie. “A project like this, where students are made aware of the needs of their neighbors and take a role in helping to meet those needs, is a great learning opportunity,” said Dr. Judy Bulazo. 

This past May, students from Pam Dillie’s second level class

at Baker Elementary performed the program A Taste of Japan for residents of Friendship Village. The students, wearing Japanese Kimonos, taught facts about Japan, sang Japanese songs, read Haiku, did karate demonstrations, read Japanese folktales and played piano. The students then presented the residents with roses and enjoyed cookies with their new friends. Pam has maintained a partnership with Baker friends of Friendship Village for the past four years and her students have performed community service with the residents. In turn, Friendship Village residents have volunteered their time to read stories to Baker students and have tape-recorded story books for them. Baker students have also presented the residents with homemade Valentines on Valentine’s Day. Second level Baker students look forward to returning to Friendship Village at the end of this school year, repeating this community service project. 

Rhine Genetics a Hit with USCHS Students Brian Lieu and Marjorie Heins Dr. Sam Rhine. To many people that

name might not mean much, but to students interested in biology and genetics it means a day of being saturated in the latest genetic marvels. Dr. Rhine comes to USCHS once each year to lecture for five hours on the most up-to-date genetic information. These conferences always attract the highest quality students, so making up assignments for missed classes is usually not a problem. Upper St. Clair High School had over 35 students and faculty attend Dr. Rhine’s conference last December, with 17 school districts from southwestern Pennsylvania braving bad roads to be there. Many students who first come to a genetics update conference as freshmen will continue to return for all four years, even if they are no longer taking biology classes. The topics change from year to year, so there is little overlap from one year to the next. Dr. Rhine scours over 1500 scientific articles from over 100 journals monthly to make sure every presentation has the very latest information. Almost every conference has information published within the last 30 days, with some information 66

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2004

published within the previous 24 hours. Presentation topics range from stem cell research to birth defects. Last year’s presentation topics were cloning and birth defects. A very special aspect of the presentation was the fact that Dr. Rhine taught completely new concepts. He said that most textbooks were ten years old, leaving students with old and outdated information in the fast changing world of science. Dr. Rhine’s presentation was a very unique and interesting look into the field of genetics. Dr. Rhine is the most effective human genetics educator in America today. He has devoted himself to genetics education for over 20 years. He has spoken in Tokyo, Vienna, Prague and St. Petersburg, Russia, and has received awards from the National Science Teachers Association (2000), the National Association of Biology Teachers (1997), and the Award for Outstanding Service to the Youth of Indiana by the Indiana Academy of Pediatrics (1993). He earned a BA and MA from Indiana University, a MD from Indiana University School of Medicine and was a Lalor Foundation Fellow at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Rhine feels that he has the most rewarding job in the world, being a teacher to the brightest students in America. He feels truly honored to be given the privilege to help shape young minds of the future. 

Kindergarten News #1

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

school located in their attendance area. All children five years of age on or before September 1, 2005, are eligible to register. School Area Date Baker...............................................................................................................Tuesday, March 1 Eisenhower............................................................................................... Wednesday, March 2 Streams ........................................................................................................ Thursday, March 3 Times for All......................................................................................... 9-11 a.m., noon-2 p.m. A special evening session for all elementary schools will be held on Wednesday, March 16, 6:30–8 p.m. at the School District Central Office. It is not necessary that the student accompany the parent to registration. Readiness Evaluation

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

Parents of four-year-olds with birth dates between September 2, 2000, and January 31, 2001, may request school personnel to test their child to determine readiness for early admission to kindergarten. The final decision on a child’s readiness for school will be made by school personnel. Requests for early admission testing should be made by June 1, 2005. Admission Periods

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

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School Health Immunization Regulations

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

Registration packets will be available at each elementary school after February 21, 2005. Parents are encouraged to pick them up during school hours and return the completed forms at the time of registration. Winter 2004

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2004 Upper St. Clair School District Calendar (November 2004–February 2005)

All events are subject to change. For the most up to date information, please check the calendar on the School District’s website at www.uscsd.k12.pa.us.

Legend: BA – Baker Elementary • BO – Boyce Middle • CO – Central Office • EI – Eisenhower Elementary • FC – Fort Couch Middle • HS – High School • ST – Streams Elementary 11 FC–Band/Orchestra Concert @ HS Theatre–7:30 p.m. BA–PTA Meeting (LGI)–9:30 a.m. 12 HS–General Band Parent Meeting (Band Room)–7:30 p.m. BO–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. 13 HS–11th Grade Parent Meeting (Theatre)–7-9 p.m. FC–PTA Meeting (MPR)–9:30 a.m. 14 HS–Band Ski Bus FC–Social (Gym/MPR/NC)–8-10 p.m. EI–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. 17 Teacher Inservice–No School 19 HS–PTSO Meeting (Room 148/149)–9:30 a.m. 20 FC–Choral Concert @ HS Theatre–9:30 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. 21 HS–Band Ski Bus EI–Reading Night with Dad–7-9 p.m. First Semester Ends 24 Teacher Inservice–No School ST–PTA Skating Party 25 Second Semester Begins 26 BO–Deer Valley Information Meeting (LGI)–7-9 p.m. 27 BO–Band/Chamber Concert–2:30 & 7:30 p.m. 28 HS–Band Ski Bus 29 HS–Sadies Dance 30 HS–Band Spaghetti Dinner

November 2004 15 CO–Regular Board Meeting–7 p.m. 16 HS–“Pops” Concert (Theatre)–7:30 p.m. ST–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. 17 HS–PTSO Meeting (Room 148/149)–9:30 a.m. HS–Fall Sports Banquet 18 HS–Natural Helpers Parent Meeting (LGI)–7-9 p.m. HS–PLAN Test (10th Grade) ST–Ice Cream Social–7 p.m. Report Cards Distributed–First Report 21 HS–South Hills Junior Orchestra Concert (Theatre) 23 HS–Jazz Concert (LGI)–7 p.m. ST–3rd Level Open Mike EI–Level 2 Social–7-8:30 p.m. 25-26 Thanksgiving Recess–No School 28 HS–Honors Band Concert @ Carnegie Music Hall 29 HS–Financial Aid Meeting (Theatre)–7-9 p.m.

December 2004 1-3 2 3 4 6 6-10 7 9 10 14 15 17 20 21 22 23-31

HS–Natural Helpers Retreat BO–Choral/Strings Concert (Gym)–7:30 p.m. HS–River City Brass Band–8 p.m. HS–Madrigal Dinner (Nutrition Center)–5:30 p.m. CO–Board Reorganization Meeting–7 p.m. FC–8th Level Achievement Tests ST–1st Level Open Mike Second Marking Period Progress Reports Sent EI–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. HS–Choral Concert (Theatre)–7:30 p.m. HS–Principal’s Advisory Council Meeting–8:30 a.m. HS–Band Ski Bus BA–Winter Assembly CO–Regular Board Meeting–7 p.m. HS–Band/Orchestra Concert (Theatre)–7:30 p.m. FC–Holiday Assembly–2 p.m. BA/EI/ST–Winter Parties Winter Recess–No School

February 2005 2 FC–8 Level Parent Meeting @ HS Theatre–7-9 p.m. FC–PTA Council–9:30 a.m. 3 HS–NACAC College Fair (David Lawrence Convention Center) 4 Report Cards Distributed–Second Report 7 HS–9th Grade Course Selection 8 HS–10th Grade Course Selection ST–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. BA–PTA Meeting (LGI)–9:30 a.m. 9 HS–11th Grade Course Selection HS–Band Parent Meeting (Band Room)–7:30 p.m. BO–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. 10 HS–Jazz Concert (LGI)–7 p.m. HS–IB Diploma Parent Meeting (Resource Meeting)–7 p.m. FC–PTA Meeting (MPR)–9:30 a.m. 11 HS–Band Ski Bus Make-Up FC–Valentine’s Day Dance (Gym/MPR/NC)–8-10 p.m. ST–PTA Bingo–7-9 p.m. EI–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. BA/EI/ST–Valentine’s Day Treats 14 BO–Valentine’s Day Treats

14-23 HS–11th Grade Writing PSSA FC–8th Grade Writing PSSA BO–5th Grade Writing PSSA 16 HS–PTSO Meeting (Room 148/149)–9:30 a.m. 17 ST–1st Level Special Night–7-9 p.m. EI–1st Level Social 18 HS–Ski Bus Make-Up 22 ST–Kindergarten Open Mike–9:30 a.m. 23 HS–Principal’s Advisory Committee Meeting–8:30 a.m. HS–Band Parent Chaperone Meeting (LGI)–7 p.m. 25 BA–Baker Caper Third Marking Period Progress Reports Sent

2004-05 Boys’ Basketball Home Game Schedule (Regular season games begin at 7:30 p.m.)

Fri.& Sat., Dec. 3 & 4 USC Tip-Off Tournament–6 & 7:30 p.m. (USC, South Park, West Mifflin, Peters Township)

Date

Opponent

Tuesday, Dec. 7 ......................... Gateway Wednesday, Dec. 8 .................... Laurel Highlands Tuesday, Dec. 14 ....................... Chartiers Valley* Thursday, Dec. 23 ..................... Trinity* Friday, Jan. 07........................... Peters Township* Tuesday, Jan. 18........................ Bethel Park* Friday, Jan. 21........................... Ringgold* Friday, Jan. 28........................... Canon McMillan* Friday, Feb. 4 ............................ Mt. Lebanon* (senior recognition night)

January 2005 4 Musical Company Meeting (Nutrition Center)–7 p.m. 5 HS–PTA Council–9:30 a.m. HS–Theatre Angels Meeting (Nutrition Center)–7 p.m. 6 BA/EI/ST–Elementary Choral Concert @ HS Theatre–7:30 p.m. 7 HS–Band Ski Bus

(*Section 5 games)

2004-05 Girls’ Basketball Home Game Schedule (Regular season games begin at 7:30 p.m.)

Thurs.-Sat., Dec. 9, 10 &11 USC Tip Off Tournament (Thurs. time TBA, Fri. & Sat.–7:30 p.m.) (USC, South Park, North Catholic)

Date

Opponent

Tuesday, Dec. 7 ............................ Gateway Monday, Dec. 13 .......................... Duquesne Wednesday, Dec. 22 ..................... Trinity* Thursday, Jan. 6........................... Peters Township* Saturday, Jan. 15 (2:30 p.m.) ....... Central Mountain Monday, Jan. 17........................... Bethel Park* Thursday, Jan. 20......................... Ringgold* Thursday, Jan. 27......................... Canon McMillan* Thursday, Feb. 3........................... Mt. Lebanon* Saturday, Feb. 5 ........................... Chartiers Valley Monday, Feb. 7 ............................ West Mifflin (*Section 5 games)

New Faces at Upper St. Clair School District Not all the new faces in school this year are students! The following

23 teachers are the newest members of the District’s teaching staff. • High School: Thomas Marquis, Steven Miller, Lauren Nadik, Matt Martocci, Doug Kirchner, Abby Shaffer, Richard Platts, Jennifer Wagner, Rebecca Findley, Lois Weidner, Phillip Bower • Fort Couch: Jacklyn Prioletto, Richard Platts, Annette Hansen • Boyce: Michelle Hamel, Patricia Betz, James Lydon • Baker: Stacey Arendas • Eisenhower: Jayme Solomon, Jodie Mosler, Virginia Stempkowski, Christopher George • Streams: Rebecca DeGregorio Welcome to Upper St. Clair School District’s 15 classified new hires. They are Nancy Jones, Jessica Heenan, Sarah Shaw, Sara Houser, Nancy Rigano, David Piecka, Lois Mulholland, Russell Tenace, Edward Yovetich, Emily Watkins, Gina McCall, Adrienne Spanovich, Richard Colbert, Beth Tomshay and Robert Popovich. 68

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2004

Upper St. Clair School District is helping to prepare the next generation of teachers. Following is this year’s “class” of 19 interns. They are Marie Acquilano (High School), Amy Andruskiewicz (Eisenhower), Kavita Batra (Streams), Sarah Burroughs (Boyce), Erin Calderone (High School Counseling), Amie Carpenter (Central Office), Sabina Coulter (High School Counseling), William Davies (Boyce), Keera Dwulit (High School), Jennifer Milbert (Eisenhower), Lisa Frabell (Fort Couch), Justin Gremba (Boyce–administrative intern with principal Karen Brown), Rebecca Hagerty (Boyce), Justin Kerr (Boyce), Katie Olczak (Fort Couch), Kristen Rawlings (Baker), Johanna Neely Rennhoff (High School), Alexandra Sawchuk (High School) and Christine Schuler (High School Counseling). 

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Around the Township

The Marines Come to Upper St. Clair Marine Brigadier General Mastin Robeson came to Upper St. Clair to

speak at South Hills Presbyterian Church’s Salute To America rally this past August. “How Fighting Terrorism Impacts Pittsburgh” was his topic and strong message. Brigadier General Robeson is a recognized terrorism expert in the Marine Corps who is currently the commanding general of the 4 th Marine Expeditionary Brigade Marine Brigadier General Mastin Robeson (anti-terrorism). After singing the National Anthem and pledging allegiance to the flag, General Robeson spoke to a filled audience. Below follows an excerpt of his speech.

Brigadier General Robeson talks with the audience after his engaging speech.

retina— men who may never walk or see again. Yet their first concern was for their fellow Marines still out of the country. These men and women are proud to have served. You’d be proud of the way they protect each other. The way they do not care about race, color or creed. The way they are willing to work 18 hours a day in extremely adverse and harsh conditions and be grateful for an MRE at the end of the day. They are red, white and blue through and through. They still stand when the National Anthem plays and they get chills when they see Old Glory or hear We are a nation at war. Everyday we turn our televisions on and “God Bless America” being sung. see another American die and wonder if it’s really worth the lives of Today we fight a more complex enemy than we have ever faced. This our sons and daughters. war on terrorism demands that we adapt new tactical concepts, organize So why are we still in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, and differently, integrate ourselves with non-military assets, partner with other such locations? Are places halfway around the world worth host nations across the globe and partner with you here at home. our blood, and why should anyone in Pittsburgh care? To win, we must achieve a holistic and global effect of pressure on This is a question worth asking and it must be answered if you an enemy that would seek to rob our next generation of the freedom and other Americans are to continue your support. I do not need to and benefits that we have come to take for granted. We must beat remind you of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade this enemy both on the battlefield and in shaping the hearts and Center and the Pentagon, nor of the heroics that occurred over minds of the next generation. Pennsylvania skies as American This will not be a short heroes brought down the remainThey are red, white and blue through and through. war—we will frequently be outing plane. manned and out-maneuvered, They still stand when the National Anthem plays “Let’s roll!” That act was our and it will demand our most and they get chills when they see Old Glory first offensive action against Al determined and most unselfish or hear “God Bless America” being sung. Qaeda and it was accomplished resolve to be victorious. But over your air space. Two overwhelming odds and stagthousand nine hundred and ninety-six people died that day. Yes, gering challenges have long been the mantle of great nations. Pennsylvania will forever be intrinsically linked to this global war In the heat of conflict when desperation is in the air, it is the fellow on terrorism. These (terrorists) are very bad people whose sole goal warrior who stands at your right and left that drives you to uncomis the destruction of our way of life. mon valor. It is this commitment to the fellow warrior that inspired Regardless of what you have heard, this is not a war with Islam. Shakespeare to write, “We few, we merry few, we band of brothers. It is a battle with Salafist, Wahabist, Jihadist radicals who would He who sheds his blood with me this day shall be my brother.” seek to kill anyone who gets in their way—Christian or Muslim. This is not a religious war—it is a war against terrorism. We are You and I are very privileged. We’ve been able to enjoy a life free not race, color, creed or sex—we are simply God fearing Americans from war in our backyard. We must never forget that unless we kill defending freedom of speech, freedom of choice, freedom of worship. them there, we will be forced to fight them here. That is something Our courage, honor and commitment are not to self, but to God, we do not want. to country and to the freedoms we have come to cherish. Everyone This is a global war on terrorism. It is hard and it will likely not does not bear the title Marine. Everyone has not served in uniform. be short. So what does this mean to Pittsburgh? How does this global But everyone can do his part. Prayers and cares are the best things war affect you? It affects everything about you. Your economy, your a person can give. Be vigilant and support our men and women who safety, your schools, your children and your grandchildren’s future. fight the good fight. Yesterday I said goodbye to a unit that departed for Iraq. There By God’s grace our efforts will not be in vain. By God’s grace we were many tearful and fearful families. Tomorrow my son-in-law will all live to see our children and grandchildren have the privilege departs, and my son will go this coming February. Last week I vis- to enjoy and defend these same freedoms. ited a dozen of my wounded spread across the southeast in various I have served with over 60 different national armed services and military hospitals. There were amputees, burn victims, some with in over 30 different countries. I have never been prouder to serve severe internal injuries and others with head wounds and detached than today.  UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Winter Winter 2004 7070 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 2004

Welcome Wagon Club of Upper St. Clair Ann Kravitz

Stitchery Group of the Welcome Wagon Club of Upper St. Clair (left to right) are Mary Tefft, Jo Henninger, Pat Sublette, Linda Seymour, Cassie Prado and Peggy Egan (chairperson).

The Welcome Wagon Club of Upper St. Clair at one time had a loose association

with the group Welcome Wagon, a business whose representatives visited homes of new residents to the area. Their purpose was twofold—they provided a personal welcome to these newly arriving homeowners and presented a basket containing small gifts and coupons of value from businesses that paid for this service. Today the Welcome Wagon Club of Upper St. Clair is not associated with this business group. It is a social organization whose members enjoy a wide variety of social and philanthropic activities. But most importantly, it is open to any woman who would like to join, regardless of her length of residency in the area. The list of activities includes daytime and evening socials, tours and book clubs. Games played are Canasta, Bridge, Pinochle, Euchre and Mah Jongg—some offered both during the day and at night. The group has its own bowling league, stitchery group and investment club. There are also several events which include couples, such as Saturday Night Dine-In at members’ homes, a Dine-Out at local popular restaurants and an annual Christmas party in early December. The club has made charitable contributions to the following groups: SHIM, Adult Day Care, Vision Services of Pittsburgh, South Hills Chorale Group, Miryam’s Women’s Shelter, Angels Place, South Hills Hospice, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Wesley Institute and to the Upper St. Clair Library Summer Children’s Program. In addition, a $250 scholarship is awarded each year to a college student who is a child of one of its members. Not only does the Welcome Wagon Club make monetary contributions, but each year it also provides toiletries, greeting cards and other personal items to the residents at

Mayview State Hospital. Dora Kern collects these items for the club. She has dedicated herself to this project and works tirelessly to make sure they are distributed regularly. This group provided school supplies for SHIM and craft-related items to CUMC Adult Day Care. The stitchery club gets together and knits or crochets seven-by-nine-inch rectangles that are pieced together to create beautiful afghans that are donated to Bethlehem Haven. This year the stitchery club has accomplished an incredible achievement. It has just completed its 100th afghan. Mary Tefft, Pat Sublette and Peggy Egan, the remaining three active charter members, began meeting in 1996 to create afghans to send to Gastonia, South Carolina, as part of Project Warm Up America run by the Red Cross. In 1998 the women began donating afghans to Bethlehem Haven, a homeless women’s shelter that originally operated out of a downtown Pittsburgh church. In 2002 the shelter renovated a three-story building and began a three-step recovery program. There are a total of 48 beds available to these women as they complete the program that helps to free themselves from substance abuse while they learn to become independent. When the stitchery group began sending their afghans to the Bethlehem Haven they were intended to cover the beds for women in the program, but today they are given as a gift to each woman as she graduates from the program. The group meets once a month to knit or crochet the rectangles. The yarn is mostly donated, but in the last few years two afghans were raffled to earn over $300 for the purchase of more yarn. Peggy Egan, with her innate sense of beauty, gathers up the rectangles to color coordinate them and then sews them together. Mary Tefft sews on the borders. Today the stitchery group includes Mary Tefft, Jo Henninger, Pat Sublette, Linda Seymour, Cassie Prado, June Dawkins, Sharon Christiansen and chairperson Peggy Egan. These members invite family and friends to also create these knitted or crocheted rectangles. The stitchery group is always pleased to accept donations of finished rectangles as well as donations of yarn (synthetic, not wool). The Welcome Wagon Club of Upper St. Clair is a great place to meet and befriend women with similar interests and to enjoy the wide selection of programs available. For more information about the club, please contact Barbara Brown at 412-851-9103. 

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412-831-0100 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

The USCCRW Reactivates The Upper St. Clair Council of Republican Women (USCCRW) proudly reactivated as a local unit chapter of the

Pennsylvania Council of Republican Women (PCRW) in the year 2000. Taking political education of women and the local community as its primary objectives, the USCCRW uses its resources to help elect Republican candidates, train campaign leaders and volunteers, recruit and train women for public office and other leadership roles, educate members and the community on legislative issues and promote the principles and policies of the Republican Party. This chapter has grown over these few years and has expanded its activities to include participating in phone banks, supporting Republican candidates’ local campaign efforts, holding a semi-annual candidates’ night, holding a semi-monthly political speaker series and enjoying a Christmas party. In the coming year this chapter is offering an annual $100 college scholarship to a deserving young woman from USC (any USCHS senior student who seeks to become more politically aware and involved). Please see the Guidance office at the High School on how to apply. USCCRW encourages women of any age within the community having an interest in making a difference to become involved. To facilitate this, chapter members are developing a Key Community Member program. A key community member is one who recognizes the difference that individuals can make in the legislative process on behalf of her family, her community and her state. The responsibilities of a key community member are few and listed below. • Join as a dues-paying member of the USCCRW annually. • Build community understanding and support for the organization and its positions on issues at hand. Simply developing a personal relationship with neighbors based on mutual trust and respect and talking to them one on one about pertinent issues goes a long way in supporting the organization. • Be aware of pending federal and state legislation that may affect the community and respond by contacting your neighbors and friends or legislators on the specified issues when requested. Be prepared to discuss the impact of changing legislation with your family, your friends and the community. The USCCRW, in coordination with the PCRW, carefully watches events in Harrisburg. When a “hot topic” arises that

the local chapter needs grassroots support for (or against) USCCRW will activate its key community members. The chapter will supply detailed materials providing the necessary background so these members can make personal calls or visits to their legislator, or write letters to local papers regarding the topic. • Know your local politicians. Understand the local elected officials’ political background, issue priorities and committees he or she serves on. • Reinforce the constituent relationship with your legislator. By regularly attending events local politicians are given the opportunity to communicate issues they feel important to the community—essential to a legislators’ success. • Attend political fundraising and informational events for USCCRW when requested. The success of USCCRW’s Key Community Member program is affected directly by how well members understand and carry out its objectives. To learn more about USCCRW, contact by email at usccrw@adelphia.net or call Elizabeth Ley at 412-835-6779.  Brief History of the Council of Republican Women Along with sister councils like Mt. Lebanon, Moon Township and others across the state, the USCCRW is acting under the auspices of the PCRW. Since its inception in 1923 the PCRW has been working in Pennsylvania to enact changes that put more women in political posts and increase educational, employment and business opportunities for women. In 1938 the PCRW became one of the founding members of the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW). Originally this organization acted as an auxiliary to the Republican National Committee but over time it has become independent, and is now one of the largest women’s political organizations in the United States. NFRW’s educational programs have established the organization as a major force in developing women into successful policymakers, elected officials, campaign managers, politicians, activists, businesswomen and community leaders. NFRW membership is over 100,000 women strong with over 1800 local councils spread across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands. 

USC Newcomer’s Club The Newcomer’s Club of Upper St. Clair is open

to any woman who is new to the Township. Special interest groups and activities for women, couples and families are planned throughout the year. Membership may be retained for five years. This is a great way to meet your new neighbors and become connected with your new community. Call Desiree Kottenstette at 412-854-1434 for further information.  Newcomer’s Club of Upper St. Clair 2004-05 Executive Board, left to right: Laura Jones, vice president; Desiree Kottenstette, president; Francoise Wilson, treasurer; Cheri Queen, corresponding secretary. Not pictured: Liz Clark, recording secretary.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2004

The Woman’s Club of Upper St. Clair The Woman’s Club of Upper St. Clair is a social, cultural and

philanthropic organization for women from the community including women from Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park, Mt. Lebanon, Peters, Scott, South Park and South Fayette. The club offers something for women of all ages including luncheons, couples events, family fun, escape weekends, girls’ nights out, day trips, educational programs, special events, community service opportunities, golf, book clubs, drama and music, home and garden, today’s living and game events. For information on membership, call 412-835-9607.

Book Group Strategies

Lori Long

According to the Literary Ladies, a group within the

Woman’s Club of Upper St. Clair, organizing a book group requires setting some ground rules and enjoying the fun of reading and discussing books. • Determine the frequency of the book club meetings. • Decide how long the meetings will last. • Agree on whether food will be served. • Establish the role of the facilitator. • Discuss the types of books that will be selected—nonfiction, fiction, classics, etc. Selecting Books Selecting the books that your group will read can be pleasant while at the same time frustrating. Take the opportunity to read a variety of books that fall outside your normal interests. It exposes you to some books that you may not have chosen on your own. Certain books are a “good read” while others are “a good book for discussion.” The Literary Ladies also suggest selecting books that are being made into movies. Read the book first, then attend the movie as a group. Not all members will have the same reaction to selected books. Each person’s background, history and memories will influence her perspective. • Decide on books for the next several meetings. • Choose books with characters that have to make difficult choices. • Pick books that raise questions and issues. • Novels that have unclear endings create good discussion books. • Avoid mysteries, westerns and romances since they are plot-driven and don’t allow much discussion.

Members from a Woman’s Club book group meet at the Galleria to attend a movie based on a book they’ve read.

Reading Books for Discussion When you read a book for discussion it’s different than reading for pleasure. You’ll begin to: • Ask questions. • Notice the book’s structure. • Analyze the theme. • Compare the book to others by the same author. • Keep notes for discussion.

2004-05 Woman’s Club of Upper St. Clair officers, left to right: Lori Long, vice president; Sandy Boring, assistant treasurer; Shirley Tadda, president; Janet Pruitt, director; Doris Farmer, director. Missing from photo is Joni Bogut, secretary and Pat Collier, treasurer.

Reviewer’s Role The reviewer may want to research the author and have a list of questions to lead the discussion. Using the Internet is a good tool for book reviews. Reviewers may want to have at least ten open-ended questions for discussion. Encourage members to go deeper with their discussions while keeping personal revelations to a minimum. Sample questions: • Do you identify with any of the characters? • Do certain themes continue to occur? • What motivates certain characters to do something unusual? • Is there symbolism? • Are social issues addressed? • What would happen if the story continued? • How is the book structured? Are there flashbacks? • How does this book relate to other books you’ve read by the same author? • Would this book make a good movie? • Is the setting of the book important to the theme? • What did the author attempt to do in the book and was it successful? • Did you believe the plot? Joining the Book Groups The Woman’s Club of Upper St. Clair offers three diverse book groups. Non-members are invited to join the Woman’s Club and participate in any of the groups. In the spring, the Book Department hosts a salad bar luncheon with a presentation from a speaker or an author. Literary Ladies (Book Group II) (Ann Hrabik, chairperson) meets on the third Thursday of the month at 9:45 a.m. in members’ homes. Two books are normally selected with different reviewers. Members of the Junior Woman’s Club read the books in advance and participate in the discussion. Book Group I (Marge O’Grady, chairperson) meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 11 a.m. The group has one person that reviews a book. After the review, other members may decide to read the book. The group also reviews movies. Book Group III (Dorothy Holden, chairperson) meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month. The group features book reviews, mini reviews and movie reviews. Call Ann Hrabik, Woman’s Club of Upper St. Clair Book Department chairperson, for more information about the Book Department at 412-835-9607 or visit www.mainstreetusc.com.  Winter 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Local Girls Perform with New York City Ballet Ashley Pearson, age nine, a fourth

Sleeping Beauty, Midsummer Nights Dream grader at Streams Elementary, and and Coppellia. While at Pittsburgh Youth Kathryn Miller, age 11, a sixth grader at Ballet she was selected twice to perform Boyce Middle School, were selected from the lead role of Clara in the company’s hundreds of hopefuls across the country Nutcracker. desiring a coveted spot dancing with the Dancing with the New York City New York City Ballet in Saratoga Springs Ballet was a dream of Ashley’s since she this past summer. They performed Circus began ballet at age three. She enjoyed Polka, a delightfully choreographed piece sharing the New York City Ballet’s stage by Jerome Robbins, and set to the music with Pittsburgh Youth Ballet and Upper of Igor Stravinsky. St. Clair alumna, Faye Arthurs. Ashley Ashley and Kathryn are students at has performed in the Nutcracker six Pittsburgh Youth Ballet, where every year times, most recently as Little Sugar dancers are afforded unique opportunities Plum Fairy. Ashley Pearson and Kathryn Miller to dance and study with prestigious comThis December both girls will be panies around the country. Kathryn has been traveling to Saratoga dancing in Pittsburgh Youth Ballet’s Nutcracker at Upper St. Clair Springs every summer for the past five years. She has performed in High School. 

Chartiers Creek Community Church Offering Compassion and a Place to Belong Kelly Ragaller Char tiers Creek Community (CCC) Church, formerly operating out

of Upper Saint Clair’s Boyce Middle School, has relocated next to Tuesday Mornings at Donaldson’s Crossroads Shopping Center on Route 19. Starting September 12, 2004, a number of new programs and activities became available including new family worship service time, expanded Christian education courses, family and men’s and women’s Bible studies, youth group, Divorce Care, free infant and toddler playgroup, free low impact aerobics and Pilates, scrapbooking and Family Fun Nights. • New family worship services begin Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. CCC worship services are also broadcast locally on Wednesdays on USC’s public access television (Cable 7) at 1:30 p.m. This service is designed to be a fun, exciting celebration of God’s work. Congregational singing is led by the live band One Heart. Worship continues with messages that help apply God’s word to everyday life, presented by the preaching team of Skip Irwin, Jim Irwin and Rick DellaCave. • Nursery—infants and pre-school children are welcome to play in the 74

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safe, well-equipped nursery and childcare area. The nursery is well supervised by qualified individuals who care about your young children. • Children’s Church—children are dismissed early from Sunday Family Worship after a few minutes of congregational singing. Elementary school-age children are then invited to join in for their very own worship service. This special time includes music, Bible-based activities and journaling, all focused on reinforcing the Bible story of the week. Kids are encouraged to join and learn real life skills in a fun non-threatening environment. • Christian education courses targeted at all ages and spiritual levels are offered. Level 100–Christianity 101 course explores the basics of the Christian faith: “The Bible, believe it or not,” “Is God relevant to my life?” “Who is Jesus?” Higher-level course topics include Level 200–Knowing the Christian Faith; Level 300– Understanding Your Faith; and Level 400–Sharing Your Faith. • Divorce hurts! We care! Join Divorce Care Tuesday evenings from 7-9 p.m.

Winter 2004

•

Weekly topics include depression, loneliness, children and anger as discussed by nationally known experts on divorce and recovery. Free parent-caregiver and infanttoddler playgroup is held Wednesdays 10:30 a.m.–noon. Parent or caregiver and child social time is a chance to get out of the house, relax, enjoy and meet new people. Children get to play with different toys, meet new children and gain social skills. Free low impact aerobics-Pilates, great for all fitness levels, is held on Thursday evenings 7–8 p.m. Free scrapbooking workshops offer beginner instruction and also provide a great place for the more experienced scrapbooker to work uninterrupted. Call for details. Family Fun Nights are a chance to get out of the house and spend quality family time while getting to know other families in the area without spending lots of money. Call for details.

For more information on these and other activities, call 1-888-59-CREEK (27335), visit the church website at www.chartierscreek.com or stop by the church. 

Girl Scout Troop 257

Pittsburgh Youth Ballet Company Jean Gedeon,

Artistic Director

UPPER ST. CLAIR THEATRE Front row, left to right: Alyssa Simon, Christine Tarullo, Juliann Tarullo and Kelsey Barnhart. Back row, left to right: Maria Simon, Kate Billerbeck, Jessica Chace, Michelle Billerbeck, Michelle Skoupil and Layla Boliha.

Girl Scout Troop 257 of Upper St. Clair returned from

Washington D.C. this past spring where they visited the Capitol and the Bureau of Printing and Engraving (courtesy of Congressman Tim Murphy). They also visited Ford’s Theater and the Smithsonian Museums. This trip was scheduled to help fulfill requirements of the American Patriotism Badge. Working to fulfill this badge’s requirements also included sending Girl Scout cookies to soldiers in Iraq and emailing notes of encouragement to military personnel at a Dear Abby website. 

Thursday, Dec. 9 - 7:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10 - 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11 - 2:00 & 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12 - 2:00 p.m.

Pittsburgh Youth Ballet Company 3000 Industrial Blvd., Bethel Park, PA 15102

(412) 835-1335 • (412) 835-1250 Make your ticket requests online at: www.pybco.com

Girl Scouts, Brownie and Daisy Troop discount and badges available

Mt. Lebanon Junior Women’s Club is Philanthropically Involved The Mt. Lebanon Junior Women’s Club (MLJWC)

MLJWC, a civic, philanthropic and social organization founded in presented $15,000 to The 1968, is made up of approximately Children’s Home of Pittsburgh 100 women from the South Hills. this past May. MLJWC held their The major club activity is the seventh annual gala, themed annual gala benefit. This year’s Positively Pittsburgh… Paint charity gala, Luck Be a Lady, the Town Red! in March at the will be held March 5, 2005, at Pittsburgh Hilton. Over 300 the Pittsburgh Renaissance Hotel. guests attended. Each year Ken Rice will emcee and there MLJWC carefully selects orgawill be music, dancing, a silent nizations that assist women and auction, raffle and casino. Other children as the gala beneficiaries. MLJWC activities include driving Pictured during the donation presentation to The Children’s Home This year the club chose The are left to right: Julie Unitas Giba (USC resident and Junior president), and delivering Meals On Wheels, Children’s Home of Pittsburgh, Karen Dumaine, Susan Rooney Lewis, Kate Burroughs (The Children’s Home), volunteering for the Living with Pam Schanwald (The Children’s Home) and Megan King. their pediatric extended care center Styles fair and collecting items for Child’s Way, and their Transitional Infant Care Hospital (TIC). local charities. MLJWC social events include a gourmet lunch This past May MLJWC members also landscaped Sojourner group, couple’s wine and dine groups, and children’s parties. House, the new moms home on Hays Avenue, and donated Juniors meets the third Wednesday of each month (September over $1200 worth of plants, planting supplies and landscaping through November and January through May) at St. Paul’s assistance. Episcopal Church, Washington Road and Mayfair Drive in Mt. Sojourner House is a faith-based residential rehabilitation facility Lebanon at 7 p.m. For more information about joining Mt. Lebanon where addicted women learn to break the cycle of poverty and chemical Juniors or Luck Be a Lady gala tickets, contact Laurel Flaherty at abuse while living with their children in their own apartments. 412-278-0301, or log on to www.mljwc.org.  Winter 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Prof iles

on USC Residents

Dr. Stephen Lee, medical director at The Wesley Institute, Inc., was recently awarded the Mental Health Professional of the Year award. The Washington Community Mental Health Services nominated Dr. Lee because of the quality of work he offers to the community. Dr. Lee and his wife, Elaine, have two children.

Richard L. Byrne, patent attorney and partner of The Webb Law Firm, was honored as a “Renaissance Man” of Intellectual Property law by the legal directory Chambers USA America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2004. Byrne holds degrees in electrical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and in law from George Washington University. Byrne has served as an attorney with The Webb Law Firm since 1980. Byrne is now working with attorneys through the Pennsylvania Bar Institute to develop an educational program, covering the basics of intellectual property law for other lawyers and legal professionals. Dr. Lori Cherup, well-known Pittsburgharea physician and surgeon, has opened her new private outpatient surgery center, Radiance. The center, specializing in reconstructive and aesthetic procedures, is located at the intersection of Washington Pike and Boyce Road in neighboring South Fayette Township. The Radiance design places professional offices, a spacious conference room and skin care clinic on the main floor. State-of-the-art surgical suites, along with pre- and post-operation recovery units, occupy the ground level. Dr. Cherup resides with her husband, orthopedic surgeon Alexander Kandabarow, their son, Grant, and daughter, Alivia. Their son, Alex, attends Princeton University, Dr. Cherup’s alma mater. 76

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Eileen Kenny recently opened EASEA PETITE SPA, a new day spa in Mt. Lebanon. Eileen, a nationally certified massage therapist and state licensed esthetician, is formally trained in aromatherapy, reflexology and advanced skin care. The boutique spa specializes exclusively in massage, facials, waxing and body wraps. USC residents are being offered a first-time discount on any spa service. She resides with her husband, Patrick, and daughter, Joanna. Dr. Arun Bose, a 13-year employee of the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) in South Park, was recognized by the Pittsburgh Executive Board to receive the Excellence in Government award for his outstanding pursuit of science as a federal employee. Dr. Bose said, “I feel a sense of significance. What I’ve done advances energy production beyond state-of-the-art, contributes to the vision of a nation powered by clean, secure, fuel-diverse and affordable energy systems, and improves the quality of life.” Bose resides with his wife Manidipa, and daughter Monika. Kathleen S. Wright, founder and a principal of Wright Associates, assumed the president’s position for the Pittsburgh Society of Financial Analysts (PSFA) in September. PSFA is the Pittsburgh Member Society of the CFA Institute and represents seventy thousand investment practitioners and educators in over 115 countries. Kathleen’s emphasis will be on delivering the highest quality of products, services, education and maintaining the integrity of the CFA designation.

Winter 2004

John and Joan Kotzuk celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary in July. Residents of Upper St. Clair since 1953, the Kotzuks have contributed widely to this community. Joan worked in the Upper St. Clair school system and John, who worked for Burroughs Corporation, contributed many years as a volunteer writer for UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. Kevin Berthoud, currently a USCHS senior, won the 2004 Tri-State Junior Open chess tournament held at Carnegie Mellon University where 271 students competed. Kevin has attended many national tournaments in his young career as a chess player. Kevin’s father, Eric, coaches chess at several Upper St. Clair locations including the Municipal building and Boyce and Fort Couch middle schools. Kevin lives with his mother, Ellen, and father, Eric, and his two brothers, Kyle and Kent. Alexandra Komichak was presented as a Ukrainian Debutante by the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America. Alexandra, a USCHS senior, is a member of the National Honor Society and the rifle team. Over 100 hours of volunteer service with Natural Helpers fulfilled the “excellence in service” commitment. Alexandra also volunteers her time to assist Ukraine orphans and promotes ethnic spirit at the Ridna Shkol Cultural Center of the South Hills. She is the daughter of Slava and Raymond Komichak. Nikhil Venkatesh, an eighth grader at Fort Couch Middle School, was nationally recognized as a winner in the Stock Market Game sponsored by the Foundation of Investor Education. Nikhil placed sixth among the students who participated nationally in grades six through eight. 

Changes in Personnel Continued from page 56

New Principal at Streams

New principal Claire Miller (center) gets to know students (left to right) Anna Rosatti, Maura Boston, Ashley Pearson and Ian Frazier.

The start of a new school year is

usually an exhilarating time for students and teachers—and their principal, Dr. Claire Miller, the new principal at Streams Elementary, is very excited to be part of the educational process in the District. Claire comes to Upper St. Clair from the Beaver Area School District, where she was principal of their middle school. Prior to that she was assistant principal at Seneca Valley Middle School District, where she started her career as a social studies teacher.

Commenting that she comes from a family of educators, Claire received her bachelor’s degree in political science from Allegheny College and her master’s in education administration from Westminster. She received her doctorate degree from the University of Pittsburgh. The move to Streams is Claire’s first elementary education experience. She said that middle school is a time of tremendous developmental change for children, but huge developmental changes occur also for children at the elementary level. Claire said that having had experience with middle level education, she understands where the students will be next. One area of elementary education that Claire indicates is critical is the need for students to acquire good reading and language skills, stating that these areas remain important throughout their education. Claire said she looks forward to working with the teachers at Streams, as well as the students and their families. “I really see it as a group effort,” she said. 

“BEST BATH”

Where Are They Now?

‘National’ Chrysalis Award

USC Native Stars in Newest Benji Movie

A 1982 USC graduate, Randall (right) was inducted into the USC Arts Hall of Fame in 2003.

Maybe you’ve recently seen

and enjoyed the movie Benji: Off the Leash this past fall. But, did you realize that Randall Newsome, a USC native, played the comedic co-starring role of Livingston—the bungling, bossy dogcatcher in this newest Benji film?

Randall began working behind the camera on several of the film projects that were shooting in the Pittsburgh area in the late 80s, including Robocop, Dominick and Eugene and The Prince of Pennsylvania. The film locations became more diverse and eventually landed him in Hollywood. “Pittsburgh is a great place to make movies,” Randall says. “The Strip District along the waterfront, the South Side Slopes, the wooded hillsides in the Mon Valley—I’m always surprised that there isn’t more film activity going on in this city.” In addition to film, Randall has toured with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus and has performed off broadway in New York and at regional theaters across the country, including the Pittsburgh Public Theatre. 

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Winter 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Gift Lifes of

Sandy Gallo

It’s hard to believe

that I recently celebrated my fifth anniversary as a transplant patient. June 28, 1999, will live in infamy for me because it’s the day I received a new lease on life. I am a kidney transplant patient and not a day goes by that I do not thank the donor family for the precious gift they have given me. If someone had told me ten years ago that I would be writing this article about my experiences, I would not have believed them. I was first diagnosed with polycystic kidneys when I was 22. I was told that eventually I would need care, but that was 25 or 30 years away. So I put it out of my mind until my PCP, Dr. Beth Schneider, informed me during a routine physical in the early 90s, that my blood levels were abnormal. I have always believed in “preventive maintenance” and every October I would faithfully undergo a complete physical. When the blood results returned with a continuous elevation in my creatinine, an indicator of a decline in renal function, I knew I had a problem. Dr. Schneider continued to monitor my blood work and by fall 1997 it was obvious that I needed to be seen by a specialist. Dr. Schneider was instrumental in saving my life. At first I completely ignored her calls and was totally unresponsive to her concerns because of my fear of the unknown. After a couple of weeks I called her office and she gave me the name of a nephrologist. On December 3, 1997, I met with the specialist and we discussed the blood results and my options. He told me by fall or early winter 1998 I would need to be on dialysis. I was devastated and could not help but ask the universal question, “Why me?” I went through a number of stages when dealing with my diagnosis. The first was shock, followed by tears and anger, and eventually acceptance. There was no denying that I felt sorry for myself, but I knew I had to get over this feeling. It took me four months to reach the acceptance level. I decided that I had to make a choice. I could give up or fight. Being a descendant from hardy Hungarian stock, I decided to fight. Besides, I knew my mother and grandmother were looking down on me from above, and I had to think about my family here on earth. I had been given a difficult hand to play and it was up to me to 78

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stop feeling sorry for myself and channel my energy towards making the right decision. My greatest fear was not being around for my husband and sons. They are truly my world. I wanted to spend many more years with my husband, John, and our three sons, Bob, Daniel and David. By the time I met with the nephrologist in December, I had only 50% kidney function. My future looked bleak, at least from my standpoint. Of course, every specialist I saw assured me that if I had to have a kidney disease, polycystic kidney disease was the easiest to cure.

Left to right, front row: Buddy (the grand dog), Bryan, Brittany; middle row: David, Bob, Daniel; back row: Amy (David’s wife), Barb (Bob’s wife), Limor (Daniel’s wife); inset photo: Brandon

During this time, I had not informed my family about my health problems. For so long, I had been the strong one. Family and friends would rely on me for assistance and comfort during trying times. I concealed this information from everyone until the doctor insisted that they be informed. I told my husband about my condition on the morning of Saturday, December 6. John held me and told me everything would be fine. I hoped he was right. It was during the 1997 holiday season when the family was together that my husband said it was time to inform our sons. This was not going to be easy. Even before I gathered them all around, I could feel my throat closing up. As we sat in the living

Winter 2004

Sandy and John Ga the night before tellin llo— g the boys.

room, I announced I had something to tell them. One of the boys wanted to know if I was pregnant, and I laughed, which helped to relieve the tension. I told them straight out that I needed a kidney transplant and for a moment everyone was quiet. Then in unison they all offered me one of theirs. Of course, I cried! In fact that was not the first time. I had shed countless tears, but before always in private. There are several days during the last seven years I will always remember—one of them was the day I had an appointment at Presbyterian Hospital for an evaluation and a complete work up. (Each patient must see at least a half a dozen doctors to be considered for a transplant and then your name is added to “the list.”) I arrived around 7 a.m. and left at three that afternoon. The procedure was long and exhausting, and the entire experience left me feeling cold and alone. No one was warm and friendly except the blood technicians. Everyone else was very distant and matterof-fact. I felt as if I was on an assembly line going from one professional to another with no words of encouragement, no kindness, no smiles. Toward the end of the day, one doctor did smile and talk softly, but it was too late. I realized that this was a teaching hospital, but there should be more to handling a patient than just reading off questions from a clipboard. All I could think of as I rode home on the trolley was, “What am I going to do and how will I get through this?” I continued seeing the nephrologist monthly and he religiously monitored all my blood results. Until I went on dialysis, I had to restrict what I ate. I could not consume a lot of protein, magnesium, potassium, salt or much water. Skim milk and peanut butter were my main staples, and they could only be consumed in moderation. I basically lived on salads and a little fruit. Because of the accumulation of poisons in my system, I always looked like I had been up all night. My face was puffy and by the end of each day my ankles started to swell. I wore mostly slacks to conceal this symptom. By spring 1998 it was obvious that I needed dialysis. If I had been difficult with Dr. Schneider, I was impossible with the

nephrologist, especially after he told me that dialysis was imminent. Most people do not realize that dialysis itself is not painful. Preparing for it involves surgery where a flexible catheter is inserted into the peritoneum, a lining inside the abdomen that encases all the organs. On the outside of the body lies a connector with a screw-on cap, the site where the dialysis is performed. There are three different ways to receive dialysis. One is to visit a clinic three times a week where you are connected to a large machine that cleanses the blood and returns it to your system. For this type of dialysis a shunt must be placed somewhere on the body and the patient is hooked up to the machine through this device. This is called hemodialysis. The second possibility involves the cyclor—a process where the patient is connected to a machine that cleanses the blood through the night. It takes eight to ten hours to complete. I did not select this procedure, not wanting to feel captive in my bedroom for that many hours each night. The third method of dialysis, and the one I chose, is known as the “exchange.” Four times a day the fluid in the peritoneum needed to be changed. The waste, fluid and chemicals flow through this lining and into the dialsate (the cleansing solution). The whole procedure takes about 45 minutes and it was a good time to sleep or read. I would wake at 4:30 a.m. to complete an exchange and then prepare for work. At lunch time I would go home for the second exchange. The third one was done after work at 4 p.m. and the last exchange took place right before I went to bed. Nothing about this was difficult, just time consuming. The dialysis training was held at the Dialysis Clinic in Oakland. It took four eight-hour days to be trained to perform the dialysis technique on myself. Before the trainers would release me, I had to take an exam. There was so much to learn and retaining this information can determine your health. One of the concerns about performing dialysis at home was the problem of infection. It was imperative that a clean area be designated for the exchange and everything must remain as sterile as possible. My husband and son, David, turned one bedroom into the dialysis area. No one came into the room while I was doing an exchange without wearing a mask and scrubbing their hands. I was neurotic about cleanliness; and since it was as important to them as it was to me to keep me infection free, they abided by all my rules. This was one point the nurses emphasized several times during the training: cleanliness above all else. I was fortunate not to develop a peritoneal infection which could have caused a major setback.

Many dialysis patients wait months or years for a transplant. The doctors, nurses and my family knew how much I wanted this surgery. The training nurses told me that there are patients that prefer to remain on dialysis for years rather than face the surgery. Not me! I wanted that phone to ring, telling me there was an organ waiting for me. I was to wear a beeper at all times when I was not at home so my coordinator could locate me when an organ was found. I was stubborn and refused to wear it. My husband was at home at the time and he was the “keeper of the beeper.” By now it was June 1999, and I had been on dialysis for almost one year. John and I were outside working in the yard on a beautiful Sunday morning when I finally got the call. It was a coordinator telling me there was an organ available, but there was a patient on the table at that moment who was to receive it. The doctors were having problems with the procedure and they were not sure if this patient would transplant because of extenuating health problems. She told me to stay by the phone and not eat or drink anything until she called back. Even though I was anxious for my transplant, I prayed the doctors would successfully transplant this patient. Around 2 p.m. the coordinator called and said the surgery was complete. I was somewhat disappointed, but happy for the patient. I wanted this person to also have a chance at survival. I knew my time would come and I was confident that it would be soon. I was not wrong! I was at work on a beautiful Monday morning when the phone rang and I was told I had a call. It was my coordinator telling me there was a very healthy kidney waiting for me. I asked her if this was a good match, and she said, “Very good.” I was ecstatic! This was better than any holiday, summer vacation or birthday. I had been praying for months that this would happen. I shut off the computer, cleaned off my desk and walked out the door. I walked up to the secretary’s office and told her there was a kidney waiting for me and I had to leave—the look on her face, a true Kodak moment! As I left the office I ran into another secretary and told her I would see her in August, figuring that would be when I would be able to return to work. All she could do was look at me and stare. I laughed and told her I had to go. To this day, she calls me every June 28 to say, “Happy Anniversary!” I walked out the door and took a deep breath. I hurried home to pack a small bag and call the children and my sister-in-law. Having already been called by the coordinator, my husband came home from work and we left for the hospital. I had to be at the hospital by

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A Gift of Life Continued from page 79

noon so they could prepare me for surgery. Once again, doctors came in, asking the same questions over and over again. The afternoon was rolling by and I was becoming impatient. Around six o’clock that evening I was taken to the operating area where I waited until the operating room was ready. They took me in around 7 p.m. I know the time because I asked before I was anesthetized. Because I continued to exercise and maintain my weight, the surgeon said he had an easy time transplanting the new organ. Since I had no additional fat and the muscles were fairly tight, the surgery took only two and one-half hours. Miraculously the organ started to work even before the surgery was complete. I returned to my room around midnight and my greatest sight was seeing my husband and three sons waiting for me I was fortunate that my numbers started on an uphill climb and I was responding well to the transplant. Usually a patient needs to remain in the hospital for seven to ten days, but I was progressing so well that the surgeon released me three days after surgery. I remember leaving the hospital, and John and I were driving down Fifth Avenue towards Upper St. Clair when it dawned on me that I had survived the operation. I had made it—at least the first hurdle! In my mind there had been that possibility that I would not transplant and would die on the table—but there we were, driving home. I became a little emotional and quietly kept repeating the words, “thank you.” The recovery time for this type of surgery takes around seven weeks. During that time I read until I couldn’t read anymore and I watched quite a bit of TV. I could tell you what was on A&E and USA from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. With the help of medication, my family, the doctors and myself, I am doing very well. You may want to know what got me through those trying times. It was my trust and faith in my religion, my family and friends and the exceptional and dedicated doctors, coordinators, nurses and secretaries who worked with me in the beginning and took care of me then and now. I could not have done it without them. After I had been home for a few days, I decided it was time to write a thank you letter to the donor family. It was something I wanted and knew I had to do, but where would I start? How do you thank someone for the most precious gift anyone can receive? I agonized over this letter

for days. I wanted to convey to the donor family how grateful I was to them for agreeing to donate their son’s organs to help me and so many others in need of a transplant. I would have preferred to do this in person but the family wanted to remain anonymous. The letter was sent to a liaison at the hospital who forwarded it to the family. I would still like to meet them some day and learn about their son. Every anniversary of my transplant I celebrate my new life and mourn his death. I feel for the family more than I can say. It still hurts me that someone had to die for me to live, someone so very young. Since my transplant, my life is much less hectic. For the remainder of my life, I will need to take anti-rejection medication, and have blood drawn monthly—the alternative is worse! I feel I have a very good rapport with my present surgeon, Dr. Shapiro, my nephrologist and my coordinator. They are always available to answer a question or address a concern. I am fortunate to have this team working with me and for me. They are the best! This experience has made me very humble. Since taking this journey, I have become more tolerant and appreciative of the small things. My husband has told me more than once that I am too forgiving and understanding, but that is who I am now. A guidance counselor once told me that he’d read an article that said a transplant recipient inherits the qualities of the donor. I don’t know if that’s true or not, and since the donor family prefers to remain anonymous, I will never know. At this stage of my life and especially after the last seven years, I cherish every moment I spend with John, our wonderful sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, family and friends. I look forward to going to work because I really like my job and enjoy the students at USCHS. I often wonder why I was selected to survive this ordeal and why others have not. There are no answers. I only know that I love life and look forward to the next day and those that follow. I wrote this piece because someone may be out there experiencing what I experienced and it’s comforting to know you’re not alone. I also hope this article will encourage anyone who is not an organ donor to become one. It is very easy to put this out of your mind, but you never know when you will be presented with a challenge and you will have to rely on the help of others. Please check your driver’s license to see if you are a donor. If not, please consider becoming one. 

s My special thanks to:

Dr. Ronald Shapiro, MD, Professor of Surgery, Director, Kidney, Pancreas and Islet Transplantation; Dr. Beth Schneider, MD; Mary Bird, Peritoneal Training Nurse and especially my husband, John, and our sons, Bob, Daniel and David. Sandy Gallo is a secretary at the Upper St. Clair High School library. Winter 2004

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What One Doctor Wants You to Know About Kidney Disease Dr. Beth Piraino, M.D. knows a lot about kidney disease. She is a professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, and the co-medical director of DCI Oakland, a non-profit chain of dialysis units. Dr. Piraino said that of all the treatments available for patients with kidney disease, an organ transplant is most often the best option, and provides the recipients with a high quality of life. “It truly is a gift of life,” Dr. Piraino stated. But very often there aren’t enough organs to go around. Since there are so few cadaver donors of kidneys, Dr. Piraino is seeing more transplants done from living donors. Often these donors are family members, but sometimes they are strangers who want to help others.

Pennsylvania Drivers License with Organ Donor specification.

Dr. Piraino is also seeing an increase in the number of people with kidney disease. It has been estimated that as many as 20 million people have stage one or stage two kidney disease and don’t know it. She said that as the number of people with high

blood pressure and diabetes increases, the number of people with kidney disease is also on the rise. It can be terrifying for a patient to find out they have kidney disease, but according to Dr. Piraino, steps can be taken to slow the progression of the disease if it is caught early. Dr. Piraino encourages screenings for kidney disease, especially for those at risk— people with diabetes or high blood pressure (including those with family members who have diabetes and high blood pressure) and people of African American descent. For those who are in good health, Dr. Piraino said watching your diet and exercise are keys to preventing future problems. Finally, Dr. Piraino encourages everyone to sign up to be an organ donor! 

Winter 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

When is a Congressman not a Congressman? Maggie I. Withrow, Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity Executive Director

Congressman Murphy (back left) is surrounded by the 2004 triathlon participants.

When is a Congressman not a Congressman? When he

is the chair of the fourth annual Kid’s Triathlon in South Park, benefiting the affordable housing programs of Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity. This was the first year that I had the opportunity to work with Congressman Tim Murphy on this event. What impressed me the most was his humanity. To see him there so very early in the morning, helping set up the orange cones for the race, greeting the kids as they arrived, cheering them on at the finish line, and awarding the trophies was not something I expected. He was not a politician, he was not campaigning. He was showing his genuine love and concern for kids and for their physical fitness and health. Over 150 children, ages seven through 12 competed in this summer triathlon, helping to raise some of the $45,000 in contributions. Call 412-466-6719 or visit the website at www.pittsburghhabitat.org for more information on Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity. 

Government Printing Office Sells 9-11 Commission Report The United States Government Printing Office (GPO) is now accepting orders for the

official final report of the 9-11 Commission (the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States.) The report was released this summer and provides a full and complete account of the circumstances surrounding the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, including preparedness for and the immediate response to the attacks. It also includes recommendations designed to guard against future attacks. The GPO is responsible for the production and distribution of information products and services for all three branches of the federal government. More than 268,000 federal government document titles are available to the public through the Internet at www.gpoaccess.gov. The GPO, through partnership with 1250 libraries participating in the Federal Depository Library Program, provides personal assistance in locating and using government information. Participating libraries may by located on GPO’s website or by calling toll-free 1-888-293-6498. The GPO, headquartered in Washington, D.C., has offices in 20 cities. Go to the website www.gpoaccess.gov/911/index.html to view the complete text of the report. To purchase the official government edition of the 9-11 Commission final report online, visit the special 9-11 webpage at http://bookstore.gpo.gov/911commission.html. To order by phone, call toll free 1-866-512-1800 from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST. Send email orders to orders@gpo.gov. Send mail to Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954. All orders require prepayment. Major credit cards are accepted. The sales price is $8.50 plus $4.75 for Priority Mail shipping and handling, for a total of $13.25. Please reference stock number 041—15-00236-8 when ordering. 

The Heart of the Matter Each year eighth level students at Fort Couch learn emer-

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Winter 2004

of the three wings of the building. At Fort Couch, the AED is located across from the cafeteria. At Boyce, it is located outside the cafeteria. Eisenhower is the only elementary school with an AED at this time because of the number of athletic events at its facility. Eisenhower’s AED is located outside of the gymnasium area. 

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UCLA Study on Friendship Among Women The following article was circulating through the Internet this past year. Gale Berkowitz is credited as author.

also helping us live better. The famed Nurses’ Health Study from Harvard Medical School found that the more friends women had, the less likely they were to develop physical imA landmark UCLA study suggests pairments as they aged, and the more likely friendships between women are special. They they were to be leading a joyful life. In fact, shape who we are and who we are yet to be. the results were so significant, the researchers They soothe our tumultuous inner world, fill concluded, that not having close friends or the emotional gaps in our marriage, and help confidants was as detrimental to your health us remember who we really are. as smoking or carrying extra weight! By the way, they may do even more. SciAnd that’s not all! When the researchers entists now suspect that hanging out with looked at how well the women functioned our friends can actually counteract the after the death of their spouse, they found kind of stomach quivering stress most of that even in the face of this biggest stressor us experience on a daily basis. A landmark of all, those women who had a close friend UCLA study suggests that women respond and confidante were more likely to survive to stress with a cascade of the experience without any brain chemicals that cause new physical impairments us to make and maintain or permanent loss of vitality. friendships with other Those without friends were women. It’s a stunning find not always so fortunate. Yet, that has turned five decades if friends counter the stress of stress research—most of that seems to swallow up it on men—upside down. so much of our lives these Until this study was days, if they keep us healthy published, scientists genand even add years to our erally believed that when lives, why is it so hard to people experience stress, find time to be with them? they trigger a hormonal That’s a question that A women’s impromptu lunch—just what the doctor ordered. cascade that revs the body also troubles researcher to either stand and fight or flee as fast as schedules and started meeting with one sci- Ruthellen Josselson, Ph.D., co-author of possible, explains Laura Cousin Klein, entist after another from various research Best Friends: The Pleasures and Perils of Girls’ Ph.D., now an Assistant Professor of specialties. Very quickly, Drs. Klein and and Women’s Friendships (Three Rivers Press, Biobehavioral Health at Penn State Uni- Taylor discovered that by not including 1998). Every time we get overly busy with versity and one of the study’s authors. It’s women in stress research, scientists had work and family, the first thing we do is let an ancient survival mechanism left over made a huge mistake: The fact that women go of friendships with other women, exfrom the time we were chased across the respond to stress differently than men has plains Dr. Josselson. We push them right to planet by saber toothed tigers. significant implications for our health. the back burner. That’s really a big mistake; Now the researchers suspect that womIt may take some time for new studies women are such a source of strength to each en have a larger behavioral repertoire than to reveal all the ways that oxytocin encour- other. We nurture one another. We need to just fight or flight; in fact, says Dr. Klein, ages us to care for children and hang out have unpressured space in which we can it seems that when the hormone oxytocin with other women, but the “tend and be- do the special kind of talk that women do is released as part of the stress responses friend” notion developed by Drs. Klein and when they’re with other women. It’s a very in a woman, it buffers the fight or flight Taylor may explain why women consistent- healing experience.  response and encourages her to tend chil- ly outlive men. Study after study has found dren and gather with other women instead. that social ties reduce our risk of disease When she actually engages in this tending by lowering blood pressure, heart rate and or befriending, studies suggest that more cholesterol. There’s no doubt, says Dr. Klein, Taylor, S. E.; Klein, L.C.; Lewis, B. P.; oxytocin is released, which further coun- that friends are helping us live longer. Gruenewald, T. L.; Gurung, R. A. R.; ters stress and produces a calming effect. In one study, for example, researchers & Updegraff, J. A. (2000). This calming response does not occur found that people who had no friends inin men, says Dr. Klein, because testoster- creased their risk of death over a six-month Female Responses to Stress: Tend one—which men produce in high levels period. In another study, those who had the and Befriend, Not Fight or Flight when they’re under stress—seems to re- most friends over a nine-year period cut their Psychological Review, 107(3), 41-429. duce the effects of oxytocin. Estrogen, she risk of death by more than 60%. Friends are 84

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

adds, seems to enhance it. The discovery that women respond to stress differently than men was made in a classic “aha” moment shared by two women scientists who were talking one day in a lab at UCLA. There was this joke that when the women who worked in the lab were stressed, they came in, cleaned the lab, had coffee and bonded, says Dr. Klein. When the men were stressed they holed up somewhere on their own. I commented one day to fellow researcher Shelley Taylor that nearly 90% of the stress research is on males. I showed her the data from my lab, and the two of us knew instantly that we were onto something. The women cleared their

Winter 2004

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1803-1882, American Poet, Essayist Photography by Nancy Barnard and Terry Kish

Winter 2004

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Advertiser Index

Winter 2004

Advertiser

Page

A Slight Indulgence ............................................................................................ 16 * Amel’s Restaurant ............................................................................................... 69 * Angelo Associates, Inc. ...................................................................................... 32 * ARAMARK .......................................................................................................... 63 Asbury Heights ................................................................................................... 11 Barson Development Co. .................................................................................... 81 * Bedner’s Farm Market ......................................................................................... 17 * Blackstone Fine Jewelers ...................................................................................... 1 Brenlove Real Estate Management ...................................................................... 13 * Calabro Tire & Auto Service ............................................................................... 25 * Carlson Wagonlit Travel ...................................................................................... 48 Catalucci Painting & Restoration, Interior & Exterior .......................................... 81 Changing Seasons Learning Center ................................................................... 77 Chatham College .................................................................................................. 4 Citron Jewelers ..............................................................Front cover, 43, 44, 45, 46 * Clark Construction Company ............................................................................. 77 * Coffey Contracting Company .............................................................................. 80 * Coldwell Banker–Route 19 South/Galleria, USC, South Hills, Peters Twp. Offices ................................................. 50, 51, 52 * Coldwell Banker Real Estate, Inc. Corporate ..............................Back outside cover Coldwell Banker–Waterdam Farms ..................................................................... 33 Crandall, Steven R., D.M.D. ................................................................................ 38 * Cupelli & Cupelli, Drs. ....................................................................................... 64 EASE-A PETITE SPA ........................................................................................... 83 Elegant Impressions ........................................................................................... 71 Ferry Electric Company ...................................................................................... 81 Friendship Village of South Hills ........................................................................ 27 * Gabler & Associates, P.C. ................................................................................... 59 Gateway Engineers ............................................................................................. 79 * George Girty Landscape Design ......................................................................... 53 Ghelarducci’s Garden Center .............................................................................. 81 * GIFTED ............................................................................................................... 17 * Gurecka, Joseph L. D.M.D., FAAHD ................................................................... 62 Gurtner, Steven M., D.M.D. and Gurtner, Maggie, D.M.D. .................................... 7 * Henderson Brothers, Inc. .................................................................................... 34 * Herman J. Heyl Florist ........................................................................................ 67 * Howard Hanna Real Estate Services ........................................ Front inside cover, 9 Howard Hanna–Maureen Cavanaugh ................................................................. 67 * Howard Hanna–Susan Highley ........................................................................... 57 * Howard Hanna–Diane Horvath ........................................................................... 65 Iron Horse Hobby Shop ...................................................................................... 83 Jacksons Restaurant-Rotisserie-Bar ................................................................... 69 * Janet Hays & Company Dance Studio ................................................................ 59 * Jaro Interiors, Inc. .............................................................................................. 63

Advertiser

Keller Williams– * Sandy and Marshall Goldstein .............................................. 40 * Kerr Dentistry ..................................................................................................... 48 Little Lambs of Hope Christian Preschool .......................................................... 64 Louis Anthony Jewelers ...............................................................Back inside cover * Manalo, Larry E., D.M.D. .................................................................................... 49 Manderley, ltd. .................................................................................................... 88 Mellon Private Wealth Management Services ..................................................... 13 Mt. Lebanon Ice Center ........................................................................................ 7 Mt. Lebanon Magazine ........................................................................................ 80 National City Bank .............................................................................................. 25 Northwood Realty–Bonnie Detwiler and Marlene McNaughton .......................... 71 Oxford Mortgage, Inc.–David and Cheryl Bayne ................................................. 39 Piccolina’s Restaurant ......................................................................................... 48 * Pinebridge Commons Associates ....................................................................... 48 Pittsburgh Youth Ballet ....................................................................................... 75 Premier Granite & Stone ..................................................................................... 88 Providence Point ................................................................................................ 19 * Prudential Preferred Realty–Route 19 South ......................................................... 2 Prudential Preferred Realty–Terry Abbott ............................................................ 39 * Regis McQuaide & Co. Master Remodelers, Inc. ................................................ 24 * Robin Richards Photography .............................................................................. 65 Rohrich Cadillac ................................................................................................. 79 Rollier’s Hardware ............................................................................................... 83 * Rusmur Floors .................................................................................................... 87 * Scott Bros. Windows and Doors ........................................................................... 9 * Sesame Inn ......................................................................................................... 69 * Silk Road Gourmet Chinese Restaurant .............................................................. 69 * South Hills Orthopaedic Surgery Associates, P.C. .............................................. 62 Spa Harmony ...................................................................................................... 83 * St. Clair Fitness & Racquet Club ........................................................................ 17 * St. Clair Hospital .................................................................................................. 3 * State Farm Insurance–Cindy Brophy .................................................................. 49 Steel Valley Orthopedic Associates, Inc. ............................................................. 32 The Classroom Restaurant .................................................................................. 69 * The Cob Collection ............................................................................................. 17 The Thomas Studio of Performing Arts, Inc. ....................................................... 33 Tournesol ............................................................................................................ 16 Valley Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. ............................................................... 83 Wellington Real Estate–Patty Thomas ................................................................. 35 Westminster Presbyterian Church ....................................................................... 24 Wild Birds Unlimited .......................................................................................... 16 William Dugan Landscaping ............................................................................... 81 * You’re Invited ...................................................................................................... 16

Advertise with UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, in publication since 1994. Phone: 412.833.1600, extension 2284 • Website: www.twpusc.org/magazine/ *The above VIP advertisers, who are advertising in this issue, have contributed their support for a minimum of 20 issues. 86

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Winter 2004

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Like new! Contemporary, 4br, 2+2ba, 1st floor laundry, familyroom wet bar, den, gameroom skylights! Kathy Enick 412-344-0500 $379,000

Move.

Well maintained 2 story colonial, ceramic entry, 4br, 2.5ba, familyroom, gamerm, large deck overlooking picturesque yard. Helen Moore 412-833-5405 $234,900

Very nice home, 3br, 2.5ba, gameroom, screened side porch, deck w/ hot tub & gazebo, plus patio! Janine Dillon 412-833-5405 $147,900

Many updates, fantastic kitchen, 3br, 1.5ba, familyrm, gamerm, Victorian porch w/ built-in gazebo, great yard. Maryann Brown 412-333-5405 $242,900

Remodeled 4br, 2.5ba, 2 sty colonial, white kitchen, sunroom off familyroom, gameroom, 2 car garage! Angela Mize 412-344-0500 $249,900

5br, 2.5ba stone home on parklike grounds, outdoor deck areas, 1st flr laundry & fmrm w/ stone fp, custom kit! Mike Baronetski 412-343-7711 $448,000

3br brick home located in Brookside Farms, neutral decor w/ hdwd flrs, living room stone fp, updated kit, deck, lvl yard! Tade Bua-Bell 412-343-7711 $189,500

Fine detail throughout 4br, 3.5ba 2sty colonial, sunken fmrm, den, kit w/ granite, large deck overlooks English garden! Nancy Beaulieu 412-344-0500 $475,000

100 year old Fife Family Farmhouse on 3.4 acres. Wonderfully renovated oak staircase, 6br, 4 full ba, stained glass! Bonnie/John 412-344-0500 $499,900

Truely lovely, spacious rooms, 3 sty entry, 6br, 3.5ba, familyrm fp, den, 3 car garage, fenced rear yard on cul-de-sac! Kathi Kernan 412-344-0500 $575,000

Deerfield Manor custom built French multi truly unique, 4+br, 3.5ba, gourmet cherry kit, fmrm fp, den, office and more! Ginny Macaul 412-831-5555 $419,900

Lovely 4br, 2.5ba brick split entry, large room sizes, equipped kitchen, pantry, familyroom, den, nice lot! Michael Powers 412-833-5405 $279,000

Lovely Provincial, gracious foyer, gleaming wood flrs, banquet size dnrm, gourmet kit, 4br, 2.5ba, 3 car garage! Maria & Joe Lane 412-344-0500 $249,900

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve sold

22%1 out of every

Previews homes in the South Suburbs in 2004!**

Owned And Operated By NRT Incorporated.

Let Us Open Doors For You! Coldwell Banker handles an average of $60 million in luxury home sales every day.

*Average based on closed and recorded sales transactions for homes that sold for one million dollars or more as reported by affiliates in the Coldwell BankerÂŽ franchise system for the calendar year 2003. ** Percentage based on closed sales transactions for homes that sold for $500,000 or more as reported by West Penn Multi-List in SAL between 01/01/2004 and 07/31/ 2004. (Upper St. Clair, Mt. Lebanon, Bethel Park, South Park, Jefferson Boro, Pleasant Hills, Scott Twp.-SAL, Baldwin Twp., South Side, Mt. Washington, Allentown, Arlington, Beltzhoover, Knoxville, Carrick, Bon Air, Mt. Oliver, Overbrook, Brentwood, Whitehall, Baldwin Boro, Duquesne, Homestead, West Homestead, Lincoln Place, Munhall, West Elizabeth, Whitaker, Dravosburg, Clairton, West Mifflin, Castle Shannon, Beechview, Brookline, Dormont) If your home is currently listed by a real estate broker please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers.

1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

ECRWSS* CARRIER ROUTE

POSTAL CUSTOMER Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

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