SPRING 2005 by UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Magazine

Spring 2005

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Terry Abbott

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Rock-Solid Performance!

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Rt. 19 South Office • Call (412) 833-7700 • www.PrudentialPreferredRealty.com 2

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2005

You don’t have to leave Pittsburgh to become a

World Ready Woman . ®

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Spring 2005

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN

I N S U R I N G A H O U SE A ND A H O M E . Your home is more than a roof over your head. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a valuable asset that shelters you and your valued possessions. As your insurance advisor, we know you need an insurance company that understands the way you live. With more than 115 years of experience, a well-earned reputation for prompt and fair claim settlements, and special expertise in insuring fine homes and their contents, we know Chubb is as different from other insurance companies as a home is from a house. To see how we can create a personal insurance program from Chubb to meet your sophisticated needs, please call us.

Alcorn Christie Insurance Agency 110 Roessler Road Suite 200C Pittsburgh, PA 15220 Phone: (412) 563-7828 Fax: (412) 563-7833 E-mail: mchristie@alcornchristie.com

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

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2005

• Volume 11

•

Issue 1

Features and Around the Township 23

The Upper St. Clair Fly Fishing Club A fishy story catches its readers (and members).

Of Fields and Friends 2004 USCHS boys’ soccer team is #1!

Of Fields and Friends

New fire station is underway

Mock elections at our schools

Medallion Ball Recipients Twenty-five young women from Upper St. Clair receive well-deserved recognition.

Athletic Recruiting Jim Render shares his thoughts about high school recruiting. See also page 50 for Jim Meston’s article on the recruiting cycle and rules all must comply by.

Sean Casey—A True Superstar Sean Casey Day in Upper St. Clair has hometown appeal.

Township 30

Budget Highlights The Township’s Finance Department discusses revenue and expenses.

Upper St. Clair Police Department Holds its Fourth Citizens’ Police Academy A story told through the eyes of a participant.

Recycling Resources Want to know how to discard of it? Read and find out!

USCVFD Responds to Hurricane Ivan Our firefighters’ concern for residents’ safety is their number one priority.

Favorite Children’s Books A book review by the Upper St. Clair Library Children’s staff.

School District 57

Class Rank—Out the Door Disclosure of class rank to colleges and universities is being replaced with disclosure of weighted GPA.

School Librarians EmPOWER the Community Online databases make research easier.

Did You Know? Quick information about our schools.

Election Reviews USC students participate in the general election.

Café Ike We have a new restaurant in town.

Cover 46

This cover of the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine is underwritten by St. Clair Hospital. For 50 years, St. Clair Hospital has served the healthcare needs of Upper St. Clair residents. The hospital’s emergency department is one of the busiest in Western Pennsylvania and is planning for expansion. On pages 46 and 47, read about other new developments that will enable the hospital to be “The Healing Power of Our Community” for the next 50 years. Spring 2005

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

The 41st 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

Angela B. Petersen, President Jeffrey W. Joyce, Vice President David E. Bluey Barbara L. Bolas Russ Del Re Glenn Groninger 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

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 A special thank you to our voluntary contributors this issue: Natalie Bezek, Tim Conboy, Ed Di Gangi, Pam Dillie, Dennis Fisher, Dina Fulmer, Wayne Herrod, Charlene Machi, Jim Meston, George Pitcairn, Mike Russell, David Seidenfeld, Sally Sherfinski, Bill Smith, Mary Lynne Spazok, Jay Walsh and Sarah Zablotsky. If your name was inadvertently omitted, please accept our apology.

The 41st issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a joint

publication of the Township and School District of Upper St. Clair. © Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. Reproducing this magazine, in whole or in part, without the express written consent of the editor is strictly prohibited.

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 Summer 2005 issue and will be published in May 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.

Deadline for articles and advertising for the Summer 2005 issue is closed. Deadline for articles and advertising for the Fall 2005 issue is June 1, 2005.

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

Spring 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/

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

Dr. James D. Lombardo

Douglas A. Watkins

Welcome to the 41st edition of the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine. The Township and the School District proudly present the Spring 2005 issue. Too many gray sky days for you? While we can do very little to promote more sunshine, we can comment on the “brighter” things occurring in our community. Last fall, the Regional Environmental Education Center (REEC) began environmental education programming from its new facilities at the Township’s Boyce Mayview Park. Earlier this year, the Board of Commissioners’ Ad Hoc Interior Trails Committee completed a comprehensive trail development plan for Boyce Mayview with the assistance of trails specialist Mr. Troy Parker of Boulder, Colorado. The Township Board of Commissioners continues to work with various groups towards completing a blueprint for the phased development of various amenities at Boyce Mayview. Read an article about the REEC on page 40 and look to our summer edition for additional coverage of Boyce Mayview. The Township’s Abbeyville Road connector was completed in November, and groundbreaking for the new USCVFD Route 19 fire station began in October. See pages 35 and 40. Comparisons of the 2004 PSSA test scores of 501 Pennsylvania public school districts reveal that Upper St. Clair schools reached tremendous success in many areas of assessment. Achievement test results found that our current high school senior class ranked first, second and fourth in math, reading and writing, respectively, in the entire state. The new School District newsletter St. Clair Scene, mailed to all residents in December, detailed complete results. In athletics, our 2004 High School boys’ soccer team put USC on the map with a PIAA state championship win. This USC team was ranked number one in the nation! Enjoy the article on page 24. Yes, we certainly have a lot to be proud of—our people, our schools, our community. All of us should continue our efforts to keep this wonderful community neat and clean. We have useful information on recycling gathered by USC Citizens for Land Stewardship for you to read on page 36. Also enjoy the advertisements and articles in our Home Improvement guide on pages 16 through 22 to get some helpful hints for updating and beautifying your home. Quit looking up for that patch of blue sky. You’ll know when the sun is shining. Everyone will be wearing sunglasses because “It’s too bright out!” By the way, we have our own patch of blue sky harnessed right here in Upper St. Clair. Have a great spring season and enjoy all that this community has to offer.

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

Township of Upper St. Clair 412-831-9000 Fax: 412-831-9882 Website: www.twpusc.org Email: uscadmin@twpusc.org Spring 2005

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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Spring 2005

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The Invitation Sets the Tone Sandra Kalix Your wedding invitation is the first impression your guests receive;

it creates anticipation and sets the tone for your special day. Are you having a church wedding, ceremony at a hotel, or a beach wedding in an exotic location? New trends give you more choices of invitations than ever before. There is a full palate of options to suit every taste and style of wedding. You can choose from demure and elegant to bright and bold or classic to contemporary. Paper color choices range from the traditional white and ecru, to pastels of pink, blue and green. You can also choose bold and bright colors such as scarlet, navy or chocolate. The paper your invitation is printed on could be heavy card stock, hand made paper with flower petals, shimmering paper, vellum or velvet layered panels. Some new shapes include larger sizes such as embassy and royal, small and large squares, tea length and slimline folders. These are only a few of the many sizes available. Invitations can be layered with different papers and colors to make yours reflect the style, locale, season or color palate of your wedding. Ink colors are selected to coordinate with your paper colors. White or ecru ink on dark, bold colored paper offers a striking effect. Mixing and matching the many color combinations can also create your own style. The print styles and type of printing used also suggest the formality or informality of your wedding. By mixing lettering styles, you can highlight aspects of the invitation such as the bride’s and groom’s names. Adding embellishments, such as bows, tassels, pearls or rhinestones and

then wrapping it with an overlay band, a ribbon, a jacket, or a cover with pockets for enclosures will express added style. The envelope is important, too, since it’s the first thing guests will see when opening the invitation. Envelopes, like invitations, are available in a wide range of colors, papers, shapes and sizes. Customize your envelopes by using a decorative envelope lining or by printing a small motif or monogram on the flap to match the motif on the invitation. Return addresses can be printed in the same type and ink as your invitation or in contrasting colors. Your stationer will advise and guide you through the many phases of choosing your invitation, including format, wording and proper etiquette. She can also assist you with other wedding accessories such as directional cards, place cards, programs, napkins, menus and informal notes. After they are ordered, it takes approximately two to three weeks for the invitations to arrive. Plan ahead.  Sandra Kalix is the owner of You’re Invited Fine Stationery. You’re Invited’s professional staff has been helping brides select the finest invitations since 1976. Call Sandra at 412-561-4422 or stop in at 690 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon. Spring 2005

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2005

R Dis esor cov t H Ava ery ome ilab Tou le rs

For the Forysthe family, the decision was simple

They Belong Here. For the Forysthe’s, escaping the city was important for their family. They wanted to ski in the winter and enjoy all the pleasures of lake and golf course in the warm months; yet they didn't want to travel far.

They found it all with a home at Deep Creek Mountain Resort. Maryland’s premiere four-season residential resort is just two hours from Pittsburgh; yet in many ways a world away. Here you can enjoy all the pleasures of life on the water through the Lakeside Club and championship golf and skiing at the popular Wisp Ski and Golf Resort, all while

making your vacation home high in the Maryland mountains. Homesites begin at $145,000; townhomes now under development. To fully appreciate this opportunity you need to see Deep Creek Mountain Resort for yourself. Ask us about our special Resort Home Discovery Tours.

Gracious Club Living. Toll Free (866) 387-6871 • Local (301) 387-6871 • www.deepcreekmtnresort.com

Spring 2005

UST305

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.” The Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair

augments the many advantages of living in Upper St. Clair by providing financial support for special programs and projects that are not funded by tax dollars. The four focus areas of the Foundation are Education and Lifelong Learning, Fine and Performing

Arts, Recreation and Leisure and Technology and Science. Quest, which seeks to promote educational enrichment opportunities for community residents, educators and students, is part of the Education and Lifelong Learning focus.

A Concert for All Ages

Fiddlesticks on stage with the PSO

Fiddlesticks, the seven-foot tall cat and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s ambassador to children, made a special guest appearance on Sunday, January 9, 2005, at the Upper St. Clair High School Theatre. The Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair made special arrangements with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) to have Fiddlesticks appear in our community and enchant his young musicloving fans.

A sell-out audience, both young and old, enjoyed the interactive concert conducted by Daniel Meyers and narrated by Lanny Frattare, the voice of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The program offered educational, musical and hands-on experiences and used audience-performer interaction between children in the audience and Fiddlesticks, the conductor and the musicians on stage. Pre-concert activities, giving children the opportunity to interact with PSO musicians through instrument demonstrations and visit various learning centers with hands-on activities, were well received.

The concert that followed incorporated the crafts, presentations and interactive elements the children experienced during pre-concert activities. The concert featured soprano Christine Frattare, USC Fine and Performing Arts curriculum leader. Fourth level choruses from Baker, Eisenhower and Streams schools joined in the action to perform two songs with the PSO during the concert. This was the first Fiddlesticks concert performed outside Heinz Hall. Our community is a leader in piloting and bringing such wonderful inter-generational musical events to the local area.

Pre-concert activities for young theatre-goers

Upcoming Events for 2005

PSO conductor Daniel Meyer with pianist Danielle Stern (USCHS student and daughter of Becky Stern, CFUSC trustee)

The Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair is planning a June Giving Tea. The Foundation is also setting the stage for its annual fall fundraiser at St. Clair County Club, which is scheduled for Saturday, September 24, 2005. More information about these events will be forthcoming, including an announcement in the summer issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY and on the Foundation’s community website at www.mainstreetusc.com. Contact Celeste Acinapura at 412-257-5682 or cacinapura@aol.com or Peggy Snavely at 412-833-4408 or snavely3350@adelphia.net for more information. A community fly fishing expo will be held at the Recreation Center on Saturday, April 2, 2005. Contact Ed DiGangi at 412-805-1593 for more information. See article on page 23. 

Community Foundation Contact Information Phone: 412-831-1107 • Fax: 412-257-4160 Website: www.mainstreetusc.com/cfusc • Email: cfusc@adelphia.net 12

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2005

St. Clair Hospital Hosts Annual Harlequin Ball

Continuing the Tradition

The St. Clair Hospital Auxiliary

will host its 51st Harlequin Ball, Starry Starry Night, A Magical Night Under the Stars, on Friday, April 22, 2005, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Southpointe. All proceeds from the event will benefit the purchase of a state-of-the-art Dexa Scan machine to assist in the early diagnosis of osteoporosis. Cocktails and the silent auction begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a sit-down dinner at 7:30 p.m. Musical entertainment will be provided throughout the evening by the Rick Purcell Band featuring Shari Richards. A live auction will take place at 9 p.m. Other activities include caricature drawings, a handwriting analyst and “mystery boxes.” Tickets for this event are $110 per person or $1000 for a table of ten. Reservations are due by Friday, April 1, 2005. Sponsorship, program book advertising and other donation opportunities are also available. For more information contact St. Clair Hospital’s Public Relations Department at 412-344-6600, extension 1025 or download a copy of the brochure and reservation form from St. Clair Hospital’s website at www.stclair.org. 

Southwinds, Inc. Holds Spring Craft Fair Southwinds, Inc. is holding its 14th annual spring craft festival on Saturday, April 9, 2005, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Castle Shannon Fire Hall, Route 88 south. The event benefits Southwind’s services for 52 developmentallychallenged individuals who live in homes located in southern Allegheny County.

Baptist Homes is sponsoring Providence Point, a Continuing Care Retirement Community that will offer 216 apartments & 36 patio homes, situated in a new neighborhood that is designed to enhance the lifestyles of seniors. Providence Point is Pittsburgh's Newest Active LifeCare Community near Bower Hill Road in the heart of the South Hills. Please call or visit our website to learn more about our exciting new community.

Visit our information center that showcases all that Providence Point will be, at 1145 Bower Hill Road, Suite 101.

412.276.4500 | www.providencepoint.org

Sponsored by

Spring 2005

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Smicksburg, Pennsylvania— A Rural Day Trip

Mary Lynne Spazok

Smicksburg-Dayton.com highlights

a zealous agenda of festivities for northern Indiana County. However, to experience historic Smicksburg validates the maxim “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Heritage and history meld to ensure a superlative day trip. Its rural rolling hills were first visited by American Indians and later by diligent pioneers. The establishment of the old Amish style community ensures that the region maintains its natural beauty, wondrous woodlands and pristine streams. The woodsy aroma of mountain laurel and pine is heady. Two centuries ago, traders traversed the east-west Kittanning Trail while Native Americans trekked the north-south Catawba Path to hunt game and defend their region. Three hundred

Martie Bauer at Handworks

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

frontiersmen, led by Colonel John Armstrong (hence, Armstrong County), made peace with Native Americans through the Purchase of 1776. The Great Nations ceded the land south of Purchase Line allowing for settlement by all. Today, that 18 th century wilderness encompasses agriculture, energy production and the largest ancestry of Amish in Western Pennsylvania. Smicksburg warmly embraces one and all with its engaging hospitality. The past and present are unified as you drive along Route 954 where Amish buggies and automobiles share country lanes in harmony. Here, fertile farms continue to be tilled in the traditional way with the horse-drawn plow, thus emphasizing simplistic traditions and hard work. On the wing of the fresh country breeze are eye-catching hand-stitched quilts. Artistic—but more importantly utilitarian—the art of quilting is a social skill learned and shared in every household. To welcome visitors, courteous Amish folk smile and wave. Black and white signs at farm entrances indicate that the public is welcome. Remember to respect their lifestyle by not taking photos. When planning a visit, keep in mind that Sunday is their day of reflection. Continuing on, four covered bridges, the Trusal, Harmon, Thomas and Kintersburg, are testimony to the ingenuity of bridge builders of the 1800s. Area farmers claimed that these narrow shelters eased the burden of herding skittish livestock over tumbling waters. Plain and simple—these structures resemble barns. Today, they are a novel doorway to the vintage village of Smicksburg. First, view the McCormick Mansion. This quirky stone manor resembles a medieval castle. John McCormick, inventor of the mixed flow water turbine, built his masterpiece in the mid1800s. Continue on to the Smicksburg Pottery complex. A feast for the eyes is the terraced garden at the studio with its festive flowers and decorative pottery. The gallery’s 50 artisans showcase wearable art, hand blown glass, bells of steel and bronze, and exotic wood products.

Spring 2005

On site is owner Betty Hedman’s Rosie, the pet rabbit that welcomes all. Observe weaver Martie Bauer at work in the barn-size studio of Handworks. Colorful yarns yield hand-knit sweaters, blankets, shawls and woven rugs. Learn to crochet as well. Amish Heartland features the Amish-made “faceless” cloth dolls. At the Village Sample, a life-size model named “Grandma” is so realistic she has been known to startle many guests.

“Grandma” at the Village

Browse the John G. Schmick Museum Library. It will fascinate those who appreciate genealogy. Artifacts and illuminating displays of local history spark the imagination. Just down the highway, the Amish-built house known as the Drying Shed sells dramatic flower wreaths, multicolored baskets and stunning bouquets. The owner expertly explains how these posies are grown then dried. Fashion your own design on the spot. To say the least, these original creations will enhance any décor for a very nominal price.

Kathi Galbraith enjoys Fort Mahoning at Windgate.

Windgate award winning wines

Not to be missed is the 14-acre estate vineyard, Windgate Winery at Hemlock Acres. Open seven days a week, the vineyard offers a tour that includes sampling 15 red, white, rose and fruit wines. On the property is the Frontier Museum featuring 18th and 19th century artifacts. For sale at Windgate Antiques is furniture and china as well as 2000 volumes of history and antiques, which are for sale or for use onsite. Owner Cay Enerson encourages visitors to research their purchases. Stroll the picturesque grounds that overlook the majestic Mahoning Valley some 500 feet below. Check the online calendar of events at www.windgatevineyards.com before visiting to include the Wine of the Month event Sunday tour by owner held monthly. Culminate this wonderful daytrip with a relaxing dinner at one of the many first-rate restaurants. Suggested dining for family-style fare is Thee Village Eatinghouse. Dessert is a must! Not to be missed are the four-inch high caramel apple pie, gooey sticky buns, rotund apple dumplings and cream-filled pastry. Don’t forget to purchase an edible “take home” memory—lip smacking good fudge! Picturesque Smicksburg is one of the most culturally diversified areas in our commonwealth. Celebrate the seasons where spectacular countryside vistas and quaint farmhouses abound. Herald Christmas in July, bobble for apples at the October Apple Festival, or participate in an old fashioned Christmas open house. Mark your 2005 date book for the Festival of Rebirth in spring, a blaze of color in fall or the yuletide spirit of winter. See you there! 

Travel note: From Upper St. Clair, the oneway trip is 80 miles and takes approximately one hour and 20 minutes. From downtown Pittsburgh take 279 north to 28 north to Route 85 east to Route 954. Route 954 turns left at Plumville, continuing north to Smicksburg. Handicap accessible, the majority of sites accommodate the physically impaired with ramps and adequate restroom facilities.

A History of Meticulous Wealth Management since 1948

How to Find Us

South Hills Village Mall

St. Clair CC

Upper St. Clair Park Boyce Middle School

Boyce Road

2551 Washington Road Summerfield Commons

HAVE YOU VISITED HEFREN-TILLOTSON’S NEWEST SOUTH HILLS LOCATION IN SUMMERFIELD COMMONS? Stop by sometime soon and ask about our free portfolio “check-up” services or find out more about working with one of our Retirement Planning Specialists. If you’ve heard us on KDKA Radio’s “YOUR MONEY & YOU” ---then you’ve probably been meaning to give us call.

412-833-5777 HEFREN-TILLOTSON SUMMERFIELD COMMONS 2551 WASHINGTON ROAD BUILDING EIGHT UPPER ST. CLAIR, PA 15241 WWW.HEFREN.COM Spring 2005

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

“Exclusive Dealer in Western Pennsylvania”

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3180 Industrial Blvd. Bethel Park, PA 412-833-7222 www.clarkremodeling.com

Kitchens • Baths • Windows • Doors

TOP 50 remodelers in USA “Remodeling” Magazine

What’s New in Bathroom Remodeling? Sue Clark, Clark Construction Company What’s new in bathroom remodeling? How about a toilet

seat that closes itself? One used to only dream about such things, but that innovation is here and it should end some domestic quarrels, if you know what I mean. Have you wondered why many of the tubs and showers appear to have “car washes” instead of a single showerhead? Water conservation laws restrict how much water can flow from a single showerhead, but the law doesn’t say how many showerheads you can have. Oops—a loophole! They’re actually called body sprays, and if they are strategically placed, a person can be in and out of the shower in no time. Plan to part with some extra cash for the additional plumbing required. Remember when we could choose from only chrome or brass faucets? The newest finish is brushed bronze, not to mention brushed chrome, polished nickel, stainless, French gold, chrome with gold, chrome with brass, satin chrome with polished accents, black, biscuit and almond. Whew! Many are limited in styles, but there is surely one for you. Matching towel bars and shower door frames (yes, they are supposed to match) might get tricky with some faucet choices. It took a few years for manufacturers to catch up with brushed nickel (it is very beautiful and hides fingerprints, too), but we can coordinate everything now, even down to a matching commode lever. 16

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2005

Put your fears aside about the water-saving toilets. At first they worked quite badly, but after a few model revisions, they now flush like a dream, even if one occasionally has to flush again. Think of all the other times you’ve saved water. Speaking of commodes, have you seen the “comfort height” commodes that are nearly two inches higher than the standard models? Many say they are easier on the knees and great for tall people. You’ve heard of the comparison between sofas and commodes, haven’t you? You sat on your commode first thing in the morning before leaving for work. There was no time to sit on your sofa—too much to do! After work, you came home and sat on your commode again. The thought of sitting on your sofa was still a long way off. Before retiring to bed you visited your commode at least one more time and never gave a second thought to sitting on your sofa. The sofa needs to be reupholstered after several years, but your commode is older than Methuselah. What a bargain! Commodes last for a long time and are put to good use. Make sure to get what you like! Also available are whirlpools. Transform that everyday tub to a spa that renews your body and provides an inspiring sensory experience. Do you have time for a bath? Of course you do! Whirlpools range from an overflowing tub (so neat) to hydro-massage with chromatherapy lights and effervescent ports for more energetic bubbles. Gosh! I stopped counting after 50 models (and that’s just Kohler). Do you need help with bathroom remodeling? Give us a call. 

Cranberry, Chocolate, Red Wine, Oh My! Rick Murray, Jr. Holiday season festivities inevitably bring about carpet stains.

From cranberry sauce and red wine to gravy and chocolate, there are a number of items on holiday menus that can cause quite a mess when spilled. Holiday spills are inevitable. Here’s a list of products that all carpet owners should have ready to use in an emergency carpet stain situation: White vinegar; baking soda; unprinted white paper towels; clear dishwashing detergent solution; a laundry pre-soak solution; a dry powdered carpet cleaner (i.e. Capture); a dry, non-oily, non-caustic cleaning solvent; non-bleaching clothing spot remover As with any carpet cleaning agent, make sure you are aware of the warranty on your flooring before using any of these methods to remove stains. Many holiday meals include chocolate, and if there are children about, chocolate stains will be found in the most obscure places—under couches, chairs or coffee tables. Make sure to look! For chocolate stains, first scrape up excess solids. Mix half a teaspoon of clear dishwashing detergent in one cup of warm water. Dab this mixture on the spot with a dampened towel. Continue to blot area. Next, dab undiluted white vinegar to the stained area and blot again. Rinse by dabbing with a damp sponge. Remove excess moisture by blotting once more, and applying a weighted pad of white paper towels overnight. Berries make just as an unsightly a mess as chocolate, and its stains can be removed from your carpet or area rug by following the same procedure.

Greasy, slippery stains caused by butter, shortening or cooking oil can be removed by first applying a dry-cleaning solvent using a dampened towel. Make sure to blot the stain. Rubbing will embed the stain further. Repeat. Lastly, apply water with a dampened towel and blot-finish with a weighted pad of towels. If you spill an after-dinner drink like coffee, tea or mulled wine, blot up the excess and then apply a detergent solution with a dampened towel. For coffee, mixed drink and red wine stains, leave on for three to five minutes. Blot, do not rub. Then for all types of drinks apply undiluted white vinegar using a damp towel. Next, for everything but red wine, apply water with a damp sponge. Finally, for all drinks, including red wine, blot-finish with a weighted pad of towels. To remove melted candle wax, start by scraping off excess wax with the blunt edge of a butter knife. Cover with brown paper, and apply a warm iron until the material is absorbed. Be careful with this step. You will want to make sure the brown paper is large enough to completely cover the waxed area. Avoid touching the iron to the carpet as the fiber might melt. Change the paper or rotate to a clean area frequently. Repeat until the material is completely absorbed. Let’s hope these stain removal tips will make everyone’s holiday gatherings as clean and stain free as possible.  Rusmur Floor, Inc., an Upper St. Clair family-owned business, is located at 500 Station Street in Bridgeville. They can be reached at 412-221-6366.

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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Eye On Design

The Essentials of the Exceptional Kitchen

Amelia Dean, B.S.I.D., Jaro Interiors, Inc. A great architect once said that exceptional design is simply the

ability to put things in the places they belong. But, design sense—the ability to use scale, proportion, rhythm, pattern, light and color—does not come easily to everyone. Still, an exceptional kitchen—one that uses a functional work space in an aesthetically-pleasing environment—is within reach of us all, not only those who consult with a designer, but also those who are willing to take the time to research and design a kitchen for their needs and then follow their plan to completion. A kitchen specially adapted to the needs of the cook, homeowner, or entire family can take on as many different design concepts as there are people—from the traditional country kitchen to the sleek, contemporary kitchen or back to the retro 50s kitchen, complete with linoleum flooring and molded stainless steel countertops. The basic elements in all of these designs that need to be addressed are the same: storage, equipment, lighting, surfaces and furnishings. First things first. Find a place for everything and, second, support those design decisions with the proper equipment and lighting. Sounds simple enough, right? But, as anyone who has ever picked up a home decorating magazine knows, the marketplace is teeming with so many choices that it can be an overwhelming exercise. So, that old adage “know thyself” is again germane. A complete understanding of your design concept will pay big dividends in time, effort and resources down the line as you make all the seemingly endless decisions. Good storage is essential, so be sure to plan for sufficient cabinetry, including utility drawers, shelving and pot racks, or the hapless cook will be forever foraging about for that large stockpot, soup tureen or 18

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2005

pickling spice that she knows is around somewhere. Wood cabinets can be painted, stained or glazed, and some designers are using a combination of finishes to fine effect. Be sure that the scale of your space can support the visual weight. Equipment—the stove, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher and sink are the workhorses of the kitchen, and, happily, there is variety enough to fit every budget and taste. When laying out the floor plan, be aware of the new space-saving appliances like refrigerator and dishwasher drawers that can augment their larger cousins. Lighting must be appropriate for all task areas, yet also provide for a pleasing ambience in the space. Again, know your concept and be careful to choose lighting fixtures that are characteristic. Beautiful options abound for surfaces, including walls, flooring and countertops, and range from natural materials such as granite and soapstone to the newest synthetics such as Zodiac for countertops. There are exotic woods, resilient cork, and stones such as clefted slate and limestone, using nature’s materials for flooring. Wallpaper is in style again and is coated with vinyl protection that is invisible to the eye, yet provides superior cleanability. Glass, metal, stone and tile backsplashes can add design impact and truly personalize those inches between the cabinet and the countertop. Finally, furnishings can help set the overall design statement or concept for a kitchen as well as provide functionality. An antique Welsh dresser can showcase a collection of majolica serving pieces or the cook’s entire assortment of copper molds in an Old World or country kitchen. Whatever your style, collection or passion, an exceptional kitchen stocked with character, creative planning and delectable details will satisfy an appetite for beauty for all who enter. 

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Bathroom Remodeling—Worth the Money

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Randy Lesko In today’s world, there are a lot of things that compete for our attention—work, family, a

Pittsburgh sports team. Probably the last thing on our minds is the condition of our bathroom. But when you have cracked tiles or outdated bathtubs, your bathroom is on your mind. That’s why it’s important to know how to get the best bathroom for you. Remodeling your old bathroom is a worthwhile investment, and it will pay off by increasing your home’s value. First, take a look at your budget. This will affect the size of the bathroom and the objects in it. Keep in mind that bathrooms can be stylish and comfortable under any budget and size restraints. If you aren’t looking for an extreme makeover, but want a little change, consider replacing your countertop and flooring, or the sink and faucet, or refurbishing the shower or bathtub—jobs that you can hire someone to do and that won’t cost too much. These smaller jobs will still increase the value of your home. If you are looking for a change that is more extreme, start by asking yourself certain questions. • • • •

What are you looking for in your bathroom? Comfort, style, or convenience? How many people will be using this bathroom? How many sinks and how much counter space do you need? Are there enough baths in the house, or do you need more? If you need more, what kind are you looking for? • How much storage do you need and where do you want it to be? • What type of lighting would you like?

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Spring 2005

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Shocking News About Lightning Cindy S. Brophy, State Farm® agent Lightning brightens the sky and provides a spectacular

display of Mother Nature’s power. This awesome phenomenon also causes more deaths and property destruction in a typical year than floods, hurricanes and tornadoes combined. Don’t underestimate the danger of lightning The threat of lightning can occur anytime, but the most likely time for damaging thunderstorms is June through August. Early spring is also a vulnerable period. Scientifically speaking, lightning is the visible discharge of electrical energy. It is often accompanied by thunder—a sonic boom created by the same electrical discharge. This electrical energy seeks a path to ground, and that path can be your home, a tree in your yard, or even you! The key to your protection is diverting the discharge to a grounding path away from people and property. A lightning protection system has two objectives. It provides a direct path for the lightning to follow to the ground, and it prevents destruction, damage, injury or death as it travels that path. Many of you are likely aware of lightning rods. Contrary to typical references to these devices, lightning rods do not attract lightning. They also cannot prevent lightning from striking your home. What they are designed to do is to provide a safe path to ground for the electrical current. Rods are just part of an effective

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lightning protection system. If you’re serious about lightning protection, you should have a qualified contractor who can evaluate your home, explain the many parts of a total system and perform the installation. Two sources that can help you make a decision are Lightning Protection Institute at 1-800-488-6864 or Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. at 847-272-8800. While lightning’s first target may be your house, there’s also a need to protect the property inside your home from electrical surges that accompany a lightning strike. Surge protection devices installed at the main electrical panel or meter and at outlets serving electronics can often prevent these sudden spikes in electrical current from damaging TVs, VCRs, computers and other expensive electronic devices. Personal safety first Most important, protect yourself. If lightning is present, seek shelter inside an enclosed building or vehicle. Stay away from electrical appliances and avoid using the telephone. If you cannot find shelter, stay close to the ground in a low-lying area and avoid isolated trees, high ground, and bodies of water or large open areas. If someone is injured, administer first aid if you are qualified and call for emergency help. You cannot be shocked by someone who’s been hit by lightning. 

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The Upper St. Clair Fly Fishing Club Ed Di Gangi The Upper St. Clair Fly Fishing Club was

history and news, a schedule of club events as well founded in early 2002 as as other local happenings part of the Community and directions to area Foundation of Upper St. trout streams. Clair’s Recreation ComThe club has also emmittee. The club’s purpose barked upon a fund-raising is to provide community effort to purchase books residents, from novice and videos on fly fishing, fishermen to expert anfly tying and related topglers, opportunities to ics that will be donated to increase their knowledge the Upper St. Clair Public about “the gentle sport” Library. With a goal of and to provide fellowship raising $1000 by the end with others who also purof first quarter 2005, the sue it. Those who were at project is off to a good start the club’s first meeting at thanks to member donaClub members (left to right) Chick Bowman, Brett and Ray McCormick, with trout fishing authority and fly tying innovator Ed Shenk (second from left), at Letort Spring Creek the Recreation Center in tions and participation in March of that year will atraffles as well as generous test to its growth since. From an original The first half of the day was spent learning grants from the Community Foundation base of 16 members, the club now has over how to tie specific fly patterns developed of Upper St. Clair and the Penn’s Woods 50 USC residents on its rolls, and it con- by Shenk, and the second half was spent West Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Up-totinues to grow. Members pay a one-time fishing with him at the world famous Letort date information on the Library project is five-dollar fee to join the club. Spring Creek. The final outing of the year available on the club’s website. After its initial year, the club gained mo- was a steelhead trip led by a club member On Saturday, April 2, 2005, the club will mentum in 2003 with an overnight outing to the Lake Erie tributaries in late October. hold its first community fly fishing expo in April to Yellow Creek Anglers in Indiana, A monthly meeting hosted Pittsburgh Post at the Recreation Center. From 9:30 a.m. Pennsylvania. A casting clinic was held at Gazette outdoor writer Deborah Weisberg, to 2:30 p.m., there will be fly tying and fly Canonsburg Lake in June and members en- who, at a time when fishing license sales casting demonstrations, educational workjoyed fishing in the Youghiogheny River at are declining and interest in fishing appears shops and video presentations. A special, Confluence in August and in Neshannock to be decreasing, commented positively limited enrollment, day-long “How to Fly Creek at Volant in October. about the club’s growth and activities. Fish” program is also planned. Admission In September 2003, the club began Both the club’s membership and ac- to the expo is free. Proceeds from bucket monthly meetings. These meetings, held tivities continued expansion in 2004. The raffles at the event will be used to fund at the Township building, featured edu- club went online in November by deploy- future purchases and donations to the cational presentations on such subjects ing its own website. The site contains club Library. Information on the expo, includas bamboo rod building, fishing ing a schedule of events, can be knots, fly tying, fly fishing in found on the club’s website. the far West and fly fishing for Now, just reaching its third small-mouth bass. The inforanniversary, the Upper St. Clair mation was presented by local Fly Fishing Club is meeting its shop owners, professional fishgoals of providing opportunities ing guides and area residents and for both education and fellowclub members. ship and is serving not only its The year 2004 marked a membership but the community continuation of both the club’s as well. New members, no matgrowth and activities. Based on ter what their level of expertise the popularity of the previous or specific interests, are eagerly year’s outings, club members welcomed.  returned for a sold-out overnight For more information, outing to Yellow Creek Anglers visit the club’s website at in April. In August, a special trip www.uscflyfishing.org or call Don Boyan (foreground), proprietor of Orchardview Angling in McMurray, was planned to spend the day conducts a fly tying demonstration at a monthly club meeting, while members Ed Di Gangi at 412-805-1593 or with noted trout fishing authority (left to right) Sonny Koon, David Babbitt, Ed Houck, Chick Bowman, Roy Johnson at 412-835-7330. Patricia Babcock and Fred Kunz look on. and fly tier Ed Shenk in Carlisle. Spring 2005

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Of Fields and Friends Pam Dillie, Charlene Machi and Tim Conboy

Blood, sweat, tears. No practice tomorrow ’cause there’s no one left to beat. –Bobby Orr This motto was truly the motto of this year’s Upper St. Clair

boys’ soccer team that was ranked number one in the country by USA Today and the Soccer Coaches Association. Also the 2004 WPIAL champions and the 2004 Section 5 champions, this team set a record by winning both the 2003 and 2004 PIAA State championships making it the first AAA WPIAL team to be back-to-back state champions. The team had a season record of 27 wins and no losses, scoring 111 goals and giving up only nine. On Saturday, November 20, 2004, Upper St. Clair capped a perfect season by beating West Chester Henderson 2-0 in the state finals at Hershey Park, making history in Pennsylvania and in the WPIAL. Team chemistry and friendships made a winning combination for this successful group of young men. Coaches from opposing teams often commented on how well the USC team played together. They were team players—passing the ball and setting up shots for one another. When interviewed by news reporters, the boys credited their teammates’ efforts over and above their own. These players were best friends. The parents of these players were best friends. Everyone got along. There was no jealously, no animosity—only what was best for the team. High School biology teacher Ed Callahan said, “I’ve watched soccer in Upper St. Clair for 30 years, and this is the best team I’ve seen. They are not only a great soccer team, but an outstanding group of young men.” Three days after their soccer victory in Hershey, several of the senior players instructed a soccer clinic for younger boys in

The boys’ soccer team captures the state title at Hershey.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2005

Celebrating the win!

Upper St. Clair. These young boys who attended the clinic idolized the high school players who taught technique and signed autographs for them. The soccer players from the USCHS class of 2005 began playing together at the young age of four in the local YMCA league. They continued playing in the YMCA league until they were old enough to play in Upper St. Clair’s recreation program. The rec program wasn’t enough for these boys, and they soon tried out for travel soccer as soon as they were age-eligible. Travel ball began in 1997 as they entered their first season tournament in Western Pennsylvania as the USC boys U-10 travel team. Anticipation was high. They had been eager to learn and were playing well, but when their first game against the Pittsburgh Dynamos ended in a 1-1 tie, their faces were long and tear-stained. Coach Tony Machi gathered his young crop of players and gently advised them, “Remember how this feels. If you don’t like it, don’t let it happen again.” The team, which included Andy Machi, Scott Dillie, Mitchell Minerd, Eric Feduska, Jeremy Orient, Chris Sukenik, Joey Diederich, Matt Heddaeus and Michael Andreaggi went on to win the championship that year. Although the makeup of the team varied slightly from year to year, the team’s commitment to the sport and to each other never faltered. The quality of play remained high. They won the championship year after year and in 2000, after the team’s fourth annual championship win, its record stood at 155

1997 USC U-10 travel team, left to right, front row: Joey Diederich, Jeremy Orient, Matt Heddaeus, Marco Laffedda, Andy Machi, Eric Feduska; middle row: Michael Andreaggi, Scott Dillie, Mitchell Minerd, Chad Mosesso, Matt Hindt, Andy Smith; back row: assistant coach Jeff Orient, head coach Tony Machi

wins, four losses and two ties, setting a Pennsylvania West soccer record. The players’ parents realized, as others did, that this was a very talented group of boys. While distributing the winners’ medals to the USC U-13 team, a Pennsylvania West soccer official commented that this might be a team destined for many state titles. Little did he know how right he was. Long-time USC High School soccer coach Joe DePalma salivated at the thought. He began coaching them at his summer camp, and a large number of players joined cup teams like Beadling, STM, Hot Spurs and Victory to continue honing their skills. This group of boys loved to play soccer, and that’s what they did whenever they could.

The USCHS championship team also included a group of boys, Cam Griffin, Cole Conboy and Michael Walters-Slezak, who played one year ahead in the rec program, travel program and cup ball because of their birth dates. As the boys entered High School in fall 2001 and made the varsity, JV and freshman teams, varsity soccer coach Joe DePalma decided to retire. Joe had been the only soccer coach at Upper St. Clair for 30 years. He passed the responsibility for his players to his assistant coach, Uwe Schneider. At his last soccer banquet, Joe looked at freshmen Scott Dillie, Andy Machi and Mitchell Minerd and remarked, “These are the boys that are going to win USC its first state title.”

Experience you can trust . . .

Fast forward to fall 2004

The USCHS boys’ varsity soccer team included 17 seniors, ten of whom were starters. Many of them had played together for 13 years and they knew each other’s strengths and weaknesses as well as they knew their own. To remain on top they had to continue doing what they’d been doing for so many years—practice hard, remain focused and stay committed. It was pouring rain as the team readied itself for the state finals in Hershey. Fortunately, the rain stopped before game time, and the temperature remained moderate. With less than ten seconds left in the first half, the West Chester Henderson team made a big mistake. In response to one of USC Matt McClintock’s stupendous throw-ins, West Chester Henderson kicked the ball out of bounds. Then, to waste time on the clock, one of Henderson’s players mistakenly kicked the ball away. The referees stopped the Then (1999)… clock, gave a warning penalty Soccer team members, left to right: Scott Dillie, Mitchell Minerd, yellow card and let USC finish Andy Machi, Eric Feduska, Matt Heddaeus the play with a direct kick. What a first half finish it was in the final seconds! Instead of one of Matt Heddaeus’ long throw-ins, Scott Dillie called for a dropped ball with a direct kick. Scott believed they could fool West Chester Henderson, who, he thought, would be looking for one of Matt’s 40-yard-long throw-ins.

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Of Fields and Friends Continued from page 25

Scott, who had been successful with direct kicks throughout the season, aimed for the far post. Andy Machi, who was three feet off the ground, then headed the kicked ball into the far corner of the net to score. The goal looked similar to the 2003 PIAA state championship game’s USC winning goal in overtime, when Mitchell Minerd settled a corner kick to Scott Dillie. Scott then headed the ball to Andy Machi who crashed the back post for a diving header to win. The team went into the second half of the game pumped for victory. When Joey Diederich, the second half goalie, got hurt, Andrew Baldasare came back into the game to goal. Andrew made several fantastic saves, and with less than 18 minutes left to play, Cole Conboy sealed the win with goal number two for the Panthers. The game ended in regulation time with the winning score of 2-0 in favor of USC. The PNC game announcer yelled excitedly, “Back-to-back state champions! Unbelievable!” Well, it did happen and it was believable. As Jimmy Connors once said, “… a team that hates to lose more than it loves to win,” was this team’s driving force throughout the years. Losing was not an option. Winning was all that was left. They were never behind all season, and they never gave up more than one goal in any one game. This USC team has carved out a place for itself in the history books as one of the most successful high school teams to come out of Western Pennsylvania. Celebrating the victory, as the team posed with its state trophy and each member enjoyed his individual medal, the 17 seniors realized that this was the end of their high school soccer careers. In the movie, A Perfect Storm, all the right weather elements came together on one day to create the perfect storm. For the 2004 USCHS boys’ soccer team, all the right elements came together that day in Hershey for a perfect end to a perfect season. What a way to go out! 

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Soccer Equals Football, Futbol Equals Soccer Did you know that in most countries

soccer is called football? In the United States we have both soccer and football. In Upper St. Clair Township, our sports enthusiasts enjoy both. Great friendships between the boys’ soccer team and football team have contributed to the athletic accomplishments of the USCHS class of 2005. These two teams have been mutually supportive every step of the way. When both teams were performing at the top

As it turned out, the football team didn’t make it to Heinz Field this past year, but almost all of the senior football players made the trip to Hershey to support their soccer friends. To celebrate the victory at the game’s end, football players Sean Lee, Chad Mosesso, Jake Serdy, Bobby Petrini, Kevin Miller, Danny Cafaro and Romy Nubani wrapped their soccer friends in a bed sheet spray painted with the words “Back-to-back state champs—USC!” Craig Morgan and

USC football players hold up the state champs sign and surround their soccer friends at Hershey.

of their games, the boys worried that the USC football team might be playing at Heinz Field in the state playoffs at the same time the USC soccer team would be playing at Hershey Park for state finals. They worried because they might not be there for each other. During Scott Dillie’s interview with a local reporter, the reporter asked, “Did you see your classmate Sean Lee at the WPIAL championship soccer game? Why was he there?” Scott replied, “Yeh, I saw Sean there. He’s one of my best friends.” The reporter then asked, “Well, do the soccer players go to the football games?” Scott answered, “Of course we do! We did not miss a football game this year!”

Spring 2005

Brandon Murray also made the Hershey trip to support the soccer team. Never underestimate the power of friendship. This year’s class friendships go beyond many boundaries, giving the boys an immeasurable advantage. USCHS’s basketball coach and student activities director Danny Holzer said, “This senior class is a very close-knit group of kids who’ve been teammates and friends for a long time. The 200405 sports year is an exciting one for all of us.” 

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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.

September 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

Approximately 28 people attended.

The Board: • Continued the Public Hearing of PLC04-0002, J.C. Schultz Interiors Plan, to October 4, 2004. • Adopted Bill No. 10-04 to grant preliminary and final subdivision approval to the Decker Plan of Lots, subject to certain conditions. • Placed an abeyance until October 4, 2004, on enforcement of the current prohibition of dogs in Boyce Mayview Park. • Adopted Resolution 1441 to override the Chief Executive’s vetoes of Bill Nos. 1598-04, 1600-04, and 1649-04 taken by Allegheny County Council on August 17, 2004, and urge the Allegheny County Chief Executive to follow Allegheny County Home Rule Charter mandates that provide for a Legislative County Council that represents the diversity of Allegheny County’s citizens by allowing Council involvement in intergovernmental cooperation discussions and agreements. • Adopted Resolution 1442 to approve the Five-Year Capital Improvement Program for 2005-09. Board Approval of Contracts: • Natureshape, LLC—Boulder, CO Interior Trails Plan, Boyce Mayview Park .......................... $29,567.92 • Rehrig Pacific Co.—Los Angeles, CA Residential Recycling Containers ......... $116,426 • Nello Construction Co.—Canonsburg Upper St. Clair Fire Station................ $3,426,000

October 4, 2004 Approximately 18 people attended.

Proclamations and Commendations: • Commissioner Bates presented a Proclamation recognizing the week of October 3-9, 2004, as Fire Prevention Week. Mr. Brian Reddecliff, Fire Chief, USCVFD, accepted the Proclamation. The following USC Volunteer Fire Department members were honored for their years of service: William Neill-45 years; David Kropp-15 years; Charles J. Pascarella III-5 years; Daniel Barr-5 years; Douglas Heckman-5 years; Shannon Fife-5 years; James Smearman-5 years. • Commissioner Orchowski presented a Proclamation recognizing the 50th anniversary of St. Clair Hospital. Dr. Harry Serene and Mr. T. A. Ward, members of St. Clair Hospital’s board of directors, accepted the Proclamation and commemorative plaque. • Commissioner Mertz presented commendations to USC police officers John Beadle and Dean Majcher,

At Large

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

*Date indicates expiration of term.

and Mt. Lebanon police officers Peter Sutek and James Zeiler, for rescuing a 12-year-old boy trapped in Painters Run Creek during the flood of September 17, 2004. (See article on page 38.) The Board: • Adopted Bill No. 12-04 granting Unified Conditional Use and preliminary and final land development approval to the J.C. Schultz Interiors Plan, 1509 Bower Hill Road, subject to certain modifications and conditions. • Adopted Bill No. 13-04 accepting dedication of the Public Improvement in the Hays Road Properties of Lots. • Adopted Bill No. 14-04 amending Chapter 57 of the Township Code entitled “Fees” to amend Fall and Winter Junior Ski Program fees. Board Approval of Contracts: • Orris Fuel, Inc.—Creighton Gasoline and Diesel Fuel ..OPIS Daily Pittsburgh Average Index plus fixed margin of $.0718/gallon

November 1, 2004 Approximately 18 people attended.

The Board: • Adopted Bill No. 11-04 after voting on amendments to Chapter 93 of the Township Code entitled “Parks and Playgrounds.” • Moved to hold enforcement of the original ordinance regarding dogs in parks, in abeyance. • Continued the Public Hearing of PLC04-0006, Chick-Fil-A Restaurant, Unified Conditional Use and preliminary and final land development approval until December 6, 2004. • Adopted Resolution No. 1443 to establish January 3, 2005, as a public hearing date for PLC04-0007, Fox Chase 4 Rezoning. • Closed the Public Hearing on the 2005 proposed Budget. Enactment of the budget is scheduled for the Regular Board Meeting of December 6, 2004. • Adopted Resolution No. 1444 to qualify the Township for recovery of funds through Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) for public sector expenses due to Hurricane Ivan. Board Approval of Contracts: • Ballard*King and Associates— Highlands Ranch, CO Community Recreation Center Economic Feasibility Study .................... $29,500

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.

2828 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 2005 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Spring Winter 2004

Visit our website - www.twpusc.org

Recreation and Leisure Services Department Empty nesters, moms and dads, have you wished for a job that would get you more involved with your community? How about working parttime for the Recreation Department in one of its many programs? We’re always looking for qualified, caring people to run a variety of programs for all ages, pre-school through adult. Love sports? Love helping little kids with crafts? Love organizing playdates and parties? Let’s talk about developing a program around your interests and schedule. For information, contact the Recreation Program Coordinator at 412-831-9000, extension 255.

Help Wanted Do you really want to work at the mall this summer? Why not get a summer job where you can make a difference in a child’s life? The Recreation Department is now accepting applications for part-time summer positions. If you’re not afraid of hard work and love working with children, we want to talk to you about employment this summer. We’re accepting applications for summer program directors, camp counselors and lifeguards.

Township Recreation Program Brochure Watch for the 2005 Spring and Summer Township Recreation Program brochure arriving at the homes of all residents in early April. Take a moment to check out the program offerings. If you haven’t read through an activity brochure in a while, you may be surprised to see how many new and interesting programs are available. Check it out and sign up to get involved in the fun!

Halloween Party Fun Thank you to Libby Stutzman, owner of the Pottery Cafe, 633 Washington Road in Mt. Lebanon, for donating her time and the supplies for Township participants to create Halloween tiles at the family Halloween party held this past October. Thank you also to Trax Farms for making a donation toward supplies used at the party.

Upcoming Events Easter Egg Hunt The Bethel-St. Clair Evening Rotary Club and the Recreation Department will again sponsor the annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 19, 2005, (rain date March 26) at 11 a.m. at the three-hole Municipal golf course. Come at 10:30 a.m. for special activities and visit with the Easter Bunny. Community Day 2005 Community Day 2005 is scheduled for Saturday, May 21. The Recreation Department is accepting applications for the Community Day parade from any interested community organization. All community groups are welcome and encouraged to participate. Contact the Recreation Department at 412-831-9000, extension 256 prior to April 8 for a parade participation form. The summer edition of the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine will list the many Community Day activities and events that are planned. Use the magazine as your timetable resource to this fun-filled day! New Computer Classes For Seniors The Recreation Department is sponsoring basic computer classes provided through Web Wise Seniors. The classes are designed for individuals over the age of 50. Class sizes are limited and instruction is done in an interactive, hands-on environment. Four class choices are available: Basic Computers 1 & 2, Basic Computers 3 & 4, The Internet 1 & 2, and E-Mail 1 & 2, and include four hours of instruction over a two-week period for each class. Classes are held on Mondays in the Municipal building from 1-3 p.m. The fee for each two-week class is $42. For additional information, contact the Recreation Department at 412-831-9000, extension 256. 

Thank you to the many volunteers who helped with our fall and winter programming. Without their support, many of these programs would not be possible. Community Volunteer: Ken Stuart Student Volunteers: Matt Sand, Becky Phillips, Allison Koser, Courtney Rahr, Jennifer Fine, Annie Boyd, Christina Budash, Justin Budash, Ashley Connelly, Maggie Overstreet, Renée Becker, Kyle Strotz, Pranav Krishnan, Maggie Simpson, Jenna Dawkins, Michael Handy, Samantha Teel, Shayna Miller, Maddie Ellis, Tanya Braun, Taylor Akins, Albert Lo, Jessica Frey, Rachel Amoroso, Ben Blanco, Jackie Nam Spring 2005

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Department of Finance August G. Stache, Jr., Director of Finance

2005 Budget Highlights

For more information see www.twpusc.org.

General Fund

The 2005 annual operating budget maintains all of the 2004 municipal service levels. The real estate tax rate will remain at 2.60 mills. General Fund revenues are projected to increase by 1.93% over 2004 to $12,858,967, while operating expenses will increase 1.18% to $10,949,373. The remaining difference of projected revenues over operating expenses of $1,909,594 would be used to fund the debt service costs for 2005 of $1,629,781 and the transfer to Capital Projects Fund of $400,000, with $120,187 of the General Fund balance being used to fund the remaining budgeted expenditures. With an increase of only 1.77% in General Fund expenditures from 2004, the budget presents total General Fund expenditures that are 1.2% under the CPI rate of 2.9% for 2004. This slowing of the expenditure growth rate was due to an average medical insurance premium rate decrease of 6%, saving approximately $60,000 annually and a change in the calculation of the minimum municipal obligations for both the Police Defined Benefit Pension Plan and the General Employee Defined Benefit Plan which totaled about $140,000 in savings for 2005. The 2005 budget will keep the General Fund balance at a level necessary for the Township to maintain its AA+ bond rating.

Sanitary Sewer Fund Revenues for this fund are derived from user fees calculated as a percentage of each resident’s ALCOSAN charge. Major expenses for this fund consist of the following items: 1. Personal services represent 8.12% of this budget, decreased by $4,162 due to savings in medical insurance premiums. 2. Sewage processing fees from the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) represents 49% of the annual budget. The multiplier used to calculate the fee will be increased from 1.95 to 2.00. This increase was anticipated as a part of the additional costs incurred for ongoing operations and maintenance. To help with sewer users’ ability to pay for increased fees, the Township will be changing its billing frequency from a quarterly to a monthly billing cycle. The debt service payment for 2005 is $463,777. The Fund balance is projected to be $428,688, down from $449,588 in 2004. Major Revenue Sources

Real Estate Tax $4,182,753 Earned Income Tax 5,622,515 Occupational Privilege Tax 72,000 Real Estate Transfer Tax 800,000 Public Utilities Tax 20,000 Local Option Sales & Use Tax 280,000 Licenses and Permits 109,250 Fees and Fines 325,150 Rental Income 62,400 Investment Earnings 45,000 Service Agreements 231,750 Other Non-Tax Revenue 508,500 Recreation Fees 356,203 Fund Reserve Totals

2005 Upper St. Clair Township Sewer User Multiplier Rate The Township of Upper St. Clair hereby gives public notice to all Township sewer users that the 2004 Sewer User Multiplier rate has increased from 1.95 for 2004 to 2.00 for 2005. The higher multiplier rate is attributed to debt service payments for the sanitary sewer portion of the 2003 bond issue. Due to new Clean Water Act mandates established by the EPA, the Township is constrained to repair and rehabilitate aging sewer lines earlier than expected. This is being accomplished through a bond issue paid for over the next 30 years. The sanitary sewer portion of the bond issue is approximately $7.3 million. This notice reminds all property owners that they are responsible to see that all sewage charges for their property are properly assessed and paid timely to avoid penalty and interest charges. If a property owner does not receive a sewer bill by mail, he or she should contact the Township Tax Office for a new sewer bill. No appeals will be granted due to a property owner not receiving a sewer bill. Only payments received in the tax office or postmarked by the due date will avoid penalty and interest charges.

Capital Projects Fund The bulk of revenues for 2005 comes from an appropriation from the General Fund of $400,000. Interest earned for 2005 is budgeted at $7500. Major expenses for this fund consist of Police Department vehicles–$121,500, purchase of Information Technology equipment and software–$150,500, and Public Works vehicles and equipment–$178,000. A deer management program in the amount of $20,000 has been added to the 2005 Capital Projects Budget. General Fund Appropriations by Major Programs

2004 Budget

Total Revenues

3. Annual Operations and Maintenance Plan of $600,000 has been allocated to carry out the DEP and EPA mandated repair and reconstruction of sewer lines. 4. The Township is currently reviewing sewage flow stabilization with Bethel Park and ALCOSAN in the McLaughlin Run watershed and operations and maintenance with Bethel Park, Mt. Lebanon and Scott in the Painters Run Watershed. These projects, which are required by DEP and EPA, will become budget matters once the plans are further developed.

2005 Budget

$96,847 133,725 (1,000) (5,000) (15,000) 3,500 3,500 750 (8,000) 9,000 18,000 7,124

2.32% 2.38 -1.39 0.00 -25.00 -5.36 3.20 1.08 1.20 -17.78 3.88 3.54 2.00

$12,615,521 $12,858,967 $243,446

1.93%

137,455

$4,279,600 5,756,240 71,000 800,000 15,000 265,000 112,750 328,650 63,150 37,000 240,750 526,500 363,327 120,187

(17,268)

-12.56%

$12,752,976 $12,979,154 $226,178

1.77%

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

2004 Budget Budget

Increase Percentage (Decrease) Change

Spring 2005

General Government $1,265,813 Public Safety 3,942,799 Community Development 517,695 Public Works 3,099,808 Refuse Collection 745,153 Recreation & Leisure Services 587,451 Library 639,220 Unallocated Insurance Costs 23,825 Total Operating Expenditures

Capital Improvements Debt Service Payments Sub Total Total Appropriations

Fund Reserve Totals

2005 Budget Increase Percentage Budget (Decrease) Change

$1,314,266 3,940,644 534,158 3,035,836 785,450 617,351 685,643 36,025

$48,453 (2,155) 16,463 (63,972) 40,297 29,900 46,423 12,200

3.83% -0.05 3.18 -2.06 5.41 5.09 7.26 51.21

$10,821,764 $10,949,373

$127,609

1.18%

98,569

0.00% 6.44%

400,000 1,531,212

400,000 1,629,781

$1,931,212

$2,029,781

$98,569

5.10%

$12,752,976 $12,979,154

$226,178

1.77%

0.00%

$12,752,976 $12,979,154

$226,178

1.77%

2005 Earned Income and Net Profits Tax Rate Notice and Payment Schedule

2005 Real Estate Tax Notice and Payment Schedule

The Township of Upper St. Clair and the Upper St. Clair School District hereby give public notice to all earned income and net profits taxpayers of the Township of the rate and payment schedule for each taxing body for the year 2005.

The Township of Upper St. Clair and the Upper St. Clair School District hereby give public notice to all real estate taxpayers of the Township of the payment schedule of each taxing body for the year 2005. 2005 Township Real Estate Tax Schedule Date Tax Period May 2 ........................................... Tax bills mailed May 2–July 1 ................................ 2% discount July 2–August 31 ......................... Face Amount September 1–November 30.......... 10% penalty December 1 .................................. Lien date

2005 Earned Income and Net Profits Tax Rate For 2005, the Earned Income and Net Profits tax rates of the Township and the School District are .75% and .50%, respectively, of taxable income as defined by Act 166 of 2002. Thus, the total USC taxpayer’s rate for 2005 is 1.25%. 2005 Earned Income and Net Profits Tax Payment Schedule Date Tax Period January 31 ...................4th Quarter, 2004 Tax Estimate Due April 15.........................2004 USC-40 Due May 2 ...........................1st Quarter, 2005 Tax Estimate Due August 1 .......................2nd Quarter, 2005 Tax Estimate Due October 31 ...................3rd Quarter, 2005 Tax Estimate Due This notice reminds all taxpayers that they are responsible for filing all estimates and final returns in a timely manner. Any taxpayer not receiving quarterly tax estimates for 2005 or a 2004 USC-40 form by mail should contact the Township Tax Office at 412-831-9000. No appeals will be granted to a taxpayer for not receiving these forms by mail. Only quarterly tax estimates received in the tax office or postmarked by the appropriate tax period due date will avoid penalty and interest assessments. Also in accordance with section 3.2.1.5 of the Upper St. Clair Earned Income and Net Profits Tax Ordinance, 90% of a taxpayer’s liability for 2005 must be paid by January 31, 2006, or a taxpayer will be subject to underpayment penalties and interest. This notice also reminds all taxpayers that all 2004 USC-40s will be audited by the Township’s Tax Office through a comparison of data shared by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. This information is usually shared with the tax office approximately two to three years after a return has been filed. Tax notices assessing the additional tax and underpayment penalties and interest will be sent to any taxpayers who have understated their income.

For 2005 the Township mileage rate is 2.60 mills of the assessed valuation of your property. 2005 School District Real Estate Tax Schedule Date Tax Period July 1............................................ Tax bills mailed July 1–August 31 ......................... 2% discount September 1–October 31 ............. Face amount November 1–November 30.......... 10% penalty December 1 .................................. Lien date The School District will adopt its real estate tax millage rate for the fiscal year 2005-06 at the June 2005 School Board meeting. This notice reminds all taxpayers that they are responsible to see that their property is properly assessed and taxed and to ask for appropriate tax bills if they have not received them by mail. No appeals will be granted due to a taxpayer’s not receiving a real estate tax bill. Only payments received in the tax office or postmarked by the tax period due date will be given the two percent discount or avoid the ten percent penalty.

Municipal Primary Election—Tuesday, May 17, 2005 Polls Open 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Monday, April 18, 2005, is Voter Registration Deadline Date. (Date subject to change pending Pennsylvania legislative action.)

If you have questions regarding the election, registration or absentee ballots, please call the Allegheny County Elections Department at 412-350-4500 or visit www.twpusc.org. The Township Library and the post office have voter registration forms. Please exercise your right to vote! Ward District Polling Place 1

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

Ward District Polling Place 3

Recreation Center - McLaughlin Run Road

St. Louise de Marillac School - McMurray Road

Recreation Center - McLaughlin Run Road

Baker Elementary School, Gymnasium Morton Road

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

Baker Elementary School, Gymnasium Morton Road

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

Boyce Middle School, Gymnasium - Boyce Road

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

Boyce Middle School, Gymnasium - Boyce Road

Wesley Institute, Gymnasium - Johnston Road

Boyce Middle School, Gymnasium - Boyce Road

Westminster Presbyterian Church - Washington Road

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

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

Spring 2005

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

Assessment Appeals

Owned and Operated by Scott E. Churchill, SRA

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

Upper St. Clair Citizens Police Academy George Pitcairn and Sally Sherfinski Patrolman Ronald J. Klein escorts class participants on VASCAR and radar demonstrations.

Township, ranging from automobile lockouts to homicides? We experienced how difficult it is to make quick and accurate decisions during intense hostage and domestic violence situations to help avoid injury. Physical training demonstrated exercises, martial arts skills, escape tactics, and use of pressure points where both students and officers participated. 2004 Upper St. Clair Citizens’ Police Academy graduates seated, left to right: A simulated hostile traffic stop demonstrated to the citizen Lucia Kuma, Mary Ann Sakoian, Barbara Tate, Lynn Brown, Mary Repischak, participants how to position not only a vehicle being called to Barbara Wharton, Deborah Hughes; standing: Patrick Walsh, a scene, but also how a police officer should position himself Linda Barkas, Jeffrey Barbarita, Richard Barbarita, Alexandra Rudnitskas, Bonnie Baxter, James Dayton, Mary Hutchins, Sally Sherfinski, Jay Catalucci, and his backup for protection against hostile gunfire. After this Linda Dudzinski, John Jacoby, George Pitcairn, Susan Schneid, demonstration, class participants practiced verbal commands and Lieutenant John Sakoian (instructor), Richard Wharton. physical positioning in an attempt to control mock suspects in a The police are our friends—this is what we’ve heard since car. The citizens quickly realized how prepared our police force we were kids. Now, as adults, we’ve had the opportunity to learn must be in every situation. VASCAR was demonstrated at the YMCA checkpoint on not only how the police are our friends, but also how they’re our McLaughlin Run Road. It was certainly amusing to watch the protectors as well. We were part of a group of 22 citizens who enrolled in the faster cars slow abruptly when they spotted the police vehicle Fall 2004 USC Citizens’ Police Academy. An authorized Township that we were in. At our final session, photographs of USC crime program, this course was developed by the Police Department scenes were presented and described along with select surveillance five years ago to increase public awareness of the key role that video footage from South Hills Village department stores. The the Department plays in making our community a safe place to academy also provided the opportunity to learn how our Police live, work and raise a family. Lieutenant John Sakoian led the Department works with parents to help guide their children in drug and alcohol situations. interesting and often lively sessions using Project Safe Neighbor is a program sponPowerPoint® presentations, demonstrations sored by the Police Department. This program by Chief Pardini and fellow officers, the North presently has over 500 households that have Park Firearms training center, Township police formed 47 neighborhood groups to alert our citvehicles, and police equipment such as the izens to potential problems. If you are interested Breathalyzer. in hearing more about Project Safe Neighbor, Twenty-eight highly educated and physicalcall the Department’s non-emergency number ly fit officers, many of whom volunteered their at 412-833-1113. time to attend and instruct various sections of As members of the 2004 academy, we the academy training, protect Upper St. Clair found this course both fun and informative. and its residents. They have embraced their role More important, though, we gained a greater in educating us through this course so that we, Rich Barbarita attempts to release Jeff Barbarita’s hold during a physical understanding of the magnitude of duties as citizens, are now more aware of our own surdefense class. required of our police force and the pride roundings. Participants walked away from this course better aware of how to protect themselves from common and dedication they take in their responsibility to protect our but unlawful occurrences, including identity theft, property theft, lives and our property. This course helped us to better protect ourselves as well. Internet protection and personal physical protection. Every USC citizen should participate in the Upper St. Clair This six-session evening course included topics that covered an introduction to the Police Department, a tour of the facilities, Citizens’ Police Academy to better understand how our police weekly roll call, civil and criminal law, firearm safety, simulated force impacts our everyday lives. We live in a community that is crime scenes, terroristic threats, drug and alcohol abuse, physical safe because of a police force that is, unfortunately, sometimes training, control of multi-department responses to major events taken for granted. Take this course and you will gain a deeper such as fires or hostage situations, simulated hostile traffic stops, appreciation for what they do to protect us.  live VASCAR and radar demonstrations, photos of crime scenes, The 2005 USC Citizens’ Police Academy is tentatively scheduled and local department store surveillance videos. for October 12–November 16. An application will be printed in Weekly roll call covered the significant police events of the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY’S fall 2005 issue. Applications are also previous week. Did you know that each year the USC Police available at the Police Department on McLaughlin Run Road. Department has approximately 20,000 recordable events in the 32

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2005

Severns

Upper St. Clair Police Say “Yes” to Wellness Chief Ronald J. Pardini

recognized Upper St. Clair police officers with “Wellness Excellence” in December 2004. Twenty-seven Township police officers participated in an annual Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB) test, which measures each officer’s cardiovascular endurance by a one and one-half-mile run, strength, flexibility, agility and body 2004 top scoring police officers, left to right: Lieutenant John fat composition. Based on federal law enforcement fitness standards, Sakoian, Deputy Chief Douglas Burkholder, Chief Ronald Pardini, Randy Garofalo, Daniel Milan and Brian McGuire. over 60% of the Upper St. Clair officers are ranked in the top ten percent nationally and 80% of our officers are ranked in the top 20% of all U.S. law enforcement officers. Chief Pardini recognizes that having physically-fit officers builds morale, increases productivity, lowers absenteeism, reduces injury rates, and provides numerous other benefits. He began a mandatory wellness program for the Department in 1995. The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center certified three Upper St. Clair police officers as physical fitness program coordinators. Instruction is provided in personal fitness, aerobic and anaerobic exercise, stress management, nutrition, rest and medical risk factors. Implementing a fitness program sent a strong message that the Chief is committed to his officers and will do all that he can to improve their health and welfare. In the interest of the community and the officer, the wellness program stresses the necessity of maintaining a healthy lifestyle which guards against illness factors such as tobacco abuse, alcohol abuse, improper nutrition, stress, improper rest and lack of exercise. The program emphasizes a holistic approach to health management.

Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Orthodontics

3155 Washington Road (Rt. 19 South, near Valley Brook Rd.)

An Exquisite SMILE can be one of YOUR Greatest Assets!

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

Family & Cosmetic Dentist

Upper St. Clair Police Officer— Can Do Attitude

Christopher Severns, D.M.D.

Lieutenant John M. Sakoian • The police officer is part of the answer, not part of the problem. • The police officer has an idea, not an excuse. • The police officer has the compassion to say, “Let me do it for you,” instead of, “That’s not my job.” • The police officer has the vision to see an answer for every problem, instead of a problem with every answer. • The police officer has the faith to believe, “It may be difficult, but it’s possible,” not, “It may be possible, but it’s too difficult.” • The police officer has hope and finds a way when others say, “There is no way.” • The police officer has vision in his mind; the intellect to understand; the wisdom, will and commitment when making decisions; the heart of a champion to endure when things get tough; and the hand to execute with humility, vigor and passion. 

Published Scientific Author

Orthodontist Natalie Severns, D.M.D., M.D.S.

Spring 2005

Has lectured internationally on tooth movement

724-942-8300 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Community Development Flood Protection Flooding and other surface drainage problems can occur well away from a river, lake or ocean. When you are looking at a property, it is always a good idea to check possible flood hazards. Be aware: • The force of moving water or waves can destroy a building. • Slow moving floodwaters are forceful enough to knock people off their feet or to float a car. • Water-soaked contents, such as carpeting, upholstered furniture and mattresses often suffer irreparable damage and may have to be disposed of after a flood. • Some items, such as photographs and heirlooms, may never be restored to their original conditions.

Municipal Building, can provide more information, such as depth of flooding above a building’s first floor, location of floodplains, and past flood problems in the area. For your safety, Upper St. Clair regulates all construction and development in floodplains to ensure that buildings will be protected from flood damage.

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

If you see building or filling without a Township permit posted, contact the Department of Planning and Community Development at 412-831-9000.

Flood Insurance If you do not have flood insurance, talk to your insurance agent. Homeowners’ insurance policies typically do not cover damage from floods. However, because the Township of Upper St. Clair participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, local residents can purchase a separate flood insurance policy. The Township has just received a lower rating of an eight out of ten, which provides for a ten percent reduction in insurance. It is backed by the federal government and is available to all residents, even for property outside of a floodplain. Any property is subject to flooding. Surface water can accumulate from heavy rain, melting snow, a broken water main or a ruptured swimming pool. Insurance agents may require photographs of the front and back of your house, an elevation certificate (if you are in a floodplain), a completed and signed application, and a check for the first year’s premium. For sample flood insurance applications, visit the Flood Protection Library in the Township Library.

Stormwater Information • Floodwaters are not clean; they carry mud, disease, farm chemicals, road oil, and other noxious substances that are serious health hazards. • The impact of a flood (cleaning up, making repairs, and suffering personal losses) causes great stress to you, your family and your finances.

Township Flood Services Upper St. Clair participates in the Community Rating System, which is a program of providing flood hazard information and services. The first step to protect your home from flood damage is to assess the flood hazard. A complete Flood Protection Library, including flood maps and flood protection references, is available at the Upper St. Clair Township Library. The Department of Planning and Community Development, located in the 34

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

branches accumulate and plug channels, causing danger during rains. • If your property is next to a creek or ditch, keep the banks clear of brush and debris. The Township has a response program to help remove major blockage such as downed trees. • If you see evidence of dumping of debris in creeks or ditches, contact the Public Works Department or the Department of Planning and Community Development. • Always check with the Department of Planning and Community Development before you build, alter, grade, or fill on your property. A permit may be needed to ensure that projects do not cause problems on other properties. If you are in a floodplain, special building codes may apply. The Community Development Department personnel will walk you through any application and answer your questions.

Spring 2005

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

Take the Connector The Abbeyville Road Connector project was completed this past fall. Abbeyville

Road connects Washington Road to North Highland Road along the former Chi Chi’s site. The long awaited project helped to alleviate Route 19 traffic congestion during the winter holidays. There were also some upgrades to North Highland Road as a part of the construction. This project was in the planning stage for many years and the Township is pleased to have had it opened as scheduled. The ribbon cutting ceremony opening this new road was held on November 9. Frank Marsh, president of the USC Board of Commissioners; Gloria Smith, USC Commissioner of Ward 2, and Upper St. Clair Township Manager Douglas Watkins, were delighted to speak at the occasion. 

Beginning phase of construction

Open for traffic

November 9, 2004, ribbon cutting ceremony

Facts About Flood Insurance • Flood insurance can be purchased on buildings and contents but not on retaining walls, landscaping, roads or bridges. • You can decide the specific amount of flood insurance on the building and contents you wish to buy. You may also select high deductibles to keep the premium down. • You can decide the specific amount of flood insurance on contents, regardless if it’s for personal or commercial use. • Over one third of the nation’s flood insurance claims occur to properties on high ground. Flood insurance can be purchased for buildings and/or contents on high ground. The premium is lower for such policies. • Most sewer backup claims, residential or commercial, are excluded from coverage (if you have this coverage under your policy) if the sewer backup occurrence is caused by flood conditions. Sewer backup coverage is intended to cover backups of sewers and drains in those situations that are not caused by floods. If your property continually has sewer backup problems and if the Township has done whatever it can do to be sure that the sewer lines are clear and any adverse conditions eliminated with regard to the sewer lines near or around your home or business, you need to purchase flood insurance. • Many insurance agents do not want to deal with flood insurance, which causes many misconceptions concerning your ability to purchase this coverage. Flood insurance is provided by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the rules for writing all flood policies are dictated and regulated by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The rates for flood insurance vary depending on the type of structure you have to insure and where the structure is located. Buildings in high-hazard zones require higher premiums, as do the contents in those buildings.

• Flood rates do not vary from one insurance company to another. Insurance companies are used to market policies issued by the NFIP. The rate for your property, therefore, is the same regardless of what agent you use and regardless of what insurance company the agent uses to obtain the NFIP policy. • It is important that you trust the agent issuing your flood insurance policy. If a policy is improperly rated, your flood claim may be denied and your premiums returned to you. • The maximum residential building limit is $250,000 and the maximum residential contents limit is $100,000. • Commercial buildings can be insured up to $500,000 per building and up to $500,000 for the contents in each building. • An individual flood insurance policy must be issued for each building insured. • Since the maximum limits available may be considered low by some building or homeowners, it is important to note that excess flood insurance is available. Very few agents offer this type of coverage. Excess flood insurance uses the NFIP policy that is issued on the specified building at maximum limits as the primary insurance and underlying coverage. In other words, if you choose to purchase excess flood insurance, you must purchase a NFIP policy with maximum limits for your building. Limits above this policy can then be obtained. This may be important for valuable commercial buildings in low-lying areas as well as for valuable oceanfront and harborfront properties.  This information was provided by Oakwood Brokerage Group, Inc. They can be reached at 412-531-6616 or www.oakwoodbrokerage.com with questions concerning insurance, including flood insurance. Spring 2005

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Recycling Resources This announcement and accompanying list is provided and compiled by the USC Citizens for Land Stewardship.

Visit their website at www.usccls.org to learn more about this organization. It’s best to call the companies listed below before you drop off materials, in case there have been recent changes since this printing. Appliances Goodwill Industries Large appliances–The Appliance Warehouse 412-381-8800

Household Hazardous Waste Collection North Park swimming pool area. Check website www.cmu.edu/greenpractices/hhw.htm for materials accepted. $20–cash only

Batteries E-House on Carson Street. They also accept crayons, videotapes, CDs and computer discs. 412-488-7455 Car batteries–Castriota Metal & Recycling 412-431-1832

Mercury Mercury Waste Solutions 1-800-741-3343 www.mwsi.com Plastic Bags Giant Eagle

Bicycles Free Ride 412-731-4084 214 N. Lexington Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208 (Point Breeze)

Plastic Flower Trays Simmons Farm, Route 19 Trax Farms

Cars Many non-profit organizations will accept a donation of old and used cars.

Plastic Packing Popcorn UPS Store in Bethel Park or Mailboxes, Etc.

Cell Phones and Chargers AT&T Store at South Hills Village Mall Bethel Park Police Department

Printer Cartridges Office Depot will give a free ream of recycled paper for a returned used cartridge. Check store for types of cartridges accepted. The Post Office has prepaid postage mailer bags for use to return cartridges for recycling.

Clothing and Household Items Goodwill Industries, Salvation Army, Boys & Girls Club, Vietnam Veterans, consignment and resale shops, Family Hospice Family Heirlooms store in Mt. Lebanon. Sell to antique stores. Sell at flea markets and garage sales.

Scrap Metal Castriota Metal & Recycling. All types, even cast iron tubs. 412-431-1832

Computers and Related Equipment (working) Donate to charitable organizations. Goodwill Industries Computer Recycling Center Construction Materials Construction Junction 412-243-5025 214 N. Lexington Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208 (Point Breeze) www.constructionjunction.com

•

Eye Glasses Lions Club–donation box available at the USC Post Office.

•

Furniture Goodwill, Salvation Army, Family Hospice Family Heirlooms store, Washington City Mission Hard to Recycle Materials Latex paint, electronics, tires, appliances and certain printer cartridges. Check the Pennsylvania Resource Council website at www.prc.org or call 412-431-4449, extension 243. Construction Junction 412-243-5025 Nominal fee charged. High Tech Scrap (non-working items) Construction Junction 412-243-5025 214 N. Lexington Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208 (Point Breeze) www.constructionjunction.com

This announcement was underwritten with the generosity of the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair. 36

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2005

• •

• • • •

USC residents are able to take advantage of extensive recycling programs for: Christmas trees at the USC YMCA parking lot on McLaughlin Run Road (January of every year) Newspaper and inserts (every other week, with trash pick up) Aluminum, bi-metal and steel food cans (every other week, with trash pick up) Clear, green and brown glass containers (every other week, with trash pick up) #1 and #2 plastics (every other week, with trash pick up) Yard waste/leaf material (designated fall and spring Saturdays*) Corrugated cardboard/paper/envelopes/magazines/junk mail/ catalogues/phone books (USC Recycling Program**) Household batteries (USC Recycling Program**) Giant Eagle is carrying seventh generation recycled household paper products and non-toxic, petroleum-free laundry products.

*2005 Spring Yard Debris and Leaf Waste Collection 2005 spring collection will take place on Saturday, April 16. Please place your debris in compostable paper bags and place them at curbside by 6 a.m. the morning of pick up. **Upper St. Clair Cardboard and Paper 2005 Recycling Program When: 9 a.m.–noon on the following Saturdays: April 2, June 4, August 6, October 1, December 3 Where: USC Public Works Parking Lot (Truxton Road at McLaughlin Run Road) What: Corrugated cardboard, paper (not newsprint), magazines, catalogues, phone books and junk mail. Also accepting: shredded paper, computer paper, office paper, envelopes, brochures and wrapping paper, but not cereal boxes. Please remove staples from office paper. Now accepting household batteries (9V, AA, AAA, C, D).

Changing Seasons on McLaughlin Run Road Bill Smith, Recreation Staff

Wrapping it up

Winter is going, spring is approach-

ing and, thankfully, summer is not far behind. We know that the tennis bubbles on McLaughlin Run Road are put up each winter to allow tennis enthusiasts yearround tennis, but have you ever wondered where the tennis bubbles go in the summer months when the warmer weather dictates their storage? Have you also wondered how the bubbles come down? It takes 20 men and three hard days of labor to bring down, fold and store the air domes that protect the tennis players

Improve Your Quality of Life...

from Pittsburgh’s winter elements. But with warmer weather soon approaching, no time is lost for tennis players of all ages. Clinics, matches and lessons kick off the outdoor season that begins on the day the last bubble is put into storage at the tennis court garage. Sometimes it’s still a bit chilly on the courts at the beginning of the outdoor season, but, not too cold for the Upper St. Clair Tennis Development’s Tiny Tot program. By July, some of these tots will

be looking at the courts at Wimbledon! After a rousing game of tennis, you can also enjoy the coming of warmer weather and shake the winter blues with a round of golf at the three-hole Municipal golf course right next door. 

Readying for summer storage

First round of the season

Tiny Tots tennis program

The Thomas Studio of Performing Arts ��

Get the Personal Attention You Deserve

Summer classes

for all ages and levels begin in June! Call for more information.

Look for our award-winning dance company in the USC Community Day Parade! ��

1341 McLaughlin Run Rd. Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

412-257-8788

��

Come watch our annual recital, June 4th & 5th at Bethel Park High School!

all ages and levels professional, qualified staff ballet pointe tap jazz lyrical modern hip hop pilates yoga gymnastics Spring 2005

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

USCVFD Responds to Hurricane Ivan Mike Russell they were designed along McLaughlin Run Road. Several million gallons of excess rainwater were captured by two recently constructed drainage ponds.

Teamwork in Action

Recognizing the police officers responsible for the September 17, 2004, water rescue at a USC Board of Commissioners meeting

The mere thought of Upper St. Clair

residents being affected by the ravages of a hurricane nearly 1000 miles away might have seemed remote at best. Nevertheless, September’s hurricane season introduced many to just how destructive these meteorological disturbances can be. High winds, storm surge and swirling debris were absent from the remnant storm, but rain, rain and more rain wreaked havoc on many a resident’s basement. Five to nine inches of rain fell in the Pittsburgh area from Hurricane Ivan. The steady rain overran many storm sewers and runoff streams, causing many residents to experience more than just seepage through basement walls. In some cases, water was as high as five or six feet in basements. Several low-lying areas prone to flooding were affected, as were many homes that had never before experienced flooding. The emergency dispatch center at the USC Police Department was inundated with flooding calls requesting the Volunteer Fire Department of Upper St. Clair’s help in pumping out residents’ basements. In a typical year, the USCVFD responds to approximately ten to 15 water evacuation calls to assist residents and businesses in removing water from their basements. Hurricane Ivan kept the USCVFD in action non-stop for 72 hours over that fateful Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 17-19, 2004. True to form, the Fire Department responded in full force, attempting to help as many residents and businesses as possible. Working with the police dispatch center, the USCVFD set up a command 38

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Under Water USCVFD firefighters knew they were going to have a long stretch ahead of them when they learned that the pumpstation, located just off Circle Drive in Deerfield Manor, was under water and in need of exogenous water evacuation. Translation—the pump-station, designed to rapidly transport water, was overrun by the torrents of rain caused by Ivan and had to be manually pumped out by USC Township workers and volunteer firefighters.

and dispatch center at the main station and prioritized calls based on severity, deploying all available resources to assist residents. Often, it was at the expense of Coordination flooding in the firefighter’s own home. Thanks to coordinated efforts by USC My personal residence on Corteland Township workers, police and volunteer Drive was flooded with storm sewer run firefighters, residents received all availoff, as well as sanitary sewage that backed able resources to help with their personal up. Yet, there I was, along with my fellow plights. Township trucks, USCVFD fire and firefighters evacuating water from other rescue vehicles and police cruisers were Upper St. Clair homes. I lost everything on the road for three days providing asin my game room, including the drywall sistance. Anyone with a police or fire band and everything on the floor in my garage. scanner could listen to the constant chatter I considered myself lucky, though, after of emergency personnel responding at all visiting homes with several feet of water hours of the day and night. in basements and first floor living quarters. I knew what I needed to do to clean up my Water Rescue own home, and until the water receded, USC firefighters, as well as several there was nothing I could do. neighboring fire companies, were presLike many residents, I discovered that ent for water rescue in the stream in front my insurance did not cover groundwater of the Beadling Club located on Painters flooding because it was excluded in my basic policy. Residents were strongly encouraged to seek help from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) if insurance did not cover any losses. There was money for reconstruction and clean up, should it be needed. It’s hard to imagine that the effects of Ivan could have been worse, but residents should take consolation in the fact that flood-control The missing bridge at the Municipal three-hole golf course—the day after measures did work as

Spring 2005

Run Road. Quick thinking USC firefighters strung a rescue line across the creek in the event that the victim, a young man, was swept down the creek. Fortunately, Upper St. Clair and Mt. Lebanon police officers formed a human chain and rescued him from the swift waters. USC police officers Dean Majcher and John Beadle, and Mt. Lebanon police officers Pete Sutek and James Zeiler, were recognized at an Upper St. Clair Board of Commissioners meeting for their bravery and quick thinking during the incident. Bridgeville Assistance USC firefighters combed the streets of Bridgeville assisting where needed, including pumping out basements in this floodprone community. In particular, the USC volunteers helped to evacuate water from the Parkvale Savings Bank basement where water levels rose to almost seven feet. Rumors and mistranslations of radio conversations were rampant. During the water evacuation, word was received that the Canonsburg dam had broken and water was headed to Bridgeville. Residents and firefighters scrambled to evacuate the area. The good news was that the dam did not break, and everyone remained safe. Wedding Day A Bridgeville couple living just across the creek from Burgunder Dodge had planned a noon wedding on Saturday, September 18. The creek that ran directly behind their home swelled its banks and spilled into their garage. During water evacuation efforts, firefighters observed live fish swimming around in the newlyweds’ garage! Firefighters also observed two brand new, and now ruined, motorcycles, stored in the garage as the water receded. Despite the devastation and destruction, the couple proceeded with their ceremony. That will certainly be a wedding day to remember! Evacuation Southwood Hospital on Boyce Road, located in one of the lowest points in Upper St. Clair, had to evacuate patients when the water threatened to overrun the first floor. Patients were awakened from their sleep late Friday night to be greeted

The Point under water—September 18, 2004

by firefighters who transported them in four-wheel drive squad trucks across a flooded field to an awaiting school bus. Recorded Calls Versus Actual Visits Forty fire emergency calls were officially recorded, but the actual number of visits to USC residences numbered well over 100. USC firefighters also assisted on numerous calls in Bridgeville after the USC situation was reasonably stabilized. Help in Carnegie USC firefighters lent a helping hand to the Carnegie fire department and its area, which was devastated by the flooding. USC firefighters deployed a fire engine and a squad truck with firefighters and equipment to assist in clean up efforts, which included flushing out mud-caked floors and walls of several businesses. Attention to Detail USCVFD President Jerry Kopach and Chief Brian Reddecliff manned the command post at the Route 19 firestation, ensuring that all residents who called for assistance were visited. Not every visit resulted in immediate action, but the calls were listed by priority, based on severity and the likelihood that constructive remediation could be accomplished prior to the water receding. The Department extends apologies to several residents who received a knock on their door in the early hours of Saturday morning as fulfillment of its promise to visit each caller’s home to ensure his

safety. Any resident or business that called, received, at the very least, a visit from the firefighters. The top priority of the Department is always the safety of life; second priority is preservation of property. Dangerous Business Inherent hazards with water removal exist to safety personnel, which are not always visible to the casual observer. One volunteer firefighter, John Brenckle of Ross Township, succumbed to an illness contracted as a result of responding to sewage-contaminated waters. The 57-year-old volunteer firefighter developed a skin infection caused by a flesh-eating bacteria, a condition known as necrotizing fasciitis. The skin infection, exacerbated by diabetes, led to a serious blood infection known as septicemia, which ultimately caused his death. All USC firefighters were aware of these hidden dangers and attempted to avoid contact with contaminated waters. All rescue workers worked together to accommodate residents and businesses, to maintain life safety and to salvage as much property as possible. While there are many stories associated with this disaster, this article was an attempt to describe a few of the more memorable ones. One thing is certain; firefighters, police officers, Township workers and residents will be talking about this day for many years to come.  September 18, 2004, photos courtesy of USC Board of Commissioner Preston Shimer.

Spring 2005

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Breaking Ground Never Looked So Good! The new 18,347-square-foot fire station, being built to meet the current and future needs of the community, is scheduled for completion by summer 2005. It will house a six-truck bay, an operations and command center, a library of reference materials, a training and seminar room, and a firefighter fitness training center.

…with the knowledge and experience you deserve. Judy knows what you expect in a Realtor… and she delivers.

On Monday, October 4, 2004,

ground was broken for the new Volunteer Fire Department of Upper St. Clair’s Route 19 fire station. This ceremony was attended by many dignitaries and local enthusiasts who had been looking forward to this day for several years. The Township Board of Commissioners began their monthly meeting at the groundbreaking site, offering Township proclamations and service awards.

Director of USC Community Development Matt Serakowski with Commissioners Ernie Harris and Robert Orchowski

The USCVFD is currently running a brick campaign to help raise funds for this construction. Show your support to the fire department by purchasing a personalized, laser engraved 4" X 4" or 4" X 8" paver to be placed around the flag pole of the new fire station.  Questions regarding a brick purchase can be directed to the USCVFD at 412-835-0660 or by email at usc-vfd-brick@adelphia.net.

REEC Kicks Off “Help Us Grow” Fundraising Campaign “Help Us Grow” is the rallying cry for 2005 at the Regional Environmental Education

412-833-7700 ext. 224

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Center (REEC) in Boyce Mayview Park. “We’re asking folks throughout the Pittsburgh region to help us grow by buying a leaf, a branch, a root, or part of the trunk of our Growing Tree. You can inscribe your portion of the tree with your name or a dedication,” REEC Executive Director Josette Fitzgibbons said. “The tree will be displayed at the center. In a sense, we’re still a sapling, and we need some help to grow!” The mission of the REEC, which opened its doors last fall, is to highlight the connection between the people and the environment of Southwestern Pennsylvania. The REEC is currently scheduling spring classes for fourth through seventh graders from schools throughout the region. Fitzgibbons explained, “We’re working with districts to bring their classes to the center during the spring semester. Besides school classes, we’re putting together some badge activities for the Girl Scouts, and we want to work with similar groups. We’re also developing programs aimed at the community, including a session with the Western Pennsylvania Botanical Society in April.” In order to expand its current programs and develop new ones the REEC is asking supporters to “cultivate” a portion of the Growing Tree. For a $50 donation, you can inscribe a leaf with your choice of words. A branch costs $500, a root is $1000 and a $5000 donation will purchase a portion of the trunk. The Growing Tree will be on display at the REEC. The REEC is a 501.c.3 nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax deductible. For more information, call 412-838-0064 or email info@regionaleec.org.  Spring 2005

Library

Faithful Borrower Returns as Author and Donator Lois Hoop, Director of the USC Township Library

“To the users and librarians of the Upper St. Clair Township Library, may you find much useful and inspiring information! From a past and very grateful patron of the Library.” — Andrea M. Morrison

Andrea Morrison remembers using the

USC Children’s Library quite a few years ago, when she was only three years old. The USC Library started her on the road to her love of books, reading and libraries. She can remember the generous lending policy of those early years when her mother was able to check out many books, including picture books before she could read. She vividly recalls a book about Russian fairy tales that had gorgeous illustrations. Andrea started working at the Indiana University libraries in Bloomington in 1984 and earned her Master of Library Science at IU while working full time. Andrea worked

in the government publications department, technical services and in reference. Her current position is in technical services. Andrea realized that there is a need for a reference book for library users for the high school level and beyond for beginning research into international government information, such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization. Andrea and Barbara J. Mann published a book in their area of expertise titled International Government Information and Country Information: a Subject Guide (Greenwood Press, 2004). This reference book is organized by subject chapters, with lists of online websites, periodicals and reference sources that will help a beginning researcher. Andrea is very active in library associations both at the state and national level. At the national level Andrea serves mostly through the Government Documents Round Table of the American Library Association. Andrea has found time in her busy life to marry and rear three children: Charles, 21; Elizabeth, 18; and Joseph, 12. Andrea also makes time in her hectic schedule to return to Upper St. Clair to visit her parents, Peter and Emily Spadaro. This Thanksgiving visit home was particularly gratifying with a tour of the Library and the opportunity to donate a copy of her newly-published book to both the Township Library and the USC High School library, where her career as a librarian and writer began. 

Who Needs Blockbuster? Linda Messer The DVD collection in the Library has become one of the most popular collections. In order to make it more convenient and user-friendly, new displayers have been purchased and the DVDs reorganized. Feature films now have colorful stickers and are shelved by subject. Are you in a serious mood? You can easily find the perfect film in the drama section. Need a good laugh? Just look in comedy. Other categories have been added, including action adventure, family, romance, sci-fi, sports and suspense. The nonfiction films retain their Dewey call numbers but are now clearly divided by subject, making that documentary or “how-to” you are looking for much easier to find. The Library is open every day, and you can borrow an unlimited number of DVDs for a week at a time, renew them if no one is waiting, and even reserve them in advance. Please come in and browse the Library’s collection.  Spring 2005

Spring 2005

The Galleria Mt. Lebanon 412-531-9663 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

USC Library—Children’s Staff Chooses Favorite Books

Below, you will find selected reviews

of the most popular staff favorites of 2004. Come to the Library to see a more comprehensive list of great reads and, as always, happy reading!

Easy Picture Books— Recommended for two- to four-year-olds Originally published as Eyes Nose Fingers Toes, Goodnight, Goodnight Sleepyhead is a beautifully illustrated book that tells a wonderful bedtime story. Jane Dyer’s lovely pastel watercolor illustrations coupled with Ruth Krauss’ classic text should be a great read to sleepyheads of all ages. “I love diggers,” exclaims the young boy in Andrea Zimmerman and David Clemsha’s book Digger Man. Zimmerman and Clemsha’s touching book is wonderfully illustrated and tells a great story about a boy and the toy that he loves. This is an excellent book for boys of all ages, but especially for those with a love of heavy machinery. Other Easy Picture Book Favorites Can You Cuddle Like a Koala? John Butler Inside Mouse, Outside Mouse Lindsay George A Lovely Day for Amelia Goose Yu Rong Ten Little Fish—Audrey Wood 31 Uses for a Mom—Harriet Ziefert

father as well as learn about different fish and how they are born. Adding to the story are Carle’s wonderful illustrations. He has added embellished acetate pages to his typical watercolors, producing a truly underwater environment for readers to enjoy. Nina Crews has created a Mother Goose “redux” in her collection of rhymes entitled The Neighborhood Mother Goose. Using the classic rhymes set in an urban neighborhood, Crews inserts fanciful details into her photographs—a cow jumping over a moon, a boy jumping over a candle, and an egg looking a lot like Humpty Dumpty— providing a fresh look at Mother Goose that will surely be enjoyed by all. Other Picture Book Favorites Duck for President—Doreen Cronin Dog Blue—Polly Dunbar Too Many Pears—Jackie French Straight to the Pole—Kevin O’Malley She’ll Be Coming Around the Mountain Philemon Sturges

Advanced Picture Books— Recommended for kindergarten to third grade In John Frank’s The Toughest Cowboy, cowpoke Grizz Brickbottom (the tough cowboy) has but one wish, to have a dog for companionship. Enter Fluffy, the miniature poodle that Grizz adopts from the saloon owner and incurs much teasing about. Through many tricks, it is Fluffy who changes these hardened cowboys and tames the rough men in a hilarious story that is sure to delight all.

Picture Books— Recommended for three- to six-year-olds The newest book from the author of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Mister Seahorse by Eric Carle tells the story of doting father Mr. Seahorse. Readers will delight in a great story about a loving 42

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fans of Lemony Snicket attended a very unfortunate event last November.

Spring 2005

From Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, the creators of Math Curse, comes Science Verse, a clever book that takes cues from the genius of many poets and explains how science works. Borrowing poems from the likes of Lewis Carroll, Henry Longfellow and even Mother Goose, Scieszka and Smith create a hilarious and innovative approach to learning the ins and outs of science. Other Advanced Picture Book Favorites Superdog: The Heart of a Hero Caralyn Buehner Princess Knight—Cornelia Funke Roger, the Jolly Pirate—Brett Helquist Red Book—Barbara Lehman Baby Brains—James Simon

Folklore and Fairy Tales— Recommended for kindergarten to third grade Casting her own magic spell on a classic fairy tale is Nancy Willard in Cinderella’s Dress. Readers will be enchanted with this version of Cinderella that describes how her beautiful ball gown was created. The charming illustrations by Jane Dyer bring this Cinderella story to life. This new fairy tale is a certain hit for princesses of all ages. “Once upon a bad hair day, a prince rode up Rapunzel’s way,” begins this twisted fairy tale Falling for Rapunzel by Leah Wilcox. Adhering to the original tale, while adding her own flair, Wilcox has created a humorous and modern tale told in rhyme. For a fresh look at a classic fairy tale, look no further.

Easy Non-Fiction— Recommended for preschool to third grade Told from the point of view of the sun, Molly Bang’s newest work of non-fiction for children, My Light, describes the process of light becoming energy. Bang’s explanation of energy is easy to understand, and her illustrations add a visual element to the highly scientific matter she describes. My Light is an illuminating look at how the sun’s light fuels our lives. Hear the train? WOO-HOO, we’re ready to begin Susan Kuklin’s All Aboard. In this book, Kuklin allows readers to travel on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad through the Colorado Rockies. With minimal text and breathtaking photographs, the book takes readers on an exciting rail trip. A certain hit for train enthusiasts of all ages. Other Easy Non-Fiction Favorites Around One Cactus Anthony D. Fredericks Rain, Rain, Rainforest Brenda Z. Guiberson Actual Size—Steve Jenkins Zoo-ology—Joelle Jolivet Wiggling Worms at Work—Wendy Pfeffer

Juvenile Non-Fiction— Recommended for second to sixth grade Kathleen Krull’s Boy on Fairfield Street is an engaging new picture-book biography of Theodore Geisel, the real Dr. Seuss, that takes readers from his early childhood on Fairfield Street to the time he becomes the well-known author and illustrator Dr. Seuss with whom we are familiar. This book is a perfect choice either for a reading or for fact finding. Guido Visconti presents the inspirational stories of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare in his new book Clare and Francis. Binba Landmann’s rich illustrations, in the fresco style of the early Italian artist Giotto, add to the historical integrity of this picture-book non-fiction work. Through Visconti’s words and Landmann’s pictures, readers will see two lifestyles that set an example for living even today. Other Juvenile Non-Fiction Favorites With Courage and Cloth—Ann Bausum Poop: A Natural History of the Unmentionable—Nicola Davies

Sign Language for Kids—Lora Heller

Ida B: And Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster and (Possibly) Save the World—Katherine Hannigan (fourth through sixth grade)

Right Dog for the Job: Ira’s Path from Service Dog to Guide Dog—Dorothy H. Patent Black Bear: North America’s Bear Stephen R. Swinburn

Otto and the Flying Twins Charlotte Hapite (sixth through eighth grade)

Juvenile Fiction Written because Ridley Pearson’s daughter once asked how Peter Pan came to Neverland, Dave Barry and Pearson’s new novel, Peter and the Starcatchers, for fifth and sixth grade readers is a prequel to J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan. All of the beloved characters are here—Peter and the Lost Boys, Captain Hook, Smee, and even the crocodile. This fast-paced novel is sure to delight anyone familiar with the well-known original and who yearns to know the whole story. In the summer that she is 12, Margaret Rose Kane must deal with significant obstacles in E.L. Konigsburg’s newest novel, The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place for fifth through seventh grade readers. The twotime Newbery Award winning writer weaves a rousing tale of art, history and fierce preservation of individuality through the diverse characters in this novel. Konigsburg’s newest tale will ignite the fighting spirit in all of its readers as well as be a highly enjoyable read. Other Juvenile Fiction Favorites Engraved in Stone—Alice Coleman (fourth through sixth grade) How to Train Your Dragon Cressida Crowell (fourth through seventh grade)

Lily B. On the Brink of Cool Elizabeth Cody Kimmel (fifth through seventh grade)

Young Adult Fiction From Meg Cabot, the author of the very popular Princess Diaries series, comes Teen Idol for seventh grade and up. This novel outlines the fantasy of almost every young teenager. When heartthrob Luke Striker comes to small-town Indiana to research a new film role, the novel’s heroine, Jen Greenley, is assigned to show him around her high school. Read this fresh and funny novel to see how Hollywood can turn a small town upside down. In Newbery Award winner Christopher Paul Curtis’ new novel for young adults, Bucking the Sarge for ninth grade and up, readers will meet 15-year-old Luther T. Farrell. Luther’s mother, “The Sarge,” is extremely dictatorial and a shrewd businesswoman. As Luther grows, so does his confidence, to the point that he is able to exact revenge on his domineering and deceitful mother. Luther is an excellent narrator of the absurd and embarrassing things that happen in his life. Any teen, or adult, who has wanted to “stick it to the man (or woman)” will find this comingof-age novel highly entertaining.

The Library is Open Monday–Thursday 9:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Friday–Saturday 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

Other Young Adult Fiction Favorites Catalyst Laurie Halse Anderson (ninth grade and up) Eagle Strike Anthony Horowitz (seventh grade and up) The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big, Round Things Carolyn Mackler (eighth grade and up)

Sunday 1–5 p.m.

National Library Week April 10–16, 2005 Spring 2005

Monsoon Summer Mitali Perkins (eighth grade and up) Contents Under Pressure Laura M. Zeises (ninth grade and up) 

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2005

Tri-Community Trains International Paramedics

Tri-Community South EMS recently

participated in training 14 paramedic students from the Republic of South Korea as a part of its role as a field-training site for the Center for Emergency Medicine (CEM). The CEM is a consortium of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and several

hospitals in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The students are firefighters with the Seoul Fire and Disaster Management Department who traveled to Pittsburgh for paramedic training at the CEM. Their classroom courses were conducted at the CEM’s Oakland campus, and TriCommunity South EMS provided their field training. All 14 graduated from the program and have returned to Seoul to begin providing care. The South Korean firefighters are not the only international students trained by Tri-Community South. The system has also trained students from Qatar, Ireland, Canada and Finland, and U.S. students from New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Ohio, Florida, California and Michigan, as well as students from across Pennsylvania. 

Keep your teeth for a lifetime.

Lifenet—a Life-Saving Device Tri-Community South EMS purchased

a new device to aid in the treatment of heart attack patients. The Lifenet RS Receiving Station from Medtronic Physio-Control provides a link between paramedics in the field and physicians and other providers in the hospital. Using cellular or fixed-line telephones, paramedics can transmit diagnostic quality 12-lead electrocardiograms (EKGs) from their cardiac monitors to the receiving station in the hospital emergency department. This information can be critical in determining whether a heart attack is in progress to help plan a course of treatment by the field paramedics and the hospital staff. The Lifenet RS was purchased with the aid of a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Health through the Emergency Medical Service Institute. Though it’s owned by TriCommunity South EMS, it’s installed at St. Clair Memorial Hospital in the emergency department. It can be used by any ambulance service in Southwestern Pennsylvania that owns 12-lead capable cardiac monitor/defibrillators, and it can deliver the data to any hospital emergency department in Southwestern Pennsylvania with EKG telemetry capability by phone line or fax. Before the installation of the Lifenet RS, field paramedics could send a copy of a 12lead EKG to the hospital by fax, but it was simply a copy of the printout from the paramedics’ monitor and could be read only in the local emergency department. It could be sent only from an analog phone connection,

either by unplugging a resident’s telephone or by using an analog cellular phone. No data could be collected from the printout, and it could not easily be shared with cardiologists or other providers caring for the patient. With the Lifenet RS, the data can be sent from any digital phone, including the digital cellular phones used by most ambulances, and diagnostic quality data can be easily shared among all providers caring for the patient, which can help reduce the time needed to provide definitive treatment. If thrombolytic (clot busting) treatment is indicated, the time to treatment can be reduced from an average of 42 minutes to as little as 15 minutes. This can help speed recovery from a heart attack and improve the patient’s chances of returning to a fully productive life. The information collected by the Lifenet RS can help emergency physicians and cardiologists decide whether it is most appropriate to use thrombolytic treatment, angioplasty, or other surgical treatment, or whether further evaluation of the patient’s condition is needed. Tri-Community South is proud to be able to offer the Lifenet RS as a service not only to the residents of Bethel Park, South Park and Upper St. Clair, but also to the entire EMS community and residents of Southwestern Pennsylvania.  For more information, call Tri-Community South EMS at 412-831-3710, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or visit their website at www.tcsems.org. Spring 2005

There’s nothing worse than having to repeat dental work to have it done right. We take the time to help you plan for long term success. Dr. Steven R. Crandall does it right the first time-saving you time, money, pain and, most importantly, your teeth.

70 Fort Couch Road, Upper St. Clair

412-833-6166 www.stevenrcrandalldmd.com UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

St. Clair Hospital:

The Healing Power of Our Community

It all started with a need. A need

for emergency healthcare close to home. A need for South Hills’ residents to make their own healthcare decisions based upon their priorities. A need to create a healing power in the community that would provide quality and compassionate healthcare. In the mid 1940s, however, bringing that need to fruition was a long way from reality. It was a field of dreams, so to speak, for the men and women who foresaw a time when a hospital in the South Hills would mean easy and convenient access to healthcare, especially during times of medical emergencies. For ten years, the community mobilized to raise money to build their hospital. It was a formidable challenge but when St. Clair Hospital opened its doors on February 22, 1954, the founders knew they had developed a healthcare facility that could meet the needs of South Hills’ residents.

Upper St. Clair resident Karen Gannon, manager of the Sleep Disorders Center, and her staff performed 760 sleep studies at St. Clair Hospital last year.

While many things have changed at St. Clair Hospital over the last 50 years, the commitment to the community that built it and governs it remains steadfast.

James Marcucci, M.D. in St. Clair Hospital’s Cardiac Catheterization Lab 46

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2005

Because St. Clair Hospital is independent and self-governed by 60 local residents who serve on its Boards of Directors, decisions are made with the best interests of the community in mind. A strong physician presence on the Boards also ensures that decisions are medically, as well as fiscally and operationally, sound. Like the founders, however, community need is the common theme that guides all decisions. The hospital’s seven Centers of Excellence—Emergency, Pulmonary Health, Heart Center, Cancer Center, Behavioral and Mental Health, Women and Children’s, and Motion Recovery—provide residents and their families with the best of nearly all of the medical care they will need over the course of their lifetime. The Heart Center, for example, has performed over 1,500 open heart procedures since it opened in 1998 and has the lowest inpatient mortality rate among all open heart surgery programs in the four-county area of Allegheny, Butler, Washington and Westmoreland Counties. The hospital’s 12-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) combines the latest in critical care technology with an exceptionally experienced staff of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. St. Clair

Hospital is the only community hospital in the region to have dedicated Intensivists—specially-trained critical care physicians—caring for critically ill patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The hospital’s excellence has not gone unnoticed. Honors such as the “100 Top Hospitals” in the nation award and the “100 Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania” have been bestowed on St. Clair Hospital over the last several years. The community’s needs still act as a guide for the hospital’s future plans and direction. As it was in the very beginning, emergency care continues to be a priority in the South Hills. The current 48,500 visits a year to St. Clair Hospital’s Emergency Department are expected to grow to over 65,000 visits within the next ten to 15 years, so additional treatment rooms and diagnostic capabilities are needed to meet the community’s demand.

Staff of the newly-renovated Intermediate Care Unit (IMC) at St. Clair Hospital, left to right: James Guie, R.N.; Rhonda Lang, R.N., manager; Sherry Vinal, R.N.; Betty Pawlosky

The possibility of adding space to meet the rising demands of other outpatient services, such as medical imaging, lab and ambulatory surgery, is also a priority.

These two healthcare priorities will be the focus as the hospital begins a capital campaign later this year. The “Building on Success” campaign is the first capital campaign in 25 years for St. Clair Hospital. It is a chance for the community to yet again become involved in supporting and shaping the future of the hospital. The founders of St. Clair Hospital left a strong legacy and built a foundation to create a culture of caring. The desire to keep this legacy alive and continue building and adding to a compassionate place for healing is shared by the Boards of Directors, physicians, employees, volunteers and auxiliary members. It’s a legacy that will allow St. Clair Hospital to be the healing power of our community for the future. 

Pharmacist Len Spicuzza Spring 2005

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

P INEBRIDGE Pinebridge Commons McLaughlin Run Road at Lesnett Road ••••••••••••••••• Carlson Wagonlit Travel Common Ground Café Design Image Salon Forest Ridge Land Co. Peter Gialames & Associates Henderson Investment Corp. 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

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

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4848 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 2005 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Spring Spring 2005

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. Register On Line for Promotions www.kiernantravel.com 1580 McLaughlin Run Road • Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 412-221-6772

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Hair Services Cuts, Styles, Color, Highlights, Perms Chemical Straightening Nail Services Manicures, Pedicures, Acrylics, Tips, Solar Nails, Wraps

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

Stop in to see our updated, spacious, new location inside the Pinebridge Commons.

Upper St. Clair High School proudly presents the annual spring musical Rodgers and Hammerstein’s

Northern Italian Restaurant

O K L A H O M A !

“ 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

Friday & Saturday, March 4, 5, 11, 12 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinee, March 6 at 2 p.m. Wednesday & Thursday, March 9, 10 at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 412-851-2060 or go online at www.uscsd.k12.pa.us. Spring 2005 UPPER UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 4949 Spring 2005 ST. CLAIR TODAY

The Competitive Merry-Go-Round of Athletic Scholarships Jim Meston Being awarded an athletic scholarship

the content of this manual and abide by its Recruiting heats up during the prospects’ is a cherished goal of countless high school rules. Most do a diligent job of following junior year. Coaches may now send mateathletes. Obtaining a scholarship often the rules, but we occasionally read about rial, but recruiting or highlight videotapes provides an educational opportunity that violators and the scandals and sanctions may not be sent. There are periods called a young person’s parents cannot afford. Re- they produce for the culprit institutions. “evaluation periods” when coaches may cruiting athletic prospects and convincing The major rules and procedures may vary observe prospects playing or practicing, them to come to their institution are major slightly among various sports, but the ma- but they are not allowed any face-to-face qualifications for the success of the coach jor points remain consistent. contact with prospects, except if prospects at that school. An athletic prospect is defined as any visit the campus at the prospects’ expense. If athletes have demonstrated skills of student who has begun the ninth grade. Yes, At this point college coaches have a good their sport to the degree they are identified recruiting can occur as early as the ninth idea of who their primary prospects will be, as being capable of performing at the col- grade, but with numerous restrictions. having received input from the numerous lege level, they then become top prospects Recruiting is defined as any solicitation scouting sources and using their own perand are recruited aggressively by many by phone, mail or in person of a prospect or sonal evaluations. colleges. The athletes hope for scholar- members of his or her family. Only those After the end of the prospects’ junior ships and the coaches hope they year, from July 1 on, coaches may can sign the players they want. initiate phone calls once a week The competition to sign top high (with certain exceptions) and can … whatever the sport, school prospects can become very accept collect phone calls from intense. The merry-go-round of prospects. From December 1 to the recruiting process prospects seeking scholarships the official signing day in February, is a highly structured one, and coaches seeking players usuunlimited phone calls are allowed, governed by an elaborate array ally escalates into an ongoing with some clearly defined specific recruiting process. Aggressive exceptions. Top rated prospects of rules and regulations. recruiting is more common in are usually swamped with phone football than in other sports. calls during this period. Some USC’s basketball coach, Danny prospects make an early comHolzer, said most college coaches identify coaches who have passed the NCAA mitment to an institution to eliminate the their prospects from the numerous camps recruiting tests are permitted to recruit torrent of phone calls. that are held. He said he’s in contact with for their institution. Violations can occur Prospects may visit a campus at their those coaches, and scholarships are negoti- when interested alumni contact prospects, expense as often as they wish and visit with ated. Upper St. Clair’s baseball coach, Jerry even giving them gifts and money. Col- coaches while on campus. These visits are Malarkey, said that he initiates contact with lege coaches are wary of well-intentioned defined as “unofficial visits.” Institutions coaches about players who he thinks are people not employed by an institution who may invite prospects to come to campus equipped to compete at the college level. He may try to influence a prospect. This action at the institutions’ expense—an “official believes that in sports other than football, can jeopardize the institution’s recruitment visit”—which may occur no earlier than a college coaches rarely make personal visits of that prospect. prospect’s first day of classes of his senior to a high school. But whatever the sport, During the students’ freshman and year. Prospects may make only one official the recruiting process is a highly structured sophomore years, recruiting may only in- visit to any one campus, with a maximum one, governed by an elaborate array of rules clude sending questionnaires, information of five official visits to different schools and regulations. Upper St. Clair has so many about camps and NCAA educational in- allowed. The visit may last only 48 hours fine athletes in all sports that many, with the formation. During this period, institutions from campus arrival to departure. There are capable assistance of their coaches, secure may not send any other written material or detailed rules about what can be provided athletic scholarships. initiate phone calls, but may accept calls during the visit, including meals, lodging from prospects at the prospects’ expense. and transportation—no private jets, lavProspects may make unofficial visits to a ish housing or entertainment are allowed. Rules Of Recruiting The National Collegiate Athletic As- college campus at their own expense and Institutions cannot extend the offer for an sociation (NCAA) governs the entire may also receive up to three complimen- official visit to a prospect until the prosrecruiting process, including the conduct tary tickets to sporting events and may talk pect has provided a copy of his high school required of coaches. The details of these in person with college coaches on campus. transcript and a copy of an ACT or SAT test procedures and policies are contained in However, there are periods called “dead score to the institution. While on campus, a manual as thick as the Pittsburgh phone periods” when no contact of any kind can prospects’ hosts must be current athletes or students who conduct tours as a part of the book, and all coaches are expected to know be initiated. 50

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2005

school’s admission process. During specific times, coaches may make up to six personal contacts at the prospect’s home or school. The merry-go-round continues until the prospect commits to a specific institution, but even that doesn’t become binding until an official letter of intent is signed—an official document that commits the prospect to attend a specific institution for at least one year, even if the current coach leaves. Official signing day, the first Wednesday in February, is a significant event for the prospect and the institution. The merry-go-round finally comes to a standstill.

curriculum, they visit the two-year-old state-of-the-art learning center dedicated for all athletes’ use to provide resources and assistance in all subject areas. Kirk is focused on the academic aspect of an athlete’s life as well as his athletic progress. Prospects also meet with their projected

How Recruiting is Handled at The University of Iowa

position coaches, where depth charts are reviewed and the system used explained. They tour the facilities, meet the strength coach and visit the weight room, where every football player spends a great deal of time. Hosts are encouraged to share their views about their experiences in the program and life at the university. Kirk feels the most important aspect of the visit is for prospects and their families to meet current players and hear what they have to say about the program. Kirk said he doesn’t believe in high-pressure tactics or putting down another institution’s program. Kirk said that this sometimes works to his disadvantage when someone he wants succumbs to high pressure recruiting tactics from another school. Iowa so far has done very well under Kirk’s leadership and philosophy.

USCHS graduate Kirk Ferentz has been Iowa’s head football coach for six years. He and his coaching staff have compiled outstanding records, particularly during the past three years. This year he was named Big Ten Coach of the Year, an honor he also received in 2002. Kirk was the invited baccalaureate speaker at last year’s High School graduation festivities. He shared his perspective on the recruiting process. Kirk said he learns about prospects the same way other institutions do—from the questionnaires they send to high school coaches, from recruiting services, and alumni and friends. He may also hear directly from a prospect who is specifically interested in Iowa. Iowa divides the country into sections with various assistant coaches assigned to recruit in designated geographical areas. They are in contact with recruits through the mail and by telephone, abiding by the stringent rules of the NCAA. Iowa, like many other schools, offers summer football camps. Kirk said the primary goal of the camp is for every person attending to have a good experience. Not all camp attendees will be prospects, but the camp does serve as a good public relations opportunity to help generate added loyal fans. Student athletes from Iowa, the Midwest and states farther away often enroll. Iowa obviously has the opportunity to evaluate talent at these camps, which can lead to identifying prospects to recruit. Kirk said they like to schedule several prospects at a time for an official visit. The time they have with the prospects is structured to provide maximum exposure to all aspects of college life. Prospects’ hosts are current athletes. Prospects meet with faculty advisers about the academic

Without question, a college scholarship is a tremendous asset in helping families manage the ever-increasing cost of college education.

The Role of the High School Coach High school coaches are the main communication link between colleges and recruits. USC coaches have done a good job linking players to athletic scholarships by being in contact with various college coaches. Since football has the most players and recruiting is highly competitive among colleges, USCHS’s head football coach for 26 years, Jim Render, has been dealing with college coaches for a long time. He’s built and maintains a good relationship with a wide circle of coaches from every level of competition. When a college coach calls to ask a high school coach his opinion about a player, he expects the coach to be honest in his assessment of the player’s potential relative to the level of competition at which he’s capable of performing. Honest and accurate assessments allow a level of trust to develop between the high school coach and the college coach. Jim’s honesty and accuracy have

earned him that level of trust with college coaches. Honesty also means that Jim has to sometimes tell players and their families that they might be better served at a different level of competition than they anticipate (i.e., Division II vs. Division I school). Honesty can put Jim in a difficult position. A great deal of Jim’s time is spent sending player tapes to colleges for their evaluation. While college coaches have evaluated players and received scouting reports, there are occasions when Jim believes that one of his players is capable of performing well at a Division I school, but his player does not receive any interest from Division I coaches. Over the years Jim has worked diligently to help place his players in college programs that enable those players to compete successfully and gain a first rate education. This effort is also duplicated by the many other USC coaches. The history of USC athletes continuing on and distinguishing themselves in various college athletic programs speaks volumes.

The Quest to Get on the Merry-Go-Round College athletic scholarships are coveted and athletes are constantly focusing on only one sport at an early age, training year round. They practice fervently in hopes of achieving a level of performance high enough to attract the attention of college coaches. The multiple-sport athlete is becoming a dinosaur. For those who succeed in getting a scholarship, their singular focus pays off. For those who do not achieve their scholarship goal, they may have missed the fun of competing in other sports and perhaps developing competencies in those sports as well. Without question, a college scholarship is a tremendous asset in helping families manage the ever-increasing cost of a college education. An athletic scholarship, of course, is not the only avenue available to our students. USC students’ academic accomplishments also generate numerous scholarships each year. The number of academic and athletic scholarships given to our students is a testimonial to their capabilities. Our young people, smart enough to make the most of their opportunities, have been rewarded for their academic abilities and their athletic talent. They have made the right choices and have earned their scholarships. 

Spring 2005

See also Athletic Recruiting article on page 74. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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U. S. House of Representatives Timothy F. Murphy

U.S. Congressman for the 18th District of Pennsylvania

322 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: 202-225-2301 Fax: 202-225-1844

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

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

New Committee Assignment Opens Door for Improving Healthcare

Family Hospice and Palliative Care Announcements Family Hospice and Palliative Care offers two bereavement groups—afternoon (1-2:30 p.m.), the second Tuesday of the month at Southminster House, and evening (7-8:30 p.m.), the third Monday of the month at the Unitarian-Universalist Church. Call 412-572-8829. Pre-registration is not required. Family Hospice and Palliative Care’s upscale resale shop, Family Heirlooms, is open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The store is located across from the Mt. Lebanon Public Safety Building. All proceeds benefit hospice patients and family services and programs. Family Hospice and Palliative Care’s annual golf benefit will be held in May at the Valley Brook Country Club in McMurray. Proceeds benefit services for hospice patients and their families. Call 412-572-8812 to register. Family Hospice and Palliative Care will hold an Interfaith Memorial Service in the spring to honor the memory of Family Hospice and Palliative Care patients. Please call 412-572-8800 for more information.

Card Party—a Model of Success

Congressman Tim Murphy (PA-18) was named to the

Energy and Commerce Committee, the oldest standing committee in the U.S. House of Representatives. This committee deals with all issues concerning trade, healthcare and energy. Having a local representative serving on this committee provides an enormous opportunity for businesses and families in Pennsylvania’s 18th District. This committee has jurisdiction over the regulations and laws governing the energy, healthcare and manufacturing industries, all of which provide a large percentage of the jobs in Southwestern Pennsylvania. As one of the few healthcare practitioners in Congress and co-chair of the 21st Century Healthcare Caucus, Congressman Murphy pledged to use his position on this committee to fulfill his promise of making quality healthcare more affordable and accessible. Congress will debate the reauthorization of the energy bill, medical malpractice reform, restructuring the Medicaid program to give more authority to the states, reauthorizing the National Institutes of Health, revising the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to increase the availability of new technologies, media ownership rules, cybersecurity, and protecting our food supply from terrorist attack. The Energy and Commerce Committee has the broadest nontax-oriented jurisdiction of any committee. It maintains principal responsibility for legislative oversight relating to telecommunications, consumer protection, food and drug safety, public health, air quality and environmental health, the supply and delivery of energy, and interstate and foreign commerce in general. This jurisdiction extends over five Cabinet-level departments and seven independent agencies—from the Energy Department, Health and Human Services, the Transportation Department to the Federal Trade Commission, Food and Drug Administration and Federal Communications Commission. 

USC’s Pat Lynn and Ann Maloy (fifth and sixth from the left) modeled many wonderful outfits for this benefit function.

The Friends of Family Hospice and Palliative Care held its annual card party at South Hills Country Club on October 27. The event included lunch, card games and a fashion show with volunteers modeling outfits from Family Heirlooms. More than $7500 was raised and 278 guests enjoyed the afternoon.

Toast to Life Celebration This past October, Family Hospice and Palliative Care hosted its largest Toast to Life celebration ever! Two hundred and seventy people enjoyed the formal dinnerdance at the Rivers Club. The event grossed $85,000. For more information call 1-800-513-2148. 

Spring 2005

Left to right: Ann Lytle, a 2004 Spirit of Hospice honoree at the Toast to Life celebration, and Karen Haddad Eckstein, Director of Community Relations at Family Hospice and Palliative Care.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Upper St. Clair School District Board of School Directors

2005 School Board Announces Presidency At the Upper St.

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

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

Clair Board of School Directors re-organizational meeting held in December 2004, the board elected Angela Petersen 2005 school board president and Jeffrey Joyce school board vice president. Outgoing president Dave Bluey congratulates Angela Petersen.

David E. Bluey 412-835-6145 2005*

Barbara L. Bolas 412-833-9841 2007*

In Recognition of Board of School Directors January was Pennsylvania School Board Association School

Director Recognition Month. If you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t already done so, please take the time to thank the members of the school board for their important volunteer service to our community. To reach personnel, call 412-833-1600, press 1, enter extension number followed by the # sign. Administrator

Russ Del Re 724-941-3336 2005*

Glenn Groninger 412-854-5345 2007*

Vicki A. McKenna 412-831-7125 2005*

Clark R. Nicklas 412-831-1027 2005*

The 2005 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. Mark G. Trombetta, MD 412-831-8543 2007* *Date indicates expiration of term.

5656 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 2005 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Spring Spring 2005

Secretary/Email Address

Extension

Dr. James D. Lombardo ...............................Mary Ann Stabile............................................2201 Superintendent of Schools mstabile@uscsd.k12.pa.us Dr. Terrence Kushner ...................................Donna Faccenda.............................................2218 Assistant Superintendent and dfaccenda@uscsd.k12.pa.us Director of Secondary Education (9-12) Dr. John Bornyas..........................................Cheryl Ellison .................................................2202 Director of Programing, Operations and cellison@uscsd.k12.pa.us Middle Level Education (5-8) Dr. Judy Bulazo ............................................Cheryl Ellison .................................................2202 Director of Professional Development and cellison@uscsd.k12.pa.us Elementary Education (K-4) M. Jane Sierzega ...........................................Bonnie Thomas...............................................2266 Director of Finance and Business bthomas@uscsd.k12.pa.us Robert Obrosky ............................................Doreen Leech ..................................................2211 Director of Technology dleech@uscsd.k12.pa.us Jean Toner .....................................................Debi Bakowski ...............................................2286 Director of Human Resources dbakowski@uscsd.k12.pa.us Eloise Stoehr.................................................Phyllis Feller...................................................2283 Supervisor of Pupil Services pfeller@uscsd.k12.pa.us Dr. Sharon Suritsky .....................................Phyllis Feller ..................................................2283 Supervisor of Special Education pfeller@uscsd.k12.pa.us Charles Samek..............................................Karen Powers..................................................3450 Director of Transportation kpowers@uscsd.k12.pa.us School District Building Administration Dr. Timothy Steinhauer ..... Principal of the High School................................ ext. 2829 Dr. Mike Ghilani ................ High School Assistant Principal .......................... ext. 2272 Jace Palmer.......................... High School Assistant Principal .......................... ext. 2276 Dr. William Rullo ............... Director of High School Guidance ...................... ext. 2400 Joe DeMar ........................... Principal of Fort Couch Middle School............... ext. 3001 Karen Brown ...................... Principal of Boyce Middle School........................ ext. 5001 Dr. Ruth Ann Matyuf ......... Principal of Baker Elementary School ................. ext. 4001 Mark Miller ........................ Principal of Eisenhower Elementary School ....... ext. 8001 Dr. Claire Miller ................. Principal of Streams Elementary School.............. ext. 6001

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

High School Welcomes New Assistant Principal The newest member of the Upper St.

Clair High School administrative team is assistant principal Jace Palmer. He filled the vacancy created when Joe DeMar was appointed principal of Fort Couch Middle School this past fall. Jace comes to USC from the Hampton Township School District, where he was assistant principal at the middle school. He started his career at Robert Morris University, and then took a position as a high school guidance counselor in the Plum School District. Following that assignment, he joined the Quaker Valley School District, where he taught middle school gifted education and ran the IB Middle Years Program until his move to Hampton. Jace received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and communications from the University of Pittsburgh. He holds an advanced certificate degree in management from Robert Morris University, a M.Ed. in school counseling from Pitt, and

a master’s in public management and a principal’s certificate from Carnegie Mellon University. He is currently working on a doctorate in education at Pitt. In addition to his diverse work and educational background, Jace has been involved with many extracurricular activities, from coaching soccer, baseball and track, to directing theatrical productions. Of his move to USC, Jace states he feels “very welcome.” He is impressed with the level of student involvement in the many activities offered by the High School and how successful they are in all areas—

Jace Palmer

academics, athletics and the arts. “My true love is working with high school students,” comments Jace. “The kids embrace new ideas and possibilities. It’s exciting to see them come into their own as adults.” 

Class Rank—a Thing of the Past Upper St. Clair High School Counseling Department Following a survey of more than 150 colleges and universi-

ties, several meetings with the weighted class rank committee, input from the Principal’s Advisory Committee (PAC), and research of comparable high schools, Upper St. Clair High School will no longer report class rank on transcripts to colleges and universities beginning with the 2005-06 school year. The motive behind this change is to make USC students as competitive as possible in the college admissions process. Currently, many colleges incorporate class rank as one of the means of comparing students from a multitude of high schools in order to determine admission. This criterion creates an uneven playing field and places Upper St. Clair students at a disadvantage in comparison with students from other school districts. Research supports that students with excellent academic records in academically strong high schools usually rank substantially lower in their graduating classes than they would at a less rigorous high school. For a community that values education, with high expectations and highly dedicated and motivated students, class rank is not indicative of students’ true academic abilities. In addition, not reporting class rank on the transcript encourages colleges to consider all aspects of the student’s transcript and application rather than an arbitrary number. Because there is room for error in interpreting class rank, this statistic can be confusing and possibly deceiving to admissions

officers, ultimately resulting in a possible injustice to Upper St. Clair students. For class rank to be truly fair and equal between students, all school districts would have to offer the same curriculum, use the same grading scale and evaluate students with the same rigor. This theoretical equity is neither practiced nor reasonable. Therefore, Upper St. Clair High School has adjusted its policy and will not report class rank. However, if a college or scholarship agency requests class rank, it will be released at the specific written request of the institution only for considering the student for admission or scholarship awards. In addition to omitting class rank, beginning in the 2005-06 school year, the District will report a weighted grade point average (5.0 scale) on the transcript along with the unweighted grade point average (4.0 scale). Including both a weighted GPA and an unweighted GPA on student transcripts allow Upper St. Clair High School to recognize students for the advanced course work they have taken. By adopting the policy of not disclosing class rank and disclosing the weighted GPA along with the unweighted GPA, the District allows its students to showcase their academic talents in a more representative manner and present themselves as competitively as possible in the college admissions process.  For more information, contact the Counseling Office at the High School. Spring 2005

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Students Explore Careers Sarah Zablotsky, Allegheny Intermediate Unit Communication Services

Allison Dixon—architectural design apprenticeship

When Allison Dixon looks at the former

PNC Bank building on the corner of Eighth Avenue and Amity Street in Homestead, she does not see tired bricks and mortar waiting for a bulldozer. Instead, she envisions a colorful hotel catering to Waterfront retailers and their customers, complete with a rooftop pool and indoor garden. Dixon, a junior at USCHS, had the opportunity to cultivate her interest in architectural design through the Apprenticeship Program, a career exploration series organized by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU). Since 1978, the program has offered high school students a way of exploring a sundry of career options, from acting to zoo animal care. This year 878 students from schools throughout Allegheny County, including 38 from Upper St. Clair, are enrolled in one of 39 different courses. Dixon signed up for the architecture five-day course this past fall. Students were given various tours of Pittsburgh, such as Carnegie Mellon University’s campus and its Department of Architecture, to increase their awareness of the interaction of neighborhood and public space. They were then shown the basics of architectural design and given the assignment of revamping the former PNC Bank building into a structure serving the community. Their designs and ideas were critiqued by instructors and peers. “This gave me a chance to design something that was totally new. I tried to play with the building’s columns in a way that would fit into the traditional neighborhood,” said Dixon. 58

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Louise Sturgess, Executive Director of the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation, has led the classes for several years and said she is always impressed with the students’ talent and vision. “They all have ideas. It’s their endless originality and eagerness that I love,” she said. Judy Cunningham, the AIU’s gifted and talented education coordinator, said discovery is the driving force behind the program. “It gives students the chance to meet mentors and professionals who have a zeal for what they do. This really gives them a chance to explore their interests,” Cunningham said. Openings are limited, however, and students must apply for a spot by mid-May of each year. Letters of recommendation are part of the application. Courses are held at various sites, such as in front of a vacant building, or within classrooms at the AIU’s Waterfront office. Many of the business sessions, led by Lora Spence of the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz Graduate School of Business, were held at the AIU’s Homestead base. Spence said her program is designed to expand the understanding of the American business environment and its function. In addition to tours of Pittsburgh’s branch of the Federal Reserve Bank, students had the opportunity to meet corporate department heads and learn what they look for in new employees. “We try to get them to think on a business level, including their appearance, attitude and values, so they will be better prepared when they move into the workforce,” Spence said. Pooja Godbole came to the business classes with an open mind. The Upper St. Clair junior said she was unaware of the different aspects of the business world and the variety of people involved. Although she knew about management and accounting, Pooja Godbole—business she did not realapprenticeship ize how human resources or marketing played a role. “I wasn’t sure what I was going to find. I’m

Spring 2005

starting to look at colleges now. Because of this internship, I have a better idea of what to look for,” she said. In all the apprenticeships, students have the opportunity to bounce ideas off each other as well as experts in the field. AIU program coordinator Cunningham said it is important for students to be with those who also have interests similar to their own. “Maybe there are only one or two students in a school who have a particular hobby or interest. The opportunity to have interaction with peers with the same depth of curiosity is important,” she said. Two students from the High School were able to share their enthusiasm for world affairs and investigate opportunities in the Foreign Service with Sarah Moody, coordinator for the World Zachary Hunter—world affairs apprenticeship Affairs Council of Pittsburgh. Moody said the council strives to help the public become more aware of the influence of global events on their daily lives. During the classes, students were often divided into groups to learn about pressing global issues such as development and communications. “Once you begin to consider real issues impacting the world, all those things in the news really come alive,” said Moody. “The speakers really gave me an idea of what is out there, especially in the Foreign Service,” said junior Zachary Hunter. He then knitted his eyebrows, pausing to carefully consider the same question reporters so often ask noteworthy national and international officials: What is the single most pressing issue the United States faces in the international arena? “Well, there are so many complex issues, but I think one of the most important things is our need to rebuild our international alliances, especially with the Europeans. A working relationship is very important,” he said. 

Stars Shine on Celebrity Night

Fort Couch principal Joe DeMar and High School athletic director Ted Petersen make sundaes.

The stars were out on Wednesday,

Co P m ha in se g So III on !

November 10 at King’s Restaurant on McMurray Road as celebrity servers, including Dr. James Lombardo, Dr. Bill Pope, Dr. Sharon Suritsky, Dr. Tim Steinhauer, Dr. Mike Ghilani, Hartley King, Ted Petersen, Jim Render, Joe DeMar, Mark Miller, Ted Barnett, Dr. Mark Trombetta, Vicki McKenna and Meghan Jones waited on hungry customers. As local celebrities worked as servers for the evening, USCHS life skills students passed samples of King’s food, greeted customers as they arrived

and helped bus tables. A percentage of the proceeds from food sales and all tips were donated to the life skills programs at the High School. The 2004 event raised over $2500. One of the programs funded by Celebrity Night was the annual life skills holiday dinner, held on December 15, at Fort Couch’s nutrition center. The life skills students planned the entire dinner start to finish, a process that took about two months of preparation. According to life skills teacher Michelle Zirngibl, the holiday dinner is about doing something special for the peer volunteers who work with the life skills students weekly after school through the FRIENDs program. The students invite approximately 120 guests to the Former USCHS student holiday dinner. Meredith Miller hugs They make and life skills teacher send invitations, Michelle Zirngibl.

USC superintendent Dr. James Lombardo helps out.

plan the menu, estimate costs, create centerpieces, prepare speeches, grocery shop and prepare the food for everyone and have a lot of fun in the process. In addition to Celebrity Night, students from the life skills class teamed up with King’s Family Restaurant and traveled to Mt. Lebanon Manor on October 26 to provide a special treat for the residents. King’s supplied the ice cream and toppings and the students did most of the service work, providing the residents an after-dinner snack of delicious sundaes. 

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School Librarians EmPOWER the Community Have you ever wondered how to get

your child to read something other than the Harry Potter books? Have you ever had to replace your car’s alternator? Do you or someone you know need medical information? Then you need the POWER. Upper St. Clair School District librarians have been actively promoting the use of Pennsylvania’s premier research program known as POWER Library. They have provided in-service to teachers and staff, have made presentations to parent groups and taught classes of students to use these amazing databases. One of the most amazing facts about POWER Library is that it is free and available to every Pennsylvania resident!

Library databases, like MasterFile Premier, offer access to thousands of scholarly articles on numerous subjects. Content-oriented databases offer the user a place to seek medical information from the Health Source and streamMed programs. The avid reader can find reader’s guidance by using the Novelist database. If you need to fix your car, the Auto Repair Reference Center will be the source for you. No matter what your information need, POWER Library can provide you with answers. Now that you are convinced that you need the POWER, how do you get it? It’s quite simple. All you need is a library card from the Upper St. Clair Township Library and ask them to register you to use the

Students at Fort Couch are busy learning how to access information through the library’s databases.

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“What is so powerful about POWER Library?” you might ask. POWER Library allows you to access thousands of full text periodical articles, newspapers, a major encyclopedia, plus photographs, pictures, charts, maps and reference materials for young people and more. The acronym POWER stands for Pennsylvania Online World of Electronic Resources. It is a service offered free of charge by the State Library of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. These online databases are accessed through the Internet and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Many of the databases are geared to specific age groups and interests. Facts for Learning, Searchasaurus, and Primary Search are examples of databases geared to elementary and middle school students. POWER Spring 2005

online databases. If your card has an EIN sticker on it, then you’re already registered. You’ll find the POWER Library databases by going to the Township Library website at www.twpusc.org/library/index.html. On the right-hand side of the screen, click onto ONLINE DATABASES. Click onto the Access PA POWER Library link and follow the on-screen directions. It’s easy. It’s fun. It’s informative. Upper St. Clair School District librarians encourage you to use these online resources to turn on the POWER in your life!  Thanks to the USC School District librarians who worked together on this article: Janine Despines and Debbie Rentschler, High School; Robin Shoup, Fort Couch; Florine Masciantonio, Boyce; Yvonne Gipson, Baker; Barbara Peresie, Eisenhower; Nancy Trau, Streams.

Getting Healthy for Life 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

Eliza Hudson and Dr. Tim Steinhauer, principal, wait for Jenny Saulson as she uses one of the hand sanitizers recently installed in the High School.

One of the top resolutions people make each year is to

improve their health and wellness. USCHS is trying to help students implement good health habits early in life with the Healthy School Project. This initiative focuses on helping students and adults make informed decisions about living healthy, which fits well with a similar goal of the School District. Through this project, the High School plans to: • Highlight and make available healthy food choices. • Give information, develop and present activities that encourage a healthy lifestyle. • Develop and present programs that give information regarding a healthy lifestyle. Several ideas have already been implemented. To encourage drinking water rather than high sugar beverages, water machines were placed in the academic wing of the building, and most teachers will allow students to drink water during class. Instant hand sanitizer dispensers have been located throughout the building to help limit the spread of germs. Vending machines highlight items that are lower in fat and sugar content to encourage students to choose healthy snacks. Additional plans that focus on health and wellness include: • Highlight healthy lunch choices in the nutrition center and offer an incentive program to those students who choose to participate. • Continue to emphasize curricular connections—health, PE, home economics, etc. • Hold a one-day health clinic. • Sponsor a community 10K or fun run. • Help students develop and maintain healthy relationships by learning conflict resolution and peer mediation techniques. • Encourage students to sign drug and alcohol pledge cards. • Have the High School students become positive role models and discuss healthy choices with younger students. • Encourage a balance in life between academics and activities. • Televise healthy tips and educational programs on Channel 19. “Our goal is to present students with healthy options and encourage them to make informed choices about the lives they lead,” said Dr. Timothy Steinhauer, principal at the High School. 

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Dalena Klavin and Eric Cheng

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Based on competitive auditions in midSeptember, Dalena Klavin and Eric Cheng, violinists, were invited to participate in the 2004 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 1 Honors String Orchestra festival held at Peters Township High School on October 30 and November 6. Special merit was extended to Dalena for being ranked third place overall in the violin sections from Western Pennsylvania. She was featured in several violin solos within the festival’s concert. Awarded membership in the PMEA District 1 Senior High Orchestra festival were Eric Cheng, violin; Jingyang Cheng, cello; Michele Doan, violin; Dalena Klavin, violin. These students rehearsed and performed at Fox Chapel Area High School on January 12-14, 2005, and auditioned for entry in PMEA Region State Orchestra held at Erie McDowell High School in March.

PA Coach of the Year Uwe Schneider w as selected AAA Boys Soccer Coa ch of the Year by th e Pe nn sy lv an ia So cc er C oa ch es Association. The award was presen ted to him on Februa ry 5, 2005, at th e annual awards di nner.

Deanna Baird Honored as Foreign Language Educator Deanna Baird, German teacher and foreign language curriculum leader (K-12) with the Upper St. Clair School District, was recognized as Pennsylvania’s 2004 Foreign Language Educator of the Year (K-12). She received the award at the Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association (PSMLA) state conference this past October.

Left to right: Lindsay Group, Frau Deanna Baird, Jordan Perry, Kiersten Luther and Aaron Rothey

The Wins Add Up for USC Students at Calcu-Solve Congratulations to the Fort Couch Calcu-Solve team for their success in the Allegheny Intermediate Unit’s Calcu-Solve Bowl held on November 9, 2004. Forty teams, consisting of 139 students, competed in the Calcu-Solve Bowl. In the individual competition, John Subosits placed first. Edward Benda, Joseph Rubino and Kevin Egeland tied for third place. In the team competition, one Fort Couch team placed first and two teams tied for second place. Members of the first place team were Amine Benbourenane, Edward Benda, Matt Boyas and Kevin Egeland. Members of the two second place teams were Karsh Gaurav, Matt Myron, Mathi Rengasamy, Joey Rubino, Drew Gallagher, John Subosits, Michelle Szucs and Nikhil Venkatesh. Other team members were Charlie Hassenfeldt, Ethan Horvitz, Aashay Kumar and Charles Saracco. Team coach was Joanne Szymanski. At the High School level, congratulations to Eric Cheng for winning first place, with a perfect score of 35, at the AIU’s Calcu-Solve competition on Wednesday, October 27 and to Andreea Manolache for winning second place, with a score of 33, in the individual competition. Congratulations also go to Eric Cheng, Jonathan Weimer, Brett Scheller and Akhil Venkatesan for being the second place team. At the November 22 Calcu-Solve competition at the AIU, congratulations to Brian Weller for his first place finish. Taking third place was Raksha Kumar. First place team members were Raksha Kumar, Ben Burns, Dan Williams and Brian Liu. Spring 2005

ners National Merit Scholarship Win ing ow foll the to s Con gra tula tion 5 200 the in s ces suc students for their ipet com ip rsh ola National Merit Sch mended tion. The semifinalists and com w. belo d students are picture

Fort Couch Students Shine at History Bowl Congratulations to the Fort Couch teams who competed in the History Bowl at the Heinz History Center this past October. Fort Couch placed first and third out of 40 teams from Allegheny County. Members of the first place team were Tess Balmer, Amanda Huey, Krissy King and Christine Prorok. Members of the third place team were Alex Billak, Steve Lias and Michael McCurrie. Team advisors were Patricia Palazzolo and Joanne Szymanski.

dan Bhagavatula, Left to right, front row: Madhusu Jessica Gerber, , rich Helm ua Josh , Robert Dormish back row: Evan Stephanie Tupi, Andrew McNally; , Andrew Mueller, Lebovitz, Christopher Carosella red: James Peter Kyle, Brian Weller; not pictu in White Dev Marsh, Christopher Sukenik and

Sweet Sounds of Success Maureen Cosgrove, Kristen Kampetis and Stephanie Maloney represented Upper St. Clair High School at the District Chorus festival. Congratulations!

Left to right: Christine Frattare, USC Fine and Performing Arts curriculum leader, with Maureen Cosgrove, Kristen Kampetis and Stephanie Maloney

Fort Couch Outreach Project Fort Couch Middle School students recently raised over $5200 during their annual holiday outreach project. A check for $2200 was presented to the Upper St. Clair Police Department for distribution to needy families in the community. The remainder of the money was donated to an orphanage in Guatemala and to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. 

USCHS 2004 Fall Sports Results Team Wins Losses Achievement Cross Country–Boys 3 5 Cross Country–Girls 4 4 Field Hockey 3 12 Football 9 0 Conference Champions Golf–Boys 12 7 Rob Shogry–State Finalist (23rd) Golf–Girls 15 0 WPIAL Champions Megan Trachok–WPIAL Champion Ali Bode–State Medalist (6th), Junior Golf Association All American Soccer–Boys 27 0 Section Champions, WPIAL Champions, PA State Champions Ranked #1 in the U.S. Soccer–Girls 17 2 Section Champions Tennis–Girls 11 0 Section Champions, WPIAL Runner-Up Volleyball–Girls 6 21

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^ Election 2004 & Andrew McNally (playing John Kerry ) shakes hands with Ravi Mehta (George Bush) after their debate at the High School.

Second-level students at Baker voted for their favorite U.S. presidential candidate.

It’s been months since the hard fought

2004 presidential election, but the campaign and electoral process offered Upper St. Clair students the opportunity for a real-life civics lesson. Each school in the District planned activities to coordinate with the activities conducted during the real presidential campaign. The District’s youngest students had a chance to enter colorful voting booths and cast a secret ballot for their favorite candidate during mock elections in October. Students at Eisenhower had to register to vote prior to the elections, and like many adults, a few had to scramble to find their voter registration cards. Teachers at Streams made campaign posters for Open House, which were later displayed at Streams’ polling place—one of its art rooms. Students at Streams cast their ballot under the watchful eyes of the

Eisenhower’s Ben Spock prepares to enter the voting booth.

Judge of Elections, Majority and Minority Clerks and a poll watcher. At Baker, students listened intently as Congressman Tim Murphy spoke to them at an assembly on October 25. Murphy reminded the students that it was important to pay attention to the issues and then vote

Manning the polls at the High School 64

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2005

for people whose positions on the issues are the ones you think are best. Students at Boyce cast their vote for president on the computer. In addition to picking their favorite candidate in the presidential race, students also voted for their student council officers. At Fort Couch, students learned about political cartoons this year, and decorated the halls with creative campaign posters. Students had to register to vote before they could cast their ballot. High School students had the opportunity to listen to the candidates debate the issues. Mock debates took place, with students playing the parts of George W. Bush and John F. Kerry. In addition to voting for president, students voted for candidates for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Students also voted on the ballot question about what they felt was the most important issue facing the nation today, choosing among homeland security and war on terror, the economy, education, healthcare or other. 

Students at Baker pose with Dr. Ruth Ann Matyuf and Congressman Tim Murphy.

The Madrigal Dinner, a Seasonal Event Natalie Bezek

Students (left to right) Shawn Summers, Aaron Rothey, Drew Aloe, Andrew Graham, Scott Andrews and Elizabeth Pye performed a skit during the dinner. “Wassail, wassail all over town! Our toast, it is white, and our ale,

it is brown.” Compared to our 21st century carols, this may seem like an unusual way to welcome in the holidays, but at the High School’s Madrigal Dinner, it is chants like these that take listeners back in time to an era of jesters and courts. Taking place in early December, the festivities include beautiful singing, elaborate costumes and exquisite decorations. Performing in one herself years ago, USCHS choral director Christine Frattare thought the Madrigal Dinner would be a flavorful alternative to the common chorus concert. Although many are just discovering this pleasant event, by no means is the dinner a new tradition. In fact, Mrs. Frattare has been recreating such medieval feasts for nine years here in Upper St. Clair. The program of music scopes from early medieval chants and songs such as “The Flaming Pudding Carol” to the more familiar carols we know today like “Deck the Halls.” While much preparation goes into the music, there is

an equal amount of work needed to create the scenery and costumes. In years past, the costumes were rented from a costume boutique. However, this year, thanks to parent volunteers, the costumes were handmade and more beautiful than ever. The parent volunteers also design and decorate the school’s nutrition center, turning it into a beautiful palace hall for the night. Each year, there are more than 100 students who participate in the dinner. The High School’s elite Chanteclairs, made up of 25 students, are privileged to wear the lovely costumes. Another participating choir is the Clarion Choir, which includes 40 girls. These performers have the dual job of not only singing, but also helping to serve the delicious medieval dinner. Under the direction of Francis Musar, the Fort Couch mixed choral group also contributes to the dinner’s fine entertainment. Each year, in preparation for the big night, senior students enjoy electing two member classmates to play the roles of king and queen. The chosen students wear royal costumes and are guaranteed several solos in the night’s performance. Court jesters, beggars and even a boar’s head are part of the night! For years, the Madrigal Dinner has been important to USC’s choral tradition, not only by raising funds for the choral department, but also by showcasing the talents of students throughout the District.  Natalie is a tenth grade student at USCHS and has been a part of the Madrigal Dinner since her days at Fort Couch. She is currently a member of the choral department at the High School. Natalie loves to read and write and looks to pursue a career in journalism or broadcasting.

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From USC to Zambia David Seidenfeld Three hundred children sit outside

urban-suburban program which partnered attentively watching Malita, a high school students from USCHS with students from a student, braid her friend Ngoza’s hair. city school to conduct community service Quickly the two girls’ conversation turns activities. In 1995, I took part in the pilot to boys they like. Ngoza says she thinks CHANGES program led by former teacher Kunda, a boy in the village, is very cute; the Barbara Andrews. I formed a connection kids watching laugh. Malita makes a face with my peers from other schools, due to our and says, “Kunda, yuck, he moves around joint altruistic efforts. From this experience I with too many girls. He is dangerous.” Ngoza learned the value of community service as a replies that she has never seen Kunda hurt means of uniting individuals under one cause anyone. Malita explains that Kunda is dan- and breaking down cultural and geographic gerous because he sleeps with lots of women barriers. I recognized and appreciated these and doesn’t use condoms. She tells Ngoza that qualities when learning about the Peace HIV can be spread by having unprotected Corps in college while studying economic sex with someone infected and that Kunda, inequality. Needless to say, my experiences by sleeping with lots of women and not us- at USCHS helped me decide to join the Peace ing a condom, practices high risk behavior. Corps after I graduated from college. Thus, she says, Kunda is dangerous to sleep As a Peace Corps volunteer in the with. Suddenly the two girls stand up and Community Action for Health Program, I begin singing a song in ChiNyanja, the local organized and trained community members language, about the A-B-Cs of avoiding HIV: as health educators for issues such as HIV and Abstinence, Be faithful and Condoms. AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, malnutrition, The children watching clap as Malita and hygiene and sanitation. I lived and worked Ngoza walk off and are replaced by four boys. for two years in an area covering over 100 vilThe boys perform a skit about how HIV can lages comprising 33,000 people, ten schools and cannot be spread, emphasizing the safety and one health clinic. The villagers’ low level of touching an HIV positive person and ad- of formal education, subsistence farming lifedressing the issue of style and lack of access stigmatization. to running water and The children are electricity created a watching Vulamkoko difficult environment School’s Anti-AIDS for improving their drama club, a group I health. helped form and train For example, during my two years improving villagers’ in a Zambian village nutrition required acas a Health Education cess to healthy foods. Peace Corps volunteer. In a subsistence farmDrama clubs have being society all food come popular because needs to be grown or they incorporate vilraised locally, which lage culture such as requires access to drumming, singing proper farming inand dancing to educate puts such as seed and on sensitive subjects fertilizer. Money was such as HIV transmisneeded to buy these sion. HIV and AIDS inputs and is obtained David with the Katongo family— both parents are teachers in Zambia. education is vital to through seasonal laimproving the quality bor. However, villagers of life in Zambia, where between 16-22% of cannot work well if they are weak and have the population is infected. The consequences poor health from malnutrition, thus creating of this high HIV prevalence rate are reflected a cycle of malnutrition, poor health and povin poverty indicators such as infant mortal- erty. My experiences in Zambia have taught ity rate (9.84%) and life expectancy at birth me that comprehensive education addressing (35.18 years). these problems can break this cycle. My desire to join the Peace Corps resulted In my work, I implemented a holistic from many cross-cultural and service-ori- approach to health education by linking ented experiences, including my time with lessons on farming techniques, health, CHANGES at USCHS. CHANGES was an economics and nutrition. Women’s groups 66

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Spring 2005

David with one-year-old neighbor David Mwanza

were taught about the nutritional value of complete proteins and fat, especially for children. We discussed how soy beans provide these nutritional qualities. We invited agriculture officers to teach the women sustainable farming techniques for the crop. I taught the women simple business principles of cost, revenue, profit and investment, so that they could begin their own small businesses of farming and selling soy beans. This comprehensive educational program proved successful and the amount of soy grown in the area increased greatly during my last year in Zambia. The women’s groups raised a significant amount of money to buy agricultural inputs for the following year, and other villagers became interested in learning about the nutritional benefits of soy beans. I’ve come to conclude from my experiences in Zambia that education is the most effective method to overcome HIV and to ultimately achieve successful development. Unfortunately, the Peace Corps Zambia program, which focuses on education, has recently been forced to reduced operations due to a cut in U.S. government funding. I remain grateful for the opportunity to have served in Zambia as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer and for the wonderful friendships I formed with Zambians in my village.  David Seidenfeld graduated from USCHS in 1996, Cornell University in 2000, and served as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in Zambia from January 2002 to May 2004. He was one of the featured speakers during International Education Week held this past November at Upper St. Clair High School. David currently lives in Shadyside. His fiancée, Allison Brummel, was also a Peace Corps volunteer in Zambia.

Café Ike Opens at Eisenhower

Eisenhower cook Chris Groschner stands next to his Café Ike design.

Unless you have a child attending

Eisenhower Elementary, you may have missed the opening of this quaint bistro located in the school’s nutrition center. The opening of Café Ike on November 13 was a terrific success according to Mark Miller, Eisenhower’s principal. Instead of the traditional long tables found in most school cafeterias, smaller tables were placed throughout the room. Students are seated at different tables each day, similar to being seated at a restaurant. Each table has a flower arrangement, and students take turns as table captains to make sure the tables are clean at the end of their lunch period. The atmosphere of the bistro is enhanced by the Café Ike

logo, designed by Chris Groschner, Eisenhower’s cook. Miller said the addition of Café Ike was a move to improve the building, while at the same time encourage students to use restaurant-type behavior while eating at school. “Kids know how to behave when they are in a restaurant,” stated Miller. “Our school setting reinforces good behavior and manners.” Since making the change, teachers and cafeteria staff have noticed the children have acted more politely. They’ve also noticed less noise and less debris on the nutrition center’s floor after lunch. Bernie Harrison, the head custodian at Eisenhower, said there has been a 30- to 40minute improvement in clean-up time since Café Ike has been in business. 

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Mark Miller, principal at Eisenhower, and teachers Shannon Dominick and Michele Scureman are ready to seat students at Café Ike.

Boyce Celebrates MOYA with Community Breakfast Justin Gremba, Boyce Middle School Administrative Assistant Thursday, October 28, 2004, Boyce Middle School held a breakfast to celebrate

the Month of the Young Adolescent (MOYA). MOYA was started by the National Middle School Association to honor the ever-changing ten- to 15-year-old student. The breakfast, coordinated in part by Boyce student council members, was designed to bring community members of Upper St. Clair into the school to see how a middle school student spends his day. The fifth and sixth level students invited their neighbors and relatives who did not have children attending Boyce to the event. Guests were entertained with a skit entitled Boyce’s Top 10, a top ten list of how you know you are in the presence of a middle school student. Following the skit, the sixth level chorus performed two songs for the guests. The morning’s activities concluded with a breakfast and the students offering guided tours of the building. The invited guests were excited to be in the building and to take part in the middle school experience. Student council members, with the assistance of Boyce teachers, went above and beyond to make the morning memorable for everyone.  Spring 2005

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2005 Upper St. Clair School District Calendar (March–May 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 March 2005

April 2005

1 BA–Kindergarten Registration 2 ST–PTA Council @ 9:30 a.m. EI–Kindergarten Registration 3 HS–Ring Orders @ Lunch Mods and 4-7 p.m. ST–Snuggle Up and Read @ 7 p.m. ST–Kindergarten Registration 4 HS–Ring Orders @ Lunch Mods HS–Musical Performance (Theatre) @ 7:30 p.m. 5 HS–Musical Performance (Theatre) @ 7:30 p.m. 6 HS–Musical Performance Matinee (Theatre) @ 2 p.m. 7-11 BO–6th Level Achievement Tests BA/EI/ST–Levels 1 & 2 Achievement Tests 8 BA–PTA Meeting (LGI) @ 9:30 a.m. 9 HS–Musical Performance (Theatre) @ 6:30 p.m. BO–PTA Meeting @ 9:30 a.m. 10 HS–Musical Performance (Theatre) @ 6:30 p.m. HS–Band Parent Meeting (LGI) @ 7:30 p.m. FC–PTA Meeting (MPR) @ 9:30 a.m. 11 HS–Musical Performance (Theatre) @ 7:30 p.m. EI–PTA Meeting @ 9:30 a.m. 12 HS–SAT Test HS–Musical Performance (Theatre) @ 7:30 p.m. 14-18 BA/EI/ST–4th Level Achievement Tests 15 HS–River City Brass Band (Theatre) @ 8:00 p.m. 16 HS–PTSO Meeting (Room 148/149) @ 9:30 a.m. HS–Winter Sports Banquet ST–3rd Level Special Night @ 7-9 p.m. 17 HS–Band Parent Chaperone Meeting (Band Room) @ 7 p.m. FC–Early Dismissal @ 1:40 p.m. FC–Spring Exhibit & Nationality Fair @ 7-9 p.m. EI–Kindergarten Social 21-25 Spring Recess–No School 28 Teacher Inservice–No School 31 BO–Choral Concert @ 2:30 p.m. BO–Choral Concert (HS Theatre) @ 7:30 p.m.

4-15 HS–11th Grade PSSA Math/Reading Test FC–8th Level PSSA Math/Reading Test FC–7th Level PSSA Math/Reading Field Test BO–5th Level PSSA Math/Reading Test BO–6th Level PSSA Math/Reading Field Test BA/EI/ST–3rd Level PSSA Math/Reading Test BA/EI/ST–4th Level PSSA Math/Reading Field Test 4 BO–IB 4th Level Parent Meeting (LGI) @ 7 p.m. 5 HS–River City Brass Band (Theatre) @ 8 p.m. 6 HS–Band Parent Pre-Trip Meeting (Theatre) @ 7 p.m. BO–PTA Council @ 9:30 a.m. BA–Variety Show (HS Theatre) @ 7:30 p.m. 7 ST–2nd Level Special Night @ 7-9 p.m. Third Marking Period Ends 8 EI–PTA Meeting @ 9:30 a.m. 11 BO–IB 6th Level Parent Meeting (LGI) @ 7 p.m. 12 ST–PTA Meeting @ 9:30 a.m. BA–PTA Meeting (LGI) @ 9:30 a.m. 13 HS–Band Parent Meeting (Band Room) @ 7:30 p.m. BO–PTA Meeting @ 9:30 a.m. 14 FC–PTA Meeting (MPR) @ 9:30 a.m. BO–Band Concert @ 2:30 p.m. BO–Band Concert (HS Theatre) @ 7:30 p.m. 15 BA–Variety Show (HS Theatre) @ 7:30 p.m. 17 HS–Final Band Parents Chaperone Meeting (Choral Room) @ 7 p.m. 18 FC–IB 8th Level Parent Meeting (MPR) @ 7 p.m. 19-21 BA/EI/ST–Science Round-Up (HS LGI Room) @ 7 a.m.-3 p.m. 19 BO–5th Level Parent Meeting @ 7 p.m. 20 HS–PAC Meeting @ 8:30 a.m. HS–PTSO Meeting (Room 148/149) @ 9:30 a.m. 21-22 HS–Senior Cap/Gown Distribution 21 EI–Level 3 Social @ 7:30-8:15 p.m. Report Cards Distributed–Third Report 22 FC–Social (Gym/MPR/NC) @ 8-10 p.m. 25-29 HS–IB Art Exhibit (LGI) @ 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 25 HS–Pre-Trip Concert (Theatre/Gym) @ 7 p.m. 27-28 BO–PTA Scholastic Book Fair 27 EI–Spring Musical @ 7:30 p.m. 28 BO–Early Dismissal @ 1:45 p.m. BO–Spring Exhibit @ 7-9 p.m. 29 ST–Arbor Day Festival 30 BO–Deer Valley Parent Training (LGI) @ 7-9 p.m.

May 2005 2-13 HS–AP Testing 2-24 HS–IB Tests 4 HS–PTA Council @ 9:30 a.m. (Followed by Spring Luncheon) FC–Choral Musical (HS Theatre) @ 9:30 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. 5 BA/ST–Early Dismissal @ 12:45 p.m. BA/ST–Spring Exhibit @ 7-9 p.m. BA–Book Fair 6 HS–Senior Progress Reports Sent 6-27 HS Spring Art Exhibit 10 HS–River City Brass Band (Theatre) @ 8 p.m. ST–PTA Meeting @ 9:30 a.m. BA–PTA Meeting (LGI) @ 11:30 a.m. K-11 Progress Reports Sent 11 HS–IB 10th Level Certification Ceremony (LGI) @ 7 p.m. BO–PTA Meeting @ 9:30 a.m. BA–Chorus Program (MPR) @ 1:45 p.m. 11-12 EI–Book Fair 12 HS–Quill & Scroll Induction (LGI) @ 3:30 p.m. FC–PTA Meeting (MPR) @ 9:30 a.m. ST–Teacher Appreciation Luncheon ST–Spring Choral Concert @ 7:30 p.m. EI–Early Dismissal @ 12:45 p.m. EI–Spring Exhibit @ 7-9 p.m. BA–Chorus Program (MPR) @ 8:30 a.m. BA–Spring Musical @ 7:30 p.m. 17 HS–Art Awards Night (LGI) @ 5-10 p.m. BA/EI/ST–Elementary Strings Concert (HS Theatre) @ 7:30 p.m. 18 HS–PTSO Meeting (Room 148/149) @ 9:30 a.m. HS–Spring Sports Banquet ST–4th Level Special Night @ 7-9 p.m. 19 HS–Senior Banquet FC–Band Concert (HS Theatre) @ 7:30 p.m. 20 HS–Band Parent Changeover Meeting (LGI) @ 7:30 p.m. FC–Teacher Appreciation Luncheon @ 11:15 a.m. ST–Fun & Fitness Night EI–PTA Meeting @ 9:30 a.m. 21 Community Day 23 ST–PTA Luncheon 24 HS–Band Concert (Theatre) @ 7:30 p.m. EI–4th Level Farewell (HS) @ 6-9 p.m. 25-26 HS–Band Orientation (Band Room) @ 4-6 p.m. 26 BA/EI/ST–Elementary Band Concert (HS Theatre) @ 7:30 p.m. BA/EI–3rd Level Moyer Testing 27 HS–Band Orientation (Band Room & Stadium) @ 4-7:30 p.m. ST–3rd Level Moyer Testing (AM) 30 Memorial Day–No School 31 HS–Awards Night @ 5:45 p.m.

USC Community Day

2005

Saturday, May 21 USC Recreation Center parking lot and surrounding grounds 68

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2005

Upper St. Clair Students Donate Life-Size Dinosaur to ASSET Upper St. Clair students recently

donated a model of a life-size dinosaur to ASSET (Achieving Student Success through Excellence in Teaching) Inc., where it’s on display for science teachers across the region. The six-by-twelve-foot Velociraptor was constructed by 58 sixth graders from Boyce Middle School in 1999. Middle School Science Curriculum Leader and sixth grade teacher, Jim Smoyer, purchased a model of a small Velociraptor that year to use in his International Baccalaureate classes. He thought the model would be helpful in their studies about prehistoric life in science class and ratio and proportions in math class. “We came up with the idea of having the students build the same dinosaur to life-size scale,” Smoyer said. “The project taught the students the importance of preciseness, ratio and scale. It was a great lesson in science to be as precise as you can be with the tools and materials you have available.” Students were first taught how to do scale drawings. They were then given lots of practice. After improving their skills, students were assigned one or two of the 61 pieces to construct. Using a oneto-four ratio, each student drew a piece of the dinosaur skeleton on large sheets of graph paper. During the meticulous process, students made revisions to their drawings, cut out patterns, glued them on plywood and learned how to use and cut the wood with a jigsaw. The assembled dinosaur was on display during the 19992000 school year, but it has been hiding in storage ever since.

Among the 58 students who worked on the sixth grade project and are currently juniors at Upper St. Clair High School are (left to right): Michael Spina, John Paul Zelik, Josh Betz, Ben Burns, Ashley Young with Boyce Middle School teacher Jim Smoyer.

When Smoyer attended ASSET’s tenth anniversary open house and saw the organization’s new materials showcase area, he decided to donate the dinosaur so it could be on permanent display. He hopes the dinosaur project will serve as an example to teachers across the region of incorporating innovative ways for students to explore, design and apply math and science concepts.

About ASSET Established by Bayer Corporation and other community partners in 1994, ASSET currently provides K-8 standardsbased science materials and teacher professional development programs that directly impact 3000 teachers and 63,000

students in 45 school districts, charter and private schools. Students in more than 180 ASSET member schools across Western Pennsylvania experience standards-based learning materials using an inquiry approach and are taught by teachers who receive professional development directly linked to the curriculum. The largest program of its kind in the state, ASSET is the only one of 22 educational reform programs originally funded by the National Science Foundation that has achieved operational self-sustaining status. ASSET Inc. is an independent, nonprofit education reform initiative dedicated to continuously improve the abilities of teachers, with initial efforts in K-8 science and technology education. 

Treasures 4 Tutors Treasures were turned into cash on October 2, 2004,

as Coldwell Banker of Upper St Clair sponsored a Treasures 4 Tutors sidewalk sale to start an after-school homework program at Boyce Middle School. Karen Brown, principal at Boyce, expressed a need for funds to start up an after-school homework program which would help students who struggle with homework and supply them with tutors and tools to aid them. Many items were donated and gathered from the community, faculty and realtors for the sale. A total of $726 was raised. Coldwell Banker of Upper St Clair was glad to help Boyce with this fundraiser in appreciation of a school district and

community that serves the industry so well. The office is under the management of Sandy Learish. The sale was organized by Realtor Stacy Romanias, with the help of Realtors Michelle Bonner, Maryann Brown, Janine Dillon, Paula Franklin, Kathryn Gerhart, Wayne Happe, Judy Hlister, Jennifer Lips, Anita Poage, Michael Powers, Kathy Sekeres and Paula Stoltz. Music accompanied the event and was provided by Manny Romanias of Archipelago DJ Services.  Spring 2005

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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4 large egg whites 2 large eggs Cooking spray Strawberry Sauce Candied Lemon Rind

Cut a horizontal slit through bottom crust of each slice of bread to form a pocket. Combine powdered sugar and cream cheese; stir well. Spread mixture evenly into pockets of bread. Place 6 bread slices in each of two large, shallow baking dishes. Set aside. Combine milk, sugar, vanilla extract, egg whites, and eggs in a bowl; beat well with a wire whisk. Pour milk mixture evenly over bread slices. Cover and chill 1 hour or until liquid is absorbed. (For a dryer version of this French toast, dip bread slices into mixture just before cooking instead of soaking.) Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray, and place over medium heat until hot. Arrange half of bread slices in skillet, and cook 3 minutes. Turn bread over, and cook 3 minutes or until browned. Remove from skillet. Repeat procedure with the remaining bread slices. Serve with strawberry sauce, and garnish with candied lemon rind. Yield: 6 servings (serving size: 2 slices toast and 1/2 cup sauce)

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Calling All Walkers

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Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

Race for the Cure®

Calling all walkers! Enter the 17 th annual MS Walk in Pittsburgh, sponsored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society on Sunday, April 17, 2005. Check-in begins promptly at 8 a.m. at the Chevrolet Amphitheatre at Station Square with the walk beginning at 9 a.m. For more information visit www.nmss-pgh.org or phone 412-261-6347.

On Sunday, May 8, 2005, the Pittsburgh Race for the Cure® begins at Flagstaff Hill in Schenley Park. Mother’s Day is the perfect day to walk and show your support for breast cancer research. For more information visit

www.pittsburghraceforthecure.org or phone 412-521-2873(CURE). Spring 2005

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Around the Township

Medallion Ball 2004

Congratulations to the 25 Medallion Ball honorees of Upper St. Clair. The 41st Medallion Ball, under the patronage of His Excellency Reverend Donald W. Wuerl, Catholic Bishop of Pittsburgh and St. Lucyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Auxiliary to the Blind, was held on November 26, 2004. These young women have made significant contributions to their community by demonstrating an unselfish willingness to share. Having performed at least 100 hours of community service, they carry on the St. Lucyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tradition of a rich heritage, a mission to serve and the aspiration of a bright future. Photos provided by Rocky Raco Studios.

Sasha Behling

Kelsey Bird

Claire Buechel

Elissa Criner

Annamarie Cugini

Honour Delaney

Claire DiIlio

Kathryn Fitzgerald

Meaghan Goldner

Lara Hillier

Eliza Hudson

Leslie Julius

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2005

Katie Law

Lindsay Lewis

Laura McCann

Shannon McMinn

Sara Meegan

Kathryn Mucha

Bevin Murphy

Lisa Norkus

Nicole Paladino

Anne Palermo

Bethany Pashel

Jillian Pawlak

… they carry on the St. Lucy’s tradition of a rich heritage, a mission to serve and the aspiration of a bright future. Alexandra Rizzi Spring 2005

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Athletic Recruiting—How it Works Jim Render

Joe Paterno and Sean Lee “We are Penn State!”

I could probably write a book about

my experiences with college coaches and the parents of high school football players. There certainly would be a chapter about several people in Uniontown who were upset with me because I did not find someone to take the SAT test for a star running back who was not academically qualified. I was told that my predecessor would have gotten the job done. A few years later when the young man was shot and severely wounded over a drug deal gone bad, I wondered if that was also my fault. When I was a graduate assistant coach at West Virginia University, the recruiting coordinator sent me to Western Pennsylvania to check on a big lineman. The young man was shy a few credits for admission, but the high school coach said that would not be a problem as he would change the grades if I would just tell him what was needed. If I told you what this big lineman does for a living today, you would think you were reading MAD magazine rather than UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. By the way, we did not take him as a member of the WVU football team. Then there was the college coach who happened to be “in the area” on Christmas day and dropped by to return a film and discuss a player. He later used my office as a hotel room and was in the shower when I arrived to work. There have been Pitt fans who did not speak to me for two years because one of 74

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

my players committed to Penn State without visiting Pitt. I guess I was naive to think it was the player and his family who were supposed to be happy for four years. People seem to be fascinated by the recruiting process of high school athletes. It’s a hot topic on radio talk shows as well as a major story in all of the newspapers when a player visits or commits to a university. What used to be a hobby for people has now become an avocation and, in some cases, a profession. The Internet has drastically changed recruiting. Joe Butler, of Mt. Lebanon, has a business called Metro Index Scouting Services that provides information and videotapes to colleges that pay for his services. He also has technique camps that test prospective athletes. There are newspapers such as Pennsylvania Football News and Blue and White Illustrated that spend hours tracking how high school football players are performing and what colleges they anticipate visiting. I received calls from the student newspapers at Duke and Iowa wanting me to confirm when Sean Lee was coming to visit their campus. They also wanted to know when he would be making the all important decision. Have you ever thought about the millions of dollars spent on influencing high school athletes?

Judge Donald Lee with Joe Paterno

There are a lot of colleges in the U.S., and they’re all spending money on recruiting—the bigger the school the bigger the budget. Recruiting never ends. Expenses for phone bills, postage, rental cars, meal allowances, hotels, airplane travel, on campus hosting and salaries for recruiting coordinators and their secretaries never end. Head coaches often travel in a university or private aircraft so that they can see several players in one day and return to campus for evening or early morning functions.

Spring 2005

National Letter of Intent Day is always the first Wednesday in February when signed papers are faxed to the universities, making a binding contract between a player and his chosen school. Make no mistake—this is a business arrangement. Colleges are not giving scholarships. They are expecting the young man to help them to do three things. First of all, to win the conference championship; secondly, to help make the university attractive to television money; and, finally, the third expectation is to go to a major bowl game and win. Just win!

Sean Lee— The Recruiting Time Table: January 2004 to February 2005 January 2004 I attend the American Football Coaches Associates convention in Orlando. Coaches start asking questions about Sean Lee. Some of them stop by the high school later in the month hoping to bump into him. They want to verify his height and weight. If I tell them that his father is a cousin of the Boston Strangler and his mother wants to start a Mafia wives support group, they would believe me. However, when I talk about a player’s height, weight and speed, they want this information crosschecked and triple verified. Colleges are looking for size, speed and explosion. They could care less about the success of his high school team or if his sister is an All American soccer player. February–April Sean starts getting mail from around the country. Colleges from USC (the one on the West Coast) to Florida State, including Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Iowa, Maryland, Northwestern, Duke, West Virginia University and, of course, Pitt and Penn State, begin sending letters. The letters continue through the summer and fall, sometimes two and three a week. Maryland sent the most. The letters say: Come to our summer camp. Come to our campus for an unofficial visit or game. We have a wonderful academic institution. Our games will be televised on the following dates. Did you see us win last week? Good luck in

your upcoming season and game. We will be following your progress. Did you know we have over 20 guys currently playing in the NFL? May The college coaches are back on the road and into the high schools. They are not supposed to talk with players unless they happen to bump into them. I’ve arranged for quite a few bumps in my time. The visiting coaches are requesting junior game films to show their head coach and the rest of their staff. West Virginia assistant coach Tony Gibson calls me and confirms they are going to offer Sean a scholarship. They are the first to offer, but Iowa, Indiana, Miami of Ohio and Duke are not far behind. Coach Bob Junko of Pitt wants to offer, but Walt Harris says that he should come to their camp before they formally extend an offer. Tom Bradley of Penn State assures me that he is very interested, but that he wants the linebacker coach to be just as convinced. June We begin preparation for summer passing camps. I take Sean to WVU for a junior recruiting and work out day. Coach Rich Rodriguez calls both of us into his office to convey how much they like Sean. Later that month, our team goes to Penn State for a passing camp. Most of the PSU coaches drop by for an up close and personal evaluation. July We host our own passing camp at Panther stadium with other WPIAL teams. Joe Butler of Metro Index comes every day to look at the talent. I attend the Big 33 game on July 23 and have a discussion with Coach Harris about Sean. Walt is not happy that Sean did not come to their camp. I suggest (strongly) that Walt come to one of our games and watch Sean play football rather than only evaluate him in short pants at a summer camp. The discussion did not end on a happy note, but we remain friends. August Coach Harris and I had a continuation of our Big 33 discussion at his office complex in the Southside. In short, he agrees to come to one of our games. Practice begins on August 9 for WPIAL high schools.

��

Continued on page 77 Spring 2005

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Prof iles

on USC Residents

Stephen M. Colodny, M.D., has been elected to a one-year term as chairman of St. Clair Hospital’s board of directors. Dr. Colodny is board certified in internal medicine and practices with Pittsburgh Infectious Diseases, Ltd. in Upper St. Clair. He has been a member of St. Clair Hospital’s medical staff for over 15 years and a member of the board of directors since 2001. Dr. Colodny completed his undergraduate work at Middlebury College in Vermont and received his medical degree from the New York Medical College. He completed his internal medicine residency at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts, and a post doctoral fellowship in infectious diseases at Yale-New Haven Hospital at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Christopher T. Lee, a shareholder with Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote, P.C., received the Attorney of the Year award at the McDonald’s Annual Claims and Litigation Workshop. Mr. Lee is co-chair of the food and beverage industry practice group and concentrates his practice in the areas of food and beverage liability. “We’re proud that Christopher’s work in food and beverage has been recognized by such a prominent company in the industry,” Jeffrey T. Wiley, managing director of Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote, said. “Christopher continues to be an asset for this firm and his clients.” Chris and his wife, Kristy, have two children, Morgan, a third grader, and Erin, who is in kindergarten.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Klos Family On December 11, 2004, The Pennsylvania Society presented its 97 th Gold Medal to then Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge during their December festivities at the Waldorf=Astoria in New York City. To accent the event, the Society’s Board of Directors commissioned Upper St. Clair’s own Klos family to exhibit their rare historic ephemera; A Wet Ink Transfer of the Declaration of Independence, the 1781 Official Journals of the United States in Congress Assembled with a full printing of the Articles of Confederation and the first public printing of the U. S. Constitution. Also displayed with these pivotal U.S. Alexandra Klos, Mariesha Klos, Eilleen Klos documents for the event’s 2100 guests were with father, Stan Klos letters and documents written by previous Society Gold Medalists Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford, Herbert Hoover, George Marshall, Andrew W. Mellon, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John Cardinal O’Connor, Mamie Eisenhower, Arnold Palmer, Bill Cosby and George H. W. Bush. The Pennsylvania Society was organized on April 25, 1899, with the objective to “Cultivate social intercourse among its members, and to promote their best interest; to collect historical material relating to the State of Pennsylvania, and keep alive its memory in New York.” In 1909 The Pennsylvania Society expanded its mission by developing a Gold Medal “… to be awarded by the Society from time to time to such persons as Eilleen Klos with the Declaration of Independence it may wish to especially honor for distinguished achievement.” The Klos Family 2004 exhibits also include James Madison University, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Madison’s Montpelier, The Smithsonian’s traveling exhibit The American Presidency a Glorious Burden, The State Capital Building of Virginia, The State Capital of the United States, The Franklin D. Roosevelt Heritage Center and the 2004 Republican National Convention. For more information on these exhibits contact Eilleen Klos at 1-800-620-1776. 

In Memorium Sympathy is extended to the family of Ed Long, who recently passed away. Ed served our community as Township Board of Commissioner from 1978-1996 and 1999-2003.

Spring 2005

Athletic Recruiting—How it Works Continued from page 75

September Our football games begin and recruiting is done mostly by mail. Sean is elected captain of the football team and leads us to victory in the first five games. October 1–We play Bethel Park (away) and Walt Harris and Paul Rhodes, the defensive coordinator at Pitt, come to the game as promised. Linebacker Coach Ron Vanderlinden of Penn State is also in the stands. Sean is brilliant and gains 281 yards rushing, intercepts a pass, and is a major force in shutting out Bethel Park, 31-0. 2–Penn State calls and officially makes Sean an offer. 3–Pitt calls and does the same. Coach Harris liked what he saw. 23–Sean and his family go to the Penn State vs. Iowa game in State College. He gets to see his two favorite schools play. November USCHS Panthers remain undefeated and are practicing for the playoffs. Coaches from Duke and Northwestern fly into Pittsburgh to watch our practice. Thanksgiving Day–Sean and his family attend the Pitt vs. West Virginia game. December Recruiting is in full swing. Everyone wants Sean to come to their school for an official visit. A maximum of five visits are allowed. All of the assistant coaches are coming to the High School for visits. They are permitted one visit per week. Poor Cindy Storer, the athletic director’s secretary. She is constantly being interrupted at her desk to help out the many football recruiters. All coaches are trying to arrange an in-the-home visit to sell their university to Sean and his parents. Pitt, WVU, Iowa and Penn State are Sean’s top choices. Georgia Tech and Duke won’t give up and are trying to arrange flights to come in one more time. Penn State’s Bradley calls and wants Sean to make a decision. He beats me up on the phone, but I shrug it off. Sean has to be happy with his decision. He is now getting very tired with homework, basketball, minor injuries and recruiting all going on at the same time. 3-4–Sean and his family take an official visit to West Virginia. They spend an evening at Coach Rodriguez’s home on Cheat Lake.

8–Bradley is being persistent, but we stick to our guns. 9–Coach Junko comes to the high school to talk with Sean about the Fiesta Bowl and the speculation about Walt Harris going to Stanford. Two days later Walt leaves Pitt for Stanford. 10–Sean and his parents, Craig and Geralyn, fly to Iowa for Sean’s official visit. Head Coach and Upper St. Clair native Kirk Ferentz makes the visit a great one. The Lee family is very impressed with Kirk’s program. Kirk gets a standing ovation from the Iowa fans when he walks into the basketball arena for the game with Iowa State. The Lees fly home on Sunday morning to attend the Upper St Clair football banquet that evening. 14–Coach Ferentz flies into Pittsburgh with his assistant, Ken O’Keefe, for our basketball game with Chartiers Valley. Following the game, we go to Outback for dinner and a home visit. At 10:30 p.m., Kirk and Ken leave for the airport where a private plane takes them home to Iowa City. 15–Coach Rodriguez and his assistant, Tony Gibson, drive in from Morgantown to talk with Sean and to watch basketball practice. Coach Rodriguez challenges Sean to a game of HORSE. In his street shoes, the coach competes very well and the game is tied when Coach Holzer starts the real practice. We go to Outback after practice for another home visit. 16–Coach Bradley picks up Joe Paterno at the Pittsburgh Airport and they come to USCHS for a family meeting before basketball practice. Joe enjoys meeting Sean’s grandfather, Judge Donald Lee, as well as grandmother, Annie, and particularly Geralyn, who has many questions for Joe. Coach Paterno tells Sean he came to Pittsburgh to hear Sean say that he is coming to Penn State. Without hesitation, Sean shakes the hand of a legend and commits to the Nittany Lions. The journey is unofficially over. February 2005 2–Sean Lee signs a NCAA National Letter of Intent with Penn State. He is officially committed. 

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Spring 2005

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Sean Casey—

A Tr u e S u p e r s t a r

Wayne Herrod

In 1980 Mobay Company decided to

transfer Jim Casey to its Pittsburgh office. At that time, Jim and his wife, Joan, were looking for a couple of things for their young family—an outstanding school district and an outstanding youth sports program. They decided that the Township of Upper St Clair fit the bill. Upper St. Clair’s gain was Plainview, New Jersey’s loss. Jim Casey brought his family, including a six-year-old son, Sean, and an eight-year-old daughter, Beth, to Upper St. Clair with a dream. The gain to USC is evident. The Caseys embraced Upper St. Clair and Jim and Joan have become stalwarts of the community. Young Sean went on to become one of USCHS’s most famous athletes. In 1992, during his senior year of high school, Sean led the USC Panthers to their only WPIAL baseball championship. Nine years later Sean was inducted into the 2001 Upper St. Clair High School Sports Hall of Fame. Many USC athletes have won WPIAL championships, and some of them have also been inducted into the USCHS Halls of Fame, but there is only one Sean Casey. Sean happens to be an all-star first baseman for the Cincinnati Reds, a true major league superstar. What makes Sean even more of a hero is that he is also a superstar of a father, husband and man. Sean has played for the Reds for the last seven years. His career batting average currently stands at .304, placing him seventh in the league in batting. He has over 1000 hits in his career and batted .332 with 197 hits in 1999. He has played in three all star games. A true superstar, indeed! w

ir sons, Jacob and Andre

Mandi and Sean with the 78

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2005

Batting practice can never start too early.

Sean’s USC baseball jersey (#22) was retired at a ceremony at Baker Field behind Baker Elementary School to honor him on a warm September afternoon hailed as Sean Casey Day. A crowd of approximately 350 friends, family and fans, as well as fellow Reds teammates Juan Castro, Jason Larue, Ryan Freel, John Riedling, announcer George Grande and director of media relations Rob Butcher were there for the event. The ceremony was initiated and coordinated by Jerry Malarkey, current USCHS head baseball coach, who was also Sean’s coach in 1992.

Sean and his parents, Jim and Joan Casey

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Before the ceremony I asked Coach Malarkey about the School District honoring Sean this way. “Sean deserves it,” said Jerry. “Besides being a great player, Sean is an even better person. He is a true ambassador of baseball and has never forgotten from where he came.” Rob Butcher said, “Sean is such a wonderful person. There is not a more thoughtful person I know. I can say without reservation that he is the most liked player in all of major league baseball and also the best player I have ever worked with.” I enjoyed talking to Sean for a few minutes before the ceremony. He made me feel like a longtime friend because of his warm and generous nature. The following are Sean’s responses to my questions during our interview. About this ceremony: It is such a great honor to have my high school jersey retired. I am humbled by it. It’s so great to be honored in my hometown of Upper St Clair. Pittsburgh is home. About winning the 1992 High School WPIAL: It remains one of my greatest baseball thrills and coming back to Baker Field brings back such great memories. This is very special. About getting the first hit at PNC Park: When I came up to bat I knew that no player had a hit yet. I really wanted to get the first hit in my hometown. For it to be a homerun was that much more exciting. I promised my mom and dad that I was going to play in the major leagues in Pittsburgh. It happened to be that I was playing for Cincinnati, but I was in the major leagues and I was in Pittsburgh. It was awesome! Years ago, Sean’s dad, Jim, told a younger Sean never to give up and to follow your dreams. Sean’s dream was to play in the major leagues. Sean never gave up on his dream.

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The Skies Above Us Dennis Fisher

PROUDLY INTRODUCES…

As I sit here writing this article and looking out my window, the skies are filled

with clouds and it’s raining again. Another oh so typical weather day in Pittsburgh. However, this condition has not slowed down my desire to get out at night with the telescope and have some fun looking for various objects in the sky. Even if the photography is unsuccessful (as it frequently is), it’s still enjoyable to search, observe and marvel at some of the wonders in the skies when it is clear. Actually, I think if it were clear all the time, it might get boring. At least this way, I get to appreciate the clear nights when they do occur. Even though there are many objects in the night skies to observe throughout the year, events happen that make this activity even more worthwhile at special times.

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Special Events Over The Years Although there have certainly been events in the skies other than the ones I list here, the following are the most noteworthy and ones that I’ve taken photographs of, even before I had telescopic equipment. 1997 Comet Hale-Bopp

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2003 Conjunction with Mars The planet Mars is the next planet out from us in the solar system. Although we can see Mars during many times of the year, none was so striking to observe as during the August 2003 conjunction of Mars and Earth. During that period of time, the Martian orbit brought the red planet closer to Earth than it had been in the past 60,000 years. As a result, Mars appeared as a large, bright orange object in the southern sky. Because both planets are constantly moving, the conjunction did not last long, and within a month, Mars was again fading to a small red dot. However, during the conjunction, it provided quite a sight.

Comet Hale-Bopp, April 1997

On July 23, 1995, an unusually bright comet outside of Jupiter’s orbit was discovered independently by Alan Hale of New Mexico and Thomas Bopp of Arizona. The comet became known as Hale-Bopp (oddly enough) and was one of the brightest comets ever seen. Before the comet completed its journey toward the sun and then back out into deep space, it passed within 122,000,000 miles of Earth. As a reference, the sun is about 93,000,000 miles from Earth, so this comet’s approach was very close indeed. The comet could be seen for many months with the naked eye, mainly to the north during its peak. This picture was taken looking to the north, which, for me, is looking right at all of the lights from South Hills Village. Still, the comet was bright enough to show up vividly. Spring 2005

Mars, August 2003

Mars, August 2003, courtesy A. Vergot

The Transit of Venus Our other neighbor in the solar system as we move toward the sun is the planet Venus. Venus can be seen frequently throughout the year, especially in the morning when it’s rising in the east. It’s also sometimes called the morning star because of its extreme brightness in the early morning eastern sky. Since the orbit of Venus is inside ours relative to our respective positions from the sun, one would think that the occurrence on June 8, 2004, would be more frequent. However, on that day during sunrise, Venus could be seen crossing in front of the surface of the sun. This was the first time that this event had occurred in 122 years. This event normally comes in pairs and the next such transit will be on June 5, 2012. It will not then occur again for more than 100 years. The event was fairly brief, lasting only about 40 minutes here in this area, but it was quite visible. Since it occurred during sunrise, the sun was not fully bright and the event could be seen with the naked eye (barely). However, with a special filter, the following pictures were captured through the telescope.

Sun and Venus

Total Lunar Eclipse Although not uncommon, a full lunar eclipse is a sight to behold. The moon orbits the Earth in a slightly wobbly orbit that carries it somewhat north and south of the Earth’s equator. However, when the positioning is just right, during the full moon the Earth can be placed right between the

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Venus transit across the sun, June 8, 2004

Lunar eclipse (continuous exposure)

Comments can be sent to Dennis Fisher at the following email address: darkskyfish@hotmail.com. More of Adrian Vergot’s work can be seen on his website: www.compsci.duq.edu/~vergot/astronomy Spring 2005

Marlene McNaughton ext. 122

412-831-0100 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Sean Casey—A True Superstar Continued from page 79

homeruns that get longer every year. Sean yelled to Mr. Grande, “Well, it was then!” Everyone laughed. Sean laughed the loudest. There was also praise—lots of it! Dr. Kushner praised Sean for his generosity, but also for giving something more precious for a man with a beautiful wife, Mandi, and two marvelous children, Andrew, three and a half and Jacob, two—Sean gives of his time. George relayed stories of Sean’s visits to hospitals, his involvement with Big Brothers and Sisters and the Cerebral Palsy Foundation in Cincinnati. He has also teamed with Kim Nuxhall, director of the Joe Nuxhall Character Education n ch Jerry Malarkey and Sea coa Barry Bonds and Se ll eba bas ool Fund, to develop the Casey Charsch h Hig an Casey at a recen t matchup acter in Schools program. Funded by The ceremony was mixed with humor, Sean, the program has printed 100,000 “You kids have fun. You are young. Enjoy praise, thanks, sentimentality and tears. character cards and 15,000 posters. Sean laughed and cried. Speakers kidded The ceremony’s attention turned to a baseball because you will always remember and praised. Sean’s self-deprecating humor covered easel. Sean’s jersey was uncov- it and appreciate it. If you have a dream, was evident when Dr. Terrence Kushner, ered. Sean was visibly touched when Jerry follow it. You can do it if you want to do Upper St. Clair School District’s assistant revealed the framed high school jersey, in- it. I am a perfect example. Always, always, superintendent, kidded Sean about being cluding both Sean’s high school photo and follow your dream!”  cheap because he still owned his 1996 the Cincinnati Reds photo in it. Honda. Sean laughed and corrected him. Sean looked at the jersey, “It’s a 1995 Honda, Dr. K.” gave Coach Malarkey a hug, then George Grande stepped to the podium, walked to the podium. He took a paused and looked out to Baker’s right deep breath and looked back at the centerfield. He turned to Sean and said, jersey and pictures. “Wow, I don’t “Sean, you told me it was 450 feet to right remember being that ugly in high center.” (It was only 380 feet.) This was school.” (He was not, by the way). an obvious reference to Sean’s legendary Then quickly Sean turned serious. He thanked the many people who contributed to his success, and talked about his mom and dad. He thanked his dad for making him follow his dream. He kidded his mom about still loving her despite the fact that she didn’t play catch with him. Sean became emotional. His speech was stopped by his tears. His love for his parents was obvious as they hugged one another. It was an emotional day for everyone at Baker Field, not only the Casey family. Sean took a moment to compose himself. His speech could have ended right then, but he continued with an important message. Despite it being Sean Casey Day, Sean celebrates a high school moment. he remembered to include the kids. Sean and his mom , Joan, hug.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2005

Tours of the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation Bus Tour of Historic Loft Apartments When: Saturday, April 2, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Fee: $35 PHLF members; $45 non-members Reservations: 412-471-5808, ext. 527; marylu@phlf.org Join the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation for a tour of the Heinz Lofts on Pittsburgh’s North Shore, the Liberty Bank Building in East Liberty, and the former Union National Bank, downtown. Meeting location: Outside The Shops at Station Square, opposite the parking garage. Bus Tour of Historic “Green” Buildings When: Saturday, April 16, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Fee: (including refreshments): $45 members; $55 non-members Reservations: 412-471-5808, ext. 527; marylu@phlf.org Tour the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, downtown; the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, North Side; and the Terminal Buildings and E-House, South Side. Meeting location: CCI Building, 64 South 14th Street (South Side) Bridges and More Walking Tours When: Wednesdays: May 4, 11, 18, 25, noon-1 p.m. Saturday: May 21, 10-11:30 a.m.; or 1:30-3 p.m. Fee: Free to the public. Reservations: 412-471-5808, ext. 527; marylu@phlf.org In honor of National Preservation Month and in cooperation with the Working Hearts special events program, the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation will lead free walks across the Three Sisters Allegheny River bridges, and along the North Shore and Fort Duquesne Boulevard, past CAPA and the Convention Center. Meeting location: Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel, 107 Sixth Street, downtown. 

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

The Wesley Institute Hosts Celebrating Children is pleased to invite the community to Wesley’s Gala, on March 12, 2005, at the Hilton Garden Inn at Southpointe. The evening is filled with great fun, food and entertainment, along with spectacular live and silent auction items. This year’s gala will also celebrate the Wesley Institute’s 40th anniversary of building a stronger future, child by child. All proceeds from this event will directly benefit the children Wesley serves. For 40 years, the Wesley Institute has brought hope to the lives of thousands of children and their families. Wesley currently serves more than 900 children with mental and behavioral health issues. The gala features a silent and live auction event. The lead live auction item for Wesley’s gala is a seven-day SeaDream Yacht Club vacation in the Caribbean or Mexico valued at $11,800 per couple and offers an intimate yachting experience. Other auction items will include passes to Disney World, Pittsburgh Steelers autographed footballs, jewelry, a $2000 Colonial Gallery gift certificate, dozens of local dining certificates and theme baskets. Individual tickets are $150 and a table of eight is $1200. Call 412-831-9390 with questions, or to make a reservation.  The Wesley Institute

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Football Champs fe harmon pu f04 pg 83 USE OLD FILM

Congratulations to the 10- and 11-year-old USC black team who won the Greater

19 Youth Football League 10- and 11-year-old division championship on November 20 at Seneca Valley. The Panthers beat the Peters Township Indians’ black team in overtime for a final score of 12-6. The Panthers were undefeated in regular season play. Players are JT Perryman, Steven Gannon, Frank Perryman, Matthew Hesse, Brian Griffith, James Southorn, Stephen Gielarowski, Alex Shogry, Sam Cramer, Jacob Millorino, Nick Dasdorf, Tyler Green, Ian Park, Nathan Cross, Shawn Gannon, Conrad Kerr, Sean McGinness, Tim Durr, Derik Young, Tyler Reid, Mike Siegfried and DJ Scarton. Coaches are Mark Griffith, Jim Perryman, Warren Siegfried and Ray Gannon. 

k j

Old Man Winter —Jay Walsh

I’m tired of you Old Man Winter You’ve been around much too long. I think it’s time you stepped aside To allow the robin her sweet song.

Now take away your awesome blanket That you have deepened all around, It’s time you did permit the crocus To start peeking through the ground.

Enough tassel hats, boots and mittens And road crews working night and day, No more snow tires, ice or fender-benders I think it’s time you finally go away. Please! No more of all your drifting snow Just look at the damage you have done, Rooftops, awnings and all the potholes Your wintry season’s no longer fun. I’m sick of all your chilling winds And of each new utility bill I see, Now I think it’s time you bid us adieu Let us preserve our precious energy. We’ve had too many of your cruel tricks We can’t put up with one more thing, It is time for you to wave goodbye Let Mother Nature usher in the spring.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2005

Families Invited to Family Fun Fest 2005 State Senator John Pippy is sponsoring the

second annual Family Fun Fest on Saturday, May 7, 2005, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Upper St. Clair High School. All residents are invited to attend this free fun-filled, educational, entertaining event, which offers something of interest for everyone. Last year more than one thousand people, children and adults alike, attended and enjoyed a broad variety of activities, exhibits, instruction, interactive events and games, all with emphasis on family and child safety. For additional information, contact Susan Nichols at 412-571-3822. 

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Free Income Tax Assistance The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site number 141 will be

at the South Hills Bible Chapel, room #002 for the 2004 tax year. South Hills Bible Chapel is located at 300 Gallery Drive in McMurray, approximately six miles south of South Hills Village. Free tax service is being offered now through April 15, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The doors of the church open at 8 a.m. There are no Saturday hours. VITA will be closed on March 25 in observance of Good Friday. Appointments aren’t necessary—walk-ins only. Please don’t call the church regarding VITA. VITA volunteers also assist taxpayers in the preparation of Pennsylvania tax returns, real estate/rent rebate forms, PACE forms and local wage taxes. Please bring all required documentation, including copies of Federal and Pennsylvania returns for the 2003 tax year, and any 2004 tax packages received in the mail.  Spring 2005

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Serving Upper St. Clair Churches and Synagogues St. David’s Episcopal Church 905 E. McMurray Road, Peters Twp. 724-941-4060

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

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

Beth-El Nursery School 1900 Cochran Road, Mt. Lebanon 412-561-1168 Christ United Methodist Child Care Center 44 Highland Road—412-854-4310

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

First Bethel United Church Weekday Ministries 5901 Library Road, Bethel Park—412-835-6141

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

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

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 1066 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-531-7153

Montessori Early Childhood Center 2400 Old Washington Road—412-835-3340

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alliance Church of Upper St. Clair 2510 Old Washington Road—412-835-4775 Berean Fellowship Church 300 Rockfield Circle, Scott Township 412-220-4673 Bethany Presbyterian Church 740 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville 412-221-5132 Beth-El Congregation Of South Hills 1900 Cochran Road, Mt. Lebanon 412-561-1168 Bethel Presbyterian Church 2999 Bethel Church Road, Bethel Park 412-835-0405

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

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

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

Faith Lutheran Church of Upper St. Clair 80 Bartley Road—412-835-4590

South Hills Presbyterian Church in America 110 Hays Road—724-941-3480 www.southhillspca.org

First Bethel United Methodist Church 5901 Library Road, Bethel Park—412-835-0700 First Church of Christ Scientist 1100 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon 412-561-1125

Temple Emmanuel 1250 Bower Hill Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-279-7600

Full Gospel Church of Carnegie 1050 Campbells Run Road, Carnegie—412-279-2996 Good Shepherd Church USC High School, LGI Room Office: 2430 Old Washington Road—412-835-8354 Holy Child Parish 212 Station Street, Bridgeville—412-221-5213 Holy Cross Greek Orthodox 123 Gilkeson Road, Mt. Lebanon 412-833-3355 Hope Lutheran Church 2799 Old Washington Road—724-941-9441 Mt. Lebanon Christian Church Cedar Blvd., at Hollycrest Dr., Mt. Lebanon 412-531-8554 Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church 255 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-531-3387 New Day Assembly of God 701 Circle Drive—724-941-1661 New Song Church 3755 Library Road, Castle Shannon 412-341-1293 Our Redeemer Lutheran Church (ELCA) Route 19, McMurray—724-941-7467 Peters Creek United Presbyterian Church 250 Brookwood Road, Peters Twp.—724-941-6210 Ruthfred Lutheran Church Patterson and South Park Roads, Bethel Park 412-835-7140 86

Nursery Schools

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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

Mushroom Family Learning Center 1240 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon 412-531-1225 Noah’s Ark Preschool-Our Redeemer Lutheran Route 19, McMurray—724-942-6699 St. Agatha Montessori Preschool Bridgeville—412-221-4720 St. David’s Episcopal Preschool McMurray and Hays—724-941-2058 St. Paul’s Episcopal Nursery Washington and Mayfair, Mt. Lebanon 412-531-2644 Temple Emmanuel 1250 Bower Hill Road, Scott Twp.—412-279-7687 Westminster Nursery School 2040 Washington Road—412-835-2906 YMCA 79 McMurray Road—412-833-5600

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

Day Care (Adult)

Day Care (Children)

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

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

Spring 2005

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

Band Festival to Feature Local Bands

BUSINESSES a t y o u r S e r v i c e

��

�� The second annual Three Rivers

Community Band Festival will bring together four of the best local community bands, one from each of the region’s four quadrants. The festival is scheduled for Sunday, April 10 at the Upper St. Clair Theatre. The host of the program will be Jim Cunningham, station manager of WQED-FM. The price of a ticket for this 2:30 p.m. show? Whatever is affordable—you decide. Donations to help defray festival costs will be gratefully accepted. Free reserved tickets are recommended. Event chairperson Roger Schneider has a long history of involvement with local amateur and semi-professional musicians. According to Schneider, community bands are a great outlet for former high school and college band members who decide that the end of school isn’t the end of playing and performing. He adds that the Three Rivers Community Band Festival is truly a showcase of the many musically talented individuals in the Greater Pittsburgh area, and the concert promises a wide variety of music that will appeal to a wide range of tastes. The highlight of the afternoon will be the finale numbers, performed with over 200 musicians from all four bands on the stage, under the direction of guest conductor Dr. Edwin P. Arnold, Chairman of Music and Fine Arts and Director of Bands at Grove City College. The festival was created in 2004 by the East Winds Symphonic Band. Established in 1981 with 24 members, the group now brings together over 50 serious amateur musicians from all walks of life, primarily from the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh. The band’s rich repertoire includes symphonic band classics, symphonic transcriptions, Broadway show tunes, themes from movie scores, Dixieland, Big Band and marches. Conductor Susan Sands has been directing the East Winds Symphonic Band since 1990.

Other participating bands include Community Band South, which represents the South Hills communities. This brass, woodwind and percussion band is co-directed by Dean Streator, former teacher of instrumental music at Bethel Park High School and James Bennett, retired director of bands and chairman of Fine Arts from the Upper St. Clair School District. Since its premier concert on December 14, 1987, at Upper St. Clair High School, Community Band South has been entertaining audiences throughout the communities from which its membership is drawn, performing an average of 15 shows each year. The North Suburban Symphonic Band, led by Conductor Carl T. Iezzi and assistant conductor Jason J. Dilliott, will enrich the afternoon with quality symphonic band selections. Founded in 1992, North Suburban’s 60-some members continue to expand the role of the community band in America. The band will present four concerts in its 200405 season, in addition to performing in the band festival. The West Hills Symphonic Band was founded in 1967 by Joseph Picchi. Since 1998, Anthony L. DiIanni, U.S.N., Retired, has led this group of 55 to 70 members. With over 170 concerts under its belt, the band is known for consistent quality productions from a repertoire that includes Big Band, symphonic music, marches and show tunes. Festival-goers can enjoy light refreshments after the concert as well as have the chance to meet and greet the musicians. To reserve free show tickets and for more information on the Three Rivers Community Band Festival to be held Sunday, April 10, call 724-327-4874 or visit the website at www.ewsb.com/festival. 

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Spring 2005

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Local Clubs and Organizations Directory 1830 Log House Association Kimberly Guzzi ......................................................412-851-0570 American Assoc. of Retired Persons Jean Locke ...........................................................412-220-0717 American Assoc. of University Women Helpline........................................................... 1-800-326-AAUW Bethel-St. Clair Evening Rotary Club Tom Atkins..............................................................412-901-0987 Boy Scouts of America Darla DiGiovanni .................................................412-471-2927 Boyce Road Gardeners Phyllis Kender, Registrar ....................................... 412-221-3118 Brookside Women’s Club Pat Babcock ........................................................ 412-831-0704 Civil Air Patrol Glenn Ward.......................................................... 412-221-0846 Community Foundation of USC Linda Serene, Executive Director....................... 412-831-1107 Different Strokes Tennis League Gina Braun ...........................................................412-221-5717 Friends of the Library Henry Higman, President ....................................412-833-5713 Friends of the Montour Trail in Bethel Park Peter Kohnke, President ...................................... 412-854-1835 Girl Scouts of USC Colleen Pikras .......................................................412-854-8150 Junior Woman’s Club, a Department of the Woman’s Club of USC ............................... 412-835-9607 League of Women Voters Laryn Finder ......................................................... 412-835-4097 Lifespan Virginia Jorofcik, Executive Director .................. 412-464-1300 Mothers and More Kari Halloran......................................................... 412-278-0529 PTA Council Amy Billerbeck ......................................................412-833-2712 Parent/Teacher/Student Organization (PTSO) Marsha Roche .....................................................412-835-0622 South Hills Chamber of Commerce www.shchamber.org ..........................................412-833-1177 South Hills Chorale (Performances) Jean Wright.......................................................... 412-429-9501 South Hills College Club Toni Tierny, President ............................................ 412-343-2527 South Hills Cotillion Club www.southhillscotillionclub.org ..........................412-221-5976 South Hills Interfaith Ministry (SHIM) Barbara Houston, Program Director .................. 412-854-9120 South Hills Junior Orchestra Janet Vukotich .....................................................412-341-5160 South Hills Kennel Club Thomas Oelschlager ........................................... 724-941-6973

Town Hall South Ann Gabler .......................................................... 412-221-0297 USC Athletic Association Rick Murray, President ..........................................724-941-7183 Baseball......................Rick Murray .................. 724-941-7183 Boys’ Basketball .........Jeff Conn ..................... 412-257-3239 Girls’ Basketball..........Tom Burke..................... 412-221-8591 Football ......................Joe DeMarco .............. 412-221-1325 Softball........................Keith Henderson.......... 412-833-2430 Fall Soccer..................Bill Littrell ....................... 412-835-7533 Traveling Soccer ........Craig Howie................. 412-835-2128 Wrestling .....................Jim Wilding................... 412-835-4270 Fields & Facilities ........Bill Barnard ................... 412-833-9374 Concession Stand .....Roseanne Geyer ......... 412-854-4314 USC Band Parents Jim and Tara Gilson .............................................412-220-6077 USC-Bethel Park Breakfast Rotary Club Susan Hicks........................................................... 412-833-7753 USC Chamber of Commerce Rosemary Siddall ................................................. 412-833-9111 USC Citizens for Land Stewardship Tracey Buckman.................................................. 412-831-3289 USC Coterie ...........................................................412-833-6945 USC Democratic Committee Chris McNally ....................................................... 412-851-1918 USC Historical Society Jean Brown .......................................................... 412-833-2323 USC Hockey Club Bob Lohman ........................................................ 412-854-0807 USC League for the Arts Dave Criner, President ........................................412-831-6025 USC Library Lois Hoop, Director .............................................. 412-835-5540 USC Lions Club Wesley Hurst ......................................................... 724-941-8329 USC Lions Club Plastic Trash Bag Sales Wesley Hurst ......................................................... 724-941-8329 USC Newcomers Club Desiree Kottenstette, President...........................412-854-1434 USC Republican Committee Jim Bolas .............................................................. 412-833-9841 USC Senior Citizens Lynn Walcoff, Coordinator.................................. 412-831-9000 USC Swim Club Audrey Reilly, President ........................................412-429-0316 USC Volunteer Firefighters Jerry Kopach, Jr., President ................................ 412-835-0660 USC Welcome Wagon Barbara Brown ......................................................412-851-9103 USC Woman’s Club .............................................. 412-835-9607 YMCA South Hills Area Martin Brocco ...................................................... 412-833-5600

The next Local Clubs and Organizations Directory will be published in the fall 2005 issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. Please call the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY office by Friday, May 20, 2005, if your club or organization would like to be listed in our directory, if we have wrong information, or if the club or organization’s information is expected to change by September 2005 at 412-833-1600, extension 2284. Thank you. 88

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Spring 2005

$ $ $

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Mt. Lebanon Junior Women’s Club The Mt. Lebanon Junior Women’s Club (MLJWC) announced its new executive board of di-

rectors for 2004-05. MLJWC is a civic, philanthropic and social organization founded in 1968 by ten women. It has grown to an annual membership of over 80 women across the South Hills. The membership is made up of women with and without children, women staying home to take care of their children, and women who work outside of the home, both full and part-time. The club focuses on advancing the status of women and children in the community through volunteer efforts and by providing financial support to well-deserving charities. MLJWC typically meets the third Wednesday of each month (September through November and January through May) at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Washington Road in Mt. Lebanon at 7 p.m.  For more information on MLJWC, please call Laurel Flaherty at 412-278-0301 or log onto their website at www.mljwc.org.

Front row, left to right: Julie Unitas Giba, parliamentarian; Margaret Izzo, public relations; Stacey Franklin, president; Jodi Kubit, first vice president. Second row: Kathy Teresi, benefit chair; Laurel Flaherty, second vice president; Colleen Frank, treasurer; Elizabeth Rychcik, third vice president; Samantha Routh, corresponding secretary; Tricia Eccher, recording secretary; Susan Byrne, philanthropy.

Spring 2005

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Advertiser Index

Spring 2005

Advertiser

Page

Advertiser

Page

Action Builders ...................................................................................................22 Alcorn Christie Insurance Agency .........................................................................4 * Angelo Associates, Inc. ......................................................................................21 * ARAMARK ...........................................................................................................65 * Blackstone Fine Jewelers ......................................................................................1 Brenlove Real Estate Management .......................................................................92 C. W. Carlson Contractors, Inc. ..........................................................................81 * Calabro Tire & Auto Service ...............................................................................79 * Carlson Wagonlit Travel ......................................................................................48 Catalucci Painting & Restoration, Interior & Exterior ..........................................87 Changing Seasons Learning Center ...................................................................84 Chatham College ..................................................................................................3 Churchill Real Estate Services ............................................................................31 * Clark Construction Company .............................................................................16 * Coffey Contracting Company ..............................................................................19 * Coldwell Banker–Route 19 South/Galleria, USC, South Hills, Peters Twp. Offices .................................................52, 53, 54 * Coldwell Banker Real Estate, Inc. Corporate ............................. Back outside cover Coldwell Banker–Leigh Harkreader & Kathi Kernan ............................................92 Coldwell Banker–Waterdam Farms .....................................................................59 Crandall, Steven R. D.M.D. .................................................................................45 * Cupelli & Cupelli, Drs. .......................................................................................62 Deckmasters Technologies .................................................................................21 Deep Creek Mountain Resort ...................................................................insert, 11 Design Image Salon ............................................................................................49 “Dirt” Dugan Landscaping, Inc. ...........................................................................20 Don’s Appliances ................................................................................................18 Elegant Impressions .............................................................................................8 Ferry Electric Company ......................................................................................22 Footloose ...........................................................................................................41 Friendship Village of South Hills ........................................................................75 * Gabler & Associates, P.C. ...................................................................................59 * George Girty Landscape Design .........................................................................21 Gurtner, Steven M., D.M.D. and Gurtner, Maggie, D.M.D. ....................................4 Gutter Helmet .....................................................................................................21 Harmon F. E., Inc. ................................................................................................84 Hefren-Tillotson, Inc. ..........................................................................................15 * Henderson Brothers, Inc. ....................................................................................77 * Herman J. Heyl Florist ..........................................................................................8 * Howard Hanna Real Estate Services ........................................... Front inside cover Howard Hanna–Maureen Cavanaugh .................................................................67 * Howard Hanna–Susan Highley ...........................................................................25 * Howard Hanna–Diane Horvath ...........................................................................63 Jacksons Restaurant-Rotisserie-Bar .....................................................................9 Jamie’s Restaurant ..............................................................................................71 * Janet Hays & Company Dance Studio ................................................................61 * Jaro Interiors, Inc. ..............................................................................................65

Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh ................................................67 Keller Williams–* Sandy and Marshall Goldstein ...............................................60 Keller Williams–Marcie G. Smith .......................................................................85 * Kerr Family and Cosmetic Dentistry ...................................................................49 * Lesko Builders and Remodelers .........................................................................20 Little Lambs of Hope Christian Preschool ..........................................................62 * Manalo, Larry E., D.M.D. ....................................................................................48 Mellon Private Wealth Management Services .....................................................27 Mt. Lebanon Montessori School and Academy ...................................................87 Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center ..........................................................................27 National City Bank ..............................................................................................83 New Perspectives Counseling Center .................................................................87 Northwood Realty–Bonnie Detwiler and Marlene McNaughton ..........................81 Outback Steakhouse ...........................................................................................71 P & W SAAB ............................................................................... Back inside cover Pentagon Printing Corporation ............................................................................91 Petrelli & Sons, A., Inc. ......................................................................................20 Piccolina’s Restaurant .........................................................................................48 * Pinebridge Commons Associates .......................................................................48 Providence Point .....................................................................................insert, 13 * Prudential Preferred Realty–Route 19 South .........................................................2 * Prudential Preferred Realty–Judy Ward ..............................................................40 Quaker State Construction ..................................................................................19 * Regis McQuaide & Co. Master Remodelers, Inc. ................................................19 * Robin Richards Photography ..............................................................................63 Rohrich Cadillac .................................................................................................85 Rollier’s Hardware ...............................................................................................89 * Rusmur Floors ....................................................................................................17 * Scott Bros. Windows and Doors ................................................. back inside cover * Sesame Inn .........................................................................................................70 Severns Dentistry & Orthodontics ......................................................................33 * Silk Road Gourmet Chinese Restaurant ..............................................................70 * South Hills Orthopaedic Surgery Associates, P.C. ..............................................78 * St. Clair Fitness & Racquet Club ........................................................................37 * St. Clair Hospital ........................................................................ front cover,46, 47 * State Farm Insurance–Cindy Brophy ..................................................................48 Steel Valley Orthopedic Associates, Inc. .............................................................61 Studio 7 Salon ......................................................................................................8 Tambellini Restaurant, Bridgeville .......................................................................70 The Little Gym of Pittsburgh - South Hills ..........................................................89 * The Thomas Studio of Performing Arts, Inc. .......................................................37 Tournesol ..............................................................................................................8 Tucker Arensberg Attorneys–Charles P. McCullough, Esq. .................................87 Valley Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. ...............................................................19 Wellington Real Estate–Patty Thomas .................................................................80 Westminster Presbyterian Church .......................................................................83 * You’re Invited ........................................................................................................9

Advertise with UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, in publication since 1994. Phone: 412.833.1600, extension 2284 • Fax: 412-851-2592 Website: www.twpusc.org/magazine/

Classifieds

*The above VIP advertisers, who are advertising in this issue, have contributed their support for a minimum of 20 issues. 90

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2005

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

Our job is much more than just ink on paper… • Commercial Printing Professionals • Personal Attention on Every Job • Consultative Services • Expert Graphic Designers on Staff • Electronic Pre-Press and Computer to Plate Capabilities

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Wants to Hear From You! Extra time on your hands? Passionate about a particular subject? Volunteer to write for UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. Give us a report card. What do you enjoy about our publication? How can we do better? Send us your thoughts and suggestions. Send written response to: UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Editor 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

Spring 2005

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

AIRVIEW

COMMONS

UNIQUE RENTAL APAR TMENT HOMES – 1 LEVEL

• Spacious (1,100 Sq. Ft.) one level

apartment homes in a residential neighborhood. Located near Boyce Road in South Fayette Township.

ce R oad

Lawnsha d o w

Boy

Green woo d

Firwoo d Meado w

Gre enw ood

ood odhaven

Wash ingto n P ik

Firw

• Each apartment has: 2 bedrooms,

2 baths, fully equipped kitchen, in apartment full size laundry, fire place, wall to wall carpeting, 9 ft. or cathedral ceilings. 1 or 2 car integral garage, private and convenient to Boyce Road.

From Rt. 19 to Boyce Road, right on Lawnshadow Drive, right on Greenwood Drive to 125 or 127 Greenwood Drive.

BRENLOVE REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT

Over 25 years of Family Ownership & Management. Renting apartments, duplexes and single family homes in Upper St. Clair, South Fayette Twp., Bridgeville and Crafton.

FOR MORE RENTAL INFORMATION CALL ( 412 ) 221-1190

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2005

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Check out these fabulous Upper St. Clair area homes! Point. Click. Custom colonial on a great lot! Gourmet kit, fmrm mstr suite w/ fp, 6Br, 3.5Ba, Sunrm, 3 car garage! Nancy Heffernan 412-344-0500 $595,000

Gorgeous inside and out! Completely updated brick ranch, 3Br, 2.5Ba, famrm fireplace, den gmrm, 2 car garage! Emily Shonberg 412-344-0500 $229,900

Move.

Lovely Tudor, hdwd flrs, 4Br, w/ porch off mstr, 2.5Ba, famrm fireplace, gmrm, youthful decor! Sandy Hanson 412-344-0500 $244,900

Contemporary, walls of windows w/ spectacular views; den or 5th Br, 2+2Ba, sunken fmrm w/ fp daylite gmrm! Leigh Harkreader 412-344-0500 $359,000

Lovely 4Br, 2.5Ba colonial, gorgeous hdwd flrs, fmrm fp, walkout bsmnt, dek, extra wide yard! Kathi Kernan 412-344-0500 $219,900

Quality stucco, brick Tudor entirely updated, 4Br, 2+2Ba, fmrm fp, den, gmrm, deck overlooks large yard! Helen Moore 412-833-5405 $496,000

Classic Colonial, great curb appeal, gleaming hdwd flrs, spacious rooms, 4Br, 2+2Ba, lvrm fp, gmrm, deck! Kathy Sekeras 412-833-5405 $339,000

Brookside Farms updated Colonial, 3Br, 2.5Ba, fmrm fp, gmrm, 2 car garage, level driveway, parklike lot! Stacy Romanias 412-833-5405 $219,000

Spacious Colonial on pvt lot on dead end street close to shops, recreation and high school! 4Br, 2.5Ba, fmrm, den! Paula Stoltz 412-833-5405 $199,900

Traditional ranch w/ tons of storage space, new furnace & air, 3Br, 2.5Ba, famrm, large front & back yard! Anita Poage 412-833-5405 $179,500

Super home! 4Br, 2 full & 2 partial Baths. Elegant high ceiling, bsmnt w/ gmrm, 1st floor laundry and more! Inder Kaistha 412-831-5555 $249,900

Brookside Farms, open flr plan, updates throughout, 4Br, 2.5Ba, fp in lvrm & fmrm, 2nd flr laundry, screened patio! Suzanne Sala 412-831-5555 $299,900

Deerfield Manor, spacious country French multi, 5Br, 3.5Ba, paneled fmrm w/ fp gourmet kit, gorgeous treed lot! Ginny Macaul 412-831-5555 $398,600

Well cared for end twnhme w/ open flr plan, kit w/ brkfst bar, fmrm fp, 2Br w/ full Ba, mstr Br fp! Tade Bua-Bell 412-343-7711 $159,900

More People in the South Suburbs chose Coldwell Banker to sell their home in November.

Northwood

8% Prudential

9% Owned And Operated By NRT Incorporated.

20%

Howard Hanna 19%

1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

Homes listed on the market November 1-30, 2004 Owned And Operated By NRT Incorporated. If your home is currently listed with a real estate broker please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. Listings taken based on West Penn Multi-List between November 1 and November 30, 2004 in SAL (Upper St. Clair, Mt. Lebanon, Betehl Park, South Park, Jefferson Boro, Pleasant Hills, Scott Twp.-SAL, Baldwin Twp., South Side, Mt. Washington, Allentown, Arlington, Beltzhoover, Knoxville, Carrick, Bon Air, Mt. Oliver, Overbrook, Brentwood, Whitehall, Baldwin Boro, Duquesne, Homestead, West Homestead, Lincoln Place, Munhall, West Elizabeth, Whitaker, Dravosburg, Clairton, West Mifflin, Castle Shannon, Beechview, Brookline, Dormont).

ECRWSS* CARRIER ROUTE

POSTAL CUSTOMER Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

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