SPRING 2006 by UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Magazine

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Some People Think Any Real Estate

Roberta Allen

Hope Bassichis

Michelle Bonnar

Carpenter Team

Linda Cobb

Jim Cuddy

Barbara Cusick

Darla D’Anna

Janine Dillon

Kathryn Gerhart

Dal Goldstein

Judy Hlister

Elaine Krelis

Alexis McAdoo

Deona Miller

Lisa Moeser

Helen Moore

Pat Paslowski

Toni Petrucci

Tulla Rakoczy

Stacy Romanias

Kathy Sekeras

Karen Skrainy

Paula Stoltz

Jim Walsh

Jane Washil

Sandy Wiedt

Mariann Ziegler

Tade Bua-Bell

Sandy Learish

Office Managers

South Hills/USC Office

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

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Spring 2006

Company Will Do. Others Expect More.

Nancy Beaulieu

Bonnie Byrnes

Anita Crago

Kathy Donoghue

Kathy Enick

John Geisler

Edith Gidwani

Genie Gooding

Lois Goodrich

Sandy Hanson

Leigh Harkreader

Heather Harrison

Nancy Heffernan

Sydnie Jones

Sue Kelso

Kathi Kernan

Jane Krauth

Julie Leslie

Joyce Lewis

Don & Arlene Murray

Shirley Schultz

Mary Torchia

Mary Ann Wellener

Virginia Montgomery Office Manager

Expect More

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Discrimination • Harassment FMLA • ADA

Training & Investigations Mediation & Arbitration

“Discourage Litigation – Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can.” Abraham Lincoln 6

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2006

• Volume 12

•

Issue 1

Features and Around the Township 13

Welcome Back Sean Casey A USC grad comes back to Pittsburgh to play ball.

The Country Just Over the Hill Jim Meston introduces his new surroundings.

Moms Who Tri Erin Allen shares her triathlon experience.

Medallion Ball Recipients

Lady and the Tiger

Skills for Life–Celebrity Night

Boyce Road Gardeners

Twenty-seven young women from Upper St. Clair receive well-deserved recognition.

Guide to Good Health Plan properly for end-of-life wishes.

Township 22

Newly Elected Township Commissioners Meet Kenneth Brown and Karen McElhinny, our new commissioners.

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

Community Development Read the annual publication concerning flood protection and insurance.

The Flavor of Our Neighborhood Upper St. Clair Library can help teach you about the Greater Pittsburgh region.

McLaughlin Run Streamside Stabilization Project Walter Jarosh reports on a project that involved the Township of Upper St. Clair and the Municipality of Bethel Park.

School District 52

Newly Elected School Board Members Meet Carol Coliane, Daniel Iracki, and William Sulkowski, our new school board directors.

Putting Your Best Foot Forward Boyce Middle School students help Katrina victims.

Did You Know? A recurring column letting you know facts about our students and teachers.

A Message of Hope Trisha Meili (AKA the Central Park Jogger) shares her inspirational story with USCHS seniors.

Art in Our Schools What art means in Upper St. Clair.

Advertising Guides 38 42 50 81

Pinebridge Commons Home Improvement Dining Businesses at Your Service

Cover 14

This cover of the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine, featuring children from the Extended Day Program in Upper St. Clair, is underwritten by Extended Day Services. See pages 14 and 15 for a feature article on this organization that has served Upper St. Clair families with before and after school programs, half-day kindergarten care, and full-day summer camp for over 15 years. Cover photography provided Helinski. Spring 2006 by Bill UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Publishers

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

Dr. James D. Lombardo Superintendent of Schools

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

Douglas A. Watkins Township Manager Steering Committee Thomas A. Labanc School District Representative Mark S. Mansfield Senior 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, Senior Advertising Associate Laurie Buker, Advertising Associate Kathy Christie, Advertising Associate Thank you to our volunteer contributors this issue: Erin Allen, Anne Benda, Megan Burdette, Janine Despines, Dina Fulmer, Wayne Herrod, Walter Jarosh, Frank Kohler, Jim Meston, Jim Render, Rafael Sciullo, Mary Lynne Spazok, and Michelle Zirngibl. A special thank you to USCHS students Alex Ellison and Cullyn Thomson for their help with this issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY.

The 45th issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a joint

The 45th 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

William M. Sulkowski, President Mark G. Trombetta, Vice President David E. Bluey Barbara L. Bolas Carol B. Coliane Glenn G. Groninger Daniel A. Iracki Jeffrey W. Joyce Angela B. Petersen

Ched Mertz, President, Ward 4 Bill Bates, Vice President, At Large Preston W. Shimer, Ward 1 Kenneth L. Brown, Ward 2 Robert W. Orchowski, Ward 3 Frank E. Marsh, Ward 5 Karen M. McElhinny, At Large

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

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

in Upper St. Clair. Extra copies of the magazine are available at the Township of Upper St. Clair Municipal Building and 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 2006 issue and will be published in May 2006. 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.

Reproduction of this magazine, in whole or in part, without the express written consent of the Editor is strictly prohibited.

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 8

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2006

Deadline for articles and advertising for the Summer 2006 issue is closed. Deadline for articles and advertising for the Fall 2006 issue is June 1, 2006. Article Information Editor-in-Chief 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 fax: 412-851-2592 email: cdemarco@uscsd.k12.pa.us Visit our Website: www.twpusc.org/magazine

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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

Dr. James D. Lombardo

Douglas A. Watkins

Welcome to the 45th edition of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, our spring issue. It’s a new year and on to new things. Just as many of you made New Year’s resolutions, so, too, did the Township and the School District of Upper St. Clair set priorities and goals, seeking ways to make what’s already good, better. This remains an ongoing process in our community, visible through the continued progress in our schools and in our Township. Many years and much commitment by those who live and work here have shaped what Upper St. Clair is today—an example of excellence. We should take pride in the fact that our community remains on top in all areas of assessment. The Township received recognition by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). Boyce Mayview Park is developing and received the distinction as a regional asset of Allegheny County, which will allow for Regional Asset District (RAD) funding. Our police department graduated its fifth class of residents who embraced the Citizens’ Police Academy, a citizens’ course on law enforcement. Our Township-organized senior citizens group is a lively group of people who are very active in our community. All the schools in the District received the Pennsylvania Department of Education Keystone Achievement Award for meeting state enforced academic standards. The High School library was selected as a national Site Visit School by the Association of School Librarians, reflecting national recognition of our academic excellence. Through the holidays, many of our students were inspired to help others less fortunate and contributed locally and nationally through school effort, showing financial and heart-felt support for many causes. Many communities desire a standard that Upper St. Clair has achieved. Help us to keep this benchmark high by fulfilling your part as a resident of this Township—get involved! Opportunities abound for volunteerism in our schools and in our community. Let us show you how. Daily, as we each strive to do and be better, may your personal resolutions meet with your expectations. Happy spring! Sincerely,

Sincerely,

Dr. James D. Lombardo Superintendent of Schools

Douglas A. Watkins Township Manager

T O D A Y

Celebrating 11 Years of Publication

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 10

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2006

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

For Lease - 8400 sq ft (will subdivide)

Route 19 and Boyce Road Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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: http://murphy.house.gov/ E-mail: murphy@mail.house.gov

Iraq’s Growing and Determined Democracy Many have argued we need a timeline for when American

troops withdraw from Iraq. One needs to look no further than our own country’s history to see that while there are difficulties facing Iraq, overcoming obstacles leads to great reward. In 1776, Thomas Paine wrote, “These are the times that try men’s souls,” to describe the predicament of General George Washington and the Continental Army. At the time, Washington was still without a major victory against a far superior British force. Mired in what was a difficult situation, Washington could have given up. Instead, he finished the job, and nearly 230 years later, we live in the greatest country on earth because of his commitment to freedom. In one year, Iraqis have put together a constitution and elected a government. By comparison, it took our forefathers 13 years

Westminster Presbyterian Church

A Caring Community of Faith Join us each Sunday morning for Traditional Worship at 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship at 9:30 a.m. Sunday School and Adult Classes at 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Westminster Presbyterian Church 2040 Washington Rd. l Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Call 412.835.6630 or visit www.westminster-church.org

Lenten Activities begin Wednesday, March 1 Visit our website for a complete listing All are invited 12

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2006

Congressman Murph y sharin with Pennsylvania tro g Thanksgiving dinner ops stationed in Iraq

between our Declaration of Independence and the ratification of our Constitution and even then it did not include the Bill of Rights that guaranteed us free speech. This is despite Al Qaeda and insurgent attempts to destroy the government and take over the region themselves. We cannot allow that to happen, and we must continue moving forward despite the obstacles.

As Iraq continues to move in the right direction, we must also remember that Iraq is the frontline in the war on terror, and there is still difficult work ahead. In December’s elections, Iraq’s Sunni Arabs participated in huge numbers after sitting out of January’s vote and previously opposing Iraq’s constitution in October. It shows the Sunnis are beginning to embrace the changes being made, and all Iraqis are now using the democratic process to express their views and form their own government. With the seating of the new government, along with the building of the Iraqi Security Forces, the country is on the right path towards a free, sovereign, and democratic Iraq. During my trip to Iraq over Thanksgiving, I met with the leaders of the Iraqi security forces. General Mehdi told us repeatedly he was confident his soldiers could handle future security and showed us the large sections of Baghdad and Iraq now under Iraqi control. More and more of his troops are taking the lead in battles, and more Iraqi citizens are calling in tips of terrorist sightings. As a result, we have begun to reduce the number of American troops in Iraq. As Iraq continues to move in the right direction, we must also remember that Iraq is the frontline in the war on terror, and there is still difficult work ahead. Our enemies are determined to prevent democracy from taking root in Iraq and seek to destroy our way of life here at home. They will seek out every opportunity to wreak havoc, which is why we cannot set an artificial date of departure and cannot leave Iraq until victory is achieved. The stakes are high in Iraq. By standing with the Iraqis and helping them to build a nation that is capable of governing, sustaining, and defending itself, America will have a crucial ally in the war on terror. Meeting these challenges will allow us to bring our troops home. 

Welcome Back Sean Casey

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Wayne Herrod

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Photo courtesy of Eleanor Bailey

E R

Welcome back. Your dreams were your ticket out. Welcome back, To that same old place that you laughed about. Well, the names have all changed since you hung around. But those dreams have remained and they’ve turned around. Who’d have thought they’d lead ya, Back here where we need ya. Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back! —John Sebastian 1976

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This hit song was written for the television show “Welcome Back

Kotter.” But if you read (or sing) the words it could have been written on December 9, 2005, about USC native Sean Casey and his acquisition by the Pittsburgh Pirates in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds. Last year Sean told us that his childhood dream was to play for the Pirates. He told his dad that someday he was going to play in Pittsburgh in a Pirates uniform. As we know, that didn’t happen right away. Sean was first drafted by the Cleveland Indians and then traded to the Cincinnati Reds and played there for eight years. He made three All Star teams and has a career batting average of 305. Last year, he was fifth in the league in hitting while wearing a Reds uniform. Last summer at a ceremony at Baker Park honoring Sean, he told everyone to “Never give up on your dreams and that dreams do come true.” Well, Sean’s dream came true and he kept that promise to his dad of wearing the black and gold someday. The stories that have been written about Sean coming to the Pirates tell you a lot about Sean Casey, the man. His baseball statistics are tremendous, but the stories included more about Sean’s generosity, his charitable work, and his great personality. Sean’s positive attitude will be a plus to the Pirates organization; Cincinnati’s loss is Pittsburgh’s gain. Sean and his wife, Mandi, return to Pittsburgh with their three children: Andrew, Jacob, and recent addition Carli Renee. The happiest people in town are Sean’s parents, USC residents Jim and Joan Casey. “We are ecstatic that our grandkids are coming home!” said Jim. Sean even joked about this at his press conference hinting and laughing that his babysitting costs will go down. Joan joked about Sean’s statement saying, “I have already straightened that out. I’m the grandma, not the baby sitter.” In addition to Sean’s proud parents, many in Pittsburgh are also excited about Sean coming home to play ball as a Pirate, waiting to see that sweet batting stroke pound hits all over PNC Park. He’ll look good in the black and gold. Welcome back, Sean, welcome back! 

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Extended Day Services:

Time Well Spent for USC Kids Once upon a time,

children spent their after-school hours riding bikes in the neighbor— ds hood or at a friend’s Making frien rrison n, and Eliza Ha ow cC M y lse house, all under the Olivia Nagel, Ke watchful eye of someone’s mom. Now, with most parents—about 60% of all two-parent families—working away from home, that three-to-four-hour gap between school dismissal and dinnertime can remain wide open and unfilled.

right, standing: Kayli Fusarini, A beautiful day on the playground—left to Rachael Mazzie, Jaclyn Petrichevich, Ross, elynn Jacqu s, Duda Zach tz, Orave y Sydne n Sitar, Richie Watzlaff Kevin Chrissis; sitting: Rohith Krishnan, Kately

But thanks to Extended Day Services, working parents of school age kids in Upper St. Clair, Peters Township, and South Fayette know the peace of mind that comes from having their children busy and engaged before and after school hours with supervised indoor and outdoor play, art projects, and old-fashioned fun. “It’s the next best thing since the invention of the automobile,” says parent Susan March. “It’s so nice not to have to worry about your child while you are at work.” 14

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2006

Extended Day Services (EDS) is a corporation founded in 1991 by Upper St. Clair residents Burton and Jennifer (Henderson) Roberts, who met at Carnegie Mellon University while completing their MBAs. In 1991, Jennifer, a life-long USC resident and mother of five, took an interest in an Almanac story about a parent group petitioning the Upper St. Clair School District for before- and after-school care. She developed a business proposal addressing their concerns and presented it to the Circle time at Baker Eleme ntary School’s K-Plu school district in s program with teacher Maggi e Nottingham March. The following fall, Extended Day Services opened as a pilot program at Streams Elementary, with an enrollment of 15 students. By 1995, EDS had expanded into the Peters Township School District, and in 2000, South Fayette climbed on board. Last year, more than 600 children from the three districts participated in programs run by EDS. EDS has centers for children at Baker, Streams, and Eisenhower elementary schools in Upper St. Clair. The cost for before- and after-school care during the school year is about $75 per week, with tuition reductions offered to siblings in the program. The majority of EDS staff—about 28 teachers, including seven full-time and 21 part-time—have bachelor’s degrees in education or other human services fields, and many have worked as elementary school teachers, including EDS’s director Kelly Chaney. A graduate of California University of Pennsylvania, former teacher, and mother of a 16-year-old son, she has been with EDS from the outset, and knows firsthand the benefits of a solid after-school program. “The biggest benefit is that children are able to socialize with supervision. It’s important to our parents to know that their children are in a safe, caring environment where they can work on homework, play, and enjoy friends.” Many members of the EDS staff either have their master’s degrees, like Maggie Nottingham, who teaches the K-Plus program at Baker, or are in the process of completing their master’s in education, like Brendan Lang and Eric Williams, who teach at the Extended Day program at Eisenhower. The program takes children full-time, part-time, or just a few days a week. “Our program’s flexibility is one of the best things about it,” says Chaney. “We can accommodate a variety of parents’ schedules.”

between their backs. Between wild cheering for the jumpers, and the line of kids waiting their turn, the scene looks like a giant Fourth of July picnic—indoors. But when the outdoor temperature goes above 32 degrees, the staff and kids head outside for field games and playground tag. Mt. Lebanon teacher Margie DiGiorno’s twin sons, Kenny and Billy, 11, and Joey, age six, especially love a round of touch School’s K-Plus se football. “I love picking them up afterker Elementary a Mas Craft time at Ba gel, Lexy Wirth, and Piol-H ia Na wards when I know they’ve played hard program—Oliv and had a good time,” she says.

K-Plus

Kindergarten-age children enrolled in EDS’s K-Plus program, which runs opposite the regular kindergarten session, have a busy roster of activities to ensure a full day of creative learning. The K-Plus program follows the district’s curriculum, providing early learners with hands-on activities that enhance their lessons in reading, math, science, and social studies. Teachers Maggie Nottingham and Lynne Thompson at Baker Elementary’s K-Plus site spent one snowy afternoon focusing on the wonders of the winter season—listing winter foods, clothes, and activities, like sledding, skating, and snowman-making. “The K-Plus program is a great way for kids to transition from preschool to kindergarten, and to make new friends,” says Chaney.

Extending the Day Every afternoon at Eisenhower’s Extended Day program, 80 to 100 elementary-age children begin the after-school day with a snack and socializing. After a period of recharging, some kids head over to the gym for activity time, where three teachers are running an old-fashioned relay race. EDS teacher Annessa Troutwine passes a blue rubber ball to a pair of giggling girls, who do their best to hop the length of the gym and back again with the ball pressed

Gym time at Extended Da y— Katie Tyrrell, Ben Haus, left to right: Luke Everett, Josh Kane, Chris Oravet z

A game of playground tag, anyone?— Kevin Muck and Josh Kane

Children enrolled in the Extended Day program choose one of two “tracks” of activities that change every two weeks from blacktop games to team sports, from wiffleball to woodworking, and badminton to beading projects—all at no extra fee. Extended Day is open on school inservice days and takes full advantage of the opportunity to take field trips to such actionpacked locations as the Children’s Museum, Fun Fore All, or the Pittsburgh Zoo.

Sidewalk chalk mural s at the Ex Maddie Groninger and tended Day Program— Sydney Oravetz

During the school year, Extended Day Services welcomes children of differing abilities—and their support providers— to all of their programs. In the summer, EDS Summer Camp extends the same welcome to children from the Watson Institute’s summer program, Camp WISP, (www.thewatsoninstitute.org) a model inclusive therapeutic summer camp program for children with autism, Down syndrome, and related disorders. Each year, a small group of Watson kids come to experience a typical camp with typical campers. The experience has been a great success on both sides notes Chaney. “The kids are quick to make allowances for the “different-ness” (of the Watson kids) and go out of their way to make them feel more comfortable,” she says. “It’s been an incredible experience for everyone.” One father put it this way: “Our son looks forward to spending time with his friends at EDS. When we see a smile on his face as he gets ready to go to, or is coming home from the program, it reassures us that the time he has been away from us has been well spent.”  For additional information about Extended Day Services, contact Kelly Chaney at 412-221-1980 or visit their website at www.ExtendedDay.com.

Summer Camp When school lets out in June, EDS kids don’t have to say goodbye to their friends for the summer. EDS Summer Camp operates daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and costs about $155 per week. It’s a whirlwind season, with the same variety of activities offered during the school year, including team sports, cooking classes, arts and crafts, and weekly splash-downs to Scott Township pool and field trips on alternate Fridays to favorite locations like the Carnegie Science Center, Wildwood Highlands, and Fun Fest. Spring 2006

s— hmallow masterpiece Creating pretzel-mars ll McVay, Alec Miller Jacquelynn Ross, Wi

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

The Lady and the

Tiger Wayne Herrod

For many years, visitors to the

Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium would stop at the Siberian tiger exhibit and observe two tigers that were always out together. The twin brother (Shepis) and sister (Shasta) tiger duo born at the zoo on August 1, 1986, were inseparable since birth. In September, my daughter, Meghan, and I visited the zoo and stopped at the tiger exhibit. To our surprise, only Shepis was out. While there could have been several reasons for Shasta’s absence, this seemed unusual and made us concerned. Several minutes after leaving the tiger area, we ran into Kathy Suthard, the lead caretaker at the zoo who is also responsible for the zoo’s big cats. We asked Kathy if Shasta was ill. Kathy, visibly upset, told us that Shasta had become ill very suddenly and unexpectedly. It was so serious that she had to be put to sleep. I don’t believe that visitors to the zoo realize the special bond created between trainers and their animals. I have been lucky to observe these bonds more closely because of my behind-the-scenes interviewing and photo shooting opportunities. I had taken pictures of Shasta several days before she became ill and I offered these photos to Kathy as a special gift. I had many ideas about how to write this story and asked Kathy several questions, including some 16

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

of her most treasured memories. Kathy’s responses were interesting, informative, and touching. I would like to share her thoughts with you. Shasta was one of a litter of three cubs (Shasta, Shepis, and Sheena) born to Sophie and Nicholas on Friday, August 1, 1986. Shasta’s grandparents were Sasha and Kumarsk. For many years, all three generations of this tiger family resided at the zoo. Sheena was sent to the Milwaukee Zoo at age one, and continues to reside there today. This family of tigers has a history of long lifespans. Most tigers live 16 to 18 years in captivity; Shasta was just over 19 when she died, the youngest tiger in this family to die. Shasta lived her entire life with Shepis. Shasta was implanted with a birth control device and never had the chance to reproduce as her family’s genetics were well represented.

Spring 2006

Shepis and Shasta

Shasta and Sh

epis

Sister Sheena had two litters of cubs in Milwaukee. I’ve known Shasta since her birth. When she and her siblings were very young, we (the zoo’s caregivers) would take the cubs to the tiger driveway entrance and let them play in the leaves. They also enjoyed a tug-of-war game with a burlap sack. This would allow mother Sophie a respite from some very active babies and give the cubs something different to do. We weren’t able to do this very long though, as tiger cubs grow quickly. Besides, they were never very affectionate to their human caretakers. They had each other and didn’t need us for companionship. We stopped going into the cage at feeding time when the cubs turned three months old, weighing approximately 40 pounds. When they started “mugging” me by stealing the meat (and not very nicely), we knew it was time to stop human contact with these predators. When the cats turned one, we decided to keep Shasta at the Pittsburgh Zoo, but send sister Sheena to the Milwaukee Zoo. Shasta was selected because she was the bigger of the two and had an ornery attitude that we liked. We felt that the twosome of Shasta and Shepis were well suited for each other. We were so right!

Shasta retained her playfulness, but only with her brother. Even into old age, Shasta would wait until Shepis was dozing comfortably, walk to his resting area, then hit him and run. She would provoke Shepis until he roared. We would yell at Shepis to leave his sister alone. Poor Shep, set up again. The most endearing behavior occurred at dinnertime. After spending the day together on exhibit they would be taken to their holding area for dinner. They were separated at this time so each could enjoy a leisurely dinner, spending the evening quietly. As they walked up the runway together to enter the holding area, Shasta and Shepis would both wait when they got to the gate. “Turn around Shep,” the caregivers would instruct. At this point, Shepis would turn around, moving down the runway away from the holding gate to allow his sister to enter first. We told him, “Ladies first.” Shepis was always a gentleman to his sister up to their last days together. On Saturday, August 26 we noticed a little blood on Shasta’s nose. I had hoped that it was the result of a little roughhousing between the siblings. How wrong I was. I would never have believed that within one week Shasta would be gone. Tests determined that Shasta had become (without warning) seriously ill. She had to be tranquilized and she was euthanized on September 3. The post mortem determined that she had advanced colon cancer. So, while I miss her, I know it was her time. Her illness was sudden and serious; we had no choice. It is the sad end of an era, but we were happy that Shasta had lived a good life. She lived her entire life at one zoo and spent it with her brother and keepers whom she had always known. She never knew the dangers of living in the wild. Hopefully, she thrilled and excited visitors who met her when she was on exhibit or who were fortunate enough to get up close with her in a behind-the-scenes visit. It seems odd now to only work with three cats—Shepis, Yorgi, and Toma. (Yorgi and Toma, the two younger cats, are at the zoo for breeding.) Shortly after Shasta’s death we would occasionally forget and weigh a “Shasta dinner.” Shepis is OK without his sister. He seemed restless during the first night of Shasta’s absence, but he’s continued his daily routine. He still comes up the runway at the end of the day and waits for the door to open to be let in for dinner. He still turns around and heads back down the runway, far enough to let his sister go in first. Shasta is gone now, but Shepis never forgets her. Ladies first. 

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Senate of Pennsylvania John Pippy

State Senator - 37th District Senate Box 203037 • 168 Main Capitol Building Harrisburg, PA 17120 Area Offices: 937 Beaver Grade Road, Moon Township, PA 15108 • 412-262-2260 610 East McMurray Road, Suite 105, McMurray, PA 15317 • 724-942-7210 Phone: 1-866-736-7477 (1-866-SEN-PIPPY) Fax: 412-262-6394 Website: www.senatorpippy.com • E-mail: jpippy@pasen.gov

Computers, the Internet, and Your Safety There’s no doubting it, computers

make life easier—for us and for thieves. The ability to store vast amounts of information and move it across the country and the globe in seconds makes it easier to shop, do business, research topics, and connect with others. Of course, this same ability is often exploited by the kind of hustlers, hucksters, and con artists who have been ripping off honest people since the earliest days of commerce. Modern scammers use the Internet to hijack personal information in order to raid bank accounts, steal credit cards, and secure other sources of easy money. Preventing this kind of identity theft requires a combination of awareness on the part of computer users and laws that establish consumer protections. First, the laws. We’re working on several bills in the General Assembly to give computer users and law enforcement agencies the tools they need to prevent identity theft and prosecute such thieves. • The Senate passed legislation that requires owners of computerized data to disclose any breach of their system’s security to individuals whose personal information may have been accessed or acquired by unauthorized persons. • The Senate approved a bill that would prohibit any person, business, or state agency from making a Social Security number available to the public. The bill would also prohibit the transmission of Social Security numbers over the Internet unless the connection is secure or the information is encrypted. • The Senate approved a measure that would make it a crime to distribute “spyware” to a computer without the user’s consent or knowledge. Spyware is a term for a computer program that gathers information through the user’s Internet connection and transmits it to a third party. This information, which includes passwords and personal identification numbers, can be used to commit fraud. 18

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Spring 2006

• The Senate passed legislation that would protect the privacy of cell phone users. The measure would require any cell phone company operating in the Commonwealth with a subscriber directory to have the express consent of the subscriber before including his name and number in the directory. • The Senate passed a bill that would require the state Office of Victim’s Services to cooperate with other Commonwealth and law enforcement agencies to ensure that victims of identity theft receive the appropriate information to assist them with the resolution of any financial issues arising from the commission of the crime. Also, the state Victim’s Services Advisory Committee would be expanded to include a member who represents the interests of victims of identity theft. Of course, laws can only do so much. We all have to take precautions when we go online or share our personal information with an organization. • Know the company you’re dealing with. Many businesses have policies of not asking for private information via email. • Check the URL of any email that is supposedly from a trusted company. Online scammers will often make subtle changes to the domain name to lure you to their site. • Practice safe browsing. If you aren’t sure whether an email is legitimate, open a new window, browse to the company’s site, and input your information there. Computers and the Internet are wonderful things. We can hardly keep up with the developments they bring. Laws, too, are trying to keep up. As criminals develop new ways to exploit technology for dishonest means, governments have to enact laws to stop them in their tracks. With the right laws and some common sense, we’ll be able to use computer technology to improve our lives and society, while making it harder for con artists to steal personal information. 

The Country Just Over the Hill Jim Meston

When we moved from Upper St.

Clair last June, I thought I wouldn’t be contributing any more articles for the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine. But we only moved 16.5 miles west, and as of this writing my house hasn’t sold yet. I’m still paying taxes in Upper St. Clair as

well as contributing financially to the well being of the Fort Cherry School District, Mt. Pleasant Township, and Washington County. How lucky can someone be! For those of you who are not acquainted with the area so close to you, I thought you would be interested to know what beautiful countryside lay just a short ride west of Bridgeville on Route 50. It’s only a half hour ride from our Upper St. Clair house on Miranda Drive to our townhouse on Cherry Valley Lake, near Hickory. Going west on Route 50, you’ll soon come upon the town of Cecil. Once through it, the countryside quickly turns rural. Continuing west on 50 you will pass apple orchards and farms. One half mile beyond the intersection of routes 519 and 50, you will see signs on your right pointing to Cherry Valley. Turning right (onto Wabash), you go under a viaduct and follow the road around to the right. At that point Wabash becomes Waterdam Road. Driving along Waterdam, you’ll take in rolling hills filled with grazing cows and horses. Cherry Valley Lake will be on your left. If you continue on Waterdam, past the townhouse development on the lake, you’ll soon come to Covered Bridge Road. Turn left, go over the bridge, and drive on this rural road past old farms. You’ll ascend to the top of a hill where the view is quite spectacular. To get back to Waterdam Road, continue to the first intersection and turn left. If you want additional scenery and a view of some large homes on expansive lots, turn right on Waterdam for a short distance, then turn left on Walnut Street, which winds around and offers a wonderful view of horse

farms. At the first intersection, if you turn right onto Fort Cherry Road, this would take you back to Route 50. Since moving to Fort Cherry, we have been exposed to the Old Schoolhouse Players, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the arts alive. This group of performers is located in the Mt. Pleasant Township Community Center, along Wabash Avenue. The auditorium isn’t Upper St. Clair’s High School Theatre, but, rest assured, it’s nicely done. The productions in 2005 were Nunsense, Lost in Yonkers, Crazy for You, Taming of the Shrew and a Christmas play, Fruitcakes. The talent is mostly local and quite professional. If you would like to experience some of these productions, call 724-344-7467 for more information. For those wishing to perform “off Broadway,” they hold auditions for their productions. You might have a chance to become the performer you’ve always dreamed of becoming. On Route 50 (beyond the left hand turn to Wabash Avenue) is the established Chrysler dealer, Corwin’s, that’s been around for years. I needed some repair work done on my car and met service manager Tom Frankfurt. In talking with Tom, I learned that he graduated from Upper St. Clair High School in 1971, the same year my oldest daughter, Cathy, graduated. Tom didn’t know Cathy, but he knew some of the same kids I knew from that class. I dug out a copy of USC’s 1971 yearbook and took it to show Tom. When opening the book to his high school picture, others in the dealership thought he looked like a rock star. Long hair was definitely in that year! We’ve enjoyed getting acquainted with the local restaurants. Ole Hickory Tavern (left on Route 50, just past Wabash Avenue) opened in 1932—the year prohibition ended. It’s an old building, but the owner since 1982, Bill McCracken, serves great food (lunch and dinner) every day except Sunday. If you go, it’s quite likely Bill will serve you, although he also has other efficient and friendly servers.

Another favorite spot of my wife and mine, found in an inviting log cabin structure, is the Cherry Hill Grill. You can find it by continuing west on Route 50 from the Hickory Tavern. It will be on your right, next to the Hickory Post Office. Owner Lisa Safner specializes in “home made” everything. This eatery serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week, but closes at 1 p.m. on Sundays. Continue west on 50 to where it intersects with Route 18. Take 18 South for a few miles, where you will see the entrance to Village Green Golf Club on your left. My golfing friend from Upper St. Clair, Cecil Marty, enjoys the course enough to drive the half hour from his house to join me for golf outings. Village Green has a restaurant that is good and quite popular with not only golfers, but also with the local folks who come for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Also along Route 18 is Bedillion’s Farm and Fruit Market (head north off of Route 50). Mark Bedillion and his family have operated this farm for years and offer quality produce, flowers, and much more. While it may sound like it, I’m not a spokesman for the Hickory Chamber of Commerce. But as you can read, we are quite enthusiastic about our new home and

its surroundings. It certainly wasn’t an easy decision to leave our home of 41 years in Upper St. Clair, but it was the right time to downsize. We feel fortunate to have relocated to this wonderful new development (Lake Cherry) and to discover the many offerings of our new community. Our primary grocery shop is the Giant Eagle in McDonald. Further up Waterdam Road, in the little town of Cherry Valley, there’s a small, family-run grocery store called Warner’s. From the outside it looks like an old building (which it is), but inside, it’s an amazing array of everything one

Spring 2006

Continued on page 21 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.” Much is happening with

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the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair. The Foundation provides financial support for special programs and projects in our community covering four focus areas—Education and Lifelong Learning, Fine and Performing Arts, Recreation and Leisure, and Technology Left to right: Fiddle and Science. sticks Meyer take a mome , Christine Frattare, and PSO condu nt to talk to the au ctor Daniel Have you recently dience at the Janua ry concert. attended any of the events that this organization has helped to sponsor, bringing arts and entertainment to our community? If not, you’re missing out on the opportunity to enjoy wonderful activities for the whole family. In conjunction with the School District’s Asian Studies program, the Community Foundation sponsored a performance by the Mongolian Performing Arts Troupe this past November. Students and the community enjoyed this lively stage production. cert patrons enjoy Young Fiddlesticks con This past December, Town Hall South ore the show. bef y ivit act a craft invited lecturer, writer, and National Geographic photographer Sam Abell to our conductor Daniel Meyers, and Fiddlesticks community. His presentation at the High in a musical number during the concert. School Theatre not only pleased patrons of Youth concert-goers were invited to parTown Hall South, but Mr. Abell also spent take in pre-concert activities, including an time talking with High School art class arts and crafts project and a “get to know students and yearbook staff prior to his your instrument” presentation. scheduled lecture. The Community FounWhat’s on the horizon? Wednesday, dation partners with the School District by June 28 brings back Marvin Hamlish to providing bus shuttles from the parking lots the South Hills for a Pittsburgh Symphony to the High School’s theatre entrance. Orchestra POPS concert at the High School Fiddlesticks, the Pittsburgh Symphony’s Theatre. If you’ve not yet enjoyed a POPS seven-foot feline ambassador, taught a concert conducted by this celebrity, now’s young South Hills audience about the the time! Look for more details and ticket appreciation for art and music during the information in the summer issue of UPPER January 15 Foundation-sponsored PSO ST. CLAIR TODAY due out in May. performance at the USCHS Theatre. Baker, Much is happening with the CommuEisenhower, and Streams elementary fourth nity Foundation of Upper St. Clair. Won’t level chorus groups accompanied the PSO, you get involved? 

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

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2006

Sam Abell (foreground) signs one of his books as Community Foundation and Town Hall South members (left to right) Ann Gabler, Jim Bennett, and Linda Serene look on.

Marvin Hamlish (center), at the piano, surrounded by members of the Pittsburgh Symphony POPS Orchestra in a 2005 USCHS Theatre performance

Left to right: School District Superintendent Dr. James Lombardo, President of Inner Mongolia University Xihuer, Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair member Shellie Yeung, and Inner Mongolia University Dean of Fine Arts Wang Rong at the Mongolian Performing Arts Troupe performance

USC elementary school combined chorus (background) accompanies the PSO in “We are America.”

The Country Just Over the Hill Continued from page 19

would need—just a few of each item, but always milk and bread. The store is expertly arranged—all space utilized to the max. Every day, they have a variety of hot, home-cooked dishes, as well as a full meat counter. On weekends, they barbecue large hams, beef sides, lamb, or pork. It’s a popular local place and handy when you need something in a hurry. McDonald (and the Giant Eagle) is about ten minutes away from me, while Warner’s is only five. The first weekend in October is a big one in nearby Hickory. It’s time for the annual Hickory Apple Festival, an event that has grown from its meager beginnings many years ago to an extravaganza that now attracts thousands. There’s an elaborate display of crafts in a large tent. There’s food galore, entertainment, rides for the kids, an animal petting area, and, of course, all kinds of apple dishes. Long time friends from Upper St. Clair, Mary Lou and Chuck Sullivan, and Sue and Jack Elliott, came out to join my wife and me for last fall’s festival. On their way home after a full day, I directed them to Brown’s Orchard, located off of Route 50, about two miles before entering Hickory. Heading west, turn right on Southview Road where there’s a sign directing you. Once there, you are met by Ema Brown who can tell you all you want to know about the 27 varieties of apples they sell, beginning mid-August through October. For the adventuresome, there are many side roads to explore around here. My USC neighbor, Art Leavens, has a motorcycle and his favorite place to ride are the many scenic roads around Hickory and McDonald. If you do venture off onto a side road and unexpectedly get lost, you’re bound to come out someplace. And, wherever you come out, you’re not very far from Upper St. Clair. I like that a lot! 

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412-831-2554

Spring 2006

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Township of Upper St. Clair Ched Mertz

President, Ward 4 Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-833-3631 2009*

Newly Elected Commissioners Karen M. McElhinny graduated from

Bill Bates

Vice President, At Large Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-257-8115 2007*

Karen McElhinny, Kenneth Brown, and re-elected Commissioner Ched Mertz are sworn in by District Justice Sally Edkins. Kenneth L. Brown was sworn in as Ward 2

Township News

Preston W. Shimer Ward 1

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

Kenneth L. Brown Ward 2

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-854-4512 2009*

Robert W. Orchowski Ward 3

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-854-1868 2007*

Frank E. Marsh Ward 5

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

Karen M. McElhinny At Large

Commissioner on January 2, 2006. An Upper St. Clair resident since age seven, Kenny graduated from Upper St. Clair High School in 1973 and Lafayette College in 1978. Kenny and his wife, Kimberly, (known to many as Frannie) have been married for 24 years and are the parents of Mindy, 21, a student at Villanova University; Becca, 19, a student at the University of Pittsburgh; and Upper St. Clair High School students Brendan, 17, (senior) and Shaun, 16, (junior). UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY asked Kenny the following questions. Who has had the greatest influence on you? My family has. My parents (Don and Jean Brown, long-time USC residents) raised five children all with different interests and personalities, to be happy, productive adults who are raising their own kids to be the same. We are all involved in church and in the community. My grandfather and dad got me started in business, giving me a good foundation. What are your goals as Township Commissioner? There are a few projects in the Township that are stalled. These projects, like the recreation complex, need to move forward and be completed in the best interest of all residents of the Township. I also have an interest in the public works aspect of the Township and would like to see the sanitary sewers affordably repaired. Returning and preserving the historic aspects of the Gilfillan Farm are also goals of mine. Hobbies? Football, as both a spectator and booster. Golf and bowling as a participant. What’s your dream vacation? Spending time with family and friends in a Caribbean beach villa!

Day 412-831-9000 2009*

*Date indicates expiration of term.

Baldwin Whitehall High School, Seton Hill University, and the University of Pittsburgh Law School. On January 2, 2006, this 17-year resident of Upper St. Clair was sworn in as an At Large Commissioner. Karen and her husband, Patrick, have two sons, Brian, 14, and Evan, 11. One of her favorite activities is cheering on their sons in numerous baseball and basketball games. Karen loves to garden but says the gardens in her head are drastically different from the ones in her yard! She is a school volunteer and teaches CCD at her church. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY asked these questions of Karen. What is the greatest influence in your life? My faith in God. It keeps me centered, provides me with strength in difficult times, and provides an abundance of blessings in my life. Why did you run for Commissioner and what are your goals? When I decided to leave my corporate law practice and become a stay at home mom, I wanted to volunteer. Having served on the USC Parks and Recreation Board for the past ten years and recognizing that in 2006 there would be a lack of representation of women and people with young school-aged children on the Board of Commissioners, I believed I could bring a diverse and fresh perspective. I’m committed to open government principles—keeping the public informed, taping board meetings on Cable 7, and seeking meaningful public input. I believe that developing active recreation in Boyce Mayview Park in a fiscally responsible manner will result in a true community center and a unique asset for all residents. Are there any significant accomplishments you’d like to share? I am especially honored to be the first Democrat in 57 years to be elected to the Board of Commissioners. I hope this will encourage others who have the experience and desire to serve, to step-up, and to do so regardless of party affiliation. What’s your dream vacation? Two weeks alone with my husband, Pat, in Hawaii, at a fabulous oceanfront resort which, most importantly, has no cell, blackberry, fax, or Fed Ex service! 

Thank You Thank you to Gloria S. Smith (Commissioner, Ward 2, 1993-2005) and Ernest T. Harris (Commissioner At Large, 2002-2005) for their dedication and hard work as members of the Board of Commissioners.

2222 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 2006 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Spring Spring 2006

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 6, 2005

October 3, 2005

Approximately 14 people attended.

Approximately 11 people attended.

The Board: • Tabled PLC05-0002, Oakbrooke Estates Plan No. 1, preliminary subdivision approval to October 3, 2005. • Adopted Bill No. 20-05, amending Chapter 130 of the Township Code, entitled “Zoning,” to revise the handicapped parking requirements, to update the definition of pharmacy, to revise the signage requirements within the C3, Regional Shopping Center District, and to update the title of the Allegheny County agency. • Adopted Bill No. 21-05, granting final land development approval to WIN-Upper St. Clair, L.P., final development plan, located at 1614 Washington Road, subject to certain conditions. • Adopted Resolution No. 1456, granting preliminary subdivision approval to Woodshire Estates, subject to certain conditions. • Appointed new members of the Boyce Mayview Community Recreation Center ad hoc Advisory Group. • Adopted Resolution No. 1457, authorizing application to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) for grant funding for the Boyce Mayview Park Active Area and Fields development project. • Adopted Resolution No. 1458, authorizing the execution of the Federal-Aid Reimbursement Agreement under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (“TEA-21”) Transportation Enhancement Program.

Recognitions: • Commissioner Smith presented the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department with a Proclamation recognizing the week of October 9-15, 2005, as Fire Prevention Week in Upper St. Clair. • Commissioner Mertz presented Mr. John Doebler with a Certificate of Appreciation, recognizing his ten years of service with the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department. • Mr. August Stache presented the Volunteer Fire Department with a check in the amount of $177,902 from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Board Approval of Contracts: • Robinson Pipe Cleaning Co. –Eighty Four 2005 sanity sewer video inspection project $108,000, plus $35/sq. yd. for landscaping $132,000 Option Year #2 $144,000 Option Year #3 $156,000 Option Year #4 $ 70,000 Option Year #5 • American Water Service–Hilliard, OH 2005 sanitary sewer lining project ...................$190,743 • A. Merante Contracting Inc.–Pittsburgh 2005 manhole project ......................................$357,540 • E.H. Griffith, Inc.–Pittsburgh Toro Groundsmaster 580-D mower ...................$70,917 • Pfund Superior Sales Co., Inc.–Lower Burrell Six 2005 Type III, Ford E-450 Superduty chassis ambulances...........................................$386,712 • Franklin Interiors–Pittsburgh Tri-Community South EMS office equipment and furnishings .............................................$77,302.86 • Glassmere Fuel Service, Inc.–Tarentum Gasoline and diesel fuel OPIS Daily Pittsburgh average index plus fixed margin of $.0709/gallon

The Board: • Tabled PLC05-0002, Oakbrooke Estates Plan No. 1, preliminary subdivision approval, with the condition that this be the last extension. • Tabled PLC05-0018, Sainte Claire Plaza Expansion, tentative approval non-residential planned development, 1121 Boyce Road, until November 7, 2005. • Established November 7, 2005, as the public hearing date for the Proposed 2006 Budget. • Directed Township staff to provide the Board of Commissioners with an estimate of the cost to prepare revised engineering and construction costs for the Old Washington Road extension project.

November 7, 2005 Approximately 40 people attended.

Presentation: Pennsylvania State Senator John Pippy presented representatives of the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department with a check in the amount of $150,000. He commended and thanked the fire department members for the services they provide.

Board Approval of Contracts: • Kompan, Inc.–Olympia, WA Playground equipment at Baker Park.................$19,026 • USDA Wildlife Services–Harrisburg Assistance with special use culling permit.........$20,000 • Trombold Equipment Co., Inc.–Charleston, WV Purchase and installation of grinder pumps ......$30,000

December 5, 2005 Approximately 20 people attended.

Presentation: • Allegheny County Councilman Vince Gastgeb reviewed several items relating to Allegheny County and the Township, including the County assessment rates, the Homestead Exemption, and voting machines. He presented a ceremonial check in the amount of $275,000 from the Allegheny Regional Asset District to be used for Boyce Mayview Park. Recognitions: • Commissioner Bates presented Commissioner Smith with a Proclamation recognizing her dedicated service as Commissioner for the Township. • Commissioner Shimer presented Commissioner Harris with a Proclamation recognizing his term as Commissioner for the Township. • Commissioner Orchowski presented Certificates of Achievement for the High School boys’ and girls’ golf teams for the recent WPIAL championships. • Commissioner Mertz presented Proclamations to Andrew R. Dockan and Nathan C. Rubright for their attainment of Eagle Scout status.

The Board: • Tabled PLC05-0018, Sainte Claire Plaza Expansion, tentative approval nonresidential planned development, 1121 Boyce Road, until December 5, 2005. • Adopted Bill No. 22-05, authorizing the acquisition of an easement, partly on the property now or formerly owned by Eleanor Rossman, Edward Ostoff, William Ostoff, Walter Ostoff, and Henrietta Bedner, identified as located on block and lot 254-P-164, McLaughlin Run Road, for the purpose of installing a storm sewer from Cook School Road to McLaughlin Run Road. • Voted to accept the Boyce Mayview Community Recreation Center ad hoc Advisory Group’s report. • Voted to complete Executive Session and other public deliberations, which are necessary by Monday, November 14, 2005. • Continued the public hearing regarding the Proposed 2006 Budget until December 5, 2005.

Eagle Scouts Nathan Rubright and Andrew Dockan

2006 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. • The Parks and Recreation Board meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m., no meeting in December. • The Zoning Hearing Board meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 8 p.m. • The Civil Hearing Board meets as needed. • The Building/Fire Codes Appeals and Advisory Board meets as needed.

Visit our website - www.twpusc.org

The Board: • Continued the public hearing regarding PLC05-0018, Sainte Claire Plaza Expansion, tentative approval nonresidential planned development, 1121 Boyce Road. • Adopted Bill No. 23-05, granting final subdivision approval to the Fair Acres Plan of Lots, Phases 1 and 2, subject to certain conditions. • Failed to second a motion to authorize the hiring of two additional police officers. • Voted to close the public hearing regarding the 2006 Proposed Budget. • Adopted Bill No. 24-05, adopting the 2006 Annual Budget.

Spring 2006

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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

For more information see www.twpusc.org.

2006 Budget Highlights General Fund Budget Overview The proposed 2006 Annual Operating Budget would maintain

all or most of the 2005 municipal service levels. The real estate tax rate will remain at 2.60 mills and earned income tax rate at .75%. General Fund revenues are projected to increase from $13,675,339 estimated for 2005 to $13,775,942; while 2006 operating expenses will increase from 2005 estimates of $10,783,756 to $12,027,835. The difference of projected revenues over operating expenses of $1,748,107 would be used to fund the Debt Service Costs for 2006 of $1,632,848 and the transfer to Capital Projects Fund of $115,259. The overall increase in General Fund expenditures at 2.72% over 2005 is less than the CPI rate of 3.5% for 2005 even though salt purchases for winter snow and ice control, street lighting, and storm sewer maintenance costs, which amounted to $388,000 and were reimbursed by the Liquid Fuels Tax Fund in 2005, are now included in the 2006 General Fund Budget. Also, the inclusion of these expenditures in the Public Works category of the General Fund explains why the Public Works category increased by $677,293 over 2005. After accounting for the inclusion of these expenditures, the Public Works section of the General Fund budget only increased by $289,293. The 2006 General Fund Budget assumed that all currently authorized personnel positions were filled and that salary and wage increases ranged from 3.0% to 4.0%. Health insurance costs were budgeted to increase by 15%, and the pension Minimum Municipal Obligation (MMO) for the police increased from $196,977 (2005) to $310,465 (2006) and for the public works plan increased from $42,930 to $71,005. Workers’ compensation has increased by 7.0% due to state mandated ratings. Gasoline purchases have been increased by 100% from $125,000 to $250,000 to reflect recent market changes. The 2006 General Fund Budget reflects the scheduled increase in the present refuse collection contract of 3.125%. No additional costs such as proposed environmental fees or fuel surcharges have been included. Other costs and materials have been budgeted to increase at or below the CPI rate. The 2006 Proposed Budget will maintain 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. For 2006, staff recommends that the multiplier be decreased from 2.00 to 1.93 because ALCOSAN raised its rates by 10%. Major expenses for this fund consist of the following items: 1. Personal services represents 7.8% of this budget and increased by $19,202 due to a revised allocation of human resources to this fund and related fringe benefit cost. This revised personnel allocation is necessitated by additional duties undertaken to meet DEP and EPA requirements. 2. Sewage processing fees from the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) represents 52.7% of the annual Budget. The multiplier used to calculate the fee will decrease from 2.00 to 1.93 due to a rate increase of 10% from ALCOSAN for 2006. 3. The debt service payment for 2006 is $460,778 and the Fund Balance is projected to be $779,776 from $797,877 as estimated for 2005. The Fund Balance of the Sanitary Sewer fund grew substantially in 2005 because of the successful conversion of the sewer user fee collection process to Pennsylvania American Water Company (PAWC). This process allowed the Township to “catch-up” on fee collections by three months, and increased cash flow by approximately $380,000. 4. Corrective Action Plan—$600,000 has been allocated to carry on the DEP and EPA mandated repair and reconstruction of sewer lines. 24

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2006

5. The Township is currently proceeding with work mandated under the consent order with the EPA and DEP. Bond proceeds amounting to $7,350,000 from the 2003 General Obligation Bond Issue were allocated to be spent for this purpose, and these activities are not reflected in the Sanitary Sewer Fund. The Debt Service payment referred to under item #3 for the borrowed amount for this activity is paid for from this fund.

Upper St. Clair Township 2006 Sewer User Multiplier Rate The Township of Upper St. Clair hereby gives public notice to all Township sewer users that ALCOSAN has increased its charges by approximately 10%, but the 2006 Sewer User Multiplier rate used to calculate the Township’s cost reimbursement has decreased from 2.00 for 2005 to 1.93 for 2006. In July 2005, the Township of Upper St. Clair contracted with Pennsylvania American Water Company (PAWC) to provide the billing and collection of its monthly sewer user fees, which are now included with a resident’s water bill. The benefit of billing in this manner is to allow customers to see their exact water usage for comparison with their wastewater charges. To illustrate the impact of the new rates for 2006, a monthly sewer bill assuming a usage of 7000 gallons of water has been calculated and compared to the 2005 rates: Water Usage Charge ALCOSAN Service Charge

2005 rate $ 35.00 3.50

2006 rate $ 37.15 3.72

Total Monthly Bill

$ 38.50

$ 40.87

The new rates should have appeared on the PAWC billing received in February 2006.

Capital Projects Fund The bulk of revenues for 2006 come from an appropriation from the General Fund of $115,259. Interest earned for 2006 is budgeted at $20,000. Major expenses for this fund consist of the Annual Paving program—$665,259, a sidewalk along Fort Couch Road—$200,000, Police Department vehicles and equipment—$141,100, purchase of data processing equipment and software—$174,500, and Public Works vehicles and equipment —$286,500. The bulk of the fund balance, which is estimated to be $2,389,939 at the end of 2005, will be used to fund a portion of the annual paving program and various other street related projects for 2006.

2006 Earned Income and Net Profits Tax Rate 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 2006. 2006 Earned Income and Net Profits Tax Rate For 2006, 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 2006 is 1.25%. 2006 Earned Income and Net Profits Tax Payment Schedule Date Tax Period January 31 ...................4th Quarter, 2005 Tax Estimate Due April 17.........................2005 USC-40 Due May 1 ...........................1st Quarter, 2006 Tax Estimate Due July 31 ..........................2nd Quarter, 2006 Tax Estimate Due October 31 ...................3rd Quarter, 2006 Tax Estimate Due This notice reminds all taxpayers that they are responsible for filing all estimates and final returns in a timely manner. Taxpayers who do not receive quarterly tax estimates for 2006 or a 2005 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 2006 must be paid by January 31, 2007, or a taxpayer will be subject to underpayment penalties and interest. This notice also reminds all taxpayers that all 2005 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.

2006 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 real estate taxpayers of the Township of the payment schedule of each taxing body for the year 2006. 2006 Township Real Estate Tax Schedule Date Tax Period May 1 ........................................... Tax bills mailed May 1–June 30 ............................. 2% discount July 1–August 31 ......................... Face Amount September 1–November 30.......... 10% penalty December 1 .................................. Lien date For 2006 the Township mileage rate is 2.60 mills of the assessed valuation of your property. 2006 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 2006-07 at the June 2006 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 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.

GFOA Recognizes Township Financial Reporting The Certificate of Achievement for

Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to the Township of Upper St. Clair by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). The certificate of achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, August G. Stache, Jr. and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. Additionally, an Award of Financial Reporting Achievement has been awarded to August G. Stache, Jr., Director of Finance, Township of Upper St. Clair, as the individual designated by the government as primarily responsible for preparing the award-winning CAFR.  Major Revenue Sources 2005 Budget

2006 Budget

Real Estate Tax $4,261,790 Earned Income Tax 6,060,210 Community Services Tax 310,000 Real Estate Transfer Tax 900,000 Public Utilities Tax 19,127 Local Option Sales & Use Tax 273,650 Licenses and Permits 116,335 Fees and Fines 346,825 Rental Income 63,506 Investment Earnings 60,000 Service Agreements 283,784 Other Non-Tax Revenue 570,247 Recreation Fees 409,865 Total Revenues

$4,345,286 6,242,025 217,000 825,000 19,000 280,490 124,200 352,700 66,565 65,000 268,485 545,200 424,991

$83,496 181,815 (93,000) (75,000) (127) 6,840 7,865 5,875 3,059 5,000 (15,299) (25,047) 15,126

$13,675,339

$13,775,942

$100,603

0.74%

100.00%

$13,675,339

$13,775,942

$100,603

0.74%

Fund Reserve Totals

Increase Percentage (Decrease) Change

1.96% 3.00% -30.00% -8.33% -0.66% 2.50% 6.76% 1.69% 4.82% 8.33% -5.39% -4.39% 3.69%

General Fund Appropriations by Major Programs 2005 Budget

General Government $1,311,041 Public Safety 3,897,437 Community Development 517,768 Public Works 2,948,623 Refuse Collection 762,500 Recreation and Leisure Services 620,510 Library 692,591 Unallocated Insurance Costs 33,286 Total Operating Expenditures

$10,783,756

2006 Increase Percentage Budget (Decrease) Change

$1,386,492 4,235,301 553,690 3,625,916 788,557

$75,451 337,864 35,922 677,293 26,057

5.76% 8.67% 6.94% 22.97% 3.42%

670,323 717,556 50,000

49,813 24,965 16,714

8.03% 3.60% 50.21%

$12,027,835 $1,244,079

1,000,000

115,259

Debt Service Payments

1,627,871

1,632,848

4,977

0.31%

Sub Total

2,627,871

1,748,107

(879,764)

-33.48%

Total Appropriations $13,411,627

$13,775,942

$364,315

2.72%

Fund Reserve Totals

263,712

$13,675,339

$13,775,942

Spring 2006

(884,741)

11.54%

Capital Improvements

-88.47%

(263,712) -100.00% $100,603

0.74%

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Department of Recreation and Leisure Services Help Wanted • Do you want a summer job where you can make a difference in a child’s life? The Department of Recreation and Leisure Services 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 summer employment. We are accepting applications for summer program directors, camp counselors, and certified lifeguards. • Empty-nesters, moms, and dads, do you want to become more involved with the community? Love sports? Love helping young ones with crafts? Love sharing your knowledge or a particular talent? The Recreation Department is looking for qualified, enthusiastic individuals to run a variety of programs for all ages, preschool through adult. 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. Township Recreation Spring and Summer Programs Brochure Check your mailboxes for the 2006 Spring and Summer Township Recreation Programs brochure due to arrive at the homes of all residents in early April. Take a moment or two to check out the program offerings for residents of all ages. If you haven’t read through an activity brochure in a while, you’ll be surprised to see how many new and interesting programs are offered. Check out the programs and sign up to get involved in the fun!

Community Day Pa

rade 2005

Upcoming Events Easter Egg Hunt The Bethel-St. Clair Evening Rotary Club and the Department of Recreation and Leisure Services will sponsor the annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 1 (rain date: Saturday, April 8) at 11 a.m. at the three-hole municipal golf course. Plan to come at 10:30 a.m. for additional and enjoyable preplanned activities. Community Day 2006 Community Day 2006 is scheduled for Saturday, May 20. The Department of Recreation and Leisure Services 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 7 for a parade participation form. The next edition of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine will list the many Community Day activities and events that will be featured on May 20. Use the magazine as your timetable resource for this fun-filled day! 

Annual Senior Citizens Luncheon Frank Kohler

Dancing between the tables

The Upper St. Clair United Senior Citizens gathered at The Club at Neville-

wood last September at high noon for their annual banquet luncheon. The arrangements for location, reservations, menu selection, and entertainment were made by John Lesica. Betsey Krebs, president of the United Senior Citizens, selected a committee of Eileen Sturgill, Wanda Vuinovich, and Ethel Bolte to decorate the dining room. Fifty people attended the luncheon. 26

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

It started out like a normal senior citizen event—quiet and sedate. Some rested their canes, others took their lunchtime medications. Richard Toth said grace and everyone enjoyed a wonderful meal with good service from the club’s staff. John Lesica then introduced the entertainment for the afternoon: George Suhon—a one-man electronic band and vocalist. His selection of musical numbers, which dated from 1915 to the 70s, energized this crowd of seniors. The 1915 number “I’m Goin’ to Buy a Paper Doll,” (later recorded by the Mills Brothers in the 40s), got the crowd singing along with the entertainer. He also played Barry Manilow and Frank Sinatra numbers to the delight of the group who continued singing along. During one Sinatra number, two of the ladies, Pat Milito and Barbara Tate, began to dance. Soon there were eight couples dancing between the tables. Mr. Suhon was like a pied piper and the Energizer Bunny as he continued to keep

Spring 2006

Rockettes Chorus Line

the group moving, grooving, and jitterbugging—acting like kids again! It was during “New York, New York,” with the crowd clapping and singing, that eight of the ladies formed a chorus line, swinging and kicking like the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes. Music is known to be therapeutic. Music certainly worked its wonders at this event as experienced by everyone who attended. Just wait until next year! 

The Township of Upper St. Clair Federal and State Elected Officials Federal Government Elected Executive Officials President George W. Bush Vice President Dick Cheney Comments Line: 202-456-1111 Fax: 202-456-2461 Elected Legislative Officials U.S. Senators Website: www.senate.gov Arlen Specter – 412-644-3400 Fax: 412-644-4871 Rick Santorum – 412-562-0533 Fax: 412-562-4313

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U.S. House of Representatives Website: www.house.gov Tim Murphy – 18th District 412-344-5583 • Fax 412-429-5042

Pennsylvania State Government Elected Executive Officials

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

VOTER REGISTRATION 412-350-4500

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Registration closes April 17, 2006

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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 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 28

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 2006

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 the 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.

Upper St. Clair Police Department Graduates 21 from Its Citizens Police Academy On November 16, 2005, the Upper St. Clair Police Department graduated

its fifth Citizens Police Academy class. Twenty-one citizens attended the course on law enforcement operations. 

Nancy Barnard, Chief Ronald Pardini, and William Barnard on graduation day Seated (left to right): Louis Walsh, Nancy Belack, Harvey Mustin, Brenda Wussick, Carol Ann Meiman, Rhondda Averbach, Emily Spadaro; standing: Leonard Syverson, Lt. James Englert, James Belack, David Ninness, Brad Wucher, Gerry Priano, Christopher Novak, Sgt. Curtis Gallatin

Jeff Barbarita and Christopher Barbarita with Sgt. David Robinson on a speed enforcement detail

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Ann Reitenauer with Officer Ron Klein during speed enforcement detail

SOUTH HILLS ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES, P.C. Certified American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Office Hours by Appointment • Evening Hours Available

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John S. Beachler, M.D. Robert J. Donofrio, M.D. Ph.D. Eric D. Nabors, M.D. Derrick J. Fluhme, M.D. Christopher M. Manning, M.D. Adult & Pediatric Orthopaedics • Arthroscopic Surgery Total Joint Replacement • Adult Reconstructive Surgery Scoliosis • Kyphoplasty Micro Disc Surgery, Cervical & Lumber Spine Surgery of the Hand, Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine

Toll Free 1-888-817-2019 363 Vanadium Road • Pittsburgh, PA 15243 - Washington Office -

95 Leonard Avenue, Suite 104 • Washington, PA 15301 www.southhillsortho.com Spring 2006

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

S p r i n g Boyce Mayview Recreation and Community Center

2 0 0 6

Upper St. Clair Township Comprehensive Plan Over the past year and a half, the Department of Planning and Community Development, with the assistance of its consultant, Environmental Planning & Design (EPD), has been in the process of developing the Township’s next ten-year Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Commission has also played an active role in the drafting of this planning document for which a joint work session was held on January 16, 2006, with the Board of Commissioners. This workshop included a review of the draft of the plan and the Township’s development-related goals for the next ten years. The next step, prior to adoption, is to send the draft document to Allegheny County and our neighboring communities for comment in accordance with the state planning code. Once comments have been received, including final input from the public, the Board of Commissioners will take action to adopt the Comprehensive Plan in the first part of 2006. If you have any questions regarding this plan, please contact the Department of Planning and Community Development at 412-831-9000, extension 501. 

The Board of Commissioners

has recently received a detailed feasibility study prepared by consultant Ballard*King for construction and operation of a recreation and community center at Boyce Mayview Park. The consultant’s observations and recommendations are being scrutinized by the Board of Commissioners, administrative staff, ad hoc group, and general public to help determine the best possible recreation and community center model for our community. A referendum question on this matter is anticipated for the fall 2006 election. 

General Primary Election—Tuesday, May 16, 2006 Polls Open 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Monday, April 17, 2006, 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

Ward District Polling Place 3

Recreation Center - McLaughlin Run Road

St. Louise de Marillac School - McMurray Road

Recreation Center - McLaughlin Run Road

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

Baker Elementary School, Gymnasium Morton Road

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

Westminster Presbyterian Church - Washington Road

Boyce Middle School, Gymnasium - Boyce Road

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

Wesley Institute, Gymnasium - Johnston Road

Boyce Middle School, Gymnasium - Boyce Road

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

Baker Elementary School, Gymnasium Morton Road

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

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2006

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

A Measure of Good News for Boyce Mayview Park

County Councilman Gastgeb (right) presents check to Commissioner Frank Marsh. In December, Boyce Mayview Park received

$275,000 as a regional asset by the Allegheny Regional Asset District. I had the pleasure of delivering the ceremonial check to Commissioner President Frank Marsh at the December meeting of the Board of Commissioners. The RAD Board and Allegheny County had been in discussions with the Township for many months concerning establishing a funding stream and regional asset designation. The park qualified for an annual allocation based on the guidelines of the Regional Asset District under the State Act. Senator Pippy and State Representative Maher also worked to support the Township’s effort to receive funding.

Other than a small planning grant received several years ago, this financial commitment represents the first time that this park is part of the RAD-funded projects. Usually, once inserted into the annual funding cycle, regional assets continue to receive support. Notwithstanding, the next step is to ensure the designation of Boyce Mayview Park as a contractual regional asset. Contractual regional assets are determined every five years and the next window for consideration is three years. The RAD funding is available due to the one percent Allegheny County Sales Tax as enacted in 1995. The funding distributed by the seven-member RAD Board (whose members are nominated by the County Executive and confirmed by County Council) represents a portion of the tax to fund regional assets across the County. The development of Boyce Mayview Park will require local officials and volunteers to continue working together to make the park the best for the many people who do and will enjoy it. This funding will add momentum to the comprehensive development of this jewel in the South Hills. 

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Vince Gastgeb, Allegheny County Councilman

County Councilman Vince Gastgeb can be reached at 412-350-6490 or email at vgastgeb@county.allegheny.pa.us

Tri-Community South Assists Katrina Victims Three Tri-Community South EMS employees assisted in the relief efforts for

victims of Hurricane Katrina as part of Pennsylvania’s DMAT Team PA-1, based in Western Pennsylvania. Full-time employees Randy Eshelman and Jim Gmiter, and part-time employee Steve Wallace each served two-week tours of duty during the deployment. A DMAT (Disaster Medical Assistance Team) is a group of professional and para-professional medical personnel who provide medical care during a disaster or other event. DMATs deploy to disaster sites with sufficient supplies and equipment to sustain themselves for a period of 72 hours while providing medical care at a fixed or temporary medical care site. In mass casualty incidents, their responsibilities may include triaging patients, providing high-quality medical care despite the adverse and austere environment often found at a disaster site, and preparing patients for evacuation. DMATs are designed to be a rapid-response element to supplement local medical care until other Federal or contract resources can be mobilized or the situation is resolved. DMAT members are required to maintain appropriate certifications and licensure within their discipline. When members are activated as Federal employees, all states recognize the members’ licensure and certification. In extended operations such as the hurricane relief efforts, DMAT members may assist at sites throughout the country to provide medical and logistical support for Federal and contract resources, as well as performing ongoing medical care in or near the disaster area. All of Tri-Community South’s employees completed their deployments and returned home safely.  Spring 2006

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Library

The Flavor of Our Neighborhood Everything Local at the Library Come visit a new display in the adult library this month and learn

more about the Greater Pittsburgh region and its history. A recent walk through the library turned up many interesting finds. Interested in the arts? You can read about the treasures in the Carnegie Museum of Art in The Carnegie Museum of Art Collection Highlights, introduction by Phillip M. Johnston (708.1488 CAR), or visit the city’s most unique art installations at the North Side’s Mattress Factory in Installations: Mattress Factory, 1990-1999 (708.1488 MAT). Do you want to learn more about Pittsburgh’s most famous businesses? Turn to the biographies of Andrew Carnegie (92 CARNEGIE Andrew), or try The Inside History of the Carnegie Steel Company: A Romance of Millions by James Howard Bridge (338.7669 BRI). For a lighter read, turn to Klondikes, Chipped Ham & Skyscraper Cones: The Story of Isaly’s by Brian Butko (338.7637 BUT). A sports fan? This is the place for all things Steeler, Pirate, and Penguin. Browse the shelves at 796.332, 796.357, and 796.962. If a more solitary sport is your style, look up Mountain Biking Pennsylvania by Rob Ginieczki (796.64 GIN) or Pennsylvania Trout Streams and Their Hatches by Charles R. Meck (799.1755 MEC). Do you enjoy our local amusement parks? While they are still closed for the season, you can relive happy times with Kennywood: ... Roller Coaster Capital of the World by Charles J. Jacques (790.06 JAC), or Idlewild by Jeffrey S. Croushore (790.06 CRO). The video West View Park: Rediscover the Excitement! (VIDEO 790 WES) will bring a lost park back for a time. Remember the trolley? Pittsburgh Inclines and Street Railways by Howard V. Worley Jr. (385.0974 WOR) will bring back memories, as will The Pennsylvania Turnpike: A History by Dan Cupper (974.8 CUP). Another way to get around is illustrated in The Steps of Pittsburgh: Portrait of a City by Bob Regan (974.886 REG). With spring coming, it’s time to think green! Month-by-Month Gardening in Pennsylvania by Liz Ball (635.0973 BAL) will help with your landscaping decisions, and if you’re really ambitious, local water garden expert Steven Katona’s Water Gardening for the Home Owner (635.9674 KAT) will walk you through the whole pond experience. Or check out the night sky with Pennsylvania Starwatch: The Essential Guide to our Night Sky by Mike Lynch (523.8022 LYN). 32

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2006

Interested in architecture? Examine Kentuck Knob: Frank Lloyd Wright’s House for I.N. and Bernardine Hagan by Bernardine Hagan (728.373 HAG), Landmark Architecture of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania by James D. Van Trump (974.886 VAN), Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall: Yesterday and Today (974.886 SOL), or Station Square: A Golden Age Revived by James D. Van Trump (974.886 VAN). History books of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, and Upper St. Clair fill over seven shelves. A few of the newest are: • Pennsylvania Heritage: Diversity in Art, Dance, Food, Music and Customs by Georg R. Sheets (974.8 SHE). • The Soldiers’ Revolution: Pennsylvanians in Arms and the Forging of Early American Identity by Gregory T. Knouff (973.3448 KNO). • Friends and Enemies in Penn’s Woods: Indians, Colonists, and the Racial Construction of Pennsylvania edited by William A. Pencak and Daniel K. Richter (974.802 FRI). • One Shot Harris: The Photographs of Charles ‘Teenie’ Harris by Stanley Crouch (779.9974 CRO). • Upper St. Clair by Larry R. Godwin (974.882 GOD). Like to cook? Have you tried any recipes from The Pennsylvania Trail of History Cookbook (641.5974 PEN) or the Carnegie Treasures Cookbook (641.5 CAR)? Or if you’d rather just go out, there is The Diners of Pennsylvania by Brian Butko and Kevin Patrick (647.9574 BUT). While you are out, there are so many places to visit! The following new titles highlight just a few remarkable places within easy driving distance. • Pennsylvania Caves and Other Rocky Roadside Wonders by Kevin Patrick (917.4804 PAT). • Pennsylvania: Off the Beaten Path by Christine O’Toole and Susan Perloff. (917.4804 OTO). • Pennsylvania Waterfalls: A Guide for Hikers and Photographers by Scott E. Brown (917.4804 BRO). And then there’s just funky! Witness Weird Pennsylvania: Your Travel Guide to Pennsylvania’s Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets by Matt Lake (917.48 LAK), or Pennsylvania Curiosities: Quirky Characters, Roadside Oddities & Other Offbeat Stuff by Clark DeLeon (917.48 DEL). Literary contributions to the Everything Local display include Flatlanders and Ridgerunners: Folktales from the Mountains of Northern Pennsylvania (398.2097 FLA) and The Pittsburgh That Starts within You, by Samuel Hazo (974.886 HAZ). Jeanie Laskas has written two wonderful memoirs of learning to live on a farm in Scenery Hill (818.54 LAS). If you like your history with a shot of fiction, recommended authors who have set their novels in Pittsburgh include Karen Cercone (mystery), Kathleen George (fiction), and Thomas Lipinsky (mystery). Come visit! Everything local is waiting for you. 

What’s New in the Children’s Library? the picture book side of the library. DVDs circulate for one week, but may be renewed as long as they have not been reserved by another patron. Our new waterfall DVD display was purchased with funds provided by the Friends of the Library.

Check Out Our Newly Revamped Young Adult Area Thanks to many hours of work by our staff, the books in the young adult collection are now displayed by genre. If you love fantasy, you’ll now find all the fantasy books shelved together. We’ve used the following genres to reorganize the collection: historical fiction, fantasy, science fiction, modern classics, chick-lit, paranormal, adventure, mystery, and suspense. Our new area features more inviting and userfriendly shelving, which was purchased with funds provided by the Friends of the Library. Let us know what you think of the new arrangement! DVDs We’re expanding our collection of DVDs for children to meet our patron’s needs. This collection has a new home on

Learning to Read Preschoolers and their parents are invited to explore the activity boxes in Concepts Corner. This collection of educational toys will help your child develop pre-reading skills. You can help your child explore colors, shapes, letters, phonics, word play, and more with these fun-to-use activities. Plan to spend some time with your young child in Concepts Corner the next time you visit the library. Help for Beginning Readers Sometimes it’s hard to pick the right books for new readers. To make this easier, the library’s collection of early readers has been reorganized into four progressively challenging levels: Easy Reader, Reader 1, Reader 2, and Reader 3. Ask librarians Debra, Colleen, or Eileen for help in finding books your child will be able to read comfortably and for tips on helping your child become a better reader. You may also want to check out a copy of Matching Books to Readers, which is used by the USC elementary schools to classify books into reading levels.

Storytimes Spring Storytime registration is underway. Babies and Toddlers (ages four to 24 months), Preschool (ages three and one half to five), and More than a Story (Kindergarten to grade two) registrations begin the week of March 20. Twos and Threes (ages two to three and one half) registration begins March 30. Call the library at 412-835-5540 for more details. 2006 PA One Book, Every Young Child In April we’ll be taking part in the statewide initiative for young children based on the book Inside Mouse, Outside Mouse by Lindsay Barrett George. Check out the website or stop in the library for more details about programs and activities for preschoolers centered on this book. 

Graphic Novels—Not Just for Kids Anymore! The Upper St. Clair Township Library provides materials in

many different formats—audio, video, periodicals, computer software, etc. A new, up and coming format popular with today’s younger adults is the graphic novel, and the library is jumping on the bandwagon. We have available a small “starter” collection of graphic novels on the adult floor, with content appropriate for older teens and adults. What are graphic novels? Similar to the familiar newspaper comic strips, graphic novels present sequential art using illustrated panels and text bubbles to tell the story. Unlike the traditional comics, however, today’s graphic novels do not only feature action heroes and humor, they also include history, social issues, fantasy, literary fiction, and many more genres. Maus and Maus II by Art Spiegelman are classic graphic novels about the holocaust, while Persepolis and Persepolis II by Marjane Satrapi are autobiographies about life in Iran. Marvel 1602 by Neil Gaiman places our favorite superheroes in the 17th century, and Year’s Best Graphic Novels, Comics & Manga provides a variety of stories to whet your appetite for more. Since we live in a visual society, we invite you to try this new format and let us know what you think.  Spring 2006

The Library is Open Monday–Thursday 9:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Friday–Saturday 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday 1–5 p.m.

National Library Week April 2–8, 2006 Change your world @ your library® UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

McLaughlin Run Streamside Stabilization and Riparian Buffer Corridor Project Phase IV

Walter Jarosh, Superintendent of Buildings/Forester

The Township of Upper St. Clair,

Municipality of Bethel Park (local governments), and the USC Citizens for Land Stewardship (non-profit) initiated a project to further protect the McLaughlin Run Watershed. The Township of Upper St. Clair previously sponsored three projects within the watershed enlisting the cooperation, financial contributions, and partnerships of various private, public, non-profit, and volunteer entities. The partnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; goal was to develop a project incorporating the principles of fluvial geomorphology (FGM) in the upper McLaughlin Run watershed basin, which would slow and detain high water discharges from large commercial and residential impervious surfaces to help protect and reinforce the three completed Growing Greener Federal 319 funded projects in the mid reaches of the watershed (McLaughlin Run Stream Projects I, II, and III). Water quality improvement, protection of existing infrastructure, and beautification were also primary goals. Early conceptual exploration of the watershed identified three residential lots owned by the Municipality of Bethel Park. These properties could not be developed because they are bordered by restrictive natural landforms or utility right-of-ways. Stream reaches 706F5, 707F5, and 708F5 that flow through the area are identified as high priority reaches in the Watershed Assessment Report, McLaughlin Run Watershed, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, June 2000. The project area is upstream from Walther Lane, situated in Upper St. Clair and Bethel Park. The partnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Growing Greener Application was funded through a Federal 319 grant. Skelly and Loy, Inc. was chosen as the engineering firm for the FGM stream channel 34

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

design, supported by Gateway Engineers, Inc. representing the Township of Upper St. Clair and Chester Engineers, Inc. representing the Municipality of Bethel Park. The many entities abutting, crossing over, or going under the proposed stream project began to increase the complexities of coordination and design. For segment A, the steep landform to the south side of the project supporting Bethel Church Road prohibited access while the Port Authority light rail transit line prohibited any access from the opposite direction. The project area was quickly divided into two segments by Brookside Boulevard and the light rail line bridge crossing the stream. The main 27-inch sanitary sewer line interceptor under jurisdiction of the Municipality of Bethel Park Sewer Authority parallels, crosses, or flows under the stream channel. Columbia Gas Company owns a nine-inch, 300-pound high pressure gas line that parallels and crosses the stream channel along the lower segment. Three private residential properties were involved, one on each end and one in the middle of the project. A three-wire, 138,000 volt electrical transmission line, owned by Allegheny Power Company parallel spans the stream channel. (One support tower was in the existing channel.) An Allegheny Power electrical power distribution station abuts the northern area of the stream for a portion of segment B. Several concrete encased high voltage lines emanate from the substation and cross under the channel. Bethel Church Road (maintained by Allegheny County) borders the project area.

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The initial analysis and design of the project established the following goals: Segment A 1. Relocate the stream channel to eliminate scouring of the toe of the slope supporting Bethel Church Road. 2. Design a sinuous channel, reestablish bank full elevations, increase aquatic habitat, and reestablish high water storage on the flood plain using principles of FGM. 3. Increase water storage in the upper reaches of the watershed to reduce downstream impacts on public, private, and non-profit properties and three completed downstream projects funded by Growing Greener or Federal 319 grants. 4. Reduce the channel width at the 138,000 high voltage tower and install an in-stream structure to protect the tower from future erosion. The tower was initially in the middle of the channel. 5. Reduce bank erosion and protect the residential properties on Bethel Church Road. 6. Realign the channel to direct flow under the light rail bridge and Brookside Road bridge. 7. Ensure that water detention does not flood or impact the light rail line. 8. Install native wetland trees, shrubs, and grasses to establish a riparian buffer, increase residential screening, increase bird and animal habitat, and improve carbon sequestering. 9. Enter the project area between two private residential driveways and rear yards and then restore the area to the satisfaction of the property owner. Segment B 1. Establish structures in the stream channel to reduce bank erosion, increase aquatic habitat, reduce bed load, and increase water quality using principles of FGM.

2. Protect the fencing and property of the Allegheny Power substation from future stream erosion. 3. Protect the sanitary manhole located in the middle of the channel. 4. Realign the channel to better flow under the twin culverts at the Walther Lane crossing. 5. Install native trees and shrubs to enhance the riparian buffer, improve residential screening, increase bird and animal habitat, and improve carbon sequestering. Additional Goal: In January 2005 the Bethel Park Sewer Authority approved funding in 2006 for the replacement of the main trunk sanitary sewer interceptor line that followed the stream channel through the project area. The condition of the existing pipe created stormwater infiltration and environmental impacts. All parties immediately realized that the sewer replacement must precede the stream work. The funding on the stream grant could not be extended another year. Therefore, all parties established the goal to complete the sewer replacement prior to the stream work. All parties met to establish a fast track for the sewer project to include: 1. Engineer design. 2. DEP and Army Corp of Engineer permitting. 3. Boring design and approval by the Port Authority for crossing under the light rail line. 4. Completion of written specifications. 5. Access agreements with all property owners, not previously secured for the stream work. 6. Public advertisement, bidding, and contract approvals. 7. Training by the Port Authority for personnel working within their light rail right-of-way. All parties cooperated, accomplished the goals, and awarded the contracts; the work was scheduled to commence. Oakdale Construction was awarded the contract to replace the sewer line. Requesting the PA One Call the week prior to commencing sewer line construction created a new issue. Columbia Gas Company arrived to locate and mark their nine-inch 300-pound gas line. Their engineering staff became concerned that the excavation required to construct the sewer and bore under the light rail line would cause failure to the gas line. The project stopped for field adjustment to ensure safety for the gas line. Sewer construction started

at the lower end of the project, while engineers reworked and redesigned the crossing point at the bore pit. The gas line was carefully excavated to establish its elevation, the sewer line elevation, and method of construction. It was essential that the electrical conductivity coating on the gas line not be damaged (it could not be scraped, bumped, or impacted by tools or material during the excavation). The clearance between the gas line and the top of the sewer line casing was less than six inches. The solution to these problems created delays, pushing the project closer to the established deadline. This required the contractor for the stream work to mobilize and share the site with the sewer contractor. Space was limited for material storage, access was restricted, and constant coordination between the two contractors was necessary to share the site and accomplish the job. The sewer work on segment B came through the channel completely removing vegetation, altering the banks and channel stability. Then Aquatic Resource Restoration Company (ARRC) arrived to view an area devoid of vegetation and a channel turned over from the deep sewer installation. Skelly and Loy, Inc., ARRC, and USC Township met to make field changes to improve and upgrade the project. The stream alignment was improved, structures were added, and increased bank stabilization was approved. In addition, the permitting process for the sewer required relocation of the manhole in the middle of the stream. The double weir protection for the once existing manhole was redesigned. The material for that structure, plus an additional 400 tons of rock were used to create additional cross rock vanes, more rock toe, and significantly improved bank protection. Some additional trees were saved in segment A, so plantings designated for segment A were shifted to segment B. To improve screening for the downstream residents, additional larger Norway spruce trees were purchased and installed. Wildflower mix was added to the groundcover seed to help beautify the area in the summer months. The two municipalities working together accomplished replacement of a main sanitary sewer line and realignment of the stream with bank stabilization through FGM design and riparian buffer installation. Significant improvements to water quality, water retention, and downstream flood control are the results. Joint construction was cost effective and reduced overall expenditures.  Spring 2006

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Tri-Community South Busiest Community Training Center Defibrillator) study in 1998, and by the National Center for Early Defibrillation as the best smallcommunity AED program in the nation in 2003. Tri-Community South has aided in the placement of over 150 AEDs in public places throughout the area, in addition to supporting and providing ongoing training for the police department AED program. Tri-Community South offers all of the American Heart Association’s training courses. At present, these include: Tri-Community South EMS con-

tinues to be the busiest Community Training Center (CTC) of the American Heart Association’s Northern Atlantic region, with over 6000 citizens trained from January 1 to June 30, 2005. This is a new record for the number of citizens trained by any CTC in the region in any six-month period. Over the past five years, Tri-Community South has ranked annually in the top ten providers of CPR instruction in Pennsylvania. In 2003, Tri-Community South was the busiest CTC in Pennsylvania and the second-busiest CTC in the Northern Atlantic region. In 2004, Tri-Community South became the busiest CTC in the region, and continues to hold that position today. Tri-Community South EMS is the emergency medical service provider for the Municipality of Bethel Park, the Township of South Park, and the Township of Upper St. Clair. The service is owned and operated by the municipalities through an Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement signed in 1977. Since 1978, Tri-Community South has been providing CPR instruction to the residents and businesses in the communities it serves. When the American Heart Association implemented the Community Training Center model in the late 1980s, Tri-Community South became the CTC for part of the surrounding area as well. In addition to its position as a leader in community CPR education, Tri-Community South has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a Community Champion of the Operation Heartbeat program, by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center for excellence in research in the police AED (Automated External 36

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

CPR for Family and Friends—This is a non-credentialed course that covers the recognition and emergency treatment techniques for heart attack, cardiac arrest, stroke, and choking or airway obstruction in adult patients. It also includes recognition and emergency treatment techniques for cardiac and respiratory emergencies in infants and children, and information on injury prevention and cardiac arrest prevention. The adult and infant-child modules can be taught individually or as one full course. Each module takes two hours to complete. The full course is four hours long.

Paramedic and crew chief John Brewer teaches a CPR class.

Heartsaver CPR—This is a credentialed course that covers the recognition and emergency treatment techniques for heart attack, cardiac arrest, stroke, and choking or airway obstruction. It also includes recognition and emergency treatment techniques for cardiac and respiratory emergencies in infants and children, and information on injury prevention and cardiac arrest prevention. It includes the use of barrier devices for ventilation of

Spring 2006

non-breathing patients and demonstrates (but does not provide) training in the use of the AED. The course is four hours long. Heartsaver AED—This is a credentialed course that covers the material presented in the Heartsaver CPR course, plus the use of the Automated External Defibrillator. The course is four hours long. Heartsaver First Aid—This newest course is a credentialed course that covers information and training in the general principles of first aid, recognition, and emergency treatment techniques for medical emergencies and injury emergencies, and optionally, environmental emergencies and the material from the Heartsaver CPR and Heartsaver AED courses. The first aid module alone is three hours long; with the additional CPR and AED modules, the course is seven hours long. Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers—This is a credentialed course for professional rescuers and healthcare workers who are required to obtain and maintain CPR credentials as a part of their licensure, certification, or employment requirements. It includes the material from the Heartsaver CPR and Heartsaver AED courses, plus two-rescuer resuscitation, bag-valve-mask ventilation, advanced obstructed airway techniques, and special resuscitation situations. The course is six hours long. In addition to the American Heart Association courses, Tri-Community South also offers First Aid training from the American Safety and Health Institute, and offers Child Safety Seat installation assistance and inspection by personnel certified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Courses on canine CPR are also available, and more programs are likely to be offered in the future.  To register for classes and for information on class fees, dates, times, and locations, or for information on recertification classes or the other classes and services the system offers, call Tri-Community South EMS at 412-831-3710, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or visit Tri-Community South’s website at www.tcsems.org.

Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department 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.

Monte Carlo Night It was an evening of high stakes fun and excitement as the

USC Volunteer Fire Department hosted a Monte Carlo fundraising event at St. Louise de Marillac’s LeGras Hall on January 7. Dinner, games, prizes, and dancing made it an event to remember! Proceeds went to the USCVFD’s new building fund. Thanks to all who contributed. 

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Left to right: Cheri and Brian Reddecliff and Greg and Shari Gerlach try their hands at black jack.

It’s The Place To Be! to m Murphy stops Congressman Ti wnship Manager To C talk with US ns. Douglas Watki

Left to right: Renee Russell, Rus and Donna Hill are having a s Rauch, great time at the door.

Left to right: Jenni and Bill Elliott, Jerry Kopach, Sr., and Jim Mulhair test their luck at the roulette wheel.

the blackjack table. Everyone’s smiling at

It was a rowdy

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aps ta crowd at the cr

Firefighters Dennis and Dave Kropp tak Hrisko e a break at Monte Carlo nig ht.

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P INEBRIDGE Pinebridge Commons McLaughlin Run Road at Lesnett Road ••••••••••••••••• Carlson Wagonlit Travel Cathy Davin Interior Design 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’s 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 Weidmann Technical Services

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

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Northern Italian Restaurant “ Come visit with the little one” Private Conference Room Now holding wine dinners & specialty evenings Al Fresco Dining Expanded Dining Room 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

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www.kiernantravel.com 1580 McLaughlin Run Road • Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Phone: 412-221-6772 Fax: 412-221-7223 E-mail: cwtusc@aol.com

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

 Southwinds Holds Craft Fair

Southwinds, Inc. is holding its 15th annual spring craft

fair on Saturday, April 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Castle Shannon Fire Hall on Route 88 South. Event highlights include 70 tables of hand-crafted items by area artisans, Chinese auction, baked goods, spring plant sale, door prize, and 50/50 raffle. Homemade lunches will be served. The event benefits Southwinds’ community living and support services for 51 developmentally challenged individuals who live in homes located in southern Allegheny County.

Call Southwinds at 724-941-7600 for more information.

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Spring 2006 UPPER UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 3939 Spring 2006 ST. CLAIR TODAY

Moms Who Tri Erin Allen

One bit of advice for moms with

over-scheduled kids recently stopped me in my tracks. The authors of How Much is Enough? Everything You Need to Know to Steer Clear Erin Allen of Overindulgence and Raise Likeable, Responsible and Respectful Children casually suggests, “Maybe Mom needs to be the one who is dancing. Mom’s needs are important, too.” Whoa. Dance class for moms? Aren’t we supposed to just be driving our kids to their activities, while occasionally peeking in the doorway to catch glimpses of our darling offspring dazzling the teacher with their blossoming talent? Are we really supposed to consider trying these activities ourselves? This radical approach may not only solve the problem of over-scheduled kids, but it may also be a way for us parents to address that other bit of advice we read every time we pick up a magazine—to increase our daily activity. What if, instead of signing up our kids for a challenging athletic endeavor, we signed up ourselves? Maybe we could take up downhill skiing, golf, ballet, or swimming. Consider my recent experience of joining my kids in the pool for swimming lessons. This past summer, led by an energetic mom from Mt. Lebanon, a bunch of my friends, all South Hills moms in their 30s and 40s, signed up for a sprint triathlon. A “sprint” triathlon essentially means that the race is shorter than a traditional triathlon, and that the risk of death by exhaustion is reduced significantly. I initially declined participation, citing my busy schedule. I don’t do that kind of strap-on-a-number thing. What ate at me, however, was the adopted team name, “Moms Who Tri.” I wasn’t so comfortable with what that would make me if I declined. A mom who didn’t try? So, reluctantly I mailed in my registration. Other than the one energetic mom, none of us had done one of these swimming, biking, running events before. I had some training ahead of me. 40

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

While I pulled some great experiences from running and biking, the training for the swim portion of the event would yank me out of the shadow of my children. This was the summer that my kids were learning to swim. I hadn’t been swimming since I was a teenager covered in baby oil, sunbathing on the grass at the Montclair pool. This summer my kids and I would learn to swim together. They would go with enthusiasm, I with trepidation. But hey, I was now a mom who tried, and I had a strategy—go slowly.

was a bit paranoid, but as I dragged my water-logged body out of the pool, I thought I saw a lot of parents looking at me, eyebrows drawn down as if to ask, “Why? What is she doing?” Moms with dry hair on the side of the pool were no doubt confused by my excitement for adult swim as I plopped my wet kids on a bench and tried once again to crank out some less-than-graceful laps. My kids and I swam together that summer. They perfected their doggie-paddle while I worked on my freestyle under the watchful gaze of the lifeguards.

My first baby step was to submerge myself in a body of water. I showed up at a local pool with my kids, brand new goggles strapped around my skull, and went underwater. Then came a few strokes. Not so bad. Eventually I worked up to trying a whole lap. Here came the heavy breathing. Very heavy, laced with fear. The second baby step—I called about some lessons. An open-minded 17-year-old diver was willing to help me develop a solid stroke. My ego took quite a blow, getting in the pool with flocks of children, all of us trying to learn to move gracefully against the drag of the water. After watching me swim a lap, my instructor’s advice was simple—swim over the summer. A lot. Every day. Hmm. I spent much of my summer checking my ego at the pool house gate and choking out more and more laps. Maybe I

At the end of the summer, the day of the big event arrived and I stood with hundreds of other women, ankle-deep in mud, wading through a cold Ohio lake, wearing a red swim cap, goggles, and an amphibious outfit. Nervously chatting with my Moms Who Tri friends, I cursed out our leader, saying next year I would look instead for Friends Who Knit. This was too much. Well, the gun blared, and I dove frecklefaced into the muddy water. My kids and husband waved from the shore, with a look of confused amusement. Struggling to get my heart rate below 400, I stroked my way among other mildly panicked women for a quarter-mile swim to the exit area, and dragged my heavy feet up the hill to what is called the “transition area.” I quickly ripped the cap off my head and replaced it with a helmet. With my damp feet stuffed

Spring 2006

into socks and running shoes, I grabbed my borrowed bike and rode off. The biking felt exhilarating, while the running felt heavy after the speed of the bike. Somehow I managed my way around miles of orange cones and cheering children to a sign that read “Finish.” I did it! I had tried, and I had completed the course. The victorious drive home in the minivan with my family held an unexpected surprise for me. As I excitedly recounted all the little personal triumphs of my race, I realized something very powerful—I smelled unbelievably bad. My body and clothes were carrying a mixture of undesirable odors, created from the unique blend of sweat, lake, and sunscreen. My family caught the scent about 20 miles before I did, and had already cracked their windows and were leaning away from me. But somehow I was proud of my nastiness. On that day in Ohio we were a group of suburban moms who tried. What a powerful idea. Life does not stop at parenting, and our climate-controlled brick houses have a strong pull on us toward a sedentary life. For all the time we spend parenting, we cannot forget to roll off the couch and step outside of our carefully created homes, to enjoy the sunshine, to sweat, to be active. As much as we love being parents and working to help our kids find their talents, we want more than a collapsible canvas chair on the sidelines of Morton field. We want an active life outside of the minivan, where we get a turn. We want to be challenged by something at which we might not succeed. Our kids are active. Perhaps it’s time we consider whether, just maybe, it’s time for our kids to watch and cheer, while we sign ourselves up for the next cool-sounding activity. 

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I’d like to hear your thoughts on contemporary parenting in Upper St. Clair. Please share your ideas with me in person, or email your thoughts to me at erin.allen@adelphia.net. I look forward to hearing from you.

Internal Medicine Stephanie Colodny, M.D. Ashith Mally, M.D. James Moreci, M.D. Walter Robison, M.D. Michael Carpathios, M.D. Harumi Burns, M.D.

2006 Cardboard/Paper Recycling Program

5000 Waterdam Plaza Drive Suite 120 McMurray, PA 15317 (724) 941-8877

Rain or Shine Dates: Saturdays April 1, June 3, August 5, October 7, December 2 Time: 8 a.m.-noon Place: Upper St. Clair Public Works Parking Lot (Corner of Truxton Road and McLaughlin Run Road) Items to be collected: Corrugated cardboard, magazines, catalogues, phone books, junk mail, shredded paper, computer paper, office paper, envelopes, brochures, wrapping paper, cereal boxes, tissue boxes, household batteries (9V, AA, AAA, C, D, etc.) Donations are welcomed to help defray costs and fund this program. A donation jar will be available on site.

Barry Austin, D.O. Donald Kushner, M.D. Raman Purighalla, M.D. Uma Purighalla, M.D. 1050 Bower Hill Road Suite 202 Pittsburgh, PA 15243 (412) 572-6122

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Spring 2006

A Touch of Color Nancy Sakino Spears, Interiors by Decorating Den Knowing where to put color is as

important as understanding how to design with color. A simple two-color scheme can draw the eye to appreciate decorative cornices, moldings, columns, and even the proportion of a room. Highlighting certain details often helps organize a room and gives it scale. It can reduce the ceiling height of a tall ceiling or unify a room that has complex detail. Strong color has been used in all time periods, and particular palettes are often identified in certain decades and styles. First rule of thumb—Keep it simple. Generally speaking, an overall theme that is subdued works best. The goal is to highlight architectural details without overpowering or chopping up the room. Begin by accenting details that are continuous or rhythmic: cornices, moldings, chair

rails, ceiling medallions, etc. Refrain from highlighting each wall panel molding. This will break up the wall space and make it appear busy. If the moldings form a pleasing pattern in the room, you may want to highlight them with an accent color. Second rule of thumb—Work with the architecture. Colors that are lighter should be placed on details that project outward. This would include: moldings, columns, raised panels, panel doors, etc. This creates a three dimensional quality that adds drama and character to the space. Darker color values should be placed in recessed areas to emphasize depth by accenting the natural shadow effect. Using lighter colors in the recessed areas and darker colors on the projections flattens the architectural details instead of enhancing them.

Third rule of thumb—Add details to change or create recesses and projections. Add moldings, trims, shelves, etc. A key to success is carrying the texture throughout the space, giving attention to every surface.  In the Summer issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, watch for a

future project example just completed on one of Upper St. Clair’s historic landmarks from Catalucci Painting Restoration and Interiors by Decorating Den.

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Let’s Talk About Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Marty Pawlak, Pawlak’s One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning Think about it for a minute. The

outdoor air is continually being cleansed by mother nature using her natural processes of rain, wind, lightning, and ultraviolet energy from the sun. These methods are not naturally present in our indoor air environment. Man-made building materials, as well as household cleaning products, have created a virtual chemical jumble in our homes with no natural means of control. Over the years, there has been concern about how indoor air is deteriorating as shown by an increase in the number of children as well as adults with severe allergies and asthma. Your beautiful “clean” home could be a major source of airborne contaminates that could prevent you and your family from feeling healthy and energetic. Particles such as pollen, dust, mold spores, fungi spores, tobacco smoke, dust mites, 46

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

and pet hair all contribute to poor indoor air quality. Furnishings such as draperies, carpeting, wallpaper, paints, and stains continue to “off-gas” toxic fumes long after an application or installation. Another health problem associated with homes is the relative ease by which viruses and bacteria brought into the home by one person can readily transfer to other people in the home. But fear not. You can control the quality and freshness of the air in which you spend 90% of your time. Taking control of your indoor environment by installing advanced components will enable your home to become a fresher, cleaner, and healthier place to live. Some of the high efficiency pollution fighting systems contain: • Filters with high efficiencies. • Filter designed to capture 99% of the

Spring 2006

airborne allergens and particles in your home. • Air enrichment and UV germicidal systems designed to rid your home of odors while controlling the toxins in the air. You will dust less often and your windows, window coverings, and furniture will need lighter cleaning over longer periods of time. An arsenal of high efficiency products are available to you, helping to improve your indoor quality of life. 

Pawlak’s One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning, located at 224 Cherokee Road in Upper St. Clair, can be reached at 412-831-1922.

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Eye on Design—Interior Details that Delight Amelia Dean, B.S.I.D, Jaro Interiors, Inc.

When architects of the past

designed houses, their creative use of architectural detailing was not limited merely to the design of the façade, but instead was liberally applied to the design of the interior spaces. Decorative details in plaster and wood conveyed the design theme of the exterior, and served to create very distinctive room settings that enhanced the myriad daily routines of family life. For example, the exterior limestone and wood detailing of the Tudor style, found interior

HELP from the experts

expression in a carved limestone fireplace surround and dark stained linen-fold paneling. Colonial styling was expressed in columns, pilasters, and pediments that not only created grand entrances, but also embellished interior passageways and defined and divided interior spaces. These architectural details were well thought out and planned as part of the scope of the original blueprints. The elements were judiciously applied according to the importance of the room, the scale of the space, and the size of the budget. Today’s architects, designers, and homeowners, when subjected to stringent budgetary restraint, employ little more detail than simple baseboards, crown and casement moldings around ceilings, doors, and windows, sometimes with the thought of adding character later when the budget allows. Happily, adding details such as columns, window seats, built-in

cabinetry, mantels, and cased wall openings serve practical functions, but they are valued more for the aesthetic quality that they bring to the room’s design. Fortunately, there are wonderful reproduction wooden moldings and plaster details available today that are made using traditional techniques. With guidance from a designer knowledgeable of historical trends, you can make something new look as though it has been there all along. An attractive house does not have to be large and grand, but it does need to have an overall sense of design, and it is the finishing details that make a house distinctive. 

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Shop to Stop Local Domestic Violence Raises Awareness Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh serves more than 6000 victims each year. Did you know that every 15 seconds a

woman in the United States is physically assaulted by her intimate partner? In an effort to continue to give victims of domestic violence a chance to live free from abuse, the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh (WC&S) hosted the Highmark Shop to Stop Domestic Violence event on November 6, 2005, at the Galleria of Mt. Lebanon. Approximately 500 people attended the third annual Shop To Stop and enjoyed a night of excellent food and beverages, lively entertainment, and generous discounts at Galleria stores. The $110,000 raised that night went directly to WC&S so that it can continue to offer services free of charge to victims of intimate partner violence. The WC&S is a safe haven to help women and their children free themselves from the dangers of domestic abuse. The Shop to Stop Domestic Violence event is designed to not only raise money for an important cause, but to also educate the community about the incidents and effects

of domestic violence—something WC&S has been doing for more than 30 years. “Founded in 1974, WC&S is one of the first six shelters in the United States for battered women,” said Shirl Regan, Executive Director of WC&S. “For more than three decades, we have been committed to providing life-saving services free of charge to people who need it the most. Often, we are their only hope and chance for survival. We never want to see their hope be taken away.” “The Women’s Center and Shelter’s mission to end domestic violence in the lives of local women and their children is of the utmost importance to our community,” said event co-chair Pat Violi. “That is how we can continue to help thousands of women get back on their feet each year. Raising money to continue to provide much-needed services can be challenging at times, but we are dedicated to ensuring these women have the programs they need to make a positive difference in their lives.”

Event co-chairs and media personnel making a difference for victims of domestic violence.

“Making a difference in the lives of women who cannot do it alone is the reason why we continue to offer this event and support the center year after year,” said event co-chair Vickie Violi. “Those who support the center’s efforts are giving these women something they’ve never imagined—a tomorrow filled with choices and opportunities, and one that is free from abuse.”  WC&S provides high quality, confidential programs offered in an environment where justice, autonomy, restoration, and safety are the priorities. The Center provides the following core services: 24-hour hotline (412-687-8005) or toll free (1-877-338-TALK), 24-hour shelter, medical and legal advocacy, and counseling and prevention education.

Spring Forward on Sunday, April 2 Are you ready to lose one hour of sleep? Even though no one

revels in the fact that we will lose an hour of sleep, we’ll need to turn our clocks ahead one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday, April 2 to get in step with most Americans who observe Daylight Savings Time (DST). DST will be in effect until 2 a.m. on Sunday, October 29 when the clocks once again revert back one hour and we feel like we’ve somehow gotten over by getting an extra hour that day. Did you know that DST for the U.S. and its territories is not observed in Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Eastern Time Zone portion of the state of Indiana, and the state of Arizona (not the Navajo Indian Reservation, which does observe)? Navajo Nation participates in the DST policy, due to its large size and location in three states across the United States. Get ready for 2007 when DST lasts longer. As part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 that President George W. Bush signed last August, DST will begin on the second Sunday of March (March 11) instead of in April. It will end one week later than normal, on the first Sunday of November (November 4). The concept behind this change is that it will help to save energy.

Even though Ben Franklin suggested moving the clocks ahead in his essay, “An Economical Project,” the idea was not adopted until World War I. Called “summer daylight savings time,” the practice was put in place to conserve much-needed fuel in Great Britain, Germany, and the United States. It allowed factory workers on the evening shifts to do their jobs without artificial light. During World War II clocks were turned forward in the U.S. from February 9, 1942, to September 30, 1945. During the same time, the British clocks were pushed ahead two hours in summer and one in the winter. In the average U.S. home, 25% of all the electricity we use is for lighting and small appliances such as TVs, VCRs, and stereos. Use of these appliances is directly connected to when we rise and when we go to bed, with much of the use occurring when the family is home in the evening. By extending the daylight, it is thought that we can reduce the amount of energy we consume. At the start of DST, it’s a good idea to remember to change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors as recommended by the National Fire Association. Get ready for DST; sleep is highly over-rated!  Spring 2006

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

2006 Spring Dining Guide Bridgeville Restaurant 413 Railroad Street Bridgeville, PA 15017

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Spring 2006

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Upper St. Clair School District Board of School Directors

New School Board Directors

School District News

Last November’s election brought three new faces to the

William M. Sulkowski President 412-221-9516 2009*

Mark G. Trombetta Vice President 412-831-8543 2007*

David E. Bluey 412-835-6145 2009*

Barbara L. Bolas 412-833-9841 2007*

Carol B. Coliane 412-851-0784 2009*

Glenn G. Groninger 412-854-5345 2007*

Upper St. Clair School Board: Carol Coliane, Daniel Iracki, and William Sulkowski. Carol Coliane received her BA in communications from the University of Pittsburgh. She earned her JD from Duquesne University, and works as an attorney focusing on commercial real estate companies and bankruptcy work. Carol and her husband, Norman, have one son, Michael, age seven. Daniel Iracki, a physician, received his BS in biology from Haverford College. He attended the University of Pittsburgh medical school in 1975-76, and received his medical degree from the Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1979. Dan did his residency in internal and pulmonary medicine at Pittsburgh’s West Penn Hospital. He has offices on Fort Couch Road and in Washington, Pennsylvania. Dan and his wife, Natalie, have four children: Dan, 24; Maria, 21; Kim, 18; and Gina, 15. William Sulkowski, a dentist, earned his BA in pre-dental and his doctorate in dental medicine from the University of Pittsburgh. He has a dental practice in Canonsburg. Bill previously served as a member of Upper St. Clair’s school board from 1999-2003. He served as chairman of the academics, arts, and athletics committee, and served on the budget committee and the Pathfinder board. Bill and his wife, Patricia, have two children: Leigh, 21; and Alex, 23. 

! u o Y k Than Thank you to Russell Del Re (2004-2005), Vicki McKenna (2004-2005), and Clark Nicklas (2001-2005) for their dedication and hard work as members of Board of School Directors.

District Schools Receive Awards Daniel A. Iracki 412-833-6882 2009*

Angela B. Petersen 412-831-7182 2007*

Jeffrey W. Joyce 412-257-1704 2007*

The 2006 regular meetings of the Upper St. Clair Township Board of School Directors are held at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at the High School LGI room, unless otherwise noted. No regular meeting is scheduled for July.

*Date indicates expiration of term.

5252 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 2006 2006 Spring TODAY Spring CLAIR ST. UPPER

For the second consecutive year, all

schools in the District have been honored by the Pennsylvania Department of Education with the Keystone Achievement Award for meeting the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) standards. The keystone-shaped award went to schools across the state where students have exceeded the math and reading standards required by the state’s accountability system and the federal No Child Left Behind Act. To meet AYP in the 2003-04 school year, at least 35% of students needed to reach proficiency in math and 45% proficiency in reading. For 2004-05 and the current school year, proficiency standards were raised to 45% in math and 54% in reading. Kudos to the teachers, school staff, students, parents, and the community who have all worked hard to achieve at this level. The Keystone Achievement awards will be on display in the school buildings. 

Putting Your Best Foot Forward Boyce Middle School Helps Katrina Victims Anne Benda Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf

Coast on August 29, 2005, and in Upper St. Clair we watched our televisions and were moved by the devastation we saw. The staff and students at Boyce Middle School watched as well. Boyce fifth level counselor Vicki Cayuela, along with other staff members, recognized that the students at Boyce felt deeply concerned about the disrupted lives of the kids they saw on the television and wanted to do something to help them.

Boyce students on the walkathon

her students at Boyce could make a more personal and direct connection to students whose lives had been severely disrupted. Boyce students and staff also collected donations for victims that would travel with the cards to Mississippi. On September 25, 2005, Vicki traveled with a team of relief workers from Upper St. Clair and the South Hills to help families in Gulfport and Pass Christian. Part of her gear included the cards and donations from Boyce students and staff. While in Mississippi, Vicki made friendships and connections with school Vicki Cayuela with Emma, a student from Pass teachers and administrators in both GulfChristian, Mississippi port and Pass Christian. She also made a The students at Boyce did several things special new friend, Emma, a sixth grader to aid the student victims of Hurricane from Pass Christian. Katrina, beginning by making cards for After her trip Vicki was able to share them. Every fifth level student at Boyce the Hurricane Katrina story with Boyce students through the experiences of Emma. Emma had lived through the storm, lost most of her belongings, and couldn’t return to her ruined school building until mid-October, seven weeks after the hurricane. While Boyce students made cards and collected items for Searching through the wreckage for a family’s belongings this relief trip, participated in card making. While the they still wanted to do more. Principal students were making cards, Vicki was Karen Brown encouraged the students to making plans to actually deliver the cards hold a walkathon. They named the walkherself to students in Mississippi. This way athon “Put Your Best Foot Forward” and

Billboard

on the Bo yce walka thon route

collected pledges from friends and family for the walk. Physical education teachers Matt Mellinger and Dana Pears researched the hurricane statistics and prepared slogans about hurricanes and about charity. They printed billboards with slogans like “Bring families separated by the storm together again,” “Charity—a way to help is by giving,” and “Deadliest U.S. hurricane—over one million people displaced.” The billboards were placed along the walkathon route to encourage the students to learn more about hurricanes and how the pledges they collected would help. Boyce students raised over $5000. Their collections were presented at a District-wide telethon held in March. The telethon collections were divided between a school district in New Orleans and the Pass Christian School District where Vicki did relief work. Through contacts in Pass Christian, Upper St. Clair will buy items needed to continue rebuilding. Boyce Middle School certainly has made a difference in the lives of many students on the Gulf Coast through their inspirational commitment, cards, donations, and monetary collections. 

Spring 2006

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

“Family Dentistry with a Soft Touch”

High School Library Selected as National Site Visit School Janine Despines, USCHS librarian The tour was held on Wednesday, October 5, from noon to 1 p.m., with library information specialists from all over the country attending. High School librarians Janine Despines and Debbie Rentschler commented that it was a wonderful opportunity to showcase how national and state standards for information literacy are being taught as an integral part of the overall Upper St. Clair High School curriculum. Librarian Debbie Rentschler gives a presentation about the High School library. The Upper St. Clair High School Library

was selected as a Site Visit School for the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) national conference that was hosted at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center October 5-9, 2005. This annual conference was an opportunity for librarians nationwide to meet and share ideas and trends within the school library profession. Being chosen as a Site Visit School was a great honor. Upper St. Clair High School has been the recipient of numerous awards, and this additional recognition reflects favorably upon the community and its generous support of the continued academic excellence of our School District. After reviewing numerous applicants from Western Pennsylvania, the selection committee chose Upper St. Clair High School library to demonstrate an exemplary library program.

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Dr. Terry Kushner welcomes visiting librarians.

During the tour, visiting librarians had the opportunity to meet with District administrators, staff, and students. Library volunteers from the PTSO assisted with directing visitors and serving refreshments, which were provided by Principal Dr. Timothy Steinhauer. Student library volunteers were stationed at numerous student work display areas to answer questions. The visiting librarians who toured the facility learned about the library program’s integration with the school curriculum, student projects, and the International Baccalaureate program. 

Fort Couch Reaches Out to Others Reach Out, the holiday fund-raising project

at Fort Couch Middle School, was a great success. The project, which was spearheaded by student council, PTA, and teacher Mrs. Connie Montgomery, raised a grand total of $7945. Students were encouraged to earn money for the holiday spirit project by doing extra chores and projects around their homes. The faculty and PTA were involved with the students in raising money, which will be put toward various causes. Listed below are some of the ways Reach Out helped others. • Provided local families with Giant Eagle gift certificates which were distributed by the Upper St. Clair Police Department. Left to right: Brittany • Supported the Multiple Sclerosis Bike-a-Thon. Gri Meredith Hall, Rebecca ffith, Brooke Gooderham, • Supported a wellness fund to be used to Rosen, Tori Raeder, Vic Rapano, and Caroline toria Kennedy helped reach help Fort Couch students and their families out to others. throughout the year. • Supported the Susan G. Komen Breast Congratulations to the families and students Cancer Foundation. of Fort Couch for their efforts and generosity • Supported other charities designated by in reaching out to the community with this Fort Couch student council. project. 

Spring 2006

Principal of Boyce Offers Students Inspiration Erin Allen

As the school day ends, Hedy Pitcairn, Viv Criner, and Karen Brown get ready to work out.

If Karen Brown had learned to swim

as a child, she might not be the principal of Boyce Middle School. “It was always my dream,” she explains, “to be a gym teacher. But I knew that being able to swim was a requirement in college for a degree in physical education, and I couldn’t swim.” Although she’s not wearing a whistle in the gym at Boyce, sharing her determination to keep active may be one important way she can help the pre-adolescent girls that she shepherds through fifth and sixth grades. According to a 2002 study in The New England Journal of Medicine, girls experience a dramatic decline in physical activity that starts during their early grade school years and continues through high school. Karen demonstrates the importance of physical exercise to her students and staff through example. As the students leave for the day, their energetic principal routinely switches her professional attire to workout clothes and stops at the gym before going home. Principal Brown has also been known as “Coach Brown,” once for her daughter’s tennis team, and also for a softball team and a volleyball team. When school lets out for the summer, Karen heads for the golf course and increases her walking. Through the years Karen has braved many exercise classes, including a self-defense aerobics class she took at a karate studio. The impact of Karen’s eagerness for exercise may be difficult to measure in relation to her students’. This zeal, however, obviously impressed some of the women with whom she works. About four years ago, Karen became passionate about the exercise program at a Curves facility near her home in Brentwood (it’s fun and easy, she’ll tell you), and she convinced three of her colleagues to make a visit to Curves at South Fayette. As a result of her encouragement, Viv Criner (family and consumer science teacher), Hedy

Pitcairn (secretary), and Maryanne Kress (technical aide) laced up their tennis shoes and bought a membership to the facility. For the past three years this animated team of four has made it a habit to head to the gym as their students head home. While Karen speculates that the video culture of today may make staying active challenging for her students, the girls of Karen’s generation faced a different challenge. Karen remembers a time when girls were not encouraged to participate in sports. When girls wanted to play a team sport, she reflects, they created the team themselves with the support of their parents and teachers. Karen laughs as she recalls that when she was a student at Baldwin High School, the girls’ swim team requested sweat suits as part of their sports uniform. The solution? They were given the boys’ old sweats.

Building good habits for life

Over the next eight to ten years, Karen’s students will remain at risk for becoming dramatically less active, not because of the lack of opportunity, but in part due to the sedentary nature of today’s lifestyle. While The New England Journal of Medicine study didn’t examine whether having role models who are active may help prevent this decline, it does speculate that some causes of this decline may be avoidable. Being surrounded at home and at school by active women may likely be a significant factor that helps to limit the decline in physical activity of these girls. Between school and homework, when the pull of the television and computer are strong, the resolve of women like Karen, Viv, Hedy, and Maryanne may inspire the students to engage in physical activity before sitting down for the evening. Oh, and in case Karen’s students feel bad that she never learned to swim, they shouldn’t. At age 30 she filled that void in her life by submerging herself in a pool for some lessons.  Spring 2006

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

High School Celebrates International Education Week Megan Burdette, USCHS junior Recently, students

at Upper St. Clair High School were given an opportunity; we were able to travel around the world in five days, all without leaving the comfort of our own comMegan Burdette munity. From November 28 to December 2, 2005, Upper St. Clair High School celebrated International Education Week. During this special week, all five school days were devoted to promoting student thinking beyond our own country’s borders. International Education Week is proclaimed and promoted by the United States State and Education Departments, and the year 2005 marked the sixth anniversary of its commencement. Upper St. Clair High School was one of many schools to participate in the exciting event. According to the International Education Week website, the U.S. State and Education Departments encouraged “the participation of all individuals and institutions interested in international education and exchange activities, including schools, colleges and universities, embassies, international organizations, businesses, associations, and community organizations.” In a press release about the event, Secretary of Education Margaret Spelling stressed the importance of educating students about other cultures and traditions in today’s world. She spoke of the modern world community as one without borders due to the speed at which information and news can now be sent and received. Secretary Spelling went on to say that “International Education Week 2005 is a time to celebrate international education and exchange.” Upper St. Clair High School certainly took advantage of the opportunity to learn about the world community. Although International Education is a very serious issue, creative activities and interesting speakers at the high school made learning about other cultures fun. Each day of International Education Week started with a trivia question to get students thinking. These questions dealt with interesting facts about different continents. One such question students were

asked was “What percent of the world’s population lives in Asia?” With these fun questions, students were able to begin their days with a great start. International Education Week celebrations spanned all education departments. The English department promoted international education by asking students to find meaningful quotations from residents of different continents. Each class was assigned a continent to be sure that all were represented. These quotations were then hung in the halls by the English classrooms for all students to read and enjoy. There were many interesting and thought-provoking quotations from some of the world’s greatest minds. One such quotation was “an eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind,” as stated by Mahatma Gandhi. Another was “the believer is happy; the doubter is wise,” a Hungarian proverb. Another way in which all of the high school education departments participated was in creating a One World Quilt. This student-generated quilt was a collage of paper squares which were mounted on a wooden world map and placed on display. Each department was assigned a continent to represent in its paper squares. For instance, the foreign language department was assigned the continent of Europe and the art department was assigned Antarctica and the Pacific Rim. Each day of International Education Week brought exciting new activities. After a kickoff day on Monday, Tuesday was designated as “Ethnic Pride Day.” This day was promoted by the foreign language department, which encouraged students to wear T-shirts from different ethnic groups or from their foreign travels. Wednesday was set aside for several speakers to come in and talk to the students about international issues. The speakers included Dr. Dan Lattanzi, who spoke about Doctors without Borders; Mr. Todd Flynn, who spoke about the school project in Haiti; Ms. Laura Palmer, a former Upper St. Clair student who spoke about her travels in China; Ms. Keera Dwulit, who spoke about serving in Iraq; and a group of international HAM radio operators who spoke about their own experiences. Another speaker who came to

Upper St. Clair High School on November 30 was Ms. Lauren Krizner, a woman who works for the United States State Department. Ms. Krizner talked to students about the anniversary of the Marshall Plan and the world of diplomacy. She stressed the importance of putting aside stereotypes and forming relationships with other nations. When asked why she believes it is important for students to learn about other cultures and countries, Ms. Krizner responded, “It is important that students have a deepened understanding of our global community to gain appreciation for other cultures and ways of life.” Ms. Krizner also said that the favorite part of her job is “meeting people from exciting places around the world and also meeting people returning from exciting places such as Baghdad or Haiti.” Thursday was designated as IB Day. IB is the International Baccalaureate program at the high school. On this day, students involved in the prestigious program were given the chance to meet students from two other schools offering IB programs: Vincentian and Schenley. On Friday, the final day of International Education Week, several high school students put on international performances in the LGI room. Among the numerous ethnic performances was a dance preformed by Sri Komanduri, Neha Mehta, and Neesha Hathi. “We danced to the song ‘Soni Soni’ from the movie Mohabbatien. We danced with dandeya (sticks) and our dance was a modern take on traditional folk dancing,” said Sri Komanduri. Booths of internationally-oriented clubs were also set up in the LGI and there was a cookie sale to support the Haiti project. All in all, International Education Week at Upper St. Clair High School was a great success. It allowed students to learn new and interesting things about different countries and cultures and gave them a valuable glimpse of today’s world community. 

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2006

Megan Burdette is a junior at the high school where she is news editor of the school newspaper, the St. Clarion. She also participates in Model U.N. and Art Club. Megan is the daughter of Nancy and Greg Burdette.

Did You Know?

Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did you Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Student Captures Film Award High school junior Jingyang Cheng captured the Gold Award at the SciTech Spectacular High School Film Festival this past fall. In addition to having his film about man’s impact on the environment, Subtlety, screened for the public at the Carnegie Science Center, Jingyang received $1000, a digital camcorder, and a director’s chair.

Coaching Milestone arr Barbara St t en with a stud

Barb William

USC Teachers Earn National Certification Congratulations to Barbara Starr, a Streams Elementary teacher, and Barbara Williams, a Baker Elementary teacher for earning national certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Mrs. Starr and Mrs. Williams are two of only 58 teachers in Pennsylvania to earn this certification.

USCHS head football coach Jim Render ma de hi sto ry on Oc to be r 28 , 20 05 , wh en th e Pa nt he rs de fea ted Ba ld wi n, 48-0 in their football ma tch up . Th at vic tory put Jim in the rec ord books as the first coach in WPIAL history to reach 300 career wins. Congrat ulations Coach Render. We wish you many more winning seasons!

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Oscar Bound? Upper St. Clair High School graduate (1988) Steve Chbosky, who was also an Upper St. Clair High School Arts Hall of Fame recipient (2000), was the screenwriter for the movie Rent. Congratulations Steve. You’ve given us a reason to sit through the credits!

�� Callahan Courtney

Left to right: Jack Greenberg, Kris McDonough, and Pat Slowey with USCHS baseball coach Jerry Malarkey.

Brittany Findley

USC Athletes Sign Letters of Intent Several high school seniors have been recognized for their athletic ability and recently signed letters of intent. Kris McDonough, a catcher and third baseman, has signed with Ohio University. Pat Slowey, a right-handed pitcher, has signed with Winthrop. Jack Greenberg, a first baseman, has signed with the University of Rhode Island. In swimming, Courtney Callahan, a sectional finalist in the 100 and 200 backstroke, has signed with the University of South Carolina. Brittany Findley, a soccer player, has signed with Duquesne.  Spring 2006

�� UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fort Couch Students Head to Philly David Kyle, Fort Couch social studies teacher Fort Couch Team Five students had the opportu-

nity to travel to Philadelphia on November 9 and 10. While there, the students visited Valley Forge, Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Carpenter’s Hall, and the Members of Team Five in front of Independence Hall United States Constitution Center. They also attended a presentation by General George Washington. The trip served as a perfect transition between the first nine weeks, when the students studied colonial development and the American Revolution, and the second nine weeks, when students studied the Constitutional Convention and the government that it created. 

Left to right: Anne Villanova, Andrew Kramer, Molly Gallagher, and Mary Eddins pose with General George Washington look-alike.

Sixth Grade Field Trip to Mingo Creek Park Julie Mauder and Dawn Yoder, Boyce sixth level teachers Visualize a place where covered bridges

of bright barn-red arch over winding streams, enveloped by 2600 acres of nature’s beauty. Boyce Middle School sixth grade students had the opportunity to learn in this beautiful environment this past fall when they traveled to Mingo Creek Park, located about eight miles south of Upper St. Clair. Boyce teachers, along with parent volunteers, made it possible for the students to take part in lessons focusing on environmental education with connections to mathematics, social studies, and language arts. Each team had a parent coordinator who helped recruit parent volunteers and organize a picnic lunch. It proved to be an educational, fun-filled field trip, as sixth level student Taylor Manalo attests in her Mingo Creek Reflection essay:

Students writing fables on the rock beds of Mingo Creek, left to right: (foreground) Ryan Boyd, Akhil Venkatesh, Matt Snyder; (background) Poorwa Godbole, Pat Montgomery, and Taylor Manalo 58

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

In October, the Clark/Mauder Team went to Mingo Creek and took four classes. The first lesson was the soil and erosion sampling and testing. In this lesson, we looked at four different types of soil: sand, dirt/soil, gravel, and the combination of all three. We then compared them to each other. We divided into Students standing in front of Ebenezer Bridge, front to back: Katie Seech, Shayla Forse, Kylie McKenna, Deanna Neiser, Robby Harbison, groups, and we built a mountain Joey Selep, Derik Young, Andrew Schmitt, and Carly Sullivan using a pie pan with holes in the bottom, our material, one leaf, and twigs and The last lesson was our language arts sticks. Next, Mr. Gombar, a Boyce teacher, lesson on fables. During this lesson, Mrs. poured water on it to represent a rainstorm. Mauder read the book The Country Mouse We compared results and drew conclusions, and the Town Mouse. When she was finwhich involved a lot of teamwork. ished, we discussed the hidden meaning of The second lesson was tree identification. the story and sat around the creek and wrote The teachers in this lesson were our group fables of our own about Mingo Creek. My leaders. We read about all the different trees fable is called Now You Listen Here, Bluefound at Mingo Creek Park, such as the berry. I loved writing about nature in such a black walnut tree, the maple tree, and the creative way. sycamore tree. The Mingo Creek field trip was a success The watersheds lesson was next and taught for students, teachers, and parents alike. It’s by Boyce teacher Mr. Clark. I learned that a an experience that we hope will continue watershed is an area of land that drains water for many years as it helps to set the tone for into a stream, river, lake, or ocean. We also the three-day sixth grade trip to Deer Valley read the book The Water Dance and filled out in the spring. Mary Dudas, a student on Mr. a worksheet on watersheds. At the end of our Smoyer and Ms. Yoder’s team summed it up lesson, Mr. Clark made a lifelike diagram that best by saying, “This was the best field trip showed watersheds. Then, we had a pretend I’ve ever been on!”  storm to find the actual watersheds.

Spring 2006

New Swim Coach at USCHS Jim Render, USCHS football coach Dick Bradshaw is a member of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, Western Chapter and the Pennsylvania State Swimming Hall of Fame.

This may be a shock

to some of you who know of my career as a football coach, but once upon a time, I was a competitive swimmer. (Also in my prior life, I took violin lessons at age five. How about that for shock value?) I swam for the Tuscarawas County, Ohio YMCA in the mid 50s. That would be the same county many of you visit when you go to the Amish villages in central Ohio. In my day, YMCA competition was equal to the good high school programs that we know today. I wasn’t too bad in the freestyle sprints and, in fact, along with three of my close friends who all lived within 500 yards of my house, we won the junior division (ninth grade) state championship in the 200yard freestyle relay. That year I also got a second place in the 50-yard freestyle. The boy who beat me, Marty Mull, later became an NCAA champion in the individual medley and an All American at Ohio State University. A student assistant coach for the Buckeyes at that time was a young man by the name of Richard Bradshaw, who is the real focus of this article. Meet Dick Bradshaw, the new swim coach at Upper St. Clair High School.

more established program at Bethel Park and led them to a state championship in 1969. As the coach of both the girls’ and boys’ teams, his three-year record at Bethel Park was 58-3, with the girls’ team claiming no defeats. In fall 1967, Dick took the opportunity to go to the University of Pittsburgh and work on his master’s degree, also becoming an assistant swim coach. With circumstances constantly changing in the coaching profession, one year later at the age of 28, Coach Bradshaw became the youngest coach in Division 1 swimming and began a 23-year tenure as the head coach at the University of Pittsburgh. In that time he coached his swimmers to team championships for the men and women and had 42 All Americans, one national champion, and three Olympians (one man and two women). During his Pitt tenure, he also founded the Pittsburgh Aquatic Club and was the head coach for people of all ages for almost 20 years. While at Pitt, Dick was a faculty member in the aquatic and safety programs, serving as director. During his last 11 years at Pitt, his administrative duties also included being the coordinator of basic instruction and coordinator of community external education. Dick managed to find time to begin a PhD program and has over 35 hours in higher education administration. Dick took an early retirement from Pitt and has worked in the real estate business since 1990. After a brief return to

2005-06 USCHS Swim Team with Coach Bradshaw (top left)

To say that Coach Bradshaw is experienced would be a huge understatement. He graduated from Ohio State in 1965 and came to work as a teacher and coach at Upper St. Clair. Since our pool was under construction, Coach Bradshaw took his only swimmer, Lonny Harrison, to neighboring pools where Harrison’s abilities were good enough to win WPIAL and PIAA championships. Coach Bradshaw then guided Lonny to Ohio State where he became an All American swimmer and team captain. Now a local optometrist, Dr. Harrison was inducted into the USCHS Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003. As for Mr. Bradshaw, he moved over to a

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the swimming world as the head coach at Hampton High School in 1999, Dick has been watching and observing from somewhere in the near background. When asked why he wanted to return to USC in 2005, Coach Bradshaw replied that he was encouraged to do so by a former Pitt athlete, Christie Rupp, who was an assistant coach at Upper St. Clair. Now Dick says Upper St. Clair is where he wants to be. He states that he has had an interesting and fulfilling life and that he has been lucky along the way. For the young swimmers of USC, luck is what happens when preparation meets with opportunity.  Spring 2006

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A Message of Hope Trisha Meili autographs a copy of her book for high school senior Kristen Colelli.

In some ways, Trisha Meili’s story

is similar to those of scores of Upper St. Clair graduates. She was a member of the National Honor Society, on the yearbook staff (serving as editor-in-chief her senior year), and treasurer of student council. Outside school she took instruction in ballet. Trisha attended Wellesley, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in economics. She continued her education at Yale, earning a master’s degree in international relations and an MBA. After graduation, her career was on the fast track with Wall Street investment bank Solomon Brothers. Smart, beautiful, and talented, Trisha was living the type of life that so many USC graduates achieve—only to have it change in an instant. In April 1989, while out for a jog in New York’s Central Park, Trisha was savagely beaten, raped, and left for dead. It was a crime so shocking that it made headlines across the country. When Trisha was found after the attack she was in severe shock, had lost about 80% of her blood, and had a body temperature of 85 degrees. She had severe head injuries including a fractured skull, a fractured eye socket and an eye that had to be put back in place, as well as deep lacerations. Doctors at Metropolitan Hospital thought her injuries would result in massive brain damage, if not death. Against the odds, she survived and was known for years only as the Central Park Jogger. In 2003 Trisha broke her silence and identified herself in her memoir, I Am the Central Park Jogger: A Story of Hope and Possibility. While the 1978 USC graduate 60

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

still has no memory of the attack or the six weeks following it, her book details the events from numerous newspaper and magazine articles written afterward. Trisha described her journey of recovery from injuries so severe that doctors weren’t sure if she would live, to her life as it is today. Now working as a motivational speaker, Trisha was in Pittsburgh this past November and spoke to this year’s graduating class at the high school. She shared her story and message of hope, and how it can relate to anyone facing obstacles in their life. Stating that she never thought she would be back at her old high school speaking about a life-changing event, Trisha told the group that her story was not about fear, anger, or hatred, but about dealing with the challenges that everyone faces in life. She shared three lessons that helped her get through her recovery that others can use to help them deal with life’s obstacles. The Importance of Support Trisha said she was technically in a deep coma for 12 days, followed by what she described as drifting in and out of states of consciousness until about six weeks after the attack. Yet, she said that from the extraordinary level of violence of her attack came an extraordinary level of support. While in Metropolitan Hospital, Trisha’s family and close friends were there for the ordeal, but she also received support from people all over the world and even got roses

Spring 2006

from Frank Sinatra. Cards and letters were read to her, and Trisha thought that at some level she was processing what people were saying. She thought all the support helped in her recovery. Be Proud of What You Can Do After her hospitalization, Trisha was moved to Gaylord Hospital for rehabilitation. At Gaylord, Trisha had to learn many once familiar things—reading, writing, addition, subtraction—even how to tell time. A competitive runner, she had to learn to walk again. But instead of focusing on what she couldn’t do, Trisha chose to concentrate on, and be proud of, what she could do. While at Gaylord, Trisha started working with the Achilles Track Club, a group that encourages people with disabilities to run. Prior to her attack, Trisha’s normal run was about six or seven miles; now she was struggling to complete a quarter mile. Eventually Trisha was running competitively again, completing the New York City marathon in November 1995 in about four and a half hours. The Power of the Present Moment After the attack Trisha lost control and use of her hands. One of her exercises during rehabilitation was putting nails in holes using hand-held tweezers. Trisha told the students that she knew she had to focus and pay attention to what her mind and body were doing if she wanted to get use

Left to right: Sandy and Jack Meili, Trisha Meili and husband, Jim Schwarz, and USCHS activities director Danny Holzer

of her hands. “I worked as hard as I could to make my reality as good as it could be.” Trisha commented that during her recovery, her employer Solomon Brothers was “fabulous.” They told her father that there would be a job waiting for her when she got out of rehab, something that gave her an incentive to work harder at therapy. Trisha returned to Solomon by the end of 1989, starting back to work in an administrative job and gradually getting back into the work she did before the attack. She continued to work for Solomon for eight years, and eventually became a vice-president. Trisha commented that while the financial world was great, after going through such a life-changing event she wanted to do more to help others and left Solomon to run a non-profit organization in New York City. As time went by Trisha decided she wanted to do something more directly involved with what had happened to her. This led to Trisha writing her book and speaking to people recovering from brain injuries, sexual assault survivors, and other groups. In her closing remarks, Trisha told the students the process of healing and growing never stops and advised them to appreciate what they have right now. “Enjoy the life you have,” she remarked. During her trip to Pittsburgh Trisha also spoke at Allegheny General Hospital at the Advanced Topics in Trauma Nursing: Traumatic Brain Injury conference, addressing healthcare providers who care for patients with traumatic head injuries. She spoke from a patient’s perspective, letting the providers know that the care, hope, and healing they provide really makes a difference. “They don’t necessarily see the outcome,” explained Trisha. She said when she speaks to health care providers she wants to give them a lift and let them know that what they do makes a difference. While in Upper St. Clair, Trisha and her husband, Jim Schwarz, got to visit with Trisha’s father, Jack, and his wife, Sandy. Trisha and Jim married nine years ago and make their home in Connecticut. Since her attack, Trisha stated that she has a much greater appreciation for what she does have. She has also gained more respect for her body and how it was able to recover from her injuries. Prior to the attack Trisha was anorexic, but said her recovery made her realize that she had better take care of her body and mind and treat them as good as she can. Trisha remarked that since the attack she has aquired a deep belief in the connection between all human beings and the importance of the support of strangers. “I saw the God in each of us come out as people were reaching out to me,” she commented. 

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USCHS Fall 2005 Sports Results Team Wins Losses Ties Co-ed Cross-Country 4 5 Field Hockey 7 8 1 Football 9 1

Achievement – – Conference co-champions

Golf (boys) 20 1 WPIAL/Section champions – Rob Shogry tied for first in WPIAL and tied for 12th in the state. Golf (girls) 18 1 – Megan Trachok won sixth place in the state. Soccer (boys) 11 8 2 Soccer (girls) 18 1 1 Tennis (girls) 11 1 Volleyball (girls) 2 10

WPIAL/Section champions – – Section champions –

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Spring 2006

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Always Have a Dream Michelle Zirngibl, Upper St. Clair High School Life Skills teacher My brother, Kenny, and I grew up in

education when we went off to college. We set a goal to help students with disabilities become as independent and well-respected by the community as our uncle. Kenny and I both chose to go to Clarion University because it was ranked The Adlers, left to number one in the state for right: James Scott, Mariann Adler, Michelle Zirngibl, special education. After we and Ken Adler graduated, we felt that its reputation held true. Both of us are currently teaching in of beginning a business, as well as meet the field and wouldn’t trade our careers with an attorney, accountant, and other for anything. Since we are always talk- professionals. Most of the time, we felt like we were ing shop when we’re together, bouncing ideas around at the holidays was nothing being guided with help from above. We had new. On Christmas Eve 2004, Kenny and the expertise to plan and implement the I were talking about the paperwork that activities for this camp, but the unknown we needed to complete in the near future pieces always seemed to fall into place and all of the preparation associated with for us. For instance, our attorney, Mark it. One type of information special educa- McKenna of McKenna & Chiodo Attorneys tion teachers need to research is the various at Law, met with us to not only describe the camps offered during the summer for in- paperwork and legalities, but he also esdividuals with disabilities. Finding a camp tablished our company name and referred is not difficult, but finding a camp that is us to other professionals. If you ask either appropriate is one of us, Mark was an angel in disguise. challenging. (Be- Because he felt that the initiatives of the ing perfectionists, camp were for a good cause, he donated we only want his services. The second blessing we stumbled the best for our across involved the location for the camp. kids.) Teaching at We knew that we would be spending most the high school of our time in the community, using publevel, I always lic transportation and learning daily living found it dif- tasks, but we needed a “base.” We needed a ficult to find location to meet in the morning to discuss camps that the day’s events, as well as a place for the were socially participants to be picked up in the afternoon. In addition, our location absolutely appropriate, yet education- needed to be within walking distance to al. Kenny and public transportation. As a high school I chuckled as teacher, I had a contact with a local agency, eph, Matthew, Jos s per cam ler, we tossed out MainStay, which provides support within Ad n , left to right: Ke Camp Transitions A-Z Robert, and Michelle Zirngibl the idea of de- apartments to adults with disabilities. After and veloping our own camp. From the next approving it through their board, MainStay As Kenny and I observed our uncle room, we heard our mother’s quiet voice offered our camp an apartment at no cost. doing so many things independently, we say, “Why not? You have been blessed with Things were falling into place. Camp Transitions A-Z was implebegan to understand his personal struggles a job that gives you time in the summer to and proudest accomplishments. Here was do these things.” It was sounding better mented during summer 2005. We called a man who wasn’t expected to live past age and better as we pursued this idea. We it Camp Transitions because our goal was five, and at 48 he was teaching us more knew that we had to accomplish many to teach independence on four levels: about life than any other person could. tasks before beginning this camp. Since social, academic, domestic, and commuKenny and I were so proud of our uncle we are educators without backgrounds nity-awareness. The A-Z was our mother’s that we both chose to major in special in business, we needed to learn the basics idea—Kenny’s last name (my maiden

Upper St. Clair, not realizing how fortunate we really were until we went off to college. Our family was not one of the wealthiest in the form of money, but it was definitely one of the wealthiest when it came to love and support. I was 15 and a freshman in high school when my grandma passed away. Our uncle, James Scott, who is mentally challenged and lived with our grandma, suddenly needed a new place to call home. Our family never thought twice before welcoming him into ours. He grew up in Morningside, in the heart of Pittsburgh, using public transportation to get back and forth to work and social events. Moving to the suburbs was a drastic change for him, as well as for our entire family. He found himself having to depend on others to drive him to the Village “T” station, or bowling on a Tuesday night. But our mom, Mariann Adler, promoted his independence and made him do many things on his own—the way he liked it. She wasn’t about to diminish his self-esteem by taking away this independence.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2006

name) is Adler and my married name is Zirngibl. Not only does it stand for our names, but it also means that we cover everything from A to Z. Pretty clever, don’t you think? (Thanks, Mom!) Our apartment was located in Dormont, within walking distance to the trolley and the communities of Dormont and Mt. Lebanon. We could not have been offered a better location. Each day, we used either public transportation or our feet to practice social skills within the community. We visited places such as the Hard Rock Café, Mt. Washington, Station Square, Great Harvest Bread Company, and South Hills Village. We learned how to do laundry in two different laundromats and practiced pedestrian safety skills across all settings. To help support independence in the area of domestic skills, the participants used one day each week to learn how to make their own lunch. The participants would meet in the morning, discuss healthy eating, decide on a menu, create a shopping list, clip coupons, know the budgeted allotment, use the trolley to grocery shop, bring home the groceries, prepare the meal, and clean up afterwards. Each week we visited a different grocery store to learn the various set-ups. Kenny and I were very pleased with the outcome of our camp’s first summer. We would like to encourage the youth of today to never stop dreaming. Don’t stop after one goal has been accomplished. We both accomplished our goal of graduating from college and becoming teachers; therefore, it was time to set a new goal. Our mother has always believed in us and has instilled a sense of confidence. Never stop dreaming of a new challenge to accomplish. Dreams do come true! 

Skills for Life From raising money for others to planning a dinner for friends and family,

the high school life skills students had a busy first semester. Their spaghetti dinner to raise money for victims of Hurricane Katrina was extremely successful, resulting in a sold-out event! Within a few weeks they were hard at work at Kings Restaurant for the always popular Celebrity Night. Everyone especially enjoyed being waited on by teachers and administrators. Finally, the students closed 2005 with their traditional holiday dinner thanking everyone who supported them through the year. 

Student peer volunteers and supporters worked together to help raise money for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina.

Students were busy helping customers at Celebrity Night.

Celebrities hard at work and helping out Michelle Zirngibl is the Life Skills teacher at Upper St. Clair High School. Ken Adler is a special education teacher with the Trinity School District. Their mother, Mariann Adler, is secretary at Baker Elementary School. For more information about Camp Transitions A-Z, contact Michelle at 412-759-0426 or Ken at 412-337-2728. Barbara Bolas

Ted Barnett

Spring 2006

Dr. William Pope

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Pawprints: A USC PTA Council Highlight of Our Schools The USC PTA Council is an impor-

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

High School There are tests, quizzes, grueling reading assignments, mind-boggling equations, and enough homework to make students feel like their brains are stretched to the limit. Aside from that—or, perhaps, because of that—Upper St. Clair High School is an exciting place to be! Driving down Route 19, people look at the busy parking lot and wonder what is going on at the high school today. Basketball, ice hockey, swimming, wrestling, rifle, and indoor track have kept many busy all winter. The ski bus filled the slopes with our students, week after week. Now we are starting the spring sports schedule. Students are engaged in a diverse array of club activities and academic competitions. Their performing talents are presented locally in our wonderful production of the Broadway hit, Guys and Dolls. Soon many will go on to display their musical gifts nationally at competitions in Orlando. The high school also showcases the talents of our

fine arts students in shows and display case presentations. Some of our students’ greatest gifts are not only the ones that they possess, but also the ones that they share. Many student organizations have banded together to aid the victims of hurricanes, and the time and effort that they have put into fund-raising efforts is inspiring. In addition, every year our students affirm the concept of equal rights for women. This year has been no different. The Sadie Hawkins’ Day dance, to which young women traditionally have the opportunity to choose their date, was a resounding success! Volunteers play a critical role in sustaining these student activities. The PTSO holds meetings at the high school on the third Wednesday of each month; all are welcome. Come be a part of the high school’s future successes.

Lt. John Sakoian receives a check from the Fort Couch Reach Out program.

Fort Couch students finished 2005 in high spirits with an assembly and a well deserved in-school social. The December Reach Out program raised money for several charities, including a donation of $3000 to the USC Police Department to distribute to needy families in the Township. January started on a sweet note with band, orchestra, and choral concerts, while the students celebrated Valentines Day with a social in February. ings section r Paul Fox with the str USC orchestra teache spring musical, Guys and Dolls as they prepare for the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Illustrator John Manders

Boyce PTA, students, and teachers welcomed illustrator John Manders on November 21-22. John lives and works in Pittsburgh’s Highland Park and has illustrated over 30 picture books for children as well as many children’s magazines. The Boyce family got an inside look at how a book comes together from an illustrator’s perspective.

Baker Elementary

Fort Couch

Boyce

Spring 2006

It’s hard to believe how quickly the school year is passing! The Baker kids had a great time at the Enchanted Shop sponsored by the PTA. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to purchase holiday gifts for the special people in their lives. The fourth level choral concert was great, as were the strings and band concerts. The Baker Caper winter carnival, under the direction of ringmaster Ellen Whyte, was a huge success! The theme was “Under the Big Top,” and the school was transformed into a giant carnival-like circus. Family read-in night was a nice break from the winter doldrums as the Baker children enjoyed special guest readers and little treats.

Eisenhower Elementary Eisenhower started 2006 with three new activities. First was family bingo night on January 13 when Eisenhower families got together for an evening of

fun. The book swap was held January 18, 19, and 20. Children, with help from their parents, brought in gently used books from their home library and swapped them for a “new” book of their choice. It was a great way to update our home libraries and keep the students reading! Now the PTA is busy planning its first ever spring fashion show, which will take place on Sunday, April 23 at St. Clair Country Club. Come and see Eisenhower teachers and staff members model the latest spring fashions from retailers throughout the South Hills area. Tickets will be available at a cost of $25 each. If you’re interested in helping out with the event or would like more information, contact event chairs Cassandra Falkenstein at 412-854-0317 or Jane Gavett at 412-831-5256.

December brought a revamped holiday shop, which offered new items for the students to purchase for the special people in their lives. The Streams staff was treated to a holiday luncheon before the winter break, and the generosity of the Streams families was definitely appreciated by the entire staff. Room parents planned fun winter parties for each classroom, and there was even a magician that amazed the students during recess. It was Streams Day at Ice Castles as the ice skating party took place on the second teacher in-service day in January. In February the fourth level had their annual hoedown, while the first level was entertained by Mad Science at their special level night. Also in February, Streams family bingo was held at the high school. 

What a Team! We've sold $48 million together since 2002. Interview us!

Bonnie

Marlene

Bonnie Detwiler ext. 158

Streams Elementary Streams kept busy during the cold winter months with many PTA events. In November, the book fair and ice cream social were popular, and everyone enjoyed entering the “Kingdom of Reading.” Kindergarten classes were treated to Mainstreet Music at their special level night later in the month.

Marlene McNaughton ext. 122

412-831-0100

Money Week for Make-A-Wish

A different student was featured each morning on Baker’s television station, WBKR, during Money Week.

Baker Elementary’s annual fundraiser

for the Make-A-Wish Foundation began in fall 2004 when then fourth level student, Sara Yerina, was chosen as her classroom’s

Star of the Week. Sara was discussing her favorite vacation and told the class that it was the trip to Disneyworld given to her family by Make-A-Wish because of her brother, Michael. After some discussion, it was decided that Baker would hold Money Week for Make-A-Wish to try to purchase a wish for a sick child. The average cost of a wish is $3400. Students were asked to bring pennies on Monday, nickels on Tuesday, dimes on Wednesday, quarters on Thursday, and dollars on Friday of the money collection week. Because of the success of the fundraiser last year, this has become an annual event. In fall 2005 Baker students and staff collected and donated a total of $4360. In addition, Baker students and staff volunteered their time to help collect additional donations at the Mall at Robinson on Friday, December 16. This extra collection amounted to another few thousand dollars for Make-A-Wish. Way to go, Baker!  Spring 2006

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

Alfred A. Cupelli D.M.D.

Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry

411 McMurray Road, Suite 102 Bethel Park, PA 15102 412/831-3373 Fax: 412/831-3777 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

L^^^^^^^^^ Art in Our Schools

The purpose of education, in my view, is the pursuit of truth and beauty, the development of human capacities, and the improvement of the quality of life. Preparing students to live rich, satisfying, and rewarding lives is far more important than preparing them narrowly for roles in manufacturing and marketing consumer goods. In any event, the personal skills most valued by employers in the marketplace today are creativity, flexibility, discipline, and skill in working cooperatively with others—all of which are skills emphasized in the study of music [and art]. —Paul R. Lehman, Professor Emeritus, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Visit any building in the District

and you’ll soon discover art is everywhere! A wide variety of displayed art work decorates the walls in and outside the classrooms. Stop to visit a teacher or staff member and you pass by bulletin boards, wall murals, countless paintings, drawings, and “cut-out” collages hung wherever there is available space. Even the central office’s board room is a showcase for the original creations of USC students. Upper St. Clair School District offers a wide variety of Fine and Performing Art experiences for the educational well-being of residents and students in all grade levels. USC art and music classes and extra-curricular activities offer a comprehensive exposure to the arts while adapting to the individual abilities, needs, and interests of the student body. Art and music courses are mandated for all students in grades K-8, and electives in band, ceramics, chorus, guitar, IB music, IB visual arts, jazz, music theory, orchestra, painting/drawing/mixed media, and three-dimensional art are 66

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

provided at the high school. The classroom art programs focus on exploration, discovery, links to other learning, and increasing subject mastery. The students are introduced to a wide variety of materials, techniques, artists, and concepts. They are encouraged to use the information in innovative and expressive ways, solve problems independently, and learn from their experiences. Classroom studies are often enriched and reinforced through seasonal art projects and special exhibits. Interdisciplinary projects are done at all levels with the correlation of an appropriate academic topic and art activity. In band, choral, string, and general music classes, a solid foundation in music is the backbone of the program. Vocal and instrumental students are versed in all aspects of music, both theoretical and practical. In classroom music, seven elements of music are introduced: singing, playing instruments, dance/movement, listening/responding, original composition or improvisation, reading notation, and experiencing live and recorded performances. USC music instructors instill an appreciation for music and musical thinking, speak and demonstrate appropriate musical terminology and examples, and encourage imaginative thinking at all times. Students are trained to be responsible for their own learning, seek private study, and explore more than one musical medium (vocal and instrumental) and mode of learning (performing, composing, and analyzing and listening).

Why Teach the Arts? During the Clinton Administration, “Goals 2000” legislation added arts to the list of core subjects in which students should meet high standards. According to the National Standards for Arts Education, an education in the arts helps nurture the “whole child,” gradually building many kinds of skills and literacy while developing intuition, reasoning, imagination, and dexterity into unique forms and levels of expression and communication. Quoting What Every Young American Should Know and Be Able to Do in the Arts, “the arts cultivate the direct experience of the senses; they trust the unmediated flash of insight

Spring 2006

as a legitimate source of knowledge. Their goal is to connect person and experience directly, to build a bridge between verbal and nonverbal, between the strictly logical and the emotional—the better to gain an understanding of the whole.” When asked how arts education impacted him, Dr. Timothy Steinhauer, principal of USCHS commented, “I can tell you that the lessons I learned as a musician, a member of the marching band, and as a performer have guided me throughout my life. They are an important piece of what makes me who I am.” Christie Parkinson, a sixth grade student at Boyce who was asked what she thought about the arts curriculum in the District’s schools responded, “You can learn skills you can use your whole life. It gives you a chance to be creative and express yourself.” She said she has fun with her friends while in band and chorus, and thought students would be missing a lot if they didn’t have those activities. Katie Dodd, a senior at the high school and this year’s student director of the spring musical Guys and Dolls said the arts curriculum opens kids up to new ideas. “It gives us a break in the day and some freedom to relax and have fun and meet an entirely different group of people.” According to Katie, students take required courses because they have to, but students in the arts classes are there because they want to be there. She explained these classes open kids up to new things, even new career options. While Katie is excited to be student director of the musical, she knows she will miss it when she graduates. “I’ve always been involved with it,” she stated, adding that the production draws in many different groups of students that wouldn’t typically be working together. “You get to meet so many great people.”

The Sounds of Music After months of enduring winter’s chill and dreariness, the arrival of warmer weather in the spring is enough to put a song in almost everyone’s heart. Since spring officially arrives in March, what better month to celebrate music in our schools? Music in Our Schools Month (MIOSM®) began as a single statewide celebration in 1973, and has grown to become a month-long

celebration. March has been officially designated by MENC: The National Association for Music Education for the observance of MIOSM®, the time of year when music education becomes the focus of schools across the nation. In 2004, the national theme of MIOSM® was “Connect with Music.”

Arts in Action • According to the USCHS counseling office, there are 502 students enrolled in art courses and 434 students enrolled in music courses. • Several art production clubs are offered as after-school activities: Art Club, 3D Art Club, Campus News Video Club, Chanteclairs and other choral groups, fall play, Film Club, Improv Club (improvised acting), Symphony Orchestra, spring musical, stage crew, and Thespian Society (acting). • Dance is offered as a physical fitness elective at the high school. • The eighth level Expressive Arts teams at Fort Couch schedule a variety of innovative “elective” arts-related courses including Best of Broadway, CAD, cake decoration, calligraphy, communication arts, computer composition, crafts, electric art, furniture making, Home-Alone Cooking, print making, Rock of Ages, and woodwork. • High school students serve as representatives for the Audience of the Future project co-sponsored by Bayer Foundation and the Pittsburgh Symphony. • The state-of-the-art theatre at the high school is home to a wide variety of community and professional groups: Community Band South, Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Outreach, Pittsburgh Youth Ballet, River City Brass Band, South Hills Junior Orchestra, and Town Hall South. • Water color artist Henry Fiore and other professionals are invited to teach hands-on demonstration workshops with optional follow-up visits to the artists’ studios. In addition, annual field trips are sponsored to Carnegie Museum of Art and Frick Art Museum. • Fifth and sixth level chorus members have the opportunity to audition for The Voice of Boyce. This small choral group learns challenging music, choreography, three and four part singing, then performs for the community as representatives of Boyce Middle School. • USCHS chorus sang the National Anthem at a Pirates game at PNC Park, the marching band was featured at a Steelers game, and the elementary choruses joined the Pittsburgh Symphony in a Fiddlesticks Outreach concert. • Seventy-six high school juniors and seniors enrolled in music who responded to a recent survey indicated the following averages: current grade point average of 3.7 (unweighted), SAT verbal score of 627, SAT math score of 647, enrolled in four advanced, IB, or honors courses, and earned a varsity letter in at least one sport. • Parent groups (Band Parents Association, Choral Boosters Association, and Theatre Angels) provide valuable assistance in advertising, awards banquets, bookkeeping, box office management, chaperoning, costumes and uniform management, “fun” and fund-raising, painting, publicity, scholarships, set construction, social events, and other tasks. • The largest student activity of the District, the high school spring musical, attracts 30% participation of the student body in the cast, crews, or student staff. Guys and Dolls is being presented to the public on March 3-5, 8-11, 2006. (See announcement on page 68.) • The Fort Couch musical will be presented on May 3 in the USCHS Theatre. • Sponsored by the Upper St. Clair League for the Arts, the high school Spring Arts Exhibit awards will be announced on May 17. Art work will be on display from May 9-27 in the arts lobby of the high school. • Every elementary school recruits a large fourth level chorus and presents two public performances each year. The next elementary musicals will be held on May 10 for Eisenhower, Baker, and Streams. • The elementary string concert is set for May 17 and the elementary band concert is planned for May 31. Both performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the USCHS Theatre. • The annual String-a-thon, featuring the combined membership of over 150 string instrumentalists at Boyce, Fort Couch, and the high school is scheduled for June 5 in the USCHS Theatre.

Left to right: Kasey Hazi, Josh Betz, David Rosner, and Ben Ben ack

Left to right: Helene Schlein, Mitch Warmbein, Kristen Kampetis, Joyce Hinnebusch, Tyler Lehman, and Becca Nadler

Spring 2006

nk Eisenreich High School band teacher Fra le. emb Ens Jazz the s rehearse

The final 2005 football season marching band rehearsal

Continued on page 68 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Continued from page 67

Award Winning Musicians

;

Art in Our Schools

The following USCHS students recognized below were selected to perform with the following honors groups. Congratulations!

PMEA District 1 Honors Choir October 28-29, 2005 South Fayette High School Tyler Lehman Helene Schlein PMEA District 1 Honors String Orchestra October 29-30, 2005 Peters Township High School Eric Cheng, violin Dalena Klavin, violin Chris Matysik, cello Philip Yeung, violin

PMEA District 1 SHS Orchestra January 11-13, 2006 Chartiers Valley High School Eric Cheng, violin Dalena Klavin, violin

Region State Orchestra February 15-18, 2006 Butler Intermediate High School Eric Cheng, violin Dalena Klavin, violin

PMEA District 1 Honors Band November 27, 2005, at Carnegie Hall Kasey Hazi, baritone

PMEA District 1 SHS Band West Festival January 18-20, 2006 South Fayette High School Josh Betz, trombone Kasey Hazi, baritone Jordan Livingston, clarinet David Rosner, trombone

PMEA District 1 Honors Jazz Band West Festival December 2-3, 2005 North Hills High School Ben Benack, trumpet Josh Betz, trombone

Upper St. Clair High School Proudly presents the 2006 Spring Musical

PMEA District SHS Chorus February 2-4, 2006 Shaler High School Becca Nadler, Soprano I Joyce Hinnebusch, Soprano I Kristen Kampetis, Alto I Mitch Warmbein, Bass Shawn Summers, Bass Tyler Lehman, Bass II

PMEA JHS Orchestra February 10-11, 2006 Hampton High School Matt Boyas, clarinet Nikhil Venkatesh, violin Steve Wellard, cello

PMEA Region I State Band March 1-3, 2006 North Allegheny High School Josh Betz, trombone David Rosner, trombone

Life is a Cabaret

Left to right: Rachel Hornak, Hannah Starnes, Tommy Hoffman, and Mitch Warmbein

Friday and Saturday, March 3, 4, 10, 11 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinee, March 5 at 2 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, March 8, 9 at 6:30 p.m.

For more information, call 412-851-2060 or visit www. uscsd.k12.pa.us. 68

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2006

Liz Bennett ell, Mishan Jordan Perry, Rachelle Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Conn ne Schlein Hele and ar, Kum ya Bletcher, Adit

On Saturday, October 15 the Upper St. Clair Drama Club presented an evening of cabaret entertainment featuring song and dance, as well as instrumental and dramatic performances by Upper St. Clairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talented high school students. The event benefited Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Meet the Teacher

Bon Appétit! If you’re looking for healthy food alternatives in 2006, USCHS was the

place to be on January 12. That’s when parents had a chance to sample new healthy menu items offered through the District’s food services. Some of the items available included healthy snack foods, whole grain products, and sugar free cookies. 

Barney O’Brien

Meet the Teacher focuses on one of Donna King, Baker nutrition center manager, serving up a healthy entree

Cindy Ortenzo lets her daughter, Grace, try some new healthy menu choices offered by the District’s food services.

Physics in Motion Tracy Doyle, High School physics teacher

Left to right: Brenna Bird, Ramsey Lesnett, Katelyn Bartlett, and Maura McGraw

The academic physics students outdid themselves again this year with

their Rube Goldberg Machine projects. For this project, each group (consisting of three to five students) had to create a complex machine that accomplished a simple task. Each machine had to have at least ten steps, with additional steps earning bonus points. The tasks that the students chose from included putting toothpaste on a toothbrush, crushing and recycling a can, turning on a flashlight, turning a page, and sharpening a pencil. The three groups with the highest score on the final project earned an additional one percent on their second nine weeks grade. 

the many great teachers working in the District. In this issue we feature Barney O’Brien, a math teacher at Fort Couch. He’s been teaching there for 35 years, and has the following advice for anyone who wants to be successful in math: Do your homework! Barney and his wife, Patti, reside in Bethel Park with their youngest son, Mike, 16. Daughters Megan, 19, and Kate, 21, are in college, with Megan studying engineering and Kate planning to be a teacher. Their son, Daniel, 24, holds a degree in engineering and works for Habitat for Humanity. While keeping up with his family doesn’t give him much free time, Barney does enjoy tennis and golf when he gets a chance to play. Read on to learn more about this special teacher! Name—Barney O’Brien School and subject area—Fort Couch Middle School on Team Five for eighth grade math. Education—Penn State–B.S. in mathematics; University of Pittsburgh–M.Ed. in curriculum and supervision. Favorite subject in school—Math and science. Least favorite subject in school— Social studies. Why he became a teacher—“Some of my teachers told me I’d make a good teacher, and that put the thought in my mind. At the end of my student teaching (at Fort Couch), I was offered an engineering position but decided I liked teaching and stuck with it.” What people might be surprised to know about him—Barney is one of ten children! 

Spring 2006

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

2006 Upper St. Clair School District Calendar (March–July 2006)

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 2006 1 EI–Kindergarten Registration ST–PTA Council–9:30 a.m. 2 ST–Kindergarten Registration ST–Snuggle Up and Read–7 p.m. 3 HS–Musical Performance (Theatre)–7:30 p.m. Half Day Early Dismissal for Students (Teacher’s Professional Development) High School–10:55 a.m. Elementary Schools–11:30 a.m. Middle Schools–12:25 p.m. K-12 Third Marking Period Progress Reports Sent 4 HS–Musical Performance (Theatre)–7:30 p.m. 5 HS–Musical Performance (Theatre)–2 p.m. 6-10 BA/EI/ST/FC–1st, 2nd, and 7th Level Achievement Tests 7 HS–River City Brass Band (Theatre)–8 p.m. FC–IB 8th Level Parent Meeting (MPR)–7:30 p.m. 8 HS–Musical Performance (Theatre)–6:30 p.m. BO–PTA Meeting (LGI)–9:30 a.m. 9 HS–Musical Performance (Theatre)–6:30 p.m. FC–PTA Meeting (MPR)–9:30 a.m. EI–PTA Meeting–7 p.m. 10 HS–Musical Performance (Theatre)–7:30 p.m. 11 HS–Musical Performance (Theatre)–7:30 p.m. 14 BA/EI/ST–Kindergarten Registration at CO–6:30-8 p.m. BA–PTA Meeting (LGI)–9:30 a.m. ST–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. 15 HS–PTSO Meeting (Rooms 148/149)–9:30 a.m. HS–Winter Sports Banquet BO–Open Mike (LGI)–9:30 a.m. 16 FC–IB 8th Level Science Fair (MPR)–7-8 p.m. EI–Kindergarten Social–7-9 p.m. ST–3rd Level Special Night–7 p.m. 17-19 HS–On Stage America (Theatre) 20-31 BA/EI/ST/BO/FC/HS–Grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11 PSSA Math/Reading 23 ST–2nd Level Open Mike–9:30 a.m. 24 BA–Variety Show (HS/Theatre)–7 p.m. 26 HS–Fabulous Talent (Theatre) 30-31 EI–Book Fair 30 ST–2nd Level Special Night–7 p.m. 31 EI–Reading Night with Dad HS–Encore Talent (Theatre)

April 2006 1 1-2 3-7 4

4-6 5

8 10-14 17 18

HS–SAT (USC) HS–Encore Talent (Theatre) HS–IB Art Show (Rooms 148/149) HS–River City Brass Band (Theatre)–8 p.m. BO–IB 6th Level Parent Meeting (LGI)–7 p.m. BA–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. K-12 Third Marking Period Ends BA/EI/ST–4th Level Science Round-Up (HS/LGI)–7 a.m.-3 p.m. HS–Band Parents Meeting (Band Room)–7:30 p.m. BO–PTA Council (LGI)–9:30 a.m. BA/EI/ST–IB 4th Level Parent Meeting (BO/LGI)–7 p.m. FC–PTA Meeting (MPR)–9:30 a.m. FC–Spring Exhibit/Nationality Fair (MPR/Gym/NC)–7-9 p.m. (Early Dismissal at 1:40 p.m.) HS–ACT Test (Alternate Location) HS–Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra (Theatre)–7:30 p.m. Spring Recess–No School Teacher In-Service–No School HS–English Language Proficiency Test ST–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

19 HS–PTSO Meeting (Room 148/149)–9:30 a.m. BO–Choral Concert–2:30 p.m. BO–Choral Concert (HS/Theatre)–7:30 p.m. BO–PTA Meeting (LGI)–9:30 a.m. 21 EI–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. 22-23 HS–Applause Talent (Theatre) 22 BO–Deer Valley General Meeting (LGI)–9-10 a.m. BO–Deer Valley Training Session–10 a.m.-3 p.m. 23 EI–PTA Fashion Show–1-4 p.m. 24-28 BA/EI/ST–4th Level Achievement Tests 25 K-12 Report Cards Distributed–Third Report 26-30 HS–Music Department Trip 26 HS–PAC Meeting (Rooms 148/149) BO–Band Concert–2:30 p.m. BO–Band Concert (HS/Theatre)–7:30 p.m. BO–Book Fair 27 BO–Spring Exhibit–7-9 p.m. (Early Dismissal at 1:45 p.m.) 28 BA–4th Level Pool Party (HS/Pool) ST–Arbor Day ST–Talent Show (HS/Theatre)–4-11 p.m. 29-30 HS–American Artistic Talent (Theatre)

May 2006 1-12 HS–AP Testing 1-19 BO–Deer Valley 3 FC–Choral Musical (HS/Theatre)–9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. CO–PTA Council Changeover Meeting/Luncheon–9:30 a.m. 4-31 HS–Spring Art Exhibit 4 BA/EI/ST–Spring Exhibit–7-9 p.m. (Early Dismissal at 12:45 p.m.–Levels 1-4) BA–Book Fair 5-12 BO–5th Level NASA 6 HS–SAT (Alternate Location) 8-19 BA–Outreach 8 HS/FC/BO–Jazz Fest II (Theatre) HS–Senior Fourth Marking Period Progress Reports Sent 9 HS–River City Brass Band–8 p.m. BA–PTA Meeting (LGI)–9:30 a.m. BA–Chorus Program (MPR)–1:45 p.m. ST–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. 10 BO–PTA Meeting (LGI)–9:30 a.m. BA–Chorus Program (MPR)–8:30 a.m. BA/EI/ST–Spring Musical–7:30 p.m. 11 HS–Quill and Scroll Induction (LGI)–3:30-5 p.m. FC–Band Concert (HS/Theatre)–7:30 p.m. (Reception/LGI) FC–PTA Meeting (MPR)–9:30 a.m. 12 FC–Social (MPR/Gym/NC)–7-9 p.m. EI–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. K-11 Fourth Marking Period Progress Reports Sent 13 HS–Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra (Theatre)–7:30 p.m. 15 HS–Beauty and the Beast (Theatre)–10 a.m. 16 HS–Art Awards Ceremony (LGI)–5 p.m. 17 HS–Spring Sports Banquet HS–PTSO Meeting (Rooms 148/149)–9:30 a.m. 18 BA/EI/ST–Elementary Strings Concert (HS/Theatre)–7:30 p.m. 19 FC–PTA Teacher Appreciation Luncheon (Library)–11:15 a.m. ST–4th Level Graduation–6 p.m. 20 Community Day 21 HS–South Hills Junior Orchestra Concert (Theatre/NC/LGI) 22 HS–IB 10th Level Middle Years Program Certification Ceremony (LGI)–7 p.m. ST–PTA Turnover Luncheon–11 a.m.-1 p.m. 23 HS–Choral Concert (Theatre)–7:30 p.m. EI–4th Level Farewell (HS)

Spring 2006

24 HS–Academic Honors Dinner–6:15 p.m. 25 HS–Senior Banquet–5:30 p.m. HS–Band Concert (Theatre)–7:30 p.m. BO–Book Fair 26 EI–Cultural Arts Day 29 Memorial Day–No School 30 HS–Awards Assembly (Theatre)–7-9 p.m. 30-31 ST–Cultural Week 31 BA/EI/ST–Elementary Band Concert (HS/Theatre)–7 p.m.

June 2006 1-2 ST–Cultural Week HS–Spring Art Exhibit 2 BA–Field Day ST–Fun and Fitness 3 HS–SAT (Alternate Location) 5 HS/FC/BO–String-A-Thon Concert (HS/Theatre)–7:30 p.m. 6 HS–Last Senior Day BA–Kindergarten Orientation EI–Kindergarten Field Day–9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. 7 HS–Band Senior Tribute Concert (Theatre)–7:30 p.m. FC–Field Event Day EI–1st-4th Level Field Day–9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. CO–PTA Council–9:30 a.m. 8 HS–Senior Prom (Hilton Garden Inn) BA–3rd Level Moyer Tests (a.m.) ST–3rd Level Moyer Tests (p.m.) EI–Kindergarten Field Day Rain Date 9 FC–Field Event Day Rain Date FC–8th Level Farewell Party (MPR/Gym/NC)–7-9 p.m. EI–3rd Level Moyer Tests (a.m.) EI–PTA Meeting/Breakfast–9:30 a.m. ST–Field Day 10 HS–ACT Test (Alternate Location) 12 BA/EI/ST–4th Level Move-Up Day BA/EI/ST–4th Level Parent Orientation (BO)–7 p.m. 13 BO–Field Day BO–Incoming 7th Level Parent Meeting (FC/MPR)–7-9 p.m. EI–1st-4th Level Field Day Rain Date ST–Field Day Rain Date 14 FC–Move-Up Day Last Day for Students–Pending Snow Make-Up Days (Early Dismissal) 15 HS–Graduation–7:30 p.m. Possible Snow Make-Up Day 19 Kennywood Day 28 K-12 Report Cards Mailed

July 2006 4 School District Offices Closed–Independence Day

USC Community Day

2006

Saturday, May 20 USC Recreation Center parking lot and surrounding grounds

Around the Township USC Township Youth Football Takes the Glory! The Greater 19 Youth Football League held its champi-

host these games as they had two teams involved that won their age divisions: the 8-9-year-old team, coached by Jeff Conn, and the 12-year-old team coached by Mark Griffith. Congratulations to these two teams and to all of our USC Township footballs players and coaches for great seasons!

Celebrating the big victory are the 12-year-old USC team members.

The 8-9-year-old USC White football team and cheerleaders celebrate the win.

Township 12-Year-Olds

Township 8-9-Year-Olds

The USC 12-year-old team defeated the Canon McMillan Lil’ Macs by a score of 14-6 in a hard-fought battle. The Panthers finished the season with an 8-1 record, avenging their only “over-time” season loss to Canon Mac and defeating them in the championship game. It was a terrific game and a big victory for these young men. Moreover, it was a season to be remembered as these players proved that they are truly champions. Team members (listed alphabetically) are: Joshua Biggart, Tony DeMarco, Zach Evans, Shawn Gannon, Joshua Glasser, Brian Griffith, Andrew Hersh, Jared Hess, Brandon Levine, Jacob Millorino, Drew Newman, Luke Palamides, Frank Perryman, J.T. Perryman, Seve Porco, Tyler Reid, D.J. Scarton, Connor Scott, Alex Sedar, Alex Shogry, Michael Siegfried, and Erik Woistman. Coaches are: Mark Griffith (head coach), Jim Perryman, Ray Gannon, Warren Siegfried, John Brandstatter, and Bill Evans.

USC White 8-9-year-olds won the league championship game by defeating the Peters Township Black team by a score of 18-0, which capped an undefeated season at 9-0. In addition, USC White did not give up a single point on defense the entire season. Team members (listed alphabetically) are: Andrew Bartusiak, John Benhart, Alex Bowman, Brian Caferro, Jordan Conn, Robbie Deutsch, Ryan Dudzinski, Grant Engel, Rob Fornear, Evan Horton, Ben Huss, Michael McGuire, Chad Murphy, Kyle Page, Sean Parker, David Rice, Connor Riley, Ben Ritchey, Jesse Slinger, Nick Staley, and Thomas Steve. Coaches are: Jeff Conn (head coach), Eric Huss, Rob Deutsch, Barry Bartusiak, Bob Engel, and Greg Steve. 

Westminster Presbyterian Church Welcomes New Children’s and Youth Counselor The Westminster Counseling Center is a church and

community resource for those seeking professional counseling—individuals with low self esteem, a family with difficulty communicating, issues of marriage and family relationships, or those going through difficult and stressful life transitions. Westminster Presbyterian Church has sponsored the Counseling Center since 1984. It is staffed by four licensed and experienced counselors who offer counseling to those seeking mental and spiritual healing. Fees are based on a sliding scale based on income. Counseling is offered regardless of age, religion, race, or financial resources.

Around the Town News

onship games at Upper St. Clair High School stadium on a sunny, crisp November 16, 2005. Championship games were held in each of the four age divisions: 6-7-year-olds, 8-9s, 10-11s, and 12-year-olds. It was especially rewarding for Upper St. Clair to

New to the staff is children and youth counselor Patti Carroll. Patti comes with a wide range of experience and holds an MS degree in counseling. She has a passion and an unarming grace about her love for children. In addition to her position at Westminster, she has a private practice in McMurray, teaches at California University of Pennsylvania, and has worked with homeless children traumatized by violence.  To reach Westminster Counseling Center with questions or to make an appointment, call 412-854-4530 or visit www.westminster-church.org/counseling.htm. Spring Spring 2006 2006 UPPER UPPER ST. ST. CLAIR CLAIR TODAY TODAY 7171

Medallion Ball 2005

Congratulations Medallion Ball honorees! At the 42nd Medallion Ball, His Excellency Reverend Donald W. Wuerl, Catholic

Bishop of Pittsburgh, honored area high school seniors, among them Upper St. Clair residents from Shadyside Academy and Upper St. Clair High School. Each young woman has accomplished the ultimate goal of demonstrating an unselfish willingness to share through volunteerism. Having performed at least 100 hours of community service, each sustains the St. Lucyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission statement to serve. St. Lucyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Auxiliary to the Blind donates proceeds from this celebrated gala to benefit the Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh. Twenty-seven Upper St. Clair Medallion Ball honorees were escorted by (in alphabetical order): John Bocchini, Brendan Brown, Nicolas Fell, Matthew Kikta, Alexander Kiss, Stephen Kneier, Craig Lehman, Philipp Lueckgen, Jay Mangold, Jr., Marc McCarey, Matthew McClintock, Tanner McKibben, Patrick McShane, Jr., Travis Nacey, John Palermo, John Pion, Jr., Joshua Rosen, Nathan Rubin, Samuel Scheller, Ryan Sedar, Michael Spina, Sean Stockton, Sagee Tal, Raymond VanCleve, Michael Walters-Slezak, Erik Wolfe, and David Zangrilli. Photos provided by Rocky Raco Studios; copy provided by Mary Lynne Spazok.

Maura Bezek

Trisha Biery

Kristen Colelli

Angela Cugini

Nora Diehl

Allison Dixon

Laura Elliott

Whitney Fleming

Maria Gaudio

Jamie Harshman

Sarah Herrmann

Lindsay Hinzman

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2006

Rachel Hornak

Stephanie Knopp

Marissa Krantz

Kiersten Luther

Kaitlyn Matig

Ashley McFarland

Danielle Murphy

Lauren Myron

Kathryn Stapor

Elizabeth Vater

Grace Villanova

Lindsay Walker

… they carry on the St. Lucy’s tradition of a rich heritage, a mission to serve and the aspiration of a bright future. Stephanie Woelfel

Alexis Yeckley

Ashley Young Spring 2006

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Boyce Road Gardeners Comfort Specialists Since 1933 Family Owned & Operated

Gas bills got you down? Call us… The High-Efficiency Experts.

Boyce Road Gardeners and their entries at the 2005 garden fair

Are you interested in a healthy

outdoor experience, organic foods, and a great group of interesting friends? Then Boyce Road Gardeners, Upper St. Clair’s community gardens, may fit the bill. Our gardeners are hardy farmers in miniature, who annually turn their 40"x 40" plots into a collage of produce and flowers. The gardens date back to 1975 and are the oldest community gardens in the county, as well as being part of a growing number of such gardens across the country. Our members range from senior citizens to families with young children, all with a common love of gardening and a respect for the land.

412-381-4100 www.BoehmerHeating.com

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Sandy Feather, Pe nn State Extension ag en judges the tomato t es.

Activities planned for 2006 get a jump start on April 4 with the spring meeting. Sandy Feather, Penn State Extension Agent and well-known Pittsburgh Post Gazette columnist, will share her expertise with old and new gardeners. The gardens are usually available for planting around midApril, depending on weather. The gardens are devoted to organic gardening, and crops produced by members range from old heirloom varieties to the newest variety available on the garden center shelf. The garden fair and picnic in August is the highlight of the summer! Boyce Road Gardeners continue to support resident Murray Hoover’s Growa-Row project, which delivers gardeners’ extra produce to the St. Winifred Community Food Bank supporting needy area families. A $5 membership fee covers all garden activities as well as newsletters. first-year Joe Zovko, a s produce Rental for the 40"x 40" plot is $10. gardener, pick . en rd Information on garden plots can be ga from his Mel Koehler, a Boyce Road Gardener obtained by calling Jerry or Phyllis for 25 years, selects his blue ribbon Kender at 412-221-3118.  winning zucchini.

Howard Hanna Helps with Free Care Fund

Howard Hanna’s Upper St. Clair Office held its ninth annual fall golf out-

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

ing on September 26 at Rolling Hills Country Club to raise money for the Children’s Hospital Free Care Fund. “We had 60 golfers and raised over $5000 for the Children’s Hospital Free Care Fund,” said Bill Russo, Howard Hanna vice president and manager of the Upper St. Clair Office. “The weather was a little wet, but we had lots of fun and it was for a great cause.” Howard Hanna partners with Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh every year to help raise money for the Free Care Fund. 

Spring 2006

Community Band South to Perform in Band Festival The third 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, including Community Band South. The festival is scheduled for Sunday, April 9, 2006, at the beautiful Upper St. Clair High School Theatre. The host for the program will be none other than WQED-FM’s Jim Cunningham. Admission to this 3-5 p.m. show is free and includes refreshments following the performance. Donations to help defray festival costs will be gratefully accepted. Advance tickets are not required. 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 range of tastes. The highlight of the afternoon will be the finale, performed with over 200 musicians from all four bands on the stage. Community Band South 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 and Performing Arts from the Upper St. Clair School District. Since its premier concert on December 14, 1987, at Upper St. Clair,

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 festival was created in 2003 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. Conductor Susan Sands has been directing the East Winds Symphonic Band since 1990. The north is represented this year by the Harmony-Zelienople Community Band, led by conductor and band founder Susan VanArsdale. Since its beginnings in 1998, the band has grown to over 100 members of all ages who perform a varied repertoire of concert band music. Susan is also director of Seneca Valley School District’s CVE and Evans City elementary and middle school bands. 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. While enjoying light refreshments after the concert, attendees will have the chance to meet and greet the musicians. For more information on the Three Rivers Community Band Festival, call 724-327-4874 or visit their website at www.ewsb.org/festival. 

Family Hospice and Palliative Care Support Groups Family Hospice and Palliative Care offers two bereavement groups. Afternoons (1-2:30 p.m.), second Tuesday of each month at Southminster House and evenings (7-8:30 p.m.), third Monday at the Unitarian-Universalist Church. Call 412-572-8829. Pre-registration not required. Services Available Family Hospice and Palliative Care’s upscale resale shop, Family Heirlooms, is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Located on Washington Road across from the Mt. Lebanon Public Safety Building, all proceeds benefit hospice patients and family services and programs. Special Events Family Hospice and Palliative Care’s annual golf benefit will be held Monday, May 15 at Valley Brook Country Club in McMurray. Proceeds benefit services for hospice patients and their families. Call 412-572-8812 to register.  Spring 2006

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

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Junior Woman’s Club of Upper St. Clair Among the many reasons to join

the Junior Woman’s Club of Upper St. Clair (JWC) are the five highlighted below. 1. Support the arts by attending cultural events. 2. Preserve natural resources by making donations to local organizations. 3. Promote education and literacy. 4. Encourage healthy lifestyles. 5. Prevent domestic violence by supporting women’s shelters.

Diane Horvath, GRI, CRS

Let my experience work for you.

The JWC is a department of the Woman’s Club of Upper St. Clair. The group shapes its agenda to suit particular community needs. The department benefits from membership, service, material, and program support from the Woman’s Club of Upper St. Clair. The Woman’s Club houses a collection of records since the club’s

• Top Producer • Member of Top 1% of Realtors Nationwide • Listing and Sales Leader • Relocation Specialist 412-833-3600 ext. 219 412-491-6984 cell

JWC members enjoy a holiday tea at the William Penn.

inception in 1948. The junior women (working women and young homemakers) benefit from the experience of the senior women. The club provides several scholarships each year to local students. The club’s year begins on June 1 and runs through May 31 of the following year. For more information about membership, call 412-835-9607. 

Local Jeweler Helps Out Worthy Cause

Real Estate Services

dhorvath@howardhanna.com

Last September, Louis Anthony

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Jewelers in collaboration with the Early Learning Institute sponsored its fifth annual FORE! Kids golf outing at St. Clair Country Club. A day of golfing followed by a performance by Broadway sensation “Forever Plaid” and dinner was both rewarding and enjoyable for everyone in attendance. A diverse crowd attending this cause proved a successful night.

Left to right: Amie, Veronica, and Vanessa Guarino

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

The Early Learning Institute was established to give children with developmental challenges a positive and encouraging environment. Through the Early Learning Institute, these children are given the one on one attention that they might not otherwise receive in traditional schooling. Services are also offered in a home setting. The Early Learning Institute’s main goal is to provide these children with the skills that will help them grow to their full potential.

Spring 2006

Forever Plaid members surround chairs Veronica and Lou Guarino at the charity event.

The support the event received this year surpassed prior years by more than half. Familiar faces such as newscasters Sheila Hyland and Jake Ploeger were among the crowd. Former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher and USC resident Steve Blass captured the audience’s attention with an engaging speech, kicking off the evening’s event. Local encouragement was enormous, making it apparent that the awareness for such a worthy cause is increasing as shown by the generosity of local businesses and private individuals. Area businesses and restaurants were among the many that helped to make the silent auction a winner. The 2006 event is planned for Monday, September 25 at St. Clair Country Club. It should certainly prove to be another hit with great people and great food but, most importantly, for a truly worthy cause. 

�� Lion Ray Wirth helps serve crêpes to hungry patrons.

�� Lion Dave Clark, organizer of the Crêpe

The USC Lions’ crêpes festival,

held this past September 17, was quite successful indeed! The Lions are pleased with the results of this first-time community activity. They served approximately 1000 delicious crêpes to supportive family, friends, and neighbors. Additional income was generated from the sale of mixed nuts, bags, brooms, and auctions of donated baskets of cheer and gift items that day. Lions member Dave Clark of Upper

s Festival

St. Clair and his wife, Sally, spearheaded the festival. Not only did they plan and organize the event, they also cooked all the crêpes! Their talented son, Kevin Clark, provided diners with background music on his electric piano. USC Lions will distribute the net proceeds from this and other 2005 fundraising activities to local charities, such as Pittsburgh Vision Services, Leader Dogs for the Blind, Upper St. Clair Library, and Radio Information Services. 

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Successful Crêpes Festival for Lions

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For more information on the Lions Club, log on to www.mainstreetusc.com and link on to Lions Club listed under USC Clubs, or write to USC Lions at PO Box 12778, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241.

Free Income Tax Assistance Offered Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Site #141 will be at South Hills

Bible Chapel, Room 002, located at 300 Gallery Drive in McMurray. Free tax service is offered now through April 13, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The doors of the church will not open prior to 8 a.m. There will be no Saturday hours. VITA office is closed on Good Friday. No appointment necessary; walk-ins only. Do not call the church for information. In addition to Federal form preparation, VITA volunteers will also assist taxpayers in the preparation of Pennsylvania tax returns, Real Estate/Rent Rebate forms, PACE forms, and local wage taxes. Individuals seeking assistance should bring pertinent tax documents such as: W-2 forms, interest and dividend statements, pension information, social security and/ or railroad retirement statements, total amounts of itemized deductions, (medical, interest, taxes, charity, and miscellaneous deductions), copies of Federal and Pennsylvania returns for tax year 2004, and the 2005 tax packages received in the mail.  Spring 2006

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Prof iles

on People with USC Connections

A new book of poems, The Pure Inconstancy of Grace, by USC graduate (’70) and Academic Hall of Fame member (2004) Richard St. John, has been receiving high praise from poets across the country. International Poetry Forum Director and former Pennsylvania Poet Laureate, Dr. Samuel Hazo has observed, “What remarkable, original, and intelligent poems these are—without an echo of imitation or lingering indebtedness. Above all, these are poems of felt intelligence—a quality one associates with Richard Wilbur or John Donne and too few others. Richard St. John is among the select few.” The volume, recently published by Truman State University Press, has also been commended by poets as diverse as D. A. Powell, Maurya Simon, Diane Wakoski, and Michael Wurster. The book is available online, with free shipping, at http://tsup.truman.edu. Richard St. John serves as executive director of Conversations for Common Wealth, a program of the Community House Learning Center, on Pittsburgh’s North Side. He lives in the Greenfield section of the city, with his wife, Kate (Mitchell) St. John, USC ’71.

Tina Seech not only set a personal record when competing in Pittsburgh’s 5K Great Race this past September, but her time of 21:05 was good enough to earn her a fifth place (out of 1163 women) in the overall women’s category and a first in the Masters division. Congratulations, Tina, on your great race!

A Basket of Pittsburgh has earned a place on Gift Basket Review magazine’s Top 100 List as one of America’s leading gift basket companies. Owned by Jan Jones, A Basket of Pittsburgh was among the Top 50 gift basket revenue producers for 2004. A Basket of Pittsburgh was selected for the Top 100 list from participants in a State of the Industry survey open to 20,000 national gift packaging companies. In recognition of this achievement, Jan was honored at the JUBILEE! Awards gala in Boston this past September. Founded in 1984, A Basket of Pittsburgh specializing in gift baskets that contain unique, Pittsburgh-based products for a variety of occasions, delivers to local businesses and ships to domestic and international customers. Visit www.pghbaskets.com or call 412-221-4406 for more information.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2006

Katie Poploski (USC grad ’03) discovered the sport of running the summer before her senior year at USCHS. Drawn to the sport, Katie continues her running while studying at the University of Pittsburgh. This past September Katie ran her first race—Pittsburgh’s 10K Great Race, with a time of 46.04 in which she took first in her age group (women 17-19). A week later, Katie ran her first marathon in Akron, Ohio finishing with a time of 3:39.42, which qualifies her for the Boston Marathon. Congratulations Katie! Keep up the running!

Nancy Sakino Spears recently became a franchise owner with Interiors by Decorating Den, the oldest franchise in the interior decorating business. She joins a family of 500 talented decorators and designers in the United States and Canada. Nancy’s healthcare, library design, and architectural restoration background started her design and decorating career. She has been awarded Pittsburgh Magazine’s Superior Interiors Award for residential design on her historic Upper St. Clair home, the Orr Homestead.

Cullyn Thomson, a sophomore at Upper St. Clair High School, is volunteering with UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY by offering her editing skills. She enjoys dancing, listening to music, reading, and knitting. Upon the completion of high school she is considering majoring in either English literature or French language. Cullyn is the daughter of Bill and Chris Thomson.

Alexandra (Alex) Ellison is conducting a sales internship with the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine. She is a senior at the high school and is using this internship to help her determine if a path in communications is where she wants to concentrate her college efforts. Alex has participated in various activities, such as youth cheerleading, soccer, swimming, and softball. Currently, she is a competitive all-star cheerleader at Gymsport and attends many national competitions. Alex is the daughter of Bob and Cheryl Ellison. 

Directory of Important Numbers Police/Fire/Ambulance Emergency

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

Happy Birthday! Mr. Yuk, the green, scowling face that is the universal sign for children to avoid hazardous materials, poison, and other harmful products, turns 35 this year. Created by the Poison Center at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, the face of Mr. Yuk has become the educational symbol for children to understand the dangers of poisons. Every year, the Pittsburgh Poison Center distributes more than 42 million Mr. Yuk stickers. Clearly printed on every sticker is the national toll-free poison helpline telephone number (1-800-222-1222). In Western Pennsylvania, the number connects you to the Poison Center at Children’s Hospital, where clinical toxicology nurse specialists answer calls 24 hours a day, every day. To celebrate Mr. Yuk’s 35th birthday, officially marked during National Poison Prevention Month in March, order a free sheet of Mr. Yuk stickers at www.mryuk1.com. 

Frequently Called Numbers

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

Adelphia Cable Communications Sales, Service, and Billing 1-888-683-1000 Allegheny Power – 1-800-255-3443 Columbia Gas Company 724-416-6300 Dominion People’s Gas Company 1-800-764-0111 Equitable Gas Company 412-395-3050 PA American Water Company 412-344-4400 Verizon – 1-800-660-7111

St. Clair Hospital Harlequin Ball St. Clair Hospital Auxiliary will host

its 52nd annual harlequin ball “Looking to the Future” on Friday, April 28 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Southpointe. All proceeds for the event will be used to upgrade St. Clair Hospital’s maternal and fetal electronic monitoring system in order to ensure positive outcomes for mothers and newborns. Cocktails and a silent auction both begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a sitdown dinner at 7:30 p.m. Musical entertainment will be provided throughout the evening by Matt Ferrante & Modern Times. A live auction will take place at 9 p.m. Tickets for the event are $110 per person, or $1000 for a table of ten. Reservations are due by April 8. Call St. Clair Hospital’s public relations department at 1-866-248-4500, extension 1025 or download a copy of the brochure and reservation form from St. Clair Hospital’s website at www.stclair.org. 

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Local Clubs and Organizations Directory 1830 Log House Association Kimberly Guzzi, President ....................................412-851-0570 American Assoc. of Retired Persons Bob Simpson .........................................................724-949-1253 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 .................................................412-325-7973 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 Helene Hollingsworth .......................................... 412-343-1916 PTA Council Suzanne Kennedy ................................................412-854-4232 Parent/Teacher/Student Organization (PTSO) Karen Moellenberg .............................................412-833-6269 South Hills Chamber of Commerce www.shchamber.org ..........................................412-833-1177 South Hills College Club Joanne Ostergaard, President........................... 412-854-1394 South Hills Cotillion Club www.southhillscotillionclub.org ..........................412-221-5976 South Hills Interfaith Ministry (SHIM) Carol Popp, Executive 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 Jeff Conn, President .............................................412-257-3239 Baseball......................Rick Murray .................. 724-941-7183 Boys’ Basketball .........Jeff Conn ..................... 412-257-3239 Girls’ Basketball..........Tony Reda .................... 412-835-7832 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 USC Band Parents Anne and Tom Blank, Co-Presidents .................412-831-1869 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 Jan Fleckenstein.................................................. 412-831-3289 USC Coterie Jan Brodi................................................................412-831-8424 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 Laura Jones, President .........................................412-854-7644 USC Republican Committee Jim Bolas .............................................................. 412-833-9841 USC Senior Citizens Amy Kerman ........................................................ 412-831-9000 USC Swim Club Debbie Astley, President ......................................412-833-7623 USC Volunteer Firefighters Jerry Kopach, Jr., President ................................ 412-835-0660 USC Welcome Wagon Judy Quashnock ..................................................724-941-0768 USC Woman’s Club .............................................. 412-835-9607 YMCA South Hills Area Tim Ishman............................................................ 412-833-5600

Please read articles about some of our clubs and organizations highlighted in this issue: Community Foundation of USC (20), USC Senior Citizens (26), USC Library (32), USC Athletic Association, Football (71), Boyce Road Gardeners (74), Junior Woman’s Club (76), and USC Lions Club (77). The next Local Clubs and Organizations Directory will be published in the Fall 2006 issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. Please call the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY office by June 1, 2006, if your club or organization would like to be listed in our fall directory, if we have wrong information, or if the club or organization’s information is expected to change at 412-833-1600, extension 2284. Thank you.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2006

Dealing with End-of-Life Issues Rafael J. Sciullo

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

For many in the baby

on maintaining a warm and caring manner boomer generation, throughout the conversation by using nonend-of-life care is the verbal communication to offer support. Do furthest thing from their not be surprised or discouraged if there is daily lives. Much of the resistance. Plan to try again another time. “sandwich” generation • Be a good listener. Be sure to make an concentrates on raising effort to hear and understand what the perchildren, working, and son is saying. This is not the time to debate planning for retirement. varying views on end-of-life care options; it All too often, this unprepared generation is is a time to let loved ones express their views thrust into decisions about end-of-life care on the kind of care they would like. Indifor their aging parents. Unfortunately, some- vidual opinions need to be respected and times decisions about end-of-life care must heard. These moments, although difficult, be made before the parents and children are important and special to all of you. have discussed various options. Once this discussion has taken place, livA national Hospice Foundation study ing wills or advance directives are excellent showed that baby boomers are more likely ways to put one’s wishes in writing. These to talk with their children about safe sex documents help an individual outline what and drugs than with their terminally ill par- should be done if the person becomes serients about choices ously ill and cannot in end-of-life care. speak for himself at Not discussing these choices With more families ahead of time increases the stress of the time. living apart and an In addition, it’s increasing number decision-making should a crisis occur. prudent to have a of end-of-life care durable power of atoptions available, it is imperative that these torney in place that authorizes a designated conversations take place. person to make decisions for an incapacitatNot discussing these choices ahead of ed person. Although very important, neither time increases the stress of decision-making of these documents replaces the need for a should a crisis occur. If a person makes his personal conversation about these issues. or her wishes known ahead of time, these Many people miss the opportunity to difficult decisions can be made with the benefit from the skills, knowledge, and input and the advice of a loved one. For support of a hospice team because they many, this can be a very trying discussion. have not made their wishes known and beThe following are some suggestions when cause they are not aware of hospice services. planning this important conversation. Hospice care provides compassionate care • Educate yourself about end-of-life care for patients with a life-limiting illness. The services in your area. role of hospice is to guide patients and • Families should plan for this conver- families through the physical, emotional, sation in advance. Choosing a comfortable, spiritual, and practical situations that arise quiet, and private place is an excellent be- near the end of life. With hospice, patients ginning. It is important to gain permission can remain at home, or in a home-like enviin advance from all parties to discuss this ronment, in peace, comfort, and dignity. delicate subject. Not only are patients provided with per• People cope with end-of-life issues in sonal care services such as bathing, feeding, many ways. One can open the discussion and dressing, but also some hospice prowith “I’d like to talk about how you would grams provide art, music, pet, massage, and like to be cared for if you get really sick. Is therapeutic touch therapies. These services that okay?” or “If you ever got sick, I would are the prefect complement to a hospice’s be afraid of not knowing the kind of care you core services: nursing care, social work and would like. Could we talk about this now? spiritual care services, volunteer assistance, I’d feel better if we did.” and bereavement support. • Another method of initiating a converAs times change and more caregivers are sation is to share with a loved one an article, of the baby boomer generation, hospice has television show, or movie on the topic. Some had to adapt to this new clientele. There was families may be more comfortable if a social a time when hospice only cared for people worker or spiritual advisor is present. living at home. With families spread out • Know what to expect. Try to focus geographically or grown children working,

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elderly parents may not be able to remain at home. Hospice has adjusted to these changes by now caring for patients in nursing homes, personal care facilities, hospitals, and inpatient hospice facilities. As our generation plans for college, weddings, and retirement, planning with loved ones for this final stage of life is vital. For our families and loved ones we need to make sure that we discuss our own and our loved ones’ end-of-life wishes. For all, this open communication will bring peace of mind. 

Rafael J. Sciullo, MA, LCSW, MS, is president and CEO of Family Hospice and Palliative Care and past chairperson of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. He may be reached at rsciullo@familyhospice.com.

Spring 2006

For information about hospice care, contact Family Hospice and Palliative Care at 1-800-513-2148. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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Adelphia ..............................................................................................................29 APD Building Services, LLC ...............................................................................48 Alcorn Christie Insurance Agency .......................................................................84 * Amel’s Restaurant ...............................................................................................50 * Angelo Associates, Inc. ......................................................................................44 Bill Gray Automotive ...........................................................................................13 Boehmer Heating & Cooling Company ...............................................................74 * Calabro Tire & Auto Service ...............................................................................13 California University of Pennsylvania ...................................................................3 * Carlson Wagonlit Travel ......................................................................................39 Case of South Pittsburgh, LLC ...........................................................................42 Catalucci Painting & Restoration, Interior & Exterior ..........................................45 Cathy Davin Interior Design ................................................................................39 Cavrich Law Offices, LLC .....................................................................................6 Chatham College ..................................................................................................9 * Clark Construction Company .............................................................................43 * Coffey Contracting Company ..............................................................................47 Cohen & Grigsby ................................................................................................79 * Coldwell Banker–Route 19 South/Galleria, USC, South Hills Offices ..............................................................................4,5 * Coldwell Banker Real Estate, Inc. Corporate ............................. Back outside cover Coldwell Banker–Waterdam Farms .....................................................................37 Country Canvas Awnings ...................................................................................44 Crandall, Steven R., D.M.D. ................................................................................59 * Cupelli & Cupelli, Drs. .......................................................................................65 Deckmasters Technologies .................................................................................47 Design on Main ..................................................................................................55 “Dirt” Dugan Landscaping, Inc. ..........................................................................48 Extended Day Services ............................................................. Front cover, 14, 15 Falsetti, Diane M., D.M.D. ..................................................................................54 * Ferry Electric Company ......................................................................................47 Friendship Village of South Hills ........................................................................27 GALLERIA of Mt. Lebanon ..................................................................................83 * Gateway Engineers .............................................................................................77 * George Girty Landscape Design .........................................................................43 George Street Grille ............................................................................................50 Hefren-Tillotson, Inc. ..........................................................................................11 * Henderson Brothers, Inc. ....................................................................................75 * Howard Hanna Real Estate Services ........................................... Front inside cover Howard Hanna–Maureen Cavanaugh .................................................................57 * Howard Hanna–Susan Highley ...........................................................................31 * Howard Hanna–Diane Horvath ...........................................................................76 * Jaro Interiors, Inc. ..............................................................................................42 * Keller Williams–Sandy and Marshall Goldstein ..................................................20 Keller Williams–Karen Marshall Group ..............................................................61 * Kerr Family and Cosmetic Dentistry ...................................................................38 * Lesko Builders and Remodelers .........................................................................46 * Manalo, Larry E., D.M.D. ....................................................................................39 MANDERLEY, ltd. ........................................................................ Back inside cover Mia Cucina Personal Chef Service .....................................................................57 Mt. Lebanon Montessori School and Academy ..................................................81 Nancy Sakino Spears, LLC .................................................................................45 Northwood Realty–Bonnie Detwiler and Marlene McNaughton ..........................65

Celebrating 11 Years of Publication

2 0 0 6

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Outback Steakhouse ...........................................................................................50 P & W SAAB .......................................................................................................83 Pare´, Amelia, M.D. ............................................................................................21 Pautler, Simona V., MD, FACS .................................................... Back inside cover Pawlak’s One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning ...................................................46 Petrelli & Sons, A. Inc. .......................................................................................47 Piccolina’s Restaurant .........................................................................................38 * Pinebridge Commons Associates .......................................................................38 Preferred Primary Care Physicians .....................................................................41 Providence Point ................................................................................................17 * Prudential Preferred Realty–Route 19 South .........................................................2 * Prudential Preferred Realty–Judy Ward ..............................................................35 * Regis McQuaide & Co. Master Remodelers, Inc. ................................................43 Roach Brothers, Inc. ...........................................................................................44 Rohrich Cadillac .................................................................................................74 * Scott Bros. Windows and Doors .........................................................................42 * Sesame Inn .........................................................................................................51 Seton Hill University ...........................................................................................84 Severns Dentistry & Orthodontics ......................................................................76 * Silk Road Gourmet Chinese Restaurant ..............................................................51 South Hill Orthopaedic Surgery Associates, P.C. ................................................29 * St. Clair Fitness & Racquet Club ........................................................................41 * St. Clair Hospital ..................................................................................................1 * State Farm Insurance–Cindy Brophy ..................................................................38 Steel Valley Orthopedic Associates, Inc. .............................................................37 Tambellini Restaurant, Bridgeville .......................................................................50 The Classroom Restaurant ..................................................................................51 The Rubinoff Company .......................................................................................11 * The Thomas Studio of Performing Arts, Inc. .......................................................61 Tucker Arensberg Attorneys–Charles P. McCullough, Esq. .................................81 Valley Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. ...............................................................44 Watermark Financial ...........................................................................................77 Wellington Real Estate–Patty Thomas .................................................................18 Westminster Presbyterian Church .......................................................................12 * You’re Invited ......................................................................................................11

Advertise in the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine Call 412-833-1600, ext. 2284 Visit our website: www.twpusc.org/magazine

Classifieds 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

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 *The above VIP advertisers, who are advertising in this issue, have contributed their support for a minimum of 22 issues. 82

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2006

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Spring 2006

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2006

Exceptional Results... Outstanding Service

SIMONA V. PAUTLER, MD, FACS Aesthetic Plastic Surgery McMurray, PA

724-969-0930 www.drpautler.com

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

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REAMS DO COME RUE

BEFORE

Manderley, ltd. has been assisting homeowners achieve their dreams since 1996. We invite you to call us to discuss your ideas and how we can help you accomplish them.

MANDERLEY, ltd. Kitchens & Baths

3055 Washington Road • McMurray, PA 15317 • (724) 941-0350 or 0351

COLDWELL BANKER Check out these fabulous Upper St. Clair area homes!

Exceptional 6Br, 3.5Ba, with 3rd floor suite. Cherry wood kitchen opens to family room, 1st floor laundry, 3 car garage. $650,000 Sydnie Jones 412-344-0500

Beautiful home! 2 story foyer, sunken livingrm, 5Br, 3.5Ba, familyrm, gamerm, wetbar and entertianment center. $499,900 Ron Graf 412-344-0500

Elegant Provincial, huge 2 story entry, marble floor, 1st flr lndry, island kitchen w/pantry, 4Br, 2.5Ba, fmrm & gmrm! 389,900 Anita Crago 412-344-0500

Spacious 4Br, 2.5Ba, with many updates, livingrm & familyrm fireplaces, gamerm, covered patio, parklike yard! $289,900 Edith Gidwani 412-344-0500

Classic roomy Colonial on a great lot! Updated throughout, 4Br, 2.5Ba, familyrm fireplace, den and gameroom! $259,900 Kathi Kernan 412-344-0500

Oversized split entry, livingroom & familyroom fireplaces, updated kitchen & 2.5Bath, 3Bedroom, lovely lot! $209,900 Leigh Harkreader 412-344-0500

Lovely home on large corner lot w/ large livingrm, familyrm beamed ceiling w/fireplace, kitchen w/ pantry! $249,900 Helen Cramer 412-831-5555

Elegant ceramic tile entrance, large livingrm & familyrm, 4Br, 2.5Ba, updates throughout, large deck! $210,000 Inder Kaistha 412-831-5555

One floor living! End unit townhouse, 3Br, 2Ba, gourmet kitchen, family room, patio, 2 car garage! $282,000 Cusick/Sekeras 412-833-5405

Impeccable condition! Updated, 2 story Provincial, 4Br, 2.5Ba, familyrm, 2 car garage, remarkable landscaping! $259,900 Paula Stoltz 412-833-5405

Great family home! 1st floor familyrm w/fireplace, 5Br, 2.5Ba, sliders to huge deck, loads of storage! $199,900 Janine Dillon 412-833-5405

Well maintained multi-level, huge livingrm, crown moldings, pocket doors, den or 4th Br, familyrm, 2.5Ba, corner lot! $195,000 Poage/Moeser 412-833-5405

Split entry with neutral decor, game room, 3Bedroom, 1.5Bath, deck off kitchen, level back yard! $164,900 Stacy Romanias 412-833-5405

1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

Coldwell Banker速 is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned and Operated by NRT Incorporated.

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Brick ranch, gleaming hardwood floor, 3Br, 1.5Ba, gameroom, laundry room, oversized 2 car garage! $139,900 Marcie Parrish 412-833-5405

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