FALL 2009 by UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Magazine

FALL 2009

...Choosing Upper St. Clair

WE TREAT

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No other hospital in the Pittsburgh region will treat a heart attack faster. Using advanced technology, our ER physicians work with local EMS providers to diagnose and treat you before you get to the hospital. So when you arrive, our cardiac team is ready to open blockages in life-saving time. National guidelines call for a heart attack victim to receive balloon angioplasty within 90 minutes of arrival. St. Clair has consistently met or exceeded this critical time frame, placing the Hospital among the best in the country. When every second counts, count on St. Clair Hospital. Guidelines established by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association.

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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Fall 2009

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Fall 2009

•

Volume 15

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Issue 3

Features and Around the Township 10 USC Receives Top Honors

Both our Township and School District score national recognition.

Take along a magazine, then share the adventure with our readers.

To know Walter is to know his loyalty, commitment, and passion.

In 2006, Manny Romanias was a new recruit to the game of football.

Get in the know about what’s going on in and around USC.

d opening

t the gran n cutting a

Ribbo

of the CRC

14 Traveling with TODAY—a New Feature

16 Walter Jarosh—Upper St. Clair’s Green Hornet 22 We’re Football People Now 90 Happenings

Township

24 Highlights of Board of Commissioners’ Meetings

Catch a glimpse of our Township meetings for April and May.

The REEC had one busy summer and is gearing up for fall.

The fall program awaits your decision.

Brad Childs went to check it out. He came away a volunteer firefighter.

Assistant Township Manager gets a close up view of emergency medicine.

30 A Summer of Abundance

CHS Class

spire US Speeches in

of 2009

34 USC Citizens’ Police Academy

36 Reflections of a New Firefighter 38 TCS Ride Along

School District

51 Graduation Board Response

Board of School Director president Amy Billerbeck shares her speech.

Transitioning from middle school to high school in Upper St. Clair benefits from the Middle-High Forum.

A group of USC students and teachers traveled to China.

To get you started, the school calendar for August, September, and October is posted.

The required notices are shared in this three-page article.

53 Smooth Transition

54 Summer Vacation—a World Away

Fort Couch

Communit

f a time!

s a world o

Mind ha ssey of the

Ody

63 USC School District Calendar 67 School District Notices

Guides

40 Educational Resource 48 Pinebridge Commons 70 Health and Wellness

Cover

on Giving

y Foundati

Tea

12 This cover of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is underwritten by Robert J. Chiu, MD. With an office located in the Norman Centre, Dr. Chiu is a double board certified facial plastic surgeon. Pages 12 and 13 introduce you to the artistic background and practice philosophy of this talented and multi-faceted USC resident who chose this township for his business and his home. Cover photography provided by Redford Photography. Fall 2009

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Publishers Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole Superintendent of Schools Steering Committee Mark S. Mansfield Assistant Township Manager Paul K. Fox School District Representative Editors and Staff Linda M. Dudzinski, Editor-in-Chief Terry Kish, Associate Editor Colleen DeMarco, Office Manager Andrew McCreery, Finance Lynn Dempsey, Senior Advertising Associate Erin Gibson Allen, Advertising Associate Julie Sweet, Advertising Associate Thank you to our volunteer contributors this issue: Erin Gibson Allen, Amy Billerbeck, Paul Brach, Kristin Brown, Michael Brusco, Brad Childs, Debra Conn, Dina Fulmer, Wayne Herrod, Alison O’Neill Hess, Kathleen Himler, Bridget Hotrum, Walter Jarosh, Dr. Timothy Kerr, Cathy Lavin, Mark Mansfield, Dr. Eric Nabors, Dr. Patrick O’Toole, Vasso Paliouras, Dr. Edward Poon, Dr. Robert Rankin, Rachel Riley, Jennifer Roberts, Manny Romanias, Stacie Sebastian, Mary Lynne Spazok, Jessica Stombaugh, Maribeth Twerdok, Jay Walsh, Dr. Robert Warner, and Rev. Tammy Yeager.

15 Years Publication

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a community magazine that is dedicated to promoting the Township and School District of Upper St. Clair by recognizing the gifts and contributions of the people who live and work here.

The 59th 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.

Board of School Directors

Township Board of Commissioners

Amy L. Billerbeck, President Harry F. Kunselman, Vice President Barbara L. Bolas Carol B. Coliane Frank J. Kerber Angela B. Petersen Louis A. Piconi Rebecca A. Stern

Ched Mertz, President, Ward 4 Karen M. McElhinny, Vice President, At Large Preston W. Shimer, Ward 1 Kenneth L. Brown, Ward 2 Robert W. Orchowski, Ward 3 Russell R. Del Re, Ward 5 Glenn R. Dandoy, At Large

William M. Sulkowski 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 USPS re-assigned postal carrier routes in the Upper St. Clair area. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is in the process of updating its mailing files. If you are currently receiving more than one magazine to your address or have other mailing concerns, call our office at 412-833-1600, extension 2284. Thank you. The next issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY will be the Winter 2009 issue and will be published in November 2009. 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 or email UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY at usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us.

The 59th issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a joint publication of the Township and School District of Upper St. Clair. © Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. 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 Phone: 412-833-1600, extension 2284 Fax: 412-851-2592 Email: usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us Township: 412-831-9000 School District: 412-833-1600 Printed by Herrmann Printing & Litho, Inc. 1709 Douglass Drive • Pittsburgh, PA 15221 412-243-4100 • Fax: 412-731-2268 6

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Subscription Information If you know someone living outside the Township who would enjoy receiving UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, please send $12 to cover mailing and handling for the next four issues with name and address, including zip code, to our address listed to the left. Add $10 to cover international mailings.

Deadline for articles and advertising for the Winter 2009 issue is September 10, 2009. Article Information

Editor-in-Chief Linda Dudzinski–phone: 412-833-1600, extension 2681

Advertising Information

Office Manager Colleen DeMarco–phone: 412-833-1600, extension 2284 fax: 412-851-2592

Website www.twpusc.org/magazine Fall 2009

Email usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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

Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole

Matthew R. Serakowski

Our opening remarks for the fall 2009 issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY are simple: We continue to be proud of the accomplishments of our community, our schools, and the people who live and work here. Not only did Pittsburgh receive recognition in 2009 as the most livable city in the nation and is home to the Stanley Cup and the Super Bowl XLIII champions, closer yet, the Township of Upper St. Clair, population over 20,000, received accolades as of one of the brainiest places to retire in 2008 and one of the best places to live in 2009, as reported by U.S. News and World Report. With a “thrift conscious approach” and access to large city amenities, the arts, and higher learning institutions, we are happy to report that USC made both top ten lists. The Upper St. Clair School District matched the Township’s rave reviews with its own awards and recognitions. Comparing the 501 school districts across Pennsylvania, Upper St. Clair School District was recognized as “number one” by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The District also ranked first regionally, based on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) exam scores. Upper St. Clair High School added to the District’s honors. The high school was recognized as a silver medal contender of the over 21,000 schools nationwide that were reviewed and assessed by U.S. News and World Report. For more details on awards and recognitions bestowed on Upper St. Clair and its employees, see articles on pages 10, 24, and 52. Also be sure to read wrap up information for our Township’s fun-filled Community Day 2009 (pages 26 and 27) and the inspiring high school commencement speeches (pages 51 and 52). UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY enjoys sharing information about our community. With the financial backing of our advertisers and a “thank you” to our dedicated volunteers, this edition is one of the largest issues that the staff of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY has produced. One hundred pages strong, you will find lots of articles about our township, our schools, and our citizens. This issue also includes an Educational Resource guide (beginning on page 40) and a Health and Wellness guide (beginning on page 70) peppered with ads and articles of interest for your reading pleasure. We are proud of USC! No need to pack up and travel; enjoy the brilliance of the upcoming fall season right here at home. Don’t forget to take time out and read our community magazine—it just might offer suggestions for interesting and new avenues of adventure!

Sincerely,

Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager

Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole Superintendent of Schools

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

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

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2009

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

USC Voted a “Best Place to Live” This past June, U.S. News & World Report came out with its 2009 top ten list of best places to live. We are happy to report that Upper St. Clair Township made the list! In selecting communities to bestow this honor upon, U.S. News took a “thrift-conscious approach.” With today’s economic environment, places that made the list all have “strong economic climates and plenty of fun things to do.” USC’s Ed Di Gangi, who is president of USC’s Fly Fishing Club, was quoted in the article saying, “Pennsylvania is a fairly robust and rich place in terms of resources, if you just look a little bit.” The write up on USC was quite favorable on the topics of education, outdoor activities, and the ease of access to the comforts of a big city. Along with Upper St. Clair, the following

communities (in alphabetical order) made this coveted top ten list: Albuquerque, New Mexico; Auburn, Alabama; Austin, Texas; Boise, Idaho; Durham, North Carolina; La Crosse, Wisconsin; Loveland, Colorado; San Luis Obispo, California; and St. Augustine, Florida. This year wasn’t the first that Upper St. Clair Township held a position of national fame. U.S. News & World Report’s May 22, 2008, edition named USC among the “Ten Brainiest Places to Retire.” Based on the proximity to learning institutions, green space, and leisure activities, Upper St. Clair ranked in the top ten which also included (alphabetically) Ann Arbor, Michigan; Berkeley, California; Boulder, Colorado;

Brookline, Massachusetts; Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Hoboken, New Jersey; Lake Oswego, Oregon; Reston, Virginia; and West Lafayette, Indiana. Read page 40 of the fall 2008 issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, which chronicled this event with its own article “USC Retirees Make National News.” It appears, from many aspects and opinions, that Upper St. Clair is, indeed, one of the best places to live and to learn! n

To read the entire “Ten Best Places to Live” article, visit www.usnews.com/articles/business/real-estate/2009/06/08/best-places-to-live-2009.html.

USC School District Snags Top Honors

Upper St. Clair High School

made the silver cut of being one of the best high schools in the nation! U.S. News & World Report in collaboration with School Evaluation Services, a K-12 education and data research and analysis business, analyzed academic and enrollment data from public high schools throughout the 48 contiguous states in the nation to find the very best across the country. The evaluation and assignment of levels, including gold, silver, bronze, or honorable mention categories, gave nomination to 1900 of the more than 21,000 schools reviewed. Of the 65 Pennsylvania schools making the cut of the “Best High Schools in 2009” of bronze level or higher, 20 schools, including Upper St. Clair High School, placed into the second best level category of silver. Also in the silver category were neighboring Mt. Lebanon and Peters Township High Schools. One Pennsylvania school, Julia R. Masterman Secondary 10

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

School in Philadelphia, scored in the most prestigious gold category. Of like interest is the fame gained by the entire Upper St. Clair School District. This past spring, the Pittsburgh Business Times crunched three years of results of the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) exam scores in math, reading, writing and (beginning this year for 11th, eighth, and fourth grades) science. For the fourth straight year of five years of results, Upper St. Clair School District garnered top spot in the PBT’s honor roll in the sevencounty region, which includes 106 school districts. Upper St. Clair led the regional rankings, with Mt. Lebanon Fall 2009

School District, North Allegheny School District, Hampton Township School District, and Peters Township School District rounding out the top five. The extensive 160-page guide also featured a ranking of all 501 school district’s statewide. Upper St. Clair also led this ranking, followed by four districts in suburban Philadelphia. Way to go USC! n

e r e H m o Fr

Test Monthly, Prune Regularly, and the Bus is Coming

Erin Gibson Allen Just once I’d like to buy a product with a glossy flyer that says, “Hey, have fun with this. You’ll need to do absolutely nothing to care for it. Have at it.” More often new gadgets come with an insert that reads, “Congratulations on your new [insert product name]. Follow these simple care instructions to keep your [insert product name again] working well and looking its best.” “Okay,” I think. “I’ll remember to do that. And thanks for the words of congratulations. I am more special now, aren’t I? I own something precious that has specific care requirements that I must learn.” But the incessant nature of maintenance wears on a person. That new juicer that turns fruits and veggies into a shot of healthy green or orange liquid soon becomes a pulp-clogged monster on the kitchen counter that needs to be scrubbed. The list is long. Smoke detector batteries must be checked on New Year’s Eve. Filters in the furnace must be changed or cleaned before cold weather hits. Windows and gutters need to be cleaned before the sun and rain arrive. Grass should be fertilized in the spring and fall. Even my grounded outlets call out to me to “test monthly.” And, alas, if we are parents of school-aged children, the backto-school season brings a whole new litany of tasks. Specific school supplies need to be purchased and lunch accounts need to be monitored. Schedules need to be managed and chauffeuring to activities begins in earnest. Money for the odd project or field trip needs to be dug from the purse and tucked in the backpack. But for all the drudgery of wiping and scheduling and reminding and scouring and laundering, the small tasks done minute-by-minute are essential to an efficient life. While separately these responsibilities feel unrelenting and thankless, if done well, together they can be the groundwork of something inspiring and remarkable. This summer, U.S. News and World Report ranked Upper St. Clair as one of the top ten places in the country to live, after earlier this year claiming the Township was one of brainiest places to retire. In May, for the fourth time in a row, The Pittsburgh Business Times ranked USC School District as number one in the region. Whatever the benchmark, our little town frequently comes out on top. When interviewed on why our District is so successful, Dr. O’Toole said, “In short, it’s really a generational, community-wide commitment to a high-performing educational system.” He’s right. And the same is true for the Township. By in large, parents here have always valued education. They contribute their time and energy by coaching youth sports teams,

making band hoagies at ungodly hours, assuming a thankless chair position in the PTA, working backstage during a musical, or supervising an extra-curricular activity like Odyssey of the Mind. While I occasionally wonder if my decision to move back here was provincial—there is, after all, a big world out there—most of the time I’m proud of the good things that we have going here. It is remarkable that occasionally major news sources notice us, too—there are, after all, a lot of places to live out there. But I’m not a paid spokesperson for utopia and I don’t espouse the notion that our community is perfect. Reasonable minds often disagree about the particulars. Also, the Township owes a lot of its attractiveness to the character of the city of which it is a part. (In June, The Economist ranked Pittsburgh as the most livable city in the country.) Neighboring townships also have a lot to offer and each community complements its neighbor. Still, we have talented Township employees at the bow and gifted District teachers and administrators at the stern. We also have citizens at the helm and on the gangway making sure we all get where we want to be by taking care of the minutiae on a daily basis. This spring and summer, our little part of the world received some impressive accolades. Like anything worth having, keeping our community’s top-notch reputation will require some maintenance, which will be done one person, one small job at a time. The maintenance for a superlative community is more than a simple buff and polish. Homes well kept and students aptly prepared are achieved one parent, one student, and one resident at a time, without any fanfare or excitement. As the days get shorter, soon I will receive a letter in the mail from the School District telling me on what day and time my sons need to be at the end of the street to catch the bus and what supplies they will need. I’ll buzz by an office supply store to get exactly what they need and I’ll buy a new school-year calendar for me. I’ll write it all down and stay on top of it all as best as I can and occasionally volunteer to help out. I’ll set my resolve to take care of all the trivial chores it takes to stay on course during another school year. The payback for these efforts is, after all, so much greater than that of polishing tarnished silver or rotating flattened couch cushions. Go Panthers! n I’d like to hear your thoughts on contemporary parenting in Upper St. Clair. Please share your ideas about my column with me in person, or email your thoughts to me at eallen@uscsd.k12.pa.us. Let me know if, like me, you’re from here.

Fall 2009

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Violin Prodigy Turned Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Robert Chiu, a proud USC resident and married with two children, is a

dual board certified facial plastic surgeon who devotes his highly specialized practice to aesthetic and reconstructive procedures of the face, nose, eyelids, and neck. Dr. Chiu specializes in surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures, and he is also uniquely qualified and recognized as a rhinoplasty (nose job) and revision rhinoplasty specialist. His practice, Today’s Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center, has a USC location in the Norman Centre. During a recent interview with Dr. Chiu, we learned more about Dr. Chiu’s background, his family and artistic upbringing, his accomplishments as a classically trained violinist, and the unique approach and philosophy he brings to plastic surgery. Here are a few excerpts from this proud USC resident. Where did you grow up, and who were your greatest influences? I grew up in San Marino, a quaint suburb of Los Angeles with great schools, very similar to Upper St. Clair, in a diverse and rich artistic environment. My parents, both educators and artists, are without doubt my greatest influences. My mother, a piano teacher, instilled in me her tremendous work ethic, dedication and sacrifice, attention to minute detail, and compassion for people. My father, a renowned artist and professor who taught East Asian literature and philosophy, taught me the love of learning, intellectual curiosity, and artistic creativity. At an early age, I learned painting, calligraphy, and music, and I played the piano and violin, the latter which became my primary extracurricular activity. Both of my parents continuously impressed upon me the sublime in art and music. I have also always been very close to my brother, Tom. We grew up with similar academic and extracurricular interests, played the

violin, and graduated at the top of our classes. We were known in the L.A. area as the “Chiu Duo,” having performed in hundreds of venues as a violin duo. Where did you go to college? And where did you attend medical school and conduct your plastic surgery training? Both my brother and I decided to attend college away from California. My brother attended Yale and I attended Harvard. Living in Cambridge was invigorating, and it took very little time for me to fall in love with the “other coast,” the seasons, the people, the culture. My Harvard experience provided many lasting memories, and I will always cherish the opportunity to have met such a great group of driven, intellectually stimulating, and talented individuals. These days, I have the pleasure of interviewing local, prospective Harvard applicants for the admissions committee. After graduating magna cum laude from Harvard University, I attended medical school at Albert Einstein in New York City, followed by residency in head and neck surgery at UPMC Presbyterian. Then, I moved to Houston, Texas, where I practiced and completed one of the most highly coveted fellowships in facial plastic surgery.

What made you move back from Houston, Texas to Pittsburgh and to USC in particular? I think Pittsburgh is the best kept secret— there are few places where you can experience a high quality of life and enjoy most of what a big city offers, but avoid many big city headaches like long commutes, traffic, noise, and high crime rates. It’s a luxury to be able to drive 20 minutes to go see the Steelers and Penguins, attend the Pittsburgh Symphony, or take the kids to top notch museums. Pittsburgh also has a history of attracting hard working, grounded, down-to-earth people—this is the kind of environment in which I wanted to raise my kids. My wife, who grew up in Pittsburgh, and I met in NYC, but we cannot imagine raising a family in New York! When I was moving back here, I felt an instant connection with USC, a beautiful quaint town like the one I grew up in, the classic architecture of Westminster Church reminiscent of Harvard’s Memorial Church. I value the emphasis on the school system, parenDr. Robert Chiu (back right) with his wife and daughter, Sara and tal involvement in their kids’ Ariana (front right), his brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Jen Chiu, education, and family-oriented and his parents, Dr. Frank and Sharon Chiu atmosphere. We all know 12

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2009

Dr. Robert Chiu with SNL’s Amy Poehler and his brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Jen Chiu, at the SNL post-show party

about the USC school system’s #1 ranking in the state. As a USC resident, I am proud that USC was just ranked in the top ten list of U.S. News’ Best Places to Live for 2009. How did you get on Saturday Night Live (SNL)? Several years ago, my brother, a professional musician based in NYC, and his group, the Flux Quartet, were asked to play in the band for an SNL show, but due to post 9/11 security measures at the NBC Studios, one group member who was not a U.S. citizen had to leave the gig. I was finishing up work in my office that Friday evening when I got a call from my brother asking me to substitute last minute, and I was more than happy to do it. The next day, I took the first JetBlue flight to New York City, rehearsed, performed twice that evening, and hung out at the post-show party with SNL regulars including Seth Myers and Amy Poehler, as well as musical guest Corinne Bailey Rae. And on top of that, I even went surf fishing for striped bass the next morning at Rockaway Beach, just a 30-minute trip from Manhattan. It was definitely one of the most exhilarating and memorable weekends of my life. I understand that, aside from your appearance on SNL, you and your brother have also had several other celebrity/media appearances and encounters? Yes, I should mention that the camera set up during the taping of the SNL show afforded me a lot of camera exposure playing in the band. I kind of joked with my brother that this was “payback” for the time he beat me out for a part as Tom Hank’s violin student on “The Man with One Red Shoe.” I have appeared live on radio in L.A. and been featured on “A Musical Encounter Program”—a series produced by PBS featuring world class musical talent and hosted by Florence Henderson of “The Brady Bunch.” I have also had the pleasure and honor to collaborate with Yo-Yo Ma, and my musical group was invited to perform for Al Gore.

As a classically trained concert violinist, how has music played a role in your life? I grew up in a musical environment and developed an aesthetic appreciation early on for the highest forms of art. I learned through my musical endeavors the value of hard work, perseverance, dedication, fair competition, and teamwork. The violin is arguably the most complicated instrument to master, and learning how to play the violin fine-tuned my ability to focus on the smallest of details. I competed nationally as a violinist, making it to the finals of the New York Philharmonic Competition at the age of 11. During my college years, I was selected to participate in several international music festivals including Tanglewood and Banff, where I collaborated and played with musicians from around the world. As a busy plastic surgeon, business owner, father, and husband, I will admit that it’s hard to find time to play my violin. Nevertheless, I have participated in several Pittsburgh Symphony Side-by-Side events, which offers an excellent opportunity to play next to Symphony members. Recently, I performed with my daughter at the Celebrity Performing Arts Night fundraiser for WashArts, a local arts organization. My next performance engagement is this coming spring in Washington, D.C. with my roommate from Harvard who is a gastroenterologist and a pianist. We are planning an ongoing concert series that will provide opportunities for musicians with nonmusical professions like us to play and perform at a high level. Music will always be a tremendous source of emotional and spiritual strength for me.

qualities that you can develop overnight, learn from a course, or emulate from your favorite plastic surgeon mentor. Art is something that has always been a part of my life, my character, my personality. I live it, love it, and I am able to perform art on someone’s face or nose in the operating room. I think it’s this outlet for my creativity that explains why I love being a plastic surgeon.

What made you decide to become a facial plastic surgeon, and how is your practice different than other plastic surgeons? My artistic background naturally drew me to plastic surgery, and I was particularly attracted to plastic surgery procedures of the face and neck due to the fine work and intricate details involved, as well as the challenge it provided. In contrast to plastic surgical procedures of the body, incisions you make on the face cannot be hidden by clothing. Prior to my fellowship training in facial plastic surgery, I elected to complete a residency in head and neck surgery, rather than general surgery, as it was more relevant to my interest in facial plastic surgery and enabled me to gain an in-depth understanding of the critical structures and nuances of the face and neck. I am one of 900 plastic surgeons worldwide that are board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS), a mark of distinction and expertise in facial plastic surgery that is eligible only to surgeons who are already board certified in head and neck surgery (ABOTO) or plastic surgery (ABPS). One of our practice mantras is to “trust your face to a facial plastic surgeon.” I feel that, in the age of specialization in medicine and surgery, I can offer my patients the highest level of care, skill, and experience by focusing on plastic surgery of the face and neck. I also treat skin lesions/cancers on the entire body and perform laser procedures, including the FRAXEL® Laser Treatments. I was the first in the greater Pittsburgh area to perform Left to right are Dr. Chiu's mother, Sharon Chiu, violin master this revolutionary laser rejuvenateacher Alice Schoenfeld, Dr. Robert Chiu, legendary violinist tion procedure. But my emphasis on Isaac Stern, and brother, Tom Chiu cosmetic facial plastic surgery differentiates me from many other plastic How do you think your musical and artistic surgeons in the Pittsburgh area who perform background influence your work as a plastic mostly body and breast procedures. surgeon? Aesthetic plastic surgery is about creat- Do you have a favorite procedure you like to ing and recreating youth and beauty. Being perform? a plastic surgeon is not just about being a I don’t have a “favorite” procedure, but I doctor, or a surgeon; it’s also about being an do believe, as many plastic surgeons do, that artist. And while many plastic surgeons claim rhinoplasty (nose job/nose reshaping surgery) to be “artistic,” I am blessed to have grown up is the most challenging endeavor we embark and been immersed in the arts and music my on in plastic surgery—the technical complexity, entire lifetime. I do not believe that aesthetic the endless individual variances and nuances, appreciation, judgment, and artistic ability are the need for true artistry/judgment, and the

difficulty in obtaining a natural, unoperated looking result. Due to my extensive experience and background in dealing with both cosmetic and functional problems relating to nose surgery, I am often asked to revise and/or correct previous work, and this can be difficult, sometimes impossible to do. When it comes to plastic surgery, especially rhinoplasty, it is really important to do it right the first time, and to find the surgeon who has specialized expertise and experience performing the particular procedure of interest. How is your philosophy and approach to plastic surgery different? People are working and living longer, staying more active, and we want to look as good as we feel inside. It’s not surprising that, in this technology/informational age we live in today, plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures have become mainstream. This popularity has led to the proliferation of medical spas, sensational advertising, and lots of promises and hype about “quick and easy fixes” that in reality may deliver very little, and can be harmful in some cases. Since there is no regulation of medical spas or cosmetic interventions, I believe patient safety is paramount, and this applies to surgical and nonsurgical interventions. Researching the surgeon’s training and board certification is an important first step, but these qualifications by themselves do not guarantee you a firstrate result. The consultation with your plastic surgeon is where you learn about his or her personality, judgment, and experience, and where you build trust with your surgeon. Patients who come to see us immediately see the difference in my philosophy and the way we provide care. I stress a conservative approach that emphasizes a long term relationship, and I make sure that every patient is counseled extensively. My patients experience quick recoveries due to my unwavering commitment to their care and my attention to the finest details. Not infrequently, I see patients who have received treatments that may not target their concern, or are improperly performed. I think my conservative, individualized approach is a perfect fit for western Pennsylvania; most of my patients are professionals, teachers, nurses, and business entrepreneurs who want to look refreshed, but natural, in contrast to the overdone and operated “Hollywood look.” They entrust me to perform the most intricate procedures on their faces, and this trust is humbling and gives me tremendous satisfaction in my work. Anything else you would like to add? Being an avid sports fan, it’s been an amazing year for the city of Pittsburgh. Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins and to our city of champions! n

Office hours: by appointment • Phone: 412-833-9888 • Website: todayscosmeticsurgery.com Fall 2009

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Traveling with TODAY Mary Lynne Spazok

The PITT magazine does it! The Penn Stater does it! And now, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is going to do it, too! “Traveling with TODAY” will photo feature USC Township residents and their travels. Whether your student volunteers to help the hungry and impoverished of the Dominican Republic or a family member who selflessly defends our country’s freedom in the armed forces, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is proud to travel with them.

Jessica, Ted, and Mary Lynne Spazok take TODAY to Grand Cayman

Criteria: • Clear, close-up photo of USC resident with his or her TODAY magazine in hand. • Digital photo preferred, but hard copy 35 mm also accepted. ° For digital, attach one jpg photo of at least 300 dpi, and send via email, including detail in body of email (see next three bullets (•) below). ® ° For 35 mm, attach Post-it to back of photo, including detail (see next three bullets (•) below). • List name(s) of resident(s), group, and photo location. • List objective of visit—leisure, volunteer, career, etc. • Include your email address or telephone number should further contact be necessary. • Deliver one 35 mm photo with details to the USC Township

receptionist in an envelope marked “USC TODAY,” or • Email one digital photo with details to usctoday@uscsd.k12. pa.us, with “TODAY” listed in subject line. The year 2009 has been stressful for everyone in one way or another. A downturn in the economy, nerve-racking SAT scores for your student, or perhaps the loss of a family member certainly affects well being. On the upside, the May 24, 2009, issue of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review showcased Upper St. Clair Schools as being voted “the best” in the race for PSSA testing excellence, with percentages in the 90s according to the Pittsburgh Business Times’ 2009 Guide to Western Pennsylvania Schools. School District Superintendent Dr. Patrick O’Toole stated, “We feel fortunate we have such a community that values education and will do what’s necessary to support us in educating the children to the greatest extent possible.” Further, “the education of our students is much more than just scores on a paper-and-pencil test.” As taxpayers, we sometimes find ourselves whining and complaining. But in the end, the future of each student’s success is beyond dollars and cents. There is no doubt that the family unit is paramount in this endeavor. That being said, I declare, aside from formal education, one of the greatest gifts a caretaker can bestow upon a child is the gift of travel. Whether on a thin dime or full blown extravaganza, there are always people to meet, life lessons to learn, and the appreciation of Mother Earth. What exactly is a “thin dime” vacation? Rewind to 1951. My father, the steelworker, and mother, the homemaker, loaded up the Ford (with a cooler, of course) and drove by way of the Tamiami Trail to Miami Beach. Our miniscule Highway A1A Pullmanstyle apartment at the Starlite Hotel was a luxury for us. A pristine white beach, an array of exotic seashells, and sea green waves beckoned. By gosh, that was heaven! Floating around in that five-and-dime innertube ignited my lifelong wanderlust. Today, yesteryear’s poor man’s location is now trendy South Beach. So, whether skiing the Alps, strolling the Champs Elysees, or a modest camping trip, family adventures are priceless! Travelers, listen up. A personal regret is not having provided a historical

Note: Submitted photos and information for “Traveling with TODAY” will remain on file for upcoming editions until published. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine subscriptions are a great gift and way for your college student, valued friends, and relatives to stay in touch with USC. Send $12 to cover mailing and handling fees for the next four quarterly issues, with name and address, including zip code, to UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241. Add $10 to cover international mailing. Call the magazine office at 412-833-1600, extension 2284 for further information. 14

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family travelogue to my daughter. My tip to you is: • Purchase a photo box for each family member (at their births) at the local craft store. • Mark a title on the front of the box, such as “Jessica’s Travel Adventures.” • At each point of destination, visit the local variety store. Purchase cheesey souvenir packets of scenic postcards. They’re inexpensive and provide the best professional highlights. • Include a family photo of that trip with names and dates. • Place the box in a secure place while continuing to gather travel memories. • Present this gift on a festive occasion, such as high school or college graduation. A humble treasure trove, this gift will truly be appreciated. The premier of “Traveling with TODAY” showcases a celebration of Ted Spazok’s retirement after 35 years of employment with IBM. Golden sun floods the Cayman Island’s fascinating flora and fauna that frames the indigo Caribbean surf. Our gracious photographer, an Australian native, was educated at boarding school by the Brits and now adventures throughout the world courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton. Having never visited western Pennsylvania, he was very curious. We chit-chatted about the character of the magazine and its significance within the USC community. At the end, he asked to keep the magazines. We graciously obliged, requesting only that he recycle to friends and colleagues. Enjoy “Traveling with TODAY,” a photo feature about USC residents and their adventures outside the Township. Whether employment, volunteer service, or effortless family pleasure inspires your journey, pack the TODAY magazine, and energize those camera batteries. Review the criteria (see page 14) for photo submission, then snap away! In the end, the purity of travel is best expressed by the powerful words of Pulitzer Prize winner and author Hodding Carter: “Two of the greatest gifts we can give our children are roots and wings.” n

Aurie loves her grandchildren. And a hard slap shot through the five-hole. With each new subject he learns,

General Dan teaches us a lesson on life. As a teenager, Dan lied his way into the Army and 36 years later retired as a Brigadier General. He’d learned a lot, taught others all about it, and now he wants to learn more. Since coming to Country Meadows, Dan has begun studying art and comparative religion, volunteers for just about everything, and is generally keeping us whipped into shape around the campus. There seems to be no end to his passion for new knowledge. And with every new subject that General Dan learns, he’s teaching us a lesson about life. At Country Meadows, we have independent living, assisted living and specialized care options to fit the individual needs of most seniors. Like General Dan, every one of our residents is unique. So for many of them, having more choices about how they live makes a world of difference. Call us today or visit our web site for more information.

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Fall 2009

6/29/09 10:09 AM

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Walter Jarosh—Upper St. Clair’s Green Hornet Wayne Herrod

The Green Hornet is a super hero character in the NOW Superhero series. Walter Jarosh is not a NOW superhero, but he is definitely a super person when it comes to the greening of Upper St. Clair. Walter was going green before going green was “in” and USC is far better for it. Walter wears the title of Upper St. Clair’s Superintendent of Parks, Buildings, and Forester. As you would expect with these many titles, he has to wear many hats and gets involved in many facets of Township maintenance. Walter has worked for the Township for a long time. It’s not true that he has been around longer than the 1830 Log House; it just seems that way. With a degree in forestry from the University of Michigan under his belt, Walter took a summer job with USC Township in 1970. That September, he was hired as a full-time employee. While most large cities have foresters, very few small townships maintain this type of position. Upper St. Clair Township sees the need to maintain this position and our residents are indeed lucky to have it filled by Walter—a person who is talented, dedicated, and passionate about his job and what he does. The year 1970 was a very good year for Walter. Not only did he begin his long-term career with USC, he married his wife, Janelle, as well. The Jaroshes have four children: Thomas, Kurt, Lorissa, and Bryan. Walter has another meaningful lady in his life; her name is Audrey. Before you start speculating, I’m here to tell you that Audrey is a Pathos plant that circles his entire office. Even though it’s never been exposed to natural light or seen the outdoors, it continues to grow and even changes colors with the seasons. While unusual, I believe it is nature’s way of thanking Walter for his handiwork. Started just over six years ago, Audrey is a symbol of WalWalter and Audrey ter’s career. Audrey is green, Audrey is plush, and Audrey encircles Walter’s entire office, just like Walter’s thumbprints encircle and touch our entire community. Walter talked with me about the greening of USC. “If you compare the satellite map of the Township today with that of ten years ago, you will see quite a difference,” said Walter. “Our Township is covered with a plush blanket of green.” Most of that is the result of Walter’s projects and devotion to the community. Walter planted 2000 trees in the Township in the year 2000. “It has been a tremendous success,” said Walter. 16

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Some of his other visible forestry projects include the paths and trails around Gilfillan Farm and throughout Boyce Mayview Park, stream restoration, and tree maintenance throughout the Township to increase roadway safety. Walter helped in the planning and installation of the Flight 427 Memorial Garden situated along the creek behind the Township Municipal building. The granite block memorial was set to directly face the 1994 crash site in Hopewell Township. Walter personally visited the crash site (which killed 132 people, ten of whom were USC residents), collected wild flowers, and planted them on the hill directly behind the memorial. He has also spearheaded numerous projects in the Township with the Eagle Scouts, which include building steps, bridges, benches, and signs on the Boyce Mayview Park trails and helping to erect the patio at the USCVFD fire station along Route 19. Walter has supervised over 60 Eagle Scout projects and helped over 100 scouts earn their Eagle Scout Badges. Walter is the scoutmaster of the VFW 764 Boy Scout troop in McMurray. The young men come from many communities. “I open it up to all scouts,” said Walter. It’s not just a USC program. It’s a program for kids.” After 29 years of service, Walter retired from the Army Reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1998. Along with his full-time job at USC, he teaches at Allegheny County Community College and does consulting work. I think he sleeps sometime. Simply put, Walter is a busy and energetic man. I asked Walter several questions about his life and his career. What do you find interesting about your job? “ T h e p ro b l e m solving,” said Walter. “It’s both interesting and challenging to solve a problem. It can be easy or difficult, but situations and problems must always be addressed and handled.” One Walter in front of the USC’s Flight 427 Memorial monument problem was when the horse chestnut tree in front of the 1830 Log House (not a log cabin) along McLaughlin Run Road caused concern when it began to lean. Upon inspection, it was determined that the interior of the one hundred-year-old tree was hollow and it had to come down. Walter’s answer was to replace it. USC Assistant Township Manger Mark Mansfield had previously planted a chestnut from the tree in his own yard. Mark graciously donated the young tree to the Township and the historical tree was replaced with one of its offspring.

A CLEARLY BETTER VIEW

Walter Jarosh, accompanied by his wife, Janelle, cuts the ribbon at the Boyce Mayview Park trail opening ceremony this past June.

What is the hardest part of your job? “Easy answer, the paperwork. It’s endless, but it has to be done and in a timely manner. Just look at my desk!” What is the best thing you do? “That’s easy, too. Working with the youth and the people in the community, and watching everyone pull together to make the community grow.” What are the biggest changes you’ve seen? “The pace of life and the growth of everything in the Township. At one time there was one park and four tennis courts. Look at what we have now! I truly believe that the USC Community Recreation Center will be one of the biggest things to happen here. It will increase community pride and involvement in a big way.”

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What makes USC special? “First of all… the residents. Second, but, as importantly… the Township staff. The amount of planning and execution that goes into the running the Township is enormous. And let’s not forget the importance of the community’s diversity.” Would you change anything you have done? “No, nothing! It has been a fun-filled 39 years—interesting and challenging, but always fun. I love what I do and I enjoy working with people to solve problems and implement new programs, while continuing with programs that are tried and true. I look at what I do and what someone wants, then I figure out a way to make it work.” What are your future plans? “I plan on working as long as it’s fun, and I don’t expect that to change anytime soon. I am doing some consulting and that will be part of my future, but this is what I do now. Even though I am on call 24/7, I truly love this job.” Many agree that the Township is a better place because of Walter and it will continue to improve because of his special talents, dedication, and creativity. Walter is truly the Superhero Green Hornet, making it cool to be “green.” n

Fall 2009

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Happy Holidays or Humbug? Mary Lynne Spazok

In December 2008, a holiday invitation declared

“A Christmas Gathering” of the USC Historical Society. A spirited festivity, guests were asked to bring their favorite Christmas treasure, something that warms the heart. That was easy for me, as most everything in my attic relating to the holidays is deep-rooted. Thirty-five years ago when I married, my parents entrusted me with most of their decorations. They were scaling back and knew that I would cherish their time-honored treasures. Don’t get me wrong, I have mixed in contemporary goodies and the enticement for new is quite tempting. But the attic and basement are full! My parents struggled through the Great Depression. Although Dad was gainfully employed in the steel industry, he suffered a few medical setbacks. Mother was penny-wise when times were hard and money was tight. Department store shopping was out of the question, while a visit to the local five and dime was just fine. Prized is the “Angel on High” tree topper that sold for just pennies. Much to my delight, in December 1995 its photo appeared in Country Home magazine with a sweet write-up. For me, the angel is priceless, but in today’s cyber mall, it is valued at more than $250. With tender loving care, it has survived decades. One year I looked for a fancy storage box, but could not find the proper size. So, the angel sleeps for 11 months in a tissue-lined shoebox that is “just right.” My heart fills with sadness as well as joy as she reigns over our Christmas tree helping us to remember loved ones who have passed and thankful for a daughter who embraces heartfelt tradition. A more playful treasure is a red and white plastic Hi-Ho Santa, waving joyously from atop a mystical reindeer. A whimsical night light, it stands ten inches high with an opening for insertion of one Cool Brite white bulb. From the five and dime, it too is sought by collectors who are willing to pay upwards of $50. With the popularity of Ralphie’s adventures in “A Christmas Story,” renewed interest in all things from the 50s are wildly chic.

Lori Blattner

Julie Agar

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2009

“Angel on High” tree topper

holds a mini wooden pull-toy court jester, a gift from deceased family member Margaret Gilfillan. Pat Sphar sings the praises of celluloid choir boys (no gals back then; they were angels!), while Margaret Harmon is the caretaker of a fabulous art glass suite. From Father Christmas to antique dolls, collectibles add a magical touch to holiday decorum. The Agony of “the Gift” Amidst the joy, there is humbug. Last November, “K’s Christmas Capers” came to be. My good friend K labors over finding the perfect gift. Pre-holiday periodicals, notably the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, highlight amusing anecdotes of holiday gift catastrophes. In good fun, I titled each article “K’s Christmas Capers” and sent them to her along with a smiley face, assuring that she is not alone in her dilemma. Well-meaning Santas often purchase what they desire. Buy for the receiver! Rather than wandering aimlessly through any mall in America, make a list, check it twice, and shop all year long. Post Christmas sales offer leftovers priced to move. Seasonal garden ornamentation are often overlooked. Kids love art

Larry Godwin and Dorothy Holden

Traditional religious works of art are paramount to one’s timehonored beliefs. Lori Blattner’s Judiaca is not only beautiful, but purposeful. A member of the USC Historical Society, Julie Agar is a fan of fans. Five and dime fans, once bought for pennies. are now sought after. Her collection includes rare examples that are professionally prepared and displayed under glass. Larry Godwin enjoys clip ornaments as well as vintage “ole time” Santas. Dorothy Holden gets pleasure from metal miniatures and the vintage cardboard “PUTZ” houses which are sold today as reproductions. Fran Brown, an avid collector of nutcrackers, 18

Hi-Ho Santa

Fran Brown, Pat Sphar, and Margaret Harmon

projects. Available at craft and book stores, box-themed projects for Christmas, Valentines Day, Halloween, Hanukah, and Kwanza abound. Something to look forward to monthly, creativity keeps kids busy and parents happy. That’s a gift in itself! How do you survive the humbug syndrome without breaking the bank? Heed the wise saying “timing is everything.” Organize with a detailed list. Better yet, try a spreadsheet of purchased gifts and computerized name and address stickers (easy to update throughout the year) for holiday cards (which I bought at 60% off). Start early! Hang outdoor decorations the first week

in November when the temperature is 60 degrees, not 30! By turkey day, if it’s not wrapped, decorated, or UPS ready, so be it. Bejeweled in full regalia, Thanksgiving is light up night at our home. The spirit of the holiday moves most to be more generous. A top priority for me is the USC Public Works Department employees. While we recline in front of our TVs or sleep serenely in the wee hours of the morning, the Public Works crew plows and salts for our safety. Last year was a dreadful year for ice and snow. Whether it’s a typical work day, holiday, or Steeler football Sunday, they are “on call.” In appreciation, I drop off snack food that can be taken in the truck! Other avant-garde ideas: • Adopt a soldier in the Armed Forces. (See giving idea “Stocking for a Soldier” in “Happenings” on page 90.) • Charity. Fill stockings with travel-sized necessities for a homeless child or adult. • Holiday party. Ask each guest to bring a non-perishable food item for the local food bank. • Holiday letter and photo—ignore Scrooge! Prepare a heartwarming letter accompanied by a festive photo. News from family and friends is welcome, especially by seniors. Keep cards you receive to enjoy into the New Year and for years to come. • Angel hair—a decorating must! Makes everything looks mystical. Save from year to year. A little goes a long way.

• Tree lights. Merge old-fashioned 1950s Cool Brites with contemporary miniatures. • LEDs inside—forget it! The use of sunglasses is necessary to be in the same room! • Remember the fate of the poinsettia in western Pennsylvania—gas heat is the kiss of death! Support the USCHS swim team with a fundraising poinsettia purchase (see “Happenings,” page 91). Also include quality floral pieces. High fallutin’ designers say “no artificial.” Now there’s a “bah humbug!” A red or pink Amaryllis carries on into Valentine’s Day as well. Cover loosely with a cleaning bag and store in a cool dry place to bring it back next year.

The Free Christmas “Fix” If you can’t visit New York City’s glorious Rockefeller Plaza, caravan the family to Hermitage and visit Kraynak’s Garden Center (see information below). Just after Labor Day, the store’s Santa Lane and decorating boutique (seven rooms) are magical. We arrive at 8:50 a.m. the day after Thanksgiving where the parking lot begins to fill quickly. Offered for sale are a treasure trove of toys, homemade baked goods, and stocking stuffer candies (Mallow Cups—umm) that can’t easily be found elsewhere. This year, pledge to enjoy holiday outings, including the Phipps Flower Show or a festival of lights. Limit the family’s use of electronic gadgets; December should be family fun! This September as you begin to prepare for merriment, banish the “bug!” When it comes to the art of giving, it’s the thought that counts! Good health, the freedom to live, the freedom to love, and the freedom to worship in peace are the greatest gifts of all. Take Monty Python’s Spamalot advice and “live each day on the bright side Also at the Christmas gathering were, left to right, front row: Virginia of life.” Cheers! n Keck, Ilene Dickson; back row: Bill Keck, and Nancy and Paul Page

Note: There are no holiday visitations at USC’s Gilfillan Homestead. Spiritual, the Gilfillans did not celebrate Christmas in a secular way; however, Margaret Gilfillan did post holiday greetings. Read “A Drawer Full of Shoelaces” in UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY’s winter 2009 edition, which will showcase a treasure of Margaret’s handmade cards and other fascinating collectibles. Kraynak’s Nursery and Garden Center, 2525 E. State Street, Hermitage, PA 16148 Phone: 724-347-4511, Email: info@kraynaks.com, Website: www.kraynaks.com Drive time: One hour, ten minutes via PA Route 60 north toll road or Route 79 north. Fall 2009

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Enjoy the Simple Pleasures Anonymous

Tranquility, at times, can be found when and where we least expect it. It can also be sought after with seemingly little effort or sometimes as a result of planning and a lot of hard work. Watching the sun set last night, I found tranquility very unexpectedly. While Upper St. Clair is known for many things, gazing at beautiful sunsets does not rank in the top ten reasons to live here. But when my 12-year-old son had to complete a school-related project resulting from the Boyce Middle School sixth grade Deer Valley trip he took earlier this spring, he and I were on a quest for a sunset to watch and to photograph. Mother Nature had to cooperate. She had to grant a clear sky so that the sun could shine through and display a decent sunset. I was asking for a lot when I think about the large percentage of cloudy days that inundate southwestern Pennsylvania—more days than we care to admit! One day before the assignment was due, my son reminded me of his project. With that day’s newspaper in hand, we scoured the weather page to find out that the May 31 sun was scheduled to set at 8:44 p.m. At eight o’clock that evening, we drove away from our house in search of our sunset adventure. Thank goodness the sky was clear! We drove just over a mile to the Morton field complex and parked our SUV behind the Volunteer Fire Department building. With our truck’s back hatch opened to the sun, we comfortably situated ourselves and got ready to snap some photos. At designated minutes, my son snapped away and captured some great shots of a sunset never again to be seen exactly the same. He was pleased with the results.

Sunset at USC’s Morton Field complex

While my son fulfilled his homework assignment, I took the opportunity to enjoy this project with him. As we both shared in the serenity and relaxation of the peacefully setting sun (I more than he), he intermittently ran up and down a hill below us, chasing a ball he had hit with a bat. Yes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder… and the sunset was certainly beautiful that evening, as was watching my son “play” in the distance. The further reality is that I took the time to enjoy this simple pleasure. I’m grateful for this particular homework assignment and, unexpectedly, the tranquility it offered. But now, more importantly, I’m thankful for the memory it has given me. n

Best Places to Watch a Sunset—You Tell Us! Pittsburgh is on the map for many reasons—its history surrounding the steel industry, its sports teams’ winning records, the first radio station—but what it isn’t necessarily famous for are its sunsets. While locals can capture many a beauty right here at home, there are locations worldwide that compete for the best sunsets. For many different reasons and taken from the Travelers Digest website (travelersdigest.com), we share with you the following top ten spots to watch a sunset. How many have you been to? 1. Santorini, Greece; 2. Taj Mahal, India; 3. Serengeti, Tanzania; 4. Great Pyramids, Egypt; 5. Grand Canyon, Arizona; 6. Cape Town, South Africa; 7. The Maldives, Indian Ocean; 8. Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 9. Santa Monica Pier Los Angeles; 10. Sentoas Island, Singapore. Closer to home than the top ten and only two hours north by car, Erie, Pennsylvania, has gained much attention over the years by sunset fanatics who express “Watching a sunset in Erie is among the best!” Lake Erie’s Presque Isle offers miles of public beaches where a view of the sun sinking into the lake is quite like no other. Check out the weather report, then go see for yourself; you’ve nothing to lose but a few hours! To share a photo of your favorite sunset for posting on the “Features” section of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY’s website, send a 20

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digital photograph (jpg) of at least 300 dpi and email to usctoday@ uscsd.k12.pa.us. Include in the body of the email: your name, the date, persons in the photo, and location of the photo shot. Please specify “Sunsets USC TODAY” in the email’s subject line. We encourage and look forward to many Kodak moments! n

Sunset in Erie, Pennsylvania, captured by Lauren Morosky

Plans Underway for Veterans’ Park Upper St. Clair is one step closer to having a special place to honor and learn about those who have served in the United States military. Plans are underway for the Upper St. Clair Veterans’ Park (USCVP) to be located at the corner of McLaughlin Run and Old Washington Roads, directly across the street from the Log House. The USC Veterans’ Park will be a place where the community can go to honor and reflect upon the contributions of the men and women of our military who have served our country. Dedicated to all veterans in appreciation and gratitude for their service and sacrifice to the United States of America, USC Veterans’ Park will be a place designed to provide a learning environment in order to educate visitors of all ages and enhance our understanding of each military branch and the roles each have played throughout our nation’s history. The design of USC Veterans’ Park incorporates “pods,” with each pod representing a different branch of our military service: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Merchant Marines, Coast Guard, and National Guard. Since seating is included in each pod, USC Veterans’ Park can also be used as an outdoor classroom where students can learn about the history and major contributions of each branch of America’s military. Spearheading the project is a board of directors and three members. T. J. McGarvey, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, is president of the USCVP board, and his experience in the development of

other veterans’ monuments will be invaluable to this project. He stated, “This monument park will fulfill not only my personal goal, but the desire of the entire committee, and that is to honor our veterans in a respectful manner and to show all who pass through Upper St. Clair that this community is thankful for their service.” The projected cost is in the range of $450,000 and includes survey, excavation, concrete work (paving, retaining walls, etc.), furnishings (flagpoles, lights, benches, etc.), landscaping, sculptures, granite monuments, design and engineering, marketing and sales material, and a contingency fund. To date, approximately $60,000 of in-kind donations have been received. Fundraising efforts are underway, and ground should soon be broken. The dedication is planned for Veterans Day 2010. Since no tax dollars will be used for this project, the support of all residents and businesses in the community is needed. Anyone interested in making a financial contribution or donating goods or services should visit the website at www.uscveteranspark.org. n

General Election—Tuesday, November 3, 2009 Polls Open 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Monday, October 5, 2009, is Voter Registration Deadline Date. (Date subject to change pending Pennsylvania legislative action.)

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

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

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

Baker Elementary School, Gymnasium Morton Road

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

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

Westminster Presbyterian Church - Washington Road

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

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

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

St. Louise de Marillac School - McMurray Road

Recreation Center - McLaughlin Run Road

Baker Elementary School, Gymnasium - Morton Road

Boyce Middle School, Gymnasium - Boyce Road

Wesley Spectrum Services, Gymnasium - Johnston Road

Boyce Middle School, Gymnasium - Boyce Road

Fall 2009

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

We’re Football People Now Manny Romanias

Any parent of a child playing high school sports can relate to the following story. My adventure occurred during the 2006 USC football season. Growing up in the inner city during the 70s, the only organized sporting activities available to me were baseball, basketball, football, and track. Tennis and golf were primarily for those belonging to a country club, while hockey and soccer simply did not exist. Today children have instant access to the world and exposure to almost anything. I told my children early on that they could participate in anything except football and boxing; there are far too many former football players now hobbling around on bad knees, and boxing is just plain lunacy. My wife and I were determined that our children participate in something; what they selected was, for the most part, up to them. Alex, my middle child, came home from school one spring day of his sophomore year and told me that he had joined the football team, catching me off guard. He knew the rules, football was off limits. “Really, what position?” I asked. “I’m going to kick,” he explained, assuring me that it is the safest position on the roster; kickers never get hurt. I then asked how this came about. Alex’s gym class was outside on the football field where he and a few of his buddies, who were already on the team, were goofing around kicking field goals, and Alex was popping them through the uprights, with ease, from 35 yards out. His buddies suggested he try out for the team; the coaches liked what they saw and named Alex the starting junior-varsity kicker. He took over the starting spot on the varsity team the following year. The most ironic part of this journey is that prior to Alex’s joining the football team, I had never attended a high school football game as an adult and attended only a handful as a student. For all practical purposes, high school football was a new experience for me and, naturally, I had no idea what to expect. I figured that my family and I would attend the games, watch our son kick, and enjoy an evening out. My wife, Stacy, on the other hand, jumped in with both feet and did not look back. From the very first game Stacy looked and acted like a veteran football mom. She wore the traditional white, black, and red scarf displaying the school colors along with the big button proudly pinned to her chest showing off a photograph of her son in his football uniform. Number 15, that’s my child! The photo-button is the official badge of honor for all mothers of children who are members of the team, the various cheerleading squads, and the marching band. It truly is a beautiful sight to look into the stands

Alex and Manny Romanias 22

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2009

Alex and USC football Coach Jim Render after the 2006 PIAA championship game

and see a wall of moms sporting big photo-buttons and the school colored scarves. Simply put, high school football is addictive and you cannot help but get caught up in the excitement. I think the reason for this is that the fans are vested. Parents are obviously going to cheer for their children regardless of level or venue, but the true difference rests with the kids in the stands. They are rooting for friends they grew up with, friends whose birthday parties they attended and sofas they slept on. These are the same kids who were lab partners in science class and teammates on the recreational soccer, baseball, or lacrosse teams. What makes high school sports so special is that the kids on the field and the kids in the stands, growing up in the same community, have literally known each other all their lives. From the time my children reached middle school, my opening line when I got home from work would be the same—“How was school? Do you have any homework?” Now though, now that we’re football people, there is an added wrinkle. When I speak to Alex, it is, “How was school? Do you have any homework? How did you kick today?” Like I can advise him if he proclaims that he did not kick well in practice? The only piece of advice I would be able to give that made any sense at all would be to keep your eye on the ball. How profound and utterly useless. But it was important for me to get a progress report. I wanted to be involved; I needed to be involved, for we’re football people now. My parents lived ten to 15 minutes from us, yet, when our children were little, it would take us 45 minutes to get everyone ready for this short ride. Attending our son’s football games resulted in a similar ordeal. We graduated from a checklist of formula, diapers, toys, snacks, juice bottles, and extra clothes to stadium chairs, blankets, gloves, hats, umbrellas, and directions. The one constant was that someone always had to use the bathroom at the last minute just as we were ready to walk out the door. Few things in life transcend gender, religion, geography, nationality, economic status, education, and language. Having a family member run to the bathroom just as you are ready to leave the house can be deemed a universal truth.

Being disciples of the “just in time” theory, we approach the stadium after the parking lost is packed, and, once again, I am relegated to waiting in line to drop off my family at the front entrance gate, then drive some distance to park the car. Most nights, the nearest parking spot is a quarter of a mile away, which is not a problem unless the temperature is 30 degrees and it’s windy or pouring rain. Unfortunately, I get to experience both. As I make my way to the field, I pass a used car lot full of automobiles neatly arranged on the grass between the “No Parking on Grass” signs. The scope of influence the football program has on local law enforcement is impressive. I purchase my ticket and call my wife’s cell phone to find out where she is sitting. Thank heaven for cell phones! Without them I may not find her until halftime when the stampede occurs to line up for pretzels, hot dogs, and the all-important restroom. A high school football game is a roller coaster of emotion and excitement from waiting for the team to run onto the field through the tunnel of cheerleaders and crash through the homemade banner, to the halftime show featuring both high school marching bands, to the end of the game when the entire football team runs over to the stands in front of the marching band to pay homage to one another as the band plays the school’s fight song. I have come to realize that this spectacle simply has to be experienced first-hand to be appreciated and understood. The electricity and energy of a live high school game is invigorating. Boys without shirts and chests painted all screaming at their counterparts across the field, the opposing bands dueling back and forth— these kids were having the time of their lives and it was fun to get caught up in the excitement. It made me wonder what I had missed when I was in high school. Perhaps Alex, by being a part of the football team, afforded me the opportunities I missed out on when I was a student. Maybe it is better this way; as an adult I appreciate it more. A dominating high school team brings a celebrity status not only to the players, but to their parents as well. All of a sudden people I had known only in passing were stopping to partake in detailed conversation with me—at the gas station, the grocery store, and coffee house: “Alex is really kicking well. Have any colleges approached him yet? Wow, Alex is having a great season. I didn’t know he could kick

like that.” Truth be told, I didn’t know it either. It is a great feeling to be the parent of an athlete. You cannot help but stick out your chest with pride when you hear others in the stands cheering on your son and yelling his name. It turned out to be an experience I never could have imagined. I savored every minute. In addition, I had the good fortune by sheer happenstance of experiencing events atypical to a normal football season, like watching Alex set a new school record by booming a 48-yard field goal with one second left in the second half to help his team win a state championship and post a flawless 16-0 record. Moments like these are indeed rare. Alex told me the highlight of the season for him was playing the conference championship game at Heinz Field, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers. I cannot imagine how cool it is to play in a professional football stadium. I can tell you though, as a parent of one of the players, it is an awesome experience to watch. To sit in the stands and watch your son on that field, kicking up the same dirt as Hines Ward and booming field goals through the same uprights as Jeff Reed is surreal. Ticket to the game–$10, soft pretzel with mustard–$4.50, hot dog and drink–$7.50, watching Alex, larger than life on the Jumbo-Tron, running off the field pumping his fist after burying a field goal–priceless! As impressive as it was to watch Alex play at Heinz Field, the highlight for me came several months later at the Pennsylvania East-West All Star Game. When I saw Alex run out of the tunnel onto the field, my jaw dropped. I was stunned, almost paralyzed from the sharp chill piercing through my body; I was covered with goose bumps. There it was, as plain as day, sprawled across the back of my son’s shoulders— ROMANIAS. His name, my name, was on the back of his jersey. I was overwhelmed; I never saw my name on the back of a jersey before. Yet, there it was... staring at me, taunting me, seducing me. The experience caught me completely off guard; it was phenomenal. Several times during the course of the game I leaned over to remind my wife just how cool it was to see my name on the back of that jersey. Who could have imagined that kicking field goals in gym class for fun would have resulted in such a magical journey? Prior to this season, the last high school football game I attended was in 1978 when I was a junior. Now, we’re football people. n Fall 2009

Alex Romanias at the Pennsylvania East-West All Star Game

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

T Township of Upper St. Clair USC Finance Department Receives GFOA Award

Ched Mertz

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

Karen M. McElhinny

Vice President, At-Large Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-221-1732 2009*

The Township of Upper St. Clair has received the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its 2009 Budget. The award reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the budget award, the entity has to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. The guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity’s budget serves as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide, and a communications device. Budget documents must be rated “proficient” in all four categories, and the 14 mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award. The GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program is the only national awards program in governmental budgeting. n

Preston W. Shimer Ward 1

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-221-1736 2011*

Kenneth L. Brown Ward 2

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

Left to right are Township of Upper St. Clair Finance Department employees Bonnie Antonelli, Augie Stache, Andrew McCreery, and Karen Kutschbach

Robert W. Orchowski Ward 3

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-854-1868 2011*

Russell R. Del Re Ward 5

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 724-941-3336 2011*

Glenn R. Dandoy At-Large

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-833-6243 2011*

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 Upper St. Clair Township Library or on the website at www.twpusc.org. For more information, call 412-831-9000. 2009 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 the Township’s website www.twpusc.org

*Date indicates expiration of term.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2009

Highlights of Board of Commissioners’ Meetings March 2, 2009

Approximately 16 people attended.

The Board • Appointed Irving S. Firman and the law firm of Tucker Arensberg as Township Attorney for an interim period. • Adopted Bill No. 2-09 to amend Chapter 114 entitled “Subdivision and Land Development” to modify the requirement of a video inspection for sanitary sewer only after one (1) year following acceptance by the Township, to clarify the final plat and to correct the proof of recording clause to comply with the requirements of the Department of Real Estate of Allegheny County.

April 14, 2009

Approximately two people attended.

Recognitions and Proclamations • Commissioner Shimer presented a Proclamation to Helen Palascak, Director of Library in recognition of National Library Week, April 12-18, 2009. • Commissioner Orchowski presented to August G. Stache, Jr., Director of Finance, the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting awarded by the Government Finance Officers Association for the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. The Board • Adopted the following appointments to the Youth Steering Committee: New Appointments– Reappointments– Four-year Term Four-year Term Geralyn Austin Lynn Boucek Edyce Rizzi Jeff Krantz Stacie Sebastian Debbie Piecka Gary Seech Board Approval of Contracts • Hunter Truck Sales, Butler.............................. $73,138.21 One 2010 International Model 7400 Cab and Chassis • Thiele Manufacturing, Windber........................... $44,612 One Aluminum Dump Body, Tailgate Salt Spreader and 10-foot Plow (For 2010 International 7400 Cab and Chassis) • Kolano Design, Pittsburgh..................................... $8,850 Design Services for CRC Entrance Sign and Logo • CleanNet, USA, Pittsburgh................................... $80,460 Housekeeping and Janitorial CRC Services (annually)

Director of Library Helen Palascak and Commissioner Shimer

• Adopted Bill No. 3-09 to grant unified conditional use/ preliminary and final land development approval to Vincent James Company Plan No. 1, located at 1391 McLaughlin Run Road, subject to certain conditions and modification. • Adopted Bill No. 4-09 amending Chapter 99 of the code of the Township entitled “Public and Private Improvements” to delete the requirement for video inspection of all new storm sewers prior to acceptance of public improvements and to clarify requirements for testing and video inspection of all new sanitary sewers prior to acceptance of public improvements.

• Adopted Bill No. 5-09 authorizing the replacement of the remarketing agent from RBC Capital Markets Corporation to BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC for the Township’s nonelectoral debt in an aggregate principal amount of $32,300,000 adjustable demand General Obligation Bonds, Series of 2008 issued pursuant to the Township Ordinance 3-08 adopted February 4, 2008. • Adopted Resolution 1492 authorizing the disposal of Township records in accordance with the Pennsylvania Retention Act and the Township Code.

May 4, 2009

Approximately 25 people attended.

Left to right are Commissioner McElhinny, Christopher Duarte, and Ryan Stockton Recognitions and Proclamations • Commissioner McElhinny presented a Proclamation to Christopher Duarte, a senior at Upper St. Clair High School, recognizing his attainment of Eagle Scout rank for building and installing six benches along the trails in Boyce Mayview Park. • Commissioner McElhinny recognized Michael Kaufmann, a senior at Upper St. Clair High School, with a Proclamation for his attainment of Eagle Scout rank for installing draperies for the St. Joseph’s House of Hospitality, a refuge facility for elderly men. • Commissioner McElhinny recognized John Shue, a senior at Upper St. Clair High School, with a Proclamation for his attainment of Eagle Scout rank for tagging storm sewer drops as a reminder to residents to avoid dumping pollutants into the storm sewers. • Commissioner McElhinny presented a Proclamation to Ryan Stockton, a senior at Upper St. Clair High School, for his attainment of Eagle Scout rank for building a patio at the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Station. • Commissioner Brown presented a Proclamation to Kyle Dudzinski, a sophomore at Upper St. Clair High School, for winning a gold medal, finishing first place with a finish time of 49.98 seconds in the 100-yard backstroke at the Swimming State Title Class Triple A 2008-09 PIAA Championships at Bucknell University. • Commissioner Shimer presented Certificates of Achievement to students and coaches of Fort Couch Middle School who will be part of the Pennsylvania delegation to participate at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals Competition at Iowa State University. Students recognized were Kyle Austin, Maura Boston, Robert Burke, Josh Simmons, Yash Tripathi, Sydney Turnwald, and Helena Zatawski. Certificates were also presented to the team coaches Michelle Turnwald and Corrine Zatawski, as well as the Odyssey of the Mind program coordinator Alison Hess. • Commissioner Del Re presented a Proclamation to Nora Helfrich, director of Tri-Community South Emergency Medical Services, proclaiming May 17-23, 2009 as National Emergency Medical Services EMS Week in Upper St. Clair.

Fall 2009

The Board • Continued public hearing PLC09-0002–Fort Couch Middle School, additions and renovations–unified conditional use/ preliminary and final land development to June 1, 2009. • Continued public hearing PLC09-0003–Boyce Middle School, additions and renovations–unified conditional use/ preliminary and final land development to June 1, 2009. • Continued public hearing PLC08-1301 Amendment to Chapter 130, “Zoning” to add a definition for “Massage Therapy Establishment” and to establish specific criteria therefore; to allow Massage Therapy Establishments as an Authorized Use by Conditional Use Approval in the C1, Neighborhood Commercial District, C2 Highway Commercial District, and C3, Regional Shopping Center District; to Add Massage Therapy Establishment to the List of Prohibited Home Occupations; and to relocate Section 130.8.3.3.3, permitted Home Occupations, and Section 130.8.3.3.4., prohibited Home Occupations from the permitted Home Occupations from the R-1 Section of District Regulations to the General Regulations Section, to the regular Board of Commissioners meeting on July 6, 2009. • Approved monetary donation request by the Upper St. Clair Veterans’ Park Committee in the amount of $10,000. • Adopted Resolution No. 1494 authorizing the increase in the Pennsylvania prevailing wage exemption. • Adopted Resolution 1495 authorizing Liquid Fuels online reporting. Board Approval of Contracts • Day Automotive, Monroeville.............................. $21,277 One 2009 Chevrolet Colorado 4x4 Ext. Cab • Tri Star Motors, McKeesport........................... $20,606.82 One 2009 Ford Escape XLT • A & H Equipment Co., Bridgeville................. $41,110.85 One Harben 4018DTK-E-180 Sewer Jet • E.H. Griffith, Inc., Pittsburgh.......................... $23,151.40 One Toro Groundsmaster 3500-D • Day Automotive, Monroeville.............................. $22,700 Police Utility Vehicle • Day Automotive, Monroeville.............................. $44,936 Police Interceptors

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Memories to Share... People to Thank...

Panthers of the Round Table Upper St. Clair’s 31st Community Day Was held on the 16th of May this year Heavy rains didn’t dampen the spirits For all of the people from far and near. The sun did shine from time to time Bringing smiles for our annual event For all of the people in attendance It was undeniably a day well spent! There was plenty to do for everyone For all of the kids and grown ups, too When it was time for the Fun Run race All involved knew exactly what to do. Decorating, hottest dog, and essays Were judged to see who was the best The winners were crowned victorious They’re the ones who passed the test. Gilfillan Farm, the Log House, and parade Were other attractions seen by all We would like to thank all those involved For making Upper St. Clair stand so tall! —Jay Walsh Jay Walsh retired from USC School District after 28½ years of service. His last 17 years were spent at Eisenhower Elementary.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2009

USC Community Day 2009 Fun Run Was All That! Kicking off the 31st annual Upper St. Clair Community

Day held this past May was the ever growing, popular 5K Fun Run. Thanks to the volunteer help at the registration table, many last minute registrants were able to get to the starting line just before Deb White officially sounded the “Go!” command. This year, almost 300 athletes participated in the morning event; some walked, most ran. While the weather wasn’t “runner perfect,” the intermittent rain didn’t stop the picture perfect fun that all participants enjoyed. Age Group 8 and under 9-11 12-14 15-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50 and over

Male Ryan Ghise Chris Adamo Robbie Mertz Philip Yeung Ross Dawson Douglas Petrick Bill Lang Charles Subosits

Congratulations to top male and female finishers Philip Yeung (17:45) and Betsy Erlanger (20:24) and to all the participants on a great effort! Below are the top finishers in each age category. For complete race results, both by time and by age group, visit UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY’s website at www.twpusc.org/magazine and click on the “Features” section. n

Female Veronica Gibbons Elaina Walnoha Betsy Erlanger Krissy King Jordan Livingstone Perry Shoemaker Carla Wilding Lori Cherup

Thank You to Our Community Day 2009 Patrons Thank you to the many community volunteers

and especially our patrons (listed below alphabetically) who so wonderfully supported USC’s 2009 Community Day. The Panthers of the Round Table and the Township of Upper St. Clair say “We couldn’t do it without you!” Community Day patrons include ARAMARK Nutrition Services, Ardolino’s Pizza, Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair, Chuck’s Complete Auto Service, D&M Chiropractic,

Einstein Bros. Bagels, Fleet Feet Sports, Giant Eagle Market District, Lorenzato Automotive, MedExpress, Miller Ace Hardware, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, South Hills Financial Group, St. Clair Country Club, Taylor Rental/Party Plus, The Gateway Engineers, Inc., Traffic Control Equipment & Supplies Co., Inc., and Upper St. Clair Chamber of Commerce. Thanks also to Terry Kish, Anne Kopach, and Karen Boston who provided photos of the day’s events. n Fall 2009

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

USC Community Recreation Center and Boyce Mayview Park Trail Grand Opening June 20, 2009

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2009

What They Said

Opening of the CRC, June 20, 2009 With many invited guests and dignitaries enjoying the grand opening of Upper St. Clair’s Community Recreation Center, for those closely involved in this project the day couldn’t have held any more special meaning. What has thoughtfully been planned from the conception stage through the building stage, Upper St. Clair residents and surrounding community patrons now have a multi-faceted, family-friendly recreation center to use for years to come.

Official ribbon cutting at the grand opening of the Community Recreation Center

Upper St. Clair!” “It’s a great day for d Leisure Services rector, Recreation an Di , an rm ste It’s a wonderful, Be ul —Pa in western Pennsylvania. “It’s quite like nothing else atics. What makes with indoor and outdoor aqu complete multi-use facility park setting. It has component of such a large it unique is that it’s only one ” Manager exceeded all expectations. M Architecture, Construction —Mark Edelmann, AIA, EP “The CRC is just another reason why Upper St. Cla ir was voted one of the ten most livable cities in the United States.” —Lynn Rubin, Co-Chair, CR C Ad Hoc Committee

of choice’ in the region!” “Upper St. Clair is now the ‘community missioners —Ched Mertz, President, Board of Com USC Township Board of Commissioners president Ched Mertz and his wife, Rachel, are the first to sign up for membership at the Community Recreation Center with Membership and Marketing Services coordinator Sarah Povazan.

“I’m so happy to see it finally complete; this the entire comm is something unity can enjoy.” —Kathy Kasuni ch, Co-Chair, C RC Ad Hoc Com mittee

Fall 2009

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

A Summer of Abundance

Jessica Stombaugh, REEC, Program Manager As the summer winds down, the staff at the Regional Environmental Education Center (REEC) lean back in the shade and let out a sigh of relief and well, exhaustion, truthfully. After the hustle and bustle of a busy spring school fieldtrip season with over 1300 students from Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park, Ringgold, Mt. Lebanon, and Avonworth School Districts, along with other private schools from the Bridgeville, Mt. Lebanon, and Pittsburgh areas attending our hands-on outdoor programs, we jumped right into nature camp season. The summer was a bountiful one, full of eager learners of all ages—little Bullfrogs & Pollywog campers searching for insects, frogs, and crayfish with their parents; Jr. Naturalists campers exploring the wet and sometimes wiggly world of Chartiers Creek; Eco Kids tending the bird garden; and even adults learning to identify and assess creek inhabitants. Yes, the information and fun flowed readily over eager and interested minds. We even had summer daycare programs bringing campers out to the REEC for daylong programs on wildlife and the many different organisms that perform the

necessary role of decomposition. Add onto this the many community days, scouting camps, library programs, and other various outreach programs the REEC held, and it creates a few tired, yet pleased, REEC facilitators. Don’t count us out yet! After a little down time to recuperate, the staff is up and ready to hike again. And hike they shall as the REEC gets ready to offer its first hiking camp! Students 10-15 years of age are invited to join the REEC Explorers Club coming this October. This camp-style club will offer each hiker the ability to choose up to eight of the scheduled two-hour days of hiking with REEC facilitators. Campers who think they’ve seen all the trails, think again as the REEC staff will introduce new trails throughout Boyce Mayview Park, along with the concept of “Leave No Trace” hiking. The fall is becoming a wonderful time for family programming. Participants had a hopping good time with April Claus from Interpretive Environmental Programs and her live reptiles and amphibians. To keep the excitement coming, the REEC will be hosting the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium on October 17 as its staff presents live animals indigenous to Pennsylvania. Don’t forget that the REEC’s Talk N Walk series is now family friendly— delving into the world of watersheds in September, tasting the bounty of the fall edibles in October, finding our way through the world with a brand new orienteering class in November, and preparing for the

A tiny crayfish captures his dinner!

Song Sparrow overlooking Hawk Meadow

Christmas Bird Count by honing our birding skills in December. Just thinking about all the exciting and wonderful learning opportunities that will be taking place this fall has given me renewed energy, and as I listen to the buzz of the cicadas outside my office, I can’t wait to start another season of programs. See you on the trails! n

The late spring frost on a Teasel plant

Early summer bloomer Golden Ragwort 30

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Jr. Naturalists Sam and Maggie investigate their creek collections. Fall 2009

Boyce Mayview Trails Await Your Visit

Walter Jarosh, Superintendent of Parks, Buildings, Forester Have you experienced one of the best kept secrets in the area? I am referring to the walking trails winding throughout Boyce Mayview Park. Prior to winter last year, the paved hard surface perimeter trail was completed and opened to the public. This trail connects the Morton Soccer field area to Baker Park, the Regional Environmental Education Center, the field complex, and the Community Recreation Center. This trail is a welcome addition for walkers with strollers, small children with bicycles, or those who choose to take a walk to exercise their pets. The existing sidewalk on Hastings Mill Road further connects to USC High School, the municipal building, and McLaughlin Run Road tennis courts. For the more adventurous hikers, the perimeter trail provides many connections to the ten miles of natural surface hiking trails that traverse the park. One can experience the beauty of a vast number of wildflowers, listen or catch a glimpse of 200 different bird species, and view countless numbers and varieties of trees and shrubs. The accompanying photo (right) shows the completed 250-foot board walk that takes hikers from the

The bridge at the park’s entrance from the lower Boyce Road parking area

The expansive 250-foot board walk provides easier access to the wetlands that adjoin Boyce Mayview Park.

lower Boyce Road parking area to the Penn Dot wetlands that adjoin Boyce Mayview Park. The board walk provides easy access on Wetlands Trail across the steep slope leading to the wetlands. Plans are to further harden the surface of the trail to make the trail wheelchair accessible from the lower Boyce Road parking area to the wetlands. Last year’s expansion in other areas of the park included new benches installed by Eagle scouts, expanded trails through volunteer labor, installation of a new bridge on Beech Valley Trail by USC’s Public Works Department, and an additional trail leading to a cleaned and restored waterfall area as a result of a Girl Scout service project. If you would like to reduce your stress, increase your exercise, and experience the wonders of nature, take the time to enjoy our secret. Any season works, as the palate of colors and forest community continually changes. Once you visit, plan to return! Don’t be surprised if you run into friends and neighbors who have also been enjoying this area for many years, but chose to keep it their secret. n Fall 2009

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

USC Library Adult Programs—Fall 2009

Playaways

Conversation Salon 10 a.m. the first Friday of the month Library Ladies Book Discussion Group 7 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month (Book group meets one week earlier in November.) Fun with Scarves Presented by Anna Orient and Mary Trocano 1 p.m. Wednesday, September 16 A Silent Danger Affecting Your Children’s Health Presented by Dr. Marc Micucci 7 p.m. Thursday, September 17 Finances After Divorce Presented by Lisa Turbeville, CFP®, CDFA 1 p.m. Wednesday, September 30 and 7 p.m. Thursday, October 8 Afghanistan Presented by Stephany Ogg, Military Liaison Officer 7 p.m. Monday, October 19 Crime Prevention and Identity Theft Presented by State Attorney General Tom Corbett’s Office 7 p.m. Thursday, October 22 Pittsburgh Pride Presented by Jim O’Brien 7 p.m. Monday, November 2 Planning for Life and Death Presented by Attorney Christine Kornosky 7 p.m. Thursday, November 12 What Should I Invest in Now? Presented by Ben Lodico of Edward Jones Investments 7 p.m. Thursday, November 19 State of the World Presented by World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh 7 p.m. Thursday, December 10

Playaways are a new way to listen to and enjoy audiobooks. Carry it in your pocket or plug it into a set of mini speakers. It is the market’s first self-playing digital MP3 audio book. It comes pre-loaded with one book, and is the most simple and portable audiobook format available today. Ask for a demonstration of how it works at the library’s adult circulation desk. With the convenient 2" x 3" unit size, you can enjoy audiobooks anytime, anywhere. All you need to provide is a AAA battery and headphones. Check them out at the library. Search the catalog for all the available titles. Search by “keyword” and enter “playaway.” Set the location search to “all libraries” or to see which titles our library has, choose “Upper St. Clair” as the location. n

New—E-browsing for Good Reads Have you ever wondered what to read after closing the cover of a really great book? Do you find yourself strolling the library shelves searching for another literary tour de force? Wandering through the stacks is outdated. The USC Township Library has done the work for you by creating a genre and topical booklist for all ages! Look for the new “Good Reads” link on the library’s website: www.twpusc.org/library. With just a mouse click, you will find book suggestions that will please the most discriminating readers. From the link, you will be directed to the new WebBooks browser where you’ll find the new booklists. With this new application, book selection has never been so quick and easy! The library’s new WebBooks lists provide ample opportunities to find new books as the lists are connected directly to the Upper St. Clair Library catalog. You can select what to read next by clicking on the book cover to find that exact book, by clicking on the author’s name to find all of the books he or she has written, or by clicking on the title of the book to find the audio or movie version of the title you’ve selected. With one more click, the book can be requested and held at the circulation desk for you. Save yourself the time and trouble of searching the shelves. Check out the new “Good Reads” links and find some new books today! n

USC Township Library Hours Monday–Thursday 9:30 a.m.–9 p.m. • Friday–Saturday 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. • Sundays 1–5 p.m. Closed for Labor Day: Monday, September 7 Outside book and video return available 24 hours a day, collected daily at 9 a.m.

www.twpusc.org/library 32

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2009

412-835-5540

Ask the Librarian

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t for children rned Parent, g environmen in Dear Conce om elc w , fe s are active, fers a sa ungest visitor es The library of nd that our yo ta Area featur rs de rn ea un e L ur Play to of all ages. W O ild . ch isy ur no yo es d sometim that you an curious, and and toddlers y board ys for babies ction of sturd lle co a d fin educational to so al s you’ll ’ll ow ou gr Y . ild er th s. As your ch can enjoy toge nd ha ’s er you by on ba so ect for books. The books just perf ion of picture ill be to ct w lle he co r ely ou lik e e want to explor s with your child, the mor book start sharing s. ram filled terest in book fast-paced prog d develop an in program is a ne s sig er dl de t od en T d em an play and mov Our Babies it’s a fun le s, interactive hi ng W so , n. es re ym with rh eading young child uage and pre-r tention of very learning lang to hold the at session be xt so al ne ill he w T . child a group setting in activity, your rary at ve lib ha e be th as how to this fall. Call skills as well ill be offered w s er dl od T d of Babies an sit the library for details. hope you’ll vi I u. yo 412-835-5540 lp he we’re here to Remember, ! soon

1796 N. Highland Rd. 15241 (next to the UnCommon Market)

Ice Cream Sundaes Milkshakes Candy bring in this ad for a free second scoop when you buy a scoop! ad good through 9/18/2009

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Fall Children’s Programs at the Library Babies and Toddlers Children ages 4 to 24 months with a parent, grandparent, or caregiver Twos and Threes Children ages 2 to 3½ years with a parent, grandparent, or caregiver Preschool Storytime Preschoolers ages 3½ and older who are ready to spend a half-hour on their own Family Storytime Families are invited to attend evening storytime. Books, songs, and activities for families with children ages 2½ to 7. (Call the library at 412-835-5540 in early September for fall dates.) NEW! Science and Math at the Library Preschoolers, ages 4½ and older.

h point for children The bubbles are a hig bies and Toddlers Ba for in the programs s. and Twos and Three

Everyone enjoys ball time during the library’s program for Twos and Threes.

More Than a Story Children in kindergarten and first grade Book Trek Children in second and third grades “letter-sound a More Than a Story Colleen Miles leads ders. gra tners and first romp” for kindergar

Registration at the library begins Monday, September 21. Programs begin early October. All programs are free of charge. Fall 2009

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

Upper St. Clair Citizens’ Police Academy An Opportunity for People who Live or Work in Upper St. Clair

The Upper St. Clair Police Department is hosting its 2009 Citizens’ Police Academy with classes beginning October 14 and ending November 18, 2009. The Academy classes are conducted at the Police Department on Wednesday evenings, 7-9 p.m. for six weeks. The course syllabus includes instruction and scenario-based training on various aspects of law enforcement and public safety. It is open to adults of all ages. There is no charge for the academy.

Objectives include: • An overview of the criminal justice system. • Local ordinances, crimes, and vehicle code issues. • The United States Constitution and citizens’ rights. • Firearms safety, use of force, and defensive tactics. • Patrol procedures, traffic stops, speed enforcement, and officer safety. • Criminal, drug, and gang investigations. • Domestic crimes, custody disputes, and missing children. • The role of the District Attorney and the District Court. • Local crimes, current investigations, programs, and public issues. If you are interested in this free program available to all adult Upper St. Clair residents, please complete and mail or deliver the application below to the Upper St. Clair Police Department, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241. If you have questions or need further information, contact the Police Administration office, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at 412-833-1113. n

Upper St. Clair Police Department 2009 Citizens’ Police Academy Application Name: (last, first, middle) _ ____________________________________________________________ Address:______________________________________________________ _ ____________________________________________________________ Home Phone: ______________________ Cell Phone #:_ _______________ Employer and Phone Number:_____________________________________ Social Security Number:__________________________________________ Date of Birth: _ _________________________________________________ Email Address:_ ________________________________________________ Have you ever been arrested?_____________________________________ If yes, please explain:____________________________________________ Signature:_ ____________________________________________________ The final decision on class participants is up to the sole discretion of the Upper St. Clair Police Department. Please mail or deliver to:

Upper St. Clair Police Department 1820 McLaughlin Run Road • Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Emergency 412-833-7500 or 724-941-7500 • Administration 412-833-1113

Graduates of the eighth session of the USC Police Department Citizens’ Police Academy and members of the Upper St. Clair Police Department who helped teach the classes are, seated, left to right: Joseph and Kimberly Meliton, Susan Billetdeaux, Dianne Lynch, Lisa Vid, Kristi and Mark Tranquilli; standing: Deputy Chief Douglas Burkholder, Chief Ronald Pardini, Douglas Cornelius, Jeffrey Barbarita, Michael Joyce, Carol Seibert, Nancy and Timothy Joyce, Richard Krantz, Christina LandfriedSimmons, Deborah and Keith Hartman, Leanne Dengler, and Lieutenant John Sakoian

2009 Bicycle Registration and Safety Program

This past May, the USC Police Department held its annual bike registration and safety program. A spring Saturday morning community favorite, the parking lot behind the Municipal building was temporarily turned into an obstacle course, where each rider tested his command of his two-wheeled vehicle. The bike registration portion of the event allowed ID plates to be imprinted on each participant’s bike. The bike registration numbers and owners’ names were then recorded and are maintained at the police department. Participants entered to win various prizes, which were drawn at the end of the event. n

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2009

Youngsters who attended the 2009 bike registration and safety program, shown here with Officer R. McMaster, from left to right, are Christian Schach, Dick’s Sporting Goods bicycle winner Andrew White, Preston Jackson, Lauren Jackson, Michelina Schach, Harper Keith, and Paige Keith

USC-USTC The United Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair

Are you: • A USC resident? • Retired? • Over the age of 62, but not yet retired? • Free on Wednesdays? If so, then you are ready to join the United Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair! Members of this group range in age from 55 to 93. There are men and women, singles and couples, bridge players and exercisers. Here you’ll find a diverse group of people who’ve all settled in this wonderful community. The group meets every Wednesday for lunch and a program. The meetings

begin at 12:30 p.m., followed by a delicious lunch and a program. Lunches vary from home style to restaurant quality, and the programs range from entertaining to thought provoking. This group utilizes the wealth of talent within Upper St. Clair as well as searches all of southwestern Pennsylvania for interesting ideas. Day trips are also planned. Next up is a visit to the Soldiers and Sailors Military Museum in Oakland. n For more information, contact Amy Kerman, Older Adult Coordinator, at 412-221-1099, extension 603 or kerman@twpusc.org.

Attention Senior Citizens, age 65 and older: If you would like to register for the ACCESS 65 PLUS shared-ride transportation program or make application for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Senior Citizen Identification Card to be used for the Port Authority Transit system, please contact Amy Kerman, Older Adult Coordinator, Township of Upper St. Clair, 412-221-1099, extension 603.

T Gold Card Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair, apply now for your Gold Card. See and enjoy drama and musical performances, exciting athletic events, and other activities, courtesy of the Upper St. Clair School District. If you are a resident 62 years of age or older just stop by the School District receptionist desk and ask for your Gold Card. It’s a great way to experience your community!

Silver Card Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair are entitled to apply for a Silver Card that will admit holders to the Upper St. Clair Municipal three-hole golf course, outdoor tennis facilities, and to attend other activities designated and sponsored by the Township of Upper St. Clair. Any resident age 62 and retired or age 65 with no restrictions is eligible for the Silver Card program. Applications are available at the Community Recreation Center.

Westminster Music & Arts Series Reaching out to our community through the performing arts. For a complete list of programs and dates, visit www.westminster-church.org.

2040 Washington Road Pittsburgh, PA 15241 412-835-6630

Fall 2009

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Reflections of a New Firefighter Brad Childs, USC Volunteer Firefighter #52

So you’ve never sent in a check. Well, neither did I until I put myself in a position that I never thought I’d be in. We live in a society that takes things for granted. I’m not trying to preach, I’m just stating a fact. After the alarm goes off every morning, we expect that the lights will turn on when we flick the switch, and that our water faucet will stream water so that we can brush our teeth. We expect that the school bus will be there every morning to pick up the kids. And we expect that if something takes a turn for the worse, like if a tree falls onto our house, or someone gets seriously ill, or we get into a car accident, or if a fire breaks out at work, someone will be there to help take care of us. There are people out there who are in the business of handling people and families when they are in need and during times of stress and accidental mishaps. Until recently, I completely took them for granted. One day, I decided to drive up to see what was going on at 2001 Washington Road, or as most of us know it—Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department Station One. My drive home from work everyday takes me past Station One, and one weekday evening I saw the station doors open. I had recently watched a show on the Discovery channel about fire trucks and where they’re manufactured, so I thought, “I pay taxes. I’m going to see where my money is going.” Maybe I would get to sit in the fire engine, turn on a couple of lights, and get an adrenaline junky to hit the siren. I parked and I walked into the fire station where I met Russ Rauch (who just happens to be on the membership committee). At first, I thought, “Is this guy going to let me sit in the driver’s seat of the biggest fire engine we have in USC?” But, after a half hour of talking with Russ, I found myself submitting an application for volunteer service. Russ explained that before I received an answer about acceptance into the VFD, there was a battery of tests to complete after which my application would be brought to the membership for a vote. I completed the application, a physical agility test, a medical exam and blood sample taken by an approved physician, and an interview with the VFD board (followed hopefully by a board recommendation to the membership). Finally, a vote by the membership would take place. This process took about three months, a small lifetime in my world. I react now, fast paced and driven. For me, the wait was absolute torture. Captain Andy Johnson finally called me 36

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with the news. I was voted into the department and he instructed me to meet with him. Excited at the possibility, I immediately cancelled two personal appointments that would conflict. Andy took me to a room where I was outfitted with the latest and greatest in leftover gear (Really, how could they give an unproven newbie a brand new set of gear?): boots, pants, jacket, nomex hood, helmet,

talk to the public, and oh yeah, put water on that hot thing called a fire. We train with the entire group twice a month; but on his own time, Andy gives probationary members extra training. Because of our USC training program, the six members who are currently enrolled in a Washington County based state-mandatory “Essentials of Firefighting” program are all at the top of our class. This program requires 166 hours. (I’m also a pilot; that required only 40 hours of training.) At essentials training, our six-member crew is faster, better equipped, and knows some information before it’s taught because we’ve learned it at USC. This gives us a leg up on the competition. No, I guess it’s not a competition, but it is, however, your home, your family, your pet that we will be saving when the pager goes off. Driving with lights and Brad Childs, in the driver's seat sirens was a childhood dream of mine and it has gloves, suspenders, and a variety of tools for now become reality. The truth is, as much which I had no idea of their purpose. I was fun as it is, it’s no game! To arrive safely to overwhelmed and, just as significantly, proud a scene, you need to control your heart rate to be standing there. Andy could sense my and stay focused. excitement. Soon after, Chief Steve Moore I’ve learned to climb any ladder, go over told me that he had never seen a member any hill on a rope, and drive any truck. I carry move through the application process so fast a pager. I have a phobia about getting trapped and want to learn so quickly. (Well, really, I in a confined space, but the USCVFD is in just wanted to drive what you call a truck, the process of building a confined space maze and I now call an apparatus.) on the second floor of the station, which I You need to understand that I am an al- expect to use a lot. pha male, a business owner, and leader of a The department is always looking for new, group of 50 people on a daily basis. Why is energetic members. If you would like to have that important? It’s important because at the the time of your life, hang out with a group department I’m considered to be the lowest of people who are there because they want form of life, last on the totem pole. It’s a big to be, and learn to use some very expensive change for me and a bit hard to accept. I have “toys,” fill out an application and I just might already been called into the Chief’s office to greet you at the door. discuss a few items that will ultimately help Regarding that annual request letter with me grow. I must say that when the Chief the return address of 2001 Washington Road, says to me, “May I see you in my office?” my USC, PA 15241 (you know exactly the one I stomach drops and it reminds me of a visit to mean!)… instead of tossing it out or saying the principal’s office back in the day. to yourself “Next year I’ll send them someThere’s quite a diversity of people in the thing,” take a moment and look around at department, but we are all 100% volunteer things we shouldn’t take for granted. from top to bottom. Members of USCVFD are here to help What do we go through? The training you when you need us, but we can’t do it program, led by Andy Johnson and Mike without your help in return. Your donation Gannon, is so good that we have learned to may come directly to Station One, but, in clean, wash, roll, carry, haul, hoist, climb, reality, it’s going to protect everything inside put on gear fast, breathe using SCBA (self at the return address on your donation letter contained breathing apparatus), use tools, you just sent in. n Fall 2009

Fifty Years of Service Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department recently held a lunch honoring Bill Neill for 50 years of volunteer service. USCVFD president Jerry Kopach, Jr. presented Neill with a watch and a proclamation from Upper St. Clair Township thanking Neill for his dedication to the residents. Some of the positions Neill held in the past included president and assistant chief. n

USCVFD president Jerry Kopach, Jr., congratulates Bill Neill on his 50 years of volunteer service.

Recycle—Please Do! Curbside Recycling

Ever wonder why your recycling items were not picked up? You are not alone. Many residents call the Public Works Department each week asking the same question. While taking the initiative to recycle is the first step, knowing exactly how and what to recycle is what ensures pickup. The following is a list of recyclables acceptable for curbside pickup every other week according to the goldenrod colored 2009 Trash and Recycling Information booklet.

bundled, and no longer than 14 inches by 14 inches. • Magazines, white office paper, newsprint and inserts, catalogs, computer paper, junk mail, phone books, paper bags.

Curbside Recycling Acceptable Items • Aluminum bi-metal: steel food cans, aluminum foil and foil products (clean), beer and soft drink cans. • Plastic: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7 plastics. Locate number on the bottom of container. • Glass: clear, green, and brown glass containers. • Paper: cardboard boxes. Must be cut and tied or

2009-10 Trash-Recycling Holiday Collection Week of Labor Day.................... Thursday, September 10 and Friday, September 11 Week of Thanksgiving Day....... Friday, November 27 Week of Christmas.................... No Change Week of New Year’s................... No Change

If you have questions regarding items to be placed for curbside collection, contact the Public Works Department at 412-831-9000, extension 271 or visit the Township’s website at www.twpusc.org.

2009 Fall Yard Debris/Leaf Waste Collection—Saturdays Place your fall yard debris and leaf waste in compostable bags, then place the bags at curbside by 6 a.m. the morning of pick up. Collection will take place the following six Saturdays: October 23, 31; November 7, 14, 21; December 5. n Fall 2009

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

TCS Ride Along Provides a Different View of Emergency Medicine Mark Mansfield, Assistant Township Manager

When I volunteered to do a ride along as part of EMS (Emergency Medical Service) awareness, it was with a certain sense of knowing what to expect based upon over 20 years of monthly EMS administrative meetings and the periodic radio transmissions I would hear passing through the EMS satellite base at Upper St. Clair Township. However, when I donned the uniform, I felt both an air of excitement and a sense of inadequacy. As I rolled down Progress Boulevard at approximately 1:58 for my 2 p.m. appointment, lights and sirens greeted me. If I had only been a little early I would have been on that call. I knew that one could not count on when a call might come or what time it would end, but my plan was to be finished with my ride along experience around 6 p.m. I soon met up with Nora Helfrich, director of Tri-Community South (TCS), and Phil Vargo, supervisor of Support Services. We chatted a while, and then a call came in from a neighbor concerned about an elderly gentleman who lived next door, as newspapers had begun stacking up at the door and no one had seen him for several days. As I was thinking, “Do you really want me to go out on this call?” almost immediately Nora said, “Well, this is your first call.” Phil, his EMS partner, Maureen Evans, and I were off. When we got to the residence, several neighbors and friends were in the side yard waiting our arrival. After getting a little information, Maureen was able to gain entry into the home. I waited outside as Maureen and Phil searched through the house. As was somewhat expected, the elderly gentleman, who had

TCS Observes National EMS Week Tri-Community South EMS observed 2009’s National Emergency Medical Services Week, which ran from May 17-23, with special events and recognition. On May 17, TCS participated at the annual “Blue Mass” at St. Paul Cathedral in Pittsburgh, a service which honors and prays for public safety personnel from all police, fire, and EMS agencies in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, including Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Lawrence, and Washington Counties. Pittsburgh Bishop David Zubik personally greeted each public safety officer in attendance. Tri-Community South (TSC) supervisor John Bower carried the Allegheny County colors in the procession from the Cardinal Dearden Center to the cathedral, while TCS volunteer EMT Megan Meinert played bagpipes in TCS volunteer EMT and USC resident the Pipe Band. Both John and Megan Meinert played bagpipes at the Megan are members of TCS’s annual Blue Mass at Pittsburgh’s honor guard. St. Paul Cathedral. 38

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Fall 2009

Mark Mansfield (front, center) with Tri-Community South personnel the day of his ride along.

passed away several days earlier, was found. Shortly thereafter the police arrived and coordinated with EMS. Contacts were made with the County Coroner and the children of the deceased, who lived out of town. Everything was handled in a respectful and professional manner. We returned to the base in time for me to observe shift change. I was impressed with the regimented checking of the vehicle systems, supplies, and gear. A new protocol required EMS responder vehicles carry cooled IV solution to help minimize a victim’s damage from heart attacks. This required an additional check off, including a temperature reading. Later that day, TCS participated in EMS Day at PNC Park at the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game. TCS’s honor guard joined the City of Pittsburgh’s honor guard and those of other Allegheny County EMS agencies for the presentation of the colors for the National Anthem. TCS EMT Randy Eshelman had the honor of carrying the United States colors, while paramedic Josh VanZaig carried the POW-MIA memorial flag. On May 19, TCS held an open house and family picnic at its Bethel Park EMS base on Progress Boulevard for the enjoyment of the community, where about 80 residents participated. TCS held its annual golf outing on May 21 at Lindenwood Golf Club, with 136 golfers participating this year. Also that day, TCS provided medical event coverage for the Allegheny County Senior Fest in the Park in South Park, with about 3500 people in attendance. On May 23, TCS’s Honor Guard participated in the 17th annual National EMS Memorial Service at the First Baptist Church in Roanoke, Virginia. The service honors EMS personnel who died in the line of duty; this year, 89 people were honored. During the service, a family member or agency representative was presented with a flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol denoting the honoree’s service to their country, a white rose representing their undying love, and a medallion signifying their eternal memory. The names of the honorees are inscribed on the National EMS Memorial “Tree of Life.” The honor guards from TCS EMS and Pittsburgh EMS represented southwestern Pennsylvania among the 19 honor guard units present.

I waited for the next call with my new crew of Todd Gooch and Chris Geraci. A call came in for a non-emergency transport to St. Clair Hospital from an elderly woman in an assisted living facility. She recently had hip surgery and had fallen and was in pain when she moved about. I was most impressed with both menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s politeness and compassionate tone with this patient. After transport to St. Clair and handing off to similarly caring staff, we proceeded back to the base. In the intervening time, the two other TCS crews were dispatched and when the fourth call in ten minutes came in, it was transferred to Medical Rescue Team South Authority (MRTSA) as a mutual aid response. Then, as it is apt to do, the phones went silent. I waited until about 7 p.m. for one last call before I finally left. Sure enough, Nora later informed me, calls came pouring in shortly after I was gone. My experience just confirmed what I already knew. If I ever need EMS assistance, my hope is that I am right here in the South Hills, treated by one of the best EMS services in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tri Community South EMS! n

USC resident Drew Gerlach with his sons at the TCSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Open House this past May

At 8 p.m. on May 23, every EMS dispatch channel in Allegheny County observed one minute of radio silence in honor of those Emergency Medical Service professionals who had given their lives in the line of duty. n For more information on EMS Week, to find out what you can do to support EMS in your community, to register for a CPR class, or for any other questions on Emergency Medical Services, call Tri-Community South at 412-831-3710, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or visit the TCS website at www.tcsems.org. Fall 2009

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Educational Resource Guide 249-4 UpperStClair7.5x9fc:Layout 1

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IT’S TIME WE REDEFINED H O N O R S T U D E N T. Today’s world demands a definition that encompasses more than academic success. It requires a “transcript” that demonstrates the ability to do the right thing as well as the smart thing. A high grade point average alone will not guarantee a successful career or a purposeful life. This is the very reason why California University of Pennsylvania has, for more than 150 years, dedicated itself to preparing students for both fulfilling careers and meaningful lives. We do more than pay lip service to our core values of integrity, civility and responsibility. We integrate them into the classroom, campus activities and everyday student life. These values are fostered by faculty who devote time and personal attention to help motivate, inspire and bring out the best in every man and woman who studies here. So our students graduate with more than academic kudos and a diploma to show for their efforts. They graduate with a different degree of honor. For livelihood. And for life. That is our mission and our difference. Building Character. Building Careers.

California University of Pennsylvania www.calu.edu A proud member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2009

CALU

Educational Resource Guide A Rewarding School Year Jennifer Roberts, Extended Day Services Apples, falling leaves, a chill in the air—all signs of a new school year. Each September brings a new teacher, friends, and exciting things to learn. Now is the time to capitalize on the excitement of a new school year by establishing new routines for school work at home. Making homework painless and even rewarding is possible with just a few simple steps. As one would expect, parents play the most important role in cultivating children’s interest and motivation to learn. Parents begin this process by reading to their preschool children. Introducing children to a variety of different experiences through reading is a wonderful beginning to a lifelong curiosity. As children enter their elementary school years, some of the time you spend with them will focus on school work. Let your children know that their school work is important to you and that you are proud of their efforts. This can be accomplished by establishing daily responsibilities for the entire family, not just for the children. Introducing a responsibility star chart that includes Mom and Dad allows children to feel like an important part of the family. These charts are available at any teacher’s store and allow children to track their progress and success. Of course, in addition to a few household tasks, children’s primary responsibility is school work. These charts allow children to see their homework success in a tangible way.

Many parents also like to use these charts as a way to introduce children to the concept of an allowance and a budget. Completing weekly tasks, including homework, translates into an allowance for children to spend as they wish. In this way, even elementary school children begin to learn about and appreciate the value of money. In lieu of an allowance, many parents use special family outings, a Saturday with Dad, or having a friend over for the night. Often children appreciate these types of rewards even more. Extrinsic rewards, an allowance, or special time with Mom or Dad, help children begin to see the value of successfully completing homework and other family tasks. In this way, children associate value with their successes, thereby increasing their motivation to continue. Eventually, with continued support from family, children begin to develop internal rewards—feelings of success and accomplishment. It is these feelings that remain with children throughout their lives and into adulthood. So in late August, as you shop for new shoes, clothes, and school supplies, why not add a responsibility chart to the list? It just may translate into a lifelong sense of accomplishment for your children! n For information about Extended Day Services, contact Kelly or Patricia at 412-221-1980 or visit www.ExtendedDay.com. See ad on this page.

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Fall 2009

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Educational Resource Guide Funding Private School

John Link, CFP, MS, Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. There are more than 28,000 private schools in the U. S., serving more than five million students. While public school is paid by tax dollars, private school attendance can be a costly endeavor for families. As college costs loom in the future, parents need to weigh carefully an investment in private school education to determine if it is the right fit for your family. The cost for private school tuition varies widely. While some students qualify for free or reduced tuition based on need, the majority pay full tuition for attending a school independent of the state. Research shows schools with religious affiliation can cost less, with annual tuition averaging $2500.* Private schools without religious affiliation can be as expensive as a private college or university, with annual tuitions averaging $15,000. With that kind of annual tab, it’s important to do research and determine your options. There are benefits to attending private school. For some parents, religious instruction is a priority that public schools cannot address. Parents may also want their kids to benefit from smaller class sizes or more access to extracurricular activities. Some may view a private education as college preparation. Parents with sparse savings accounts or who suddenly find themselves unemployed may need to rethink funding private education for their children. If paying for private school will prohibit your ability to pay for college, then you might want to save your money and have it available later in life. Evaluate the cost of private school to ensure you are able

A personal, more meaningful approach to financial planning John D. Link, CFP®, MS CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM practitioner Whether you’re starting a small business, obtaining life insurance, or sending your kids to college, I can help you plan to reach your financial goals through personal, customized financial planning.

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to realize your financial goals, such as retirement, medical treatments, mortgage payments, or other priorities. Stick to Your Financial Goals To evaluate the financial impact of a private school education, add up the annual cost of attendance and multiply by the number of years until graduation. Compare this to the cost of attending public school (school lunches, before-and-after care, etc.) It may seem affordable to spend $2500 on annual private school tuition at the elementary school level, but keep in mind tuition typically rises at the junior high and high school levels. Also, while you may get a discount for enrolling more than one child at a private school, your annual expenses will go up considerably if you’re paying for siblings. Your true appraisal should consider what your life would be like if you could tuck that money into an interest-bearing account and have it available for the future. Get an objective perspective on funding your child’s education. Make sure you are looking at the big picture and taking into account all of your financial obligations along with your dreams. Carefully weigh the benefits and costs of both private and public education. *Characteristics of Private Schools in the United States: Results From the 2003-04 Private School Universe Survey, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education Institute of Education Sciences, March 16, 2006. n Information should not be relied on without advice of your tax, legal, and/ or financial advisors. See ad on this page.

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Stretch Your Potential—Become a Best Candidate Bridget Hotrum, College Bound Admissions Academy With children of baby boomers now flooding the higher education market, colleges are increasingly becoming more selective of the students they are inviting to join the ranks of freshmen. College-savvy families are now beginning as early as ninth grade to look at ways that their high school students can start to stack the deck in their favor and pave the way for a full-scale college search two or three years down the road. The goal of admissions planning is not to mold a child in the image of a particular university or career, but to begin thinking about college in a way that allows your student to make the most of his or her high school years. Students who are able to “stretch their potential” in high school—academically, personally, and in the community—become “best candidates” that colleges will ultimately seek out. Admissions officers at colleges are, of course, looking for the best of the basics: strong curriculum, good grades and test scores, extracurricular and volunteer activities. But they are especially looking for “something special” that demonstrates how a potential student will become an asset to their campus. The following are some recommendations that may help your student become the best candidate for his or her choice colleges. • Take the most challenging courses in high school to showcase your academic abilities, especially in the junior and senior year. Consider adding an extra AP or honors class if you can handle it. Make electives count; ditch woodworking in favor of creative writing. • All grades matter. Colleges look at the GPA for all of a student’s high

school years, and they are especially looking for improvement. A “C” in tenth grade English is not a problem if it is followed up in 11th grade with an “A” or “B” in honors English. Beware of senioritis; if grades slack off too much in 12th grade, a college may revoke its acceptance offer. • Sit in the front row and participate in class discussions. Teachers will get to know you and can write an honest and enthusiastic recommendation. A good tip: Before the end of your junior year, ask two teachers from that grade if they will write your recommendations early next fall. That will tie up one more loose end and make the application process go more smoothly. • Volunteer for service projects in areas that spark your interests and passions. The admissions committee will notice your potential to contribute to their college community. If you like children, participate in a literacy program with one-on-one tutoring. If sports are your thing, help organize a basketball or tennis fundraiser for charity. • Begin exploring different careers that interest you. Join after-school clubs that feature field trips or guest speakers, or talk to a favorite teacher or guidance counselor about job shadowing opportunities with working professionals. It’s not necessary, or even desirable, to know in ninth grade what you want to “be” when you grow up, but when the college search shifts into full gear, it’s very helpful to be clear about your interests—if only as a starting point in the admissions planning process. n See ad on page 42. Fall 2009

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Maximizing Use of an Available Resource—the iPod Rachel M. Riley, The Tutor Team, LLC, Owner Most kids today, even those of elementary and kindergarten ages, own or have access to various electronic devices. One such popular device is the iPod. How many times have we, as parents, said to ourselves, “If my children studied half as much as they listened to that thing, they’d be geniuses!” It’s true. Our kids today make use of electronic items continually throughout their day. For example, a student might turn on his iPod as soon as he leaves school and gets on the bus ride home. Therefore, why not tap into the iPod’s potential as an engaging learning tool? There’s not much training needed. They already know how to use it. Besides, if they are going to be using the iPod anyway, they might as well be learning something or doing something productive like studying. Though the iPod is known to be used primarily for entertainment, such as listening to music or viewing videos, it has endless possibilities as an educational tool. Schools, including Duke University, Georgia College & State University (GCSU), and North Carolina State University (NCSU) 44

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

already see iPods as a learning tool. Duke passed out free iPods to its new freshmen to be used as high-tech educational tools to record lectures, capture scientific data, and play language-training recordings. GCSU has used them in a variety of projects. NCSU uses them as a lecturing device to relieve some of the pressure off its overcrowded classrooms. Though iPods should not be used to replace classroom instruction, it can certainly aid students in retaining what they have learned through the traditional methods of education. Here are some ways that might help you study better using your iPod. • Upload study materials onto your iPod. Visit www.iPreppress.com for various study guides and foreign language training. Spark Notes: These online study guide database now offer users an iPod-friendly version. Get summaries and analyses of books, including A Tale of Two Cities, Beowulf, Hamlet, and more. Spark Charts: These designed-for-iPod Fall 2009

study charts help students prepare for tests in biology, anatomy, chemistry, algebra, calculus, Spanish, and other subjects. SAT Vocabulary Builder: Get test taking strategies and access to a vocabulary hiphop audio session that will help you remember tricky SAT vocabulary words.

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Note: To protect your hearing, use the iPod for only 90 minutes at a time and at no more than 80% of the volume. See ad on the left hand side of this page.

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The American Cancer Society estimates that oral cancer strikes tens of thousands of Americans each year. One American dies from oral cancer every hour. The reason the statistics are so grim is that oral cancer is often detected in the later stages. But when detected early, before the disease spreads, the chances of survival are greatly improved. When premalignant lesions or early stage oral cancer is found, treatment is simpler, less invasive, and more than 90% successful. Historically, the high risk factors for oral cancer were age 40 and older, and tobacco and alcohol use, although 25% of oral cancer victims have no such lifestyle factors. HPV (Human papillomavirus), an extremely common sexually transmitted disease, has now been linked to oral cancer. This may explain the incidence of mouth cancers in younger adults with no predisposing risk factors. Dentists are on the front lines when it comes to oral cancer detection. Many people are unaware that at each six month exam dentists check each patient for tissue abnormalities in and around the mouth. Newly developed technologies provide early detection of oral cancer by helping identify suspicious 48 48

UPPER ST. ST. CLAIR CLAIR TODAY TODAY UPPER

Fall Fall 2008 2009

areas in the early stages. These simple painless screenings are similar to other proven procedures such as mammography, Pap smear, and PSA. Utilizing chemiluminescent or advanced light technologies, dentists can now detect abnormalities the naked eye can’t see. Your role as a patient is to let a dentist know if you notice any changes around the oral cavity. The lips, tongue, floor of the mouth, soft palate, and the gums are the most common sites. Red, white, or discolored patches, lumps, or rough thickened patches need to be closely examined. If the affected site does not clear itself within two weeks, the area needs to be evaluated. It is vital that a mouth sore not be ignored just because it doesn’t hurt. Most precancerous and cancerous lesions are completely painless. The key is to identify any abnormality at the most easily treated stage of development. Early detection of precancerous tissue can minimize or eliminate the potentially disfiguring effects of oral cancer and possibly save your life. n See ad on this page.

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49 49

SD Upper St. Clair School District Board of School Directors

Amy L. Billerbeck President 412-833-2712 2011*

Angela B. Petersen 412-831-7182 2011*

Harry F. Kunselman Vice President 412-851-1115 2009*

Louis A. Piconi 412-831-1880 2011*

Barbara L. Bolas 412-833-9841 2011*

Carol B. Coliane 412-851-0784 2009*

William M. Sulkowski Rebecca A. Stern 412-221-9516 412-220-0745 2009* 2011* *Date indicates expiration of term.

School District Central Office Administration

Frosina Cordisco Director of Finance and Business

Ray Berrott Director of Technology

Jean Toner Director of Human Resources

The 2009 regular meetings of the Upper St. Clair Township Board of School Directors are held at 7 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month at the High School LGI room, unless otherwise noted. No regular meeting is scheduled for July.

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

Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole Dr. John Bornyas Dr. Judy Bulazo Superintendent of Schools Director of Programming, Director of Professional Operations, and Development and Elementary Middle Level Education (5-8) Level Education (K-4)

Frank J. Kerber 412-833-4873 2009*

Secretary/Email Address

Extension

Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Ann Stabile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superintendent of Schools mstabile@uscsd.k12.pa.us To be determined . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donna Faccenda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Superintendent/Director of dfaccenda@uscsd.k12.pa.us Secondary Education (9-12) Dr. John Bornyas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Huckestein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Programming, Operations, khuckestein@uscsd.k12.pa.us and Middle Level Education (5-8) Dr. Judy Bulazo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Huckestein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Professional Development khuckestein@uscsd.k12.pa.us and Elementary Level Education (K-4) Frosina Cordisco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bonnie Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Finance and Business bthomas@uscsd.k12.pa.us Ray Berrott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Doreen Leech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Technology dleech@uscsd.k12.pa.us Jean Toner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nancy Dunn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Human Resources ndunn@uscsd.k12.pa.us Eloise Stoehr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Susan Bosco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Supervisor of Pupil Services sbosco@uscsd.k12.pa.us Dr. Sharon Suritsky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cheryl Elison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Supervisor of Special Education cellison@uscsd.k12.pa.us W. Lee Schafer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Powers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Transportation kpowers@uscsd.k12.pa.us

2201 2218 2204 2204 2220 2211 2286 2283 2266 3450

School District Building Administration

Eloise Stoehr Supervisor of Pupil Services

Dr. Sharon Suritsky Supervisor of Special Education

W. Lee Schafer Director of Transportation

Dr. Michael Ghilani ............ Principal of the High School Lou Angelo............................ Assistant Principal of High School Jace Palmer........................... Assistant Principal of High School Dr. William Rullo ............... Supervisor of High School Guidance Joe DeMar ............................ Principal of Fort Couch Middle School John Rozzo............................ Assistant Principal of Fort Couch Middle School Karen Brown ....................... Principal of Boyce Middle School Dr. Ruth Ann Matyuf .......... Principal of Baker Elementary School Mark Miller ......................... Principal of Eisenhower Elementary School Dr. Claire Miller .................. Principal of Streams Elementary School

USC School District website: www.uscsd.k12.pa.us 50

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Graduation Board Response With the impending storms the evening of commencement, the outdoor venue of Panther Stadium caused brevity in the ceremony. Had the weather been more cooperative, Amy Billerbeck, President, Board of School Directors, would have delivered the following speech to the USC graduates of the Class of 2009 and their families and friends in attendance. Good evening, and welcome families, friends, staff and administration members, fellow members of the School Board, and especially the Class of 2009. All of us here wish you much success. Success. Think about that word. With the exception of one letter, you can spell the entire word “success” with just the letters “U,”“S,” and “C.” Whether you’ve spent 13 years here in the District, or just one, you know that the expectations for success here are high. We are a community that values success. Each of you has a bright future, brimming with possibilities. How will you spell success as you go forward into adulthood? I don’t have to tell you that success isn’t having an expensive car, the biggest house, or going to the most prestigious school. It is of course, bigger than that. Think about what success means for you individually. As you do, let me just offer a suggested “Top 10” list of things to do to help you get there: 10. Don’t compare yourself with anyone else. Compete with yourself. Did you do your personal best? Did you do it with integrity? If you can say “yes,” you have succeeded. 9. Look beyond yourself. I believe that true success can only be achieved by making a positive difference in the lives of others, whether you are volunteering in a third world country or walking to class. Hold a door for someone. Listen to a friend who has had a tough day. 8. Honor your commitments. If you say you will do something, follow through and do it. 7. Do the right thing, even when it’s not the easy thing. You will respect yourself for it. 6. Stretch yourself. Do something new and challenging. You will prove to yourself how capable you are!

Amy Billerbeck

5. Build up the people around you. Did you know that your actions and attitudes have three degrees of ripple-effect? How you treat the people around you impacts the people they touch, and beyond that, the people they touch! What a great ripple effect you can have! 4. Be a positive influence in whatever you do. Rather than complaining, take some step, no matter how small, to improve things. Be a do-er. 3. Value your self-respect. As you become more and more independent, your personal boundaries, values, and integrity will be tested again and again. Every morning, when you look in the mirror, you have to be able to respect the person you see looking back at you. Make choices you can be proud of. That said, we come to, 2. Cut yourself a break. You’ll have setbacks and make mistakes, as we all do. Learn from them. Pick yourself up and do things differently the next time. Don’t give up. And finally, 1. Be yourself. You are unique and have much to offer this world! Class of 2009, we are very proud of you. Congratulations and best wishes for a truly happy future and life of success, no matter how you spell it! n

Class of 2009 Academic Achievers Valedictorians (pictured to the right, listed alphabetically) Mishan Blecher, Matthew Boyas, Kathleen Buehler, Ellen Cho, Jennifer Cipullo, Jacqueline Fera, Steven Garbin, Brian Gaudio, Jacob Hofstetter, Maeve Klutch, Brian Lynch, Christopher Matysik, Michael McCurrie, Christine Prorok, Mathi Rengasamy, John Subosits, Lisa Volpatti, James Chapin Wright Superintendent’s Academic Achievement Awardees Alexander Billak, Jacob Chockran, Dominic Rodriguez. International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidates Matthew Boyas, Irmak Erdem, Xiao Fu, Andrew Gallagher, Adam Handen, Sidney Kushner, Nick Navarre, Christine Prorok, Surya Ravindran, Sofiya Shevchenko.

Graduation photos courtesy of M&M Photography Fall 2009

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Commencement Speech 2009 Dr. Patrick O’Toole, Superintendent of Schools

As superintendent of the School District of the Township of Upper St. Clair, I congratulate our members of the Upper St. Clair High School Class of 2009 and welcome your families and friends. I wish to commend our student speakers for your thoughtful and inspirational messages and thank both our student musicians for sharing your talent with us and our staff members who have prepared tonight’s ceremony. And finally, thanks to our Board of School Directors, administration, faculty, staff, and community for all your hard work in teaching and supporting our graduates. Recently, my five year old son asked me, “Dad, what will I be when I grow up if I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up?” I considered telling him that I would be speaking to 341 USC high school graduates who may have the same question. Then he could come to commencement and hear my answer. But as most of you know, five year olds don’t wait for answers. My interpretation of my son’s question was that he was asking about his future career choice—perhaps a policeman, fireman, or a teacher. His question prompted me to think for a moment about what I want him to be when he grows up. The answer to this question is almost incomprehensible, given the fact that by the time he graduates from school there will be jobs and careers that don’t even exist today. Although I cannot forecast his possible career choice, I can assure you that I know the kind of person I want for him to be. I can also assure you that for the past 18 years your parents have asked themselves these same questions: “What will you be when you grow up?” and “What kind of person will you be when you grow up?” Moreover, your parents have worked very hard

to prepare you for your future and mold you into the person they wish for you to be. I can assure you that their ideal of the person they wish Dr. Patrick O’Toole for you to be is much deeper and introspective than what may be posted as your Facebook profile. For all the questions that may presently exist about your future, I am certain that your parents and I would agree with the following observation from author Joan Chittester, who wrote, “There are two life lessons that it takes some people the greater part of a lifetime to learn. The first demands that you discover who you are—what you, yourself, really want in life and what you need to give in life if you are ever to be whole. The second is giving yourself permission to be yourself no matter who persuades you to be otherwise.” Members of the Class of 2009, I ask you, throughout your life, regardless of your career path or future plans, and regardless of the fast pace of our present culture, to take the time to internalize and examine what you really want in life and what you want to give in life to make yourself whole… and to be aware of those who may be persuading you to be otherwise. My thanks to you for representing our School District at such a high level of academic success, and my personal best wishes for your future success. n

DeMar Named Outstanding Administrator Joseph DeMar, principal of Fort Couch Middle School, was awarded the title of Outstanding Administrator by the Pennsylvania Middle School Association (PMSA) at its annual Professional Development Institute in Harrisburg. The purpose of this PMSA award is to “honor administrators who value, understand, and support effective middle level education that promotes powerful learning for young adolescents.” That quote is from the nominations page of the PMSA website, and anyone who has ever roamed the halls of Fort Couch can tell you that Joe DeMar truly lives that philosophy. Joe never misses an opportunity to impact the children daily. From simply addressing students in the hall by name to listening to their issues in the office to hanging out at lunch to coaching basketball, he shows students daily that they are appreciated and valued. His approach is consistent, whether he is interacting with students Fort Couch principal Joe DeMar (left) with or dealing with the assistant principal John Rozzo important aspect of 52

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Fall 2009

hiring staff members who understand the social, emotional, and academic needs of a middle school-aged child. The nomination process for this award was not a simple one. The PMSA set criteria for each nominee that he/she should: • Understand how young adolescents learn • Champion middle level education ° actively promote middle level education ° build strong community support ° recognize middle level as a distinct entity of education • Support and model effective middle level philosophy • Encourage professional development of middle level best practices The person nominating Joe for this award was required to address in writing how he met the above criteria. The nominator was also required to collect letters of support from an administrator in the school district, a middle level teacher in the district, and a student, parent, and/or community member associated with middle school level in the district. Finally, Joe was required to personally submit a written response to the question “How have I impacted the lives of middle school students as an administrator?” Congratulations, Principal Joseph DeMar, PMSA Outstanding Administrator 2009! n

Smooth Transition The transition from middle school to high school can be one of the most challenging and critical junctures in a student’s academic journey. As students embark on their high school career, they are faced with many new academic and social challenges that will provide direction along their lives’ journey. As a result of this dramatic shift, there has become an increased interest and focus on this particular transition in the world of educational research. At the beginning of the 2007-08 academic year, this research caught the attention of two of USC School District leaders. An invitation arrived from the Consortium for Public Education at Duquesne University, and the Middle-High Transition Team was born. As a result of a joint effort between Joe DeMar, Fort Couch principal, and Dr. Michael Ghiliani, USCHS principal, a committee of cross-curricular academic leaders was formed beginning in the 2007-08 school year. A collaborative team from both Fort Couch and USCHS, led by Jayna Rubin, Fort Couch guidance counselor, was created. This team soon joined forces with approximately 20 other local school districts, via the Middle-High Forum at Duquesne University. The USC goal of this two-year program was to analyze and focus on the special issues directly related to the transition between Fort Couch and the high school. The Middle-High Forum evolved over time into a collection of people with the common goal of enhancing the evolution of

iety of offerings at the Enjoying the wide var trition center nu s ’ ool sch h hig

Mentors, wearing red T-s hirts, help incoming freshmen find their clas srooms.

Incoming freshmen compare

their class schedules.

Incoming freshmen collect in the hall, ready to begin their abbreviated class schedule on the last day of the 2008-09 school year.

students into successful life-long learners. The forum offered sessions to allow participating districts to communicate and to learn from each other regarding commonalities. Additionally, the consortium provided a plethora of educational opportunities, including the chance to learn from a leading expert in the world of transition, Dr. Jay Hertzog, Dean of Slippery Rock University. Throughout the forum, the team had the opportunity to attend various breakout sessions on topics pertaining to educational improvements. Most importantly, every meeting allowed the chance for “team time” to address the specific goals and needs of individual districts. Members of USC’s team met with superintendent Dr. Patrick O’Toole and assistant superintendent Dr. Terry Kushner on multiple occasions and presented the team’s progress to the USC School Board in January 2009. After two years of attending multiple forum sessions and working together within the District, the USC team has been able to implement change successfully in order to better prepare our students for movement from middle school to high school. Several of the transitioning changes made as a result of the Middle-High team’s efforts were: • Streamlined the ninth grade course recommendation process to match that of the high school • Added a mentor program for incoming freshmen • Created professional development time for eighth and ninth grade teachers to collaborate • Improved the high school’s resource center to make it more efficient • Allowed for more consistency between buildings and increased articulation of the special education services being offered. Although the original time commitment has expired, the team recognizes that its work has only just begun. Team members have signed on to continue their involvement with the consortium through the next two years. Future goals of this effort include monitoring and adjusting to the improvements that have already been made and identifying additional programs and projects that could potentially be beneficial. For example, USCHS principal Dr. Michael Ghilani mentioned that he would like to see the team explore the possibilities of a freshman seminar and consider what would be included in such a course. The team also hopes to begin focusing on the transition from elementary school to Boyce Middle School, which houses grades five and six. To date, the Middle-High Forum has proven to be successful. Students, as they move forward into their future, are increasingly benefiting from the team’s continued and focused efforts. n Fall 2009

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer Vacation—a World Away

Ah, the first day of summer vacation—relaxing, enjoying the comforts of home, sleeping late—but these were not the choices of an energetic group of Upper St. Clair High School students and teachers. On Monday, June 15, they met early in the morning at the Pittsburgh International Airport for the first leg of their 15-hour flight to China. After crossing the International Date Line, they arrived in Beijing the following day to begin an adventure in learning first-hand about Chinese culture. Even though high school classes had already finished for the year, each participant in the study tour continued to be a “student,” responsible for presenting a final project to reflect his or her own experiences. This trip, the culmination of two years of study and planning between the Upper St. Clair School District, the Freeman Foundation, and the East Asian Studies Department at the University of Pittsburgh, allowed Upper St. Clair students and teachers to spend 12 days exploring the People’s Republic of China, visiting schools and historic sites. Their itinerary began with four days in Beijing by touring the Summer Palace, the largest ancient preserved garden in China, and exploring the older parts of the city to discover the sights and sounds of traditional life. The visit to China’s capital city also included modern structures like the 2008 Olympic venues and Tiananmen Square. A trip along the Great Wall, visible from the moon and one of the Eight Wonders of the World, was a highlight of the tour. The group continued to Xian, an important cultural and trading center for more than two thousand years and the first stop on the Silk Road. They also saw the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses, a major archeological excavation of the 20th century. These remarkable, life-size sculptures date back to 210 BCE and are considered one of the wonders of the ancient world. After spending their first week visiting important historical sites in China, the group spent three days traveling on the fabled Yangtze River, with its picturesque scenery and dramatic beauty. Their ship sailed through the extensive area of the Three Gorges Dam Project and passed through the locks of the new Three Gorges Dam itself. Excursions from the ship provided the adventurous group with time to see the quiet beauty of the clear running streams, picturesque rock formations, and monkeys and goats along the banks of the river. The final days of the trip were spent in Shanghai, with its contrasting modern skyscrapers of the 21st century and the western influences of the past. During their time in China, students and teachers visited a local kindergarten and two different high schools in Beijing, as well as an elementary school in the Three Gorges Dam area. They had the opportunity to meet and interact with Chinese students, communicating in both languages to compare their lives in Upper St. Clair with that of young adults in China. Each student participating in the study tour to China was responsible for a culminating project that will reflect his or her experiences in learning about another culture. When they returned to the Pittsburgh International Airport on June 26, each “world traveler” had walked through many of the places pictured in their high school world history textbooks, adding a new dimension to the term “summer vacation.” n 54

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2009

USC group at the Summer Palace

USC high school students and faculty in China

Gathered in front of the Temple of Heaven

Sacred Origins of Lacrosse Kathleen Himler

Ever wonder what the Native Americans did for fun? They played lacrosse! The students at Eisenhower Elementary were interested to learn this and many other facts during their Cultural Arts Day held on Friday, May 29. The focus was the rich history of Native Americans and their many lasting influences and contributions. The Native Americans created the game of lacrosse, regarded as the oldest North American team sport. Lacrosse then was played with anywhere from five to 500 men spanning a tournament area as vast as five miles. The Eisenhower students found it fascinating to hear that this team game served to be more than just a social and fitness activity. To these indigenous tribes, lacrosse was a very important part of their life because it was considered to be a sacred game played to honor their creator in thanks for the gifts of strength and vitality. Relatedly, tribal disputes were often settled with a spirited lacrosse game that could last for days. Imagine if today society’s problems could be resolved with a mere contest of gamesmanship! Introducing this historical perspective to the students was Gary DeCock, USC parent and boys’ lacrosse coach. To the delight of the students, with video clips and interactive discussion time, Coach DeCock was able to bring to life the folklore of the first lacrosse game ever played. Assisting in these sessions were high school lacrosse players who graciously conducted a mini clinic with all interested novice players. Some of the pointers shared had to do arm and stick positioning, follow through

USCHS lacrosse players and helpers at Eisenhower’s 2009 Cultural Arts Day, left to right, front row: Meredith Cain, Rachel Engel, Jess Melby; back row: Spencer Scott, Sean Robinson, Theo Snieders, Brian Swaney

on the pass, and how best to absorb the impact of the catch. When speaking of tips for young players, 2009 varsity lacrosse captain Brian Swaney suggested, “work on stick skills, especially the ability to go righty and lefty. Start early and stick with it.” As noted by Coach DeCock, being able to catch and throw on both sides is similar to the dual hand dribbling skills required of basketball players. While the game has evolved since its inception, current rules are very similar to hockey; there is a penalty box, line changes, and playing area behind the goals. Lacrosse is played with ten players per team on a 110yard field with goals at each end that measure six feet by When asked about his onesix feet. on-one instruction with 2009 The action varsity captain Spencer Scott, Welch enthusiastically hits the fields Connor stated that it was “really fun in the spring, and better than he expected.” while year round lacrosse league play is growing in popularity as well. Now, as a high school WPIAL sport, you can expect continued USC lacrosse program focus, expansion, and achievement. The quality of the interaction between the high school players and the Eisenhower students was only outshined by the frenzied affirmative response to “so who wants to play lacrosse now?” Coach DeCock and the high school squad may have inadvertently discovered an effective recruiting ploy—just put a lacrosse stick in their hands and they’re ready! n

Registration opportunities will be this fall, or for more boys kindergarten through eighth grade club information, check out www.usclax.com. For competitive boys travel lacrosse league information, Pittsburgh Select Club can be found at www.pghlax.com or for Pittsburgh Aces, email pghaceslax@verizon.net. Fall 2009

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Alana Epstein, High Honor Allison Hall, High Honor

High School Artists Honored

Tom Miller, High Honor

On May 20 the USCHS art department along with Upper St. Clair League for the Arts presented over 70 awards to students for work displayed in the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual spring art exhibit. Each year, over $3000 in scholarship money is awarded to seniors who will continue to study art in college. This past May, Lindsay Burdette received both the Upper St. Clair League for the Arts Scholarship and the William R. Shaffalo Scholarship. Alana Epstein received the Anna M. Smith Scholarship. In addition to the winners, the following students were awarded honorable mentions, some in more than one art project: Tori Luckenbach (2), Jordan Millorino (2), Hui Yang, Shari Ondrejko (2), Jackie Fera (3), Briana Larkin (2), Kate McComb, Kent Berthoud, Alexa Beil, Keiko Nobumori, Lucia Darrow (3), Alana Epstein, Molly Joiner, Abbey DeIuliis (2), Katie Payo, Prim Krasaelaph, Erica MacLean, Peter Rosati, Rachel Coleman, Christine Tarullo (2), Aubrey Rodrigo, Nate Cross (2), Bryce Doerksen, Dan Mauldin, Addison Beall, Stephen Long, Greg Chaffee, Luke Dennin, Nick Cerminaro (2), Rachel Hopfer, Shannen Murphy, Jake Radziukinas (2), Adriana Perdigoto, Emma Watts, Samantha Rodriguez, Erena Lanza, Zach Zanone, Kristen Stein, Heidi Crossley, Dylan Lease, Irmak Erdem, Lucy DeBor, Julia Aloe, Karrah Beck, Lee Kennedy, Deanna Neiser, Abbey Mahla, Libby Phillips, Kodi Schutte, Toby Sota, Katie Zacur, Alicia English, and Emily Schmitt. n

Rachel Molstre, High Honor

Abbey DeIuliis, Freshman Highest Honor

Lindsay Burdette, Best of Show Rio Roye, Highest Honor, 2-D

Sarah Fletcher, High Honor

Heather Crossley, Highest Honor, 3-D 56

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Shari Ondrejko, Highest Honor, 2-D Fall 2009

Discovering Treasures at Streams Streams Elementary celebrated its annual Cultural Week May 27-30 with a celebration of the “Treasures of Central Europe.” Focusing on Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, the Czech Republic, and Lithuania, the students were introduced to music, dress, food, and customs of Central Europe. The week began with Streams parent Randy Lugares greeting the students with accordion music as they entered school for the day. He was joined by the Junior Tamburitzans who arrived in costume to greet the children with folk dance, encouraging the students to join in the fun. The day concluded with a visit from Mary Morgan Smith, a local storyteller, who shared folk tales with the students. Many Streams families contributed to the week by sharing personal artifacts with the children, including Polish wooden carvings, Slovenian pottery, and Hungarian clothing. One family made a video montage of their Polish history while a special guest taught the children how to make pierogies and filling. The week concluded with a visit from Polish dancer Kathy Maronwood, who performed for the children. Jeff Leonhardt, Streams music teacher, taught students in each grade a special dance that they performed for the school. Streams PTA thanks the Cultural Week committee chairs Anne DeIuliis, Lori Krakoff, and Brooke Tarcson for a job well done! n

LITTLE LAKE

Theatre Company

OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS Italian grandparents play matchmakers. Sept. 10-26

WAIT UNTIL DARK

A sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat mystery-thriller. Oct. 1-17

THEY HAVE OAK TREES IN NORTH CAROLINA Engaging. Powerful. Touches the heart. Oct. 22-Nov. 2

THE FOURSOME 11/12-11/28

CHRISTMAS BELLS 12/3-12/19

FALL FAMILY MUSICALS PINKALICIOUS 9/27-10/25

MADELINE’S CHRISTMAS 11/22-12/20

Box Office (724)745-6300 • www.littlelake.org

Barbara Couch of the North Hills teaches Streams students how to make pierogies.

Managed Services, Managed Better

Joyce Fowler displays pottery.

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

Fall 2009

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Odyssey of the Mind— Friends from Around the World Alison O’Neill Hess

Imagine working with six of your classmates on the answers to problems that require creativity and originality. Now imagine your small team of seven surrounded by 6500 other students on teams from around the world. Even for the most outgoing among us, those numbers would be intimidating. Pin trading at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals was designed to help make a gathering that size fun for everyone. After competing at the Regional and State levels, one Upper St. Clair Odyssey of the Mind team from Fort Couch was awarded the opportunity to travel to Ames, Iowa, to compete in the World Finals May 27-30. Seven hundred and fifty teams participated with students from the U.S. and more than 15 other countries, including China, South Korea, Poland, Germany, Singapore, and Mexico. The Fort Couch students were Kyle Austin, Maura Boston, Robert Burke, Joshua Simmons, Yash Tripathi, Sydney Turnwald, and Helena Zatawski with coaches Corinne Zatawski and Michelle Turnwald. The Fort Couch team had heard about pin trading. Some had seen it on previous trips to the World Finals with siblings and tried to explain it to those making the trip for the first time. But none of their descriptions were close to the reality that the team experienced. Team member Maura Boston said she thought there would be small groups of kids with pins here and there on the campus of Iowa State University. “There were literally thousands of towels set on the ground to display pins for trading,” according to her mother, Karen Boston. And the trading was not limited to the participating teams. Siblings were kept occupied during the long competition days by trading their own pins. Even some parents found spots to trade amongst themselves.

Unique pins were the most coveted. Some teams designed their own pins specifically for the World Finals. Many were sets of pins, one for each of the five problems, which together created a design. There were trains with each car representing a problem. One team had a peacock with individual “problem” feathers. Another made a dachshund with a long body. A team from California had laptops with computer mice attached by a chain. The Fort Couch team wanted to bring something representing Pittsburgh, and decided upon Heinz pickle pins. They also had personalized towels made for their own collections. The pickles got noticed! People walked by our team, stopped, and asked, “Is that a pickle?” “It was a great way to start a conversation,” according to Michelle Turnwald, parent of team member Sydney and one of the coaches. But pins were not the only items traded. The team from Hong Kong spotted the wizard hats our team wore to represent Pennsylvania, and they wanted to trade for them. They gave our team their customized World Finals jackets, blue with yellow stripes and Odyssey of the Mind written in multiple languages on the back. If you walked through the halls of Fort Couch the week after Worlds, you may have seen the team members wearing their jackets. “Maura didn’t want to take hers off,” said Karen Boston.

Members of the Fort Couch OM World finalists are recognized by the Township at a Board of Commissioners' Meeting in May.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2009

Maura Boston, Sydney Turnwald, and Helena Zatawski are trading pins.

Odyssey of the Mind is a creative problem solving activity open to all students, Kindergarten through 12th grade and relies mainly on teamwork and cooperative learning. Teams begin to work on their solutions in October and, for the Fort Couch team, the last event was at the end of May. It was well worth the long season. “The team showed amazing perseverance, poise under pressure, and team work,” said Geralyn Austin, team member Kyle’s mother. “It was an experience they will never forget.” The Fort Couch World Finals team would like to thank the following community organizations and businesses that helped them raise the money they needed to travel to Iowa. The support made this once-in-a-lifetime trip possible: Upper St. Clair School District, Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair, Western PA Odyssey of the Mind, USC Board of Commissioners, USC Recreation Center, Community Day Booth supporters, Oreck Vacuums, TGI Friday’s, Fudgie Wudgie, and Macy’s Shop for a Cause. The Fort Couch team would also like to thank those individuals who sent private donations for their generosity.

Results of the 2008-09 USC OM Teams • Fort Couch 1–1st place Regionals, 2nd place States, World Finals Team of Kyle Austin, Maura Boston, Robert Burke, Joshua Simmons, Yash Tripathi, Sydney Turnwald, Helena Zatawski; Coaches: Corinne Zatawski, Michelle Turnwald. • High School–1st place Regionals, 3rd place Spontaneous Fun Day; Team of Paul Austin, Riyana Bilimoria, Bridget Hubbard, Abby Massaro, Molly Patterson, Peter Rosati, Rachel Simmons; Coaches: Reid Simmons, Gwen Patterson. • Streams 2–1st place Regionals, 1st place Spontaneous Fun Day; Team of Brendan Allen, Connor Byrnes, Liam Carse, Neal Sharma, Vicki Wang, Tia Watts; Coach: Sharon Byrnes. • Streams 5–3rd place Regionals; Team of Oceanne Fry, Laura Lapham, Jagadeesh Gummadi, Spencer Miller, Neale Misquitta, Sheb Rosati; Coaches: Susan Rosati, Charles Fry. • Fort Couch 2–1st place Spontaneous Fun Day; Team of Andrew Belack, Ananya Cleetus, Lizzy Faeth, Dan Finkel, Rebecca Knapp; Coach: Diane Belack. • Baker 3–2nd place Spontaneous Fun Day; Team of Alican Demirci, Daniel Geffrey, Arushi Kewalramani, Piol-Ha Masse, Priya Rajawat, Abigail Shoemaker, Darrick Yee; Coaches: Cem Demirci, Perry Shoemaker. • Penn State Team (Division IV)–World Finals 3rd place in Superstitions, 3rd place in Earth Trek, 5th place in Shock Waves and 5th place in Heracles; Team of Noah Simmons (USC alum), Lucas Wilson (USC alum), Steve Klara (Bethel Park alum), Corey Kirkwood (Trinity alum), Stephanie Stewart (Avonworth alum). n

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Selection of pins

Registration for the 2009-10 USC Odyssey of the Mind season begins in September. Visit www.uscootm.com for more information or contact program coordinator Alison Hess at hessam42@aol.com. Fall 2009

70 Fort Couch Road, Upper St. Clair

412-833-6166 www.stevenrcrand a lldmd.co m UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Did You Know?

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2009

Rebuilding Together Eisenhower Elementary School sponsored a house in the Rebuilding Together-Pittsburgh project the weekend of April 25-26. Rebuilding Together-Pittsburgh is a non-profit organization dedicated to keeping low-income elderly and disabled homeowners living in warmth, safety, independence, dignity, and decency through home repair and rehabilitation. The program assists elderly individuals living in Allegheny County, providing for people who have worked hard to maintain their homes in the past, but have become physically frail and financially unable to continue with the upkeep of their homes. Many of these families’ homes have deteriorated to the point of being unsafe and unlivable. This was the second consecutive year that Eisenhower’s Outreach Committee and PTA partnered to sponsor a house. This year’s recipient was a widowed woman living in the West End whose health problems and limited income prohibited her from keeping up with the maintenance on the house since the death of her husband. Work completed in the house included painting seven rooms, replacing powder room floors, replacing the kitchen (cabinetry, countertop, and sink), purchasing a new washer and dryer and relocating them from Happy recipient the basement to the first

floor, landscaping, installation of new lighting in the kitchen, halls, and bathrooms, installation of two new drop ceilings, updating the electric, gas leak repair, extermination services, and installation of multiple occupational therapy devices. In addition to teaching the importance of helping people in need through community service, a goal for this year’s project was to engage the students in a meaningful way while playing a larger role in the learning experience. Eisenhower’s fourth graders were given the responsibility to educate the entire student body about the project and its importance, to help advertise for volunteers, collect and count donations, and prepare a follow-up presentation for viewing by the student body at the completion of the project. Other organizations that Eisenhower students were involved in assisting during the 2008-09 school year were Make-A-Wish, Gwen’s Girls, Cystic Fibrosis, Children’s Hospital, and a number of local food banks. Their contributions ranged from money to clothing to books. Thanks to all of the families who made a positive difference by participating! n Working to rebuild

Fall 2009

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

PTA Honors Three

This spring, USC PTA Council honored three PTA members with the Pennsylvania PTA Honorary State Life Membership. Susan Rosati has been a dedicated volunteer for the Upper St. Clair PTA for many years. She has held a number of PTA positions, including chair of Arts in Education and co-chair of GATE. As chair of Arts in Education, Susan has chaired the District’s participation in the Reflections program, a PTA program to promote art in education. Susan has been responsible for the promotion, collection, and judgSusan Rosati with her children Jacob (seated) and ing of entries, and (left to right) Sheb, Anna, and Peter. the promotion and support of our winners at the regional and state level. This is a big undertaking, and provides an important service to each of our schools. She also helped found and continues to co-chair GATE, which was started to provide information and support for parents of academically talented students. Susan is a willing volunteer at Streams, Fort Couch, and serves as the Internet chair for the high school. She is certainly a go-to person in our community who is always willing to step up and give generously of her time and talents. Also awarded Pennsylvania PTA Honorary State Life Memberships were Deb Dorsey and Lisa Merchant. Deb and Lisa are

co-chairs of PIE (Partners in Education), a committee of Upper St. Clair PTA Lisa Merchant with her sons, Joe, Jr. and Chris Council, Deb Dorsey whose objective is to provide programming and support for parents of special education students in the District. Over the years, PIE has provided programs, workshops, and opportunities to network for staff, parents, and students. Deb began as co-chair of PIE in 2005 and Lisa joined her as co-chair in 2006. Under Deb and Lisa’s direction, PIE has consistently offered quality programming for parents of special needs students on topics such as services in the community, the college search process and what accommodations colleges provide, and behavioral and sibling issue workshops. In addition to creating quality programming, PIE has informational coffees where parents can connect with other parents of special needs students. Each year, PIE raises money for assistive technology through its Barnes and Noble book fair. Deb and Lisa were involved with PIE long before they became co-chairs of the committee. Their dedication to helping parents with special needs students connect and have access to the most current resources and information has not only helped our PTA members, but our community as well. n

Recycling Pays Big Dividends at Eisenhower Elementary This spring, Eisenhower Elementary’s Shannon Dominick and her second grade class were honored as the grand

prize winner in Elmer’s Products Glue Crew Recycling program. In the fall the class set a goal of collecting 300 glue sticks for recycling, a number they quickly exceeded. By spring, the student had collected 1111 empty glue sticks and glue bottles. Elmer’s, a company that manufactures millions of glue sticks and glue bottles used in classrooms across the country, started the environmentally-friendly program last year. The program has grown by leaps and bounds, with 83,000 classrooms and 1.2 million students participating throughout the United States. Dominick said that the plastic Elmer’s uses in glue sticks and glue bottles needs a special type of recycling process, which is why the containers needed a special collection. After the collection, classrooms participating in the program took the containers to their local Wal-Mart, which shipped them for recycling. While Dominick’s classroom collected a lot of glue sticks, the winner of the contest was not based on numbers alone, but on the way they incorporated the program into the teaching curriculum. Dominick said the contest provided an “amazing opportunity” to use the technology skills the students have learned. 62

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2009

Dominick said the Glue Crew program Elmer came to Eisenhower to help present gave the students a Shannon Dominick’s class with the Glue Crew Recycling award. reason to use their technology skills, and to improve a lot of basic skills such as fluency, writing, and reading. She said the kids worked hard on videos for the school throughout the year, writing scripts for newscasts and podcasts, and worked on articles for the school newspaper. The program provided a way to “sneak” learning in while the kids were having fun said Dominick. In addition to the educational benefits, Dominick said it was a meaningful project for the entire building, as well as helping the environment. For their efforts, Elmer’s Products presented a plaque to the school reflecting that Mrs. Dominick’s class was this year’s grand prize winner and planted a tree at the school in front of her classroom. Each student in the class received a certificate, a backpack filled with Elmer’s art products, and a tree to plant at his or her home or in the neighborhood. In addition, 1000 trees will be planted in areas of the country deforested by wildfires, in honor of Eisenhower. n

USC School District Calendar (Mid-August–Mid-November 2009) All events are subject to change. For the most up-to-date calendar information, visit the School District’s website at www.uscsd.k12.pa.us. A School District monthly calendar for November 2009 through February 2010 will be posted in the winter issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY.

Legend: BA – Baker Elementary BO – Boyce Middle CO – Central Office

August 2009 18 19 21 24 25 26 27 28 28-31

HS–New Student Orientation–9-11 a.m. FC–New Student Orientation–10 a.m. (MPR) EI–Welcome to PTA Breakfast EI–Welcome Back Staff Luncheon ST–New Family Welcome–9:30 a.m. (Library) ST–PYP New Family Meeting–6:30 p.m. (Library) BA–New Student Welcome First Day of School for Students BA/EI/ST–Kindergarten Orientation– 9:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. HS–Senior Breakfast–Mods 1-2 BO–Student Dues Collection

September 2009 1 1-2 2 3 3-4 4 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 21-30 22 22-23 22-24 23 24 30

ST–PTA Executive Board Meeting–9:30 a.m. (LGI) BO–Breakfast with 5th Grade Teachers CO–PTA Council–9:30 a.m. FC–School Pictures BO–Sally Foster Kick-Off Day BO–Breakfast with 6th Grade Teachers BO–PTA Executive Board Meeting–1 p.m. EI–PTA Executive Board–9:30 a.m. ST–PTA 101 Coffee for Parents–9:30 a.m. (LGI) No School–Labor Day HS–Senior Parent Meeting–7 p.m. FC–PTA Executive Meeting BA–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. ST–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. (LGI) BO–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. BA/EI/ST–Elementary Band Parents Meeting–7 p.m. (HS Band Room) CO–Youth Steering Committee–7 p.m. (Board Room) FC–Social–7-9 p.m. BA/EI/ST–Elementary Strings Parents Mtg.–7 p.m. (HS LGI) BA–Room Coordinator Meeting–9:30 a.m. (LGI) EI–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. HS–Marching Band Festival–7 p.m. (HS Stadium) HS–9th Grade Parent Meeting–7-9 p.m. FC–7th Grade Open Mike BA–4th Grade Instrument Auditions HS–Fall Play Auditions– 6:30-9:30 p.m. (LGI) FC–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. (MPR) BO–Student Pictures EI–4th Grade Instrument Auditions EI–4th Grade Breakfast–7:30 a.m. ST–Homeroom Parent Meeting–9:30 a.m. (LGI) FC–8th Grade Open Mike ST–4th Grade Instrument Auditions ST–School Pictures BO–Early Dismissal–1:15 p.m. BO–Open House–7 p.m. BO–Last Day for Gift Wrap Sales BA–Clothing Sale HS–College Fair–7-9 p.m. (Mt. Lebanon) HS–School Pictures EI–Book Fair BO–Sally Foster Tally Day BO–Open Mike–9:30 a.m. (LGI) BA/EI/ST–Early Dismissal 1st-4th Grades–12:45 p.m. BA/EI/ST–Open Houses–7 p.m. HS–Early Dismissal–12:45 p.m. HS–Open House–7 p.m.

EI – Eisenhower Elementary FC – Fort Couch Middle HS – High School ST – Streams Elementary

October 2009 1 2 3 6 7 8 9 12 13 14 15 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 26-30 30

HS–Homecoming Bonfire–6:30 p.m. FC–Early Dismissal–1:10 p.m. FC–Open House–7 p.m. HS–Halls of Fame–2:30 p.m. HS–Homecoming EI–PTA Executive Board–9:30 a.m. HS–Homecoming Dance–7:30-10:30 p.m. BA–4th Grade–REEC ST–Executive Board Meeting–9:30 a.m. (LGI) BA–PTA Council–9:30 a.m. EI–School Pictures ST–4th Grade REEC Field Trip–9 a.m.-1:45 p.m. EI–4th Grade REEC BO–PTA Executive Board Meeting–1 p.m. BA–School Pictures–8:30 a.m. EI–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. No School–Teacher Inservice FC–PTA Executive Meeting BA–Kindergarten REEC BA–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. (LGI) ST–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. (LGI) BO–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. CO–Youth Steering Committee–7 p.m. (Board Room) EI–Kindergarten REEC ST–4th Grade Open Mike–9:30 a.m. ST–Kindergarten REEC Field Trip FC–Social–7-9 p.m. EI–Eisenhowler–6-9 p.m. HS–PSAT– 8:15 a.m. FC–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. BO–Sally Foster Pick Up–1-4 p.m. EI–3rd Grade Breakfast–7:30 a.m. Sally Foster Pick Up Day–8 a.m.-8 p.m. HS PAC Meeting–9:30 a.m. BA–4th Grade Social BA–Caper–5-9 p.m. ST–Stravaganza–5-9 p.m. Half Day Early Dismisal for Students HS–PMEA Honors Choir HS–12th Grade PSSA Retest BA/EI/ST–Harvest Parties–1:30 p.m.

3 4 4-5 5 6 7 7-8 8 9-10 10 11 12 12-13

No School–Teacher Inservice BA–Book Fair Set-Up EI–PTA Council–9:30 a.m. HS–Fall Play Performance–7:30 p.m. (Theatre) HS–School Pictures Make-Up BA–Book Fair Preview ST–Kindergarten Open Mike–9:30 a.m. BO–PTA Executive Board Meeting–1 p.m. EI–PTA Executive Board Meeting–9:30 a.m. ST–PTA Executive Board Meeting–9:30 a.m. (LGI) HS–SAT HS–Fall Play Performance–2 p.m. (Theatre) HS–Marching Band Banquet No School–Teacher Inservice BA–Book Fair FC–PTA Executive Meeting BO–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. ST–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. CO–Youth Steering Committee–7 p.m. (Board Room) EI–PTA Meeting–7 p.m. ST–Kindergarten Special Grade Night–7 p.m. (Gym) HS–10th Grade Terra Nova Test

November 2009

Fall 2009

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Upper St. Clair

School District Calendar 2009–10

August 27–First Day of School for Students September 7–No School (Labor Day) October 12–Teacher Inservice, No School October 23–Half Day Early Dismissal for Students (Teachers’ Professional Development) November 3–Teacher Inservice, No School November 9-10–Teacher Inservice, No School (Parent/Teacher Conferences) November 26-27–No School (Thanksgiving Recess) December 24-January 1–No School (Winter Recess) January 18–Teacher Inservice, No School February 15–Teacher Inservice, No School March 12–Half Day Early Dismissal for Students (Teachers’ Professional Development) March 26–Teacher Inservice, No School March 29-April 2–No School (Spring Recess) April 5–Teacher Inservice, No School) May 31–No School (Memorial Day) June 11–Last Day of School for Students June 14-16–Possible Snow Make-Up Days June 21–Kennywood Day

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2009

SD UPPER ST. CLAIR HIGH SCHOOL

APPLICATION FOR ATHLETIC PASSES FOR THE 2009-10 SCHOOL YEAR Other than football, there will be NO individual sport passes sold. The Ultimate Panther Pass includes general admission for 76 paid regular season home events: football, soccer, basketball, swimming, wrestling, lacrosse, and volleyball.

ADULT PASSES

ULTIMATE PANTHER PASS (All Events Pass to 76 events) (General Admission to all sports events: Fall, Winter & Spring Sports for $70)...................... #____ of passes @ $70 = $____

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RESERVED FOOTBALL PASS (Seat number assigned for 5 games @ $7 each = $35)............... #____ of passes @ $35 = $____ Combine ULTIMATE PANTHER PASS & RESERVED FOOTBALL PASS for $75................ #____ of passes @ $75 = $____ GENERAL ADMISSION FOOTBALL ONLY PASS (5 Home Games)................................................... #____ of passes @ $30 = $____

PANTHER (STUDENT) PASSES

ULTIMATE PANTHER PASS–STUDENT (Student All Events Pass to 76 events) (General Admission to all sports events: Fall, Winter & Spring Sports–$40).......................... #____ of passes @ $40 = $____ JR. PANTHER–Elementary/Middle School Student (Football Only Pass = 5 games)............ #____ of passes @ $10 = $____ Your Name_______________________________

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Mail completed application and check payable to USC High School Athletics to: Athletic Office Upper St. Clair High School 1825 Mclaughlin Run Rd. Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

e

of Knowing

Passes, when application and payment are received, are immediately being mailed. For the complete football schedule, see page 66. For more information, visit www.uscsd.k12.pa.us.

USCHS Spring 2009 Sports Results Team Wins Losses Ties Achievement Baseball 10 8 Softball 2 14 Boys’ Tennis 12 3 1 Boys’ Volleyball 16 1 Section Champions Girls’ Track 1 4 Elizabeth Kline—100 M high hurdles, 300 M intermediate hurdles— WPIAL AAA Champion, PIAA AAA 3rd place Emily Mueller—discuss—PIAA AAA 8th place Boys’ Track 0 5 Girls’ Lacrosse 13 7 1 Section Champions Boys’ Lacrosse 13 6 Fall 2009

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

New School Immunization Regulations 2009-10 School Year All Grades K-12 3 4 doses of tetanus (1 dose after the 4th birthday); 3 doses if series started after age 7 3 4 doses of diphtheria (1 dose after the 4th birthday); 3 doses if series started after age 7 3 3 doses of polio 3 1 dose of rubella 3 2 doses of measles * 2 doses of mumps * 3 doses of hepatitis B * 2 doses of varicella or written statement from physician/designee indicating month and year of disease or serologic proof of immunity * Hepatitis B, varicella, and two doses of mumps were the new requirements for all grades for 2008-09.

Grades 7-12 ** 1 dose of tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Tdap) ** 1 dose of meningitis vaccine (MCV4) ** Tdap and MCV4 were the new requirements for grades 7-12 for 2008-09. The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) wants parents to know that students who attended school in the 2008-09 school year and are returning to school for the 2009-10 must have all of their immunizations up to date or they will be excluded from school. Failure to comply by August 27, 2009 will result in your child not being able to attend school until the requirements are met. Families are encouraged to obtain the needed immunizations from their physi-

cians. However, the ACHD does offer the required immunizations. For more information, including clinic locations and times, call the ACHD at 412-687-ACHD. Provisions for this regulation do not apply in cases where extenuating medical or religious factors are involved. If there is a medical reason why a child should not be fully immunized, parents must submit a physician’s certificate explaining the circumstances. Parents are also required to provide written documentation if they disapprove of immunizations for religious reasons. These documents will be accepted in lieu of a certificate of immunization. If a child is exempt from immunizations, he or she may be removed from school during an outbreak. n

2009 USC Varsity Football Schedule Kick-offs Friday, 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise indicated)

September 4 September 11 September 18 September 24* October 2 October 9 October 16 October 23 October 30

Penn Trafford Pine-Richland North Allegheny Central Catholic Canon McMillan Bethel Park Baldwin Peters Mt. Lebanon

Home Home (Youth Night) Away Home Home (Halls of Fame and Homecoming–7:45 p.m.) Away Away Home (Senior Night) Away

* Thursday Night Game

U S C Anime/Manga Club Arabic Club Art Club Automotive Club Athletes Taking Action Baseball Basketball Broadway Club Campus News Video Club CHANGES (Community Helping Alliance for Neighborhood Goals in Education and Service) Cheerleading Chess Club Choral Groups Clairvoyant (Yearbook) Classic Rock Club Color Guard (Marching Band) Computer Programming Club Cornerstone

Crew (Rowing) Cross Country Culinary Chemistry Club Culinary/Nutrition Club Dance Team Environmental Awareness Equestrian Club Fall Play FBLA (Future Business Leaders) Field Hockey Fencing Fishing Club Football Forensics (Speech and Debate) French Club FRIENDS (Finding Relationships In Every New Direction) Freshman Class Officers German Club Go Game Club Golf

F o r 66

H i g h

S c h o o l

Graphic Fiction Club Hip Hop Dance Team Ice Hockey Improv Club India Club Interact Japanese Club Juggling and Yo-Yo Club Junior Classical League Junior Class Officers Kids Helping Kids Knitting Club Lacrosse Club Latin Club Law Club Library Media Assistants Lifesavers LINK (Leisure Interaction Networking Kids) Make-A-Wish Majorettes (Marching Band)

i n f o r m a t i o n ,

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2009

A c t i v i t i e s

Magic Club Marching Band Mathematics League Model UN Club Moleskins: The Club Montage (Literary Publication) Most Extreme Gamer’s Club Multi-Cultural Club National Honor Society Natural Helpers Orchestra Panther Pride Pantherettes (Marching Band) PAPER Recycling Club Pep Club Philosophy Club Pickleball Club Ping Pong Club Pink Ribbon Club Principal’s Advisory Committee (PAC)

c a l l

PTSO Quill and Scroll Rifle Team Robotics Club Roller Hockey Club SADD (Students Against Drunk Drivers) Science Club Science Fiction Fantasy Senior Class Officers Ski Club Softball Sophomore Class Officers Spanish Club Spring Musical St. Clarion (High School Newspaper) Stage Crew STAND (Students Taking Action Now: Darfur) Stock Market Club

4 1 2 - 8 3 3 - 1 6 0 0 .

Student Council Super Smash Bros. Gaming League Swimming and Diving Tennis Thai Club Thespian Society Track USC Ballroom Dancing Club USC Dancing Club USC Serves Ultimate Frisbee Volleyball Wrestling World Affairs Club Young Politicians of USC Youth Against Tobacco

School District Notices

Annual Notices to Parents of Children Who Reside in the Upper St. Clair School District Notification of Rights for Elementary and Secondary Schools The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. These rights include: 1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the school receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to their child’s building principal or Supervisor of Pupil Services, Ms. Eloise Stoehr, Upper St. Clair School District, at the address listed on page 69, a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The building principal or Supervisor of Pupil Services will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. 2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate. Parents or eligible students may ask the school to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write their child’s building principal or the Supervisor of Pupil Services, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when the parent or eligible student is notified of the right to a hearing. 3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate education interests. A school official is a person employed by the school as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); members of the School Board as a whole; a person or company with whom the school has contracted to perform a special task (e.g. attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his/her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the school official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his/her professional responsibility. Upon request, the School discloses education records without

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

Disclosure of Personal Information FERPA requires that the Upper St. Clair School District (District), with certain exceptions, obtain written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child’s education record. However, the District may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless you have advised the District to the contrary in accordance with District procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the District to include this type of information from your child’s education records in certain school publications. Examples include the annual yearbook, honor roll or other recognition lists, graduation programs, sports activity sheets, a playbill showing your student’s role in a drama production and the like. Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws required local education agencies (LEA) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories (names, addresses, and telephone listings) unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent. If you do not want the District to disclose directory information without your prior written consent, you must notify the District in writing. The parent or eligible student may refuse to permit the designation of any or all of these categories, with respect to that student, by notifying the child’s building principal within 30 days of the publication of this notice. Fall 2009

The following information is designated as directory information:

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

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

Annual Notice To Parents Regarding School Records

School records are an inherent part of a student’s formal education in the public school setting. They are used to collect, maintain, and disseminate pertinent information. The District has adopted a policy and administrative regulations in accordance with both the regulations of the State Board of Education on Pupil Records, adopted July 12, 1974, amended July 15, 1977, and the FERPA. Parents and eligible students (students who have reached the age of 18 or are emancipated minors) are accorded the following rights: 1. To inspect, review, and be given a copy of school records. 2. To obtain a copy of the District’s policy and regulations regarding the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of school records upon written request to: Supervisor of School Guidance Counseling or Supervisor of Pupil Services–addresses listed on page 69. 3. To file complaints with the FERPA Office. (See FERPA compliance address listed above.) 4. To be informed of the transfer of records to officials of another school or school system upon notification of the student’s enrollment. 5. To challenge the contents of the records. 6. To refuse individual consent where it is required for release of information from the record. 7. To be informed of the data collected and maintained by representational consent. If you wish to examine school records, you may make arrangements to do so by contacting the principal or counselor at the school your child attends.

Continued on page 68

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

School District Notices Continued from page 67

Planned Program of Standardized Testing

The planned program of standardized testing by the District is collected and maintained by representational consent and is shown below. The results of these tests, as well as the results of aptitude and achievement tests taken by the individual student on a voluntary basis and required for admission into post-secondary education institutions, are maintained and made a part of the record. Should you wish to examine the record, you may arrange to do so by making an appointment with your child’s principal or counselor. For specific information regarding matters pertaining to school records, parents or eligible students may contact the principal of the school in which the student is enrolled. Test Grade Preschool screening Preschool Terra Nova CTBS Battery/ Otis-Lennon School Ability Grade 1 Terra Nova CTBS Battery/ Test of Cognitive Skills Grade 2 Terra Nova CTBS Battery/ Test of Cognitive Skills Grade 4 Terra Nova Multiple Assessments Test of Cognitive Skills Grade 7 Terra Nova Multiple Assessments Inventory (PLAN) Grade 10

Date of Administration Prior to Entrance May May March May November

In addition, the Pennsylvania Department of Education requires that all school districts participate in the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA). Listed below is the schedule for the administration of the PSSA for the 2008-09 school year. PSSA Area of Assessment Grade Math, Reading, Writing Retest Grade 12

Date of Administration

Writing

April 19-23, 2010

Grade 5, 8, 11

October 26-Nov. 6, 2009

Math and Reading Grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11

April 12-16, 2010

Science

April 26-30, 2010

Grades 4, 8, 11

Programs for Eligible or Protected Handicapped or Gifted Students

In compliance with the state and federal law, notice is hereby given by the District that it conducts on-going identification activities as a part of its school program for the purpose of identifying disabled students who may be in need of special education and related services (eligible students). Individualized services and programs are available for children who are determined to need specially designed instruction due to the following conditions: autism, blindness or visual impairment, deafness or hearing impairment, deafness and blindness, emotional disturbance, mental retardation, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairments, specific learning disability, speech and language impairment, and traumatic brain injury. If you believe that your school-age child may be in need of special education services or related programs, or your young child (age three to school-age) may be in need of early intervention, screening, and evaluation processes designed to assess the needs of the child and his/her eligibility are available to you at no cost, upon written request. You may request screening and evaluation at any time, whether or not your child is enrolled in the District’s public school program. Requests for evaluation and screening are to be made in writing to your child’s principal or Eloise Stoehr, Supervisor of Pupil Services, at the address listed on page 69. In compliance with state and federal law, the District will provide to each protected handicapped student without discrimination or cost to the student or family, those related aides, services, or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain 68

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2009

the benefits of the school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the student’s abilities. In order to qualify as a protected handicapped student, the child must be school age with a physical or mental disability which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program. These services and protections for “protected handicapped students” are distinct from those applicable to all eligible students enrolled (or seeking enrollment) in special education programs. In compliance with state law, the District provides services designed to meet the unique needs of gifted students. The District identifies “gifted” students on a case-by-case basis based on state law and District procedures. Such students may possess superior IQ scores and meet multiple criteria indicating gifted ability. If your child is believed to be in need of such services, you will be notified of evaluation procedures. If you believe your school-age child may qualify for gifted education services, you may contact in writing your child’s principal or Eloise Stoehr at any time to request determination of eligibility. Please note that entitlement to gifted services includes only those rights provided for by Pennsylvania law. For further information on the rights of parents and children, provision of services, evaluation and screening (including purpose, time, and location), and rights to due process procedures, contact in writing your child’s principal; Eloise Stoehr, Supervisor of Pupil Services; or Dr. Sharon Suritsky, Supervisor of Special Education at the addresses listed on page 69.

Child Identification Activities

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

School District Notices Continued

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

Notification of Rights Under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment

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

Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20202-4605 n

Correspondence addresses referenced in this article Dr. Sharon Suritsky Ms. Eloise Stoehr Supervisor of Special Education Supervisor of Pupil Services Upper St. Clair School District Upper St. Clair School District 1820 McLaughlin Run Road 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Dr. William Rullo Supervisor of High School Guidance Counseling Upper St. Clair High School 1825 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Fall 2009

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Health and Wellness

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2009

Health and Wellness Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center

The Dance Conservatory of Pittsburgh

Pre-school Ballet Modern Jazz Tap

Something for Everyone!

• Ice Hockey Classes, Learn-to-skate programs and Speeding skating • Birthday Parties - Public & Private packages • Developmental Ice Hockey League 5—8 and 9—12 year old players • Adult Night Out-Saturdays Evenings • Play Date on ice every Thursday 9—11 am begins 9/10/09 • Private Ice Rentals & Broomball • Room rentals • Friday Night Skates 8 pm, Saturday & Sunday Main Rink Afternoon Public skating, Fun Friday Skate 4:40 pm—6 pm.

412-561-4363 www.mtlebanon.org

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412.344.3900 Call now to register Receive $20 off when you mention this ad !

The New GyneGirlGuide at South Hills OBGYN Robert C. Rankin, MD, FACOG and Robert H. Warner, MD FACOG Women arrange the majority of doctor’s appointments in the United States. A teenage girl will someday direct her own health care choices and those of her family. Usually, a visit to the gynecologist is the first medical appointment she will make on her own without parental help or supervision and—guess what—no one teaches a class on how to go to the doctor’s office. Every woman needs to be aware of potential health problems and the need for preventive care. She needs to know how to call her insurance company and ask what care is going to be covered. She needs to know how to make the most out of her time spent in the doctor’s office. A young patient may arrive late to her appointment, worried and nervous, sometimes without an insurance card (more often it is an expired card and the family insurance has changed completely) and unaware of the required insurance co-pay. Often a young patient has no idea of what information to provide to the doctor or what questions to ask. Are we educating our young patients enough about insurance, preventive care, and healthcare choices that deeply impact their lives? Because of this concern, South Hills OBGYN

has developed the GyneGirlGuide, a series of short leaflets organized in a folder, including both medical and insurance issues. If young patients read this guide and keep it as a reference, they will each know when and why to call the gynecologist. Most teenage girls (ages 16 to 22) visit a gynecologist for the first time because of irregular periods or for contraception, but there is more to health care than getting a prescription once a year from your gynecologist. Health care treatments continue to improve. Sexually transmitted diseases are epidemic, and more insurance companies are now reimbursing for STD testing for anyone under the age of 35 as a preventive care measure. This means more insurance companies will cover the cost of the test. In the last two years, HPV vaccine has become available to reduce the risk of cervical cancer and there are now pap smears that read for the presence of HPVs. Young patients need to be made aware of available vaccines and preventive care testing. Five of the 17 topics included in the GyneGirlGuide are introduced to each patient during her visit. The first, and most important topic, “What to Expect at Your Gyne Visit” explains Fall 2009

the differences between a problem visit and a preventive care visit. There are several topics about a woman’s developing body and a topic on the HPV vaccine. There are also eight topics dealing with choices teens make—use of drugs, anorexia and other weight issues, tattoos, and stress. No judgment calls are made about behavior choices, but the potential negative outcomes of social decisions are explained. A topic that is expected to be heavily read is “Myths About How to Avoid Pregnancy.” Developing a positive dialogue with your doctor will only happen if you are interested and engaged in your health. Young patients may not yet be thinking about motherhood, but they need to begin preparing now for the moment they will want to start a family. When a patient returns for her annual visit and the nurse asks, “What has changed in your life since last year?” our patient will have anticipated the question and have a meaningful answer. Then, our patient will smile confidently and ask, “What has changed in medical care during the past year that will impact my life?” n See ad on page 70. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Health and Wellness Dancing Leads to… Soccer Goals?

Cathy Lavin, Studio Manager, Dance Workshop by Shari It’s interesting to hear what There are many other reasons though, parents want out of a dance education for and often we hear those as well. Many partheir children. We ask that question when ents realize the value in a structured dance a new family registers at Dance Workshop program in raising self esteem, building by Shari. Many people answer the way you confidence, developing coordination, and would expect—they are looking for a fun establishing good physical fitness habits. activity for their young child, they want to The ability to work as part of a team is also improve the technique of an experienced mentioned as a critical factor in the social dancer, or they want to expose their dancer development the child. to dance activities other than just comMany of our students apply the skills petitions. We tell them these are all valid that they have learned in dance class to their school and community activities. reasons to attend dance classes. Sierra Sailor’s 12 years of performing has made her comfortable appearing on stage for the USCHS spring musicals. Rachel Sailor’s 11 years of dance have given her the confidence to try out for the high school’s majorettes. Carson and Bridget Murphy’s dance instruction have prepared them for the USC Dance Team. Hannah Newman’s training has made her a valued member of the Fort Couch Middle School lacrosse team. Left to right are Hannah Newman, Rachel Sailor, Childhood and young adulthood Sierra Sailor, Carson Murphy, and Bridget Murphy. should be a time of experiences. The more

Dancing for a DifferenceTM

. . This catch-phrase describes our twofold mission in providing top-quality dance instruction, while also allowing our staff and students to have the opportunity to use their talents in a positive way to benefit the community. Just since 2003, we have raised nearly $45,000 for organizations such as Make A Wish, Gilda’s Club, Children's Hospital Free Care Fund, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and the Leukemia Society. Dancing for a Difference was established as a separate Non-Profit organization in 2008! Visit the website at www.dancingforadifference.com!

activities that you expose your child to, the more likely they will learn about their abilities and interests. If they’ve never played softball, how will they know if they like it? Dancers are also cheerleaders, basketball players, soccer players, track stars, actors, singers, and more! Try it all! See what is right for you. Take the lessons that you are learning in dance with you to your other activities. You may find that the agility and poise that you’ve learned in ballet class is helping you on the soccer field with that winning goal! n Dance Workshop by Shari recently celebrated its 18 th anniversary. In 2008, the studio established the “Dancing for a Difference” non-profit corporation to continue the studio’s mission of allowing the studio staff and students to use their talents in a positive way to benefit the community. See ad on this page.

rs! to Our Dance s on ti la tu a Hannah Newman r g Con 8th Grade - Fort Couch Middle School, Bridget Murphy Freshman - USC High School, USC Dance Team, Member of the SuperStars

Angelina Mammarella Kindergartner USC Elementary

USC Cheerleader & LaCrosse Team Member of the SuperStars Emily Brinsky 6th Grade - Boyce Middle School, Member of the SuperStars

Shari Shriver Opfermann Owner and Director, Dance Workshop by Shari Upper St. Clair High School Alumna BA in Dance from Point Park University 2006 Inductee into the Upper St. Clair Arts Hall of Fame 2007, 2008 and 2009 USC Spring Musical Choreographer, “Into the Woods”, "Singin' in the Rain" and “42nd Street” Member of Dance Masters of America Founder and Director of the award-winning Dance Workshop by Shari “SuperStars”

REGISTER NOW for Fall Classes • 412-884-5099 • www.danceworkshopbyshari.com Request your copy of “Asking the Right Questions When Choosing a Dance Studio.”

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2009

Health and Wellness

Pregnancy Explanation:

Recommended tips: u Get regular Chiropractic checkups. u Do safe exercises like walking, swimming, stationary cycling. u Wear flat shoes with good arch supports. u Use pregnancy pillow or full body pillow when sleeping.

About half of all expectant mothers will develop lower back pain some time during their pregnancy. With the average weight gain of 25 to 30lbs, you will find your center of gravity shifting and causing additional stress on your lower back. Many women have found relief to their lower back pain and have had easier deliveries by receiving chiropractic care throughout their pregnancy. Scientific studies have found that spinal manipulation carries no increased risk to the mother or baby. Chiropractic care is also helpful after delivery as your body starts to tighten up those loose ligaments that developed during your pregnancy. It is important to make sure your joints are aligned before your muscles return back to their pre-pregnancy state. Don’t forget to have your newborn baby checked while you’re at it.

TREATMENT Chiropractic care works on correcting misalignments that cause lower back pain associated with pregnancy. To see if chiropractic may be able to help you call 412-833-1101 today for a complimentary consultation and chiropractic exam.

u Eat small meals or snacks every four hours. u Take a good nutritional supplement with at least 400mcg of Folic Acid. u Check your worksite for correct ergonomics especially if you are using a computer.

D&M Chiropractic • Drs. Marc and Deana Micucci 2555 Washington Rd., Suite 620, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Website: dmchiro.com Fall 2009

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Health and Wellness Don’t know who to talk to? David J. Sultanov DMD Expert Cosmetic Dentistry Dental Implants Financing Available Complimentary Consultations

We’re here to listen and help. GriefShare & DivorceCare Seminars and small support groups to find help, discover hope, and experience healing.

Stephen Ministry One to one ministry by trained, caring lay ministers.

All of our pastoral care is available to anyone in need members and community neighbors. Don’t suffer in silence. Call Tammy Yeager at 412-835-6630x216. 2040 Washington Road Pittsburgh, PA 15241

750 Washington Rd, Suite 15 Mt. Lebanon, PA 15228

412-563-5500

www.exquisite-smiles.net

Power Chairside Whitening $99 with New Patient Exam Regularly $399

Finally no more sensitivity! From the developers of Lumineers

The Heritage of Caring

Rev. Tammy Yeager, Westminster Church Minister How often do we hear about how ously growing variety of support programs much things have changed in the last 50 that provide a haven for people who may years? Sometimes, it seems as though we not know where else to turn. Some belong keep looking for new places to find what to our church. Some have other church we need. At Westminster Church, we think homes. Yet, anyone who drives along Route that’s one reason so many people find 19 and feels a need is welcomed and guided comfort in what has remained steadfast to resources that can help lighten their throughout the years. Friends and neigh- burden and move them forward, often in bors remark that Westminster Church is difficult circumstances. one of the community’s pillars on which In the church’s early days it was things they’ve relied through changing times. like Boy Scouts and youth athletic proWestminster congregation was founded grams. Today, because of our changing as an outreach to the community. Dr. John world, Westminster offers programs includGalbreath literally went door to door, ing Griefshare, Divorce Care, Connectors asking people what they needed. Then (an employment support group), programs he worked with his church members to for those struggling with addiction probprovide exactly those things. Our church lems of their own or of someone they love, community is blessed to offer a caring parenting courses, and a program for those community of faith, reaching out to neigh- who have recently moved into the area. In bors in need—whether they are or are not addition to those group support programs, there are individual programs including church members. That last part is what often surprises Prayer Ministry, a counseling center, and people. Westminster has a wide, continu- our Stephen Ministry, through which indi74

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2009

viduals are connected to a trained church member who is their confidential source of personalized support and caring. Because Westminster Church staff sees ongoing changes in our community we continue to ask—as Dr. Galbreath did many years ago—“Where here do people hurt?” The answers are leading us to upcoming programs in cancer support and Divorce Care for Kids. With more than 60 years of experience, Westminster Church knows how difficult it can be for someone to reach out when you are in need. But it also realizes that the church should reach back, take your hand, share resources, and help you through needy times as well as good times. n

For more information on any of these programs or for other related needs, call Rev. Tammy Yeager at 412-835-6630 or visit www. westminster-church.org. See ad on this page.

Health and Wellness What are “Open-fit” Hearing Devices? Hearing instruments should sound natural from the day you start wearing them. That was not always true before the introduction of “Open-fit” hearing devices. Hearing aid wearers often complained about occlusion (that “plugged up feeling” or “head in a barrel” sensation). With the introduction of the “Open-fit” devices, this issue was addressed by the use of a pliable, soft plastic earmold very small in size. This style earmold is perforated with small holes, which allow natural sound to pass through without sacrificing the required amplification. Previously an individual with more than a mild hearing loss was prohibited from wearing hearing devices with “Open-fit” technology. With the combination of “Open-fit” and advanced Digital Feedback Suppression (DFS), a technology that eliminates annoying whistling sounds, the result is a broader fitting range, greater wearing comfort, and more natural sounding quality. A Legacy of “Open-fit” hearing devices, ReSound’s groundbreaking “Open-fit” technologies launched a whole new category of hearing instruments that changed the industry with the release of ReSound AIR in late 2003. This instrument was designed for people with a mild to moderate hearing loss and became an instant success. With

this evolution in technology, the “Open-fit” devices expanded to fit a broader range of hearing losses while at the same time becoming smaller in size. This reduction in size not only made devices even more discreet to wear and more comfortable, but it increased the ability to fit a greater range of hearing losses. Thus, many manufacturers joined in the revolution of “Open-fit.” The Legacy of “Open-fit,” ReSound continued its legacy in 2008 with the release of dot by ReSoundTM, the world’s smallest hearing device; small in size, yet large in performance. Acceptance in the world of “Open-fit” hearing devices continues to grow with satisfied users. Again in July 2008, be by ReSound™ was introduced as the very first hearing device in an entirely new category called Invisible Open TechnologyTM (IOT). A hearing device like no other, be by ReSoundTM an innovative, groundbreaking instrument designed to be not only open, but also virtually invisible. Hearing loss and other ear-related disorders are some of the most common problems diagnosed and treated in the medical field today. n Article provided by Pittsburgh Audiology. See ad on page 79.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Hands Certified Specialists in Upper Extremity Rehabilitation

The Hand Center of Pittsburgh

The Hand Center of Pittsburgh offers expert care for people with a variety of Hand & Upper Extremity Disorders.

Common Diagnosis Treated: SHOULDER • Rotator Cuff • Impingement • Fracture/Dislocation • Adhesive Capsulitis

WRIST • Tendonitis • Distal Radius Fractures • Carpal Fractures • Ganglion Cyst • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

HAND • Tendonitis • Fractures • Tendon Injuries • Osteo/Reumatoid Arthritis

ELBOW • Overuse Injury/Tendonitis • Fracture/Dislocation • Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

The Hand Center of Pittsburgh • 1145 Bower Hill Road, Suite 203 • Pittsburgh, PA 15243

412.429.1980 www.handcenterpgh.com

Paul Brach, PT, MS, CHT, The Hand Center Not a lot of people understand

what a hand therapist does, or for that matter what it is. Hand therapists are highly specialized physical or occupational therapists that have the expertise in providing rehabilitation to the individual who has been affected by an accident or trauma involving the shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand. Hand therapists also treat individuals who suffer from the affects of repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tennis elbow. Individuals suffering with arthritis can also be treated. There are some simple ways to keep our hands fit and healthy. I know that sounds silly, but the reality is that we use our hands for every single functional task. As soon as we start the day, we use our hands at the bathroom sink by washing our face and brushing our teeth, then scrolling down our Blackberry at 5:30 a.m. to see what emails came in while we were asleep. Our hands are constantly in motion as soon as we get up and until we go to bed. An easy way to care for your hands is to perform simple stretches. Remember, these active stretches should never be painful and only a gentle stretch should be felt. If there Fall 2009

is pain associated with the stretch, then you might consider consulting with your physician or a hand therapist. Initiate the stretch by resting your elbows on a table, Begin with what we like to call the “prayer stretch” by placing your palms together with your fingertips pointing towards the ceiling. Slowly, stretch downward towards the table until you feel a gentle stretch on the underside of your arms. Hold that stretch for approximately 10-12 seconds, then relax and repeat the stretch five times. Often patients remark that they never really appreciated their hands until they injured them. In light of that fact, it is especially important to take the proper steps to promote hand and arm flexibility. A daily routine of stretching the hand and arm for increased flexibility will not only help prevent short term damage, but may help prevent a chronic condition as well. n The Hand Center of Pittsburgh has been serving the South Hills area since July 2007. See ad on this page. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Health and Wellness

David J. Stapor, M.D. Edward D. Poon, M.D. Mark L. Lesh, M.D. Jeffrey M. Matheny, M.D. Certified American Board of Orthopedic Surgery • Sport Related Injuries • Total Joint Replacement Including Minimally Invasive Techniques • Arthroscopic Surgery

1000 Higbee Drive, Suite 106 Bethel Park, PA 15102 Phone: (412) 854-5664

• Carpal Tunnel • Rotator Cuff Repair • ACL Reconstruction • Fracture Care

1200 Brooks Lane, Suite 240 Jefferson Hills, PA 15025 Phone: (412) 469-1660

Office Hours by Appointment

Treatment of Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis Edward Poon, MD, Steel Valley Orthopedic

Arthritis of the hip and knee can be very disabling conditions. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons now estimates that approximately 581,000 knee replacements and more than 193,000 total hip replacements are performed each year in the United States. Furthermore, that number is expected to rise dramatically as the baby boomer generation ages. Though total joint replacement can be highly successful, it is still only indicated after failure of conservative measures. What are alternatives to surgery and how can you delay the need for surgery? First and foremost, it goes without saying that exercise and weight loss have been shown to positively affect the consequences of osteoarthritis. However, the following is a brief synopsis on what additional options your doctor can offer. As always, consult your doctor to determine which, if any, are appropriate for you.

pain relievers, especially in the early stages of arthritis. As arthritis progresses, however, it appears that prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are more effective. A subset of these medications, called COX-2 inhibitors, include Celebrex, and are less irritating to the stomach than other NSAIDs. However, they should probably be used with caution in patients with pre-existing heart disease.

These include over the counter medications such has acetaminophen (Tylenol), naproxen (Aleve), and ibuprofen (Motrin). All these medications can be very effective

Recently, there has been increasing interest in using natural supplements in order to treat arthritis. Glucosamine and chondroitin are natural compounds that are found

Conventional pain relievers

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Joint injections

In more advanced cases, direct injections of medicine in the joint may be recommended by your doctor. The most common of these are corticosteroid joint injections. Viscosupplementation is a newer class of therapy that consists of injecting a gel-like substance called hyaluronic acid in the knee. These are a series of three to five injections and can last over six months. Examples of these include Hyalgan, Synvisc, Supartz, and Euflexxa.

Neutraceuticals

Fall 2009

in the cartilage of joints. It is thought that by taking these oral supplements, you can counteract the natural deterioration of these levels in the joint and thereby protect the joint. The amounts generally administered are glucosamine, 1500 mg, and chondroitin sulfate, 1200 mg daily. At least two months of continuous use is necessary before the full effect is realized. Though an NIH-sponsored study showed no benefit of glucosamine over placebo, there are studies that seem to show that the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin can be somewhat beneficial. Omega-3 fatty acids (also known as fish oils) have also shown some promise in helping arthritic symptoms. Fatty fish are the best dietary source of these compounds. Though the current evidence only supports use for rheumatoid arthritis, its effects on the inflammatory cycle would seem to suggest that it would also help in osteoarthritis as a “natural anti-inflammatory.” Certainly its cardiovascular benefits are well documented and offer an added benefit. They are extremely safe, though should be used with caution for people on blood thinners. n See ad on this page.

Health and Wellness

Plastic Surgical Associates of Pittsburgh Robert W. Bragdon, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Board Certiﬁed in Plastic Surgery

Complete plastic surgical services including cosmetic (breast augmentation-silicone and saline, facelift, liposuction, tummy tuck, rhinoplasty) reconstructive, skin care, BOTOX, Radiesse and Restylane. St. Clair Hospital Ofﬁce 1050 Bower Hill Road, Suite 105 Pittsburgh, PA 15243 412.572.6164 West Penn Hospital Ofﬁce 4815 Liberty Ave, Suite 235 Pittsburgh, PA 15224 412.681.0586

Valley Brook Family Dental Joseph L. Gurecka, DMD

Let us enhance your smile with: Cosmetic Bonding & Veneers Ceramic Crowns Dentures & Non-Metal Partials Advanced Whitening Laser Cavity Detection Laser Based Gum Therapy Dental Implants to Replace Teeth or Anchor Dentures PLUS: Convenient Hours Modern Child Friendly Office Most Insurances Accepted Financing Available

CALL TO SCHEDULE A FREE INTRODUCTORY CLASS!

Peters Town Center

Located at Donaldson’s Crossroads 3909 Washington Road, McMurray, PA

180 Gallery Drive, McMurray PA 15317

724-941-0100

(Adjacent to Festival Foods)

www.tlgpittsburgh-southhillspa.com

www.valleybrookdental.com

(724) 942-8982

Fall 2009

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Health and Wellness Back Pain

Eric D. Nabors, M.D., South Hills Orthopaedic Surgery Associates Back pain is an extremely com- takes four to six weeks. In general, unless a usually not debilitating and does not cause mon condition. Unfortunately, almost person has weakness in their legs or if the radiating pain into the legs. As time goes on, everyone will have at least one episode pain goes on for more than a month, there some individuals will develop a condition called stenosis, which is due to the progresof back pain by age 50. Fortunately, most is no need to seek medical treatment. episodes of back pain are short lived and Serious causes of back pain such as sive deterioration of the discs in the spine. resolve spontaneously. Back pain is second metastatic cancer or infection are quite As discs deteriorates they bulge, and spurs only to upper respiratory infections as a rare in individuals under 50. Once a perform to compensate for the aging disc. This cause for visits to primary care doctors and son reaches age 50, more serious causes of can cause narrowing of the spinal canal, back pain are a concern. The most serious which can cause irritation or pinching of as a cause of time lost from work. The causes of back pain can generally is metastatic cancer (cancer that has spread nerves. This can cause shooting pain in one be divided by age group. Back pain in in- from another part of the body such as breast, or both legs, or cause severe pressure-like pain in the back. This condition virtually dividuals under age 50 is usually related to prostate, lung, kidney, or colon). The signs that back pain might be due never causes paralysis. a strain of ligaments that form part of our The treatment for degenerative condidiscs. These are almost always self limited, to a serious condition such as metastatic meaning that they resolve without any cancer would be pain that does not subside, tions of the spine is generally done in a medical treatment, usually over a period of regardless of body position. Most benign stepwise manner beginning with nonsteroitwo to four weeks. While these strains do back pain can be alleviated by either ly- dal anti-inflammatory medications such resolve on their own, they can cause severe ing down or sitting down. Seek medical as Motrin or Aleve. The following step pain, especially for the first several days. attention if pain occurs at nighttime and would be physical modalities and include The pain will often be a knife-like stabbing while lying down. This sign should not be either physical therapy or chiropractic treatments. The next level of treatment pain which can be debilitating for the first ignored. The most common cause of back pain for would involve what is typically referred to day or two. Despite this intense initial pain, the pain starts to subside in several days and those over 50 is due to arthritic degenera- as pain management, and consist of injecmost people have just a feeling of stiffness tion of the discs. This typically causes achy tions, most common of which is epidural and soreness by a week or two after the soreness in the back, which is often worse symptoms begin. Complete resolution often in the morning or as the day progresses. It is Continued on page 80 See ad on this page.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2009

Health and Wellness

Home Care • Hospice Care • IV Care We care not only for the mind, body and spirit of patients, but of their family and loved ones too. Contact us anytime, or ask your physician for a no-obligation referral.

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Overmedicated and Undereducated Maribeth Twerdok

In this country a typical scenario plays out like this: a person has a physical complaint—a cold, an ache, or a pain—and immediately schedules an appointment with a physician. We live in a quick fix society; people want instant results, and expect to leave the doctors office with a prescription to take to their local pharmacist. Almost all of us have used prescription or over the counter medications. Unfortunately, we have become a nation that is overly dependent on the temporary relief that comes from the drugs that we keep in our medicine cabinets. Very often, we do not recognize that what we are taking may negatively impact our health. Each year, 2.2 million people in the U.S. experience adverse reactions to prescribed drugs while hospitalized, resulting in approximately 106,000 deaths.* Dr. Marc Micucci, of D&M Chiropractic and Therapeutic Rehab in Upper St. Clair, states, ”Most people don’t realize what an extreme statistic that is. It’s the equivalent of a plane crash everyday, with a loss of 290 lives.” Many more unreported drug

reactions occur at home. In one alarming study, the average senior citizen was given 25 prescriptions a year from multiple doctors and used multiple pharmacies to obtain the medications. In those situations, dangerous errors often occur, and it also becomes increasingly difficult to separate drug side effects from disease symptoms. Some of the drugs with the worst side effects have been determined to be NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (antidepressants), and calcium channel blockers. Patients are often given antibiotics, even though they are ineffective against viral infections, and numerous studies have documented concerns about the risks of hormone replacement therapy. Certainly, modern medicine has improved the quality of our lives to some extent, but when does it go too far? The pharmaceutical industry is huge and wants us to believe there is a pill for everything. They increasingly use advertisements to influence consumers. Interestingly, New Zealand and the United States are the only Fall 2009

two countries worldwide that are permitted to advertise prescription drugs on television. In addition, the FDA does not review all ads before they are released and does not allow only the safest and most effective drugs to be promoted for public use, as many believe.* Our bodies possess an incredibly efficient immune system and ability to heal. Of course, in some cases of severe injury or illness, certain medications are necessary. However, patients are too often overmedicated and undereducated as to the dangers of prescription drugs. We should not become complacent about the medicines that we take; we should instead look at ways to reduce our reliance upon them. In many instances, there are more effective ways to handle pain, and to be proactive in our health. Most of us know about the importance of a healthy diet and exercise, and regular dental visits. It is equally important to take care of our spines. Ideally, early childhood Continued on page 80

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Balance is Key for a Happy Teen

Stacie Sebastian, Outreach Teen & Family Services, National Certified Counselor Back to school also means back to stress for many teens. Juggling homework, activities, friends, and family can be a daunting task. Enduring pressures to excel academically, make friends, avoid dangerous situations, and grow up too soon, makes that juggling act even more tiresome. An expectation to be perfect at all things sets an unreachable goal that for many leads to great distress. It may not be possible to avoid most stressors, and some stress can be good for you. As you strive to meet deadlines and complete tasks, each success can increase your level of confidence and raise your self-esteem. These positive qualities help you succeed in all areas of your life, now and in the future. Managing stress is possible and the healthier you manage it, the more of these positive rewards you will gain. Unfortunately, unmanaged stress can lead to feelings of unhappiness, irritability, and poor health. An individual can experience headaches and be more susceptible to colds as chronic stress lowers the immune system. An increasing number of research studies have connected serious illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and even cancer, with long term exposure to chronic stress. The good news is stress can be managed. The key to managing stress is to find balance between your responsibilities and your enjoyable activities. Too much of either can set your life off balance and cause problems. To find your balance you must ask yourself the following question: Do I have enough time for sleeping, eating healthy, exercise, relationships, self-care, and enjoyable activities, in addition to maintaining my responsibilities? The next step is to prioritize and make changes. Write down your typical daily routine, remembering that each one of us is only given 24 hours in a day. Planning more activities than can fit into one day is a very common mistake. Eliminate non-critical, nonbeneficial activities to increase time for activities that benefit you. Schedule fun and relaxation; it is a priority for a healthy lifestyle. Finally, plan ahead; procrastination creates unhealthy stress. "Back Pain" article continued from page 78

steroid injections. The final treatment in some cases is surgery. In general, surgery is the last resort for degenerative conditions of the spine. In individuals over age 70 compression fractures become a fairly common cause of intense back pain. The most common cause for a compression fracture is osteoporosis. Uncommon, but important, causes of compression fractures could be a spread of cancer. An older person with the sudden onset of acute back pain should seek medical attention to evaluate for the possibility of compression fractures. Until about ten or 15 years ago there was no good treatment for compression fractures, and patients were given back braces, pain medication, and were told to let the fracture heal on its own. Within the past ten to 15 years, there are two similar treatments available to help with compression fractures: kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty. In both of these procedures, bone cement (the same material used to secure hip and knee replacements) is injected into the compressed vertebrae. The cement interdigitates into the fractured bone, hardens in about ten minutes, and usually alleviates or greatly improves the pain from the compression fracture immediately. n

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2009

Remember that without the basic self-care of sleeping, eating, exercising, avoiding alcohol and other drugs, taking your prescribed medications correctly, and drinking plenty of fluids, you are making yourself more vulnerable to negative stress. Tips for Teens: 1. Good sleep is a solid foundation on which to build your day; too little as well as too much of it can cause fatigue. Find what works for you and keep a regular routine; eight hours is the usual recommendation. 2. Eat breakfast! Starting your day with nutrition makes it easier to concentrate, which reduces stress. If you are rushed for time, plan ahead and have a healthy grab-andgo snack ready. Make healthy choices at each meal. 3. To maintain a healthy balance, you need down time. Take a break from your social connections and turn your cell phone and computer off at night. 4. Respect your time and don’t be afraid to say “no” to unwanted requests from friends and peers. 5. Avoid alcohol, illegal drugs, and abuse of prescribed drugs. Adding foreign chemicals into your still developing brain and body does short- and long-term damage and can even kill you. 6. Develop a positive outlook and change negative self-talk that can impair your happiness. 7. If you start to feel overwhelmed, seek the assistance of a supportive adult. Accepting emotional support is strength. n Outreach Teen & Family Services, a non-profit community based teen counseling agency located in Mt. Lebanon, can be reached at 412-561-5405 or info@outreachteen.org. For more information, visit www.outreachteen.org. In April 2009, author of this article and USC resident Stacie Sebastian was appointed to a four-year term to serve as a member on USC’s Youth Steering Committee. "Overmedicated" article continued from page 79

chiropractic spinal examinations will help detect subluxations (abnormalities), and should continue consistently throughout our lives to help us avoid problems such as osteoarthritis and lack of mobility. Dr. Micucci explains, “One of the most important things for people to understand about chiropractic is that it addresses the cause of the problem (subluxations) instead of masking the symptoms with unnecessary medications.” It is never too late to seek the help of a chiropractor for existing conditions, such as chronic back and neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, migraine headaches, and other musculoskeletal conditions. In fact, the May 2009 issue of Consumer Reports magazine rated chiropractic number one for management of back pain, and it has long been acknowledged as one of the safest forms of healthcare. It is important for people to carefully research their healthcare options, to take a closer look at all of the medications they are taking, and to realize that many prescription and over the counter drugs are potentially harmful. Common sense dictates that we consider non-invasive methods first, to manage pain and safeguard our health. Chiropractic care may be the answer. With awareness and education, it is possible to live a medication-free life. * Gary Null PhD; Carolyn Dean MD; Martin Feldman MD; Debora Rasio MD; Dorothy Smith PhD. Death by Medicine. n

The 40 Developmental Assets

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      

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   

 

      

 

      

 

    

 

      

 

     

 

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 *For more information from Search Insitiute, visit www.search–institute.org.   Fall 2009  UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 

TEE

YOUT

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Upper St. Clair’s Youth Steering behavior. Research indicates that having 31 and click on “past Committee (YSC) presented a community or more of these assets builds competent, issues” to find the SCH NITY U workshop on “The 40 Developmental As- strong, and healthy youth. article. To find out sets” this past spring. Below, see the list of To read the related article “Creating more about YSC, identified assets. The more of these assets Resilient Youth,” see page 39 of UPPER call Jeff Krantz at AMIL S a child can claim, the lower the chances ST. CLAIR TODAY’s summer 2009 edition 412-835-8880. n TE M ERING CO of his or her becoming involved in risky or visit online at www.twpusc.org/magazine 

Around the Township Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair

Community Day 2009 Events

Winning float ~ USCHS Crew Team

CFUSC Executive Director, Celeste Acinapura (right) presents the Parade Float Trophy and $100 prize to (l-r), Nancie Gallagher, Brent Murphy, Sadie Kalathunkal , Janette Massaro, Adam Puccetti, Katy Vernaccia, and Pam Griffith.

Float Judges - George Pircairn, Linda Serene, Jim Bennett & Linda Marks DUCK RACE WINNERS iPod Touch - Frosina Cordisco Caruso Hair & Esthetics* - David Mollenberg PSO Tickets - Tammy Murray LeMont Restaurant* - Randi Bick Teenage Girl Basket of Goodies - Terry Kish Wild Rosemary Bistro* - Brad Sileo Wild Birds unlimited - Greg Acinapura Bob Evans* - Bill Pohlmann Bob Evans* - Al Lewis Bob Evans* - Mitchell Boring Bob Evans* - John Snyder Stone Pepper's Grill* - Tom Blank Hoodie Sweatshirt - Ciara Stefanik CFUSC Goody Basket - Nancy Barnard Cold Stone Creamery* - Karen Williams * Gift Certificate

FLY FISHING RAFFLE Five one-day fishing passes to Beaver Creek

WINNER Joe Carozza, Murrysville

Rebecca VanRyzin, George Pitcairn, Harry Serene and Mike Marks brave the raging torrent to catch the ducks

Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair 2585 Washington Rd., 15241 • 412-831-1107 • mainstreetusc@gmail.com • www.mainstreetusc.com 82

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(l-r) Becky Stern, Celeste Acinapura and Linda Serene were kept busy selling ducks

Despite the intermittent showers, Community Day was well attended and the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair booth saw a lot of traffic

(l-r) Janet Mosesso, Linda Marks and Rachel VanRyzin manning the “Buck-A-Duck” concession

Another function of CFUSC each spring is releasing funds for . . . COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF UPPER ST. CLAIR COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS Eligibility Requirements, plus Current and Previous Recipients

The Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair is currently the depository for ﬁve college scholarship funds. The due date to have applications to the USCHS Counseling Ofﬁce for 2010-2011 is May 1, 2010.

Ted Barnett Scholarship For any graduating senior who attended Baker Elementary School and will attend a four-year college. Scholarship is based on academics, leadership, extracurricular involvement and volunteerism. Scholarship amount is $500. Application is available in the Counseling Department of USCHS. RECIPIENTS: 2003 Nicholas Carosella 2004 Julie Poljak 2005 James Marsh 2006 Aristaia Vasilakis 2007 Nicholas Shea 2008 Madeline Massaro 2009 Eric Elliott

Ellie Batz Scholarship For a graduating senior who is planning to major or minor in performing or theater arts. Scholarship is based on exceptional talent and leadership. Must have participated in USC Musical or Fall Play for at least two years. Scholarship amount is $500. Application is available through Paul Fox at USCHS. RECIPIENTS: 2002 Trevor Falletta 2003 Darcy Shaffner 2004 Lauren Sapienza 2005 Lara Hillier 2006 Stephanie Malone 2007 Joyce Hinnebusch 2008 Sarah Scola 2009 C. Grant Carey

William A. Pope, Ph.D, Scholarship For a graduating senior planning a post-high school educational program. Applicant essay should provide evidence of: selflessness among peers and a willingness to help others through volunteerism; that the student has achieved the best in school performance; that the applicant has limited opportunities for other academic or athletic scholarships. Scholarship amount is $500. Application is available in the Counseling Department of USCHS. RECIPIENTS: 2004 Timothy Wagner 2005 Jeffrey Harshman 2006 Jenny Malarkey 2007 Lisa Ripper 2008 Vanessa Stuckert 2009 Megan Krantz

Joanne Szymanski Scholarship Started in 2007-2008, for a graduating senior attending a four-year college or university and has indicated an intent to major in mathematics. Preference will be given to applicants who attended middle school in Upper St. Clair. Scholarship amount is $750. Application is available in the Counseling Department of USCHS. RECIPIENT: 2008 Scott Yanak 2009 Amy Twerdok

T.J. White Upper St. Clair Athletic Scholarship Started in 2006-2007, for a graduating senior attending a four-year college who plans on continuing participation in his/her sport. Applicant must have been a member of a USC team sport for all four years of high school and been awarded at least two varsity letters in that sport. A 3.2 Grade Point Average is required. Scholarship amount is $750. Application is available in the Counseling Department of USCHS. RECIPIENTS: 2007 Jeremy Block 2008 Andrea Pion 2009 Elizabeth J. Kline Fall 2009

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Giving Tea The Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair’s Giving Tea, which took place on Wednesday, June 10, was hosted at the home of Judy Stalder, and from the welcoming décor to the lush landscaping, it was an ideal place to rekindle old friendships while raising funds for the Community Foundation. The Community Foundation is anticipating a winter giving tea. Look for details in the winter 2009 edition of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. n

Book Review—The King Rat and His Court

The financial crisis that began in late 2008 has focused attention on political and corporate leadership in America. Many argue that our leaders—elected officials and corporate executives—have jeopardized the financial wellbeing of all Americans and have allowed the financial crisis to grow to epic proportions. Some argue that there seems to be a lack of true leadership in government and the boardroom. Many question the leadership, character, substance, wisdom, and grace of those in power in our society. Is there a systemic problem that lurks below the surface and operates in darkness? The King Rat and His Court: Lessons in Corporate Greed was released on April 1, 2009. The book examines large organizations from the inside out, starting with the CEO and chairman of the board, and then tackling everyone involved, from Wall Street analysts to executive search firms. No one gets a free ride, and the only protagonist is the honest, hard working employee and shareholder. The book’s author, William Bruno, researched and prepared the manuscript for his book at the Carnegie Library in Oakland, the downtown Business Library, and the Upper St. Clair Township Library. With 30 years experience in corporate boardrooms and by interacting with CEOs and their advisors, he recognized the 84

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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characteristics of unqualified, unethical leaders. While examining such leaders and their associates, he became aware of the similarity of their behaviors to those of rat communities. Sure enough, through research on the ethology of rats and the sociology of wayward leaders, the match was nearly perfect! The book examines what types of organizations are likely breeding grounds for rats, while providing guidance for honest employees to detect and exterminate the rats. Armed with this information, the reader is called to assess his or her own organization with the hope to find honesty, efficiency, and fairness, but with the pragmatism to know that infestation is usually just a matter of degree. To make this serious subject come alive, Bruno engaged artist Eduardo del Rio to illustrate the book. Del Rio’s illustrations give the book a sense of determined irony. This most serious of subjects is also comical, and although average employees are desperate to restore honesty and integrity to their organizations, they must first laugh at their leaders. For those who have asked the questions “How did we get ourselves into this state of affairs?” and “Are we too far gone?” The King Rat and His Court provides answers. n Author of The King Rat and His Court: Lessons in Corporate Greed William Bruno and his wife, Lynne, are residents of Deerfield Manor. Information about the author and the book may be viewed at www.thekingrat.com.

Local Jewelers are Gems

What a Team!

Kristin Brown, Director of Development and Marketing, The Early Learning Institute

$95 We’ve sold $87 million together since 2002. Interview us!

The Early Learning Institute’s

(TELI) Gift Basket Luncheon was held on Wednesday, May 13 at the home of Barbara Giglotti in neighboring Venetia. Gift Basket Luncheon attendees, including Veronica and Vanessa Guarino and Andrea Kaczmarek of Upper St. Clair, enjoyed a day of gorgeous weather, great company, and fabulous food. The event is held each year as an in-kind fundraiser for TELI’s Jewel Ball auction with proceeds benefiting The Early Learning Institute’s preschool programs. With over 50 guests in attendance at this year’s luncheon, TELI received over $6000 in cash and in-kind donations, including gift certificates, home décor items, spa essentials, wine, and accessories. The generous donations will be packaged together and placed in gift baskets to be auctioned at TELI’s second annual Jewel Ball-Masquerade, proudly sponsored by Louis Anthony Jewelers. Louis and Veronica Guarino, owners of Louis Anthony Jewelers, have been long-time supporters of The Early Learning Institute. Lou has been involved with TELI for over eight years and served on its board of directors for six years. He is now an honorary board member for his hard work, commitment, and sponsorship of the Jewel Ball. Both his wife, Veronica, and his sister, Andrea Kaczmarek, serve on the Jewel Ball committee and have

worked tirelessly to obtain sponsorships and stunning in-kind donations for the Jewel Ball auction. The family believes strongly in the mission of The Early Learning Institute and their efforts over the years speak of their commitment to children of all abilities and their families living in Allegheny County. Last year’s Jewel Ball raised over $48,000 for TELI’s preschool programs, which are designed to help every child reach their full potential and succeed in school. This year’s Jewel Ball-Masquerade will be held at St. Clair Country Club on Saturday, October 17 and will feature entertainment by Sputzy and The Soul Providers, silent and live auctions, an action painter, delectable food and beverages, as well as a chance to win a $5000 store credit to Louis Anthony Jewelers; costumes and black-tie optional. With more than 50 years of experience, The Early Learning Institute is the Allegheny County’s leading provider of early intervention and early childhood education programs. Serving more than 1600 infants, toddlers, and children across Allegheny County, TELI provides a powerful range of early intervention services that go above and beyond to help children realize their fullest potential. The preschool program at The Early Learning Institute enables children ages three to five to play and learn together through a curLeft to right are, front row: Vanessa Guarino; back row: Kara riculum designed for children of Rutkowski, Andrea Kaczmarek, Veronica Guarino all abilities. n

Bonnie

Marlene

Bonnie Detwiler ext. 158 Marlene McNaughton ext. 122

412-831-0100

RDP Studio Ltd. SPECIAL NEEDS PERSONAL TRAINING 733 Washington Road Suite 107

Mt. Lebanon, PA

Easy access to parking and wheelchair accessible.

I provide specialized exercise for individuals who are physically challenged with conditions such as:

Arthritis Fibromyalgia Multiple Sclerosis Rose Popovitch Lynn Joint Replacements Muscular Dystrophy Post Physical Therapy Training is provided one-on-one in my private studio, where the focus is on you and you alone.

I may be able to help you. If you are interested in attending the Jewel Ball or would like to learn more about The Early Learning Institute, contact Kristin Brown, director of development and marketing, at 412-992-8322, extension 20 or by emailing kristinb@telipa.org. Also visit www.telipa.org.

Fall 2009

www.rdp-studio.com 412.818.1599 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

The Township of Upper St. Clair Federal and State Elected Officials Federal Government

Elected Executive Officials President Barack H. Obama Vice President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. 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 Robert P. Casey, Jr. – 412-803-7370 Fax: 412-803-7379 U.S. House of Representatives Website: www.house.gov Tim Murphy – 18th District 412-344-5583 • Fax 412-429-5092

Pennsylvania State Government Elected Executive Officials

800-932-0784 www.state.pa.us Governor Edward G. Rendell Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll Auditor General Jack Wagner State Treasurer Rob McCord Attorney General Tom Corbett Elected Legislative Officials State Senator John Pippy 412-571-3822 • Fax: 412-571-3328 37th District State Representative John Maher 412-831-8080 • Fax: 412-831-8083 40th District District Justice Robert C. Wyda 412-835-1661 Information from Facts for Citizens published by the League of Women Voters – 412-261-4284

VOTER REGISTRATION 412-350-4500

Registration closes October 5, 2009 86

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Super Bowl XLIII Ring

In creating the ring to recognize the first NFL franchise to win six Super Bowl championships, the Steelers wanted each of the elements to reflect the historical significance of the accomplishment. Six diamonds surround the Steelers logo to draw the eye to the ring crest, with each gem signifying a Super Bowl victory. The Steelers logo is formed with yellow, red, and blue stones in the shape of hypocycloids sitting atop a football-shaped design created with 32 diamonds. Seven diamonds at each tip of the football recognize the team’s seven AFC Championships and when combined, the 14 diamonds signify the number of Division titles in Steelers history. One side of the ring depicts six Lombardi Trophies rising from Heinz Field

to recognize the support and loyalty of Steelers fans. The score of the game— Pittsburgh 27, Arizona 23—flanks the Lombardi trophies, with the official logo of Super Bowl XLIII on a field of green enamel. The opposing side of the ring is personalized with each individual player’s name and jersey number. That side also incorporates the Steelers helmet and the NFL shield to acknowledge both team and league. The ring is cast in 14 karat yellow gold, weighs 104 grams (approximately 3.7 ounces), and incorporates 63 diamonds totaling 3.61 carats. n

The Joy of Giving Learning Express of Mt. Lebanon

has civic pride that extends throughout the South Hills community. Participation in fundraising opportunities for schools and civic organizations is what makes this store a hub for interactivity and community spirit. Learning Express supports local PTAs with various fundraising programs. They also assist local preschools and school teachers by ordering supplies for their classrooms. As members of the local community, the owners are especially sensitive the special needs of their customers and their families. For example, Learning Express recently

hosted a charity event at its Galleria store in honor of a local child who was undergoing treatment at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. The event was a huge success and enabled Learning Express to donate $1400 worth of toys to the hospital’s new Austin’s Playroom and Lemieux Sibling Center. The event turnout and the overwhelming support for this child and his family was remarkable. “As storeowners, it is truly a pleasure to give back to the wonderful customers that make our store a success,” said Amy Bahm, owner of Learning Express. n

St. Clair Hospital Receives Awards The Hospital & Healthsystem

Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) named St. Clair Hospital as a dual winner in HAP’s 2009 Achievement Awards Program designed to showcase hospital and health system best practices. The hospital’s winning entries in the annual awards program were submitted under the categories of patient care and operational excellence. The patient care entry was entitled “Achieving American College of Cardiology Guidelines for Management of Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infaction” and was prepared by Shawn Balaschak, R.N., BSN, manager, Cardiac Catheterization Lab. St. Clair’s cardiac catheterization lab is recognized as having the fastest “Door-To-Balloon” time of all hospitals in southwestern Pennsylvania that treat heart attack victims with balloon angioplasty, a procedure in Fall 2009

which physicians use a small balloon to reopen blocked heart arteries, restoring blood flow, preserving precious heart muscle, and, ultimately, saving lives. The operational excellence entry was entitled “Improving Patient Flow in the Emergency Department Using Toyota-Based Methods” and was prepared by David Kish, R.N., BA, executive director, Emergency Services and Patient Logistics. St. Clair’s newly expanded emergency department (ED) has developed a reputation throughout its service area for treating patients with speed and quality. The ED is ranked in the top five percent of all “like-sized” EDs in the nation for patient satisfaction, according to Press Ganey, a national research firm that measures customer satisfaction for hospitals throughout the country. n For more information, visit www.stclair.org.

Prof iles

on People with USC Connections recipiCameos of Caring Award St. Clair Hospital’s 2009 bit of a ieves she might have had ent Susan Byrd, R.N. bel The n. itio pet ng into this year’s com is an unfair advantage goi n, tio lita abi reh c dia ff nurse in car reason, says Susan, a sta ” tal. spi ho the t job in simple: “This is the bes tal, was eran of St. Clair Hospi vet ar -ye 35 a , san Su prising com e tte mi award by a com selected for this year’s o demwh s rse nu s ize ogn ich rec past Cameos winners, wh ocate adv nursing care, serve as an onstrate excellence in the of e enc ess s, and embody the for patients and familie nursing profession. ool of the Mercy Hospital Sch After graduating from labor the in s s first nursing job wa in Nursing in 1970, Susan’ tal spi Ho rcy Me r at the forme and delivery department family her and she en Wh tion. Pittsburgh’s Uptown sec ir Hospital ls, she applied at St. Cla Hil th Sou the to ved mo since. and has been there ever

S e v e r a l re t i re d U S C School District teachers and administrators enjoyed camaraderie and lunch at Piccolina’s Res taur ant in Pin ebri dge Commons this past spring. Afte r year s of wor king together to instruct and lead USC students, there’s always a lot to talk about. Do you recognize anyone?

Left to right, front row: Jim Render, Terry Kushner, Chuck Samek, Bill Pope , and Frank Carr; back row: John Small, Ted Barnett, Walt Henricks, Bob Furman, and Carl Lindstrom.

History & Landmarks This past spring, the Pittsburgh graduate Matt Boyas 2009 HS USC ded Foundation (PHLF) awar the community and coma scholarship for his involvement in history, architecture, and s mitment to the value of Pittsburgh’ landscape design. ege this fall to study Matt, who entered Dartmouth Coll alaureate program, Bacc l history, completed USC’s Internationa ety, editor-in-chief Soci or Hon onal served as secretary of the Nati was active in the music of the school’s literary magazine, and the head junior docent at department. He also volunteered as ric landmark in Collier histo Woodville Plantation, a national ip, integrity, and initiaersh lead ed play Township, where he “dis dhorst, president of ol volunteer,” commented Rob Win tive far beyond the typical high scho Neville House Associates. ip Program for the & Landmarks Foundation Scholarsh Applications for the Pittsburgh History for more information. in January 2010. Visit www.phlf.org 2009-10 school year will be available

Know of a resident to profile?

Send information to: Editor, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 or usctoday @ uscsd.k12.pa.us Fall 2009

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Home Energy Audit Can Lead to Savings

Vasso Paliouras, Pro Energy Consultants, President

Share news about USC with others. An annual subscription to UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is just the answer! For just $12 (add $10 for international mailing), your loved one (college student, family member, or friend who moved away) can keep tabs on USC and receive our next four issues. Please specify the address to which you would like the subscription sent. Send $12 check made payable to UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY to: UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 88

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Every summer, residents in Upper St. Clair complain that even with central air conditioning, they cannot cool the second floor of their home and have to rely on ceiling fans. Meanwhile, their basements are extremely cold. In the winter time, these complaints turn to the inability to heat the downstairs of the home. Homeowners who live in homes that may only be as old as 25 years old find themselves upset that they spend so much money on utilities for homes that have modern insulation, double paned windows and more efficient HVAC systems. These are symptoms to energy leakage within the home. A home is one of the greatest investments an individual or family can make. It is also where people want to feel the most comfortable. One easy way to get a handle on utility bills and energy usage is to have a home energy audit. Professional energy auditors will investigate the entire home with the use of specialized equipment like a blower door and infrared camera. The blower-door test provides clues to the results of an audit. A large fan is used to slightly depressurize the house. Air is forced out of the home to exaggerate the leaky areas where air comes in exposing gaps in the home’s exterior. An infrared camera is used to thermally scan the home and translates hot and cold into color images. The results of these tests let the homeowner know the source of the leaks. Homeowners are then armed with the information needed to make important money saving improvements by eliminating the guesswork. If you answer “yes” to any of the following Fall 2009

questions, a home energy audit might be a good consideration. • Do you think your utility bills are higher than they should be? • Do you suspect that your home is not as energy efficient as it should be? • Do you have difficulty cooling your second floor in the summer time and heating the downstairs in the winter? • Do you feel big temperature differences from room to room or floor to floor? • Would you like to know what improvements to make to your home to make it as energy efficient as possible? What Will it Cost? Home energy audits range in price based on the size of the home. Normally, homeowner can recover the cost of an audit in energy savings in no time. Regardless of the age of the home, new and current homeowners should view home energy audits as a necessity and part of the process in planning home improvement projects. Homeowners who are selling their homes should also consider an audit to give their home an advantage and distinction from other houses on the market. According to Pennsylvania’s Green Government Council, a home’s value increases by $25 for every $1 decrease in energy usage. Learning about your home is an invaluable experience. Find out where your home is losing energy and you’re losing money. n Pro Energy Consultants, a national home energy auditing company, is now in the Pittsburgh area. See ad on this page.

Fitness Walking Trail Wins International Award Country Meadows Retirement

Communities has received international recognition for a fitness program that uses creativity to challenge residents to complete a variety of fitness challenges used in everyday life. Country Meadows’ Fitness Walking Trail received a 2008 Industry Innovator Award from the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) as one of the year’s most innovative active aging programs. “Country Meadows residents perform their own kind of triathlon every day facing at least three physical challenges such as getting on and off a bus, navigating a shopWalking the award-winning fitness trail ping center or completing several hours of volunteer work,” explains Kim Eichinger, executive director of fitness at Country Meadows. “The Fitness Walking Trail was designed to help residents preserve their ability to meet these challenges.” The Fitness Walking Trail program guides participants through a variety of stations where they complete exercises that simulate movements involved in daily activities. The program is used in all Country Meadows Retirement communities, including its campuses located in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. The Fitness Walking Trail was inspired by the fitness training principle of specificity—the same principle used by triathletes. Specificity means that in order to improve performance in a particular activity or skill one must train by practicing that activity or skill. “Country Meadows provides an inspiring example for everyone striving to support healthy, vibrant living for adults ages 50 and older,” says Colin Milner, ICAA founder and CEO. “The Fitness Walking Trail offers an innovative, high quality approach to wellness—one that promotes health, well-being and quality of life of older adults and helps individuals stay independent,” praises Milner. “ICAA congratulates Country Meadows on the excellence and creativity demonstrated in this award-winning effort.” An in-depth profile of the Fitness Walking Trail will appear in the ICAA’s bimonthly Journal on Active Aging in 2009. This article will spotlight the cutting edge initiative for active aging industry leaders and governmental organizations. ICAA supports professionals who develop wellness and fitness facilities and services for adults over 50 years of age. The annual ICAA awards honor excellence and creativity in the health and wellness field. They also recognize organizations that have developed cutting edge programs to support active aging. The award winning offerings target any or all of the six dimensions of wellness—emotional, vocational, physical, spiritual, intellectual and social. n

Walking while juggling

Country Meadows operates nine retirement communities within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and one in Frederick, MD. Country Meadows offers independent living, assisted living, Alzheimer’s/Memory Support and restorative programs. More information can be found at www.countrymeadows.com. See ad on page 15. Fall 2009

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Happenings! Military Connections Corporation, an Upper St. Clair non-profit organization, is sponsoring its second annual “Stocking for a Soldier.” Being away from home for the holidays is very difficult. As a morale booster, holiday stockings, filled with food and supplies, will be sent to U.S. troops serving our nation. Military Connections was established specifically for the purpose of supporting our troops. To sponsor a member of our armed forces and to cover the cost of one stocking and its contents, send $10 to Military Connections, 3211 Arapahoe Road, USC, PA 15241. To reach the troops by Christmas, the stockings will be mailed by December 5. All donations are tax deductible. For more information, visit www.militaryconnections.blogspot.com, email militaryconnections@hotmail.com, or call 412-496-8941.

Roll for a Reason Bunco—it’s an afternoon out with a mission! Have fun with friends, roll some dice, and raise money to help find a cure for breast and ovarian cancer. The game is easy and you don’t have to know how to play to join in. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 3 at John McMillan Presbyterian Church in Bethel Park. The game starts promptly at 1:30 p.m. A registration fee of $20 reserves a spot at a Bunco table and includes table snacks, dessert bar, a goody bag, and chances for door prizes. Raffle tickets for gift baskets and a 50/50 drawing will be on sale during the event. Prizes will be awarded for “most wins” and “most Buncos,” as well as table and door prizes. All proceeds benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. For more information, email rollforareasonbunco@gmail.com, contact Karen at 412-833-0371, or check the website http://sites.google.com/site/rollforareason.

The Photographic Section of the Academy of Science and Art of Pittsburgh invites you to its Fall Photography Exhibit at The Galleria in Mt. Lebanon. Photos will be displayed daily on the upper level during mall hours Monday, September 28 through Sunday, October 11. The Photo Section, a non profit organization in existence since 1885, is the oldest photography club in continuous operation in the United States. The goal of the Section has been the study, encouragement, and advancement of the knowledge, practice and appreciation of photography. The Academy was established in 1890 by a group of city leaders led by Andrew Carnegie and was the earliest effort to provide a source of education to the community of Pittsburgh through as many as 11 sections. Photography has evolved from the daguerreotype and ambrotypes to cellulose film and now to digital imagery. With over 100 members, this club demonstrates a strong continued interest in the art of photography. Its membership includes Upper St. Clair residents Sam Avampato, Nancy Barnard, Nancy Koch, Ron Lane, Tom Martin, David Rice, Rosemarie Salerni, Bill Shields, and Fred Will. Members of the Photo Section are proud of its long history and truly hope you will appreciate the quality of the work produced by the members. For more information about the club and meeting times and locations, visit www.pghphoto.org.

Wesley Spectrum’s Tour of Homes will be held on Sunday, October 4, noon-5 p.m. Exquisite homes from Upper St. Clair and Peters Township are included on the tour. Attending the tour provides homeowners with great ideas for building, renovating, decorating, designing, furnishing, and landscaping. Proceeds from the event benefit the programs of Wesley Spectrum Services. Wesley Spectrum provides a diverse range of education, mental health, and social services to individuals and families in western Pennsylvania, creating life-changing support by integrating services to best meet the needs of those served. Wesley Spectrum currently serves more than 3000 children and 7000 family members. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by calling Wesley Spectrum at 412-831-9390. Visit www.wesleyspectrum.org for further details.

The Denis Theatre Foundation presents the season’s final Last Saturday Cinema free outdoor movie in the heart of Mt. Lebanon, on Washington Road at Parse Way. Come to see “Mad Hot Ballroom” on Saturday, August 29 at 9 p.m. The Denis Theatre Foundation is a volunteer effort to revive Mt. Lebanon’s classic movie theatre for films, performance, and community events as part of a vibrant business district. For more information, visit www.denistheatre.org. 90

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Fall 2009

The Mt. Lebanon Sunrise Rotary Club is hosting its eighth annual Art in the Park Saturday and Sunday, October 3-4. Held in Mt. Lebanon Park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, the event features more than 50 artists, several food vendors, live music, children’s activities, and more. Perfect for a fall family outing, this regional event highlights artisans from Pittsburgh and beyond and includes exhibitors in the following categories: oil, watercolor, and pastels; textiles and weaving; needlework and florals; glass, ceramics, and jewelry; photography and woodcarving; and furniture. For more information, visit www.mtlrotaryartinthepark.org.

Happenings! Family Hospice and Palliative Care is hosting its first Hospice River Walk on Sunday, October 11 along Heritage Trail in Pittsburgh’s South Side. The family-oriented event features a candlelight 5K walk at 7 p.m., with registration, entertainment, and children’s activities beginning at 5:30 p.m. Mary Beth Allegretti, an Upper St. Clair resident and active Family Hospice and Palliative Care volunteer, says the Hospice River Walk “is an event that speaks to the entire community. It is open to anyone who has lost someone. The walk will be a wonderful way for family, friends, and colleagues to memorialize those they love.” Mary Beth’s husband, Jon, is chair of the nonp ro f i t o rg a n i z a t i o n ’s Board for Institutional Jon and Mary Beth Allegretti Advancement. Family Hospice special events coordinator, Karen Eckstein, also of Upper St. Clair, anticipates at least 2000 people and multiple sponsors at the inaugural event. “The walk has already generated great excitement in the community,” she said. “Churches, families, clubs, and businesses are forming teams. And, of course, the walk is open to people of all ages. You don’t have to walk the whole 5K to participate!” Proceeds from Hospice River Walk benefit Family Hospice programs and services. Registration forms and directions to Heritage Trail (behind the Cheesecake Factory at South Side Works) can be obtained at Family Hospice’s website, www.familyhospice.com, or by calling 412-572-8812. Friends of Family Hospice and Palliative Care auxiliary group will hold a card party and luncheon in October. All donations will benefit services provided to Family Hospice patients and their families. For more information or to make a reservation, call 412-572-8812. Family Hospice and Palliative Care seeks volunteers to work with patients and help in the offices in Mt. Lebanon. Call 412-572-8806 for more information. The DeMarlillac Guild of St. Louise DeMarillac church will hold its annual “Joy of Christmas” craft show Saturday, November 21, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., in the LeGras Parish Center and school, 320 McMurray Road. Browse the wares of 100 crafters. Lunch will be available. Admission is $2 and includes a ticket for the Chinese auction.

PRIME TIME Adult Care will sponsor a holiday craft fair on Saturday, November 7, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Christian Life Center at Christ United Methodist Church in Bethel Park. With 62 tri-state area crafters, there is sure to be something to please everyone! Lunch and refreshments are available and a silent auction is also planned. Admission is free. Proceeds benefit PRIME TIME Adult Care, a non-profit organization specializing in the medical supervision and caring of the frail elderly, those with functional impairments, and those with Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia. It’s never too early to start thinking “Holidays!” Why not decorate “live” this year with colorful poinsettias? As a longstanding fundraiser, the Upper St. Clair High School Swim Team will hold its annual poinsettia sale, selling a variety of holiday plants including white, red, pink, and marble poinsettias of sizes which include one, two, or three plants per pot. Also for sale are white mumsettias (white mums surrounding a red poinsettia plant) and a ceramic snowman planter filled with a small poinsettia. Prices range from $9 to $24 per selection. Phone orders can be placed by calling any high school swimmer from October through early November, with cash and checks accepted prior to order placement. Delivery to your home by a USC swimmer is anticipated early December. Public notices will be displayed this fall on Cable 7 and the USC Community Foundation’s electronic announcements. USC Swim Club offers year-round water-related activities through its swim club, swim lessons, diving lessons, and instruction for lifesaving and CPR. Don’t get caught “out of the water.” Swimming is a life sport! Team tryouts for the competitive swim club will be held in September. For more information, visit www.uscswimclub.org or call USC Swim Club President Doug Shaffer at 412-220-4233. The South Hills Elks Lodge #2213 is accepting new members. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is a fraternal, non-profit organization dedicated to helping the youth of the South Hills and assisting our veterans. The South Hills Elks has a full banquet hall for rent and offers dinners to the public on Wednesdays and Fridays from 5-8 p.m. The Lodge is open weekdays for members from 4-11 p.m. for bar service, and horseshoe and pool leagues. For more information, visit online at www.myspace.com/southhillselks or call the Elks at 412-831-0616 or email sohillselks@hotmail.com. n Fall 2009

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Local Clubs and Organizations Directory 1830 Log House Association Kimberly Guzzi, President . ...................................412-851-0570 American Assoc. of Retired Persons Bob Ericson.............................................................412-833-7012 American Assoc. of University Women Helpline............................................................ 1-800-326-AAUW Bethel-St. Clair Evening Rotary Club (www.bethelstclairrotary.org) 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 Gretchen Herron, Membership Chairperson.... 412-833-8427 Civil Air Patrol Glenn Ward.......................................................... 412-221-0846 Community Foundation of USC Celeste Acinapura, Executive Director............. 412-831-1107 Different Strokes Tennis League Gina Braun ............................................................412-221-5717 Friends of the Library Kenneth Leonardi, President ..............................412-833-2553 Friends of the Montour Trail in Bethel Park Peter Kohnke, President...................................... 412-854-1835 Girl Scouts of USC Colleen Pikras........................................................412-854-8150 colleenpi408@gmail.com League of Women Voters Laryn Finder........................................................... 412-835-4097 Lifespan Virginia Jurofcik, Executive Director................... 412-464-1300 Mothers and More Membership.......................................................... 412-774-2138 Odyssey of the Mind (www.uscootm.com) Alison Hess, Program Coordinator.......................412-854-0794 PTA Council Liz Hall.....................................................................412-851-1757 eliz.hall@verizon.net Parent/Teacher/Student Organization (PTSO) Tina Seech..............................................................724-942-3927 tseech@yahoo.com South Hills Chamber of Commerce www.shchamber.org . .........................................412-306-8090 South Hills College Club Betsy Harkins, President....................................... 412-561-2034 South Hills Cotillion Club......................................412-221-5976 South Hills Interfaith Ministries (SHIM) James Guffey, 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 Susan Miller............................................................ 412-854-4837

Trotwood Manor West Association John VanCleve.................................................... 412-854-4767 USC Athletic Association (www.uscaasports.org) Tom Burke, President.............................................412-221-8591 Baseball.......................Tom Murray................... 412-220-9380 Boys’ Basketball..........Jeff Conn...................... 412-257-3239 Girls’ Basketball..........Tony Reda..................... 412-257-2386 Football.......................Chris Lee........................412-854-4863 Softball.........................Kris Price........................ 724-941-7410 Fall Soccer...................Bill Littrell........................ 412-835-7533 Traveling Soccer.........Craig Howie.................. 412-835-2128 Wrestling......................Jim Wilding.................... 412-835-4270 USC Band Parents (www.uscbpa.org) Stacey Saracco, President .................................412-257-8889 USC-Bethel Park Breakfast Rotary Club John Gisleson........................................................ 412-577-5216 USC Chamber of Commerce Rosemary Siddall.................................................. 412-833-9111 USC Citizens for Land Stewardship (www.usccls.org) Patrick Campbell................................................. 412-831-3289 USC Democratic Committee Brien Wall................................................................412-831-8281 USC Fly Fishing Club Ed DiGangi.............................................................412-805-1593 USC Historical Society Jean Brown........................................................... 412-833-2323 USC Hockey Club Steve Gielarowski................................................. 412-835-2327 USC League for the Arts (USCLA) Ned Garnhart .......................................................412-835-7640 USC Library Helen Palascak, Director..................................... 412-835-5540 USC Lions Club Dave Jones............................................................412-835-3998 USC Lions Club Plastic Trash Bag Sales Dave Jones............................................................412-835-3998 USC Newcomer’s Club (www.mainstreetusc.com/newcomers/ncindex.htm) Emily Huisman, President USC Republican Committee Jim Bolas, Chairman ........................................... 412-833-9841 bolasjm@cs.com USC Senior Citizens Amy Kerman............................................... 412-221-1099, x603 USC Swim Club Doug Shaffer, President........................................412-220-4233 USC Volunteer Firefighters Jerry Kopach, Jr., President ............................... 412-835-0660 USC Woman’s Club Shirley Tadda, President ..................................... 412-854-4955 YMCA South Hills Area Mike Lloyd............................................................. 412-833-5600

Call the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY office at 412-833-1600, extension 2284, by January 2, 2010, if your club or organization would like to be listed in our Spring 2010 directory, if we have wrong information, or if the club or organization’s information is expected to change by March 2010. Thank you. For an online version, visit www.twpusc.org/magazine/features/index.htm 92

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Fall 2009

Are You a Newcomer to USC?

The Newcomer’s Club of Upper St. Clair, a social organization for women who have moved to the Township within the past two years or who have had a significant life-style change, is designed to develop fellowship and acquaintances among new residents. The club also promotes assimilation into the civic life and social activities of Upper St. Clair. To get you acquainted with your new community, the club offers many activities and special interest groups to choose from, including book club, Bunko, mom and tots playgroup, family outings, and girls’ night out. The club invites you to attend one of its monthly welcoming coffees. n For more information, contact club president Emily Huisman at 412-595-7624 or esaxophish@gmail.com.

cell:

Board members, left to right, front row: Catherine O’Malley, Emily Huisman; back row: Heather Ziegler, Kelli Glunt, Debbie Ogrodnik

Mt. Lebanon Junior Women’s Club

www.sandygoldstein.com sandy@sandygoldstein.com

Awards Local Organizations with Grant Funds Mt. Lebanon Junior Women’s Club (MLJWC) aims to give back to the

community through civic, philanthropic, and social activities. Over the past 40 years, MLJWC has donated more than $500,000 to local Pittsburgh-area charities and organizations through various fundraising efforts including an annual charity benefit event that focuses on an organization that assists women and/or children as its primary beneficiary. MLJWC presented a $12,500 grant to Lydia’s Place, Inc. this past May. This grant was made possible through the efforts of MLJWC’s 12th annual benefit, “A Night Under the Big Top,” which was held in March at Sheraton Station SquarePittsburgh. Over 200 guests attended this spectacular evening that featured music, dancing, silent auction extravaganza, basket raffle menagerie, and a circus midway gaming area. Lydia’s Place, a non-profit agency in Allegheny County, helps incarcerated and recently released mothers and their children rebuild their lives and strengthen their relationships. Through pre-release

classes, support groups, and one-on-one case management services, Lydia’s Place helps mothers overcome their addictions and create a more stable life. Experts have called the children of prisoners in Allegheny County an “invisible” population. With the support of Lydia’s Place, these needy children and families are able to build stronger, healthier relationships and a more productive life. To read more about Lydia’s Place, visit www.lydiasplace.org. Now entering its 42nd year, MLJWC understands the importance of giving back to the greater Pittsburgh community and looks forward to continuing its legacy of community service. n MLJWC is a civic, philanthropic, and social organization founded in 1968. Located in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, it is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization with an annual membership of approximately 80 women from the South Hills area. MLJWC concentrates on advancing the status of women and children in the region through volunteer efforts, and by providing financial support from the MLJWC Charitable Fund to well-deserving charities. For more information, visit www.mljwc.com. Fall 2009

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Serving Upper St. Clair Churches and Synagogues Alliance Church of Upper St. Clair 2510 Old Washington Road—412-835-4775 Berean Fellowship Church 300 Rockfield Circle, Scott Township 412-220-4673 Bethany Presbyterian Church 740 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville 412-221-5132 Beth-El Congregation Of South Hills 1900 Cochran Road, Mt. Lebanon 412-561-1168 Bethel Presbyterian Church 2999 Bethel Church Road, Bethel Park 412-835-0405 Beverly Heights United Presbyterian Church 1207 Washington Road—412-561-5100 Center Presbyterian Church 255 Center Church Road, McMurray 724-941-9050 Chartiers Creek Community Church 4017 Washington Road #1000, McMurray 1-888-59CREEK (27335) Christ Community Church of the South Hills Eisenhower Elementary School—Sunday 10a.m. www.cccsh.org Christ United Methodist Church 44 Highland Road, Bethel Park—412-835-6621 Faith Lutheran Church of Upper St. Clair 80 Bartley Road—412-835-4590 First Bethel United Methodist Church 5901 Library Road, Bethel Park—412-835-0700

St. George Orthodox Church 610 Dewey Avenue, Bridgeville 412-221-2277

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

St. Gregory Byzantine Catholic Church 2005 Mohawk Road—412-835-7800 saintgregorychurch@gmail.com

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

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

Bethel Park Presbyterian Church 2999 Bethel Church Road, Bethel Park—412-835-0441

St. Louise de Marillac Roman Catholic Church 320 McMurray Road—412-833-1010

Beverly Heights Christian Preschool 1207 Washington Road—412-561-7200

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

Center Church Christian Preschool 255 Center Church Road, McMurray—724-941-9050

St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church 126 Fort Couch Road 412-833-0031 South Hills Assembly 2725 Bethel Church Road, Bethel Park 412-835-8900 South Hills Bible Chapel 300 Gallery Drive, McMurray 724-731-2002 or 724-941-8990 South Hills Church of the Nazarene 5601 Library Road, Bethel Park—412-831-6333 South Hills Community Baptist Church 2400 Old Washington Road—412-833-1313 South Hills Interfaith Ministries 1900 Sleepy Hollow Road, South Park 412-854-9120 Temple Emmanuel 1250 Bower Hill Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-279-7600

First Church of Christ Scientist 1100 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon 412-561-1125

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

Hillside Christian Community 1050 Campbells Run Road, Carnegie—412-279-2996

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

Holy Child Parish 212 Station Street, Bridgeville—412-221-5213 Holy Cross Greek Orthodox 123 Gilkeson Road, Mt. Lebanon 412-833-3355 Hope Lutheran Church 2799 Old Washington Road—724-941-9441 Mt. Lebanon Christian Church Cedar Blvd. at Hollycrest Dr., Mt. Lebanon 412-531-8554 Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church 255 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-531-3387 New Day Assembly of God 701 Circle Drive—724-941-1661 Our Redeemer Lutheran Church (ELCA) 105 Gateshead Drive, McMurray—724-941-7467 Peters Creek Presbyterian Church 250 Brookwood Road, Peters Twp.—724-941-6210 Ruthfred Lutheran Church Patterson and South Park Roads, Bethel Park 412-835-7140 St. David’s Episcopal Church 905 E. McMurray Road, Peters Twp. 724-941-4060 94

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Nursery Schools

Day Care (Children) Bethel Park Presbyterian Church 2999 Bethel Church Road, Bethel Park 412-835-1043 Christ United Methodist Child Care Center 44 Highland Road, Bethel Park—412-854-4310 First Bethel United Methodist Church Kings School 5901 Library Road, Bethel Park—412-835-6141 Happy Face Day Care Center 3322 Washington Road, McMurray—724-941-4172 KinderCare Learning Center 1040 Clifton Road, Bethel Park—412-831-1888 Magic Years 119 Hidden Valley Road, McMurray—724-941-5569 Westminster Child Development Center 2040 Washington Road—412-835-9450

*Unless otherwise listed, the organization is located in Upper St. Clair Township.

Fall 2009

Christ United Methodist Child Care Center 44 Highland Road—412-854-4310 First Bethel United Church Weekday Ministries 5901 Library Road, Bethel Park—412-835-6141 Holy Child Preschool/Extended Day Bridgeville—412-221-4720 Kingdom Kids Nursery School 255 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-531-3387 Little Lambs Of Hope Preschool 2799 Old Washington Road—724-941-9441 Montessori Early Childhood Center 2400 Old Washington Road—412-835-3340 Mushroom Family Learning Center 1240 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon 412-531-1225 Noah’s Ark Preschool-Our Redeemer Lutheran 105 Gateshead Drive, McMurray—724-942-6699 Ruthfred Lutheran Nursery School 412-835-7140 St. Paul’s Episcopal Nursery Washington and Mayfair Roads, Mt. Lebanon 412-531-2644 St. Thomas More Preschool 134 Fort Couch Road—412-833-1412 Temple Emmanuel 1250 Bower Hill Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-279-7687 Westminster Nursery School 2040 Washington Road—412-835-2906

Day Care (Adult) Prime Time Adult Care, Inc. 44 Highland Road, Bethel Park—412-835-6661 Alzheimer Day Care 44 Highland Road, Bethel Park—412-835-5509 Easter Seals Brookwood Adult Day Care 250 Brookwood Road, Peters Twp.—724-942-4511

If we’ve overlooked your information, have incorrect information, or if you would like your Upper St. Clair facility to be represented in our magazine with an article, please write to: Editor, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 or email usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us. For an online version, visit www.twpusc.org/magazine/features/index.htm

Landscape Lighting— Tricks of the Trade

busINESSES a t y o u r s e r v i c e

Michael Brusco, Manager, Residential and Commercial Service Divisions, Ferry Electric

Serving Our Hometown with Integrity for Over 80 Years

• Reliable, Experienced • Bonded & Insured • Registered

HIC # 010174

1-888-55-FERRY 412-650-5579

www.ferryelectric.com

For over fifty years, F.e. Harmon has had the opportunity to accumulate a body of experience unique in the building industry.

Decorative landscape lighting

is a popular and effective way to accent your home’s features and can be installed by do-it-yourself homeowners or by professional electrical contractors. Use these tips when designing or installing a new lighting system: • Use lighting to highlight the dominant architectural features of your home. • Illuminate walkway entrances to give a welcoming appearance. • Illuminate trees and shrubbery to enhance the space surrounding your home, while accenting decorative foliage. • Light ponds and fountains for an elegant way to draw attention to impressive and, normally, very extensive projects. • Use good quality light fixtures to help ensure durability and functionality in all types of weather conditions. • Reconsider using solar powered lighting. Most times this type of lighting is ineffective and unreliable, and often gives off an unpleasant light. Hard wired low voltage or line voltage systems are recommended. • By nature, most landscape fixtures are high maintenance items. These fixtures are asked to perform in a wide range of climate and temperatures and are exposed to rain, snow, leaves, dirt,

as well as an occasional lawnmower or weed-wacker. Lamp lighting may need to be changed more often than indoor fixtures, but dimming a fixture will help to prolong its life. • For safety, never locate landscape fixtures in a grass covered area; place all fixtures in mulch beds or other protected areas. • Balance lighting fixtures across the face of your home to provide even and consistent lighting. Avoid hot spots or large dark areas. • Choosing proper fixtures for a pleasing and effective finished project is critical. Consult fixture catalogs or a professional contractor when choosing fixtures. • Less is more. Keep lighting subtle; don’t overdo it. • Keep lighting controls simple. Use either a time-clock with a daylight sensor for automatic function or a simple wall switch for manual operation. If properly done, landscape lighting should give your home a new evening appearance. A landscape lighting project is a worthwhile investment. Using the tips above will help to ensure that this investment is appreciated by you and all who see it for many years to come. n

Custom residential ConstruCtion major renovations

(412) 833-8300

550 Sleepy Hollow Road Mt. Lebanon, PA 15228

412.563.2858 www.MtLebanonMontessori.org PRESCHOOL (AGES 2-6) THRU 6TH GRADE

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We've got you completely covered. Our 2200-space parking garage at the South Hills Village light rail station not only keeps your car out of the weather, it keeps you dry with a covered walkway from the garage to the T platform. All for just 2 dollars a day. For more information call customer service at 412.442.2000 or visit PortAuthority.org.

See ad on this page. Fall 2009

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Advertiser Index

15 Years Publication

Fall 2009 Advertiser

Page

Action Builders .................................................................................................... 9 Affordable Decks & Additions ............................................................................ 61 Al Lorenzi Design Center ..................................................................................... 3 * Amel’s Restaurant . ............................................................................................. 63 Ameriprise Financial Services, John D. Link . .................................................... 42 * Angelo Associates, Inc. ...................................................................................... 37 * ARAMARK .......................................................................................................... 57 Boehmer Heating & Cooling Company .............................................................. 65 Bower Hill III Apts. ............................................................................................... 2 Brookside Lumber Company . ............................................................................ 17 * Calabro Tire & Auto Service . ............................................................................. 93 California University of Pennsylvania . ............................................................... 40 Cardello Electric Supply & Lighting ..................................................................... 9 Chatham University . .......................................................................................... 43 * Clark Construction Company ............................................................................... 7 * Coffey Contracting Company ............................................................................. 87 * Coldwell Banker Real Estate, Inc. Corporate . ............................Back outside cover * Coldwell Banker–Route 19 South/Galleria ......................................................... 46 * Coldwell Banker–USC, South Hills Offices ........................................................ 47 Coleman Music Studios . ................................................................................... 61 College Bound Admissions Academy ................................................................ 42 Country Meadows Retirement Communities ...................................................... 15 Crandall, Steven R., D.M.D. ............................................................................... 59 * Cupelli & Cupelli, Drs. . ..................................................................................... 33 D&M Chiropractic and Therapeutic Rehab, Inc. ................................................. 73 Dance Workshop by Shari . ................................................................................ 72 Davin Interiors, LLC ........................................................................................... 49 * Deckmasters Technologies Incorporated .............................................................. 9 Extended Day Services . ..................................................................................... 41 F.E. HARMON, INC. . .......................................................................................... 95 * Ferry Electric Company . .................................................................................... 95 Friendship Village of South Hills ....................................................................... 39 Heartland Home Health Care and Hospice ......................................................... 79 * Hefren-Tilotson, Inc. .......................................................................................... 45 * Howard Hanna Real Estate Services ...........................................Front inside cover Howard Hanna–Maureen Cavanaugh . ............................................................... 89 * Howard Hanna–Susan Highley ............................................................................ 7 * Howard Hanna–Diane Horvath . ......................................................................... 63 Insight to Careers . ............................................................................................. 41 Keller Williams–Karen Marshall Group . ............................................................ 65 * Keller Williams–Sandy and Marshall Goldstein ................................................. 93 * Kerr Family and Cosmetic Dentistry . ................................................................. 48

Advertiser

Learning Express Toys ....................................................................................... 45 Little Lake Theatre Company .............................................................................. 57 * Manalo, Larry E., D.M.D. ................................................................................... 49 * Master Remodelers, Inc. .................................................................................... 55 Mt. Lebanon Awning .......................................................................................... 17 Mt. Lebanon Montessori School and Academy .................................................. 95 Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center .......................................................................... 71 * Northwood Realty–Bonnie Detwiler and Marlene McNaughton .......................... 85 * Piccolina’s Restaurant ........................................................................................ 49 * Pinebridge Commons Associates ...................................................................... 48 Pittsburgh Audiology ......................................................................................... 79 Plastic Surgical Associates of Pittsburgh ........................................................... 77 Port Authority Services ...................................................................................... 95 Pro Energy Consultants ..................................................................................... 88 Providence Point . .......................................................................Back inside cover * Prudential Preferred Realty–Route 19 South ........................................................ 4 R & R Masonry Restoration . .............................................................................. 89 RDP Studio Ltd. ................................................................................................. 85 * Scott Bros. Windows and Doors .......................................................................... 2 * Sesame Inn ........................................................................................................ 19 South Hills OBGYN, Drs. Rankin & Warner, MD, FACOG . ................................. 70 * South Hills Orthopaedic Surgery Associates, P.C. . ............................................ 78 * St. Clair Hospital . ................................................................................................ 1 * State Farm Insurance–Cindy Brophy . ................................................................ 49 Steel Valley Orthopedic Associates, P.C. ............................................................ 76 Sultanov, David J., DMD, PC ............................................................................. 74 The Dance Conservatory .................................................................................... 71 The Hand Center of Pittsburgh ........................................................................... 75 The Little Gym of Pittsburgh–South Hills . ......................................................... 77 The Mt. Lebanon Counseling Group .................................................................. 76 * The Thomas Studio of Performing Arts .............................................................. 75 The Tutor Team . ................................................................................................. 44 The Villas of Arden Mills . .................................................................................. 35 Today’s Cosmetic Surgery .........................................................Front cover, 12, 13 Township of Upper St. Clair Community Recreation Center ............................... 29 Tutoring, Inc ....................................................................................................... 44 Über Scoops & Candy ....................................................................................... 33 * Valley Brook Family Dental–Joseph L. Gurecka, DMD . ..................................... 77 Watermark Financial .......................................................................................... 87 * Wellington Real Estate–Patty Thomas ................................................................ 31 * Westminster Presbyterian Church ...................................................... 7, 35, 45, 74 Young Chefs® Academy ..................................................................................... 44

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 • Email: usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us *The above VIP advertisers, who are advertising in this issue, have contributed their support for a minimum of 29 issues.

Upcoming guides for the Winter 2009 issue include Gift and Life Planning.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2009

Page

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ECRWSS* CARRIER ROUTE

1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

POSTAL CUSTOMER

Presorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid Pittsburgh PA Permit No. 206

Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

This magazine was printed on recycled paper.

COLDWELL BANKER REAL ESTATE SERVICES

Check out these fabulous Upper St. Clair area homes!

Beautiful & very convenient best describe “Deerfield Manor”. This sprawling hm is min. from I79, Rt.19, South Hills Village & the Park & Ride. $749,900 Jim Walsh 412-833-5405

New Construction ready for your final selections! Classy & comfy 4bd, 3.5ba country home w/1st fl laundry and 3 car grg! $529,900 Maria & Joe Lane 412-344-0500

Welcome to this 2 story Thomas Custom quality built Tudor home situated in the heart of one of the most exclusive nghbrhds of Upper St. Clair. $469,000 Lynn Dempsey 412-833-5405

Great Trotwood Acres brick colonial with fabulous addition overlooking stream and gardens, 4 bdrms, 2.5ba, updated and charming! $459,900 Sydnie Jones 412-344-0500

Don’t miss this spacious Tudor by Baker & Holstead. Sense the warmth & elegance when you enter the foyer. Rich hdwd flrs, elegant mldings. $429,900 Pat Paslowski 412-833-5405

Incredible, updated home on a great lot! Custom home with huge rooms, 4bdrms, 2+2ba, familyrm, den, quality finishing! $394,900 Kathi Kernan 412-344-0500

Gorgeous Contemporary, 3,000 sq. ft.! Immaculate, spacious, updatd, 4bd, 3.5ba,1st fl laundry, fam rm, den, gameroom, great landscaping! $369,900 Sophia Alexiades 412-344-0500

COMPLETE MAKEOVER - Must see inside - Light and bright newer kitchen, baths, roof, driveway, vaulted ceilings, skylights, & covered deck. $289,900 Carol Marks 412-833-5405

Inviting townhome in Hastings Village, open floor plan, 3bdrms, 2.5ba, 1st flr mstr, loft overlooks greatroom w/wet bar, walls of windows! $279,900 Ondrea Barnes 412-831-5555

CUSTOM BUILT! IMMACULATE! New Lenox A/C, Anderson windows, plastered walls, Hard-wood FL, EIK w/ Newer Appliances. $249,900 Karen Skrainy 412-833-5405

Immaculate Trotwood Hills colonial! Sun drenched rooms, fully equipped kitchen, 4 bdrms, 2.5ba, awning covered deck! $249,900 Sydnie Jones 412-344-0500

Nice 4bdrm, 2.5bath colonial on cul de sac with large kitchen, familyroom, den, French doors to screened porch plus deck! $249,900

Welcome to this charming and spacious move in condition home w/four bedrms and 2 and 1/2 baths. Many updates through out this lovely home. $238,900 Lynn Dempsey 412-833-5405

Lovely 3 bdrm 2 ba ranch with livingroom fireplace, hdwd flrs, updated kitchen, gameroom wet bar,omnistone driveway! $209,900 Ron Graf 412-344-0500

Custom jr. beam constructed ranch, 4 bdrms, 2.5 ba, large kitchen, gameroom with separate entrance, large level treed yard! $179,900 Cindy Demel 412-831-5555

This wonderful, charming 3 bedroom cape is situated on a level lot and conveniently located near shopping, park and transportation! $169,900 Sandy Wiedt 412-833-5405

Leigh Harkreader 412-344-0500

Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned and Operated by NRT LLC.