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Residential Guide Centerfold Pullout www.twpusc.org/magazine
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The official publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair Fall 2010
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Volume 16
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Issue 3
Features and Around the Township 8
10
tumn, and
Auto, Au “A” is for
Ahooga!
Hidden Treasures in Upper St. Clair
Geocaching—a high-tech game combining adventure and exercise.
Our community magazine traveled to the Bahamas, then to Worlds! See with whom.
Enjoy our coverage of many of the day’s events.
The Quigg-Clair Fourth of July block party is set in tradition.
There’s a lot going on in and around the Township. Read, then go!
16 Traveling with TODAY
18 Community Day 2010—It’s a Wrap! 82 Block Party Celebrates 40 Years 86 Happenings!
Township
22 End of an Era
iracles
ams and M
Kyle Robinson and Walter Jarosh, USC’s dynamic duo, bid farewell to our Township.
Read highlights about our Township meetings for March, April, and May.
The Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department urges you to practice EDITH.
The focus is on learning and fun… and walks?
The REEC is active in our community. Find out how.
24 Highlights of the Board of Commissioners’ Meetings
Dre 14 Field of
26 Preparing for Emergencies 28 Our Township Library
30 The Great Clean Up and Earth Extravaganza
School District
57 Graduation Speech to the Class of 2010
Dr. O’Toole, Superintendent of Schools, relays the rich tradition of history and its impact on future generations.
Elementary to middle to high school, come take a tour of our schools.
Stacie de la Parra, PTA Council president, counts the many reasons to belong.
Find out who’s who and what’s what when it comes to our schools.
Boring? Not really. Informative? Yes!
60 A Tour of Our Schools
68 Top Ten Reasons to Join PTA
e Future
th Will Meet 59 The Past
72 Did You Know?
74 School District Notices
Guides 34 45 53 78 91
Photo Ops
Health and Wellness 18 Community Day 2010 Residential 89 Enjoying USC Pinebridge Commons 90 Community Celebrations Educational Resource Dining
Cover
12 The cover of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, underwritten by Extended Day
f the Mind
o 66 Odyssey
Hat Trick
Extended Day Services
Services, features some of the children who attend EDS at Upper St. Clair’s Eisenhower Elementary School. See pages 12 and 13 for a feature article on this organization that has served Upper St. Clair families with before- and after-school programs, half-day kindergarten enrichment programs, and full-day summer camps for the past 20 years. Cover and editorial photography provided by Harry Coleman Photography, Upper St. Clair.
The official publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair 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 Alison Hess, Advertising Associate Thank you to our volunteer contributors this issue: Amy Bahm, Amy Billerbeck, Whitney Boyle, David Bulger, Stacie de la Parra, Deron Donalson, Susan Glod, Wayne Herrod, Alison Hess, Sara Homol, Helen Hughes, Mark Hyman, Amy Kerman, Mary Parks Lamb, MD, Cathy Lavin, Amy McGarrity, MD, Clifford Milowicki, Congressman Timothy Murphy, Dr. Patrick O’Toole, Vasso Paliouras, Paulette Paulin, DMD, Jackie Pion (YWG), Maryann Manko Rees, Mary Lynne Spazok, and Maribeth Twerdok Young Writers Guild (YWG) promotes and encourages young writers in the Upper St. Clair School District to provide articles of interest for this community magazine. The 63rd issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a joint publication of the Township and School District of Upper St. Clair. © Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this magazine, in print or web version, 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 Design by DMC Design 412-824-7844 • www.dmcdesign.com 4
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Celebrates 16 Years 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. This year, we celebrate 16 years of publication.
The 63 rd 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 Frank J. Kerber Bruce L. Kerman Louis P. Mafrice, Jr. Angela B. Petersen Louis A. Piconi Rebecca A. Stern
Robert W. Orchowski, President, Ward 3 Glenn R. Dandoy, Vice President, At Large Preston W. Shimer, Ward 1 Mark R. Hamilton, Ward 2 Mark D. Christie, Ward 4 Russell R. Del Re, Ward 5 Daniel R. Paoly, At Large
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a non-partisan Township, School District, and community magazine. Political advertising and political commentary are not accepted. The publishers of this magazine reserve the right to reject advertising or articles inconsistent with the objectives, image, and aesthetic standards of the magazine. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine is published and mailed quarterly to residents and businesses in
Upper St. Clair. Extra copies of the magazine are available at the Township of Upper St. Clair Municipal Building and Township Library. If you did not receive a copy in the mail, please call 412-833-1600, extension 2284. The next issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY will be the Winter 2010 issue and will be published in November 2010. 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. 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 2010 edition is September 9, 2010. 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 2010
Email usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us
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Fall 2010
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
5
The official publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair
Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole
Matthew R. Serakowski
Welcome to our fall 2010 issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. With this edition, we share our biennial Residential Guide, an eight-page centerfold pullout that highlights information about the operations and services of our School District and Township and includes sources for contact. The process of writing each publishers’ letter may change depending on the occasion, but the outcome remains the same—to showcase significant events at the time of publication. It is always enjoyable to write about our annual Community Day celebration in our summer issue, which invites all residents to come out and partake in this community-wide festival, or to welcome our students and families “back to school” in our fall issue, but it’s rewarding to also write about new opportunities as they present themselves to our Township and School District. Sometimes we reflect, sometimes we look ahead, and sometimes, both. In this issue, we have stories that look back in time and look to the future. We share a story about a Township neighborhood that held its 40th consecutive annual block party this summer (see page 82), with traditions that are etched upon the minds of neighbors and friends, past and present. Another feature article reflects upon a 50-year milestone as the first and second graduating classes of Upper St. Clair High School (1960 and 1961) together celebrate a reunion (see page 59). But rather than just enjoying their memories among themselves, these alumni will share their past with the high school student body this fall. Just think about the stories and experiences they can tell our children! Don’t forget to learn about your own rich family heritage. Write down grandma’s secret recipes and record grandpa’s childhood or war stories. Even the simple, day-to-day things, which really do shape our lives, are worth keeping. Our past affects what we are challenged to become. (See the Class of 2010 graduation speeches, pages 57 and 58, then read “ A Tour of Our Schools,” pages 60-64, which showcases the District’s six schools, where our children prepare for their bright futures.) Our elected officials, charged with visionary responsibility while maintaining stability, have helped to shape Upper St. Clair. Our prestigious reputation nationwide, both as a place to live and place to learn, has proven that we, as a community, have successfully demonstrated the knowledge of when to move ahead and when to hold steadfast. Families continue to establish their roots here, bringing with them their family’s history and traditions. Yes, there is always a lot to write about and information to share in our quarterly publication. The hard part is the limited space in which to do so! A pleasure (and product) of our jobs is your desire to live here and be a part of USC—its past, present, and future. That’s how we know we’re meeting and, hopefully, exceeding your expectations. And that’s when understanding and appreciating our past to help us make wise choices for the continuation of excellence in our community holds much importance. With many thanks to our advertisers, we hope you enjoy this issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, which includes the annual Health and Wellness (pages 34-43) and Educational Resource (pages 78-80) guides. And don’t forget to keep handy the Residential Guide pullout (pages 45-52) for your future reference. Happy fall!
Sincerely,
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
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Hidden Treasures in Upper St. Clair Mark Hyman
There are treasures hidden across Upper St. Clair, but very few people know where to look or how to find them. These are not buried chests full of gold, jewelry, and other pirate booty, but they are just as valuable to treasure hunters searching for them in a high-tech outdoor game called geocaching (pronounced geo-cashing). You can call it a hobby, an activity, or a game, but most everyone agrees that it is just plain fun! Geocachers use portable GPS (Global Positioning System) receivers to find the treasures, or caches, hidden by other geocachers. A cache’s geographical coordinates (latitude and longitude) posted on geocaching websites guide the cache hunters to their prize. Today, there are an estimated three to four million geocachers around the world. Geocaching started ten years ago. Before then, accurate GPS satellite signals were primarily available for military use. Civilian GPS receivers were hampered by a deliberate GPS error signal that limited their accuracy to hundreds of feet—useless for geocaching. But on May 1, 2000, the error signal was turned off, which provided near pinpoint location accuracy to the general public. The first geocache was hidden two days later in Oregon and the game has mushroomed since then. There are currently more than one million geocaches hidden in over 200 countries and there are caches on every continent (34 in Antarctica!). There’s even a geocache hidden on the International Space Station! Much closer to home, over 100 caches are hidden within a four-mile radius of the USC Municipal Building, and several are only a short walk from there. Geocaching rules require hiding spots to be accessible to the public, and many are also handicapped-accessible. Parks, playgrounds, walking trails, and natural green spaces are popular hiding areas for geocaches, and
these spots in USC are no exception. There are caches hidden in seven USC Township parks, including Wiltshire, Hays, Byrnwick, and Gilfillan. Several caches are concealed in the Allegheny Land Trust at Wingfield Pines across from the USC Community & Recreation Center. Because of its large area, extensive trail system, and popularity with USC residents and visitors who enjoy outdoor activities, Boyce Mayview Park boasts 17 hidden geocaches. The traditional type of geocache is usually a weatherproof container that holds a logbook for finders to record their discovery. Any type or size of sealed watertight container can be used. (One geocaching T-shirt announces, “I use multi-million dollar satellites to find Tupperware hidden in the woods.”) Another popular cache container is a surplus military “ammo can” because of its rugged ability to endure any outdoor environment. Geocache container sizes range from “nano” (smaller than a thimble) to “large.” Most caches contain inexpensive small toys, trinkets, and other kid-friendly trade items for the finders. To increase the adventure and challenge, caches can be creatively concealed in novel locations. Many caches are hidden with the purpose of introducing cache hunters to a particularly picturesque or unique area. Geocaching guarantees that the pursuit of these hidden containers will take you to places in USC and nearby communities that you never knew existed. The reasons that geocaching appeals to so many people vary, but a common principle to the game is that anyone can do it. You can spend as much or as little time as you want, and the cost is minimal. Portable GPS receivers are inexpensive compared to some hobby equipment, and many of today’s “smart phones” come equipped with GPS applications suitable to hunt a geocache.
Photo credit: Local geocaching team “The Leprechauns”
Local geocachers gather in Boyce Mayview Park to celebrate ten years of geocaching!
8
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Fall 2010
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Photo credit: Anne Julson Kids proudly display their geocache treasure
Geocachers enjoy the challenge and thrill of finding hidden items that the general public is unaware of. (You may have driven or walked past dozens of these and never knew they were there!) Many geocachers also relish being the first to find one of these hidden treasures and proudly note that achievement in their log entries. But the ultimate goal of all geocachers is to blissfully exclaim, “I found it!” Children of all ages especially love the hide-and-seek nature of the game, scrambling through the woods to scour potential hiding spots, practicing their stealth skills to avoid “muggles” (non-geocachers), and examining the contents of the hidden containers. No one gets rich finding geocaches, but seeing and hearing the exuberant delight of young adventurers when they first spot and open one of these “treasure chests” is the best reward. Many families go geocaching together because it is a fun activity for young and older adventurers alike. One local mom explains that she likes geocaching with her husband and children to enjoy nature with her family, and “it beats everyone sitting in a different room in front of a TV or video game.” Geocachers also periodically organize informal events where geocachers and caching families get together to swap caching stories and socialize. Another reason that geocaching has universal appeal is its flexibility. It can be practiced by itself or combined with other outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, or biking. Geocaching while traveling helps break the monotony of a long drive. Many highway rest areas and roadside picnic areas have hidden geocaches. Whatever your reason to try geocaching, it will start you moving and give you motivation to keep moving! Geocaching is the perfect reason to get up and get outside. A brisk walk alone or with family in the fresh air along one of our local trails hunting these hidden treasures will keep you energized and challenge your brain. Geocaching combines healthy exercise with a fun adventure. And that’s a winning combination! n
To learn how to start your own geocaching adventure, visit www.geocaching.com.
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“A” is for Auto, Autumn, and Ahooga! Mary Lynne Spazok
Question: What is an Ahooga? Answer: The car horn sound of a Model A Ford! It was a joyful Sunday where glistening golden leaves fluttered lazily in the warm October breeze. Near the Gilfillan Trail, the sun kissed hefty herd of heifers blissfully grazed, innocent of the excitement soon to come. But out of the blue, traffic on Route 19 at Orr Road slowed, allowing 12 pristine Model A Fords to enter USC’s Gilfillan Homestead. With grateful “ahoogas!” the 3 River Region Ford Model A Restorers Club of Western Pennsylvania had arrived to explore the Gilfillan house and farm. Trailblazers stopped in awe, while eager onlookers quickly made phone calls proclaiming “Get over here. You’ve got to see this!” After all, if you can’t travel to Henry Ford’s historic Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan, then why not experience living history in Upper St. Clair? Although the transportation garage at Gilfillan boasts fine sleds, sleighs, and carriages, American pioneers craved a more sophisticated means of dependable transportation. The horse and buggy was fast becoming a rural notion. Shrewd industrialist Henry Ford realized that as cities grew, a moderately priced motorized vehicle afforded even country farmers the best of both worlds. Eager to please, Henry’s first assembly line car, the 1908 Model T, generated sales of 15,000,000. Unpainted or colored black, the “T” endured for almost 20 years with few major changes. But, by 1926, the “Tin Lizzie” had aged and diversity, individuality, and sophistication were demanded by savvy consumers. So, the last of the Model Ts rolled off the assembly line on May 26, 1927. Edsel Ford spent a mere $100,000,000 (yes, 100 million dollars!) to design, build, and market a contemporary automobile with enviable state-of-the-art mechanics. At the Rouge River Plant on July 20, 1926, the Model A came to fruition. Set in motion was America’s on-going love affair with the automobile. Not so fast! A clever capitalist, Henry Ford postponed its unveiling and fashioned a frenzy of pre-sale excitement with skillful advertising and electrifying publicity. Energized consumers clamored for the luxurious Model A, but were forced to wait. Boasting a top speed of 65 mph, the first one rolled off the production line on October 27, 1927. Two months later and with great fanfare, Ford dealerships unveiled a diverse body style with eye-catching colors on December 2. The four-cylinder engine boasted typical gas mileage between 20 and 30 miles per gallon using a Zenith one barrel carburetor. The transmission was a sliding two forward gear unit with one speed reverse. Four wheel mechanical brakes were a monumental advance in safety. Double action hydraulic shock absorbers assured passenger comfort, since driving on pot hole ridden unpaved roads was the norm. Other standard equipment included a starter, five steel spoke wheels, dash light, mirror, windshield wiper, oil gauge, gasoline gauge, rear and stop lights, and speedometer. The trendy “snap pouch” tool kit included assorted wrenches, tire irons, tire jack, pliers, screwdriver, tire pump, grease gun, and a deluxe instruction book. Let’s make a 1927 deal! For $385 you could purchase a Roadster, while Tudor Sedan “Fordor” cost $570 F.O.B. (free on board: without charge to the buyer for goods placed on board
Ed Weinheimer, 1931 Roadster a carrier at the point of shipment) Detroit. At $495 the new Ford Coupe was nice, but for $550 the Sport Coupe, complete with a rumble seat, was the hot seller. Each style included windshield safety glass, state-of-the-art driver controls, clutch brake pedal(s), throttle, and gearshift. The new fangled optic fuel indicator assured consumers that they would no longer run out of gas. In cooler climates, owners could purchase an aftermarket cast iron unit to place over the engine’s exhaust manifold to bring heated air into the cab through an adjustable door. Now that’s luxury! From 1932 to May 23, 1934, real life gangsters Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow showcased their flashy, high speed “getaway,” the Ford Model 730 Deluxe Sedan. A fearless driver, Clyde favored Ford V8s because of their handling. Speeding in excess of 70 miles an hour down dirt roads and out of sight of sheriff deputies wasn’t unusual for Clyde. Alleged, Clyde wrote a letter of admiration to the Ford Motor Company. Over the years, many have questioned its authenticity though, based on a discrepancy of the handwriting. The note (shown here) is displayed at Greenfield Village.
Bonnie and Clyde 10
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Fall 2010
After the infamous demise of Parker and Barrow, their gray Ford was shown at many state fairs for 25 cents a peek. In 1967, the bullet-ridden V8 was brought out of retirement from its final resting place, the Primm Valley Resort and Casino of Nevada, to star in Hollywood’s highly romanticized cinema portrayal of the sadistic and notorious bank-robbing couple, Bonnie and Clyde. In 2010, pristine E-class prices include the Roadster for $16,600, Coupe for $10,100, and the Sport Coupe for $10,600. Sought after, “amazing” describes Ford’s Model A. The 3 River Region Ford Model A Restorers Club aim is to acquire, preserve, and exhibit with fellowship. To renew, reuse, and recycle is their ambition. Achievement
includes the satisfaction of restoring the “A” to its original beauty, usefulness, and dependability. From creation to restoration, the auto club and the USC Historical Society at Gilfillan proudly uphold the ultimate “a”—affiliation. All are welcome to participate in the adventures of living history. If you can’t tour historic Deerfield Village in your near future, then the place to be is USC. Ahooga! n
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Ginny and Frank Daube, 1930 Town sedan
Unfortunately, not all teeth last forever. But losing a tooth doesn’t have to mean losing your smile.With timely implementation, we can replace lost teeth with precision-crafted, permanent implants, and even prevent deterioration of the underlying ridge bone that would otherwise occur. Partials, bridges, and dentures simply can’t compare. To find out how our dental implants can put a smile back on your face, just call our office and schedule an appointment. It could be your first step to a happier, healthier future. Marian Krek proudly displays the club’s logo on her coat. Dorothy and Caesar Garrone, 1930 two-door sedan 70 Fort Couch Road, Upper St. Clair
Visit www.3riverfordmodela.com for additional photos, events, and membership information and www.thehenryford.org for a virtual tour of Detroit’s historic Greenfield Village.
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
11
Extended Day Services Celebrates 20 Years in Upper St. Clair “USC Group Pushes for Extended Day Program,”
was the headline in The Almanac almost 20 years ago. Program for Education Enrichment and Recreation (PEER) was a group of working parents trying to establish a before- and after-school program in Upper St. Clair School District’s three elementary schools. Extended Day Services (EDS) was the organization born to serve the needs of these Upper St. Clair working families. Twenty years later, EDS is proud to be one of the largest providers of children’s services, including before- and after-school programs, kindergarten enrichment programs, and summer camps in Western Pennsylvania. From Pilot to Program EDS began as a small pilot program at Streams Elementary School in September 1991. The before- and after-school program started with eight children and two teachers in the library. One of those two teachers, Kelly Chaney, began as the director of the program on its first day; she remains at the helm today. Kelly, an elementary school teacher who taught first and fourth grades, had experience with after-school programs before joining EDS. Within two years, the program grew in popularity to 20 children, and by the third year, children from both Baker and Eisenhower Schools were being transported to Streams to enroll in the after-school program. As the program continued to grow in popularity and size, it expanded and was offered at all three elementary schools in the District. An Eisenhower parent who has two children enrolled in the after-school program comments that her children don’t want to leave. “When we come to pick up the kids, they beg to stay longer and ask if we can come back at six o’clock so that they can keep playing!” Program Details Rainbow-colored balls fly through the air as two teams of children attempt to get as many balls as possible on the other team’s side of the gym. No easy task with active young children
On the playground are left to right, back to front, Dillon Yadouga, Ed Sitar, Jeremy Frank, and Michael Gallagher
ready for the gym after a long day of school. Kelly notes that gym is one of the children’s favorite activities in the program. “It is so important for children to be as active as possible with so many electronic devices pulling them away from physical exercise.” After some good old-fashioned gym time, the children enjoy a snack in the cafeteria and work on their homework. One of the goals of the program is to support children with their homework to make evenings a little easier for working parents. In addition to homework time, the children have the option to participate in a daily craft project, including clay creatures, magic scratch art cards, paper airplanes, sand art, or painting wooden toys. In another attempt to make home-life easier for working parents and to make the program as fun as possible, EDS has offered a variety of special classes over the years, including yoga, computer, drawing, karate, science, and chess to teach the children specific skills relating to their interests. A Supportive School District The USC School District is very supportive of the program. EDS works closely with each elementary school to ensure a seamless transition to and from each child’s school day classroom. Dr. John Bornyas, Director of Operations, Community Relations and Special Projects for the USC School District, has worked closely with EDS for the past 11 years. “The services offered by Extended Day Services have been a great help to the families of our District. With so many two working-parent families here, having a close operating arrangement between the District and Extended Day Services has allowed our parents to know that their children have outstanding services before and after their children’s regular school day.”
Creating crafts with friends are Morgan Mawhinney and Sarah Potter
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Fall 2010
Then Came Summer Although parents were thrilled to have a before- and afterschool program for their children, they also longed for a year-round option that could provide full-day summer activities, field trips, and swimming. In year four at the request of the parents, EDS began a full-day summer camp complete with sports, crafts, swimming, cooking, science, and field trips. Summer Camp began modestly in 1994, with about 24 children participating in the full-day program. Over the years, EDS campers have attended field trips to Idlewild Amusement Park, Oglebay Park, Gemini Children’s Theater, Washington Wild Things baseball games, Wildwood Highlands, Fun Fore All, and many others. Making use of homework time is Veronica Zhang “We try to mix it up each year,” says Kelly. “We want the kids to be excited each summer to see what new and exciting events have been planned. An onsite petting zoo, a dunk tank for our teachers, and numerous kids vs. teachers contests are some of our The best of friends, Tre Ingram and Dillon Yadouga most popular events!” Many of the campers enjoyed camp so much that they have returned as college students interested in studying elementary or special education to work with EDS. Andrew Thompson is one such camper. Andrew, the son of Baker Elementary School teacher Sherry Ellis, attended EDS for five years. “I have fond memories of my own experiences as a child attending EDS and I am excited to have the opportunity to relive these memories as a member of the staff.” What About the Kindergarten Children? EDS parent and Mt. Lebanon teacher Margie DiGiorno was instrumental in obtaining District approval for a half-day kindergarten enrichment program offered by EDS. “When my youngest son was in kindergarten, I approached several principals and school board members about Extended Day Services providing half-day services for kindergarten students. As an educator, I trusted EDS with my young child.” This half-day enrichment program, called K-Plus, was approved by the District and began in September 2004. K-Plus provides kindergarten children with a full-day kindergarten experience by offering a variety of enrichment activities that correlate with the concepts being taught in kindergarten. Emphasis is placed on simple reading and math concepts while the children enjoy fun games and activities. EDS parent Jamie Spivak feels that her daughter benefited immensely from attending K-Plus. “Shayna attended K-Plus five days a week, and I believe that her additional exposure to reading and math skills is why she is now being pulled out of the regular class in first grade to work with ‘challenge’ or ‘gifted’ teachers.” Some Very Special Children EDS welcomes children of differing abilities and their support providers into all of its programs and has served children with autism, Down Syndrome, and other related disorders. “It is
Enjoying Blokus with friends are, left to right, Nicholas Niecgorski, Domenico Alford-Egizio, Kevin Linn, and Shane Bowman
gratifying to see the patience that typical children have for the children with special needs,” says Kelly. “They are happy to change the rules of the game to help another child.” During the summer months, EDS Summer Camp is proud to host Camp WISP (Watson Institute Summer Program) at each of its camp locations. Camp WISP is an inclusive therapeutic program for children with special needs that promotes interaction and learning from typical peers. And… Twenty Years Later Twenty years later, EDS has expanded to five school districts in the Pittsburgh area. Currently, EDS serves over 900 children a year in the districts of Upper St. Clair, Peters Township, South Fayette, Chartiers Valley, and Beaver Area (beginning September 2010). “EDS would like to further expand its programs to other interested school districts,” says Kelly. “We have developed strong programs over the years, and we would like to share them wherever they are needed.” n To learn more about the programs provided by Extended Day Services, contact Kelly or Patricia at 412-221-1980 or visit www.ExtendedDay.com.
Fall 2010
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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Field of Dreams and Miracles Wayne Herrod
“All his life, Ray Kinsella searched for his dreams.
Then one day, his dreams came looking for him (Field of Dreams–1989). On Friday, June 4, a group of men found their dreams at the ball field at Boyce Mayview Park. If you looked out on the field you would have thought the Pittsburgh Pirates had come for practice. There were about 30 men dressed in authentic Pirates uniforms getting ready to play some ball—one team dressed in black uniforms, the other in white, both ready to live a dream. The ball field was turned into a field of dreams. And just like the movie, imagine the cornstalks that previously filled the field. Then really stretch your mind to see the players walking out of the cornfields and onto the magical playing field. The men gathered here were not the Pirates, but a group of men, including many with an Upper St. Clair connection, who have participated in the Pirates Fantasy Camps in Florida for many years. They gathered to renew friendships, play baseball, and raise money for charity. And despite the fact that there were some gray hairs, some no hairs, and a few (OK, maybe more than a few) who were a slight bit heavier than the Pirates line up, there was no lack of enthusiasm from this group. Upper St. Clair Township Manager Matt Serakowski talked about how the Township got involved in this “Dream Day” event. “Kevin Kubala (retired USC police officer) came to me earlier this year asking about the possibility of renting the field so that the adult campers could have a reunion day of baseball. The group proposed using the contributed funds towards charity. This year’s money went to Pirates charities. But, what interested me most was the group’s interest in annually supporting a USC Miracle Field for special needs youth. Previously, Sean Casey mentioned to me that Cranberry Township has a Miracle Field and Murrysville is working on one, but there is nothing like this in Pittsburgh’s South Hills. Sean wants to spearhead the effort to build a Miracle Field in Upper St. Clair. This will give special needs kids in the South Hills the chance to enjoy the baseball experience.” The group of players included many from USC and also some with connections to the Pittsburgh Pirates. USC residents Steve Blass, Kent Tekulve, Grant Jackson, and Pirates Director of Alumni Affairs Joe Billetdeaux all showed up to support the
Left to right are Joe Billetdeaux, Bill Sirakos, Kevin Kubala, Kent Tekulve, and Steve Blass 14
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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event. Retired police officers Kevin Kubala and Dave Robinson and residents John Gasper and Ernie Dietz, along with men from Ohio, Florida, Ohio, and Pennsylvania joined in. Dave Robinson was delighted to be a part of this and said, “The fantasy camp was a retirement gift for me to honor my 33 years with the USC Police Department.” Kevin Kubala shared words about the inspiration. “Bill Sirakos and I befriended each other while attending Pirates fantasy camps. Each year, the Pirates organization invites fantasy camp participants to PNC Park to play ball in the morning and then be recognized at a game later that day. While it is a great event, we hoped to do more. We approached Township Manager Matt Serakowski about a day event at Boyce Mayview Park. Matt supported the idea, and here we are! If we can do this again next year, we hope to grow the event and give our proceeds toward the proposed Miracle Field program.” “Playing the game is a dream come true for all of us,” continued Kevin. “The excitement is unbelievable; and, just like the movie, what better place to stage this than on a cornfield turned ball field. It truly is a ‘field of dreams’ day! We all want to be a part of the Miracle Field project and help it succeed.” Kent Tekulve, former Pirates pitcher, who runs the Pirates’ Fantasy Camps, shared his involvement in this “field of dreams” day. “It’s a great idea! These guys are getting together tomorrow at PNC, but they took it one step further by getting together today to raise money for charity. I am here because of the relationships I have with these men. I love baseball, they love baseball. Days and men like these continue to promote the overall atmosphere of baseball. It’s what we’re about!” Steve Blass commented, with a smile, “Friends? Oh, no, I’m here to fine all of them! Seriously, I’ve become friends with these guys and we have a mutual love of the game. That’s why I’m here.” Joe Billetdeaux added, “These guys are like a fraternity, and USC is my home. I wanted to be involved with and support this day.” As the one o’clock game time approached, Steve Blass called the group together for some inspirational (sort of) words. “What
Fantasy Camp players gather at Boyce Mayview Park field for a game of camaraderie and charity.
U. S. House of Representatives
Timothy F. Murphy
U.S. Congressman for the 18th District of Pennsylvania 322 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515 • Phone: 202-225-2301 • Fax: 202-225-1844 504 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15228 • Phone: 412-344-5583 • Fax: 412-429-5092 Website: http://murphy.house.gov
Email: murphy@mail.house.gov
Conservation through Environmental Innovation Charles Lindbergh once said, “In wilderness I sense the miracle of life, and behind it our scientific accomplishments fade to trivia.” There is no better example of the wonders of nature than in our own back yard, where the latest advancement in conservation is using the environment to cleanse itself. The Wingfield Pines, located in Upper St. Clair and South Fayette has become a regional showcase for using a natural habitat to treat abandoned mine drainage and floodplain rehabilitation. The site was mined for its coal resources in the late 1880s and strip mined in the 1940s until it was converted into a golf course and public swim club in the 1970s and 80s. The Allegheny Land Trust (ALT), dedicated to restoring and conserving the environment, found the land to be ideal
Congressman Murphy and this youth explore ALT’s conservation area at Wingfield Pines.
for a green infrastructure project to treat the abandoned mine drainage. Instead of making more man-made water detention systems, a natural wetland can prevent flooding while preserving land for future generations. The Wingfield Pines area, for instance, helped hold back an estimated 50 million gallons of flood waters from the Hurricane Ivan storms. In early June, ALT officials opened the 80-acre Wingfield Pines Conservation Area containing a mine water discharge treatment facility that will cleanse 1200 gallons of water a minute. The abandoned mine water flows through a series of settling ponds that capture the iron oxide contained in the water. A natural wetland through which the water passes then filters out the remaining iron sediment. By the time the water reaches Chartiers Creek, 43 tons of iron will be removed each year. When the iron sediment builds up in the settling ponds it can be collected and used for pigment in concrete, window shades, paint, and other products. Wingfield Pines is the result of a lot of time, work, and dedication by the ALT volunteers and workers who are dedicated to conserving the environment. The project dates back to before 2000, when as a state senator I helped secure the initial $260,000 in seed money from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the ALT’s efforts to purchase the property. Today it is a beautiful conservation area that includes ecological education stations and a walkway through the wetlands inhabited by native plants and birds. It is a place for the people of Upper St. Clair to Filtering out the iron sediment through enjoy and an example of innovative environmental innovative environmental restoration restoration for other communities to follow. n
are you doing here?” Steve cried out with a stern look on his face. “Just look at yourselves!” He proceeded to fine some participants for dress code violations and miscellaneous baseball miscues. The guys laughed, Steve laughed, and he then welcomed them to a great day of baseball. It was time to throw the first pitch. Steve walked to the mound. Tekulve headed to the catcher’s position. Steve wound up, made a quick move to the plate (OK, it wasn’t that quick) and unleashed a fastball towards Teke. Game on! Let’s play some baseball! And play they did. Kubala summed up the day’s success. “Each team won a game, but the real deal was the opportunity to play baseball and make a donation to Pirate charities. The field was beautiful and the Township’s Recreation Department had it ready to go. I worked for the Township for almost 30 years, and the USC community has always been a cut above the rest. With the support of the Pirates, the Township, and these guys, we hope to make a difference and build a Miracle Field.”
While Sean Casey was unable to attend the day’s event, he shared his thoughts. “This event is a perfect starter to the project. While it’s going to take a lot of people and a lot of effort to build a Miracle Field, I would love to see everyone play ball, regardless of ability. We hope all South Hills communities support this idea and we want to have competitions with other communities that have Miracle Fields. This is something special and, with everyone’s help, it can become a reality.” Township Manager Serakowski concluded, “We believe that USC Township is a leader by example. A Miracle Field is something worthwhile, and with Sean behind this effort there is no doubt that it can be accomplished.” Let’s hope that the near future holds another first pitch, one thrown from the mound at USC Miracle Field at Boyce Mayview Park. Remember, once there were cornstalks here, but, a miracle can happen and another “field of dreams” can appear. For those who believe, dreams can come true. n
Fall 2010
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Traveling with TODAY TODAY Travels to Freeport
Mary Lynne Spazok Just 68 miles south of the U.S. mainland lies the pristine paradise of Freeport, Bahamas. A mother-daughter getaway to Freeport was the perfect “R & R” to take pleasure in UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. This combined Mother’s Day and birthday celebration at Port Lucaya allowed my daughter and I to share the Upper St. Clair lifestyle with travelers from Canada, France, Scotland, and, of course, the mainland. The first day there, my daughter, Jessica, discovered “Steelers Country”
TODAY and Mary Lynne and Jessica Spazok
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is proud to travel with you, too! Read the following criteria to find out how. • Clear, close-up photo of USC resident(s) 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 required information (see below) in the body of the email. ‣‣ For 35 mm, attach post-it to back of hard copy photo, listing the required information (see below). • List name(s) of resident(s), group, and specific 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.
Note: Submitted photos and information for this feature section will remain on file for upcoming editions until published. 16
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
at Zorbas Restaurant. Our host, Nick Vikatos, was ever so gracious and allowed us to enjoy and photograph his vast collection of Pittsburgh Steelers memorabilia. Further, the Our Lucaya Casino celebrates Steelers game days with prize giveaways. Go Steelers! After a frigid, snowy Pennsylvania winter, breezy 80 degree temperatures, along with sparkling beaches and glistening surf, were nothing short of perfection! Native Bahamians are cordial, courteous, and respectful. Their Port Lucaya Marketplace includes a straw market, duty free shops, and an exciting cornucopia of scrumptious dining. With fresh seafood daily, this melting pot of moderately priced, international cuisine includes American, Chinese, Fusion, Italian, Tai, British, Irish, and Mexican. On Friday evenings, gather at the Count Basie Square for Festival Junkanoo. Open air entertainment is a carnival of merry music, joyful singing, spirited limbo, and calypso dancing. Throughout, public walkways and impeccable rest rooms are handicap accessible.
Nick Vikatos, owner of Zorbas, displays TODAY
From USC or Manhattan, travel time is approximately six hours. Four star hotel accommodations, which are moderately priced, can be found. A passport is a must, as U.S. and Bahamas security is “no nonsense.” Islanders take great pride in their exotic flora, feathery fauna, and island cleanliness, especially after the dreadful hurricanes in 2004 and 2005. Tourism is “number one” and showcases wholesome family activities, including fishing, snorkeling, and parasailing. Committed to conscientious “green” tourism, our short stack of TODAY magazines was left at the Lucaya Internet Café for all to enjoy. n
Traveling to Worlds with TODAY
This past May, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY traveled to Worlds for the in-
ternational 2010 Odyssey of the Mind competition held at Michigan State University while following competitionbound Upper St. Clair students. TODAY
USCHS– Column Structure OM team and coaches and their Singapore buddy team gather to display TODAY. Fall 2010
was in the company of many winners, including two USC teams who were seen sharing our beloved community magazine with others. For an article about the 2010 Odyssey of the Mind results, see page 66. n
Boyce Middle School Odyssey of the Mind team members relax poolside with TODAY.
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Community Day 2010—1t’s a Wrap!
Fun Run Winners
The 2010 Community Day Fun Run was fun for all! Whether running or walking, many residents, young and young at heart, came out for athletic camaraderie and friendly competition on a perfect weather day. Everett Altherr ran away as top finisher in the male category with a time of 18:32 and Perry Shoemaker crossed the finish line at 19:37 to be crowned the overall female finisher. First place age group finishers are shown below. For a complete list of race participants by group, visit www.twpusc.org/magazine and click on “Features” to find the 2010 Community Day race results. Congratulations to all participants and thanks to the great group of volunteers who organized and manned this increasingly popular morning event.
Everett Altherr
Perry Shoemaker
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Age Group Male
Female
8 and under 9-11 12-14 15-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50 and over
Celena Kerr Abigail Shoemaker Elaina Walnoha Amy Anderson Katie Stache Perry Shoemaker Tina Seech Gail Witenske
Nathan Hamel Andrew Berlin Robbie Mertz Everett Altherr Bob Loblaw Cory Resler Jim Wilding Mike Vighetti
Community Day 2010—1t’s a Wrap!
Hottest Dog Contest
The competition was “ruff,” but the results for Howard Hanna’s Hottest Dog Contest were: Best Dressed–Amber Star (owner–Phyllis Bandi) Dog/Owner Look Alike–Buddy (owner–Tommy Davidson) Cutest Dog–Lucy (owner–Patti and Victor Dubbs) Cutest Puppy–Fergie (owner–Chris and Jeff Gooderham)
Bake-Off Winners
Congratulations to the winners of the seventh annual Community Day Bake-Off, sponsored by Coldwell Banker Real Estate, Route 19/Galleria office. This year’s top winners were: Best in Show–Abby Drucis (tennis shoes) Most Original–Tia Watts (jewelry box) Home Sweet Home–Lilly Drucis (ice cream sundae) Most Patriotic–Faley Bulazo (flag cake)
Panther 1dol
Tiffany Kitner sang at Community Day to take top honors in the 2010 Panther Idol contest, sponsored by Coldwell Banker South Hills/Upper St. Clair.
Thanks to Our Patrons Thank you to the many volunteers who made USC’s 2010 Community Day such a success, and a special thank you to our patrons (listed below alphabetically). We couldn’t have done it without you! ARAMARK Nutrition Services, Ardolino’s Pizza, Bruegger’s Bagels, Chuck’s Complete Auto Service, Colussy Chevrolet, Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair, Fleet Feet, Giant Eagle Market District, King’s Family Restaurant, KOLANO design, Lorenzato Automotive Service, MedExpress, Miller’s Ace Hardware, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Mustin Chiropractic, South Hills Financial Group, St. Clair Country Club, Taylor Rental Center, The Gateway Engineers, Inc., The Pie Place, Traffic Control Equipment & Supplies Co., Inc. and Upper St. Clair Chamber of Commerce. Photos courtesy of Terry Kish Fall 2010
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Community Day Activities of the
Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair COMMUNITY DAY PARADE FLOAT WINNERS 1st Place Float ~ $100
USC TODAY To celebrate USC TODAY’s sixteen years, Eisenhower School, under the direction of Art teacher Michele Scureman, made the six-layer “cake” from all 61 USC TODAY covers. Boyce School made the "Happy Birthday" banner, with signatures of all of its students, which was placed on the side of the truck. Fort Couch provided two painted artwork pieces . . . one a driver's license and a second one which depicted activities of a 16-yr-old, which were placed in the windows of the truck. Streams provided a photo taken of a student human chain to form the number 16 and placed in the window of the truck. The $100 prize check has been donated back to the schools which created the USC TODAY float.
Accepting the check from Celeste Acinapura, Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair Executive Director, is Linda Dudzinski, Editor of USC TODAY, accompanied by staff members Terry Kish and Alison Hess. Staff parade marchers missing from the above photo are Colleen DeMarco and Erin Allen.
2nd Place Float ~ $75
USCHS Crew Team
The USC High School Crew Team has won or placed in the parade float competition for the past three years.
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Celeste Acinapura presents the second place check to Hope Feldman, one of the Crew coaches.
3rd Place Float ~ $50
Upper St. Clair Township Library RIGHT: Helen Palascak, Director of Library, accepts the 3rd. place check, along with staff members (l-r) Vanessa Ryzner, Barbara St. Clair, Barb Campbell, Shylu Venkatesh, Colleen Miles and Sheri Huffman. (Missing from picture: Debra Conn, Pam Khalili and Barbara Raco)
COMMUNITY DAY 2010 DUCK RACE WINNERS iPod Nano Pirates tickets Kennywood season passes John Heinz History Center Passes Yoga/Pilates Set Multimedia Speaker Set iLuv Shake & Wake Grill Set Walking for Weight Loss Set Crayola Activity Sets GIFT CERTIFICATES: $100 Best Buy $100 Borelli Dance Gallery
Jessica Murphy $50 Atria’s Richard Patton $25 Olive Garde Kenny Sukitch $25 Barnes & Noble Ed & Terri Dunn $25 Fandango Roxanne M. Carroll Roy Johnson Emily Hall John Bornyas Lauren Dempsey Eddie Albert
Bill Pohlmann Gail O’Hara Paige Gillen Amanda McQuillan
Mitchell Boring Juliana Gray
Fort Couch 8th graders Rebecca Patton and Taylor Smith keep the ducks moving in a “slow” stream
Duck Race finish line helpers
2010 High School Student Scholarship Awards Ellie Batz Scholarship Emily Summers Amount of Award: $500
Ted Barnett Scholarship William Pope Scholarship Kristen Stein Lauren Williams Amount of Award: $500 Amount of Award: $500 Joanne Szymanski Scholarship T.J. White Scholarship Mary Collins Amy Anderson Amount of Award: $750 Amount of Award: $750
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF UPPER ST. CLAIR 2585 Washington Road, Suite 131A • Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 (412) 831-1107
FAX (412) 220-7780
mainstreetusc@gmail.com Fall 2010
www.mainstreetusc.com UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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T
Township Commissioners Robert W. Orchowski
President, Ward 3 Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-854-1868 2011*
Glenn R. Dandoy
Vice President, At-Large Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-833-6243 2011*
Preston W. Shimer Ward 1
Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-221-1736 2011*
Mark R. Hamilton Ward 2
Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-478-2812 2013*
Mark D. Christie Ward 4
Day 412-831-9000 2013*
Russell R. Del Re Ward 5
Day 412-831-9000 Evening 724-941-3336 2011*
Daniel R. Paoly At-Large
Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-862-5995 2013*
End of an Era
They’re not Batman and Robin, but the term “dynamic duo” could certainly be applied to the team of Kyle Robinson and Walter Jarosh. For 40 years, Robinson, the Township’s Public Works Director, and Jarosh, the Township Superintendent of Parks, Buildings, and Forester, worked together to make our community the showplace it is today. But 2010 marked the end of an era, with Kyle retiring in May and Walter in June. Kyle began his career with the municipality in 1970 as the Township’s first Parks and Recreation Director, hiring Walter that same year to supervise the Public Works summer work crew. Through the years, the pair worked on a number of projects that greatly enhanced the quality of life in Upper St. Clair. “We had a very good working relationship,” said Walter. Since we worked together for so long, we could update each other in three or four word phrases. “It might not have made sense to anyone else,” said Walter, “but Kyle and I could review a list of ten different items in about a minute and a half.” Before they retired, Kyle and Walter took a ride through the Township, passing by many of the projects they were both involved with, Kyle Robinson including Gilfillan Trail, the new fire station on Washington Road, the renovation of the municipal building, the C&RC and REEC, the fields and concession stand at Boyce Mayview Park, and the interior and perimeter trails there. While Upper St. Clair is now well known for its recreational facilities, it wasn’t always that way. Kyle recalled that when he started with the Township, there was a piece of Wiltshire Park, Clair Park had just started, and there were a couple of tennis courts. “We wanted to develop a neighborhood park system,” said Kyle. “We acquired state grants for construction of parks and developed fees for the support of recreation parks programs.” Once Walter was hired, the pair worked together to develop an active tree and parks program for the community. During his time as Parks and Recreation Director, Kyle established the Parks/ Recreation Maintenance Department as a stand-alone maintenance branch of the Public Works Department, combined the Parks Commission, Recreation Commission, and Shade Trees Commission, all policy boards, into a single entity, The Parks and Recreation Board, developed recreation programs within USC school facilities, developed the indoor tennis season through the covering of the municipal tennis courts with air support structures—also known as the “bubbles”—and worked on the development of the Playing Fields Work Group with the USC School District, USCAA Association, and the Township of Upper St. Clair. Robinson was also one of the founders of USC’s annual Community Day celebration. In 1988, Kyle was named Director of Public Works. In this position he combined parks maintenance with public works maintenance into one labor force, worked towards compliance with the EPA Consent Orders for sanitary sewers and NPDES storm water compliance, and instituted an overall maintenance and tracking system for public work operations. Programs were set for street and parks resurfacing, as were specific schedules for a parks renovation project over ten years. Programs for right-of-way mowing and street sweeping of all state and Township roads were established during Robinson’s tenure as Public Works Director, as was the development of the Township’s leaf recycling site.
*Date indicates expiration of term.
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T Upper St. Clair’s Township Manager Matt Serakowski commented, “A consummate professional, Kyle cared about everything in this Township. His dedication distinguished the Public Works Department as the model for construction and maintenance of municipal infrastructure. His passion for the Township parks and athletic fields system has made it possible for hundreds of kids (and adults) to enjoy first-rate recreational amenities.” Ready to handle any challenge thrown at him was Walter Jarosh. Sometimes it seemed as though Walter knew just about everything about everything. Some of it he attributed to his long tenure, stating that when a resident called with a question on anything from tent caterpillars to elm disease, chances were he had encountered it before. Walter was always ready and willing to learn whatever was needed to do a job. In 1970, when the Township added the three-hole golf course, Walter said he knew nothing about caring for a golf course. He read and asked questions, and learned what to do. When dealing with mitigated wetlands, he learned about bog and wetland plants. From stream specialist to trail builder, Walter was never afraid to tackle a new project. According to Matt Serakowski, “Walter Walter Jarosh knows not only how building systems operate, but almost everything about the Township’s trees, wildlife, and even insects. His knowledge often seems limitless and he handles his many duties with grace and respect for the people and the world around him.” Walter said two of the projects he was involved with that he was most proud of were the trail system at Boyce Mayview Park and the Flight 427 Memorial Garden. Walter called the Memorial Garden “a special place.” A place for the community to heal after the tragedy, the face of the stone memorial is angled so it would take you to the Hopewell crash site. When asked what project he was most proud of, Kyle said “the Community & Recreation Center. I always thought we needed a central facility for the community, and this is a great place for everybody. It’s redefining Upper St. Clair and taking us to the next level.” While Kyle said he’ll miss his staff and members of the other Township departments, one thing he won’t miss is being at work between 6:30 and 6:45 a.m. every day, especially in the winter. He said he and his wife, Kathy, would like to do some traveling—California, especially the wine regions and the coastline, and a return trip to Ireland. Kyle also plans on spending time doing things with his family, as well as spending time playing golf and riding his Harley-Davidson. “It’s time to move on,” said Kyle. “I’ve always admired sports figures who quit at the top of their game. I think I’m leaving at the top of my game. It’s been a great ride.” Travel also figures into Walter’s retirement plans. He said he thinks he and his wife, Janelle, are going to try an Alaskan cruise. Another retirement goal of Walter’s is to backpack across the Grand Canyon. “This has been an amazing place to work,” said Walter. “Everybody works so well together. I’ll miss this place.” And USC will miss its own dynamic duo of Kyle Robinson and Walter Jarosh. n For another article on Walter Jarosh, see UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, fall 2009, page 16 or visit online at www.twpusc.org/magazine and click on “Past Issues.” Fall 2010
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 Joe Scarnati 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 4, 2010 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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Highlights of Board of Commissioners’ Meetings March 1, 2010
May 3, 2010
Approximately 13 people attended.
Approximately 28 people attended.
The Board • Adopted Bill No. 1-10 amending Chapter 121 of the Township Code entitled “Trees” to address hazardous trees on private property. • Adopted policy changes for the Community & Recreation Center for single tier membership, promoting monthly rates, notice of rate changes, annual contract converting to month to-month and promoting electronic fund transfers (EFTs) for the Community & Recreation Center. • Adopted rate increases for the Community & Recreation Center.
Recognitions and Proclamations • C o m m i s s i o n e r P a o l y presented a Proclamation to Nora Helfrich, Director of Tri-Community South Emergency Medical Services, proclaiming May 16-22, 2010, as National Emergency Medical Services EMS Week in Upper St. Clair. • Commissioner Christie presented a Proclamation to Kyle Dudzinski for Members of Tri-Community South EMS capturing the Swimming receive a proclamation State Title Class Triple A at the 2009-2010 PIAA Championships at Bucknell University, winning a gold medal for first place with a finish time of 49.04 seconds in the 100-yard butterfly. Kyle also gained a bronze medal for third place in the 100-yard backstroke with a finish time of 49.32 seconds. Kyle is a junior at Upper St. Clair High School. Thomas Donati, Upper St. Clair High School Boys’ Swim Coach was also presented with a certificate. • Commissioner Shimer presented Certificates of Achievement to parents and students from the Odyssey of the Mind Program for which students from Boyce Middle School and Upper St. Clair High School achieved the honor of advancing to Worlds, being held in Michigan at the end of May. Commissioner Shimer indicated that the program encourages creative thinking and problem-solving skills among participating students from kindergarten through college. Students solve problems in a variety of areas and the program promotes lifelong skills while helping to develop self-confidence. The recipients were: Boyce Middle School–first place Gift of Flight and second place Nature Trail’R Division I: coach Sharon Byrnes; team members: Brendan Allen, Connor Byrnes, Liam Carse, Arushi Kewalramani, Piol-Ha Massé, Abigail Shoemaker, Vicki Wang Upper St. Clair High School–first place and Ranatra Fusca for Discovered Treasures Division III: coaches Reid Simmons and Gwen Patterson; team members: Paul Austin, Riyana Bilimoria, Bridget Hubbard, Abigail Massaro, Molly Patterson, Peter Rosati, Rachel Simmons Upper St. Clair High School–second place Column Structure Division III: coaches Michelle Turnwald and Geralyn Austin; team members: Kyle Austin, Maura Boston, Robert Burke, Brenna Carse, Rebecca Knapp, Josh Simmons, Sydney Turnwald
Board Approval of Contracts • Day Automotive, Monroeville...................................................................................$27,036 2010 Ford Expedition 4x4 Police Utility Vehicle • Woltz & Wind Ford, Heidelberg……….....................................................…….….$44,496 (2) 2010 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptors • Allegheny Ford Truck Sales, Pittsburgh…................................................................$63,692 (2) 2011 Ford F-550 XL, 4x4 Regular Cab & Chassis (Public Works) • GAPVAX, Inc., Johnstown….…….....................................................................…...$57,440 (2) Aluminum CB Chassis Dump Bodies w/ Stainless Steel Salt Spreader, Pre-Wet System & Muncie MP2 Advantage System for 2011 Ford F-550’s (Public Works); and...........................................................................................................................$42,678 (1) Aluminum Body Upfit w/Stainless Steel Salt Spreader Pre-Wet System & Muncie MP2 Advantage System for 2011 International Truck (Public Works) • A. Folino Construction, Inc., Oakmont..….......................................................$883,565.96 2010 Annual Street Resurfacing • Matcon Diamond, Inc., Pittsburgh…..............................................................……..$22,500 2010 Crack Sealing • T. A. Robinson, Bridgeville………..................................................................……$229,529 Extension of the Perimeter Trail of Boyce Mayview Park • Robinson Pipe Cleaning Co., Pittsburgh…............................................................$140,250 Sanitary Sewer Video Inspection (for Year 2010) • Ballard*King & Associates, Highlands Ranch, CO…………….....................................................................…..$23,700 Operational Audit for the Community & Recreation Center
April 5, 2010
Approximately 28 people attended.
Recognitions and Proclamations • Commissioner Shimer presented a Proclamation to Helen Palascak, Director of Library in recognition of National Library Week April 11-17, 2010. The Board • Continued Public Hearing PLC10-1301 Amendment to Chapter 130 of the Township Code entitled “Zoning” to amend the definition of a Gasoline Station and to add parking requirements to the May 3, 2010, regular meeting of the Board of Directors. • Adopted Resolution No. 1507 authorizing the necessary actions to adopt tobaccofree zones at public parks located in the Township. • Adopted the Township Diversity Plan required by the Allegheny Regional Asset District. • Adopted Resolution No. 1508 authorizing the disposal of Township records in accordance with the Pennsylvania Records Retention Act and the Township Code.
The Board • Approved Bill No. 3-10 Amending Chapter 130 of the Township Code entitled “Zoning” to amend the definition of a Gasoline Station and to add parking requirements. • Continued Public Hearing Re.PLC100002-Verizon Wireless-Colocation of Antennae on Monopole at Upper St. Clair High School Stadium to the June 7, 2010 meeting of the Board of Commissioners.
Board Approval of Contracts • E.H. Griffith, Inc., Pittsburgh….........................................................$82,760.31 (PA Contract #2420-1) Toro Groundsmaster 5910-D Appointment to Boards and Commissions • Approved the appointment to Township Boards and Commissions: Timothy Stouden–Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Helen Palascak and Commissioner Preston Shimer
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.
2010 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 at the C&RC 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 Service Board meets as needed. • The Building/Fire Codes Appeals and Advisory Board meets as needed.
Visit the Township’s website www.twpusc.org 24
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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 2010 Citizens’ Police Academy with classes beginning October 6 and ending November 10, 2010. 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
Sign up now for the 2010 Citizens’ Police Academy beginning in October.
Upper St. Clair Police Department 2010 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
At graduation are, left to right, Lieutenant John Sakoian, Lisa Cummings, Liz Cummings, Matthew Harding, Chief of Police Ronald Pardini, Dirk Kiesewetter, and Jennifer Kiesewetter
Some members of the academy’s 2009 graduating class are, left to right, front row, Harry Browne, Eric Gomberg, Robbie Schuldt, Robin Lange, Joan Watson, Benjamin Judd; back row: Lieutenant John Sakoian, Louis Craig, John Schuldt, Lawrence Lange, Sandra Shanahan, Sergeant Curtis Gallatin, and Jonathan Mittelman
2010 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
Left to right are Roary Zahren, helmet winner; Maggie Smith, helmet winner; and Andrew Wharton, bicycle winner Fall 2010
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Prepare for Emergencies—EDITH Many of us are probably wondering where the summer has gone. As we turn our sights to fall and preparing our households for winter, we should take the opportunity to assess and plan from lessons learned last winter and be in a constant state of readiness for other emergencies that we may face. Last winter’s road closures, power outages, telephone interruptions, loss of utilities, cancelled public transportation, broken water pipes, and other situations challenged the entire region for weeks. When there is an emergency, generally we are used to getting help within hours. But lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina, blizzards, floods, and other disasters have led emergency planners nationwide to recommend that the public should plan to be self sufficient for up to three days. Are you ready? The members of the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department would like to provide you with some tips on being prepared for an emergency. Some simple planning can make an emergency situation more manageable. The key to an effective plan is to develop and rehearse it with the entire family. Practicing Emergency Drills In The Home (EDITH) is one of the simplest and most basic steps in an household’s emergency planning. Having two ways out of each room in the house, designating a meeting place outside of the house, knowing how to contact emergency services, and never going back into the house are the basic premises to an evacuation plan. Designate an out-of-town contact since sometimes it may be easier to contact someone out of town rather than cross town. Make sure that everyone in the family knows the emergency contact number. Program your cell phones with the “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) number. Practice your plan periodically and at different times of the day, and practice the plan unannounced. Practice and preparation are key. No plan is effective unless it is practiced.
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 green colored 2010 Trash and Recycling Information booklet.
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 26
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Having an emergency supply kit is very important. Some emergency situations may require you to shelter in place for up to three days. Having at least three days of drinking water on hand (generally one gallon per person per day), food, flashlights with extra batteries, battery powered radio, medications, basic tools to shut off utilities, first aid supplies, and sleeping bags are a few of the basic items that should be on hand. It is important to stay informed. Listen to the news. A battery powered radio comes in handy when power is out. Some radios on the market combine solar, battery, and the ability to be charged by cranking into one low cost unit. Make sure that your vehicle has a full tank of gas, good tires, normal fluid levels, and a battery that is in good condition. Have an emergency roadside kit available as well. Last February’s snow fall created challenges not only for residents, but for emergency responders as well. Deep snow made it difficult to access houses and ice was a hazard for ambulance crews when attempting to move patients from homes and businesses into the ambulance. Ice melt and snow shovels were at a premium. Snow removal and ice melting can greatly assist emergency crews with access; however, you should assess your personal physical readiness prior to heavy snow removal. Contact your physician to make sure that you can perform strenuous work. Neighborhoods can greatly assist firefighters by making sure that fire hydrants are clear of weeds, brush, and other obstructions. While landscaping may improve the appearance of the hydrant, it also can cause obstructions that could interfere with making a connection in an emergency. Snow removal around the hydrant is appreciated. For more information on preparedness concepts, visit www.ready.gov/america/index.html. n
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. 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. 2010-11 Trash-Recycling Holiday Collection Week of Labor Day.................... Thursday, September 9 and Friday, September 10 Week of Thanksgiving Day....... Friday, November 26 Week of Christmas.................... No Change Week of New Year’s................... No Change 2010 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, 30; November 6, 13, 20; December 4. n
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General Election—Tuesday, November 2, 2010 Polls Open 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
Monday, October 4, 2010, 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. Check the Township website to verify the location of the polling place closer to the general election date. Ward District Polling Place 1
1
Township Building, Library Multi-purpose Room, Ground Floor - McLaughlin Run Road
1
2
Baker Elementary School, Gymnasium Morton Road
1
3
Eisenhower School Gymnasium Warwick Drive
1
4
Eisenhower School Gymnasium Warwick Drive
2
1
Eisenhower School Gymnasium Warwick Drive
2
2
Westminster Presbyterian Church - Washington Road
2
3
Eisenhower School Gymnasium Warwick Drive
2
4
Eisenhower School Gymnasium Warwick Drive
Ward District Polling Place 3 1 Recreation Center - McLaughlin Run Road 3
2
St. Louise de Marillac School - McMurray Road
3
3
Recreation Center - McLaughlin Run Road
4
1
Baker Elementary School, Gymnasium - Morton Road
4
2
Boyce Middle School, Gymnasium - Boyce Road
4
3
Boyce Middle School, Gymnasium - Boyce Road
4
4
Boyce Middle School, Gymnasium - Boyce Road
5
1
Wesley Spectrum Services, Gymnasium - Johnston Road
5
2
Wesley Spectrum Services, Gymnasium - Johnston Road
5
3
Boyce Middle School, Gymnasium - Boyce Road
Fall 2010
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USC Library Library Hosts Successful Luncheon Event
Service Roles of Upper St. Clair Township Library • To provide items of current popular social and cultural interest for recreational purposes. • To provide information on a broad spectrum of topics related to work, school, and personal life. • To serve as a center for life-long learning, assisting those interested in self-directed personal growth, supporting adult and child literacy development, and providing help with using library technology.
Guests at the first Upper St. Clair Township Library luncheon were treated to a delicious Sunday meal at St. Clair Country Club this past April. Dr. Samuel Hazo, Upper St. Clair resident and award winning poet, entertained the group with selections of his poetry interspersed with commentary and reminiscences. n
Harmony: mind, body, and spirit Dr. Samuel Hazo speaks to the group.
Debra Conn, head of the library’s Youth Services, and Amy Billerbeck, president of the USC School Board
The Upper St. Clair Township and the South Park Township Libraries have received a state grant to establish complementary collections of print and non-print materials around a theme of “Harmony: mind, body and spirit.” A parallel series of programs related to this theme will be presented at each library. The project will present integrated holistic information which can help library users make lifestyle choices to improve the quality of their lives. Both libraries are looking for volunteers to serve on a hospitality committee to welcome visitors to these special programs. If you are interested in helping, call the library at 412-835-5540. n
Conway Keibler, Friends of the Library board member, speaks with Helen Palascak, Library Director, and Dr. Samuel Hazo before the program begins.
A Walk in the Woods The featured book of the One Book One Community Program this spring was Bill Bryson’s “A Walk in the Woods, Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail.” Upper St. Clair Township Library partnered with Jessica Stombaugh of the Regional Environmental Education Center (REEC) and retired Township Forester Walter Jarosh to lead a group of library patrons who read the book on a wildflower walk in our own Boyce Mayview Park woods. The participants enjoyed the walk so much that a follow-up walk is planned for this fall. Call the library for date and time, and join other participants as they explore yet another trail in the park. n
Anna Monier and Jessica Stombaugh share the trail
Stopping to appreciate the wildflowers
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 6 Outside book and video return available 24 hours a day, collected daily at 9 a.m.
www.twpusc.org/library 28
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412-835-5540
What’s Happening in the Children’s Library
Library, Children’s Department Ask the Librarian
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ve so oler, s libraries ha t of a Prescho overwhelming. Children’ s are a great place to en ar P r ea D ok raries can be s. Picture bo Sometimes lib d so many kinds of book an s icture Books. ok many bo d our Easy Pe realistic and en m m co re s old, I’d ations ar start. d their illustr ild is two year •If your ch ve short, simple plots an e, you’ll want These books hatand. skills improv tend to have on si en eh rs pr de m s un book and co easy to llection. These ild’s listening •As your chfrom our Picture Book cobjects and plots. a good s to select book e complex and diverse su interest your child. This is are or at at m th th t ts ts ha ec ec bj ew su subj som , try books on oose books on •At first chuce easy non-fiction. Later and issues. od tr way to in . sion of topics ild like the le us ib sc ss ce di a ac t t ar bu unfamiliar, oks that can be used to st book. If you and your ch •Look for bo rules for picking a good no pper St. •There are l that matters! lable at the U ry. Click on ai av e ar ts al ec ’s ra and subj book, that sc.org/lib r specific ages g www.twpu •Booklists fo p Library or by visitin the page. hi Clair Towns for Children” at the top of “Good Reads Sincerely, Librarian Debra Conn,
Picture Book News Many children have favorite subjects including dinosaurs, trucks, trains, and princesses. To make your child’s favorite books easier to find, the library has created “Picture Book Subjects.” In a Picture Book Subject you’ll find picture books and non-fiction books shelved together. Now, if your child loves dinosaurs, you’ll find all dinosaur books for young children shelved in the same place. Over 60 picture book subjects on topics of interest to preschoolers, their parents, and their teachers have been created. Under development is a “Ready to Read Subject” area. Ready to Read books are great books to read with your child. When you open a Ready to Read book you’ll find a user guide. Each book’s user guide lists additional ways the book can be used to teach important early literacy skills. Play to Learn The “Play to Learn” area for young children is the most actively used place in the library. It’s filled with puzzles, puppets, blocks, and imaginative games that encourage play and learning. In addition, you’ll find educational kits to use with your preschooler. These kits will help your child master Play to Learn important early learning skills. Puppets and puzzles are available for check out.
Discover Center
Discover Centers Check out the new interactive activities for older kids. Two tables near the computer area feature a rotating collection of educational toys and games. The emphasis in this area is on math and science. Some favorite activities are Lincoln Logs, geoboards, and tangram puzzles. While you’re visiting you can also try playing the library’s keyboard.
Fiction Collection for Older Kids and Teens The library’s fiction collections for older kids and teens are shelved by genre. If you like funny books, you’ll find funny books shelved together under “Humor.” Recently added are some nonfiction titles to the library’s genres. Now in “Humor” you’ll find joke and riddle books, in “Adventure” you’ll find books about adventures that really happened, and in “Mystery” you’ll find books about everyday mysteries like optical illusions or unsolved mysteries like the Bermuda Triangle.
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Fall Classes Coming this fall, the library will offer a wide variety of classes for children of all ages. Our popular storytime sessions will begin the week of September 27 and run through the week of November 1. This six-week series will offer children, parents, grandparents, and caregivers many opportunities to visit the library, hear stories, and have a good time. Registration for all fall classes will begin on Tuesday, September 14. A complete list and all program information can be found at the library or by visiting www.twpusc.org/library. Family Storytime @ 7 p.m. Children ages 2 to 7 years old with a parent, grandparent, or caregiver Thursdays, September 16, October 12, November 4, and December 9 Saturday Stories @ 2:15 p.m. Children ages 3 ½ to 6 (Dates to be announced) Babies & Toddlers Children ages 4 to 24 months with a parent, grandparent, or caregiver Mondays at 10 or 11 a.m. Twos & Threes Children 2 to 3 ½ years of age with a parent, grandparent, or caregiver Wednesdays or Thursdays at 10 or 11 a.m. Pre-School Storytime Children 3 ½, 4, or 5 years of age who are ready to spend a half hour on their own Thursdays at 1:45 p.m., Fridays at 10 a.m. or 1:45 p.m. Science & Math in the Library Children 5 years of age and older who are not yet in first grade Tuesdays at 10 a.m. or 1:45 p.m. Library Explorers: Explore the Animal Kingdom Children who are currently in kindergarten Wednesdays at 10 a.m. or 1:45 p.m. BookTrek: Animal Odyssey Children in first to fourth grade Tuesdays or Wednesdays at 4 p.m. Chess Class with Eric Berthoud Children, kindergarten to eighth grade Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m. All children who register for this program will be eligible to participate in a chess tournament on Saturday, November 6, 1-4 p.m.
Fiction for older kids and teens
Fall 2010
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The Great Cleanup of Boyce Mayview Park Sara Homol, REEC Program Administrator
If you visited Boyce Mayview Park during the end of April you may have noticed a very hefty pile of metal scraps behind the Regional Environmental Education Center (REEC) outdoor classroom. If curiosity caused you to venture closer you would have seen an old air conditioning tank, a few old metal pails, bed pans, and rolls of rusted fencing. This metal is evidence of an abandoned landfill located within the park, and gave a group of volunteers a run for their money on April 24. The REEC hosted its first large clean up event called “The Great Cleanup of Boyce Mayview Park.” This cleanup event was held in conjunction with Great American Cleanup of PA, a yearly statewide cleanup campaign involving local and state government, businesses, waste haulers, and environmental and civic groups, and World Environment Day. This year, World Environment Day celebrations were also held around the city to commemorate World Environmental Day 2010, which was hosted in Pittsburgh. Cleaning up trash from the creek bed Volunteers from many different groups joined the REEC for this event, including volunteers from the Marriott, Disney volunteers, University of trash that was collected was recyclable Virginia Pittsburgh Alumni Chapter, as well as metal and glass and ceramics which local USC residents who have been visiting the were donated to a local artists group. park for years. Many volunteers took home bits and During the Great Cleanup of Boyce Mayview pieces that they found in the landfill, Park, volunteers worked in a creek channel to including old bottles and jars. clean up trash in an abandoned landfill. This creek At the end of the day’s event stuA pile of collected metal scraps channel leads directly into Chartiers Creek, a great dents exclaimed, “When will you do regional asset. The day started with expected showers and a threat this again? I can’t wait! This was so much fun!” That was music of thunderstorms, but they were no match for an enthusiastic to the REEC staff’s ears. group of volunteers ready to work. Sixty-four volunteers joined The REEC would like to thank all the volunteers who particiin with the REEC staff to log a total of 256 volunteer hours. pated in the day, as well as Giovanni’s Pizza and Pasta of Dormont For many of the volunteers, this was their first trip to Boyce for donating lunch and South Fayette Shop n’ Save for donating Mayview Park, and I’m sure it was a memorable one. Most of the snacks. n
Earth Extravaganza 2010
Hosted by the Regional Environmental Education Center (REEC) and the Upper St. Clair Department of Recreation and Leisure Services, the first ever Earth Extravaganza in Boyce Mayview Park was held on June 5. This year’s event coincided with the United Nations World Environment Day, of which Pittsburgh was the 2010 North American host city. Activities included hikes, crafts, a plant sale by the Boyce Middle School Secret Garden Club, information from the USC Citizens for Land Stewardship, and a photo contest with the theme “Water Matters.” The photo contest attracted several entries, which were judged by Teresa Funaro, a professional photographer; Christina Keith, a photography teacher; and Pat Campbell, president of the USC Citizens for Land Stewardship. First place winner in the adult category of photos taken within Boyce Mayview Park was Jessica Stombaugh, with a dramatic photo of a dragonfly. Steven Kester took second place with Blue Heron on a Tree. In the adult category of photos taken elsewhere, Bob Hossli took both first and second place. In the junior category, for students in grades six through ten, Rebecca Kerman took both first and second place in the “Photos 30
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Taken within the Park” category. In the “Elsewhere” category, Zach Heckler took first place for a photo he took at Deer Valley while participating in the Boyce Middle School Earthwarden program. Sarah Kerman took second place with a photo of a water lily. The photo contest was supported by the Gastineau-Campbell family, Bedner’s Farm Market, USC Citizens for Land Stewardship, Jan Fleckenstein, Mary Lee Maloy, the REEC, and the C&RC membership department. The USC League for the Arts served as a consultant. Look for more events co-hosted by the USC Department of Recreation and Leisure Services and the REEC, including the second annual Bounty of Boyce Mayview Park Fall Festival, scheduled for Saturday, November 6 (see page 92 for detailed information), and the 2011 Earth Extravaganza, scheduled for June 11. n
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Fall Activities at the REEC
If you would like to get out into Boyce Mayview Park with the Regional Environmental Education Center (REEC), mark your calendars for these great upcoming fall events! Saturday, October 2 RADical Days at the REEC. Watch for more information on this free day full of family activities, crafts, and hikes.
Ann knows the pain of losing a spouse.
Wednesday, October 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Backyard Composting presented by Pennsylvania Resources Council and the REEC. Act 48 credits available.
Her life was filled with sadness, now it’s filled with new friends.
Saturday, October 9, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Climate Change Workshop presented by Pennsylvania Resources Council and the REEC. Act 48 credits available. Saturday, October 9, 10-11 a.m. Saturdays Outdoor Hike Sunday, October 10, 1-4 p.m. Cub Scout Multipack Event: Geology Sunday, October 10, 6-8 p.m. Talk n Walk: Nighttime Adventures Saturday, October 23, 7-8 p.m. Moonstruck Full Moon Hike Last two weeks of October Schedule your scout or community group for a special UNSpooky Hike in the Boyce Mayview Park with the REEC during the last two weeks of October. Hikes are by request only. Pre-registration is required.
Losing a loved one is one of life’s most traumatic events, and Ann was devastated when she lost her husband. She came to Country Meadows seeking help to fight severe depression and regain her own desire for life. Soon after she moved in, Ann discovered a community of people her own age with similar experiences; she made friends and discovered talents she never knew she had. Today her life is filled with a strong support network of friends and family, social gatherings and volunteer service. At Country Meadows we have independent living, assisted living, memory support services and restorative care options to fit the individual needs of most seniors. We also offer in-home personal care services to seniors in the comfort of their own homes. Like Ann, every one of our residents is unique. So for many of them, having more choices about how they live makes a world of difference.
Saturday, November 6 Second annual Bounty of Boyce Mayview Festival. See page 92 for more information.
www.countrymeadows.com 3570 Washington Pike | Bridgeville, PA 15017 | 412.257.4581 A Continuing Care Retirement Community Independent Living | Assisted Living Restorative Care | Skilled Nursing
| |
Memory Support In-Home Care
Country Meadows does not discriminate in resident admission on the basis of race, ancestry, religious creed, age, sex, handicap, disability or national origin, provided the resident, in the sole opinion of Country Meadows, can be cared for legally and responsibly. CM Ann_USCT.indd 1
Fall 2010
1/27/10 4:16 PM
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Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness
NAVIGATE THE ROAD TO SUCCESS
MC MA H O N FI NAN C I A L 6 5 0 WA S H I N G T O N R O A D / S U I T E 1 0 0 0 P I T T S B U R G H PA 1 5 2 2 8 / 4 1 2 3 4 3 8 7 0 0 W W W. M C M A H O N - F I N A N C I A L . C O M
October is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month. Tri-Community South EMS will join the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association (SCAA) in celebrating the recovery of patients from sudden cardiac arrest and honoring their rescuers at the SCAA annual meeting, October 8-10 at the Pittsburgh Marriott City Center. In the first three months of 2010, three residents of Tri-Community South’s service area survived the effects of sudden cardiac arrest. In all of these instances, quick action by bystanders meant the difference between life and death. First, someone quickly called 911. Then, bystanders started CPR and continued until the police arrived and shocked the patient’s heart with an AED. Next, Tri-Community South EMS arrived and employed a combination of advanced life support techniques, one in which included cooling the patient’s body well below normal body temperatures. Sudden cardiac arrest is a condition that occurs when the heart, with little or no warning, suddenly stops pumping blood. This may happen because of a heart attack or coronary artery disease, or even in an otherwise healthy heart that experiences a disruption to its electrical conduction system. It can happen to anyone of any age group and of any physical condition. According to statistics from the American Heart Association, cardiac arrest occurs every 90 seconds in the United States, and while survival rates for victims of cardiac arrest remain low, there are some proven actions that can increase survivability. The most important intervention in cardiac arrest care continues to be the early application of CPR, especially the use of effective chest compressions. Clinical evidence shows that continuous chest compressions increase not only the survival rate of victims, but also the quality of the survivor’s life after resuscitation. Since the medical problem in many sudden cardiac arrest cases is disruption of the electrical activity in the heart, the second important intervention is the early use of the Automated External Defibrillator, or AED. This allows anyone to apply electrical energy to the heart that can help reorganize the heart rhythm and restore normal blood flow. All police officers in Bethel Park,
South Park, and Upper St. Clair have been trained in the use of the AED, and the police vehicles in these communities have been equipped with AEDs since 1991. Police officers often arrive first at the scene of EMS calls, and this training and equipment allows them to provide immediate lifesaving care. N o w, a l o n g w i t h t h e s e p ro v e n interventions, a relatively new procedure has been introduced. This procedure, called induced hypothermia, involves cooling the victim’s body to significantly slow the body’s cell deterioration caused when the heart is no longer pumping blood. Research shows that a person’s brain cells die at the rate of ten percent per minute when the heart is no longer pumping oxygenated blood. Induced hypothermia has been shown to significantly slow this damage to the brain and all major organs of the body. Induced hypothermia can be started by EMS personnel at the emergency scene by giving an intravenous saline solution that has been cooled to around four degrees Centigrade, or 35 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooling process can be continued by hospital personnel when the victim is transferred to the emergency department, and can be maintained for the first 48 hours following the cardiac arrest. Tri-Community South EMS began implementing induced hypothermia in cardiac arrest patients in spring 2009. The South Park Township Board of Supervisors recognized the bystanders and police from the resuscitations in that community at their April meeting, and the Bethel Park Council did likewise at their May meeting. These events reunited the bystanders, rescuers, and the SCA survivors. Tri-Community South EMS and the SCAA presented rescuer awards to the bystanders and survivor awards to the SCA survivors. n
For more information on Sudden Cardiac Arrest, visit the SCAA website at www.suddencardiacarrest.org. For information about induced hypothermia, AEDs, or to sign up for a CPR class, call Tri-Community South at 412-831-3710, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 32
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T Sanitary Sewer Backups AND your homeowner’s coverage The Township maintains over 158 miles of underground sewer lines. There is no way to predict when the next sanitary sewer backup will occur. And while only a handful of our residents experience a significant sanitary sewer backup each year, we know that when it does occur, it is a distressing situation. It can be even more devastating if a resident is not insured for losses—losses that can easily run into tens of thousands of dollars. Sewer Backup Insurance Homeowners can alleviate possible sewer-related damage expenses by contacting their property insurance provider to verify that they have sewer backup coverage. Most homeowners’ insurance policies do not automatically include coverage for these occurrences. Given the potential for significant loss, it would be advisable for homeowners served by a public sewer system, particularly those with finished basements, to obtain some level of coverage. Lastly, if you experience a floor drain backup or otherwise suspect a sanitary sewer problem, contact the Township’s Public Works Department immediately at 412-831-9000, extension 271.
Resources for Seniors The United Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair Amy Kerman, Department of Recreation and Leisure Services, Older Adult Coordinator Frequently I am asked for advice or referrals to help seniors in the community. Though I do not advocate any particular program or organization, there are several resources available to meet all kinds of needs. I usually refer people to search the Allegheny County Senior Resource Guide, which is produced by Pittsburgh Senior News in cooperation with the Allegheny County Department of Human Services Area Agency on Aging. The booklet is available on-line at www.pittsburghseniornews. com/files/2010AlleghenyGuide.pdf. If you do not have access to a computer at home, you can always use a computer at a library.
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.
The USC Township Library and the Recreation Department also has hard copies of the booklet for your use. Another great resource is the Allegheny County Link (to Aging and Disability Resources) at 1-866-730-2368 or www.AlleghenyLink.com. TTY: 412-350-5205. This source can put you in touch with many local resources. The official website of the U.S. government that connects people in need to government assistance programs is www.GovBenefits.gov. Questions? Contact Amy Kerman at the Township’s Department of Recreation and Leisure Services at 412-221-1099, extension 603 or email kerman@twpusc.org. n
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! Fall 2010
Attention Senior Citizens, age 65 and older: To register for the ACCESS 65 PLUS shared-ride transportation program or 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.
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Health and Wellness Back to School Health Tips Mary Parks Lamb, MD, Medical Director, The Urgent Care Center Could it possibly be back-to-school time already? As the remaining days of summer fly by, take time to prepare your child to head back to school or start school for the first time. •Obtain a physical. School and sports physicals are an important part of each school year, even if they are not mandated by the school. Yearly physicals enable your health care provider to monitor growth and development, update immunizations, determine risks for sports participation, and discuss safety issues. If you did not plan ahead for a physical with your child’s primary care physician, urgent care centers do offer walk-in service for sports and school physicals for a flat fee. Some communicate their information back to the PCP to maintain continuity of care. •Backpack Safety. Choose a backpack with wide shoulder straps and make sure your child uses both straps evenly across the back. Slinging the weight over one shoulder can lead to muscle strain. Advise your child to pack lightly. A backpack should never weigh more than 10-20% of your child’s body weight. Rolling backpacks may be a fun choice for your child to lighten the load, but take note that they are difficult to haul upstairs and do not roll well in the snow. Avoid identifying marks, including a name on your child’s backpack, although initials are considered safe to use. •Traveling To and From School. Review all safety issues with your child concerning bus travel. If your child travels to school by car, make sure she uses an appropriate car safety seat or booster seat. If your teen is driving to and from school, make sure you require seat belt use, restrict the number of teens in the car, discourage eating and drinking, and forbid texting or talking on cell phones. Many crashes involve driver distractions and occur while novice drivers are traveling to and from school. If your child bikes to school make sure he or she always wears a helmet regardless of the distance, wears bright clothing, and obeys traffic rules. Walking to school certainly has its health benefits, but its share of dangers as well. Make sure the route is well lit and safe with crossing guards at major intersections. Take time to review stranger safety with your child and emphasize to never accept rides, candy, or other invitations from strangers. Have your child walk with a friend or in a group. If your 34
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child is young or new to walking to school, walk with them until they know the route and can do it safely on their own. •Eating During the School Day. Most schools provide pre-planned school cafeteria menus, enabling you to plan your child’s lunches in advance. Pack a nutritious lunch on days your child prefers not to eat the school’s main course. Go over the menu with your child and discuss the nutritional value of what is being offered. Steer them away from soda and dessert with each lunch and toward low fat milk and fresh fruit with the main entrée. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), drinking just one can of regular soda each day increases your child’s risk of obesity by 60%. •Developing Good Homework and Study Habits. Children learn best when we teach them how to create an environment conducive to learning. Set up a permanent work space in their bedroom or another part of the house that offers privacy. Make it well lit and comfortable (but not too comfortable!). Keep the TV off during study time and supervise all computer and Internet use. To avoid eye, neck, and brain fatigue, encourage occasional breaks. •Making the First Day Easier. Since your child has probably grown accustomed to staying up late and sleeping in over the summer months, try to make that first morning back to school easier by a more gradual return to the school year sleep schedule. Over several days prior to the start of school, have your child go to sleep a little earlier and arise a little earlier each day so that when that first day arrives, your child will be somewhat adjusted to the school routine. Make sure your child knows that he is not alone feeling a bit uneasy about the start of school. Everyone—kids, parents, teachers, and principals—has butterflies on the first day back and needs to adjust to the new routine. Point out the positive aspects of school. If this is your child’s first school experience, reminisce about your own positive experiences with school (but spare them the negative ones!). As you make the last memories of summer 2010, give your child a better start physically, emotionally, and academically this school year by incorporating these tips into your back-to-school plans. n
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Health and Wellness • Cutting edge, sports specific training programs • Kettlebell training, group & custom individualized programs • Physical therapy— emphasizing an active, dynamic, training approach • Rehabilitation— specialists in dynamic, functional post-operative recovery • Fully staffed with physical therapists only
Titleist Performance Instititute Certified
Clifford Milowicki, MSPT Alliance Physical Therapy and Performance Center
3540 Washington Rd. McMurray, PA 15317 724.941.7070
645 Rodi Rd. Penn Hills, PA 15235 412.242.7800
www.alliancephysicaltherapy.com
Core Strengthening
What Does It Mean and How Did It Help the Chicago Blackhawks? Clifford Milowicki, Alliance Physical Therapy and Performance Center
In the past decade, the terms “core” and “core strengthening” have become mainstays in the fitness and performance training industry as well as in the world of rehabilitation. The term “core” has evolved into a buzzword of sorts, with professionals and novices alike freely referring to it. Philosophically, this has been recognized as an important transformation with regard to how spine and hip problems are diagnosed and subsequently treated. In addition, trainers of teams and individuals have come full circle in identifying the core as the primary area of emphasis with regard to performance training as well as promotion of general health and fitness. Most people when questioned will identify the core as the stomach or abdominal muscles. In its truest sense, the abdominals represent only a fraction of the core. It also includes the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine, pelvic and hip musculature including quads and hamstrings, as well as the scapular muscles and portions of the proximal shoulder. The importance of this understanding is twofold: First, for the healthy client, training the abdominals exclusively creates a strength imbalance between the stomach and the other aspects of the core. This imbalance puts the healthy client at risk for disc injury and other forms of back pain. In addition, strains in the quads, hamstrings, and other aspects of the hip are often associated with strength and flexibility imbalances due to incomplete core strengthening regimens. A common example is the young, healthy patient who comes to physical therapy with a diagnosis of sciatica and reports an insidious onset of symptoms. He expresses concern because he goes to the gym everyday, doing cardio or group boot camp classes and works on abs. How could he have developed a sciatic, or back, problem? The
strengthening of the abs in the absence of comprehensive back and hip strengthening created a functional weakness and stiffness with regard to back extension, and he subsequently develops a disc injury. Clinical examples like this are becoming more and more common with the younger, healthier population. Secondly, for the post-operative back or hip client, incomplete core strengthening regimens put the patient at risk for chronic back symptoms and related dysfunction, often one to two years after surgery. This patient often times did not complete a physical therapy program, either by choice or because the surgeon did not prescribe one. This patient will usually require an extended time frame in physical therapy to realize a healthy core balance. Now that we understand the core and how important it is to back safety and pain free function, what does this have to do with the Chicago Blackhawks? Paul Goodman, the strength and conditioning coach for the Blackhawks, and I trained together at the Art of Strength, Punch Kettlebell Gym headquarters in Rhode Island in spring 2009. As I have brought the kettlebell training philosophy to our practice in McMurray, Paul did the same for the Blackhawks. It’s no coincidence that in his two years with the team, they have gone from a perennial non factor to a playoff team last year. This year, they heightened their goal and won the Stanley Cup. The team’s strength and conditioning program primarily consists of kettlebell training and related core strengthening regimens. We have come to learn that kettlebell training is the single most efficient way to get the entire body strong, while having a primary emphasis on balanced core strengthening. If it has worked for an elite NHL team, it can certainly work for you! n See ad on this page. Fall 2010
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Health and Wellness Valley Brook Family Dental Joseph L. Gurecka, DMD
Advanced Dental Care for the Entire Family Cosmetic Dentistry Lumineer Veneers Advanced Whitening Dental Implants Laser Surgery Root Canals & Extractions IV Sedation Available PLUS: Modern Office Convenient Hours Child Friendly Environment Most Insurances Accepted No Interest Financing Peters Town Center 180 Gallery Drive, McMurray
(724) 942-8982 www.valleybrookdental.com
Dancing With My Daughter
Cathy Lavin, Studio Manager, Dance Workshop by Shari I also learned a lot from her 15 years in dance class. I came Today in Zumba class, I was learning new choreography as we danced to the Latin beat of the music. It was great! I was to appreciate the hard work and dedication of the “lovers of sweating, stretching, my heart racing, and trying to get my feet dance”—performers, teachers, and choreographers. It is a beautiand arms to do what they should! I am not a dancer. I have never ful art, but often people don’t realize the many years it takes to perfect what they see on stage. Enjoying a performance attended a dance class in my life, but here I was, dancing. at the Benedum or at a local high school musical, I And better yet, I was dancing with my 26-year-old appreciate the performances with a new respect. daughter. As I looked at the two of us in the mirrors I learned that while natural talent is great, anyon the wall, I couldn’t help but smile. I realized she one can learn to dance given the right teachers, and I were sharing something special. motivation, and encouragement. There are children When I enrolled my daughter as a three-year old who love to dance, but who may not have the stein dance class, I did it for a lot of reasons. Two neighreotypical dancer’s body. Maybe they don’t have the borhood girls were enrolling at Dance Workshop by Shari and I thought it would be fun for Monica, as well. Mothers and daughters best turn-out or they struggle with pirouettes, but they want to dance and they should have the opportunity She had shown some early talent—the video showing her at 18 months swaying to the music proves it! I enrolled her to become the best dancers that they can become. As I danced with my daughter in Zumba class, I realized that to give her the dance class experience and because all little girls I gave Monica the ultimate gift when she was a mere three years want to learn to be beautiful ballerinas in tutus. What I didn’t realize at the time was all of the other reasons to old. She still loves to dance, appreciates the arts, and is inspired enroll in dance class. She learned many valuable lessons—poise, to work hard in her career. So, at age 50-something, I decided I wanted to dance. And, confidence, appreciation of the arts, discipline, and perseverance. She learned that hard work always pays off; maybe not with a first although I will never perform on stage, I am having fun and stayplace trophy at every competition, but in knowing that trying ing fit. That is the gift I am giving myself. n your best leads to self-satisfaction. See ad on this page. 36
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Health and Wellness
Acupuncture Defies Explanation
Susan M. Glod, L.Ac, Confluence Healing The word “acupuncture” conjures up many images. The concept is often shrouded in mysticism, viewed with curiosity, and sometimes wrought with skepticism. For thousands of years, this ancient healing modality stood unchallenged and was practiced with success and respect throughout Asia, treating a seemingly infinite mass of humanity’s medical complaints. With the birth of modern medicine, ancient healing techniques like acupuncture and herbal medicine took a back seat to the miracles that could be produced by modern science. The body could now be explained by chemical reactions, cellular components and functions, and by the composition of our blood and other body parts. Illness and disease could now be “measured” and treated accordingly. These practices, however, disassociated the patient from their illness, and little by little, removed the human element from the healing equation and medical encounter. When acupuncture techniques were introduced to America in the 1970s, our natural inclination was to explain how it worked, and thus began a slew of testing, clinical trials, and experiments. There are several popular theories that suggest acupuncture blocks pain signals or it releases endorphins. Other theories suggest it manipulates hormones, neurotransmitters, or immune function. The reality, though, is that we really don’t know from a scientific standpoint exactly how it works. Acupuncture clinical trials are difficult to conduct because they do not fit easily into the Western medical “box.” The human element of the encounter, the acupuncture practitioner, and the
Community Acupuncture & Herbs, Owner relationship with the patient can’t be controlled, and, therefore, any one individual encounter is difficult to duplicate. Needle stimulation techniques vary greatly from person to person. Acupuncturists also cultivate “intention” when treating a patient and in addition to using proven protocols, can at times rely on instinct when selecting points to needle. Further, what part of the clinical trial can measure a sensation a patient feels when a needle is placed in his or her foot and it is felt on the head? Or, how can you record a patient’s reaction to a treatment that induces a flood of emotions and release of tears, or conversely, a profound sense of peace? A phrase I often hear from patients when I ask how they feel after a treatment is “I just can’t describe it.” How can all this be measured? As a society, we have become so accustomed to taking a pill or getting a test or scan that we have forgotten our own role in healing. It was Hippocrates that said, “Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease.” Entering the world of acupuncture and Eastern medicine is an invitation to self discovery. It is about connection with oneself and with others, where healing happens at a very deep level. These are human mysteries that I doubt any scan, experiment, or clinical trial can measure, duplicate, or explain. n Confluence Healing provides high quality, low cost acupuncture sessions, offering a variety of acupuncture options as well as Traditional Oriental Medicine and herbal therapies. Visit www.confluencehealing.com. See ad on page 41. Fall 2010
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Health and Wellness Treatment of Missing Teeth with Dental Implants Paulette Paulin, DMD
The American Dental Association estimates that in the U.S. more than 20 million people are missing all of their natural teeth, and more than 100 million are missing between 11 to 15 teeth. The American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons state that 69% of adults between the ages of 35-44 have lost at least one permanent tooth due to dental caries (tooth decay), periodontal (gum) disease, a failed root canal, or trauma. The Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health further confirmed most teeth are lost because of dental caries or periodontal disease.
Is it important to replace missing teeth? In spite of good home care (daily flossing and brushing) and regular dental visits, teeth do not last forever. Nor is there any dental procedure that will last forever. A dentist’s goals are to preserve the remaining natural teeth and bone in a healthy state for as long as possible and to provide alternatives for replacement that the patient is happy with esthetically, functionally, and comfortably. It is absolutely important to replace missing teeth. When we chew our food the forces are meant to be spread out or balanced over the entire complement of teeth. The front (anterior) teeth are primarily meant to bite into the food and the back (posterior) teeth are meant to do the majority of the chewing and grinding. With larger crowns and larger root structures with multiple roots, posterior teeth withstand the forces of mastication (chewing). A common misconception is it is not necessary to replace posterior teeth because they are not in the esthetic zone. However, the posterior teeth play a crucial role in the ability to chew food and in overall function. The posterior teeth are important for proper diet, nutrition, and overall quality of life. When one or more teeth are missing and are not replaced, unhealthy additional forces are placed on the remaining teeth that could result in fracture and faster deterioration, bite problems, shifting of the surrounding teeth, and TMJ problems, as well as physical facial soft tissue changes that make the face appear sunken and aged. Another consequence of not replacing missing teeth is bone loss. Without the root of the natural tooth the bone begins to collapse and resorb. The teeth adjacent to the missing tooth will begin to drift towards the space due to the lack of support. The drifting of one tooth may lead to the drifting of several teeth. The degree of bone loss and drifting varies depending on the individual and the area of tooth loss. The drifting and super-eruption of teeth predisposes patients to periodontal disease and tooth decay because of the difficulty to properly clean your gums and teeth, which leads to further tooth loss. Teeth that are attractive and healthy play a vital role in our general health and well-being and allow us to smile with confidence. Aside from the esthetic reason to replace missing teeth, it is more important to replace missing teeth (front and back) from a functional standpoint to help avoid future problems from occurring. What are tooth replacement options? Several options exist for replacing missing teeth. One option is 38
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to do nothing at all. While this is not recommended, it is an option. Other options include a removable prosthesis, a fixed bridge on natural teeth, or a restoration involving dental implants. A clinical evaluation with X-rays is necessary to determine which treatment option is best for the patient. What are dental implants? Dental implants have revolutionized the way we replace missing teeth and are the standard of care for replacing a missing tooth or teeth. They restore the edentulous (missing tooth) area without involving or damaging any other teeth or tissues and are proven to outlast all other tooth replacement options. The design of a dental implant is based on the design of a natural tooth. Dental implants are titanium tooth roots that are inserted into the bone to replace the natural tooth root. Dental implants are biocompatible and fuse with the jaw bone and are the only treatment that will preserve the surrounding bone. An implant feels and functions like a natural tooth. Are patients with dentures a candidate for dental implants? A denture can be attached to implants to provide retention, support, and stability. This overdenture is a prosthesis that the patient can remove. A main complaint in patients who wear traditional dentures is the “movement and floating” of the dentures. An implant overdenture aids in reducing and preventing this from occurring. If a patient has enough bone, a permanent prosthesis for the entire arch can be fabricated and fixed by the implants to the jaw bone. This prosthesis, only removable by the dentist, can restore a patient’s teeth similar to how they were as a youth. The American College of Prosthodontists states that in just five years mandibular (bottom jaw) bone loss will be eight times greater in patients with conventional dentures than in patients with implant overdentures. Furthermore, after teeth are removed and complete dentures are placed, the mandible (bottom jaw) looses four times more bone height than the maxilla (top jaw), in just a seven-year period. Implant overdentures dramatically reduce the bone loss. What are the implant treatment options for one missing tooth or several missing teeth? For patients who are missing one tooth, a single crown is attached to the dental implant through an abutment. An abutment is the connection between the implant and the crown. For patients who are missing multiple teeth, a bridge can be attached to dental implants through abutments. Both fixed (cemented) prostheses are not removable by the patient. Both treatments preserve the bone and are equally important in preserving the natural remaining adjacent tooth structure by not involving them in treatment. n
See ad for Paulette Paulin, DMD on page 39.
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
Paulette Paulin, D.M.D. Dental Specialist In Prosthodontics President, Pennsylvania Section of the American College of Prosthodontists
Comprehensive dental services including: • preventative (cleanings and x-rays) • restorative (fillings and crowns) • cosmetic and IMPLANT dentistry AMERICAN COLLEGE OF PROSTHODONTISTS Dedicated to the Highest Standards of Care in the Restoration and Replacement of Teeth
The American College of Prosthodontists is the professional association of dentists who have had three or more years of advanced specialty training to provide simple as well as complex dental care. Prosthodontists are trained in creating optimal oral health, both in function and appearance including dental implants, dentures, veneers, crowns and teeth whitening.
Stoffer And Associates Summerfield Commons Office Park 2585 Washington Road, Suite 121 Upper St. Clair, PA 15241
412-854-9055 Evening and Saturday Appointments Available
Fall 2010
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Health and Wellness The most common symptoms naturally include headache, backache and fatigue as well as cardiovascular disorders (high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, etc.) digestive problems (ulcers, colitis, etc.) and sleeping difficulties.
Stress & Your Health
Stressful situations such as traffic jams, paying bills, deadlines, and pesky neighbors lead to these unpleasant or challenging situations that create stress in our lives. So why is it some people deal with these stress situations better than others? The answer is complex and includes many factors from genetics to weather conditions, but an interesting study in The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics indicates that there is a relationship between chiropractic and the effect it can have on dealing with stress situations in your life. This study revealed that nearly one in three patients viewed their lives as moderately to severely stressful, and more than 50% felt that stress had a moderate to severe impact on their health problems. Additionally, 71% of the patients indicated that it would be helpful if their chiropractor offered advice to help them cope with these stressful situations. Communicating with your chiropractor about dealing with stress is the starting point, and you might be surprised to find that your chiropractor is full of sound advice on ways to effectively deal with stress in your life. Most people know that improving nerve and spinal function has a dramatic impact on improving emotional, mental and physical function. Getting the most out of your chiropractic care may include talking to your chiropractor about effective strategies to deal with the stress in your life, so be sure to inform your chiropractor about your personal situation so your Doctor of Chiropractic can help you improve your health and wellness at maximum levels.
TREATMENT
Chiropractic involves touch; this factor alone sets the stage for release of muscular tension. Your chiropractor administers one or a series of manipulations (“adjustments�) to the spine and surrounding musculature. The adjustments may help the fatigue or stress by removing nerve irritation, releasing muscular tension and improving blood circulation. To see if chiropractic may be able to help you call 412-833-1101 today for a complimentary consultation.
2555 Washington Rd. Suite 620 Upper St. Clair, PA 15241
www.dmchiro.com
412-833-1101 40
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Health and Wellness It All Starts With Your Spine Maribeth Twerdok
Our society benefits from many
advances in healthcare. We are fortunate to have easy access to state-of-the-art diagnostic tests and screenings. Pharmaceutical companies introduce new medications daily. The fact that there are so many medical resources available today may contribute to an overly relaxed attitude about personal health and a false sense of security. You may not pay attention to the signals your body is sending until symptoms have become impossible to ignore, not recognizing that, very often, illnesses are harder to treat if they are not detected early. Many people do not realize that some “normal” aches and pains are not normal at all and usually indicate a problem. Individuals frequently settle for relief of symptoms, rather than trying to discover the underlying cause of those symptoms. In addition, if you are feeling well, you assume there are no issues with your health, and do not seek or recognize the value of preventative care. However, what if you didn’t wait? What if you became proactive in managing your health, discovering the reasons for your aches and pains, and making sure your body is functioning properly before you experience a serious problem? In addition to a nutritious diet and frequent exercise, chiropractic care is an important way to help safeguard your health. Your body possesses the ability to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery, but this ability can be compromised over time if there are any misalignments (subluxations) that occur in the vertebrae of the spine. It is important to have the spine examined by a chiropractor to check for these abnormalities. Subluxated vertebrae interfere with nerve signals sent from the brain through the spinal cord to the rest of the body. The nervous system controls the entire body, including such functions as heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure. Every muscle and organ in the body is dependent upon the spinal nerves. When they are impeded by a subluxation, the body will no longer operate efficiently (whether or not a person is experiencing symptoms). A chiropractor eliminates the subluxations that prevent normal functioning of the spine by making gentle adjustments to the involved area, which can bring the vertebrae back into proper position, thereby restoring normal nerve function. By restoring proper motion or position to the bones of the spine, normal joint function is restored, resulting in a decrease of muscle
spasm. A noticeable benefit is the reduction or elimination of symptoms. Chiropractors are doctors who recognize the significance of preventative healthcare. In addition to treating pain, their goal is to keep people healthy to avoid future problems. Dr. Marc Micucci, of D&M Chiropractic and Therapeutic Rehab, explains, “Unlike other specialists, chiropractors are trained to do a thorough evaluation of the spine to check for any subluxations. Problems stemming from abnormalities in the spine may become advanced before symptoms are present. A lack of pain or symptoms is not a true indication of your level of wellness. In fact, only three percent of the nerves in the body feel pain. Key subluxations can have serious implications on overall health. When the nervous system is functioning with no interference, we consider that healthy.” Unfortunately, many people become complacent and wait to see a chiropractor only when they have pain so debilitating it interferes with their daily activities and affects their quality of life. It is much better to schedule a consultation and exam before problems begin. Abnormalities of the spine (whether symptomatic or asymptomatic) can be detected and treated early enough to avoid complications. It is crucial to take care of your spine; a spinal transplant operation does not exist. People of all ages should have a chiropractic checkup to maintain wellness without drugs and surgery and to help avoid a myriad of future health problems. It is especially important to have your children examined while they are still young. Dr. Deana Micucci concludes, “The joints around the spine can become restricted slowly, as a result of sitting for long periods of time, or quickly, as a result of injury. That restriction creates muscle and ligament tightness. When joint motion is restored by a series of chiropractic adjustments, increased mobility stimulates the nervous system, blocking any pain and causing muscles to relax, which enables a faster recovery for the patient. To maintain an optimal level of lifelong health and wellness, you should start with regular checkups of your spine.” n
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
Confluence Healing
Community Acupuncture & Herbs High Quality, Affordable Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine Treatments Starting at $25
Musculoskeletal Disorders & Pain Respiratory & Circulatory Disorders Gastrointestinal Disorders, PMS Menopause, Infertility, Depression Anxiety, Insomnia, PTSD, Headaches Stress, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia Smoking Cessation, Hypertension Weight Management, And More!
(412) 279-1115
See ad for D&M Chiropractic and Therapeutic Rehab on page 40. Fall 2010
Scott Towne Center / 2101 Greentree Rd. Suite A-204, Pittsburgh, PA 15220 www.confluencehealing.com UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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Health and Wellness Diagnosing and Treating Varicose Veins at St. Clair Hospital Philip Georgevich, MD
What are Varicose Veins? Varicose veins are known for their distinctive blue color and bulging appearance under the skin. Normally, one-way valves in the veins keep blood flowing toward the heart, against the force of gravity. When the valves become weak and don’t close properly, they allow blood to leak back into the leg and pool in the veins. The increased pressure from the pooling stretches the vein, causing enlarged, twisted blood vessels. This creates the bumpy, rope-like veins called varicose veins.
Symptoms The most common symptoms of varicose veins are: • Aching leg pain, easy fatigue, and heaviness, which worsen as the day progresses • Itching or burning sensation around the varicose veins. Bumpy, rope-like lumps usually on the inside of the leg or on the backs of calves. People without visible varicose veins can still have symptoms. If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to: • Swelling • Fatigue • Throbbing • Cramping • Increased pain • Skin discoloration • Ulcerations of the lower legs Ulcerations are difficult to treat and can become painful and easily infected. Many of these symptoms can be prevented by early treatment. It normally takes years for symptoms to develop. While varicose veins are commonly inherited, anyone can get them. Hormonal changes brought on by puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can trigger the onset of varicose veins. n
Dr. Phillip Georgevich received his Doctor of Medicine in 1981 from the University of Pittsburgh where he graduated summa cum laude. After a residency at Mercy Hospital from 1981 to 1986, he became Chief Surgical Resident in 1987. He then completed his fellowship Dr. Phillip Georgevich in vascular surgery at the Medical College of Pennsylvania in Pittsburgh and the Loyola University in Chicago in 1989. Dr. Georgevich is a member of American College of Surgeons, Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Society, Pennsylvania Medical Society, International Society for Endovascular Surgeons, and Allegheny County Vascular Society. Dr. Georgevich treats varicose veins at St. Clair Hospital in Mt. Lebanon. His specialty is endovascular surgery. Dr. Georgevich can be contacted at 412.249.8997 or at vascularmd3@gmail.com. His website address is www.georgevichvascular.com.
St. Clair Hospital Receives HAP Award The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) has named St. Clair Hospital as a winner in HAP’s 2010 Achievement Awards Program. The hospital’s winning entry in the annual awards program was entitled “Improving Patient Safety Through Standardization of Anticoagulation Processes.” Using Lean methods, a team re-designed processes related to dosing, ordering, and administering anticoagulation, or blood thinning medications, and demonstrated a significant decrease 42
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in the likelihood of harm to patients receiving these medications. The team also introduced new patient education information so patients could learn how to take medication safely at home. The HAP Achievement Awards Program is designed to showcase hospital and health system best practices in selected areas and receives entries from institutions throughout the Commonwealth. n For more information, visit www.stclair.org.
Health and Wellness Fall Back Into Good Health Whitney Boyle, PA Amy McGarrity, MD, Pediatric Alliance
Autumn. Back to school. This signals a fresh start for many families. Updated calendars. Updated backpacks. Updated clothes. And, updated health maintenance! Well child care examinations are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics routinely through infancy and yearly through childhood and adolescence. Even young adults benefit from an annual well care examination. It is important to monitor your child’s growth and development and to ensure that your child is up to date on his or her immunizations. Well child visits play a crucial role in identifying preventable health issues. Now is a great time to ensure your children will be protected from disease through the upcoming winter. The flu vaccine is one such method of protection. When administered early in the fall, the vaccine gives immunity to the influenza virus through spring. To best protect your household, all family members should receive an annual influenza vaccine. Your pediatrician may be offering flu shots not only to children, but also to parents this fall. Has your child received all of his or her updated routine immunizations? Kindergartners should receive five DTaP vaccines and four polio immunizations for school entry, and your 11-year-old should receive an updated DTaP (tetanus booster) and meningitis vaccine. Continued on page 88
Yoga—the Right Fit
Helen Hughes, Yoga Innovations
Are you physically fit? A seemingly simple question should have a simple answer, however, it does not. My response would be, “It depends.” When people consider a physical fitness regimen, they often focus on only one or two components of fitness. They may run, bike, swim, or even lift weights, and while all of these activities are beneficial forms of exercise, they do not address all aspects of fitness. There are actually five components of physical fitness: cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition. Each of these components should have equal representation in a fitness program, however, that is seldom the case. An avid runner may incorporate some weight lifting to his or her running schedule, but may completely ignore or minimize the benefits of stretching. Men may consistently hit the weight room, but completely ignore cardiovascular exercise and would wince at the thought of stretching. While no form of exercise will completely address all five aspects of physical fitness, it is possible to address multiple components with yoga. In a typical “hot yoga” or “power yoga” class, you may perform multiple high-to-low pushups (muscular strength), followed by extended holds of postures (muscular endurance), and rapid repetition of sun salutations (cardiovascular fitness). Along with flexibility, you have now covered four of the five components. Long recognized for its ability to reduce stress and improve flexibility, yoga has received support from researchers whose recent studies have concluded that muscles respond to stretching by becoming larger and capable of extracting and using more oxygen more quickly. In other words, improved flexibility increases muscle strength and endurance. Studies done on yoga included participants who practiced for more than one hour two to four times a week. If you want to become and stay physically and mentally fit, you should make sure your yoga practice includes a balance of poses that build strength, stamina, and flexibility, along with breathwork and meditation. While the physical benefits of regularly performing yoga are encouraging, the most significant rewards to practicing yoga involve improved coordination of the mind, the muscles, and the breath so that your body may work at its maximum physical capacity. And, adhering to a healthy eating plan while practicing yoga will positively affect your body composition. Regardless of your reasons for initiating a yoga practice, yoga See ad on this page. may be the right fit for your physical fitness goals. n Fall 2010
HOT YOGA IN THE SOUTH HILLS
Refer a friend, Receive a free class!*
*purchase neccessary - expires Sept. 1, 2010
dana barone, owner dana@yogainnovations.com specializing in Power Vinyasa Flow (Hot Yoga) 102 broughton road bethel park, pa 15102
412-851-yoga www.yogainnovations.com
please visit our web site for class times UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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RADIANCE
A Private Outpatient Surgery Center, LLC We are proud to introduce you to RADIANCE – A Private Outpatient Surgery Center, LLC. Radiance has undergone the most stringent evaluations and inspections, such as those our local and university hospitals have undergone. The Pennsylvania State Department of Health, Medicare, and the Joint Commission for Accreditation of Hospitals have licensed Radiance as a first-class surgical center. Radiance Surgery Center has recruited the best of our region’s nurses, technicians and anesthesia providers to assist in your care. Radiance Surgery Center’s location, just off Interstate 79, provides easy accessibility to patients from western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and eastern Ohio. Your family can relax in our cozy waiting room with refreshment bar, flat-screen TV and music. Our pre-op nurse will check your vital signs and allergy alerts, help you change into a robe, and see that all your needs are met. You will then be interviewed by our board-certified anesthesiologists and registered nurse anesthetists of Radiance Anesthesia, LLC. Our anesthesia group’s expertise is outpatient anesthesia – quick emergence, nausea-free, and nearpainless return to home and function. Our skilled and talented board-certified surgeons will carry out your surgery in our beautiful sterile OR’s, complete with the best and latest technology.
Surgeons and Specialties The following physicians perform outpatient surgery at Radiance Surgery Center: Plastic Surgery: Lori L. Cherup, M.D. (412) 220-8181 Plastic Surgeon Howard Edington, M.D. (412) 641-4274 Surgical Oncologist, Plastic Surgeon Orthopedic Surgery: South Hills Orthopedics Derrick Fluhme, M.D. (412) 429-0880 Sports Medicine Christopher Manning, M.D. (412) 429-0880 Hand and Shoulder Surgeon Eric Nabors, MD. (412) 429-0880 Spine and Orthopedic Surgeon The Orthopedic Group Alexander Kandabarow, M.D. (412) 276-7022 Spine Surgeon Thomas F. Brockmeyer, M.D. (412) 276-7022 Orthopedic Surgeon Podiatry: South Hills Orthopedics Damon Combs, D.P.M. (412) 429-0880 Podiatrist
Gynecology: Patricia Bulseco Associates Deborah Lenart, M.D. (724) 941-1866 Gynecologist Douglas Mackay, M.D. (724) 941-1866 Gynecologist Shannon McGranahan, M.D. (724) 941-1866 Urogynecology/Gynecologist Vascular Surgery: Georgevich Associates Philip Georgevich, M.D. (412) 249-8997 Vein/Vascular Surgeon Happel Laser & Vein Center John Happel, M.D. (724) 969-0600 Vein/Vascular Surgeon Pain Management: Premier Pain Management Bud Lateef, M.D. (412) 466-7246 Pain Management The Orthopedic Group Jose Ramirez-DelToro, M.D. (412) 276-7022 Pain Management
701 Boyce Road at Washington Pike • Bridgeville, PA 15017 Phone: 412-220-2336 • Fax: 412-220-2279 • www.drcherup.com • info@drcherup.com 44
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The Township of Upper St. Clair 1820 McLaughlin Run Road
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412-831-9000
Township Manager
Matthew R. Serakowski, Township Manager 412-831-9000, ext. 216 The Township Manager is appointed by the Board of Commissioners and is directly responsible and accountable to the Board. He serves as Chief Administrative Officer and is responsible for the administrative functions of the Township. The Township Manager and his designated representatives, including Assistant Township Manager Mark S. Mansfield, are responsible for directing and supervising the operation of all Township departments; preparing an annual budget and financial report; signing papers, contracts, obligations, and documents on behalf of the Township as required by law; preserving order in the Township; representing the Township to other governmental organizations and agencies; and providing staff assistance to the elected Board of Commissioners. The Township Manager oversees the activities of the following eight departments.
Department of Administration
Mark S. Mansfield, Assistant Township Manager and Director of Administration 412-831-9000, ext. 219 The Department of Administration is responsible for personnel administration, purchasing, labor relations and negotiations, public relations, community communications and cable television, office management, records maintenance and retrieval, in-service training programs, and coordination of grant applications.
www.twpusc.org
Township Board of Commissioners Robert W. Orchowski, President, Ward 3 Glenn R. Dandoy, Vice President, At Large Preston W. Shimer, Ward 1 Mark R. Hamilton, Ward 2 Mark D. Christie, Ward 4 Russell R. Del Re, Ward 5 Daniel R. Paoly, At Large
Department of Planning and Community Development
Scott Brilhart, Director of Planning and Community Development 412-831-9000, ext. 501 The goal of the Department of Planning and Community Development is to protect the property values and residential character of the Township. Development of the community is guided by the Township Comprehensive Plan, which is prepared every ten years, most recently in 2005. This department administers and enforces land use codes and issues permits for zoning, building, electrical, fire protection, driveways, sewers, alarms, grading, and street openings. Additionally, the staff provides assistance to the Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, and Building and Fire Codes Appeals and Advisory Board.
Department of Finance
August. G. Stache, Jr., Director of Finance 412-831-9000, ext. 218 • Tax Office: 412-831-9000, ext. 226 The Department of Finance is responsible for all fiscal concerns of the Township including budget preparation, expenditure control, financial reporting and projecting, insurance management, debit management, property and inventory control, purchasing, investment of funds, and operation of the Tax Office. The Township Tax Office collects taxes for both the Township and the School District. The Township budget is prepared each fall for the subsequent fiscal year, which runs from January 1 to December 31.
Department of Police
Ronald J. Pardini, Chief of Police Emergency: 412-833-7500 or 724-941-7500 Administration (non-emergency): 412-833-1113 The Police Department is responsible for insuring public safety and for the enforcement of the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the laws and ordinances of the Township. The 24-hour dispatch center coordinates all emergency services, including police, fire, and emergency medical services (ambulance). Additionally, the police department provides patrol squads dedicated to neighborhood and business patrols, vacation home checks, criminal investigation, a special investigation tactical team prepared for extraordinary crisis, and more. The Police Department also sponsors an annual bicycle registration and safety program each spring, and a Citizens’ Police Academy in the fall. Continued on page 46
Municipal Building Residential Guide Pullout
Fall 2010
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Residential Guide –Township
The Township of Upper St. Clair became a Home Rule Community on January 1, 1976. As a Home Rule Community, the Township is governed by a locally drafted charter adopted by the voters of the Township. The Home Rule Charter provides for a Board of Commissioners comprising seven members. Two commissioners are elected at large by all voters of the Township and five are elected by ward. In a commissioner/manager form of government, the charter provides a clear distinction between policy-making functions and administrative functions. The Board of Commissioners is responsible for the policy-making functions.
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Continued from page 45
Residential Guide –Township
Department of Information Technology
residents 55 years of age and older. Additionally, a Community Day for all residents is held on a Saturday in May, and an annual flea market is held on a Saturday in July. Cable 7 is a public access television station whose purpose is to provide a conduit for information from the Township, community groups, and individuals to Township residents. A video newspaper displays announcements for Township meetings, and activities and information from community groups and churches. For more information about Cable 7, contact Glenn Ward at 412-831-1030. Cable 7 office is located in the municipal building at 1820 McLaughlin Run Road.
Amy Sommer, Director of Information Technology 412-831-9000 The Department of Information Technology is responsible for the computer needs of all Township departments. The Township’s website (www.twpusc.org) provides residents with agendas and meeting minutes; downloadable applications and permits; trash and recycling information; calendars providing Township, school, and community events; bi-annual recreation booklets; UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine; board and commission information; and much more.
Department of Recreation and Leisure Services
Paul Besterman, Director of Recreation and Leisure Services 412-221-1099 The Department of Recreation and Leisure Services is responsible for recreation programming and activities for residents of all ages. A program booklet is published twice each year in April (spring/ summer programs) and September (fall/ winter programs) and delivered to all residents. The booklet can also be viewed online at www.twpusc.org. Registration for various programs can be conducted by mail, online, or in person during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents can also contact the Recreation office to reserve Township facilities such as the Recreation Center for parties and special events, meeting rooms, or availability of Township fields. The Recreation and Leisure Services Department is located at the Community and Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park, 1551 Mayview Road. The Department of Recreation and Leisure Services offers a senior citizens program (United Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair), which provides Wednesday luncheons and programs for all
Public Works
Department of Public Works
412-831-9000, ext. 271 The Public Works Department is responsible for the management and supervision of all activities relating to streets, storm sewers, sanitary sewers, trash collection, recycling, leaf and yard waste collections, parks and recreation facility maintenance, building and grounds maintenance, and forestry. An annual trash and recycling schedule is mailed to residents at the end of each calendar year. The schedule is also available on the Township’s website (www.twpusc.org).
Township Library
Department of Library
Helen M. Palascak, Director of Library 412-835-5540, ext. 247 The Upper St. Clair Township Library is located on the second and third floors of the Township Municipal Building and is open Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays during the school year from 1 to 5 p.m. The library collection of approximately 100,000 circulating items includes books, audio books, music, and movies for all ages. The children’s department of the library also loans puppets and puzzles, and has a “Play to Learn” area filled with educational toys to foster math and literacy skills as well as eye-hand coordination and imagination. Online resources include ebooks, downloadable audio and video, and online databases. As a member of the Allegheny County eiNetwork, the library participates in the shared County Catalog, which library patrons can access at catalog.einetwork.net. Requested materials may be sent from and picked up at any public library in Allegheny County. The library has computer workstations with high-speed Internet access and Microsoft office software, and also provides free wireless access for laptop users. A variety of programs and classes, listed on the library website, twpusc.org/library, are offered throughout the year for both children and adults. Use materials and services, share with others during programs and classes, and connect to a world of information. Use, share, and connect at the Upper St. Clair Township Library, your community resource center.
Recreational Facility—State-of-the-Art Community & Recreation Center (C&RC) Located in the active area of Boyce Mayview Park, the Community & Recreation Center (C&RC) offers indoor/ outdoor aquatics, state-of-the-art fitness equipment, group fitness rooms, 1/8 mile running/walking track, two full-size basketball courts, and rentable community rooms. In addition, throughout the year the Department of Recreation and Leisure Services offers programs to improve the quality of life for residents of all ages, from pre-schoolers to seniors and all ages in between. Every day, C&RC members “live smarter, play harder.” See page 93 for “Free Day Pass” limited time offer coupon. 46
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C&RC
Other Services in the Township Animal Control
Tri-Community South Emergency Medical Services
Emergency: 412-833-7500 Office (non-emergency): 412-831-3710 The Township participates in a jointly operated emergency medical services program with the Township of South Park and the Municipality of Bethel Park. This program provides emergency and non-emergency ambulance transport by highly trained and state-licensed medical personnel. Each fall, an annual subscription drive is held. For a nominal fee, the entire household and household visitors are provided with emergency ambulance coverage when emergency transport is needed. Tri-Community South does not receive direct subsidies from the Township, nor does it receive any revenue from the Local Services Tax (formerly the Emergency and Municipal Services Tax). n
Clair’s Kennel
Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department
Emergency: 412-833-7500 Office (non-emergency): 412-835-0660 Since 1939, the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department has been responsible for fire protection, rescue service, and other emergency assistance for the Township. The primary fire station along Route 19 provides an efficient and safe building for preparing and responding to emergency events. The fire department also answers calls for hazardous materials incidents, vehicle rescue, and mutual aid assistance to fire departments in surrounding communities. In addition, the fire department conducts an extensive fire prevention program including fire safety talks in the schools, tours of the fire stations, and fire extinguisher training for local businesses. Each May a letter is sent to residents and businesses asking for donations. The fire department does not solicit funds by telephone. Please support this invaluable all-volunteer service.
USCVFD, Route 19 Main Station
Tri-Community South EMS
Appointed Boards and Commissions of Upper St. Clair
In addition to the elected Board of Commissioners, the Township has seven appointed Boards or Commissions composed of Upper St. Clair residents. Residents wishing to serve on a board or commission should submit a Talent Bank form that is available from the Township Manager’s Office or download the form from the Township’s website (www.twpusc.org). In the event of a vacancy, the Talent Bank forms identify residents interested in volunteering their time and expertise. The following are citizens who currently serve on Township boards or commissions and their respective December 31 term of expiration, if applicable.
Library Board Michael P. Bova...................................... 2011 Paula Holmes........................................ 2011 Robert G. Ontolchik.............................. 2010 Parks and Recreation Board Roger Hartung, Chairman...................... 2010 Jennifer Schuler, Vice Chairman............. 2012 Kelly B. Bakayza.................................... 2010 William O. Barnard............................... 2011 Thomas Browand.................................. 2011 Diane Morris......................................... 2011 Timothy Stouden................................... 2010
Planning Commission Robert W. Stevenson, Chairman............. 2010 Joel M. Helmrich, Vice Chairman........... 2012 Building and Fire Codes Appeals and Scott R. Slagle, Secretary........................ 2012 Marvin Haddox..................................... 2013 Advisory Board James E. Sekela...................................... 2013 David J. McLean, Chairman................... 2011 Philip Tanner......................................... 2011 Michael McDonnell, Vice Chairman....... 2010 David Wade........................................... 2010 James A. Sampey................................... 2010 Robert T. Stevens................................... 2012 Zoning Hearing Board Joseph F. Valvo...................................... 2011 David E. Tungate, Chairman.................. 2012 John L. Rizzi, Alternate.......................... 2011 Dwight D. Ferguson, Vice Chairman...... 2010 Robert P. Coury..................................... 2011 Civil Service Board P. J. Murray, III, Chairman...................... 2010 Municipal Authority Board James L. Conn, Vice Chairman............... 2012 C. James Parks, Chairman Paul J. Battisti........................................ 2011 Russell L. Crane Robert J. Ridge T. A. Ward Fall 2010
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Residential Guide –Township
412-833-7500 The Township participates in a joint animal control program with neighboring communities. Officers are on duty seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. with 24-hour emergency service. Clair’s Kennel, along McLaughlin Run Road, provides a temporary home for wandering pets. Residents should call the police department for animal control services including animals running at large, injured or killed animals, and animal nuisance calls.
Serving Upper St. Clair Churches and Synagogues St. George Orthodox Church 610 Dewey Avenue, Bridgeville 412-221-2277
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
Residential Guide
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 Brightwood Christian Church 5044 West Library Ave., Bethel Park—412-835-6703 Center Presbyterian Church 255 Center Church Road, McMurray 724-941-9050 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
Hillside Christian Community 1050 Campbells Run Road, Carnegie—412-279-2996 Holy Child Parish 212 Station Street, Bridgeville—412-221-5213 Holy Cross Greek Orthodox 123 Gilkeson Road, Mt. Lebanon 412-833-3355 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 Peace Lutheran Church 107 Carol Drive, McMurray—724-941-9441 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
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Bethany Presbyterian Church 740 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville—412-221-5132 Beth-El Nursery School 1900 Cochran Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-561-1168
St. Gregory Byzantine Catholic Church 2005 Mohawk Road—412-835-7800 saintgregorychurch@gmail.com
Bethel Park Presbyterian Church 2999 Bethel Church Road, Bethel Park—412-835-0441
St. John Capistran Roman Catholic Church 1610 McMillan Road—412-221-5445
Beverly Heights Christian Preschool 1207 Washington Road—412-561-7200
St. Louise de Marillac Roman Catholic Church 320 McMurray Road—412-833-1010
Center Church Christian Preschool 255 Center Church Road, McMurray—724-941-9050
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 1066 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-531-7153
Christ United Methodist Church Nursery School 44 Highland Road—412-854-4310
St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church 126 Fort Couch Road 412-833-0031
First Bethel United Methodist Church-Kings School Kids
5901 Library Road, Bethel Park—412-835-6141 Holy Child Preschool/Extended Day Bridgeville—412-221-4720
South Hills Assembly 2725 Bethel Church Road, Bethel Park 412-835-8900
Kingdom Kids Nursery School 255 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-531-3387
South Hills Church of the Nazarene 5601 Library Road, Bethel Park—412-831-6333
Montessori Early Childhood Center 2400 Old Washington Road—412-835-3340
South Hills Community Baptist Church 2400 Old Washington Road—412-833-1313
Mount Lebanon Montessori 550 Sleepy Hollow Road, Mt. Lebanon 412-563-2858
South Hills Interfaith Ministries 1900 Sleepy Hollow Road, South Park 412-854-9120
Mushroom Family Learning Center 1240 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-531-1225
Temple Emmanuel 1250 Bower Hill Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-279-7600
Noah’s Ark Preschool-Our Redeemer Lutheran 105 Gateshead Drive, McMurray—724-942-6699
The Bible Chapel 300 Gallery Drive, McMurray 724-941-8990
First Bethel United Methodist Church 5901 Library Road, Bethel Park—412-835-0700 First Church of Christ Scientist 1100 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon 412-561-1125
Nursery Schools
The Unitarian Universalist Church of the South Hills 1240 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon 412-561-6277 Westminster Presbyterian Church 2040 Washington Road—412-835-6630
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 Kids 5901 Library Road, Bethel Park—412-835-6141 Happy Face Learning Center 3540 Washington Road, McMurray—724-941-4172 KinderCare Learning Center 1040 Clifton Road, Bethel Park—412-831-1888 Kindercare of McMurray 124 Wilhaven Drive, McMurray—724-941-5569 KinderCare of Mt. Lebanon 1610 N. Highland Road, Mt. Lebanon 412-531-1953 Westminster Child Development Center 2040 Washington Road—412-835-9450 *Unless otherwise listed, the organization is located in Upper St. Clair Township. Fall 2010
Ruthfred Lutheran Nursery School 3401 South Park Road, Bethel Park—412-835-7140 St. David's Preschool and Mother's Morning Out 905 E. McMurray Road, Venetia—724-413-0490 St. Paul’s Episcopal Nursery Washington and Mayfair Roads, Mt. Lebanon 412-531-2644 St. Thomas More Preschool & 4yr. Full-Day 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) 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 Prime Time Adult Care, Inc. 44 Highland Road, Bethel Park—412-835-6661 Seton Center - Brookline 1900 Pioneer Avenue, Brookline—412-344-4777
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
... meeting your needs TODAY, Tomorrow, and into the Future.
Local Clubs and Organizations Directory 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..........Glenn Groninger ......... 412-854-5345 Football.......................Dave Conn....................412-854-0389 Softball.........................Kris Price........................ 724-941-7410 Fall Soccer...................Craig Howie.................. 412-835-2128 Traveling Soccer.........Luke Walker.................. 412-833-1904 Wrestling......................Jim Wilding.................... 412-835-4270 USC Band Parents (www.uscbpa.org) Brad Wucher, President . .....................................412-835-6532 USC-Bethel Park Breakfast Rotary Club Randy Quinn......................................................... 724-594-4450 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 .......................................................412-951-2389 USC Library Helen Palascak, Director..................................... 412-835-5540 USC Lions Club Ed Kubancek.........................................................412-257-8787 USC Lions Club Plastic Trash Bag Sales Wes Hurst................................................................724-941-8329 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 Natalie Walters, President................................... 724-746-7163 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, 2011, if your club or organization would like to be listed in our Spring 2011 directory, if we have wrong information, or if the club or organization’s information is expected to change by March 2011. Thank you. For an online version, visit www.twpusc.org/magazine/features/index.htm www.twpusc.org/magazine
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Residential Guide
1830 Log House Association Kimberly Guzzi, President . ...................................412-851-0570 American Assoc. of Retired Persons Viginia Flynn...........................................................412-851-9970 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..........................................412-325-7965 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 Cub Scout Pack 228 (Boy Scouts of America) Ed Zack (www.thundercubs.com)........................ 412-443-7340 Community Foundation of USC Celeste Acinapura, Executive Director............. 412-831-1107 Different Strokes Tennis League Gina Braun ............................................................412-221-5717 Friends of the Library Theresa Wilson, President ....................................412-841-7023 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 Patty Oehm................................................ 412-464-1300 x 127 Mothers and More Membership.......................................................... 412-774-2138 Odyssey of the Mind (www.uscootm.com) Susan Rosati...........................................................412-257-8578 Sharon Byrnes........................................................412-835-3769 PTA Council Stacie de la Parra.................................................412-833-2366 svdelaparra@yahoo.com Parent/Teacher/Student Organization (PTSO) Leanne Adamo.....................................................412-851-9771 theadamos@verizon.net Regional Environmental Education Center (REEC) (www.regionaleec.org) Jessica Stombauch, Program Manager............412-838-0064 South Hills Chamber of Commerce www.shchamber.org . .........................................412-306-8090 South Hills College Club Roberta Campbell, President............................. 412-563-0520 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
Upper St. Clair School District Residential Guide–School District
1820 McLaughlin Run Road
School Board Directors Amy L. Billerbeck, President Harry F. Kunselman, Vice President Barbara L. Bolas Frank J. Kerber Bruce L. Kerman Louis P. Mafrice, Jr. Angela B. Petersen Louis A. Piconi Rebecca A. Stern
•
412-833-1600
•
www.uscsd.k12.pa.us
Elementary Schools (grades K-4)
Middle Schools (grades 5-8)
Albert Baker
Boyce (grades 5-6)
School Board
The Upper St. Clair School Board consists of nine elected directors. The regular meetings of the School Board generally take place on the fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Upper St. Clair Central Office Board Room. There is no scheduled meeting in July. Copies of School Board minutes are available at the School District Central Office and on the School District website at www.uscsd.k12.pa.us. For further information regarding meetings, call 412-833-1600, extension 2202.
Dr. Ruth Ann Matyuf, principal 2300 Morton Road–412-833-1600, ext. 4000 Erected: 1968, enrollment: 441* School day: 8:15 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Karen Brown, principal 1500 Boyce Road–412-833-1600, ext. 5000 Erected: 1960, enrollment: 610* School day: 8:35 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Central Office
Patrick T. O’Toole, Superintendent The Upper St. Clair School District’s Central Office is located in the Municipal Building at 1820 McLaughlin Run Road and can be reached at 412-833-1600. As you enter the building, the School District offices are straight ahead.
Fort Couch (grades 7-8)
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Mark Miller, principal 100 Warwick Drive–412-833-1600, ext. 8000 Erected: 1960, enrollment: 526* School day: 8:15 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Joseph DeMar, principal 515 Fort Couch Road–412-833-1600, ext. 3000 Erected: 1951, enrollment: 642* School day: 8:35 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
High School (grades 9-12)
Buses/Transportation
The primary responsibility of the Upper St. Clair School District’s Department of Transportation, located in Cecil Township, is to provide safe, efficient transportation for the 4300 public, private, and special needs students who attend approximately 30 schools within a ten-mile radius of Upper St. Clair. For more information, contact W. Lee Schafer, Director of Transportation at 412-833-1600, ext. 3451.
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Carl R. Streams
Dr. Claire Miller, principal 1560 Ashlawn Drive–412-833-1600, ext. 6000 Erected: 1966, enrollment: 450* School day: 8:15 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Fall 2010
Upper St. Clair High School
Dr. Michael Ghilani, principal 1825 McLaughlin Run Road– 412-833-1600, ext. 2236 Erected: 1960, enrollment: 1421* School day: 7:30 a.m. - 2:20 p.m. (* Enrollment figures for each school are as of May 2010.)
Food Services
Technology
The role of the Upper St. Clair School District’s Technology Department is to provide and support the use of resources that enhance the teaching and learning processes, strengthen communication, and improve efficiency of operations. For more information, contact the Technology Department at 412-833-1600, ext. 2211.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
The Upper St. Clair School District piloted the International Baccalaureate Program in 1988 and is offering this program for grades one through 12. For more information, call Central Office at 412-833-1600, or visit the District website at www.uscsd.k12.pa.us.
School-Wide Enrichment Program (SWEP)–grades 1-4
Many opportunities are available for elementary level students to explore topics that interest them through SWEP. Mini-assemblies, mentorships, and independent study projects are all part of SWEP. For more information, contact Central Office at 412-833-1600 or your building’s school principal.
Boosters (Parent Support Groups)
Athletic Athletic boosters are parent groups formed to support various sports teams. For information, call the High School Athletic Office at 412-833-1600, ext. 2260.
Fine and Performing Arts The Upper St. Clair Band Parents Association is a parent group formed to support the band and orchestra. The Upper St. Clair Choral Boosters is a parent group formed to support the choral groups. For information, call the High School Fine and Performing Arts Department at 412-833-1600, ext. 2516. Theatre Angels support the USCHS spring musical. Call 412-833-1600, ext. 2235 or 3325 for more information.
Extracurriculars
Sports programs are available at all levels. For information regarding middle school or high school sports, call Athletic Director Matthew Mellinger at 412-833-1600, ext. 2261 or Athletic Office secretary Cindy Storer at 412-833-1600, ext. 2260. Music programs, including chorus, theater, orchestra, and band, as well as cheerleading and dance are available at each grade level. For information regarding high school activities, call Activities Director Danny Holzer at 412-833-1600, ext. 2263, or Assistant Activities Director Sheila Lloyd at 412-833-1600, ext. 2264. Also, see page 70 for a list of high school activities. For information regarding elementary and middle school activities, call your building’s school principal.
Kennywood Day (a Community-Wide Tradition)
Kennywood Day, originally sponsored by the PTA Council for school-age children, is now a community-wide tradition. Each June, after the last day of school, all Upper St. Clair residents are invited to participate in a day at Kennywood Park. This coming school year, Kennywood Day will be Monday, June 20, 2011. For information, call 412-833-1600, ext. 2202. Continued on page 52
District Calendar The eBlast is a monthly digital School District newsletter to inform parents and residents about what’s happening in USC schools. To receive notification about the eBlast release each month, parents and Township residents are encouraged to register to receive E-Alerts. Registration for E-Alerts is easy. Go to the District’s website at www.uscsd.k12.pa.us and under the “Quick Links” section on the right hand side of the home page, click and follow the directions to subscribe to receive E-Alerts. See page 58 for article.
With the start of the 2010-11 school year, the USC School District detailed monthly calendar is available online, providing residents with the most up-to-date information about events in our Township’s schools. To access the calendar, visit the District website at www.uscsd.k12.pa.us and click on the “Calendar” tab. In addition to viewing events for the entire District, there is also an option to filter by specific school buildings.
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Residential Guide–School District
The School District’s six nutrition centers serve thousands of healthy meals each day. For information, contact Russ Phillips at 412-833-1600, ext. 2287.
Continued from page 51
Residential Guide–School District
Rent School Gyms, Panther Stadium, and the Theatres
The school gyms and high school stadium are often available for rent. For information, call Karen Huckenstein at Central Office at 412-833-1600, ext. 2202. For rental of the high school theatre, LGI room, or nutrition center, call Judy Paternostro at 412-833-1600, ext. 2363.
Volunteers in Our Schools (grades K-12)
There are well over one thousand volunteers who share their time and talents with the children in our schools. Any resident who is interested in volunteering in any of our schools is encouraged to contact your building’s principal.
Open Mikes
Open Mikes are informational meetings between building principals, teachers, administrators, and parents where current issues are discussed and concerns are voiced. Call your building’s principal or PTA president for more information.
Upper St. Clair
School District Calendar 2010–11
PTA Council
PTA Council is the “umbrella” PTA organization in Upper St. Clair, which provides leadership and coordination for all of the PTAs in USC. If you’d like to be involved with PTA and get the “big picture,” you’re welcome to join! For more information, call Stacie de la Parra, PTA Council president, at 412-833-2366. A list of PTA Council sponsored or affiliated activities follows: Partners in Education (PIE)
PIE is a group of parents, administrators, and staff formed as a branch of the PTA Council to foster the best educational environment for all exceptional children and to educate and assist parents of exceptional children. For more information, contact resident Lisa Merchant at 412-257-4016.
Topics in Education (TIE)
TIE is a branch of the PTA Council formed to foster and address general education issues for all school-aged children. TIE meets twice annually. Guest speakers address the audience with discussion following. For more information, contact resident Alicia Hawkins at 412-851-0622. Together in Parenting (TIP)
TIP is a branch of the PTA Council and offers support and education on difficult parenting issues. TIP is open to all Upper St. Clair residents. Call resident Aliceson Yates at 412-308-6877 for more information. Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)
September 6–No School (Labor Day) September 7–First Day of School for Students October 15–Half Day Early Dismissal for Students (Teachers’ Professional Development) November 1-2–Teacher Inservice, No School Parent/Teacher Conferences November 12–Teacher Inservice, No School November 25-26–No School (Thanksgiving Recess) December 24-31–No School (Winter Recess) January 17–Teacher Inservice, No School January 31–Teacher Inservice, No School February 21–Teacher Inservice, No School March 11–Half Day Early Dismissal for Students (Teachers’ Professional Development) April 8–Teacher Inservice, No School April 21-25–No School (Spring Recess) May 3–No School (Memorial Day) June 15–Last Day of School for Students (Pending Snow Make-Up Days) June 20–Kennywood Day 52
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GATE is a committee of the PTA Council whose objective is to provide information and support to parents of gifted and academically talented students in the District. For more information, contact resident Alysia Keating at 412-833-2626. PTA (grades K-8) The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is an organization of parents of middle school and elementary school-age children together with their teachers that allows parents to work within the schools to provide extra help, additional programs, and educational and social activities for the children. The PTA has branches at each school in the District. For information, call your building’s school principal or PTA representative. PTSO (grades 9-12, USCHS) The Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO) is an organization of parents, teachers, and high school students that provides an opportunity to work on additional programs and educational and social activities at the high school. For more information, call 412-833-1600. n
Residential Guide Pullout
PINEBRIDGE COMMONS ONE S T ONIEPNCE
CONVE
1580 McLaughlin Run Rd Pittsburgh PA 15241
412-257-1150 4000 Waterdam Plaza McMurray PA 15317
COMPLETE PROFESSIONAL PATIENT CARE
Pinebridge Commons McLaughlin Run Road at Lesnett Road 1580 McLaughlin Run Road Pittsburgh, PA 15241
724-942-4840 133 West Allegheny Road Imperial PA 15126
724-695-0133
Our primary goal is to give your child positive memories that instill lifelong hygiene habits.
PINEBRIDGE COMMONS PROFESSIONALS HAVE SO MUCH TO OFFER! • Pediatricians, Pediatric Dental Specialists, Orthodontists, Family/Cosmetic Dentistry And More! • Easy and Convenient location in the heart of USC • Elevator Accessibility • Free Parking
St. Clair Division
“Exceptional Care for Your Children, Confidence and Convenience for You.” • • • • • • • • •
New Patients Welcome Electronic Medical Records Saturday Morning Hours; Evening Hours; Walk-in Hours 24/7 On-Call Board Certified Pediatric Nutritionist on staff Pediatric and Adolescent specialists In Office Lab In-office medication dispensing Coming Soon
Office hours are Monday through Friday. Evening appointments are available.
The orthodontic office of Dr. Eric Reitz and Dr. Beth Troy provides care for the communities of Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park, and the South Hills of Pittsburgh. Dr. Reitz and Dr. Troy take the time to place and adjust braces on every patient, giving individualized attention in a caring environment.
Amy L. McGarrity, MD Kimberly M. Pezzone, MD
Schedule your complimentary consultation today!
Edwin B. King, MD Debra M. Faber, MD Mark M. Blatter, MD Whitney L. Boyle, PA-C Kristin L. Koontz, PA-C
412-221-2121
www.PediatricAlliance.com
Pinebridge Commons location: 1580 McLaughlin Run Road, Suite 200 Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 412-221-0392
• Orthodontic services for children and adults • Individualized care in a friendly and patient-focused environment • Complimentary consultations • Convenient appointment hours, including Saturday mornings • 24-hour emergency services • Most major insurance plans accepted
Bethel Park location: 2414 Lytle Road, Suite 100 Bethel Park, PA 15102 412-831-2188
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P INEBRIDGE 6.21USCTM Qtr.Pg Ad
6/22/10
1:52 PM
Page 1
Pinebridge Commons McLaughlin Run Road at Lesnett Road ••••••••••••••••• The Chief Partners Piccolina’s Restaurant Davin Interiors Pinebridge Commons Associates Design Image Salon, Joe Ruffalo Primary Physicians Research Emma’s Market & Deli, Inc. Questa Petroleum Co. Peter Gialames & Associates Eric J. Reitz DMD & Interior Designs by Beth Troy, DMD Mary Kay Chaffee Richardson Family Jimcor Associates, Inc. South Hills Financial Group Timothy Kerr, DMD & State Farm Insurance Romana Pautler Kerr, DMD Suburban Dry Cleaners Larry E. Manalo, DMD Travel Leaders, Kiernan Ent. Pediatric Alliance Wininsky Law Offices Pediatric Dentistry South Xcoal Energy Resources
Welcome Joe Ruffalo ~ new owner of Design Image Salon •••••••••••••••••
Pinebridge Commons Associates Leasing (412) 220-9288
LARRY E. MANALO, D.M.D. General Dentist & Prostodontic Specialist
Quality Gentle Dentistry for the entire family!
Brighten your smile with
ZOOM!
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PINEBRIDGE DENTAL
88 DENTAL
1580 MCLAUGHLIN RUN ROAD UPPER ST. CLAIR, PA 15241
4100 LIBRARY ROAD CASTLE SHANNON, PA 15234
412-221-2221
412-343-4100
Graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. Proud resident of Upper St. Clair. Provider of most major insurance plans.
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Fall 2010
412-257-4001 W e would like to welcome Charlene Kleen Manicurist
Lisa Kapinski Stylist
Amy Troy-Caton Chem Tech
SALON SERVICES For Women and Men
. Shampoo, Cut and Style . Color, Condition and Highlights . Perms: Partial and Root . Wedding, Prom, Up Do (Special Styles) . Blow Dry & Style . Waxing: Eyebrow, Lip . Manicures, Pedicures, Acrylics and Gels
Angela Raso Stylist
SALON HOURS Tues. Wed. Thurs.
9:00 to 8:00 Fri. & Sat.
9:00 to 5:00
PINEBRIDGE COMMONS, SUITE 110 1580 MCLAUGHLIN RUN ROAD, UPPER SAINT CLAIR, PA 15241
COMMONS FAMILY AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY
Let us make you smile!
Northern Italian Restaurant “ Come visit with the little one”
Private Party and Banquet Room Al Fresco Dining Expanded Dining Room Reservations suggested Gift Certificates available
Phone (412) 257-1880 Fax (412) 257-2895 1580 McLaughlin Run Rd., Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Visit our website: www.piccolinas.com
Piccolina’s Restaurant is celebrating the beginning of its tenth year in business in Upper St. Clair and executive chef David Sgro is celebrating his fifth anniversary with Piccolina’s. To honor this milestone occasion, Piccolina’s, and its owners Ed and Debbie Curigliano, would like to share a favorite recipe with the readers of TODAY. See ad above and visit Piccolina’s, located in the heart of USC at Pinebridge Commons, for lunch or dinner soon!
T imothy J. K err , D.M.D. R omana P autler K err , D.M.D.
KK 412-257-4250 Pinebridge Commons Suite 207
kerrdmd.com
Chairside Whitening System
Shrimp Asiago Ingredients: Flour, salt, and pepper 2 lb. peeled and deveined shrimp, quantity 3-15 1/4 cup olive oil 12 oz. fresh baby spinach 12 oz. roasted peppers, julienned 1 Tbsp. chopped garlic 8 oz. Asiago cheese, shredded 1/4 cup chicken stock Preparation: Season shrimp with salt and pepper, dredge shrimp in flour. Heat oil in a heavy skillet. Sauté shrimp on one side until pink. Turn shrimp over and add spinach, garlic, peppers, and stock. Simmer until shrimp are cooked. Add cheese and toss. Serve immediately. Serves four.
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SD Upper St. Clair School District Board of School Directors
Amy L. Billerbeck President 412-833-2712 2011*
Louis P. Mafrice, Jr. 412-851-0622 2013*
Harry F. Kunselman Vice President 412-851-1115 2013*
Barbara L. Bolas 412-833-9841 2011*
Louis A. Piconi Angela B. Petersen 412-831-1880 412-831-7182 2011* 2011* *Date indicates expiration of term.
School District Central Office Administration
Frank J. Kerber 412-833-4873 2013*
The 2010-11 regular meetings of the Upper St. Clair Township Board of School Directors are held at 7 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month at the Central Office Board Room, unless otherwise noted. No regular meeting is Rebecca A. Stern scheduled for July. 412-220-0745 2011*
To reach personnel, call 412-833-1600, press 1, enter extension number followed by the # sign. Administrator
Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Sharon Suritsky Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction/ Supervisor of Special Education
Dr. Judy Bulazo Director of Literacy, Assessment, and Professional Development
Ray Berrott Director of Technology
Dr. John Bornyas Director of Operations, Community Relations and Special Projects
Frosina Cordisco Director of Finance and Business
Eloise Stoehr Supervisor of Pupil Personnel
Secretary/Email Address
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Extension
Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Ann Stabile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superintendent of Schools mstabile@uscsd.k12.pa.us Dr. Sharon Suritsky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donna Faccenda / Cheryl Elison . . . . . Assistant Superintendent for dfaccenda@uscsd.k12.pa.us Curriculum and Instruction/ cellison@uscsd.k12.pa.us Supervisor of Special Education Dr. John Bornyas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Huckestein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Operations, Community khuckestein@uscsd.k12.pa.us Relations and Special Projects Dr. Judy Bulazo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Huckestein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Literacy, Assessment, khuckestein@uscsd.k12.pa.us and Professional Development Frosina Cordisco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dawn Machi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Finance and Business dmachi@uscsd.k12.pa.us Ray Berrott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Doreen Leech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Technology dleech@uscsd.k12.pa.us James Lersch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nancy Dunn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Human Resources ndunn@uscsd.k12.pa.us Eloise Stoehr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Susan Bosco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Supervisor of Pupil Personnel sbosco@uscsd.k12.pa.us W. Lee Schafer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Powers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Transportation kpowers@uscsd.k12.pa.us
2201 2266
2204 2204 2220 2211 2286 2283 3450
School District Building Administration
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 Joseph 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
56
Bruce L. Kerman 412-221-5407 2013*
Fall 2010
SD
Superintendent’s Remarks to the Class of 2010 Dr. Patrick O’Toole, Superintendent of Schools As s u p e r i n t e n d e n t o f t h e School District of the Township of
Upper St. Clair, I congratulate our members of the Class of 2010, and welcome your families and friends. And I offer a special welcome to our representatives of the Classes of 1960 and 61. I wish to commend our student speakers for your thoughtful and inspirational messages. And thanks to all who have worked so hard to teach and support our graduates the past 13 years. On this 50th anniversary of our first Upper St. Clair graduating class, I take time tonight to talk about the story of our School District. The history of the early years can be found in your program, but one important chapter of this story, I believe, goes beyond what can be written there. In years past as I have participated at commencement surrounded by accomplished seniors, hard-working staff, supportive board members, talented musicians, proud family members, an impressive school building, and a beautiful surrounding community, I find myself thinking what a great story Upper St. Clair is and what a great story the Pittsburgh region is, and what a great story the United States of America is. It is impossible to reflect on the story of USC without taking into account the story of Pittsburgh and the story of our great country. And it is impossible to reflect on this story without dedicating a chapter to those who emigrated here to find work, enjoy freedom, and make a better life for their families.
District Calendar With the start of the 2010-11 school year, the USC School District detailed monthly calendar is available online. See page 51 for more information.
This story of immigration can be found through the history of USC families. For example, class of 2010 member Michael Swiatek’s great-grandparents, John and Kate, came to this country from a small fishing village on the coast of Ireland to make a better life for their family. John labored in a steel mill in nearby Homestead. John and Kate raised six children. Their daughter, Mae, who is here tonight, and her late husband, John, raised a family in the Brookline community of Pittsburgh. Their son, John Swiatek, and his wife, Julie, moved to Upper St. Clair where they raised Michael, along with his brother and sister, all USC graduates. I know Michael’s family story because his great-grandparents, John and Kate O’Toole, are my grandparents. As I wrote this story, I realized that the reality show of John and Kate O’Toole, plus six has a much happier ending than that other reality show. I tell this personal family story because I know that many of the families in this stadium tonight share similar family stories of immigration to our country and to the Pittsburgh region. These are stories of our ancestors working hard to provide opportunities through citizenship for their children and future generations. This story of immigration is not just a twentieth century story. I am always excited to meet new families who move to USC from other countries. In fact, our school records show that, in addition to English, the following 15 languages are spoken in the homes of members of the Class of 2010:
Dr. Patrick O’Toole
Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Gujarati, Turkish, Chinese, Bengali, Indian, Arabic, Hindi, German, Marathi, Malayalam, Telugu, and Slovenian. John Fitzgerald Kennedy was elected president in 1960, the same year in which our first USC class graduated. He wrote in his book, A Nation of Immigrants, the following: “Each new citizen to this country benefits from greater access to freedom, democracy and opportunity— but America also benefits from our rich tradition of immigration, growing stronger from every man, woman and child who takes the oath of citizenship.” Members of the Class of 2010, you are part of the great story of Upper St. Clair, the Pittsburgh region, and the United States of America. As graduates, you can be proud of the role that you and your families have played in this story. As you write your own individual chapters for this story, I wish you good luck, much happiness, and great success. Thank you, and God bless America. n
Class of 2010 Academic Achievers
Valedictorians (pictured, listed alphabetically) Colleen Casey, Philip Dormish, Kevin Egeland, Zachary Feldman, Amanda Gans, Chelsea Lane, Joseph Paladino, Molly Patterson, Michelle Szucs, Carolyn Thompson, Gretchen Unico Superintendent Academic Achievement Awardees Janetta Geronian, Nancy Geronian, Laura Rollick, Rachel Molstre International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidates Pankaj Aggarwal, Michelle Billerbeck, Luiz Frazao, Meilin Grunnagle, Brandon Kerber, Aashay Kumar, Mengyuan Kathryn Lin, Jalpa Patel, Sebastian Reigber Fall 2010
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School Board Response Amy Billerbeck, President, Upper St. Clair School Board I’d like to welcome everyone
here this evening: family and friends, fellow board members, administrators and staff, and most importantly, our seniors, soon to be graduates. Class of 2010, you probably thought your tests were over. Well, I have one more little quiz for you: Who is quoted with, “Play without fear and you will be successful!”? Mario Lemieux texted this message to the Penguins players on the morning of game seven of the final round of the Stanley Cup championship series last year. In fact, it was almost one year ago to the day. I am sure every player on the team was excited and very nervous that day. But Mario knew that this team was up to the task. They were talented, they had worked hard; they were prepared. His full text to the players read: “This is a chance of a lifetime to realize your childhood dream to win a Stanley Cup. Play without fear and you will be successful! See you at center ice.” And, of course, the rest is history. In many ways, all of you are in a very similar position. You are taking just the first steps towards your dreams, whatever they may be. You are probably excited and nervous as well. Over the next few months, you will face many new situations. I challenge you to consciously take some
risks and not be afraid of failure. Stretch yourself. Don’t be afraid to fail. You may not realize it, but you are ready. In the 1980s, a company by the name of United Technologies Corporation put a series of full-page ads in the Wall Street Journal. They weren’t your typical corporate ads. One of these particularly inspired me. It is entitled “Don’t Be Afraid to Fail,” and reads as follows: You’ve failed many times, although you may not remember. You fell down the first time you tried to walk. You almost drowned the first time you tried to swim, didn’t you? Did you hit the ball the first time you swung a bat? Heavy hitters, the ones who hit the most home runs, also strike out a lot. R. H. Macy failed seven times before his store in New York caught on. English novelist John Creasey got 753 rejection slips before he published 564 books. Babe Ruth struck out 1330 times, but he also hit 714 home runs. Don’t worry about failure. Worry about the chances you miss when you don’t even try. It is a great message. But I wondered, “Why would a company take out a full-page
Amy Billerbeck
ad that doesn’t promote the company at all?” Well, in tiny print underneath the ad it says this: How we perform as individuals will determine how we perform as a nation. That might be the most important message on the page. Indeed you, your peers, your generation, will determine the future of our nation. So, begin now. Tackle your new experiences head on, without fear. Because as you meet small challenges you prepare yourself for greater challenges, which will ultimately lead to success in your job and contributions to your community and to your world. And know that, like Mario Lemieux, your families, teachers, and friends have great confidence in you. You have earned it. Play without fear, work without fear, be yourselves without fear… and you will be successful! Congratulations and our most sincere best wishes, Class of 2010! n
is Award Winning
The USC School District received two awards for the District’s electronic newsletter, eBlast, from the Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association (PenSPRA) Excellence in Education Communications for electronic communication. USC captured two of the four Awards of Excellence in the 2009 electronic communication competition category. The judges’ comments on the eBLASTs included “photography, layout, texture—all tops” and “nice professionally designed, easy to read, good use of images.” The District’s entries clearly show a successful manner in which to address school related issues with professional skill, creativity, and resourcefulness. The eBlast, a monthly digital School District newsletter, replaced the District’s previously published and mailed St. Clair SCENE. 58
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Organization and management of the eBlast is under the direction of Dr. John M. Bornyas, Director of Operations, Community Relations and Special Projects, and Paul Fox, Written Communications Assistant, together with assistance from Mary Ann Stabile, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent, and Doreen Leech, Technology Support Coordinator. To know when the eBlast is released each month, parents and Township residents are encouraged to register to receive notification for the District’s electronic postings. This can be done by registering to receive E-Alerts. To register to receive E-Alerts, go to the District’s website at www.uscsd.k12.pa.us and under the “Quick Links” section on the right hand side of the home page, click and follow the directions to subscribe to receive E-Alerts. Do it now so as not to miss any electronic postings announcing the monthly release of the District’s award winning eBlast. Prior monthly releases can also be viewed online. n
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The Past Will Meet the Future Maryann Manko Rees
In 1960, it was common for
Lynn Koerber Sheppard, dressed in her skirt and white bucks, to climb over six or seven fences at the Gilfillan Farm and walk through several pastures on her way home from classes at USC High School. She would ride her horse, Dolly, across Route 19 and in the grassy area which was to become South Hills Village, frequently riding through Brookside Farms before heading home for dinner. For Lou Delach, class of 1961, he loved riding his horse through the fields on the Upper St. Clair side of Route 19, from near Fort Couch Road to McLaughlin Run Road. In the early 60s, Upper St. Clair was a rural community. Imagine trying that now! The first class to graduate from USC High School was in 1960, and on Thursday, September 23, classmates who graduated in 1960 and 1961 will celebrate their 50year reunions with a dinner at Soutpointe Golf Club. Lou Delach won’t ride to the reunion on his horse, but he will be the DJ, playing favorites of 50 years ago, including “Maybe,” by the Chantels and “One Summer Night,” by the Danleers. On Friday, September 24, the past meets the future at the USC High School football game in Panther Stadium. Members of the first two graduating classes will be sitting in the stadium remembering the way things were—no stadium, no bleachers! Diane Sutton, reunion chairperson, remembers that everyone sat hillside. The teams that USC played against in those days fielded older, larger, and more experienced players. Professor Emeritus Dr. George Davis, University of Arizona, who lettered on several of USCHS’s first teams,
USCHS 1962
remembers when the school’s first football team changed sides of the field after a score and didn’t wait for the quarter to end. “Our first teams didn’t know better,” said George. “We were the new kids on the block.” What a difference 50 years has made! Now many USC athletic teams are almost always in contention for one championship or another. When the 74 graduates of USC’s class of 1960 started high school, they expected to attend and graduate from Mt. Lebanon High School just like their older brothers and sisters did. But in 1957, Mt. Lebanon refused to take any more of USC’s tuition students. That’s when the decision was made for USC’s pioneering classes to continue attending Fort Couch School, and simply add a new grade each year. Our first graduates were stuffed into a school that was constructed to accommodate only grades K-8. Then supervising principal Dr. Carl Streams and principal George Betcher had to quickly add faculty and high school courses in mathematics, English, science, social studies, and foreign languages to the curriculum. The USC school board had to act fast, too, immediately making plans to purchase 25 acres of the Gilfillan Farm for the price of $2765 to build a school. The aqua green school, which was completed in 1962 and received an extensive “facelift” in the late 90s, is USC’s modern high school that we see today. It certainly looks much younger than its actual age! USCHS’s first graduating seniors remember school dances after football games
USC lady swimmers of days past
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and meeting at the long-gone Mooo Shoppe. Wednesday nights were for great summer dances at Westminster Presbyterian Church. A special treat was swimming at South Park Swimming Pool or Paris Lake (in a one-piece swimming suit, of course!). The graduating classes of 1960 and 1961 helped to name our sports teams the “Panthers,” chose the symbols USC uses to this day, including school colors, its team mascot, and class rings, and created the first yearbook and school newspaper. While the Pittsburgh Business Times has ranked USC High School as number one among the 501 school districts in Pennsylvania for the past five years, members of the administration, faculty, and students learn and remember how it all started a half century ago. They will join the alumni in celebrating this milestone during Student-Alumni Day on Friday, September 24 at the high school. Robert Glenn, class of 1960, and USCHS band director Don Pickel are working together to create music and/or verse to commemorate 50 years of graduating students through the doors of USC High School. n
The high school football team runs down the hill from the school onto the field Fall 2010 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 59
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A Tour of Upper St. Clair Schools
Whether it’s a story about Upper St. Clair School District being named the number one school district in Pennsylvania for
five straight years or one about USC students distinguishing themselves in academics, athletics, or the arts, it’s clear that residents can be proud of the education our community offers its young people. From kindergarten to high school, each of our six schools focuses on the needs of every child, not only to succeed at his or her current level, but to be ready for the next step in the educational process. With an excellent curriculum, dedicated staff, and involved parents, it’s no surprise that the District and its students continue to garner accolades year after year. Learn more about what makes our School District special as we take a “Tour of Upper St. Clair Schools.”
Baker
Combine outstanding students with caring and supportive families, add staff who love children and are there to support them, and you have the recipe for success at Baker Elementary. “Children are our reason for being here,” says Baker principal Dr. Ruth Ann Matyuf. It all starts with our curriculum, which builds a solid foundation for the students’ future learning. At the District’s elementary schools, basic skills are emphasized and complemented with technology like Promethean boards to keep students actively engaged in learning. Dr. Matyuf smiled as she commented on how comfortable the students are with the latest equipment, adding that often the students help the adults with technology! Students have a team of caring adults who work with them each day, from their classroom teacher to support staff to a resource team. There are enrichment activities for students who have grasped a concept quickly and support staff to help those struggling with a concept. The curriculum at Baker helps prepare students for Boyce Middle School, as well as to help prepare them for the Pennsylvania state and standardized assessments, as validated by state test results. One of the fun ways students learn at Baker is through the school’s television studio, WBKR. Baker’s PTA provided a television for each classroom and the fourth grade students produce and broadcast morning and afternoon announcements for their fellow students. Careers in broadcasting and journalism are also introduced when parents involved in those fields visit Baker to talk to the students. The televised announcements also reinforce the various themes that the Baker community focuses on each month. For example, the overall Baker theme for the 2009-10 school year was “We spotlight.” Each month a different topic was emphasized, from manners, to helping others, to friends of all ages. The different grade levels collaborate to pick a sub-theme for each month and the students in that grade report on the topic. “Each student has an opportunity to be on TV at least once each year,” said Dr.
Eisenhower Providing a balance of individualized academic, citizenship, and social opportunities while promoting activities that encourage smiles and laughter from children is the goal at Eisenhower. Eisenhower Elementary challenges its students to “make a positive difference by being a good egg,” and one way the students at Eisenhower practice making a positive difference is through the fundraising work they do for various charities. The Heart Association, Cystic Fibrosis, SHIM, Make-A-Wish, and Grady’s All Stars are some of the organizations that have benefitted from the generosity of the Eisenhower community. 60
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Broadcasting at WBKR
Teacher Eric Wiesman and his class won Baker’s Golden Trash Can and Golden Paint Brush awards.
Matyuf, “something that helps develop a student’s oral communication skills.” In addition to the learning opportunities, the very generous and involved members of Baker’s PTA help to provide a lot of fun in-school and out-of-school activities. From puppet shows and CLO presentations to Boo Bash (formerly the Baker Caper) and Baker Bingo, there’s always something happening to help students and their families become part of the Baker family. With everything Baker has to offer, its students’ futures are as wide open as the beautiful views surrounding the school.
Lunch at Cafe Ike—always a treat!
Fun with friends during recess
In addition to working with those organizations, for the past three years Eisenhower staff and parents have teamed with Rebuilding Together–Pittsburgh to help people in need by making their homes warm and safe. Eisenhower principal Mark Miller said each class is responsible for some part of the project. The students’ responsibilities include educating the student body about Rebuilding Together–Pittsburgh, designing a flyer, organizing volunteers, collecting and tallying money raised, and producing an end-of-the-project photo show. “It’s very important to include the kids in the process so they understand what the project is about, why they are raising money, and how their involvement helps other people.” Mr. Miller explained that the academic philosophy and focus is geared toward assessing and addressing student learning on a daily basis. “We do not wait until after the unit or chapter test to determine if a child acquired a concept. Every day, during every lesson, Eisenhower teachers are assessing children and organizing instruction based on this data.” Gone is the “norm” of the teacher standing in front of the classroom teaching the entire group of children, said Mr. Miller.
Today, the new “norm” entails teachers instructing smaller groups of children based on individual needs. “The bottom line is that every child is getting a very individualized education because of these exceptional practices.” Throughout the year, Eisenhower students enjoy many fun, social opportunities. The Eisenhower Cup Challenge is a bowling event where each year about 500-600 students and their families vie for the coveted Eisenhower Cup, which is awarded to the grade level that knocks down the most pins. Mr. Miller said the object of the tournament is to bring families together to enjoy a shared experience. Since students in each grade level can bring as many family members as they want, the younger students have as good a chance of winning the Eisenhower Cup as the older students. Another exciting time for the entire student body is the “fourth grade vs. the staff” week. To close out the year, the entire school watches as the fourth grade classes are pitted against the Eisenhower staff in different fun and easy-to-play games to decide who the champion is for the year. Mr. Miller said it is especially enjoyable to see how excited the kids get while they cheer on either the fourth grade students or the staff. Another way family and community atmosphere is fostered is through the “Summer Movie Night @ Ike” activity. Going on its seventh year, the night serves as a way for families to catch up with friends while enjoying a movie under the stars on a July night. Supporting the children and staff throughout the year is Eisenhower’s PTA, with its mission to enhance the education of all the students at the school. Mr. Miller called the support and togetherness of the Eisenhower PTA “unbelievable.” In addition to sponsoring various events, including curriculum enhancements, grade level socials, and programs, the PTA provides all the educational enhancements such as field trips and parties at no charge to the students or their families. “Everything is about the kids’ academic and social growth,” said Mr. Miller, “and making it the best possible experience for the children and their families.”
Streams Streams Elementary principal Dr. Claire Miller refers to their school as a “hidden haven.” Nestled at the end of a quiet neighborhood street, Streams location contributes greatly to the family feel of the school. “I get the sense there is a real family here,” said Dr. Miller, “with all the connections between parents, teachers, and kids. Everyone looks out for the best interests of the
Getting creative in art class
children and really works together to embrace all our kids.” Dr. Miller said she has noticed when there’s a need, people at Streams really step up to help a child, a child’s family member, or a colleague. “It permeates the things we do on a daily basis; we’re here for each other and I hear it in how our children talk to each other and witness it in their actions.” At Streams, Dr. Miller said she works with an amazing group of professionals, who understand children and how they learn, as well as how to individualize learning to meet the needs of each child. “We’re fortunate as a District to have educational resources to help children progress in their learning.” Educating the whole child is a priority at Streams, as it is in all of the District’s schools. Arts, language, math, and reading are emphasized, but there is also emphasis on helping the kids grow as individuals, providing opportunities for them to develop as young people. “We want our students to be the best they can be in all areas,” said Dr. Miller. For example, there are resource teachers available for math and reading help. During morning help time, the fourth graders help the kindergarten and first grade students with their reading, and middle school students volunteer to help students with math. Continued on page 62 Fall 2010
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Continued from page 61
Unique to Streams is the offering of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (PYP). PYP is an inquirybased approach to learning, which is designed for all students. A strong emphasis is placed on the ideals of international– mindedness and responsible citizenship. Dr. Miller said she gets a lot of phone calls from people who are interested in the USC School District because of its reputation, and Streams in particular, because it offers the IB-PYP program. One PYP action event, which has grown to become an event for the entire school building, is the annual Children Helping Children silent auction. The entire Streams community comes together for an evening of fun while raising money for special causes. This event demonstrates that kids really can make a difference! Streams’ amazing PTA works hand-in-hand with the staff and the families to make school more fun. The PTA provides a myriad of events, from Stravaganza in the fall to Cultural Arts Week in the spring, and grade level events throughout the year. A close knit family with an international flavor—Streams is really a hidden haven!
A love of reading starts early!
Boyce
New school, new friends, new classes, new activities. After the nurturing environment of the District’s elementary schools, the move to Boyce Middle School can be a major event in the life of a child, and his or her parents, too! But under the direction of principal Karen Brown, Boyce maintains a strong middle school philosophy to meet the needs of the students who walk its hallways. To ease the transition from elementary school to middle school, each spring fourth graders are invited to spend a morning at Boyce. The students are divided into groups that are a mixture of kids from Streams, Baker, and Eisenhower as well as students from private schools. The kids tour the building with a fifth grade teacher, hear presentations from the expressive arts, foreign language, and physical education teachers and get to talk to fifth grade student council representatives about what things are really like at Boyce. The fourth graders also eat lunch in the Boyce cafeteria where getting to buy Slushies is always a big hit! Mrs. Brown said, “When we send them back to their elementary schools, our hope is that they have less anxiety about starting middle school and more excitement about coming together to be part of our Boyce family.” Students are not the only ones excited and anxious about the change to middle school. An evening orientation is also held
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Deer Valley Earthwardens
for parents. In keeping with the theme “Welcome to the Boyce Family,” parents learn about the Boyce curriculum through an entertaining “Family Feud” skit and get a chance to see that the Boyce teachers are fun, caring, and enthusiastic. After hearing the explanation of the six-day rotation, the middle school schedule, and characteristics of the middle-level learner, parents leave the orientation with a sense that their child will have a great experience, both educationally and socially, while at Boyce. Some of the new educational opportunities students experience at Boyce include family and consumer science, where they learn the basics about cooking, sewing, and doing the family laundry, and industrial arts, where they learn to safely use power tools and other equipment to complete simple projects. During fifth grade, students continue to study the Spanish language they learned in elementary school, while also taking a semester of German and a semester of French. At the end of fifth grade, students choose which one of the three languages to study in grades six through eight.
One of the highlights of fifth grade is a trip to the NASA Challenger Center at Wheeling Jesuit College in Wheeling, West Virginia, where students have the opportunity to take a “mission” to Mars or the moon. (The destination varies each year.) The mission is part of the students’ unit of study, and students must apply and train for their job in areas including communication, navigation, and robotics before they go. For most students, another highlight of their time at Boyce is the annual trip to Deer Valley YMCA Camp in Fort Hill, Pennsylvania. Each spring, eager sixth grade students load buses with parents, chaperones, volunteers, and staff to head to the Deer Valley to become official Earthwardens. Celebrating its 25th year at Boyce, the state and federal award-winning Earthwarden Program encompasses learning from the areas of science, social
Fort Couch
Maybe it’s the age of the students or maybe it’s the team atmosphere, but, no doubt, there’s an energy at Fort Couch Middle School that you can feel from the moment you walk through the doors. Principal Joseph DeMar and assistant principal John Rozzo do an impressive job of harnessing that energy and allowing the seventh and eighth graders to grow personally during their two years at “the Fort.” “We really practice the middle school philosophy,” said Mr. DeMar. “Our motto is ‘Every child, every day’.” In addition to academics, the school provides a nurturing environment for students to feel confident. “We encourage the kids to participate in extracurricular activities, including band, chorus, or athletics, and almost all of the students get involved in something. We address the social and emotional part of their development,” he added. As students move through the District, each school encourages more autonomy and growth. At Fort Couch, teams are larger than at Boyce, consisting of four teachers and their students. But, from the first day of school, the teachers and students work together to create a team identity and a sense of belonging to that team. Mr. DeMar commented that you have to want to work with middle school students to be a good middle school teacher, and that is what sets Fort Couch apart; the teachers connect with their students. Another component to Fort Couch’s success is the transition programs that are in place. Sixth grade students come to Fort Couch to meet with seventh grade teams on the last day of school, giving them an opportunity to meet their teachers and learn the layout of the building. At the same time, eighth grade students head to the high school so they get a chance to go through their fall schedule of classes and meet their teachers. But the transition process doesn’t stop here. Mr. DeMar said there is constant communication with the counselors and curriculum departments at Fort Couch and the high school to make the transition from eighth to ninth grade as seamless as possible. The Pennsylvania Business Times named Fort Couch the number one middle school in the state based on the PSSAA scores for the last three years, and the Pennsylvania Middle School Association named it one of the “Schools to Watch” for its organizational structures and processes for students. “A lot of middle school educators want to visit Fort Couch because we’re viewed as a model to be sought after,” said Mr. Rozzo. “We treat your children the way we want our children treated,” said Mr. DeMar. And he isn’t kidding! His oldest daughter is a student at Fort Couch this fall. Mr. Rozzo has a few years until
studies, art, home economics, industrial arts, language arts, physical education, and music. One of the primary goals of the program is to help students better understand the basic life support systems of the earth, as well as to understand that all life on earth is interdependent and that humans’ actions on the earth make a difference. At Boyce, the PTA is very active and helps support activities like Civil War Day and Revolutionary War Day. There are a lot of activities and committees and Mrs. Brown said, “Volunteering with the PTA is a great way for parents to stay involved with their kids.” While adolescence can be a challenging transition, the familyoriented atmosphere at Boyce is a wonderful way for children and their parents to begin the process.
Enjoying lunch outdoors
Students socialize between classes
his daughter gets to the Fort, since she just started kindergarten. But both believe that with the excellent education students receive in the District, from elementary through high school, “Why send your kids anywhere else?” Continued on page 64
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Continued from page 63
USC High School Walk though Upper St. Clair High School and it doesn’t take long to realize that this is a place where talented young men and women are doing incredible things. From the flags and banners in the entrance of the academic wing to the artwork on display in the arts wing and the overflowing trophy cases in the athletic wing, USC has a tradition of excellence that the current students work hard to uphold. Dr. Mike Ghilani, principal at the high school, believes that an important aspect of the school is that there are so many choices, both academic and extracurricular. Academically, students can choose from a variety of regular, honors, International Baccalaureate, and AP courses in a wide range of subjects from math and history to music and art. Dr. Ghilani said there are a lot of academic pathways for students to explore. Augmenting the academic offerings are over 100 clubs that meet on a regular basis. On any given day, 10 to 20 clubs are usually holding a meeting. As Dr. Ghilani says, “There is something for everyone, no matter what your interest.” And if there isn’t a club to meet your need, it’s easy to form a new one. “Most of the clubs are student initiated,” said Dr. Ghilani, “and a lot of the clubs have been formed to raise money for people in need.” USC Serves, Make-AWish, and the Invisible Children Club are just three clubs that were formed to allow USC students to give back to others. While the clubs and activities provide many opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills, Dr. Ghilani said everything about the high school is geared toward providing students with situations to make wise decisions about their academic success. As students progress from freshmen to seniors, each year they are given more responsibilities and decision making opportunities about how to best use their free time, which helps to prepare them for college and life after high school. In addition, students are encouraged to take on leadership roles in clubs, committees, and student council. Dr. Ghilani said that there are two leadership committees that he meets with on a regular basis, and student input is valued and encouraged. For example, at the high school, instead of a PTA, there is a PTSO, with students involved in the monthly meetings. 64
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Prom, celebrating the past and looking to the future
One thing that sets Upper St. Clair apart from other high schools is its cultural diversity. Dr. Ghilani explained that many large international corporations recommend Upper St. Clair to their employees relocating to the Pittsburgh area, so the school has a large number of international students. Besides the International Baccalaureate Diploma program offered at the high school, classes like Asian Studies and International Studies supplement the school’s world-class foreign language program. Currently the high school offers German, French, Spanish, Latin, Chinese, Japanese, and Arabic, as well as offering exchange programs in almost every language. “We’re diverse in an international way,” stated Dr. Ghilani. To help ensure that the move from middle school to the high school is a smooth one, a lot of time and effort goes into the transition process. Dr. Ghilani said the high school has been working with Fort Couch Middle School and Duquesne University as part of the middle high forum, recently completing a two-year process on social and emotional development. They now are participating in a two-year process on curriculum and instruction. In addition to Move-Up day, there are more occasions for eighth grade students to visit the high school over the summer, and upper classmen mentors help incoming freshmen throughout their first year at the high school. With numerous opportunities for growth and success, both academically and emotionally, USC High School graduates are well prepared to take on whatever challenges life holds for them in their futures! n
Graduation photos on pages 57, 58, and 64 courtesy of M&M Photography
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Health Fair at USCHS
From tips on how to manage stress to learning about sun safety, freshmen at Upper St. Clair High School received lots of helpful information on health and wellness from honors anatomy and physiology students. The Honors Anatomy and Physiology class held a health fair this past May for the freshman biology classes to help promote health, wellness, and good decision making. The younger students visited Connor Frazier and Jillian Rosen offered advice on sun safety and 12 booths, each focused on a skin cancer. different health-related topic. Every booth had informational pamphlets or brochures as well as an interactive game or activity to interest the freshmen, as well as some sort of prize or free give-away. Dr. Colin Syme, honors anatomy and physiology teacher, said his students had been working on the exhibits one day each week since January. He explained that the students contacted external sources, including the American Cancer Society, Allegheny County Health Department, and St. Clair Hospital to get information and materials to distribute, which included flyers and hand sanitizers. The health fair was organized by Dr. Syme and high school biology teacher Monica Erwin. n
Eric Williams takes Akash Monpara’s blood pressure.
Managed Services, Managed Better
Freshman learned about the importance of hand washing.
Russ Phillips, Food Services Director Joe Wightkin, Support Services Director
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Odyssey of the Mind Hat Trick Alison O’Neill Hess
Local hockey fans are used to hearing the term “hat trick” when talking about our beloved Pittsburgh Penguins. But this season, the USC Odyssey of the Mind program had a hat trick of its own when three teams made it to the World Finals in East Lansing, Michigan, in May and another when one team received first place and the Ranatra Fusca award at all three levels of team competition. The Odyssey of the Mind season started in September with the annual online registration. Fourteen groups of students K-12 were placed on teams of up to seven, with parent volunteers as coaches. The teams met regularly from October to March when they competed in the Regional Tournament at Moon Area High and Middle Schools. Five of the 14 USC teams then advanced to the state tournament in Williamsport in April. The competition at States was tough, but the USC teams made an impression on judges and audiences alike. In recent years, USC’s Odyssey program advanced one or two teams to the World Finals, but this year an unprecedented three teams were selected to compete. Truly an international experience, Worlds enabled our students to compete against teams from China, Poland, Singapore, Germany, Hong Kong, Canada, Mexico, and South Korea. Once again, two USC teams made history when each placed first and third, respectively, at Worlds! Congratulations to all our Odyssey teams for a wonderful season! Odyssey of the Mind in Upper St. Clair has a bright future and all students, K-12, are welcome to join the fun. If you would like to be a part of this program, registration is in September and the teams receive the official problems and begin preparing creative solutions in October. For more information, visit www.uscootm.com or email OM program coordinators Susan Rosati (susanrosati@comcast.net) and Sharon Byrnes (missesbyrnes@yahoo.com).
High School Discovered Treasures–First Place and Ranatra Fusca award A strong contender every year, this high school team coached by Reid Simmons and Gwen Patterson took their performance to new heights in 2010. Their play included dynamic pop-up scenery pieces and an element that attracted the attention of Dr. Sam Micklus, the founder of Odyssey of the Mind—a swimming mermaid suspended above the ground and carried by two of the team members. Riyana Bilimoria, who performed as the mermaid, believed teamwork was the secret of their success. “Since we’ve been a team for so long, we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and it makes it easier to work together.” Dedication to the team also caught the attention of the judges at States in April when Bridget Hubbard was given the OMER award for her extraordinary determination. Already on the trip to Disney World in Florida with the USCHS band when the rest of her team traveled to Williamsport, she flew back to Pennsylvania and made it just in time for her team’s performance that Saturday. In addition to placing first, this team also won the ultimate creativity award, the Ranatra Fusca, at the Regional, State, and World Final competitions, further solidifying their title as World Champions. With six graduating seniors, this team hopes to find time to continue with Odyssey in the college division next year. 66
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Discovered Treasures team members, left to right: Coach Gwen Patterson, Molly Patterson, Riyana Bilimoria, Abby Massaro, Paul Austin, Bridget Hubbard, Rachel Simmons, Peter Rosati, and Coach Reid Simmons
Boyce Nature Trail’R and Return to the Gift of Flight–Third Place When this team from Boyce decided they would do two separate problems this year, they did it because they thought it would be fun. Last year, they made it to States with a vehicle problem, so they gravitated toward that type of problem again this year. But the lure of the Return to the Gift of Flight, a problem focused on the creation of task-oriented aircraft, was impossible to resist. Never did they dream that they would advance to Worlds for both problems. As coach Sharon Byrnes explained, “If the second problem hadn’t been such a good fit, I don’t think they would have done two problems just for the sake of it. But it was right up their alley.” Indeed it was, as they won third place at Worlds for the Return to the Gift of Flight. Their first trip to Worlds was an experience this team will never forget. And, like most teams, this group became immersed in the pin trading and collecting that occurred all over the Michigan State University campus. The kids “really got drawn into it” and told Sharon they are already planning ways to earn money to buy more pins for next year. Are they thinking that far ahead already? Absolutely! Having had such a great experience this year, the kids want to do their best to make it back to Worlds next year.
Boyce team members, left to right, front row: Brendan Allen, Piol-Ha Massé, Liam Carse, Vicki Wang, Abigail Shoemaker; back row: Arushi Kewalramani, Connor Byrnes; not pictured: Coach Sharon Byrnes
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Upper St. Clair’s Kitchen & Bath Design Center
In this economy, an investment in your home is one of the safest investments you can make. Whether you plan to live in your home long term or are planning to sell your home within the next 5 years, a new kitchen and bath can offer a 30% return on your investment. Premier Home Design Center offers expertise and products designed to fit your budget. Call Premier now for an excellent return on your biggest investment. Design & Planning Services • A Merillat Signature Showroom • Consultations by appointment 412-276-5650 High School Column Structure On this team’s second trip to Worlds in two years, they decided to participate in the Buddy Team program. A team from the U.S. was matched with a team from another country, and spent time together sharing their Odyssey experiences and making their international guests feel welcome. Coaches Michelle Turnwald and Geralyn Austin organized an icebreaker activity for their Singapore buddy team, where team members created customized T-shirts with their signatures, doodles, and other artwork. The USC High School and Fort Couch students then wore their custom shirts when they cheered for the Singapore team’s performance. Along with the benefit of making new friends, this experience taught our students about the culture in Singapore. Maura Boston, a ninth grader, was surprised to learn that English was this team’s first and primary language, and that many of the Singapore students were immigrants who spoke with very different English dialects. During their performance, this team added 555 pounds of weight to a balsa structure with columns that weighed less than 18 grams as other team members played parts in a court case involving healthy and not-so-healthy foods. n
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Column Structure team members: Maura Boston, Robert Burke, Josh Simmons, Kyle Austin, Sydney Turnwald, Brenna Carse, and Rebecca Knapp. Not pictured: Coaches Michelle Turnwald and Geralyn Austin
The Upper St. Clair Odyssey of the Mind program would like to thank its sponsors who supported the teams all season and helped the three World finalist teams travel to Michigan: Dr. John Bornyas, Director of Operations, Community Relations & Special Projects; Upper St. Clair School District; USC Township Board of Commissioners; USC Community & Recreation Center; all who visited OM’s Community Day Booth; Western PA Odyssey of the Mind; DGI-Menard, Inc.; Dr. Dayle Griffin; Fudgie Wudgie; LanXess; Med Express; TGI Friday’s; and Tube City IMS Corporation.
Fall 2010
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Pawprints A USC PTA Council Highlight of Our Schools National PTA President Visits Streams While gathering information for his fourth grade IB research project, student James Boston thought it would be cool to ask Charles J. Saylors, national president of the PTA, some questions about the organization. He composed a letter, and in closing, invited Saylors to come to Streams Elementary and meet with him and his fellow students. To James’ pleasant surprise, Saylors responded to his email by asking how close Upper St. Clair was to Hershey, Pennsylvania. Saylors was attending a conference in Hershey on April 16 and decided to answer James questions in person. Streams’ principal, Dr. Claire Miller, said she was excited that her students were having the experience of talking to a national PTA leader, while USC school board director Rebecca Stern said she thought having Saylors at Streams was a great honor. “He’s a great role model for our kids.” Saylors is the first male PTA president in the 114 years the PTA has been in existence. He told the students that visiting schools was the best part of being national PTA James Boston with national PTA president Charles J. Saylors flanked by James’ family: father, James; president. Saylors said the meeting at Streams was the first time he had done a question mother, Karen; and sister, Maura and answer meeting with students, and that he was impressed with the questions they asked. “They were great,” he commented. James chose the PTA as the organization he wanted to research because the PTA at Streams did so many good things. After completing his research, he commented that they were a “great organization and they help the kids a lot.” n
Top Ten Reasons to Join PTA… and “Thanks, Mom!” Stacie de la Parra, PTA Council President
Circa the 70s, I was an enthusiastic student at Spitler Elementary School in Whitehall. My mom was a PTA supporter who frequently served as a room parent. We had the best parties—yummy food, the coolest games! Mom and Mrs. Sisler (a mother of five) knew exactly what to do to create fun for a bunch of kids. So, now, (just) a few years later, I am not surprised by my own PTA involvement. I can think of more than one hundred reasons for someone to join the PTA, but for space considerations, I’ll settle for ten. 10) At $7 for a single membership it’s a great value. 9) Your membership fee includes membership in your local as well as PTA Council Executive Board, left to right, are Lisa Clark, state and national PTAs. outgoing advisor; Rachel Lowden, vice president; Rachel 8) PTA is able to partner with businesses and negotiate special discounts, Korpics, treasurer; Stacie de la Parra, president; Liz Hall, which are available at Southwest Airlines and T-Mobile, to name a few. advisor; and Dr. Patrick O’Toole, second vice president. Not 7) PTA helps strengthens the power of volunteers in a time of shrinking pictured is Linda Hages, secretary. budgets and rising costs. 6) The name itself—Parent Teacher Association (PTA)—implies a partnership between parents and teachers to offer strong programs for our students. 5) PTA addresses issues that are important to parents and public school administrators. 4) Local PTAs have access to ready-made, easy-to-use programs with proven success records. 3) It’s a great way to show your support for the community and for your school. 2) PTA works with schools to ensure that children succeed. And finally, the number one reason to get involved: we need you! Volunteers are the foundation and the lifeline of the organization. You bring something to the table that no one else does. We value your contribution and we give you an opportunity to shine. And in the future, when your children are in the next generation of PTA, they’ll be grateful for the support you offered them. “Thanks, Mom!” n
Questions about PTA or PTSO? Call Stacie de la Parra (PTA Council President) 412-833-2366 or Leanne Adamo (PTSO President) 412-851-9771 or theadamos@verizon.net 68
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Back to School Health Tips
Healthy habits lead to school success, so start this year with a healthy outlook! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Don’t skip it! Studies show that students who eat breakfast do better in school. Eating a good breakfast sets the tone for the rest of the day. Skipping breakfast causes a person to become tired when your brain and body run low on fuel. Follow these suggestions: •A healthy breakfast should contain some protein and fiber. Protein can come from low fat meats, eggs, beans, or dairy. Fiber can be found in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. •Avoid sugary cereal, syrups, pastries, and white breads as they are digested quickly and will leave you hungry and tired in a few hours. •Set a wake-up time that provides enough time for eating. •Protein-packed breakfast ideas include yogurt, peanut butter, cottage cheese, oats, omelet filled with sautéed veggies, and scrambled eggs in a grain tortilla. Contrary to popular belief, teens require more sleep than nine- and ten-year-old students. While a younger student is good with eight hours of sleep a night, teens need one to two more hours, or approximately nine and a half hours a night. Sleep deprivation can manifest itself in extreme moodiness, poor performance in school and activities, and depression. To avoid these possibilities, establish a reasonable bedtime and wake time with the key being consistency throughout the week. Exercise is the hot topic these days for several reasons, and most importantly is the growing concern over childhood obesity. Although playing a team sport is a popular approach to exercise, it doesn’t always have to be a planned and organized effort. Encourage your student to be outside. Activity will follow whether it’s in the form of playing, walking, hiking, or running. Breathing fresh air oxygenates the blood and increases circulation. As simple as it may seem, incorporating exercise into our daily routine will not only help to develop healthy habits, but exercise may also help to prevent long term problems down the road. n
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New School Immunization Regulations 2010-11 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 3 2 doses of mumps 3 3 doses of hepatitis B 3 2 doses of varicella or written statement from physician/designee indicating month and year of disease or serologic proof of immunity
Grades 7-12 3 1 dose of tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Tdap) 3 1 dose of meningitis vaccine (MCV4) The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) wants parents to know that students who attended school in the 2009-10 school year and are returning to school for the 2010-11 must have all of their immunizations up to date or they will be excluded from school. Failure to comply by September 7, 2010, 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 physicians. 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
2010 USC Varsity Football Schedule Kick-offs Friday, 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise indicated)
Date
Opponent Location
September 3 September 10 September 17 September 24 October 1 October 8 October 15 October 22 October 29
Shaler Away Norwin Away North Allegheny Home (Youth Night) West Allegheny Home Baldwin Away Peters Home (Halls of Fame and Homecoming–7:45 p.m.) Canon McMillan Away Bethel Park Home (Senior Recognition Night) Mt. Lebanon Away
U S C Anime/Manga Club Arabic Club Art Club Athletes Taking Action Baseball Basketball 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
Crew (Rowing) Cross Country 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) German Club Go Game Club
F o r 70
H i g h
S c h o o l
Golf Graphic Fiction Club Hip Hop Dance Team Ice Hockey Improv Club Interact Japanese Club Junior Classical League 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) Magic Club
i n f o r m a t i o n ,
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Fall 2010
A c t i v i t i e s
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 Ping Pong Club Principal’s Advisory Committee (PAC)
c a l l
PTSO Quill and Scroll Rifle Team SADD (Students Against Drunk Drivers) Science Club Science Fiction Fantasy Ski Club Softball Spanish Club Spring Musical St. Clarion (High School Newspaper) Stage Crew STAND (Students Taking Action Now: Darfur) Student Council Super Smash Bros. Gaming League Swimming and Diving
4 1 2 - 8 3 3 - 1 6 0 0 .
Tennis Thai Club Thespian Society Track USC Serves Ultimate Frisbee Volleyball Wrestling World Affairs Club Young Politicians of USC Youth Against Tobacco
History Floats Illustrate New Deal Programs
If you were at the Upper St. Clair High School library on April 19, you could have seen students from Dan Durkin’s honors history class participating in a special exhibit about American History for a library outreach contest sponsored by the HistoryTM Channel, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. The goal of the contest was to encourage libraries to strengthen their community’s interest in American history by creating themed exhibits and public programming. USCHS librarian Debbie Rentschler contacted social studies teacher Dan Durkin, whose honors American History classes were working on projects about the New Deal.
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George Girty, B.L.A. 412.835.3245 www.girtyland.com Allison Kearney, Whitney Moore, and Victoria Wagner worked together on a float about the Social Security Administration.
Each student was assigned a project about one of the New Deal programs. Students could work individually, with a partner, or in small groups, and were to write a one- to two-page summary about the New Deal program they were investigating, and detailing what the program was, what the program’s achievements were, and if the program was still in existence. In addition to the summary, students were to make a shoe-box float about what the program was supposed to do. The float part of the project was good for kids that have an artistic flair said Durkin, since it gave them a chance to use their creativity. Using Legos, action figures, lights, and wheels to illustrate their New Deal programs, the floats were colorful and eye catching, and represented programs ranging from the Social Security Administration to the Tennessee Valley Authority. n
Dan Durkin’s honors American History class and the students’ New Deal floats
Fall 2010
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Morgan Collins an d Maddie McKeev er with Dr. Nancy Z. Nelso n, WPKA Education al Chairperson
Laura Marks
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Did You Know? Did You KPenn o ? nsylvania Mathw League Fort Couch Middle Sch Did You K n o w oo?l students participated in the Pennsylvania Mathema Did You K n o w ?n this tics Lea gue com petitio pa st Fe bru ary. Congratulations to ed Select D i d ScY o u K n ow? hweitzer all studen ts who participated in am Te e en this for G competn ition, wit D i d MY ou K o h spew z e r, a cial con? gratuatt Schweit lat ions to the seventh gra B en de? d en t in team, H S st uo D i d U SCY u K w comingn y in first o og place, wit ol bi rs h the no fol lowho ’s er ing seventh grade studen into the D i d Cclraasms,Y K n o w ts ran? cepted u ked in was aco the top 25: Tony Wang, ’s second place; of Pittsburgh rsity o Na D i d UGnienveY u K o w ? te Den Grave and up ro G Jef rs f Hu la o, each fifth ho Sc e Team pla ce; e and th Bri r an fo Kaplan, 20th ? place. e Corpsu D i d andY K no w Scienco Th e eighth grade team cam hile in W . 10 e in 20 sixth of mer eitzer sumY ce, wi th indo DMatit Schwd o u K n ? ividual w research pla of ran es kin ri gs se for a tended lty and Grace Chen and Yasaswi Duvvuru, ogram, Matt at cu fa the pri gh ur sb tt D d Y o u K n o w ? rsity of Pi niques and both taking eighth place. talks by Unive basic lab tech n ar le to p D ikshod ocedurY ou Know? a wor es. experimental pr Did You Know? e Me Out to the Ball DMicihaeTak d Y ogamu Know ? e l Bes ser won seco nd plac e in the re tu ra e it L t Did Y o K o w ? rs Abou on Letten Pittsburg yder w h Pirau tes 2010 t Adam Sn n e d u st v S e el Jackie o USCH n o ture L? Robinsou n Essay Did Y K w ut Litera o b A rs n e win ing and Poe try Con test . the Lett e had the H . n o ti evel ti e Did Y o u K n o w Michael, a student at 3 comp in the L? 80 letters 3 f o lunt a u o t Boyce Middle School, letter red a ? as honow Did Y o u 3K n e wo H . l 17 ry ri o p g A te wrote a poem honorca ege on ll o C te ta S r his ing Jack Did Y o u o ? heon inn ie Rob ificate fo cK inso n. a certw d e iv e c rd, re Michael expressed his where he 0 cash awa a $15w t, n e Did Y o u K n o ? m a sh d t. A m’s view s of ove rcom ing accompli from Targe rd a c t if g 0 ompe5 personao l barriers and a $ n o ational c? Did Y u K using to the nw n o o and g l il n o w the values exemplified letter oper Ir s ion, Cow ito d d ons a ti Did Y o u K n ? n In e . m n by baseball great Jackie titio norable o h n o w r a und Rob n. Oveu Suraj Sn r 1000 D i d entr Yiesinsower o K ost. w ? state conte e th in e submitted and for hael’s efforts Y D iMicd Kno wLangua ?ge he earno ed freeu Pirates Japanese tickets to an April game, along with a tour of ents Win Awa D i ,d ou K n Stud o w ?rds PNC Park autographedY Pirates items, food For the sixt h con voucher D is, and da special cert Yificate.o u K nsecu o ?nese tive w year, Japa stud ent s from USC HS Did You K ncom o w? pete d in Jap ane se ech and D i d I NAY o u graK o wLan? m nSpe gua ge A Youth Leadership Pro Con test ent held res Truver Selected for FB ann rep uall to y by chosen S, wasu D i d iorY o K n o w ? at USCH the Japa es n-A iat Chad Truver, now a jun mer soc ica As Soci ety my ade FBI National Ac lvania at theY nsy o fo P e n He n s 1. y stern Pen l y v a n WeD Jul i a i d o u K n w ? a to n d 24 e Jun m, scheduled from Asian Study Center at the o ert Pu Youth Leadership Progra and a, nad Ca ., U.S u from the d o K nUnio ? h. 42 studentsY only versityw of Pittsburg s one ofi waD m. gra pro the in ted ipa partic For Japa o who i nese Leve RicD d Y K nRacho w ?l 1, er o u oth el King received first Truver stayed with the , lo- o u FBI AcademyY D ithed K nplaco e, andw dents at Jaco b ? stu Qui gg ile Wh ia. gin Vir , ico ant and Genna Gustas both ed in Qu catD i d eivedY K nreceo w? in- o u ived third place for at the Academy, they rec tem sys American Y o u theo in the Posterw D d K nJapa ? division uction i str . For organinese Level 3, Arvind of criminal justice, police law, o u D i d nalY K nPraso w ? adan chal lenged one zation and function, crimi n tio era op and ure rano k hig her and n his Dthe striuctd , asY K nleve wtha? well o u l, com peti ng in the of our criminal courts sonal o u D K nAdvo wl divi? skills and perY shipd anced Leve leaderi as sion, red tou up gro e Th . and ent rece pm the ived t elo i d third me dev plac and ., e. D.C , ton D Y o u K n o w ? ilding in Washing nity rtu the FBI headquarters bu po op the en giv re we students In addition, Y D ior.d o u Know? I direct FB fitness endurance course rps Co e rin Ma . U.S and to run the FBI D id Y o, saiu Know? “Yellow Brick Road.” l very grateful fee “I d, ver Tru Joy son of Ken and DChsad,iopthe d You Know? nity.” rtu po for thi Did You Know?
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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 77, 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 74
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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 2010
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 77. 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 76
D H O EG E L T G H O G HE TH M T AM SD TE E T AM A E H T AM TE E D T OLD O T UPPER ST. CLAIR HIGH SCHOOL MSCHOOL L EYEAR D LD G EG APPLICATION FOR ATHLETIC PASSES FOR THE 2010-11 A O T E E L G T LD homeGevents: H TH M O GO E The Ultimate Panther Pass includes general admission for regular season T D H O football, soccer, basketball, swimming, wrestling, and volleyball L lacrosse, E HE T AM AM TEA D G O H (approximately 75 paid events) E D L G HE T M T AM TE T O E L T M E ADULT PASSES A T LD LD GO E G E A TH M ULTIMATE PANTHER PASS (All Events Pass to E 75 events) E A H TH T D T LD GO GO HE (General Admission to all sports events: E T D O T Fall, Winter & Spring Sports for $70)...................... #____ = $____ L of passes E HE T AM AM TE L O G@ $70H O E G H T M T AM TE RESERVED FOOTBALL PASS G (Seat number TE LD G E T M E assigned for 4 games @ $7 each = $28)............... A @ $28E=A$____D T LD OLD GO E TH AM#____TofEpasses T L H O G E Combine ULTIMATE PANTHER PASS & E T G D H D O T L @ $74G= $____HE HE RESERVED FOOTBALL PASS @ $74................. T AM AM L#____ ofOpasses O E T M G H T M OfferingAcustomized Ereal estateTE LD G GENERAL ADMISSION FOOTBALL ONLY PASS E T T M E D Upper St.LClair (4 Home Games @ $6 each) . .............................. of passes @ $30 D O T by A = $____EA D services TH#____ M L G E O residents 1976 E A H O since T DT L E G T G PANTHER (STUDENT) PASSESD H O T E Goldstein E & Marshall T AM A L OL G H ULTIMATE PANTHER PASS–STUDENT H Sandy O E T M E (Student All Events Pass to 75 events) T M 412-721-0306 E G E G TH T A T cell (General Admission to all sports events: D office LD G TE ext.L215 AM EA724-941-9400 Fall, Winter & Spring Sports for $40)...................... #____ @ $40 = $____ THof passes M E D T A O GO E T D L E Sandy@Sandygoldstein.com G JR. PANTHER–Elementary/Middle School H M D O GoldsteinMarsh@aol.com T L@ $10 = $____ E L E T G Student (Football Only Pass = 4 games)............ #____ of passes H O H T O G E M TEA T G www.sandygoldstein.com H A E M E T Your Name_______________________________ M TH AM TEA TEA D T OLD OLD Your Address_____________________________ TE LD LD GOL E G E G TH Upper St. Clair, PA. 1524___ TOTAL REMITTANCE $___________ O TH M TH AM GO E G THE M E Mail completed application and check payable to USC High School Athletics TH to:AM TEA TEA D T Athletic Office Upper St. Clair High School TE LD LD GOL 1825 Mclaughlin Run Rd. O Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 GO E G THE Passes will be mailed beginning August 16. For the complete football schedule, H see page 70. For more information on athletics, visit www.uscsd.k12.pa.us.T AM Lost or stolen passes will not be replaced. E T Real Estate Professionals
USCHS 2010 Spring Sports Results Team
Wins
The Dance Conservatory of Pittsburgh
Losses Achievement
Baseball
13
7 Section Champions
Softball
5
11
Boys’ Tennis
14
2 Section Champions
Boys’ Volleyball
15
2 Section Champions
Girls’ Track
0
5
Boys’ Track
0
5
Girls’ Lacrosse
2
12
Boys’ Lacrosse
11
6
Fall 2010 Space is limited
412.344.3900 dcpdance.com
Fall 2010
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School District Notices Continued from page 74
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 achievement tests/Otis-Lennon School Ability Test Grade 1 Terra Nova achievement tests/ Inview ability screener Grade 2 Terra Nova achievement tests/ Inview ability screener Grade 4 Terra Nova Multiple Assessments Inview ability screener Grade 7 Terra Nova Multiple Assessments Grade 10
Date of Administration Prior to Entrance February February May May October
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 2010-11 school year. PSSA Area of Assessment Grade Math, Reading, Writing Retest Grade 12
Oct. 25-Nov. 5, 2010
Writing
March 28-April 1, 2011
Grade 5, 8, 11
Date of Administration
Math and Reading Grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11
March 14-25, 2011
Science
April 4-8, 2011
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 77. 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 76
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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 77.
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.
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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 2010
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Educational Resource Guide
Reviewing the Process of Financial Aid Deron Donalson, Hefren-Tillotson, Associate Vice President As high school students begin the college application process, parents around the country inevitably begin to consider how to afford such a large expenditure as college. For most parents, it’s only a matter of time before they begin to consider whether or not their children will be eligible for financial aid. The amount of aid a student will be eligible to receive is calculated as follows: Cost of Attendance - Expected Family Contribution (EFC) = Need Based Aid While many believe the more financial aid they can “find” will decrease the amount of out of pocket cost, it’s actually the family’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) that determines the amount they’ll be expected to contribute towards the cost of attendance. Before determining the EFC, however, parents are given what is called an Asset Protection Allowance, or APA. This consideration is the amount of assets parents are allowed to own before the assets are used in the EFC calculation. This amount varies based on the age and marital status of the oldest parent. Also, qualified retirement plans, IRAs, and the value of the primary residence are not included in the federal EFC calculation. After the APA is determined, the EFC can be calculated. The EFC calculation looks at both income and “reportable” assets. As income increases, EFC increases. As “reportable” assets exceed one’s APA, the EFC increases as well. These reportable 78
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assets include non-retirement bank assets, and non-retirement investments, such as stock, bonds, and mutual funds, among others. While the types of assets considered reportable on the forms are generally the same for parents and students, the dependent student is expected to contribute more of the assets they own, compared to the parents. The dependent student is expected to contribute 20% of all assets, compared to 5.64% of parents, because the APA does not apply to the student. An exception to this rule is a student-owned 529 Plan or Coverdell Education Savings Account (if the child is a dependent, then it is considered a parental asset). Because the assets owned by the parent and child are treated differently when calculating the EFC, the types of savings vehicles and account ownership should be strongly considered when saving for college. If a family expects to qualify for aid, they may not want to save in the child’s name, such as a Uniform Transfers to Minors Act Account (UTMA). If, however, a family does not expect to qualify for aid, they may benefit from the tax advantages of UTMA accounts or other similar savings accounts (subject to the “kiddie” tax rules). To determine one’s EFC, a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed as well as possibly a Profile financial aid form (a form used only by some schools).
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These forms ask for information about both the parents’ and child’s assets. The information contained on the forms is sent to a processing center where your EFC is determined. Once this is complete, both the family and the prospective colleges will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) outlining the results. Upon receiving the determination of the EFC, each college performs it own calculation to determine the family’s aid eligibility by subtracting the EFC from the cost to attend the school. Based on this amount, the college must devise a package based upon the financial needs of that particular family. Factored into this equation can be initial cost-reducing items such as loans, grants, and work/study programs. For example, a student is torn between two colleges. His first choice, an Ivy League school, costs $40,000 to attend. He is also considering a public institution costing $15,000 to attend. His EFC is $15,000. Should the student decide to attend the Ivy League school, his family would be expected to cover only the $15,000 that represents their EFC; therefore he would qualify for need-based aid. Any amount not covered by need based aid would be taken care of through loans, grants, or work/study programs.
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Should the student decide upon the public college, the family must pay the entire amount because they would not be eligible to receive need-based aid because their EFC equals the cost of attendance. Therefore, they only pay $15,000 no matter which school the student chooses. As students begin the college scouting process they should keep in mind that a school’s cost of attendance is not necessarily reflected in its tuition price. A more accurate figure is uncovered when factoring in the financial aid package offered by the school once their EFC is taken into account. A private school that initially appears to have the highest cost due to the amount of its tuition may turn out to be the most cost-effective choice because of its financial aid package or discounts. On the other hand, this package may include loans, which will ultimately have to be repaid, and a requirement that the student works during school. Lastly, it is possible to have a funding gap even after the school prepares an aid package. That gap is the student’s or parents’ responsibility. n
Hefren-Tillotson does not, nor any other party, guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this article or make any warranties regarding results obtained from its use. For additional information on the EFC calculation, see www.finaid.org. See ad on page 78. Fall 2010
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Unplugged Play—No Batteries or Upgrades Needed Amy Bahm, Learning Express Toys, Owner Unstructured play is essential to a child’s physical, social, and emotional development. In today’s society, children engage daily in a wide variety of “screen” activities, which include computers, television, iPods, and video games. Even many infant toys which used to follow simple play patterns like pounding a ball and seeing it come out the other side, have changed over the last ten years, to include flashing lights and sounds each time the child interacts. Disconnecting kids from the outlet can power their creativity. Turning off electronics will tune your kids into the world around them. You don’t have to have a problem with plugged-in play to realize the value of unplugged activities, both forgotten and new. Plugged-in toys fail to provide interaction with others. Interacting is how children learn new ideas—how they learn to share and develop their social skills. All parents have seen what their children look like when they’re watching TV or playing a video game. They are completely tuned out from their environment. These games also make it virtually impossible for a child to be 80
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entertained by anything less stimulating. For instance, if you get to eat chocolate every night for dessert, how enticing does a piece of fruit sound instead? This is also true with play. Of course, kids will want toys that do things for them—it’s easier that way. However, as parents we know better. We know that by engaging with toys themselves, children can find the internal reward from creating and sustaining their own play. This will certainly serve them better in the long run. Games have proven to be an engaging and reliable way to teach and reinforce new skills to children. In today’s world, the word “games” has become synonymous with computer games. While these types of games have positive qualities, there are many other types of games that also engage and educate. Board games, puzzles, and educational toys are designed to stimulate children’s minds. These games also work a different part of the mind than computer and video games and can benefit spatial development and fine motor skills. Outdoor games and activities have the obvious benefit of getting children up off of the couch and developing essential gross motor skills. There are many toys that can help you engage your child beyond a flickering screen. Doodle books are not your typical coloring book. Instead of being filled with pictures they’re filled with ideas. Open-ended art activities allow kids to fully express themselves and force them to come up with their own images.
Fall is the Right Time
Vasso Paliouras, ProEnergy Consultants, President Fall is a beautiful time of year—a new season, a fresh start. It’s also a great time of year to think about your home. As we enjoyed this summer, many of us forgot about the effects of last winter’s storms along with related projects that can help to improve our homes. Now that fall is here and the cold temperatures are creeping back, we’re starting to make our way back inside. And as much as we may not want to think about the winter season around the corner, fall is a great time to prepare our homes, both inside and out. What do you think of when you see this overlaid infra-red photo? You may groan and feel a shiver, or cringe and grab your wallet as you recall how much money you spent on utility bills or maybe even insurance deductibles last winter. Did you know that the source of energy problems is typically due to areas of energy leakage throughout the home? These “holes” can be large or small. Energy leakage in one area of the house can affect the comfort level in another. Think of energy in terms of what goes out must come in, regardless of the size of the leak area. If you can keep the air you pay to condition the inside of the home in and the unconditioned outside air out, you are improving your home’s building performance. But where are these leaks and how best to remediate them? Don’t spend time and money guessing! When the areas of energy leakage are addressed, homeowners see a change in energy usage, which can translate to cost savings in utility bills. High efficiency furnaces and air conditioners are meant to improve a home’s energy efficiency, but they’ll be less effective if the entire home isn’t efficient. An energy assessment is way to find out how your home is performing and what improvements can be made to enjoy a more comfortable environment. Start fresh this fall and be better prepared for winter. Save energy. Save money. Get comfortable! n ProEnergy Consultants is a national home energy auditing company in the Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. See ad on this page.
Klutz journals and books also promote creative writing skills by offering beginning prompts and inspiring little questions. A tray of wooden food can encourage a child to spend a whole afternoon running a pretend restaurant or planting crops on a pretend farm. Sandbox playsets, mosaic creation kits, hand puppets, and dress up clothes can all help to provide opportunities for our children’s imaginations to flourish. The Bilibo, although it has a funny name, is an award-winning imagination stimulating toy. Parents often comment at first that it looks like a simple plastic bowl with holes in it. However, the Bilibo’s secret is that it doesn’t impose a specific play pattern. It is open to a wide range of interpretations and encourages children to invent their own games. It can be used both indoors and outdoors. Children can sit in it, spin and rock in it, hide under it, or even carry things inside it. The possibilities are simple and endless. Legos and other building products like Magformers or Zoobs are colorful and easy to use. These types of toys have withstood the test of time because of their unlimited open-ended possibilities. There is not just one way to play with a set of building materials. Their easy interlocking combinations provide hours of patterning practice, and fine motor development. Looking for just the right piece strengthens sorting skills, an important math concept. Construction toys also teach children how to think threedimensionally, a building block of physics. The best part is your
child only knows that they are having fun, while you know that they are developing important skills along the way. Unplugged science kits can actually help your child to become a good citizen and teach environmental responsibility. Kits that encourage them to study the earth can help to teach why they must take care of land, animals, and resources. Furthermore, toys that are made from sustainable materials such as Plan Toys or recycled materials such as Green Toys encourage a respect for resource conservation. Science kits that require following directions to achieve a certain experiment outcome also help to build confidence and a sense of pride for facing future challenges. On the other hand, trial and error and unintended mistakes allow children to think and wonder. Either way, these kits lead to learning opportunities, all on their own. When we provide surroundings that stimulate rather than bombard and invite rather than force outcomes, we open up opportunities and provide space for our youth to grow, thrive, and flourish. Also, it’s fun to get back to play! Try to return to the simpler things in life in lieu of advanced technology; it awakens the child-like energy that we tired adults used to be filled with. Take the batteries out of the toys for a while, turn off the screens, allow your family to join the play, and see what happens. Good luck!n See Learning Express Toys ad on page 80. Fall 2010
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Around the Township
Getting ready for the softball match
Block Party Celebrates 40 Years David Bulger
On the weekend of July 4, 1971, Richard Nixon was in the White House, Jim Morrison of The Doors died in Paris, and the Pittsburgh Pirates were in first place in the National League East (and would win the World Series three months later). Also that weekend, an annual Upper St. Clair neighborhood tradition was launched that has continued uninterrupted to this day: The Quigg-Clair Fourth of July block party. This year, over 200 neighbors celebrated the 40th consecutive mid-summer classic in grand style, as current and former residents descended on the special neighborhood to celebrate. The annual event brings together red, white, and blue clad neighbors and old friends who share the common bond of having lived in what we affectionately refer to as simply “the neighborhood.” Over the years, the only acceptable excuses to miss a block party have been death, incapacitation, or childbirth. While suburban neighborhoods are often transient, our core foundation of families who moved in during the 1960s and ’70s remained there for decades, and, in most cases, still live there. The neighborhood became unusually close knit. Families not only watched their children grow up together, but also vacationed, played sports, and celebrated holidays and other life events together. Long time neighborhood families include Walton, Tomko, McKenzie, Thiros, Cullen, Blass, Giusti, Wilkins, Bulger, Valentino, Teller, Hawkins, Rowland, Kennedy, Avick, Augenstein, Smith, Eannarino, Morelli, Kelly, Pfeffer, Dennison, Christman, Bauch, and Reichenbach, all of whom helped build the block party institution. Then, as newer families such as Hutchison, Halackna, Busse, Jenkins, Popeck, Zeh, and Zadrozny moved into the neighborhood in the ’80s, ’90s, and ’00s, they embraced the event and have helped carry on the tradition. 82
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It began inconspicuously as a one-day celebration of Independence Day with a bike parade, softball game, bingo, and pony rides. But, it grew bigger each year and as its popularity exploded during the ’70s, it quickly became a three-day and night, non-stop fiesta featuring kid’s games, a dunking machine, fire truck visit, dinner, bingo, square dancing, golf outing, night movies, and unofficial fireworks displays by Bobby Wilkins. Pure Americana! Over the years, we’ve also had balloon derbies, zoo animals, Pirate Parrot visits, musical performances, dead fish in the dunking machine, and late night table games. To make it through all three days requires equal parts stamina, concentration, and hydration. Perhaps no activity was more ridiculous, or is as fondly remembered, than the ’70s pie eating contests, which quickly descended into free-for-all pie fights reminiscent of the Three Stooges. For a few years, a magic show was part of the festivities. However, that ended after the 1981 block party when the magician, who partook in a little too much holiday celebrating, stumbled off the porch, which served as his stage, and fell into the bushes ending his performance. An annual grudge match softball game is a favorite part of the weekend—Clair and Long Drives versus Quigg Drive, with yearlong bragging rights at stake. The annual classic matches two former Pirates teammates against one another—Dave Giusti representing Clair and Steve Blass playing for Quigg. You can imagine what a thrill it has been over the years for the neighborhood kids to play ball with and against these two Pirates legends. Steve’s late father, the incomparable Bob Blass, often pitched for Quigg in the contests and is credited with being the winning pitcher in 16 of the games. Inexplicably, Quigg has defied the law of averages to win 33 of the 40 contests. However, of great consequence, Clair and Long did manage to win the historic 1976 Bicentennial game.
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The 1983 gathering is fondly remembered as the “Love Story” block party because it served as the romantic backdrop for the introduction of John Schirra to Dee Hamel during the square dance. Four years later they were married, and 27 years later still they credit the magic of the block party for bringing them together. Since its inception, only one person has never missed the block party—Ellie McKenzie has a perfect 40 for 40! She attributes it to self discipline and prioritizing the importance of friendship. The neighborhood bingo champion is Joan Valentino, the grill master is John Schirra, and the table games champion is Mike Morelli. The weekend festivities also include a golf scramble on the third day. More often than not, the winning team has included at least one member of the McKenzie or Walton clans. Three-time champion Mark McKenzie explains, “The key to winning the scramble is to get to bed either very early or very late the night before.” The planning and organizational duties have long been shared by the neighborhood families. However, in recent years, those duties have been primarily carried out by Diane Rowland and Jan Teller. Jan is also the official photographer and archivist of the annual party and has several dozen scrapbooks documenting the festivities. Other contributors are Kris Teller, Ginny Giusti, Cyntina Giusti Redmond, Kathy Kappert, Theresa Valentino Funarro, Kim Polosky, Joyce Hawkins, Lisa Blass, and Frank and Christine Zadrozny. Ironically, the two families who actually created the event in 1971, the Alexander and Seimens families, only lived in the neighborhood briefly and moved out of town
Red, white, and blue bike parade
shortly thereafter. But just as golfer Bobby Jones did at Augusta when he founded the Masters, they started a tradition unlike any other. Mostly, the block party is about lifelong friendships and maintaining relationships that are now, in some cases, four decades old. It has become an annual pilgrimage for those of us who no longer live in the neighborhood, or even in the Pittsburgh area, to reconnect with old friends. Now, many of us who grew up in the neighborhood but moved away are bringing our children back to the block party, sharing stories and memories of present and past. Nick Cullen sums up how many of us feel, “I believe that there was no better place to live or to grow up than in our neighborhood. The block party has remained a very big part of that. We have been blessed.” n Fall 2010
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Prof iles
on People with a USC Connection
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 Kim Spierto was recently elected to the board of directors for Women’s Business Network, Inc. to serve a twoyear term. Kim obtained her bachelor of science degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and began her career teaching high school students with learning disabilities. In 2005, Kim and her husband opened the first PuroClean Restoration in the Pittsburgh area, a franchised company that helps homeownKim Spierto ers with property damage. She enjoys donating her time to many organizations, including the South Hills Chapter of Women’s Business Network, the Peters Township Referral Group, the Christian Marketplace Network, and the Bible Chapel in McMurray. Over the years she has spent numerous hours volunteering for the Girl Scouts, PTSO, Band Boosters, and Prime Time Adult Care. She has also been involved with the “NEW Foundation,” which raises money for pediatric brain tumor research and works with families affected by this disease. Kim and her husband, David, have three grown children. Brett McCormick, USCHS class of 2010, a 6'4" guard, heads to Franklin & Marshall College this fall to major in business and suit up for the school’s basketball team. Brett, one of only a handful of fouryear varsity letterman for the USC basketball program, scored 650 points and made in excess of 100 three pointers during his high school career. Brett was also a four-year USC varsity letterman in volleyball and was on the school’s Brett McCormick, on the high honor roll. floor for USC
Wayne Herrod, a longtime USC resident and volunteer for UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, has certainly made his mark on our community magazine’s editorial and photography content over the years. Covering a wide spectrum of topics, Wayne has contributed 33 articles and a myriad of photos for our residents to enjoy. His interest to write began in earnest in 2003 when he approached TODAY about the upcoming 40-year anniversary of the death of John F. Kennedy from which he had personal memories and photos to share. The staff’s response to his request? “Please do!” Prior to that assignment, Wayne submitted an article in 2001, but since 2003 and because of his enthusiasm, he has contributed to each Wayne Herrod with Callee, the and every issue! Pittsburgh Zoo’s baby bull elephant Looking forward to his articles in each edition, some community residents have asked Wayne about his “side job” which pays an appreciative “thank you.” “I love our community, and writing for TODAY is a great way to give back. The bonus is that I have met some amazing people during interviews and I have been able to see some wonderful things along the way!” remarked Wayne. “TODAY gives me a lot of freedom to write about the things I enjoy and the many people I admire, including the Pittsburgh Zoo (especially the elephant program), USC Chief of Police Ronald Pardini, retired USC Assistant Superintendent Dr. Terrence Kushner (aka Dr. K), Sean Casey, Walter Jarosh, Art Rooney Jr., artist Dino Guarino, Suzie McConnell-Serio, Steve Blass, and many more.” Starting his fifth season with the Washington Wild Things, Wayne is involved in running special events, school programs, community relations, and baseball operations. “One of my toughest tasks was watching Taylor Swift for one and a half hours during a ‘meet the fans’ session. In reality… that was one of the most pleasant jobs I’ve had and, yes, she really is that nice!” Profiling Wayne Herrod is easy when he so aptly sums up his experience volunteering for TODAY. “It’s fun to do something I love in a community that I love!”
Wayne Herrod, a graduate of Point Park College where he received a BA in behavioral sciences, has lived in USC with his wife, Daria, for 32 years. Their daughter, Meghan, a 2001 USCHS graduate, is married to Greg Adams, lives in Kittanning, and is pursuing a career in education.
Interior designer Alisha Humphrey recently joined Davin Interiors, a leading Pittsburgh design firm, located in Upper St. Clair’s Pinebridge Commons. Alisha is experienced in both residential and commercial interiors, and is responsible for all phases of design projects at Davin Interiors. Clients are already enjoying her colorful, fresh design style. Alisha is well versed in translating clients’ thoughts into outstanding design solutions. Alisha recently relocated to Pittsburgh, and has an interior design degree from West Virginia University. She is a member of ASID. Alisha Humphrey 84
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The Case that Caused the Ground to Shift
One commentator described it as the case that caused the ground to shift for estate attorneys. Recently, USC attorney Ted Huckestein was happy to learn that the ground had settled when the Pennsylvania Supreme Court entered a favorable ruling for his client in the case of Alice G. Novosielski, Deceased. Estate attorneys rely upon predictability in the law when counseling their clients. Many of them were troubled by a 2007 decision of the Pennsylvania Superior Court in the Novosielski case which created confusion about jointly owned accounts. A Pennsylvania statute known as the Multiple Parties Accounts Act (MPAA) provides that any sum on deposit at the death of a party to a joint account belongs to the surviving party, not the estate of the decedent, unless there is clear and convincing evidence of a different intent at the time the account is created. The underlying assumption was that most persons who use joint accounts want the survivor(s) to have rights to all balances remaining at death. To overcome the presumption of ownership of the survivor, the statute places the burden of proof on one who challenges the right of the surviving party. The challenging party is required to prove his case by “clear and convincing evidence,” the highest level of proof required in civil matters. As a result of legal hurdles, estate attorneys could almost assume in most cases that joint accounts would be passed to the surviving parties and not to the heirs designated in the decedent’s will. The Novosielski decision changed this. Eighteen months before her death, Alice Novosielski created a joint account with her great-nephew, Thomas Proch. Mr. Proch was also the executor for Mrs. Novosielski’s will which had been signed prior to the opening of the joint account. The account remained intact at the time of Mrs. Novosielski’s death in 2001. In administering his aunt’s estate, Mr. Proch treated the joint account as his property and not as property to be distributed under the will. Litigation ensued when other heirs claimed that the funds in the joint account should be made part of the estate and distributed under the will. After a lengthy trial, the Orphans’ Court ruled against Mr. Proch and he filed an appeal with the Superior Court. The Superior Court found that Mr. Proch would receive about 10% of the estate under the will but that his share would increase to 80% if he was allowed to retain the funds from the joint account. In upholding the Orphans’ Court, the Superior Court ruled that the inconsistency of the joint account with the pre-existing will was sufficient “clear and convincing evidence” to disprove that Mrs. Novosielski intended the
balance in the account to go to Mr. Proch after her death. This decision created an enormous dilemma for estate attorneys. For joint accounts it was no longer possible to rely upon the MPAA’s presumption in favor of survivorship in cases where there was a pre-existing will. Instead, the attorney would now have to determine if there was an inconsistency between the account and the will and whether the inconsistency was large enough to nullify the survivorship rights. How large would the inconsistency have to be to nullify these rights? It was anybody’s guess since the Superior Court provided no guidance on this issue. Moreover, if transfers by inconsistent joint accounts were prohibited, would the same prohibition apply to outright gifts that decreased the size of the estate that passed to the heirs under the will? The confusion mounted and increased the potential for endless disputes and litigation. Common sense prevailed when the Pennsylvania Supreme Court reversed the Superior Court decision and awarded the joint account to Mr. Proch. The unanimous Supreme Court opinion says that the legislature intended that “individuals and institutions may safely rely upon the presumed right of survivorship of MPAA joint accounts” and that the Superior Court erred in giving primacy to the will over the joint account. The Court said that provisions of a will in conjunction with other relevant evidence could be considered in appropriate cases to determine if there was “clear and convincing evidence” of intent different from a right of survivorship at the time a joint account was created. After making this analysis, however, the Supreme Court found that the will and other evidence did not support a finding of a different intent noting “that Decedent possessed the mental sharpness” to make a knowing execution of the joint account documents. The Court concluded that “Decedent was wholly within her right to do with her property as she wished during her life, including placing the bulk of her property in a joint account with a right of survivorship.” Alice Novosielski often expressed her gratefulness to Thomas Proch and his wife, Karen, whose efforts enabled Alice to live the last years of her life at home instead of in a nursing facility. She often used the expression that she would like to be a “fly on the wall” when certain events took place after her death. Mr. Huckestein believes that if Alice could have been that fly during the Supreme Court’s deliberations, she would have been very pleased with Ted Huckestein the outcome. n
Ted Huckestein is a sole practitioner, with an office in Summerfield Commons, Upper St. Clair. Fall 2010
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Happenings! Community-Wide Flea Market What: Flea market items, food, no admission fee When: Saturday, September 11, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Where: Christ United Methodist Church, Bethel Park (across from Village Square) Proceeds benefit PRIME TIME Adult Care, a non-profit, state-licensed organization. St. Louise DeMarillac Coronet Luncheon What: St. Louise DeMarillac Guild’s 50th Coronet Luncheon, including lunch, prizes, and a fashion show When: Saturday, September 18, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh at Southpointe Ticket Price: $30 advance purchase For more information, call St. Louise office at 412-833-1010. Concert Sponsored by Community Foundation of USC What: An evening with Marvin Hamlisch When: Monday, September 20, 7:30 p.m. Where: USC High School Theatre For more information, see announcement on page 17. USC Lions Club Farmers Market What: Farmers market of fresh, local, homegrown products When: Thursdays through September 30, 4-7 p.m. Where: Westminster Presbyterian Church parking lot, Route 19
Mt. Lebanon Art in the Park What: More than 50 artists, live music, children’s activities, and food When: Saturday and Sunday, October 2-3, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Where: Mt. Lebanon Park, off Cedar Boulevard in Mt. Lebanon Upper St. Clair Lions Club Annual Leaf Bag Sale What: Sale of paper leaf bags, vinyl black trash bags (size: 30 and 33 gallon) tall white kitchen bags, brooms, vinyl dispensers When: Saturdays, October 9, 16, 23, 30; November 6, 13, 20; 9 a.m.-noon Where: Upper St. Clair Public Works Maintenance Building, McLaughlin Run Road at Truxton Road Wesley Spectrum Services Tour of Homes When: Sunday, October 10, noon-5 p.m. Where: Exquisite homes in Upper St. Clair and Mt. Lebanon Information: Tickets: $25 price includes home tour and light refreshments. Tickets can be purchased by calling Wesley Spectrum at 412-347-3219 or visit www.wesleyspectrum.org for more information. Homeowners will get great ideas for building, renovation, decorating, designing, furnishing, and landscaping. Event proceeds will benefit the programs of Wesley Spectrum Services, including education, mental health, and social services to over 6000 individuals a year. St. Thomas More Fall Art and Craft Fair What: Over 55 juried vendors. Continental breakfast and light lunch available. When: Saturday, October 23, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: St Thomas More School gym (across from South Hills Village) Bounty of Boyce Mayview Park Fall Fest What: Family fun activities to celebrate fall When: Saturday, November 6, noon-5 p.m. Where: Boyce Mayview Park at the REEC, C&RC, and trails of Boyce Mayview Park For more information, see announcement on page 92.
Residents enjoy the USC Lions Club local farmers market
USC Swim Club offers year-round water-related activities through its competitive swim club, youth swim and spring board dive lessons, and instruction for lifesaving and CPR. Swimming is a life sport! Don’t get caught “out of the water!” 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.
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St. Louise DeMarillac Craft Fair What: Annual “Joy of Christmas” craft fair, with over 100 crafters. Lunch available. When: Saturday November 20, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: St. Louise DeMarillac LeGras Parish Center and School, 320 McMurray Road Admission price: $2 (includes Chinese auction ticket) Upper St. Clair High School Swim Team will sell poinsettias for the holiday season as its annual fundraiser this November. Poinsettias of white, red, pink, and marble with sizes of one, two, or three plants per pot will be available. Public notices regarding the sale will be displayed on Cable 7, the Community Foundation’s eNews, and along Panther Pass or call any swimmer to order yours!
A Soccer Classic— Pittsburgh Riverhounds vs. Pittsburgh Panthers
Selling. Buying. Relocating.
Jackie Pion
Upper St. Clair hosted a game on Wednesday evening, March 31 between two Pittsburgh local soccer teams—the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and the Pittsburgh Panthers. Many people attended this event, including youth soccer players, high school players, and soccer enthusiasts! The Riverhounds sported royal blue jerseys and black shorts in a 3-5-2 formation, while the Pitt Panthers, in all white, utilized the 3-4-3 formation. A team’s formation tells of the players’ positions on the field. The Riverhounds played with three defenders, five midfielders, and two offenders, whereas the Panthers played with three defenders, four midfielders, and three offenders. Of course, each team played with a goalie, too! After winning the kick-off, Pitt started the first USCHS soccer players sold raffle tickets. 45-minute half. The Riverhounds had the first cornerkick with 17 minutes into the game, but the ball went out of bounds at the touchline. Pitt scored off an indirect kick at the 30-yard line by #17 Shane Flowers, 23 minutes into the game. Although the Riverhounds had many chances to score with three corner kicks and a free kick, they finished the first half with a score of zero. During the first half, the Riverhounds played with great physical effort, which resulted in a yellow card given to a Riverhounds’ player after Pitt scored to take the lead. Halftime allowed the players on both teams to recharge and prepare for the second 45-minute half ahead of them. While the players rested, USC soccer players sold 50/50 raffle tickets for a chance to win tickets to the Riverhounds’ 2010 opening game day and a soccer ball. Several players on and off the field during the event had local ties. Justin Evans, who coaches the Riverhounds, was a Peters Township High School graduate and an original draft pick for the ’Hounds. Also rostered on the team was Adam Gazda, a Chartiers Valley High School graduate who played at Lehigh, Mike Seth who graduated from Baldwin and later played at Penn State Behrend, and Travis Mackenzie, also a graduate of Chartiers Valley and a former player at Duquesne. The Pitt roster includes Andy Clifford from Bethel Park and Upper St Clair’s own, Mark Hast (USCHS 2009)! Due to the Riverhounds’ relentless hustle and determination to win, the second half produced a different outcome than the first. Within the Under the lights at Panther Stadium first 20 minutes of the second half, the Riverhounds had three good shots on goal, but had no luck. However, #23 Jason Hutchins changed the score 80 minutes into the game with a goal, making it 1-1. Then #11 Alex Weeks gave the Riverhounds the lead and the win with his goal that came with only two minutes left in the game. Riverhounds-2, Pitt-1! USC soccer players and fans were treated to an exciting game that displayed great soccer skills from both teams. n
Lynn Dempsey, REALTOR®
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Office: 412-833-5405 x242 Cell: 412-445-6264 Selling USC and the South Hills Communities! 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.
Jackie Pion, a USCHS junior writing enthusiast, is the daughter of John and Diane Pion. Fall 2010
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Program Draws Crowd
Over 100 parents, teachers, and other USC community members spent the evening of April 15 learning about building assets for the youth of the Township. James Conway, senior consultant for the Search Institute, was at the USC Community & Recreation Center and conducted a workshop sponsored by the USC Guidance Department, with the support of the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair, the Youth Steering Committee, and the USC High School PTSO, to advance the concept of the 40 Developmental Assets. Dr. Bill Rullo, Director of Guidance for the School District, called the assets “the building blocks of healthy development.” The more assets kids have in their lives, the better their chances of being drug- and alcohol-free teens, and the more likely they are to become productive, happy adults. Conway told the group that while the “world has changed, what kids need hasn’t changed.” What has changed is how young people have access to things that affect their lives. Conway explained that the Search Institute identified 40 experiences and qualities that can make a positive difference in the lives of youth called “Developmental Assets” that encompass eight areas of human development. These assets can be divided into four external assets which focus on the external relationships, activities, and structures that create a positive atmosphere for youth, and four internal assets that include the values, skills, and beliefs young people need.
A PowerPoint® presentation was part of the workshop.
External asset categories include support of youth by those who love, care for, appreciate and accept them, empowerment so they feel valuable and valued, boundaries and expectations so they understand the rules and consequences of their actions, and constructive use of time outside of school to learn and develop new skills and interests. A commitment to learning, positive values to help young people make healthy life choices, social competencies to interact with others, and a positive self worth are the four internal asset categories identified by the Search Institute. The Search Institute’s research indicates that the more assets students report having, the more likely they are to exhibit positive behaviors such as leadership and success in school, and the less likely they are to exhibit high-risk behaviors like alcohol abuse or violence. While most young people report that they have less than 20 developmental assets, according to the Search Institute, “The good news is that asset building is an ongoing process... and everyone can build them.” They are based on common sense and are easy to understand. They should be continually reinforced through strong, healthy relationships. n
To learn more about the 40 Developmental Assets, visit www.seach-institute.org.
Fall Back Into Good Health Continued from page 43
You can help to accomplish infection control! Remind children to wash their hands before eating, after using the bathroom, and after every cough or sneeze. Have them cough into their elbow to prevent the spread of germs. Remind them not to share drinks or chapstick. Simple steps can produce great rewards! Sharing is good, but not when it involves germs. When illness strikes, keep your child home from school, particularly if he or she has a fever. A child with a fever should remain home until fever-free for 24 hours without medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. If your child’s fever lasts longer than 48 hours or if a fever is accompanied by a sore throat, ear pain, or cough, call your pediatrician to schedule a sick appointment. Got asthma? Allergies? Back to school is a great time to revisit your children’s chronic health issues. Schedule a visit with your pediatrician to discuss your child’s current treatment regimen and evaluate its effectiveness. A good time to modify or maintain your child’s medication regimen is prior to the start of
allergy seasons. Don’t wait until your child is suffering from symptoms; re-evaluate early and often to prevent unnecessary symptom flare-ups. For students involved in athletics, schedule a pre-participation physical examination. This important step can help your child start their sport on the right foot. Don’t wait until the last minute; schedule your child’s pre-participation visit early so that any potential health problems may be identified and resolved prior to the start of that sport’s season. For children aged ten or older, a baseline ImPACT (Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) test is recommended. This 20-minute computer examination may be performed at your pediatrician’s office and can aid your child’s provider in follow-up management in the event of a concussion. Always be sure your child is protected from injury with the appropriate protective equipment; this includes wearing helmets when riding bikes, scooters, or rollerblades on the home turf. n
Visit Pediatric Alliance at www.pediatricallinace.com or follow them on Twitter: @PedAlliance. See ad on pages 53. Fall 2010
Bob Ellison REALTOR®
• Specializing in Upper St. Clair and the South Hills • Knowledgeable and Professional • Serving Buyers and Sellers • Upper St Clair Resident Office: 412-833-3600 ext. 246 Cell: 412-552-8290 bobellison@howardhanna.com Howard Hanna - USC Office 180 Fort Couch Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241
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Fall 2010
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For the past 20 years, the Upper St. Clair Lions Club has recognized an outstanding Upper St. Clair High School female graduate for her outstanding community volunteer service. This year’s award recipient was Janie Feldmann. An active leader in the Girl Scouts, she received the Scout’s Silver Award for her work with patients at Children’s Hospital, Meals on Wheels, and assisting underprivileged children at Angel Emporium. She is a student leader of the Veritas Youth Group, Westminster Presbyterian Church, and a Vacation Bible School crew leader.
Community Celebrations
Janie Feldmann accepts the award from Lions Club president Paul Reboltz
South Hills College Club presented USCHS 2010 graduate Kristen Stein with a $2000 scholarship at the club’s May gathering held at the Crowne Plaza. Kristen, an industrious student, maintained a 4.4 WGPA and held two jobs during her senior year in high school. Kristen is pursuing her undergraduate education with a focus in medicine or nutrition. Mary Carney, scholarship chair; with Kristen Stein, award recipient
Talia Ivol, daughter of USC residents Denise and Scott Ivol and granddaughter of Dawne and Don Wilkinson (also USC residents), represented Upper St. Clair in the 2010 Pennsylvania State Cinderella Scholarship Pageant. Congratulations Talia for the award of 2010 Pennsylvania Cinderella Tot Personality. Jillian Margaret Casey was born on April 5, 2010, to Sean and Mandi Casey. She joins big brothers Andrew and Jacob and big sister Carli. The Caseys reside in USC as do proud grandparents Jim and Joan Casey. Jillian is named after her great-grandmother, who recently passed away.
Congratulations to Matilda Houser, daughter of Rick and Kylee Houser of USC, for winning a state title at the 2010 Pennsylvania Cinderella Scholarship Pageant. Way to go Matilda, 2010 Cinderella Baby!
Family and friends of Jana Grubbs gathered with signs at the home of Patricia and Rod Smith to surprise the birthday girl with a “white out” celebration.
Join the Celebration!
USC residents Micki Takac, Luke Gracie, and big brother Isaac celebrate the birth of Gabriel Luca Gracie. Gabriel was born on December 22, 2009, at St. Clair Hospital.
Do you have a special celebration soon? Share it with the USC Community! To be included in our next Community Celebrations listing, please email the following information about your event to usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us: a brief description of the event; a phone number, name, and address of a contact person; a digital photograph in .jpg format at a resolution of at least 300 dpi; and full name of person(s) in photograph. Information must be received by Thursday, September 9, and is subject to space constraints and placed on a first-come, first-served basis. Enjoy your special event and share the news with others in our community! Deadline submission for the spring 2011 issue is Monday, January 3, 2011. 90
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Fall 2010
Dining Guide Steakhouse and Wine Bar
RAISING THE STEAKS AT MEADOWS RACETRACK & CASINO! LOCATED ON THE SKY LEVEL. Spectacular Views of Both the Racetrack And Casino Floor. Two Private Dining Rooms Can Accomodate up to 20 Guests Each. Book Your Next Social or Business Gathering in One of Our Five Private Suites.
WWW.BISTECCAPITTSBURGH.COM 210 Racetrack Road | Washington, PA 15301 PLEASE JOIN OUR
Honored to be Your Neighborhood Café for 19 Years
Dinner Served Monday–Saturday 5 p.m.–10 p.m. Reservations Suggested See our full menu at www.cafegeorgio.com
24 Donati Road • 412-833-7000
PAGE
• First Place, “Where the Locals Eat: The 100 Best Restaurants in the Top 50 Cities” • “City’s Best”, AOL City Guide Reader’s Vote • First Place, Post-Gazette Reader’s Poll • First Place, Tribune-Review Reader’s Survey • First Place, South Hills Record Reader’s Vote • First Place, City Paper’s Reader’s Poll
412-563-3466
30% off any dinner or lunch entree with purchase of another dinner or lunch entree of equal or greater value. Expires: Sept. 30, 2010
USC Mag.
NOT GOOD WITH ANY OTHER OFFER.
Lunch ’til 4 • Dinners • Open Late • Bar • Sandwiches • Open 7 Days
Amel’s Restaurant, McNeilly Road Fall 2010
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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b
u
s
I
550 Sleepy Hollow Road Mt. Lebanon, PA 15228
412.563.2858 www.MtLebanonMontessori.org PRESCHOOL (AGES 2-6) THRU 6TH GRADE OPENINGS AVAILABLE FOR 2-AND 3-YEAR-OLDS 3/10/08 10:57 AM Page 1 AND ELEMENTARY
USCad
N
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at your service
SS
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KITCHENS • BATHS • FAMILY ROOMS Innovative designs Quality craftsmanship
Serving Pittsburgh to Upper St. Clair for 29 years
Remodeling & Design 1121 Boyce Rd. Sainte Claire Plaza, Suite 1200-B Pittsburgh, PA 15241
724.941.2707
www.baxterremodeling.com
Catalucci
We've got you completely covered. Our 2200-space parking garage at the South Hills Village light rail station not only
Painting & Restoration Interior Remodeling
keeps your car out of the weather, it keeps you
Our Name Guarantees Excellence!
dry with a covered walkway from the garage
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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.
Custom Design Mouldings Wood Repair & Restoration Wood Staining & Finishing Faux Finishing Plaster and Dry Wall Repairs Venetian Plaster
Professional Workmanship ◆ Fully Insured
412-835-3890
Smarter PlayHarder Live
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COMMUNITY & RECREATION CENTER ★ at Boyce Mayview Park
★
★ Four-lane lap pool
★ Resistance current channel
★ Rentable Party Rooms
★ Zero depth recreational pools
★ Vortex, Whirlpool, Slides
★ 2 Group Exercise Studios
★ Interactive water play
★ Babysitting
★ Gymnasiums
★ Handicap accessible throughout
★ Wi-Fi
✂
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★ 1/8 Mile Low Impact Track
✂
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★ Dog Training ★ Dance ★ Karate ★ Mini-Chefs ★ Triple Threat
★★
FREE DAY PASS
★Be our guest and enjoy all membership benefits!
★ Yogalates ★ Zumba ★ Cycling ★ Cardio Craze AND MORE!
✂
★
Community & Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park 1551 Mayview Road • Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 • 412.221.1099
Limited time offer. Must present coupon and valid photo ID to redeem offer. Only one coupon per household. Additional fees may apply for special services. Redeemable only by non-members. Expires 09/30/10
Fall 2010
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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Advertiser Index
Fall 2010 Celebrates 16 Years
The official publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair Advertiser
Page
Action Builders . ...................................................................................... 5 Alliance Physical Therapy ..................................................................... 35 * Amel’s Restaurant .................................................................................. 91 * Angelo Associates, Inc. ......................................................................... 33 * ARAMARK ............................................................................................. 65 Baptist Homes Society .......................................................................... 69 Baxter Remodeling & Design ................................................................ 93 Bistecca . .............................................................................................. .91 * Boehmer Heating & Cooling Company ................................................. 88 Boyce Plaza One . .................................................................................... 5 Brookside Lumber Company ................................................................. 27 Café Georgio.......................................................................................... 91 * Calabro Tire & Auto Service .................................................................. 85 Catalucci Painting & Restoration, Interior & Exterior . ........................... 93 Chatham University ............................................................................... 79 * Clark Renovation, Inc............................................................................. 17 * Coffey Contracting Company ................................................................ 87 * Coldwell Banker Real Estate, Inc. Corporate . ...............Back outside cover * Coldwell Banker–Route 19 South/Galleria .....................Back inside cover * Coldwell Banker–USC, South Hills Offices .......................................... .96 Coldwell Banker–Lynn Dempsey . ......................................................... 87 Community & Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park...................... .93 Confluence Healing Community Acupunture & Herbs . ......................... 41 Country Meadows Retirement Communities .....................................…31 Crandall, Steven R., D.M.D..................................................................... 11 * Cupelli & Cupelli, Drs............................................................................ 73 D&M Chiropractic and Therapeutic Rehab, Inc. .................................... 40 Dance Workshop by Shari...................................................................... 36 * Deckmasters Technologies Incorporated ............................................... 71 Design Image Salon, Joe Ruffalo . ......................................................... 54 “Dirt” Dugan Landscaping, Inc. ............................................................. 89 * Extended Day Services ................................................Front Cover, 12, 13 * Friendship Village of South Hills . ........................................................... 7 G’s Window & Gutter Cleaning .............................................................. 27 * George Girty Landscape Design ............................................................ 71 Haus & Home Décor Consulting ........................................................... 65 * Hefren-Tillotson, Inc............................................................................... 78 Howard Hanna–Maureen Cavanaugh .................................................... 85 Howard Hanna–Bob Ellison .................................................................. 89 * Howard Hanna–Susan Highley . ............................................................ 17 * Howard Hanna–Diane Horvath .............................................................. 73
Classifieds
Advertiser
Page
Insight to Careers .................................................................................. 80 * Keller Williams–Sandy and Marshall Goldstein .................................... 75 * Kerr Family and Cosmetic Dentistry ...................................................... 55 Kletz Contracting, Inc. ........................................................................... 83 Learning Express Toys .......................................................................... 80 Little Lake Theatre Company ................................................................... 9 MailBoxMen, Inc. .................................................................................. 93 * Manalo, Larry E., D.M.D. ...................................................................... 54 * Master Remodelers, Inc. . ....................................................................... 7 McMahon Financial, LLC ...................................................................... 32 Mt. Lebanon Montessori School and Academy .................................... 93 * Northwood Realty–Bonnie Detwiler and Marlene McNaughton.............. 83 Orthodontics By Dr. Reitz & Dr. Troy . .................................................... 53 Paulin, Paulette, DMD ........................................................................... 39 Pediatric Alliance, P.C. .......................................................................... 53 Pediatric Dentistry South . ..................................................................... 53 * Piccolina’s Restaurant .......................................................................... 55 * Pinebridge Commons Associates . ........................................................ 54 Pittsburgh Audiology ............................................................................ 43 Plastic Surgical Associates of Pittsburgh .............................................. 39 Port Authority Services . ........................................................................ 93 Premier Home Design Center ................................................................ 67 ProEnergy Consultants . ........................................................................ 81 Prudential Preferred Realty–Route 19 South ........................................... 2 RADIANCE–A Private Outpatient Surgery Center, LLC........................... 44 RDP Studio Ltd. .................................................................................... 88 * Scott Bros. Windows and Doors . ............................................................ 2 * Sesame Inn ........................................................................................... 91 South Hills Endoscopy Center . ............................................................... 1 South Hill OBGYN, Drs. Rankin & Warner, MC, FACOG . ...................... 37 * St. Clair Hospital ..................................................... Front inside cover, 95 * State Farm Insurance–Cindy Brophy . ................................................... 54 Steel Valley Orthopedic Associates, P.C. ................................................. 9 The Dance Conservatory ....................................................................... 75 The Hand Center of Pittsburgh .............................................................. 41 * The Thomas Studio of Performing Arts ................................................. 35 Today’s Cosmetic Surgery ..................................................................... 17 Urgent Care Center, The Washington Hospital . ..................................... 34 * Valley Brook Family Dental–Joseph L. Gurecka, DMD .......................... 36 * Wellington Real Estate–Patty Thomas ................................................... 64 Yoga Innovations, LLC .......................................................................... 43 What They Said
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
I recently celebrated 20 years of being in business in Upper St. Clair. I have been fortunate to have the TODAY magazine for the last 16 of those years to reach out to the residents of this area with my advertising and articles. I enjoy receiving TODAY for my own reading pleasure. It is a great resource for the people of this community. — Cindy S. Brophy, State Farm Insurance
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 publishers and management of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY would like to thank our advertisers who have faithfully supported this community magazine, helping to make this publication a long-standing, well-respected vehicle for disseminating useful information to our residents.
Upcoming guides for the Winter 2010 issue include Dining, Gift, and Life Planning. Ad space reservation is September 13, 2010. 94
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Fall 2010
*The above advertisers, who are advertising in this issue, have contributed their support for a minimum of 31 issues.
... meeting your needs TODAY, Tomorrow, and into the Future.
TAKE COMFORT.
Advanced ob-gyn care
IS CLOSE TO HOME.
If you’re having a baby, think of us as a security blanket. A place where you’ll find some of the region’s finest OB doctors, state-of-the-art technology, and warm and comfortable Labor, Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum suites. Close to home. At St. Clair, our 24-hour anesthesia care and in-hospital pediatricians ensure both mom and baby are always in good hands. Call us today at 412-942-5895 to hear more, or to schedule a tour. And put your mind to rest. SPECIALIZING IN EXCELLENCE
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C oldwell B anker Hope Bassichis
Janice Caputo
Eleanor Carpenter
Marie Carpenter
Jay Clemens
Barbara Cusick
Lynn Dempsey
Joanne Fibbi
Bonnie Frear
Dal Goldstein
Elaine Goldblum
Joan Hirsch
Judy Hlister
Pete Krelis
Carol Marks
Lisa Moeser
Michael Myers
Pat Paslowski
Toni Petrucci
Jim Walsh
Tulla Rakoczy
Stacy Romanias
Sandy Wiedt
Kathy Sekeras
Mary Wolf
South Hills/USC Office
Barbara Boyle, Manager
1699 Washington Rd. • Pittsburgh, PA 15228 • 412-833-5405
Real estate seRvices
Bonnie Byrnes
Nancy Beaulieu
Norma Bishop
Noel Bliman
Marcia Briner
Anita Crago
Janine Dillon
Kathy Enick
John Geisler
Genie Gooding
Janine Guthrie
Leigh Harkreader
Nancy Heffernan
Sydnie Jones
Sue Kelso
Kathi Kernan
Jane Krauth
Maria & Joe Lane
Julie Leslie
Joyce Lewis-McDonough
Arlene Murray
John Tanney
Mary Torchia
Carmela Viviano Mary Ann Wellener
David Bruckner, Manager
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS LOCAL TRADITIONS Rt. 19 South/Galleria Office
1539 Washington Rd. • Pittsburgh, PA 15228 • 412-344-0500 ©2010 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 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.
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!
Congratulations Upper St. Clair Ranked #1 Among All PA School Districts 6 Consecutive Years! * According to Pittsburgh Business Times Guide to Western PA Schools
Beautiful sprawling estate secluded on gorgeous 2.8 Acres with mature trees in Westminster Manor. Designed with grace and elegance. $1,195,000 Stacy Romanias 412-833-5405
Williamsburg colonial on a beautiful level lot in Old Trotwood featuring first floor FR, GR, screened porch, 2 car att garage, more! $479,500 Bonnie Byrnes 412-344-0500
Stately, over 2 story Provincial on cul de sac! Spacious rooms, fantastic kitchen, 4 BR, 3+2 baths, FR, den, GR, quality throughout! $440,000 Ines Hajjar 412-344-0500
Open floor plan, custom features, 4 BR, 2+2 bath Contemporary, kitchen w/skylights opens to stone patio, FR, wet bar, 3 car grg! $419,000 Sydnie Jones 412-344-0500
Classy masterpiece, granite foyer, spacious 2 story Tudor, sunken living room, updated kitchen, FR, den, GR, 1st floor laundry! $379,900 Maria & Joe Lane 412-344-0500
Quality home located in Deerfield Manor. Spacious rooms, private twotiered, tree-lined, wooded backyard in move-in ready condition! $339,900 Lynn Dempsey 412-833-5405
Located in the heart of USC. Wonderful curb appeal for this 2 story classic Colonial home that has been completely remodeled $308,900 Lynn Dempsey 412-833-5405
Easy living in Hastings Village! 3 BR, master on 1st, 2.5 baths, 1st floor laundry, front and rear patios, 2 car attached grg! $310,000 Kathy Enick 412-344-0500
Classic charm w/ young decor, high end updated baths, updated kitchen w/ granite, stainless & hardwood floor, elegant entry & crown moldings. $289,900 Jim Walsh 412-833-5405
Charming colonial, large eat-in-kitchen w/adjacent FR & log burning fireplace. French doors from kitchen to patio & landscaped yard. $289,900 Pat Paslowski 412-833-5405
Great hardwood floors, ceramic in kitchen, bay window in LR and dining area. Montclair pool bond available. A lot of space for the money $275,000 Joan Hirsch/Carol Marks 412-833-5405
Enjoy one floor living in one of USC’s most desirable neighborhoods. Cherrywood kitchen cabinets, with breakfast nook. $245,500 Jay Clemens 412-833-5405
Sharp townhouse with balcony in great townhouse community with pool & tennis court, and top rated Upper St Clair Schools! $149,900 Stacy Romanias 412-833-5405
©2010 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 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.