Fall 2017
Be inspired by Melissa Blackwood Homes & Interiors and our back-to-school edition, featuring a residents’ coloring contest.
www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home
The official publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair
Robbins Bobbitt Sales Director
Bonnie Bagay
Rebecca Church
Leanne Dresmich
Bob Ellison
Susan Highley
Dale Swanton
Jody Yurcich
Marie Mageras
Dora Rudick
Erin Musciano
Coral Stengel
Sue Musulin
Wendy Vespa
Suzy Voss
Izzy Zehner
Shannon Gallagher
Diane Horvath
Frankie Jo Kunselman
Jess Hutchinson
Kathy McCloskey
Maureen Cavanaugh
Lynne Bingham
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Would you like to join our team? Call for a confidential discussion: Robbins Bobbitt,Sales Director 412-833-3600 Janet Hensler
Mary Sapienza
Upper St. Clair Office 180 Fort Couch Rd, Upper St. Clair, Pa 15241 412-833-3600 • HowardHanna.com
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e c i v r Se in ’17 Fall 2017 • Volume 23 • Issue 3 www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home
Features & Around the Township 12
Township 34 Citizens’ Police Academy (application)
Outstanding Citizens Award (nomination form)
13
Coach’s Corner, Featuring Three Special Guys
Successful Teamwork @ the Library
52
42
16
Recycling Updates
Meeting (and Remembering) John Galbreath
Storm Water Detention Structures
47
USCHS Commencement 2017
56 Talented Teachers
60 The World of STEAM
68 Partners in PE
Guides/ Directories 23 Health & Wellness 49 Pinebridge 74 Educational Resource 88 Advertiser Index Photo Ops 32 Community Day 2017
77 Community Foundation Photo Jamboree
Cover The fall cover of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is sponsored by
Centerfold Community Coloring Contest, Focused on Sustainability
Melissa Blackwood Homes & Interiors, a design-build firm located in Upper St. Clair. See feature article on pages 10–11.
80 Fond Memories in the Making
School District 51 USC Named Among the Best…
Recreation and Leisure Department FamilyFriendly Fall Events
14
usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us
36 40
The Ridiculous Road to REAL ID
•
18 Plumper Poultry and Happier Apples
59 Art Students Create Portraits
31 Board of Commissioners’ Meetings
69
54 Our Panther Colors
4
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Fall 2017
USC Odyssey of the Mind
Real Estate Agents Who Make a Real Difference!
Barbara Baker Team*
Lynn Banbury
Justin Christy
Frank Conroy
Brian & Karen Cummings
Bob Dini
Wayne Freund
Kathy Hallberg
Lindsey Haught & Lindsie Zatezalo
George Herrington
Liz Hoyson
Lori Maffeo
Bobbie Mikita
Barbara Kurdys-Miller
Heather Orstein
Melissa Prunzik
Joann Robb
Michele Schocker & Ruth Weigers
Lu Ann Stewart
Chuck Wallace
Judy Ward
Sharronn Zhang
Tony Mete Manager
Let us help you find your way home! Call one of our award-winning Mt. Lebanon Regional sales associates
412.833.7700 1679 Washington Road www.ThePreferredRealty.com * Barbara Baker Realtor®, Terry Abbott, Ciara Higgins, Lori Ritchey and Kristen Shaw- All licensed assistants ©2017 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchise of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity. Information not verified or guaranteed. If your home is currently listed with a Broker, this is not a solicitation.
The award-winning, official publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a not-for-profit community magazine 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 marks 23 years of our publication.
The 91st 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.
Winter 2017 edition deadlines: Articles—September 21 Advertising—September 25
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, Advertising Executive Lynn Dempsey, Advertising Executive Dorothy Clark, Graphic Designer Alison Hess, Marketing Executive
Mark Mansfield, Paul Fox, Linda Dudzinski, Terry Kish, Colleen DeMarco, Lynn Dempsey, Dorothy Clark, and Alison Hess. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a non-partisan Town-
ship, 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. 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 above. Add $10 to cover international mailings.
The next issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY will be the Winter 2017 issue and will be published in November 2017. 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.
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 Ad file submission: dclark@uscsd.k12.pa.us
Website www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home Email usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us
6
Board of School Directors
Township Board of Commissioners
Angela B. Petersen, President Amy L. Billerbeck, Vice President Barbara L. Bolas Phillip J. Elias Buffy Z. Hasco Patrick A. Hewitt Frank J. Kerber Harry F. Kunselman Louis P. Mafrice, Jr.
Mark D. Christie, President, Ward 4 Rex A. Waller, Vice President, Ward 2 Nicholas J. Seitanakis, Ward 1 Robert W. Orchowski, Ward 3 Ronald J. Pardini, Ward 5 Russell R. Del Re, At Large Daniel R. Paoly, At Large
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Fall 2017
Thank you to our volunteer contributors this issue: Judge Ronald Arnoni, Cindy Brophy, Dimitri Brown, John D’Angelo, Lynn Dempsey, Paul Fox, Dina Fulmer, Milt Hamel, Heather Holtschlag, Mark Hornung, Wei Hu, Jessica Kester, David Kutschbach, Jay Lynch, Rep. John Maher, Lindsay McNary, Jim Meston, Jim O’Brien, Dr. Patrick O’Toole, Helen Palascak, Angela Petersen, Jim Render, Jennifer Roberts, Emanuel Romanias, and Ron Sarrick.
Young Writers Guild (YWG) promotes and encourages young writers in the Upper St. Clair School District to provide articles of interest for our community magazine. Email usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us to find out how your student can contribute. The 91st issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a joint publication of the Township and School District of Upper St. Clair. © Copyright 2017. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this magazine, in print or web version, in whole or in part, without the expressed 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 Knepper Press 2251 Sweeney Drive, Clinton, PA 15026-1818 724-899-4274 Design by DMC Design 412-824-7844 • www.dmcdesign.com
A Fall Note from the Publishers Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole
Matthew R. Serakowski
Welcome to the fall 2017 edition of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. Back-to-school means a return to planned schedules for our families with school-age children. And while we all may enjoy the flexibility and leisure that summertime offers, the solace of a routine and knowing what each day has in store provide the structure and comfort that many of us need. We invite you to take time out of your newly planned routine this fall to read about what remarkable things have been going on in our township and in our schools. Recapping important events like USC Community Day (pages 32–33) and USCHS commencement (pages 52–53) invites our readers to embrace and reflect upon certain days of celebration that we, as a community, hold dear. In this edition, we also share a couple of great stories about USC’s past. The article “Meeting (and Remembering) John Galbreath” on page 16 shares the author’s encounters with the founder of Westminster Presbyterian Church, a church that is celebrating its 70-year anniversary this year. The article “Our Panther Colors” on page 54 digs up history about how USC’s school colors—black and white, with red accent—came to be. Maybe you have a story to share, a historical account of Upper St. Clair or memories in the making. If so, please share; history is lost and forgotten if not passed along. To learn more about sustainability in Upper St. Clair, check out the centerfold spread where our first-ever coloring contest, sponsored by the Township’s Public Works Department, awaits for those interested. Pull out those crayons and get coloring for recycling knowledge and a stress reliever by-product. This is also a great back-to-school activity for the kids! Some great resources for health and wellness (pages 23–29) and educational activities (pages 74–76) are found in this issue. While seeking help from our wonderful guide advertisers, also make sure to read the worthwhile articles on various related subjects. On that note, check out all of our advertisers when paging through the magazine along with the recurring advertiser index, which is shown on page 88 this issue. This funded community publication, prepared for your enjoyment and reading pleasure, is the result of their financial backing. As your days become increasingly scheduled (and shorter), we do hope that your fall gets off to a great start! Join us for some seasonal activities happening in and around USC Township. How about a Friday night high school football game (season schedule found on page 68), library programs (adult and children’s events found on pages 37 and 39), Bounty at Boyce Mayview Park (information found on page 40), the Community Foundation’s events (found on pages 78–79) and many other opportunities that are sure to please? Take advantage of Upper St. Clair and all the wonderful things this community has to offer. Happy fall season to our residents!
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
TODAY, the award-winning, official publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home 8
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Fall 2017
usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us
INSPIRED LIVING IN UPPER ST. CLAIR Have you ever watched a home improvement show on television, and upon viewing the stunning results, thought to yourself, “I wish someone could do that for me!” Well, there is a design-build firm located right here in Upper St. Clair that completes dramatic transformations each and every day. The Blackwood Group, LLC, a partnership between Melissa Blackwood Homes & Interiors and Blackwood & Associates, Inc., provides full-service architecture, design, construction, and landscaping services to discriminating homeowners throughout the Pittsburgh region. This family owned and operated firm specializes in the design and construction of new homes, additions, kitchen remodels, and various other home renovation projects, just like your favorite home improvement shows on television, Melissa and her team have the vision and ability to completely reimagine your space. From designing and building your new addition or kitchen, to furnishing and decorating it with the perfect finishing touches, they focus on creating homes with charm and character, a place you and your family will love to live in for years to come. As design-builders, The Blackwood Group works with you from the beginning to develop a comprehensive design plan and continues to guide you all the way through to completion of the plan, to ensure a consistent vision and smooth execution. Their meticulous attention to detail has earned The Blackwood Group numerous awards and accolades over the years, including “New Home of the Year” and “Best Back Yard in the ’Burgh,” and like their television counterparts, their clients are consistently amazed by their finished new spaces. Design-build is just what its name implies: a method of project delivery in which a single firm acts as both the designer and the builder of a new home, addition, or other home improvement project. Like most design-builders, The Blackwood Group provides turnkey services in that once engaged, they assume all responsibility for providing design, architectural, and engineering services, acquire all the necessary building permits, determine the methods and means of construction, order and schedule the delivery of all materials, schedule all work that is to be performed, and provide project management and oversight throughout. That means as the homeowner, you have a single point of contact—The Blackwood Group. They handle all the details, big and small, which allows you to focus on what should be the fun and exciting aspects of building a new home or undertaking a renovation project, like selecting a fabulous marble tile for your new bathroom or testing out the latest appliances at the showroom! Design-build differs from the more common project delivery method in which an owner hires at least two separate professionals, and sometimes more. Typically, it’s a designer or architect and a separate builder, but may also include engineering professionals, an interior designer, and other specialty contractors. With this more cumbersome method, the owner becomes more of a project administrator and less of a client, a middleman of sorts with the responsibility of managing communication and scheduling multiple professionals, all of whom may have different opinions and ideas regarding the methods and materials to be used for the project. For most of human history, though, the people that designed the buildings we live and work in were the same ones that constructed them—everything from the ancient architectural wonders of the world to the Colonial era buildings of our forefathers. It wasn’t until the advent of the Industrial Revolution in the late 19th century that a separation of designers and builders began to take shape, and by the middle of the 20th century, this form of project delivery was the main method by which new buildings were constructed. However, many homeowners became and continue to find themselves overwhelmed and frustrated by juggling and managing the various professionals with competing interests, and 10
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Fall 2017
beginning in the 1970s, people began to look to the past to find more efficient and enjoyable ways to build a home. That’s when the modern design-build movement began, and it’s been growing ever since. William “Pete” Blackwood, founding partner of The Blackwood Group, pioneered this approach when he began his first design-build firm in 1972, shortly Exterior design after completing his studies at The and reconstruction Pennsylvania State University. As a boy, Pete quite literally grew up working on the maintenance crew of his grandfather’s 27-hole golf course. And when his grandfather decided to design and build nine additional golf holes, he enlisted the by-then teenager’s help. Pete was instantly hooked on the design and build business and embarked on a lifetime journey of creating beautiful and functional homes and gardens. Based on his education at Penn State, his work experience on the golf course, and his innate creativity, design-build was a natural fit for Pete’s vision and construction skills. Exterior before From his first single-truck operation, performing tree and shrub planting and lawn maintenance, Pete’s company continues to grow and thrive today, encompassing all aspects of residential design-build services from conceptual designs to architectural details, construction services to project management, swimming pools to perennial gardens, kitchens, baths, furnishings, and everything in between. Through an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, Pete and his team have emerged as a design-build industry leader. Melissa Blackwood, Pete’s daughter and managing partner of The Blackwood Group, has followed in her father’s footsteps. This second-generation design-builder’s passion for architecture, homes, gardens, and the decorative arts was fueled at an early age by watching her father design and build beautiful homes and landscapes. She began working part-time for the business at age 13, graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, and then studied at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Melissa spent more than a decade apprenticing with her father, carefully studying all aspects of home design and construction before launching her own successful design career. Today, Melissa is one of the few design-builders in the area who truly understands the critical art of blending interior and exterior spaces to fit the lifestyles of homeowners and their families with the surrounding environment. With more than 30 years of experience, she continues to be inspired daily by her clients and their stories that help her create warm, inviting, and awardwinning homes and gardens. Along the way, Melissa, together with her father, Pete, have assembled and led the talented team of designers and craftspeople at The Blackwood Group, all dedicated to providing world-class quality and service to homeowners throughout the Pittsburgh area. The Blackwood Group possesses the inspiration, training, experience, and resources necessary to develop a comprehensive design plan that balances aesthetic considerations with functional planning to ensure that every detail of your home works together to create a harmonious feeling throughout, from the front door to the back terrace, to the last chosen lamp, candlestick, and pillow. Pete and Melissa lead, manage, and support the entire building team with a clear vision for the overall project goals to assure a high quality outcome, while saving you time, money, and aggravation every step of the way. If you’re looking to add that “wow” factor to your home, Kitchen after The Blackwood Group invites you to see what You can see more of Melissa Blackwood Homes & Interiors’ they can do for you. n work by visiting www.melissablackwoodhomes.com, or schedule Kitchen before a complimentary consultation by calling 412-818-3106.
Fall 2017
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
11
RONALD A. ARNONI, DISTRICT JUDGE District Court 05-2-20 Office: 412-835-1661; Fax: 412-835-4060
5100 West Library Avenue Bethel Park, PA 15102
Outstanding Citizens Award It’s easy to be cynical today; to see it, all we need to do is watch the news. I see crime, disputes, negativity, and despair in my courtroom every day. I think we all could use a little positivity in our lives. That is why I want to reward those who demonstrate the good in our society. I want to honor people who strive to make our communities better. I will be presenting two Outstanding Citizens awards this coming fall—one will be for a Bethel Park resident and one for an Upper St. Clair resident. I need your help in identifying those individuals who possess qualities that best exemplify an outstanding citizen. Please take
this opportunity to nominate someone who you believe best meets the criteria by using the nomination form below. For nominee consideration, a nomination form must be submitted by Friday, September 29. I will read all entries and choose the two honorees, each being presented with a commemorative medal and certificate. We will also pay tribute to the recipients with a photo and an article about their accomplishments in a future edition of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, as well as on local channels, Cable 7 or 19. Thank you, in advance, for your help in recognizing that person who you believe to be an outstanding citizen worthy of this consideration. n
Outstanding Citizens Award Nomination Form
This award will be presented to an individual who has consistently: • Demonstrated excellent community leadership • Made significant contributions to our communities • Positively impacted the residents of our communities • Shown generosity and unselfishness through his or her actions Nominees should meet the above listed criteria and have resided in Bethel Park or Upper St. Clair, respectively, for at least two years. You cannot self-nominate. Name of Nominee: _______________________________________ Email: ______________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________ Phone #: ___________________________________ Describe the attributes and qualifications of the nominee and the reason(s) why you believe this individual should be honored (use a separate sheet of paper, if necessary). ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Your name (nominator):___________________________ Phone #:________________ Email:_ _____________________________ How you know the nominee:___________________________________________________________________________________ Return this application by Friday, September 29, 2017, via mail to: Judge Ron Arnoni 5100 West Library Road Bethel Park, PA 15102 or Fax your application to 412-835-4060 or send email to Michele.orsini@mdjs.pacourts.us. I hope this inspires you to participate in the nomination process! Again, thank you. 12
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Fall 2017
Representative John A. Maher 711 Summerfield Commons 2547 Washington Road Pittsburgh, PA 15241 412-831-8080 “Where Custom Homes are a Family Tradition”
Who Are You? The Ridiculous Road to REAL ID With 9/11 still fresh in our memories, Congress enacted a law in 2005 to require reliable and verifiable identification cards for anyone seeking to board flights or visit “secure federal facilities.” A dozen years later, less than half the states had complied due to objections ranging from practical to philosophical. Pennsylvania was among these holdouts until state law was changed in June 2017 directing PennDOT to begin issuing driver licenses and identification cards that comply with the federal REAL ID requirements for anyone who wishes to have one. You might expect this would be the end of the story, but it is not. This is government, after all. The very day after Pennsylvania’s REAL ID law was signed by the governor, PennDOT unveiled new driver licenses and identification cards to replace the ones that most of us have in our wallets. You might think, “Pretty darn quick!” But, you would be wrong. PennDOT’s new licenses and IDs will not comply with the federal REAL ID requirements. Despite new laser perforations, barcodes, and laminates, the new cards are “not related to the REAL ID Act,” according to PennDOT. This is particularly astonishing since PennDOT had objected to embracing REAL ID on the basis that the new cards would be too expensive. Instead, they are now going to do it twice! PennDOT has no plans to issue REAL ID compliant cards until sometime in 2019, long after you will need compliant ID to board a flight or enter a secure federal facility. REAL ID will be required beginning January 2018 to board a commercial flight. REAL ID will be necessary evensooner—this October—to enter a secure federal facility, a mere two months from now. A secure federal facility is a place that already requires identification to enter, including military bases, prisons, and various federal offices. REAL ID will not be required at places that have not previously required identification to enter, including social security offices, post offices, and federal court houses. Pennsylvania is among states that have requested extensions to these deadlines, which occur well before our state plans to issue compliant cards. The federal deadlines mentioned here are as of the date that this edition of TODAY went to press and may well change. If you fly or visit secure federal facilities, check for current information about any date extensions. What can we do during any gap in time after federal rules require REAL ID for flying and entering certain federal facilities but before PennDOT issues REAL IDs? The primary solution will be to carry a passport (or passport card) for flying. Federal departments are each crafting their own lists of which forms of identification will be acceptable. Visit their websites to check ID requirements before you visit. When the time comes that PennDOT will accept your application for a REAL ID (a date that I cannot predict), you will need to submit a birth certificate with a raised seal and two other pieces of evidence of your name and home address (generally, pieces of mail will do the trick), then complete a form (yet to be designed) and send a payment for opting-in to this version of identification. As further details unfold, I will pass along the information. In the meantime, check for updates at PennDOT’s website: http://www.dmv.pa.gov/Information-Centers/Identity-Security/ Pages/Real-ID-Act.aspx or visit the Department of Homeland Security website: https://www. dhs.gov/real-id-public-faqs. The ridiculous road to REAL ID can serve as a parable about the tortuous path to navigating progress when federal and state jurisdictions overlap and elected officials and bureaucrats disagree. When something so simple can be so difficult, you can imagine the resilience required and frustration entailed with sorting out complicated questions. I feel very fortunate to represent so many folks who want government at all levels to simply search for sensible solutions, make a decision, and move forward. I will remain steadfast. n
Pennsylvania Representative John Maher is also chairman of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.
Fall 2017
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13
Coach’s Corner Jim Render, USCHS Football Coach
Sean Lee in 2016
Conor Lee in 2007
Jeff Harshman in 2012
Featuring Three Special Guys Ok, a number of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY readers have been asking me when
will I be profiling Sean Lee in my Coach’s Corner feature penned about former USC football players who have gone on to bigger and better things after their high school football life is over. Sean’s football career is far from over, but his time has come for some back home notoriety. For the few dozen of you who may not know, Sean Lee, a 2005 USC graduate, is the captain and an inside linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. My central theme for this edition of Coach’s Corner is the word “special.” Words like “great,” “unbelievable,” and “super” provide loose meaning and are overused. In this scenario, the word “special” works best. My intention is to write about three men who are special to me, special in their accomplishments, and special to one another. In addition to Sean, you will come to learn about his brother, Conor Lee (USC 2003), and our very special friend, Jeff Harshman (USC 2005). Sometimes when I write, it takes considerable time to organize my thoughts and record the words in a way that makes sense to the reader. But writing about these guys is easy. They are special people, don’t you know? In 1999, USC had a running back by the name of Justin Sujansky who was also a very accomplished kicker. We lost Sujansky mid-season due to a non-recoverable lower leg injury. I knew of a very athletic USCHS freshman who played soccer. So I called his parents, Craig and Geralyn Lee, and talked with them about their son, Conor, being our kicker on Friday nights. Although he remained on the school’s soccer team for four years, a football player was born. During his senior year, Conor convinced me that he could fully participate in both fall sports. So, he became more than the team’s designated kicker. Motivated by the fact that he wanted to play alongside his brother, Sean (then a sophomore), Conor 14
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was the team’s starting free safety who He was an Academic All-American and his lined up beside Sean. For starters, Conor legacy in Pitt’s football history will remain intercepted two passes in his first game, among the giants of all time. When I called as well as kicking a 47-yard field goal at E. J. Borghetti, the Pitt assistant athletic the home opener against Erie McDowell. director for sports information, to verify At that point, I could tell this was just the some facts, his response was enthusiastic beginning of some outstanding football and quick. “Conor Lee is one of my favorite played by the brothers Lee. players of all time; helping you out with a Sports writers and journalists of Pitt picture and answering your questions will football history love to chronicle stories be the best thing I do all day,” he exclaimed. about the marvelous All-American play- Hail to Pitt! ers (think Danny Marino, Mike Ditka, Bill Today, Conor and his wife, Katie, live in Fralic, Larry Fitzgerald, and, of course, Columbus, Ohio, with their four children: Tony Dorsett) and coaches (think Johnny two girls, Addison (6) and Quinn (4) and Majors, John Michelosen, Dave Wannstedt, brothers Liam (2) and Graham (6 months). and Walt Harris), all whom were inducted After spending four years at PNC Bank, into various halls of fame throughout the he moved on to Bell Wether Enterprise, a years and prominently mentioned, as they real estate finance company. Conor very should be. I will justifiably use the words successfully helps developers raise cash for “great” and “unbelievable” in this article their projects. In reality, he still competes in reference to Dorsett. The incomparable and makes “extra points” with his clients. Dorsett holds a record that will never be Not only is Jeff Harshman very special, broken. In four years of running the foot- he is also unique. He was born with an ball against the mighty University of Notre underdeveloped cerebellum, which means Dame (1973–76), Dorsett gained 754 total that things do not come easily for him, paryards, which equates to an average of 188 ticularly his motor skills. While Jeff might yards per game. not run fast, his social skills Conor Lee is also a big are quite remarkable. I can tell part of Pitt football hisyou that without question, Jeff tory, especially in the 2007 is one of my all-time favorite game against Notre Dame. USC students. In South Bend, Indiana, on As a youth living in national television watched Southern California, he was by millions, Conor kicked mainstreamed into first grade five field goals, four of with the use of a walker. He them in overtime, includstruggled as he progressed into ing the game winner. He second grade, having difficulty also kicked two field goals keeping pace. Jeff came home and an extra point in a 13–9 from the second day of secvictory over West Virginia, ond grade, telling his parents Conor Lee (front, center), a team that was ranked that he was “done using that after the 2007 Pitt winning number two in the country walker.” He has never touched field goal at Notre Dame at the time. This feat made one again. After a brief move Pitt bowl eligible and placed Ohio State in to Charlotte, North Carolina, the Harshthe national championship game rather mans were recruited to come to Pittsburgh than West Virginia. in 1996. The company initiating the move In regards to kicking extra points, would later become Allegheny TechnoloConor went 113 for 113 in his Pitt career. gies, Incorporated of which Jeff’s father, Fall 2017
Rich, is now president and CEO. When after practices. A couple of months after Webster’s Dictionary defines the word Rich and his wife, Scheryl, were looking the 2016 Stanley Cup championship sea- “consummate” as: (1) complete or perfect for a reputable school district for Jeff and son, Penguins president David Morehouse in every way (2) very skillful; highly expert. his sister, Jamie, they met with Dr. Sharon called Rich Harshman and asked him to Sean is the consummate pro. He often Suritsky, then director of Special Education bring Jeff back to the locker room before a spends ten to 12 hours each day at the for the Upper St. Clair School District. practice. Morehouse greeted them and they Cowboys’ practice facility, working out, Rich credits her for making “the best de- eventually walked over to Sidney Crosby’s watching film, and generally taking care cision of his life.” Dr. Suritsky remains at area. Sidney, the Penguins’ captain, handed of his mind and body. Nothing is left to USC and is the current assistant/deputy Jeff a small box which contained a cham- chance; there is no partial approach. superintendent. pionship ring. If that doesn’t qualify in the Sean also spends time giving back Jeff did well in grade school, but it was “special” category, I don’t know what does! to the people of Dallas. He is a host of when he matriculated to Boyce Middle From the time Jeff graduated from USC a golf outing for Physical Medicine and School that he thrived. First, he met the and each year thereafter, the Jeff Harshman Rehabilitation (PMR), an organization guys (Matt Hogya, Jimmy and Danny Heart of a Champion Award is presented that supports people who need help with Cafero, Bobby Petrini, Josh Helmrich, and, to a deserving senior member of the team medical bills and associated rehabilitation. of course, Sean Lee) who would become his at the annual football banquet. He also works with the Boys and Girls lifetime friends. Another person he met at One of the questions I’m frequently Club, assisting kids who are transitionBoyce was his physical education teacher, asked when I meet people in my travels ing in education. He makes appearances Pete Serio. Pete told Jeff that he could be a is “How many of your players have gone and raises funds for the purchase of iPads D1 athlete in the body God gave him. “The on to play in the NFL?” While USC rival for literacy and the installation of sports effort and spirit are there. You have the Woodland Hills is one of the leaders in the court equipment. Another group, Dream same competitive drive as Sean Lee. You U.S. for placing players in the pros, my Builders, sponsors Lee’s Legends for have the heart of a champion,” said Pete. answer is simple. One. Jeff Delaney, Mark Literacy. In my estimation, Sean is all pro, When the guys moved onto Fort Battalgia, and Craig Dunaway came out both on and off the field. Couch, Jeff became the manager of the of USC Coach Joe Moore’s era, before me. Sean is married to the former Megan middle school football team. He enjoyed USC’s Kirk Ferentz coached with the NFL’s McShane. Megan, also a USC (2004) and his work. Toward the end of Jeff’s eighth Bill Belicheck and the Cleveland Browns. Penn State graduate, is the daughter of Pat grade football season, a parent remarked But my answer… my one guy… is Sean and Inga McShane of Upper St. Clair. To to the Harshmans what a good job Jeff had Patrick Lee, for whom the Most Valuable describe their Dallas wedding, I will revert done in that position and what a Player award is given to using the third word that I attempted to shame it was that Render would at the USCHS football shy away from. The wedding and reception never permit him to do the same banquet to the deserv- were unbelievable; a Super Bowl of wedfor the school’s varsity program. ing player each year. dings, really! The invitation requested that They were right. Jeff wasn’t just Sean Lee is fiercely guests not bring gifts, but rather donate to my manager, he was my special competitive. In high a medical fund for Sean’s USC neighbor, assistant, and it was one of the best school, he was an out- Jeff Roach, whose daughter, Emma, was decisions I ever made! standing football player born with multiple medical complications. At the end of the 2005 footAt this magnificent celebraball season, we played Pittsburgh tion, my wife, Pam, and I were Central Catholic in a semi-final assigned to sit with strangers WPIAL game in Canonsburg. rather than many Upper St. With both teams being undefeat- Jeff Harshman proudly shows off Clair friends who were also in ed, this should have been the final his Penguins Stanley Cup 2009 attendance. Our tablemates were and 2016 rings. game of the WPIAL tournament, Cowboy employees, who acceptnot the semi-finals. But, common sense and led USC’s ed us very graciously. Stephen does not always prevail. We lost that night basketball team Jones, whose father, Jerry, owns to the eventual WPIAL champions. to a WPIAL the Cowboys, and Cowboys’ Left to right are Jeff Harshman, It was a sad scene back home in our championship. head coach Jason Garrett and Sean Lee, and Coach Render in locker room. Instructions were given for Captain of both his wife, Brill, helped to make Dallas, Texas, in 2012 locker cleanout and the team’s banquet teams during his it a very special and memorable preparations, and then it was on to some senior year, he went on to play football at evening for us, and Mike Woicik, the hugs and tears. You never know when a Penn State where he was named captain team’s strength coach, certainly kept the lifetime impact moment is going to hap- for two years. Next, he was drafted early conversation lively. pen, whether happy or sad, good or bad. into the NFL, being chosen in the second So, you see, this edition of Coach’s Corner An impact moment happened to me that round by the Dallas Cowboys in 2010. Be- is special, particularly special to me at this night when Jeff gave me a bear hug and ing elected captain of the defensive unit for stage in my football life. Oh, and by the quietly said, “I still love you, Coach.” several seasons, he’s also been selected for way, when Sean was inducted into the USC Young Jeff eventually took his talents to the Pro Bowl twice. Sean is truly a coach’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010, he asked a the Pittsburgh Penguins. For several years, dream—he will never discredit himself, his special friend to accept his award. Yes, Jeff he toiled in the locker room before and team, or the NFL organization. Harshman made us proud once again. n
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Meeting (and Remembering) John Galbreath Milt Hamel
Encounter No. 1 It was early summer of 1948. Upper St.
Clair was growing; more homes were being built and businesses opening. My friend, Corky, and I were playing some kind of board game (possibly Westminster Monopoly, Parcheesi, or checkers), sprawled out Presbyterian Church on my living room floor. It was about midday when I heard a knock at the kitchen door. Since my mother was upstairs and my dad was in the basement, I got up and looked around the wall that separated the kitchen from the living room towards the screen door. There stood a young man dressed in a black shirt with a small white collar, knocking. I called to him, “Are you here for chairs?” (It was customary for a funeral home like ours to lend wooden folding chairs to help people celebrate special occasions.) The young man at the door said, “No, I would like to speak to your mother or father.” “Just a minute,” I responded and went to call for my mother. She was running the Hoover and did not hear me. I proceeded down the hall to the top of the basement steps to call for my dad. Beside the basement steps was a laundry chute that ran from the second floor to the basement. I pulled out a small step stool, opened the chute door, and yelled for my dad. At first he did not hear me, but I repeatedly called “Dad!” He finally heard me and stopped sharpening his tools. He asked me what I wanted. I yelled that there was a man at the kitchen door who was not here for chairs. My dad asked what he wanted, so I got down from the stool and went to the kitchen to ask the man. He said that his name was John Galbreath and he was from Westminster Church. I hurried back to the laundry chute, climbed on the step stool and yelled down, “He’s from Westminster Church and he wants to talk with you.” My dad asked me to invite him in and have him take a seat at the kitchen table; he would be up shortly. I went back to the kitchen, unlocked the screen door and asked the man to take a seat at the kitchen table and told him my father would be up in a minute. Our kitchen table was not only the place where we ate, but also a place where many important conversations took place. Most people came to the kitchen door because our driveway ran right beside it. I answered many door knocks at my house, so I was used to asking visitors in and if they wanted something to drink. I remember he asked me my name and I went through the long explanation that my real name was Milton, but everybody called me “Skip.” He asked if I went to school and where. I told him I was not yet in school, but would go to Clifton School next year. He replied that that’s where his church was now meeting. About that time, my dad came up from the basement and into the kitchen. They appeared to know one another. It was then that my friend, still sprawled out in the living room, yelled, “Are you going to play or not?” I left the kitchen to continue playing the board game with Corky. That was my very first encounter with John Galbreath. Encounter No. 2 My second encounter came a few months later. Again, a knock came at the kitchen door and I answered it. It was John Galbreath accompanied by another man. I do not recall who the other man was. This time he said that he was here to borrow chairs. I asked him if he had called to reserve the chairs because it was around 16
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the holiday season and a very busy time for our funeral home’s chair lending. He said that he had called and spoken with my mother to reserve a number of chairs. I said. “Okay, pull your car around to the garage door and open it. I will meet you in the garage.” This was Rev. John Galbreath way before electric garage door openers 1946-1979 (tenure at and the door was too heavy for me to Westminster Church) lift by myself. I grabbed the clipboard my mother kept for chair reservations and headed for the garage. On the clipboard was a space for the name of the person or organization who was borrowing the chairs, the number of chairs lent out, the date and time of pick-up, the date and time of return, and telephone number. This was important because if the chairs were not returned promptly, the next person on the list would have no chairs to pick up. After the chairs were loaded into his station wagon, I handed him the clipboard and asked him to sign his name, the date, the number of chairs he was taking, his phone number, and when he would return them. Finished, he handed the clipboard back to me, and much to my surprise, he asked, “Skip, would you mind if we borrowed some flower stands?” I looked at my clipboard and not yet able to read, I did not know what to say. I told him I would have to ask my mother. I went to check with her, and returned to give him the stands. On his way out, I asked him to please close the garage door, which he did. Encounter No. 3 My third encounter with John Galbreath came later in 1948, around Christmastime. My parents always gave two-pound boxes of Russell Stover chocolates to the clergy in local churches and to the police since they worked closely with my dad’s ambulance service. (At that time, a funeral business would also provide ambulance service.) My mother purchased the candy at my Uncle Jim’s drugstore in Dormont, wrapped the boxes in holiday paper, and secured each with a big red bow. My mother and I would then deliver the candy. She would drive the car and I would give the decoratively boxed candy to the recipients. Since Westminster did not yet have a church building, we delivered it to John Galbreath’s home. I knocked on the door and Joan Galbreath, John’s wife, answered my knock. I said “Merry Christmas and happy holidays. I’m here to give this gift to John Galbreath.” She said, “Who are you?” Before I could answer, John came to the door and asked, “Skip, would you like to come in for a minute?” It seemed that by now, he knew me pretty well. He asked what I wanted for Christmas. I don’t recall my response. But, he then asked, “Hold on, would you like a bag of cookies?” As any little boy would, I enthusiastically replied, “Yes!” He wished me a Merry Christmas and I headed out the door and back to the car, with my cookies in hand and smiling all the way. n This article, written by USC resident Milt Hamel, is a reflection on John Galbreath, founder of Westminster Presbyterian Church, in recognition of the celebration of the church’s 70th anniversary. Milt, the owner of Hamel Mortuary in Upper St. Clair, is a member of Writers of Westminster (Church), a group of amateur writers under the direction of local author Jim O’Brien.
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Fall 2017
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17
Plumper Poultry and Happier Apples Jay Lynch
Our community has been blessed with a long history of wonderful residents who’ve made USC a great place to raise kids, make friends, worship freely, and contribute to the Pittsburgh renaissance. One of those residents, Bonnie Lynch, was my mother. She and my father, Jack, moved to USC’s Mitchell Drive in 1957, where they lived the remainder of their lives, enthusiastically particpating in neighborhood and community activities. My father died in 1999 and my mom passed away in April. I’d like to share her obituary as it appeared in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette and New Castle News.
Bonnie Brenneman Lynch On April 20, Bonnie Brenneman Lynch (age 91) joined 93% of people who’ve ever lived. She was one of the most delightful people to ever grace the earth. Her sense of humor and whimsy came from her humorous father who owned Brenneman’s C ’N Buy Supermarket in New Castle, Pennsylvania, where she worked from childhood through high school. Her job was to improve the sale of whole chickens and turkeys by giving patrons the impression the birds had been plump and healthy when alive. Her tool was a bicycle pump. You can guess where the valve went. Her professional life as a kindergarten and grade school teacher in Upton, Massachusetts, Upper St. Clair, and Mt. Lebanon included creative alternatives to traditional discipline, as she didn’t have a mean bone in her body. Some worked better than others. Unwilling to use a paddle, she placed unruly children in a large cardboard box in the front of the classroom, where they were to listen and learn in solitary confinement. However, detainees quickly discovered they could entertain classmates by using their body weight to roll the box around the classroom, blindly banging into desks and walls, resulting in uproarious laughter. Students intentionally behaved badly, hoping to be “sent to the box,” a practice she abandoned
in favor of the more traditional dunce cap. She briefly attended Grove City College, which she found to be overly religious, and graduated from Westminster College. She married Jack Lynch, her high school sweetheart, in 1950. Depending on your age, you’d compare the couple to Gracie and George, Alice and Ralph, Wilma and Fred, Edith and Archie, or Marge and Homer. They lived frugally, but she had plenty of spending money due to the small fortune she made from Jack’s swear jar. At last count, she h a d b e e n t h e p r i m a r y c a re g i v e r for two dogs, 36 cats, a parakeet, several Easter peeps, turtles, jars full of lightning bugs, goldfish that came home in plastic bags from Kennywood, a baby alligator acquired on a Florida vacation, and hundreds of ants who invaded her h o u s e a f t e r j a i l b re a k s w h e n a n t farms shattered. When she wasn’t cutting a rug to Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey, or laughing with the family to the Smothers Brothers, Woody Allen, Monty Python, Inspector Clouseau, or Mel Brooks, she was the head of the Upper St. Clair PTA and implemented several of the carnivals and e v e n t s t h a t re m a i n t o d a y. E v e n though it wasn’t proper motherly behavior, she made sure our family always had a subscription to Mad
Bonnie Lynch
magazine, and sang along with us to the “new music” of The Beatles, the Doors, and The Mamas and Papas. She absolutely loved friends, family, kids, music, games, and life. The role she may have enjoyed most was being a doting grandmother to Brian, Kevin, and Eric Lynch and an endlessly supportive mother-in-law to Katie Lynch. She joins Jack at rest in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, with military honors. In lieu of donations, please honor her memory by telling friends and family members why you love them or do something nice for a complete stranger.
My mother’s legacy of supporting creative mischief extended to my fraternity house at Purdue University, where, in the spring of 1972, my pledge brothers and I were enduring “hell week.” Although we were permitted to wear normal attire when attending classes, our in-house outfits were burlap sacks and very large, raw onions suspended from our necks by mailing twine. The onions were called “happy apples.” Whenever we made eye contact with a brother, we were required to “take a chomp” and consume the bitter bite while the brothers roared with laughter at our misery in the male bonding frenzy. Since the ritual disallowed staring at the floor, we took lots of nasty happy apple chomps, and Purdue University classrooms suffered from the resulting aromas. 18
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We needed a way to make the onions more tolerable, and I knew who might have an answer… my mother, back in USC. Between classes, I contacted her by throwing a dime into a campus pay phone (our high-tech communications device at the time). She told me we could eliminate the nasty taste of the onions by soaking them overnight in acid-reducing juice, and that pineapple juice would be ideal. Even better, she assured me that there would be little risk of being busted by the brothers, since overnight soaking would leave no visible evidence that our bitter onions had been neutralized. That night, we broke into Ptomaine Mary’s kitchen supply room and found several large cans of pineapple juice. (Ptomaine Mary was the well-deserved nickname name for our house cook.) We soaked our happy apples every night during hell week and faked misery when eye contact resulted in chomps. All was well, until brother Jackson stopped me in a hallway and we made eye contact. To my surprise, he said, “You know, pledge Lynch, I actually like the taste of happy apples.” He leaned over, plucked the onion hanging from my chest, and took a big chomp. He was immediately appalled. “What have you done to your happy apple, Lynch?” My forced confession included a trip to the pledge sleeping area (a filthy basement), where brother Jackson discovered the evidence—pineapple juice cans lining the wall. Properly protecting my fellow pledges, I confessed that I was solely responsible for the bad behavior. My punishment: consuming three un-soaked happy apples in 15 minutes. To this day, I haven’t eaten an onion, raw or cooked. Not only was Bonnie Lynch a lovely addition to the USC community, she was a happy-apple-neutralizing savior for most members (sans me) of the college pledge class of 1972! n
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Phi Psi pledges in burlap sacks with happy apples around their necks
Fall 2017
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19
Be Careful What You Say Jim Meston
Several years ago, well-known author Miguel Angel Ruiz wrote The Four Agreements. A huge success, the book sold 52 million copies and was translated into 38 languages. On the best sellers list for more than seven years, the book advocates four behaviors that create personal freedom from beliefs and personal agreements that we’ve made with ourselves and others that create limitations and unhappiness in our lives. It offers ways of behaving differently to achieve more success and happiness. The four agreements are: 1. Be impeccable with your word. 2. Don’t take anything personally. 3. Don’t make assumptions. 4. Always do your best. Ruiz muses that if we practice only the third agreement, our lives would be simpler. But, let me expand on the first agreement, “Be impeccable with your word.” Ruiz defines this as speaking with integrity, saying only what you mean, and avoiding using your words to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. He suggests using the power of your word in the direction of truth and love. Unfortunately, there are numerous ways people behave and speak that violate this behavior. Getting Good Advice Early in my work career I spent my time in a regional office. Each quarter I visited the home office to present results of the previous quarter, explaining any shortcomings. I enjoyed the challenge of those discussions, frequently taking a defensive position. I believed it was safe to be honest, not worrying about being tactful or evasive. My boss, the regional manager, on the other hand, disliked conflict and debate. Before each review, he frequently told me not to step on the tiger’s tail. The tiger was the president of the company. Sometime later, I was promoted to the company’s headquarters in Pittsburgh. My new boss had been present during my quarterly reviews. On my first day in my new position he came to my office and placed a piece of paper squarely on my desk, which included big bold print that read: 20
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The Moving Finger Writes And Having Written Moves On And All Your Piety and Wit Can Not Remove One Word of It. There are times when we might unintentionally say something to someone where the recipient takes it personally and offensively. As parents, we realize that our children cruise into their teenage years with the unintended consequense of driving us nuts. Parents experience a great deal of frustration battling their child’s many behaviors that they view to be unacceptable. Skirmishes can escalate into harsh exchanges between parent and child. Some of these exchanges can get cruel and personal, as parents struggle to force change in their child’s behavior. The child frequently internalizes these criticisms, possibly magnifying them over time. As a result—with the intention only to jar the child into changing negative behavior—it may very subtly become something that the child sees as the truth about himself. Parents, or anyone dishing out criticism, might soon forget about the negative exchange. But the receiver might remember it, and it might affect his behavior for the rest of his life. In a situation where criticism is necessary, choose your words carefully; be impeccable with your word. Circumstances Challenge Us Circumstances can challenge us as we attempt to be careful with what we say. Anger can push us beyond being careful in choosing our words. For married couples, pent-up negative feelings can erupt and cause marital exchanges to become personally-oriented and hurtful. Sometimes, the damage is irreparable. To me, anger and frustration lead the list of triggers that influence our negative words, potentially causing permanent harm to another person. Being physically tired can also trigger a hurtful exchange of words. But the granddaddy of all potential destructive behaviors and verbal abuses, I believe, is related to overindulgence in alcohol.
A Dad’s Duty My wife and I had five children; four came close together and the fifth came nine years after the fourth. We were never big on spanking for discipline. As a married couple with children, we had arguments about how long our boys’ hair could be and what clothes our girls could wear. Mild, no argument in our house rivaled World War II. One day when I came home from work, my wife shared that our littlest one had irritated her all day and she told him that he’d better shape up or Dad was going to spank him when he got home. Truth be told, that was the last thing I wanted to do. But as I entered his room to talk with him and got down on the floor to pull him out from under his bed, he asked, “What’s the matter Dad, is she after you, too?” I believe that we need to offer positive feedback to our kids, spouse, parents, and those who work for us. For my family, hugs and expressions of love and concern helped the medicine of criticism go down. I’m now at an age where I can look at my kids and be proud that they turned out quite well. I hold some values that, to many, may seem old fashioned; I’ve earned it! A curious thing happened this past Christmas that provided me the best laugh I’ve had in a long time. My daughter, Carol, who lives in Maryland, came to visit during the holidays. She brought her son, my grandson, Dustin, with her. Dustin is autistic. She brought lots of wrapped presents for him, telling him that they were from Santa Claus. Enjoying opening all the presents, he asked his mom, “When Grampa dies, can we still come here?” A great request, I thought. Give Yourself a Valuable Gift As the cycle of life relentlessly moves on, it’s never too late to evaluate changes that you wish to make. Try practicing the four agreements, and also remember that the moving finger writes every day. Let it show that you’re not writing anything that you later need to take back. n
To read Jim’s blogs on a variety of subjects, visit http://curbstonepulpit.wordpress.com. Fall 2017
Pen Pals I’m happy to have pen pals who are on the other side of the wall Jim O’Brien I have had six pen pals over a period of 16 years—friends or acquaintances, even a relative—who have done time in prison. These people are not real bad guys, just misguided, at least in my opinion. When you grow up around guys, you accept their quirks and shortcomings. Over the years, I have written them letters on a monthly basis. Writing is easy for me, so it’s my way of helping people through difficult times. I am forgiving, but grateful not to be in their shoes. When I was in eighth grade at St. Stephen’s, my teacher, Sister Mary Leo, told my mother, “Someday your son is going to end up in Sing Sing.” Sing Sing is a prison in Ossinging, in upstate New York. My mother, Mary O’Brien, sent a formal invitation to Sister Mary Leo to my college graduation ceremony from the University of Pittsburgh and wrote this note: “See, Sister, he didn’t end up in Sing Sing after all.” My friend, Myron Cope, who lived in Upper St. Clair during his later years, cautioned my mother’s enthusiasm at the time, saying that I still had a shot at it. So, I guess I’m grateful to be on the outside looking in. When I was working on a recent book and going through files for newspaper and magazine clippings and photographs, I stumbled upon a letter that was handwritten on yellow legal paper from my friend, Joe, who was doing six months in Moundsville Penitentiary in West Virginia for income tax evasion. The letter was dated July 7, 2005.
Dear Jim, I’m very sorry I haven’t written to you in a while. I think about you often. Thanks again for your help and support and concern. I really appreciate it. I can’t believe I have less than one month to go. Time has gone fast. I have adjusted well and met some really good guys. July 29 is my release date. My weight is 215 pounds, down from 255 pounds when I came in on March 2. I feel good. My good Irish buddy, Jim Connor, 60 years old, from Uniontown, let me look through the book Pittsburgh Sports–Stories
from the Steel City, edited by Randy Roberts (University of Pittsburgh Press). Your name and quotes are in it. I also read the book 1960–The Last Pure Season (Baseball). In prison language, when you get close to leaving, everyone asks you, “How long?” In prison jargon, one always says, for example, “24 and a wake-up.” My buddy, Jim, asked me the other day (on July 5), and I told him, “24 and a wake-up.” He then said, “Willie Mays and a wake-up.” Everyone thought that answer was unique. So we did our own prison jargon to count down the days ’til I leave: 24 Willie Mays and a wake-up.............. July 5 23 Michael Jordan and a wake-up......... July 6 22 Doug Flutie and a wake-up............... July 7 21 Roberto Clemente and a wake-up..... July 8 20 Rocky Bleier and a wake-up............. July 9 19 Johnny Unitas and a wake-up........ July 10 18 Roman Gabriel and a wake-up........ July 11 17 John Havlicek and a wake-up......... July 12 16 Joe Montana and a wake-up........... July 13 15 Bart Starr and a wake-up................ July 14 14 Pete Rose and a wake-up............... July 15 13 Dan Marino and a wake-up............ July 16 12 Joe Namath and a wake-up............ July 17 11 Phil Simms and a wake-up............. July 18 10 Fran Tarkenton and a wake-up........ July 19 9 Bill Mazeroski and a wake-up......... July 20 8 Yogi Berra and a wake-up............... July 21 7 Mickey Mantle and a wake-up........ July 22 6 Bill Russell and a wake-up ............ July 23 5 Joe DiMaggio and a wake-up......... July 24 4 Brett Favre and a wake-up.............. July 25 3 Babe Ruth and a wake-up............... July 26 2 Tommy Clements and a wake-up.... July 27 1 Oscar Robertson and a wake-up..... July 28 And on July 29, when I wake up, it’s Roberto Duran–No mas! No mas! See you soon, Joe This past January, I received a letter from Joe. In his letter, he thanked me once again for caring. I plan to call him soon so that we can have lunch together (on the outside). n Check out Jim O’Brien’s books: Golden Arms: Six Hall of Fame Quarterbacks from Western Pennsylvania and From A to Z, A Boxing Memoir from Ali to Zivic. Visit Jim’s website at www.jimobriensportsauthor.com. Fall 2017
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THE REGION’S LEADING OSPITAL IN PATIENT SAFETY
National accolades for St. Clair Hospital continue. The Leapfrog Group, a national, independent, patient-safety watchdog, awarded St. Clair special recognition for the ninth consecutive period, making St. Clair the region’s only hospital to consistently earn an ‘A’ grade for patient safety. The grades rate how well hospitals protect patients from preventable medical errors, injuries and infections. To learn more about our Hospital Safety Score, or St. Clair Hospital’s performance as a national leader in quality and patient
ST. CLAIR ACCEPTS ALL MAJOR INSURANCES 10 0 0 B O W E R H I L L R O A D
satisfaction, please visit stclair.org.
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Need help finding a Doctor? Call the Physician Referral Line at: (724) 250-4310 or search our Physician Finder at whs.org
Osteoporosis
Causes and Treatment John D’Angelo, Tri-Community EMS Osteoporosis is a disease that affects bone density. Human bones increase in density from birth until we reach our early 30s. At that point, humans begin to lose bone density in varying degrees and at varying rates. However, some people suffer such significant bone loss that they become high risk for fractures. This condition is called osteoporosis, which means “porous bones.” It is estimated that between ten and 12 million Americans are afflicted with osteoporosis. Furthermore, over half of all women over the age of 50 will be diagnosed with this condition. Women tend to lose the greatest amount of bone density in the years immediately following menopause. Because osteoporosis is a relatively slow-moving process, symptoms tend to be subtle. For instance, common complaints such as back pain may actually signal a loss of density in the spinal column. This loss of density may lead to spinal compression fractures which will, in turn, change a person’s posture because the vertebrae will begin to collapse. Other common fracture sites in those with osteoporosis will include the hip and wrist areas. Although men can get osteoporosis, those at greatest risk for this disease are women, especially women with small frames and thin bones. Certain conditions, such as arthritis and diabetes, can accelerate the loss of bone density. Diets that are low in calcium and vitamin D have been linked to osteoporosis.
If you are at risk for osteoporosis, your doctor can recommend a bone density test. A score of -2.5 or below indicates osteoporosis. Those diagnosed are likely to be treated with a biophosphonate (Boniva or Fosamax) that is taken orally or by injection. Measures taken to slow the loss of bone density include a diet high in calcium and vitamin D. Other measures, including a weight-loss program along with a reduction in the intake of caffeine and salt, can be instituted. An exercise program using weight-bearing movements has been found to be beneficial, but those at high risk for bone density loss should avoid high-impact activities because of the danger of compression fractures. Finally, it has been shown that an active lifestyle will improve the effects of osteoporosis no matter the age or physical condition of a person. Even those with advanced symptoms will benefit from something as simple as daily walks. Conversely, inactivity worsens the condition. n Members at Tri-Community South EMS urge you to see your doctor for a bone density exam if you believe that you are at risk for osteoporosis. Fall 2017
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Having a will or trust is important to estate planning, but do you have a living will? If you’re like 70% of the population, you don’t. While your end-of-life care may not be first and foremost on your mind, making the tough decisions about life-sustaining medical treatments when you’re healthy—and documenting them in a living will—help to ensure that your healthcare wishes will be fulfilled when you’re unable to speak for yourself. Living will and health care power of attorney • What is a living will? A living will is a legal document that outlines your healthcare wishes in the event that you become terminally ill and/or permanently incapacitated or unconscious due to injury, illness, or advanced age. It lets healthcare providers and your family know which life-sustaining medical treatments you want or don’t want. Every state defines the parameters differently. Since a living will cannot anticipate every possible situation, experts recommend combining your living will with a healthcare power of attorney to create an advance directive, also known as an advanced healthcare directive. • What is a healthcare power of attorney? A healthcare power of attorney, or medical power of attorney, is a legal document that grants power to another person to make healthcare decisions on your behalf should you become so ill or injured that you can’t do it for yourself. This person is called a healthcare agent, or healthcare proxy. Your healthcare agent should be someone you trust to advocate for you, to be available for what could be a significant amount of time, and to remain steady during a highly emotional time. Creating a living will or advance directive • Hire an attorney or do it yourself. An attorney who focuses on estate planning can create an advance directive for you and will know the law. You can also create one on your own, but you must make sure it meets your state’s requirements. Resources available to you include legal document creation software; a free living will form provided by your physician, local hospital, or local senior center; or the state’s medical association. • Research your state’s requirements. No matter how you create your advance directive, find out your state’s requirements. You must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind at the time you create your living will. Depending on your state, you may also need witnesses and/or notarization. • Determine your end-of-life care. Decide what kind of medical treatments you want for yourself, such as artificial respiration, palliative care, or nourishment, when you get to the end of life or become completely incapacitated. Consider researching these healthcare matters and discuss them with your physician. Once you’ve made your decisions, write them down along with your rationale and feelings to help your loved ones understand your preferences, especially if it’s possible they might disagree. • Reassess your living will as needed. Your advance directive isn’t set in stone. Change it as your perspective or situation changes due to age, decline, or a major life event, such as death, divorce, or a diagnosis. Share your healthcare wishes • Tell your healthcare agent and family. Let your healthcare proxy and loved ones know of your advance directive and your lifeprolonging preferences. This way, your healthcare agent will know how to act on your behalf and your family will be informed should anything happen. • Keep your advance directive in a safe place. Make sure your living will and healthcare power of attorney are kept in a safe place that your healthcare agent can access, if needed. • Make copies of your advance directive. In addition to your healthcare agent and family, give a copy of your advance directive to your physician to keep on file, as well as to your hospital, if going in for a major procedure.
While creating a living will or advance directive may be difficult in the short term, its long-term benefit is peace of mind in knowing that you will be taken care of according to your wishes and that your loved ones will be relieved from having to make these tough decisions for you during an emotionally stressful time. n Article provided by Cindy Brophy, State Farm® agent. See ad on page 25. 24
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#1 for 24/7 Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Care in the South Hills!
$99 Emergency Exam State-Of-The-Art Facility 724-717-CARE (2273)
UVSCares.com Common Pet Emergencies Dimitri Brown, DVM, University Veterinary Specialists, Chief Veterinary Medical Officer Pet emergencies don’t always happen between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. when your primary veterinarian is open. In fact, they rarely do. These emergencies can be scary, but fortunately there is a new state-of-the-art hospital right here in the South Hills that is equipped to handle emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Below are some common emergencies that pet owners might experience, and how University Veterinary Specialists (UVS) can help. Some of the most common pet emergencies people experience are issues related to gastrointestinal upset—usually vomiting or diarrhea. These types of issues can be due to simple stomach upset, similar to what humans go through, or they can be something much more concerning like intestinal obstruction or intestinal parasites. There are several tests that the veterinarians may recommend: X-rays to look for foreign material causing an obstruction, blood work to look for evidence of metabolic disease, or a fecal exam to check for intestinal parasites. Medication can often be given to help relieve the symptoms, and intravenous fluids can be administered to keep your pet hydrated. Another common cause for emergency room visits is trauma; this can include cuts, bite wounds, or even pets that have sustained major trauma, like being hit by a vehicle. The veterinarians and staff at UVS can provide everything from simple stitches to advanced wound care using negative pressure bandages, vacuum bandages that apply a constant suction bringing blood vessels in and drawing infection out.
If a pet’s illness or trauma is more severe, the specialized surgical team at UVS uses CT imaging, as well as other advanced diagnostic equipment, and possesses the skill and experience necessary to provide orthopedic, soft tissue, and many other surgeries. Common issues that require surgery include cranial cruciate ruptures (the same as an ACL tear in a human), bone fractures, and intestinal blockages. Many pets end up at the ER because of an undiagnosed chronic disease. A common example of this is a pet that is diagnosed with diabetes. This is easy to miss, as signs of diabetes in pets may be as subtle as their drinking and urinating more frequently. This could easily be attributed to changes in weather or aging changes when, in fact, there is much more going on. Some basic lab work can be run in the hospital to determine if diabetes is the problem, and then insulin therapy can be started. Sometimes that underlying disease is something more sinister, such as cancer in the abdomen that cannot be seen. In these cases, CT is a useful diagnostic to quickly get a full picture of what is really going on. University Veterinary Specialists is there when you need them. And with their convenient pet transport, there’s no reason you can’t get your pet in to be seen at any hour. n
Contact University Veterinary Specialists at 412-500-5010 or visit UVSCares.com. See ad on this page. Fall 2017
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Disturbing Symptoms Lead Doctor to Colon Cancer Diagnosis Mark Hornung At age 44, Dr. Brian Elford had it all. A successful ear, nose, and throat practice in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, a wonderful wife, four kids, and a new home under construction in the suburbs. But on a December night in 2015, Elford awoke writhing in pain. The pain emanated from the lower left part of his abdomen, and he didn’t know what to do. Within an hour the pain subsided, so Elford reacted the way many of us do. He assumed it was something he ate or a symptom of irritable bowel and toughed it out. However, the same pain occurred a few more times over the following month, so Elford reached out to his long-time friend and colleague, Dr. Mark Cedar, chief of gastroenterology at St. Clair Hospital and a physician of Pittsburgh Gastroenterology Associates and the South Hills Endoscopy Center in Upper St. Clair. Detective Work As Dr. Cedar began asking questions, something about Dr. Elford’s pain did not add up. He did not have any bowel changes that might suggest Crohn’s disease, colitis, or celiac disease. He did not have any bleeding, fatigue, or weight loss. He also did not have any risk factors for cancer or Crohn’s, such as tobacco use, obesity, or family history. Elford had thought perhaps he had celiac disease, so he eliminated gluten from his diet for a short time, and thought he felt a bit better. But, Elford’s self-diagnosis of irritable bowel or celiac disease did not make sense, in Cedar’s view. So, Cedar ordered a CT scan and blood tests, hoping to find a simple explanation such as a kidney stone. Instead, the scan showed an irregularity in the colon. Cedar then performed a colonoscopy at South Hills Endoscopy and confirmed Elford had a large, partially obstructing, malignant mass in the left lower part of his colon. The size of the mass, comparable to a ping pong ball, explained Elford’s severe intermittent pain. Abdominal pain is not a typical symptom of colon polyps or colon cancer, which are often asymptomatic until later stages. Instead, Elford’s pain was caused by blockage preceding his bowel movements. The CT scan showed many prominent lymph nodes near the colon, so Dr. Cedar was concerned the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes or nearby organs. Three days later, Dr. Leigh Nadler, chief of colorectal surgery at St. Clair Hospital, successfully removed the mass. Luckily, the mass was diagnosed as stage 2 cancer and the lymph nodes were cancer-free, significantly diminishing the risk of cancer spreading to Elford’s other organs. It also meant Elford would not need chemotherapy. A few weeks later he was back to work and feeling great. “A real life-changing event,” Elford says. Time is of the Essence The best thing Elford did was not ignore his pain. Otherwise the outcome could have been much different, Cedar says. If someone who is diagnosed with colon cancer is also found to have cancer cells in their lymph nodes, the person’s five-year
Dr. Mark Cedar (left) and Dr. Brian Elford
survival rate drops from 90% to between 60% and 70%, according to Cedar. And if it spreads to other organs such as the liver, the five-year survival rate is closer to ten percent. Additionally, side effects from chemotherapy could have impaired Elford’s ability to perform surgery. “He was very fortunate,” Cedar says. “Had he waited much longer, the tumor would have spread and he would have certainly required chemotherapy.” It may seem that Elford was too young to have colon cancer, but his story is not unique. A 2016 study from the journal Cancer found that 15% of all colorectal cancer patients are diagnosed under age 50. These cancers may also be more aggressive. Most doctors recommend people begin regular colonoscopies at age 50, but if they have a family history of colon or rectal cancer, they should get their first colonoscopy at age 40. Smoking and obesity also significantly increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Dr. Cedar hopes the recent journal article helps push the starting age of colonoscopy earlier. “Although colorectal cancer is the third-most commonly diagnosed cancer in males and second in females, both the incidence and mortality rates have been slowly but steadily decreasing in the United States,” Dr. Nadler says. “Approximately eight percent of all cancer deaths are related to colorectal cancer,” he says. “Over 95% of our patients with colorectal cancer are treated laparoscopically,” Nadler says. “We use the DaVinci robot in select cases, especially rectal cancer. St. Clair Hospital also participates in the OSTRiCh Consortium (Optimizing the Surgical Treatment of Rectal Cancer), to provide quality state-of-the-art rectal cancer care through a multidisciplinary team in the evaluation and treatment of rectal cancer. Ultimately, laparoscopic and robotic surgery allows faster recovery with shorter hospital stays, quicker return of bowel function, smaller cosmetic incisions, with no detrimental impact on recurrence or survival compared with open surgery,” he says. St. Clair Hospital recently instituted for all colorectal surgeries an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocol, which includes pre-op, intra-op, and post-op measures to minimize post-op pain, decrease wound infection, and shorten the hospitalization time.
The goal of most preventive exams is to detect a cancer when it is small. But the goal of a colonoscopy is to remove the polyp before it even turns into a cancer.
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U.S. Heart and Vascular
Echocardiography Nuclear Stress Testing Holter/Event Monitors Coronary Angioplasty
David J. Burkey, M.D., F.A.C.C. Leonard G. Gehl, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.A.C.P. James W. Marcucci, M.D., F.A.C.C. Adil Waheed, D.O., F.S.C.A.I. Ryan W. Zuzek, M.D., F.A.C.C.
Atrial Fibrillation Congestive Heart Failure Venous Insufficiency Pacemaker Implantation
363 Vanadium Road • Pittsburgh, PA 15243 3928 Washington Road • McMurray, PA 15317 (412) 429-8840 • FAX (412) 429-8067 www.usheartandvascular.org
Fit for Two
St. Clair Hospital’s Healthy Lifestyle Program for Pregnant Women Pregnancy is an opportunity for expectant mothers to create a foundation for the long-term health of their babies, and for themselves as well, says Deborah A. Lenhart, M.D., a boardcertified obstetrician-gynecologist and chief of obstetrical services at St. Clair Hospital. That is the philosophy behind Fit for Two, a new lifestyle modification program that is being offered free of charge by the hospital to pregnant women and women who are planning to become pregnant. Fit for Two addresses the growing problem of pregnancy complicated by maternal obesity. When an obese woman becomes pregnant or when a woman gains excessive weight during pregnancy, there are increased risks of medical complications for both the mother and the fetus. “Weight management and obesity are important issues for obstetricians and their patients. We see many overweight, pregnant young women in our practice,” says Dr. Lenart. “We also see young women who want to become pregnant and are concerned about excessive weight gain. Our Fit for Two program helps these women avoid excess weight gain, but it also teaches them how to live a healthier lifestyle throughout their lives. The program emphasizes good self-care, nutrition, rest, exercise, and stress management, all of which contribute to a healthy pregnancy, along with regular prenatal checkups and monitoring of fetal well-being.” “Gestational diabetes and hypertension are potential medical complications for the overweight mother,” Dr. Lenart says. “She may have a more difficult labor, with a greater chance of needing
a C-section. Obese women have a higher risk of pregnancy loss through miscarriage or stillbirth. Infants born to obese mothers are bigger themselves, with higher birthweights that can lead to birth trauma, such as fractured or dislocated shoulders; they may have unstable blood sugars in the first Dr. Deborah Lenhart days of life.” The Fit for Two program features more frequent non-stress tests and a second ultrasound, as well as earlier screening for diabetes, because of the increased risks. It includes nutrition counseling and healthy recipes from a registered dietician, health education with a registered nurse, and an individualized exercise program from a fitness instructor. Dr. Lenart and her medical partners believe that pregnancy can be the healthiest time of a woman’s life. “We want the best possible outcome for every mother and her baby. When a pregnancy is complicated by obesity or excess weight gain, we monitor that mother more closely and offer her a lot of support. Fit for Two is an important piece of that support. It’s an opportunity to make healthy lifestyle changes that will not only improve her pregnancy outcome and experience, but will last a lifetime.” n For more information about Fit for Two or to contact Dr. Lenart, call 412-561-5666. Dr. Lenhart practices with Advanced Women’s Care of Pittsburgh, P.C. See ads for St. Clair Hospital on pages 2 and 22. Fall 2017
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Stretching to Lifelong Flexibility Heather Holtschlag, Healthy Fit PR, Owner If you are anything like me, you (admittedly) rarely make stretching a priority, which can result in an overall loss of flexibility, increasing the chance for injury and decreasing a person’s range of motion. “Flexibility strongly correlates with age and is an issue at any age, not just a ‘thing’ that happens to people over age 50. The healthier you keep your joints, the longer you maintain flexibility,” said Anne Brucker, M.Ed, exercise physiologist from the University of Pittsburgh and personal trainer at the Upper St. Clair Community & Recreation Center, where she teaches Water Walk, Deep Water Fitness, and Arthritis Water. “Flexibility decreases when a muscle group is underutilized or as one muscle group is overused without balancing a reciprocal muscle group. Balance in your workout can prevent this by working all sides of the body. And, if your job or your sport overdevelops one muscle group, balance the rest of your body in the gym or weight room.” To counteract the potential problems that can arise from a lack of flexibility, Brucker recommends stretching to maintain it by using the two types of stretches: static and dynamic. “Static stretching involves holding a position without bouncing to lengthen the muscle,” she explained. “The new thinking on this method is that holding a position for only 15 seconds and repeating it again is better than the traditional 30 to 60 seconds, as it is safe, effective, and causes less injury. “Dynamic stretching, on the other hand, is using range of motion to keep flexibility. Mimicking real world movements at a slower pace allows blood to flow to the muscle while stretching. Tai Chi is the best example of dynamic stretching, as the
Anne Brucker
movements in this ancient art simulate the fast fighting moves in karate, only at a slow, controlled, flowing, gentle pace. Students who practice this art daily often enjoy lifelong flexibility.” Brucker said that the more recent thought in dynamic stretching is that the warm-up and cool down for any activity should be a slow mimic of the actual activity. For instance, runners should warm up with a slow jog and cool down with the same. Swimmers should do a slow, exaggerated, and thoughtful stroke, concentrating on reaching and stretching as they move through the water. Cyclists should pedal on the flat at “boardwalk speed,” and weight lifters should do higher reps with low weight on both the warm-up and cool down to encourage blood flow to the joints, tendons, and ligaments. “The best way to stay flexible is to make stretching part of your daily routine,” Brucker said. She recommends the following: • Before getting out of bed in the morning, pull your knees to your chest to stretch your lower back. Hold for two sets of 15 seconds each. • While brewing your coffee, run your hands under warm water to work the finger joints. Mimic playing the piano and making the “okay” sign with each finger. • In the shower, work your upper body by rolling shoulders gently backward in repeated movements. Using both ends of a small towel, reach back with both arms at different angles (as if you were scratching your back), a movement which helps maintain shoulder flexibility. • Put on your shoes by standing only on one foot, even if you have to hold onto something. • While in the car, move your head and neck to the radio’s music.
What is Heart Failure? John D’Angelo, Tri-Community South EMS Heart failure does not mean that the heart has quit pumping blood entirely, but heart failure does mean that the heart has quit pumping blood efficiently. When heart failure occurs, the walls of the heart muscle will either stretch or become stiff and thick. In both cases, the heart muscle walls gradually grow weaker. Weaker heart wall muscles mean less blood is being sent out to the body while, at the same time, water and salt build-up is causing swelling in arms, legs, and organs, including the lungs. Heart failure with fluid build-up is usually called congestive heart failure. Many conditions can lead to heart failure, and oftentimes there will be no one specific cause. Instead, a number of different factors may work together to lead to a diagnosis of heart failure. Some of these causes can be readily diagnosed and include hypertension, diabetes, and 28
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thyroid diseases. Others, such as heart birth defects, can go undetected for decades. In the final analysis, no matter the cause, heart failure means that the heart’s muscle grows increasingly weaker, which, in turn, leads to a decrease in the blood flow sent to the body. Common signs of heart failure include: • Increasing episodes of shortness of breath, especially when lying down • Swelling in legs, arms, ankles, and feet • Increasing bouts of uncontrollable coughing, especially while attempting something even mildly strenuous • Constantly feeling tired and weak • Constantly feeling cold, even in a warm setting or in a setting where others appear comfortable Heart failure can only be diagnosed after a battery of medical tests and exams. Treatment depends on the severity of the Fall 2017
diagnosis and may run the gamut from prescription medications to surgery and implanted devices. But, the key component, as always, is to work towards prevention, which includes following a common sense approach: • Do not smoke. If you do, quit. • Lose weight. • Exercise. • Lower your blood pressure if you are above 140/90. • Limit intake of salt, alcohol, and caffeine. • Take prescription medication faithfully. • Get adequate rest. Members at Tri-Community South urge anyone experiencing symptoms of heart failure to see your family physician as soon as possible. A doctor can help map out a strategy to deal with the problem before it becomes more serious. n
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Brucker also recommends water for maintaining joint health and flexibility. “No need to swim laps like Michael Phelps to make miracle changes in your body,” she said. “Water walking to treading in any pool will do the trick.” She noted that a shallow water resistance pool allows a swimmer to walk with and against the current, which provides an excellent upper and lower body workout while nurturing joints and increasing flexibility. “Doing stretching exercises throughout the day encourages fluid motion and is much more effective than doing them in a concentrated session,” said Brucker, who also teaches Strong Bodies, Strong Bones, Nordic Pole Walk, Arthritis Chair Exercise, and Tai Chi at Westminster Presbyterian Church. “Stretching not only increases blood and oxygen flow to the joints, helping you to regain flexibility and improve athletic performance, but it can also help prevent loss of function with daily tasks, including bending down to tie our shoes or quickly turning our heads.” For most of us, flexibility decreases a little bit over time. But with the proper stretching techniques and a dedicated motivation to preventing this loss, we cannot only improve our range of motion, but improve our quality of function, too. “A life in motion tends to stay in motion,” Brucker said. “Keep it moving. Keep it flexible.” n
Acupuncture for Stress and Depression Wei Hu, Acupuncturist at Spa Harmony Have you ever tried acupuncture for depression, low spirits, emotional upsets, and even grief? In traditional Chinese medicine, these problems result from impaired Qi (the flow of energy) and blood, and also from imbalances in the internal organs. Acupuncture can naturally soothe and relax our nerves and brain by improving the circulation of Qi and correcting the inner imbalances. Moreover, Western research demonstrates acupuncture activates natural painkillers (endogenous opioids) in the brain, which also play a role in a feeling of pleasure and reward. So, acupuncture is really something to consider before you dive into a more invasive pharmacological route.
Ear Seeds Therapy A growing trend in the treatment of conditions, including depression, anxiety, and addiction is Ear Seeds Therapy. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the ear is a microsystem that reflects the entire body; dozens of auricular points distribute in a certain pattern on the outer ear. When disorders occur in internal organs or other parts of the body, various reactions may appear at the corresponding areas of the outer ear, such as tenderness or discoloration. Ear Seeds Therapy stimulates certain points on the outer ear by having ear seeds (a traditional Chinese herb) taped on to the ear to restore a person’s physical and mental balance. And because the seeds are Fall 2017
worn all day long, they apply long lasting stimulation! n
Spa Harmony is a full service day spa located inside the Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center. Spa Harmony is open to the public and members. Call 724-250-2238 for more information and to book an appointment today. See ad for Washington Health System on page 23. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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T Township Commissioners 2017 Township of Upper St. Clair Meeting Dates
Mark D. Christie
Rex A. Waller
Nicholas J. Seitanakis
Robert W. Orchowski
Day 412-831-9000 2017*
Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-854-5065 2017*
Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-220-4434 2019*
Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-854-1868 2019*
President Ward 4
Vice President Ward 2
Ward 1
Ward 3
Ronald J. Pardini
Russell R. Del Re
Daniel R. Paoly
Day 412-831-9000 Evening 724-941-1199 2019*
Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-287-9076 2019*
Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-862-5995 2017*
Ward 5
At-Large
• 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. • The Library Board meets as needed.
At-Large
*Date indicates expiration of term.
All business regarding the operation of the Township is conducted at the regular meetings 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.
Township Administration
Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager
Mark S. Mansfield Asst. Township Manager & Director of Administration
Douglas Burkholder Chief of Police
Mark P. Romito Director of Finance
Adam A. Benigni Director of Planning & Community Development
Amy Sommer Director of Information Technology
To reach Township personnel, call 412-831-9000 and follow the automated directions. Administrator Extension Matthew R. Serakowski........................................................216 Township Manager Mark S. Mansfield.................................................................219 Asst. Township Manager & Director of Administration Douglas Burkholder..............................................................238 Chief of Police Mark P. Romito......................................................................218 Director of Finance Adam A. Benigni....................................................................501 Director of Planning & Community Development Amy Sommer Director of Information Technology George Kostelich, Jr...............................................................271 Director of Public Works Helen M. Palascak.................................................................247 Director of Library Paul Besterman......................................................................656 Director of Recreation & Leisure Services Other Services Police–Administration........................................... 412-833-1113 Tri-Community South EMS–Administration....... 412-831-3710 USC Volunteer Fire Department–Administration... 412-835-0660 Animal Control..................................................... 412-833-7500 Community & Recreation Center....................... 412-221-1099 Cable 7................................................................... 412-831-1030 Emergency–Police, Fire, EMS ............................. 412-833-7500
George Kostelich, Jr. Director of Public Works 30
Helen M. Palascak Director of Library
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Paul Besterman Director of Recreation & Leisure Services Fall 2017
USC Township website:
www.twpusc.org
T Highlights of the Board of Commissioners’ Meetings April 3, 2017 Approximately 38 people attended.
Recognition • Commissioner Orchowski presented a Proclamation to Helen Palascak, Library Director, in recognition of National Library Week, April 9–15, 2017. The Board • Adopted Bill No. 6-17 Re. PLC17-0001–145 McMurray Road–Nonresidential–Conditional Use Approval. • Continued Public Hearing Re. PLC17-0003–Unified Conditional Use–Preliminary and Final Land Development to the May 1, 2017, Regular Board Meeting. • Continued Public Hearing Re. PLC16-1304–Zoning Map Amendment for Rezoning of 1345, 1351, 1365, 1371, 1373, 1377 McLaughlin Run Road, and 1322 Cook School Road from RM Restricted Light Industrial District and R-LI Low Intensity to RM Restricted Light Industrial District to the May 1, 2017, Regular Board Meeting. • Continued Public Hearing Re. PLC16-0014–Friendship Village–Planned Residential Development–Phase VI– Tentative Approval to the May 1, 2017, Regular Board Meeting. • Adopted Bill No. 7-17 Re. PLC17-0002–Manual of Design Guidelines–Siena at St. Clair. • Adopted Resolution No. 1633 to establish June 5, 2017, as the public hearing date Re. PLC17-1301–Amendment to Section 130.24 of the Township Code entitled “Special Business-Mixed Use District (SB-MU)” to amend the provisions for streetlights. • Adopted Bill No. 8-17 Re. Appointment of Successor Paying Agent on Outstanding Bonds. • Adopted Resolution No. 1634 authorizing the disposal of various Township records in accordance with the Municipal Records Retention and Disposition Schedule referenced in Chapter 11.7. of the Township Code. • Adopted Resolution Nos. 1635 and 1636 authorizing Mark S. Mansfield, Assistant Township Manager, the ability to file the documents and execute forms between the Township and grant agencies Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County Gaming Economic Development Fund for the Morton Complex/Community Gardens Connection–Phase IIA Perimeter Trail. Approval of Contracts • Cleveland Brothers Caterpillar Murrysville, PA One 2016 Caterpillar 259D Skid Steer............ $56,950 One BA118C Hydraulic Angle Broom............. $ 6,475 Less Trade-In of 2005 Takeuchi TL 130.........($15,750) Total Contract................................................. $47,675
May 1, 2017 Approximately 42 people attended.
Recognitions • Commissioner Orchowski presented a Proclamation to Nora Helfrich, Director of Tri-Community South Emergency Medical Services proclaiming May 21–27, 2017, as “National Emergency Medical Services Week” in Upper St. Clair with the theme “EMS STRONG: Always in Service.” • Commissioner Seitanakis presented a Certificate of Achievement to Jack Fitzpatrick, a member of USCHS Boys’ Swim Team for his achievements in several events at the 2017 WPIAL championship and the 2017 PIAA championship.
The Township has five accessibility coordinators to assist people during their visits to the Township or with any questions they might have regarding services in Upper St. Clair: This information can also be found on the Township website: www.twpusc.org.
• Commissioner Del Re presented Proclamations to the students of the 2017 USCHS Speech & Debate Team and their coaches, Ben Edwards and Dave Watson, for capturing their first-ever Pennsylvania High School Speech League Championship on March 18, 2017, at Bloomsburg University. The Board • Adopted Bill No. 9-17 Re. PLC16-1304–Zoning Map Amendment for Rezoning of 1345, 1351, 1365, 1371, 1373, 1377 McLaughlin Run, and 1322 Cook School Road from RM Restricted Light Industrial District and R-LI Low Intensity to RM Restricted Light Industrial District. • Adopted Bill No. 10-17 Re. PLC17-0003–1353, 1355, 1357, and 1361 McLaughlin Run Road– Unified Conditional Use–Preliminary and Final Land Development Approval. • Continued Public Hearing Re. PLC16-0014–Friendship Village–Planned Residential Development–Phase VI– Tentative Approval to the June 5, 2017, Regular Board Meeting. • Continued Public Hearing Re. 16-0013–Laurel Place Planned Residential Development–Tentative Approval to the June 5, 2017, Regular Board Meeting. • Adopted Resolution No. 1637 Re. Application for Transfer of Liquor License–Apericena, LLC. • Adopted Resolution No. 1638 for Plan Revision for New Land Development (Planning Module) for GRD160003–220 Johnston Road. • Adopted Resolution No. 1639 authorizing Mark S. Mansfield, Assistant Township Manager, the ability to file the documents and execute forms between the Township and grant agency the Department of Community and Economic Development for the Morton Complex/ Community Gardens Connection–Phase IIA Perimeter Trail. Approval of Contracts • W.A. Petrakis Contracting, Inc. Export, PA Brush Run Pump Station Force Main– Contract A....................................................$1,259,360 Alternate #1..................................................$ 25,950 Total..............................................................$1,285,310 • Lone Pine Construction, Inc. Bentleyville, PA Brush Run Pump Station Upgrades– Contract B....................................................$ 308,415 Alternate #1..................................................$ 390,280 Total..............................................................$ 698,695 • Tyco-Simplex Grinnell Cranberry Township, PA Public Works Building Improvements– Security Work...............................................$ 66,795 • NetServe365 Pittsburgh, PA.............................................$101,074.75 Core Network Storage Replacement and Backup/Disaster Recovery • Commercial Turf Fertilization Mars, PA Preventative Pesticide Applications: 2017..............................................................$ 45,271 2018..............................................................$ 46,629 2019..............................................................$ 48,029 Total..............................................................$ 139,929
Commissioner Orchowski (right) recognizes members of Tri-Community South, EMS
Ben Edward (far left) and Dave Watson (far right) with student members of the USCHS Speech & Debate team
June 5, 2017 Approximately 19 people attended.
Recognition • Commissioner Pardini presented a Proclamation to David E. Tungate in recognition of his 28 years of service to the Township on the Zoning Hearing Board. The Board • Adopted Decision No. USC-PRD-1-2017 Re. PLC160014–Friendship Village–Planned Residential Development–Phase VI–Tentative Approval. • Adopted Decision No. USC-PRD-2-2017 Re. PLC16-0013–Laurel Place–Planned Residential Development–Tentative Approval. • Continued Public Hearing Re. PLC17-1301–Amendment to Chapter 130.24 of the Township Code entitled “Special Business-Mixed Use (SB-MU)” to Amend the Provisions for Streetlights to the July 3, 2017, Regular Board Meeting. • Established the Boyce Mayview Rail-with-Trail Ad Hoc Committee.
David Tungate (left) and Commissioner Ronald Pardini
Accessibility Coordinators Paul Besterman, Director of Recreation & Leisure Services (for all recreation activities), 412-831-9000, ext. 656 J e r e m y L e m l e y , B u i l d i n g s / G ro u n d s Administrator (for all Township buildings), 412-831-9000, ext. 271 Fall 2017
Helen Palascak, Director of Library, 412-831-9000, ext. 224 Gary Schafer, Parks & Forestry Administrator, 412-831-9000, ext. 271 Amy Sommer, Director of Information Technology (for Township website and telephone system), 412-831-9000. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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USC Community Day
With skies as sunny as the smiles of those in attendance, this year’s Community Day offered something for everyone! It was a colorful start to the day with the Color Run for Fun, followed by activities that included an opening ceremony at USC Veterans Park, the always popular Hottest Dog and Bakeoff contests, the parade, and the booths and activities along McLaughlin Run Road. The day’s fun continued at Gilfillan Farm and the USC VFD’s main station on Route 19. And while it’s not the ocean, the Community Foundation’s duck race in McLaughlin Run Creek was the perfect ending to Community Day’s “Under the Sea” theme!
Color Run for Fun Top Finishers AGE GROUP MALE (race time)
FEMALE (race time)
8 & under Jake Cimarol (28:52.40) 9–11 Ethan Jooste (26:49.65) 12–14 Cole Jooste (20:25.33) 15–19 Michael Gallagher (17:59.40) (event male winner) 20–29 Mathew Foley (29:40.42) 30–39 Frankie Twardy (26:15.19) 40–49 Conrad Jooste (20:44.87) 50 & over Angel Couoh (26:31.28)
Emma Eannarino (30:11.67) Kate Falce (25:03.65) Jillian Fishell (23:52.13) (event female winner) Sam Spina (26:19.41) Stephanie Spahn (33:57.90) Sarah Marsh (28:53.84) Tricia Navarra (25:02.85) Barbara Baker (35:31.40)
For full race information, visit the Smiley Miles website at www.smileymiles.com. Look for the race date and location.
Thank You to Our Community Day Patrons Thank you to the following businesses and organizations that supported USC’s 2017 Community Day: The Almanac, A R A M A R K , A rd o l i n o ’s , B e r k s h i re Hathaway The Preferred Realty–Barbara Baker Team, Center Independent Oil Stores LLC, Colussy Chevrolet, Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair, Gateway Engineers Inc., Giant Eagle, Lorenzato Automotive Service, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Pittsburgh Fleet Feet Sports, Restorations Physical Therapy, Rex Glass & Mirror Co. Inc., South Hills Financial Group, Taylor Rental Center, Traffic Control Equipment & Supplies Co. Inc., The Rooted Tree Studio, USC Township Recreation & Leisure Services, USCEA #4270 (USC Teachers Association), Washington Wild Things, and the Women’s Club of Upper St. Clair. 32
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s r e Under the Sea h t n a P Bakeoff Winners
It was tough judging cakes tempting enough to lure King Neptune onto dry land! Here are this year’s winners of the Community Day bakeoff, sponsored by Coldwell Banker’s Real Estate Services: • Grades K thru 2: 1st–Ginny McLean, 2nd–Ayah El Nokali, 3rd–Mia Falsetti • Grades 3 & 4: 1st–Sidney Stevenson, 2nd–Noor El Nokali, 3rd–Grace McLean • Grades 5 & 6: 1st–Jillian and Josilyn Seftchick, 2nd–Maura Joyce, 3rd–Markella Jahn • Grades 7 & 8: 1st–Sydney Kirk and Sarah Potter, 2nd–Cole Jooste, 3rd–Layla Wellman and Jules Gray • Grades 9 thru 12: 1st–Jade Leach, 2nd–Haley Beardsley
The Hottest Dog On land or under the sea, the “hottest dogs” at the 2017 Community Day were: • Best Costume–Charlie (Snorkie), owner Rebecca DeMar • Best Pet Trick and Owner Look-a-Like–Piper (Bernedoodle), owner Amy Tomczyk • Cutest Puppy–Doug (Cavapoo), owner Stacie de la Parra • Best Tail Wag–Friday (Labrador Retriever), owner Kevin Linn Proceeds from the Hottest Dog contest, sponsored by Howard Hanna, benefit Children’s Hospital Free Care Fund.
Community Day Bike Raffle Winners
This year’s winners of the Community Day bicycle raffle were USC’s Abigail Lowe and Louis Hough, pictured with Sgt. Jon Wharton (in uniform on left) and Sgt. James Murphy. The bicycles were donated by Target.
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UPPER ST. CLAIR POLICE DEPARTMENT CITIZENS’ POLICE ACADEMY A special opportunity for adults (must be at least 21 years old) who live, work, or conduct business in Upper St. Clair. The Upper St. Clair Police Department is hosting a Citizens’ Police Academy. Classes will meet on Thursdays, beginning September 28 and ending November 16, 2017, and will be held at the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The syllabus includes instruction and scenario-based training on various aspects of law enforcement and public safety. Objectives and Overview • An overview of the criminal justice system, local and global • Active shooter and crisis management in schools and the workplace • Cybercrimes and identity theft issues and prevention • Local ordinances, crimes, and vehicle code issues • The United States Constitution and citizens’ rights • Firearm safety, use of force, and self-defensive • 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
Citizens’ Police Academy participant uses the firearm simulator at the Pittsburgh Technical Institute.
Sgt. Gallatin instructs academy students on felonies and other crimes.
There is no fee to attend the Academy. If you are interested in this program, complete and submit the application shown below to the Upper St. Clair Police Department, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241. Questions? Contact Police Administration, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 412-833-1113.
Upper St. Clair Police Department 2017 Citizens’ Police Academy Application Name: (last, first, middle)_ ________________________
Employer:______________________________________
Date of Birth: ___________________________________
Business Phone:_________________________________
Address:________________________________________
Have you ever been arrested?_____________________
_______________________________________________
If yes, please explain:_ ___________________________
Cell Phone:_____________________________________
_______________________________________________
Home Phone: ___________________________________
Signature:_ _____________________________________
Email Address:__________________________________
Date:___________________________________________
The decision on class participants is up to the discretion of the USC Police Department. 34
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Fall 2017
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T From the Director’s Desk Successful Teamwork @ the Library Helen Palascak, Library Director
I have been so fortunate to work with a group of people who are especially dedicated to providing great library service to the community. They are always willing to step up, to do more, to help out, and to support new initiatives. A fantastic example of this was demonstrated when library staff and volunteers worked together throughout Helen Palascak the summer on the nonfiction room renovation and reorganization. The project was accomplished ahead of schedule due to the coordinated teamwork between library workers, Public Works personnel, and the manufacturer and installers of Opening the Book furniture. First, kudos go out to project team leaders, Vanessa Ryzner and Maureen Case, who kept library books and workers organized throughout the process. The greatest challenge was finding a temporary home for more than 10,000 books during the two-phase cabinet installation! Public Works staff, under the supervision of Building and Grounds administrator Jeremy Lemley, played an essential role in the renovation. While working around library hours and needs, they performed the demolition work and prepared the space for the new cabinets. Reference librarians Lee Boyd, Lori Butler, Lisa DeLucia, Sarah Fetterman, Parry Kokalis, Barbara Lenkey, and Joan Raymond carefully reviewed every book and placed each in its appropriate neighborhood. Some book placements were discussed with multiple staff for a broader perspective. It was an intense process, but very effective in crafting focused neighborhoods for various audiences. Books were labeled with neighborhood icons, some book covers were replaced, and all books were cleaned by library assistants Shylu Venkatesh, Debbie Sciomacco, Keren Fauth, and Anna Orient. Library volunteers Marnie Yerkes and Marilyn Ward also assisted in the process. Their meticulous, careful work has created very attractive collections for our readers. On book moving days everyone helped. Library staff included Anne Marie Boyd, Maneesha Kumar-Cleetus, Jackie DeLong, Walker Evans, Janet Sheley, and Michelle Lindsay. Volunteers included Eugene Ryzner and Becky Altschuler. Each shelf was carefully reviewed, ensuring that everything was replaced in just the right spot. Finally, the wonderful graphics and shelf signs are due to the design work of Susan Latshaw, the library’s administrative assistant. Her efficiency and organizational skills were invaluable during this entire project. Teamwork has indeed made our dream work! n
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T What Can We Expect @ the Library? Our Newest Book Club is BYOB Do you love discussing the books you read, but don’t enjoy finding time to read a new book club selection each month? The library is considering a new kind of club where you get to Bring Your Own Book (BYOB)! Just drop in each month to have some snacks, enjoy some good company, and chat about what you’re already reading. No special preparation required. Fill out the survey at www.surveymonkey. com/r/5M5MVTM if you are interested in this type of group. Makers Welcome at the Creativity Café Support Group Calling all cartoonists, cooks, crocheters, and makers of every variety! Find your tribe and nurture your creativity with the library’s newest offering, the Creativity Café. This new group will meet regularly to share food, fellowship, and mutual support. At each meeting we’ll showcase our latest projects, experiment with some tools to stimulate our creativity, and offer words of support, advice, and encouragement. Enjoy opportunities for diverse perspectives on your craft—you might be surprised by a quilter’s insight into poetry! Connect with your fellow makers, get to know your community, and maybe spark a new collaboration. Interested? Email evansw@einetwork.net and we’ll keep you in the loop! Make Your Mark on Our Adult Program Offerings We love offering educational, cultural, and hands-on programs at the library... and we want to hear from you! Are you a program presenter who’d like to share your expertise? A local author with a newly published book? A library user with suggestions for programs you’d like to see? Email evansw@einetwork.net to share your thoughts.
Fall Programs 2017 Alexander Hamilton Thursdays; September 7, 14, 21, and October 5; 7 p.m. Todd DePastino offers a series on the record-breaking, smashhit Broadway musical Hamilton. Come hear how a Caribbean-born orphan, whom John Adams reviled as a “bastard brat of a Scottish peddler,” rose to become the genius who envisioned the young United States as a future global superpower. History Night Mondays; September 18, October 2, November 13, and December 11; 7 p.m. Facilitated by history enthusiasts Glenn Flickinger and Scott Moore, History Night offers a venue to learn about and discuss our past. This fall, our September and October meetings focus on World War I. Our November and December meetings will explore the French and Indian War. 100 Things to Do in Pittsburgh Thursday, September 28, 7 p.m. We love the City of Steel! Join local author Beth Geisler for a whirlwind tour of the city for popular highlights, hidden gems, and everything in between!
Chinese Holiday Traditions: Moon Cake and Tea Tuesday, October 3, 1 p.m. Come discover the history and cultural lore of the traditional Chinese Moon Festival. Enjoy moon cake pastries, fruits, and tea as you prepare for the coming of October’s full moon. Fall in the Garden Thursday, October 12, 7 p.m. The “Four Seasons in the Garden” series continues as we explore the autumnal garden. Join master gardener and landscaper Claire Schuchman for this program, and then tour Claire’s personal garden on Sunday, October 15, 2 p.m. Fall 2017
History of Carnegie Library Thursday, October 19, 7 p.m. Author and professor Bob Gangewere offers a window into the history of Andrew Carnegie’s enduring creation: the Carnegie Library. Learn about the cultural and historical forces and meet the fascinating figures who shaped the Carnegie Library for more than a century.
Genealogy: How to Start Your Search Monday, October 30, 7 p.m. Curious about your roots? Join expert Julie Agar for a crash course in genealogy. Find out what resources are available to you, create a strategy for your research, and gather pro tips for a fruitful search. Ten Fingers Touching: Finding Your “Happy Ever After” Thursday, November 2, 7 p.m. Join local debut author Ellen Roth as she discusses her fairy tale for adults. Ten Fingers Touching is a moving meditation on romance, fate, and love. CPR/AED Training Thursday, November 9, 6:30 p.m. Learn the critical skills needed to respond to and manage an emergency until emergency medical services arrives in this hands-on class. Students who complete this class will receive certification from the American Heart Association. Fee: $30 per person Ongoing Programs Check the library events calendar for dates of the library’s book groups, writer’s group, knit & crochet group, and the new caregiver’s support group. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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T Kids & Teens
USC Library Helps Local Preschoolers Get Ready for Kindergarten Through Play Upper St. Clair is one of the communities in Pennsylvania chosen to participate in a new program called Play K, which focuses on using play to help preschoolers develop the skills needed to be successful in kindergarten and later in life. The program provides materials and a curriculum of activities for six different play and learn centers or playscapes. Each center is designed around an early childhood theme or topic to provide an interactive learning experience. Play K is aligned to Pennsylvania’s Learning Standards for Early Childhood with the goal of promoting early learning skills within the library setting. About Each Playscape Within each playscape, the nine key learning areas from Pennsylvania’s Learning Standards for Early Childhood are reinforced as children and parents play and learn together. Materials and books for hands-on learning are provided. Through the games and activities, children will develop fine motor, spatial, and problem-solving skills; build their vocabulary; use their imagination; improve letter recognition and number skills; and grow narrative skills and comprehension. Beginning this month and every month thereafter, one of the following six playscapes will be available to explore.
• All Aboard explores the theme of transportation, including the different kinds of transportation and why it is important to our daily lives. • A Home for Me and a Home for You explores the theme of house and home, including the different kinds of houses that people live in within communities. • Let’s Go Shopping! explores the theme of shopping and beginning economics. Children will learn how money relates to the purchase of goods and services, using a grocery store as the example. • All Around Town explores the theme of community and citizenship and focuses on the different people in the community and how, when everyone works together, the community is a better place. • Amazing Animals–Pets explores the theme of pets and what they need to live and grow. • My Colorful World explores the theme of color and light and how colors help us describe the objects in our world. The Play K program is made possible by a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of Commonwealth Libraries. n
I WANT TO BE A FRIEND! ❑ Yes, I'd like to sign up today.
Please accept my tax deductible donation payable to Friends of the Library of USC. FRIEND
$10 per household + $____ (donation) = _____Total
GOOD FRIEND (entitles you to a Friends of the Library coffee mug)
$25 per household + $____ (donation) = _____Total Name: ______________________________________ _____________________ Date: __________________ Address: ____________________________________ ____________________________________________ Phone: ______________________________________ Email:_______________________________________
❑ Yes, call me for volunteer opportunities. 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 www.twpusc.org 38
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Upcoming Classes
Fall into the library and enjoy some great classes and activities throughout the season! This autumn, the library will offer a wide variety of classes for children of all ages. The popular storytime sessions begin Monday, September 25 and run through Friday, November 3. This six-week series will offer children, parents, grandparents, and caregivers many opportunities to visit the library, hear stories, and have a good time. A complete list and all program information can be found at the library or on the library’s website at www.twpusc.org/library/kids. Registration for all fall classes begins Wednesday, September 13, in person, at the library. Babies & Toddlers Storytime Children ages 4–24 months with a grown-up Babies & Toddlers Storytime combines interactive play, action rhymes, songs, and books all designed to hold the attention of our youngest participants. Mondays or Tuesdays, 10 a.m. Twos & Threes Storytime Children age 2–3 ½ years old with a grown-up Twos & Threes Storytime features books and stories, action rhymes and songs, and puppets and play, to entertain your child. Tuesdays, 11 a.m. or 1:45 p.m. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. Preschool Storytime Children ages 3 ½, 4, and 5 years old who are ready to spend a half-hour on their own Stories, songs, finger plays, and book-related activities are featured in Preschool Storytime which concludes with an ending project for participants and their caregivers. Thursdays, 10 a.m. or 1:45 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. Math Mites Children ages 4 and 5 years old who are not yet in Kindergarten Preschoolers can learn early math skills through stories and hands-on activities at the library’s Math Mites class. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. or 1:45 p.m.
Library Explorers Kids currently in Kindergarten This session of Library Explorers will showcase books and activities featuring beginning math concepts, including sorting, shapes, numbers and counting, and more. Tuesdays, 10 a.m. or 1:45 p.m. Book Trek Kids in 1st–4th grade This afterschool program for elementary school-aged children will feature activities and books about outer space and astronomy. Tuesdays or Wednesdays, 4 p.m. Family Storytime Families with children 2–7 years of age are invited to spend a fun evening sharing stories, songs, and games. Thursdays; September 28, November 9; 7 p.m. Paws for Reading Kids in 1st–5th grade are invited to come to the library and read to dogs licensed through Therapy Dogs International. These dogs love to listen to stories read by boys and girls! Thursdays; September 28, October 26, and November 16; 5:30 p.m.
Fall Crafting Fun at the Library
Enjoy a variety of craft times throughout the fall. Crafts will be set up for you to complete at your leisure during library operating hours. A parent or caregiver is asked to assist their children with the crafts. Halloween Crafts Monday, October 23 through Tuesday, October 31 Thanksgiving Crafts M o n d a y, N o v e m b e r 1 3 t h ro u g h Wednesday, November 22
Events for Tweens and Teens at the Library
Kids in middle school and high school are invited to attend Teen Fun Nights each month at the Township library. For up-to-date information, see the flyers on the teen library website at www.twpusc.org/library/teens. If you’d like to be included on the teen program announcements, email Miss Colleen at milesc@einetwork.net with your name to join.
USC Township Library Hours
Monday–Thursday, 9:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Friday–Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday, 1–5 p.m. Outside book and video return available 24/7 Closed summer Sundays through Labor Day Closed Monday, September 4 (Labor Day)
412-835-5540 www.twpusc.org
Activities for Our Kids Art in the Park Having fun at Art in the Park!
New at the Library— Block Party The library received a wooden block center through the Pennsylvania Library’s Block Party grant. It came with sets of play animals, people, and vehicles. It’s available for builders young and old.
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USC Recreation and www.twpusc.org
Family-Friendly Fall Events
Fall Dates of Note
Freaky Friday
C&RC Annual Building Closure
Save the following fall dates filled with family fun! Friday, October 20 Celebrate Halloween at the C&RC!
Costume Parade Dress up the little ones and head to the C&RC for a morning costume parade and trickor-treat. Participants should meet in the C&RC lobby before 10 a.m., and then parade through the building to collect goodies along the way. Free for all participants. Scary Swim & Crafts Don’t miss out on a frightfully good time as the indoor pool transforms into a spooky scene. Non-swimmers are invited to join the fun in the C&RC lobby creating their very own scary décor. Visit the C&RC website for additional information on times and fees.
Color Crawl— Sparkle Edition
Saturday, October 28 Little ghouls and big goblins alike will have a blast participating in this non-competitive two mile walk/ run on the paved trails of Boyce Mayview Park. Participants will make their way through a series of Halloween-themed color stations where they will be showered with vibrant colored powder and sparkle. Open to all ages and fitness levels.
Youth Steering Fall Blast
Saturday, October 28 USC Cares for Kids, an initiative of the Youth Steering Committee, is sponsoring “Fall Blast” at the C&RC, 6:30–8:30 p.m., Saturday, October 28 for all USC youngsters in grades 5–8. Preregistration is recommended. Activities and theme TBA. Contact Youth Steering committee chair Jennifer Bowen at YSCUSC@gmail.com after September 1 with questions. Fee: $10 per child or $20 family maximum.
Bounty at Boyce Mayview Park Fall Fest
Saturday, November 4 There is no better way to spend a fall afternoon than at the Bounty! Friends and families will have plenty of activities to choose from throughout Boyce Mayview Park as well as inside the C&RC. Come and enjoy live entertainment at the event tent, grab a bite to eat from one of the food trucks, visit with some local community service heroes, and stroll through the park, visiting the many family-friendly attractions.
August 20–25 The indoor facilities of the C&RC will be closed Sunday, August 20–Friday, August 25 for scheduled annual maintenance. The outdoor pool will remain open on a limited basis. Contact the C&RC for additional details.
Outdoor Pool Last Day
Monday, September 4 The outdoor pool will close for the season at 5 p.m. on Labor Day, Monday, September 4. Labor Day hours of operation are 11 a.m.–5 p.m. for the outdoor pool and 10 a.m.–2 p.m. for the indoor facility.
United Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair Join the United Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair! Free for all USC residents 55 years of age or older and retired; spouses of eligible members may also join even if under age 55. The program meets every Wednesday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Morning activities are informal and include the preparation of lunch by volunteers from the group. The members hold a brief business meeting at noon, followed by a delicious meal. Afternoon activities include musical entertainment, lectures or presentations of interest, book
Heroes lot
Apple sling shot 40
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Food truck Fall 2017
Prepping for lunch
Leisure Services
Susan Highley,
412-221-1099 Blood Drive
Tuesday, September 12 The Central Blood Bank will be accepting blood donations at the C&RC on Tuesday, September 12, noon–6 p.m. Interested donors can sign up for an appointment on the Central Blood Banks website or drop in that day to give.
Arts & Chocolate Spectacular A fitting name for an extraordinary family-fun event The USC Township Department of Recreation and Leisure Services hosted another successful Arts & Chocolate Spectacular event this past spring. Event goers enjoyed music and dance performances by local performing artists, strolled through the student art gallery, tasted many sweet treats, and created their very own masterpieces in the kids craft tent. Congratulations to the winners of this year’s People’s Choice Awards:
ABR, CRS, SRES
Vendors: • Best Dessert Presentation: Batter & Dough • Best Chocolate Dessert: Victoria’s Fudge-A-Licious • Best Chocolate Candy: Victoria’s Fudge-A-Licious • Best Candy Presentation: My Favorite Sweet Shoppe Candy display
Artists: • High School: Rylie McGrady, Canon-McMillan SD • Intermediate/Middle School: Alex Belli, Upper St. Clair SD • Elementary School: Mela Barnhart, Canon-McMillan SD Thank you to all of the talented young artists who contributed their artwork as well as those who performed throughout the day. Painting birds
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reviews, health and fitness instruction, game days, and more! In addition, day trips to various performances and places of interest are scheduled throughout the year. Most meetings are held at the McLaughlin Run Activity Center (the MAC), located at 1770 McLaughlin Run Road. Some meetings may also be held at the C&RC, located at 1551 Many hands make for Mayview Road, or at other venues. light work and more fun! For more information, contact Chaz McCrommon, assistant community programs coordinator, via email at mccrommon@twpusc.org or No car? No problem! ACCESS can take you right to the door. by phone at 412-221-1099, extension 603. n
Senior Information Gold Card Offered by the USC School District to residents age 62 and older. Card admits holder to School District drama and musical performances, athletic events, and other events free of charge. Applications taken at School District reception desk at 1820 McLaughlin Run Road. Silver Card Offered by USC Township to residents age 62 or older. Card admits holder to the Municipal three-hole golf course, outdoor tennis facilities, specified Community & Recreation Center programs, and other activities designated and sponsored by the Township of Upper St. Clair. Applications are available at the Community & Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park.
ACCESS 65 PLUS is a shared-ride transportation service program for senior citizens age 65 and older. Contact Chaz McCrommon, assistant community programs coordinator, at 412-221-1099, ext. 603, for information about this program and for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Senior Citizen identification card for the Port Authority Transit (PAT) system. For more information on any Older Adult programming, contact Chaz McCrommon, assistant community programs coordinator, at 412-221-1099, ext. 603, or mccrommon@twpusc.org. Fall 2017
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Recycling Updates
Ron Sarrick, Sustainability Administrator Community Day 2017 I thoroughly enjoyed meeting those who visited the
Public Works’ recycling information booth on Community Day and we hope that you enjoyed Miss Colleen’s fishing station. Some of her recycling facts were jaw-dropping, and I couldn’t believe that certain pollution and recycling conditions exist. As a society, we need to take better care of our waterways. Storm water runs into our rivers through creeks. Pay attention to the details; certain things can make a big difference in the quality of our lives for the long run!
Recycling Recycling shouldn’t be that difficult. There are many things that can be recycled, but not necessarily at curbside. Most residents realize that TVs can be dropped off at E-cycling at the Community & Recreation Center parking lot on the second Saturday of each month, with February being the only noncollection month. Along with TVs, anything with a cord or a battery-operated device can be recycled. Don’t forget to also recycle batteries that are nine pounds or less. They can be dropped off at the USC Township Library lobby “Call 2 Recycle” box. Follow the instructions on the recycle box. Steel, metals of all types, and car batteries can be recycled at local retailers or at a scrap yard. There are a number of local area outlets that accommodate, and most are open on Saturdays or weekends. Ask Google or Siri for the addresses or phone numbers of related businesses. For those who still use the phone book, contacts can be found there, as well. There are also those full-service businesses that will come to your home and remove unwanted items that require little to no effort on your part. Most will be sure to get your items to a proper recycling depot or place that can handle used goods. Check your mailed “2017 Trash and Recycling Information” guide for questions you might have regarding items to be recycled or items that won’t be picked up. Conveniently place the “Use the Bin” magnet that was in your 2017 mailer for easy reference. Good information at a glance, it comes complete with contact phone numbers. Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) Community Day presented an opportunity to get information out to USC residents regarding MS4. There are a number of ways to become more aware of storm water and how to consider keeping it clean. Visit twpusc.org and click on “sustainability, sewers, storm water management” for storm water information. Coloring Contest for USC Sustainable Living (See the Centerfold) If you haven’t already noticed, the centerfold spread of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY has coloring pages for USC residents. There are several pages that invite you to learn more about sustainable living through recycling and storm water knowledge in USC. We 42
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have included this section as a contest for creative coloring. The rules for the contest are placed on the USC Township website under the “sustainability” page. Go there to get information and start coloring! The entries will be judged, and winners will be contacted and announced in a following edition of TODAY and on the Township website. Good luck to all contestants! If you’re not that into contests, color the pages for fun or stress relief. Air Quality Monitoring Most recently, the Township opened its municipal building doors to air quality monitoring. The program, ROCIS, is funded through the Heinz Endowments and was made available through the Green Workplace Challenge (GWC) program of Sustainable Pittsburgh, of which the Township is a member and GWC participant. ROCIS, an acronym for Reducing Outdoor Contaminants in Indoor Spaces, is a low-cost monitoring project. The monitoring took place for one month between February 17 and March 17, 2017, at several points in the building’s library, IT Department, Public Works building maintenance offices, and administration area. “The purpose of this project is to explore and clarify the value and applications for low-cost monitoring devices to address indoor air quality,” said Linda Wiggington, ROCIS project lead. There are several monitors that are used in the program to measure different air characteristics: CO for carbon monoxide (indoor), C02 for carbon dioxide (indoor and outdoor), particulate matter less than or equal to 2.5ppm (indoor and outdoor), and radon (indoor). The results of the monitoring data reinforced that most of the area’s particulate matter is in approximately the same range of highs and lows in particulate matter of less than or equal to 2.5ppm. The building had no carbon monoxide concerns and radon was well under the 4pCi/l level designated by the U.S. EPA. The report from ROCIS can be made available to any resident, upon request, from the Township office. Pennsylvania Clean-up Campaign Volunteering for Pennsylvania Cleanup, part of the Great America Cleanup program sponsored annually by Keep America Beautiful, Boy Scouts from Troop 366, along with one of the dads, walked McMillan Road on May 13 to clean up roadway debris. Six completely filled trash bags containing typical items that people toss from car windows onto our highways were collected. Unfortunately, some people view our precious environment as their trash can. Cigarette filters (which do not break down) and emptied ashtrays, normally at intersections, litter our roads. Plastic bottles from water, soda, or beer, and soft drink containers as well as shopping bags and various paper items are carelessly tossed. On a brighter side, McLaughlin Run Road was cleaned up by our local Rotary, and Mayview Road was also cleaned. Thanks to all the folks who help to keep our roads clean, regardless of those who continue to litter. n
Local cleanup
The Storm Drain Is For Rain Water Only! The storm drains allow clean rain water to flow directly to our streams and rivers, and helps prevent flooding in the streets. When debris and trash enter the storm drains, the result is a clogged and inefficient system. When pollutants such as car wash soap and pet waste enter the storm drain, the streams and rivers become polluted, causing a health risk to people, wildlife, and vegetation. What can you do? • Consider using biodegradable products when washing your car, or go to a car wash. • Don’t rake leaves or grass cuttings into the street. • Clean up after your pets. • Don’t litter. For more information, go to twpusc.org/public-works/sustainability.
Trucks need space to lift the recycle bins
Min. 3’ USC Public Works Coloring Contest For rules and more information, visit twpusc.org/public-works/sustainability.
Min. 3’ Fold Line
Name______________________________________________ Age______ Phone____________________________________ Address____________________________________________
Keep the storm drain water clean...
Keep out leaves, grass clippings, trash, cigarettes, and other pollutants.
Keep the streams clean!
Fold Line
USC Public Works Coloring Contest For rules and more information, visit twpusc.org/public-works/sustainability.
Name______________________________________________ Age______ Phone____________________________________ Address____________________________________________
These things can be recycled Draw a line from the words to the matching picture (if shown).
Aluminum and Bi-metal Steel Food Cans #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #7 Plastics Clear, Green, and Brown Glass Containers Newsprint Milk Cartons and Juice Boxes Cardboard Paperboard Boxes White Office Paper Computer Paper Magazines Advertising Inserts Junk Mail Envelopes Catalogs Phone Books Paperback Books Paper Bags Do NOT recycle the following: NO Plastic Bags NO Styrofoam
NO Loose Plastic NO Lids smaller than 2” diameter
NO Aluminum foil or Pie Pans NO Wire Hangers NO Garbage
USC Public Works Coloring Contest Have fun coloring these pages while learning about clean water. Submit the “truck with recycle bins” page or the “Keep the storm drain water clean” page. Send your finished page along with your name, age, address, and phone number to the Township of Upper St. Clair, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 in a 9x12 unfolded envelope, OR drop off at the Township Public Works Department, 1751 McLaughlin Run Road, OR the Township Library at 1820 McLaughlin Run Road (see a librarian), OR Township business office reception. For rules and more information, visit twpusc.org/public-works/sustainability.
Underwritten by UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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Storm Water Detention Structures David Kutschbach, Superintendent of Projects Have you ever noticed or wondered what the pond area in your neighborhood is? Since the mid-1970s, municipalities have required dry extended detention basins or ponds to be incorporated into new development projects. Detention ponds are designed to temporarily detain or store storm water run-off to reduce the peak rate of flow into a stream during a rain event. The ponds help to prevent localized flooding downstream and reduce streambank erosion. During plan review, a developer must show that the rate of storm water leaving the area after development will be no greater than the rate of storm water leaving the property before development. Detention ponds are designed to release captured storm water over time, typically over a 24-hour period, and do not allow for the permanent pooling of water. Therefore, the size of the pond will vary from project to project. Typically, detention basins, or ponds, are earthen structures constructed by excavating existing soil or impoundment of a natural depression. In some developments, there may be an underground oversize pipe or tank, designed with the same intent to temporarily collect and slowly release storm water into a stream. Storm water regulations associated with the federal Clean Water Act (CWA) are administered under the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program. The MS4 program is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP). One of the six Minimum Control Measures (MCMs) required under the MS4 program is MCM #5, post construction storm water management. Detention ponds and tanks are inventoried structural Best Management Practices (BMPs) and they are a Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) reporting requirement. Currently, there are 64 detention ponds or tanks within Upper St. Clair Township, of which 14 are owned and maintained by the Township. The remaining 50 ponds and tanks are privately owned, with the majority being owned by homeowners’ associations. Each year, detention ponds and tanks are inspected by the Township. Maintenance deficiencies are noted and referred to code enforcement. Maintenance and remediation of a detention pond or tank are the responsibility of the owner.
Township storm water detention pond
Maintaining Your Detention Pond A consistent maintenance program is the best way to ensure that a detention pond will continue to perform its design function. Regular detention pond maintenance will ensure that your detention pond is aesthetically pleasing, functional, and safe. Vegetation Management • Grass is the most common groundcover in and around a detention pond. Mow grass regularly to maintain consistent growth. • Cut cattails growing within the internal pond area. • Remove “wild” trees and woody bushes from pond sides, embankment, and internal pond area. • Seed areas without vegetation growth to prevent erosion. Debris and Trash Removal • Remove debris or trash that may blow or wash into the pond area. • Remove trash or debris blocking orifices, grates, trash racks, outlet pipes, or the emergency spillway. • Remove fallen trees or limbs. • Do not place or dispose of yard waste (grass clippings, leaves, or brush) around pond area. • Do not discard pet waste around pond area. Structural Integrity of the Pond or Piping • Significant sedimentation accumulation in the pond bottom that may impede water flow or block the discharge pipe should be removed. • Check embankment conditions for signs of erosion and repair as needed. • Check control structures and piping. Replace deteriorated piping. • Check outfall structure. Add rip-rap or repair as needed. • Check structural integrity of hatch doors for underground tanks. Replace hatch doors that have broken hinges or those that are severely rusted. • Accessways should remain open and free of debris. Everyone has a stake in and responsibility for storm water control under the MS4 program, including USC Township, homeowners’ associations, businesses, and residents. These are your detention ponds, typically located in your green space. We need to keep our storm water detention facilities aesthetically pleasing and functional, allowing them to perform as designed. n
Navigating USC Through the Years with Street Signs Even with the many traveling apps that are available on our phones,
people continue to use street signs to help navigate and identify locations. Upper St. Clair Township is no different. What is different, though, are the posted street signs we will be using. The Township is systematically replacing the signs ward-by-ward, a process that should be completed in 2018. For the past 40 years, USC used similar variations of black and white cast aluminum signs that included little more than font changes in the lettering. The new heavy gauge aluminum signs outlined in
red are about 50% larger than the old signs and have a reflective covering to improve readability during the day and night. The reason for the change in signage comes from the newly imposed standards set by the Federal Highway Administration’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Following the completion of installation of all new style signs, the old signs will become available through an auction process to the public with a starting bid of $25 per sign. Contact RaAnne Gingrich at gingrich@twpusc.org or call the Township Fall 2017
office at 412-831-9000, identifying the sign(s) in which you are interested. The Township will contact you with instructions for bidding once the sign is available. All proceeds will be reinvested into the Township’s street program. n
A sampling of USC street signs through the years, including the newest sign (on right) UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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General Election—Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Polls Open 7 a.m.–8 p.m.
Tuesday, October 10, 2017, is Voter Registration Deadline Date. (Date subject to change pending Pennsylvania legislative action.)
If you have questions regarding the election, registration, or absentee ballots, 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
Fort Couch Middle School–Gymnasium Miranda Drive entrance
1 4
Fort Couch Middle School–Gymnasium Miranda Drive entrance
2 1
Fort Couch Middle School–Gymnasium Miranda Drive entrance
2
2
Westminster Presbyterian Church–Washington Road
2 3
Fort Couch Middle School–Gymnasium Miranda Drive entrance
2 4
Fort Couch Middle School–Gymnasium Miranda Drive entrance
Ward District 3 1 3 2 3 3 4 1 4 2 4 3 4 4 5 1 5 2 5 3
Polling Place Recreation Center–McLaughlin Run Road St. Louise de Marillac Business Office (rear)–McMurray Road Recreation Center–McLaughlin Run Road Baker Elementary School, Gymnasium–Morton Road Boyce Middle School, Gymnasium–Boyce Road Boyce Middle School, Gymnasium–Boyce Road Boyce Middle School, Gymnasium–Boyce Road Wesley Spectrum Services, Gymnasium–Johnston Road Wesley Spectrum Services, Gymnasium–Johnston Road Boyce Middle School, Gymnasium–Boyce Road
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.
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2017 Trash-Recycling Holiday Collection Holiday Collection Date Labor Day............................... Thursday, September 7 and Friday, September 8 Thanksgiving.......................... Friday, November 24
2017 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 21, 28; November 4, 11, 18; and December 2.
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Fall 2017
• Convenient appointment hours, including Saturday mornings • 24-hour emergency services • Most major insurance plans accepted
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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Upper St. Clair School District Board of School Directors
Angela B. Petersen President 412-831-7182 2019*
Patrick A. Hewitt 412-831-0178 2019*
Amy L. Billerbeck Vice President 412-833-2712 2019*
Frank J. Kerber 412-833-4873 2017*
Barbara L. Bolas 412-833-9841 2019*
Harry F. Kunselman 412-851-1115 2017*
School District Central Office Administration
Phillip J. Elias 412-257-1198 2019*
Scott Burchill Director of Business and Finance
Dr. John Rozzo Assistant Superintendent
Dr. Sharon Suritsky Assistant/Deputy Superintendent
Dr. Judy Bulazo Director of Curriculum and Professional Development
Ray Berrott Director of Technology
Amy Pfender Director of Student Support Services
Buffy Z. Hasco 412-833-5712 2017*
The 2017 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 Louis P. Mafrice, Jr. meeting is scheduled for July. 412-851-0622 2017*
*Date indicates expiration of term.
To reach personnel, call 412-833-1600, and follow the automated directions. Administrator
Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole Superintendent of Schools
http://www.uscsd.k12.pa.us
Secretary/Email Address Extension
Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole................................ Mary Ann Stabile.............................2201 Superintendent of Schools mstabile@uscsd.k12.pa.us Dr. Sharon Suritsky................................... Donna Faccenda..............................2218 Assistant/Deputy Superintendent dfaccenda@uscsd.k12.pa.us Dr. John Rozzo............................................ Mary Ann Stabile.............................2201 Assistant Superintendent mstabile@uscsd.k12.pa.us Scott Burchill.............................................. Dawn Machi.....................................2220 Director of Business and Finance dmachi@uscsd.k12.pa.us Dr. Judy Bulazo.......................................... Donna Faccenda..............................2218 Director of Curriculum dfaccenda@uscsd.k12.pa.us and Professional Development Ray Berrott.............................................................................................................2059 Director of Technology rberrott@uscsd.k12.pa.us Amy Pfender............................................... Terri Lott...........................................2283 Director of Student Support Services tlott@uscsd.k12.pa.us Melissa Garvin............................................ Cheryl Ellison...................................2116 Asst. Director of Student Support Services cellison@uscsd.k12.pa.us Bradley Wilson .....................................................................................................3318 Supervisor of Customized and Online Learning Sheila Gorgonio.....................................................................................................2826 Director of Advancement sgornonio@uscsd.k12.pa.us Joseph Conners......................................................................................................2560 Chief of School Police Jonn Mansfield........................................................................................................ 3450 Director of Transportation Tina Vojtko............................................................................................................2215 Communications Specialist tvojtko@uscsd.k12.pa.us School District Building Administration
Melissa Garvin Asst. Director of Student Support Services
Bradley Wilson Supervisor of Customized and Online Learning
Sheila Gorgonio Director of Advancement
Dr. Lou Angelo............................... High School Principal Dr. Timothy Wagner ..................... High School Associate Principal for Program Planning and Innovation Daniel Beck.................................... High School Assistant Principal Joseph DeMar ................................ Fort Couch Middle School Principal Erin Peterson.................................. Fort Couch Assistant Principal Daniel O’Rourke............................ Boyce Middle School Principal Christine Mussomeli...................... Boyce Middle School Assistant Principal Dr. Patrick McClintock-Comeaux... Baker Elementary School Principal Mark Miller.......................................Eisenhower Elementary School Principal/ Supervisor of Elementary Education Dr. Claire Miller............................. Streams Elementary School Principal
Upper St. Clair School District Notices Online The required annual notices to parents of children who reside in the Upper St. Clair School District are available online. Visit the District website at www.uscsd.k12.pa.us. >>Information>>Compliance Notifications to view the District notices and immunization regulations for the 2017–18 school year. 50
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USC Among the 2017 Best High Schools Upper St. Clair High School ranks among the top high schools in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report and its website which states, “the rankings include data on more than 22,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Schools were awarded gold, silver, or bronze medals based on their performance on state assessments and how well they prepare students for college.” Ranked 12th in Pennsylvania and third in Allegheny County, Upper St. Clair High School was recognized with a silver medal. Of the commonwealth’s 686 high schools, six earned gold medals, 78 were awarded silver medals, and 148 received bronze medals. Nationally, USC ranks 666 out of more than 22,000 high schools in the nation, which is among the top three percent. “At Upper St. Clair, we strive for excellence throughout our entire educational program,” said Dr. Patrick O’Toole, superintendent of schools. “This recognition based on academic performance in combination with our recent Best Communities for Music Education accolades speaks volumes about our District’s commitment to developing the whole child.” Dr. Louis Angelo, USCHS principal, attributes the school’s success to a shared commitment to quality teaching and learning by the greater school community. “Our Upper St. Clair school community values a high quality educational program,” said Dr. Angelo. “Our students, faculty, and families work in partnership
to provide instruction, support, enrichment, and encouragement to enable students to achieve their fullest potential.” U.S. News & World Report used a four-step process to determine its list of the Best High Schools. • Step 1: The first step determined whether each school’s students were performing better than statistically expected for students in that state, given their student poverty levels (based on number of students who qualify for free or reduced lunch). • Step 2: For schools passing the first step, the second step assessed whether their least-advantaged students (black, Hispanic, and low-income students) performed at or better than the state average for these student groups. • Step 3: Schools must have achieved a graduation rate of at least 75%. • Step 4: Schools that made it through the first three steps became eligible to be judged nationally on the final step—college readiness—an index calculated based on the school’s Advanced Placement participation and performance on the tests. By sharing this information, the organization hopes that parents across the country will be armed with objective information to help them make better-informed decisions about their child’s education. “The Best High Schools rankings identify the country’s top-performing public high schools,” said Robert Morse, chief data strategist for U.S. News & World Report. “The goal is to provide a clear, unbiased picture of how well public schools serve all of their students—from the highest to lowest achieving—in preparing them to demonstrate proficiency in basic skills as well as readiness for college-level work.” High schools are among America’s most important institutions. “Education drives the country’s future,” said Morse. “Recognizing schools that are performing well and providing them as models to other schools will inspire educators and communities to do better.” n
USC Named Among the Best Communities for Music Education For the second year in a row, Upper St. Clair School District was named among the nation’s Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation. Upper St. Clair is one of only 11 school districts in Allegheny County, 72 in Pennsylvania, and 527 from across the country to earn the distinction in 2017. “This award demonstrates the strong commitment to music education by the teachers, families, and administration of the Upper St. Clair School District,” said Don Pickell, performing arts curriculum leader and band director. “The community of Upper St. Clair values music education and the wonderful effect it can have on students, developing their creativity, sensitivity, and higher level thinking.” According to the NAMM Foundation, the Best Communities for Music Education award program recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who have made music education part of the curriculum. Designations are made to districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education.
“Upper St. Clair is extremely fortunate to have a dynamic and dedicated music faculty made up of exceptional teachers and musicians who pass on their passion for music to their students,” said Don. “Upper St. Clair offers students an outstanding music program filled with a myriad of opportunities to express their creativity through performance.” Part of the District’s mission statement is to provide learning experiences that nurture the uniqueness of each child. Dr. Patrick O’Toole, superintendent of schools, said, “A strong and diverse music program is central to our commitment to educating the whole child. From our youngest students to our extremely talented and skilled high school musicians, Upper St. Clair’s music program provides opportunities for students to discover and pursue their interests and passion.” In its 18th year, the BCME designation is an important part of the NAMM Foundation’s efforts to advocate for school-based music education. Numerous studies have demonstrated that learning to play music can boost other academic and social skills. n Fall 2017
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USCHS Commencement 2017
Superintendent’s Address Dr. Patrick O’Toole, Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Patrick O’Toole
I thank you, Class of 2017, for all that you have done to maintain and elevate the tradition of Upper St. Clair High School’s rich and meaningful educational experience. I would like to title my remarks as your “final five minutes of instruction.” Tonight, in this final lesson, I would like to reinforce a skill your teachers have been stressing for the past 13 years—the art of thinking. The world you are about to enter— whether it be your work, your role as family member, or your role as citizen—will be anything but routine. It will require you to be a skilled thinker for your own development as well for as the good of your family, community, and country. Therefore, I offer this short review on learning to think, taken from David Goldsmith’s book Paid to Think.
Goldsmith suggests that we intentionally engage in the following seven formal and informal learning opportunities that are all around us. 1. Read for awareness. There are literally thousands of print and online resources offering a variety of learning options from business to science to technology. The act of simply just scanning these differing perspectives and topics will help you and influence your thinking. 2. Read for learning. Engaging in a deeper study of selected information will build your bank of knowledge and improve your understanding and decision-making skills. 3. Participate in continuing education opportunities, both formal and informal. By engaging with others with similar or dissimilar interests as you, your mind stays fresh with new ideas and possible solutions to challenges you face. 4. Engage in child’s play. Believe it or not, we can learn as adults much like we did as children, and it is much more fun! For instance, gaming technology that many
of you use can help you learn to strategize and provide opportunities to collaborate with others. 5. Study great thinkers. Study the thoughts, values, and ideals of great thinkers, both past and present. Such study might help you to understand present problems and find new ways to solve everyday challenges. 6. Watch “stuff.” Through video streaming, you can literally travel the world, watch insightful lectures, or learn how to do most anything. Educational television programming, as well as YouTube videos and Podcasts, can teach you about faraway places, historically significant people, or even how to fix your car. 7. Finally, and most importantly, confirm the facts. Do not automatically assume that what you are reading or viewing is accurate. Even sources that may be assumed to be credible should be vetted for factuality. In summary, Goldsmith’s work informs us that the development and execution of thinking allows us to focus our energies on creating new opportunities and solving
Opening Remarks Angela Petersen, President, USC Board of School Directors Today, I would like to expose a secret: the greatest gift of an Upper St. Clair education is that you have developed and take with you the ability to be a leader. Some of you have already discovered that you have leadership skills and have used them during your years here. But—and you will remember me telling you this—many of you will be surprised when the strangers in your “new world” look to you for leadership, sensing that you have the talents to create a path for success. I would like to share something that I learned about leadership. The Heart-Led Leader by Tommy Spaulding taught me a life lesson. The key to being a leader is never to forget that everyone has a story, that not everyone tells his story, and that one doesn’t always ask—a heart-led leader not only tells his story, he also asks. When you meet new people listen carefully for their story. In the end, we are all human, we each have stories that have shaped our lives. Some stories end happily and some, regrettably, do not. Being a leader goes beyond identifying the roles and goals 52
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of a successful venture. Sharing the stories of the defining moments in your own life—the experiences that make you a unique individual—allows you to connect with others and lead at a human, heart-led level. A heart-led leader sets the example for others to be open, candid, and even vulnerable. Look around you, at everyone in this stadium; we all have many things in common, among them hopes, dreams, and fears. Remember that when people feel safe they will share their vulnerability. Listening will help you understand the person you are working with. I’m not talking about ferreting out and exposing deep dark secrets, but about understanding the life events that made someone into the person standing before you. And realize that person who is your co-worker or team member is, in part, responsible for your own well-being and success. Accepting people unconditionally will result in deeper relationships, personally and professionally. Trust is the backbone of high-performance teams. If you want trust, you need heart. It has been said that if you win the heart, Fall 2017
Angela Petersen
the mind follows. One way to invoke the heart is to address the core values of loyalty, commitment, contribution, individual worth, dignity, and integrity. And don’t forget compassion; a leader cannot have compassion for others if he does not have compassion for himself. Leaders with heart can still be demanding, hold people accountable, and have great expectations. But a heart-led leader has empathy for the people he leads. And, when times get tough—and, unfortunately, they often do—people want to be led by someone who cares and who makes them feel like they count. I challenge all members of the Class of 2017 to measure your future successes by how many smiles your leadership generates. Judge yourself by a standard that asks if your service helped others to have a better day. n
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USCHS Class of 2017 Academic Achievers Valedictorians: Paul Abrams, Aditi Chattopadhyay, Christopher D’Amico, Yash Lahoti, Emily McFerran, Murphy Miller, Vashisth Parekh, Darius Radfar, Claire Zalla International Baccalaureate Diploma Graduates: Amna Amin, Julius Fichtner, Devon Garcia, Nicholas Hages, Macey problems—two essential skills you will face as adults. There is a great quote from author Sandra Parks that speaks to educators on the importance of student thinking skills. Parks writes, “Teach children what to think and you limit them to your ideas. Teach children how to think and their ideas are unlimited.” Upper St. Clair Class of 2017, your education at USC has provided you with the critical thinking skills necessary to advance to the next level, whether you are headed to a college or university, to serve our country in the armed services, or to the workforce. It will be up to you to continue to further grow your thinking skills in order to create new opportunities and solve problems in your own home, in your community, in our nation, or in the world. n
Kaplan, Arushi Kewalramani, Tana Mahajan, Paloma Martin, Ole Minuth, Vashisth Parekh, Vedant Parekh, Mahima Reddy, Tina-Marie Stine, Vicki Wang, Claire Zalla Superintendent’s Academic Achievement Award: Elizabeth Boal, Matthew Burton, Gavin Lindsay
Valedictorians shown here are listed above alphabetically
To view the list of students who were honored at the USCHS awards ceremony in May, visit the TODAY website at www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home and click on “Past Issues” in the upper left-hand area of the screen. Scroll down to the “Features” section to find a link to USCHS 2017 Student Awards. Graduation photos courtesy of M&M Photography.
Student Speeches
Claire Zalla–Valedictorian … We’ve all shaped each other in one way or another, whether by saying “Hi” to each other in the hallway or picking up a runaway pencil. The small things often stay in our memories. Some ties are stronger than others, but it doesn’t mean that brief contact has no effect on us. Those invisible connections will continue to multiply as we meet others. Who we are and who we choose to become once we leave USC for, perhaps, the last time will matter, not just to us but to everyone around us. Whatever you do, find your people. They are the people with whom you will build the best friendships and make unforgettable memories.
Allie Ryave–Staff Choice … Thirteen years, 89.5%, 103 staff members, 732 days, and 364 students in our class. While these numbers shaped the people who we are today, from here on out, they now become a part of our history. When we receive our diplomas today, we lose the security of being one of 364. We are now just one: individuals ready to take on whatever the world will throw at us. The resources our school has provided and the lessons we’ve learned along the way will only matter if we use them as building blocks to achieve something greater as we move into the next chapter of our lives. These numbers will add up to nothing unless we decide that we are going to make them count. I believe in you, class of 2017. Let’s take the lessons we’ve learned and the gifts we’ve been given and begin our journey from here. I have no doubt that we are ready to change the world!
Faley Bulazo–Student Choice … So class of 2017, you’ve just won the Super Bowl! Wait! Sorry wrong line! In reality, you’ve just graduated high school, and the question is “What are you going to do next?” If high school is the happiest place on earth, then where do we go from here? Leaving things behind can be sad, but the future is a magical place. Go find that four-park magic ticket for wherever you are headed in life and do it all! As Walt Disney once said, “If you can dream it, you can do it. Always remember that this whole thing was started with a dream and a… panther.” Well, Disney may have said “mouse,” but I think it’s close enough. n
Three members of the USCHS Class of 2017 were selected to speak at commencement. Shown are excerpts of those speeches. View them, as well as the superintendent’s and Board of School Director president’s speeches, in their entirety by visiting www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home, clicking on “Past Issues,” and scrolling down to the “Features” section, where the 2017 commencement speeches are listed.
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SD Our Panther Colors Paul Fox
“What’s black and white and (a little) red all over?
Nothing is more vital to establishing the unique brand or identity of a high school than the mascot, logo, crest, alma mater and fight songs, design of the class rings, yearbook, school newspaper, and… the school colors. Many things that continue to be important to the student culture of Upper St. Clair High School (USCHS) can be attributed to the first official Sample of football and cheerleader USCHS graduating classes of 1960, 1961, and 1962. uniforms piped in red (year 2016) Alumna Sandy Simon Faulkner reminisced that her Class of 1962 was the last group of graduates to matriculate from Fort Couch, but during commencement, the first to use the newly constructed high school. She said, “We proudly marched into the new stadium wearing our all-black caps and gowns.” According to Tom Labanc, former USCHS social studies curriculum leader, teacher, and assistant to the superintendent (who also served as the District’s 50-year class reunion tour guide and unofficial historian in 2012), prior to 1959–1960, students attended Fort Couch through ninth grade and then went on to neighboring high schools, including Mt. Lebanon, Bethel Park, and Bridgeville, for the remainder of their high school education until Upper St. Clair High School was built to accommodate grades nine through 12. So, when did USCHS school colors officially become black and white? Robert Glenn (alumnus/Class of 1960) filled in the details. “The first USC graduating class (1960) was asked to suggest and vote on school colors. Various options were presented and the class voted. This process would have occurred in early 1957, prior to the class’ tenth grade year. The blue and gold colors would have been immediately rejected since those are Mt. Lebanon’s colors, and black and gold would look too much like the Pirates and Steelers (and later the Penguins). The earlier Fort Couch junior high basketball uniforms were purple and white, but that combination wasn’t retained. I’m not sure who suggested black and white, but for some reason, that combination seemed to strike a chord (probably because we knew of no other school with those colors), and the rest is history,” he concluded. Angelo Ruzzini, founder of the “Pride of Upper St. Clair” marching band, composed the USCHS alma mater, inserting the school colors in the lyrics: All Hail, Alma Mater All Hail, The Black and White All Hail, Alma Mater Our sign of truth and right… Ruzzini was also credited with adding yellow or gold braided trim to the band uniforms to “help spell the monotony of black and white” and provide a little dynamic color and contrast A basketball jersey piped in yellow on the field. (Circa 1970s) Jim Bennett took over as director of the bands from Ruzzini during the summer of 1971. He related how red was first introduced on the football field. “In 1971, my first year, the stadium was being reconstructed. We played all our home games at Bethel Park High School. I recall that it rained every single home game that year. As a matter of fact, nearly every Friday evening in 1971, it either rained or snowed. And, the band did not own raincoats.” In the spring of 1972, Jim ordered red marching band rain coats. “I may have forced the issue on red,” recalls Bennett. “I wanted a contrasting color that would better stand out on the field; the gold just wasn’t making it. In keeping with the school’s tradition, we ordered new uniforms for the 1974–75 season in basic black.” Bennett shared his memory about the detail of that uniform order. “The band’s concert uniform consisted of black pants with a single red stripe down the leg, a black tuxedo coat, white shirt, and black bowtie. There was an overlay that was placed over the tuxedo jacket when it was being used as a marching uniform. The red in the overlay was in the piping surrounding the ‘USC’ letters on a cream-colored background. The hat was a tall Busby style, with a white plume.” “I soon found out that the hat was a great storage area for contraband candy and other food substances which the band was not supposed to have,” Jim chuckled. Jim said he also remembered that, in the 70s, the only inconsistency regarding the red trim color at USCHS was that the basketball coach ordered new uniforms in white, with black numerals outlined in gold piping. As for the adoption of red trim on the football uniforms, head football coach Jim Render recolSample of band uniform lected, “When I arrived in 1979, the basketball and piped in red (year 2015) baseball team uniforms were trimmed in yellow and 54
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Familiar Face Leads USC Athletics
Performance Exceeds Promises!
This past spring, Upper St. Clair welcomed a familiar face
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when Dr. Kevin Deitrick returned as USC School District’s new athletic director. During 1999 to 2005, Kevin served various roles within the District, including high school social studies teacher, assistant principal, assistant athletic director, and assistant basketball coach. “Upper St. Clair is a special place; it’s where I developed my eduDr. Kevin Deitrick cational philosophy. I was fortunate to have learned from wonderful people, including Bill Pope, Tim Steinhauer, Bob Furman, Terry Kushner, and Ted Barnett, as well as all the faculty and staff along the way,” said Kevin. “The philosophy is student-centered; not just athletes, but all kids. Upper St. Clair is a very supportive community in all three As: athletics, arts, and academics.” Recently, Kevin served as the assistant athletic director for student support services at Duquesne University. In total, he spent seven years in Duquesne’s athletic department, taking a three-year hiatus to serve as director of athletics and activities for the North Hills School District. Dr. Louis Angelo, USCHS principal, said, “Dr. Deitrick will be a great addition to our high school team. His wealth of knowledge and administrative experience from working in athletic departments at both the high school and collegiate levels will greatly enhance the support of our student-athletes.” Kevin served as an assistant principal and principal in the North Allegheny School District and has taught history courses as an adjunct professor in Duquesne’s liberal arts department. He earned a doctorate in educational instructional leadership and a master’s degree in history from Duquesne University. He completed bachelor’s degrees in history and education from Washington & Jefferson College. In addition, he holds K-12 principal and social studies secondary education certifications. Kevin is a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Directors Association, the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Associations, the National Academic Advising Association, and the National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletics. n
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the band had a little red. I asked Principal Parnell Hoffman if I could use a little red trim on the football uniforms, and he was very much in favor of this idea.” Render confirmed that, around 1981, Hoffman requested that the high school student council adopt the color red as the official trim color for USCHS. From that point forward, it was established that the USCHS school colors would be black and white, with red designated as the approved trim, or third color. Labanc summed up the indispensable value of continuing with USCHS customs and handing down the school’s legacy to the student body of future generations. “The USCHS classes of 1960, 1961, and 1962 where excited to tour the fully renovated high school during their 50th reunion celebrations in 2012, but they were also happy to know that some of the traditions started by these classes remain part of the school and its folklore.” Commenting on the continuing affirmation of the alumni’s Panther Pride, he said “In addition to taking in a Friday night USCHS football game, they also enjoyed visiting other new (to them) District school buildings and seeing their old home areas via a tour on the ‘yellow limo’ (our school buses) during the reunion’s festivity weekend.” n
Members of the Class of 1962 attending a football game for their 50th reunion festivities (year 2012)
Additional historical sources for this article, besides those who are quoted, include former USC School District administrators John Gido and Carl Lindstrom. Fall 2017
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Talented Teachers
USC Teacher Named Among 20 to Watch Matt Henderson, a Boyce Middle School teacher, has been selected as a National School Boards Association’s (NSBA) 20 to Watch educator for the 2016–17 school year. Matt, a STEAM Design teacher and 1:1 Initiative facilitator, was honored during the Consortium for School Networking Conference this past April in Chicago. “It was truly an honor just to be nominated by my administration, but to be selected for this national award is extremely humbling,” said Matt. “I have had such strong support for my classroom initiatives and ideas. My colleagues have been wonderful to work with, and I have been blessed with amazing teaching partners over the years who are equally excited to try new things.” The 20 educators identified for 2016–17 include classroom teachers and technology directors to superintendents from 12 states. Submissions were reviewed by a national panel of educators made up of previous 20 to Watch recipients. Matt was nominated for the 20 to Watch honor by Dr. Sharon Suritsky, deputy/assistant superintendent. “Matt has been an innovative and outstanding middle school teacher who has been leveraging technology to customize instruction for his students for the past 15 years,” said Dr. Suritsky. In his first year as Boyce Middle School’s new STEAM Design teacher, he was instrumental in the development of the school’s new Innovation Hub@Boyce. He was solely responsible for writing and implementing the STEAM Design course curriculum and assessment. “Matt effectively combines technology with innovation and creativity and has implemented an instructional model where students drive their own learning and what they create. Within a short period of time, Matt has served as a powerful role model for his teaching peers,” said Dr. Suritsky. Matt believes that students are naturally drawn to technology and that it provides additional opportunities for student engagement. “Once you have students engaged, the learning potential is limitless; technology offers that engagement if it is used the correct way,” he said. “Technology can enable students to become more self-directed and allow them to become better advocates for their learning.” Following a 13-year tenure as a middle school math teacher, Matt was selected as Boyce’s 1:1 Learning Initiative facilitator in June 2014. “This critical new role was essential in implementing Upper St. Clair’s 1:1 iPad deployment to all fifth and sixth graders,” said Dr. Suritsky. “Boyce teachers have begun to use 1:1 technology to customize learning, and Matt has been the key catalyst behind that important work for students.” The Innovation Hub@Boyce, home of the STEAM Design course taught by Matt, was made possible through a grant from Steelcase Education and other donors. “In 2015, the Upper St. Clair School District set a goal to increase the depth and breadth of STEAM curriculum offerings and improve the integration of STEAM across the curriculum and at all levels for all students,” said Dr. Patrick O’Toole, superintendent of schools. “Through the generous support of Steelcase Education and the Matt Henderson’s leadership, we were able to expand these innovative programs to our students at Boyce Middle School.” Being named to NSBA’s 20 to Watch is not the first time that Matt’s expertise in educational technology has been recognized by others. He was awarded the Blended School’s Teacher of the Year 56
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Award in 2012, and in 2010, he was recognized as a Champion of Change by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Matt holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. In addition, he earned a multimedia technology certificate from California University of Pennsylvania. Matt began his career as a fourth grade teacher in the Canon-McMillan School District, where he taught for five years. He joined the Upper St. Clair faculty in 2002 as a sixth grade English language arts and social studies teacher. The following year, he moved to fifth grade math and science. The previous two years he Matt Henderson taught fifth grade math helps a student use until taking over his new an iPad. role as the STEAM Design teacher in fall 2016. He and his wife, Stacy, reside in Peters Township with their three daughters, Olivia, Ally, and Julia. Carnegie Science Awards Program Honors USC Teacher Upper St. Clair High School technology education teacher Fred Peskorski was selected as an honorable mention for the 2017 Carnegie Science Awards in the High School Educator award category. Carnegie Science Center established the Carnegie Science Awards program in 1997 to recognize and promote outstanding science and technology achievements in Western Pennsylvania. Fred was nominated for the award by Dr. Sharon Suritsky, USC School District’s deputy/assistant superintendent. “Mr. Peskorski has emerged as a true STEAM teacher leader and has had significant impact within the high school and beyond,” said Dr. Suritsky. After spending 14 years as a traditional industrial arts teacher, Fred emerged as the leader of USC’s new Innovation Hub at the start of the 2014–15 school year. The Innovation Hub, which includes an MIT-certified FAB Lab, is an inclusive space that houses state-of-the-art equipment and software that students use to engage in problem-based learning and hands-on fabrication. “As a teacher, Fred reinvented himself and has spent countless hours learning new things and seeking professional development in order to provide the highest level of instruction for our students,” said Dr. Suritsky. “Students respond well to Fred and flourish under his supportive leadership. He provides real-life examples and motivates students to create innovative solutions to problems.” Throughout the last two and half years, Fred has played a key role in developing and teaching courses, including STEAM Design Lab, robotics, and introductory and advanced engineering and architecture. The STEAM Design Lab, a year-long course in which USC students partner with students from other high schools, requires students to solve real world problems using human centered design methods. “Fred teaches students to work with industry partners, including All Clad, EAFab, and Universal Electric Corporation, to solve real problems that need to be addressed within those companies,” said Dr. Suritsky. “He loves the course because it gives students the opportunity not only to apply newly learned problem-solving
strategies, but also share their own unique strengths to solve real world problems.” A graduate of California University of Pennsylvania, Fred earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in technology education. He joined the USCHS faculty in 1999. Fred, along with other honorable mentions and awardees, was honored at the Carnegie Science Awards this past May at the Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland.
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Fred Peskorski
Science Teacher Awarded Grant Upper St. Clair High School recently received a $2000 grant award from the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh for five spectrophotometers and fluorometers. Spectroscopy generally deals with light and color interference and diffraction phenomena, line spectra, spectrophotometry, and chemical analysis. Spectrophotometers are color measurement devices used to capture and evaluate color. A fluorometer is an instrument for measuring the intensity of fluorescence, used chiefly in biochemical analysis. Science teacher Dr. Colin Syme submitted the grant request to increase student knowledge and understanding for the uses of spectrophotometry and to use the equipment as a tool to address specific scientific questions. “The spectrophotometers/fluorometers connect directly to our existing Vernier interface/software,” said Colin. “This offers an excellent opportunity in my LabRATS course to strengthen the area of biochemistry by providing the tools to allow students to utilize spectrophotometry.” The Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting science education. The high school equipment grant program helps foster the study of spectroscopy in high schools. Colin was recognized at the society’s annual Dr. Colin Syme awards ceremony this past May at Duquesne University. Librarian Recognized for Leadership Fort Couch Middle School librarian Mary Grace Kelly recently completed the Sustaining Leaders Academy for Pennsylvania School Librarians. Mary Grace, along with 23 other librarians from throughout the commonwealth, was recognized at the 44th annual Pennsylvania School Librarians Conference in Hershey. “This experience broadened my professional network to include some of the best and brightest librarians in the state who lead many of the most noteworthy school library programs,” said Mary Grace. “This professional learning community has and will serve to help me continue to improve both the Fort Couch Middle School and the Upper St. Clair School District library programs now and into the future.” According to the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association’s (PSLA) website, the Sustaining Leaders Academy is an innovative, immersive professional development experience designed to sustain the current generation of school library leaders in Pennsylvania schools and in PSLA to assure a systematic succession plan so that Pennsylvania students will have strong and effective school library programs led by school librarians who are leaders in their schools and professional associations at the local, regional, and state levels in the coming decades.
“Every student in every school deserves a library that is staffed with a certified librarian who keeps abreast of the trends in education and continues to develop collaborative programs that teach the information literacy skills necessary to meet the growing academic needs of each student,” Mary Grace said. “In the complex world that students will enter beyond the K-12 environment, mastery of information literacy skills is essential for developing critical thinkers and life-long learners.” Participants of the academy were involved in a four-day immersion experience last summer in Hershey and participated in the annual PSLA Leadership Summit that followed. Each month during the past year, members also participated in a virtual academy—a series of monthly meetings that focused on a specific topic in education and in building competencies. The program’s culminating activity for each participant was to submit a program proposal for the annual PSLA conference held this past spring in Hershey. Mary Grace’s proposal “Teaching Information Literacy Skills in a Digital Age,” was among those selected to be presented at the conference. The Sustaining Leaders Academy, a prototype collaboration between the PSLA and the University of Pittsburgh School Library Certification Program, is funded through a grant from the Library Services and Technology Act Mary Grace Kelly stands near her presentation. by Commonwealth Libraries, Pennsylvania Department of Education. Curriculum Leader to Assist with PSSA Science Exam Review Pam Dillie, science curriculum leader and Baker Elementary third grade teacher, was selected by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to participate on a PSSA exam review committee and spent four days in Harrisburg this summer assisting with the review of the PSSA science exams. Currently, PSSA science exams are administered to Pennsylvania public school students in grades four and eight each spring. Having served as a teacher for nearly 30 years and a science curriculum leader for five, Pam hopes to help evolve the exam from memory recall to analysis and interpretation. “Science is a discovery and extensive thinking subject, not a memorization subject,” she said. “I would like to help redesign the tests to evaluate the understanding of major science concepts, as opposed to recalling specific science facts.” “I’m looking forward to gaining a better understanding of how the tests are created and the role that the Pennsylvania Department of Education plays in creating these tests,” said Pam. “I realize that it is difficult to create a test that is diverse enough for 500 school districts across the states Pam Dillie, with a couple with so many variables.” n of her students
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Claire Zalla
Paul Abrams
Devon Garcia
Malcom Miller
Murphy Miller
National Merit Scholarship Winners USCHS 2017 graduate Claire Zalla was named a National Merit $2500 scholarship recipient, one of only 2500 in the country. Claire is attending Yale University this fall where she will study English and global affairs. Another 2017 graduate, Paul Abrams, was named a National Merit Bayer scholarship recipient. The scholarship, sponsored by Bayer USA Foundation, provides an annual award of $2000 for up to four years of undergraduate study. Paul, who is attending Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, is one of approximately 1000 corporate-sponsored National Merit award recipients. In addition, three members of the class of 2017 have earned college-sponsored merit scholarship awards through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation and their respective universities. Awardees include Devon Dewey Garcia, National Merit University of Central Florida scholarship; Malcolm Miller, National Merit University of Maryland scholarship; and Murphy Miller, National Merit Clemson University scholarship.
Approximately 190 colleges and universities currently underwrite nearly 4000 National Merit scholarships annually. Only finalists who plan to attend a college or university that sponsors merit scholarship awards can be considered. Winners are selected by officials of the sponsoring college or university. Students entered the scholarship competition by completing the PSAT, the National Merit Scholarship qualifying test, during their junior year. From approximately 1.5 million students who entered the 2017 National Merit Scholarship program, only about 16,000—the top one percent—were named semifinalists. In order to advance in the competition and be considered for a merit scholarship award, a semifinalist had to become a finalist by fulfilling several requirements that included submitting a detailed scholarship application and presenting a record of academic performance. The program awards three types of scholarships: National Merit $2500 scholarships, corporate-sponsored merit scholarships, and college-sponsored merit scholarships. n
USC Student Recognized as Positive Athlete
Jay Pollock
USCHS 2017 graduate Jay Pollock was named as a 2016–17 Positive Athlete award winner at an event at the Heinz History Center this past June. Recognized for the sport of wrestling, Jay was one of 29 students from throughout Western Pennsylvania who was honored by the organization for his character and leadership. The program, which is led by former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward, celebrates student-athletes of high character who are a positive asset to their teams. An awardee is selected for each girls’ and boys’ sport, including baseball, basketball, cheerleading, cross country, field hockey, football, golf, gymnastics/dance, ice 58
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hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming/diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling. A standout three-sport athlete, Jay excelled in football and wrestling, as well as track and field. Most recently, he advanced to the PIAA state championships in May, finishing 16th in Pennsylvania in the shot put event. While his athletic accomplishments are significant, Jay’s achievements off the field are what set him apart from other student-athletes. “Not only is Jay a positive force on the field, he is also a young man with leadership qualities, a big heart, and a natural ability to help others,” said Peppy Pollock, Jay’s mom. Serving as a friend and buddy to special needs students has played a big role in Jay’s high school experience. He volunteered as a buddy at the Miracle League Field of the South Hills and as a mentor through the high school’s Best Buddy Club. In addition, he participated in Upper St. Clair’s
Partners in Physical Education class, a class of general education students who receive their own physical education credits while supporting students with special needs. “While all of these roles show Jay’s ability to lead by example and help others, perhaps the most outward example of Jay’s service to others was shown by his Eagle Scout project,” said Peppy. Jay recently completed all requirements to earn the Eagle Scout Award, the highest level of achievement in Boy Scouts. All Eagle Scouts are required to plan and lead a project that benefits another organization or the community. For his project, Jay, along with classmate Eric Lehman, planned an interscholastic soccer tournament that brought more than 100 students with and without special needs from 11 area schools together to participate in soccer drills and games. This fall, Jay heads to West Virginia University to study petroleum and natural gas engineering. n
Positive Athlete Pittsburgh was created as a movement to promote the benefits of positivity to student-athletes. To date, more than $50,000 in college scholarships have been awarded through the program, which generates over 1000 nominees each year. Fall 2017
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Art Students Create Portraits for Jordanian Orphans The average U.S. teenager has had his or her life captured in images from baby pictures to school pictures to frequent selfies. For us, it’s hard to imagine going through childhood and not having a single photo of yourself. The USCHS art department recently partnered with the Memory Project to create and donate portraits of children and teens living in a Jordanian orphanage. From digital images provided by organization volunteers, USCHS students spent months perfecting their drawings and paintings. “Receiving personalized gifts made in their own image was a totally new experience for them, and all the more meaningful considering their current circumstances,”
Examples of art produced by USCHS students for the Memory Project
said Ryan Egan, communications director for the Memory Project. The Memory Project is a charitable nonprofit organization that invites art teachers and their students to create and donate portraits to youth around the world who have faced substantial challenges, such as neglect, abuse, loss of parents, violence, and extreme poverty. To show how truly grateful the children were to receive the portraits, officials from the Memory Project captured video of the delivery to send to the participating schools. “The Memory Project video is a great illustration of how our students can impact others around the world,” said Dr. Louis Angelo, USCHS principal. “The video is incredibly moving. I am so proud of our students and our art teachers for participating in this project and making a difference.” In addition to the donated portraits, USCHS students contributed nearly $7000 to the project. “With that money, we purchased approximately $5200 in art supplies for various community centers serving the children in the refugee camp and donated $1600 to the orphanages,” said Egan. “That is a terrific amount of support for all of us to provide together, along with these very special portraits.” The project was spearheaded by USCHS art teachers Erika Valentine and Robyn Smigel as well as members of the USCHS Art Club, including students Kiana Izadbakhsh, Chloe Perkins, Emily Besselman, Laura Lapham, Sarah Lopez, Kate Shaughnessy, Parachi Masown, Kyrie Graham, Lauren Teresi, Karlie Daschbach, Evelyn Glassbrenner, and Isabela Couch. n Fall 2017
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The World of STEAM
Society of Women Engineers’ Community Award Winner A 2017 USCHS graduate is one of two SWENext Northrop Grumman Community Award recipients from the Pittsburgh area. Kriti Shah was formally recognized during the Society of Women in Engineers conference, hosted by the Pittsburgh chapter, this past February. Students were asked to propose a solution to improve Pittsburgh’s infraKriti Shah (left) structure that helps both people and the environment. Kriti’s solution was to melt snow on roads and bridges by using solar panels. As an award recipient, Kriti had the opportunity to help at the SWENext Design Lab Pittsburgh, a hands-on engineering experience designed to encourage female students to choose a career in engineering. In addition, she was honored at a banquet, where she received a 3-D printed trophy, a $100 Amazon gift card, and other items from the Northrop Grumman Corporation. SWENext is a free opportunity for students, age 18 and younger, to become part of the Society of Women Engineers. Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company that provides innovative systems, products, and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. STEM Design Challenge A team of four Fort Couch Middle School students—Zach Sileo, Linus Friedman, Joe Reeder and Will Closser—placed first in the sixth-toeighth grade division at the regional STEM Design Challenge in March, which enabled Fort Couch STEM Design team members, left to right: Zach Sileo, Linus Friedman, Joe them to advance to the Reeder, Will Closser state-level competition in May. Sponsored by Thermo Fisher Scientific, the STEM Design Challenge tasks teams of students in grades four through eight with designing and building a structure using K’Nex that addresses a given challenge. Teams were required to use at least one motor and could not exceed 1400 K’Nex pieces. Student teams compete within two grade level divisions (grades four–five and six–eight) and are judged on creativity, teamwork, challenge success, design, and presentation. In addition to Upper St. Clair’s first place Fort Couch team, a team of Boyce Middle School students—Leona Chen, Rachel Thomas, and Ananya Tripathi—earned a second place finish in the four–five grade division. Other Upper St. Clair students who participated in the STEM Design Challenge from Fort Couch included Phoebe Chen, Sophie Chen, Milan Giroux, Shivani Jajoo, Eden Ma, Shana Reddy, Sujay Shah, Evan Tefft, and Daniel Wang; and from Boyce were Phillip Markovitz, Quinton Miller, Evan Sarkett, and John Scherer. 60
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Pennsylvania Regional Computer Fairs Three Upper St. Clair entries placed first in their respective categories at the 2017 regional Pennsylvania High School and Middle School Computer Fairs this past March. At the high school level, Connor Byrnes Connor Byrnes earned first place in the Logo category with his CPU-inspired design for the 2018 Pennsylvania High School Computer Fair. Connor also placed third in the Programming category with his mobile app that connects to the high school’s website to download and Left to right: Sophia organize important information for students. Shi, Richa Mahajan, Reshma Gudla At the middle school level, Fort Couch students Reshma Gudla, Richa Mahajan, and Sophia Shi earned first place in the Logo category with their Bridge to Innovation design for the 2018 Pennsylvania Middle School Computer Fair. Boyce Middle School Left to right: Connor students Matthew Earley and Connor Hyatt Hyatt, Matthew Earley placed first in the Animation category, for their Dreamland: Adventures in Alice. In addition, Fort Couch students Phoebe Chen, Sophie Chen, and Shana Reddy earned third place in the Web Page Design category for their Color Blindness website. Other USC participants included high school students Jack Gordley and Vashisth Parekh; and Fort Couch students Maddie Bruno, Delaynie McMillan, Sambhav Saggi, Sam Scalzo, Ritvik Shah, Logan Todd, and Isaac Yap. The Pennsylvania Middle School Computer Fair and the Pennsylvania High School Computer Fair are annual events that highlight Pennsylvania school students’ application skills and computer knowledge. There are six competition categories: animation, computer fair logo, digital movie, graphic design, programming, and web page design. State Science Competition Two USCHS students earned first place finishes at the regional Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) competition at Duquesne University, advancing to the state level Kevin Chen Tanvika Sriram competition. Kevin Chen earned a perfect score for his presentation and won the Directors’ Award in the computer science category for his project titled “Deep Learning Models of Transcription Factor Binding.” In addition to earning a first place finish, Tanvika Sriram won special awards from the University of Pittsburgh Center for Energy and the Southwestern Pennsylvania Engineering Outreach Award. Her project was titled “Clean Energy Using Bladeless Wind Turbine.” Josh Meyer earned a second place score in the regional science competition for his project “The Effects of Caffeine on Planaria.” PJAS is a statewide organization of junior and senior high school students designed to stimulate and promote interest in science among its members through the development of research projects and investigations.
Problem Solvers Eight teams of Upper St. Clair and South Fayette high school students presented solutions to several real world challenges to leaders of the Universal Electric Corporation this past April at the company’s site in Canonsburg. USC students enrolled in the STEAM Innovation and Consulting course, taught by USCHS’s technology education teacher Fred Peskorski, were tasked with providing solutions for issues in multiple areas. Participating students on four teams from USC included: • Packaging Problem: Antonio Del Rossa, Sam Erlanger, Jordan Lieberman • Injection Molding: Ethan Bowman, Neale Misquitta, Maxwell Turnwald • Busway Testing: Victor Dubbs, Abby Happ, Brian McGrady, CJ Stott • Supplier Quality Management: Johanna Chikuni, Mac Dominick, Patrick O’Neill Throughout an eight-week timeframe, students visited the Universal Electric site and talked with engineers, managers, and other corporate officials to better understand the problem and explore possible solutions. In addition to their STEAM teachers and classmates, students presented their solutions to multiple engineers of the company as well as senior officials, including Joel Ross, president and chief executive officer, and Steve Ross, chief operating officer. The Ross brothers are both graduates of USC. This year marks the third year that USC’s STEAM Innovation and Consulting course has partnered with area corporations to provide students with real world experiences in problem-based learning, collaboration, presentation development, and delivery. Regional Science Fair USCHS senior Kevin Chen placed first in the Computer Science/Math category of the Covestro Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair last school year. As the top computer science award winner, he was awarded the Intel Excellence in Computer Science award. Kevin’s research project was titled “An Unsupervised Deep Learning Approach to Cancer Gene.” All first place category award winners attended the Carnegie Science awards in May. In addition to Kevin, Vedant Parekh finished second in the Earth/Space/Environment category and senior Sahil Doshi placed third in the Chemistry category. Connor Byrnes (USCHS 2017), Kevin Chen, Sahil Doshi, and Vedant Parekh earned a total of 11 awards. More than 1000 students from more than 100 schools competed for more than $1 million in cash prizes and scholarships. In its 78th year, the Covestro Pittsburgh Regional Science & Engineering Fair is a competition of research projects in the fields of science, mathematics, and engineering open to students in grades six to 12 from 21 counties in Western Pennsylvania and Garrett County in Maryland.
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Food and Clothing Drive Conceptual Algebra students at Fort Couch Middle School and USCHS teamed up to help those less fortunate by hosting a food and clothing drive to benefit the Greater Washington County Food Bank. This marked the sixth year that these classes collaborated on a food drive project. Coordinating the outreach effort were USCHS math teacher Shannon Strayer and Fort Couch math teacher Michelle Senneway. “We link the food and clothing drive to our algebra classes by creating an algebra equation or inequality (depending which course a student is in) and graph the results daily,” said Michelle. “We value all food and clothing donations at $1.25 each, and with the combination of all money and food and clothing collected we have a total value goal of at least $1000. We discuss how many more items or money needs to be donated in order to hit our goal.” Students are assigned a variety of tasks, including collecting the food, counting and sorting items, and calculating the total value.” In addition to the collection efforts, students spent a day volunteering at the Greater Washington County Food Bank. Last year, students collected 1603 food items and more than $300 in monetary donations to benefit the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. This year is the first time that the groups added a clothing component to the outreach project.
Mathletes Keshav Narasimhan and Daniel Wang advanced to the statewide 24 Challenge competition for their performance at the regional competition in May at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit. Keshav finished first in the sixth grade division and Daniel took first place in the 7/8 division. AIU tournament students, left to right: The 24 Challenge is a Libby Eannarino, Shubham Patel, Aidan math card game in which Houck, Keshav Narasimhan, Daniel Wang, Qadir Khan, Jay Vakil the objective is finding a way to manipulate four integers so that the end result is 24. The beginning version of the game uses four single-digit numbers. As students gain skill, the game is played with double-digit numbers, exponents, integers, fractions, and variables. In addition to Keshav and South Hills tournament students, left to Aniketh Vivekanandan, Shubham Daniel, the following USC right: Patel, David Goldberg, Alex Todd, middle school students entered Keshav Narasimhan, Carter McClintockthe regional competition: Comeaux, Garrett Ziegler, Peter Engel, Libby Eannarino Libby Eannarino, Qadir Khan, and Shubham Patel from Boyce, and Jay Vakil and Aidan Houck from Fort Couch. Boyce students were coached by math resource teacher Kathleen Hoedeman. Fort Couch students were coached by seventh grade math teacher Andy Lucas and assisted by gifted coordinator Connie Gibson. In addition to the regional 24 Challenge competition, several Cont. on page 62
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The World of STEAM Cont. from page 61
USC students successfully competed in the local South Hills tournament in May at West Jefferson Hills School District. Sixth graders Keshav Narasimhan and Carter McClintock-Comeaux finished first and second, respectively, in their grade level. In addition to Keshave and Carter, the following Boyce students participated in the math competition: Libby Eannarino, Peter Engel, Shubham Patel, Aniketh Vivekenandan, and Garrett Ziegler from fifth grade; and David Goldberg and Alex Todd from sixth grade. Boyce conducted preliminary rounds in all 24 homerooms. Each homeroom sent a “champion” to the all-school competition where the top competitors in both fifth and sixth grades were determined.
USC Hosts Women in STEAM
PML Contest
Nearly 30 USCHS students and seven professionals participated in the school’s inaugural Women in STEAM event this past April. The event, organized by science teacher Douglas Petrick, was designed to provide increased awareness to female students about career opportunities in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The Women in STEAM event featured three components: the speakers presented a short five- to ten-minute informal talk about their journey from the high school level to where they are today, rotating round table discussions that provided opportunities for small group interaction and an informal luncheon. “Upper St. Clair School District is constantly searching for ways to inspire students,” said Douglas. “The purpose of the event was to inspire students with the stories of each Woman in STEAM’s personal journey.” The panel of speakers encompassed a wide-range of experiences and career positions. Each speaker had a different journey, which resonated with students. Douglas said, “Students were excited to hear similarities between the speakers and themselves. They enjoyed hearing about the diverse backgrounds of each of our seven speakers and were inspired by similarities between the speakers’ paths and their own.” Students indicated that it was helpful to know that not every speaker knew during their high school and early undergraduate schooling where their career trajectory would take them. “Students were surprised to hear the differences in each speaker’s journey—while some of the speakers knew from an early age that they wanted to pursue a STEAM career, others did not,” said Douglas. “Some of the speakers had people of influence along the way who encouraged them. No matter what the experience, each speaker had a similar theme of learning by doing, trying something they were passionate about, and not letting someone else’s preconceived notions deter them from their goals.” Douglas believes opportunities such as the Women in STEAM event, which enable students to hear and learn from role models within different careers and industries, are important for the future workforce. “Everyone finds inspiration in different places, and this event served as a jumping off point for that journey,” he said. “This event allowed female students the opportunity to ‘see it to be it.’ ” In addition to Douglas, the event was supported by Lynn Kistler, USCHS science teacher and curriculum leader, and Dr. Tim Wagner, USCHS associate principal for program planning and innovation. Additionally, Petrinis Promos donated portfolios and pens to the event that the students and speakers used to take notes and Wiley Publishing donated funds to help defray the cost of lunch. n
Shiven Verma recently earned the top score among 80 Boyce Middle School students participating in the Pennsylvania Mathematics League competition. The mathematics competition was open to all USC fifth graders and consisted of Left to right: Emily Wetterau, Roshan Segall, Marco Carone, Shiven Verma, a 30-question test of nonteacher Kathy Hoedeman, Rachel routine problems. Thomas, Ben Leggat Two students—Marco Corone and Rachel Thomas—tied for second place. In a threeway tie for third place were Roshan Segall, Ben Leggat, and Emily Wetterau. Honorable mention went to Jacob Artnak, Tanav Dandekar, Kate Falce, Matthew Fibbi, Leo Masse, Sreeja Meda, Luke Ralyea, Daniel Seewald, Lauren Teeney, and Ananya Tripathi. Boyce’s math contest is organized and administered by math resource teacher Kathy Hoedeman and gifted coordinator Sue Fleckenstein. Math Olympiad A team of Boyce Middle School students was named to the National Math Olympiad Honor Roll for scoring in the top ten percent among 3154 teams from 44 countries in the international Mathematical Olympiads for Elementary and Middle School program. Phillip Markovitz was one of only 71 sixth graders out of 77,774 students in his division to earn the Dr. George Lenchner Medallion, in recognition for achieving a perfect score. Winners of the Gold Pin for scoring in the top two percent of all registered students were sixth graders Phillip Markovitz, Alex Todd, Ben Wasson, Quinton Miller, Keshav Narasimhan, and Evan Sarkett, as well as fifth graders Brian McFerran, Lucas Bishop, and Leona Chen. Silver pins were awarded to 15 Boyce students who scored among the top ten percent, including sixth graders Rebecca Lang, Carter McClintock-Comeaux, Sahil Bhalodia, Maya Leyzarovich, John Scherer, Jasmine Dietiker, Carter Chui, Matthew Earley, Colin Liang, and Mariah Ranier, as well as fifth graders Libby Eannarino, Alex Sun, Mahir Parmar, and Arya Patel. The students participated in a series of five monthly contests of five problems each from November through March as well as weekly practice sessions under the supervision and coaching of math resource teacher Kathy Hoedeman. 62
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Small group discussions during the Women in STEAM event
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Students Inspired by Writing Day Twenty-five USCHS students participated in a morning-long Writing Day sponsored by Montage, the school’s literary arts magazine. The event was led by two visiting writers, Adriana E. Ramirex and Jesse Welch. Ramirex is an award-winning nonfiction writer, storyteller, critic, and performance poet based in Pittsburgh. Jesse Welch is a founding member and team leader of Steel City Slam. The 2016–17 Montage staff participated in Writing Day; however, the majority of participants were students who simply share a passion for creative writing. “Young writers enjoyed the opportunity to be inspired by professional writers and to work on their own creative writing,” said Daniela Buccilli, USCHS English teacher. She received positive feedback from the participating student writers, approximately half of whom submitted their works from Writing Day to the upcoming 2017 Montage, the student-led magazine that encourages creative writings and submissions from the student body. Events, such as the recent Writing Day, provide a fun, nonacademic opportunity to honor student interest in creative writing. “Students write academic papers during all four of their high school years and they write research papers and lab reports in many of their classes, but students are not often challenged to write creatively in most classes,” said Daniela. “At the same time, students are often found writing poetry, comic books, songs, and stories. The creative arts have some outlets in our high school— art class, ninth grade English poetry unit, and a creative writing class—but young writers are always looking for more,” she said. n
Alumna, Author Visits Creative Writing Class USCHS alumna and published author Rebecca Brewster Stevenson recently visited her alma mater to share her expertise with students in English teacher Daniela Buccilli’s creative writing class. Rebecca talked with students about the power of metaphor and its role in her novel, Healing Maddie Brees, specifically as it pertains to Pittsburgh, the South Hills of Pittsburgh, and the landscape of the city. “Students enjoyed Rebecca Brewster Stevenson Rebecca’s descriptions of the Southside Slopes’ houses precariously perched like ‘wrinkled skirts’ and the different ways she used metaphor to tell her story,” said Debbie Rentschler, USCHS librarian. “Ms. Stevenson encouraged students to pay very close attention to details surrounding their environment, and to think of writing as an image an artist creates,” she said. Stevenson’s visit was made possible in part by the USCHS PTSO, which provided an honorarium to help defray the author’s travel expenses. n
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Pawprints...
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Baker
... a USC Parent Teacher Council Feature
Eisenhower
Council Name: Daphna Gans, PhD Occupation: University professor, UCLA, specializing in healthcare consulting for the development of cost effective programing that provides better care at reduced costs; and development and deployment of inter-professional training curricula for healthcare professionals. In addition, I am an avid volunteer in the District and community. Spouse’s Name: George Gans Children: Jonathan (21), Ella (14) Your family’s favorite meal: Any meal where we are all together; we love our family time. Last book you read: Cutting for Stone by Abraham Daphna Gans Veghese High School PTSO Name: Tracy Barnett Occupation: Tax manager at The Wolf Group, PC Spouse’s Name: Michael Barnett Children: Emily (15), Matthew (15) Family’s favorite meal: One of our favorite meals is deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s in Chicago (our hometown). Last book you read: Fiction– The Nest by Cynthia D’Apix Sweeney; Non-fiction– Tracy Barnett When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
Streams
Boyce
Stepping up to the challenge of leading the PTSOs, PTOs, and PTA at our schools are the unit presidents. TODAY is happy to introduce you to these dedicated parents who spend so much time to enrich the educational experience in our schools. Please respond generously when and if they ask for volunteers this year! Fort Couch PTSO Name: Hemina KrishnaBachia Occupation: Mom who is a Certified Public Accountant and MBA Spouse’s Name: Raj Krishnaswamy Children: Shanthi (15), Sarina (12) Family’s favorite meal: Rotates between Indian, Italian, Chinese, and Mexican. We basically love to eat fresh, delicious food! We also love ice cream! Last book you read: All Hemina Creatures Great KrishnaBachia and Small by James Herriot Boyce PTO Name: Stacey Cobb Occupation: Stay-at-home mom and part time bookkeeper Spouse’s Name: Jason Cobb Children: Evan (11), Braden (9) Family’s Favorite Meal: Penne ala vodka with chicken Last book you read: All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven Stacey Cobb
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Baker PTA Name: Michelle Urban Occupation: Stayat-home mom Spouse’s Name: George Urban Children: Max (8) Your family’s favorite meal: Stuffed chicken with cheesy Michelle Urban potatoes or make your own pizzas Last book you read: Mother Teresa of Calcutta by Leo Maasburg Eisenhower PTO Name: Jessica Strub Occupation: Project manager Spouse’s Name: Christian Strub Children: Marley (8), Cecilia (5) Your family’s favorite meal: Cheese fondue Last book you read: The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins Jessica Strub Streams PTO Name: Veronica Davis Occupation: Super Woman (also known as a mom) Spouse’s Name: Matthew Davis Children: Grady (9), Blake and Conrad (twins, 7) Your family’s favorite meal: Tacos! Preferably on a Tuesday, but any day will work. Last book you read: Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty Veronica Davis
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In Appreciation
A special thank you to our outgoing school building and Council presidents for their hard work and dedication to Upper St. Clair School District during the 2016–17 school year.
Left to right, front row: Melanie Lenthall, Fort Couch; Kristie Proud, Baker; Sally Ondrejko, USCHS; back row: Katy Loomis, Boyce; Leria Miles, Streams; Jill Hicks, Eisenhower; Beth Huzjak, Council
Welcome PTO Council
We take pride in announcing Upper St. Clair’s incoming PTO Council for the 2017–18 school year and wish them a great year in providing our District with their help and guidance to enhance the academic and social experiences for our students. Left to right: USCSD superintendent Dr. Patrick O’Toole, second vice president; Suzanne Wynne, first vice president; Beth Huzjak, board advisor; Daphna Gans, president; Amy Tomczyk, treasurer; Stacey Friday, secretary
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The Whole is Greater Than the Sum of the Parts Speech & Debate Crowned State Champs The USCHS Speech & Debate Team captured its first ever Pennsylvania High School Speech league championship this past March at Bloomsburg University. Overall, USC earned 177.5 points, edging out North Allegheny Senior High School. The team is coached by USCHS teachers Ben Edwards and Dave Watson. The state tournament included 100 high schools and more than 600 students.
Boyce Battle of the Books The Rainbow Readers and Team CREAM were crowned champions in the Boyce Middle School Battle of the Books held this past spring. The Rainbow Readers team included Julia Cedar, Audra Freil, Gabbie Deep, Evelyn Hertzog, Sydney Garvey, Evie Sullivan, and Alex Berakoski. Team CREAM included Ben Wasson, Sahil Bhalodia, Connor Hyatt, Keshav Narasimhan, Evan Sarkett, Ben Tucker, and Daniel Wang. Organized by Boyce librarian Ginny Husak, the annual Battle of the Books challenges students to read five books on which they are then quizzed. This year’s event included more than 200 students on 57 teams.
Debate champions
Mock Trial Team Advances to States For the second year in a row, a team of 12 USCHS students won the regional Mock Trial championship and advanced to the state finals, finishing among the top four in Pennsylvania. USC’s Mock Trial team included recent graduates Amna Amin, Tyler Clark, Raahema Durrani, Yash Lahoti, Natalie Urban, Vicki Wang, and team captain Arushi Kewalramani; now seniors Wyatt Keating; and now sophomores Sunny Chai, Sam Dvorin, Ian Rankin, and Anika Sinha. The students were coached by Pat Palazzolo, gifted education coordinator, and assisted by Connie Gibson, gifted education teacher. In addition, Philip Keating, parent of team member Wyatt, served as the team’s attorney advisor. This year, more than 300 teams from 252 high schools competed in district and regional levels of the mock trial competition to attain one of only 14 spots at the statewide event. The 34th annual Pennsylvania Bar Association Statewide High School Mock Trial competition, one of the largest in the nation, was held this past March in Harrisburg. Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, Mock Trial provides a hands-on opportunity to learn about the American legal system. Taking on the roles of lawyers and witnesses, students develop direct and crossexaminations, prepare opening and closing arguments, learn to object to opposing counsel, and practice the formalities of the courtroom before real judges and panels of jurors.
Left to right, seated: Yash Lahoti, Wyatt Keating, Ian Rankin, Tyler Clark; standing: Vicki Wang, Natalie Urban, Arushi Kewalramani, Raahema Durrani, Anika Sinha, Sunny Chai, Amna Amin; not pictured: Samuel Dvorin 66
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Rainbow Readers Team CREAM
FBLA Students Qualify for Nationals Several members of USCHS chapter of Future Business Leaders of America were top finishers in Pennsylvania, qualifying to compete at the National Leadership Conference held this summer in Anaheim, California. The State Leadership conference was held in Hershey in April. Upper St. Clair earned three first place finishes, including Entrepreneurship, Hospitality Management, and Management Decision Making; a third place in Network Design; and a fourth place in E-business. First place: Entrepreneurship: Amna Amin, Ariana Chiu, Raahima Durrani Hospitality Management: Arushi Kewalramani, Macey Future female executives... ... and their male counterparts Kaplan, Vicki Wang Management Decisions Making: Sahil Doshi, Akshar Golakiya, Yash Lahoti Third place: Network Design: Sanath Boddhula, Nadith Dharmasena, Jacob Lantzman Fourth place: E-business: Nitesh Nagpal, Shivam Patel, Tushar Roy Also placing was the Business Financial Plan team of Wyatt Keating, Elizabeth Walsh, and Ammar Zafar. Upper St. Clair FBLA students are coached by Patrick Manion, USCHS social studies teacher, and Kate Sebastiao, USCHS world language teacher.
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SHOP@USC Salutes Local Police SHOP@USC has a soft spot for local law enforcement officials. During National Police Week in May, students sold studentdesigned, student-made National Police Week T-shirts. National Police Week shirts were available for $15, with $5 of every shirt being donated to the Police Memorial in Washington, D.C. In addition to making and selling T-shirts, SHOP@USC students and their teachers visited the USC Police Department in May to deliver a card and cookie cake in recognition of the special week.
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High school sophomore Dana Loomis and Callie Jardine, a senior, earned a collective six individual medals, a Compulsory A Team Event Bronze Medal, the team spirit award, and a national team championship at the 2017 High School National Figure Skating Finals held this past spring in Dearborn, Michigan. Dana and Callie are members of Callie Jardine and Dana Loomis the Western Pennsylvania High School Figure Skating Team, which includes students from the Bethel Park, Mt. Lebanon, North Allegheny, South Park and Upper St. Clair school districts. “I am particularly proud of their award for the Best High School National Team Spirit Award,” said head coach Sharon Brooks. “Our team was the most enthusiastic and showed best sportsmanship to each other and to all the attending teams at this national event. They represented Western Pennsylvania with maturity.” The finals event, sanctioned by United States Figure Skating, featured 14 high school teams from around the country. Dana earned gold medals in Intermediate Ladies Free Skate and Intermediate Ladies Short Program, a silver medal in Bronze Solo Dance, and a bronze medal in the Pre-Silver Solo Dance event. Callie earned gold medals for her first place finishes in the Novice Dramatic Showcase and Junior Moves in the Field categories. “The Western Pennsylvania High School Figure Skating Team was thrilled to win, coming home as the 2017 High School National Final champions!” exclaimed Katy Loomis, Dana’s mom. n
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USCHS Students Earn Top National Ice Skating Honors
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Golden Rowing Recent USCHS graduate Osa Wheeler and now senior Maddie McConaghy captured their second consecutive gold medal for their first place finish in the women’s varsity 2X at the Pittsburgh Scholastic Sprints this past April. The duo dominated the rowing event the previous week at the Dillon Lake Scholastic Sprints in Nashport, Ohio. The USC rowing team had additional successes at the Dillon Lake event with the men’s 2X and women’s junior varsity 4X, advancing to the finals, the first event of the spring season for the USC Rowing Association. At the Pittsburgh Scholastic Sprints, silver medals were won by the men’s varsity 2X of recent graduate Kapil Sharma and now senior Brendan Fortunato, as well as the men’s lightweight 2x of recent graduate Andrew Caldert and now junior Jack Shephard.n
SHOP@USC students visit the USC Police Department Celebrating a win!
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Partners in PE
A little rain was no match for Upper St. Clair High collaborate, create, and participate in activities that enrich the School’s second annual Put Your Best Foot Forward event this past school curriculum. spring. Despite damp outdoor conditions, the school’s gymnasi“The STARS group has allowed the continued encouragement ums offered a venue where more than 100 special-needs athletes of kids with special needs and their regular education partners to and their partner students from seven area high schools enjoyed enjoy social opportunities and teamwork activities with similar the start of the event. A break in the clouds enabled the action to groups of kids,” said Lyn. “As I talked with the teachers from the continue outdoors, in the stadium. other school districts who continue to struggle with developing The event was organized by the teachers of the high school’s curriculums within their own districts that mirror the ‘partner’ Partners in PE class, a high school physical education class of aspect of education for their students, I realized how incredibly general education students who receive their own physical educa- supportive and forward thinking USC School District is in seeing tion credits while supporting students with special needs. Partners the value of encouraging and offering programs for all kids to in PE students also participate in a variety of social activities experience working and socializing with kids who have signifithroughout the year. “Our partner programs enable our students cant special needs.” who have special needs to truly feel a part of their school comSTARS coordinates interscholastic opportunities where all stumunity… and they should,” said Michelle Zirngibl, SHOP@USC dents can compete, participate in, and build friendships through coordinator. “When looking into the crowd, there are not two athletic and social events. Through a collaborative, peer-driven groups of students (those with and without disabilities), there is leadership structure, individuals come together to enrich the lives one large group of students cheering and celebrating victories.” of all students in the collective high school communities. Efforts In addition to partners and are spearheaded through a group of special education athletes, the Upper St. Clair band teachers, physical education teachers, and transition and cheerleaders participated in coordinators from the various school districts. the event. The band performed a “The value of the ‘partner’ experience could not variety of songs as students dehave been better expressed today than when a special scended from their school buses education teacher from another district asked about and followed the sidewalk to the the supportive and loving relationships that she could school. Upon entering the school, actually see on the faces of some of our kids,” said Lyn. visiting students and teachers “From her observation, this particular teacher was sure were greeted by cheerleaders and that the partner and the special needs student were famDarren Schuck and Allie Ryave welcome students to USC. other students who were quick ily related. I told her that they are just genuine friends and generous with high-fives and and buddies who share words of welcome. tremendous trust and joy, Participating high schools included Belle especially at today’s event.” Vernon Area, Bethel Park, Chartiers Valley, South In addition to Partners Allegheny, South Fayette, Washington, and Upper St. in PE and STARS, the high Clair. Throughout the morning-long event, partners and school offers a Partners athletes participated in a variety of activities, includin SHOP class that was ing soccer, mat-ball, and other skill-building sessions. recently selected as a Members of the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams provided grand prize winner in the Soccer fun on support and encouragement on Magna Awards program, the field the soccer field. sponsored by the National “Everyone experiences supSchool Boards Association. SHOP@USC is a port, wonder, and fun! The gifts student-run business, which operates fully these special needs kids have through the collaboration between students to offer are rarely seen except with significant disabilities and their same age through inclusive activities, peers without disabilities. Within SHOP, stucare by others, and a diversity dents produce and sell greeting cards, business of opportunities offered,” said cards, signs and banners, laser-engraved items, Games in the gym Lyn Mulroy, life skills support and USC spirit wear merchandise. teacher. “My students stayed “The compassion and empathy that our partfully engaged all day with the activities and social experiences ners are developing can only be gained through opportunity. It is with others who valued whatever accomplishments the special not something that can be taught,” said Michelle. “The Partners needs students could demonstrate—tiny to huge.” in PE and Partners in SHOP classes are among the best programs The Life Skills Support class at USCHS has also been involved the USC School District has implemented!” with STARS (Schools Together with Athletes Reaching Success), A variety of organizations and individuals contributed to which is made up of more than 20 area schools that host vari- ensure that the 2017 Put You Best Foot Forward event was sucous social and athletic opportunities. The mission of the STARS cessful, including Whole Foods, Giant Eagle Market District, partnership program is to provide meaningful activities for stu- and Eat’n Park. n dents with and without physical and intellectual disabilities to 68
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Back-to-Back World Finals for USC OM Team For the second year in a row, a team of creative eighth graders from Fort Couch Middle School represented Upper St. Clair at the Odyssey World Finals. This year, their odyssey took them to Michigan State University May 24–27. As members of USC’s Odyssey of the Mind program, the team’s journey was the result of eight months of hard work and collaboration to create an eight-minute performance with no assistance from coaches, teachers, family, or friends. After placing in the top two at both the regional and state tournaments at Moon Area schools this spring, the team earned their place at the World Finals where they competed against teams from near and far. Odyssey of the Mind is an international creative problemsolving STEAM program that teaches kids how to tap in to their creativity so it can be applied to real-world p ro b l e m s . I n t h e p ro g r a m , students solve one of five longterm problems. They bring their solutions to competition on the local, state, and world levUSC’s Fort Couch students were one of 34 teams from els where they Pennsylvania at the Odyssey World Finals. Team are judged on members, left to right, are Joseph Markovitz, Brianna Lin, Victoria Cuba, Sammie Seewald, Eric Wang, Max creativity and Murtough, and Constantine Tripodes. risk-taking. At an Odyssey competition, teams are scored in three areas: a longterm problem (resulting in an eight-minute performance), style (elements that enhance a solution), and a spontaneous problem (solved on-the-spot with no prior knowledge of the problem). The Fort Couch World Finalist team of Victoria Cuba, Brianna Lin, Joseph Markovitz, Max Murtough, Sammie Seewald, Constantine Tripodes, and Eric Wang solved the performance problem “To Be Continued: A Superhero Cliffhanger.” In their solution, they were required to present a humorous performance about a situation where creativity is threatened, but saved by an unexpected superhero. Their solution also included a choreographed battle, a cliffhanger ending, and a special smoke effect generated by a simple heating element and vegetable glycerin. Out of 71 teams in their division representing 29 states and nine countries, the team’s performance earned them fourth place overall and first place in the long-term performance. “The judges enjoyed their ‘clever storyline, amazing detail, and humor’,” said Laura Murtough who coached the team alongside Stacey Seewald and Meridith Markovitz. “We’re so proud of these kids. It’s a real treat to witness their creative process. Their continual passion and dedication are something very special.” To learn more about Odyssey of the Mind in USC and joining a team, visit www.uscootm.com. Registration for the 2017–18 school year begins late August. n
SD Your Satisfaction is My Goal!
Diane Horvath, GRI, CRS
Let my 25+ years of experience go to work for you! • Top Producer • Member of Top 1% of Realtors Nationwide • Listing and Sales Leader • Relocation Specialist
Office: 412-833-3600 ext. 219 Cell: 412-491-6984 dhorvath@howardhanna.com Howard Hanna–USC Office 180 Fort Couch Road Pittsburgh, PA 15241
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T HEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? SD THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEY DID WHAT?THEY DID WHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEY DID WHAT?THEY DID WHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? Volunteer Awarded Scholarship Aidan Grogan (USC Class of 2017) was recently awarded the G. Napier & Ellen T. Wilson Scholarship in recognition of his volunteer efforts at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Pittsburgh. The scholarship, administered through The Pittsburgh Foundation, recognizes high school seniors who have served a minimum of 100 volunteer hours at the VA hospital and demonstrate dependability, loyalty, a good attitude, and effort. Aidan volunteered more than 200 hours at the hospital over the past two summers.
Aidan Grogan
Book Auction for Animal Friends The 80 Boyce students on the Challenger Team held a used book auction this past May, raising nearly $1000 to benefit Animal Friends. Students donated gently used books from home and then were able to place a bid for one or more books that they wanted, with the book going to the highest bidder.
This is My World Artworks by seven USC students were selected as first place winners in the 2016–17 Arts in USC contest, sponsored by the USC Parent Teacher Council. The following students earned first places: Kindergarten: Hadley Menzies, Baker Elementary, for “Hadley’s World” First grade: Sydney Nash, Eisenhower Elementary, for “Upper Sweet Clair” Second grade: Anelise Castrodale, Eisenhower Elementary, for “My World” Third grade: Lauren Ginsburg, Streams Elementary, for “My Colorful, Peaceful World” Fourth grade: Sofia Pfaltzgraff, Streams Elementary, for “Through My Eyes” Fifth grade: Arnav Kumar, Boyce Middle School, for “Sports–My World” Sixth grade: Rosemary Ramirez, Boyce Middle School, for “Diversity” With the theme “This is My World,” students were tasked with creating original, twodimensional artwork. More than 70 students in kindergarten through grade six participated in the annual contest. The mission of the Arts in USC contest is to bring opportunities of artistic expression to all students in kindergarten through grade 12, while making it possible for students to have a contest experience. This in-house competition is judged at each grade level within each school. First place artwork for each elementary grade advances to District-wide judging. Classical Guitar Competition Mahima Reddy (USC Class of 2017) placed third in the 2017 Philadelphia Classical Guitar competition, sponsored by the Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society. Consisting of three judging rounds, competitors were first judged through recordings submitted with their applications. The semifinal and final rounds were then performed as part of the two-day festival this past April in celebration of the Philadelphia Classical Guitar S o c i e t y ’s 5 0 th anniversary season.
Mahima Reddy
Mini-THON USCHS students and staff raised $17,531 during its first ever Mini-THON, far exceeding the $10,000 goal. The 12-hour event this past April kicked-off with a designated three hours for the entire USC community to participate. Mini-THON raised money for the Four Diamonds organization, an organization that assists children who are battling cancer and their families at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. Top Finishers Two recent USCHS graduates finished among the top ten in the nation in the National Catholic Forensic League Grand Nationals this past May in Louisville, Kentucky. Raahema Durrani earned a spot in the National final round of the Lincoln Douglas Debate, finishing second on a 3-2 decision, which was one ballot away from a national championship. Erik Warmbein was a semifinalist in Dramatic Performance, finishing seventh in the nation.
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Raahema Durrani
Fall 2017
Erik Warmbein
Recognized Carson Scholar USCHS student Kevin Chen was selected as a 2017 Recognized Carson Scholar, having previously been honored with a Carson scholarship award. Kevin was honored at the Carson Scholars Fund annual Pittsburgh awards banquet this past April at Heinz Field. Founded by Ben Carson, neurosurgeon and secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the scholars program recognizes talented and dedicated students in grades four through 12 who are committed to making a difference in their community. Kevin Chen
National Art Award Winner Jaron Maine, a Fort Couch Middle School student earned a Silver Medal in the national 2017 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards with his print titled “Jellyfish” and was recognized among the top one percent of all submissions. The 2017 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards garnered more than 330,000 works of art and writing submissions by students in grades seven through 12. Jaron advanced to the national art competition by earning a Gold Key Award at the regional Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. U S C H S student Vivian Li also earned a Gold Key Award for her piece titled “Nocturne.” Jaron Maine
THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT ? SD THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDITHEY DWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDID WHAT? DID THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIWHAT DWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDID? WHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEY DID WHAT?THEY DID WHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEY DID WHAT?THEY DID WHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? Chinese Writing Awards Two USCHS students recently earned Excellent Writing awards from the Chinese Language Teachers Association of Western Pennsylvania. Senior Savannah Shaw and recent graduate Victoria Norman were recognized for their intermediate-advanced level writing. The event, the first ever hosted by CLTA-WPA, was open to students in grades six through 12 who are studying the Chinese language. The competition was organized into three categories: Category I for grades six through eight, Category II for beginner-level high school students, and Category III for intermediate to advanced high school students. Savannah and Victoria received Chinese instruction from Zhechao Lei, USCHS Chinese teacher. Students selected their own topic as it related to their Chinese study. Six to ten essays from each category were selected to receive a CLTA-WPA 2017 Excellent Writing award. Winners were recognized at the CLTA-WPA Excellent Writing award celebration this past April at Sewickley Academy. The mission of the CLTA-WPA is to advance the teaching of the Chinese language and culture in Western Pennsylvania and to support Chinese language teachers through opportunities for professional development and for exchange of experiences and ideas.
Savanhah Shaw
Boyce Bash Raises $3000 for Miracle League The third annual Boyce Bash recently raised $3000 to benefit the Miracle League of the South Hills. Boyce Bash is a carnivalstyle event organized and facilitated by members of Boyce student council. The Miracle League of the South Hills carries the mission statement of all Miracle League fields: “Every Child Deserves A Chance to Play Baseball.” Casey’s Clubhouse is an inclusive, wheelchairaccessible play area located just beyond the outfield fence at the Miracle League Field at Boyce Mayview Park.
Victoria Norman
Amigos This spring, Fort Couch eighth grade Spanish students walked to Eisenhower Elementary to read Spanish books to fourth grade students. While the middle school students enjoyed reading books and teaching vocabulary to the elementary students, the fourth graders liked playing Bingo to reinforce vocabulary. Señora Connie Montgomery and Señora Helga Gilbert encouraged the student-driven opportunity of teaching others and communicating in Spanish.
Chess Champs Congratulations to Fort Couch Middle School students Alex LeKachman, who placed first in the beginner section, and Trinity Murphy, who placed sixth in the advanced beginner section, in the 24 th Western Pennsylvania Scholastic Championship Chess tournament held this past June.
Alex LeKachman and Trinity Murphy
Group learning
USC Graduate Awarded Scholarship to Study in Taiwan Tyler Besselman (USC Class of 2017) was awarded a National Security Language Initiative f o r Yo u t h scholarship for 2017–18. Tyler will study at the Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, through June 2018.
Scholarly Article Published This spring, Aditi Chattopadhyay (USC Class of 2017) had her paper titled “Demonstration Study: A Protocol to Combine Online Tools and Databases for Identifying Potentially Repurposable Drugs” published on MDPI.com, a platform for peer-reviewed, scientific open-access journals. The paper was written as a follow up to her Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science project, completed during her junior year. “This project is very simply a protocol to identify pre-existing FDA-approved drugs that can be repurposed to treat other diseases, especially those that are not currently treatable. The real-life implications of the research were a motivating factor for me to both pursue this project and write a paper on it,” said Aditi. This fall, Aditi will attend Carnegie Mellon University School of Computer Science.
Aditi Chattopadhyay
Tyler Besselman
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SD UPPER ST. CLAIR HIGH SCHOOL
APPLICATION FOR ATHLETIC PASSES FOR THE 2017-18 SCHOOL YEAR
The Ultimate Panther Pass includes general admission for regular season home events: football, soccer, basketball, swimming, wrestling, lacrosse, and volleyball (approximately 75 paid events). ADULT PASSES ULTIMATE PANTHER PASS (All Events Pass to 75 events) (General Admission to all sports events: Fall, Winter, and Spring Sports for $70)...... #____ of passes @ $70 = $____ Contact the athletic office regarding winter and spring reduced rate adult passes. GENERAL ADMISSION FOOTBALL ONLY PASS #____ of passes @ $30 = $____ PANTHER (STUDENT) PASSES ULTIMATE PANTHER PASS–STUDENT (Student All Events Pass to 75 events) (General Admission to all sports events: Fall, Winter, and Spring Sports for $40)...... #____ of passes @ $40 = $____ JR. PANTHER–Elementary/Middle School Student (Football Only Pass).................................. #____ of passes @ $10 = $____ Your Name_________________________________________________________ Your Address_______________________________________________________ Upper St. Clair, PA. 1524___
TOTAL REMITTANCE $___________
Mail completed application and check payable to USC High School Athletics to:
Athletic Office Upper St. Clair High School 1825 McLaughlin Run Rd. Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Passes will be mailed when processed. For the complete football schedule, see below. For more information on athletics, visit www.uscsd.k12.pa.us. A replacement fee of $20 will apply for a lost or stolen pass.
2017 USCHS Varsity Football Schedule Fridays, 7:30 p.m. kickoff Date September 1 September 8 September 15 September 22 September 29 October 6 October 13 October 20 October 27
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Opponent North Hills Moon Baldwin Fox Chapel Chartiers Valley West Allegheny McKeesport Hampton Woodland Hills
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Location Away Away Home (Youth Night) Away Home Away Away Home (Halls of Fame/Homecoming) Home (Senior Recognition)
Fall 2017
USCHS Clubs and Activities 2017–2018 Art Club Ambassador Club Archery Club Baking Club Badminton Beginners Volleyball Best Buddies Biology Club Bowling Club Cereal Club Chess Club Chinese Club Clairvoyant (yearbook) Classic Rock Club Coloring Club Computer Science Club Conspiracy Theory Club Crew (rowing) Dessert Club Environmental Awareness & Recycling Fall Play FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) Fencing Club Forensics (Speech & Debate) Fosters and Friends Club French Club FRIENDS (Finding Relationships In Every New Direction) Future Med Club Gay-Straight Alliance German Club Girl Childhood Network Girls Reaching Out Worldwide Greek Life Improv Interact Japanese Club Jewish Student Union Kids Helping Kids Latin Club Law Club Library Media Assistants
Make-A-Wish Mentors Mindfulness Club Mini-THON Club Montage (literary publication) Multi-Cultural Club Mural Club Music Production Club National Honor Society Natural Helpers NPH (Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos) Operation Smile Panther Pals Panther Press (newspaper) Paranormal Club Pickleball Club Ping Pong Club RPG (Role Playing Game) Rifle Team Science Competition Club Ski Club Soccer United Spanish Club Sports Appreciation Club Spring Musical Soccer United Stage Crew STEAM Outreach Stock Market Club Student Council Student Think Tank Super Smash Brothers Thai Club Thespian Society Tri-M Music Honors Club USC Book Club USC Sticker Club Ultimate Frisbee UNICEF Club World Affairs Club Wounded Warriors Club Yoga Club Young Life
For information, call USCHS at 412-833-1600 or visit w w w. u s c s d . k 1 2 . p a . u s .
Coming to Your Neighborhood The USCHS Marching Band Festival
What do James Bond, Cirque de Soleil, Queen, Fall Out Boys, and Elton John all have in common? The Upper St. Clair Marching Band, of course! In past years, this music, and so much more, has been featured by the band as they dazzle crowds and audiences each fall season. On Saturday, September 16, the Pride of Upper St. Clair Panther Marching Band will once again take center field at the 42nd annual Marching Band Festival. The festival begins at 7:30 p.m. in the USCHS Stadium. Tickets for the event are $10/adults and $7/students; they can be purchased from marching band members in advance or at the gate the night of the event. This year’s festival will feature bands from Baldwin High School, Brashear High School, Carlynton High School, Montour High School, and South Fayette High School, as well as the USCHS alumni and the Fort Couch Middle School bands. Under the direction of Don Pickell, with the assistance of Kiera Hanna (auxiliary coach) and Patrick Jones (drumline coach), the band will go “Hard Corps Latin” performing “Topaz,” “Tiger of San Pedro,” and “Malaguena.” The 150-member ensemble will be led on the field by drum majors Amanda Ross, Meghan Johnson, and Nick Ravasio; drumline captains Matt Higgs, Jess Naumann, and Mia Taylor; and auxiliary captains Athena Hobbs, Zoe Rankin, Abby Riemer, and Kate Shaughnessy. n The festival is sponsored by the USC Band Parents Association, the booster organization that provides support to all the instrumental programs at USCHS. For additional information about the festival, visit www.uscbpa.org. To participate in the alumni band, email uschsalumniband@gmail.com.
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Upper St. Clair
School District Calendar 2017–2018
Aug 29
First Day of School for Students
Sept 4
No School–Labor Day
Oct 13
Half Day (Early Dismissal for Students)
Oct 30–31
No School–Teacher In-service
Nov 7
No School–Teacher In-service
Nov 22
Half Day (Early Dismissal for Thanksgiving Recess)
Nov 23–24
No School–Thanksgiving Recess
Dec 25–Jan 1
No School–Winter Recess
Jan 15
No School–Teacher In-service
Feb 16
No School–Teacher In-service
Feb 19
No School–Teacher In-service
Mar 2
Half Day (Early Dismissal for Students)
Mar 26–30
No School (Spring Recess)
Apr 2
No School (Teacher In-service)
May 25
Snow Make-Up Day #1
May 28
No School–Memorial Day
Jun 7
High School Commencement
Jun 12
Last Day of School for Students (Pending Snow Make-Up Days)
Jun 18
Kennywood Day
OASIS Intergenerational Tutoring An hour a week can change a child’s life. Become an OASIS tutor. Volunteers tutor students in Pittsburgh Public and Woodland Hills School Districts in grades K–4 in reading and writing. Free training will be given to mature adults (50+). All materials and clearances are provided by OASIS. For more information on how to become an OASIS tutor or for training sessions, contact John Spehar, Pittsburgh OASIS tutoring program director at 412-393-7648 or jdspehar@oasisnet.org. OASIS is an affiliate of Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council.
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SD
Educational Resource Guide
THEY HAVE DREAMS
We can Help Join Us | Call 412-257-2000 111 Washington Avenue Bridgeville, PA 15017 www.thomasdance.com
Emma Artnak USC Senior and Dance Team Captain
Anna Dipasquale USC Junior and Dance Team Captain
Making Dance Accessible to All Lindsay McNary, Thomas Studio, Faculty Member There’s no better feeling than the one you get when you see your child’s face light up with joy and a sense of accomplishment. Whether he’s reciting the ABCs for the first time or sprinting towards you for a hug after her first day of school, the sensation of achievement and pride radiates and, as a parent, your heart swells with love. As a dance educator for ten years, I count myself blessed to be privy to these moments of joy and to have the opportunity to facilitate special accomplishments daily. I have seen first-hand the immediate physical benefits that dance can provide to a young, developing child as well as the long-term social and emotional growth it supports and encourages. Being the mother of two growing boys, I have known from the very beginning that a dance studio was going to be one of the main places where my children would grow and experience those very important moments of accomplishment and pride. When I first entered the world of motherhood, I was nearly blissfully unaware of some of its challenges. Five years later, my experiences with my own children and their friends have made me acutely aware of how special each child truly is and how different each child’s learning needs really are. From how sensory stimulation affects a child’s behavior, to cognitive and physical challenges and limitations, to medical diagnoses that can change lifestyles, the list of differences that children and families face is endless (and exhausting at times!) In the midst of it all, we do our very best to give our children every opportunity possible to learn the lessons we believe to be 74
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most valuable and to facilitate a happy and memorable childhood. For me, understanding the learning needs of each child has reignited my passion for dance education to make sure that it is accessible to all. Serving on the faculty at Thomas Dance Studio, six of our instructors are certified in the integrative dance program Rhythm Works. This program, which recognizes how movement serves an integral role in helping the brain function at its best, was created for individuals with learning differences and a wide variety of diagnoses. It uses music, purposeful movement, and defined rhythm patterns to fully integrate the body, mind, and spirit. The program is specifically designed to assist in a child’s individual developmental goals and specific sensory, cognitive, and physical needs. The movement is designed to engage the vestibular system, aid in adaptive skills, and progress fine and gross motor development. It engages the child and assists in building social skills, including taking turns, partner work, leadership, self-control, and various forms of self-expression. Rhythm Works can provide a dance experience for children who are unable to participate in traditional dance classes. The pure joy that this program provides to children and to their families is a true gift and blessing. With the addition of this specialized program, Thomas Dance Studio is thrilled to reach and expand its dance family. n For more information on Thomas Dance Studio or the Rhythm Works program, contact the office at 412-257-2000 and ask to speak with Lindsay. See ad for Thomas Dance Studio on this page.
Educational Resource Guide SEASON TICKETS
START AT $36
Trust Arts Education Finds the Artist in Everyone
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The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Arts Education
Department brings out the artist in everyone through a range of inspiring educational opportunities for educators, artists, young people, families, and the Pittsburgh community-at-large. Through partnerships with schools, peer organizations, teaching artists, and local communities, the Trust Arts Education Department provides high quality hands-on arts programming intended to nurture an appreciation of the arts and cultivate deep, authentic learning through the arts. For the youngest learners, Trust Arts Education provides StoryCorner programs, where artists bring books to life through dance and drama. As an affiliate of Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts, professional teaching artists partner with pre-K classrooms to provide engaging, sequential learning experiences for children ages three to five, their teachers, and their families. Throughout the year, students of all ages can engage in enriching educational opportunities that bring them closer to the art form. Through in-school and out-of-school residency programs, students and educators explore curriculum content through integrated arts strategies. Throughout the summer, Trust Arts Education provides exciting summer camps in dance, writing, and music production. The StarMakers Dance Intensive is a two-week camp for lovers of the stage to explore the courage to dream with dance. In addition to all of the opportunities for students, the Trust Arts Education team values the work that teachers are doing in the classroom all year long. Educators can take advantage of various professional development opportunities throughout the year. Additionally, Tix for Teachers programs provides educators with discounted tickets for select performances, as well as opportunities to connect with other teachers in a fun, relaxing environment. Coming to an event in the Cultural District? The Trust Arts Education Department offers a variety of community events that help audiences deepen their experience with performing and visual arts. Come to a “Know the Show Before You Go” during the PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh series to get the inside scoop on the show. Every second Saturday of the month, participate in free or low-cost art workshops at the Trust Arts Education Center, with classes in painting, creative writing, dancing, sketching, and more! At the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, there’s fun for the whole family. Whether you find your little one enraptured in a book about far away adventures, your preteen learner writing a play, or yourself trying out a new skill, the Trust Arts Education Department helps bring out the artist in everyone. n This article was provided by the Trust Arts Education Department. For more information, visit www.TrustArts.org/Education. See ads for EQT Bridge Theater Series and Citizens Bank Children’s Theater Series on this page.
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For ages 7+ SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
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Educational Resource Guide
Countdown to the New School Year Jennifer Roberts, Extended Day Services, Administrative Director During the lazy days of summer, it’s difficult to think about the upcoming school year and the organization that’s required for success. The end of August is hard for both kids and adults, but the trick is to plan ahead. Three Weeks Ahead • Brainstorm lunch ideas. Make a list of all the foods that your child would like in his lunch. A go-to food list for each child makes packing lunches much quicker. • Clean out the closets. Donate clothing that doesn’t fit or your child doesn’t wear. • Enroll in sports and other activities. Plan out the school year schedule for each child, get them enrolled, and get it on the family calendar. • Download a family calendar app. Cozi is one of the top-rated calendar apps; it’s easy to use, color-coded for each family member, and easily accessible on everyone’s device. The print option allows a copy of the calendar for the refrigerator! Each Night • Lay out school clothes the night before. Help kids choose their outfits the night before for less stressful mornings. • Pack the backpack. Help kids pack folders and books into their backpack before they go to bed and place it by the front door. • Set the breakfast table with bowls, cups, silverware, cereal boxes, etc. before you go to bed. Use paper products to eliminate breakfast dish cleanup! 76
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Each Morning Before School • Bring clothes downstairs. For young children, bring clothes to the family room where they can dress while you monitor progress, put lunches in backpacks, and watch for the bus. • Have a toothbrush station in a downstairs bathroom near the family room or kitchen, so kids can brush their teeth immediately after breakfast without going back upstairs to their main bathroom. Each Afternoon After School • Create a homework supply bin. Put items—pencils, erasers, rulers, colored pencils, markers, and calculators—in a lidded plastic bin so all tools are in easy reach. • Set a homework alarm to signal the start of homework time. A kitchen timer works great! Then, depending on your children’s ages, let kids do homework in 20-30 minute blocks, with five-minute breaks for snacks, physical activity, mobile devices, or any other diversion. • Set a nightly goal and reward them. Help children choose a reward that is motivating to them. For each child this will be different—extra time outside with friends, computer time, video games—but this will give each child something to look forward to after they’ve completed their work. So, this August, start early to organize your children’s school lives. These ideas are simple, but taken as a whole, they add up to a huge savings in time and frustration! n See ad for Extended Day Services on this page.
Around the Township Replying to a Community Foundation wantad this past spring, USC residents submitted more than 100 photos of places in and around Upper St. Clair. Shown are photos of those selected to represent beauty and various USC locations (some well known) for this one-page collage. The corresponding name of the photographer is shown below each photo.
Ponny Conomos
Nancy Barnard
CIndy Owens
Judy Watts Matt Snyder
Jack Colletti
Doug Dillie
Glenn Prokopovitch
Steve Logan
Wanted: Pictures of “the sites and seasons” of Upper St. Clair Township—landmarks, nature scenes, historical places, monuments or public buildings Daniel Speer
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2 nd Annual Golf Invitational at St. Clair Country Club Benefitting Casey’s Clubhouse and the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair
Monday, September 25, 2017 Registration/Luncheon at Noon Shotgun Start at 1 p.m. Dinner Immediately Following 2017 Sponsorship Levels Platinum - $5000 Includes 2 Foursomes Full Page in Yardage Guide Title Dinner Sponsorship
St. Clair Country Club For over 100 years, the reputation of St. Clair Country Club has been synonymous with the very best in club life and amenities in Western Pennsylvania. It is a true country club that retains the quiet ambiance and character of a pastoral countryside.
Gold - $2500 Includes 2 Foursomes Half Page in Yardage Guide Title Lunch Sponsorship Silver - $1500 Includes 1 Foursome Quarter Page in Yardage Guide Bronze - $1200 Includes 1 Foursome Mention in Yardage Guide
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Single Golfer - $250 Pairings will be developed by the Invitational Committee
To inquire or select a sponsorship level, please contact John Tarcson at jtarcson@cfusc.org or call 412-584-9990.
Hole Sponsorship - $100 Includes 1 20 x 24 sign positioned at tee box
Visit the Community Foundation website @ cfusc.org
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U p co m i n g Ev e nt s s p o n s o r e d by t h e C o m m u n i t y Fo u n d a t i o n o f U p p e r S t . C l a i r
8th Annual Family Movie Night Thursday, August 24, 7 p.m. Boyce MS Field
Book Club meets at C&RC 11 a.m. & 7 p.m.
September 14 November 9
Beer and Wine Tasting Saturday, October 14 St. Thomas More Family Center 7 p.m.
Watch for announcements about CF activities to celebrate a 25-year tradition serving the community and enhancing life in Upper St. Clair‌
Community Day Duck Races 2017
Visit cfusc.org for more information about upcoming events.
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Fond Memories in the Making
Jessica Kester, Allegheny Land Trust, Vice President of Education As a child, my family enjoyed summer vacations visiting our favorite fishing spot at Tom’s Cove in Chincoteague, Virginia. I grew up watching the summer tides roll over the green marsh lands, smelling the aroma of the fishing dock, and running up and down the beach in the salt spray. In the fall, we would take the small aluminum boat out onto Raystown Lake in central Pennsylvania. My dad would diligently fish while my mom would wrangle my younger brother and me, as the boat bounced lazily on the water. I would sleep curled up in the bow with my brother on the seat. As I look at my growing children, I’m thinking hard about where we’ll spend our leisure time. What outdoor spaces will give them these fond memories, and will those spaces be around for them to enjoy with their children when the time comes? It was those experiences—those wild spaces and my family’s passion for being outside—that helped mold me as a naturalist, a scientist, a teacher, and a conservationist. I am Jessie and a flounder in the boat fortunate to have found the jobs that I’ve held over the past nearly two decades, and I’m proud to now work for an organization that is helping to preserve the spaces that will shape my children’s memories. With all of that in mind, I’m excited to announce the launch of Allegheny Land Trust’s (ALT) first-ever membership program. Since 1993, ALT has helped local people save local land by protecting more than 2100 acres of green space in Allegheny and Washington counties. These conservation areas contribute to the region’s scenic beauty, water and air quality, and biodiversity, all the while providing area residents with outstanding Climbing a tree opportunities for outdoor recreation and environmental education. Today, there is an ALT conservation area within 12 miles of every Allegheny county resident, and, last year alone, ALT protected 121 additional acres and educated more than 7000 people on the importance of protecting our natural environment. But, there is more conservation work to be done! Accomplishing vital work over the years with terrific volunteer support and financial contributions from many individuals, ALT is now offering a defined membership program. This new program will play a key role in expanding the conservation and environmental education work in the years to come by: • Creating closer ties with existing ALT supporters • Significantly broadening the reach to new supporters • Raising the overall public awareness of ALT • Helping to better quantify and communicate the strengths of ALT to unlock additional foundation, business, and governmental support. Your past support is much appreciated, and your future support is critical! Please continue to support conservation in our region by taking a few minutes and signing on as a member of Allegheny Land Trust today. Do this online at http://alleghenylandtrust. org. Your membership donation (at whatever level is most appropriate for you) will make a difference today and for future generations. Thank you. Investigating our environment Still not sure what you’d be helping to protect? Join ALT’s Environmental Education Team at an upcoming event on any of our properties around the county, including Upper St. Clair’s Wingfield Pines property off Mayview Road. n
Upcoming September Programs in the South Hills September 4
Macro Mayhem Mondays
30
Chartiers Creek BioBlitz (free) Find more ALT information and registration at http://bit.ly/altoutside.
Boardwalking at Wingfield Pines 80
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If you are interested in sharing ALT’s conservation mission with friends and associates, and would like membership brochures to help you tell the story, contact Lindsay at 412-741-2750.
This is beautiful. This is home. This is Providence Point—where resort-like amenities and fine dining combine with stellar wellness and healthcare so that you can truly enjoy life. Providence Point is designed for the way you live now, and offers the peace of mind you want for your future.
ACT NOW
to reserve your new home in Providence Point’s Hamilton Tower. Call today!
412-489-3550
Providence Point, Pittsburgh’s vibrant 62+ Life Plan community, is now taking reservations for Hamilton Tower, featuring six brand new floor plans, under construction soon.
A Baptist Homes Society community
www.ProvidencePointPhaseTwo.org 500 Providence Point Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15243
Keeping History Alive Providence Point, which opened its doors almost eight years ago, stands on the site where the Battle of Bower Hill took place more than 223 years ago. The Battle of Bower Hill was the bloodiest battle of the Whiskey Rebellion, a tax protest that lasted from 1791 to 1794 and threatened to unravel the newly-formed federal government of the United States of America. Since its inception, Providence Point has promoted awareness of the historic events that took place in the geographical area. Historic names identify the streets where the spacious patio homes are situated. That effort continued this past June on Flag Day, as many gathered to break ground on a new nondenominational chapel. The highly anticipated chapel will be named Providence Chapel. “The significance of breaking ground for our new chapel on the day that honors the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as a symbol of ‘a new Providence Point resident George nation dedicated to the Cahill spoke at the personal and religious groundbreaking liberty of mankind’ was ceremony.
not lost on any of us,” said Al Allison Jr., president and CEO of Baptist Homes Society. George Cahill, a resident of Providence Point, spoke about the flag’s history during the ceremony. In 1968, he and four other Boy Scouts of America council members foundGround breaking of Providence Chapel ed the National Flag Foundation. Mr. Cahill served as its presi- airy spaces, stainless steel appliances, fulldent from 1976 until 1994 and has written size washers and dryers, as well as walk-in extensively about the U.S. flag. closets and large master baths with walkDuring the ceremony, it was also an- in showers. Residents will have access to nounced that a planned expansion of a underground, indoor parking, and indoor new 80-unit apartment residence will be access to amenities, including a pool and constructed. Named Hamilton Tower in fitness center, all four dining venues, a recognition of Alexander Hamilton’s role spa/beauty salon, bank, library, and more. in the Whiskey Rebellion, it will join Concerning the history lessons, Al the two other resident apartment towers, commented, “We plan to keep history alive Adams and Madison. The Neville Room while continuing our commitment to ofand the Light Horse Lounge are just two of fering the highest quality in senior living Providence Point’s many common spaces into the future.” n with historical references. See ad for Providence Point, a Baptist Homes Hamilton Tower will feature six open, Society Community, on this page. flexible floorplans with large windows and Fall 2017
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Traveling with TODAY International pleasure travel was in the works for USC residents Betty Jane and Ron Rothermund this past spring. They visited their son, Jerome (USC Class of 1990), and his family in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, and took pictures with TODAY. In the background is the picturesque Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Before retiring two years ago, Betty Jane worked as a substitute teacher in the USC School District for 29 years. Jerome is a teacher in Abu Dhabi, where he instructs ESL (English as a second language). n
Betty Jane and Ron Rothermund take TODAY to Abu Dhabi
Look what blew into town! Drybar, the “No Cuts, No Color, Just Blowouts” destination that has a legion of followers across the country is now open in Upper St. Clair at Siena at St. Clair, off Route 19. The 1579-square-foot location consists of ten styling chairs and features all of the signature elements that define the Drybar experience. Darlene Wehmer took time for a photo with TODAY after the business’ grand opening this June. n
Traveling with TODAY
Drybar employee Darlene Wehmer, holding TODAY
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY traveled to the Mayan ruins in Chichen Itza, Mexico, this past summer for a history lesson. One of the seven modern wonders of the world, this archeological site is the most visited Mayan vestiges on the Yucatan Peninsula. Eighteen structures at this site have been preserved and restored over the years, some through the help of Andrew Carnegie. Pyramid Kukulcan is the tallest of these structures and applies a strict understanding of astronomy and the calendar year. During the spring and fall equinoxes—March 21 and Sept 21—the setting sun creates a shadowing effect down the steps of the pyramid that resemble a descending snake. The spring equinox can draw up to 20,000 visitors to witness this magnificent singular-day event. The Mayan civilization, which flourished between 300 and 900 AD, was one of the most advanced and sophisticated cultures in the Western Hemisphere and consisted of more than 40 cities spread across southern Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and northern Belize. These ancient cities, full of magnificent stone temples and pyramids, were primarily ceremonial centers for the people. Most of the Maya lived in rural areas and were farmers who looked to the priests of the cities for direction on the best days to plant, harvest, and marry. Of their many gods, the rain god was the most highly regarded. The Maya are famed for their deep understanding of mathematics and astronomy, which were integral to their religious rituals. They are also known for the practice of human sacrifice, which was a means of appeasing and UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, in front of Pyramid Kukulcan in Chichen Itza, Mexico nourishing the gods. n 82
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Read the following criteria to find out how to submit information. • Clear, close-up photo of USC resident(s) holding his or her TODAY magazine. • Digital photo or hard copy 35mm accepted. ‣‣ For digital, attach jpg (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 email address or phone 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.
Questions to Ask a Lender During Your Home Search Process Lynn Dempsey When searching for a home loan offered by a mortgage company or bank there are important aspects to consider, including loan terms, rates, and products being offered, to help make your decision. These things can vary significantly from one company to another and change over time. If you can get answers to certain questions during your home search process, you will be better prepared at the closing and more able to understand the overall costs associated with a home mortgage. When shopping around, here are a few questions you might ask. General Questions • What are the most popular mortgages you offer? • Are your rates, terms, fees, and closing costs negotiable? • Do you offer discounts for home inspections, homeownership classes, or automatic payment set-up? • Will I have to buy private mortgage insurance (PMI)? If so, how much will it cost and how long will it be required? • Will you match other competitors’ rates and terms? • What is the difference between FHA, PHFA, Conventional, and VA loans? Which loans are applicable in my situation and which works best for me? • What is the difference between an adjustable rate and a fixed mortgage? • Will my credit score affect my mortgage rate? • What are your escrow requirements? Loan Specific Questions • How long does the loan approval process take? • What would be included in my monthly mortgage payment (homeowners insurance, property taxes, etc.)? • Which type of mortgage would you recommend for me? • How long will the rate on this loan be in a lock-in period? Will I be able to obtain a lower rate if the market rate drops during the lock-in period? • Are there charges or penalties for prepaying the loan? • Based on the quoted rate and term, how much will I pay over the life of the loan? • Can I refinance my loan at anytime? • Will you provide me an amortization schedule for my loan? • Who will service this loan, your company or another institution? • Could my loan be bought out by another financial institution? n
DELIVERING RESULTS Selling or purchasing a home is a major life investment... Choose wisely.
• Top 10% of Coldwell Bankers nationally and internationally • Five star agent – Pittsburgh Magazine for 7 years ® • Senior Real Estate lynn.dempsey@pittsburghmoves.com Specialist – SRES • Relocation specialist O: (412) 833-5405 x255 • 22 years of negotiation C: (412) 445-6264 & marketing experience • 34 years as a USC resident • Listing and Selling Agent
Lynn Dempsey, Realtor
CNMS, CNBS, CNIS
© 2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.
Lynn Dempsey, Realtor®, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services, can be reached at lynn.dempsey@pittsburghmoves.com or 412-445-6264. See ad on this page.
Tasteful Night Fundraiser
St. Gregory’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Upper St. Clair is hosting a fundraiser at the Crowne Plaza Pittsburgh South Hotel (Fort Couch Road) and inviting the public to join in! Mark your calendar for Friday, October 20, 6:30–10 p.m. to enjoy food items from more than a dozen South Hills restaurants and eateries and live entertainment from Pittsburgh’s own “The Movemakers.” Take chances on a 50/50 raffle, as well as Chinese, silent, and live auctions. Ticket price is $50; cash bar. For tickets and more information, contact Sharon Opal at 412-721-3799 or Barbara Stasiuk at 412-885-2140. Come taste the fun!
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Prof iles
on People with a USC Connection
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 or usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us. What makes a successful business man decide to buy a gym? A passion for people and a passion for fitness. These two passions are what inspired long-time USC resident Pat Slowey to purchase St. Clair Fitness, known to most as the old St. Clair Racquet Club. If you visit, you will more than likely see Pat chatting with adult members between sets of bench presses or explaining a life-lesson to one of the younger members after a speed and agility workout. You may even see him shooting pretend webs from his wrists at one of the little guys running up Left to right: Pat Slowey to the childcare room. and Josh McIntyre Pat started weight lifting as a teenager and has been consistently lifting ever since. He began working out at St. Clair Fitness 20 years ago and fell in love with the place. “It’s the people here that make it special,” he says when asked what makes St. Clair Fitness different. From the trainers to the members to the managers, everyone agrees that St. Clair Fitness is a special place. St. Clair Fitness’ general manager, Josh McIntyre, is also a personal trainer and Crossfit coach. He agrees that St. Clair Fitness is not like other gyms. “Pat knows everyone here and he’s done so much for this place since he bought it. He cares about the people here and it shows.” Improvements under the new ownership include adding a speed and agility room, new spin bikes, and redecorating the women’s locker room. Josh explains, “We’ve added programs and classes that are doable for anyone at any fitness level. Our goal is to make St. Clair Fitness a place where everyone can be their best.” St. Clair Fitness offers Crossfit, spin classes, personal training, team training, group fitness classes, and POWL (plain old weight lifting). Training for young athletes (middle and high school) in sport-specific programs is a unique offering that provides opportunities for mentoring, which is something close to Pat’s heart. Stop by for a visit and try it out!
Jennifer E. Cipullo, M.D., a proud 2009 graduate and valedictorian of Upper St. Clair High School, received her medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh this past May. Dr. Cipullo began her residency in emergency medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in June. Jennifer received a BS in nueroscience from Allegheny College in 2013, graduating summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa.
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Collin Edington, a postdoctoral research scientist at MIT and graduate of USC’s Class of 2006, was recently honored by the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and the Wellcome Trust Foundation (Wellcome Image Awards). He was bestowed this award for submitting an image of neural stem cells reflecting his postdoctoral work with the Human-on-a-Chip project. The image was taken using confocal microscopy; an imaging technique that uses visible light in the form of highly-focused lasers to illuminate narrow sections of the object being Collin Edington viewed. Researchers are devising ways of growing miniature organs on plastic chips, which they hope can be used to predict the effectiveness and toxicity of drugs and vaccines, as an alternative to animal testing for medical research. The Wellcome Image Awards recognize the creators of informative, striking, and technically excellent images that communicate significant aspects of healthcare and biomedical science. Exhibitions of the winning images are on display in venues across the UK, Europe, and Africa. View the winning images at www.wellcomeimageawards.org. Central to his research, Collin, the son of USC residents Howard and Marcy Edington, develops 3D tissue models of the central nervous system and neurodegenerative diseases.
This image of neural stem cells is owned by MIT and used with permission in conjunction with this article. Dr. Jennifer Cipullo
Fall 2017
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Transitions Dear Outreach, My daughter seems very scared about starting middle school. How can I help her feel more comfortable about her new school? Worried Parent
Dear Worried Parent, Some apprehension about starting a new school is typical. However, some children experience excessive physical and mental symptoms that are not typical, such as severe sleep disturbance, stomach aches, and worrying. Having a good transition to middle school is the first step toward a successful experience. There are a lot of differences between elementary and middle school, including changes in academic, social, and physical aspects of school. Surprisingly, children are often most concerned about the logistics of the new school and how things work. Visit the school and talk about her impressions and concerns. Together, look up the middle school’s website to find answers to many of her questions and concerns. She may even get excited about some new opportunities after viewing a list of student activities. Make a plan to get back on a school sleep schedule and discuss ways she can get school supplies and her calendar organized. It is important to allow your daughter to discuss her hopes and worries about entering middle school. Listen without judgment and show empathy. Middle school children can often be irritable and take the pressures of adolescence out on their family members. Parents should try to keep calm, and frequently show their child that she is a loved and a valued member of the family. Highlight her strengths that she can use to face her struggles. n
Outreach Teen & Family Services is a nonprofit, confidential counseling service that offers counseling and educational programs to teens and parents. For further information, contact Outreach 412-561-5405 or info@outreachteen.org.
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Come to The Porch The Porch at Siena, the first expansion of Eat’n Park Hospitality Group’s The Porch brand, opened in Upper St. Clair this June. The Porch’s menu features a Mediterranean-influenced cuisine focused on fresh ingredients from local partners and farms, as well as its own on-site garden. The Porch is also known for its hand-tossed, artisan pizzas baked in a stone-fired oven. In addition to its indoor dining room and bar area, The Porch at Siena also features one of the largest al fresco dining areas in the South Hills, with a covered outdoor patio and a large fireplace. “We’re excited to introduce The Porch to Pittsburgh’s southern suburbs,” said Kevin O’Connell, chief marketing officer of Eat’n Park Hospitality Group. “Pittsburghers love our Oakland location because it serves delicious, fresh food in a relaxing outdoor setting. We’re bringing that same experience to the South Hills, and I think residents are going to love it!”
The Porch at Siena is the brand’s first suburban location. The Porch at Schenley, located in Oakland, opened in 2011. n
For more information about The Porch and hours of operation, visit www.dineattheporch.com.
Friendship Village of South Hills Plans Expansion USC retirement community expands life care offering Friendship Village of South Hills, a senior living community on Boyce Road in Upper St. Clair that provides an independent lifestyle to older adults, plans to expand to meet the changing needs of the area’s population. Currently featuring 297 residential living apartment and carriage homes and a variety of services and amenities under its Life Care agreement, the community also provides a continuum of healthcare services and accommodations. The $39.5 million expansion, slated to begin this year, will add a new building with 50 new assisted living apartments, 32 memory support suites, and various amenities and wellness services. “The continued expansion of Friendship Village allows us to serve additional area seniors and provide an even greater level of care and hospitality,” said Bryan Welty, executive director of Friendship Village of South Hills.
“One of the greatest values of the Life Care agreement is the promise to provide residents with care when needed,” said Ann Walsh, senior vice president of operations for Lifespace Communities, Friendship Village of South Hills’ parent company. “Our health center is a key component to providing skilled nursing and rehab services, and with the addition of assisted living and memory support, our team will be able to care for residents at their highest level of independence and meet growing demands.” According to a 2016 report from the Alzheimer’s Association, the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease is projected to climb by nearly 19% and affect 320,000 older adults in Pennsylvania by 2025. Currently, an estimated 270,000 adults age 65+ living in Pennsylvania have Alzheimer’s. n Call 724-941-3100 or visit FriendshipVillagePA.com.
Action Saves Lives Cont. from page 26
Power in Prevention About one in 20 people will in his or her lifetime get colon or rectal cancers. “This doesn’t have to happen,” Cedar says, “because colonoscopies allow doctors to potentially preempt the problem.” “I find pre-cancerous polyps (adenomas) in approximately 50% of all average-risk patients who present for their first screening colonoscopy,” Cedar says. “Each physician’s adenoma polyp detection rate is one of the quality control measures we have been tracking for several years at the South Hills Endoscopy Center, and I would encourage all patients to ask their gastroenterologist in what percent of patients do they find colorectal polyps.” One big barrier to early diagnosis is patients who self-diagnose stomach and abdominal pain, bowel changes, or blood in their stool. The diagnosis can sometimes be very difficult, and gastroenterologists perform a detailed patient history and exam, which may include colonoscopy, lab testing, and imaging studies before making a diagnosis. “I have many patients who have already searched the Internet and labeled themselves with irritable bowel syndrome, or tried 86
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gluten-free diets and probiotics for many months or even years before they come to see me,” Cedar says. “Many of my patients have heard me say that ‘Dr. Google’ is the world’s most dangerous doctor.” Also, many patients have a tendency to minimize their gastrointestinal symptoms, hoping the problem will just go away. “If something is bothering you,” Cedar says, “don’t wait to get it checked out. “ “There is nothing magical about waiting until age 50 to pay attention to possible gastrointestinal problems. Listen to your body and don’t self-diagnose,” Cedar says. Brian was only 44 at the time of his diagnosis, had no family history, and was very active and a non-smoker. He remains cancer free more than 16 months later and has an excellent prognosis. Remember, colorectal cancer does not discriminate; it can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or family history and it usually does not have any associated symptoms until it has metastasized. Do yourself and your family a favor: do not put off scheduling your colonoscopy. n See ad for South Hills Endoscopy Center on page 1.
Home Improvement Cost vs. Value Real Estate Round Up
BUSINESSES AT YOUR SERVICE Custom Made Window Treatments Roman shades, pillows, bedding and more.
Emanuel Romanias As you sit on your deck sipping coffee, bird songs envelope your senses from every direction while a leaf, vibrant with color, gently floats down from a tree branch and catches your eye. Welcome to autumn in Pittsburgh. A barking dog breaks your tranquil trance, allowing you to take notice of your surroundings. The trim and windows could use a fresh coat of paint, the wooden shutters are showing signs of rot, and the landscaping looks tired. Home maintenance is a continual endeavor, yet finances are limited. How do you know which upgrades will yield the most bang for your buck? Luckily, there are resources to assist you. Remodeling Magazine issues an annual cost vs. value report relating to home improvement upgrades. In Pittsburgh, according to the 2017 report, replacing your garage door will allow you to recoup a larger percentage of your investment than adding on a master suite. Thinking of adding another bathroom? You may want to think again as your money would be better utilized to instead add more attic insulation. To review the report in its entirety, google Remodeling Magazine for access to the website. And what of that tired landscaping? In the spring, many of us annually add fresh mulch and new flowers to the flowerbed to spruce up the curb appeal of our home. But, again, resources might be limited. So how much is too much? Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be any consensus. Better Homes and Garden cites real estate studies suggesting a landscaping upgrade from poor to good can increase the value of a home from five to 15%. However, what constitutes as “good” landscaping is somewhat arbitrary. Landscape economist John Harris says good landscaping can add up to 28% value to a home and Bob Vila suggests a good landscape design can increase a home’s value by up to 20%. Yet, there does appear to be agreement on three essential items to be included in any landscape upgrade: trees, native plants, outdoor lighting. “But, beware,” cautions residential real estate appraiser Sandy MacCuish. Trees and plants appreciate in value over time; so don’t landscape merely to flip a house. You won’t get your money back. Landscape instead for your enjoyment, knowing that you’re making a good investment. Everyone wants to use their resources in the most efficient and effective way possible, yet the enjoyment and convenience factors cannot be discounted out-of-hand. If your family is growing and you need to add another bathroom, then the convenience factor (or some may argue the necessity factor) may outweigh the economic return on investment value. Too many times I see clients spend thousands of dollars on upgrades to their home just to make it more attractive to buyers. The time to make major upgrades to a home is while you are living in it so that you can enjoy them! I routinely tell my clients that a home is made to be lived in and right now, you are living in it! n
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Coming to your coffee table… the official publication of Upper St. Clair Township and School District offering you everything you need to know about our community
Emanuel is a Realtor® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, The Preferred Realty and can be reached at eromanias@thepreferredrealty.com. See ad on this page.
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e c i v r e S in ’17 Advertiser Index
www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home
Fall 2017
Advertiser Page
Advertiser Page
Affordable Decks and Additions ............................................................. 83 * Angelo Associates ................................................................................. 63 * ARAMARK ............................................................................................. 59 Arbor Tree Specialist, Inc. ...................................................................... 35 Asbury Heights ...................................................................................... 19 * Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, The Preferred Realty, Rt. 19 South ..5 Brookside Lumber ................................................................................. 65 * Calabro Tire & Auto Service .................................................................. 69 Catalucci Painting.................................................................................. 87 Chase Custom Creations ....................................................................... 87 Chinese Acupuncture & Herbs Center, LLC ........................................... 27 Citizens Bank Children’s Theater Series.................................................. 75 * Coldwell Banker–The South Hills Office .......................Back outside cover Coldwell Banker–Lynn Dempsey ........................................................... 83 Coldwell Banker–Leigh Harkreader ....................................................... 67 * Cupelli & Cupelli, Drs. .......................................................................... 55 Davey Tree and Lawn Care ..................................................................... 65
Jacksons Restaurant + Bar ..................................................................... 41 * Keller Williams–Sandy and Marshall Goldstein .................................... 55 * Kerr Family and Cosmetic Dentistry ...................................................... 49 Little Lake Theatre Company ................................................................. 19 * Manalo, Larry E., D.M.D. ....................................................................... 49 Melissa Blackwood Homes & Interiors .........................Front cover, 10, 11 * Pinebridge Commons Associates .......................................................... 49 Plastic Surgical Assoc. of Pittsburgh, Robert W. Bragdon, MD, FACS .. 24 Preferred Drapery & Blinds ................................................................... 17 Providence Point, a Baptist Homes Society Community ........................ 81 * Rusmur Floors ...............................................................Back inside cover St. Clair Fitness ..................................................................................... 29 * St. Clair Hospital ............................................................................... 2, 22 * Scott Bros. Windows and Doors ............................................................ 17 * Sesame Inn ........................................................................................... 21 South Hills Endoscopy Center ................................................................. 1 Southwest Gastroenterology Associates .................................................. 7
What They Said Community engagement is an integral part of our business acumen. Advertising in UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY gives us the opportunity to maintain our ongoing commitment to the people and organizations that make Upper St. Clair one of the region’s best neighborhoods.—Milo Hindman, Coldwell Banker South Hills Office, Manager EQT Bridge Theater Series ..................................................................... 75 Eichenlaub Landscapes for Living ........................................................... 9 Extended Day Services .......................................................................... 76 G’s Landscaping .................................................................................... 85 Heartland Homes Bedner Estates ............................................................. 3 * Howard Hanna USC Office ............................................Front inside cover * Howard Hanna–Maureen Cavanaugh .................................................... 63 Howard Hanna–Rebecca Church ........................................................... 73 * Howard Hanna–Susan Highley .............................................................. 41 * Howard Hanna–Diane Horvath .............................................................. 69 Howard Hanna–Mary Hardy Ketchum ................................................... 59
* State Farm Insurance–Cindy Brophy ..................................................... 25 The Dance Conservatory of Pittsburgh .................................................. 76 The Romanias Group at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices .................. 87 * Thomas Dance Studio ........................................................................... 74 Torrente at Upper St. Clair–Luxury Apartments ..................................... 35 Troy Orthodontics .................................................................................. 49 U.S. Heart and Vascular, P.C. ................................................................. 27 University Veterinary Specialists ........................................................... 25 Washington Health System .................................................................... 23 * Wellington Real Estate–Patty Thomas & Rebecca Lutz .......................... 13
The fall 2017 edition of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a great opportunity to advertise in USC’s back-to-school issue! Our advertisers know this and have responded wonderfully by placing their ads in our publication! *The above advertisers, who are advertising in this issue, have contributed their financial support for a minimum of 45 issues. Thank you.
Upcoming guides for the Winter 2017 issue include Dining, Giving, and Life Planning. 88
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Relax. It’s Rusmur. 1-800-2-RUSMUR n www.rusmurfloors.com 1-800-278-7687
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1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241
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We Move Upper St. Clair! Thanks and Congratulations to All the Chefs at Our 14th Annual Community Day Bake-Off!
Hope Bassichis
Noel Bliman
Anita Crago
Barbara Cusick
Lisa Davis
Janine Dillon
Lynn Dempsey
John Geisler
Elaine Goldblum
Genie Gooding
Don’t miss us at community events throughout the year!
Leigh Harkreader Nancy Heffernan
Judy Hlister
Kathi Kernan
Jane Krauth
Sandi Lamar
Maria & Joe Lane
Kim Lanphear
Milo Hindman Manager
Julie Leslie
Ron Loncharich
Julie Puzausky
Kathy Sekeras
Laura Simon
Diane Snyder
Mary Torchia
Carmela Viviano
Jim Walsh
Mary Ann Wellener
Faith Williard
Jane York
The South Hills Office 412.833.5405 • 1630 Washington Road • Pittsburgh, PA 15241
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