Fall 2018 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

R E S I D E N T I A L G U I D E C E N T E R F O L D P U L L O U T

Fall 2018 Mastering the New Sewer Ordinance in USC www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home

The official publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair

Upper St. Clair Office • 180 Fort Couch Rd, Upper St. Clair, Pa 15241 412-833-3600 • HowardHanna.com

Robbins Bobbitt Sales Director

Bonnie Bagay

Lynne Bingham

Kirstan Boettger

Shannon Briggs

Maureen Cavanaugh

Leanne Dresmich

Bob Ellison

Shannon Gallagher

Janet Hensler

Susan Highley

Diane Horvath

Jess Hutchinson

Doug Hyrb

Caitlin Kennedy

Frankie Jo Kunselman

Sheryl Kyle

Marie Mageras

Kathy McCloskey

Leann Monz

Patty Morgan

Erin Musciano

Brittany Pantuso

Jennifer Solomon

Coral Stengel

Beth Thomas

Wendy Vespa

Jody Yurcich

Izzy Zehner

Would you like to join our team?

Call for a confidential discussion: Robbins Bobbitt, Sales Director 412-833-3600

David Limauro, MD • Mark Cedar, DO • Nicholas Bellicini, DO • Xuong Lu, MD • David Glorioso, MD • Lisa Oliva, DO • Robert J. Pagano, M.D. • Theresa Schuerle, D.O.

SOUTH HILLS ENDOSCOPY CENTER Located at 2589 Boyce Plaza Road in Upper St. Clair

IS A STATE-OF-THE-ART FULL CARE ENDOSCOPY FACILITY PROVIDING BOTH COLONOSCOPY AND UPPER ENDOSCOPY SCREENINGS AND SERVICES South Hills Endoscopy Center is an independently owned and operated endoscopy center, which may lower your out of pocket health care costs.

“Screening for colorectal cancer can save your life.”

• We treat acid reflux, heartburn, ulcers, diarrhea, liver disease, fecal incontinence, change in bowel habits and hemorrhoids • Physicians on staff at St. Clair Hospital and UPMC Mercy Hospital • “Compassionate, personalized Anesthesia Care”

Most insurance carriers accepted

Call today

2589 Boyce Plaza Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

412.232.8104 1350 Locust Street, Ste. 406 Pittsburgh, PA 15219

2

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2018

Real Estate Agents Who Make a Real Difference!

Barbara Baker Team*

Lynn Banbury

Magen Bedillion & Laurissa Mathews

Justin Christy

Frank Conroy

Brian and Karen Cummings Team**

Bob Dini

Liz Hoyson

Lori Maffeo

Elva Marotta

Barbara Kurdys-Miller

Bobbie Mikita

Christina Watson & Lisa Murovich

Heather Orstein

Mary Reis

Michelle Schocker & Ruth Weigers

Donna Snefsky

Katy Stanko

Tony Mete, Manager

412.833.7700 1679 Washington Road www.ThePreferredRealty.com

Let us help you find your way home!

Call one of our award-winning Mt. Lebanon Regional sales associates * Barbara Baker Realtor®, Stephanie Spahn, Dan Colaizzi, Kim Kocher, Ciara Higgins (not pictured), Fabienne Palu-Benson, Kristen Shaw and Lindsey Schafer - All licensed assistants ** Brian and Karen Cummings Team, Shawnda Smoker - licensed assistant

©2018 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.

Fall 2018 • Volume 24 • Issue 3 www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home • usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us

Features & Around the Township 13 Legislation to Provide for Mental Health Screenings for Students

14 Coach’s Corner We Got ’em Just Where We Want ’em

16

Township 25 Highlights of the Board of Commissioners’ Meetings

28

Dr. John Rozzo Named Superintendent

Chief Douglas Burkholder

56

Thank You for Your Service

32 Tri-Community South EMS A Look at the Third Decade

34 Sustainability…

Fifty Years Remembering Vietnam

45–52 Residential Guide Centerfold Pullout

School District 55

USCHS Commencement, Class of 2018

66 STEAM News

72

Discussing Household Hazardous Waste

USC Top Ten Finishes at OM Worlds

38

73

Recurring Programs at the Library

Partnering for Alcohol Awareness

90

Guides/ Directories 44 Pinebridge Commons 76 Educational Resource 78 Health & Wellness 96 Advertiser Index Photo Ops 26 USC Community Day Wrap-up

60 USCHS Varsity Scorecard

84 Community Foundation Giving Tea

Profiles of People with a USC Connection

Cover

39 Crossing Borders 65 Trying to Stay Dry

The fall cover of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is sponsored by Mister Sewer. See pages 10 and 11 for a feature article on this sewer company that knows the ins and outs of Upper St. Clair sewers and the regulations surrounding them.

70 We Got Your Back 85 There is No “U” in SHJO 4

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2018

86 Savoring Outdoor Spaces

GOOD FOR US. BETTER FOR YOU. St. Clair Hospital has once again been recognized as one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals®. This marks the third time St. Clair has achieved this prestigious honor since 2012. It affirms St. Clair’s commitment to exceptional patient safety, clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and value. St. Clair is proud of the excellent care we provide our patients. We salute our outstanding physicians, employees, and volunteers for this notable achievement. To learn more about our award-winning care, please visit stclair.org.

100 Top Hospitals© is a registered trademark of IBM Watson Health™

10 0 0 B O W E R H I L L R O A D

.

M T. L E B A N O N , P E N N S Y LVA N I A 1 5 2 4 3

.

412 .942 .4000

.

STCLAIR.ORG

Publishers Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager Dr. John T. Rozzo Superintendent of Schools

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 24 years of our publication.

The 95th 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 2018 edition deadlines:

Articles—September 20

Advertising—September 24

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 Alison Hess, Marketing and

Advertising Executive Dorothy Clark, Graphic Designer

Mark Mansfield, Paul Fox, Linda Dudzinski, Terry Kish, Colleen DeMarco, Lynn Dempsey, Alison Hess, and Dorothy Clark.

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

Political advertising and political commentary are not accepted. The publishers of this magazine reserve the right to reject advertising or articles inconsistent with the objectives, image, and aesthetic standards of the magazine.

The next issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY will be the Winter 2018 issue and will be published in November 2018. 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:

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is published and mailed

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

quarterly to residents and businesses in Upper St. Clair Township. 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, 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 check, payable to UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, to cover mailing and handling for the next four issues, with their name and address, including zip code, to UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, USC, PA 15241. Add $10 to cover international mailing.

Editor

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

Follow us on Facebook Website www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home Email usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us

Board of School Directors Amy L. Billerbeck, President Barbara L. Bolas, Vice President Jennifer L. Bowen Phillip J. Elias Dr. Daphna Gans Patrick A. Hewitt Angela B. Petersen Louis P. Mafrice, Jr. Dante R. Plutko

6

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Township Board of Commissioners

Mark D. Christie, President, Ward 4 Nicholas J. Seitanakis, Vice President, Ward 1 C. Elise Logan, Ward 2 Robert W. Orchowski, Ward 3 Ronald J. Pardini, Ward 5 Russell R. Del Re, At Large Daniel R. Paoly, At Large

Fall 2018

Thank you to our volunteer contributors this issue: Judge Ronald Arnoni, Becky Brindle, Cindy Brophy, Ben Burlovic (YWG), Deb Conn, John D’Angelo, Lynn Dempsey, Anne Ferry (YWG), Jack Fitzpatrick (YWG), Paul Fox, Emily Gallagher (YWG), Julie Geisler (YWG), Erica Gevaudan, Wayne Herrod, Alison Hess, CJ Hess (YWG), Heather Holtschlag, Dr. Ed Kelly, David Kutschbach, Emma LaRocco (YWG), Jay Lynch, Jim O’Brien, Kevin O’Laughlin, Helen Palascak, Jim Render, State Senator Guy Reschenthaler, Haley Roberts, Dora Rudick, Ron Sarrick, Keith Scannell, Juliana Schnerr, Dr. Monica Smith, Dr. Beth Troy, and Rachel Tudi (YWG).

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 95th issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a joint publication of the Township and School District of Upper St. Clair. © Copyright 2018.

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

Siena

Kitchen, Capri Model

AT ST. CLAIR

NOW ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS For Our Next Building Group

Exterior, Aria Model

Maintenance-Free Living Patio Homes & Townhomes MOVE-IN READY UNITS AVAILABLE Convenient Upper St. Clair Location First Floor Owner Suites & Elevator Options

Dining Room, Capri Model

Make All of Your Custom Selections Under One Roof at Our Brand New Design Gallery Opening April 2018

Exterior, Verona Model

CALL TODAY 724-255-0861 www.benjaminmarcushomes.com

info@benjaminmarcushomes.com Kitchen, Verona Model

A Fall Note from the Publishers Matthew R. Serakowski

Dr. John T. Rozzo

Welcome to the fall edition of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, the back-to-school issue that includes our biennial residential guide. For a helpful reference source, remove this eightpage centerfold from the magazine and keep it handy for various Township and School District contact information.

As always, our recurring publishers’ letter helps set the stage for the pages that follow.

Enjoy our content, including news about our Township (pages 24–43), and our School District (pages 54–75). Additionally, there are a number of intriguing feature stories throughout the magazine to pique your interest, and the Educational Resource and Health & Wellness guides include stories you might find interesting, as well as informative. News about local people and happenings can be found in our Around the Township section (pages 84–94).

Arriving in your mailbox four times a year as an introduction to each season, we are proud of our magazine and its mission… “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 mission has not changed throughout the 24 years the magazine has been in existence. We strive to continue reporting on things that matter to the residents of our community. Positive and inclusive, it enables you, the reader, the opportunity to keep up with what’s going on in our neck of the woods.

We hope you share our commitment to our hometown publication. Let us know!

We invite you to be a contributor and supporter of those things that matter to you and to our community: the wellbeing of your families, your friends, your neighbors. Get involved!

May you be rich in giving back and, with your help, let’s continue to make Upper St. Clair Township the best it can be for you and for those around you. Have a vibrant autumn, as we all get back into the routines that this season brings.

Sincerely,

Sincerely,

Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager

Dr. John T. Rozzo Superintendent of Schools

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 2018

usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us

Southwest Gastroenterology Associates

Comprehensive and

compassionate care

Southwest Gastroenterology Associates is a Private Practice Physician Group specializing in the evaluation and treatment of all digestive diseases, composed of Richard Panicco DO, Mohan Phanse MD, Philip Joson MD, Richard Kenney DO, Jennifer Totten MD, Manhal Tannous, MD, Theresa Meldon, CRNP and Heather Beta, CRNP. This dedicated group of physicians has been taking care of patients in Southwest Pennsylvania for over 30 years. In addition to the wealth of experience, each of our doctors is Board Certified in Gastroenterology. Together we strive to provide outstanding care and service to our patients and fellow health providers.

724-941-3020 Tri-State Surgery Center 80 Landings Drive Washington, PA

www.swgastro.net

Canonsburg Hospital 100 Medical Blvd, Canonsburg, PA

Washington Health System 155 Wilson Ave, Washington, PA

Washington Health System Greene 350 Bonar Ave, Waynesburg, PA

St. Clair Memorial Hospital 1050 Bower Hill Rd, Pittsburgh, PA

Mastering the New Sewer Ordinance in USC Alison Hess

Founded in 2009 by USC resident and owner Jason Daugherty, Mister Sewer is a local business that is dedicated to sewer cleaning and repair.

Unlike other plumbing companies that are learning how to find ways to help homeowners comply with the new sewer regulations in municipalities like Upper St. Clair, Baldwin, and Brentwood, Mister Sewer has focused on the sewer cleaning and repair business from the beginning.

“Our relationships are built on trust,” said Jason as we looked at his line of trucks and excavators before they headed out on a Monday morning. “We started long before everyone else jumped into it.” And he plans to continue long after the others may close up shop.

So, what does it take to do the job right and satisfy the customer and USC Township? “We clean the sewer first,” said Jason. Then he showed me the expensive attachment for his special hose truck: the Warthog. He wratcheted it to the end of the high-pressure green hose. “It can clean out any clog in just minutes.”

It was small and didn’t look like much, but on our second job of the day, I got to see how powerful it really can be. We pulled up next to a house in Shane guides the new liner in place Scott Township, and Jason got out of his truck to meet the homeowner. I during a trenchless sewer pipe repair. walked around the side of the house to find a good angle for photos and to observe him in action. By the time I adjusted my camera and took a few shots, he was finished and the line was clear.

“You might want to step back,” he said. “I’m going to hose off the driveway now.” High pressure, indeed! I walked all the way to the back of the yard to avoid the spray from the hose. Clean and clear in under six minutes. “That’s a pretty typical job,” he said, as we parted ways for the day. The Warthog was worth the investment.

Visit MisterSewer.com to see that the website is clean and simple. It’s easy to find the phone number, big and bold at the top. Click the number from your phone, and the call is made. But you won’t reach a receptionist; you’ll reach Jason himself. “I feel that the connection when a customer talks directly to me is different than when they talk to a receptionist. They’re getting answers.” Jason talks to each customer about the problem, discusses ways to fix it, and sets up a time to meet. “Clear and focused,” he says of the website and his company, “that’s what we try to be.”

Tasso digs as PJ describes the next steps in the trenchless repair.

Baldwin and Brentwood enacted ordinances regarding sewer inspections prior to Upper St. Clair enacting theirs, and each municipality handles it a little differently. So, plumbers and sewer experts need to be trained on the specifics, township by township. For USC residents, the guide is NASSCO, the National Association of Sewer Service Companies.

They compile photos and books for training and ongoing education relating to sewer defect classification and repair categories. It is this list of classifications that Upper St. Clair uses in its ordinance. This allows each homeowner to be subject to the same regulations. Joint separation, offsets, and infiltration (i.e., rainwater coming in through broken pipes) are all rated and categorized in the NASSCO book that the technicians use as their guide.

But the most interesting calls are the ones that involve the trenchless line repairs. One particular house needed a broken line to be repaired before a home sale could be completed. Jason and his crew went to work, first cutting 10

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2018

a small hole in the concrete driveway, then carefully digging the dirt out of the hole with a precision excavator.

Tasso, a member of Jason’s crew, operated the excavator, slowly bringing scoop after scoop of earth from the hole into the waiting dump truck. PJ directed the dig, motioning to Tasso slightly left or right and inspecting the hole to be sure the walls were stable, digging by hand when needed. And Shane stood by, ready to cut out the broken pipe and attach new fixtures when the time was right.

While we watched the meticulous job continue, the crew attracted the attention of neighbors. One curious man, who lived across the street, came over to say hello. He wanted to see the newly cut driveway hole up close.

As he spoke to the homeowner’s son about the house, its upcoming sale, and the roof that was recently repaired, he kept an eye on the hole and the excavator. After a few more scoops of dirt were taken away, the crew stopped to switch gears and begin the pipe replacement process.

“When are they going to dig up the rest of the driveway?” the neighbor asked “They aren’t,” replied the homeowner’s son.

They argued back and forth a few more times, the neighbor insisting there had to be more digging, and the son saying again and again that the digging was done. “They have to,” said the neighbor. “They have to get to the rest of the pipe.”

“Nope,” said the son. “That’s it. They do the rest under the driveway.”

“No,” the neighbor insisted. “They have to dig a hole down to the street.”

“They go under,” the son explained, his patience wearing a little thin at this point.

The neighbor shook his head. He thought for a while. “Well, I never,” he said, not taking his eyes off the hole in the ground.

And like two little boys who stop playing to watch big trucks dig in the dirt, Jason’s crew said the two men stayed right there long after I left and watched them finish the line repair. No large hole was made, no more driveway destroyed. The trenchless repair had done its job and gained a new fan in the neighbor.

So how do they do it? Trenchless sewer repair is a simple three-step process.

• Step one: A camera sewer inspection is completed to diagnose the problem and develop a clear plan for the work that needs to be done. The video inspection lets them see the size of the pipe and the condition prior to starting any work.

• Step two: The pipe is accessed from its shallowest point. Once the scope of the repair is determined, they completely clean the pipe with both a hydrojetter and a mechanical snake. Then a new liner is inserted into the host pipe and left to cure.

• Step three: After the pipe has fully cured, the new liner is inspected again to ensure free flow to the city main. Once the camera sewer inspection is complete, the pipeline is returned to service and can be used immediately.

The process takes about one day from start to finish, a cleaner and quicker method than traditional excavation.

Trenchless repair is a better option for many reasons: • Saves Money • Saves Time • Not Invasive • Not Disruptive • No Damage to Repair • No Long-Term Labor Costs • Your New Pipes Will Last a Lifetime

Owner Jason Daugherty works to clear a clogged sewer line with the Warthog.

In the center, the Warthog: small, shiny, and gets the job done quickly.

Jason gets to work on another sewer clog, clearing it in no time.

Mister Sewer 3003 South Park Road, Bethel Park, PA 15102 412-835-2135 https://mistersewer.com

While a sewer company may not seem like the obvious first choice for the cover of USC TODAY, the list of reasons why residents of Upper St. Clair may want to know more about Mister Sewer grew longer with each job site I visited. Understanding the sewer lateral inspection ordinance is the first step to finding a qualified service company; but finding a company that understands the ordinance and has worked with USC and other townships can be a valuable step, as well. And even though the name sounds like it could belong to a national chain, this locally-owned company knows the ins and outs of Upper St. Clair sewers and the regulations. n

Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 11

RONALD A. ARNONI, DISTRICT JUDGE District Court 05-2-20 Office: 412-835-1661 Fax: 412-835-4060

Hiras Professional Building 2414 Lytle Rd #200 Bethel Park, PA 15102

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

Outstanding Citizens Award

best meets the criteria by using the nomination form below. For nominee consideration, a nomination form must be submitted

by Friday, October 26. 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, Comcast channel 7 or Verizon channel 42.

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, October 26, 2018, via mail to: Judge Ron Arnoni Hiras Professional Building 2414 Lytle Rd #200 Bethel Park, PA 15102 or Fax your application to 412-835-4060 or send email to heather.petronio@mdjs.pacourts.us.

I hope this inspires you to participate in the nomination process! Again, thank you.

12

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2018

State Senator Guy Reschenthaler Bethel Park District Office

100 Broughton Road Bethel Park, PA 15102 Phone: 412-831-0250 Fax: 412-831-2740 It is essential that we do more to address the mental health crisis in Pennsylvania. That is why I recently introduced legislation, Senate Bill 1181, which will require depression screenings for students in Pennsylvania.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, approximately one in five youth ages 13 through 18 experiences a severe mental disorder at some point during his or her life. Lack of proper diagnosis and treatment can result in serious risk-taking behaviors, including dropping out of school, substance abuse or self-medication, harm to oneself, or even harm to others. Seventy percent of youth in the juvenile justice systems have at least one mental health condition. Early diagnosis of mental illness, before it progresses, can help many young people who are facing these challenges.

In addition, diagnosing and treating more cases of depression among students in Pennsylvania can help save lives. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 12 to 18, while half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14. This legislation aims to identify and treat more of these cases of depression before the condition worsens. We know that many adolescents who are diagnosed for depression are treated successfully; but many are left undiagnosed.

Currently, although there are various mandatory health

Robinson Township District Office

5996 Steubenville Pike Robinson Township, PA 15136 Phone: 412-788-2967 Fax: 412-788-2970

Legislation to Provide for Mental Health Screenings for Students

requirements for students, including dental exams and hearing screenings, there is no required mental health examination.

Senate Bill 1181 will ensure that each student across the commonwealth receives a depression screening along with his or her required physical exams. This legislation passed out of the Senate Education Committee this past June and a companion bill was introduced by Representatives Dan Miller and Judy Ward in the House of Representatives.

To address concerns regarding students’ privacy, this bill allows parents to choose who conducts the screening and also allows them to opt their child out of this requirement. To ensure the privacy of each student’s information, we specified that no record of the screening will be permitted to be a part of a student’s academic record. Additionally, the bill does not mandate that school districts themselves perform any of the screenings nor that they receive the results of the screening, only that they receive confirmation that one has occurred.

I believe that improving the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions for students in Pennsylvania will advance the overall health and safety of our children. It is my hope that Senate Bill 1181 will progress quickly so that we can further address this crisis in Pennsylvania and across the nation. n Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 13

Coach’s Corner

Jim Render, USCHS Football Coach

We Got ’em Just Where We Want ’em The 1988 football season was my tenth year at Upper St. Clair. It was a year that would be life changing for me as a coach and for the football program at USC. We had some pretty good success in previous years, but we fell short of getting to the championship game at Three Rivers Stadium. I have lots of stories about playing in ankle deep mud and playing on frozen mud. Some good, some bad. We also had the misfortune of some strange calls by the WPIAL officials at the wrong time. On the other hand, we played some excellent opponents, including North Hills who won the mythical National Championship in 1987 as voted by USA Today. Comparatively, we’d won a lot of games, 52 in fact, between 1982 and 1987, but something would always happen before we got to the big dance.

In 1988, several changes were made before the season began.

First, we were moved into the western division of AAAA football.

That meant we would play (teams listed north to south) Butler, North Allegheny, North Hills, Mt. Lebanon, Bethel Park, and Ringgold. We would not see the likes of Gateway and Central Catholic until the playoffs. The second change would be that for the first time in Pennsylvania history, we would have state playoffs to crown a PIAA state champion. Our western conference league was very competitive, with many great teams and players. We had a good, tough team, but lost to Mt. Lebanon in the third game, got shut out by North Hills in the fifth, and had four turnovers in a Saturday afternoon game at North Allegheny, losing 26–15.

We were tied with our tenth opponent, Butler, for fourth place in the conference and needed to beat them to earn the final spot in the WPIAL playoffs.

So, in essence, we traveled to Butler knowing that we would either win or the season would be over. We won that game 14–0, qualifying for the tournaCoach Render and Jerry ment of champions.

I assumed my usual front seat on the right side of the bus for the late night ride home from Butler.

Many thoughts and emotions run through my mind and body on those bus rides home. First, there was the thrill of victory and then I started thinking about what lay ahead. Not very far into the ride home, our always optimistic and feisty quarterback Jerry Berteotti leaned over my seat and said, “Coach, this is going to be great! We got ’em just where we want ’em.”

Fortunately, the bus was dark and he could not see my expressions. I thought he was a little crazy. North Hills was still the defending champion, Mt. Lebanon had beaten us at home, Gateway was undefeated, and North Allegheny and Central Catholic were always looming in the playoff mix. I faked a “You’re right, Jerry,” response, since, as any successful coach knows, it’s always best to have a great quarterback on your side.

14

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2018

Jerry Berteotti, circa 1988

Jerry (right) with his dad, Jerry

In week one of the playoffs, we played at Gateway and came away with a 21–0 victory. Jerry’s marvelous touchdown pass in the third quarter got us going. On that same night, Central Catholic upset North Hills and Mt. Lebanon pummeled Woodland Hills 41–0. That set up a rematch with Lebo in a semi-final game played at Baldwin. Mt. Lebanon was ranked sixth in the state with a 9–1–1 record. Jerry decided to do his talking on a bigger stage and was quoted in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “Everything is just flowing for us. I think that with the confidence we have right now there isn’t anyone that can beat us.” Joe Namath wasn’t the only western Pennsylvania quarterback that could make bold predictions.

Going into the game against Mt. Lebanon, Jerry had completed 49 of 98 pass attempts for 703 yards in 11 games; the Lebo quarterback, Matt Smith, the Almanac player of the year, completed 49 of 99 passes for 731 yards. Statistics don’t get much closer than that and a lot of interest was generated for the game between two neighboring towns playing each other for the second time and for the opportunity to play for a WPIAL championship. Current radio sports talk show host Mark Madden wrote an article in the Post-Gazette about the upcoming game, and he featured USC’s outstanding defensive lineman Jim Mansfield, the son of retired Steeler center, the great Ray Mansfield.

Quarterback Berteotti scored on an option play in the second quarter to give USC a 7–0 halftime lead. Leading 14–0 with 2:42 left in the third quarter, we got the ball back and maintained it for 21 straight snaps under Jerry’s management, the clock winding down to 1:50 remained in the game. Running backs Pete Habib and Mike Thelk pounded Mt. Lebanon’s defense until we stalled at the Jerry, throwing the winning pass in the two-yard line. We won the 1988 WPIAL championship game rushing battle 258 to 53 and our defense had its third straight shutout. I must admit, that game is firmly embedded in my memory bank of thrills. We were now going to Three Rivers Stadium to play for the WPIAL championship.

WTAE Channel 4 broadcast the game live Saturday night after Thanksgiving. Stan Savran and Jack Ham were the broadcast partners, along with Ann Devlin in the stands and Alby Oxenreiter on the sidelines. It was a big night for the Panthers as we secured another shutout, beating Pittsburgh Central Catholic 7–0 to claim our first outright WPIAL championship. Jerry was proven correct, we indeed “had ’em just where we wanted ’em.” As a side note, Central Catholic went on to win the first Pennsylvania state championship that year as our school district, along with a few others in the greater Pittsburgh area, had voted that September to not participate in the first state tournament. Also noteworthy

was the fact that we began the 1989 season with four straight shutout victories, making it a total of eight in a row where our opponents were scoreless. Great memories!

Jerry was a three-year letter winner who combined for more than a thousand yards passing and rushing his senior year. He was voted an Almanac All-Star quarterback for the South Hills of Pittsburgh and was also honored as a scholar-athlete at the 15th annual Al Abrams YMCA All Sports Banquet for both football and baseball. (To be selected and honored for this award, you must carry a grade point average of at least a 3.5.)

As is the case with many great high school athletes, Jerry excelled in more than one sport and had success in baseball as a batter and a catcher. He was relentless in his pursuit of honing his skills as a batter. His idea of free time was going to the batting cages for hours on end. Mark Madden covered a story in the Post-Gazette about Jerry’s intensity, when he wrote of the similarities between being a quarterback and catching on the baseball field.

“Leadership has a lot to do with it, and you’re involved in every play at both positions.”

At the conclusion of Jerry’s senior season (1989), USC baseball coach Jerry Malarkey awarded his all-star catcher and leading slugger with a host of awards and honors: the team’s most valuable player, most RBIs in a season (31), most career RBIs (56), and highest career batting average (545) 1987 to 1989. The USC athletic department and its coaches voted Jerry as the outstanding senior athlete of the school year. His records remain intact as we approach the 30-year mark!

The University of Pittsburgh’s baseball coach, Bobby Lewis, was an Upper St. Clair resident who’d followed Jerry’s high school baseball career. Coach Lewis offered Jerry a scholarship to continue his education and play baseball at Pitt. After giving some thought to playing football and baseball at Cleveland’s John Carroll University, young Jerry opted to stay in Pittsburgh and go to Pitt. He became a three-year starter as a catcher and on some days as a designated hitter. He graduated as a top ten career leader in RBIs and doubles.

He graduated in 1993 with a dual major in business and communications. I knew of Jerry’s communications skills long before Pitt awarded him a degree.

For the next year, Jerry worked with a personal friend and professional scout, Mike Berger. He coached Jerry on refining his skills so he could compete on a professional level.

After a year of hard work, Jerry was signed as a free agent in 1994 by the Los Angeles Dodgers and was invited to spring training. He promptly adopted the philosophy to be the first to arrive and the last to leave. He was voted the “hardest working and most improved” catching prospect by his peers. He was then assigned to the Yakima Bears (single A) in the state of Washington. After that season, one of his coaches arranged for him to go to Adelaid, Australia, for winter ball. Arriving back in Los Angeles, the Dodgers cut him from their professional roster.

Still wanting to play, the highly competitive Jerry was not happy. Legendary Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda admired this quality and offered Jerry a job as the bullpen catcher for the Dodgers. Jerry worked three seasons, 1995–1997, helping the team to two playoff berths.

The hard-working young coach was voted a full share of Jerry Berteotti and Tommy Lasorda playoff money among the players and upper management.

Rubbing elbows on a daily basis with a number of Dodger legends, including Hall of Fame catcher Mike Piazza and decades-long voice of the Dodgers (67 years) Vin Scully, it was a unique experience to work in one of the most storied franchises in major league history.

When Tommy Lasorda retired in 1996, Jerry began to think about coming home to work with his dad, Jerry Sr., in the restaurant business. He partnered with his dad in two restaurants: one in Johnstown and the one on the border of USC and Peters Township, Pizzaz Italian Restaurant. Upon his father’s death, Jerry returned to operate Pizzaz, where he continues to make it a great South Hills spot for food and fun.

Jerry is supported and surrounded by family: his mother, Dorene, and sisters, Kendra and Missie (a former professional athlete and LPGA championship level golfer). Jerry and his wife, Rochelle, live in Peters Township with their two sons, Lino and Angelo.

Always quote ready, Jerry summed up his playing days and his life in Pittsburgh, Johnstown, and Los Angeles. “The best times I’ve spent over the years have been reminiscing with friends, former teammates, and coaches—sometimes with laughter and sometimes with tears—about those long-ago days at Upper St. Clair High School. I will always treasure those experiences.” n

Fall 2018

Wellington REAL

ESTATE

e

al S r

Fo

1852 Winchester Drive Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

$1,199,000 • 6 Bedrooms and 5 Full Bath Home Custom Built by JT Thomas Homes, Inc. • 4 Car Attached Garage • Finished Lower Level with Kitchen and Home Theater • Security System • Level Governor’s Driveway • Spacious Backyard abutting Serene Woodlands • Located On A Cul-De-Sac Street …and so much more!

MLS# 1341671

Rebecca Lutz, Realtor Patty Thomas, Broker

724-731-0100 WellingtonRealEstatePA.com

www.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 15

Fifty Years Dr. Ed Kelly

I graduated from medical school in 1967. While in school, I was classified as 4F (ineligible for the draft). When I graduated, I was classified as 1A, eligible for the draft. During my internship year, I received my draft notice and reported for my physical. I ultimately received notification that I was to be a Navy physician assigned to the Marine Corps and was to report to Camp Pendleton for basic training on July 5, 1968. It was there that I was introduced to the military and given a three-week preparation course for my assignment to serve as a battalion surgeon somewhere in the I Corps of Vietnam (generally in areas north of Danang), where the Marines were mostly concentrated. I was given various immunizations and warned to take chloroquine on a daily basis as prophylaxis against malaria.

Prior to my deployment, I read about the Vietnam conflict and why the U.S. was there. I read about Vietnam having been a colony of the French for approximately 100 years and about the brief occupation by the Japanese during WWII. I familiarized myself with Ho Chi Minh, whose goal was that Vietnam become an independent nation. I also studied the domino theory, which was spoken about in 1954 when Dwight D. Eisenhower was president.

It was based on what was happening in the Far East, and China and North Korea becoming communist nations. The basis of the theory was that communism would slowly overtake all nations, insidiously creeping across the Pacific.

I also read two books by Bernard Fall, a Franco-American professor who wrote Hell in a Very Small Place, which chronicles the defeat of the technically superior French army at Kien Bien Phu by the Viet Minh. He also wrote Street Without Joy, a name given by the French to a stretch of Highway 1 from Hue to Quang Tri, which

was part of a supply route used by the North Vietnamese.

I recall thinking about what the U.S. would do differently from the French, who had been there as unpopular colonists. (At that time, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam were referred to as French Indochina.)

During my three weeks at Camp Pendleton, young men were being schooled in combat training. Although we were housed and schooled in different locations, it was easy to witness what we all were going through. We had a Marine D1, a drill instructor who was a Vietnam veteran who did his best to indoctrinate us about the rigors of being a combat-tested Marine.

When our time at Camp Pendleton came to an end, we, along with other young recruits, were addressed by a Marine general who gave us a pep talk. He admonished young privates to avoid reaching in their pockets when approached by Hare Krishna, a common presence in airport corridors in the late ’60s. That was the first time I recall dwelling on the age of the young men who were being deployed.

I was initially assigned to the First Battalion Fourth Marines, whose home was LZ (land zone) Stud, part of Vandergrift Combat based near Dong Ha, about six miles south of the DMZ. With me as the doctor and eight Navy Corpsman, there were four companies of about 800 young Marines. Daily sick call exhibited various afflictions that strike adolescents, as we struggled for compliance among the young men to take chloroquine. Many approached our advice like an auto accident: an illness won’t hurt me. Therefore, many young men were afflicted with and died from malaria.

Another common problem was trench foot. Always ready for mortar attacks or if our lines were penetrated, the troops were leery to remove their boots.

A full triage 16

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

An empty triage

Consequently, they suffered the result of maceration of the skin associated with wet socks worn for days on end. A few young men were med-evaced with their first psychotic schizophrenic episode, and, as a result, we dealt with some self-inflicted trauma prior to a combat assault. Young 18-year-olds feared for their lives and a variety of iatrogenic injuries surfaced.

Rat bites were common and necessitated a trip to Danang for rabies prophylaxis.

There was a host of dermatologic conditions, which fell on my shoulders because dermatologic consultation was not available. Abdominal pain that suggested appendicitis necessitated a flight to the Naval hospital in Danang for workup and appropriate treatment.

After a combat mission, leeches would attach themselves to various body parts. If they were noted on skin, they were easily removable. Occasionally, they penetrated a body orifice, and we had to med-evac the affected Marine to a medical facility that was equipped to deal with the problem.

During my time at LZ Stud, I became more aware of the young age of the youth by whom I was surrounded. I had conversations with many young men. Some would ask: what are we doing here? I saw many who presented with physical complaints, which they believed should have qualified them for medical discharge.

In early December 1968, I was assigned to the Third Medical Battalion in Quang Tri, just south of Dang Ha, remaining there until August 1969 to complete my tour. Living there was an upgrade. We had electricity, showers, and a mess hall. I shared hooch with three officers assigned to III Med. In a hospital built by the Seabees, there were six operating rooms, a recovery room, several wards, and a minor surgical unit where procedures could be accomplished using local anesthesia. There was a lab, blood bank, and a radiology suite. Casualties were flown to a landing zone directly in front of III Med. The mortally wounded were taken to a grave registration adjacent Continued on page 18

Fall 2018

The Revenge of Matisse Jay Lynch

As attention turns to a new school year, many parents and students are justifiably focusing on another challenging year of math and science classes. It’s understandable that careers in STEM fields dominate our attention, but it’s unfortunate when humanities and arts take a back seat. If I had given equal priority to my math and art lessons, I may have avoided future embarrassment.

Paul Pavlov was my art teacher in the 1960s. As you might guess, his students, like me, were humorously known as Pavlov’s dogs. He was always patient with us as we attempted to develop the mechanical skills necessary to reflect our interpretations in ink, paint, clay, and other media. He tried to broaden our appreciation of the works of famous artists (and fellow students) with his mantra, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” He told us it was easy to see the artistic skill in popular media of the time, like Life magazine covers by Norman Rockwell, but the beauty and deep meaning behind the works of Picasso and Jackson Pollock would only be revealed through open-mindedness. My response: “Mr. Pavlov, if I paint with Picasso’s cubism, you’ll give me an F.” Later in life, my artistic close-mindedness came back to haunt me. When I got married, in 1986, I thought I hit the lottery. I had a beautiful, smart, kind wife, Katie, who shared my values and enthusiasm for life. But there was one small problem. Although she had beautifully furnished and decorated our love nest in Mt. Lebanon, she hung a Henri Matisse poster in a prominent spot above the sofa. It wasn’t an expensive print in a fancy frame. Just a plastic-framed ’80s poster intended for dorm rooms, organic restaurants, and communes. I sought inspiration from the memory of Mr. Pavlov to muster up some tolerance, but I couldn’t do it.

I detested the poster, but, given the otherwise blissful environment, I tolerated it.

Until opportunity struck. We had a child (the first of three) and needed a bigger house. We found it in Upper St. Clair. As we prepared for moving day, we identified lots of items to discard, and created quite a pile of plastic garbage bags for our final “garbage Monday” in Mt. Lebanon. Before I left for work, I had to move the bags to the curb. I also had to move items to the garage to get ready for the moving van, including (guess what?) the Matisse poster. I’m not quite sure how it happened, but I dropped it on the concrete garage floor and the cover glass shattered. As I was picking up the glass shards and throwing them into a trash bag, an evil thought arose. Even though the poster could be repaired, maybe it would be best to pitch the whole thing. My dislike for the poster overwhelmed my fear of lifelong Catholic guilt, violating Mr. Pavlov’s teachings or suffering

Katie’s potential scorn. So, in a frenzy of mal intent and false justification, I threw all of it­—the print, frame, and glass­­—into the bag.

The garbage pile was already high, so I had to give the bag a good swing to launch it to the top of the pile.

However, I didn’t realize that a piece of A yearbook photo of USCHS teacher Paul Pavlov glass had broken through the bag, and gashed my lower leg during the toss. The pain wasn’t overwhelming, and I had to attend an important client meeting, so I ran into the house, threw on a few Band-Aids®, showered, and dressed. I didn’t show Katie the injury because she would’ve asked how it happened and I would’ve had to fess up about her Matisse poster.

At that time, I was starting a long career with a nationallyprominent management consulting firm that had just opened an office in Pittsburgh. Since our clients were senior executives and board members at large organizations, our dress and manner were expected to be highly professional. Navy blue suits, white shirts, red neck ties, wing tips, and country-club etiquette. But we had a problem: no clients. So, I spent most of my time as a “rainmaker,” building new relationships and seeking consulting assignments. That morning, I was headed to an introductory meeting with the CFO of a large hospital system, and I wanted to make a good impression.

About half way to the meeting, I felt a strange sensation. My right pant leg felt heavy and there was moisture in my shoe. Visual inspection, while behind the wheel dodging traffic, indicated a pool of blood on the floorboard. Yuk. My pant leg was soaked up to my knee and my sock was squishing around in the blood-filled shoe. I fumbled around for something to stop the bleeding, and found the perfect solution… one of my son’s diapers, which I shoved up my pant leg.

When I got to the hospital parking lot, I pondered my next move. Should I go directly to the emergency room or to the office of the CFO? I thought I’d be able to make it through the meeting and head to the ER afterward. After all, I was wearing a dark suit, so maybe he wouldn’t notice.

So, I changed my diaper, so to speak, and made my way to the executive office suite. The CFO came out to greet me and held out his hand. I hesitated, knowing that my hand was a tad messy (covered with blood), which might not have made a good first impression. He pointed out that I’d left a trail of blood on his beige carpet from my soaked wing-tips and personally escorted me to Continued on page 18 Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 17

Connecting with 15241.today Even the largest social networks started with that one small connection. Facebook. Twitter.

Instagram.

Each needed a few people who tried something new. Then a few more. And a few more. And in time, they grew to be the place where we go for news that makes us smile, laugh, and relate to one another.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY’s newest social network is https://15241.today.

It’s small by any standard, but it has big goals. We plan to have sections for local news, events, and fundraisers, and hope to make this the place to go for a quick overview of what’s happening in zip code 15241. Certain feature articles from our printed magazine will be reposted here, along with things that may have missed the deadline or changed since printing. Crossposts will go to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@15241.today).

We plan to sell limited ad space for those businesses that may or may not advertise in our quarterly print publication. Take the opportunity to connect with us today. You’ll be glad you did! n

To learn more about advertising with USC TODAY online or if you are interested in sharing something with our readers, send your questions or information to online editor Alison Hess at ahess@uscsd.k12.pa.us.

Fifty Years, continued from page 16

to the LZ. The injured were carried to the triage unit where the injuries were assessed and immediate measures were instituted (IVs, chest tubes, etc.). Appropriate X-rays were done, and operative management was instituted, with the timing being based on the urgency. We usually kept patients for 24 to 48 hours, and then they were flown to the Naval hospital in Danang prior to being flown out of the country.

When evaluating a young soldier, conversation and reassurance were important aspects of our emergency management tactics. Most were happy they were still alive, and many considered their wounds to be a ticket home. I have a few vivid memories.

One young Marine said, “At Pendleton, it seemed like cowboys and Indians. That guy was trying to kill me.” To this day, I find myself thinking about the mortally wounded, many who were young high school graduates.

During the past year, I spoke with someone who was a young Marine brought into III Med. He told me that he enlisted after high school because he was looking for something to do, but had no idea what he was getting into. He had been in Vietnam for only three months when he was severely wounded and ultimately medically discharged. He was from Pittsburgh and it was by chance that we rediscovered each other. My conversation with him, in addition to the many books I’ve read over the years, caused me to again reflect on the young age of the men who surrounded me during my 13 months in Vietnam.

Many of us have visited the Wall in Washington DC, where the mortally wounded from Vietnam are memorialized. Of the 58,267 names inscribed, 39,996 (or nearly 69%) represent young men who were 22 years of age or younger when they succumbed.

At the suggestion of others and having served in Vietnam, I have read countless books that deal with all aspects of the conflict. Most of them describe the youth engaged in assault, ambush, mortar attack, and being over-run. I have read about the retrieval of victims, body bags, combat fatigue (PTSD, shell shock, etc.), and a host of other aspects of the war, all which have a common thread about the young age of the combatants.

Let us all reflect on the loss of young life due to the war, resulting in the unfulfilled dreams of those who were mortally wounded. n The Revenge of Matisse, continued from page 17

the emergency room. The ER nurse told me I looked as white as a ghost and instructed me to remove my pants. Which is when the bloody diaper fell to the floor. Assuming a life-threatening bladder injury, she prepared a catheter, until I anxiously explained that the diaper belonged to my son, directed her to the gash in my leg, and noted that my clean undies were proof that my bladder was fine. (Yet another good reason to always wear clean undies!) The attending physician had me lay on the exam table to evaluate the leg injury. He confirmed my suspicion that Matisse was a vengeful Frenchman.

The shard from his poster glass had severed a vein in my leg. To my surprise, the CFO remained at my bedside, while the doctor was stitching me up. We discussed our firm and his organization’s priorities while the doctor and nurse stifled giggles about the situation: a guy in jockey shorts lying on an operating table conducting a “business as usual” conversation with their nattily dressed and typically reserved senior executive.

The nurse gave me a tetanus shot and let me wash my hands in the ER sink before I finally shook hands with the CFO, who agreed to schedule another meeting when I wasn’t so exposed. My “call report” of the meeting to my superiors at the firm became a long-lasting consultant training case study of behavior to avoid at all costs, as it tarnishes the legacy and image of the firm.

When I returned home, I sheepishly told Katie what had happened. She responded with silent scorn, but no drama, and, surprisingly, no demand for a mea culpa. However, when the moving truck was emptied at our new house, something was missing: my comfortable, overstuffed, bachelor TV-watching chair that smelled like skunky adultbeverages and gym socks. I knew not to ask what had happened. Maybe she “dropped it” prior to the move.

To this day, I seek mercy and absolution from Mr. Pavlov, St. Catherine of Bologna (patron Saint of the arts), and, of course, my wife, Katie. n Contact author Jay Lynch with comments about this article at bkefather@yahoo.com.

18

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2018

MOVEMENT M O R T G A G E

Kevin O’Laughlin MOVEMENT MORTGAGE MARKET LEADER NMLS#: 1289348 direct: 412.600.1527 kevin.olaughIin@movement.com movement.com/kevin.olaughlin

110 For t Couch Rd., Suite 303, Bethel Park, Pennsylvania 15102 I PA-53158, IN-28226, Ml-1289348, VA-ML0-25546VA, OH-ML0.048081.000, OH-L0.048081.000, TX, Fl-L031566 I Movement Mor tgage, LLC suppor ts Equal Housing Oppor tunity. NMLS ID# 39179 (w ww. nmlsconsumeraccess.org) I 877-314-1499. Movement Mor tgage, LLC is licensed by PA # 34374, IN # 18121, Ml # FR0018717 & SR0020189, VA # MC-5112 and OH # SM.501922.000 & MB.804187.000, TX, FL# MLD200 & MLD1360. Interest rates and products are subject to change without notice and may or may not be available at the time of loan commitment or lock-in. Borrowers must qualify at closing for all benefits. “Movement Mor tgage” is a registered trademark of the Movement Mor tgage, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

8024 Calvin Hall Rd, Indian Land, SC 29707. CPID 5238 I Exp. 7/2018

List (and Sell) Your Home at the Right Price

Dora Rudick, REALTOR®, Coldwell Banker; Kevin O’Laughlin, Loan Originator, Movement Mortgage Establishing a reasonable and profitable

listing price for a home is perhaps the greatest challenge for every home seller. Many factors must be considered before settling on a listing price. Take the following steps before setting an asking figure.

Ask for a CMA. A competitive market analysis (CMA) will provide a list of recent sale prices of similar homes in the area (with comparable numbers of bedrooms, baths, square footage, and lot size), the asking prices of homes currently for sale nearby, and other important information. Prospective sellers should be provided with a professional estimation of a legitimate selling price.

Take the emotion out of it. A sales associate will evaluate the location, condition, and size of your home. A house in a

secluded, exclusive area may appeal to some, while others will want to be closer to schools, shopping, and healthcare facilities.

What is the physical condition of your home? Is it a fixer-upper?

Does it make a good first impression (the ever-important curb appeal)? Will it appeal to a growing family, or is it better suited to empty nesters?

Determine if it is a buyers’ or sellers’ market. Real estate markets vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. Home inventory, mortgage interest rates, and the local economy all play a role in determining whether the buyer or seller has a negotiating advantage. Interest rates remain at historically low levels and financing is available for those qualified, putting buyers in a good position to achieve homeownership.

Do the math. Do not forget to figure in closing costs, legal fees, and other selling expenses when determining the selling price. A qualified sales associate will provide cost estimates and negotiate with a potential buyer to ensure an accurate sale price.

Give it the once over. There’s an important one-more-step to ensure that your house sells at your asking price, or higher.

Improve the home’s appearance as much as possible—touch up the paint, fix any leaks and seal any cracks, clean up the clutter, and eliminate pet odors. Your house has one chance to make a great first impression. Make it count! n Check out Facebook.com/movementmortgagepittsburgh and Facebook.com/dorarudickrealtor. See ads on this page.

Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 19

Reminiscing Jim O’Brien

Foge Fazio

It’s a good memory… one that makes me smile each time I reflect on what happened outside Gate 3 at Pitt Stadium that day.

It was sometime in the spring of 1983 and I was walking Cardiac Hill on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh.

I was in my first of four years as Pitt’s assistant athletic director for sports information. I was accompanied by my wife, Kathie, and our daughters, Sarah, nine, and Rebecca, who had just turned six.

We were approached by two men coming up the hill. I recognized them both.

They had big smiles on their faces. The smaller of the two was Joe Panucci and the big guy was Tony “Toodles” Magnelli.

I smile every time I reminisce his name.

How many guys do you know who are nicknamed Toodles?

They were both long-time friends of Foge Fazio, the head football coach at Pitt at the time. He was getting the team ready for the second of his four seasons at the helm. They liked Foge because he was a friendly guy. They liked him even more because he was Italian.

Joe grew up in McKees Rocks and came from a family of barbers. His brother, Steve, insisted on cutting my hair with a straight razor when he was in his 80s. My wife called me one day when I was seated in his chair at the barber shop. “Don’t say anything to startle me,” I advised Kathie.

“An 80-something-year-old barber has a straight razor on the top of my right ear!”

I got many compliments on that haircut.

Joe was a clerk and tipstaff to some prominent judges through the years 20

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

at Pittsburgh’s City-County building.

You didn’t move through the courtrooms where Joe worked without being prompted by him to do so. Tony was his neighbor and friend from “the Rocks,” a community with more characters per square inch than any other community in the Pittsburgh area.

Tony’s son, Tony, was a center for the Panther football team, and in 1983 he was preparing for his senior season. This particular day was the team’s annual spring football game.

Joe and Tony were two guys who really knew how to greet you. They don’t come any more garrulous than Joe. He’s one of those people who always makes you feel special. This time, he was especially enthusiastic. He embraced me and kissed me on my left cheek and then my right cheek.

Rebecca was inquisitive, having not seen this type of behavior before. “Mom, how come that guy is kissing Daddy?” she asked.

Kathie, always quick with a comeback, especially at my expense, replied, “He either really likes your dad or your dad is a goner.” For years, Joe and Toodles would laugh when we revisited that story whenever I’d be in their company.

This particular story came to mind while I was in southern California this past February. Kathie and I were visiting our daughter, Rebecca, now 40, at her new apartment in Woodland Hills. Rebecca has been recruiting, interviewing, and teaching prospective managers for the Mendocino Farms restaurant chain in

southern California for the past two years.

We were reminiscing about an earlier stay when I made a call back home to check my phone messages. There were some back-to-back calls, for instance, from my friends Dick Goetz and Joe Gordon. What struck me as strange about that is these two men and their respective home phone numbers are listed back-toback in my personal phone number black book. What are the odds of that?

I also received call backs from Bill Sharman, the Hall of Fame basketball coach and player and one of my favorites from my days of covering pro basketball, and from Jimmy Allen, a defensive back on the Steelers’ first two Super Bowl teams.

They both now live in southern California and I wanted to visit with them while I was in the neighborhood.

However, the call that caught my attention most of all came from Joe Panucci. “I’m sorry to call you when you’re so busy,” he began, “but I thought you’d want to know that our dear friend Toodles has died. He’d been sick for quite some time. I need to call Foge and I will get hold of Billy Hillgrove, too. Toodles loved you guys,” he said.

When I got back to Pittsburgh, I learned that Foge had gone to Toodles’ one-session viewing at the funeral parlor.

“The place was packed,” reported Joe when I called him. Joe also told me that he’d taken his wife, Barbara, to Allegheny General Hospital a few days earlier for some cardiology treatments. Joe and Barbara were each dealing with some

Left to right: Don DeBlasio, Walt Harris, Joe Chiodo, Foge Fazio Fall 2018

health issues that left them both feeling rather low and unnerved. My wife, Kathie, had seen and spoken to them a few times when they were at AGH. I told Joe that Kathie had retired from AGH last November, after 17 years as a medical social worker in the cancer center.

Time is surely moving on for all of us!

I reminded Joe that he was someone who’d always pick up another person’s spirits.

He was such an upbeat fellow, but these days he was finding it difficult to stay spirited.

Joe’s phone call to me while I was in California brought back another memory.

Once before he had caught me escaping to a warm place on a getaway mission. That was back in 1969 when I was working as a sports writer at The Miami News. Kathie and I traveled with another couple who lived in our apartment building in Southwest Miami to Key West. Checking into the resort, I hadn’t even shared the location with my parents (who lived in Pittsburgh at the time) or that we were away. But, I must have told someone at my sports desk where I could be reached in case of an emergency.

I received a call at our Key West hideaway from none other than Joe. He was calling to tell me that a kid from the Rocks, a quarterback named Bob Medwid, was coming to Pitt to play football for his dear friend Carl DePasqua. He liked Carl because he was a friendly fellow, but most of all he liked him because he was Italian. I couldn’t believe that Joe had succeeded in getting ahold of me in Key West! There were no cell phones in those days and we didn’t have any recording device to take messages on our phones.

Joe wanted me to know about Medwid’s decision to go to Pitt so I could scoop the other sports broadcasters in Pittsburgh about the story. I was living in Miami, but continued to conduct a daily morning sports show on WEEP Radio back in Pittsburgh.

I had been under consideration for a similar show at WTAE Radio in Pittsburgh, but they chose Myron Cope instead of me to do the show. They made the right choice, I know. I subsequently accepted an offer to go to Miami and cover the Dolphins of the American Football League. It’s funny how things work out.

It wasn’t easy to stay on top of things in Pittsburgh while living and working in Miami. I remember being at a movie theater in Miami one Sunday night with Kathie, when she asked me, “Why are you sweating?”

The movie theater was air-conditioned, but the thought of coming up with material for a Pittsburgh audience the next morning from my Miami outpost was nerve racking. Nowadays, with the Internet and social media, it’s quite easy to keep up with things in Pittsburgh from wherever you happen to be.

On my most recent trip to Los Angeles, it seemed that everyone had cell phones in hand and were either talking on their phones or texting. How’d we ever function without these modern technological devices? Better, if you ask me.

All movie theaters in Southern California are air-conditioned. More importantly, so was Rebecca’s apartment. During one of our stays, daily temperatures were in the high 90s and crept upward to 104 degrees on some days. The heat rising up from the sidewalks provided an oven-like feeling.

In the mornings, while it was cooler, Kathie and I would take Rebecca’s dog, Bailey, for long walks. We’d go to Starbucks for some coffee and pick up copies of The Los Angeles Times and The New York Times to read. We’d take along a cup of ice water for the trip and give some to Bailey every so often. She did fine and we enjoyed our reunion with her. Bailey died a few years ago, a heart-breaking event for all of us. We think of her often and miss her every time we visit Rebecca.

Mark Twain once said, “You should take your dog for a walk every day… even if you don’t have a dog.” And, we do… but it’s more fun to be in Bailey’s company. With or without Bailey, it’s always good to see Rebecca and to meet many of her friends at various restaurants around town.

When I asked Rebecca about her memory of Joe Panucci kissing me on the cheeks outside Pitt Stadium, she said she didn’t recall the incident. In her defense, she was only six. My, how time flies! n Pittsburgh sports author Jim O’Brien has many stories to share about local personalities in his books, Pittsburgh Proud, Hometown Heroes, and Glory Years. For more information, contact him at jimmyo64@gmail.com. Photos by Jim O’Brien.

Fall 2018

Susan Highley,

ABR, CRS, SRES

Dedicated Accessible Dependable Knowledgeable

Highley

$230 Million Sales in 26 Years “Your Real Estate Needs Are My #1 Priority”

c) 412.889.1214 o) 412.833.3600 ext 268

www.shighley.howardhanna.com

KMF Designs

Kyle M. Fasenmyer 724.302.7944 kylemf88@gmail.com

Technical Illustration Cartoons & Caricatures Special Event Cards & Materials Logo Design

www.kylefasenmyer.com UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 21

Growing a sense of community to enhance living in Upper St. Clair by financially supporting enrichment projects, programs, and opportunities that are not funded by tax dollars. The five CFUSC focus areas are Education & Lifelong Learning, Fine & Performing Arts, Recreation & Leisure, Science, and Technology.

Recent CF EVENTS

Community Day Duck Race with 2018 Co-Sponsor, Duck Donuts

Established 1993

CFUSC activity over the last 12 months: • Supporting Becoming a Competitive College Applicant • Supporting USC Book Club • Sponsoring “Zootopia” at Family Movie Night • Hosting the 2nd Annual Golf Invitational • Hosting the 5th Annual Oktoberfest • Supporting the Miracle League Halloween Party • Face-lifting www.cfusc.org website • Establishing e-commerce via PayPal • Expanding Constant Contact emails to subscribers • Inaugurating the John Small Memorial “Spirit of the Community Award” • Awarding grant to Junior Robotics Camp for Girls • Funding year one of a partnership between Little Lake Theatre and the High School English Department • Supporting publication of the School Directory • Supporting school activities with program ads • Awarding grant for USC Library project, Crossing Borders - Music of Many Lands • Awarding grant for operation of USCHS Mini-THON • Awarding mini-grants for Community Podcasts, Boyce Theater Updates, and Little Libraries • Co-sponsoring Annual Duck Race • Hosting After Party to celebrate 25 years • Holding biennial Giving Tea

Celebrating 25 years serving Upper St. Clair with a party following Community Day

CF After Party Organizers Ponny Jahn & Alison Hess

“Up Past Ten” Performing at the After Party

It is never too late to contribute to the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair.

Please visit www.cfusc.org to register for the e-UPDATE digital newsletter, find information about upcoming events, become involoved and donate.

22

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2018

The Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair proudly hosts the th 9 Annual Family Movie Night on Thursday, August 23, 7 p.m.

Rescheduled to the Fort Couch MS Field

Upcoming CF EVENTS

Book Club meets at the C&RC at 11 a.m. & 7 p.m.

Bring your lawn chair. We will bring the popcorn!

In case of rain, we will move to the FC Cafeteria

September 13, 2018

November 8, 2018

The Gallagher Foundation

CF Reaches Out to Golfers For a quarter of a century, the Community Foundation has formed many partnerships to advance opportunities to enrich the lives of the residents in Upper St. Clair. This year, we are honored to co-sponsor the 3rd Annual Golf Invitational with The Gallagher Foundation. The bonding of these two organizations for a charity golf event is all about caring for people. While the Community Foundation grows a sense of community to enhance life, the Gallagher Foundation honors the memory of those we love by supporting hospice patients and families in need during the most difficult times we all experience. Please consider joining us for a day of golf to support the mission of these two amazing organizations. If you are not a golfer, consider becoming a hole sponsor. Visit www.cfusc.org to register for the Invitational at St. Clair Country Club on Monday, September 24, 2018.

Those who we love live on in our hearts. One way to continue to honor their memory and their life is through the Gallagher Foundation. A donation to the Gallagher Foundation supports hospice patients and families in need, as well as our local community.

We strive to promote end-of-life care awareness in the community with special events and educational programs. With each donation, please know that you are helping to make a difference in the lives of dying patients and their families. Over the past few years, we have provided financial support to families who need help with funeral expenses, household expenses, and other special items needed to sustain the care of their dying loved one.

Places are available for individual golfers, foursomes and hole sponsors.

To register for the 2018 Golf Invitatinal, visit the Community Foundation website www.cfusc.org

Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 23

T Township Commissioners

Mark D. Christie

Nicholas J. Seitanakis

President Ward 4

Day 412-831-9000 2021*

Vice President Ward 1 Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-220-4434 2019*

C. Elise Logan

2018 Township of Upper St. Clair Meeting Dates

Robert W. Orchowski

Ward 2

Ward 3

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-206-5130 2021*

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-854-1868 2019*

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 2021*

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 P. Romito Director of Finance

Mark S. Mansfield Asst. Township Manager & Director of Administration

Adam A. Benigni Director of Planning & Community Development

George Kostelich, Jr. Director of Public Works

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 Mark P. Romito......................................................................218 Director of Finance Adam A. Benigni....................................................................501 Director of Planning & Community Development 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 Helen M. Palascak Director of Library 24

Paul Besterman Director of Recreation & Leisure Services

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2018

USC Township website:

www.twpusc.org

T Highlights of the Board of Commissioners’ Meetings April 2, 2018

Approximately 21 people attended.

• C ommissioner Logan presented a Proclamation to Gabriella Spina for attaining the rank of Girl Scout Gold Award.

Recognition • Commissioner Logan presented a Proclamation to Bob Ontolchik, Library Board Member, in recognition of National Library Week, April 8-14, 2018.

June 4, 2018

Approximately 6 people attended.

Recognition • C ommissioner Pardini presented a Proclamation to Alexander Wolfe for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

Surrounded by her parents, Gabriella Spina receives a proclamation from Commissioner Elise Logan (left center).

Members of the library’s staff and board, with Commission Elise Logan (right) The Board • C ontinued Public Hearing Re. PLC18-0001–1377 McLaughlin Run Road–Nonresidential–Unified Conditional Use/Preliminary and Final Land Development Approval to the May 7, 2018, Regular Board Meeting.

• Approved the Applicant withdrawal of PLC18-0002–2575 Boyce Plaza Road–Southwood Psychiatric–Amended Tentative and Final Approval of Boyce Plaza Complex Planned Office/Hospital Center.

• C ontinued Public Hearing Re. PLC18-0003–1405 McLaughlin Run Road–Nonresidential–Unified Conditional Use/Preliminary and Final Land Development Approval to the May 7, 2018, Regular Board Meeting.

• Adopted Bill No. 6-18 Re. IMP18-0002–Acceptance of Public Improvements at 220 Johnston Road.

• C ommissioner Seitanakis presented a Certificate of Achievement to Jack Fitzpatrick for being the highest point scorer on the Upper St. Clair High School Boys’ Swimming Team at the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Boys’ Swimming Class AAA Championships.

• C ommissioner Seitanakis presented a Certificate of Achievement to Abby Matheny for her Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) Girls’ Swimming Class AAA Championship win in the 200-yard Freestyle.

• Commissioner Seitanakis presented a Proclamation to Josh Matheny for his Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Class AAA Championship win in the 100-yard freestyle.

Approximately 20 people attended.

Recognitions • C ommissioner Orchowski presented a Proclamation to Nora Helfrich, Director of Tri-Community South Emergency Medical Services, proclaiming May 20–26, 2018, as “National Emergency Medical Services Week” in Upper St. Clair, with the theme “EMS STRONG: Stronger Together.”

Left to right: Coach Dave Schraven, Josh Matheny, Jack Fitzpatrick, Abby Matheny, Commissioner Nicholas Seitanakis

The Board • C ontinued Public Hearing Re. PLC18-0005–1614 Washington Road–Union Savings Bank–Nonresidential– Conditional Use Approval to the July 2, 2018, Regular Board Meeting.

Approval of Contract • G & G Fitness Williamsville, NY Replacement/Upgrades of Various Exercise Equipment for the Community & Recreation Center........................ $75,942

Guidelines for Maintaining Creeks in Upper St. Clair

May 7, 2018

Members of Tri-Community South EMS, with Commissioner Robert Orchowski (center)

Commissioner Ronald Pardini and Alexander Wolfe

The Board • Adopted Bill No. 7-18 Re. PLC18-0001–1377 McLaughlin Run Road–Nonresidential–Unified Conditional Use/ Preliminary and Final Land Development Approval.

• Adopted Bill No. 8-18 Re. PLC18-0003–1405 McLaughlin Run Road–Nonresidential–Unified Conditional Use/ Preliminary and Final Land Development Approval.

• Adopted Resolution No. 1656 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.

Approval of Contract • Walsh Equipment Prospect, PA One Ford F-550 Dump Body/ Snow Removal Upfit............................................ $52,245

Fall 2018

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has guidelines for maintaining streams and creeks across the state. Review the booklet to understand what property owners can do to help prevent flooding in local creeks. Access the DEP Stream Maintenance booklet at http://files.dep.state. pa.us/Newsroom/NewsroomPortalFiles/ StreamMaintenanceBooklet.pdf

Seeking Volunteers to Serve

In addition to the elected Board of Commissioners, the Township is seeking residents to serve as volunteers on various boards and commissions. To find out how to be considered, see information on page 47.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 25

T

USC Community Day Community Day Wrap-up Amateur sleuths didn’t have to work too hard to discover this year’s “jewel” of a Community Day! The Color Run for Fun got the day off to a bright start, followed by activities that included the USC Veterans Park opening ceremony, the Hottest Dog and Bakeoff contests, the parade, and games and activities on the midway area on McLaughlin Run Road.

Fun continued on Route 19 at both the USC VFD’s main station and Gilfillan Farm. Even a sudden storm late in the afternoon couldn’t wash out the Community Foundation’s duck race in McLaughlin Run Creek. Finding fun was easy at Community Day 2018!

Color Run for Fun Top Finishers Event winners Tommy O’Brien (17:13.82)

Sophie Shi (22:07.41)

AGE GROUP MALE (race time) (excluding event winners)

FEMALE (race time)

8 & under 9–11 12–14 15–19 20–29 30–39 40–49 50 & over

Kylie Baran (34:52.18) Gabrielle Fishell (27:39.66) Jillian Fishell (22:19.16) Nikki Gibbons (24:44.93) Stephanie Spahn (32:42.32) Caroline Naft (25:52.81) Ann Rhodes (25:59.51) Barbara Baker (37:27.84)

Tom Howard (36:31.15) Nolan Sarkett (26:54.55) Abelardo Soborza (18:23.90) Michael Gallagher (17:21.82) Chris Scorsone (23:43.19) Jeff Harris (25:50.56) Brandon Ritchie (22:35.27) Mike Romzy (21:13.98)

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

Thanks to the following businesses and organizations that supported USC’s 2018 Community Day: American Concrete Solutions, Aramark, Ardolino’s, Berkshire Hathaway The Preferred Realty Barbara Baker Team, Colussy Chevrolet, Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair, Cricket Wireless Authorized Retailer, Kings Family Restaurant Upper St. Clair, Kittridge Dermatology, Lorenzato Automotive Service, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Pittsburgh Fleet Feet Sports, Restorations Physical Therapy, Rex Glass & Mirror Co. Inc., Rusmur Floors Carpet One, South Hills Financial Group, The Gateway Engineers, Inc., Township of Upper St. Clair Recreation and Leisure Services, The Rooted Tree, Traffic Control Equipment & Supplies Co., and Washington Wild Things.

26

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2018

T Bake-off Winners The detectives at Coldwell Banker were hot on the case to find the best bakers in USC Township! Listed below are this year’s winners of the Community Day bake-off, sponsored by Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services: • Grades K–2: Ben Cahill, first; Olivia Anderson, second; Evelyn Ritchey, third; Markis Sobel-Drum, honorable mention • Grades 3–4: Vivian Engelbert, first; Grace Misra, second; Caty Howard, third • Grades 5–6: Zoe Sobel-Drum, first; Aiden Crochier, second; Reese Copehaver, third; Maddy Oliva and Peyton McGregor, honorable mention • Grades 7–8: Neeve McCormick, first; Marley Crochier, second; Jillian Seftchick, third; Maura Joyce and Aashna Banerjee, honorable mention

Hot Dog!

The mystery is solved! This year, Upper St. Clair’s hottest dogs are: • Best Trick: Lola (Golden Doodle), with Layla Wollmann • Best Costume: Dobby (Italian Greyhound), with Owen Ritchie • Pet and Owner Look Alike: Kami (mixed breed), with Alyvia Baculik • Best Tail Wag: Rudy (Dachshund), with Lauren Hess • Cutest Puppy: Timmy (St. Bernard), with Brooke Heiser Proceeds from Community Day’s 2018 Hottest Dog contest, sponsored by Howard Hanna, benefitted Children’s Hospital Free Care Fund.

Congratulations to Aaron Todd for winning the Rain Barrel giveaway at the Public Works building on Community Day!

Bike Raffle Winners The Upper St. Clair Police Department congratulates this year’s Community Day bicycle winners. The girl’s bike winner was Rasika Khedikar and the boy’s winner was Dylan Bodnar. A special thank you to Target, South Hills Village, for donating the bicycles.

Left to right are Rasika Khedikar, Officer Michael Cafaro, Officer Thomas Fahey, and Dylan Bodnar Fall 2018

Photos by Terry Kish

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 27

T

Chief Douglas Burkholder Thank You for Your Service Wayne Herrod

Five-hundred and nine months; 15,480 days; 367,020 hours.

What do these numbers mean? They each represent a way of expressing 42 years, which happens to be the amount of time Chief of Police Douglas Burkholder served Upper St Clair Township as a member of the police force before his retirement this past June.

Early in his career, Doug was an officer with the Rostraver Police Department. His former chief, John Kelly, had become the USC chief and brought Doug with him to Upper St. Clair. John knew of the qualities he desired in an officer, and Doug had them all. It was a life changing move for Doug and his family.

Doug joined USC’s Police Department as a patrolman on February 25, 1976. Promoted to sergeant in 1980, lieutenant in 1987, and deputy chief in 1989, Doug became chief of police in September 2013 upon the retirement of former police chief Ronald Pardini.

Doug earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in regional planning, both from California University of Pennsylvania. In addition, Doug completed thousands of hours in various training related to law enforcement. He also served in the United States Marine Corps with the Connellsville Reserve Unit from 1970 to 1976.

When Doug took over as chief in 2013, his goals were simple. After working as deputy chief for 24 years under Chief Pardini, Doug had a thorough knowledge and understanding of what Chief Pardini had built in the USC Police Department during his tenure.

Left to right, USC Township Manager Matthew Serakowski “When I took over as chief, my goals were to maintain the high and Chief of Police Douglas Burkholder standards that were already in place. Chief Pardini developed a highly professional, very highly trained, and efficient force of officers. There is not a police force in the country of a similar size that is as well trained as ours,” said Doug. “My goal was to continue this level of training and increase the use of new technologies that were becoming available. The advances in criminal and enforcement technology are remarkable, and we will not fall behind.”

Township Manager Matthew Serakowski, who was responsible for promoting Doug to chief, said, “Doug provided the perfect transition from Chief Pardini, while also bringing another perspective to the department. We knew that in the years following Doug’s promotion, the USCPD would have the greatest turnover in new officers in its history due to retirements. Doug handled this situation impeccably and created a strong foundation for the next generation of the department.”

When asked to describe Doug’s career, Matt answered, “Where do you start? He has earned the total respect from the citizens of this Township, his force, and his peers. He has been asked and has served on various police organizations throughout the years, which is another example of the high esteem people have for Doug. It would be difficult for anyone to follow Chief Pardini as the head of the department, but Doug was a perfect choice. He has been both an incredible colleague and friend.

I have worked with him for the past 25 years and it has been a true pleasure. He has been a tremendous asset to this community, and his Douglas Burkholder, circa 1976 straightforward professional approach inspired trust. More simply put, he exuded integrity and leadership,” he concluded.

Former police chief and current USC Township commissioner Ron Pardini commented, “Doug is a terrific person. He is fair and compassionate, and he has been an extraordinary chief. Everyone knew from day one when Doug was hired that he would be a bright light. His qualities were obvious to everyone he met.

He has the necessary ingredient to be successful in anything he attempts. There are so many qualities that are needed to be a successful chief,” Ron continued. “You need to immediately evaluate a situation and quickly act upon it so that the decision brings the situation to a successful resolution. Doug has done an outstanding job in this regard. Doug has resolve, fortitude, compassion, logic, integrity, and honesty, but, most of all, he has common sense. I cannot praise him enough,” said Ron. Douglas Burkholder, in front of USC’s Police Department

28

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2018

As Doug moves on from his position at Upper St. Clair, he shared, “I love USC Township and its people. The citizens are wonderful, my police force is second to none, and the management of this Township is great to work with. From top to bottom, we have been able to do our jobs in the way we need to, and that makes our jobs so much better. I have had a great career, but it’s now time to step away. I’m looking forward to my retirement.”

Married for 45 years to his lovely wife, Darcie, the couple has two sons, Brandon and Jared, both engineers. Their daughter, Devon, is a registered nurse. Doug and Darcie also have two granddaughters.

“It is time to relax and enjoy the fruits of all the years that Darcie and I have worked. We will travel some, golf a lot, and visit our children and grandchildren often,” said Doug.

It’s understandable that Doug will be missed, not only as the Township’s chief of police but also as a person with whom the Township and its citizens had daily engagements. Matt said that as long as he has known Doug, he’s never heard a negative comment made about him. One of the highest compliments paid to Doug was when Chief Pardini retired, and the entire police department supported Doug to be cast as the new chief. In hindsight, it was surely a wise choice! n

T

Well Wishes to Doug from Members of the USCPD Lieutenant Curtis Gallatin, who worked with Doug for 39 years at the USCPD, said, “He is a great guy, and he is wonderful to work with and for over the years. He has been helpful to my career and to countless other officers. He is an inspiration to the force. Everyone here is sad to see him leave. He is family.”

Sergeant Jim Sambolt, who retired this past May after 39 years with the USCPD, said, “We spent a lot of time together over the years. Doug was a pleasure to work and be with. I wish the Burkholders good health and a long and happy retirement life. You miss out on a lot of things because of this job. But now, hopefully, he can enjoy what he’s worked so hard to obtain.”

Lisa Beadle, who has been with the USCPD for 30 years and was Doug’s confidential secretary, said, “Doug created a pleasant work environment that we all appreciated. Doug’s relaxed style of leadership and open-door policy made him approachable to everyone. Doug will be missed not only as our chief, but as our friend.”

John Beadle, USCPD retired after 39 years, said, “I had the privilege of working with Doug and witnessing his well-deserved rise to the top of the ranks. Doug was the heart and soul of the department. While he commanded the respect of department members, he also provided the same to his subordinates. You could bring any issue to Doug, professional or personal, and you knew he was there for you.”

Lieutenant Jonathan Wharton, who worked with Doug since 1991, said, “Chief Burkholder is a true mentor. A lot of what I do now is based on what I’ve learned from him. While under the tenure of former Chief Pardini, my actions and attitudes were guided by him to make me the patrolman I was. Promoted to sergeant just before Chief Burkholder took over in 2013 and since that time, Doug has guided me to make me the supervisor that I am today. A complete professional, the chief always goes the extra mile for his employees and for the community in which he serves. He imparted on me the importance of family and how to remember even the smallest, yet meaningful, things that family provides.”

Duckling Rescue!

A day on the job for one Upper St. Clair police officer wasn’t quite what it was quacked … err … cracked up to be!

Late in the spring, a panicked woman called the Upper St. Clair police station to report that a family of ducklings fell into a storm sewer.

Although it’s not in his job description, Officer James Johnston climbed down into the storm sewer and rescued the small ducklings. Animal control officer Donald Cooley helped reunite the ducklings with their mother, who was anxiously waiting nearby.

It was the first duck rescue for Officer Johnston, who joined the Upper St. Clair force in December. Lt. Jon Wharton said the Upper St. Clair police occasionally receive similar calls for help.

“Please call us for assistance, even if you think it’s something the police won’t do. We always try our best to serve the public … and nature,” a post on the Upper St. Clair Police Department’s Facebook page stated. n

Officer James Johnston to the rescue

Reunited

Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 29

T USC Police Department Welcomes New Officer The Upper St. Clair Police Department recently hired officer Carlos Andrade of Pittsburgh. Carlos, a graduate of Robert Morris University, comes to the department after serving with the University of Pittsburgh Police Department for four years. Welcome! n Carlos Andrade

UPPER ST. CLAIR POLICE DEPARTMENT CITIZENS’ POLICE ACADEMY 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

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 its 2018 Citizens’ Police Academy. Classes will meet on Thursdays, beginning September 27 and ending November 15, and will be held at the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department, 7–9:30 p.m. The syllabus includes instruction and scenario-based training on various aspects of law enforcement and public safety.

Lieutenant Curtis 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 2018 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.

30

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2018

Funding the EMS System

John D’Angelo, Tri-Community South EMS Tri-Community South EMS (TCS) has been serving the citizens of Bethel Park, South Park, and Upper St. Clair since 1978. In that time, TCS has seen many changes in EMS, especially in the areas of technology, patient care advances, and call volume. At present, TCS responds to more than 7000 emergencies calls a year. However, one area that has not changed in all this time has been the funding practices used for maintaining the system.

Traditionally, EMS systems across the U.S. have been funded through a combination of health insurance billings, tax subsidies, and ambulance system memberships.

TCS does not receive tax subsidies from any of the three municipalities it serves.

Alternatively, it must rely on health insurance billing and system memberships as its only revenue sources.

Many people assume that their health insurance will pay all ambulance fees.

However, insurance billing practices are based on a complex formula involving factors such as distance to a hospital and level of patient care so that, in the end, almost no insurance plan will cover 100% of the cost of ambulance transportation. And, whatever is not covered by the insurance company becomes the responsibility of the patient. This cost can exceed $600 for a single ambulance trip.

No insurance plan contributes payment for an ambulance visit to a residence which results in treatment without transportation to a hospital. The fee for this service, which can cost $200 for a BLS response and $250 for an ALS response, is the sole responsibility of the patient.

These charges, however, can be reduced or eliminated altogether simply by joining Tri-Community South as a subscriber. For a fee of $60 a year, each household family member is protected from incurring unnecessary bills for emergency ambulance service. Subscriptions will cover 50% of any co-payments or deductibles not covered by an insurance policy. Also, the subscription plan will cover 100% of any emergency treatment in which transport is not required. Those who are covered by a subscription include all family members who reside at that address as well as non-resident visitors and guests. The subscription plan also covers subscribers who may require an ambulance at most near-by communities that are outside of TCS’s coverage area.

Additionally, because of the shortfall that results from current insurance company practices as well as the fact that TCS does not receive money from municipal taxes, your subscriptions help to maintain TCS’s position as one of the foremost EMS systems in Pennsylvania. The subscription program replaces taxes as a source of revenue to enable TCS to continue to operate.

The subscription program is so beneficial to both the EMS system and to the citizens it serves, it seems people would need little convincing to join. However, the opposite appears to be the case. Each year, only slightly more than 25% of the entire coverage area choose to become members, which means that 75% of the citizens served by TCS do not.

Brochures for the 2019 campaign drive will be mailed to TCS’s communities at the end of October. Look for your subscription material in the mail sometime around the beginning of November. Maintaining a quality ambulance service requires cooperation from all of us. Consider maintaining your membership or becoming a member if you have not done so in the past! With your help, we can, and will, be ready to help you! n

Go for

THE GOLD TEAM with more than 30 YEARS of real estate experience

PA license RS162211A

Sandy Goldstein ABR e-Pro Marshall Goldstein, The Gold Team

Keller Williams Real Estate Tel: 724-941-9400 x 215 Cell: 412-721-0306 sandy@sandygoldstein.com www.sandygoldstein.com

If any group or organization would like to have a speaker from Tri-Community South appear to talk about the subscription plan or any other topic related to emergency healthcare, contact TCS at 412-831-3710, extension 109.

Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 31

T

T

40 YEARS

Tri-Community South EMS… A Look at the Third Decade Becky Brindle

Tri-Community South (TCS) EMS celebrated its 30-year anniversary in 2008. “It was a time when everything was really coming together,” said supervisor Kevin Trichtinger.

In the 1990s, the system faced declining income because of a decrease in insurance company reimbursements, increasing costs due to increases in insurance premiums, and a decreasing pool of volunteers. Nonetheless, TCS remained financially stable, operated with a positive ledger balance, and required no funding from the municipalities’ tax base in the 2000s.

In October 2000, Nora Helfrich, who had served as a volunteer, part-time employee, full-time employee, supervisor, and supervisor of support services, was named the new director. Nora remains the director in 2018.

Along with new leadership came a new EMS base. On a snowy March 1, 2005, crews broke ground on the new TCS EMS headquarters on Progress Boulevard in Bethel Park. The building was completed in October 2005, ahead of schedule and under budget. The 14,100 square-foot facility had and continues to have Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council (PEHSC) adequate space to garage all of the system’s vehicles, training and classroom Ambulance Service of the Year Award, August 2007 areas for staff education and community classes, sufficient parking areas, and full accessibility. All records are stored on-site and TCS is fully compliant with all privacy rules.

TCS has always provided more than ambulance transportation. From its earliest days, the system has been involved in community healthcare and education.

As a community training center (CTC) for the American Heart Association, TCS ranked among the top ten CTCs in Pennsylvania in the number of people trained annually. In 2003, TCS was the busiest CTC in Pennsylvania and the second busiest CTC in the Northern Atlantic region.

TCS earned the Achieving Excellence in Drill at the U.S. Department of Energy; National Energy Defibrillation award for the Technology Laboratory, 2002 best small-community AED program in North America at the National Center for Early Defibrillation Conference of Champions in October 2003. After training local police officers to carry and use AEDs in the 1990s, TCS placed more AEDs in area municipal facilities, churches, schools, and businesses in the 2000s.

Groundbreaking for the new base, March 1, 2005 In April 2006, TCS became the first EMS system in Allegheny County and second in Pennsylvania to be granted accreditation by the Commission on the Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS). In a rigorous yearlong process, the CAAS evaluators examined TCS operations, financial practices, policies and procedures, vehicles and equipment, and community awareness and responsiveness. At the end of the examination, evaluators gave TCS the maximum three-year accreditation in recognition of its full compliance with the most demanding standards in the EMS industry.

Another significant recognition came one year later. In August 2007, the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council named TCS as the Ambulance Service of the Year.

TCS was a training site for field preceptorship of students in the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) and the University of Pittsburgh–Center for Emergency Medicine paramedic training programs.

In 2003, TCS first participated in training 14 paramedic students from the Dedication of new base, October 25, 2005 32

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2018

T “Scott Bros. comes highly recommended in the Upper St. Clair area.”

SCOTT BROS. Windows and Doors

Call us today for FREE estimate

724.745.2376

www.scottbroswindows.com

With Nora Helfrich are, left to right, Rick Santorum and Rudy Giuliani

Republic of South Korea. The students were firefighters with the Seoul Fire and Disaster Management Department who traveled to Pittsburgh for paramedic training. TCS provided their field training and also trained international students from Norway, Qatar, Ireland, Germany, Canada, Nigeria, Argentina, Iceland, and Finland. “It was a great opportunity for them, but for our staff, as well. We got to learn how EMS systems work all over the world,” said supervisor John Bower.

In the 2000s, and still today, TCS is dedicated to assisting its neighbors in emergencies. TCS helped in Shanksville, Somerset County, on September 11, 2001, during the United Flight 93 terrorism event. Closer to home, TCS assisted in West Mifflin when a microburst struck Kennywood Park on May 31, 2002.

In its third decade, TCS participated in many multicommunity drills, including the Beaver Valley Power Station, where TCS is responsible for covering the primary relocation site, and the National Energy Technology Laboratory in South Park, where TCS is the primary EMS provider.

In 2006, TCS personnel helped provide the security and safety escort for former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani at the MLB All-Start Game in Pittsburgh. From big names to the tiniest patients, in July 2007, TCS crews rescued ducklings from a storm sewer outside the Bethel Park EMS base.

TCS continues to serve the communities of Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park, and South Park, while adhering to the highest of standards. n

Duck rescue

Visit tcsems.org to learn more about TCS and how you can pay for your annual ambulance subscription fee online.

Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 33

T

Sustainability

Ron Sarrick, Sustainability Administrator Household Hazardous Waste The words “household hazardous waste” (HHW) conjure up a host of items that you probably know cannot be placed in a landfill. Some of the more toxic HHW items for discard (and no longer acceptable for dumping in landfills) are lawn chemicals, fertilizers, pool chemicals, oil, gas, gas cans, mineral spirits, turpentine and other household chemicals, and paint, both oil-based and latex.

The easiest of these to dispose of is latex paint. It is also the most common item brought to HHW events. Regulations for the disposal of latex paint differ from one region or state to another.

Some make it mandatory for recycling. In this case, paint is accumulated in large drums and colors are separated to retain a gray or brown base. The combined paint is then processed and placed back into consumer markets. While accumulation of paint is not the case in the Pittsburgh area, a common thread in most areas is drying paint for disposal. Drying can be done with kitty litter or a paint hardener purchased in most retail paint, home improvement, and local hardware stores.

Why is latex paint the most common of all the HHW? Paint is used in all or nearly every room in our homes. Painting our home’s interior is one of the most common DIY jobs many people undertake. A little lesson in painting 101 and you’re off! Google it!

The problem usually occurs near the end of the job when you’ve discovered that you bought too much paint. (Read the “area of coverage” on the paint can to more closely estimate your wallcovering needs.) So, what to do with the rest? In most cases, the leftover paint goes to the depths of the basement or garage where it becomes lost for eternity.

Then one beautiful Saturday in spring, you become energized to clean and relieve the sagging shelves from the years of paint accumulation. You load your vehicle and you’re off to a local HHW event. It will cost you a few dollars to get rid of the high-end paint that you saved money on when purchasing the big bucket. So, 70 pounds and one hundred dollars later, you’re relieved of the 20 years of accumulated pails of semi-hard paint product that could be used as a boat anchor if you would’ve only been patient and waited another 30 years!

USC’s HHW Event This brings us to the reality of HHW events and USC’s firstever. The May 12 event had a steady stream of cars unloading all types of HHW items, along with propane tanks, fire extinguishers, and a tire or two. I was quite surprised by the vast amount of paint, pool chemicals, and old fertilizers that were brought for disposal.

USC’s contractor did a good job in keeping pace with the incoming traffic. There were some folks that mistakenly thought, for some reason, that it was also an E-cycling drop-off. This created a longer-than-usual line for a brief period. Folks that did not preregister had a bit longer wait and were required to fill out some necessary paperwork.

So, here is what you need to know about USC’s next HHW event to be held on Saturday, October 13, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. in the Municipal building parking lot at the Veterans Park area along McLaughlin Run Road.

• This is not a free drop-off event.

• To save time, preregister with Environmental Coordination Services & Recycling (ECS&R).

34

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2018

• Times are scheduled for each vehicle; call early for a desirable time.

• View the schedule of charges on the Township website (www.twpusc.org).

• Document destruction is scheduled for the same day at the same time in the same lot. Follow the directional arrows to queue into the correct drop-off area.

Note: In addition to our Township HHW events, there are several HHW events around the local community during the year. Pennsylvania Resource Council is active in providing the community-at-large a venue to accept these items. Visit prc.org for more information.

Document Destruction at the Municipal Lot Document destruction will be held Saturday, October 13, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. in the Municipal lot at the rear of the building.

Follow the directional signs for drop-off. Approximately a ton of personal documents for shredding have been collected at each previous event.

Community Day 2018/ Public Works Day This year, USC’s Public Works chose to celebrate the department’s day on USC Community Day to appeal to a broader audience and provide greater exposure about the department’s work to community residents.

The program included paint a plow, tree sapling giveaway, and recycling and storm water management information. These, in addition to the equipment on display in the PW parking lot, provided a sampling of how Public Works serves the residents of USC.

Public Works parking lot entry

E-Cycling at the C&RC We noticed at the April collection that the lines for e-cycling were growing and getting to be quite long. In response to a number of requests, our contractor, JVS, agreed to two lines for drop-off at the May event, and it appeared to handle the crowd!

Most of the drop-offs were timely and smooth. However, some folks insist on getting out of their vehicles to assist. That is not necessary. Remaining in your car allows the process to go much smoother. JVS provides personnel to remove the items from your vehicle. If you are kind enough to provide a monetary donation, as many of you do, just hand it to the person servicing your vehicle.

Televisions remain nearly half of all the e-cycling items being dropped off. Due to the overwhelming number of TVs, only

one TV per vehicle is accepted at each ecycling event. There is no charge to drop off a TV. Many other area drop-off events charge a substantial amount for TV drop off. Please be respectful of the one TV limit. E-cycling occurs at the C&RC the second Saturday of each month (except for the month of February).

Curbside Recycling To eliminate contamination, do not place shopping bags, film plastic, or shipping plastic of any kind in the recycling stream. This has been one of the most notable problems for USC’s single-stream collection. Place only clean plastic containers and other single-stream recyclables in your bin.

T Cardboard must be placed in your recycling bin to be picked up by the truck’s mechanical arm. Break it down so it fits inside the bin. Items placed adjacent to the bin will, most likely, go as trash. Thank you for your cooperation. n

Storm Water Detention Structures David Kutschbach, Superintendent of Projects Have you ever noticed or wondered about the pond area in your neighborhood? Since the mid ’70s, 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 help 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, the 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. As a result, the size of the pond varies 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 (MCM) required under the MS4 Program is MCM #5, Post Construction Storm Water Management. Detention ponds and tanks are inventoried structural Best Management Practices (BMP), and they are a DEP reporting requirement. Currently, there are 64 detention ponds or tanks within USC Township. Fourteen are owned and maintained by the Township. The remaining 50 ponds and tanks are privately owned, with the majority owned by neighborhood 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 is the responsibility of the owner.

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. Regularly mow the grass to maintain consistent growth.

• It is ok and recommended to cut any cattails growing within the internal pond area.

• Remove all “wild” trees and woody bushes from the pond’s sides, embankment, and internal pond area.

• To help prevent erosion, seed areas without vegetation growth.

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 allow yard waste, including grass clippings, leaves or brush, to be disposed of around the pond area.

• Do not allow pet waste to be discarded around the pond area.

Structural Integrity of the Pond or Piping • Remove significant sedimentation accumulation in the pond bottom that may impede water flow or block the discharge pipe.

• Check embankment conditions for signs of erosion, and repair as needed.

• Check the control structures and piping, and replace any deteriorated piping.

• Check the outfall structure. Add rip-rap or repair as needed.

• Check the structural integrity of hatch doors for underground tanks. Replace hatch doors that have broken hinges or those that are severely rusted.

• Keep access ways 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. Let’s keep our storm water detention facilities aesthetically pleasing and functional, allowing them to perform as designed. n

A storm water detention pond in Upper St. Clair Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 35

T General Election—Tuesday, November 6, 2018 Polls Open 7 a.m.–8 p.m.

Tuesday, October 9, 2018, 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 Polling Place 3 1 Recreation Center–McLaughlin Run Road

3 2 St. Louise de Marillac Business Office (rear)–McMurray Road

3 3 Recreation Center–McLaughlin Run Road

4 1 Baker Elementary School, Gymnasium–Morton Road

4 2 Boyce Middle School, Gymnasium–Boyce Road

4 3 Boyce Middle School, Gymnasium–Boyce Road

4 4 Boyce Middle School, Gymnasium–Boyce Road

5 1 Wesley Spectrum Services, Gymnasium–Johnston Road

5 2 Wesley Spectrum Services, Gymnasium–Johnston Road

5 3 Boyce Middle School, Gymnasium–Boyce Road

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.

36

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2018

2018 Trash-Recycling Holiday Collection Holiday Collection Date Labor Day............................... Thursday, September 6

and Friday, September 7 Thanksgiving.......................... Friday, November 23

2018 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 20, 27; November 3, 10, 17; and December 1.

T

Field Inspections for Illicit Discharges David Kutschbach, Superintendent of Projects What is involved in an inspection for illicit discharges? When it rains, storm water—collected in gutters, inlets in streets, and storm drains—flows through gravity storm sewers to a discharge or outfall point. (Outfalls can be open pipes or pipes that end at an endwall.) From the outfall, the storm water flows above ground to a stream.

Storm water inspections are completed after waiting at least 48 hours after a rainfall. Ideal inspection conditions look for dry weather flows so as not to mask illicit discharges by groundwater.

Visual observations are conducted, looking for contaminated flows and other possible indicators, including the presence of flow during dry weather, colors, odors, floatable materials, and deposits or stains left from intermittent flows. When visual indicators are present, the inspector will work upstream to locate the source of the illicit discharge.

Should no visual indicators be present, the inspector will move to the next site. However, if any visual indicators are observed, or if there are dry weather flows, a water sample is taken. The water temperature is recorded. Indicator sampling strips are used to test the pH level and other sampling strips are used to test ammonia ppm. Lastly, a sterile container is used to gather a water sample that is then taken to a local lab for analysis. All of the sampling information is recorded in a sampling log for each storm water outfall location.

Twenty percent of storm water outfalls are sampled each year.

Annual outfall inspections are completed by USC Township personnel.

The Township contracts with Robinson Pipe Cleaning Company, Inc. to help with the mapping of the Township storm water system. Robinson uses CCTV (closed circuit televising) to inspect the storm water sewer pipes, clean the storm lines as needed, and inspect inlets, storm manholes, and outfalls. GPS points are taken for the inlets, manholes, and outfalls. These GPS points are turned into GPS shape files, which are then used to complete the Township storm water maps. Eventually, the entire Township storm water map system will be complete.

Storm water inspections, mapping, and testing are required as part of the MS4 permit, which allows for discharge water from downspouts and inlets from Upper St. Clair to discharge into the waters of the commonwealth. n

An example of an inspection site Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 37

T From the Director’s Desk Share Your Love @ YOUR Library Helen Palascak, Library Director

We know you always love your library, but this September is a special The world waits for you at your local library. month for libraries in Allegheny County. In addition to being National Library Card Be inspired: Sign-up Month, the Allegheny County Library Association has designated September • With knowledge, programs, and classes as Love YOUR Library Month for the third year running.

• With help, expertise, and friendly smiles Thanks to a generous $150,000 matching pledge from the Jack Buncher Foundation, • With books, technology, and all the rest all donations received by Allegheny County libraries during September 2018, up to Use your library, support it, teach your children a maximum of $500 per donor per library, will count toward the match pool. to enjoy it.

Join your neighbors across Allegheny County by participating in this special fundraising campaign. Plan to make a personal donation to the library this year, and increase the impact of your gift by doing it in September. Across the county, totals of over $500,000 in 2016 and $600,000 in 2017 were raised. Let’s make 2018 even better!

Consider helping the library by holding a fundraiser of your own! Raise money for the library by: • Hosting a wine and cheese party with a donation jar on your table • Encouraging your book club to make a combined gift • Helping your kids to run a lemonade stand or put on a talent show • Hosting a Scrabble tournament or two—for real money—and donating the proceeds We’ll feature all your creative ideas in our next USC Shares newsletter (take pictures!) and have a special thank you party for all Love YOUR Library donors in October. n

Recurring Programs Adult Gaming Night Today’s board games promote deep strategic thinking, creative problem solving, and empathy.

Come see what the new breed of games has to offer. Bring your own favorite to share or expand your horizons with a choice from the library’s collection of exciting new games.

Mondays, 7 p.m.: September 17, October 8, November 12 Bring-Your-Own-Book Group No special preparation needed for the library’s newest book group; just stop by and chat about whatever you happen to be reading!

Third Fridays, 2 p.m.: September 21, October 19, November 16 WOW (Women Of Words) Book Group Attend WOW, a ladies’ evening book discussion group. Read the book prior to the meeting. New participants welcome!

Tuesdays, 7 p.m.: September 25, October 23, December 4 Cozy Up With Books Attend Cozy Up With Books, a ladies’ morning book discussion group. Read the book prior to the meeting. New participants welcome!

First Thursdays, 10 a.m.: September 6, October 4, November 1 Let’s Talk Book Group Join this nonfiction book discussion group.

Wednesdays, .7 p.m.: September 26, October 24, November 28 38

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Yarn Works Calling all knitters, crocheters, and fabric artists!

Make your own projects. Share your talents. Meet new people.

Second and fourth Tuesdays, 7 p.m.: September 11, 25; October 9, 23; November 13, 27 Express Yourself Writers’ Group The focus of this group is to share writings and to serve as a resource and writing inspiration for one another. Stop in anytime.

Wednesdays, 10 a.m.: September 12, 26; October 10, 24; November 7, 21 Creativity Cafe Makers of every kind, attend a monthly exploration of the creative process! Come to support each other’s efforts and experiment with tools to spark creativity.

First Fridays, 2 p.m.: September 7, October 5, November 2 Caregiving 101 Join in for this ongoing series with topics of interest for caregivers of family members with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Mondays, 7 p.m.: September 17, October 15, November 19 Vintage Radio Players This group meets every other week to read classic scripts and will perform at local personal care homes and in the library. With the help of an experienced group leader, be a part of reenacting shows as they were originally broadcast.

Fall 2018

Second and fourth Tuesdays, 2 p.m.: September 11, 25; October 9, 23; November 13, 27 History Nights History Night is a discussion group that meets at the USC and Mt. Lebanon libraries, facilitated by history enthusiasts Glenn Flickinger and Scott Moore.

Mondays, 7 p.m.: September 10, October 1, November 5

Adult Programs

Register for adult programs online or call the library at 412-835-5540.

All About Hospice Care Thursday, September 6, 7 p.m.

Hospice care grants terminal patients dignity, choice, and comfort at the end of their lives. In this session, Suzanne Weessies of Kindred at Home will explore how hospice care works, explain how to qualify, address the myths and stigmas, and discuss opportunities to volunteer for patient visits in the South Hills, including the Vets Helping Vets program.

Drawing Concepts and Techniques Tuesdays, 2 p.m.: September 11, 18, 25; October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 This eight-week session will teach students how to apply the drawing concepts and techniques of the

T Crossing Borders Crossing Borders: Music of Many Lands—a collaborative project between the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair, the USC Library, and the Friends of the Library this past June—was a huge success!

With major funding from the Community Foundation and the support of the Friends, four musical events were presented by the professional folk and world music duo Simple Gifts at the library, Friendship Village, and The Grand Residence.

Simple Gifts (http://www.simplegiftsmusic. com) has performed traditional ethnic music since 1989, currently performs 80 to 100 concerts a year, and has released six albums, two of which have won national awards. They have performed at the National Theatre, the Smithsonian Institute, Longwood Gardens, and other major venues.

Two women comprise the ensemble: Karen Hirshon and Linda Littleton. They play 12 various instruments, including a few unusual instruments like the psaltery, shruti box, baritone fiddle, and banjolin.

Many thanks to the Community Foundation and the Friends of the Library for bringing this dynamic duo to the USC community. n great Masters in Europe. Students will examine the basic elements of drawing, including line, value, form, and composition. Instructor James Sulkowski is a classical artist in the tradition of the Masters. His adherence to Old Master concepts and techniques gives his work both timeless and luminous qualities.

Death Cafe Thursday, September 13, 7 p.m.

At a Death Cafe, people, often strangers, gather to eat cake, drink tea, and discuss death. The objective is “to increase awareness of death with a view of helping people make the most of their (finite) lives.” A Death Cafe is a group-directed discussion of death, with no agenda, objectives, or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counselling session. Join us!

Cooking Matters Thursdays, 7 p.m.: September 20, 27; October 4, 11, 18, 25 Cooking Matters is a six-week cooking course focused on cooking delicious and nutritious meals on a budget. Classes include hands-on cooking, nutrition lessons, a grocery store tour, and take-home groceries each week. This course is offered in collaboration with 412 Food Rescue.

The Iran Nuclear Deal—Bombs, Bureaucrats, and Billionaires Monday, September 24, 7 p.m.

Join former ambassador Dennis Jett for a nuanced analysis of the Iran nuclear deal. Learn how a contentious foreign policy issue became a

wide-ranging conflict involving scores of NGOs, the media, and thousands of activists. Dennis is a professor of international relations at the School of International Affairs at Penn State.

All the Names They Used for God—An Evening with Anjali Sachdeva Monday, October 15, 7 p.m.

Experience Pittsburgh author Anjali Sachdeva’s debut story collection All the Names They Used for God. Pulitzer Prize winner Anthony Doerr said this book “fuses science, myth, and imagination into a dark and gorgeous series of questions about our current predicaments,” and Roxanne Gay called it “one of the best books I’ve ever read.” Come meet a dynamic new literary voice!

August Wilson and the Hill District Monday, October 22, 7 p.m.

Pitt history professor Laurence Glasco presents a colorful tour of renowned Pittsburgh playwright August Wilson and his Hill District neighborhood that inspired his Pulitzer Prize-winning play Fences. The Hill District of the 1930s was a vibrant, ethnically diverse cultural center populated by concert halls and jazz clubs and known as the “crossroads of the world.”

Fall 2018

Marketing the Presidency— Artifacts of Campaigns Past Thursday, November 1, 7 p.m.

Presidential candidates have been marketing themselves since the dawn of American democracy. Come learn about an astonishing array of strange political artifacts from years past. We’ll look at a snuff box promoting the Monroe Doctrine, a Teddy Roosevelt cast iron door stop, a bar of soap that says “Clean Up With Ike” (including Eisenhower’s portrait, naturally), and even a Richard Nixon shower head that sprays water through the open mouth of Richard Nixon. Don’t miss this glimpse into our country’s strange history!

The Health Benefits of Meditation Thursday, November 8, 7 p.m.

We keep hearing that meditation is good for us and that with consistent practice our lives will be happier. But how? Come take a look at the physiological and mental benefits of meditation. Learn how quieting the mind can promote healing and non-reactivity, creating more ease and success in our daily lives. Leave with the skills to practice at home and the inspiration to practice them.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 39

T KIDS & TEENS

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 24 and run through Friday, November 2. This six-week series will offer children, parents, grandparents, and caregivers many opportunities to visit the library, hear stories, and have a good time.

Registration for all spring classes begins Wednesday, September 12 in person, at the library. A complete listing and all program information can be found at the library or at www.twpusc.org/library/kids.

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 the library’s youngest participants.

Mondays or Tuesdays, 10 a.m.

Twos & Threes Storytime Children age 2–3 ½, with a grown-up Twos and Threes Storytime features books and stories, action rhymes and songs, and puppets and play to entertain your child.

Tuesdays, 11 a.m or Wednesdays, 10 a.m.

Book Trek Kids in 1st–4th grades This afterschool program for elementary schoolaged children features activities and books about geology and ocean science.

Tuesdays or Wednesdays, 4 p.m.

Family Storytime Families with children ages 2–7 are invited to spend a fun evening sharing stories, songs, and games!

Thursdays, 7 p.m.: September 20, November 1 Paws for Reading Kids in 1st–5th grades 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, 5:30 p.m.: September 27, October 25 Reading Skills Classes This small-group program will help your Kindergartner or first grader practice reading skills learned at school.

First grade session: Mondays, 6:30 p.m.; September 24, October 8 Kindergarten session: Mondays, 6:30 p.m.; October 14, 29; November 5

Preschool Storytime Children ages 3 ½, 4, and 5 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.; or Fridays, 10 a.m.

Library Explorers Kids currently in Kindergarten This session of Library Explorers will showcase books and activities, featuring beginning math concepts, including sorting, numbers and counting, shapes, and more!

Tuesdays, 10 a.m. or 1:45 p.m.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Crafting Fun at the Library Enjoy a variety of craft times throughout the fall.

Crafts will be set up during library operating hours. Enjoy completing them at your leisure.

A parent or caregiver is asked to assist their children with the crafts.

Halloween Crafts October 22–31, during library hours Thanksgiving Crafts November 12–21, during library hours Events for Tweens and Teens at the Library Kids in middle school and high school are invited to attend TAG Team and 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 list, contact Miss Colleen at milesc@einetwork.net with your name to join.

The Friends of the Library kids’ book sale shelves and the self-checkout desk were relocated to make space for the colorful, new glass wall. Many thanks to the Friends for funding this project!

Math Mites Children ages 4 and 5 who are not yet in Kindergarten Preschoolers can learn early math skills through stories and hands-on activities.

Wednesdays, 10 a.m. or 1:45 p.m.

40

Play-K at the Library This program will work on “be ready for Kindergarten” skills. Classes will feature picture books, sorting and classifying, calendar activities, rhyming, and songs. It is designed for pre-Kindergarten kids who will be attending Kindergarten in the fall of 2019.

Wednesdays or Thursdays, 10 a.m.: November 7, 8; December 12, 13

Fall 2018

T KIDS & TEENS

Dear Librarian, oks should books. What kinds of bo The Library has so many ?

I read to my preschooler Parent of a Preschooler er, Dear Parent of a Preschool ’s libraries be overwhelming. Children Sometimes libraries can e books tur Pic ks. so many kinds of boo have so many books and are a great place to start.

Picture old, I’d recommend Easy If your child is two years illustrations ir the d simple plots an rt, sho ve ha ks boo ese Th Books. s listening and understand. As your child’ are realistic and easy to ks from the ect ve, you’ll want to sel boo comprehension skills impro hat more ew som ve ese books tend to ha Picture Book collection. Th jects and plots. complex and diverse sub r child. This subjects that interest you At first, choose books on books on try ter, easy non-fiction. La is a good way to introduce ks that boo for ok r, but accessible. Lo subjects that are unfamilia . ues iss cussion of topics and can be used to start a dis and your king a good book. If you There are no rules for pic all that matters! child like the book, that’s Sincerely, Deb Conn, Librarian

Summer Reading Supporters

A hearty thank you to the library’s summer reading supporters! These generous donors made it possible for the library to encourage its young readers with meaningful rewards, including the following businesses and not-for-profits: The Friends of the Library of Upper St. Clair, AMF Mt. Lebanon Lanes, Allegheny County Department of Parks, Applebee’s, Ardolino’s Pizza, Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History, Carnegie Science Center, Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Cool Springs, Fired Up Pottery Studio, Learning Express, National Aviary, Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, Phoenix Big Cinemas, Pittsburgh Children’s Museum, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, Primanti Bros., Rice Enterprises, Senator John Heinz History Center, Sincerely Yogurt, Sky Zone, Snapology, Target, TGI Friday’s, The Yard Gastropub, Three Saints Baking Co., and Washington Wild Things. n

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.

412-835-5540 Outside book and video return available 24/7 www.twpusc.org Closed summer Sundays through Labor Day Closed Monday, September 3 (Labor Day)

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

Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 41

T

USC Recreation and Leisure Services Late Summer Dates to Note Indoor Pool Closure The indoor pools are closed for two weeks, ending Friday, August 24. The additional week of closure is due to necessary pool maintenance. The outdoor pool will remain open (weather permitting) 11 a.m.– 7 p.m. daily. The C&RC will also provide additional outdoor lap swim hours Monday–Friday, 8–10:45 a.m.

C&RC Annual Building Closure The indoor facility is closed for one week, ending Friday, August 24 for its scheduled annual maintenance. The outdoor pool will remain open on a limited basis.

Contact the C&RC for additional details.

Outdoor Pool Extended Hours Tuesday, August 21 Squeeze in every bit of summer by participating in the extended outdoor pool hours (11 a.m.–8:30 p.m.) on Tuesday, August 21, weather permitting.

Outdoor Pool Season Last Day Monday, September 3 The outdoor pool will close for the season at 5 p.m. on Labor Day, Monday, September 3.

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.

Blood Drive Friday, September 14 The Central Blood Bank will be accepting blood donations at the C&RC on Friday, September 14, noon–6 p.m. Interested donors can sign up for an appointment on the Central Blood Bank’s website or drop in that day.

42

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Rec Department Fall Events Save the dates for days filled with family fun!

Freaky Friday Friday, October 19 C&RC Costume Parade, 10 a.m.

Dress up the little ones, and head to the C&RC for a morning Halloween costume parade and trick-or-treat.

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, 6–8 p.m.

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 to create their very own scary décor. Fees TBA. Visit the C&RC website for additional information.

Color Crawl Saturday, October 27 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. Make your way through a series of Halloween-themed color stations where participants will be showered with vibrantly colored powder. Open to all ages and fitness levels.

Bounty at Boyce Mayview Park Fall Fest Saturday, November 3 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

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 the 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 heroes, and stroll through the park, visiting the many family-friendly attractions.

Visit “Special Events” under the USC Community & Recreation Center section of the Township’s website for complete event details.

Fall 2018

www.twpusc.org 412-221-1099 Seniors

Seniors at Leisure

Every Friday afternoon there is something to do! These opportunities are free for all older adults (age 55 and older), both USC residents and surrounding community residents.

C&RC membership is not required. All activities are held in the C&RC unless otherwise noted. There are four rotations each month. Read on to learn more!

Boomer Balance and Flexibility Gentle exercise for boomers and seniors incorporating an active warm up, stretching to promote flexibility, and special exercises to enhance balance. Held the first Friday of the month.

Time: Noon–12:45 p.m.

Location: C&RC Studio Art Experience Professional artist Rikki Walsh offers a hands-on art activity on the second Friday of each month. Options include watercolors, pastels, sculpting, and more!

Instructor: Rikki Walsh Time: 1:30–3 p.m.

Location: C&RC, as posted Entertainment Day Join seniors from around the area to enjoy entertainment on a big screen. Pizza lunch and light refreshments served.

Entertainment Day is the third Friday of the month.

Time: 12:30–3 p.m. (Doors open at 12:15 p.m.)

Game Day Five Hundred? Bridge? Mah Jongg? Jigsaw puzzles?

Tripoley? Grab your friends or make new ones and play the afternoon away! Game Day is the fourth Friday of the month.

Time: 1:30–3:30 p.m.

Gold Card Offered by the USC School District to residents age 62 and older. Proof of age and residency required at time of application. 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. Proof of age and residency required at time of application. 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 Lynn Walcoff, community programs coordinator, at 412-221-1099, ext. 655, 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 about any Older Adult programming, contact the C&RC at 412-221-1099.

T

Answering the Call

Keith Scannell, Second Captain, USC VFD Throughout the country and Pennsylvania especially, local volunteer fire departments struggle to attract and retain volunteers. The U.S. Fire administration reports that in the mid-1970s, Pennsylvania had approximately 300,000 volunteer firefighters. That number is about 72,000 today, more than a 75% Lilly Caudill, during training at the USCVFD drop. While the 100% volunteer department is not immune to the reduction in volunteerism, USC Fire Chief Steven Moore has adapted fairly well, doing more with less resources. But, in all honesty, from time to time, we do catch a break.

Lillian Caudill came to the department in July 2016. Just turning 16, she was eligible to join the department’s junior fire fighter program. Currently the department allots six spots for young people between the ages of 16 and 17 in hopes of capturing their enthusiasm... and keeping it.

Lilly was a USCHS student who had decided that helping people through public service was a noble endeavor. In fact, while attending USC she enrolled in the Parkway West CTC Public Safety program. In addition to the firefighting component of the two-year program, Lilly was also trained in law enforcement theory as well as emergency medical services, earning her Emergency Medical Technician-B. Excelling in emergency medical services studies, Lilly placed first in local and regional competitions, and fell just short at the state skills competition in Hershey. The experiences further drove her passion.

Turning 18 this summer, Lilly will continue with paramedic training.

While attending the Parkway West program and achieving the rank of captain in her senior year, Lilly’s firefighting efforts produced a number of certifications, including fire ground support, exterior firefighter, and hazardous materials awareness. The final piece of the program—interior firefighter and the nationally-recognized Firefighter I certification—will be completed now that she is 18. Around the firehouse, Lilly participates in as many community service events, fire prevention programs, and additional out-of-station training events as possible, all while working for a local senior living facility.

While continuing to serve her community, Lilly plans on continuing her formal education locally, pursuing her dream of becoming a helicopter flight nurse.

During her initial interview process, Lilly and her mother, Stacey, inquired about the likelihood of a female assimilating into a predominately male culture. Chief Moore remarked, “She’s about to pick up 21 older brothers!” And while national statistics place only four to five percent of firefighters as female, the 100% volunteer USC VFD is fortunate to have three females amongst its ranks.

Always looking to complement its ranks, members at the USC VFD hope that Lilly and her journey spark the interest of other young people (and older ones, as well) to answer the call of community service and volunteerism. As Chief Moore frequently remarks, “There is a place for everyone in fire service.” n If you believe you have what it takes to answer the call, contact the USC VFD at 412-835-0660, extension 5.

Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 43

Pinebridge Commons “Quality Dentistry with a Gentle Touch & the Personalized Service that YOU Deserve!”

Pinebridge Commons •••••••••••••••••

WELCOMES ~ GLORIA SAYUT, MS LPC, NCC •••••••••••••••••

Your SMILE is the Greatest Gift of All!

Cardinal Endocrinology Pediatric Alliance Design Image Salon, Joe Ruffalo Pediatric Dentistry South Emerick Financial Planning Piccolina’s Restaurant Emma’s Market & Deli, Inc. Pinebridge Commons Ethical Intruder Questa Petroleum Co. Peter Gialames & Associates Randal Agency, Allstate Ins. Interior Designs/Furnishings Gloria Sayut, MS LPC, NCC

by Mary Kay Chaffee Troy Orthodontics Jennings & Co., CPA Beth Troy, DMD Timothy Kerr, DMD & Richardson Family Romana Pautler Kerr, DMD Cindy Brophy, State Farm Ins. Larry E. Manalo, DMD Suburban Dry Cleaners Melissa D. Michel, LPC Travel Leaders, Kiernan Ent. Midway Financial Services Wininsky Law Offices

Xcoal Energy Resources

•••••••••••••••••

Pinebridge Dental • Upper St. Clair

McLaughlin Run Road at Lesnett Road www.pinebridgecommons.com Leasing Opportunity – Avison Young (412) 944-2138

412-221-2221

88 Dental • Castle Shannon

412-343-4100

Larry E. Manalo, D.M.D.

Cassandra Casto-Molina, D.D.S.

General Dentist & Prosthodontic Specialist

General Dentist

www.manalosmiles.com

manalosmiles@aol.com

FAMILY AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Troy Orthodontics provides care for the communities of Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park, and the South Hills of Pittsburgh. Dr. Beth Troy takes the time to place and adjust braces on every patient, giving individualized attention in a caring environment.

Let us make you smile!

Schedule your complimentary consultation today!

• Orthodontic services for children and adults • Individualized care in a friendly and patient-focused environment T imothy J. K err , D.M.D. R omana P autler K err , D.M.D.

KK 412-257-4250

Pinebridge Commons Suite 207

kerrdmd.com 44

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Chairside Whitening System

Fall 2018

Pinebridge Commons location: 1580 McLaughlin Run Road, Suite 200 Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 412-221-0392 Bethel Park location: 2414 Lytle Road, Suite 100 Bethel Park, PA 15102 412-831-2188

• Convenient appointment hours, including Saturday mornings • 24-hour emergency services • Most major insurance plans accepted

www.drtroysmiles.com

The Township of Upper St. Clair 1820 McLaughlin Run Road

Municipal Building

•

412-831-9000

The Township of Upper St. Clair became a Home Rule Community on January 1, 1976. As a Home Rule Community, the Township is governed by a locally drafted charter adopted by the voters of the Township. The Home Rule Charter provides for a Board of Commissioners comprising seven members. Two commissioners are elected at large by all voters of the Township and five are elected by ward. In a commissioner/manager form of government, the charter provides a clear distinction between policy-making functions and administrative functions. The Board of Commissioners is responsible for the policy-making functions.

Township Manager

Matthew R. Serakowski, Township Manager 412-831-9000, ext. 216 The Township Manager is appointed by the Board of Commissioners and is directly responsible and accountable to the Board. He serves as Chief Administrative Officer and is responsible for the administrative functions of the Township.

The Township Manager and his designated representatives, including Assistant Township Manager Mark S. Mansfield, are responsible for directing and supervising the operation of all Township departments; preparing an annual budget and financial report; signing papers, contracts, obligations, and documents on behalf of the Township as required by law; preserving order in the Township; representing the Township to other governmental organizations and agencies; and providing staff assistance to the elected Board of Commissioners. The Township Manager oversees the activities of the following eight departments.

Department of Administration

Mark S. Mansfield, Assistant Township Manager and Director of Administration 412-831-9000, ext. 219 The Department of Administration is responsible for personnel administration, purchasing, labor relations and negotiations, public relations, community communications and cable television franchising matters, office management, records maintenance and retrieval, in-service training programs, and coordination of grant applications.

Department of Planning and Community Development

Adam A. Benigni, Director of Planning and Community Development 412-831-9000, ext. 501 The goal of the Department of Planning and Community Development is to protect the property values and residential character of the Township. Development of the community is guided by the Township Comprehensive Plan, which is prepared every ten years, most recently in 2015. This department administers and enforces land use codes and issues permits for zoning, building, electrical, fire protection, driveways, sewers, alarms, grading, and street openings. Additionally, the staff provides assistance to the Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, and Building and Fire Codes Appeals and Advisory Board.

•

www.twpusc.org

Township Board of Commissioners Mark D. Christie, President, Ward 4 Nicholas J. Seitanakis, Vice President, Ward 1 Russell R. Del Re, At Large C. Elise Logan, Ward 2 Robert W. Orchowski, Ward 3 Daniel R. Paoly, At Large Ronald J. Pardini, Ward 5

Department of Finance

Mark P. Romito, Director of Finance 412-831-9000, ext. 218 • Tax Office: 412-831-9000, ext. 226 The Department of Finance is responsible for all fiscal concerns of the Township, including budget preparation, expenditure control, financial reporting and projecting, insurance management, debit management, property and inventory control, purchasing, investment of funds, and operation of the Tax Office. The Township Tax Office collects taxes for both the Township and the School District. The Township budget is prepared each fall for the subsequent fiscal year, which runs from January 1 to December 31.

Department of Police

Emergency: 412-833-7500 Administration (non-emergency): 412-833-1113 The Police Department is responsible for ensuring public safety and for the enforcement of the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the laws and ordinances of the Township.

The 24-hour dispatch center coordinates all emergency services, including police, fire, and emergency medical services (ambulance). Additionally, the Police Department provides patrol squads dedicated to neighborhood and business patrols, vacation home checks, criminal investigation, a special investigation tactical team prepared for extraordinary crisis, and more. The Police Department also sponsors a Citizens’ Police Academy in the fall. See page 30 for the 2018 application and for more information.

Department of Information Technology

412-831-9000 The Department of Information Technology is responsible for the computer needs of all Township departments. The Township’s website (www.twpusc.org) provides residents with agendas and meeting minutes; downloadable applications and permits; trash and recycling information; calendars providing Township, school, and community events; bi-annual recreation booklets; UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine; board and commission information; and public access television broadcasting.

Public Access Television Upper St. Clair Public Access Television, under the Department of Information Technology, provides an opportunity to share information and events with the Township.

Programs are produced by volunteers using equipment that can be provided by the channel. Programming is shown on Comcast channel 7 and Verizon channel 42. Programs are also available from the Township’s video gallery, located at twpusc.org/video-gallery.

Continued on page 46

Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 45

R E S I D E N T I A L G U I D E — T O W N S H I P

Continued from page 45

R E S I D E N T I A L G U I D E — T O W N S H I P

There is also the community bulletin board Video Newspaper. It displays information and meeting announcements for a variety of Township activities, community groups, and churches. Announcements should be submitted by email to USCCABLE@twpusc.org.

Training and access to production equipment can be provided to those interested in producing a program for the community. For more information or to promote an event or organization and its activities, call 412-831-1030.

Department of Recreation and Leisure Services

Paul Besterman, Director of Recreation and Leisure Services 412-221-1099 The Department of Recreation and Leisure Services is responsible for recreation programming and activities for residents of all ages. A program booklet is published twice each year in April (spring/summer programs) and September (fall/winter programs) and delivered to all residents. The booklet can also be viewed online at www.twpusc.org.

Registration for various programs can be conducted by mail, online, or in person during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents can also contact the Recreation office to reserve Township facilities, including the McLaughlin Run Activity Center (MAC) and the Community and Recreation Center (C&RC) for parties, special events, and meeting rooms, or check on the availability of Township fields. The Department of Recreation and Leisure Services is located at the C&RC at Boyce Mayview Park, 1551 Mayview Road.

The Department of Recreation and Leisure Services also offers a senior citizens program (United Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair), which provides Wednesday luncheons and programs for all residents 55 years of age and older.

Additionally, a Community Day for all residents is held on the third Saturday in May and an annual flea market is held on a Saturday in July.

Department of Library

Helen M. Palascak, Director of Library 412-835-5540, ext. 247 The Upper St. Clair Township Library is located on the second and third floors of the Township Municipal Building and is open Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays during the school year from 1 to 5 p.m. The library collection of approximately 70,000 circulating items includes books, audio books, music, and movies for all ages.

The kids’ department of the library also lends puzzles, and has a “Play to Learn” area filled with educational toys to foster math and literacy skills as well as eye-hand coordination and imagination.

An “Explore to Learn” center features STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) activities appropriate for elementary school children. Online resources include e-books, downloadable audio and video, and online databases.

As a member of the Allegheny County eiNetwork, the library participates in the shared County Catalog, which library patrons can access from the website.

Requested materials may be sent from and picked up at any public library in Allegheny County. The library has computer workstations with high-speed Internet access and Microsoft office software and also provides free wireless access for laptop users. Fax service, test proctoring, and 3-D printing are available for a small fee. A variety of programs and classes, listed on the library website (twpusc.org) are offered throughout the year for both children and adults. Use materials and share services with others during programs and classes, and connect to a world of information. Use, share, and connect at the Upper St. Clair Township Library, your community resources c e n t e r. C h e c k out the library on Facebook and Twitter.

Library

Department of Public Works

George Kostelich, Jr., Director of Public Works 412-831-9000, ext. 271 The Public Works Department is responsible for the management and supervision of all activities relating to streets, storm sewers, sanitary sewers, trash collection, recycling, leaf and yard waste collections, parks and recreation facility maintenance, building and grounds maintenance, and forestry. An annual trash and recycling schedule is mailed to residents at the end of each calendar year for the coming year. The schedule is also available on the Township’s website (www.twpusc.org).

Public Works

Accessibility Coordinators

The Township of Upper St. Clair has five accessibility coordinators to further enhance all visitors’ access to Township facilities, parks, trails, and programs.

The accessibility link is found on the Township’s homepage under Quick Links and will take the visitor to detailed accessibility information.

Currently, the Township of Upper St. Clair’s accessibility coordinators are • Jeremy Lemley, Buildings/Grounds Administrator (for all Township buildings): 412-831-9000, ext. 271 • Jacque Rowden, Director of Information Technology (for Township website and phone system): 412-831-9000 • Helen Palascak, Director of Library: 412-831-9000, ext. 224 • Gary Schafer, Parks and Forestry Administrator: 412-831-9000, ext. 271 • Paul Besterman, Director of Recreation and Leisure Services (for all recreation activities): 412-831-9000, ext. 656

Recreational Facility—State-of-the-Art Community & Recreation Center (C&RC) 1551 Mayview Road 412-221-1099

Located in the active area of Boyce Mayview Park, the Community & Recreation Center (C&RC) offers indoor/outdoor aquatics, state-of-the-art fitness equipment, group fitness rooms, 1/8 mile running/ walking track, two full-size basketball courts, and rentable community rooms. In addition, throughout the year the Department of Recreation and Leisure Services offers programs to improve the quality of life for residents of all ages—pre-schoolers to seniors and all ages in between. See upcoming program and offerings information on pages 42 and 43.

46

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2018

C&RC

Other Services in the Township Animal Control

412-833-7500 The Township participates in a joint animal control program with neighboring communities. Officers are on duty seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., with 24-hour emergency ser vice.

Clair’s Kennel, along McLaughlin Run Road, provides a temporary home for wandering pets. Residents should call the police department for animal control services, including animals running at large, injured or killed animals, and animal nuisance calls.

Tri-Community South Emergency Medical Services

Emergency: 412-833-7500 Office (non-emergency): 412-831-3710 Upper St. Clair Township participates in a jointly-operated emergency medical services program with the Township of South Park and the Municipality of Bethel Park. This program provides emergency and non-emergency ambulance transport by highly trained and state-licensed medical personnel. Each fall, an annual subscription drive is held. For a nominal fee, the entire household and household visitors are provided with emergency ambulance coverage when emergency transport is needed.

Tri-Community South does not receive direct subsidies from the Township, nor does it receive any revenue from the Local Services Tax (formerly t h e E m e rg e n c y a n d Municipal Services Tax).

See page 31 for more information.

Tri-Community South EMS

Clair’s Kennel

Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department

Emergency: 412-833-7500 Office (non-emergency): 412-835-0660 Since 1939, the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department has been responsible for fire protection, rescue service, and other emergency assistance for the Township. The primary fire station along Route 19 provides an efficient and safe building for preparing and responding to emergency events. The USC VFD also answers calls for hazardous materials incidents, vehicle rescue, and mutual aid assistance to fire departments in surrounding communities. In addition, the USC VFD conducts an extensive fire prevention program, including fire safety talks in the schools, tours of the fire stations, and fire extinguisher training for local businesses.

Each May, a letter is sent to residents and businesses asking for donations.

The USC VFD does not solicit funds by telephone. Please support this invaluable all-volunteer service.

Appointed Boards and Commissions of Upper St. Clair In addition to the elected Board of Commissioners, Upper St. Clair residents comprise

appointed boards and commissions. Residents wishing to serve on a board or commission should submit a Talent Bank form that is available from the Township Manager’s Office or download the form from the Township’s website (www.twpusc.org). In the event of a vacancy, the Talent Bank forms identify residents interested in volunteering their time and expertise.

The following are citizens who currently serve on Township boards or commissions, with their respective December 31 year of expiration. Open seats are noted.

Building and Fire Codes Appeals and Advisory Board Michael P. McDonnell.......................... 2019 David J. McLean, Vice Chair................. 2020 Anthony L. Pitassi, Chair..................... 2018 James A. Sampey................................. 2019 Robert T. Stevens, Jr............................ 2020 Alternate (Open)................................. 2018

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Kelly B. Bakayza.................................. 2019 William O. Barnard............................. 2020 Thomas Browand................................ 2020 Roger Hartung, Chair.......................... 2019 Diane Morris....................................... 2020 Jennifer Schuler, Vice Chair.................. 2018 (Open)................................................ 2018

Civil Service Board Paul J. Battisti, Vice Chair..................... 2020 Neal Holmes, Secretary........................ 2018 P.J. Murray, III, Chair........................... 2019

Planning Commission Todd Burlingame................................. 2019 Joel Helmrich, Secretary....................... 2020 Scott R. Slagle...................................... 2020 Kimberly J. Smith, Vice Chair............... 2021 Robert W. Stevenson............................ 2018 Kevin T. Turkall, Chair......................... 2021 David Wade......................................... 2018

Library Board Robert G. Ontolchik............................ 2019 Barbara Zimmt.................................... 2020 (Open)................................................ 2020 Municipal Authority Karen M. McElhinny, Vice Chair........... 2023 Charles E. Mertz, Jr., Chair.................. 2022 T.A. Ward, Secretary............................ 2021 USC Volunteer Fire Department

Fall 2018

Zoning Hearing Board Anderson T. Bailey............................... 2018 Dwight D. Ferguson, Vice Chair........... 2019 Gregg R. Zegarelli................................ 2020 Robin Weissert, Alternate..................... 2020 Alternate (Open)................................. 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 47

R E S I D E N T I A L G U I D E — T O W N S H I P

Serving Upper St. Clair

Churches and Synagogues

R E S I D E N T I A L G U I D E

Nursery Schools

Alliance Church of Upper St. Clair 2510 Old Washington Road­—412-835-4775

St. David’s Episcopal Church 905 E. McMurray Road, Peters Twp.—724-941-4060

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

Berean Fellowship Church 300 Rockfield Circle, Scott Township—412-220-4673

St. George Orthodox Church 3230 Washington Pike, Bridgeville—412-221-2277

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

Bethany Lutheran Church 5303 Madison Avenue, Bethel Park, PA 15102 412-835-9221

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

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

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

St. John Capistran Roman Catholic Church 1610 McMillan Road—412-221-6275

Bethel Presbyterian Church 2999 Bethel Church Road, Bethel Park—412-835-0405

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

Beth-El Congregation Of South Hills 1900 Cochran Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-561-1168

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

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

St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church 126 Fort Couch Road—412-833-0031

First Bethel United Methodist Church Kings School Kids 5901 Library Road, Bethel Park—412-835-6141

Bower Hill Community Church 70 Moffett Street, Mt. Lebanon—412-561-4114

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

John McMillan Preschool 875 Clifton Road, Bethel Park—412-833-4704

Brightwood Christian Church 5044 West Library Avenue, Bethel Park—412-835-6703

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

Kingdom Kids Nursery School 255 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-531-6227

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

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

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

Christ Community Church of the South Hills 1500 Boyce Road—www.christcommunitychurch.me

South Hills Interfaith Ministries 5301 Park Avenue, Bethel Park—412-854-9120

Mount Lebanon Montessori 550 Sleepy Hollow Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-563-2858

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

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

Mushroom Family Learning Center 1900 Cochran Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-531-1225

Crossroads Church 1120 Boyce Road—412-494-9999

The Bible Chapel 300 Gallery Drive, McMurray—724-941-8990

Noah’s Ark Preschool-Our Redeemer Lutheran 105 Gateshead Drive, McMurray—724-942-6699

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

The Unitarian Universalist Church of the South Hills (aka Sunny Hill) 1240 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-561-6277

Ruthfred Lutheran Nursery School 3401 South Park Road, Bethel Park—412-835-7140

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

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

Good Shepherd Church 110 Hays Road—724-941-9418

Day Care (Children)

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

Bethel Park Presbyterian Church 2999 Bethel Church Road, Bethel Park 412-835-1043

Holy Child Parish 212 Station Street, Bridgeville—412-221-5213 Holy Cross Greek Orthodox 123 Gilkeson Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-833-3355 John McMillan Presbyterian Church 875 Clifton Road, Bethel Park—412-833-4704

Mt. Lebanon Evangelical Presbyterian Church 255 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-531-3387 www.mlepc.org—facebook.com/mlepc New Day Assembly of God 701 Circle Drive—724-941-1661 Our Redeemer Lutheran Church (ELCA) 105 Gateshead Drive, McMurray—724-941-7467 Peace Lutheran Church 107 Carol Drive, McMurray—724-941-9441 Peters Creek United Presbyterian Church 250 Brookwood Road, Peters Twp.—724-942-3635

48

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

First Bethel United Methodist Church Kings School Kids 5901 Library Road, Bethel Park—412-835-6141 Kid Biz, LLC 3540 Washington Road, McMurray—724-941-4172

Mt. Lebanon Christian Church Cedar Blvd. at Hollycrest Drive, Mt. Lebanon 412-531-8554

Ruthfred Lutheran Church Patterson and South Park Roads, Bethel Park 412-835-7140

Christ United Methodist Child Care Center 44 Highland Road, Bethel Park—412-854-4310

KinderCare Learning Center 1040 Clifton Road, Bethel Park—412-831-1888 KinderCare of McMurray 118 Wilhaven Drive, McMurray—724-941-4579 KinderCare of Mt. Lebanon 1610 N. Highland Road, Mt. Lebanon 412-531-1953 The Goddard School 655 Painters Run Road —412-564-3600 Westminster Child Development Center 2040 Washington Road—412-835-9450 (Unless otherwise listed, the organization is located in Upper St. Clair Township.)

Fall 2018

Beverly Heights Christian Preschool 1207 Washington Road—412-561-7200 Center Church Christian Preschool 255 Center Church Road, McMurray—724-941-9050 Christ United Methodist Church Nursery School 44 Highland Road—412-854-4310

St. David's Preschool and Mother's Morning Out 905 E. McMurray Road, Venetia—724-413-0490 St. Louise de Marillac Preschool 310 McMurray Road—412-835-0600 St. Paul’s Episcopal Nursery Washington and Mayfair Roads, Mt. Lebanon 412-531-2644 St. Thomas More Preschool & Transitional Preschool to 8th Grade 134 Fort Couch Road—412-833-1412 Temple Emmanuel 1250 Bower Hill Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-279-7687 Westminster Nursery School 2040 Washington Road—412-835-2906

Day Care (Adult) Prime Time Adult Care, Inc. Alzheimer Day Care 44 Highland Road, Bethel Park—412-835-6661 Seton Center—Brookline 1900 Pioneer Avenue, Brookline—412-344-4777 If we’ve overlooked your information, have incorrect information, or if you would like your Upper St. Clair facility to be represented in our magazine with an article, please write to: Editor, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 or email usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us.

For an online version, visit www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home and find the “Features” section under the “Past Issues” sub-directory.

Local Clubs and Organizations Directory

1830 Log House Association Kimberly Guzzi, President ..................................... 412-851-0570 American Assoc. of University Women Helpline............................................................ 1-800-326-AAUW Bethel-St. Clair Evening Rotary Club https://portal.clubrunner.ca/3664/ Tom Atkins.............................................................. 412-901-0987 Boyce Road Gardeners Phyllis Kender, Registrar........................................ 412-221-3118 Brookside Woman’s Club http://brooksidewomansclub.webs.com Zoe Weaver........................................................... 412-294-3505 Civil Air Patrol Glenn Ward........................................................... 412-221-0846 Community Foundation of USC Angela Petersen, Executive Director...................... 412-831-1107 Different Strokes Tennis League Gina Braun ............................................................ 412-221-5717 Friends of the Library Beck Reitmeyer, President .................................... 412-835-5540 Friends of the Montour Trail in Bethel Park Peter Kohnke, President....................................... 724-518-9251 Girl Scouts of USC Jim Corona..............................................................724-941-1193 jim.corona@verizon.net Historical Society of Upper St. Clair Rachel Carlson...................................................... 412-835-2050 www.hsusc.org www.facebook.com/hsusc president@hsusc.org League of Women Voters Louise Cannon...................................................... 412-841-7028 Lifespan Kim Rollinson............................................... 412-464-1300, x127 Odyssey of the Mind (www.uscootm.com) Meridith Markovitz.................................................. 412-402-5233 Laura Murtough...................................................... 412-478-1736 uscootm@gmail.com Pittsburgh Elite Aquatics “PEAQ” Kristin Matheny, President............... president-usc@peaqpgh.org South Hills Chamber of Commerce www.shchamber.org .............................................. 412-306-8090 South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM) James Guffey, Executive Director......................... 412-854-9120 South Hills Junior Orchestra Janet Vukotich ....................................................... 412-341-5160 South Hills Kennel Club Ray Harrington....................................................... 412-999-0195 Southwest Communities Chamber of Commerce southwestcommunitieschamber.org Mandi Pryor, Executive Director............................. 412-221-4100 www.southwestcommunitieschamber.org mandi@southwestcommunitieschamber.org Spencer Family YMCA Ken Soliday, Executive Director............................ 412-833-5600

Town Hall South Suzanne Palko, Chairman..................................... 724-263-8324 www.townhallsouth.org Trotwood Manor West Association trotwoodmanorwest@gmail.com United Senior Citizens of USC Lynn Walcoff................................................. 412-221-1099, x655 USC Athletic Association (www.uscaasports.org) Erik Lund, President, USCAA.................................... 412-736-3251 Rec Baseball (Spring)................Ed Albert.............. 412-977-1000 Travel Baseball (Summer)..........Erik Lund............. 412-736-3251 Boys’ Basketball (Winter)...........Jay Sukernek....... 412-334-0975 Girls’ Basketball (Winter)............John Tarcson....... 412-584-9990 Football (Fall).............................Rob Stevenson.... 412-833-8671 Softball (Spring)..........................Ray Carson...........412-298-8598 Rec Soccer (Fall)........................Bill Friday............. 412-398-0104 Traveling Soccer (Fall/Spring)....Rob York.............. 412-523-8688 Wrestling (Winter).......................Matt Pollock......... 412-221-7383 USC Band Parents (www.uscbpa.org) Beth Hornak........................................................... 412-889-4462 uscbpaofficers@gmail.com USC-Bethel Park Breakfast Rotary Club Brian Schill............................................................ 412-833-6229 USC Boy Scouts of America Rick Diffendal (Troop 366 )...................................... 412-914-2084 Tom O’Brien (Troop 4 )............................................ 412-854-3153 USC Citizens for Land Stewardship (www.usccls.org) Jen Dalke............................................................... 412-760-0801 USC Democratic Committee Mary McIntyre, Chair.............................. uscdems01@gmail.com Steve Logan, Vice Chair USC High School Parent/Teacher/Student Organization (PTSO) Shannon Gallagher................................................ 412-257-3560 shannon.gallagher@verizon.net USC Hockey Club Brad Sileo............................................................... 412-498-8602 pkhockey@gmail.com USC League for the Arts (USCLA) Vi Laux.................................................................... 412-523-1855 USC Library Helen Palascak, Director....................................... 412-835-5540 USC Newcomer’s Club (www.uscnewcomers.org) Ann Marie Pirnat, President....... uscnewcomersexec@gmail.com USC Parent Teacher Council (PTC) Suzanne Wynne, President.....................................412.712.0010 wynne.sl@gmail.com USC Republican Committee Barbara Lloyd, Chairman ..................................... 412-831-8918

blloyd470@yahoo.com USC Volunteer Firefighters Steve Henk, President ................................. 412-835-0660, x100 president@uscvfd.org Woman’s Club of Upper St. Clair Judy Gardner, President......................................... 412-279-1975

Call the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY office at 412-833-1600, extension 2284, if your club or organization’s information needs to be updated, added to, or deleted from our list. Thank you. For an online version of this directory, visit www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home and find the “Features” section under the “Past Issues” sub-directory.

Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 49

R E S I D E N T I A L G U I D E

Upper St. Clair School District 1820 McLaughlin Run Road

•

412-833-1600

•

www.uscsd.k12.pa.us

... Customizing Learning, Nurturing Potential, Delivering Excellence ...

R E S I D E N T I A L G U I D E — S C H O O L D I S T R I C T

Board of School Directors

Elementary Schools (grades K–4)

Amy L. Billerbeck, President Barbara L. Bolas, Vice President Jennifer L. Bowen Phillip J. Elias Daphna Gans Patrick A. Hewitt Louis P. Mafrice, Jr. Angela B. Petersen Dante R. Plutko

Middle Schools (grades 5–8)

Board of School Directors

The Upper St. Clair Board of School Directors consists of nine elected directors. The regular meetings of the Board generally take place on the fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Upper St. Clair Central Office Board Room. There is no scheduled meeting in July. Board minutes are available on the School District website at www.uscsd.k12.pa.us. For further information regarding meetings, call 412-833-1600, ext. 2201.

Albert Baker

Dr. Patrick McClintock-Comeaux, principal 2300 Morton Road–412-833-1600, ext. 4000 Erected: 1968, enrollment: 398* School day: 8:15 a.m.–2:45 p.m.

Boyce (grades 5–6)

Daniel O’Rourke, principal 1500 Boyce Road–412-833-1600, ext. 5000 Erected: 1960, enrollment: 643* School day: 8:35 a.m.–3:15 p.m.

Central Office

Dr. John T. Rozzo, Superintendent The Upper St. Clair School District’s Central Office is located in the Municipal Building at 1820 McLaughlin Run Road and can be reached at 412-833-1600. As you enter the building, the School District offices are straight ahead.

Fort Couch (grades 7–8)

Dwight D. Eisenhower

Mark Miller, principal 100 Warwick Drive–412-833-1600, ext. 8000 Erected: 1960, enrollment: 477* School day: 8:15 a.m.–2:45 p.m.

Joseph DeMar, principal 515 Fort Couch Road–412-833-1600, ext. 3000 Erected: 1951, enrollment: 637* School day: 8:35 a.m.–3:15 p.m.

High School (grades 9–12)

Buses/Transportation

The primary responsibility of the Upper St. Clair School District’s Department of Transportation, located in Cecil Township, is to provide safe, efficient transportation for the 4300 public, private, and special needs students who attend approximately 30 schools within a ten-mile radius of Upper St. Clair.

For more information, contact Jonn Mansfield, Director of Transportation at 412-833-1600, ext. 3450, or jmansfield@uscsd.k12.pa.us.

50

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Carl R. Streams

Dr. Claire Miller, principal 1560 Ashlawn Drive–412-833-1600, ext. 6000 Erected: 1966, enrollment: 508* School day: 8:15 a.m.–2:45 p.m.

Fall 2018

Upper St. Clair High School

Dr. Louis Angelo, principal 1825 McLaughlin Run Road 412-833-1600, ext. 2236 Erected: 1960, enrollment: 1,397* School day: 7:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m. (* Enrollment figures for each school are as of May 2018.)

Food Services The School District’s six nutrition centers serve thousands of healthy meals each day.

For information, contact Jennifer Marken at jmarken@uscsd.k12.pa.us.

Technology The role of the Upper St. Clair School District’s Technology Department is to provide and support the use of resources that enhance the teaching and learning processes, strengthen communication, and improve efficiency of operations.

F o r m o re i n f o r m a t i o n , c o n t a c t t h e Technology Department at 412-833-1600, ext.

2111.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Program The Upper St. Clair School District initiated an International Baccalaureate Program in 1988 and now offers this program in grades one through 12.

• Primary Years Program: Rebecca Smith, 412-833-1600, ext. 6078, or rsmith@uscsd.k12.pa.us • Middle Years Program: Dr. Tim Wagner, 412-833-1600, ext. 2530, or twagner@uscsd.k12.pa.us • Diploma Program: Tanya Chothani, 412-833-1600, ext. 2644, or tchothani@uscsd.k12.pa.us School-Wide Enrichment Program (SWEP) for grades 1–4 Many opportunities are available for elementary level students to explore topics that interest them through SWEP. Mini-assemblies, mentorships, and independent study projects are all part of SWEP. For more information, contact Mark Miller, supervisor of elementary education, at 412-833-1600, ext. 8000, or mmiller@uscsd.k12.pa.us.

Boosters (Parent Support Groups) Boosters and parent groups are formed to support various activities and sports teams. For information, call Upper St. Clair High School at 412-833-1600, ext. 2260 (athletics) or ext. 2264 (activities).

2018–19 Parent Teacher Council, left to right: Michele Unice, secretary; Amy Tomczyk, treasurer; Suzanne Wynne, president; Dr. Daphna Gans, board advisor; Batool Nulwala, vice-president; not pictured: Dr. John Rozzo, second vice-president

Welcome to Members of the 2018–19 Parent Teacher Council We take pride in announcing Upper St. Clair’s incoming Parent Teacher Council (PTC) and wish them a great school year in providing our District with their help and guidance as they enhance the academic and social experiences for our children.

Fine and Performing Arts The Upper St. Clair Band Parents Association is a parent group formed to support the band and orchestra. The Upper St. Clair Choral Boosters is a parent group formed to support the choral groups. For information, call Upper St. Clair High School Fine and Performing Arts Department at 412-833-1600, ext. 2627. Theatre Angels support the USCHS spring musical. Call 412-833-1600, ext. 2530 or ext. 3325 for more information.

Extracurriculars Sports programs are available at all levels. For information regarding middle school or high school sports, contact Athletic Director Dr. Kevin Deitrick via email at kdeitrick@uscsd.k12.pa.us or phone the Athletic Office at 412-833-1600, ext. 2260.

Music programs, including chorus, theater, orchestra, and band, as well as cheerleading and dance are available at various grade levels. For information regarding high school activities, call Activities Director Danny Holzer at 412-833-1600, ext. 2263.

Also, see page 61 for a list of high school activities.

For information regarding elementary and middle school activities, call the respective building’s school principal.

Kennywood Day (a Community-Wide Tradition) Kennywood Day is a community-wide tradition of fun. Each year on the third Monday in June, all Upper St. Clair residents are invited to participate in a day at Kennywood Park.

Discounted tickets are available for purchase prior to the event. Details are posted on the District’s website each spring.

Rent School Gyms, Panther Stadium, and the Theaters School facilities are often available for rent. For information, contact Karen Powers at 412-833-1600, ext. 2363, or email kpowers@uscsd.k12.pa.us.

USC eAlerts Upper St. Clair School District regularly sends news and information via email. Weekly recap emails with the latest news, upcoming events, links to news articles and more are sent to subscribers. Subscribe to eAlerts on the District’s website (www.uscsd.k12.pa.us) under Quick Links, shown on the left-hand side.

Continued on page 52

District Calendar The USC School District detailed monthly calendar is available online, providing residents with the most up-todate information about events in our Township’s schools.

To access the calendar, visit the District website at www.uscsd.k12.pa.us and click on the “Calendar” tab. In addition to viewing events for the entire District, there is an option to filter by specific school building.

Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 51

R E S I D E N T I A L G U I D E — S C H O O L D I S T R I C T

Continued from page 51

R E S I D E N T I A L G U I D E — S C H O O L D I S T R I C T

Volunteers in Our Schools (grades K–12) There are well over one thousand volunteers who share their time and talents with the children in our schools. Any resident who is interested in volunteering in any of our schools is encouraged to contact the respective building’s principal to learn about opportunities and requirements.

Open Mics Open Mics are informational meetings between building principals, teachers, administrators, and parents where current issues and concerns are discussed. Contact the respective building’s principal or PTA president for more information. Each year, the Parent Teacher Council (PTC) hosts two Open Mic sessions with the superintendent of schools—one in the fall and one in the spring, alternating morning and evening times.

Upper St. Clair School District 2018–2019 Calendar August 27: First Day of School for Students September 3: No School, Labor Day September 13: Elementary Open Houses (early dismissal @ 12:45 p.m.)

September 20: High School Open House (early dismissal @ 12:35 p.m.)

September 27: Boyce Open House (early dismissal @ 1:15 p.m.)

October 4: Fort Couch Open House (early dismissal @ 1:15 p.m.)

October 12: Half Day (early dismissal for all students) October 29: No School, Teacher In-Service October 30: No School, Teacher In-Service November 6: No School, Teacher In-Service November 21–23: No School, Thanksgiving Recess December 24–January 1: No School, Winter Recess January 21: No School, Teacher In-Service February 18: No School, Teacher In-Service March 15: Half Day (early dismissal for all students) March 18: No School, Teacher In-Service April 1: No School, Teacher In-Service April 15–19: No School, Spring Recess May 9: Elementary School S.T.A.R. Night (early dismissal @ 12:45 p.m.)

May 16: Fort Couch Celebration of Learning (early dismissal @ 1:15 p.m.)

May 23: Boyce Celebration of Learning (early dismissal @ 1:15 p.m.)

May 27: No School, Memorial Day June 6: High School Commencement June 11: Last Day of School (pending snow make-up days) June 12: Snow Make-Up Day 1 June 13: Snow Make-Up Day 2 June 14: Snow Make-Up Day 3 June 17: Kennywood Day (Early dismissals shown in the calendar above are school specific for the listed event.)

52

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2018

Parent Teacher Council (PTC) Parent Teacher Council (PTC) is the “umbrella” organization in Upper St. Clair (USC), which provides leadership and coordination for all of the parent/teacher organizations in USC. If you would like to be involved with your child’s parent/teacher organization and get the “big picture,” you are welcome to join! For more information, contact Suzanne Wynne, PTC president, at 412-712-0010 or email wynne.sl@gmail.com. A list of Parent Teacher Council sponsored or affiliated activities follows: Building Level Parent/Teacher Organizations Each school building has an organization of parents, who together with their teachers, work within the schools to provide extra help, additional programs, and educational and social activities for the children. For information, call your building’s school representative at 412-833-1600.

Baker Elementary School PTA – ext. 4000 Eisenhower Elementary School PTO – ext. 8000 Streams Elementary School PTO – ext. 6000 Boyce Middle School PTO – ext. 5000 Fort Couch Middle School PTSO – ext. 3000 Upper St. Clair High School PTSO – ext. 2236 Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) GATE is a committee of the PTA Council whose objective is to provide information and support to parents of gifted and academically talented students in the District.

Partners in Education (PIE) PIE is a group of parents, administrators, and staff formed as a branch of the PTA Council to foster the best educational environment for all exceptional children and to educate and assist parents of exceptional children.

Spelling Bee The Spelling Bee committee funds and manages the District’s elementary and middle schools Scripps spelling competitions.

STEAM The STEAM committee works with District staff to develop and manage innovative after-school programs in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math for the benefit of all students.

Wellness The Wellness committee is a group of parents, administrators, and staff that promote and support initiatives to encourage the development and raise awareness about the impact of having a healthy mind and body.

The YOUTH

S EERING COMMITTEE of Upper St. Clair

The mission of the Youth Steering Committee of Upper St. Clair, with School District and Township representation, is to involve the Upper St. Clair community in providing positive direction and support to our youth and their families.

Members include Adam Boucek, chair; Jennifer Bowen, vice chair; Angela Petersen, secretary; members: Geralyn Austin, Amy Billerbeck, Lynn Boucek, Mike Burch, Tina Florkowski, Manjri Gupta, Ed Kavo, Jeffrey Krantz, Lisa McMillan, Robert Plummer, Gary Seech; Stacie Sebastian, resident professional; Dan Beck, USC School District liaison; and Lynn Walcoff, USC Township liaison.

Dining Out

Emma’s Market & Deli and Piccolina’s Restaurant, as well as all of the businesses at Pinebridge Commons, would like everyone to know that they are persevering as a result of the June flooding and coming back better than ever!

Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 53

SD Upper St. Clair School District Board of School Directors

Amy L. Billerbeck President 412-833-2712 2019*

Patrick A. Hewitt 412-831-0178 2019*

Barbara L. Bolas Vice President 412-833-9841 2019*

Louis P. Mafrice, Jr. 412-851-0622 2021*

Jennifer L. Bowen 412-660-5846 2021*

Angela B. Petersen 412-833-4873 2019*

http://www.uscsd.k12.pa.us

Phillip J. Elias 412-257-1198 2019*

Dr. Daphna Gans 412-851-18250 2021*

The 2018 regular meetings of the Upper St. Clair Township Board of School Directors are held at 7 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month at the Central Office Board Room, unless otherwise noted. No regular meeting is scheduled for July.

Dante R. Plutko, Jr. 412-389-5187 *Date indicates expiration of term.

2021*

Upper St. Clair School District Annual Notices

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. Click on Information and then select Compliance Notifications to view required state and federal notices and information.

School District Central Office Administration

To reach personnel, call 412-833-1600, and follow the automated directions.

Administrator

Dr. John Rozzo Superintendent of Schools

Ray Berrott Director of Technology

Dr. Sharon Suritsky Assistant/Deputy Superintendent

Scott Burchill Dr. Judy Bulazo Director of Curriculum Director of Business and Finance and Professional Development

Ray Carson Director of Human Services

Secretary/Email Address Extension

Dr. John Rozzo............................................ 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 Ray Berrott.................................................. rberrott@uscsd.k12.pa.us..................2059 Director of Technology Sean Bryson................................................ sbryson@uscsd.k12.pa.us.................. 2560 Chief of School Police Dr. Judy Bulazo.......................................... jbulazo@uscsd.k12.pa.us...................2218 Director of Curriculum and Professional Development Scott Burchill.............................................. Dawn Machi.....................................2220 Director of Business and Finance dmachi@uscsd.k12.pa.us Ray Carson, Jr............................................. rcarson@uscsd.k12.pa.us...................2053 Director of Human Services Melissa Garvin............................................ Cheryl Ellison...................................2116 Asst. Director of Student Support Services cellison@uscsd.k12.pa.us Sheila Gorgonio.......................................... sgornonio@uscsd.k12.pa.us..............2826 Director of Advancement Jonn Mansfield............................................. jmansfield@uscsd.k12.pa.us.............. 3450 Director of Transportation Amy Pfender............................................... Terri Lott...........................................2283 Director of Student Support Services tlott@uscsd.k12.pa.us Tina Vojtko................................................. tvojtko@uscsd.k12.pa.us...................2215 Communications Specialist Bradley Wilson .......................................... bwilson@uscsd.k12.pa.us.................3318 Supervisor of Customized and Online Learning School District Building Administration

Melissa Garvin Asst. Director of Student Support Services

54

Sheila Gorgonio Director of Advancement

Amy Pfender Director of Student Support Services

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2018

Bradley Wilson Supervisor of Customized and Online Learning

Dr. Lou Angelo............................... High School Principal Dr. Timothy Wagner ..................... High School Associate Principal for

Program Planning and Innovation Daniel Beck.................................... High School Assistant Principal Dan Zelenski.................................. 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

Dr. John Rozzo Named Superintendent The Upper St. Clair Board of School Directors named Dr. John Rozzo as its new superintendent of schools, effective July 1, 2018. His five-year contract was approved during the board’s April 23, 2018, meeting. “Dr. Rozzo has been instrumental in steering our strategic planning process and has been a vital part of the District leadership for the past several years,” said Amy Billerbeck, president of the board. “His understanding of the District’s vision and commitment to our students and families give us great confidence in his ability to lead Upper St. Clair School District into the future.”

Serving as Upper St. Clair’s assistant superintendent since 2014, Dr. Rozzo succeeds Dr. Patrick O’Toole, who retired from the District on June 30, after a 39-year career in public education. “On behalf of the entire board, I’m very appreciative of Dr. O’Toole’s visionary leadership and service to the District,” said Amy. “Through purposeful and strategic succession planning, he helped to ensure a continuum of quality leadership in Upper St. Clair.”

A member of the District staff since 2005, Dr. Rozzo has been promoted to several administrative positions, including assistant principal, middle school principal of academics, and supervisor of middle level education. In 2014, he was promoted to the role of assistant superintendent. Dr. Rozzo began his educational career in 1999 as a science teacher in the Brentwood School District. “I am humbled to have the opportunity to serve the Upper St. Clair community as its next superintendent of schools,” said Dr. Rozzo.

“There is no greater honor or responsibility than to be entrusted with the education and care of our community’s children.”

Throughout his tenure, Dr. Rozzo had led several initiatives, including serving as chairperson of the District’s Strategic/ Comprehensive Plan and guiding the District’s transition to the new Principal and Teacher Effectiveness Model. In addition, he has presented at numerous local, regional, and statewide conferences

SD

on subjects, including increasing student achievement, instructional leadership, and components of an exemplary school district.

“Dr. Rozzo and I have maintained an incredibly close professional and personal relationship through our leadership work over the past ten years,” said Dr. Sharon Suritsky, deputy/assistant Dr. John Rozzo superintendent. “I have always admired his character, relationship building, and ability to effectively lead others.

I am honored to continue working alongside him as deputy superintendent as he assumes his new role.”

Beyond Upper St. Clair, Dr. Rozzo is a recognized leader in education. In 2016, he was honored with the Leadership & Service Award from The Pennsylvania State University College of Education. The previous year, the Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Education named him Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Middle Level Administrator for 2015. And, this past spring, Dr. Rozzo was appointed to the Penn State University College of Education Alumni Society Board of Directors.

A graduate of Penn State University, Dr. Rozzo earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a concentration in mathematics and science. In addition, he holds a master’s degree in education from California University of Pennsylvania and a doctorate of education from the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. O’Toole, who served as superintendent of USC schools since March 2007, has great faith in his successor and the District’s future. “There is no better educational leadership role in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania than to serve as superintendent for the Upper St. Clair School District,” said Dr. O’Toole. “I am proud to know that I’ve left the District in the strong, capable hands of Dr. Rozzo, Dr. Suritsky, and the entire USC leadership team.”

Dr. Rozzo resides in Upper St. Clair Township with his wife, Shauna, and their three children: Sydney, Anthony, and Isabella. n

USC Among the 2018 Best High Schools

Releasing its list of 2018 Best High Schools this past May, USCHS was rank among the top high schools in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report. According to its website, “the rankings include data on more than 20,500 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 16th in Pennsylvania and fourth in Allegheny County, USCHS was recognized with a silver medal. Of the commonwealth’s 576 public high schools, 184 were recognized in this year’s list of “Best High Schools.” Nationally, USC ranks 800 out of 20,548 high schools in the nation, among the top four percent.

A four-step process was used to determine the 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 the number of students who qualify for free/reduced lunch).

• Step 2: For schools passing the first step, the second step assessed whether their least-advantaged 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 80%.

• Step 4: Schools that made it through the first three steps were judged nationally on the final step, college readiness. A college readiness index was calculated based on the school’s participation and performance on Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams.

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. n Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 55

SD USCHS Commencement 2018 Opening Remarks

Amy Billerbeck, President, USC Board of School Directors Just about every graduation speaker across the country this spring will tell the graduating class: “You are going to change the world!” That’s a pretty tall order. You’re probably saying, “That sounds great, but I doubt it. How am I going to change the world?” Let’s hold that thought for a moment.

Reflecting on this school year, I think we would all agree that it has been a uniquely challenging year to be a student. You have had to respond to difficult events, like the tragedy in Parkland, Florida, and too many others, complicated by an environment of cultural and political polarization. It’s not hard to see that the world could use some changing!

But you seniors have responded with leadership and maturity. You have led student action and participated in activism that has been more significant than anything in a generation. You’ve had to wrangle with varying points of view among your friends and classmates, and you’ve learned civics lessons in ways you could never have learned in the classroom.

I know many of you were involved in organizing the assembly this past March to honor the memory of the 17 people who lost their lives at Marjory Stoneman Douglas

High School. I didn’t attend the assembly in person, but I read the transcript. It was moving and powerful, even on paper. I was particularly struck by the words of your class president, Drew Hobart. Drew issued the “What’s Your 17?” challenge to everyone at that assembly.

Seniors, you all know what it is. But for those in the audience who might not know, following the Parkland shooting, a tweet from a high school teacher went viral. During a protracted classroom discussion about whether to participate in a 17-minute walkout, a student suggested that a better way to honor the Parkland victims would be to pick 17 ways to make a difference in their own school climate.

Smile at 17 people you wouldn’t ordinarily smile at; say a kind word to 17 people you might not usually talk to; open your heart to 17 people with whom you might not necessarily interact. The mantra was “17 reasons for change; 17 ways to make a difference.”

What’s your 17?

That student and Drew, and all of you realized that each of you has the power to create a better, more compassionate environment around you, at school or wherever that is. Each of you can make some small connection or reach out to someone even in a

small way. And like throwing Amy Billerbeck the proverbial pebble into the water, those small actions will ripple to make the world around you a better place.

So, just like every other graduation speaker across the country this spring, I’ll say it: Class of 2018, you are going to change the world! You already are!

You have excelled academically, artistically, and athletically. We know! Dr. Suritsky reads pages upon pages of recognitions and commendations at each board meeting.

Those are awesome things, and we are proud of you for your accomplishments.

But, more importantly, each one of you is changing the world every day in all the little things you do and in the ways you treat one another. You are making ripples. You may never know how you’ve changed a situation, changed someone’s day, or maybe changed someone’s life… but you are doing it.

So, as you leave Upper St. Clair, be conscious of the great power you have to change the world. What’s your 17? What kind of ripples will you make?

Class of 2018, go out and change the world. Make it a better place, a little bit every day. n

Superintendent’s Address Dr. Patrick O’Toole

In these final five minutes before you officially graduate from USC—a ceremony that in some ways represents your transition to adulthood—I want to let you know this: We need you. Who are we? We are the adult citizens, not only of our great country, but of the entire world.

We need you based on my observation of you these past 11 years in my role as the superintendent of Upper St. Clair. Dr. Angelo briefly offered representative testimony of how you are already making a difference. I submit that our country and the rest of the world needs young men and women just like you. Now. Today.

My parents’ generation, labeled the “Greatest Generation” by author and journalist Tom Brokaw, faced the enormous, almost incomprehensible, challenges of the 56

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Dr. Patrick O’Toole, Retired Superintendent of Schools Great Depression and World War II. In fact, my father and my seven uncles fought in WWII—one of whom gave his life for us—so we could convene here tonight.

Members of my generation—the Baby Boomers—also fought and died in wars to preserve our freedoms. We also turned much of our attention toward improving domestic challenges of poverty, race relations, drugs, and global peace.

The success of my generation will be one for historians to sort out. But my perspective is that our work remains incomplete, so we need help—we need you—to help us solve these challenges at home and abroad. We need your brain power, your passion, your vision, your authenticity, your compassion, your voice.

During your education at Upper St. Clair, you were exposed to the concept of STEAM education that focused on our country’s economic need for knowledgeable workers in science, technology, and design. The intention was that because of the need for such workers and thinkers, students choosing Fall 2018

these fields of study would position themselves well for future career options.

But in these final minutes before your graduation, let me ask you to also contribute your knowledge, your skills, and your energy toward the social sciences, such as government, politics, education, race relations, drug prevention, and the prevention of extreme violence in our society. In these areas, we need you because there remains unfinished business, and difficult issues are emerging for all of us to solve.

I’m not asking you to make a sudden change in your college choice or career path. Your contributions to such matters as education, poverty, and government can be careers, but they can also be avocations and volunteer work.

For example, behind me are school board members—men and women—who have successful careers in finance, healthcare, law, insurance, engineering, and research.

But they also devote considerable time and energy to their community and to the education of children other than their own.

SD

Excerpts of Student Speeches

Wyatt Keating, Valedictorian ... As we approach moving away from Upper St. Clair and branching off into various places around the world for college, the armed forces, and the labor force, one question remains: Will we continue to hold ourselves to a successful standard and ensure responsibility for our own lives? In three short months, we will pretty much be the “boss” of our own lives. The truth is that the concept of the future as an independent adult is genuinely and naturally scary. It will become easier to let go of responsibility for ourselves and our actions, and it will become easier to give up on the possibility of success in favor of mediocrity.

Yet, I challenge all of you to live through the next few years with the same vigor, desire for success, and acceptance of responsibility that defined our collective high school years.

In the words of DJ Snoopzilla, “If it’s flipping hamburgers at McDonald’s, be the best hamburger flipper in the world!

Whatever it is you do, master your craft.” Whether you are going to college for the next two or four years, to the labor force, or to the armed forces, by striving for success we will be able to replicate the experiences which made high school such a memorable experience for all of us. Additionally, by taking greater responsibility for our actions and voluntarily removing the safety net that has been provided to us, we can live our lives how we wish to live them and be loyal to our own desires and wishes.

Elizabeth Petley, Staff Choice ... This pearl of wisdom wasn’t given at a commencement speech that I’m aware of, but I think it still applies. This comes from our very own Dr. Frollini. As the wise Doc always reminded my sophomore year chem class: “Failure is always an option.”

Now, let me be clear that I am not suggesting we all leave USC and fail college or wherever our lives take us after today, but I think it’s important to remember that a path to success includes failures and obstacles along the way. When we fail, it’s important that we see it as an opportunity to learn and grow as a person, and we pick ourselves up and get back on the path to success.

Jack de la Parra, Student Choice ... Three hundred forty-four Upper St. Clair High School graduates from the class of 2018 are here today. These 344 are capable of changing the world. A future president of the United States could be sitting among us. We could have a Nobel prize recipient, a gold-medal Olympian, a Grammy-winning artist, or an Oscarwinning actor sitting in these chairs. Some of you may go on to coach your kids to rec basketball championships or even watch your kids graduate on this same field 30 years from now.

The exciting part is that we don’t know what the future holds, but here’s to hoping you do your taxes right the first time and that you don’t forget to pay your utilities at your first apartment. Here’s to hoping you have as much pride for the small accomplishments as you do for the big ones, because while we will forever be a part of this group of 344 students, the Upper St. Clair High School Class of 2018, we are all about to start creating our own set of future experiences, statistics, and achievements. We may be done counting the past, but we’ve sure made the past count! n

Three members of the USCHS Class of 2018 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 then scrolling down to the “Features” section, where the 2018 speeches are listed.

USCHS Class of 2018 Academic Achievers Valedictorians: Lily Bonasso, Kevin Chen, Steven Cheung, Ariana Chiu, Sahil Doshi, David Frauen, Wyatt Keating, Thomas Kyle, Abigail Matheny, Joshua Meyer, Emily Molitoris, Andrew Rocks, Kate Rosello, Amanda Ross, Kriti Shah, Abigail Wagner, Elizabeth Walsh, Mary Wilding IB Diploma Candidates: James Boston, Sydney Closser, Kristin Cortese, Sahil Doshi, Ethan Horgan, Alexis John, Wyatt Keating, Laura Lapham, Krisha Monpara, Dan Speer Superintendents Academic Achievement Award: Grace Blumenfeld, Jonah Glunt, Caroline LeKachman, Elizabeth Petley, Catherine Sandford, Olivia Shaffer, Katherine Shaughnessy, Samantha Spina, Brady Warmbein, James Wilkinson

Valedictorians shown here are listed alphabetically to the right.

Photo taken by Tina Vojko. Candid photos of commencement are courtesy of M&M Photography.

One of my favorite leadership quotes comes from Claudio Fernandez-Araoz, a global expert on talent and leadership, who says that great organizations are made up of people who “have a fierce commitment to excel in the pursuit of unselfish goals.” Upon your graduation from USC, I welcome you and your talents to the organization of adults, with deep faith in your “commitment to excel

To view the list of students who were honored at the USCHS awards ceremony in May, see page 58 or 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 the USCHS 2018 Student Awards.

in the pursuit of unselfish goals” that helps our nation and the world in which we live.

We have big issues to solve in our country and in the world. But with young men and women like you—members of the USC Class of 2018—I believe we have a new generation of thinkers and contributors arriving as adults ready and able to help. We need you.

We need all of you! n Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 57

SD

2018 USC High School Awards

Dozens of USCHS students were recognized with honors, awards, and scholarships during the school’s annual Awards Night held this past May in the school’s theater. The following students were recognized:

• Black Association of South Hills Women Award: Johanna Chikini, Lauryn Davis • Carson Scholar: Dina Leyzarovich • Ellie Levine Memorial Award: Laura Lapham • John Small Spirit of Community Award: Hannah Pribanic • Joseph F. Argiro Science Award: Jagadeesh Gummadi • Joseph L. Moscov Memorial Award: Lillian Caudill • Mary Elena Batz Memorial Scholarship: Holly Smith • Outstanding Senior Athletes: Savannah Shaw, Tom Kyle • Paul Harris Award; USC-Bethel Park Evening Rotary Club: Aicha Bellaoucha • Paul Wildenhain Memorial Scholarship: Steven Cheung • Perfect Attendance: Kirsten Benedict, Edward Lawrence, Emily Molitoris, Anthony Rach • Rensselaer Medal: Sam Ding • RIT Computing Medal & Scholarship Award: Dylan Mira, Brooke Christiansen • RIT Innovation & Creativity Award: Sam Ding, Dina Leyzarovich • Ronald Reagan Student Leader Award: Tom Kyle, Caroline LeKachman, Savannah Shaw, Brady Warmbein • Sensei Kapples Japanese Education Scholarship: Mandy Florkowski, Ethan Quinto • Service Above Self; USC-Bethel Park Breakfast Rotary: Alexander Cohen • Society of Women Engineers: Katherine Hobart, sophomore; Arushi Khaitan, junior; Abigail Wagner, senior • Student of the Year Awards: Maddie Nolan, freshman; Gabi Spina, sophomore; Rachel Tudi, junior; Brady Warmbein, senior • T.J. White Scholarship: Kate Groninger

• Teresa Fox Memorial Scholarship for Students Pursuing a Degree in Special Education: Zoe Rankin • Teresa Fox Memorial Scholarship for Students Who Have Overcome Learning Challenges: Jacob Pikras • The Pride of the Panthers Award: Kate Groninger, Jack Hansberry • The USC Education Association Scholarship: Zoe Rankin • U.S. Air Force Academy Appointment: Tom Kyle • U.S. Army ROTC Scholarship: Abigail Riemer • U.S. Marine Corps Awards: Scholastic Excellence, Abigail Matheny; Semper Fildelis Award for Musical Excellence, Amanda Ross; Distinguished Athletes, Jack Burton, Savannah Shaw • USC ESPA/PSEA Transportation Scholarship: Celeste Longinotti • USC PTSO Book Scholarship: Lily Bonasso, Dominic Ivol • USCHS Counseling Humanitarian Award: Johanna Chikuni, Dan Colaianni, Allison Epler, Andrew Gianni, Drew Hobart, Sophie Kennedy, Patrick O’Neill, Christian Schopp, Mia Taylor, Nicholas Wylie • University Book Awards: Jacqueline LeKachman, Denison University; Wendy Tao, Johns Hopkins University; Eshita Chhajlani, Brown University; Dina Leyzarovich, Harvard University; Paarth Shanker, Princeton University; Rebecca Speer, George Washington University; Lauren Wholey, University of Pennsylvania; Christopher Pantelis, Yale University; Rachel Carson, Chatham University; Jacqueline LeKachman, Healthy Planet; Caroline Hendrix, University of Virginia–Jefferson • William A. Pope Scholarship: Hannah Pribanic • William & Mary Leadership Award: Stephanie Grunwald n

This list can also be found on the School District website and at www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home under “Past Issues” subhead.

Upper St. Clair Alumni Update

Upper St. Clair’s alumni initiative, connect2USCSD, is off to a great start! To date, the online community— connect2USCSD.com—has more than 1400 alumni who have joined since its launch this past March. With multiple alumni gatherings, career events, and monthly spotlights, connect2USCSD has brought together hundreds of former USC students.

“Our goal is to continue to grow our online community of alumni to bring together USC alumni, students, and teachers,” said Gordon Mathews, high school counselor and connect2USCSD coordinator. “As an alumnus and a school employee, I see the vast

potential for this program, even as it is in the early stages of implementation.”

This upcoming year, the program will continue to see growth with the expansion of career exploration luncheons, the ability for teachers to use the centralized database of alumni, and the continuation of alumni gatherings.

The Class of 1968 just held its reunion earlier this month and there are three upcoming reunions—the classes of 1967, 1978, and 1988—during the remainder of the calendar year. In addition, there will be a Friday, October 12 event open to any USCHS alumni after the high school homecoming football game. n

For more information on these and future events, visit connect2USCSD.com/events. Those interested in learning how to get involved with the new alumni initiatives should contact Gordon Mathews at gmathews@uscsd.k12.pa.us. Connect2USCSD has been made possible through a generous contribution from the Lawrence and Rebecca Stern Family Foundation.

58

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2018

Upcoming Reunions in 2018

Class of 1967 Friday–Sunday, October 5–7 For more information: USC1967.com Class of 1978 Saturday, October 6 For more information: Connect2USCSD.com/events Class of 1988 Saturday, November 3 For more information: Connect2USCSD.com/events

Left to right are Kelly Dennin (USCHS 2010), Brendan Brown (USCHS 2006), and Luke Dennin (USCHS 2012) at the spring alumni reception held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel

SD

Leadership Library Honors Dr. O’Toole After serving as Upper St. Clair’s superintendent of schools for the past 11 years, Dr. Patrick O’Toole’s legacy will be celebrated with the Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole Leadership Library.

The library, to be located on the second floor of the District’s new multi-use complex, will feature a collection of leadership development books and resources.

Construction on the new complex, which will include the District’s central offices, began in April and is expected to open in August 2019.

Board of School Director president Amy Billerbeck cites leadership development as one of Dr. O’Toole’s most impactful initiatives during his time at Upper St. Clair. Soon after his arrival in 2007, he implemented the Total Leaders program, bringing in nationally-known education innovator Charles Schwahn to work with the District’s administration. The program quickly expanded to include teaching and support staff, as well as spark innovative leadership programming for students at nearly all grade levels.

“Dr. O’Toole’s vision of developing and nurturing leadership throughout the District has been transformational.

Through his efforts we are extremely fortunate to have strong, cohesive leadership across our entire organization,” said Amy. “We are truly grateful and honored to recognize the lasting imprint he has made on Upper St. Clair.” n

Anticipated look of the Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole Leadership Library

Contributions toward establishing the Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole Leadership Library can be made payable to Upper St. Clair School District and mailed to Upper St. Clair School District, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 to the attention of Mary Ann Stabile.

Join us this fall!

Expert classical ballet instruction for children ages 18 months & up, beginner thru advanced.

Performing opportunities include The Nutcracker and Spring Gala series at Upper St. Clair High School.

Ballet Academy of Pittsburgh 4100 Library Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15234

412-343-9333 www.balletacademypgh.com

Capital Projects Update

Boyce Field Facility Scheduled to Open in November Construction of the District’s capital projects began in April. Projects include a new aquatics center at the high school with an eight-lane pool and separate special use pool, a new multi-use complex at the stadium that includes District offices, and a single structure at the field at Boyce Middle School to accommodate restrooms/ changing area, concession area, and announcing booth to serve the existing turf and softball fields.

While most of the projects are scheduled for completion in August 2019, the Boyce facility is anticipated to open this November. In addition, the gravel parking lot at Boyce will be paved as part of the projects.

The turf field was added at Boyce Middle School when the school was renovated in 2006. At that time, the utility infrastructure was put in place for future building.

“Our Boyce athletic facilities have been a big success in terms of student and community use. However, they have lacked proper restroom and game management facilities,” said Dr. John Rozzo, superintendent of schools. “In addition, paving the gravel parking lot will enhance the facility while reducing maintenance costs for ongoing repair or replacement.”

The turf field at Boyce serves as the home site for the high school’s field hockey team and junior varsity football team and as a practice field for girls’ and boys’ soccer, girls’ and boys’ lacrosse, and freshmen football. The softball field serves both the middle school and high school teams. In addition, both fields are used extensively by our comArchitectural rendering of the Boyce Field structure munity’s youth sports teams. n Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 59

SD USCHS Varsity Scorecard School Year 2017–2018 Sport Win-Loss-Tie Achievement FALL Section runner-up, 9th WPIAL Cross-Country (Boys) 7-1-0 Section champion, 5th WPIAL Cross-Country (Girls) 8-0-0 Field Hockey 7-9-0 Section champion, WPIAL semi-final Football 8-4-0 Section runner-up, WPIAL playoff Golf (Boys) 9-4-0 Section champion, 3rd WPIAL Golf (Girls) 10-1-0 Section runner-up, WPIAL playoff Soccer (Boys) 7-10-1 Section runner-up, WPIAL semi-final Soccer (Girls) 11-7-2 WPIAL playoff Tennis (Girls) 13-5-0 Section runner-up, WPIAL quarter-final Volleyball (Girls) 11-6-0 WINTER WPIAL playoff Basketball (Boys) 11-12-0 WPIAL quarter-final, PIAA playoff Basketball (Girls) 13-11-0 WPIAL playoff Wrestling 12-4-0 Section champion, WPIAL runner-up Swimming (Boys) 9-1-0 WPIAL runner-up Swimming (Girls) 8-2-0 Rifle 0-12-0 PIHL semi-final Ice Hockey 11-8-0 SPRING WPIAL playoff Baseball 12-7-0 Softball 4-15-0 WPIAL quarter-final Tennis (Boys) 9-2-0 WPIAL playoff Volleyball (Boys) 10-10-0 Track (Boys) 1-7-0 Track (Girls) 0-6-0 WPIAL quarter-final Lacrosse (Boys) 9-7-0 WPIAL quarter-final Lacrosse (Girls) 12-4-0

Photos shown are of various USCHS varsity winter and spring sports.

60

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2018

SD UPPER ST. CLAIR HIGH SCHOOL

APPLICATION FOR ATHLETIC PASSES FOR THE 2018–19 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.

2018 USCHS Varsity Football Schedule Fridays, 7:30 p.m. kickoff Date August 31 September 7 September 14 September 21 September 28 October 5 October 12 October 19 October 26

Opponent Location Peters Home (Youth Night) Baldwin Away Woodland Hills Away West Allegheny Home Fox Chapel Away Mt. Lebanon Away Moon Home (Halls of Fame/Homecoming) Chartiers Valley Home (Senior Recognition) Bethel Park Away

Fall 2018

USCHS Clubs and Activities 2018–2019 Armed Forces Club Art Club Ambassador Club Baking Club Best Buddies Biology Club Bowling Club Cereal Club Chess Club Chinese Club Clairvoyant (Yearbook) Classic Rock Club Coloring Club Computer Science Club Crew (Rowing) Engineering and Design Club Environmental Awareness & Recycling FBLA (Future Business Leaders) Fall Play Fencing Club Forensics (Speech & Debate) French Club Freshman Baseball 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® Mindfulness Club MiniTHON Club Montage (Literary Publication) Multi-Cultural Club Mural Club Music Production Club NPH (Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos) National Honor Society Natural Helpers Operation Smile Panther Pals Panther Press (Newspaper) 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 Super Smash Brothers Thai Club Thespian Society Tri-M Music Honors Club USC Book Club USC Esports Team USC Sticker Club Ultimate Frisbee UNICEF Club World Affairs Club Yoga Club Young Democrats Young Life Young Republicans

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 .

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 61

Pawprints...

SD PTC

Baker

... a USC Parent Teacher Council Feature

Eisenhower

Streams

Boyce

Fort Couch

USCHS

Stepping up to the challenge of helping this year’s schools, we welcome the unit presidents of the District’s PTSOs, PTOs, and PTA. TODAY introduces you to these dedicated parents who spend their time to help enrich the educational experience in our schools. Please respond generously when they ask for volunteer help!

Council Name: Suzanne Wynne Occupation: Wellness practitioner & STEAM educator Spouse’s name: Adam Kids: Ava (10), Julia (7) Family’s favorite meal: Sushi Dream vacation destination: Bhutan

Baker PTA Name: Lindsay Beck Occupation: Personal Stylist at Stitch Fix Spouse’s name: Adam Kids: Ethan (7) Family’s favorite meal: Tacos or spaghetti and meatballs Dream vacation destination: Aruba

High School PTSO Name: Shannon Gallagher Occupation: Realtor Spouse’s name: Stan Kids: Emily (17), Robert (15) Family’s favorite meal: Mexican Dream vacation destination: Hawaii

Eisenhower PTO Name: Heather Grote Occupation: Retired sales executive turned stay-at-home mom Spouse’s name: Eric Kids: Meredith (11), Becca (8) Family’s favorite meal: One enjoys spaghetti, another enjoys grilled cheese; basically, I’m a short order cook.

Dream vacation destination: Bora Bora

Fort Couch PTSO Name: Katy Loomis Occupation: Mom and golf coach Spouse’s name: Scott Kids: Dana (16), Claire (13), Evan (7) Family’s favorite meal: Homemade mac and cheese, pork tenderloin, Brussel sprouts Dream vacation destination: Pelee Island

Streams PTO Name: Kerstin Goodworth Occupation: Management and strategy consultant (part-time); mom (full-time) Spouse’s name: Matthew Kids: Leopold (10), Amelie (6) Family’s favorite meal: Tacos Dream vacation destination: Iceland Thank You to Outgoing Members of the PTC and Building Presidents

Boyce PTO Name: Jennifer Schnore Occupation: Stay-at-home mom; former litigation attorney Spouse’s name: Peter Kids: Ben (12), John (9) Family’s favorite meal: Sushi at Mt. Lebanon’s Little Tokyo Dream vacation destination: Anywhere with an ocean and a beach

62

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

We wish to thank outgoing school Parent Teacher Council (PTC) executive board members and building presidents for their hard work and dedication to the District during the 2017–18 school year: Dr. Daphna Gans, PTC president; Suzanne Wynne, first vice-president; Dr. Patrick O’Toole, second vice-president; Stacey Friday, secretary; Amy Tomczyk, treasurer; Beth Huzjak, board advisor; Tracy Barnett, HS PTSO president; Hemina KrishnaBachia, Fort Couch PTSO president; Stacey Cobb, Boyce PTO president; Michelle Urban, Baker PTA president; Jessica Strub, Eisenhower PTO president; and Veronica Davis, Streams PTO president.

Fall 2018

1:1 Learning Initiative Reaches Grades 5–12 This fall, the District will expand its 1:1 learning initiative to include 2-in-1 Chromebooks for all high school students, achieving the District’s goal to provide all students in grades 5–12 a developmentally-appropriate learning device. For ninth, tenth, and 11th graders this will mean a transition from using an iPad to a device with a keyboard. This will be the first 1:1 experience for the high school’s seniors.

This past spring, 25 high school students piloted 2-in-1 Chromebooks vs. using an iPad with a keyboard to determine what features best meet the needs of today’s high school student. The pilot was led by eight students from the school’s SmartDesk, which works in collaboration with the District’s technology department to provide technology support and expertise to both students and staff within the school.

The 2-in-1 Chromebook was favored 24–1 based on its laptoplike experience of having a keyboard and trackpad, high quality annotation capabilities, seamless integration with Google Drive and Google apps, the ability to use one device for all tasks, and the flexibility to use the device as a tablet when needed.

In addition to field research by students, Ray Berrott, USC’s director of technology, and Brad Wilson, USC’s supervisor of customized and online learning, have been monitoring the technology market as new products develop. “A great deal of research went into making this decision,” said Ray. “The most powerful evidence came from our group of piloting students this past spring, with the feedback being nearly unanimous in favor of this type of Chromebook as being the most appropriate device to support the needs of high school learners.”

The team of students, teachers, and administrators ultimately chose the Dell Chromebook 5190 2-in-1 device, along with Active Pen/Stylus. At approximately $320 per unit, the cost of the device is comparable to iPads, which are used by all students in grades 5–8.

“The entire high school community will now have a common tool to facilitate a more personalized learning experience,” said Brad. “The Dell Chromebook can be used in tablet mode for an authentic writing experience with the Active Pen or as a laptop with full keyboard functionality. We are confident that students will find the Chromebook meets a diversity of needs.” Distribution of the new devices will occur prior to the start of the 2018–19 school year and information shared with families of high school students as dates and times are finalized.

The iPads previously used by rising ninth and tenth graders will be refurbished and redistributed throughout the District’s three elementary schools, with the goal of having six to eight iPads in each classroom.

Following extensive research and pilot studies with teachers and students, USC began its 1:1 learning initiative during the 2014–15 school year, issuing iPads to all seventh-grade students.

Expanded the following year, it included students in grades 5–8 and has continued to add one grade level each year at the high school for the past two years to span grades 5–10 during the 2017–18 school year. As of the 2018–19 school year, all students in grades 5–8 will be issued an iPad and students in grades 9–12 will be issued a 2-in-1 Chromebook. 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

PROFESSIONAL QUALITY & SERVICE FREE ESTIMATES • FULLY INSURED Manufacturer Approved • Competitive Prices Deal Directly With The Owner All Types of Roofing Velux Certified Skylights

Serving The South Hills Since 1998

724-969-4145 w w w .gre go rro o fin g.com

Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 63

SD

Making News in the District Elizabeth (Liz) Cecelia, a USC High School English teacher, was recognized by the Duquesne University School of Education with the Alumni Leading Teacher Program Excellence Award. “This is a great accomplishment, and reflects highly on all that Liz has done for our students and for our school community over nearly two decades,” said Dr. Timothy Wagner, associate principal for program planning and innovation.

According to the university’s website, “the award is given to an alumnus whose Liz Cecilia performance demonstrates excellence in one of the three themes of the Leading Teacher Program: leadership, diversity, and technology, and is framed in the Spiritan tradition of caring.” To be eligible, candidates must be graduates of the Duquesne University teacher education program and have five years of continuous teaching experience.

Liz has taught Advanced Placement English 12 for the past 16 years and Honors English 11 for the past seven. In addition, she served as sponsor of the school’s literary arts magazine, Montage, from 2004–2014. A Duquesne University graduate, Liz holds a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s in English. She joined the high school teaching staff in 2001 after completing her student teaching at USCHS. Liz was honored with a plaque and is featured in the Duquesne University School of Education’s magazine.

It’s a homecoming for the District’s next chief of school police as USCHS graduate Sean Bryson was appointed to the position during the board of school directors’ May meeting.

Sean served with the Arlington County Police Department in Virginia for 20 years, serving most recently as a first sergeant, supervising and training a staff of 23 officers. His service also includes experience as a school resource officer as well as extensive work in criminal investigations as a detective in the vice/ narcotics, homicide/robbery, special victims, and auto theft units.

Sean Bryson A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Sean holds a degree in administration of justice. He succeeds Chief of School Police Joe Conners who retired at the end of the 2017–18 school year.

“Sean comes highly recommended for his teamwork, leadership, and outstanding interpersonal skills,” said Dr. John Rozzo, superintendent of schools. “I am confident that Sean’s extensive background in law enforcement, coupled with his knowledge of school safety, will serve the District well.”

Upper St. Clair German teacher Kristin Weaver was selected to participate in a panel discussion for high school and college students interested in pursuing a career in teaching German. The panel is one of several events sponsored by the Goethe-Institut and the University of Pittsburgh Department of German as part of a Karrieretag (career day). The event will be held this September at the University of Pittsburgh.

64

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2018

“These types of opportunities are extremely important for teachers and students because it provides an opportunity to connect with the surrounding communities,” said Kristin. “At a time when many students aren’t as interested in the teaching profession, this event helps promote a love of world language teaching, while our society becomes Kristin Weaver increasingly global.” Kristin is one of three University of Pittsburgh alumni German teachers who will comprise the panel. Each will provide a brief presentation, followed by questions and discussion with students.

Currently a German teacher at Fort Couch Middle School, Kristin joined the District’s faculty in 2013. Previously, she taught German 1–4 at Penn-Trafford High School for six years.

In addition, she has served as an adjunct professor at Seton Hill University. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Kristin holds a bachelor’s degree in German and a master’s degree in teaching. She is both a graduate and resident of Upper St. Clair.

This past April, the District welcomed new facilities director Brett Bernardo. The position is provided through a contract with Aramark Corporation, the District’s international food and facilities contractor. With his extensive experience with process standardization, efficiency improvement, and energy program savings, Brett will oversee the facilities, maintenance, and custodial services of USC’s six schools and campuses.

Having served as a manager with Aramark for the past ten years, Brett has Brett Bernardo worked on projects with the District.

Specifically, his efforts with the District’s energy program resulted in a monthly utility savings of approximately $14,000.

Brett previously worked as a mechanical designer before entering the HVAC and construction fields. A graduate of Pennsylvania State University, he holds a degree in mechanical engineering.

Jennifer Kirk, USC High School counselor and curriculum leader, has been honored with the 2018 Chi Sigma Iota, Delta Upsilon Chapter Outstanding Site Supervisor Award from the Duquesne University Counseling Program. “The award is given to a site supervisor who has taken numerous Duquesne students on as interns and has provided exceptional supervision,” said Matthew L. Nice, president of the Delta Upsilon Chapter of Chi Sigma Iota.

Founded in 1985, Chi Sigma Iota is one of the largest associations of professional counselors in the world.

Practicing counselors in all settings and specialties of counseling, as well as counselor educators and supervisors, are represented within the organization’s professional membership.

Jennifer Kirk

SD

Trying to Stay Dry Ben Burlovic and CJ Hess

Getting ready for the competition

Students in Clayton Yonker’s AP Physics C classes were tasked with building boats that could float.

Then in June, toward the end of the school year, the stands in the high school’s swim pool facility filled with cheering students who came to watch the student-made boats either sink or swim in the school’s annual boat race. Made from only cardboard, duct tape, glue, and thin layers of plastic garbage bags, these boats needed to float and hold one to four persons, while completing a number of laps up and down the length of the pool. Designs ranged from simple to more complex, as students put their knowledge from physics classes to the test and tried to stay dry. n

Young Writers Guild is for any USC student, grade eight and above, to write voluntarily for UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. Contact usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us for more information.

… and they’re off!

Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 65

STEAM

SD

Fort Couch Takes First A team of Fort Couch students took top honors in the Fluid Power Challenge, earning first overall and best teamwork. Representing USC’s two submissions at the competition were Phillip Markovitz, Evan Sarkett, Matt Earley, Colin Eccher, Ritvik Shah, Evan Tefft, Isha Sinha, Fluid Power Challenge winners and Adam Zheng. Students were coached by Jason O’Roark and Connie Gibson, Fort Couch gifted education teachers.

The competition encourages middle school students to solve an engineering problem using fluid power and is designed to educate and allow students to demonstrate their skills using hands on experience.

High School Student Places Second Eri Hayakawa earned second place in the Pittsburgh annual Secondary School Chemistry Contest, sponsored by the Pittsburgh Section of the American Chemical Society. Taught by USCHS science teacher Dr. Dominick Frollini, Eri competed in the first-year chemistry, large schools category.

According to its website, the Pittsburgh Eri Hayakawa Section of the American Chemical Society sponsors this contest to recognize outstanding achievement by the students and their teachers, as well as to encourage interest in chemistry. First introduced in 1945, the contest is also used to qualify students interested in participating in the International Chemistry Olympics and to identify students for scholarships. The exam is administered to students from schools in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia.

Westinghouse Science Honors Institute Four USCHS students—Kaitlyn Kanas, Arushi Khaitan, Claire Kohler, and Serena Luo— recently completed the Westinghouse Science Honors Institute, a free program sponsored by Westinghouse Electric Company for high school juniors from throughout the region who demonstrate a strong interest in science and Kaitlyn Kanas engineering and who are of high scholastic standing.

WSHI consists of 13 Saturday morning lectures, from October through March, Claire Kohler on selected topics in science and engineering. Students attend WSHI to gain insight Arushi Khaitan into careers in these fields and have the opportunity to network with working professionals and interact with students from other schools who also have the same abilities and interests in science and engineering.

Serena Luo

66

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2018

Regional Science Fair Honors Three USCHS students earned individual honors at the 79th Covestro Pittsburgh Regional Science & Engineering Fair this past spring. Ishaan Shah earned fourth place honors in the Earth/ Space/Environment category for his project “Maximizing Output of a Microbial Fuel Cell.” In addition, his work earned sponsor awards from Air & Waste Management Association, Western Pennsylvania Section and Duquesne Light, as well as an honorable mention from the Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers, Inc. Ishaan also presented his project at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science competition in February and presented at the PJAS state competition in May at Penn State University.

Sam Ding earned special recognition for Excellence in the Scientific Method for his project “Investigating Clinical Variables in Breast Cancer using Bayesian Networks.” In February, Sam earned first place honors at the PJAS Region 7 competition at Duquesne University.

Also earning Excellence in the Scientific Method recognition was Shanthi Krishnaswamy, who presented her project “The Effect of Enzymes on Plants.

The students were sponsored by Lynn Kistler, high school science curriculum leader.

Ishaan Shah

Sam Ding

Shanthi Krishnaswamy

Programming Finalists Alex VanHoorelbeke, Jackson VanHoorelbeke, and Akash Vajjala were named finalists in the Alice Challenge, a computer programming competition for students in grades 5–12. According to its website, “The Alice Challenge invites middle and high school students in the Pittsburgh region to create 3D animations, engaging games, or immersive experiences using the Alice programming environment. Alice helps students develop technical skills and encourages them to explore their creativity, all while making something meaningful.”

The challenge included three competition categories: Animation, Game, and Good Neighbor. Submissions were judged by professional game designers and industry experts on creativity, visual presentation, and technical implementation. Good Neighbor entries are also rated on impact potential.

State STEM Design Challenge Fort Couch students Matthew Earley, Phillip Markovitz, Quinton Miller, Evan Sarkett, and John Scherer earned first place honors at the statewide 2018 STEM Design Challenge this past May. Sponsored by Thermo Fisher Scientific, the STEM Design Challenge tasks teams of students in grades 4–8 with brainstorming, developing, and implementing a solution to an engineering problem using K’Nex building materials. Teams were required to use at least one motor and could not exceed 1400 K’Nex pieces.

The team developed and built a robotic arm that could help around the house by doing dishes, cooking, and many other chores, while being powered by a piezoelectric floor throughout the house.

“The team also had to create a blueprint and journal about their structure,” said Jason O’Roark, Fort Couch gifted education teacher. “At competition, they had two hours to build their structure from their blueprints and then present their design solution to a team of judges.”

SD

Left to right: Evan Sarkett, Matthew Earley, John Scherer (back), Quinton Miller, Phillip Markovitz

High School Hosts Women in STEAM Nearly 25 USCHS students attended the second annual Women in STEAM event. The event, organized by USCHS science teacher Douglas Petrick, was designed to build awareness of career opportunities in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

The Women in STEAM event featured three components: an informal introduction by each speaker to share how she became interested in her chosen STEAM career path, rotating round table discussions that provided opportunities for small group interaction, and an informal luncheon.

The panel of speakers encompassed a wide-range of experiences and career positions. Each speaker had a different journey, which resonated with students. The six speakers included Tracy Smith, USCHS physics teacher.

“We want female students in high school to understand some of the opportunities available to them. Having successful professionals from STEAM careers in a wide range of experiences and content share their journeys with female high school students is inspirational,” said Douglas.

Students Crowned Grand Champions USC students Libby Eannarino and Daniel Wang were crowned grand champions at the regional 24 Challenge competition this past May at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit. Libby finished first in the grade six division and Daniel took first in the seven-eight division.

The 24 Challenge is a math card game, with the objective of 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 doubledigit numbers, exponents, integers, fractions, and variables.

Additionally, Shawn Khurana, Joshua Anand, Shubham Patel, Dhruv Saggi, Keshav Narasimhan, Qadir Khan, and Ipsita Singh competed regionally and all advanced to the semifinals.

Boyce students were coached

by Kathleen Hoedeman, math Left to right, front row: Qadir Khan, resource teacher. Fort Couch Dhruv Saggi, Shawn Khurana, Joshua students were coached by Anand; back row: Keshav Narasimhan, Daniel Wang, Libby Eannarino, Andy Lucas, seventh grade Shubham Patel, Ipsita Singh math teacher, and assisted by Connie Gibson, the school’s gifted coordinator.

International Math Olympiad Middle school student Luke Bishop recently achieved a perfect score of 25 in the international Mathematical Olympiads for Elementary and Middle School program. Within Luke’s division,

there were 79,280 participants, only 196 (0.25%) of whom achieved a perfect score. He was recognized with the George Lenchner Award, a special medallion named for the organization’s founder.

In addition, five Boyce students earned the Gold Pin for scoring among the top two percent, with a score of 23 or 24. Gold Pin awardees included Jamie Barrett, Sam Berger, Esha Lathia, Alex Sun, and Arjun Suresh.

Silver Pins were earned by Reese Copenhaver, Ryan Larocco, Tyler McClintock-Comeaux, Leona Chen, Mahir Parmar, Eitan Schwartz, Yuhong Shi, Grace Myers, Brian McFerran, Arya Patel, and Shiven Verma, who scored among the top ten percent.

Overall, Boyce’s team won the school’s sixth Luke Bishop consecutive plaque for placing in the top ten percent. Boyce’s accelerated math team was named to the National Math Olympiad Honor Roll for placing among the top ten percent of all competing teams, the sixth consecutive year for this honor.

Making an Impact USC students recently collected 6599 food and clothing items and nearly $1250 to benefit the Greater Washington County Food Bank, linking the service project to mathematical concepts in the classroom. Conceptual Algebra students at Fort Couch and the high school teamed up for the annual community service project.

Coordinating the outreach effort were Shannon Strayer, high school math teacher, and Michelle Senneway, Fort Couch math teacher.

In addition to collecting food and clothing, students volunteered in various capacities at the food bank: they tended to the gardens, organized food donations by type, packed boxes of food items for distribution, and sorted clothing in the thrift store.

This marked the seventh year that the Conceptual Algebra classes collaborated on a food drive project. Last year’s effort resulted in donations of 4326 food and clothing items and $700 in monetary donations.

Students Recognized for Math Skills Boyce students Shresht Rawat, Roshan Mishra, and Hannah Del recently tied for first place in the school’s Pennsylvania Mathematics League competition. Second place also ended in a three-way tie between Grace McLean, Alex Swanson, and Abigail Zahalsky.

Boyce mathletes The math competition tasked students with completing 30 non-routine multiple-choice problems in 30 minutes. In total, 90 Boyce students participated in the PML competition. The program is administered by Kathy Hoedeman, math resource teacher, and Sue Fleckenstein, the school’s gifted coordinator.

Team champions were also awarded medals for their achievement: • Team Comet–first place (three-way tie): Brooke Bodamer, Hailey Miller, Shreeva Sutreja; second place: Yuxiang Jiang • Team Galaxy–first place: Maxwell Biedrzycki; second place: Andrew Michalewsky • Team Eagle–first place (three-way tie): Michael Albert, Jacob Higgs, Mia Manalo; second place: Owen Mucho • Team Challenger–first place: Ryan Buonomo; second place (two-way tie): Sydney Montgomery, Anna Engelman n Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 67

SD

USC Among the Best Communities for Music Education

For the third year in a row, USC School District was named among the nation’s Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation.

USC is one of only 14 school districts in Allegheny County, 84 in Pennsylvania, and 583 from across the country to earn the distinction this past school year.

“The NAMM 2018 Best Community for Music Education award recognizes the outstanding commitment to music and music education that the Upper St. Clair community has demonstrated for years,” said Don Pickell, performing arts curriculum leader and band director. “Our music department is fortunate to have the support of the School District administration, board of school directors, and community, as we work to deliver an excellent music education to our students.”

According to the NAMM Foundation, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. This award recognizes that the District is leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the Every Student Succeeds Act. The legislation guides implementation in the states and replaces the No Child Left Behind Act, which was often criticized for an overemphasis on testing while leaving behind certain subjects, including music.

ESSA recommends music and the arts as important elements of a well-rounded education for all children.

In its 19th year, the BCME designation is an important part of the NAMM Foundation’s efforts to advocate for schoolbased music education. In addition to boosting academic achievement, studies

have also indicated that music education lays the foundation for individual excellence in group settings, creative problem solving, and flexibility in work situations, as well as learning how to give and receive constructive criticism needed to excel.

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Upper St. Clair officials answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs.

The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit organization supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its approximately 10,300 members around the world. The foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving, and public service programs. n

For more information about the NAMM Foundation, visit www.nammfoundation.org.

Support Our High School Musicians

USCHS wind ensemble in concert

• Citrus Sale: Deliver fresh Florida Indian River Grove’s citrus to your families and friends just in time for the holidays (no better way to beat those winter blues!) This makes a great gift for businesses to give to clients, too! Ordering begins in October.

• Wreaths Across America: Sponsor wreaths at The National Cemetery of the Alleghenies for the holiday season. When you sponsor a wreath, you honor our military and help support USC’s music program. USC has a long, proud tradition of participating in various local Veterans Day observances and parades. This fundraiser offers an opportunity to expand on that tradition. Wreaths can be purchased on an ongoing basis.

• Luminaria: Join this long-standing tradition and light up USC this holiday season. Traditionally placed out on Christmas Eve, many neighborhoods are also choosing to do their own light up nights, using the luminaria kits. Ordering begins in November and delivery is early December. n

The Upper St. Clair Band Parent’s Association (USCBPA) strives to support and enhance instrumental education in our schools by supporting all orchestra, bands, marching bands, and auxiliary students. The support of our community continues to help offer an award-winning music program within Upper St. Clair. USCBPA offers many ways in which residents of the community can support our students and the community as a whole.

Successful students make successful schools, which make thriving communities. Everyone benefits when you support our high school instrumental students!

• Hoagie Sale: Held in August and January of each year, delicious homemade hoagies are delivered to your door. $8 buys you a 12-inch Italian, turkey, or cheese hoagie with lettuce, tomato, and Italian dressing packets. Hoagies can also be purchased for donation to The Washington City Mission.

• USC Band Festival: Come join the fun as local bands face off Pride of USC Marching Band at in the USC Band Festival. The festival will be held at the USC Pittsburgh Veterans Day Parade High School stadium at 7 p.m. on Saturday, September 29. Participating marching bands include USC, Avella, West Mifflin, South Park, Thomas Jefferson, Brashear, Keystone Oaks, and For more information, Mt. Lebanon. Tickets are on sale and business sponsors and visit www.uscbpa.org. advertisers are encouraged to help support this event.

USCHS orchestra performing at Disney World 68

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2018

SD PA Math League Students in grade six through 12 earned high honors in the Pennsylvania Math League (PML) contest held last spring. PML specializes in conducting math contests designed to stimulate student interest and confidence in mathematics.

Boyce Middle School sixth graders finished second among 79 Pennsylvania schools, marking the seventh consecutive year that Boyce finished first or second in the competition.

Alex Sun placed fourth overall and his classmates Arjun Suresh and Shiven Verma tied with the eighth highest score. In total, 70 Boyce Middle School students participated in the contest.

Fort Couch Middle School students also earned high honors with its seventh graders finishing third among 62 schools.

Jason Lu and Carter McClintock-Comeaux tied for fifth place and Alexander Todd tied for 20th. Fort Couch eighth graders placed fourth among 63 schools. Daniel Wang tied for sixth place and Shanning Zhou tied for 15th.

At the middle school level competition, grades six through eight, participants were given 30 minutes to solve 35 questions, ranging from simple and straightforward to complex math problems. The school’s team score—comprising the school’s top five scores—is reported to the PML. At the high school level, PML consists of six contests each year, administered once a month (October through March), with six questions per contest. Problems draw from a wide range of high school topics, including geometry, algebra, trigonometry, logarithms, series, sequences, exponents, roots, integers, real numbers, combinations, probability, and coordinate geometry.

Each six-question contest has a 30-minute time limit. The last two questions on each contest are more difficult than the first four, with the final question being intended to challenge the very best mathematics students.

This year, USCHS was among those schools across the commonwealth recognized as Cumulative High Scoring Schools, achieving a tie for sixth place. Three USC students placed in the top ten of Pennsylvania’s Cumulative High Scoring Students, including Braden Yates, tied for fifth; Sam Ding, tied for seventh; and Spencer Miller, tied for eighth.

At Boyce, students also earned recognition for achieving top scores among their school-level peers, as follows:

Category 1 Fifth graders studying sixth grade math • First (tie): Grace Meyers, Eitan Schwartz • Second: Yuhong Shi Category 2 Sixth graders studying seventh and eighth grade math • First: Alex Sun • Second (tie): Arjun Suresh, Shiven Verma Category 3 Sixth graders studying sixth grade math • First: Daniel Seewald • Second: Dhruv Saggi • Third: Ethan Jooste n

Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 69

SD

We Got Your Back

The Mentor Program at USCHS Written by USCHS Super Mentors With the mission statement to build relationships, promote student success, and foster genuine concern, the junior mentoring program at USCHS was first established in 2008 to ease the freshmen’s transition to high school. We feel fortunate to be involved in such a great program that positively impacts our school and its culture. Being a community of 61 junior mentors, seven super mentors (senior leaders), and four faculty sponsors, we hope we are those friendly, approachable faces walking through the halls of our school.

If you were in the high school on any Thursday morning, you would see 18 groups of mentors heading to their freshman homerooms. The time in homerooms is spent accomplishing a variety of goals.

First, the mentors and freshmen play ice breakers or other games intended to help build relationships. Occasionally, the mentors bring donuts or other food to liven up the early mornings. Additionally, mentors deliver important curriculum provided by the faculty sponsors so freshmen know about upcoming events. Most importantly, mentors offer a personal connection to the high school so freshmen begin to feel as though they are a part of the school’s community and have a support system that “has their back.” In addition, the mentors organize field day in the fall, a way for the students in the freshman homerooms to bond as a team and dress up for a fun, stress-free day.

Every year, we travel to Boswell, Pennsylvania, to Outdoor Odyssey for junior mentor training. Outdoor Odyssey is a 500-acre Laurel Highland camp where we spend two days and one night training future junior mentors for the upcoming

year. On the first day, the faculty sponsors, super mentors, and upcoming mentors meet bright and early at the high school to catch the bus for Boswell. Upon arrival at the camp, the group splits in half and each tackles various cooperation-based tasks, including the acid river game. A group of ten mentors are “stranded” and must cross the “river” within a ten-minute timeframe, having only four points of contact and talking not allowed. The low ropes activities assess which individuals appear to stand out as leaders and those who are somewhat more reserved. After the morning session, we head over to the high ropes courses to zip line, rock climb, and do the “leap of faith.” By going through these activities, the future mentors are pushed outside their comfort zone and their personalities and leadership styles further emerge. With the day nearly over, the super mentors evaluate the strengths of each junior mentor and group them based on their observations that day. The day ends with a delicious picnic, a bon(d)fire, songs, s’mores, and embarrassing stories that the group members share.

On the morning of the second day, the super mentors assign the mentors to the freshmen homeroom groups they will work with the following school year. Between three and four mentors are assigned to each freshman homeroom and to one super mentor. The groups spend the day working together in the leadership reaction course, where they are placed in situations requiring cooperation, which furthers members’ bonding. After they complete the leadership course, each super mentor meets with their junior mentor groups to get to know them better, explaining the goals for next school year and how they are expected to interact with the freshmen. Each group performs a mock homeroom visit. The super mentors then share various ideas with their groups based on their own experiences from the past year. The second day ends with a graduation ceremony, and each mentor is provided with the coveted red t-shirt and formally inducted into the program.

Student contributors to this article are Anne Ferry, Jack Fitzpatrick, Emily Gallagher, Julia Geisler, CJ Hess, Emma LaRocco, and Rachel Tudi. Young Writers Guild is for any USC student, grade eight and above, to write voluntarily for UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY.

Mentoring program participants 70

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

The experience at Boswell seemed to be an amazing experience for the new Super mentors at junior mentors. Gavin Boswell’s Outdoor Odyssey Genter, a rising junior, agreed. “It was awesome to meet new people and others with whom I don’t normally share classes or see daily. It bonded members of our grade together in a way no other experience could. To me, Boswell is all about becoming a team with those whom I’ll spend my next two years,” he said.

For the 2018–2019 school year, the mentoring program will take on a new role. In addition to mentoring the junior mentors, super mentors will be assigned to one or more of three newly established committees. The New Student Outreach Committee is designed to acquaint new students to USC, getting them comfortable in their new school environment. The Cheer Squad Committee’s goal is to bring heightened school spirit to USC, including running field day for the freshmen and making sure everyone in the school feels welcome and included. This group also runs Twitter (@USCHSMentoring) and Instagram (@uschsmentoring). The K–8 Committee’s charge is to plan and take trips to USC’s three elementary schools and two middle schools to talk about the negative effects of bullying. The main goal is to make the future of our schools the best it can be. With these three new committees and the well-established junior mentor program, we hope to provide a fun, safe, and inclusive environment for every student in Upper St. Clair.

Our overall goal as mentors is to create a happy and friendly environment. We admit that freshman year for some of us was pretty awful; however, our mentors could brighten up our week with their encouragement. We want to return that favor. We want to be those friendly faces to the freshmen. We want to play fun games and do what we can to make them smile.

We give them our phone numbers in case they need anything from us. And we do this because we want to make a difference.

Remember, we got your back! n

Fall 2018

Visiting Artists Broaden Students’ Perspectives As the Beatles famously sang “I get by with a little help from my friends,” this spring it was artist friends who were making an impact in Upper St. Clair classrooms. Three visiting artists recently shared their expertise, artwork, and passion with students from Streams Elementary and Upper St. Clair High School.

“These types of learning opportunities are invaluable,” said Angela Stevenson, Streams art teacher. “Seeing an artist at work firsthand is a tremendous opportunity that has sparked a fierce focus and concentration!”

At Streams, Larry Barth, a renowned bird carver, worked with students as part of a cross-curricular project that resulted in a permanent art installation of a “Flat Flock” of birds in the school. The artwork comprises students’ individually drawn and painted birds to form different flocks.

Glued to plywood, they were installed near the entrance to the school.

“Students were able to tie into their science unit, looking at the skeleton system of Streams students, with birds and how they are able to take flight, Larry Barth teaching humans to create airplanes,” said Angela. “They also were able to investigate the different habitats and climates of the birds they chose.”

Mr. Barth provided students with a detailed overview of his artistic process, which included in-depth research and observation within a bird’s natural habitat, basic drawing techniques, and the importance of specific details, such as a bird’s beak and tail as key differentiators between species. “I could hear a pin drop as we combined 40 plus students at a time to listen to his initial presentation, as well as his demonstrations of how he goes about drawing and painting his birds,” said Angela. “The students understood that their science notebooks had a direct correlation to the sketching and research techniques Mr. Barth used to start and complete one of his famous wooden bird carvings.”

“This experience helps our students gain confidence and excitement in their work as they leave behind their artistic legacy,” said Angela. “And, it shows how you can think scientifically,

artistically, mathematically, and still apply those interests as an adult into a variety of professions.”

High school students had the opportunity to participate in a three-hour urban art workshop with Shane Pilster of Rivers of Steel Arts. Mr. Pilster leads similar workshops at schools throughout the Pittsburgh region, as well Shane Pilster, of Rivers of Steel Arts, conducts as at the Carrie Furnaces. an urban arts workshop at the high school.

Students gained hands-on experience with style-writing, letter design, and aerosol painting techniques while learning about the underground culture of graffiti, its history, and how it continues to evolve as an art form. Students listened to a brief lecture and then set out to use aerosol paints to create works of their own designs, using both text and images. “Students really responded to the urban art workshop,” said Robyn Smigel, high school art teacher. “They jumped at the chance to learn how to use spray paint in an artistic way, including using different caps on cans to create different width lines, learning how to blend colors, and creating large scale artwork.”

In addition to Mr. Pilster’s workshop, the high school recently collaborated with artist Tom Sarver who spent nearly three weeks working with International Baccalaureate Art and 3D Studio Art class students as well as a cohort of the school’s sophomores. As part of the high school’s Artists in Residency project, all sophomores had a workshop with Mr. Sarver as well as a workshop with artists from Attack Theatre, linking students’ experiences in world history class to visual and movement art. Robyn finds the use of visiting artists as an effective way to extend learning beyond the school’s curriculum.

“Visiting artists enhance our existing curriculum and increase the understanding between the arts and broader cultural movements,” said Robyn. “These programs expose students to a range of artistic approaches in new media and foster discussions about contemporary art and ideas, including installation art or street art.” n

Remake Learning Days

This past May, USC School District hosted two events in conjunction with Remake Learning Days. The events—Making in the Fab Lab ‘After Hours’@Boyce and Making in the Fab Lab ‘After Hours’@USCHS—offered participants the opportunity to design, create, and problem-solve.

The event, designed for students in grades nine through 12, introduced participants to the major machines that comprise the school’s FabLab, including a laser engraver along with associated software to design and build a project. A major emphasis was on upcycling materials found in the lab and applying problem solving processes.

The Boyce Middle School event, geared to students in grades three through eight, offered parents and their children a chance to experience maker-centered learning together. Located in the school’s Innovation Hub, this hands-on engineering activity tasked

SD

participants with repurposing an empty cereal box into something new, using creative thinking and problem solving.

The USC Remake Learning Days events were planned by a team of teachers and administrators, including Dr. Timothy Wagner, USCHS associate principal for program planning & innovation; Dr. Judy Bulazo, director of curriculum and professional development; Russ Hoburg, high school science teacher; Matt Henderson, middle school STEAM-design teacher; and high school technology education teachers Fred Peskorski and Steve Stroyne.

Remake Learning Days consisted of more than 270 events held during the month of May throughout southwestern Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The event was sponsored by members of Remake Learning, a network renowned for launching nationally-recognized educational innovations designed to ignite young imaginations. Since the program’s inception in 2016, approximately 600 free public events have been hosted. n Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 71

SD

USC Top Ten Finishes at OM Worlds Two groups of creative students represented Upper St. Clair at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals at Iowa State University this past May. Both teams finished in the top ten for their respective division.

Boyce Middle School team In their first experience at this level of competition, a division I team from Boyce Middle School earned ninth place. For the other team—a division III group from USCHS—this was their fourth trip to World Finals, but their first time competing at the high school level. They earned third place for their performance and seventh place overall.

As members of USC’s Odyssey of the Mind program, both teams’ journeys were the result of eight months of hard work and collaboration to solve an open-ended problem and create an eight-minute performance, without assistance from coaches, teachers, family, or friends. After placing in the top two at both the regional and state tournaments this past spring, the teams qualified to participate in Worlds, where 844 national and international teams competed on a global scale. Both teams were coached by Meridith Markovitz, Laura Murtough, and Stacey Seewald.

The Boyce team of Jake Casares, Anastasia Gzikowski, Esha Lathia, Owen Mucho, Ben Murtough, Ben Seewald, and Peter Markovitz solved the technical problem “Emoji, Speak for Yourself.” In their solution, they were required to tell the story of an original emoji that was once famous but had been forgotten. To help tell the story, they built and used three-dimensional emojis that demonstrated special functions. A turtle emoji grew as it came out of its shell, a surprised emoji turned into a team member as its hands travelled through a teammate’s brain, and a happy emoji turned sad when rotated 180 degrees.

Emojis are used to solve Boyce team’s technical “The most challenging part of this problem was the added twist of no long-term problem, where speaking was prohibited. spoken words,” noted Coach Seewald. “It forced the team to come up with other methods of communication to tell their story, including sounds, music, and action.”

The USCHS team of Victoria Cuba, Brianna Lin, Joseph Markovitz, Max Murtough, Sammie Seewald, Constantine Tripodes, and Eric Wang solved the classics problem “Mockumentary! Seriously?” In their solution, they were required to create a humorous mockumentary of a well-known novel, presenting two classic characters who disagree on an element of the story in which they appear. Through interviews, behind-the-scenes interaction, and voiceovers, they presented the events as they “really” took place. In the team’s interpretation of Peter Pan, Neverland was a NASA experiment created to test the effects of anti-gravity, sending humans to Mars. Peter Pan debates the truth with Tinkerbell, a NASA scientist posing as a fairy. But it’s USCHS team Captain Hook’s shadow who sets the record straight.

“This team’s strength is clever and entertaining storytelling,” said Coach Murtough. “But this year, they added an engineering element by creating a complex pulley mechanism to make Peter Pan fly!”

Odyssey of the Mind is an international STEAM program that teaches kids how to tap in to their creativity and apply it to real-world problems.

In the program, students solve one of five long-term problems. They bring their solutions to competition on the local, state, and world levels, where they are judged on creativity and risk-taking.

At an Odyssey competition, teams are scored in three areas: a long-term 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). n Flying demonstrates the added engineering element to USCHS team’s classics long-term problem solution.

72

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2018

To learn more about Odyssey of the Mind in USC, visit www.uscootm.com.

Registration for the 2018–19 season is underway.

TEDxYouth Event Sparks Connections This past April, USCHS hosted a TEDxYouth event with the theme “Youth Perspectives.” The event, TEDxYouth@UpperSaintClair, was organized

by Matthew Hornak as part of his International Matthew Hornak, Baccalaureate-MYP Project. The event featured talks by originator of TEDxYouth in USC several USCHS students and teachers and is designed to help communities, organizations, and individuals spark conversation and connection through local TED-like experiences.

“It’s been a dream of mine to give a TEDx talk, and I am happy to see others with the same dream get the chance to take part,” said Matthew. “Giving passionate people the chance to spread new ideas and enter a new environment not only helps each speaker, it also helps everyone who attends or views the event.”

Members of the school community were able to attend the entire TEDxYouth event or stay for specific talks. Each talk was filmed and uploaded to the TEDxYouth YouTube page and streamed live on Channel 17 from the school.

SD

“It has been a pleasure to build this event and tailor it to the Upper St. Clair environment,” said Matthew. “We hope to see this event continue in our community as a tradition and outlet for our innovative students and staff.”

TED, a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, is usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less). TED began in 1984 as a conference where technology, entertainment, and design converged. Today, it covers many topics—from science to business to global issues—in more than 100 languages. Independently run TEDx events help share ideas in communities around the world.

At TEDx events, a screening of TED Talks videos or a combination of live presenters and TED Talks videos sparks deep conversation and connections at the local level. TEDx events are planned and coordinated independently, under a free license granted by TED. According to the TED Talks website, “Youth events are one of our most creative TEDx event types, since they are organized by or catered toward kids. As you might guess, these events are all about imagination and having fun.” n

Partnering for Alcohol Awareness The series of lessons focus on state and federal laws regarding Each year, Fort Couch Middle School partners with the Upper St. Clair Township Police Department to deliver a series of alcohol and other drugs; trends, including a discussion on medicithree lessons to eighth graders about the laws surrounding alcohol nal versus recreational marijuana; and a final lesson that gives an and drugs, specifically focusing on the dangers of underage drink- overview of a field sobriety test. “As sixth and seventh graders, our ing. A team of five Township police officers, including Cpl. Michael students learn quite a bit about health effects,” said Lauren. “In eighth Lebetz, Lt. Jon Wharton, Sgt. Michael Lindenfelser, Sgt. Michael grade, we focus on the penal code and study the laws pertaining to all people (and specifically young people) who use Ventura, and Officer Michael Cafaro, taught the lessons. alcohol and other drugs.”

“These types of programs are important because we Partnering with the police department to have police live in an age of constant advertisement and social media. officers lead the lessons has been particularly effective.

Kids see drugs and alcohol glamorized in movies and “The officers bring their knowledge, training, and firstmusic. It’s important they see what kind of damage can hand experiences to explain the legal component of be done if they decide to abuse drugs and alcohol,” said alcohol and drugs versus just the health component,” Cpl. Lebetz. “It is especially important for kids this age, A group of Fort Couch just when they are about to enter high school. They are students learn about alcohol said Lauren. “The officers have seen it all in their line going to be faced with various situations in the coming awareness from a member of work and can best explain to the students how trying of the police department. to trick an officer is not likely to be successful.” years, and they need to know the health risks and the As part of the discussion of probable cause and field potential legal trouble they could get into if they choose sobriety tests, students have the opportunity to experithis path.” ence intoxication simulation goggles that illustrate the Lauren Madia, Fort Couch counselor and student level of impairment. A highlight of the program, this support services curriculum leader, sees this as an is something that the students appreciate experienceffective opportunity to encourage responsible decisioning. “Even though the simulation is a fun, interesting making. “Research indicates that the earlier in life a person begins to use substances, the more likely he or she A student tries to walk while activity, our students realize how alcohol and drugs can wearing the intoxication interfere with a person’s motor skills, and, especially, is to develop a substance abuse problem. We hope that simulation goggles. his or her ability to drive a car,” said Lauren. by educating middle school students in this manner, it Based on the high level of engagement during the series of leswill, at the very least, delay their first use, if not avoid it all together,” said Lauren. “The officers preach the importance of ‘keeping mistakes sons, the officers have received a positive response from students. small,’ knowing that we all make mistakes sometimes, but we can “We encourage participation throughout each lesson and the students frequently ask relevant questions about each topic. This provides avoid ‘big mistakes’ that can cause a lot of other problems.”

The officers recognize the influence that peer pressure can play us with immediate feedback and lets us know that the students are on adolescents and their decision-making and encourage students interested in learning more about the topic of the lesson,” said Cpl. to choose their friends wisely. “We stress that to be positive and suc- Lebetz. “We have shared stories about situations we have seen in cessful, students need to surround themselves with positive, driven the field. This helps the students realize that these things can and individuals,” Cpl. Lebetz added. “We often absorb the habits of our do happen. It’s one thing for the students to hear about the risks, friends, so if we surround ourselves with people who have unhealthy, but it’s more impactful for students to hear real-world stories, where dangerous, and illegal habits we may take on those dangerous habits, these risks came in to play and were witnessed by the officers who are teaching the lessons.” n as well.”

Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 73

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? THETHEY YDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? DID THEY DIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEWHAT YDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYD ? IDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? French Exchange This past April, USCHS welcomed 17 exchange students from Lycée Saint-Marc, a private school in Lyon, France, for a two-week stay as part of an annual exchange program. Since 2006, USCHS and Lycée Saint-Marc have paired together biennially to create the French-American Cultural Exchange. The program objectives are to develop communication skills in multiple languages, foster lifelong global connections with students and their families, create positive international relations, gain international perspectives, grow as global leaders, and increase intercultural competency.

The visiting French students—all of whom were tenth grade girls—had the opportunity to select their high school class schedule.

Among the most popular classes chosen were 2D Art, American Law & Justice, Ceramics, Chorus, and Foods. Other course selections included Chinese, Japanese, Sociology, and Speech.

The exchange students participated in a walking tour of Pittsburgh, visited the Andy Warhol Museum, took a day-trip to Washington, DC, met with Boyce Middle School students who are studying French, and enjoyed a farewell pizza party at the high school.

This summer, USC students enjoyed a similar experience as they discovered the history, culture, art, and architecture of Lyon, France.

After their stay in Lyon, students traveled to St. Malo in Brittany, visited the abbey of Mont Saint Michel, and spent four nights in Paris before returning to Pittsburgh.

The District’s world language department offers similar exchanges for students studying German and Spanish. In addition, the high school participates in an annual Thailand exchange and has sponsored cultural excursions to Japan, Italy, and Peru.

Mini-THON Raises $41,098 USCHS students raised $41,098 through its second annual MiniTHON, exceeding their goal of $30,000. The event benefits Four Diamonds, an organization that assists children who are battling cancer and their families at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital in Hershey.

The event is a student-led initiative under the leadership of an all-student executive board that includes student leaders Jack de la Parra, Andrea Mays, Rayna Recht, and Brady Warmbein. In total, more than 50 students were involved in planning the event. Brooke Tarcson, activities coordinator, served as advisor and faculty liaison.

The sixth-month-long effort culminated in a 12-hour Mini-THON beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 6. The first few hours were devoted to community time, which offered food, games, and activities for all ages. From 9 p.m. until 6 a.m., more than 350 high school students were on their feet dancing and playing games.

Last year, in its inaugural year, the Mini-THON raised $17,531, with 250 students dancing throughout the night.

According to the Four Diamonds website, “Mini-THONs are interactive events for students of all ages that inspire teamwork, leadership, and creativity, while empowering youth and young adults through philanthropy and community service in the fight to conquer childhood cancer. Mini-THONs are modeled after the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) and have been making a difference in the lives of childhood cancer patients and their families since 1993.”

With more than 90,000 student volunteers and 265 schools in eight states, Mini-THONs are making a difference. During the 2016–17 school year, elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and colleges raised more than $6.46 million for Four Diamonds.

The third annual USC Mini-THON is planned for April 5, 2019.

Members of the French Exchange program at USCHS

USC Students Celebrate at STARS Prom USCHS life skills students and their regular education partner friends, along with students from other area school districts, traveled to PNC Park this past May for the annual STARS Prom. Complete with formal wear, flowers, dancing, and lots of photos, students made many lasting memories.

STARS (Schools Together with Athletes Reaching Success) includes more than 20 area schools that host various social and athletic opportunities. Its mission is to provide meaningful activities for students with and without physical and intellectual disabilities to collaborate, create, and participate in activities that enrich the school curriculum.

Left to right: Shoshanah Karow, Lauren Perrine, Sarah Berlin, Chloe Kondrich, Rebecca DeMar, Kerrigan Beggy

Best Foot Forward This past April, USCHS hosted its third annual Put Your Best Foot Forward soccer event.

Nearly 200 students from eight area high schools, including life skills support students and their regular education partners, participated in the festivities. The event was organized by the teachers of the USCHS Partners in PE class, a high school physical education class of general education students who receive their own physical education credits while supporting students with special needs. Partners in PE students also participate in a variety of social activities throughout the year.

The organizing team included Lyn Mulroy, life skills support teacher; Tim Robbins, physical education teacher; Dan Zelenski, assistant principal; Dan Beck, assistant principal; and Tracey Stringe, secretary. Student leaders from the USCHS soccer teams, Best Buddies Organization, FRIENDs Club, and students in the school’s Partners classes provided support and encouragement to life skills athletes throughout the morning-long event. In addition to partners and athletes, the school’s band and cheerleaders participated in the event.

74

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2018

THEYDIDWHAT?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? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? Students Published Submissions by USCHS students Emily Rhodes and Jacqueline LeKachman were among the top-rated submissions in the Ralph Munn Creative Writing Contest, sponsored by the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

E m i l y ’s p o e m titled, “Carrion,” and Emily Rhodes Jacqueline LeKachman Jacqueline’s short prose, “The Voicemail,” were published in the 2018 Ralph Munn Creative Writing Anthology, a book of creative work distributed to all Allegheny County public and school libraries.

USCHS Grad Competes for Miss Teen America This past July, Krisha Monpara (USCHS 2018), the reigning Miss Pennsylvania Teen America, competed in the 2018 Miss Teen America pageant in San Antonio, Texas.

While at the high school, Krisha served as captain of the girls’ tennis team and speech and debate team. She was also the treasurer of the school’s Future Business Leaders of America and the National Honors Society. In addition, she served on the board of student council, as a leader of Kids Helping Kids, and as a chairperson for the school’s 2018 Mini-THON. This fall, Krisha will attend the University of Michigan, where she plans to pursue an Krisha Monpara economics degree on the pre-med track.

National Merit Scholarship Nadith Dharmasena, Michael Hrehocik, and Spencer Miller (USCHS 2018) earned college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation and their respective universities. Nadith earned a National Merit Pennsylvania State University Scholarship and will attend Penn State-University Park to study computer science. Michael earned a National Merit Rochester Institute of Technology Scholarship and plans to pursue a degree in game design and development.

Spencer, who will study mathematics, earned a National Merit University of Chicago Scholarship.

Sahil Doshi (USCHS 2018) was named a National Merit $2500 Scholarship recipient and will attend Northwestern University in Evanson, Illinois, where he plans to major in biomedical engineering.

Winners are named in every state based on that state’s percentage of the nation’s graduating high school seniors. Students enter the scholarship competition by completing the PSAT, the National Nadith Dharmasena Michael Hrehocik Spencer Miller Sahil Doshi Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, during their junior year.

Students Place Third in Marketing Competition This spring, a team of USCHS students placed third at the Cultural Communications Alliance’s Marketing Competition at the University of Pittsburgh’s College of Business Administration. Team members included Shanthi Krishnaswamy, Gabi Spina, Jami Stout, Sunny Chai, and Eri Hayakawa. The seven teams in the competition were tasked with developing a marketing strategy for GNC TriFlex, with a target market of Germany.

The students, who were coached by Spanish teacher Joanna Darakos, worked throughout the year to research and create the plan.

Scholarship Awarded to Study in Russia Jonah Auslander (USCHS 2018) was awarded a National Security Language Initiative for Youth Scholarship. Jonah participated in the summer NSLI-Y program, administered

by American Cultural Exchange Service, in Moscow, Russia, where he was immersed in the Russian language while living with a Russian host family and participating in local cultural activities for six weeks.

Jonah has participated in several internationallyfocused activities, including the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh’s Global Leadership Certificate Program and the USCHS Global Fluency Certificate Program. He completed an apprenticeship through the Allegheny Intermediate Unit in international relations and has completed a class on intelligence and national security through American University.

This fall, Jonah will attend the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, Bloomington.

Jonah Auslander

USC Speech & Debate Finishes Second in State The USCHS Speech & Debate Team finished second overall at the Pennsylvania High School Speech and Language Tournament at Bloomsburg University. This marks the fifth consecutive year that the team has placed among the top two at this state-level competition.

Six USC teams and/or individuals qualified to compete at the 2018 National Speech & Debate Tournament in June in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Advancing to nationals were: • Parliamentary debate team of Ethan Bowman, Steven Cheung, and Jacob Lantzman placed third (semifinalists).

• Parliamentary debate team of Amanda Ross, Mathena Jencka, and Anika Sinha tied for fifth (quarterfinalists).

• Parliamentary debate team of Eshita Chhajlani, Meghan Joon, and Dina Leyzarovich tied for fifth (quarterfinalists).

• Public Forum debate team of Anvi Kumar and Harshini Sakthivel tied for fifth (quarterfinalists).

• Daniel Speer finished fifth in the State House for Congress.

• As a freshman, Richa Mahajan placed sixth in Poetry finals.

Non-advancing semifinalists were Laura Lapham, seventh in Humor; Charlize Goff, seventh in Prose; Paarth Shankar, ninth in Commentary; Mayka Chaves, tenth in Drama; Neha Patel, 11th in Informative; Ben Holthaus, 12th in Humor; Hashim Durrani, 13th in Drama; and the News Broadcasting team of Aritro Nandi and Nadith Dharmasena, who placed 18th.

The following students also competed at the state-level competition: Abby Riemer, Spencer Miller, Krisha Monpara, John Joyce, Hridhay Reddy, Loren White, and the team of Ariana Chiu and Ava White. Students earned the opportunity to compete at states by registering a top performance at the regional qualifying competition. The tournament featured qualifiers from 100 high school, representing 15 districts throughout the commonwealth. In total, 30 USCHS students competed in 21 entries.

Founded in 1961, the Pennsylvania High School Speech League’s purpose is to stimulate through educational competition an understanding and appreciation of all areas of speech. Membership, which boasts more than 150 schools, is open to any Pennsylvania public, private, or parochial high school.

Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 75

Educational Resource Guide

LITTLE LAKE THEATRE COMPANY UPCOMING SHOWS

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, THE MUSICAL

Book by James Lapine Music and Lyrics by William Finn

August 30-September 1, September 6-9, & 13-15 Based on the hilarious Academy Awardwinning film, Little Miss Sunshine is an outrageously funny, yet surprisingly touching musical. Ages 15+

MACBETH

By William Shakespeare

September 20-22, 27-29, & October 4-6 A modern and seductive version of Shakespeare’s classic. Ages 10+

724-745-6300 www.littlelake.org

*This production is made possible by a grant from the Heinz Endowments Small Arts Initiative.

THE SECRET GARDEN September 29 - October 27

Discover the mystery of The Secret Garden at Little Lake.

Special Tea Parties on 9/30, 10/14, & 10/21

Social Media Accounts Parents Should Follow Haley Roberts, Extended Day Services, Administrative Coordinator Social media can be used for more than just selfies and pictures of your dinner! It is also a great tool for gathering ideas for athome activities that supplement what your child is learning in school this fall. Check out these social media accounts for some inspiration regarding educational projects, games, and fun conversations.

To access these resources, simply type these names or handles into the search bar on Facebook or Twitter and then follow them. Many of these social media accounts are also tied to websites filled with additional fun online content.

Creative Child Magazine (@creativechildmagazine) is dedicated to helping parents nurture their child’s creativity and includes creative crafts and activities and play ideas.

Edutopia (@edutopia) shares content related to “what works in education,” from book recommendations to stress-reducing strategies for kids.

Makerspaces.com (@Makerspaces_com). Makerspaces are transforming schools and libraries into hubs of hands-on 21st century STEAM

Saving Methods for College

Are you looking for an impactful gift to give to the children in your life for a birthday, holiday, or other special occasion? It’s never too early to start saving money for your child’s education, or you can save for your nieces, nephews, or grandchildren. Long after toys are broken or outgrown, a college savings plan will still be appreciated.

529 plans These qualified tuition programs allow you to save for college under Section 529(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. The 529 college savings plan allows you or any other family member to open an account specifically for future higher education expenses. Residency requirements 76

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2018

learning. Find some cool activities to make your home into one as well!

Mama Smiles Blog (@mamasmiles). Mary Anne, a Stanford-trained educator, shares her craft and recipe ideas as well as articles on STEM and developing leadership skills in children on her blog Mama Smiles.

NAEYC–National Association for the Education of Young Children (@naeyc) is the world’s largest leading organization for the education of young children. The organization shares information about early literacy, technology, preschool, and early education, and features articles from educators about education experts.

Scholastic Parents (@scholparents) offers book recommendations, homework help, expert advice on reading, and more to help make learning fun!

STEAMedUK (@STEAMedUK), a British social media account, shares ideas and inspiration for STEAM activities, as well as highlighting STEAM-related issues and news.

Teach Preschool (@teach_preschool). As an early childhood educator may apply. Your investment is tax-deferred and distributions from the fund are exempt from federal income tax if used for qualified higher education expenses.

Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA) A Coverdell ESA is a trust that lets you contribute funds earmarked for future educational costs (elementary and secondary education through college and graduate school), up to $2000 per year, per child.

Contributions can begin at birth and continue until a child turns 18 years of age. Coverdell ESA accounts are exempt from federal income tax and withdrawals are tax-free if used for qualified education expenses.

UGMA and UTMA accounts You can set up a college account for your child under the Uniform

Educational Resource Guide 019 2018-2

MurikamiFicati on

IES SER

SINGLE TICKETS

412-456-6666

GROUPS 10+ TICKETS

SEASON

SEASON TICKETS

412-471-6930 412-456-1390

TRUS TARTS. ORG /BRIDGE

2018 2019 for more than 25 years, Deborah Stewart has experience working in the field as a teacher, director, curriculum writer, and musician. She now dedicates her time toward writing her blog Teach Preschool. Find some inspiration for activities geared toward younger children.

The Joan Ganz Cooney Center (@cooneycenter). The Cooney Center—the creator of Sesame Street—has been creating engaging content for young children for more than 40 years. They study and share the impact digital technology has on learning and early literacy in young children and share their findings and other relevant content.

Tween Tribune (@tweentribune). The Smithsonian Tween Tribune offers K–12 news articles for kids that allow for age-appropriate conversations about current events. Tween Tribune covers only upbeat stories and is great for older kids. n See ad for Extended Day Services on page 76.

Gift to Minors Act (UGMA) or the Uniform Transfer to Minors Act (UTMA). With these two accounts, you can make monetary gifts towards your child’s future educational needs without setting up a trust. Minors can take control of the funds when they reach the age of trust termination (which is age 18 to 21, depending on the state and account restrictions).

The donor pays no taxes. Income from UGMA/UTMA accounts must be reported on the child’s tax return, but the assets are taxed at a much lower tax rate than those of an adult.

Talk to your financial advisor before moving forward with any of these educational account options. n This article was provided by Cindy Brophy, State Farm agent.

See ad on this page. ®

Season Tickets

START AT $50

PROFESSIONAL THEATER

DOWNTOWN & IN YOUR TOWN!

Clown Action Productions and Dimitri Bogatirev

Arts Power

Vital Theatre Company

Tall Stories TheaterWorksUSA

SEASON GROUPS TICKETS 412-456-1390

10+ TICKETS 412-471-6930

TRUS TARTS. ORG /KIDS

Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 77

Health & Wellness Guide Does Your Child Have Basic Swim Skills?

From 2005 to 2014, there were more than 3500 fatal unintentional drownings (non-boating related) annually in the United States. An additional 332 people died each year during that time from drowning in boating-related incidents.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of injury death in children ages one to four and the second leading cause of injury death for children ages one to 14. Moreover, thousands of children are hospitalized each year for non-fatal drowning incidents. Many sustain life-long, profound, permanent damage.

“Many people are not aware that drowning can happen very quickly,” said Stephanie Wright, general manager of Goldfish Swim School in Peters Township. “A child can drown in as little as one inch of water and in as little time as 20 seconds.

Parents need to supervise children around water at all times, even if the children know how to swim. There is no substitute for proper supervision.”

Drowning is almost always deceptively quiet. The waving, splashing, and yelling that we often see on television is rarely seen in real life. Because of that, constant supervision is important so that a child whose face has gone under water or who is struggling will not be able to shout for help. “No one should ever swim by him or herself, not even an adult,” Wright advises.

confidence

just add water.

Every little dose of achievement adds up to big self-esteem.

Science says the foundation for a child’s cognitive growth is rooted in two key factors: a safe environment and learning through guided play. While we’re focused on the serious stuff, your family will be focused on the fun. It’s what we call The Science of SwimPlay®. + INDIVIDUALIZED PROGRESSION PLANS + TRAINED & CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS + FLEXIBLE CLASS TIMES

WEXFORD | 724.799.8850 PETERS TOWNSHIP | 724.942.7946 goldfishswimschool.com | 78

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

BACK TO SCHOOL...

STAY IN THE POOL! REGISTER TODAY!

Fall 2018

Other signs of drowning include: • Head low in the water, mouth at water level • Head tilted back, with mouth open • Eyes glassy and empty, unable to focus • Eyes closed • Not using legs and vertical in the water • Hyperventilating or gasping • Trying to roll over onto his or her back Before beginning to explore the often “mysterious” deep end of the pool, children should be armed with several basic skills taught through swimming lessons and when swimming with parents. These skills include getting in and out of the pool safely. Parents can help little ones learn how to get out of the pool by manipulating their bodies in order of elbow, elbow, tummy, knee.

Once they have mastered this movement, proceed to helping the child learn to jump, turn, and swim to the wall by encouraging the child to jump off the side of the pool to the parent, who can then help the child to physically turn back to the wall and assist them in getting out of the pool, using the elbow, elbow, tummy, knee method described above.

“Repeat this learned skill over and over again to allow the child to become more confident, eventually letting him go under the water and come to the surface on his own,” Wright says. This teaches kids to automatically turn back to the wall behind them to climb out. If a child were to fall into a pool, these skills could help them find the quickest way to safety.

Another suggestion that Wright offers is the Sea Otter float. The parent or instructor works with the child on turning over and getting his face out of the water to take a breath when he fatigues.

When searching for a floatation device for a child, look for one that is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard with the identifying seal of approval on the device. “The most important thing, beyond that the device is USCG-approved, is that the device properly fits the child,” says Wright. The fit matters because if your child’s head or ears can slip down beneath the life jacket, the device won’t work as designed to keep the child’s head above water for proper breathing. n

confidence... just add water.

This information was provided by Goldfish Swim School, which has two locations: Peters Township and Wexford. It provides swim instruction to children ages four months to 12 years in a setting with highly trained instructors, small class sizes (max 4:1 studentteacher ratio), shiver-free 90-degree pools, and a state-of-the-art water purification system. Classes are offered in a safe, childfriendly and fun environment, using the research-based philosophy known as The Science of SwimPlay®. Visit the website for more information. See ad on this page.

Health & Wellness Guide

INTRODUCING THE $5,000 ENTRANCE FEE RENTAL OPTION THE CHOICE IS YOURS: $5,000 ENTRANCE FEE RENTAL OPTION •Available on the majority of apartments and carriage homes •Access to all services and amenities ENTRANCE FEE OPTION •50% off refundable and non-refundable options •Available on the majority of apartments and carriage homes For more information, contact John Komisary at 412-571-5133 or jkomisary@asburyheights.org.

Independent Living

Personal Care

700 Bower Hill Road, Mt. Lebanon

Memory Support

Nursing and Rehabilitation

asburyheights.org

Asbury Heights complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

Senior Living Communities: Fighting Social Isolation Erica Gevaudan, Administrator, Personal Care, Asbury Heights Many of us have an older loved one in our lives.

Perhaps he or she is a relative, neighbor, or family friend living alone. We check on them with a phone call or an occasional visit—doing our best to make sure they’re okay. But there is a good chance he or she is spending the majority of their time alone in a home they can no longer maintain themselves.

We frequently come across this scenario when we receive inquiries from people in the community. Children or relatives of older adults often wait until they experience burnout from caring for their loved one before they request information about amenities at a senior care facility. By this time, their loved one is likely in need of personal care services.

Many older adults have a deep, emotional connection to their homes and have little to no desire to move. Their children often try to honor their wishes by scheduling home care services and making frequent visits to help maintain the house—an arrangement that continues to require a high level of investment from the caregiver.

Over time, this can become burdensome on the caregiver, as he or she may also have other obligations, including a spouse, his or her own children, and/or career responsibilities. Older adult parents sometimes experience feelings of guilt for relying on their child, who may themselves be struggling.

Despite home health services and occasional visits from guests, the older adult is not living his or her best life. Alone most of

the time, some studies have seen links between social isolation, depression, and the development of serious illness and reduced life span in seniors who live alone.

A move to a senior living community can enable an older loved one to maintain a sense of independence while removing potential stressors arising between them and their caregiver child. At any moment in time, a move may not seem to be the best solution everyone wants, but it might be what everyone needs.

In many cases, new residents thrive after moving to a senior living community. They participate in a variety of social opportunities and make new acquaintances, developing a sense of community and belonging that they would never get living in their homes alone.

For many older adults, moving to a senior living community is a big deal—and they’re right. Leaving their homes that are full of memories and belongings and moving to a smaller, unfamiliar place is a monumental, life-changing event for anyone. Be considerate of the senior’s situation to help smooth the transition and visit potential communities together to see what works best.

Don’t wait for a personal or medical crisis to begin searching for a senior living community. Exploring options early on can minimize a somewhat stressful situation in the future. n See ad for Asbury Heights, part of UPMC Senior Communities, on this page.

Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 79

Health & Wellness Guide According to Dr. Kittridge, it is often purchase a heavier moisturizing product best to prepare for dry skin before it starts. winter months. During the daytime, A Healthier U(SC) She advises her patients to put humidifiers for simply apply the same moisturizing Healthier Skin, Healthier Glow Heather Holtschlag As the warm summer weather comes to an end and the air fills with cooler temperatures, we find ourselves reaching for hot chocolate, bulky sweaters, and long pants. We layer up before heading outdoors, but not before we grab the hats, gloves, and scarves.

While we do all of this in preparation to keep our bodies warm, rarely do we give a second thought to the damage that the cold fall and winter air can do to our skin. But, according to Ashley Kittridge, DO, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at USC-based Kittridge Dermatology, we should give our skin the same amount of attention in the colder weather as we do in the warm summer.

“I see a significant increase in the number of office visits in the fall and winter months for eczema,” Dr. Kittridge said. “Eczema is an umbrella term for inflamed skin. It usually presents itself as dry, itchy patches of skin, and normally starts in the fall and escalates in the winter months. The onset and severity correlate with a decrease in outdoor temperatures and increase in use of furnaces.”

in their bedroom (where the average person spends most of his or her time when they’re at home), decrease the temperature and the exposure time of water used during hand washing and showers, and switch from using a lotion (which is often enough during the summer months) to a cream during the winter months. It is best to use moisturizing creams regularly to prevent the development of dry, itchy skin. Once eczema has developed, it can be difficult to control with moisturizing creams and basic skin care routines alone, and may require topical prescription medications.

Dr. Kittridge also advises the following tips to help enhance your skin care in the cold weather: • Avoid long, hot showers. For those who like hot showers, steam the bathroom, then turn down the temperature of the water before getting into the shower.

• Mix your favorite moisturizing cream or lotion with equal parts Vaseline petroleum jelly. Adding moisturizing cream to petroleum jelly decreases the thick, greasy texture of petroleum jelly without compromising its efficacy. “This is an excellent way to modify the moisturizers that you already have at home without needing to

Dr. Ashley Kittridge, DO, FAOCD, FAAD Board-certified Dermatologist The first Direct Care dermatology practice in the Pittsburgh area offering general and cosmetic services our mission Is to restore the doctor-patient relationship and provide affordable, transparent, patient-centric, quality care.

Benefits of Direct Care Model: 1. Appointment availability within a week 2. Little wait time in the office 3. Wholesale medication Costs 4. Extended, relaxed visits 5. Affordable care 6. Health savings and flex spending accounts accepted 7. Transparency of pricing 8. No surprise bills in the mail after your office visit 9. Easy online scheduling

P: 412-347-0947 80

|

101 Drake Road Suite B Pittsburgh, PA 15241

www.kittridgedermatology.com

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2018

product without the petroleum jelly for a lighter daytime moisturizer,” she advises.

• Hydrate your hands. Sleep with Vaseline or Aquaphor applied to your hands under cotton gloves at night and apply a barrier cream to your hands after each hand wash.

Neutrogena Norwegian Hand Cream is a favorite of Dr. Kittridge.

• Apply moisturizing creams to damp skin, immediately after bathing. Moisturizers are meant to lock moisture into the skin and work more effectively when applied to skin that has not yet dried.

In addition, Dr. Kittridge emphasizes that concerns about skin cancer and melanoma are not only relevant during the hot summer months. “Skin cancer is not seasonal,” she said. “Even in Pittsburgh, it is important to protect your skin in the winter months, too. Sometimes, the cloudy days are when we get the most sun exposure. People who participate in outdoor winter sports need to protect their skin from the sun and reflection from the snow. Everyone should wear at least an SPF 30 daily, even in the winter months, and reapply every few hours while outdoors or before going outdoors.”

Skin cancer can occur where the sun doesn’t shine, like inside the mouth, eyes, buttocks, and groin. It’s especially important to perform self-exams and follow up with a board-certified dermatologist for regular and thorough skin exams.

“When buying sunblock, get a product that’s at least SPF 30, although I regularly recommend SPF 50. Make sure that it’s water resistant and broad spectrum, meaning it protects from both UVA and UVB rays,” Dr. Kittridge advises. “I don’t get hung up on brands, as long as the product meets these main guidelines and the patient commits to using the product regularly. For those who wear makeup and would rather not reapply sunscreen throughout the day, consider a tinted mineral SPF instead of a foundation, reapplying that throughout the day. Do not rely solely on your daily makeup to provide sun protection, even if it contains sunscreen.

To protect your skin while also making a fashion statement, opt for big hats and big sunglasses!”

In the next issue of TODAY, Dr. Kittridge will reveal some of the bad habits that can take their toll on our skin. Did you know that drinking from a straw is one of them?

Stay tuned. n For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kittridge, visit www.KittridgeDermatology.com, email drashley@kittridgedermatology.com, or call 412-347-0947. See ad on this page.

Health & Wellness Guide

855-1 C01_SCPSA Cosmetic Surgery_7.5x4.875_USCT_FR.qxp 7/16/18 10:06 AM Page 1

We’ve all heard that beauty is skin deep.

When you look in the mirror and love what you see, there’s nothing like that feeling. It comes from within. It gives you confidence, and an enormous sense of well being. Whether cosmetic enhancement or plastic surgery, we offer the very best in expertise and aesthetics. Backed by St. Clair Hospital, we provide a full range of services tailored to each individual’s goals. If you’ve been thinking about refreshing your appearance, call us today. Because looking good goes well beyond the surface.

Breast Augmentation • Breast Lift • Face Lift • Brow Lift Liposuction • Tummy Tuck • Rhinoplasty • Botox/Fillers TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS: St. Clair Hospital St. Clair Hospital Professional Office Building Outpatient Center–Peters

Edward J. Ruane, Jr., M.D.

*100 Top Hospitals® is a registered trademark of IBM Watson Health™ .

Phone: 412.572.6164

Robert W. Bragdon, M.D., FACS

Help and Hope in Many Forms

Snap out of it. You’ll get over it. Tough it out.

Suck it up. It will make you stronger.

Misunderstandings about mental illness lead people to make comments like these to persons who are suffering. St. Clair Hospital’s psychiatry professionals address these misconceptions in educational meetings for patients, families, and community outreach groups. Their message is consistent: mental illness is an illness, just like hypertension or diabetes. It can affect anyone. People get better. Mental health is an integral part of our overall wellness. If you or someone you care about is suffering from depression, anxiety, or other forms of mental illness, St. Clair Hospital can help.

The stigma of mental illness There is a stigma associated with mental illness that persists throughout society, promoting fear and harsh judgment of the mentally ill and causing greater suffering.

The stigma, along with misconceptions about mental illness, are impediments to recovery, making people with mental illness

• • • • • • • • • •

Weight Lifting/Cardio Crossfit speed sChooL MusCLe Max Les MiLLs© rpM CyCLe CLass Cardio MeLtdoWn CLass fuLL body puMp CLass boxing personaL training raCquetbaLL

New and ONLY at St. Clair Fitness!

Open

Monday-Thursday: Friday: Saturday & Sunday:

C FOUR interval training program

5 AM-9 PM 5 AM-8 PM 6 AM-4 PM

1341 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair PA 15241 412.257.8788

Continued on page 94

Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 81

Health & Wellness Guide

Need help finding a Doctor?

Call the Physician Referral Line at: (724) 250-4310 or search our Physician Finder at whs.org

How Best to Deal with Perimenopause Monica Smith, DO, Washington Health System

Around the age of 40, women’s bodies begin perimenopause, the transition leading to menopause. Menopause is defined as one year without menses, with the average woman’s age being 51. During this transition, ovaries progressively fail to produce estrogen. In up to 85% of women, this deficiency can lead to: • insomnia • vaginal dryness • vaginal discomfort • loss of libido • hot flashes • itchy skin • lack of concentration • osteoporosis • anxiety • sweating Today, there are more than 70 million women over the age of 50, many of whom are dealing with varying degrees of menopause transition, often referred to as “the change.” For many women, moderate to severe hot flashes can last up to 15 years after reaching menopausal age. Emotionally, some women experience exhilaration and relief, since they no longer have to worry about having periods or using birth control. For others, it can be a time of anxiety, sadness, and irritability.

So how best to address the many symptoms associated with menopause transition? Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is the most effective intervention for the management of symptoms associated with menopause transition. MHT is either estrogen or a combination estrogen/progesterone treatment in the form of pill, patch, or gel. The goal of the therapy is to alleviate the symptoms in menopausal and perimenopausal women, particularly hot flashes.

Not all women need menopausal hormone therapy to alleviate their symptoms. There are other treatment options available. Many women fear the health risks associated with MHT; however, doctors recommend a short-term treatment, which is rarely associated with health risks. In fact, research shows that the benefits go beyond menopause transition. MHT is shown to have positive effects on the brain, skeleton, skin, urogenital, and cardiovascular systems.

If you’re going through the menopause process, know that you are not alone. When trying to determine how best to proceed through menopause transition, it is best to consult your OB/GYN. Every woman’s body is different, so it’s important to be evaluated to determine the right treatment based on your symptoms and severity.

Most menopausal symptoms resolve themselves after five years, so there is light at the end of the tunnel. Menopausal hormone therapy is one option that can help to provide relief and improve your quality of life. n

Dr. Monica Smith practices at Washington Health System’s OB/GYN Care.

See ad for Washington Health System on this page.

82

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2018

Health & Wellness Guide Get Relief from TMD

Beth Troy, DMD, Troy Orthodontics Many people suffer from headaches, tenderness to jaw muscles, and locked jaws. These symptoms often share the common problem of temporomandibular disorders, commonly known as TMD (people may also refer to it as TMJ). There are varying opinions on the causes and treatment of TMD, but the following information may help you find relief from this common condition.

The TM joint is made up of ligaments, muscles, bones, and discs. These structures are very specialized and work together when you chew, speak, and swallow. This joint is one of the most complex in the body because there are two joints working together at the same time. Each joint has a disc between the ball and socket joint, which cushions the load of the jaw when opening widely and in regular function. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones from working together properly may result in a TM disorder.

While some cases of TMD may have clear-cut causes—think trauma or arthritis—most are due to a combination of factors.

Discs often slip forward in the joint, leading to clicking or popping when you open or close your mouth. However, this minor problem does not always require treatment when painless.

Clenching or grinding your teeth may develop as a response to stress or as part of a sleep disorder. You may not be aware of nighttime clenching or grinding, but you may catch yourself doing this during the day. These habits can overwork the muscles and cause them to spasm, which causes pain, and in turn causes more tissue damage and spasm. This can ultimately lead to a complex cycle of pain and improper joint function.

Treatments for TMD vary based on your individual diagnosis. Your dentist may recommend a step-by-step plan, because sometimes only minor treatment may be necessary.

In my practice, the first step of treatment typically involves restricting the patient’s diet to softer foods, including avoiding crusty breads and granola bars, and no chewing gum. (You’d be surprised how many people experience complete TMD relief when they stop chewing gum!) For minor pain associated with TMD, I recommend over-the-counter NSAIDs such as Advil or Aleve, as needed. The importance of attempting a low-stress lifestyle to minimize clenching and grinding teeth during sleep is important. For teens, this means not procrastinating about homework. For adults, taking a relaxing bath or shower after work will help to de-stress from the day.

The patient should be reevaluated in a month or so. If symptoms show improvement, continue with the current plan. If no relief has occurred, we may fabricate a splint (or mouthguard) to protect the TM joint during nighttime grinding and clenching. Patients may wear this split for months, and many find so much relief that they elect to wear it consistently every night.

Sometimes, too much damage to the joint has already occurred, and a consult with an oral surgeon is the next step.

Joint surgery may be recommended.

If you have symptoms of TMD, consult with your dentist or orthodontist. Minor treatments can yield major relief. n See ad for Troy Orthodontics on page 44.

Mt. Lebanon RecReation centeR ATTENTION UPPER ST. CLAIR RESIDENTS

Skate With Us at the MT. LEBANON RECREATION CENTER Open Year Round with Something for Everyone Friday Night Teen skate with D.J. (begins Nov. 2) from 7:40 - 10pm.

Learn-to-Skate Classes/ Beginner & Advanced Hockey Clinics Youth Developmental & Adult Hockey Leagues Public Skating Figure Skating Sessions Daily Adult Skating & Instructional Programs Speed Skating * Broomball Birthday Party Packages Call the Recreation Center at 412-561-4363 for times and rates Or visit us online at www.mtlebanon.org Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 83

Around the Township

Photos by Paul Fox 84

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2018

There Is No “U” in SHJO Maybe There Should Be Paul K. Fox

“U” stands for “unique.” Even though there’s no “U” in SHJO, you can find an “S” and that means “special.”

One of the most exceptionally unique and special community organizations that has made its home in Upper St. Clair for 35 years is the South Hills Junior Orchestra (SHJO).

Formed in 1983 to provide an orchestral experience for musicians of all ages, the mission of SHJO is to support and nurture local school band and string programs, to assist its members in developing knowledge, understanding, performance skills, and an appreciation of music, to foster improved individual self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-motivation, and to continue their advancement of a life-long study of music.

David Levin and Devon Allen Musicians learn, grow, and achieve positions of leadership to serve and share the joy of creative self-expression with their fellow members.

Okay, so what’s so unique about all of that?

To start, SHJO is directed by an all-volunteer music staff led by retired public school music teachers Paul Fox, Donna Fox, and David Levin, and organized by managing director Janet Vukotich, logistics coordinator Chaz Vukotich, and communications coordinator Christina Yunghans, the latter two former SHJO alumni, all of whom donate their time and services.

SHJO is made possible in part by the Upper St. Clair School District, which provides rehearsal and performance space and instruments at nocost, as well as the tireless efforts of dedicated community volunteers and the SHJO booster association.

SHJO is nonprofit and non-competitive. No one has ever been turned away. Also, very unusual for any orchestra, there are no entrance requirements or auditions for acceptance into this ensemble; newcomers “tryout” SHJO Shriya Narasimhan for themselves by attending several free practices, with no obligation to join.

In 2017–18, membership spanned from grades four through adult, and consisted of families from the communities of Baldwin, Bethel Park, Brownsville, Canon-McMillan, Carlynton, Central Greene, Crafton, Franklin-Regional, Mt. Lebanon, Norwin, Peters Township, Pleasant Hills, Ringgold, Trinity, Upper St. Clair, Washington, Waynesburg, and West Mifflin. The weekly rehearsal environment is light hearted and friendly, and it provides orientation, training, care, patience, and good humor in a fun introduction to orchestra for new and less experienced players.

Nontraditional orchestra instruments are accepted at SHJO, including alto and tenor saxophones, acoustic guitar, and piano. To the musically uninitiated, the directors offer beginning percussion class instruction. There are talented instrumentalists who alternate between two instruments, including USC residents Bianca Funaro on bass clarinet and violin, Daniel Rieker on trombone and cello, and Rebecca Lang on oboe and cello.

Another letter that is not in the SHJO moniker, but should be, is “E” for “eleemosynary,” a fancy, scholarly term suited for a SAT vocabulary prep David Lampe and Abigail Clouter course, meaning generous, altruistic, benevolent. Over the past 35 years, thanks to the efforts of its very supportive members, alumni, friends, and families, SHJO has given back nearly $35,000 to the community. More than $24,000 were gifts earmarked for the USC School District, including two Clavinova electric pianos ($6000 each), four Wenger music library storage units, 48 music stands with storage racks, cymbal stand, conductor’s podium/lectern/chair, and other instruments, as well as funding assistance in the purchase of a Steinway Concert D grand piano, acoustic shell, and lighting upgrades for the USCHS theater.

This unique group is looking for new members—novice, intermediate, or advanced musicians of any age—who can spare a couple hours on Saturday mornings. Players are invited to stop by the USCHS band room between 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. beginning on September 8. Oh, and please bring an instrument and a friend! n Jonathan Pickell and Wendy Hart

Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 85

Savoring Outdoor Spaces

Juliana Schnerr, Intern, Allegheny Land Trust

October

September

August

Hello from a new voice at the Allegheny Land Trust. I thought I’d give Jessica Kester a much-deserved break and take the opportunity to share with you my excitement for a full season of outdoor education and activities!

My name is Juliana Schnerr, and while I was born and raised outside Philadelphia, I can say that over the last couple of years, Pittsburgh has started to feel like home. I grew up hiking and exploring the parks and conservation areas around my home and I thought I’d seen the best that Pennsylvania has to offer, until I discovered the seemingly endless green spaces and beautiful places in and around Pittsburgh. On homework-free weekends, I’d escape from a long week of classes to take a walk down by The Point or in the city parks, eventually branching further and further out of the city until I found myself on Allegheny Land Trust land. The more familiar I became with ALT’s spaces, including Dead Man’s Students learning about Hollow and Upper St. Clair’s Wingfield Pines, the more I wanted to get involved with ALT’s the drainage system outdoor programming. You can imagine my excitement when I joined the ALT team as the organization’s summer education intern. It means so much to be part of something that protects and promotes the beautiful spaces that make Allegheny County home.

When I was younger, I’d spend the whole summer running barefoot around my neighborhood, collecting caterpillars and fireflies. I learned the names of the types of trees growing in our yard and planted flowers with my grandmother. When my mom took me to the library, the only books I wanted were about nocturnal animals or ocean life, or picture books about different types of habitats. My parents turned my summer experience into an outdoor classroom, and I loved it so much that I didn’t even realize I’d spent the whole three months learning. When school finally rolled around, I was ready to share all my summer stories, from the nights I spent camping, to the bugs I collected, to the times I’d gone swimming A younger Juliana in creeks and tried (unsuccessfully) to catch fish with my hands.

Schnerr and her siblings So, what better time to get outside than right before school starts? It’s the perfect occasion to enjoy the last days of summer and get ready for fall! I know that sometimes it’s hard to make time or come up with a plan or a place to go, but that’s where ALT comes in! While ALT works to save local land, it’s also dedicated to coming up with new and exciting ways for people to use and enjoy it.

ALT’s entire education team is dedicated to getting kids out in nature, making memories, and fostering connections that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives. This summer, we ran a Nature Quest scavenger hunt that gave kids the chance to check off as many “50 fun nature activities” as they could. Participants had the entire summer Outdoor learning to complete tasks like picking wild berries, finding a bird nest, and strolling through a stream before coming together for a celebratory hike and Allegheny Land Trust Programs bonfire at Wingfield Pines.

Date Activity Location If you missed out on the Nature Quest challenge, don’t let that stop you from 26 Stars and S’mores Barking Slopes (Plum) getting involved!

You can still find 5 FIT: Fitness in the Trees Dead Man’s Hollow (McKeesport) these activities on ALT’s website. Be 8 Wetlands Habitat Hike and Wingfield Pines (USC) Fireside Cider Tasting part of other upcoming events, 12 Creek Critters Irwin Run (by North Park) some right in your 18 Trail Tuesday: Volunteer Day Dead Man’s Hollow (McKeesport) own backyard and Hiking at Wingfield Pines 19 FIT: Plyometrics Dead Man’s Hollow (McKeesport) others at ALT sites 22 Starlight Stroll Wingfield Pines (USC) you may have never been to before. From “Starlight Strolls” night hikes, to “Merit Badge Workshops,” to the “Twitter in the 6 Merit Badge Workshop Linbrook Woodlands (Franklin Park) Trees” birding program, you’re bound to find an event that’s 10 Creek Critters Wingfield Pines (USC) perfect for you and your family. I hope to see you out on the 20 Not So Spooky Hike Dead Man’s Hollow (McKeesport) trails or in a workshop sometime soon! n Learn more about ALT’s projects and events at alleghenylandtrust.org and register for upcoming events at bit.ly/altoutside.

86

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2018

This is beautiful.

This is home.

This is Providence Point. Pittsburgh’s vibrant 62+ Life Plan community is expanding.

Hamilton Tower, which will offer brand new spacious floor plans, is scheduled to open next summer. Reservations are filling fast.

At Providence Point, fine dining, 24-hour fitness, and other resort-like amenities combine with stellar wellness and 5-star healthcare so that you can truly enjoy life. Call or visit today.

A Baptist Homes Society community

CALL 412-489-3550

www.ProvidencePoint.org

500 Providence Point Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15243

Expanding to Serve More Area Retirees

Providence Point, located in Scott Township, opened nine years ago and quickly gained its reputation as Pittsburgh’s premier retirement community. Although there are several residents who are originally from other states, some from nearby cities, or other Pittsburgh area communities, a majority are from South Hills neighborhoods, including Upper St. Clair.

They are people looking to simplify, enjoy life, and have some peace of mind knowing their future healthcare needs are planned for.

This past May, in response to the growing need for quality senior living in our area, the community broke ground on a new residential tower. Located above the Scott Conservancy and overlooking Chartiers Valley, Providence Point, home to more than 450 seniors, has been operating at full capacity for more than two years and has a waiting list. To meet the area’s growing demand, a third apartment tower, Hamilton Tower, has been approved and will be ready for occupancy in the summer of 2019.

As a life plan community, Providence Point is different from many of the senior living rental properties in the area. It offers a LifeCare agreement that works similar to a long-term care insurance policy, with a full continuum of care under one roof.

“The advantages of living in a life plan community are a bit complex,” explained Eileen Moore, director of marketing for Providence Point. “Those who take advantage of our LifeCare agreement, can plan to get 50 or 90% of their entrance fee returned to their estate or if they move out. They also get the assurance that if they need long-term personal care or skilled nursing care, they’ll pay about half of what the average cost is for those who need those services and do not have LifeCare. Once people realize that we are not just selling a beautiful apartment, they understand that LifeCare provides financial security and can protect their assets.

The decision to move is for people who are ready to simplify now and are ready to plan for the future,” Eileen shares.

Hamilton Tower will feature ten newlydesigned floorplans and each unit will have a

patio or balcony. Designed purposefully to help people remain in their apartments as they age, specific details, including 36"-high countertops for eating, built out walls above the washers/dryers for easier shelf reach, drawers with pull out shelving, walk-in showers, and electrical plugs placed a little higher from the floors, are added for easier accessibility. The large floor plans offer either a 1288 square-foot, two bedroom/ two bathroom option or a 1752 square-foot two bedrooms/two-and-a half baths/den option.

To date, 55 of the 70 apartments in Hamilton are already reserved. And, the people who have reserved the apartments have been given access to many of the community’s amenities to acquaint them with Providence Point.

Next year around this time, they’ll be moving into their new homes. n See ad for Providence Point, a Baptist Homes Society community, on this page.

Future residents of Providence Point gather at the groundbreaking ceremony.

Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 87

Traveling with TODAY A two-dozen or so contingent associated with The Bible Chapel in McMurray traveled to Jerusalem this past April for a spiritual and educational tour of that area. The ancient walled-off city of Old Jerusalem, dating back to 1000 BC, is accessed only through its seven gates and is known for its wonders and miracles. With no natural resources, controversy over control of the city arises from conflicting religious points of view, including Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Some of the most sacred places for each of these Traveling with TODAY religions are found in Jerusalem Read the following criteria to find out how to and the one shared between all submit information. three is the Temple Mount. Taking • Clear, close-up photo of USC resident(s) along TODAY, the group, which holding his or her TODAY magazine. included seven residents from • Digital photo accepted.

USC, heard many lectures and • Attach jpg (at least 300 dpi) and send via email, visited many sites, one of which including required information (see below) in the was the Western Wall. n body of the email.

• 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.

• 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.

Bostonian Maura Connolly and Seattle resident Rene Folk doff their imaginary MTM tams.

88

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Grouped in front of the Western Wall, left to right, front row, are Susan Vilsack, Susan Shaffer, Olivia Shaffer; back row: Harry Vilsack, Doug Shaffer, Tunch Ilkin, and Tim Colussy. The Dome of Khalif (also know as the Dome of the Rock), built in 652 AD

by Muslim conquerors, is shown behind the wall to the left.

This structure was built on raised land where the Second Jewish Temple once stood.

While the calendar declared it was spring, it felt anything but that when TODAY traveled to Minneapolis this past March in search of a statue dedicated to

actress Mary Tyler Moore. Albeit a delayed 2018 spring, with lower than normal temperatures for many of the northern U. S. states, the single-digit, cold weather day kept an otherwise active crowd of onlookers away.

The ground-breaking television series The Mary Tyler Moore Show, which aired 1970–77, was about Mary Richards, the central character who broke the ’70s American stereotypical young female role by becoming a local television news producer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The sitcom’s eye-catching opening of the hat toss showed the young woman’s simple moment of joy, embracing her independence of a new job in a new city. When she threw her blue tam into the air, few could have predicted it would become a lasting image in television history.

In 2002, the hat toss moment was captured when a bronze statue dedicated to Moore was erected in downtown Minneapolis. For nearly three years (July Downtown Minneapolis statue dedicated to Mary Tyler Moore 2015–February 2018), the statue was temporarily relocated while the city undertook a lengthy renovation project of its downtown thoroughfare. Just before TODAY visited, Mary was placed back in her original spot of honor, emitting inspiration to walkers-by.

At the age of 80, Mary Tyler Moore passed away in January 2017. Gwendolyn Gillen, the Wisconsin artist who sculpted the Moore statue, died two days after Moore’s death, at the age of 76. n Plaque at the base of the statue Fall 2018

WINDOW & GUTTER CLEANING Over 20 Years Experience Dependable Service ♦ Reasonable Rates • Window Cleaning (Interior/exterior) • Gutter Cleaning • Pressure Washing • Snowplowing • Landscaping FULLY INSURED ♦ FREE ESTIMATES

412-726-0035 www.gswindowcleaning.com

412-606-6475

Registered Master Plumber NASSCO Certified Angie’s List Super Star Award A+ BBB Rating

Hydrojet

Drain cleaning

Plumbing fixture repair/replacement

Sewer line repair/ replacements

Water heaters

Video inspections Special Offer

$200 dye test/sewer lateral inspection Call 412-606-6475 for details.

PA109697

HP4065

NASSCO U-0118-070300189

Happenings!

Senior Health & Wellness Fair Baptist Homes Society will sponsor its fourth annual Senior Health & Wellness Fair. The fair will feature a senior fashion show, with Providence Point residents modeling merchandise from Baskin, Chico’s, Jezebel, and Talbots, and offer entertainment. Exhibitors will have information relating to health and wellness for Pittsburgh seniors. Information about the Providence Point expansion and its Hamilton Tower construction will also be available.

Date/Time: Tuesday, September 18, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Location: The Galleria of Mt. Lebanon, 1500 Washington Road

USC Band Festival Come to the annual band festival, and listen and watch the USC marching band and the other eight invited bands perform. See page 68 for more details and to check out other events sponsored by the USCBPA. Date/Time: Saturday, September 29, 7 p.m.

Location: USC High School stadium Craft Show USC softball boosters will hold a fall craft show, with gifts and handmade crafts from 50+ local businesses. Also offered will be a Chinese auction, bake sale, and face painting.

Date/Time: Saturday, November 10, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Location: Upper St. Clair High School

Fall 2018

“Joy of Christmas” Craft Show The DeMarillac Guild of St. Louise deMarillac parish will sponsor its annual “Joy of Christmas” craft show and feature 121 artists and crafters. It will include a bake sale and Chinese auction. Lunch and snacks are available for purchase.

Admission is $2 and includes a ticket for the auction. Due to the order of the USC fire marshall, strollers are not permitted.

Date/Time: Saturday, November 17, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Location: St. Louise deMarillac parish hall and school

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 89

Prof iles

of People with a USC Connection

Know of a resident to profile?

Send information to: Editor,

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 or usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us.

Local graphic designer Kyle Fasenmyer has been working freelance as a visual artist for the past five years. Originally graduating with a degree in multimedia design from Pittsburgh Technical Institute, he found that while experiencing the backend of development was interesting, his real love was for cartooning and illustration. Now working under the badge of KMF Designs he can do just that.

Kyle was always a kid with a pencil in his hand, eager to create something new. Because of this, he moved away from working on the backend code of development and helped create the visual ideas people want to present. Having worked Kyle Fasenmyer with various organizations, including Range Resources and Robert Morris University as a cartoonist, and frequently working on online educational

Maxwell Turnwald and Emily Altland

Two USC Scouts were honored earlier this year when Troop 228 of Bethel Park held its annual Court of Honor. During the ceremony, Life Scout Maxwell Turnwald and Venturing Scout Emily Altland were awarded the rare and prestigious National Medal for Outdoor Achievement. According to the Boy Scouts of America, the award, established in 2010, is the highest recognition that a Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Sea Scout, or Venturer can earn for exemplary achievement, experience, and skill in multiple areas of outdoor endeavor.

Maxwell is a student at Upper St. Clair High School. Emily, a USC resident, is a student at Virginia Tech University, studying electrical engineering. Both Maxwell and Emily had to demonstrate exemplary skills and knowledge in the six outdoor activities of camping, aquatics, conservation, hiking, riding, and adventure.

Sharon Moulds, Scout executive and CEO of the Laurel Highlands Council was on hand for the presentation of the award. Scout Master of Troop 228, Dave Kraska, has been instrumental in guiding the scouts and was one of the first Scout Masters in the Laurel Highlands Council to form a Venturing Crew, which is open to boys and girls ages 14 to 21. Emily was one of the first female Venture Scouts in Crew 228 and has excelled in outdoor adventure and leadership.

“I’m very proud of the accomplishments of these two young people and the dedication and effort they’ve put forth to earn this prestigious award,” said Dave. “The leadership skills they’ve learned will carry on with them for the rest of their lives.”

90

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

materials for ToolingU (based in Cleveland), Kyle continues to use his passion and drive, now through a digital medium.

Kyle grows his ideas and business by helping others do the same. In a world with autogenerated logos, cards, and cartoons, he finds it important to get his and other’s personal spin on ideas into the creative and business world.

Find some of Kyle’s work at his website, www.kylefasenmyer.com. See ad on page 21.

After marrying long-time USC resident Gavin Williams, Dr. Ashley Kittridge, has returned her practice to the South Hills of Pittsburgh to provide adult, pediatric, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology services in a unique practice environment. Kittridge Dermatology opened in July 2018 in Upper St. Clair and is the only dermatology practice in the Pittsburgh area offering services using a non-traditional, direct pay practice model.

As both a consumer and provider of healthcare, Dr. Kittridge is on both sides of the healthcare industry. It became obvious to her early on in her career that an engaged patient and a caring physician share the same goals: better Dr. Ashley Kittridge access to quality care at an affordable and transparent price.

Discouraged with the traditional healthcare model that creates barriers to reaching these goals, she decided to create a direct pay dermatology practice, eliminating government and private insurance from the healthcare equation. The restrictions that typically cause physicians in a traditional healthcare setting to be buried in nonsense work are removed through the direct care model, allowing Dr. Kittridge to spend her time where it really counts—with patients. The restoration of affordable, transparent, quality care is at the center of Kittridge Dermatology.

To learn more about Kittridge Dermatology, visit www.kittridgedermatology.com.

See ad on page 80.

Lauren Trocano, director of employee communications for Comcast’s Keystone region, was recently named a 2018 WICT Rising Leader by Women in Cable Telecommunications (WICT).

WICT’s Rising Leaders program is designed for industry professionals at the manager or director level who have demonstrated their potential and their desire for leadership and career advancement. During this intensive immersion program, participants take part in leadership analysis and case study, while expanding their cable business acumen.

Lauren, a USC resident, earned her BA in American studies from Notre Dame, and has served as a board member on the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair and the United Way of Allegheny County marketing committee. She is a “big” in Comcast’s workplace-based Big Lauren Trocano Brothers Big Sisters program.

Fall 2018

Angela Stevenson, art teacher at Streams Elementary, her twin brother, Dan Juliussen (both USCHS alumni), and Angela’s husband, Ian Stevenson, custodian at Boyce Middle School, worked together to open their business, 4A FLOW. Selling apparel that includes T-shirts, pop sockets, and clings, the company promotes its core principals of FLOW: family, love, optimism, and wellness.

Angela teaches her elementary students that their actions—big or small—can help make a difference in others. Simply sharing a smile or going out of one’s way to help others who may be struggling is always a topic of discussion in Angela’s art room. FLOW was inspired by Julius, Angela’s son, who was diagnosed with a chronic form of adult leukemia at age two and a half. Through FLOW, the threesome decided to make a difference by promoting positive messages through their designs to anyone going through their own struggles. FLOW’s goal is to also give back a portion of its proceeds to various inspiring organizations that primarily focus on helping cure illness or helping others.

To practice what Angela teaches her students, the company, which started with an idea, was officially launched this past May. Angela says that the only way to make a difference is to execute your ideas with action! Through FLOW, Angela would like to teach Left to right: Angela Stevenson, holding her students that they can do any- Simone (Angela and Ian’s daughter), Dan Juliussen, Julius (Angela and Ian’s son), thing they put their mind to.

Calabro Tire & Auto Service Family Owned Since 1941

(412) 221-4300

1476 Bower Hill Rd.

Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri 8:00am - 5:00pm; Sat. 8am - noon

www.calabrotire.com

This past May, Josh Whiteside, a 2004 USCHS graduate, became executive director of The Education Partnership. Since 2013, Josh served as the co-director and a founding member of Beverly’s Birthdays, a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit dedicated to providing birthday cheer for children experiencing homelessness and for families in need. In that role, he spearheaded fundraising and development, helping to raise over $1.5 million for the organization. During his tenure, the startup has grown to serve 20,000 children annually through five programs with a six-person staff.

Josh took the director reins from The Education Partnership’s founder, Justin Brown, who began the organization in 2009. Since then, with the help of 20,000 volunteers, including many from Upper St. Clair, The Education Partnership has distributed over $17 million in school and classroom supplies to nearly 200,000 students and 12,300 teachers in 365 schools. Partner school teachers select supplies from an abundant inventory at no cost during visits to the teacher resource center located in Pittsburgh’s West End. A graduate of Allegheny College, Josh and his wife, Lindsey, live in the Josh Whiteside Mt. Washington neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

To learn more about The Education Partnership, visit www.theeducationpartnership.org.

Fall 2018

GENUINE

SKILLED

PERSONABLE

REPUTABLE

SUCCESSFUL SELF-MOTIVATED

SOLD

LOYAL outgoing TRUSTING CLIENT-CENTERED PROACTIVE

Christopher Restivo

HONEST

sincere

SOLID

The first of an anticipated eight-part series, the book can be found on Amazon. For more information, visit www.dexturner.com.

WORDS TO BUY AND SELL BY R TO TIA GO NE

Christopher Restivo, a 1991 USC graduate who went on to graduate from the University of Michigan with a degree in civil engineering and from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Business, has self-published his first novel, written under the pen name Dex Turner.

Currently working for a Fortune 100 company, Chris took on writing as a hobby four years ago.

The novel, First Son, opens on a beach where a foreign-born American and his wife are mistaken for Vietnamese immigrants. A group of Vietnam-era veterans encounters them and proceeds to savagely brutalize them. The husband, a self-made millionaire, plots revenge on America using his first son. He plans a terroristic attack to rival or surpass 9/11. Dex Turner, a retired FBI special agent, is called out of retirement to lead a team of FBI and Homeland Security agents.

DRIVEN

and Ian Stevenson

LEIGH HARKREADER Coldwell Banker Realtor leigh.harkreader@gmail.com LEIGHHARKREADER.COM 412.833.5405 (o)

412.401.6389 (c)

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 91

Chess Anyone?

Goodbye Until Most goodbyes linger Some sting.

As the soft fragrance of a rose petal Or its piercing thorn, Each finds its place within to help or haunt.

In a foggy crevice of your distant memory Or simmering in your heart or Flowing through your veins, Again and again.

Left alone to struggle … .

Or departing to an adventure, a far distant shore Or an eternal life, separating body from soul.

Those goodbyes, yes, those you remember Expressed in a manner Sometimes unintended.

Goodbye … .

Until next time Or maybe always and forever.

Sting or linger.

We sometimes choose how it plays Without knowing what is to come.

Pray, pray again for linger Until next time, with love to endure.

Chess is fun, especially for Fort Couch Middle School student Trinity Murphy. At the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf chess tournament held this past June, Trinity placed first in the age 14–18 division, and her chess instructor and USC resident Eric Berthoud placed first in the senior division.

In the intermediate division at the 25th Western Pennsylvania Scholastic chess championship also held in June, Trinity placed fourth.

Congratulations to Trinity and Eric! n Trinity Murphy and Eric Berthoud

USC Students “Take the Cake” Community Day Bake-off Winners Announced

Fifteen years ago, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services started a bake-off for students in the Upper St. Clair School District as a means of being part of the annual tradition of the well-established USC Community Day festivities. Not only does the contest reward students for their cake decorating talents, but the activity of getting in the kitchen and baking is a great way for families to make their house a home.

“We are proud to be a part of USC Community Day, an event that provides residents with an activity-filled day to celebrate the community,” noted Leigh Harkreader. “This year, we had entrants in four of the five divisions for the bakeoff and we hope that more students will participate next year,” added Anita Crago.

Both Leigh and Anita (sales associates who are affiliated with the South Hills office of Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services) coordinated this year’s bake-off.

Bake-off entries included a unicorn, carousel, bowl of cereal, cacti, underwater creatures, swimming pool, sushi, and a football field. Winners of each category received a $50 prize. See a list of winning entries on page 27 under the bake-off information. n

—Ron Morosky

According to Ron, life’s ongoing challenges and recent movement among his family, friends, and colleagues to destinations near and far are captured in this photo taken from Pittsburgh’s Seventh Street bridge— flowing river, lonely bridge, hopeful sunset, flowers lingering, visibly alive—and was his inspiration for the poem.

92

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Left to right: Milo Hindman, Jim Donahoe, Hope Bassichis, Anita Crago, Sally Morrison, Leigh Harkreader, Carmela Viviano, Kathi Kernan, JoAnn Wiesen

See ad for Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services of the South Hills on the back cover, which also includes a photo of the bake-off event.

Fall 2018

Custom Made Window Treatments Roman shades, pillows, bedding and more.

draperies

valances

fabrics

trims and more

Vivian C. Dibrell (412) 344.3308 chasecustomcreations@gmail.com www.chasecustom.com

The next issue of

will arrive in November.

Until then...

Like us on Facebook and look for information about 15241.today.

What is Title Insurance “Why do I need title insurance?” a buyer might

ask. What is it for? Read on for some answers.

1. Title is your ownership right to a property. Having a “clear” title allows you, the buyer, to use and enjoy or modify the property you own as you wish.

2. Before the closing, the title company searches the public records to assure there are no outstanding liens or other encumbrances (sometime called “clouds” or “defects”) on the property you’re buying. If left undiscoverable, issues can arise after the closing is completed.

3. Your mortgage lender requires a lender’s insurance policy to protect them against such claims and the owner’s policy will protect you, too, in the same way.

4. The one-time fee you pay for title insurance will protect you from inheriting any previous owner’s debt, legal obligations, or other title problems. Title insurance will continue to protect you against any claims for as long as you own the property.

5. The closing process is the last step before getting the keys to your new home. Your owner’s title insurance policy will buy you the peace of mind you need in getting there. 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 8 years ® • Senior Real Estate lynn.dempsey@pittsburghmoves.com Specialist – SRES • Relocation specialist O: (412) 833-5405 x255 • 23 years of negotiation C: (412) 445-6264 & marketing experience • 35 years as a USC resident • Listing and Selling Agent

Lynn Dempsey, Realtor

CNMS, CNBS, CNIS

Lynn Dempsey, Realtor, Coldwell Banker Real Estate agent.

See ad on this page.

© 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.

Fall 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 93

Getting Water Wasn’t as Easy as 1, 2, 3!

In the days before a faucet brought water to the kitchen sink, laundry room, or bathtub, getting water for everyday tasks took some elbow grease. Water pumps, such as those shown here, drew water from wells or rain collecting cisterns. Once collected, buckets of water were hauled indoors and often heated on the kitchen stove. These labor-intensive tasks made jobs, like laundry day, truly an all-day affair. While most of these pumps are now maintained for their ornamental value, they are a reminder of what a luxury indoor plumbing must have been for previous generations of Upper St. Clair residents. n Photo courtesy of the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair. If you have genealogy questions or old USC photos to share, email president@hsusc.org.

Are You at Risk for a Stroke?

John D’Angelo, Tri-Community South EMS Strokes occur when blood flow to the brain

is interrupted, and, as a result, brain cells begin to die.

The most recent national statistics list stroke as the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. Strokes kill nearly 133,000 Americans every year and incapacitate many more. To determine if you are at risk for a stroke, answer the following questions as either true (T) or false (F).

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

I am over 50 years old.

I am a female.

I am of Hispanic or African-American descent.

My mother and/or my father had a stroke.

I have high blood pressure (hypertension).

I have high cholesterol.

I am overweight.

I do not exercise regularly.

I smoke.

I average more than two alcoholic drinks/day.

I am diabetic.

I use illegal drugs, such as heroin and cocaine.

T___ F___ T___ F___ T___ F___ T___ F___ T___ F___ T___ F___ T___ F___ T___ F___ T___ F___ T___ F___ T___ F___ T___ F___

As you probably already ascertained, the more “True” answers you checked, the higher your risk for a stroke. Statements 1–4 pertain to items that an individual cannot alter, but answering “True” for any of those four put you at a higher risk for a stroke. The remainder of the statements (5–12), however, all relate in varying degrees to lifestyle choices, and all of these can be changed from “True” to “False” to help lower your risk factors for a stroke.

Perhaps the most important risk factor is the fifth one: high blood pressure (hypertension). It is the leading cause of strokes. The most recent research into hypertension set the hypertensive threshold at 130/80. If your blood pressure readings are consistently at or above this threshold, you should immediately seek advice from your healthcare provider concerning ways to reduce that number.

So, how many “True” answers did you have? If you scored six or more of the statements as “True,” you should seek advice from a medical professional and set up a plan to reduce as many of the risk factors as possible.

It may be the only attainable way to prevent your disability or premature death. n 94

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2018

Water pump on USC’s Gilfillan farm

Pump from USC’s Delach property Regelin water pump converted into a mailbox Help and Hope in Many Forms continued from page 81

feel ashamed and misunderstood. The stigma is a form of discrimination that causes people to be devalued by others in their communities, workplaces, and even families. According to National Alliance on Mental Illness, 60% of adults with treatable mental illness are not receiving treatment, and stigma is a major factor.

“Secrecy and stigma are enormous problems,” says Dyan Conaway, RN, mental health nurse, St. Clair Hospital. “The stigma of mental illness stops people from getting the help they need. Because of it, they delay getting help, and then it’s hard to get an appointment. What began as mild depression can intensify and become suicidal thoughts.”

Duba Weinstein, BS, OTR/L, psychiatric occupational therapist, St. Clair Hospital, says that patients begin to believe the stigma. “They feel ashamed and the shame seeps into their sense of self. One of the tools in our Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) is a segment on how not to take other people’s uninformed comments personally, even when it is your loved ones saying these things.”

While some believe that there has been progress, there is still a long way to go, says St. Clair Hospital psychiatrist Jacob W. McBride, DO. “Stigma needs to be addressed as a matter of public policy.

It’s helpful when celebrities speak out, as former Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw did when he spoke about his struggles with depression and became a champion for removing the stigma of mental illness.” Psychiatrist Bruce A. Wright, MD, chair of St. Clair Hospital’s Department of Psychiatry, adds, “People don’t talk about mental illness because of the stigma. Unfortunately, people do judge and label those with mental illness. When people are open about mental illness, it helps erase the stigma and encourages others who may be affected to also seek help.” n For more information on psychiatry and mental health services at St. Clair Hospital, call 412-942-4860.

Need to see a doctor?

Get in line, online.

When you need to see a St. Clair Urgent Care physician, why sit in the waiting room when you can wait in your own home or office? Reserve your check-in time, in advance, online at stclair.org/urgent-care.

1. Visit stclair.org/urgent-care.

2. Click the link to get in line.

3. Choose your check-in time. a text message when 4. Receive it’s time to arrive.

It’s urgent care from a hospital known as a national leader in quality, patient safety, patient satisfaction and value.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK, 365 DAYS A YEAR 9 A.M.—9 P.M. (9 A.M.—5 P.M. ON MAJOR HOLIDAYS)

ST. CLAIR HOSPITAL OUTPATIENT CENTER—VILLAGE SQUARE 2000 Oxford Drive • Bethel Park, PA 15102 • 412.942.8800

WALK-IN PATIENTS WELCOME MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED

Advertiser Index www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home

Fall 2018

Advertiser

Page

Advertiser

Page

Affordable Decks and Additions .............................................................. 93 * Angelo Associates ................................................................................... 65 Arbor Tree Specialist, Inc. ...........................................................................2 Asbury Heights ....................................................................................... 79 Ballet Academy of Pittsburgh .................................................................. 59 Benjamin Marcus Homes/Siena at St. Clair ...............................................7 * Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, The Preferred Realty, Rt. 19 South ....3 BISTECCA – STEAKHOUSE – WINEBAR ..................................................... 53 Brookside Lumber ................................................................................... 69 * Calabro Tire & Auto Service ..................................................................... 91 Chase Custom Creations ......................................................................... 93 Chinese Acupuncture & Herbs Center, LLC .............................................. 82 Cirigliano Plumbing ............................................................................... 89 Citizens Bank Children’s Theater ............................................................. 77 * Coldwell Banker–The South Hills Office ......................... Back outside cover Coldwell Banker–Lynn Dempsey ............................................................. 93 Coldwell Banker–Leigh Harkreader ........................................................ 91 Coldwell Banker–Dora Rudick ................................................................. 19 * Cupelli & Cupelli, Drs. ............................................................................. 31 Davey Tree and Lawn Care ....................................................................... 69 EQT Bridge Theater Series ....................................................................... 77

* Howard Hanna–Diane Horvath ............................................................... 63 Jacksons Restaurant + Bar ..................................................................... 53 KMF Designs ........................................................................................... 21 * Keller Williams–Sandy and Marshall Goldstein ...................................... 31 * Kerr Family and Cosmetic Dentistry ........................................................ 44 Kittridge Dermatology ............................................................................ 80 Little Lake Theatre Company ................................................................... 76 * Manalo, Larry E., D.M.D. .......................................................................... 44 Mister Sewer .................................................................. Front cover, 10, 11 Movement Mortgage–Kevin O’Laughlin ................................................. 19 Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center .............................................................. 83 * Pinebridge Commons Associates ............................................................ 44 Preferred Drapery & Blinds ..................................................................... 37 * Providence Point, a Baptist Homes Society community .......................... 87 * Rusmur Floors .................................................................. Back inside cover St. Clair Fitness ........................................................................................ 81 * St. Clair Hospital ..................................................................................5, 95 St. Clair Plastic Surgery Associates .......................................................... 81 * Scott Bros. Windows and Doors .............................................................. 33 * Sesame Inn ............................................................................................. 53 South Hills Endoscopy Center ....................................................................1

Extended Day Services ............................................................................ 76 G’s Window and Gutter Cleaning ............................................................ 89 Goldfish Swim School ............................................................................. 78 Greater Pittsburgh Plumbing .................................................................. 65 Gregor Roofing Company, Inc. ................................................................ 63 * Howard Hanna USC Office .............................................. Front inside cover * Howard Hanna–Susan Highley ............................................................... 21

Southwest Gastroenterology Associates ....................................................9 * State Farm Insurance–Cindy Brophy ....................................................... 77 * Thomas Dance Studio ............................................................................. 83 Torrente at Upper St. Clair–Luxury Apartments ....................................... 13 Troy Orthodontics .................................................................................... 44 Washington Health System .................................................................... 82 * Wellington Real Estate–Patty Thomas & Rebecca Lutz ............................ 15

What They Said The mission of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY resonates with me, and the magazine’s staff and volunteer contributors are a most generous, loyal group of people who provide for our community in many ways.

Through this position, I learn and pass along things that are happening in USC and I appreciate the opportune lifestyle that the Township and School District strive to offer. Many thanks to our advertisers who lend their support for a product we are honored to craft and deliver to our residents.

—Linda Dudzinski, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Editor

The fall 2018 edition of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a great opportunity to advertise in USC’s biennial Residential Guide 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 47 issues. Thank you.

Let guide you the rest of the year with great ad placement.

Give us a call!

96

Winter Guides

Holiday and Life Planning UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, the award-winning, official publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair

412-833-1600 x 2284 www.twpusc.org

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall 2018

usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us Follow us on Facebook

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

1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

This magazine was printed on recycled paper.

COLDWELL BANKER WE MOVE UPPER ST. CLAIR

Hope Bassichis

Noel Bliman

Mary Lou Borchert

Anita Crago

Barbara Cusick

Lynn Dempsey

Janine Dillon

The John Geisler Team John Geisler | Michael Hornick | Carmela Viviano

Thanks and Congratulations to All the Chefs at Our 15th Annual Community Day Bake-Off! Elaine Goldblum

Genie Gooding

Leigh Harkreader

Nancy Heffernan

Judy Hlister

Kathi Kernan

Maria Lane

Kim Lanphear

Julie Leslie

Ron Loncharich

Julie Puzausky

Dora Rudick

Kathy Sekeras

Laura Simon

Jane York

Milo Hindman Manager

Don’t miss us at community events throughout the year!

Diane Snyder

Mary Torchia

Jim Walsh

Mary Ann Wellener

Julie Welter

Faith Williard

ColdwellBankerHomes.com/SOUTHHILLS South Hills | 1630 Washington Road | Pittsburgh, PA 15241 | 412.833.5405 Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. Š2018 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. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 383429PIT_6/18