SPRING 2010
...Rolls Out the Royal Carpet to Celebrate!
Gloria Schucolsky
Bill Russo
Senior Vice President Southwest Regional Manager
Vice President USC Sales Manager
Lynne Bingham
Chris Burek
Maureen Cavanaugh
Leanne Dresmich
Bob Ellison
Gigi Falvo
Paul Giba
Shirley Goyette
Janet Hensler
Connie Hickey
Susan Highley
Diane Horvath
Marie Mageras
Frank Maimone
Kathy McCloskey
Richard Moore
Patty Morgan
Mary Kay O’Hare
Mary Sapienza
Lynn Sawyer Voelker
Coral Stengel
Sandy Swasey
Suzy Voss
Regional Mortgage Broker
Regina Quinn
IT’S TIME WE REDEFINED H O N O R S T U D E N T. Today’s world demands a definition that encompasses more than academic success. It requires a “transcript” that demonstrates the ability to do the right thing as well as the smart thing. A high grade point average alone will not guarantee a successful career or a purposeful life. This is the very reason why California University of Pennsylvania has, for more than 150 years, dedicated itself to preparing students for both fulfilling careers and meaningful lives. We do more than pay lip service to our core values of integrity, civility and responsibility. We integrate them into the classroom, campus activities and everyday student life. These values are fostered by faculty who devote time and personal attention to help motivate, inspire and bring out the best in every man and woman who studies here. So our students graduate with more than academic kudos and a diploma to show for their efforts. They graduate with a different degree of honor. For livelihood. And for life. That is our mission and our difference. Building Character. Building Careers.
California University of Pennsylvania w w w.calu.edu A proud member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Spring 2010
CALU
“The Official Publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair” Spring 2010
•
Volume 16
•
Issue 1
Features and Around the Township 14 Our Community Magazine Celebrates Its Sweet Sixteenth
Sixteen years of publication, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY remains proud to serve. (See also “Well Wishing Remarks,” page 46.)
Erin Gibson Allen shares her top ten tips for successful grocery shopping.
A Minnesota Twin, Kevin recounts his path to the majors.
Making significant contributions, the CF follows its mission of community support.
Thirty-one young women from USC are honored for their volunteer service.
22
can you dig
Gardens— Gilfillan’s
it?
20 From Here
24 Kevin Slowey—In Control
76 The Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair Serves the Community 80 Medallion Ball 2009
School District
USC are he Arts at
34 T
30 Meet our new Board of School Directors
Bruce Kerman and Lou Mafrice share their thoughts.
Each year, USCHS celebrates global diversity in an educational environment.
Moving forward to serve the future, and asking how our middle schoolers “see it.”
A regional math competition where, for two decades, USC gives a total team effort.
Read highlights about each of our USC schools.
ght
shining bri
32 2009 International Education Week
40 The Middle Schools’ Renovation Projects 43 Calcu-Solve Celebrates 20 Years 44 Pawprints
Township
51 Meet our New Board of Commissioners
Mark Christie, Mark Hamilton, and Dan Paoly accept the role to serve.
Township Manager Matthew Serakowski is penned in U.S. News and World Report.
Read the budgetary highlights and fiscal information from our Township.
Brad Childs, a new member of the VFD, wants you to “know us” a little better.
Activities abound in and around the C&RC. Enjoy the C&RC with the free guest pass on page 65.
C Township
es at US s and class
52 A Blessed Community and a Top Ten Honor!
58 Program
54 Department of Finance Shares Information
Library
61 Getting to Know the Volunteers at the USCVFD 64 What’s New at the C&RC?
Guides
16 Celebration 68 Home Improvement 91 Dining
Cover
view Park
oyce May ounty of B
63 B
Fall Fest
10 Celebrating 50 years in the flooring business, the spring 2010 cover of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is underwritten by Rusmur Floors Carpet One. Started in 1960 by patriarch Dick Murray and carried on by his children, Rusmur Floors is a significant flooring retailer and wholesaler that has strong roots in Upper St. Clair. See article on pages 10 and 11. Cover photograph provided by Garry Raymond of Raymond’s Photography, Tarentum. Spring 2010
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
3
Celebrates 16 Years “The Official Publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair” Publishers Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole Superintendent of Schools
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a community magazine that is dedicated to promoting the Township and
School District of Upper St. Clair by recognizing the gifts and contributions of the people who live and work here. With this issue, we celebrate 16 years of publication.
The 61 st 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.
Steering Committee Mark S. Mansfield Assistant Township Manager Paul K. Fox School District Representative Editors and Staff Linda M. Dudzinski, Editor-in-Chief Terry Kish, Associate Editor Colleen DeMarco, Office Manager Andrew McCreery, Finance Lynn Dempsey, Senior Advertising Associate Erin Gibson Allen, Advertising Associate Alison Hess, Advertising Associate Julie Sweet, Advertising Associate Thank you to our volunteer contributors this issue: Erin Gibson Allen, Claire Aloe, Dana Barone, Judith Browne, Brad Childs, Sue Clark, Sarah Collins (YWG), Cathy Davin, Paul Fox, Dina Fulmer, Shannon Gallagher (YWG), Susan Glod, Erin Graham (YWG), Wayne Herrod, Kathleen Himler, David Hoedeman, Douglas Kirchner, Jeff Krantz, Steve Levine, Rachel Lowden, Regis McQuaide, Jim Meston, Congressman Tim Murphy, Chrysann Panos, Don Pickell, Lauren Quintero (YWG), Laura Reid Riggin, Michele Scureman, Maria Simon, Rebecca Smith, Mary Lynne Spazok, Ben Spock (YWG), Deatrah Stott (YWG), Virginia White (YWG) The 61st issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a joint publication of the Township and School District of Upper St. Clair. © Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this magazine, in print or web version, in whole or in part, without the express written consent of the Editor is strictly prohibited. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Phone: 412-833-1600, extension 2284 Fax: 412-851-2592 Email: usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY staff members, left to right, front row: Alison Hess, Lynn Dempsey, Julie Sweet, Erin Gibson
Allen; back row: Linda Dudzinski, Terry Kish, Colleen DeMarco, Andrew McCreery, Mark Mansfield, Paul Fox
Board of School Directors
Township Board of Commissioners
Amy L. Billerbeck, President Harry F. Kunselman, Vice President Barbara L. Bolas Frank J. Kerber Bruce L. Kerman Louis P. Mafrice, Jr. Angela B. Petersen Louis A. Piconi Rebecca A. Stern
Robert W. Orchowski, President, Ward 3 Glenn R. Dandoy, Vice President, At Large Preston W. Shimer, Ward 1 Mark R. Hamilton, Ward 2 Mark D. Christie, Ward 4 Russell R. Del Re, Ward 5 Daniel R. Paoly, At Large
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a non-partisan Township, School District, and community magazine. Political advertising and political commentary are not accepted. The publishers of this magazine reserve the right to reject advertising or articles inconsistent with the objectives, image, and aesthetic standards of the magazine. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine is published and mailed quarterly to residents and businesses in
Upper St. Clair. Extra copies of the magazine are available at the Township of Upper St. Clair Municipal Building and Township Library. If you did not receive a copy in the mail, please call 412-833-1600, extension 2284.
The next issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY will be the Summer 2010 issue and will be published in May 2010. Articles that were submitted but not published in this issue are on file for consideration in upcoming issues. Articles and announcements may be sent to: Editor, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 or email UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, at usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us. Subscription Information If you know someone living outside the Township who would enjoy receiving UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, please send $12 to cover mailing and handling for the next four issues with name and address, including zip code, to our address listed to the left. Add $10 to cover international mailings.
Article Information
Editor-in-Chief Linda Dudzinski–phone: 412-833-1600, extension 2681
Township: 412-831-9000 School District: 412-833-1600 Printed by Herrmann Printing & Litho, Inc. 1709 Douglass Drive • Pittsburgh, PA 15221 412-243-4100 • Fax: 412-731-2268 Design by DMC Design 412-824-7844 • www.dmcdesign.com 4
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Advertising Information
Office Manager Colleen DeMarco–phone: 412-833-1600, extension 2284 fax: 412-851-2592
Website www.twpusc.org/magazine Spring 2010
Email usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us
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"The Official Publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair"
Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole
Matthew R. Serakowski
Welcome to the spring 2010 edition of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, which highlights a special celebration. What’s so special? While each of the 61 issues we’ve produced over the years holds significant value, we are especially proud to announce our 16-year milestone of community service with this edition. To honor our sweet sixteenth, we reflect on why this publication began and why we have stood the test of time. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY premiered in 1994 when the School District and the Township together desired to provide a public service communication vehicle unlike any other in the area. A collaborative effort, it began as a newsworthy magazine of both the Township of Upper St. Clair and the Upper St. Clair School District to promote and recognize those who live and work here. Over the years, this publication has never strayed from its original mission nor its commitment to providing its citizens with quality and timely information. Why do we remain a valuable asset today? Not only do we strive to fulfill your needs for information, but you provide the principle source of this information. You have given us stories to write about in our community, in our schools, and about our residents, doing so with a volunteer spirit unlike any other. This community is filled with generous people who become involved and step up time and again to lend a helping hand. While any publication would be worthless without accurate, timely news and a keen sense for entertainment value, it would cease to exist without a steady stream of revenue. When you have the opportunity, please call upon our advertisers who support this publication (see Advertiser Index, page 92). Because of our loyal advertisers’ financial backing, this magazine remains selfsustaining and without tax consequence to the citizenry of Upper St. Clair. So you see, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY and its dedicated staff is truly a unique collaboration of those who call Upper St. Clair “home.” No other publication can make this claim. Rest assured, we are home and we are happy to be here today and for many years to come. Please join us in our celebration!
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager
Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole Superintendent of Schools
Township of Upper St. Clair 412-831-9000 Fax: 412-831-9882 Website: www.twpusc.org Email: uscadmin@twpusc.org
Upper St. Clair School District 412-833-1600 Fax: 412-833-5535 Website: www.uscsd.k12.pa.us Email: info@uscsd.k12.pa.us
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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In Memoriam— TODAY Pays Tribute to Douglas A. Watkins
Prior to his retirement in 2008, Douglas A. Watkins, a strong, visionary person, dedicated 26 outstanding years to the Township of Upper St. Clair as township manager. After an extended illness, Mr. Watkins passed away January 1, 2010. As township manager, his attention to detail and dedication to delivering top notch community services was unequaled. He often resolved conflicts by facilitating discussion among the parties, defining and focusing on what was best for the community, and finding the resources and tools to help solve problems. Doug showed concern for all residents and he diligently looked after the health, safety, and welfare of the community. Doug recruited and developed a resourceful team to affect positive change, while maintaining efficient and cost-effective government. He administered ordinances and policies of our local government, maintaining high standards. The creation of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine, to feature Upper St. Clair as an excellent place in which to live, work, and rear a family, was just one of many innovations and improvements occurring under his administration. To family members, especially Clare Watkins, Doug’s wife of 33 years, their children, Douglas Jr. and Kristi Watkins, Elizabeth and Eric Anibaldi, and Emily and Anthony Tomaino, and five grandchildren, we extend our most sincere sympathy for the loss of your loved one. Upper St. Clair Township will long remember Douglas A. Watkins for his lasting mark on our comClare and Doug Watkins surrounded by their munity and all of its residents. n loving grandchildren.
Lois Lemmert Hoop 05/05/1934–12/31/2009
Lois Hoop served as Director of the USC Township Library from 1993 to 2008. Under Lois’ professional leadership the library experienced a period of stability and consistent growth and developed into a valued community and regional resource. In 1994, Lois transitioned the library into the computer age with its first automated library catalog and in 2006 oversaw the library’s merger with the county eiNetwork, bringing the resources of all Allegheny County libraries into USC’s library. Under her direction, the size of the library collection increased from 69,000 to over 100,000 items, and yearly circulation increased by 80% during that time. Lois developed excellent working relationships with patrons and created and nurtured a warm and welcoming environment where all Upper St. Clair residents are treated respectfully, and their informational and recreational needs are readily fulfilled by competent, professional, and caring staff. These efforts have contributed to the quality of life in the Township of Upper St. Clair, and the library staff intends to honor her memory by continuing her excellent work. n 8
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Spring 2010
U. S. House of Representatives
Timothy F. Murphy
U.S. Congressman for the 18th District of Pennsylvania 322 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515 • Phone: 202-225-2301 • Fax: 202-225-1844 504 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15228 • Phone: 412-344-5583 • Fax: 412-429-5092 Website: http://murphy.house.gov
Email: murphy@mail.house.gov
Local Manufacturers Key to Job Creation
Southwestern Pennsylvania has emerged as a global leader in healthcare, energy, and advanced technology. Much of the area’s top research and development effort takes place in small and mid-sized manufacturers, employing hundreds of thousands of workers. Our manufacturing base is the key to a strong local economy. Since the recession began, however, two million jobs have been lost in the manufacturing sector nationwide. As a result, Congress is focusing on jobcreating policies and programs to rebuild our industrial and manufacturing sector. One such program with a track record of success is the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), which provides educational services and training designed to maintain the long-term success and competitiveness of American manufacturers. It is a cooperative effort between federal and state governments, and industry which helps to create and retain more than 57,000 jobs each year.
MEP operates out of service centers located throughout the country, including Catalyst Connection in Pittsburgh. In 2009, Catalyst Connection helped create and retain more than 885 jobs and assisted local manufacturers in saving $15.5 million and making investments of $19 million. Overall, Catalyst Connection has assisted more than 1200 local manufacturers. In Upper St. Clair for example, Catalyst Connection helped A Basket of Pittsburgh refigure the company’s layout to improve production. Other local clients include Miller Centrifugal in Cecil, Universal Electric in Canonsburg, and Process Combustion Corp. in Bethel Park. MEP is a proven success for local manufacturers. The cost of the MEP program is split among the federal government, state governments, and industry participants. With many states struggling with budgets, however, state funding for the MEP has been cut, forcing the MEP to cut the resources and services avail-
able to area manufacturers. This reduces the number of manufacturers that can benefit from the program and puts at risk the effectiveness of the program. To keep the MEP program going strong, I recently joined with several colleagues to introduce legislation, H.R. 4393, to relieve the burden on small manufacturers by lowering the amount of funding required to match for MEP. This will allow manufacturers to spend more money on hiring, benefits, and investments, while continuing the overall success of MEP. Strengthening manufacturers will help rebuild the economy, create jobs, and provide a strong foundation for future development. Visit www.murphy.house.gov for updates on this legislation and other job creating initiatives in Congress. While there, you can also sign up for my e-newsletter to receive updates by email. n
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
9
Rusmur Floors— Celebrating 50 Years! Robert Parknavy
In Western Pennsylvania, the year 1960 was extraordinary and memorable. On a sunny October afternoon in 1960, Bill Mazeroski hit what some claim to be the most exciting home run in World Series history. Equally remarkable to the Murray family that same year in March, Dick Murray opened Rusmur Floors on Washington Avenue in Bridgeville, and the best was yet to come. Rest assured that Dick Murray and his late wife, Jane, had no idea that their family of six children would grow the small start up flooring business into the largest family-owned flooring business in Pennsylvania and one of the top 50 in the United States. In fact, since 1960 Rusmur Floors Carpet One has completed over 250,000 residential and commercial flooring installations. From what started in 1960, Rusmur Floors Carpet One now includes a large warehouse and five retail locations throughout western Pennsylvania, along with a retail location and warehouse in Cincinnati and an affiliate retail store in State College. Members of the Murray family and Rusmur employees almost daily answer the question “Where does the name Rusmur come from?” Here begins the Rusmur legacy. In 1960, Dick Murray worked for a flooring company in Pittsburgh’s up-town area. He noticed many new homes being constructed in suburban neighborhoods around Pittsburgh and recognized an opportunity to open his own business in the industry. Bridgeville News
partner with him in this new venture. In March 1960 and combining portions of the names Russell and Murray, Rusmur Floors was born and began its path to great success. Dick Murray has always had keen instincts about business and the character of people. Wanting to become a part of the 60s housing boom, one afternoon in 1962 Dick loaded up the family station wagon and made a sales call to Ed Ryan at Ryan Homes. At the conclusion of Dick’s meeting with Ed, Ed looked at Dick and asked him for a ride home. Dick thought this a bit strange, but granted Ed’s request. Upon opening the door to the Murray station wagon, Dick shuffled around the carload of flooring samples amongst his children’s various belongings. Immediately recognizing that this car was one that belonged to a hard working business and family man, Ed Ryan gave Dick Murray the opportunity to become the flooring supplier for Ryan Homes. Forty-eight years later, Rusmur Floors and the Murray family continue to supply floor coverings for the entire Pittsburgh area of Ryan Homes. With Ryan Homes expanding in markets beyond the tri-state area, Dick and Frank established a Rusmur Floors facility in Rochester, New York, to service the Ryan Homes team in that area.
April 28, 1960
Frank Russell and Dick Murray in the original Washington Avenue showroom in 1963
Jane, a strong and supportive wife, urged Dick to leave his current job and open his own flooring business—even with four children at home under age nine and little working capital. With Jane’s insistence, Dick took out a second mortgage on their house, and the next day went into work and quit his job. On his way out-the-door, co-worker Frank Russell approached Dick to ask what he was doing. Frank persuaded Dick to take him along and 10
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Spring 2010
In 1971, after a prosperous 11 years together, Dick Murray and Frank Russell amicably parted ways and separated their partnership. Frank kept the Rochester location; Dick kept the Bridgeville store. For the next 35 years, Dick and Frank remained the best of friends and stayed in touch until Frank’s death in 2006. Dick Murray often told his children that they would not be forced to work in the family business, but rather the family
business offered them an opportunity. Today, all six of Dick’s children (who live in Upper St. Clair with their own families)— Debi McCall and brothers Rick, Dave, Jim, John, and Tom—have taken that opportunity to be active in the daily management of Rusmur Floors Carpet One. In fact, the Murray family has grown to include 17 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. With some of the Murray grandchildren now working in the business, Rusmur Floors employs three generations of Murrays, something almost unheard of in today’s business world. The roots of the Murray family run deep in the South Hills. They are extremely active in school activities, athletic programs for the youth of Upper St. Clair (see article on page 12), and various regional civic organizations, including the YMCA and Camp Kon-O-Kwee, the Washington County division of Habitat for Humanity, the National Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and many others. A fundraiser very special to the entire Murray family was the annual “Noonan” golf outing held in memory of longtime Rusmur employee Bill Noonan. Over a nine-year period, the outing and the Murray family raised and contributed enough money to financially support the education of all three of Bill’s children at Duquesne University. Rusmur Floors Carpet One’s success is no accident. Everyone in the family and in the business understands and believes in the philosophy that Dick Murray started in 1960: “Provide customers with quality products, fair value, and first-class service.” In a recent conversation, Rick Murray stated that “Our slogan of ‘You Stand on Our Good Name Every Day!’ is not just words. It’s the philosophy we’ve built our business on.” Rick’s sister, Debi, was quick to add, “What our dad said to us as kids still stands true today: ‘Treat people the way you want to be treated and you will be successful.’ ” The Rusmur Floors Carpet One philosophy is evident. Besides the thousands of repeat retail customers over the years, Rusmur Floors Carpet One also satisfies the needs of interior designers, residential and commercial developers, and numerous institutional facilities. In fact, anyone that has visited and walked through the new Community & Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park is indeed walking on a quality installation project performed by Rusmur Floors Carpet One. Every flooring product in the facility was supplied and professionally installed by Rusmur Floors Carpet One. When one sees the beautiful work that Rusmur Floors Carpet One does every day, it’s evident that they not only use superior materials, but that their craftsmen, installers, and managers are well trained and standouts in the industry. In other words, it’s not just the products… it’s the people, too! “The fact that we have an extremely low employee turnover rate reflects on our commitment to our people… a commitment not just in pay and benefits, but also in educating them about new products and training them to be the best in the business,” says Dave Murray. Brother Tom Murray added, “Many of our employees have been with us for 25, 30, and even 40 years.” Tom continued, “In fact, better than half of our current staff has been a part of our family business for more than ten years.” Rusmur Floors Carpet One offers an incredible array of flooring products including carpet, area rugs, ceramic, vinyl, hardwood, laminate flooring, and more and they’re constantly introducing the newest and latest materials to their customers. In a recent visit to the Bridgeville store and company headquarters, brother John Murray was viewing a vendor’s samples. “While we
pride ourselves on our reputation with our customers, we equally pride ourselves on our reputation with our suppliers and vendors. By treating our vendors the same way we want to be treated, they often allow Rusmur Floors to be the first in our region to offer their newest and latest flooring products.” Because of this relationship, Rusmur Floors Carpet One continually exceeds its customers’ expectations by providing new and fresh products and services. The Rusmur Floors Carpet One warehouse is located south on Mayview Road in Lawrence. On any given day, it is stocked with over $5 million of the newest and latest flooring products in every style and color imaginable. Not only is its warehouse the pulse of the company’s daily installation activities, but twice a year it turns into a retail mecca for flooring bargain hunters looking to save up to 70% off various flooring products. Brother Jim Murray, who manages the warehouse crews, points out, “Quickly turning the warehouse from a wholesale location into a retail facility can be a little crazy. But when we see customers leave the Rusmur Warehouse Sale with smiles on their faces, we know that’s what it’s all about.” In today’s retail environment where consumers have a multitude of options, perhaps the satisfaction of seeing customers leave one of the Murray’s Rusmur Floors Carpet One stores with a purchase and a smile is really what it’s all about. Now celebrating 50 years in the flooring business, Dick Murray and the entire Murray family’s long-lived motto continues to ring true… “You Stand on Our Good Name Every Day!” n
On the Winter 1999 cover of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, sponsored by Rusmur Floors Carpet One, are members of the Murray family.
Rusmur Floors Carpet One 500 Station Street Bridgeville, PA 15017 Store Hours: M-W-F 9AM-9PM, T-T-S 9AM-5PM 412-221-6366 www.rusmurfloors.com Spring 2010
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
11
The Murray Family—Talkin’ Baseball for Twenty Years
Tom Murray and son, TJ, in 2004 after USC won the 9-10 age group Bridgeville tournament.
Wayne Herrod
You can’t spell Upper St. Clair
youth baseball with the letters “M,” “U,” “R,” “R,” “A,” and “Y,” but when you put them together to spell “MURRAY” you know that youth baseball in Upper St. Clair wouldn’t be the same without the Murray family. For the past 20 years, at least one of the Murray brothers has acted as baseball commissioner for USC’s youth program. David Murray held the commissioner post from 1992-2002; Rick from 2003-2007; and Tom took over in 2008 and remains commissioner today. Brothers Jimmy and John worked as coaches and managers and have been invaluable with their behind the scenes involvement. Paul Besterman, USC Township’s director of Recreation and Leisure Services, has been directly involved with the program for ten years. “The Murray family’s commitment to youth baseball in this or any other community is second to none,” said Paul. “Their involvement is ongoing and is unprecedented in our community. They have added stability and leadership to the Upper St. Clair Athletic Association’s baseball program. USC’s youth baseball program is a direct result of the Murrays’ passion for the sport and for the youth of our township.”
Sean Casey, retired major league baseball player turned baseball analyst, had this to say about the importance of a community’s youth recreation baseball program. “It is very important to have this sort of program, keeping the boys’ interest as they go from level to level. Some of my fondest memories are from rec ball, and I still maintain friendships from those days. As a matter of fact, 1968 USC Pony League All Stars, including Dave Murray the USC 12-year-old travel team I (front row, second person from left) and Rick Murray played on stayed together through (back row, second person from left) high school, with most also playing on the 1992 WPIAL championship Rick Murray talked about his six years team.” at the helm. “The biggest improvements David Murray summed up the family’s I’ve seen over the years are the new facilipassion for the program. “It’s very simple. ties and the upgrading of the existing ones. There have always been great people in- Some of the upgrades include lights (now volved in this program and it has always the kids can play longer, which means been a work of love. My goal was to always more playing time), more and better fields, look out for the kids. This program is not and increased attention to the maintenance about parents, only kids and baseball. My of all of the facilities. USC Township has main goal, and that of the USCAA, was to been marvelous to the association and get as many kids playing as many sports as should be commended. We’ve always tried possible. That is why there is one athletic to stay ahead of the curve and be the model association with one commissioner for program for other communities, not the each sport (football, baseball, basketball, other way around. Everyone involved, from etc.). The cooperation among the commis- board members to coaches to parents, has sioners has been outstanding.” always worked hard to make it work well.”
A Walk to Remember
Nothing is more devastating for parents than the loss of a child, and for those who lose a child through stillbirth, miscarriage, or shortly after birth, it can be especially difficult because their child’s life was so brief. Upper St. Clair resident Debbie Carse, RN, MSN, and the clinical educator at St. Clair Hospital’s Center for Women and Children, said that it is important to acknowledge that the child’s life happened, even if it was brief. “The grief process is not just what you lost, but remembering what you had.” St. Clair Hospital and Hugs for Healing Hearts, a pregnancy loss support group at the hospital, sponsored the second annual Pregnancy and Infant Loss Memorial Wa l k o n October 10 at Boyce Mayview Park to help support parents who have been 12
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Spring 2010
through this type of loss. October is designated as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Month, and the walk was just one of many activities scheduled throughout the world. Participants in this year’s walk met at Upper St. Clair’s Community & Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park and walked the paved trail around the ball field to the pavilion. After being invited to light a candle in memory of their child, families listened to guest speaker Miranda Anchrom, a Christian counselor from Christian Church of North America in Washington, Pennsylvania. Following Anchrom’s remarks, a serviceberry tree, donated by Jim Jenkins, was planted in memory of the children. n
Rick continued, “I took over for David when his kids were older and out of the program. He mentored me and I am glad I did it for the five years. I passed the baton onto my younger brother, Tom, for the same reason. My kids were getting older and Tom had kids in the program.” This year, Tom begins his third year as baseball commissioner. “I guess what I am most proud of is the fact that we’ve always done this for the kids and to help the community. We’ve maintained and, better yet, grown the program. Some other communities concentrate more on travel ball. Our focus starts with the rec program—keeping it affordable and fun, yet professional. A kid can play almost 50 games for about $200 if he signs up for all of the programs we offer. Rick made sure I continued the legacy by teaching me the job. I’m glad I took the position, never regretting it for a moment.” During my interviews with David, Rick, and Tom all made a similar comment: It’s simple. The kids have to play the game. Nothing more. The baseball side of the Upper St. Clair Athletic Association has been in wonderful hands for 20 years, and it’s the kids who’ve benefited. It has taken a lot for the Murrays to accomplish what they have—selfless effort, untold hours of volunteering, pride in what they do, and the determination and commitment to do it right. That is why you really can’t spell USCAA baseball without M-U-R-R-A-Y. n
Dance puts the sparkle in Flo’s eyes. Fitness keeps the spring in her step.
During her career, Flo taught modern dance and physical education. Today she appreciates dance through the talents of others and doesn’t let physical challenges get in the way of her daily fitness routine. Since coming to Country Meadows, Flo has embraced nautilus training, is a regular at exercise classes, walks on campus and participates in every new fitness initiative we offer. Whether she knows it or not, Flo is still a teacher, leading others by example and reminding us of the importance of physical activity at every age. At Country Meadows, we have independent living, assisted living, memory support services and restorative care options to fit the individual needs of most seniors. Like Flo, every one of our residents is unique. So for many of them, having more choices about how they live makes a world of difference.
www.countrymeadows.com 3570 Washington Pike | Bridgeville, PA 15017 | 412.257.4581 A Continuing Care Retirement Community
Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care Restorative Care | Skilled Nursing Care | In-Home Services Country Meadows does not discriminate in resident admission on the basis of race, ancestry, religious creed, age, sex, handicap, disability or national origin, provided the resident, in the sole opinion of Country Meadows, can be cared for legally and responsibly.
CM FLO_USCT.indd 1
Spring 2010
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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With dental implants, we can put a whole new smile on your face.
Unfortunately, not all teeth last forever. But losing a tooth doesn’t have to mean losing your smile.With timely implementation, we can replace lost teeth with precision-crafted, permanent implants, and even prevent deterioration of the underlying ridge bone that would otherwise occur. Partials, bridges, and dentures simply can’t compare. To find out how our dental implants can put a smile back on your face, just call our office and schedule an appointment. It could be your first step to a happier, healthier future.
70 Fort Couch Road, Upper St. Clair
412-833-6166 www.stevenrcrand a lld md.co m 14
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
TODAY, Treasured and Celebrated
Paul Fox, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Steering Committee Member Who would have believed it? crime environment and amenities, speMany told us “it will never work!” “The cifically our library, our parks and ball costs will be too high.” “No, it won’t fields and our access to churches, cultural last!” activities, shopping, public transportation More than 16 years ago, the proposal for and metropolitan Pittsburgh.” We’re espea Township and School District joint com- cially proud of our residents—diverse, hard munications project was met with strong working, and talented—who cooperate and skepticism. No one believed anyone could volunteer countless hours to public service form a “successful to the bottom-line” and community development. Finally, I government collaboration on the shoulders am most grateful to the generosity and of willing residents’ contributions and sup- longstanding loyalty of local businesses portive local businesses. and professionals, whose advertising dolWhat was the secret for the emergence lars have brought the treasured TODAY to and growth of the award-winning UPPER our community. Did you know that more ST. TODAY? Just two words—cooperation than 30 companies have contributed their and volunteerism. advertising support to the publication for In spite of numerous examples of well- a minimum of at least half of the 61 edisynchronized USC School District and tions published? In terms of dedication to Township collaborations—Community USC, that’s “putting your money where Day, Youth Steering Committee, build- your mouth is.” ing renovations, sharing of parks and Others have tried to copy the format fields, just to name a few—past history and substance of TODAY. In one issue and cynical observations from our nearby of a now-defunct South Fayette-based neighbors suggested that the two govern- magazine, they went as far as to duplicate ment entities would not be able to work our text and even the Upper St. Clair together. To this day, most community Township main phone number in their publications are managed by one outside South Fayette article! Recently, a for-profit for-profit group or the municipal authority, magazine, a small publication showed up and the anticipated costs continue to be in our mail boxes. Do not be fooled! In an astronomical for maintaining a full-time attempt to compete for your attention as staff and office space. well as share in local advertising revenue, The naysayers lost when in 1994 this latecomer advances little to document Superintendent of Schools Dr. William the accomplishments of our residents and A. Pope and Township Manager Douglas A. businesses, the community’s arts, culture, Watkins took the gamble and formed leisure activities, neighborhood and houseUPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY (TODAY), man- hold traditions, and USC history, nor is it aged by the inspirational efforts of Mark a timely and accurate representation of the Mansfield (Township), Thomas Harshman, governmental departments of the School and Tom Labanc (School District), and co- District and Township of Upper St. Clair. ordinated by co-editors Kathleen Slencak Nowhere else but in TODAY will you find and Paul Fox. Although the premiere issue “free” outlets for and showcase of local presented a modest 80-page magazine with writers, artists, elected and appointed black and white text and little advertising, officials, retired citizens, youth services, it immediately caught the imagination and charitable organizations, and many other support of the community. The publica- groups within the community. TODAY tion quickly grew to 88-100 pages, fully remains the exclusive and official publicacolorized and funded by advertising and tion of the Township and School District subscriptions, and sustained entirely by of Upper St. Clair! volunteer writers, photographers, and a Happy sweet sixteenth birthday small part-time paid-staff of editors, sales and congratulations UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY! Let’s keep TODAY our special treaassociates, and an office manager. I am proud of Upper St. Clair, my home, sure, and together cooperate and volunteer my community, and echoing a quote from for another 16 years to nurture the magathe magazine’s inaugural publishers, USC’s zine’s goals of outstanding communication “residential character, excellent schools, and public service to our community. n comprehensive municipal services, low Spring 2010
Happy Sixteenth Birthday UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY! 16-Year Timeline and a Few Milestones April/May 1974—The first Township publication, Township Report, and a newspaper titled Upper St. Clair Schools were mailed to all households in Upper St. Clair. September 1994—Twenty years later, the 80page premier issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY (TODAY), underwritten by the newly established Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair, showcased the 1830 Log House on its cover. September 1995—TODAY produced its first color advertisement, Pinebridge Commons. The magazine earned its first Award of Merit in the National School Public Relations Association 1995 Publication and Electronic Media Contest. March 1997—The goals of TODAY were reviewed and a comprehensive list of objectives was published. Hired in 1996, Lynn Dempsey was named Advertising Editor. Spring 1998—Although student articles had appeared in many editions of TODAY, the Young Writers’ Guild (YWG) was established to “provide a support group for young writers” and a regular forum in the magazine. Fall 1998—The first bi-annual “Residential Guide” served as a comprehensive road map of “everything you ever want to know about Upper St. Clair,” and featured USCHS graduate and Township resident Susan Castriota’s illustration of the Township/School District administrative office building on the front cover. TODAY received first place in the Municipal Report contest for an outstanding newsletter or periodic report from The Pennsylvanian, the magazine of local governments. Spring 2000—To celebrate its 21st issue, TODAY received a 21 st century “facelift,” redesigned with updated fonts, headlines, and formatting styles. Fall 2000—At 100 pages, the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair sponsored the second Residential Guide, with the cover painting provided by local artist Ned Garnhart. Summer 2003—Underwritten by Howard Hanna Real Estate Services and featured on the magazine’s front cover, the first School District
Celebration drawings by Ryan and Brendan Allen
publisher of TODAY, Dr. William A. Pope, wrote his farewell message before retiring with 14 years of service as Upper St. Clair’s superintendent of schools. 2003—TODAY unveiled several additional changes to its staff: Linda Dudzinski was promoted from School District associate editor since 2000 to editor-in-chief (summer 2003), Terry Kish joined as associate editor (winter 2003), and Colleen DeMarco joined as office manager (winter 2003), all of whom remain on staff. TODAY received the Pennsylvania School Board Association Award of Excellence in an educational publication (June 2003). Fall 2004—The magazine’s bi-annual Residential Guide cover featured the artistry of Bennett Wallander, the winner of the TODAYsponsored art contest, in celebration of the magazine’s ten-year anniversary at Celebrating the Arts festivities. Spring/Summer 2008— TODAY unveiled its first full-color publication and its staff was recognized with an official proclamation from the Township of Upper St. Clair. Staff of TODAY dedicated the summer 2008 issue to retired township manager Douglas A. Watkins, recognizing him as the first township publisher of the magazine and for his 26 years of service as township manager. Spring 2010—TODAY established an annual student book journalism scholarship for USCHS graduating seniors, paid tribute to Douglas A. Watkins, former township manager who died earlier this year, and prepared for the magazine’s year-long sweet sixteen community celebration. Happy birthday UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY! n
NAVIGATE THE ROAD TO SUCCESS
TODAY Trivia is not Trivial
• UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is the official publication of the School District and Township of
Upper St. Clair. • Every issue uses 7500 pounds of recycled paper and over 100 pounds of ink. • Since its inception, the community magazine is compartmentalized into four sections: “Features,” “Around the Township,” “School District,” and “Township.” • Circulation reaches 10,000 household and business addresses, including over 20,000 adult residents. • Advertising and subscriptions have funded 100% of each and every issue. • Over its entire 16-year history, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY has had only three advertising rate increases, with rates continuing to remain lower than comparable periodicals. • The average postage cost for mailing a single magazine is 36 cents. • From its inaugural issue to the present, the magazine’s part-time/volunteer staff has been managed by Steering Committee members Paul Fox and Mark Mansfield. • Each issue, dating back to winter 2001, can be viewed or downloaded from the magazine’s website at www.twpusc.org/magazine. n Spring 2010
MC MA H O N FI NAN C I A L 6 5 0 WA S H I N G T O N R O A D / S U I T E 1 0 0 0 P I T T S B U R G H PA 1 5 2 2 8 / 4 1 2 3 4 3 8 7 0 0 W W W. M C M A H O N - F I N A N C I A L . C O M
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Community Celebrations
BABY ANNOUNCEMENT
Announcing the arrival of Benjamin Louis Gilbert born on August 31, 2009. The proud parents of Benjamin are Amy (O’Neill) Gilbert, USC Class of ’95, and Josh Gilbert. They currently live in Maryland.
FIRST BIRTHDAY
“We will celebrate the first birthday of our sweet daughter, Erica Louise Metzger, on April 20, 2010. We love you, Sweet Cheeks!”
BABY ANNOUNCEMENT Riley Jayne Powell, was born on June 17, 2009, at Mercy Hospital and joins big sister Molly and parents Dan and Kate (Meerstein) Powell. They reside in USC, as do grandparents Bob and Marsha Meerstein.
CONFIRMATION
BABY ANNOUNCEMENT
“Dominique DeRubeis will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the fall of 2010 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. We are very proud of our daughter as she reaches this important milestone!”
Proud grandparents Jim and Gail Restivo were happy to announce that, just in time for Christmas, Alexa Reese Deutschendorf was born on December 18, 2009, to proud parents Andrea (Restivo) and Dan Deutschendorf.
Join the Celebration in our fall issue!
Do you have a special celebration coming up this summer or fall season? Share it with the USC Community! To be included in our next Community Celebrations listing, please email the following information about your event to usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us: a brief description of the event; a phone number, name, and address of a contact person; a digital photograph in .jpg format at a resolution of at least 300 dpi; and full name of person(s) in photograph. Information must be received by Monday, June 7, and is subject to space constraints and placed on a first-come, first-served basis. Enjoy your special event and share the news with others in our community! 16
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Spring 2010
RADIANCE
A Private Outpatient Surgery Center, LLC We are proud to introduce you to RADIANCE – A Private Outpatient Surgery Center, LLC. Radiance has undergone the most stringent evaluations and inspections, such as those our local and university hospitals have undergone. The Pennsylvania State Department of Health, Medicare, and the Joint Commission for Accreditation of Hospitals have licensed Radiance as a first-class surgical center. Radiance Surgery Center has recruited the best of our region’s nurses, technicians and anesthesia providers to assist in your care. Radiance Surgery Center’s location, just off Interstate 79, provides easy accessibility to patients from western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and eastern Ohio. Your family can relax in our cozy waiting room with refreshment bar, flat-screen TV and music. Our pre-op nurse will check your vital signs and allergy alerts, help you change into a robe, and see that all your needs are met. You will then be interviewed by our board-certified anesthesiologists and registered nurse anesthetists of Radiance Anesthesia, LLC. Our anesthesia group’s expertise is outpatient anesthesia – quick emergence, nausea-free, and near-painless return to home and function. Our skilled and talented board-certified surgeons will carry out your surgery in our beautiful sterile OR’s, complete with the best and latest technology.
Surgeons and Specialties The following physicians perform outpatient surgery at Radiance Surgery Center: Plastic Surgery: Lori L. Cherup, M.D. (412) 220-8181 Plastic Surgeon Howard Edington, M.D. (412) 641-4274 Surgical Oncologist, Plastic Surgeon Orthopedic Surgery: South Hills Orthopedics Derrick Fluhme, M.D. (412) 429-0880 Sports Medicine Christopher Manning, M.D. (412) 429-0880 Hand and Upper Extremity Eric Nabors, MD. (412) 429-0880 Spine and Orthopedic Surgery The Orthopedic Group Alexander Kandabarow, M.D. (412) 276-7022 Spine Surgeon Podiatry: South Hills Orthopedics Damon Combs, D.P.M. (412) 429-0880 Podiatrist
Gynecology: Patricia Bulseco Associates Deborah Lenart, M.D. (724) 941-1866 Gynecologist Douglas Mackay, M.D. (724) 941-1866 Gynecologist Shannon McGranahan, M.D. (724) 941-1866 Urogynecology/Gynecologist Vascular Surgery: Georgevich Associates Philip Georgevich, M.D. (412) 249-8997 General/Vascular Surgeon Happel Laser & Vein Center John Happel, M.D. (724) 969-0600 General/Vascular Surgeon Pain Management: Premier Pain Management Bud Lateef, M.D. (412) 466-7246 Pain Management The Orthopedic Group Jose Ramirez-DelToro, M.D. (412) 276-7022 Pain Management
701 Boyce Road at Washington Pike • Bridgeville, PA 15017 Phone: 412-220-2336 • Fax: 412-220-2279 • www.drcherup.com • info@drcherup.com Spring 2010
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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J
judithbrownecalligraphy
B
framed pieces
handmade books
events
commissions weddings private lessons
jbcalligraphy@live.com 412 835 4729
HOT YOGA IN THE SOUTH HILLS
first visit - $25 for 2 weeks unlimited classes
dana barone, owner dana@yogainnovations.com specializing in Power Vinyasa Flow (Hot Yoga) 102 broughton road bethel park, pa 15102
412-851-yoga www.yogainnovations.com please visit our web site or call for class times
18
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Celebrating Life thru Yoga
Dana Barone, Yoga Innovations, LLC, Owner
Some of you may ask, “What is yoga?” Many definitions emerge depending on where you look. However, the word “yoga” originates from the ancient Indian (Sanskrit) word meaning to yoke or unite. Over the years yoga has taken on many different connotations, but the traditional practice is about uniting mind, body, and spirit. Hot yoga, a flowing practice which honors the traditions of the past with a bridge toward the future, uses a breath for each movement. During this practice, the external temperature in the studio is heated to match our internal body temperature. Matching the warmth allows the body a freer range of motion. The movements cleanse the internal organs while the heat helps to cleanse the largest organ of all—our skin. With every breath, this practice challenges us physically, as well as mentally, to become the best we can be. Sometimes, with that challenge, comes the awareness of knowing when to not work as hard and knowing when to work harder and move forward. This knowledge provides the chance to bring mind, body, and spirit together and celebrate who we are and who we are growing to be. With each breath we afford ourselves the opportunity to celebrate life! March is a time of renewal and also a time to spring clean. We open the windows to draw out old, stale air while we welcome in the new, fresh air. As practitioners of yoga, we do this same thing every day! Join us as we celebrate and renew ourselves—our minds, our bodies, and our spirits. n
This edition of USC TODAY is all about celebrating! Please join us in celebrating your life as Yoga Innovations, LLC embarks on a celebration of its own and announces the opening of its new studio. See ad on this page.
That person is a success who loves life, and lives it to the fullest. Who has discovered and shared the strengths and talents that are uniquely their own. Who puts their best into each task, and leaves each situation better than they found it. Who has found joy in living, and peace within themselves.
—author unknown Spring 2010
Strictly Pittsburgh Specializing in gifts with a Pittsburgh theme since 1984.
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Confluence Healing Community Acupuncture & Herbs
High Quality, Affordable Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine All Treatments $25 - $40
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By Appointment: [412] 279-1115 Scott Towne Center - 2101 Greentree Rd. Suite A-204 / Pgh. PA 15220 www.confluencehealing.com
A Basket of Pittsburgh
In October 1984, two Upper St. Clair entrepreneurs opened a gift basket shop aptly called A Basket of Pittsburgh. In the ensuing 25 years, the business evolved from a two-person home business selling three to four baskets to a company and warehouse located in USC at 1401 McLaughlin Run Road offering over 40 selections of baskets, ranging in price from $25 to $250 and shipping all over the world. Jan Jones, owner, is justifiably proud of the company’s success, especially when the business was named one of the top ten basket companies by Gift Basket Review magazine. Supporting Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh companies, a large percentage of the business is providing gifts to welcome guests to the city for conferences, meetings, weddings, and special events. A Basket of Pittsburgh was commissioned to provide welcome baskets for the All Star Baseball Game in 2006, The Bassmasters tournament in 2004, and, of course, Steelers gifts from Steelers fans across the country. Orders come by phone or Internet. Visit www.basketofpittsburgh.com. Staffed by eight part-time workers and two warehouse workers, baskets are shipped from the USC location. During the Christmas holidays, Jan hires an additional eight college students, most of whom were USC students, to help with the additional work needed in the warehouse during this busy time. n Upper St. Clair and Pittsburgh Proud
See ad on page 18.
HAIR • MAKEUP • PRODUCTS
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724.941.4062
SOUTH HILLS VILLAGE PITTSBURGH, PA 15241
412.833.8833
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Acupuncture and Traditional Oriental Medicine; Healthcare Worth Celebrating! Susan M. Glod, L.Ac, Confluence Healing Community Acupuncture & Herbs, Owner
Did you know acupuncture and Traditional Oriental Medicine date back roughly three thousand years? These powerful ancient healing modalities have much to offer, even in these modern times. Traditional Oriental Medicine encompasses the use of acupuncture, herbal medicine, tui na massage, qi gong therapy, and diet and lifestyle choices to encourage the body back into balance and health. Acupuncture is based on the concept of energy channels that traverse the body. These channels, also known as meridians, connect the top of the body to the bottom, the left to the right, and the exterior of the body to the interior (and thus to the internal organs). These meridians all connect to each other, weaving the body as well as the mind and spirit into an integrated whole, helping you to access your body’s innate ability to heal. Recently, acupuncture and herbal therapies have been gaining more respect by modern medicine, as science has been able to demonstrate and measure the effects of acupuncture and herbs through clinical trials and various diagnostic tests and imaging. Acupuncture and its associated modalities stand on their own as viable, effective treatments for many types of illness or injury, as well as being a great resource for preventative care. It is also a wonderful complement to the treatment of disease by modern western medicine. Acupuncture is highly recognized
and utilized throughout the world, especially in Europe and Asia. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture as a definitive effective treatment for over 40 ailments. Countless other conditions are shown to benefit from acupuncture, but the causal effects lack formal research. The beauty of these healing modalities is that they have a historical track record and have little or no side effects when administered by a qualified practitioner. They are easy to administer and inexpensive and comfortable to the patient. Most people are pleasantly surprised after experiencing acupuncture and find it to be quite painless as well as very relaxing, often looking forward to their next treatment. Remember, to truly heal means to heal the body, mind, and spirit. n Confluence Healing Community Acupuncture & Herbs, which celebrated its grand opening in early 2010, provides high quality, low cost acupuncture sessions, offering a variety of acupuncture options as well as Traditional Oriental Medicine and herbal therapies. For more information, visit www. confluencehealing.com. See ad on page 18. Spring 2010
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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e r e H m Fro
Successful Competitive Holiday Shopping
Erin Gibson Allen
As this issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY arrives, the days will be lengthen-
ing and talk will turn to spring break plans. Yet as I write this, the New Year has just begun, snow is on the ground, and I am gathering courage to return to the scene of much of my Thanksgiving and Christmas stress—the grocery store. As I reflect on my year-end shopping, please consider my humble top-ten tips for a positive outcome in the stressful environment of competitive holiday grocery shopping. 1. Be patient in finding a parking spot. In the days preceding a major holiday, when produce is at its freshest and is fully stocked, the parking lot of the grocery store is ruled by an irrational and unsolvable math equation—far more people go into the store than ever come out. If you patiently troll the parking lot, however, someone, at some point, will pull out. Park, grab your list, and give yourself ten points for making it this far. 2. Remember your driver’s ed. Once inside, following some basic rules will help keep you safe and on your way as smoothly as possible. In my experience, the most considerate shoppers observe standard traffic rules like slow shoppers staying to the right while those in a hurry pass on the left. Also, courteous shoppers park away from high-traffic areas. Parking one’s cart where it will block shoppers from navigating between the green beans and the Yukon gold potatoes will arouse ire in dozens of anxious Christmas shoppers. Inevitably, a few rogue shoppers follow none of these unwritten rules, and must be worked around. Award yourself ten points every time you follow the rules, but also when you politely navigate around an irksome, clueless shopper double-parked in front of the snacks on a Steelers Sunday. 20
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
3. Do not be afraid to ask for help. This point is best made through illustration. In early December last year, I stood for 20 minutes staring at box after box of plastic wrap, aluminum foil, and wax paper looking for what I was sure was a sibling or at least a first-degree cousin— parchment paper. Failure at hand, I grabbed some wax paper and moved on. But as any holiday baker knows, one cookie-sheet liner is not a good substitute for another and my kitchen filled with smoke as my meringues baked in the oven. Determined, the following week I went back to the mega-store with parchment paper again on my list. At the store I ran into a friend, Rachel. I described my dilemma to her and she apologized that no, she did not know where the parchment paper was. I moved on. To my surprise, about 20 minutes later, as I was moving toward the school supplies, I heard my name called out as Rachel came running down the middle of the store, parchment paper clutched in her hands. “It was near the aprons and pans,” she said breathlessly. Big points there. For both of us. 4. Do not be afraid of backtracking. On important shopping trips, I estimate that I walk several miles looking for specific, unusual ingredients. At the end of the store, I realize I forgot an item, like hazelnuts, which are essential to a chosen recipe and which are on a shelf near the entrance to the store. In these situations, park your cart and hoof it to the forgotten product. No matter how many circles a shopper makes, big points are always awarded for saving a return trip to the store. 5. Have an eye out for stressedout strangers. This year while waiting through long checkout lines, a frail, elderly woman approached me. She had a look of panic in Spring 2010
her eyes as she asked me where she could go to avoid the “self-checkout” lines. I glanced at her load and saw that, unlike the rest of us with bulging carts, she was clutching a basket loaded with fewer than 12 items. “Go to aisle one,” I commanded her. “You can get out. Go!” I gently nudged her on her way. I never saw her again, but I feel hopeful that she made it out okay and was better off from my directions. Award yourself ten points for seizing the opportunity to be a Good Samaritan. 6. Bring your coupons. Many stores reward their loyal shoppers with large year-end coupons. Get ten dollars off your next purchase of $100 or more, for example. Those coupons are only fair since holiday shopping engenders many “just in case” purchases that you wouldn’t otherwise make. My sweet potato recipe, for example, calls for two and a half pounds of yams. “Better pick up three pounds, just in case,” I tell myself. “In case of what,” I challenge myself. “Just in case,” I sternly reply. “Now get it and move.” Who knows? One yam may fall out of the bag in the parking lot and roll into a pile of dirty cinders. Whereas other shoppers may have to return to the store, I will be set. Award yourself 12 points for planning for the unforeseeable disaster and again for avoiding the return trip. 7. Consider shopping while shopping. Allow me to brag here. This Christmas season I decided to buy my husband a gift from a popular website, but I delayed in ordering the item until such time as I was mildly worried that my shipping time was
running out and the gift would arrive late. Waiting yet again in a long checkout line, I pulled out my smart phone and wirelessly ordered the item while waiting. I shopped while shopping. Forty points there, please. Really. That is impressive multi-tasking. 8. There is no place for selfpity. During the busiest time of year, I also have a son who celebrates a birthday. Feeling sorry for myself that I had reason for yet another trip to the store, I found myself back in the checkout line, this time with cake and balloons. I noticed a woman in front of me had a cookie cake with an “11” painted on top, in blue icing. “Do you have a son turning 11 today?” I asked her. “Yes,” she replied. “So do I,” I offered. We exchanged stories. Her son was born in St. Clair Hospital while mine was born in Shadyside Hospital. She lives in Mt. Lebanon while I reside in Upper St. Clair. We both came home from the hospital on Christmas Eve and since then have dealt with the challenges of a Christmas birthday. In fact, the bakery was quite busy that day. It seems a lot of people have birthdays around big holidays and I shouldn’t feel sorry for myself for having to orchestrate both. Minus 15 points. 9. Plan ahead. No one ever regrets planning ahead, no matter how far ahead it is done. Spring might just be the perfect time to flip through cooking magazines for recipes for Fourth of July cookouts and Labor Day gatherings. Fifteen points for planning into a month not yet appearing on the calendar.
Our DOOrs are Open tO
a VIBrant, aCtIVe LIFestYLe
At Providence Point, retirement is
full, fun and exciting. Our residents enjoy a wellness center and day spa, multiple on-site restaurants, a surround-sound movie theater, a library, a game room and billiards room and even an indoor golf simulator. Providence Point sits on 32 acres in the South Hills bordered by a nature conservancy. And our LifeCare program provides added peace of mind, ensuring the financial legacy you’ve worked hard to leave behind is protected, and providing the freedom to make decisions for future healthcare on your terms.
10. Remember you are not alone. Above all else know that you are not in this game alone and that hundreds of others are engaged in the same lonely, but life-affirming event—shopping and cooking for their family get-togethers. We are all at our best when we work together. Thanks again, Rachel. n I’d like to hear your thoughts on contemporary parenting in Upper St. Clair. Please share your ideas about my column with me in person, or email your thoughts to me at eallen@uscsd.k12.pa.us. Let me know if, like me, you’re from here.
Call us today to schedule your private tour or to be included in one of our group presentations.
412.489.3550 Intersection of Kane Blvd and Providence Point Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15243 Pittsburgh’s first choice in retirement living
To find out more, visit www.ProvidencePoint.org
Baptist Homes Society has provided for your residential and healthcare needs since 1910 with our Baptist Homes campus in Mt. Lebanon. We are now proud to introduce a new, enhanced lifestyle option for seniors at our second community, Providence Point.
Spring 2010
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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Gilfillan’s Garden—Can You Dig It? Mary Lynne Spazok
In 2009, friends Shannon Thompson and Dave Wilton cultivated an organic kitchen garden along the Gilfillan trail. Will it be back in 2010? You bet! After all, these two enjoy gettin’ down and dirty and certainly know the best dirt. For them, this garden of “eatin” provides demanding physical activity, thus maintaining their healthy lifestyle. Shannon quips, “Working in the garden calms me if I’m having a stressful day. Organic gardening is an all-embracing experience.” Shannon and Dave grow vegetables and flowers with care to benefit not only themselves, but the food bank community as well. Penney, the pup explores within the confines of her garden, while Gilfillan’s trail blazers mundane workout blooms quite alluring with the tantalizing smells of earthy vegetables and a heady scent of vibrant blooms. Don’t hurry, don’t worry. Stop to smell the flowers! “The greatest service which can be rendered any country is to add a useful plant to its culture,” stated Thomas Jefferson. Committed to this mindset, Shannon and Dave strategize year-round to garden successfully. Weather is a primary consideration. Since Pittsburgh lies west of the Allegheny Mountains, the gardening climate is more similar to the Midwest than to the Mid Atlantic region, tempered by the ocean and not as cold. Therefore, the utilitarian kitchen garden is perfect. With its origins in the 1500s, mothers cooked crops from the garden, using a kettle that simmered over an ever-burning fire. With a limited budget, home-grown vegetables were a dietary mainstay. Thus, stew for breakfast, stew for lunch, and stew
Kitchen Garden “Food for Thought” Plant three rows of peas Peace of mind Peace of heart Peace of soul Plant three rows of squash Squash gossip Squash indifference Squash selfishness Plant three rows of lettuce Lettuce be faithful Lettuce be happy Lettuce love one another 22
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
for dinner. Leftovers were never wasted and used the following day. “Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old” was the norm. A bit of pork was quite special. It was a sign of prosperity that a man could “bring home the bacon.” Therefore, when guests visited, bacon was displayed to “show off.” The host would cut off a little to share, then sit around and chew the fat. Bread was divided according to status. Animals got the burnt bottom of the loaf, family got the middle, and guests got the top “upper crust.” Fresh or dried flowers from the kitchen garden created a festive aura. A garden isn’t just for oneself, but to share. Before the Ides of March, all species engage in distinct winter behavior. Human snowbirds flock to the beach like Monarch butterflies in sun-drenched Mexico. While swirling snow abounds, tough skinned Northerners ski and skate. Wise gardeners, however, persevere through the freeze and thaw by cocooning in front of a blazing fire. Nothing is more blissful than pouring through a heap of catalogs overflowing with detailed illustrations of glorious flora, fancy fauna, and vivid vegetables. Just outside, coping with winter for wood frogs is trouble-free. Frozen beneath the tilled earth, they ice over during the winter and thaw in spring. At the roots of trees, grass, and shrubs, backyard insects (such as ladybugs) hole up in a secure bed of warm mulch. Snails snooze within their shells, sometimes sleeping for years at a time. Squirrels wake up every four to five days to eat and go to the bathroom. These pesky buggers will each harvest and hoard more than 20 bushels of food in preparation for winter. Courtesy of Wikipedia, “a macrobiotic diet, from the Greek words macro (large, long) and bios (life), is a dietary regimen that involves eating grains as a staple food, supplemented with other foodstuffs such as vegetables and beans, and avoiding the use of highly processed or refined foods. Macrobiotics also addresses the manner of eating by recommending against overeating and requiring that food be chewed thoroughly before swallowing.” Macrobiotic is a dedicated lifestyle. For busy suburban households however, gardens tend to be smaller or non-existent Spring 2010
Gardener Dave Wilton
and the 24/7 of natural food processing may be next to impossible. Local alternatives are farmers’ markets, health food stores, and the natural food section of your preferred grocery. For ultimate health and vitality, wash and rinse all vegetables with sea salt to neutralize foreign substances. Terminology: Natural is whole food that contains no artificial ingredients and is unprocessed or minimally processed. These include cutting, grinding, drying, or pulping. Organic is food cultivated in soil treated only with organic material (mulch) and no chemical herbicides, synthetics, or pesticides. Standards of water, air, and natural fertilizers vary by geographic location and directly affect garden output as well. Sustainable (without destroying or depleting natural resources or tainting the environment) gardening is more than just a means of providing food; it is a model of what is possible within a community. Most of the nation’s food is produced by less than two percent of the population. So by having a small organic garden, you can share in the pollution solution. Sisters Eugenia Benoit and Michelle Tepe are like different flowers from the same garden. Blossoms in the garden of life, these kindred spirits embrace the
mental and physical well-being of daily exercise. Michelle states, “It is so nice to take a nature walk away from all the hustle and bustle.” While her favorite flower is the red rose; her veggie of choice is zucchini. A zucchini enthusiast as well, Eugenia affirms that “the Gilfillan Homestead is a wonderful addition to USC School District’s second grade curriculum; how awe-inspiring to have such history and beauty in our backyard!” Pumpkin harvesters Karen and Tom Gorman agree that “cultivating organic vegetables and flowers enriches the neighborhood ecosystem.” For now, the blustery winds of early March will soon make way for revered spring sunshine. As you plan your garden, “lettuce” be kind. Food bank volunteer Janet Hignett suggests planting a little extra. Sharing is caring. Today’s acts of kindness are the destiny of tomorrow. So, if you can “dig
it,” visit Penney, the pup at the Gilfillan organic kitchen garden on USC Community Day, Saturday, May 15, 2010. After all, gardeners do know the best dirt! n
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Spring 2010
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Kevin Slowey—In Control Wayne Herrod
Kevin Slowey, 2002 USCHS graduate, is a young man who is in control. Kevin, a pitcher for the American League’s Minnesota Twins, has started in 54 games since 2007, with a career record 26 wins and only 15 losses. Kevin was pitching ten wins and three losses halfway through the 2008 season and was being considered for selection to the All Star game when a wrist injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Now fully recovered, he is preparing for the 2010 season. Kevin’s pinpoint pitching control is a main reason he’s achieved much success. He throws more strikes than a professional bowler, much to the chagrin of major league hitters. “Walks are maddening,” said Kevin. “I don’t like to walk anyone.” (Kevin is one of the league’s leaders in fewest walks allowed.) Kevin graduated from USCHS near the top of his class and got over 1400 on the college entrance SAT. As a high school athlete, he was a successful pitcher for the baseball team. While not accepted, Kevin’s college dream was to attend Cornell University, an Ivy League school. “I never got an answer from Cornell and was surprised,” said Kevin. “I knew I was an average high school pitcher, but I thought my academic record would get me in.” But not getting into Cornell ended up working for Kevin. When Winthrop University (a Division I baseball powerhouse from South Carolina) learned that Kevin was available to recruit, head baseball coach Joe Hudac offered him an academic scholarship. “We’d seen Kevin pitch when his high school team traveled to Myrtle Beach during spring break,” said Hudac. “He wasn’t the biggest kid, but the control and command of his pitches were outstanding. He only threw at 83 to 85 miles an hour, but he threw every pitch for strikes. We were interested in Kevin, but didn’t originally pursue him because we knew of his interest in Cornell. When we received a call from one of his high school coaches telling us that Kevin was available, we immediately began to recruit him.” “Winthrop University has had many players go on to play professional ball,” said Kevin. “I got an unbelievable amount of exposure at Winthrop every time I pitched and I was seen by many major league scouts who came out to see a lot of our players.” 24
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Hudac remarked, “Kevin worked extremely hard on and off the field. He increased his size and his strength and, in turn, increased his velocity. He continued to throw accurate strikes and improved each year. By his junior year, he was one of the top college pitchers in the county. In 2005, Kevin had a great year pitching 136 innings with a 14–2 record and only walking 13 batters all season. That’s almost unheard of at any level.” Kevin’s control is not a surprise. Kevin’s baseball coach at USCHS, high school counselor Jerry Malarkey, talked about Kevin’s pitching talents. “Kevin could locate every pitch for strikes. He’d throw the ball where he needed to. This talent is what got Kevin to where he is today. As important, he’s an outstanding young man, a true leader by example.” “By my junior year, I knew I was going to be drafted,” said Kevin. “I had pitched well in the New England Summer League and had a great outing in the NCAA Regional’s against Mike Pelfry (currently of the New York Mets). There were numerous scouts at that game. We won 2-1, and I pitched well. This game was a big boost to my potential to be drafted. While I anticipated being drafted somewhere around the tenth round, I was quite surprised to be drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the second round. Sure, it would have been great to be drafted by the Pirates and play in my hometown, but I have no regrets. The players are great, the organization is wonderful, and the fans are tremendous. I am very happy and thrilled to be a Minnesota Twin!” Kevin spent several years in the minor leagues and was called up to the majors in late 2007. His first start was in Oakland against the A’s. “My family flew out to see me,” said Kevin. “It was a special moment for me as I walked out onto the mound in the first inning for my first major league pitch, glancing over to see my family. I was excited and wanted to get started—get my focus and concentration on each pitch and each batter. I ended after six innings, with the score tied one to one. I didn’t get the win, but I felt a sense of accomplishment that I had done my job and given my team a chance to win.” Kevin continued, “Although I had always dreamed of becoming a major league pitcher, I didn’t realize how special it was Spring 2010
Kevin Slowey in motion. Photo courtesy of Lisa Blumenfield, Getty Images, North America
until it actually happened. In the minors, I’d spend endless hours on a bus, stay at cut rate motels, and eat lots of fast food. Now in the majors I fly, stay at four star hotels, and eat in wonderful restaurants. Instead of performing before several thousand people, I play in front of 40,000 fans or more. I realize how lucky I am.” Kevin wasn’t really lucky. Kevin has worked hard. He worked hard to improve his physical skills, he worked hard to achieve his grades, and he works even harder at being a good person. Coach Hudac commented, “Kevin is a solid person. He was a role model at Winthrop and led by example. The kids all looked up to him. He always did more than was required and I enjoyed coaching him. Academically, he had all A’s and only one B in his three years here; the B came from the hardest grader at the University.” One of Kevin’s college teammates and current Washington Wild Things All Star Jacob Dempsey said, “Kevin is probably the most intelligent person I’ve ever played with. When he kidded with us, it sometimes took a day for us to figure out what he was saying. I think he enjoyed doing that to us,” he added with a laugh. It’s apparent that Kevin’s outlook on life comes from his mom and dad, Anne and Pat. “I talk to them almost every day,” said Kevin, “and we have a great relationship.” Pat summed up his attitude about all of his children, “We take each one of our kid’s careers, no matter what they choose, one day and one level at time. In Kevin’s case, it has gone to a much higher level than we could have ever imagined. When Kevin started baseball, all we wanted for him was to make a team. At each level, from recreation ball to Little League and up we took it one day at a time. Then Kevin
made the high school team, which, in turn, led to a college career, then the minors, and then the majors. But, it all happened one day and one step at a time.” Kevin is a motivated, well-grounded young man in control of his life’s path. “My dad always told me to never get down. You will have failures, but if you don’t get back up you won’t last at anything you do. And as a pitcher, I will have failures. But, I will work harder to be better the next time, no matter what it is. As a pitcher my goal is to improve with every game. I have to be diligent and prepared during my down time between starts, both physically and mentally.” Kevin continued, “There are 24 other players and thousands of fans that depend on me to do my job well. I want to have a baseball career that I can be proud of, but I also want to be proud of what I do off the field. It’s not just about ERAs (earned run average) or winning a game. While these are important, they are secondary to life. I use Sean Casey as an example. If I can become somewhat close to what Sean has done as a human being, then I will consider myself successful.”
“When I first pitched against the Detroit Tigers, Sean played for that team. When I arrived at the ballpark to pitch, there was an autographed bat and a personal note in my locker from him, wishing me luck. I was nervous to pitch to him. Not only did I know him and know that he was from USC, I also knew what a great hitter he was.” Sean also remembered the game. “When I came to bat against Kevin for the first time, I think I was more nervous than he. I did not want this young man from my home town to get me out. At first ups, I doubled off him, but he got me the next at bat and popped me up. I guess we’re even. Seriously though, Kevin is a great person and I enjoy watching him play. There is not a bad bone in that young man’s body and I’m proud of him for that. I’m a Kevin Slowey fan.” Upper St Clair should be proud to have Kevin Slowey representing our community. And there is no doubt in my mind that Kevin will do what he sets out to do. Why? Because Kevin is in total control. n
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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A Study Abroad Adventure in Ghana Claire Aloe
Each semester, countless
college-students attend study-abroad programs across the world. As a secondary education and history major at Boston College, I sought something different than the typical study-abroad experience. I sought an adventure that would test me physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Hence, I chose to study in West Africa, more specifically, Ghana. I enrolled in the CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange) program at the University of Ghana and so began my adventure into the unknown. Ghana has come a long way since gaining independence from Great Britain in 1957. In light of its massive gold reserves, Ghana was dubbed the “Gold Coast” and became an epi-center of the Atlantic Slave Trade. In addition, inter-tribal conflict, colonialism, racism, and corruption plague Ghana’s history. Despite this, modern day Ghana is a shining example of democratic rule in Africa and it is commonly known as “Africa for beginners.” Unfortunately, the media tends to focus on African genocide, famine, and civil unrest as opposed to its amazing people, vibrant cultures, and rich history. I wanted to discover the Africa rarely showcased in the media, so I studied African indigenous religions, rural sociology, the art history of Ghana, and the Black diaspora, in addition to taking a Twi language course. My semester proved to be socially and academically challenging. I lived in the International Students’ Hostel, with French and Nigerian neighbors. Friends and I prepared dinner every evening, usually consisting of waakye (rice and beans) and vegetables purchased at the market. Evening brought refuge from the heat, and on clear nights wonderful stargazing. Moreover, for the first time in my life, I was part of the racial minority. In a class of about 150 students I was one of two Caucasians; one professor even called me
Students at the Adventist mission school
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
his “pale friend.” I expected race to be an interesting element of my experience in Ghana, but truth be told I was not prepared for everything I encountered. As a Caucasian female I was not hard to miss, and I was called obruni every single day. Obruni is the Twi word for “one from across the sea” but is more commonly used when referring to a white person. Children and adults alike called me obruni no matter where I went, although it was rarely meant as an insult. The official language of Ghana is English, but there are several other languages spoken throughout the country. I was fortunate enough to study one such language called Twi (pronounced ch-wee). Common phrases such as “Medasse paa” (thank you very much), “Me kƆ” (I am going) and “YӠfrӠ me Claire” (they call me Claire) were essential in order to communicate effectively. Once I had a basic Twi foundation, I felt comfortable applying the language to my teaching experience. I volunteered as an intern for a microfinance organization called the Chapter 58 Trust. I was in charge of coordinating an after-school teaching program at a local Adventist mission school. Fellow CIEE members and I taught lessons to about 70 children, ages 3-16. The school lacked windows, running water, and a curriculum. Set in a litter-strewn field, the school was a basic concrete structure with a tin roof. There was no bathroom, only a cinder block structure about four feet high with a dirt floor. Kids played in a massive dumpster adjacent to the school, and most of the teachers were required to be there as part of Ghana’s mandatory national service. Needless to say, the Adventist mission school was a far cry from my days at Baker Elementary. Despite this, teaching was the best part of my week. My students were brilliant. The only issue I had was caning as a form of punishment. Since my lynch school training had not included how to properly lash a student, I had trouble coping with the practice. In light of this, I made my lessons as creative as possible, giving students a much-needed break from rote learning. After each lesson I answered questions about life in America, and I will always remember doing the “Macarena” with the students in 90-degree heat on Thanksgiving Day. I like to think that Spring 2010
the kids actually learned a thing or two, but more importantly they used their imaginations. As a Abena and Claire future educator, I had to accept the fact that all I could do was to make my time with the students as comfortable and imaginative as possible. And of course, I always hid the cane. When I was not attending lectures or teaching, I was traveling throughout Ghana. My program included excursions to the Ashanti, Volta, Northern, and Central Regions. It was during these trips that I visited several key Ghanaian destinations. One such place was the Elmina slave castle, the oldest building constructed by Europeans outside of Europe itself. The castle was eerily beautiful, with breathtaking views of the coastline and surrounding areas. Once inside, I walked through the slave dungeons, the cell for condemned slaves, and the “point of no return.” Standing in the narrow passageway through which millions of Africans passed before crossing the Atlantic is something I will never forget. Physically visiting the castle confirmed my decision to pursue an African diaspora studies minor and heightened my interest in studying the slave trade. All the learning, teaching, and traveling made my time in Ghana pass quickly. During those four months, I realized that there is a ceaseless rhythm to life in Ghana. Vendors weave through traffic selling everything from Colgate toothpaste and shoes to bagged water and puppies. The sun rises before 6 a.m. and sets before 6 p.m., and tro-tros (minivans/buses) offer a harrowing but convenient means of transportation. My time in Ghana dispelled any romantic notions I had about Africa, particularly those concerning education. Most importantly, my adventures in Ghana opened my eyes to a different way of life, one that I certainly hope to experience again and again. n Claire Aloe, USCHS ’07 graduate, is a junior at Boston College. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in special education and eventually teach history in urban public high schools. She also hopes to continue teaching and living in Africa.
Traveling with TODAY UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY journeyed to various destinations this past season on some dutiful and exciting adventures.
In the line of duty is USCHS graduate Matt McCallum who enjoyed reading the fall 2009 issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY during some down time. Matt, a 2nd Lt. Marine officer, was commissioned upon graduation from the United States Naval Academy in May 2008. He began his deployment to Afghanistan in September 2009. We thank you, Matt!
Troy Murphy, USCHS senior, traveled to the Dominican Republic on a mission trip and enjoyed spending time with local students at Escuela Rodeo, a school for children first through fourth grades. During his visit, Troy taught second grade students about the American holiday of Thanksgiving, making craft turkeys and Indian feathered hats and sharing the TODAY magazine with the locals.
Troy Murphy, with Jefry (left) and Orlandi (right), second grade students at Escuela Rodeo School in the Dominican Republic 2nd Lt. Marine officer Matt McCallum
All Aboard! The TODAY magazine cruised this past fall to the Aegean Sea and accompanied USC residents Jerry and Mary Raupp on a wonderful, warm pleasure trip. An arm of the Mediterranean Sea, the Aegean Sea encompasses 83,000 square miles and was traditionally known as Archipelago because of its large number of islands, which are actually mountain extensions of the mainlands of Greece and Turkey.
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is proud to travel with you, too! Read the following criteria to find out how. • Clear, close-up photo of USC resident(s) with his or her TODAY magazine in hand. • Digital photo preferred, but hard copy 35 mm also accepted. ‣‣ For digital, attach one jpg photo of at least 300 dpi, and send via email, including required information (see below) in the body of the email. ‣‣ For 35 mm, attach post-it to back of hard copy photo, listing the required information (see below). • List name(s) of resident(s), group, and specific photo location. • List objective of visit—leisure, volunteer, career, etc. • Include your email address or telephone number should further contact be necessary. • Deliver one 35 mm photo with details to the USC Township receptionist in an envelope marked “USC TODAY,” or • Email one digital photo with details to usctoday@uscsd. k12.pa.us, with “TODAY” listed in subject line.
Jerry and Mary Raupp aboard Ship Nautica on an Aegean Sea adventure cruise. In the background is Santorini, Greece.
Note: Submitted photos and information for this feature section will remain on file for upcoming editions until published. Spring 2010
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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Real estate seRvices
Bonnie Byrnes
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Carmela Viviano Mary Ann Wellener
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C oldwell B anker Hope Bassichis
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SD
Bruce Kerman Joins School Board
Board of School Directors
Elected a member of the Upper St. Clair Board of School Directors is Bruce L. Kerman.
Amy L. Billerbeck President 412-833-2712 2011*
Harry F. Kunselman Vice President 412-851-1115 2013*
Barbara L. Bolas 412-833-9841 2011*
Frank J. Kerber 412-833-4873 2013*
Bruce L. Kerman 412-221-5407 2013*
Louis P. Mafrice, Jr. 412-851-0622 2013*
Bruce and his wife, Amy, are the parents of Rebecca, 14, and Sarah, 11. Educated in the New Jersey public schools, Bruce received his BS in metallurgy and materials engineering from Lehigh University and his MBA from Penn State. Bruce has worked for FedEx Ground for 18 years in the operations planning area as a business planner, dealing with network and facility planning. He also spent five years in transportation and transportation consulting. Prior to earning his MBA, Bruce worked in the steel industry for three years. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY asked Bruce the following questions. Who or what has been the greatest influence in your life? My parents have been the greatest influence in my life. They always motivated me to be the best I could be, to try hard, and to be optimistic. What will you bring to the Board of School Directors? I think I have an open mind, and am willing to consider all opinions. I research a subject and make a decision and form an opinion, but I am willing to listen to others. I want to be a consensus builder. Hobbies? I enjoy canoeing and am on the board of the Three Rivers Chapter of the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association. I also enjoy gardening and spending time with my family. What’s your dream vacation? I would like to visit family members who are spread across the United States. n
New Director Lou Mafrice Louis Paul Mafrice, Jr. is a new member
Angela B. Petersen 412-831-7182 2011*
Rebecca A. Stern 412-220-0745 2011*
Louis A. Piconi 412-831-1880 2011*
The 2010 regular meetings of the Upper St. Clair Township Board of School Directors are held at 7 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month at the High School LGI room, unless otherwise noted. No regular meeting is scheduled for July.
*Date indicates expiration of term.
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
of the Upper St. Clair Board of School Directors. Lou and his wife, Alicia Hawkins, have one daughter, Carson, 12. Lou holds a bachelors degree in psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He took business courses at Northwestern and earned his MBA from Pitt’s Katz Graduate School of Business. Lou earned his JD from the University of Pittsburgh. Lou is employed by Willis North America, an insurance brokerage firm as senior risk consultant/attorney. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY asked Lou the following questions: Who or what has been the greatest influence in your life? My father has been the greatest influence in my life. At age 87, he greets every day with energy, enthusiasm, and a smile on his face. He manages to say hello to everyone he meets and is quite an inspiration. What will you bring to the board of school directors? I like to think I bring a healthy dose of common sense. Hobbies? I love to play golf, even though I’m very poor at it! I also love to watch my daughter, Carson, play all her rec sports. What’s your dream vacation? I’ve always wanted to visit Hawaii, so that would have to be it. n
Spring 2010
SD
Superintendent Dr. Patrick O’Toole and Carol Coliane Pictured, left to right, are newly elected school board members Louis P. Mafrice, Jr., Harry F. Kunselman, Bruce L. Kerman and Frank J. Kerber at the Board of School Directors re-organizational meeting this past December. Judge Timothy Patrick O’Reilly (center) administered the oath of office to the newly elected members. At the same meeting, Amy Billerbeck was re-elected board president and Harry Kunselman was re-elected board vice president.
Carol Coliane and Dr. William Sulkowski were Dr. William Sulkowski and recognized for their tenSuperintendent Dr. Patrick O’Toole ure on the Board of School Directors. Mrs. Coliane served four years on the board from December 2005 through November 2009, and Dr. Sulkowski served for eight years from December 1999 through November 2003 and from December 2005 through November 2009. Special thanks to both for their dedicated service to the Upper St. Clair School District. n
New Middle School Continuous Progress Report Tied to EdLine To truly measure achievement, grading practices should grow from a philosophy of teaching and learning that respects student differences and reflects individual growth.” —Carol Ann Tomlinson Starting with the 2009-10 school year, USC School District’s middle schools will be issuing a new continuous progress report to parents on their children’s academic progress. This report is the result of two years of research and development stemming from a 2007 curriculum recommendation. Most school districts issue a report card to their students periodically throughout the academic school year. In Upper St. Clair School District, this report in grades 1-8 is labeled a continuous progress report, while in grades 9-12 a traditional report card is issued. Labeling the report as a continuous progress report is reflective of School Board Policy 1001 Philosophy of the Board of Education which states that “…all instructional processes will be designed according to the concept of continuous progress, i.e. each student shall be taught according to the individual’s rate and level of achievement.” The committee of administrators, teachers, and parents that worked on the revision strived to achieve a developmentally appropriate reporting format that provided for transition from the District’s elementary continuous progress report to the traditional high school report card. The committee members also wanted the new report format to provide adequate and meaningful information that was reported in a supportive manner, so that a realistic picture of the student’s achievement and progress allowing for individual difference and best middle level learner practices were insured.
To achieve these goals, the revised continuous progress will report student performance in four categories: • Daily Performance—student performance on class and homework assignments. • Academic Knowledge—student achievement of curricular goals based on performance on various types of assessment activities and unit or quarterly tests. • Attributes of a Successful Learner—student demonstration of work and behavior habits that contribute to becoming a lifelong learner. • Overall Performance—student performance based on individual ability as indicated by daily performance, assessments, and learner attributes. Finally, members of the committee also wanted parents to have increased access to student performance data. Consequently, the revised continuous progress report is posted using EdLine, an electronic reporting system that allows parents to access and monitor their children’s academic work throughout the marking period. This is the same electronic reporting system that is used at USC High School. During fall 2009, a number of parent informational sessions were held to introduce and explain the newly revised middle school continuous progress report. In future years, Karen Brown, Boyce Middle School principal, will conduct parent informational sessions to explain the middle school continuous progress report to incoming fifth grade parents. n
Spring 2010
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SD
2009 International Education Week
International Education Week was celebrated at USCHS from November 30 to December 4. The week-long event included a speakers’ day, a cultural diversity day (international cultural displays and student entertainment), language tables, a breakfast for tri-lingual students, and IB and MYP days. This sixth annual celebration was an interdisciplinary event with an international artist display, speakers on Green Pittsburgh, international cookie sale for a Kids Helping Kids fundraiser, and additional activities sponsored by the social studies, foreign language, ESL, and English departments. International Education Week was also celebrated at Boyce and Fort Couch Middle Schools with in-school speakers and a field trip to the University of Pittsburgh’s Nationality Rooms.
A World of Languages in Upper St. Clair
International Flag Wall
The high school’s International Flag Wall was begun by Deanna Baird and the foreign language department to honor Barbara Andrews on her retirement in 2004. Barbara, a USC resident and a German teacher and the IB coordinator at the high school, had always wanted a display of international flags in the building. Her colleagues decided to make it happen. The flags, which are hung on the north wall in the academic entrance of the school, represent an international academic partnership (such as our partner schools in Thailand) or the homeland of one of our exchange students who is here for a year without his or her family. Some flags represent both, such as our German partner school in Leverkusen and several exchange students USC has hosted from Germany. Madame Bethany Wolf, French teacher at the high school, currently keeps the wall updated with a list of the partnerships and the names of the exchange students.
Take the Test, then Read the Answers
Take a look at the flag wall (and see photo, top right) the next time you visit the high school to see how many of the flags you can identify before reading the answers below. Using our grading scale, how did you score? (18-16–great job!; 15-13–admirable; 12-10–not bad; 9 or less–study, study, study!) Identified for your reference, top to bottom, left to right: Haiti, United States, France, Argentina, Germany, Canada, Venezuela, Thailand, Switzerland, Slovakia, United Kingdom, Dominican Republic, Equador, Spain, Netherlands, Mexico, China, and Denmark. n 32
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For all students who enroll in public school in Pennsylvania, a home language survey is required as part of the enrollment process. There are three primary questions that are included on the survey. 1) What was the student’s first language? 2) Does the student speak a language other than English? (Do not include languages learned in school.) 3) What languages are spoken in your home? If any of the questions are answered with a language other than English, then the District has an obligation to assess the student’s level of English proficiency so support can be provided if needed. Through information gained on the home language survey and other information collected at the time of registration, the District is able to get a profile of the diversity of languages in our school community. Here are USC School District’s approximate figures for this year: • 450—Number of students whose first language was a language other than English or who came from a home where a language other than English is used. • 50—Number of students who participate in English as a second language instruction. • 100—Number of students who were born outside of the U.S. The following 44 languages were listed on this year’s home language survey of students enrolled in the Upper St. Clair School District: Arabic, Bengali, Bosnian, Bulgarian, Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Dutch, Ewe, Filipino, French, German, Greek, Gujarati, Hebrew, Hindi, Igbo, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Konkani, Korean, Malayalam, Mandarin, Marathi, Nepali, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Sign Language, Sinhalese, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Tagalog, Tamil, Telugu, Thai, Turkish, Urdu, and Vietnamese. n
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Fort Couch Middle School— Every Student Every Day
Each year, Fort Couch Middle School develops a theme that has the students and staff rallying around its meaning. In years past, themes like Attitude is Everything, Think Positive be Positive, and Teaming for Success have served as the school’s focus. This year’s theme for Fort Couch is directly tied to the school’s mission. While the newest theme of Every Student Every Day is the mantra for the 2009-10 school year, it is certainly not a novelty to the Fort. Principal Joe DeMar and assistant principal John Rozzo, along with counselors Zoltan Toth and Jayna Rubin have developed a plan to meet with each student and hold a personal interview. The informal format of the interview, coupled with its individualized focus, has helped to develop positive relationships with the students. Furthermore, the interview design is intended to allow each student to develop a personal relationship with his or her counselor. Such an experience helps the counselors to effectively fulfill their roles as the children’s advocates. Every Student Every Day is evident at Fort Couch. Classroom teachers support the theme through the advisory program, d i f f e re n t i a t i n g their instruction and progressive Guidance Counselor Jayna Rubin and students assessment strateduring guidance class. gies to measure individual growth of each child. The strength of Fort Couch Middle School lies within Every Student Every Day. n
Student Mack Pope and Guidance Counselor Zoltan Toth
USCSD Awarded Prestigious Grable Foundation Grant
Imagine first grade students analyzing biotic pollination, second grade students creating bird nests using tools simulating beaks, feet and wings, and fourth grade students performing percolation experiments to test ground water absorption. These and many other environmental education lessons are part of a partnership between the Upper St. Clair School District and the Regional Environmental Education Center (REEC). This center, located on Mayview Road in Upper St. Clair, provides the venue for site visitations for each of the District’s 1300 elementary students. Interdisciplinary lessons, with hands-on investigations are presented at the REEC, providing authentic application for student learning in a meaningful real world setting. This program has been in place for the past three years, with funding from USC School District, the elementary PTAs, Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair, and a grant from PPG Industries. As costs increase, funding this beneficial program has become more difficult; it has been necessary to seek additional sources of revenue. This year, enrichment resource teachers Jan Falk and Ray Cursi, along with elementary science curriculum leader Barb Williams applied for and were awarded a $7000 grant from the Pittsburgh-based Grable Foundation. This is the first year
that Allegheny County school districts were invited to apply for these grants. Upper St. Clair was one of only 18 school districts to receive an award. The grants ranged in amounts from three to ten thousand dollars. A required component of this grant was to initiate a plan to share the USC/REEC model with other school districts. This has already been implemented in the collaboration between USCSD, REEC, and ASSET Science in the development of environmental education lessons that will be used at the center by other school districts. Also, school district staff presented a fall workshop to REEC employees, in developing higher level questioning techniques. In addition, USCSD staff will present this initiative at the winter ASSET meeting, which includes representatives from Allegheny County school districts. Receipt of this funding will allow for the continuation of these inquiry-based site visits that facilitate student problem solving, strengthen environmental science content knowledge, and encourage children to become stewards of Earth. If you or your organization is interested in supporting this p ro g r a m , c o n t a c t J a n F a l k ( 4 1 2 - 8 3 3 - 1 6 0 0 , x 4 0 7 0 ) , Ray Cursi (412-833-1600, x8071), or Barb Williams (bwilliams@assetinc.org). n Spring 2010
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Performing Arts—a Chance to Shine
“Musical activities provide children with important experiences that can help them develop physical coordination, timing, memory, and visual, aural, and language skills. When they work to increase their command of music and exercise musical skills in the company of others, they gain important experience with self-paced learning, mental concentration, and a heightened personal and social awareness.” —Frank R. Wilson, M.D., Associate Clinical Professor of Neurology, University of California School of Medicine in San Francisco; AMC 1998 Publication: Music and Your Child
chorus singing, speaking parts, acting, and dancing, performing their show for the student body and community in their schools’ multi-purpose rooms. When Christine Hestwood (Baker), Jeff Leonhardt (Streams), Kerry Strauch (Eisenhower), and Paula Scandrol (elementary strings) were asked why they each teach music, they responded, “Our passion for music was the guiding force in choosing to become music educators. We all had significant musical role models in our own educational experiences. We know that our In keeping with its mission and vision, participation in music ensembles helped USC School District provides a com- shape the people that we are today.” prehensive education in the Performing Much has been written about the Arts—general music, expressive arts, in- intrinsic benefits of participation in a strumental/choral ensembles and lessons, musical class or ensemble—leadership, and music/theater electives and activities. collaboration, communication, teamwork, The formalized study of music is com- interpersonal skills, goal-setting as a conpulsory for all USC students in grades 1-8. tributing member of an ensemble, and In grades 1-4, all students receive general creative self-expression, to name a few. music/vocal instruction twice a week in Although not every child will become a 30-minute sessions. These classes provide professional musician, values and life lesinstruction in discovering music by sing- sons learned through music are vital to the ing, playing instruments, dancing, and development of the whole child. composing. Throughout the year, students Music plays a fundamental role in explore music through hands-on activities, developing a child’s full potential. Music games, dances, songs, listening lessons, class is more than just singing songs or and instrumental performances. Each class preparing for a performance. Students time is filled with a variety of activities are developing skills, including visual to give students many different ways of tracking, decoding symbols, sequencing, approaching a musical concept, learning and pattern recognition through the four about their own abilities, and practicing modes of learning—visual, auditory, creative self-expression. kinesthetic, and tactile. Students are not Baker, Eisenhower, and Streams merely learning about music; they are fully Elementary Schools each sponsor an engaged and actively participating in the extra-curricular chorus, which combine creation of music. to perform a joint winter concert in the The middle school philosophy supports USCHS Theatre. In addition, all three the belief that a well-rounded and diverse schools sponsor their own spring choral curriculum helps students learn the skills musical revue, featuring solo and full necessary to meet the challenges of living in today’s global society. As a part of their weekly schedule, students are scheduled to take at least one course in the expressive arts, and have the opportunity to study special subjects which go beyond the boundaries of basic content area The Chanteclairs, USCHS’s after-school chamber choir, was honored to accept an skills. The stuinvitation to perform at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association State Indents participate Service Conference at the David L Lawrence Convention Center this April. 34
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in art, family and consumer science, music, and technology education. In addition, at Fort Couch Middle School, students are exposed to communication arts, which include public speaking, radio script, and speech writing, broadcasting, stage production, stage make-up, improvisation, and performance. The middle school music curriculum (grades 5-8) advances the students’ understanding of a variety of musical genres such as folk, pop, patriotic, work songs, spirituals, classical, and digital, in order to more fully explore the essential elements of music first introduced at the elementary level—melody, rhythm, harmony, tempo, form, articulation, tone color, and dynamics. Through Orff or world drumming, singing, writing, playing the blues, movement, drama, listening to the instruments and music of all periods, and through digital music and pod casting, the students learn music’s great influence in history and how the Performing Arts are practiced and appreciated today. Students focus on the timeless musical values of watching, critiquing, ensemble playing, matching, community, focus, respect, balance, listening, and teamwork in all of their projects and activities. USC’s elementary and middle school instrumental ensembles include bands and string orchestras (jazz bands at the middle schools), and provide a range of differentiated instruction designed for all levels of past experiences, from instrumentalists who have not previously played an instrument to student musicians who have achieved an advanced level in their playing. Band and string instrumental classes are scheduled as once-a-week 30-minute pull-out lessons with ensemble practices during “Period 0” (before school) once or twice a week. Middle school choral ensembles are offered during the Pride Period (or Period 7). Students have the opportunity to enroll in different grade-level specific choruses, and
D H O EG E L T G H O G HE TH M T AM SD TE E T AM A special ensembles like the Voice of Boyce, The Panther marching band holds E H T LD Fort Couch Triple Trio, Fort Couch Mixed a three-week trainingTprogram M during E E D T A O GO Group, and Fort Couch Men’s Ensemble. the summer to help prepare for T Mstudents L E G D A D O T One of the special aspects of the Boyce football half-time performances, festivals, Lafter OL G HE THE D it rehearses TEIn addition, and Fort Couch programs is that students and parades. O E L G H T M GNovember. Dfrom September O through can elect to sing and play an instrument. school AM E L E T M E G Hand an M EA EA In fact, many are active members of all OMarching band is both Hantheactivity T LD E T G T three—the band, orchestra, and chorus. academic class. During first semester D H T A O T Eor no only, M mayTchoose L T marching Mband students E D LD Scheduling is flexible. with few G H A O A T suchAasM to enroll, E Dand artistryOL O conflicts with the other activities G HE THE E learn theTtechniques T E L Challenge and sports. of marching and/or dancing, show design T M Gand E G TH D Obe assessed, TE L L USCHS’s Performing Arts program, a D and music performance, E M E G H M EA EA H T O culmination of the continuum of basic earn aO grade and academicT credit towards E T G G H T LD G A skills taught in grades 1-8, is performance- Egraduation. In the spring, the marching T M T M E D H O E oriented and comprises accredited academic makes at least one trip toA perform at T T band M E LD OL G EorAparade. courses of choral and instrumental en- aA major festival Over the D past T H O T E Lband G Eseveral D G T D sembles, introduction to guitar, theater, years, the USCHS marching H O T E Lin the Kennywood T AM AM L featured G H introduction to music theory, and advanced has been FallE H O O E T M G Columbus T M OfferingAcustomized placement music theory. Choral electives GFantasy Parade, Day Parade, Ereal estateTE LD H the Tournament T E T include Men’s Ensemble, Girls’ Chorus, Veterans’ Day Parade, M E D H Competition services Upper St.LClair A D O T by Clarion Choir, and Pantheon Choir. In- of atA Baldwin E High TBands M L G E D O T L residents 1976 E A St. Patrick’ H O since Ts Day D strumental course offerings include a string School, Parade. Eand G T G H Dtwo weekends O T and full orchestra, three levels of concert During theL first in March, E Goldstein L E & Marshall T AM A Gmu- H H Sandy O bands, and several jazz ensembles. USCHS students perform a Broadway O E T M E G E All high school music classes are graded sical. G The musical is a community event, T H T A T 412-721-0306 cell E M M A724-941-9400 and scheduled in the students’ regular drawing as many as 30-40T studentA leaders D office LD G TE ext.L215 THdirectors, M E E academic day. Many of the ensembles are (producers, crew heads), 250 D T A O GO E Tcrew roles, L offered over the lunch mods, providing students in castE and supporting Sandy@Sandygoldstein.com G D H M D T L specialists, E L and GO GoldsteinMarsh@aol.com E T music students the opportunity to sched- an adult staff of 40 musical H O H T O volunteers, E ule time to eat and make music during the a group of 100 adult known M TEA G T G www.sandygoldstein.com H A E participate same class period. Concerts of the groups as Theatre Angels. Students T M AM TE D LD are held at regular intervals throughout the in a wide varietyT ofH capacities including A M E D L O E T year, with all ensembles performing at least directing, acting, dancing,A costume design, O T L E G H G once a semester. Students are always wel- set and props construction, D in LD GO E T Lplaying E come to join vocal and instrumental groups the pit orchestra, operating lights, sound, H MT O E H O T G T G publicity at any time, or even to take independent and the pin rail, generating and E page TH AM AM TEA study classes on beginning instruments advertising, and producing the 100+ H M TE E D or voice. printed program. The lastT five high school T A In addition, a rich and varied assortment musicals presented in the USCHS TheTE inLtheD LD GOL of co- and extra-curricular Performing Arts atre have been 42 Street, Singing O and GO E activities are offered, such as marching Rain, Into the Woods, Guys and Dolls, G band, Chanteclairs, chamber orchestra, Oklahoma. This year’s musical is Brigadoon E TH the fall play, and the spring musical. Al- with performances on March 5, 6, 7,H 11, T AM though many of the extra-curricular music 12, and 13. n E activities are sponsored T as a natural outgrowth Real Estate Professionals
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of the music or theater classes, they usually do not require a pre-requisite of course enrollment. The two most popular student activities sponsored by USCHS are the “Pride of Upper St. Clair” marching band and the spring musical.
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The music staff members and students cordially invite the community to attend the numerous concerts (most are free), plays, and musical performances throughout the year. Updated calendars for all grade levels are posted on USC School District’s website at www.uscsd.k12.pa.us and within the High School teacher pages of Paul Fox, Performing Arts Curriculum Leader. You can also call the Performing Arts Hotline at 412-851-2060 for current information about USC music events and how to purchase musical or play tickets. Spring 2010
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Fine Arts—Shining Bright Michele Scureman, Fine Arts Curriculum Leader
Pablo Picasso said “All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” The Fine Arts department of Upper St. Clair encourages its students to develop their artistic talent. Creativity, imagination, and originality shine throughout our students’ educational years. The USC Fine Arts curriculum has evolved to create a stronger, more in depth art program. Through the collaborative efforts of teachers in the arts and curricular areas, integrated lessons were created in grades K-12 that align with the national, state, and Upper St. Clair standards and benchmarks. The USC art program provides a high level of support for all those who wish to learn more about the arts, regardless of cognitive or physical ability. Adaptive art courses supply students with special needs experiences using varied, mediabased lessons. The incorporation of a fine motor program includes cutting and gluing, manipulating clay, and sewing skills to strengthen muscles and assists students in building skills necessary for pursuing interests in the arts.
The elementary curriculum is based on the four major national standards of art history, production, aesthetic response, and critical response. Each lesson has a component of these standards to develop the students’ fine motor skills and also to teach how art is an integral part of their lives. Famous artists studied include Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Claude Monet, as well as the styles of Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Miriam Shapiro. The students learn to emulate these art styles and to appreciate the beauty that they see in each piece of artwork. The USC art program has been developed with many curricular connections to 36
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all other academic areas. Interdisciplinary lessons are incorporated in language arts, math, science, and social studies. For example, the India unit for third graders focuses on the lives of the children and their native animals. Each student selects an animal to research, design, and decorate for the annual festival. He or she will then cut out a figure of his or her chosen animal and use various fabrics and textures to design a collage representing the animal. Each animal is accompanied by a written reflection that tells about its life in India in relation to the lifestyles of the children in India. Through the USC art curriculum, elementary students have an opportunity to visit the Carnegie Museum of Art for a one-day experience in the fourth grade. This museum adventure consists of a tour
of the gallery and a studio workshop. Additionally, beginning in fourth grade, the students have a choice of after-school activities, including art club, which is held in the morning and in the afternoon one day a week. The art club programs throughout the levels are designed for all those who enjoy art and wish to expand their artistic talents in a social environment. USC schools belong to the Pennsylvania State Art Club, which expands art to include art presentations about the lives of artists and community service projects, introducing new and different art projects that enrich the curriculum beyond grade level lessons. The expressive arts curriculum at the middle school level allows the students to become familiar with a variety of media. The visual arts lessons in grades five through eight are a combination of art skills and interdisciplinary concepts. In keeping with the scaffolding of art concepts from the elementary level, the middle Spring 2010
school curriculum continues to strengthen the curricular connections between the subject areas in nine-week projects. In the eighth grade, students are offered specialized six-week electives within each of the expressive arts. Offerings throughout the middle school grades include scroll maps, Pueblo pottery, Civil War portraits, and flowering watercolor plants, while cave painting and Egyptian mummy cases are offered in grades five and six, and advance to monochromatic paintings, ceramic face jugs, cut paper animated movies, and digital image manipulations are offered in grades seven and eight. The Fine Arts department at USCHS has engaged many of our students in a variety of art mediums based on a studio art approach to teaching these skills. The unit plans for the various courses, (including Painting and Drawing, Ceramics and Three-Dimensional Art, Art History, Advanced Placement Studio Art, and International Baccalaureate Visual Art) have been developed to encompass all of the Pennsylvania State Standards and the Upper St. Clair benchmarks based on the Elements of Art and Principles of Design. The freshman electives in art introduce the students to the concepts of painting and drawing skills, in addition to the threedimensional art skills in jewelry making and ceramic techniques. The upperclassmen have multiple choices of mediums to dabble in, using two or three dimensional art forms. These courses provide creative, cross-curricular artistic styles in order to develop the individuality of the learner. The Art History course is offered for anyone who is interested in learning about the evolution of how art depicts important events in the world, without necessarily producing replicas of the art styles discussed. AP Studio Art: 2-D Design and IB Visual Arts are creative, self-motivational programs. Based on the foundations of research, process, production, presentation, and assessment, these courses are designed for the students who wish to pursue art in college or as a career. From scholastic art exhibitions to the Upper St. Clair League of the Arts scholarship awards and the holiday card fundraisers to the Arts ‘n Activities magazine showcasing our young artists’ work, all make the Fine Arts program in Upper St. Clair quite successful. n
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Imagine the Possibilities— the New Boyce Theatre Paul Fox, Performing Arts Curriculum Leader
As a taxpayer in the Upper St. Clair Township, I, too, was concerned about the cost of the renovation of the two middle school buildings in our school district. When the winning construction bids came in $8 million under the original estimate for the entire project, the school board approved additional improvements, including a theatre at Boyce, a facility that opens a realm of possibilities for our entire community. The Performing Arts of Upper St. Clair represent more than 32 different music ensembles enrolled in grades 4-12 (1100 music students in the two middle schools alone). These groups sponsor two to four public performances each year. The current home of nearly all of the concert and jazz bands, orchestras, choruses, musicals, and chamber groups, and the exclusive venue for large groups of staff, students (at all levels) and residents from the entire district, is the state-of-the-art, 860 plus seat theatre at the Upper St. Clair High School. The theatre is the single most over-scheduled indoor school facility, with a host of challenges to meet the many needs of our active students and residents, including:
• 400 building-use permits or more each year for the USCHS Theatre and the high school LGI room. • Few available dates for the scheduling of other events. • Limited additional student access to the high school stage for technical rehearsals, class meetings, musical and physical education dance practices, and set construction/painting. • Increased costs to transport students to the USCHS Theatre from other school buildings. • Increased fees for stage maintenance, custodial and stage crew set-up, technical operation, and clean-up. • Anticipated needs for additional administrative, faculty, student, and community-use of the only large-capacity stage and theatre in the district. Can you imagine the possibilities now that we are constructing a small theatre at the middle school? With convenient access to and from the Boyce Performing Arts classes, outside entrance, and parking lots, the Boyce theatre will become the central hub of many new or expanded venues for school
(grades K-12) recitals, speeches, academic presentations, concerts of small- to mediumsized ensembles, staff and parent meetings, in-service programs, and more. In addition, the facility could be opened for community use, earning additional rental fees, while partially releasing the heavily scheduled USCHS Theatre for improved accessibility to high school students and staff. How will the Boyce theatre be used? You name it! Restricted only by the limits of your imagination, the benefits will far outweigh the initial costs. Once constructed, get ready to witness a flurry of new educational sharing and other activities in the auditorium, such as academic seminars, dance and musical performances and practices, meetings, assemblies, lectures, and testing. The music students, parents, and staff would like to thank the USC Board of School Directors for its members’ vision, long-range planning, commitment, and financial support in providing the necessary resources to educate “the whole child” in Upper St. Clair. Residents and board—thank you for building the Boyce theatre! n
Two Locations in Upper St. Clair:
Eisenhower & Streams Schools! Entering K - 7th Grade June 14 - August 20 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Flexible Scheduling Swim Trips Field Trips Special Party Days Hot Lunch Program Enrichment Classes Including Sports, Cooking, Art, Crafts, Science, & Much More!
Register Online at www.ExtendedDay.com or call (412) 221-1980 Spring 2010
Extended Day Services
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A Trip to Remember Don Pickell, USCHS Band Director On April 8, over 200 students
will leave Pittsburgh and spend five days in the Florida sun! What better way is there to spend time with friends than in Walt Disney World? Every four years, the Upper St. Clair High School Music Department heads south to Orlando for an educational and enjoyable performance experience. Students from the high school choirs, orchestra, and bands are included in the Disney trip, which is one of the most anticipated and exciting events of their high school career. After leaving Pittsburgh on a charter jet, the kids will head to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon to enjoy a day basking in southern sun and frolicking in the water. Also on the agenda are trips to Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, and Epcot to explore and enjoy the parks with friends. The marching band will march down Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Disney for a crowd of thousands from all over the country and the world! This huge parade, with bands from all over the country, floats, and Disney characters attracts an enormous audience. Four years ago and the last time USC’s marching band performed in Disney World, the crowd was six deep on both sides of the street. This year, for the first time, USC’s choirs, orchestra, and bands will perform live in Downtown Disney before taking part in
The Parade
Disney Performing Arts workshops, where be a remarkable educational opportunity for a professional Disney musician will lead the all. In the past, we’ve performed in a variety students through the life of a professional of music festivals, from Fiestaval to Heritage studio musician, sight reading and learning Music, but five years ago Disney decided to music quickly, rehearsing the music, and create its own music festival. In true Disney making a final professional recording. The fashion, it’s wonderful! Disney attracts some workshop culminates with a special record- of the best musical talents and educators from ing of USCHS musicians performing music all over the country and creates a fantastic along with a portion of a Disney animated experience for the kids. Instead of performfeature film. ing in local high school gymnasiums, the The marching band color guard, ma- students are now able to perform in the many jorettes, Pantherettes, and drum line will great venues available on Disney property. compete against groups from across the The excitement of leaving cold Pittsburgh United States in Festival Disney, performing on a plane filled with friends, heading south, in the Indiana Jones and playing music Theater in Hollyon an international wood Studios. This stage is sure to prois an opportunity vide memories to for the students to last a lifetime. n perform before an international audience in a major venue and be evaluated and critiqued by some of the biggest names in music education. I have had the Attending a Disney workshop pleasure of going on this trip as both a student and a director, and I can say from personal experience that it will
Maria Simon, former USC student This was the height of my four years in high school. This is what I had been waiting for, what I had raised all that money to do. And now it was here. I stood silently, absorbing the chaos that enveloped me like the water in a pool after I dove in. Joyous screams, crucial conversations, and never ending B flat major scales and arpeggios. I clutched my trumpet nervously in my right hand, thankful for the familiar feeling of the valves and cool, smooth brass. I longed for the stereotypical trumpet confidence. It had run away, though. In front of me was a man in a bear suit. He was talking to another man in a fairy suit. Both of them casually held in their hands the heads that they would soon put on. This was normal for them. How was this normal? And why was a man dressed as a fairy—a fairy wearing a dress and heels? I had seen these characters in movies when I was little and I had seen them walking around the park. But now I was backstage where everyone was transforming from regular people to 38
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fictional ones. I would never be able to look at that character in the same way again. They had told us that we weren’t allowed to bring cameras backstage for that reason. They didn’t want there to be any chance that children could see pictures of this kind of thing. Now that I saw it, I understood why. It was just unnatural. The masses of people were lining up and I quietly went to my place in the first rank, between two of my friends. One of them kept talking, the other was silent like me; but I paid no attention. Interspersed between the bands were the floats. I shook my head as I thought that these floats would light up to bring a glow to a child’s face. I had seen these floats so many times as a child, but now they were dead—only elaborately shaped skeletons. Bare bones. I couldn’t even tell what some of the misshapen forms were supposed to be. A whistle suddenly deadened all commotion. My marching band shifted to attention in a single movement. Suddenly, everything Spring 2010
turned on. It was like the whole parade was struck by lightning, only instead of taking away electricity, it provided it, jolting everything awake, like Frankenstein’s monster coming alive. The dead forms came to life, glowing and unveiling their identities, becoming something familiar for children’s enjoyment. The bear and fairy put on their heads, the people inside now genderless and faceless. The doors, masked in the wooden fence, swung open in a fantastic burst of light and pure sound. The cadence began and I stepped forward with my trumpet, part of a much larger life form that was the parade. n Disney parade photo courtesy of Holly Repischak
Streams Elementary School Partners with Pittsburgh Center for the Arts Poet and Artist in Residence Program
WE THANK YOU
Rachel Lowden
In Japan when hundreds of poets come together to contribute to the writing of one large poem it is called a Renga poem. This fall, Streams Elementary School and the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts formed a collaborative sponsored by Streams PTA and offered students the opportunity to work with poet Bob Ziller and mosaic muralist Laura Jean McLaughlin. The culmination of their work yielded a large Streams Renga poem integrated into a mosaic mural. This collaboration also instilled in the children and adults a love and deeper understanding of the arts. The Pittsburgh Center for the Arts Artist Residency began with the children attending a kickoff, introducing the poet and mosaic muralist. The children viewed samples of the mosaic artists’ work through a PowerPoint® presentation. The poet read his poems and talked about his craft. “The kids all went home excited to write. It was great to see their enthusiasm!” remarked Dr. Claire Miller, Streams principal. Next, each child received a poetry journal which offered room to write, illustrate, and read poems written by published poets. The children personalized these journals by creating their own mosaic on the cover. This gave them their first opportunity to play with the idea of mosaic patterns. A display was also put in the entry of the school to show the tools and demonstrate the steps in creating a mosaic mural. As Streams Elementary students embraced poetry, they listened to poems read each day during announcements, in the library, and in the classrooms. They read poems in their journals, on
During the evening unveiling, students also enjoyed an ice cream social
the Promethean boards, and in anthology books. Poet Bob Ziller’s meetings focused the children’s attention on the writing and reading of haiku. He worked with grades 1-4 in the art room with Angie Juliussen, Streams’ art teacher and former Pittsburgh Center for the Arts ceramicist. We know that the arts improve our ability to think critically and act creatively. The arts offer us the opportunity to communicate our most profound thoughts and deepest feelings. Together with the poet, mosaic muralist, and art teacher, the children created images in words and drawings that explored what Streams meant to them. Bob Ziller then took all the children’s words and images and crafted them into a large Japanese Renga Poem about Streams Elementary. Laura Jean McLaughlin also worked with Angie Juliussen to teach the art and process of mosaic and to develop the images that would accompany the Renga poem. First, the children made one large draft, in pencil, on concrete board with the poem and illustrations. Next, color was added to the draft and the large sheet of concrete board was cut into ten smaller, more workable panels. Then the individual letter tiles for the poem were made by the children and fired in the kiln. Lastly, the children broke and nipped tiles to glue and grouted them onto the mosaic. During the last day of the partnership, the children, poet, mosaic artist, and art teacher came together for reflection of the process, each asking themPoet Bob Ziller and mosaic muralist selves how Laura Jean McLaughlin they’ve grown, what they’ve learned from one another, and where they’ll go from here. The mosaic mural was celebrated and unveiled at the Streams’ ice cream social and book fair on November 19, when everyone shared ice cream, poetry, art, and books. n Spring 2010
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SD
Moving Forward—the Middle Schools’ Renovation Projects
The middle school renovations and additions projects are well into phase one. At Boyce Middle School, phase one includes: • The southwest addition of classrooms, expressive arts instructional areas, and the theatre. • The northwest addition of four classrooms. • The northeast addition of the new cafeteria. • Incorporating existing building areas into new classroom areas and kitchen floor plans. • Excavation and installation of the water detention facility. • Excavation of the west parking area. In the middle of spring 2010, Phase 2 work will begin at Boyce, and this phase is divided into three sub phases. Phase 2A will run from May to August 2010 and includes renovation of the locker and boiler rooms and the re-designation of the current kitchen area to part of the administration suite. From June to August 2010, Phase 2B will include the renovation of the library and six classrooms in the northwest 1991 addition area of the school. Phase 2C will run from June to December 2010. The work associated in this phase will include renovating the current cafeteria into a new administration suite, and the renovation of the LGI and the remaining classrooms in the north area together with classrooms that surround the LGI. All corridor work directly related to the above work areas will be completed concurrently with each phase. Phase 1 work at the Fort Couch Middle School is divided into two sub phases of work. Phase 1A work includes construction of a new three story structure. This new wing will consist of a lower
level of mechanical areas, a first floor of classrooms and computer labs, and a second floor of classrooms and a library. Excavation and installation of the water detention facility is also part of this phase. This work is slated to be completed by August 2010. Starting in June 2010, Phase 1B work will begin. This work will tie the newly constructed academic wing into the existing east side of the school building and renovation of the band/LGI area. A new student entrance will be constructed on the Fort Couch Road side of the building. All corridor work directly related to the above work areas will be completed concurrently with each phase. Also in June 2010, Phase 2, which includes the construction of a new gymnasium addition on the west side of the school, will begin. Throughout this school year, teachers and students have been actively involved in using the construction projects as a learning tool. Representatives from P.J. Dick, the construction management company, meet with faculties at both sites to review various learning activities that they have executed at other school projects. The Boyce Middle School Student Council has formed a “Green Team” to organize a process to follow the manifest of recycle materials required for the LEEDS certification. In the Fort Couch science classes, representatives from the Green Building Association conducted a number of presentations on the topic of LEEDS. In months to come, the projects at both middle school sites will continue to take shape, transforming these school sites that served the District so well over the past 40 years into 21st century facilities that will serve the District for the next 40. n
Building the Fort
Fort Couch students Sarah Collins and Ben Spock There is a visible difference from last year’s Fort Couch to this year’s Fort Couch. Quite a few things have changed due to the construction. With the gym locker rooms under construction, we are not required to change clothes for gym class and because of a decreased number of classrooms, many rooms being used for instruction are not designed for the subjects being taught there. For example, many of the current science classrooms have neither sinks nor gas spouts, so when labs are being performed, students must move to a classroom equipped with the proper apparatus. Sometimes the clocks have been reset to an incorrect time, causing everyone to be released from class at the wrong time. On the second floor, some of the clocks don’t work at all. Last year at the end of each day, all students were dismissed from the back of the school to catch buses. Now, since the bus garage is under construction, buses cannot easily line up in the back of the school and, therefore, we wait in the classroom until the bus pulls into the front parking lot and each bus is called one-by-one over the PA system. Of course, there is noise from the construction, loudest in the LGI, the music room, and the gym. For eighth graders, perhaps the 40
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Spring 2010
most frustrating part about all of this is that, by the time the construction is finished, they will already be at the high school. One of the positive aspects of living and learning through the construction is seeing first-hand the up-and-coming technologies that will be part of our lives, as evidenced by the presentation given by Dave McLean, architect of Graves & McLean Architects, and Joe Brennan, construction engineer with P.J. Dick Corporation, who are currently leading efforts in the construction project for the school. They not only addressed concerns of Fort Couch students who are involved in the Future City competition, but also spoke about the changes being made to the school and how students will be able to use the data being collected regarding the “green” features. The best part of “building the Fort” is knowing that once it’s finished, future students and teachers will have a beautiful school to enjoy! n Sarah, eighth grader, is the daughter of Carrie and Gordon Collins. Ben, seventh grader, is the son of Paula and Robert Spock.
Being Taught in a Trailer
SD Spring in and Save! The kids are getting restless. You have a few birthdays next month. We’ll gift wrap for free! Time for some new toys!
Lauren Quintero and Erin Graham
Have you ever really thought about coming face to face with a squirrel? Or a spider? Or a stinkbug? In the trailers at Boyce Middle School, these unspoken questions linger in the minds of those who tread there. With Boyce being renovated this year, each day provides a different experience. There is a boom, boom, zzzzzzzzzz in social studies class, and a grrrrrrrrrrrrr, tap, tap, tap throughout language arts. A beep, beep, beep, brrrrr, brrrrr, brrrrr precedes lunch. Venturing out into the freezing plywood path considered a hallway, the construction is even louder. The uninsulated vestibule is adorned with leaves, dirt, and possibly snow. Students dash quickly out of the classroom and into the main building, avoiding the cold as best they can. Some even don winter attire to change classes. Aside from errant squirrels and chipmunks, hallway sights also include many species of men, machinery, and dirt. Hardhats and dirt appear everywhere you go. Especially dirt. We are our own little Boyce peninsula, close, yet ever so far away from the mainland. Sometimes announcements and bells reach the locked classrooms; sometimes they don’t. Our team has discussed adopting a carrier pigeon with the intended duty to communicate with the office. If, however, the clock freezes and we miss gym class, there is no need to worry; we simply open and shut the door several times. Conservatively, the door to our classroom weighs 35 pounds (the weight of approximately 70 squirrels), and 25 open/shut activities is a thorough aerobic workout. (No need for Wii Fit!) Need a mind-boggling challenge? Try to guess in which direction to turn the handle to enter a trailer classroom; some go up, but most go down. Of course, the secret password is a must. (Our password was “warmth!�) Seriously though, despite the inconvenience and the noise, our learning hasn’t missed a beat (and there are no squirrels lurking in our hallways!) Our classrooms are dry and warm, our minds are engaged in new learning, and we are ready for each day’s challenges. And sometimes it’s enhanced by the excitement happening around us. We’ve enjoyed our year so far, and plan on enjoying our newly renovated classrooms soon. n
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Writers Lauren and Erin pose in the hallway near one of the trailers.
Lauren, a fifth grader, is the daughter of Sue and Jose Quintero, and Erin, a sixth grader, is the daughter of Anne and Charles Graham.
Russ Phillips, Food Services Director Joe Wightkin, Support Services Director
Spring 2010
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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SDDid Did
You Know? Did You Know? You Did You Know? Style Math, American Know? Competitiv
two Boyce students Forty eight Fort Couch students and s Com peti tion , atic hem Mat part icip ated in the Am eric an Wang, Yasaswi Duvvuru, AMC 8. Congratulations to Tony and Will Petley, who placed first, second, and third, respectively, within the middle school-wide competition. The competition was facilitated by Joye Karidis, math resource teacher at Fort Couch, and Connie Gibson, gifted teacher at Fort Couch.
e Cheer Squad Br ings Home the Go The 20-member US ld CHS competitive girls from grades cheer squad, mad 9-12, traveled to e up of Jacksonville, Flor 27-January 2, for ida, December a whirlwind week of national compe participation in th tition and e 2010 Gator Bowl activities. The girls compete d and took first place in the Larg Mount division an e Varsity d became the gran d champion high divisions. The girls scorers of all then went on to lea rn an exciting halfbefore cheering in time show the Winn-Dixie Ga tor bowl parade. 1 and in front of On January over 85,000 peop le, the girls proudl USC by participat y represented ing in the 2010 Ga tor bowl half-time Jacksonville stadi show in the um. Congratulations to coach Amanda Sa the squad which nderson and mem include seniors Je bers of ss Ciancio, Margo Kratas, Lexi Long Rizzi, Gabby , Helene Brandy, Al lie Tobias, Ericka Porco; junior Laur Fehl, Raylynn el Steinberger; soph omores Paige Gille Shayla Forse, Mar n, Erin Kyle, iah Doohan, Dean na Neiser; and fre Pituch, Alexa Pitu shmen Alina ch, Kelli Long, Ch eyenne Buntan, As and Hannah Lund hley Pearson, .
Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Math Whiz secg in ac pl r fo ng Ya ns to Chenhao Did Know? Did You Know? CongratulatioYou 10 at the sion for grades 9vi y sit the indi dual divi er in iv d Un on esne Did You Know? Did You Know? tition held at Duqu Calcu-Solve Compe . mber 10 Did You Know? Did You Know? on Tuesday, Nove Did You Know? Did You Know? Seeing Red Did You Know? Did You Know? Boyce Middle School celebrated Red Ribbon Week October nationwide to promote ed Week is celebrat Know? 26-30. Red RibbonYou Did Did You Know? began with a schoolweek The ion. drug awareness and prevent Did You Know? Did You Know? speakers and the d by USCHS student wide assembly attende activiThe dance. hip-hop a ed perform team dance school high Did You Know? Did You Know? ties included a food drive, where 1000 items were collected and y (SHIM). Did You Know? Did You Know? Hills Interfaith Ministr donated to the South Did You Know? Did You Know? Did YouSnapKnow? Did You Know? Shot PA On October 28, 2009, Did You Know? Did You Know? the Upper St. Clair Hi gh School Librar Did You Know? Did ThYou Know? e “Write” Stuff y was one of analyst ld, an expert handwriting 500 libraries that volun sbo Dre lle che Mi 9, 200 12, ber grade teered to participa th vem six No s ’ Did You Know? Did You Know? On ool Sch te in the first ever SnapS dents of Boyce Middle hot PA, them sponsored by the Pennsy g ality profiler, spoke to stu pin son hel per ts and den stu h lvania Librar three hours wit nt spe y Did You Know? Did You Know? ld As soc sbo iat Dre . ion Ms ss. and Commonwealth Lib ous cases such as Challenge cla raries. The purpose of the along with discussing fam ng, riti dw han day n g ow ir wa the s to capture how to analyzeDid You Did You the students were readin Pennsylvanians useKnow? During November, Know? . their libraries om tom Oc ir and the on a typical day. Librar on ed ers anc Scott Pet . Dresbold enh ians Debbie Rentschler sting Game, and MsKnow? Did You Know? You and Janine Despines we sing the novel The We and discusDid speaker was arranged by st re asked to respond to gue e Th me curriculum. a quick the ryste my survey to depict what hap the of s die stu Did You Know? DidChalle You Know? pened in the nge program. library. So, according to the survey, Diane Ecker through the how did the USC High Sch ool community use itsYou Did Did You Know? library on SnapShotKnow? PA day ? • Thirty-one items we re circulatedKnow? USCHS FallYou 2009 Sports Results Did You Did Know? (books and audio/visual equipment) . Team Wins Losses Ties Achievement • Five teachers anYou Did Did2 You Know? d their classes (a Know? 5 — total of 155 Cross-Country (Boys) students) visited for res earch projecKnow? Did You Know? Cross-CountryDid (Girls) 5 You 2 — ts. • Fifteen staff members came to the library for Field Hockey 3 10 — Did You Know? Did6 You Know? assistance. Football 4 — • Two hundred compute r sessions weKnow? Did You Did You Know? Golf (Boys) 10 7 — re noted. • Five hundred and tw enty students used the Golf (Girls) 16 0 Section Champions library during the Did You Know? Did19 You Know? ir free mods. Soccer (Boys) 4 1 — • Seven parent and stude nt volunteersKnow? Did You 9 You 7 3 Know? — helped out Soccer (Girls) Did during the day. Tennis (Girls) 20 2 Section Champions Did You Know? Did13 You Know? Volleyball (Girls) 2 Section Co-Champions Did You Know? Did You Know? d place), Tony Wang (first place), AMC 8 winners are Will Petley (thir (second place) uru Duvv swi and Yasa
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Calcu-Solve Celebrates 20 Years David Hoedeman
For even the brightest young
mathematician in the Pittsburgh area, five minutes never feels like enough time to do all the calculations and strategizing necessary for some of the problems in the 20th annual Calu-Solve competition. “Oh it’s horrible!” Boyce Middle School sixth grader Hunter Lantzman remarked. “It’s nerve-wracking and it seems like the timer moves extra fast while you’re thinking.” For all his nervousness, Lantzman out-calculated 247 of his mathematicallyminded local peers this past November to gain overall first place at the math competition hosted by Duquesne University and facilitated by the staff and students of Boyce Middle School.
Boyce sixth grader Joe Paul hard at work on one of the questions
Thirty-two area schools sent one or two teams of four students each to put their arithmetic prowess to the test in a competition that required the students to answer ten questions over the course of a three-hour competition. As the contestants teamed together and also worked individually, a genuine passion for math emerged. “This is a really great experience,” Boyce sixth grader Geet Punjabi said. “I like the intensity. I like to compete.” Boyce math teacher and Calcu-Solve coach Sue Fleckenstein was amazed by the enthusiasm of her students. “I would show up for morning practice and the kids would already be there,” said Fleckenstein, who helped the students prepare for more than three hours a week during the month leading up to the event. Boyce teacher Kathy Hoedeman, who coordinated the event along with colleague Jason O’Roark, could not have been more pleased with the results of their efforts. “What is better for a teacher than to stand in front of a room of students who can’t wait to do math?” Hoedeman said, noting that
one of the main goals of the event is to cultivate an enthu- Shown are Boyce students who made the Calcu-Solve team after a siasm and school-wide test passion for math. Fortunately for Hoedeman and the 248 math-loving students, the local II-VI Foundation shares this enthusiasm. According to its website, the II-VI Foundation’s mission is to “encourage and enable students to pursue a career in engineering, science, and mathematics.” Sponsoring Calcu-Solve was a natural fit. “We have programs that encourage math and science education all the way up through graduate school students. We try to get involved at every level to get students excited about math,” explained foundation director Rick Purnell. “So, this is a great fit,” he added, gesturing to the Duquesne ball room packed with 248 eager, young mathematicians. In addition to the eight Boyce students who competed in the event, a group of 16 student ambassadors from Boyce volunteered to help collect answers and distribute questions. There were also 16 USCHS students that volunteered to grade and score all of the answers. To stage the massive event, it was truly a total USC team effort. It was only fitting, then, that USC students would represent their school admirably in the competition as well. In addition to Lantzman capturing top individual honors, Boyce sixth graders Zach Christiansen and Joe Paul were among the top ten individually and a part of the Boyce team of Christiansen, Paul, Yang Zhang, and Danny Ferri who finished third out of 62 teams. The real winner of the day may have been math itself, as the event aroused a passion and healthy competitive spirit sometimes thought to be reserved for the Friday night gridiron. “There’s no ball or scoreboard. They’re just doing math and having fun,” said Purnell. “It’s pretty cool.” n David Hoedeman, currently of Shadyside, is a senior journalism major at Point Park University. A 2003 graduate of Mt. Lebanon High School, David is the son of Randy and Kathy Hoedeman. Spring 2010
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www.dmchiro.com UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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Pawprints A USC PTA Council Highlight of Our Schools
High School
This year, the high school library sponsored a “Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF” campaign. All students were given small orange UNICEF boxes in which to collect money to support children’s programs around the world. For example: six cents provides water for one thirsty kid; $44 provides school supplies to 20 kids; $200 immunizes 550 kids against measles. Thank you to all the homeroom teachers for helping with the fundraiser, which raised $660. The school hopes to make this an annual event and thanks the entire USC community for its support.
Fort Couch
Reach Out was a big success again this year raising more than $10,500 for charity. Five thousand dollars went to the USC Police Department in the form of Giant Eagle gift cards which were passed out to local needy families in USC and the surrounding area to help them with Christmas dinner. The Giant Eagle managers from the Market District and McMurray stores donated an additional $500 in free gift cards. Fort Couch Team One won the contest, collecting over $4000. Thanks to all who participated. The Fort Couch “Caught You Being Good” program was successful and lots of fun, culminating in an assembly with performances by the school’s band, chorus, and new staff choir, followed by an in-school social. Team Five students recently participated in a mini-speaker series featuring veterans of both the European and Pacific Theaters of World War II. On the 68th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, students attended a presentation by PFC Wayne T. Alderson, a Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart recipient who penetrated the infamous Siegfried Line to become the first American to enter Germany during the war. On December 15, students interacted with Lieutenant James Yerkes, a B-24 Liberator pilot who flew bombing missions in the Pacific. Both sessions provided give and take opportunities for the students.
Boyce
Fall flew by at Boyce. In October, the school concluded another successful Sally Foster sale, with proceeds helping individual students defray the cost of the annual sixth grade Earth Warden trip to Deer Valley beginning late April and ending mid-May. After several fall meetings, then hibernating for the winter, the Boyce Garden Club is ready to start up again for the spring. The fifth graders enjoyed a welcome party at the new Community & Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park and were the first group to use the entire facility for an event. While the garden club hibernated through the winter, other activities carried on without missing a beat. Students and adult volunteers have been hard at work on the Panther Paw (the student newspaper) and the yearbook. For the first time in several years, students are helping to produce the yearbook, which will again be a soft cover book delivered the last week of school, with a supplement
to cover activities (e.g. Deer Valley trip, graduation party, field day) that happen after the April print deadline. Each year the Boyce PTA sponsors an Author’s Day speaker. This year, author Sarah Weeks visited Boyce on March 2, to share with students at Boyce some of her writing and her life as a writer. Ms. Weeks has written numerous books for children and middle school students, including her 2004 bestseller So B. It. Finally, the Boyce PTA, in cooperation with the Fort Couch PTA, is looking forward to sponsoring its own “March Madness” basketball game between a Boyce faculty team and a Fort Couch faculty team. This event will be a combination fundraiser and fun family event.
Baker
Baker PTA is proud to announce its first adult fundraiser, the BakerTINI (Together Inspiring New Ideas). The event will be held Friday, March 12 at 7 p.m. at the Crown Plaza Hotel across from South Hills Village on Fort Couch Road. Enjoy appetizers, desserts, and specialty martinis named in honor of the Baker faculty while perusing the silent and Chinese auctions. Some of the items to be featured are Kennywood, Sand Castle, and Pittsburgh Zoo ticket packages, sports memorabilia, gift certificates, jewelry items, and much more. Proceeds will be used to cover the cost of field trips for all grades and the Raz Kids computer reading program. This will be a one-ofa-kind fundraising event you won’t want to miss!
Eisenhower
The Eisenhowler was a huge success! There was wonderful turnout of Eisenhower families and friends, and the evening ran smoothly while raising money needed to fund PTA-sponsored events for the year. November was busy with the first level breakfast, the second level social “game night,” and fourth level bowling at AMF in Mt. Lebanon. December was exciting with Holiday Mart and the fun winter parties.
Streams
November brought several exciting events to Streams including the school’s book fair, complete with a hot air balloon to travel to the destination of one’s choice! An ice cream social topped off a great evening. In November, Streams unveiled the result of its Pittsburgh Center for the Arts Artist in Residency Program. Streams students worked with Streams art teacher Angie Juliussen and Laura Jean McLaughlin and Bob Ziller, creating a fabulous Renga poem about Streams and a mural. Thank you to everyone who had their hands in this project— Streams is so very proud! (See page 39 for the complete story.) Some of the events that started 2010 included an ice skating party, Open Mikes, Special Nights, bingo, and Snuggle Up & Read/ Book Swap.
Questions about PTA or PTSO? Call Liz Hall (PTA Council President) 412-851-1757 or Tina Seech (PTSO President) 724-462-3724 or tseech@yahoo.com. 44
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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SD
College Credit Course
Valley Brook Family Dental
Diatrah Stott, USCHS student
This past August, Upper St. Clair High School’s
Accounting I course was approved as a three college credit class through Carlow University. This is the first opportunity for USC students to earn college credit while enrolled in a high school course, and students enrolled in the Accounting I class are able to save hundreds of dollars. USCHS business education teacher Carolyn Cusick was approved as an instructor through Carlow University, which allows her to instruct this class for college credit at the high school. To earn three college credits, students must pay $150 for the course and maintain an “A” or “B” each semester. Many colleges and universities are willing to accept this course for three transfer credits as either Accounting I or as an open elective pending transfer paperwork completed by the student. Currently the University of Pittsburgh, Slippery Rock University, Ithaca College, Warrington College of Business Administration, University of Florida, College of Charleston, and Clarion University of Pennsylvania have agreed to accept these credits. This accounting course is very helpful and teaches key accounting principles necessary for different accounting, financial, and business related occupations. For such a low fee, this course offers both educational and financial benefits to USCHS students and parents. For more details, refer to Carolyn Cusick’s teacher page located at www.uscsd.k12.pa.us. n
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USCSD Spring Calendar
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All events are subject to change. For the most up to date information, please check the calendar on the School District’s website at www.uscsd.k12.pa.us. March 2010
1-8 BA–Clothing Sale 1, 4, 8, 11–SAT Prep–7-9 p.m. 2 BA–Kindergarten Registration ST–Executive Board Meeting–9:30 a.m. (LGI) 2-4 HS–Musical Dress Rehearsal–3-9:30 p.m. (Theatre) 3 HS–Deans’ Breakfast–7:40 a.m. (LGI) EI–Kindergarten Registration ST–PTA Council–9:30 a.m. (LGI) 4 ST–Kindergarten Registration ST–Snuggle Up & Read–7 p.m. 5 EI–PTA Executive Board–9:30 a.m. 5-6 HS–Musical Performance–7:30 p.m. (Theatre) 7 HS–Musical Performance–2 p.m. (Theatre) 8 BO–PTA Executive Board Meeting–1 p.m. 9 FC–PTA Executive Meeting BA–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. (LGI) EI–Kindergarten Social–7-8:15 p.m. ST–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. (LGI) 10 HS–Musical Dress Rehearsal–3-9:30 p.m. HS–PMEA Region Chorus Festival (Butler) BO–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. (LGI) EI–Spring Picture Day CO–Youth Steering Committee–7 p.m. (Board Room) 11 HS–Musical Performance–6:30 p.m. (Theatre) HS–PMEA Region Chorus Festival (Butler) ST–2nd Grade Open Mike–9:30 a.m. (LGI) 12 Half Day Early Dismissal for Students HS–PMEA Region Chorus Festival (Butler) 12-13 HS–Musical Performance–7:30 p.m. (Theatre) 13 HS–SAT at USC (SAT I only) 15-19 BA/EI/ST–4th Grade Terra Nova/TCS 16 FC–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. (MPR) BA/EI/ST–Kindergarten Registration–6:30-8:30 p.m. (CO) 18 FC–Social–7-9 p.m. EI–Reading Night with Dad–7 p.m. ST–3rd Grade Special Night–7 p.m. (Gym/Nutrition Center) 19 HS–Prom Fashion Show Lunch Mods HS–Community Foundation Artists Workshop– 7 a.m.-11 p.m. (LGI/Theatre) EI–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m.
23-24 24 24-26 25 26-31
HS–Orchestra Rehearsal–7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. (Theatre) HS–Orchestra Concert–7:30 p.m. (Theatre) HS–PMEA Region Band Festival (Waynesburg Central) HS–PAC Meeting–9:30 a.m. No School–Spring Recess
April 2010 1-5 No School–Spring Recess 6 ST–Executive Board Meeting–9:30 a.m. (LGI) 7 HS–Deans’ Breakfast–7:40 a.m. (LGI) BO–PTA Council–9:30 a.m. BA–Variety Show Rehearsal–4 p.m. 7-16 Grades 3-8 and 11 PSSA Reading and Math 8 FC–Half Day Early Dismissal (Tentative) FC–Open House or Other Educational Event–7 p.m. (Tentative) ST–2nd Grade Special Night–7 p.m. (Gym/Nutrition Center) 8-12 HS–Music Department Trip (Disney World) 9 EI–PTA Executive Board–9:30 a.m. BA–Variety Show–6:30 p.m. (HS Theatre) 9-10 HS–PMEA JHS Chorus Festival (Burgettstown) 12 BA/EI/ST/BO–IB Program MYP Transition Meeting– 7 p.m. (FC MPR) BO–PTA Executive Board Meeting–1 p.m. 13 BA–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. (LGI) ST–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. (LGI) 14 BO–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. (LGI) CO–Youth Steering Committee–7 p.m. (Board Room) 15 HS–Jazz Fest IV–7 p.m. (Theatre) ST–PYP Orientation–6:30 p.m. 16 HS–Spring Dance–7:30-10:30 p.m. FC–Possible Make-Up Social–7-9 p.m. EI–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. 19-20 BO–Band Rehearsal–noon-5 p.m. (HS Theatre) 19-23 Grades 5, 8, 11 PSSA Writing 20 BO–Band Concert–7 p.m. (HS Theatre) BA/EI/ST–Elementary Band Rehearsal–9-11:30 a.m. (HS Band Room) 21 BO–Choral Rehearsal–noon-5 p.m. (HS Theatre) 21-23 EI–Book Swap
21-24 HS–PMEA All-State Band, Chorus and Orchestra Festival (Pittsburgh) 22 HS–PAC Meeting–9:30 a.m. BO–Choral Performance–7 p.m. (HS Theatre) 23 BO–Choral Performance–8:45 a.m. (HS Theatre) ST–Arbor Day Festival 24 BO–Deer Valley Meeting General Meeting–9-10 a.m.; Training Session–10 a.m.-noon 26 Grade 11 PSSA Science Test 27-28 HS–Cap and Gown Delivery Lunch Mods Grades 4, 8, 11 PSSA Science Test 28 FC–Musical Rehearsal–4-6 p.m. (HS Theatre) 29 ST–Talent Show Rehearsal–4 p.m. (HS Theatre) 30 ST–Talent Show–7 p.m. (HS Theatre)
Early May 2010 3 FC–Choral Rehearsal–4-6 p.m. (HS Theatre) BA–Book Fair Set-Up 3-7 BA–Teacher Appreciation Week EI–PTA Staff Appreciation PSSA Make-Ups 3-14 HS–AP Tests 3-21 BO–Deer Valley Begins 3-28 HS–Spring Art Exhibit 4 FC–Choral Rehearsal–12:30-4 p.m. (HS Theatre) BA–Book Fair Preview BA–1st Grade REEC ST–Executive Board Meeting–9:30 p.m. (LGI) 4-6 EI–Book Fair 5 HS–Deans’ Breakfast–7:40 a.m. (LGI) FC–Choral Musical–8:45 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. (HS Theatre) CO–PTA Council Changeover Meeting/Luncheon 5-6 BA–Book Fair 6 BA/EI/ST–Early Dismissal Grades 1-4–12:45 p.m. (Tentative) BA/EI/ST–Elementary Open Houses or Other Educational Events–7 p.m. (Tentative) ST–Star Night–7-9 p.m. (All School Facilities) 7 BO–5th Grade NASA EI–PTA Executive Board–9:30 a.m.
Legend: BA – Baker Elementary • BO – Boyce Middle • CO – Central Office • EI – Eisenhower Elementary • FC – Fort Couch Middle • HS – High School • ST – Streams Elementary Spring 2010
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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Well Wishing Remarks from Our Community Family
The Township of Upper St. Clair is proud to be copublisher along with the USC School District of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. The dedicated magazine staff strives to provide our residents with informative and entertaining articles and for 16 years they have succeeded. Congratulations on this milestone! —Matthew R. Serakowski, Township Manager, Upper St. Clair Congratulations to UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine on celebrating its 16-year anniversary. TODAY is the signature publication of the Upper St. Clair community. The staff does an exceptional job of highlighting school district and township happenings and events, as well as offering other interesting readings. Thanks for providing such a wonderful showcase for Upper St. Clair—just another example of what makes our community such a special place in which to live and learn! —Patrick T. O’Toole, Ph.D., Upper St. Clair Superintendent of Schools
As we look back on our 16 years of wonderful publication, we are only as good as your input… and your input to all that makes USC TODAY has been fabulous! Our not- Congratulations a great and integral part of Upper St. Clair. Your for-profit quarterly magazine informative articles and neighborhood oriented is made possible through the publication is the pulse of the community. Kudos combined resources of the staff for all the extra efforts put forth to make the magazine a success. and volunteers of the Township —The Galleria of Mt. Lebanon. and School District of Upper St. Clair. We are happy to receive Congratulations on the anniversary of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. Not only is it beautifully and showcase your following designed, the magazine has become a familiar remarks for our sweet sixteenth symbol of the quality that is Upper St. Clair. birthday celebration, and we —Dr. William A. Pope, former Superintendent, Upper St. Clair School District would like to share with you our longstanding commitment We would like to congratulate UPPER ST. CLAIR to our mission and goals of TODAY in celebrating its 16-year anniversary. Over this community publication, the many years, the publication has exemplified its long-term dedication and commitment to the to which we will always stand South Hills area, Upper St. Clair community, and behind. its residents. Thank you for all your efforts.
—Sesame Inn
For 16 years, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY has been a key member of the community by keeping residents informed of what is happening in our schools and around our neighborhoods. It is also a great way for me to inform my neighbors of what is happening in Washington. As a resident of Upper St. Clair, I look forward to the magazine’s coverage of our community for years to come. —U.S. Congressman Tim Murphy Congratulations USC TODAY on 16 years of sharing the stories of the people of USC. Blessings. —Westminster Presbyterian Church
Congratulations to TODAY for its wonderful publication! It has been a pleasure working with you all these years and we wish you much success for another 16! The residents of Upper St. Clair are very fortunate to have such a great local magazine. —Clark Construction Company Congratulations to UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY as it celebrates 16 years of service. Throughout the years, the magazine has remained an important voice that informs residents about issues and events important to their lives, and recognizes the contributions and achievements of those who live and work in Upper St. Clair Township. The excellence of the magazine reflects the excellence of the community it serves. Best wishes on your anniversary and for many more to come! —Pennsylvania State Senator John R. Pippy The Regional Environmental Education Center Corp. thanks USC TODAY for their continued support of the REEC. TODAY is a great asset to the community and offers immense exposure for local organizations. We thank you for affording us the opportunity to share our news and look forward to your continued success. —REEC staff and board members Happy anniversary and congratulations to UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY for your dedication to the residents of Upper St. Clair. —Coffey Contracting Company, Inc. The Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair congratulates UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY on its 16th anniversary! We truly appreciate TODAY’s commitment to the residents of Upper St. Clair by promoting goings on here and abroad and keeping us informed of the dedication that our friends and neighbors have to our great community! —Trustees of the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair Congratulations and thank you UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY for 16 years of providing the residents and the businesses in this area the means to get to know and appreciate the community where we live, work, and play. —Cindy S. Brophy, State Farm Insurance, Pinebridge Commons Congratulations to the staff and all contributors who make
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY the great magazine that it is!
Pinebridge Commons has been a proud supporter since the beginning. —Pinebridge Commons Associates UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is another example of why USC
was recently recognized as one of the “Top Ten Places to Live in 2009.” The publication and those involved are topnotch. Congratulations on your 16th anniversary! —Robert Orchowski, President, Township Board of Commissioners
Under the direction of Township Manager Matthew Serakowski and School District Superintendent Dr. Patrick O’Toole, TODAY’s dedicated staff includes Steering Committee members Mark Mansfield and Paul Fox; Editor-in-Chief Linda Dudzinski; Associate Editor Terry Kish; Office Manager Colleen DeMarco; Senior 46
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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Congratulations to USC TODAY for 16 years of dedicated service and publishing excellence in the Upper St. Clair community. —Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services Congratulations UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY on the 16th anniversary of the “BEST” community-sponsored magazine in the Tri-state area! —Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, Upper St. Clair office Congratulations TODAY for 16 years of true journalism—a professional staff that reveals the benefits of Upper St. Clair Township residency. Keep up the great job that you do! —Chief of Police Ronald Pardini and the USC Police Department Thank you UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY for your dedication to our homestead of Upper St. Clair. For 16 years you have been the bright mirror of the vision and energy that drives this healthy, growing community, a community that continues to nurture us. Each time I open the magazine, I end up reading it, bursting with pride. —Lori L. Cherup, M.D. and Radiance Surgery Center UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is one of the jewels of our community. As a not-for-profit, joint publication of the USC Township and School District, it is truly a unique publication. It is created each quarter by a dedicated staff who are our neighbors, people who you know and work in our community. Over the years, TODAY has been more than a “magazine”—it has been a source of information, a scrapbook of our activities, and a way for us to get to know one another better. In many ways, it has been an important part of making USC a “family.” Congratulations on this celebration of your 16th anniversary. We look forward to many more! —Amy Billerbeck, President, School Board of Directors
Congratulations to USC TODAY on a job well done and for 16 years of success and dedication to the residents of Upper St. Clair. Your distinct publication has been a vital focal point and component in keeping the community connected and well informed. Thanks to you, your outstanding effort has connected us to many wonderful clients and great friends in Upper St. Clair. Happy anniversary and to many more successful years! —Scott Bros. Windows and Doors The membership of the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department congratulates UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY on 16 years of recognizing the people of Upper St. Clair Township and their contributions to our community. We appreciate allowing us to share our mission and information with the residents and look forward to many more issues to come. — Members of the USC Volunteer Fire Department Congratulations USC TODAY on being a key part of this community’s health and vitality. —The staff of St. Clair Hospital
As a Township resident, graduate of USC High School, and the Township engineer, I have had the privilege of watching UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY launch and grow into the premier magazine that it is. The public service it provides is outstanding! Congratulations on 16 years and I wish you success for another 16. —Ruthann L. Omer, P.E., President, The Gateway Engineers, Inc. Congratulations UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY on 16 years of long-term service to the communities of Upper St. Clair and the South Hills! —Dymun + Company Congratulations and thank you to USC TODAY for providing the businesses and residents of USC a professional quality publication for 16 years! As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we are proud to be affiliated with such a valuable community resource. —The Murray family, Rusmur Floors
Our Mission and Goals
The mission of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is to promote the Township and School District of Upper St. Clair by recognizing the gifts and contributions of the people who live and work here.
Goals of U P P E R S T. CLAIR TODAY are: • Distribute the official publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair to its Congratulations to the entire staff of UPPER ST. residents. CLAIR TODAY for 16 years of outstanding service • Portray the Upper St. Clair to our community! The USC Township Library community. especially appreciates your dedication and commitment to serving the informational needs • Publicize the news, proof all USC residents and thanks you for a job cedures, and policies of well done. We wish you many more years of the Township and School successful publication. —USC Township Library District. • Showcase the achieveUSC TODAY , congratulations on your 16 th anniversary! Your insightful and timely magazine ments and diversity of all truly makes you an asset to our wonderful USC residents. community. We hope to see your fine work for • Document the art, culture, many years to come. —Hefren-Tillotson Inc. and history of Upper St. Clair. USC PTA Council congratulates USC TODAY on 16 years of providing thoughtful and insightful • Develop regular voluncoverage of the people and happenings in Upper St. teer contributors to the Clair. What a wonderful resource for our community! magazine. —PTA Council • Provide public service to the community. Congratulations on 16 sweet years of promoting your community through UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. As • C o n t i n u e t o d e v e l o p loyal residents and advertisers have demonstrated, new partnerships and there is no more trusted news source than an official, collaborations. We would like to congratulate everyone involved on the success of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. We love being a part of the publication and wish you continued success. — Staff and volunteers of Tri-Community South EMS
nonprofit publication (like yours and ours) with direct access to school and municipal information. — Susan Fleming Morgans, Editor in Chief, Mt. Lebanon Magazine
Advertising Associate Lynn Dempsey; Advertising Associates Erin Gibson Allen, Julie Sweet, and Alison Hess; Finance Manager Andrew McCreery; and longtime contributing volunteers Dina Fulmer, Wayne Herrod, and Mary Lynne Spazok. Collectively, this group has served TODAY and Upper St. Clair for more than 100 years. Spring 2010
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Spring 2010
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
49
T Robert W. Orchowski
President, Ward 3 Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-854-1868 2011*
Glenn R. Dandoy
Vice President, At-Large Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-833-6243 2011*
Preston W. Shimer Ward 1
Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-221-1736 2011*
Mark R. Hamilton Ward 2
Day 412-831-9000 Evening 478-2812 2013*
Mark D. Christie Ward 4
Day 412-831-9000 2013*
Highlights of Board of Commissioners’ Meetings September 8, 2009
November 2, 2009
Approximately 10 people attended.
Approximately 19 people attended.
The Board • Adopted Resolution No. 1501 approving the naming of August G. Stache, Jr., Director of Finance, as the delegate for the Township, with Matthew R. Serakowski, Township Manager, as first alternate delegate and Mark S. Mansfield, Assistant Township Manager as second alternate delegate, to the Allegheny Southwest Tax Collection Committee. • Adopted Resolution No. 1502 authorizing the transfer of the right-of-way acquired by the Township for the Mayview Road widening project to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. • Approved the name of the recreation center: Community & Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park. Board Approval of Contracts • Cargill, Inc., North Olmsted, Ohio.. $52.75/ton (approx.5500 tons) Sodium Chloride (with three additional option years)
Proclamations and Recognitions • Commissioner Mertz presented a Proclamation to David Dockan of Troop #366 recognizing his attainment of Eagle Scout rank for reconditioning a meeting room at Beverly Heights Church, refinishing furniture, and cleaning and painting the room. • Commissioner Mertz presented a Proclamation to Timothy Graham of Troop #4 recognizing his attainment of Eagle Scout rank for devoting 219 hours to the installation of signs to mark the boundary between the residences and Boyce Mayview Park. The project consisted of constructing the posts, digging, and attaching the signs. Timothy also aided in the designing and construction of two benches for Boyce Mayview Park. • Commissioner Mertz recognized Michael Toth of Troop #366 for his attainment of Eagle Scout rank for refurbishing the Upper St. Clair High School stadium concession stand. The Board • Adopted Bill No. 12-09 which prohibits disposal of electronic equipment with other municipal and commercial waste and to eliminate a commercial license requirement which is no longer applicable. Board Approval of Contracts • Glassmere Fuel Service, Inc., Tarentum...OPIS Daily Pittsburgh Average Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Index plus Fixed Margin of .0787/gallon
October 5, 2009
Approximately 15 people attended.
Proclamations and Recognitions • Commissioner Dandoy presented a Proclamation to Steve Moore, Chief of the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department, designating October 4-10, 2009, as Fire Prevention Week in Upper St. Clair. • Commissioner Dandoy presented the following members of the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department with Certificates of Appreciation for their years of service: William Neill–50 years of service, received a standing ovation; David Kropp–20 years; Daniel Barr–10 years. • Mr. Serakowski presented Steve Moore a check for the Upper St. Clair Fire Department in the amount of $151,400. This money represents the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Relief Association’s contribution to the fire department which has been received out of the 2009 State’s assessment of the insurance rates. • Commissioner Brown presented a Proclamation to Matthew Novak of Troop #4 recognizing his attainment of Eagle Scout rank for restoring two walking trails located in Boyce Mayview Park and designing and building a four-foot by eight-foot walking bridge over a small ravine. • Commissioner Orchowski presented to August Stache, Jr., Director of Finance, the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) Distinguished Award for the Township’s 2009 Budget. The Board • Adopted Resolution No. 1503 authorizing and directing the Board of Commissioners to proceed with the partial refinancing of 2003 Bonds.
Commissioner Dandoy presented certificates acknowledging years of service to members of the USCVFD.
November 18, 2009
Special Meeting of the Board of Commissioners There were no public attendees.
The Board • Adopted Bill No. 13-09 approving the refunding of the remaining outstanding amount of the 2003 Bond Issue.
Russell R. Del Re Ward 5
Day 412-831-9000 Evening 724-941-3336 2011*
Daniel R. Paoly At-Large
Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-862-5995 2013*
Members of the Township’s Finance Department accepted the GFOA award from Commissioner Orchowski.
All business regarding the operation of the Township is conducted at the regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Citizens are invited to comment on any Township matter. Complete Board minutes can be found at the Upper St. Clair Township Library or on the website at www.twpusc.org. For more information, call 412-831-9000.
2010 Township of Upper St. Clair Meeting Dates • The Board of Commissioners meets at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building. The regular public meeting is held the first Monday of the month in the Board Meeting Room. The informational and general affairs meeting is held the last Monday of the month in the Board Meeting Room. • The Planning Commission meets the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. • The Parks and Recreation Board meets 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.
*Date indicates expiration of term.
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Visit the Township’s website www.twpusc.org Spring 2010
T
Meet Our New Commissioners
Mark Christie is Upper St. Clair’s new Ward 4 Commissioner. Mark has four children: Kevin, a USCHS junior; Meghan, a sophomore, and Shannon, a senior, both at Penn State; and Kyle, a graduate of Indiana University who now lives in California. Mark earned his undergraduate degree from Penn State and his MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. Mark is the owner of Christie and Associates, a full-service insurance brokerage firm providing personal and business insurance products and services to the Pittsburgh region for over 60 years.
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY asked Mark: Who or what has been the greatest influence in your life? My parents have been the greatest influence in my life. Over Mark Christie the years, I’ve come to realize the impact they had on my values and the effect those values have on my everyday life. Mark Hamilton What will you bring to the Township’s Board of Commissioners? By living in Upper St. Clair Township for almost 30 years, I’ve Daniel Paoly experienced first-hand and long-term the services provided by the Dan Paoly is Upper St. Clair’s new At-Large Commissioner. Dan Township to its residents. Also, having raised four children in USC, I’ve experienced the quality school system our community offers and and his wife, Nicole, have lived in the Township for almost four years. The couple has one child, Jillian, who is almost two. A graduate of recognize the importance quality education has for our township. My educational background provided me formal training in both the University of Akron where he received a B.A. in geography with a finance and business related subjects. Owning and operating my own minor in cartography, Dan went on to study at Point Park University business has given me the experience and knowledge of meeting pay- receiving his MBA with a concentration in international business. He roll demands, as well as learning how to keep a business profitable. is a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve, enlisting while still in high By working with a diverse base of customers who represent a variety school and attending reserve meetings during his college years. Dan is employed by HDR Engineering as a geographic information of personal and business specialties, along with serving on several boards of directors, my skills and experiences have been enriched, systems (GIS) professional. He has extensive experience working with municipalities, ALCOSAN, and government agencies on public which will be helpful to me as I enter my role as commissioner. works projects, including sanitary sewer system mapping studies, Hobbies? consent decree plans, road and pavement management, zoning, and Rather than list them all, let’s just say I enjoy most sports. environmental impact projects. He is registered as a certified GIS What’s your dream vacation? A beach just about anywhere is my idea of a dream vacation, and professional and is a member of the Urban & Regional Information I would like to personally inspect all the beaches in the world. Of Systems Association (URISA) Central Allegheny Chapter and the Pennsylvania Mapping and Geographic Information Consortium. course, inspecting all the golf courses wouldn’t be bad either!
Mark R. Hamilton is Upper St. Clair’s new Ward 2 Commissioner. Mark has called USC home for seven years, and lives with his wife, local artist Susan Castriota, (who has lived in the township her entire life), and Susan’s daughters: Bethany Hoag, who works in the finance department of Woltz & Wind Ford, and Caroline Hoag, a junior at Bethany College. Mark received his B.A. from Duke University, and his law degree from the University of Pittsburgh Law School. Mark has 30 years experience as a trial attorney, and is a partner with the law firm of Cipriani & Werner, PC. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY asked Mark: Who or what has been the greatest influence in your life? My parents. They taught me at an early age the importance of having goals and the discipline required to attain them. Later in life, they showed me by example the responsibility that comes with success: sharing the rewards of it with those less fortunate. What will you bring to the Township’s Board of Commissioners? My background is in municipal law, and a large part of my practice is representing municipalities in civil cases. I believe I can bring a fresh perspective to the board on fiscal restraint. Hobbies? Landscaping, auctions, antiques, skeet, and golf. What’s your dream vacation? I would love to visit a remote island in the South Pacific!
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY asked Dan: Who or what has been the greatest influence in your life? My parents have by far been the greatest influence in my life. Raised in the Mon Valley, they moved to Mentor, Ohio, and after careers in public education, they started a family restaurant business. Along with my four brothers, I worked in that business and learned their values of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of a high standard of quality. They were very civic minded people as well, and a strong sense of community service was one motivation for my entrance into local community service. What will you bring to the Township’s Board of Commissioners? With my professional experience working with municipalities, ALCOSAN, and government agencies and my experience on the Township’s Parks and Recreation Board, I think I can bring new ideas to address the challenges that face our community. Hobbies? I enjoy being outdoors. Hunting, fishing, skiing, and golf are all activities that I enjoy when I have time for them. What’s your dream vacation? Growing up hearing about the exploits of the Apollo astronauts, I dreamed of going to the moon someday. Today, I am inspired by travel programs featuring the Alaskan mountains and wilderness. I would love to take my family there someday. n Spring 2010
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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T Spotlight on
Upper St. Clair Township 1
A Blessed Community and a Top Ten Honor! he Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is rich with American history, and the Township of Upper St. Clair (USC) is no exception. Named after Major General Arthur St. Clair – a comrade in arms of George Washington, Lafayette, and other prominent men dedicated to establishing our freedom and form of government – Upper St. Clair was the site of the 1794 Whiskey Rebellion. The 1830 Log House and the Gilfillan Farm preserve some of the Township’s history. Founded in 1788, USC today is approximately 10 square miles and home to over 20,000 residents in 7,500+ residences. The majority of homes are single family, but there are three small plans of townhouses and condominiums. There is a wide range of home styles and prices in this predominantly residential community. South Hills Village Mall, churches, hospitals, grocery stores, and restaurants are located either in the Township or close by. Upper St. Clair is a family-oriented community. The award-winning school district is comprised of three elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. In May 2009, the Pittsburgh Business Times named the district the highest performing school in Allegheny County, based on PSSA scores, for the fourth consecutive year! Sixteen parks are within the Township’s boundaries. The largest of these, Boyce Mayview Park, consists of 475+ acres. The Board 52
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
To highlight that the Township of Upper St. Clair was named one of the “Top Ten Best Places to Live 2009” by U.S. News & World Report, the following article appeared in the Summer/Fall 2009 edition of Municipal Reporter, published by the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities. The article is reprinted with that publication’s permission. by Matthew R. Serakowski, Township Manager, Upper St. Clair
The Regional Environmental Education Center (REEC) is at the park too. School children from USC and surrounding communities visit and learn hands on about the environment. Growing in popularity since it opened in 2004, the REEC offers programs year round for adults, as well.
of Commissioners adopted a Master Plan in 1999, keeping 85% of it as passive and 15% as active recreation. This plan paved the way for the largest project in USC’s history – the development of the regional Boyce Mayview Park Community Recreation Center. On June 20 of this year, Commissioners and other local politicians, staff, residents, and contractors celebrated the grand opening of the Center. The 90,000 square foot facility boasts an outdoor water park; indoor swimming area with resistance pool, slides, and lap pool; fitness area; 1/8 mile elevated walking track; and meeting, exercise and party rooms. The Recreation Center offers different membership packages with a large commons area open to all. Across the lot from the Recreation Center sits three new sports fields. Built on a hilltop, it is truly an experience to take in the surrounding view while watching the kids (or adults!) play on such beautiful fields. An old field kitchen has been reconstructed as a large pavilion, which has hosted many picnics, and even a wedding.
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A perimeter trail with a paved hard surface surrounds Boyce Mayview Park. For more adventurous hikers, the perimeter trail provides many connections to the ten miles of natural surface hiking trails that traverse the park. Our Recreation Department offers dozens of programs for all age groups, including an active Senior Citizens program. An annual Community Day is held in May as well as a Flea Market in July. Public safety is important to us, and our crime rate is well below the national average. Our 28-member Police Force and all volunteer Fire Department are crucial to our residents’ wellbeing. Upper St. Clair shares an emergency medical service with the surrounding communities of the Municipality of Bethel Park and South Park Township. Tri-Community South EMS was named Pennsylvania Ambulance Service of the year in 2007. An advertising-supported quarterly magazine, Upper St. Clair Today, a local access television station, a busy library, and comprehensive Website help us keep our residents informed.
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In August, plans for a Veterans Park were unveiled. The Township is also studying a commercial corridor for future development. The 12-mile drive to Pittsburgh’s sports stadiums and thriving cultural district, the proximity to many prestigious colleges and universities – including The University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, and the less than 30-minute drive to Pittsburgh International Airport (all accessible by major highways) are location benefits our residents enjoy. You can also park your car at a covered lot across from South Hills Village and enjoy a trolley ride to the City of Pittsburgh. We are fortunate to live and work in an economically stable area. Providing services our residents expect while costs are escalating, is a constant balancing act in these uncertain economic times. Library funding cuts, rising costs for road maintenance, labor union contracts, and Bond refinancing are challenges we are working through. Blessed with natural beauty, a great location, excellent schools, a safe environment, and caring staff and residents – Upper St. Clair has been named one of the Top Ten Best Places to Live 2009 by U.S. News & World Report. Stop by our Municipal Building when you’re in town…we’ll be happy to show you around!
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Thank you to Upper St. Clair Township for a great Spotlight article!
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1830 Log House Major General Arthur St. Clair Boyce Mayview Park Community Recreation Center Wetlands Water Park at Community Recreation Center Boyce Mayview Park Ball Field Fire Station – 2006 Gold Award Winner in the Fire Chief Magazine’s Station Style Design Program USC High School One of Many Trails in the Township Municipal Building Picnic Pavilion
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Municipal Reporter
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Department of Finance 2010 Budget Highlights
General Fund Budget Overview In preparation for the 2010 Budget, the Township Finance Department continued with the streamlined, focused approach established last year through the use of departmental budget worksheets featuring trend analysis and inflation statistics. The department heads were provided the opportunity to respond with an acknowledgement of the projections or a justification for a change in a budgetary number. After preparing any changes, staff met as needed with individual departments to discuss both operating and capital budget requests. This process provided the opportunity to increase only minimally the 2010 Operating Budget for the General Fund by 1.68% from the 2009 Budget and cut overall budget requests by more than one half of a million dollars. Where the Money Comes From The 2010 major operating revenues include real estate tax and earned income tax. Other taxes include real estate transfer tax, public utilities tax, sales and use tax, and local services tax. The balance of operating revenue comprises licenses and permits, fines, fees, rental and service agreements, investment earnings, recreation fees, and other non-tax revenue. General Fund revenues are projected to increase from 2009 Budget amounts of $16,432,448 to $18,471,490, or 12.41%. The increase in General Fund revenue is a combination of an increase of 1.20 mills for Real Estate Tax and an estimated increase in Earned Income Tax collections compared to 2009 Budget amounts. This increase has helped to offset the anticipated decreases in Local Services Tax, Real Estate Tr a n s f e r Ta x , and Investment Earnings.
Where the Money Goes The 2010 operating expenditures will increase slightly from the 2009 budgeted amount of $13,270,190, primarily due to personal services increases as noted in the following section. Overall, operating expenditures are estimated to increase by 1.68%, or $223,352. The primary programs of the Township are Public Safety, which includes Police, the Volunteer Fire Department and Animal Control, and Public Works. These programs represent 66.4% of the Operating Budget. The remaining difference of projected revenues over operating expenses of $4,618,748 will be used to fund the Debt Service Costs for 2010 of $1,187,892 and operating transfers of $3,430,856. Operating Expenditures Summary General Fund operating expenditures have increased by $223,352, or 1.68%, from 2009 Budget amounts. This has occurred through a combination of the following reasons: 54
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For more information see www.twpusc.org.
• Full-time non-contractual personnel salary and wages increases are projected at 3%. • The Police Officers contract has a set hourly wage increase of 3.5%. • The Public Works contract has a set hourly wage increase of 3.5%. • Health insurance costs are budgeted to increase by 26%, or $223,496 Township-wide. • For 2010, the pension Minimum Municipal Obligation (MMO) for the police is $225,913 and for the Public Works employees is $134,067. This is a net increase of $7030 from 2009. • The Workers Compensation gross premium has increased by $21,339 (7.8%). The total premium has increased by $105,029 (34.8%) due to an increase of the experience modification factor from 1.101 in 2009 to 1.377 in 2010. • An increase in salt costs of 22.9% per ton, or an anticipated $55,000 increase in salt costs for 2010. • Public Works maintenance and supplies increased due to the increase in costs to maintain the municipal buildings as well as the municipal fleet. The 2010 Budget will maintain the General Fund Balance at a level necessary for the Township to maintain its AA+ Bond Rating.
Capital Projects Fund The Capital Projects Fund will be evenly funded by an operating transfer from the General Fund and the Fund Balance, which is estimated to be $300,000 at the end of 2010 from $929,799 in 2009.
Department of Finance
Boyce Mayview Community & Recreation Center (C&RC) Fund
Projected Revenues • Membership Revenue: Membership revenue is based on collection patterns for July and August 2009, with a growth rate of 48 annual memberships per month for all of 2010. For the 2010 budget, a 10% increase in annual membership rates is projected to take effect in July 2010, which will yield approximately $96,000 in additional revenue compared with 2009 introductory rates. • General Fund Appropriations: For 2010, the General Fund will appropriate $1,140,607 for debt service costs associated with the construction of the C&RC building. The General Fund will also contribute $1,100,282 in additional funds to support the operations of the C&RC. • Other Revenue: Daily admissions and program revenue has been estimated at $105,000 and $220,000, respectively, for 2010. • Total Memberships: Total annual memberships are projected to reach 2180 by the budgeted year end 2010. The total percentage of memberships is estimated to be 80% residents and 20% non-residents.
Projected Expenditures • Personal Services: Due to Allegheny County stipulations, American Red Cross National Standards, and pool design, estimated lifeguard and pool safety costs are higher than anticipated in pre-construction studies. • Contractual Services: Utility expenditures are estimated to increase by more than $61,000 from 2009 full year estimates. In order to mitigate utility costs, staff is investigating utility co-operatives to reduce costs by aggregating gas and electric charges. Additionally, a $50,000 increase in estimated expenditures for custodial services and maintenance staff is expected compared to pre-construction studies. • Other Expenditures: Distributed costs include information technology costs and depreciation costs on all equipment. Debt service costs remain stable in 2010 and will be covered by an appropriation from the General Fund. n
2009 and 2010 General Fund Budget Major Revenue Sources 2009 2010 Increase Budget Budget (Decrease) Real Estate Tax $5,576,771 $7,531,570 $1,954,799 Earned Income Tax 7,370,000 7,595,000 225,000 Community Services Tax 300,000 250,000 (50,000) Real Estate Transfer Tax 900,000 800,000 (100,000) Public Utilities Tax 19,000 19,000 Local Option Sales & Use Tax 310,000 338,000 28,000 Licenses and Permits 132,550 129,800 (2,750) Fees and Fines 394,700 405,700 11,000 Rental Income 74,450 82,400 7,950 Investment Earnings 125,000 30,000 (95,000) Service Agreements 169,817 172,067 2,250 Other Non-Tax Revenue 711,000 777,853 66,853 Recreation Fees 349,160 340,100 (9,060) Total Revenues $16,432,448 $18,471,490 $2,039,042 Fund Balance - - - Total Major Revenues $16,432,448 $18,471,490 $2,039,042
General Fund Appropriations by Major Programs % Change 35.05% 3.05% -16.67% -11.11% - 0.00% 9.03% -2.07% 2.79% 10.68% -76.00% 1.32% 9.40% -2.59% 12.41% 0.00% 12.41%
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2009 Budget
2010 Budget
Increase % (Decrease) Change
General Government $1,446,061 $1,458,200 $12,139 Public Safety 4,639,011 4,825,606 186,595 Community Development 675,433 633,307 (42,126) Public Works 4,079,910 4,125,932 46,022 Refuse Collection 1,128,725 1,143,405 14,680 Recreation and Leisure Services 473,208 478,885 5,677 Library 776,437 761,106 (15,331) Unallocated Insurance Costs 51,405 67,100 15,695 Total Operating Expenditures $13,270,190 $13,493,541 $223,352 Operating Transfers 1,903,496 3,430,856 1,527,360 Debt Service Payments 1,258,762 1,187,892 (70,870) Sub Total $3,162,258 $4,618,748 $1,456,490 Total Appropriations $16,432,448 $18,112,289 $1,679,842 Fund Balance - 359,201 359,201 Total Major Programs $16,432,448 $18,471,490 $2,039,043
0.84% 4.02% -6.24% 1.13% 1.30% 1.20% -1.97% 30.53% 1.68% 80.24% -5.63% 46.06% 10.22% 0.00% 12.41%
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Department of Finance
2010 Earned Income and Net Profits Tax Rate Notice and Payment Schedule
2010 Real Estate Tax Notice and Payment Schedule
The Township of Upper St. Clair and the Upper St. Clair School District hereby give public notice to all real estate taxpayers of the Township of the payment schedule of each taxing body for the year 2010.
The Township of Upper St. Clair and the Upper St. Clair School District hereby give public notice to all earned income and net profits taxpayers of the Township of the rate and payment schedule for each taxing body for the year 2010.
Township Real Estate Tax Schedule for 2010 2010 Date Tax Period April 30...................................... Tax bills mailed April 30–June 30........................ 2% discount July 1–August 31........................ Face amount September 1–November 30........ 10% penalty December 1................................ Lien date
Earned Income and Net Profits Tax Rate for 2010 For 2010, the Earned Income and Net Profits tax rates of the Township and the School District are .80% and .50%, respectively, of taxable income as defined by Act 166 of 2002. Thus, the total USC taxpayer’s rate for 2010 is 1.30%. Earned Income and Net Profits Tax Payment Schedule for 2010 Date Tax Period February 1....... 4th quarter, 2009 Tax Estimate Due April 15........... 2009 USC-40 Due April 30........... 1st quarter, 2010 Tax Estimate Due July 31............. 2nd quarter, 2010 Tax Estimate Due November 1..... 3rd quarter, 2010 Tax Estimate Due
For 2010 the Township millage rate is 4.60 mills of the assessed valuation of your property. School District Real Estate Tax Schedule for 2010 2010 Date Tax Period July 1.......................................... Tax bills mailed July 1–August 31........................ 2% discount September 1–November 1.......... Face amount November 2–30.......................... 10% penalty December 1................................ Lien date
This notice reminds all taxpayers that they are responsible for filing all estimates and final returns in a timely manner. If a taxpayer does not receive quarterly tax estimates for 2010 or a 2009 USC-40 form by mail, he or she should contact the Township Tax Office at 412-831-9000. The tax forms can also be downloaded from the Township’s website at www. twpusc.org/finance. No appeals will be granted to a taxpayer for not receiving these forms by mail. Only quarterly tax estimates received in the tax office or postmarked by the appropriate tax period due date will avoid penalty and interest assessments. Also, in accordance with section 3.2.1.5 of the Upper St. Clair Earned Income and Net Profits Tax Ordinance, ninety (90%) percent of a taxpayer’s liability for 2010 must be paid by February 1, 2011, or a taxpayer will be subject to underpayment penalties and interest. This notice also reminds all taxpayers that all 2009 USC-40s will be audited by the Township’s Tax Office through a comparison of data shared by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. This information is usually shared with the Tax Office approximately two to three years after a return has been filed. Tax notices assessing the additional tax and underpayment penalties and interest will be sent to any taxpayers that have understated their income.
The School District will adopt its real estate tax millage rate for the fiscal year 2010-11 at the June 2010 School Board Meeting. This notice reminds all taxpayers that they are responsible to see that their property is properly assessed and taxed and to ask for appropriate tax bills if they have not received them by mail. No appeals will be granted due to a taxpayer not receiving a real estate tax bill. Only payments received in the Tax Office or postmarked by the tax period due date will be given the 2% discount or avoid the 10% penalty. n
2010 Upper St. Clair Township Sewer User Multiplier Rate
The Township of Upper St. Clair
hereby gives public notice to all Township sewer users that ALCOSAN has increased its charges by approximately 7%, and the Township costs due to the financing of the EPA consent order work have increased dramatically. Thus, the 2010 Sewer User Multiplier rate used to calculate the Township’s cost reimbursement has been set at 2.19. In July 2005, the Township of Upper St. Clair contracted with Pennsylvania American Water Company (PAWC) to provide the billing and collection of its monthly sewer user fees, which are now included with a resident’s water bill. The benefit of billing in 56
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this manner is to allow the customer to see their exact water usage for comparison with their wastewater charges. To illustrate the impact of the new rates for 2010, a monthly sewer bill assuming a usage of 7000 gallons of water has been calculated and compared to the 2009 rates: 2009 rate
2010 rate
Water Usage Charge $56.77 ALCOSAN Service Charge 5.68 Total Monthly Bill $62.45
$61.95 6.19 $68.14
The new rates should have appeared on the PAWC billing received in February 2010. n Spring 2010
Sanitary Sewer Fund Major Revenues Major Revenues for this fund are derived from user fees calculated as a percentage of each resident’s ALCOSAN charge. The sewer user fee multiplier rate has been set at 2.19 from 2.15 in 2009 with an assumed collection rate of 94.4% from historical collection data from Pennsylvania American Water Company. Major Expenses 1. Personal services represent 6.29% of this budget and decreased by $4501 due to a revised allocation of human resources to this fund and related fringe benefit costs. 2. Sewage processing fees from the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) represents 58.17% of the Annual Budget. The multiplier used to calculate the fee will increase from 2.15 to 2.19 due to a rate increase of 7% from ALCOSAN for 2010. 3. The debt service payment for 2010 decreased from $895,420 in 2009 to $871,946 due to the refunding of the remaining portion of the 2003 Bond Issue. The projected net assets at the end of 2010 are $2,576,684. 4. Corrective Action Plan–$600,000 has been allocated to carry on the DEP and EPA mandated repair and reconstruction of sewer lines. 5. The Township is currently proceeding with work mandated under the consent order with the EPA and DEP. Bond proceeds amounting to $7,350,000 from the 2003 Bond Issue, $3,800,000 from the 2007 Bond Issue, and $5,360,000 from the 2008 Bond Issue were allocated to be spent for this purpose and these activities are not reflected in the Sanitary Sewer Fund. The Debt Service payment referred to under item #3 for the borrowed amount for this activity is paid for from this fund. n
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USC Citizens’ Police Academy Graduates 16
On November 10, 2009, the Upper St. Clair Police Department graduated 16 from the 2009 Citizens’ Police Academy. The annual fall course, having completed its ninth session, included instruction and scenario-based training on various aspects of law enforcement and public safety. Congratulations to the graduates! Look for enrollment information in the summer issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. n
Some members of the academy’s 2009 graduating class are, left to right, front row, Harry Browne, Eric Gomberg, Robbie Schuldt, Robin Lange, Joan Watson, Benjamin Judd; back row: Lieutenant John Sakoian, Louis Craig, John Schuldt, Lawrence Lange, Sandra Shanahan, Sergeant Curtis Gallatin, and Jonathan Mittelman
At graduation are, left to right, Lieutenant John Sakoian, Lisa Cummings, Liz Cummings, Matthew Harding, Chief of Police Ronald Pardini, Dirk Kiesewetter, and Jennifer Kiesewetter
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USC Library Brain Maintenance 101
The old adage “use it or lose it” is no longer enough when it comes to brain health. The new catchwords are “novelty,” “variety,” and “challenge.” We all know that the brain needs stimulation to keep it sharp, but different types of mental activities activate different brain areas. Doing just one more crossword puzzle or one more of the same old thing is not the best approach to protect the brain. The key is to add new and different activities to ensure a flow of novelty and variety. Successful brain training requires a departure from our normal mental comfort zone. Research in neuroscience reveals that specific mental exercises can improve brain performance at any age. Brain exercise strengthens and creates new synapses, the connections between nerve cells. But not all exercises are equal. Just as push-ups and sit-ups work on different muscle groups, targeted mental exercises benefit specific brain functions. Memory exercises won’t improve logical powers, and brain teasers won’t help with memory. Since there isn’t one “best” way to enhance brain function, different approaches appeal to different people. One beneficial activity is to daily learn a new word and its spelling since spelling stimulates several language-related areas of the brain. Another technique, known as “neurobics,” challenges the brain with novel situations using combinations of the five senses. An illustration of a “neurobics” exercise is to brush your teeth with your non-dominant hand while your eyes are closed. In accordance with recommendations from the neuro-scientific community, the USC Township Library is now a part of the growing “Culture of Brain Fitness.” Weekly brain-enhancing meetings on Mondays from 2 to 3 p.m. apply the insights of brain research through fun activities including brain teasers, puzzles, games, brief meditation and, of course, the pleasure of socializing. Since increasing the time you spend in activities with other people is one of the simplest and most effective components to brain fitness, attend sessions on Mondays at 2 p.m. and begin your journey toward a more efficient, effective, and engaged brain. n
1-2-3—Spring into Adult Programs Spring Series Adult programs at the USC Township Library this spring appeal to a variety of interests. Get crafty decorating Easter eggs, learn about preparing meals designed with your health in mind or about healing through Reiki, and be sure to put the ever popular Pittsburgh Symphony program on your calendar. Participants at the rain barrel workshop will go home with all the fittings to turn a 55-gallon drum into your own personal watershed. Registrations are requested since refreshments will be served at all programs. Egg Decorating (Pysanky), presented by former library staff member Anna Orient Wednesday, March 17, 1-4 p.m. Reiki, presented by Arlene M. Stevens, Reiki Master/Teacher Thursday, March 25, 7-8:30 p.m. Alternative Energy, presented by Vox Energy Solutions Thursday, April 8, 7-8:30 p.m. Kathy Gillen’s Wellness Road Trip, presented by local resident Kathy Gillen Thursday, April 22, 7-8:30 p.m. 58
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Reading Suggestions: Think Smart: A Neuroscientist’s Prescription for Improving Your Brain’s Performance Richard Restak, M.D. 612.82 RES The Memory Bible: An Innovative Strategy for Keeping Your Brain Young Gary W. Small. 616.8045 SMA Saving Your Brain: The Revolutionary Plan to Boost Brain Power, Improve Memory and Protect Yourself Against Aging and Alzheimer’s Victoroff, Jeffrey Ivan. 612.82 VIC Listening Suggestions: Making a Good Brain Great: The Amen Clinic for Achieving and Sustaining Mental Performance Amen, Daniel G. Audio CD 612.82 AME Healing Mind System Thomas, Jeffrey. Music CD New-Age Thompson Viewing Suggestion: The Brain Fitness Program DVD 612.8 BRA
Join us for a Library Luncheon celebrating National Poetry Month with award winning poet and featured speaker
Dr. Samuel Hazo
(Advanced purchased tickets only. On sale at the library.)
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Monday, May 3, 7-8:30 p.m. Celebrate the Rain! A Rain Barrel Workshop, presented by the PA Resources Council Thursday, May 6, 7-8:30 p.m. What’s Up in Pittsburgh? presented by Brian O’Neil, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette columnist Thursday, May 20, 7-8:30 p.m.
New! Classic Movie Series Are you a film buff? Have you heard of these movies but never seen them? Come to the library the third Friday of each month, March through June, 1-3 p.m., in the afternoon for “Popcorn & a Movie.” Hear a short introduction to each classic film, watch it on the “big screen,” and stay for discussion afterwards. Friday, March 19–African Queen Friday, April 16–The Ghost and Mrs. Muir Friday, May 21–A Star is Born Friday, June 18–Two for the Road
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Sunday, April 18 at 1 p.m. St. Clair Country Club
Ongoing Groups Ongoing monthly conversation groups welcome new members. Discuss philosophical issues with the” Conversation Salon” or world events at “Global Happenings.” Engage in stimulating activities during the weekly “Maintain Your Brain” sessions, get help with your knitting or crocheting, or join the “Library Ladies Book Group.” (Library men, are you interested in a “Books for Guys” group? Let a staff member know.) Conversation Salon, first Friday of each month, 10-11:30 a.m. Global Issues, third Wednesday of each month, 10-11:30 a.m. Library Ladies Book Group, fourth Tuesday of each month, 7-8 p.m. Maintain Your Brain sessions, every Monday, 2-3 p.m. Learn to Knit, second and forth Saturday of each month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Call the library to register and verify dates and times of all library programs.
Hazo to Speak at the USC Library Author Luncheon Award winning poet and author Dr. Samuel Hazo will be the featured speaker at the USC Township Library Author Luncheon. Dr. Hazo, an Upper St. Clair resident, is a national and international figure, the founder and director of the Pittsburgh International Poetry Forum, and the McAnulty Distinguished Professor of English Emeritus at Duquesne University, where he taught for 43 years. A National Book Award finalist, he was chosen the first State Poet of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by Governor Robert Casey in 1993, and he served until 2003. A few of the very many places where he has spoken are the Stratford-on-Avon Poetry Festival in Great Britain, the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., and the United Nations, New York, New York. Hazo’s poetry honestly and sensitively describes everyday life, love, aging, and death. He believes lines of poetry “…‘live’ because they succeed in expressing felt thought in its fullness and manage to let us share the feeling as we absorb the thought.
Silence Spoken Here
We l i s ten with our whole selves and not merely from the eyebrows up.” (The Power of Dr. Samuel Hazo Less: Poetry and Public Speech, by Samuel Hazo. University of Pittsburgh, 2007) Come join in and experience for yourself the depth and sincerity of Hazo’s own, very alive, poetry. The luncheon will be held on Sunday, April 18 at St. Clair County Club at 1 p.m. Luncheon tickets, $30, are available at the library main desk, where you will also choose your menu selection. Deadline to purchase tickets is Monday, April 12. Dr. Hazo will have books available for purchase and has graciously agreed to sign copies after the luncheon. n
Audio Books—Check Them Out! Jeff Krantz
Have you ever found yourself in the envious situation of traveling? Whether it be by car, plane, or whatever, if you are like me, travel time may seem like wasted time. When I drive for several hours, I take along some of my favorite music CDs. However, I realize that I’ve heard them all before. I must credit my wife, since she turned me on to another resource that is available at our library—audio books. USC Township Library has two versions of these electronic marvels in the library’s adult section.—the playaways and standard CD version. The playaways are small (about the size of a thick credit card) and portable. They can be checked out like any other library resource. To use these little gems, the patron must furnish a AA battery and a set of headphones. Currently, the collection represents more than 100 titles. Over 1000 titles are represented on the more common CD version. Like the playaways, one can find a nice assortment of fiction and non-fiction titles. These marvels play on any standard CD player, like the one in your car! No more losing radio stations as you traverse mountain ranges;
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What absence only can create needs absence to create it. Split by deaths or distances, we all survive like exiles from the time at hand, living where love leads us for love’s reasons.
We tell ourselves that life, if anywhere, is there. Why isn’t it?
The dead possess us when they choose. The far stay nearer than we know they are. We taste the way they talk, remember everything they’ve yet to tell us, dream them home and young again from countries they will never leave. With friends it’s worse and better. Together, we regret the times we were apart. Apart, we’re more together than we are together.
rather you listen to the book as you travel. In fact, some CD users believe that the trip seems shorter when you become engaged in an audio book. According to reference librarian Lee Boyd, the monthly library statistics indicate about 1200 audio titles (playaways and CDs) were circulated in just one month this past September. So you are not alone in “reading” audio books. Patrons may stop at the library’s reference desk, if assistance is needed, to locate the audio collection. The titles are listed in the library’s database. Search for the title of the book desired; an icon indicates the versions available. The county library system, of which USC Township Library is a member, offers the standard book version, large print book version, and audio versions. Check online to note the options, then check with the reference desk if you have questions. According to Lee, “Use them once and you’ll be hooked!” She also indicates that sometimes new “hot” books are kept on “walk-in reserve” to assure that these remain available for general use. This may be true of new audio books, too. Again, when in doubt, check with any reference librarian. Spring 2010
What keeps us hostages to elsewhere?
We say that losing those we love to living is the price of loving.
We say such honest lies because we must—because we have no choices. Face to face we say them, but our eyes have different voices. —Samuel Hazo, The Song of the Horse: Autumn House Press, 2008.
The library enjoys hearing from you. Specific titles, not shelved at the library, can be requested through reference and acquired through either interlibrary loan or purchase. To enlarge this collection, donations of cash or audio books are always appreciated. There are other versions of audio books available. The three most common are ebooks, Kindle, and Nook. Ebooks have been around for some time, but tie the reader to a computer as does Nook. To use Kindle, which is not yet available at the library, it requires the purchase of a specialized electronic reader, which runs around $250. n UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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T Library, Children’s Department Ask the Librarian
, but, as n, Dear Libraria n I was a child fairy tales whe ng ht be vi ig lo m r s be ie or em I rem der if these st on w es im et m t do you think? a parent, I so children. Wha g un yo r ent fo te inappropria Concerned Par
oks rned Parent, y of picture bo Dear Conce a wide variet child is ad re ur to yo s n nt pare choolers. Whe es pr I encourage r ei n fairy th ai rt to n-fiction introduce ce and simple no u can begin to child is yo ur e yo ag til of s un ar t want to wai around four ye ht ig sing m us u sc di yo , r fo r tales good tales. For othe Fairy tales are especially ith older w ell w k r. or de w ol g six or even . The followin otional topics social and em stranger ay to discuss preschoolers: d is a great w rent tells oo pa H g ur in yo id t ha Little Red R ce of doing w an rt po im e so th danger and al e they cannot us you to do. derstand that un n re ild ch lps ion. Goldilocks he ithout permiss a good job. possessions w ful and doing re ca g in someone else’s be e iz with a as lp ph he em u s yo ig s The Little P out that unles ts in po en ed H The Little R the results. e issue of ill not share in ruff tackle th project you w illy Goats G B ee hr T he T d Cinderella an s. readings different way n and repeated bullies in very te with childre na so re ill w These stories rstanding. e deeper unde will encourag Sincerely, Librarian Debra Conn, ! kids love them importantly, P.S. Most
Science and Math at the Library! This past fall, the library piloted a new program for preschoolers and kindergartners. This program explored a different concept each week: sorting, geometric shapes, seasons, money, measurement, and building. The programs featured lots of small group activities and always included a picture book or simple non-fiction book on the topic. This program will be offered again in April. See “Upcoming Classes” for dates and times. n
Upcoming Classes This spring, the library will offer a wide variety of programs for children of all ages. The popular storytime sessions will begin the week of April 5 and run through the week of May 3. This five-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 storytime programs begins Monday, March 22. A complete list, and all program information, can be found at the library and online at www.twpusc.org/library. Family Storytime Children, ages 2 to 7, with a parent, grandparent, or caregiver Monthly, Thursdays, 7 p.m. Saturday Afternoon Stories Children ages 3 ½-6 Monthly, Saturdays, 2:15 p.m. Babies and Toddlers Children ages 4 to 24 months with a parent, grandparent, or caregiver Mondays at 10 or 11 a.m. Twos and Threes Children, ages 2 to 3 ½, with a parent, grandparent, or caregiver Wednesdays or Thursdays, 10 or 11 a.m. Pre-School Storytime Children 3 ½, 4, or 5 years of age who are ready to spend a half hour on their own Thursdays, 1:45 p.m.; Fridays, 10 a.m. or 1:45 p.m. Science and Math at the Library Children, ages 4 ½ and older, who are not yet in first grade Tuesdays, 10 a.m. or 1:45 p.m. Library Explorers Children, currently in Kindergarten Wednesdays, 10 a.m. or 1:45 p.m. BookTrek Children, in 1st-4th grades Tuesdays or Wednesdays, 4 p.m.
USC Township Library Hours Monday–Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Outside book and video return available 24/7. Items collected daily at 9 a.m. The Library is closed on Sunday, April 4 for Easter and Saturday, May 15 for Community Day. 2010 National Library Week is April 11-17.
www.twpusc.org/library
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Getting to Know the Volunteers at the USCVFD Brad Childs, USCVFD member
You’ve most certainly seen them pulling out of their driveway, mowing their lawns, dropping their kids off at school, or simply passing by on an Upper St. Clair street. You might sit next to them on your commute to work, reading a book while riding the “T.” During Friday night lights at the high school, you recognize familiar faces, but wonder from where. Maybe the bicycles on the back of the sport utility vehicles in your neighborhood give indications as to vacation spots or hobbies. A Steelers flag hanging proudly outside the house brings you one step closer to understanding the inhabitant. You relate to them because you, too, are a fan. You’re not quick to judge. Your neighbors, for the most part, do everything that you do to maintain status quo. We all take the garbage to the curb on our assigned day, gather our mail from the box, rake our leaves after they drop, mow the lawn, and earn a living. We all run out of the house at 2 a.m. when our pagers go off to deal with fire suppression, vehicle rescue, or a false alarm. Hey, wait a minute; we don’t all do that! However, the men and women of the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department do. We do this because we want to help others through some of the worst moments of their lives; we love serving the community and the brotherhood of the department. If a call comes in to interrupt the 11 o’clock news we were watching, we respond. We work hard to accomplish the task, returning to the
station at 3 a.m. to clean up, before going home and catching a few zzzzzz’s before dealing with rush hour traffic. In addition to firefighting, we have families and maintain careers. None of the members, including the chief or president to the newest recruit, are paid for what they do. On your street or the street next to yours lives a volunteer firefighter. To bring them close up and personal, I composed roughly 20 questions for each in an attempt to get to know him or her better. I must admit that after reading each word of every bio, I learned more about the members and their families than ever before. Compiling the data for this article was a ton of fun, and I am proud to share the information they provided. Questions asked ranged from nickname to favorite sandwich, from neighborhood to occupation, and from hobbies to pets. The answers to two questions stood out: “Who is your favorite member and why?” and “What is your perception of the USCVFD?” Let’s start with “your favorite member and why.” Although I suggested to the membership that they insert my name here, the answers were amazingly similar. Every member used words such as “family,” “team,” “unit,” and “brotherhood.” Seasoned members know the ins and outs of the department and the operations. They demonstrate control and confidence in true emergency situations with leadership grounded in experience and training. Their dedication and life commitment is astounding. The members Continued on page 62
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Continued from page 61
themselves operate this company. The key to its success is the continuity and commitment of the team and its ability to form a productive and symbiotic relationship with the community. The “perception of the USCVFD” by its own members resulted in similar responses. Across the board, we perceive ourselves as professional volunteers, well trained and focused on continual education. The USCVFD is perceived as honest, straightforward, and having one goal—to serve the public. There are no personal agendas. We are a team, a team of firefighters that goes in when most run out. That sums it up. The USCVFD is a very interesting group. I don’t think most people realize who responds when they call the fire department. It’s awesome to think there are people out there who, in addition to their full time jobs, desire to train to learn other skills. When they come home from work, there is a chance that they’ll have to leave their family and give up their free time for someone in need. I now share some of the more revealing things about our members, while, of course, not mentioning specific names. When inquiring about each guy’s favorite sandwich, I received delicious responses. Leading the pack was the world famous Primanti Brothers, but a close second was a good old fashioned cheeseburger, followed by smoked lox and cream cheese. (Editors, please send Primanti’s this article to let them know that we meet on Wednesday nights!) So what do these guys do in their spare time, when they are not at work, not at the fire department, or with their families? We have golfers, bikers, race car drivers, pilots, wake boarders, snowboarders, skiers, canoers, hikers, gardeners, and, believe it or not, a guy that plays competitive ultimate Frisbee. We, as a group, love animals…and would run through a wall to save your pet if necessary. Our members have just about every breed of dog you can imagine. Most of the dogs have been rescued, and some of the stories would bring a tear to your eye. Emotions run very deep here—we believe in community and family, of
course, but to see a dog looking at you in the eyes telling you, in their way, that they love you and know that you saved them is a real treat. The best question asked, the one that received the most heartfelt responses, was: “What are your dreams and aspirations?” Some of our older members said that they would like to keep their health and to stay active in the department. (I know this sounds silly, but it is probably similar to Brett Favre. They are not yet ready to hang it up.) Younger members aspire to attend college and to begin adult life. (Parents, to keep up with your children, go on Twitter!) Dreams ranged from building businesses to traveling the world, and from inventions that will pave the inventor’s financial future to sitting lazily back at the lake house with satisfaction that monetary needs will be taken care of. It just goes to show you that we are a real group of people who think the same way you do! I’ve heard many people talk about what a terrible place the world is and ask: “Where have all the good people gone?” The answer is they’re around and some of them are at the Upper St. Clair Fire Station, waiting for your call. As always, please stop by and say hello any Wednesday night. n
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First Ever Bounty of Boyce Mayview Park Fall Fest The
planning
included
provisions for rain or snow, but November 14 dawned clear and bright. Co-sponsored by the Upper St. Clair Department of Recreation & Leisure Services and the Regional Environmental Education Center (REEC), the First Ever Bounty of Boyce Mayview Fall Fest opened with plunging with the pumpkins, in which participants could swim in the Community & Recreation Center resistance channel with hundreds of pumpkins. The day included many more fun activities, such as hikes, pumpkin decorating, a baking contest, campfire snacks, cider tasting and crafts. Local organizations set up displays around the REEC’s Outdoor Classroom, and members of USCHS’s Athletes Taking Action ran an obstacle course. Thank you to the following generous patrons: The Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair, Simmons Farm, Dawson’s Orchard, Trax Farms, Walmart, King’s Family Restaurant, Blue Horse Coffee, LaBella Bean, Janoski’s Farm Market, Farmer Bob, Walter and Lori Jarosh, and Learning Express. Also, thanks to the wonderful volunteers! n
Baking Contest Winners Youth (through age 9) 1st–Louis Craig, Cinnamon Turkey Cookies Junior Division– (ages 10-15) 1st–Sarah Kerman, Carrot Cake w/Cream Cheese Frosting 2nd–Daniel Geffrey, Chocolate Zucchini Cake; Rebecca Kerman, Apple Pie (tie) 3 rd–Rachel Geffrey, Cranberry-Orange Bread, Emma Galligan, Rocky Road Brownies, Ben White, Baked Apples w/Cranberry (tie) Adult Division– (ages 16 and up) 1st–Carol Ann Coslow, “Nanny’s” Old Fashioned Apple Pie (See recipe below.) 2nd–Diane Hall, Ginger Pumpkin Cookies 3rd–Eileen Geffrey, Pumpkin Pie w/Oatmeal Crust Thank you to judges Vivian Criner, Lynn Dempsey, and Ched Mertz. More of the winning recipes (both adult and youth) will be shared in the summer 2010 edition of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY.
Pumpkin Decorating Contest Winners Division I–(ages 3-5) 1st–Natalie Cowles 2nd– Zachary and Justin Oswald 3rd–Sterling McCleaster Division II–(ages 6-8) 1st–Thea Gagnon 2nd–Sofia Kartohus 3rd–Sidney Ball Division III–(ages 9-12) 1st–Taylor Gutierrez 2nd–Hunter Lantzman 3rd–Jennifer Vighetti Division IV–(ages 13-15) 1st–Mary Gibson 2nd–Shannon Gallagher 3rd–Robby Burke “Unknown Age” 1st –Delany Wehrel 2nd–Justin Robinson 3rd–Luke Eberhart Thank you to judges Sue Ralston, Sue Garnhart, and Ned Garnhart.
Nanny’s Old Fashioned Apple Pie Crust: 2 cups flour ¾ teaspoon salt ¾ cup Crisco ¼ cup ice water Filling: 3 pounds Granny Smith apples 1 cup sugar ¼ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon cornstarch Cinnamon to taste Nutmeg to taste Lemon juice Butter
Carol Ann Coslow
Use your hands to mix flour, salt, and Crisco until it resembles corn meal. Add ice water “until it holds together” in a ball. Roll with rolling pin to fit into glass pie pan; crimp edges. Use remaining dough to cut out fall leaves or other shapes to place on top of filling. Filling: Peel and slice approximately three pounds of Granny Smith apples. In a separate bowl, combine sugar, salt, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Place apples in crust; sprinkle lemon juice over apples and dot with slivers of butter. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture over apples and place the dough cutouts on top of the apples. Brush egg white over the crust. Sprinkle top with sugar and a little nutmeg. Bake at 425º for 15-20 minutes. Reduce heat to 350º for approximately one hour, or until the crust on the bottom is golden brown. Spring 2010
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What’s New at the Community & Live Play Harder Smarter Recreation Center?
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The Community & Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park arthritis, fibromyalgia, or any other joint and muscle conditions that (C&RC) soared to over 6200 members and counting in the first 15 result in frequent soreness and stiffness. Classes will be available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, weeks of operation! With new and exciting recreational programs and expanded land and water aerobic classes, there are unlimited 11-11:45 a.m. Registration and drop-in rates are available. options for all ages to “Live Smarter and Play Harder.” Learn more Making Resolutions a Lifelong Achievement by calling 412-221-1099 or byNew visiting Year’s www.livesmarterplayharder. Save the Dates! org. Courtesy of the C&RC, visit the facility with a FREE DAY PASS, Easter Egg Hunt ★ 2 Group Exercise Studios ★ Resistance current channel ★ Four-lane lap pool ★ Babysitting found on page 65. The annual Easter egg hunt is a free event sponsored by the Bethel★ Gymnasiums ★ Vortex ★ Zero depth recreational pools Wi-Fi Rotary Club and the St. Clair★Evening Upper St. Clair High School Community & Recreation ★ Center Concert 1/8Department Mile Low Impact Track Whirlpool ★ Interactive water play Interact★Club, of Recreation Seniorwith Teenassistance Lounge from★the Series—Free to the Public and Leisure Services. It will be held this year on Saturday, March ★ Slides a free concert ★ Handicap accessible throughout ★ Rentable Party Rooms The C&RC will be offering Southern Pittsburgh 20 (rain/snow date to be announced). Games and craft activities series to be held in the main Community Room (lobby area) from 6 ✂ ✂ and a chance to visit with the Easter bunny begin at 10 a.m., ✂ folto 8 p.m. the last Friday of each month (March 27, April 24, May 29) lowed by the egg hunt at 11 a.m. Children should bring their own through the month of May. Pack a snack and bring a friend to enjoy baskets; and parents, bring your cameras! Watch for updates on music genres from classical to classic rock. If you are interested in the website at www.twpusc.org/rec. For additional information, call performing, contact Sarah Povazan at povazan@twpusc.org. 412-221-1099, extension 655.
COMMUNITY & RECREATION CENTER
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at Boyce Mayview Park
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FREE DAY PASS
★Be our guest and enjoy all membership benefits!
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Health & Wellness Lecture Series— NEW! Babushkas and Hard Hats Tour— Free to the Public Tuesday, May 4 Community & Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park
The C&RC will be hosting Health & Wellness series 1551a Mayview Road lecture • Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 • 412.221.1099 A step-on guide from the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area throughout spring 2010. A variety of wellness-related topics will be willper lead a tourAdditional that traces theapply experience the immigrants that Limited time offer. Must present coupon and valid photo ID to redeem offer. Only one coupon household. fees may for specialof services. Redeemable only showcased each month and presented by local professionals. More poured into the region, from the heights of Mount Washington into by non-members. Expires 02/28/10 information on upcoming presenters and lecture topics will be availthe heart of the Monongahela Valley. The tour, to be held on Tuesday, able in the C&RC Member Newsletter, as well as online at www. May 4, includes a delicious lunch at the Bulgarian Macedonian livesmarterplayharder.org. All lectures will be held in the C&RC National Educational and Cultural Center. Community Rooms, and will be free to C&RC members, as well as Registration Deadline: Friday, April 2 Upper St. Clair and surrounding community residents. The C&RC is currently looking for volunteers to speak on areas of Upper St. Clair Community Day 2010— their expertise at its facility. All applicants should be knowledgeable Saturday, May 15 and well-versed in their topics. Documentation of a current license, Community Day 2010 will take place on Saturday, May 15. This certification, or membership in a professional organization in your annual event, which has been held on a Saturday in May since 1979, field is beneficial, but not necessary. To apply, visit www. livesmartis a cooperative effort of the Upper St. Clair School District, Upper St. erplayharder.org (located on the home page) and download a copy Clair Township Government, students, parent volunteers, community of the application, or stop by the C&RC’s Administration Office to groups, and various businesses and professional organizations. Adreceive a hard copy application; then email the completed application ditional volunteers are welcome! There is always a non-sanctioned to mattucci@twpusc.org. morning run/walk; parade, complete with floats and a marching band; and food and fun! Information will be updated at www.twpusc.org/rec Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program in the coming months. Also, be sure to watch for the summer issue The C&RC and the Arthritis Foundation are happy to announce of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine that will feature a complete the addition of the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program (AFAP) to preview of this year’s event. To volunteer or for more information, the list of winter/spring 2010 aquatic exercise programs. This procall 412-221-1099, extension 655. Plan now to get ready for the gram consists of a specific series of exercises set forth by the Arthritis annual Run/Walk for Fun, and use the registration form shown on Foundation to promote healthy joint range of motion and decrease page 65 to enter the race. n stiffness and pain. The Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program is open to all fitness levels, but is highly recommended for individuals with
Silver Card
Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair are entitled to apply for a Silver Card that will admit holders to the Upper St. Clair Municipal three-hole golf course, outdoor tennis facilities, and to attend other activities designated and sponsored by the Township of Upper St. Clair. Any resident age 62 and retired or age 65 with no restrictions is eligible for the Silver Card program. Applications are available at the Community & Recreation Center. 64
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Gold Card
Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair, apply now for your Gold Card. See and enjoy drama and musical performances, exciting athletic events, and other activities, courtesy of the Upper St. Clair School District. If you are a resident 62 years of age or older just stop by the School District receptionist desk and ask for your Gold Card. It’s a great way to experience your community! Spring 2010
Attention Senior Citizens, age 65 and older: If you would like to register for the ACCESS 65 PLUS shared-ride transportation program or make application for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Senior Citizen Identification Card to be used for the Port Authority Transit system, please contact Amy Kerman, Older Adult Coordinator, Township of Upper St. Clair, 412-221-1099, extension 603.
Smarter PlayHarder
Recreation Introduces Run For Fun Registration Form Live New Programs at the C&RC! Superheroes Sports Saturdays Name_____________________________________________ Mini-Chefs and Mom and Dad Mommy or Daddy and Me Yoga Age as of May 15, 2010_____________ Sex____________ Pint-sized Prom Address___________________________________________ Evening preschool and school-age dance classes Yoga for Youngsters Telephone Number_________________________________ Digital Photography for Teens (optional)____________________________________ Making New Year’s Resolutions Email a Lifelong Achievement Drawing and Watercolors–grades 5-7 Artists at Work–grades 1-4 T-shirt sizes: Child’s q S q M ★ 2 Group Exercise Studios ★ Resistance current channel ★ Four-lane lap pool ★ Babysitting Celebrate the Arts–ages 4-8 Adult’s q S q M q L q XL q XXL ★ Gymnasiums ★ Vortex ★ Zero depth recreational pools ★ Wi-Fi Artistic Creations–Toddlers/Preschoolers and Parent(s) $8—Run for Fun and T-shirt, $3—Run for Fun race only Introduction to Lacrosse–grades K-4 ★ 1/8 Mile Low Impact Track ★ Whirlpool ★ Interactive water play ★ Senior Teen Lounge Make checks payable to: Lacrosse for Boys, Advanced Beginners–grades 2-6 ★ Slides ★ Handicap accessible throughout ★ Rentable Party St. Rooms Upper Clair Community Day Girls on the Run and Girls on Track Adaptive Basketball & Aquatics Return this form by May 3, 2010 to:✂ ✂ ✂ Adult Leagues Deb White Mother, May I? Manners Make Impressions 195 Kent Drive Yoga for Preteens–ages 7-11 Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Sunday Supper–adults CONSENT RELEASE FORM: I agree to hold the Township of Infant Massage–infants and parent(s) Upper St. Clair, the Community Day committee and volunBYOY Club–Bring Your Own Yarn teers, and/or any employees thereof harmless and blameless Adult Drawing Community & Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park for any which may occur while participating 1551 Mayview Road • Upper St. Clair, PAaccident 15241or•injury 412.221.1099 Beginning Digital Photography for Adults in the Run for Fun.
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COMMUNITY & RECREATION CENTER
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at Boyce Mayview Park
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FREE DAY PASS
★Be our guest and enjoy all membership benefits!
★
Limited time offer. Must present coupon and valid photo ID to redeem offer. Only one coupon per household. Additional fees may apply for special services. Redeemable only by non-members. Expires 02/28/10
For more information on membership, programs, and schedules, visit www.livesmarterplayharder.org or call the C&RC at 412-221-1099.
_________________________________ _ ______ Signature
(Parent/Guardian if Under 18 Years of Age)
Spring 2010
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Tri-Community South EMS 2009 Year in Review
Tri-Community South EMS (TCS) has had 6497 EMS responses for 2009, a decrease of 208 calls from 2008. Non-emergency transport calls decreased to 139 for the year, a decrease of 18 trips from 2008, because of continued insurance carrier restrictions on non-emergency ambulance transportation. Since entering service on December 31, 1977, TCS has answered over 137,000 emergency calls and has done over 21,000 nonemergency transports. In 2009, about 77% of all patients received advanced life support treatment. This is consistent with percentages from past years. About 76% of all responses resulted in the transportation of a patient and 77% of all transports were to either St. Clair Memorial Hospital or Jefferson Regional Medical Center. This, too, is consistent with percentages from past years. TCS employees and volunteers provided stand-by medical coverage to 229 school district and community gatherings in 2009, totaling over 475 staff-hours. TCS staff members also teach CPR and first aid, totaling in excess of 410 staff-hours in 2009. TCS remains the busiest community training center in the American Heart Association’s Northern Atlantic region, with more than 10,000 people trained annually, and every TCS employee is a CPR instructor. Every member of TCS’s staff also puts many hours each year into continuing education. In 2009, TCS employees again accumulated more than 500 hours of con-ed. Each paramedic attends at least 18 hours of instruction per year, and each EMT must attend 24 hours in two years. Every TCS employee exceeds these requirements, most by a generous margin. All of TCS’s paramedics recertified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support in 2009, and are gaining certification in the new International Trauma Life Support course that replaces the former Basic Trauma Life Support and Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support courses. The system’s six ambulances traveled a combined total of 106,171 miles during the year, a decrease of about 7074 miles from 2008. This is a result of the decreased call volume and of increased attention to the location and use of the vehicles. By the end of the year, the total fleet mileage for the ambulances was 259,701. The system’s support vehicle and response vehicle now have a combined fleet mileage of 41,047, making the total fleet mileage 300,748. Half of the ambulance fleet was replaced in 2009, and the other half is scheduled to be replaced in 2010. TCS’s full time staff decreased by one in 2009, with a field staff complement of the director, four supervisors, 19 full-time employees, four part-time employees, and nine volunteers. The staff is stable and experienced, and the average employee has 13 years of service with the system. An administrative and billing office staff of four supports the field operations. TCS EMS was awarded a three-year re-accreditation from the Commission for the Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) for its compliance with national standards of excellence. The CAAS board of directors voted unanimously to award the 66
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accreditation at their quarterly meeting on June 8, 2009. In April, CAAS evaluators inspected the system’s records, vehicles, and facilities and interviewed personnel. Their inspection showed full compliance with all CAAS accreditation standards. TCS is one of six services in Pennsylvania, and one of very few municipally-owned services in the nation, to achieve this accreditation. The accreditation process is open to all types of ambulance services including private, fire-based, public authority, municipal third-service, regulated public utility, and inter-facility transport, among others. At present, only 125 ambulance services in the U.S., Canada, and the West Indies have CAAS accreditation. TCS observed National Emergency Medical Services Week May 17-23, 2009, with special events and recognition. On Sunday, May 17, 2009, Tri-Community South’s Honor Guard joined the City of Pittsburgh’s Honor Guard and those of other Allegheny County EMS agencies for the presentation of the colors for the National Anthem. TCS EMT Randy Eshelman had the honor of carrying the United States colors, while Paramedic Josh VanZaig carried the POW-MIA memorial flag. On Saturday, May 23, 2009, the Honor Guard participated in the 17th annual National EMS Memorial Service at the First Baptist Church in Roanoke, Virginia. The Honor Guards from TCS EMS and Pittsburgh EMS represented Southwestern Pennsylvania among the 19 Honor Guard units present. TCS remains a field-training site for the Center for Emergency Medicine and Community College of Allegheny County paramedic training programs. In 2009, TCS assisted in the training of 21 students from these programs. The students came from across Pennsylvania and the U.S., and from Nigeria and South Korea. For 2009, the system was again fully self-supporting, with all income coming from the annual subscription drive, user fees, and third-party reimbursements, with some equipment purchases supported by the state’s EMSOF program and other grants. No municipal tax monies were used to support the system, and TCS received no money from the Local Services Tax, levied by municipalities on people employed in the community. This is particularly remarkable, given the poor economy, the dramatic rise in system expenses, continued cuts in reimbursement by Medicare and other insurers, and the very poor response by the residents to the subscription drive. In 2009, of the 27,057 households in the service area, only 7361, a little over 27%, subscribed to TCS. In the first two months of the 2010 subscription drive, 4602 households, about 17% of the total in the community, subscribed. n For more information on Tri-Community South, to register for a CPR class, or for any other questions on Emergency Medical Services, call Tri-Community South at 412-831-3710, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.4:30 p.m. or visit www.tcsems.org.
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New E-Cycling Program in Effect for 2010 (Electronic Recycling)
One of the fastest growing components of waste in the U.S. is electronic waste. JVS Environmental has been conducting the electronic recycling collection program for USC Township since September 2008. JVS operates under the PADEP General Permit WMGR081. This permit allows JVS to dismantle electronic materials within their facility to prevent export of lead-bearing electronic waste to third-world countries where it may be handled in ways that are hazardous to human health and the environment. During the Township’s first collection, 50,000 pounds of electronic hazardous waste were collected. JVS held five successful events during 2009 with the assistance of many enthusiastic volunteers and averaged about 12,000 pounds per collection. Effective January 1, 2010, in accordance with Chapter 68 of the Township Code, the Township of Upper St. Clair prohibits electronic equipment to be set out curbside with refuse. In 2010 to accommodate disposal of electronics, the Township, in conjunction with JVS, holds “e-cycling” events in the Township parking lot along McLaughlin Run Road near Clair’s Kennel on the second Saturday of each month. Dates remaining this year include March 13, April 10, May 8, June 12, July 10, August 14, September 11, October 9, November 13, and December 1. The following items will not be collected curbside, but will be accepted during the above collection events: computers, copiers, cell phones, printers, keyboards, fax machines, telephones, speakers, televisions, scanners, stereos, radios, VCRs, and CD players, In addition to the above listed items, laptops, computer monitors, circuit boards, hard drives, mice, and cables will be accepted. A nominal fee will be charged for certain items including TVs and computer monitors, depending on market pricing. Residents may also utilize alternative e-cycling programs with vendors such as Best Buy (412-835-1255) or Office Depot (412-831-5177). Currently, Best Buy charges a fee for computer monitors and televisions; Office Depot’s e-cycling program ranges from $5-$15 per box of e-cyclables. Contact store(s) for more details. By working cooperatively, we have an opportunity to make significant improvements to our health, our environment, and to our pocketbooks. Please do your part to make this program successful! n
USC Spring Clean Up Saturday, April 24 Pennsylvania’s Recycling Act 101 restricts the placement of yard waste and leaf material in landfills. To comply, the Township contracts for the separate collection of leaves, plants, garden residue, chipped shrubbery, tree trimmings, and grass clippings six times a year, including one spring pick up. Spring collection this year will take place Saturday, April 24. Place yard waste material in compostable paper bags by curbside no later than 6 a.m. on day of collection. n Spring 2010
Bob Ellison REALTOR®
• Specializing in Upper St. Clair and the South Hills • Knowledgeable and Professional • Serving Buyers and Sellers • Upper St Clair Resident Office: 412-833-3600 ext. 246 Cell: 412-552-8290 bobellison@howardhanna.com Howard Hanna - USC Office 180 Fort Couch Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241
www.howardhanna.com UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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Lead Eradication and New Regulations— Reach for Your Wallet! Sue Clark, Clark Construction Company
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is protecting us once again! There is a new lead regulation set to go into effect April 22, 2010. This rule could potentially affect us all, and at a time when the economy is struggling to rebound. If your home was built prior to 1978, there are new rules for home improvement that disturbs painted surfaces. Painting, plaster work, window replacement, and home improvements such as moving a wall or doorway are just some of the interior projects that could be affected. Rules regulating remodeling are exempt if the interior project is less than six square feet or less than 20 square feet for an exterior renovation. But, anything that has the potential to muster up lead dust will throw up a red flag. The new rules require homeowners to receive a “Renovate Right” pamphlet and hire only EPA-certified firms that use specific lead safe work practices when renovating. Strict guidelines and procedures must be followed: cover doorways into the work area and double seal with plastic; post warning signs stating that the area is contaminated and restricted; cover all furniture in the affected area with plastic; and close and seal HVAC vents. Proper clean up is required (wiping down the area with a dust accumulation cloth and using specific types of Hepa vacuums). The homeowner is also required to sign off on the project, acknowledging the work of a certified contractor after final inspection. There are specific rules regarding disposal of all debris and plastics. Installers are encouraged to wear disposable hazmat type suits. For EPA inspections, records must be maintained for at least three years. The extra work required to meet the regulation will undoubtedly add cost to home improvement jobs. Lead paint, added for color and durability, was used in most homes
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prior to 1978. Since then, it has been banned. Lead affects mostly children under age six and pregnant women; it gets in the body after it is swallowed or breathed and damages the brain and central nervous system. Lead poisoning has decreased annually and severe cases are now considered rare. More than a decade has passed since the original law was introduced and lead poisoning statistics are dropping from an all-time high. But if this regulation passes, all homes built prior to 1978 will have to be tested for lead before a single renovation can begin. The easiest test to perform is an “EPA-approved” kit that, when activated, turns color when lead is introduced. Eighty six percent of homes built before 1940 contain lead paint, 66% of homes built from 1940-1959 do, and 25% of homes built from 1960-1978 do also. Every painter, plasterer, and contractor must be “EPA-trained and certified” to control lead emissions during construction. As the bill currently reads, homeowners without children or pregnant women in the house can opt out. But that portion of the bill may soon be edited to appease the Sierra Club. The EPA has the authority to fine $32,500 per violation or imprisonment, or both. If a homeowner allows the contractor to disregard the law, the homeowner can also be held liable. Contractor training for lead eradication and control has begun, with many contractors off to school and becoming licensed. To avoid some of the hassle, renovate this year before April 22 and before enterprising manufacturers raise the pricing of plastic sheeting, test kits, disposable wipes, and more. Be assured that responsible contractors will become certified, follow the new rules, and produce quality workmanship. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm. n See ad on this page.
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Spring 2010
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Green Year Round, Not Just in the Spring Regis McQuaide, CGR, CBA, Master Remodeler Spring is around the corner, and Pittsburgh is about to get green again. There’s no reason you can’t be “green” year-round, allowing your home to be as energy efficient and comfortable as possible. Even “light green” is good, if you’re not ready to go with solar or geothermal. Remodeling is a great time to eliminate cold drafts to make every room in your home comfortable year-round. In the best of all worlds, this starts with a diagnostic home energy audit of the house. Let me share with you some light green success stories, especially for older homes. In a recently completed Arts and Crafts style kitchen makeover, many invisible green enhancements were done to create a draftfree, cozy space. To eliminate drafts and uneven temperatures in a new breakfast area, the wall thickness was increased and insulation was added. Because of the tuck-under garage below, floor insulation was added under the renewable cork flooring. Undercabinet LED lights and recessed CFL lights, part of a sophisticated lighting system, were installed to illuminate work areas efficiently. To put the finishing touches on the project, energy efficient windows were installed and daylighting techniques were used. To better insulate a house that is losing energy, insulation can be blown into existing walls, a basement’s perimeter can be airsealed, and leaking door thresholds can be replaced. As a result of the improvements and as soon as within one month, owners 70
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will likely see immediate and significant differences in the ability of the house to hold heat, and, therefore, significantly reducing the customer’s natural gas bill. To better insulate, a recently rehabbed 130-year-old Victorian home combined a spray-in foam insulation around the basement perimeter with a very thorough whole-house DIY weatherization and insulation. As a result, the customer’s annual budgeted gas bill dropped from $240 a month to $90! These significant savings paid for the total investment of $1500 in the first ten months. After that, it was all green savings in the customer’s pocket. You may be thinking “winter is behind us.” But, in reality and as a result of remodeling, homeowners will experience savings and improved comfort year-round, including during the heat of summer. With a home energy audit and careful planning, your home can be both beautiful and efficient, saving you hundreds of dollars annually on all utility bills. I appreciate good value as much as anyone. Going green to save the green year-round just makes good common sense. n
Regis McQuaide, president of Master Remodelers, and his crews have served homeowners for more than 20 years, providing a wide variety of services. See ad on this page.
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Spring 2010
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HOME IMPROVEMENT
Upper St. Clair’s Kitchen & Bath Design Center
In this economy, an investment in your home is one of the safest investments you can make. Whether you plan to live in your home long term or are planning to sell your home within the next 5 years, a new kitchen and bath can offer a 30% return on your investment. Premier Home Design Center offers expertise and products designed to fit your budget. Call Premier now for an excellent return on your biggest investment. Design & Planning Services • A Merillat Signature Showroom • Consultations by appointment 412-276-5650
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The “Real” Living Room
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Laura Reid Riggin, Premier Home Design Center Of all of these rooms, kitchen, living room, family room, game room, dining room… only one is the true “living room” of the home. The kitchen is a room used for everything from studying to partying and a whole lot in between. It is the apex where weary families meet for a warm meal after a busy day of work and play. And it is a room where quiet whispers can be exchanged over a glass of wine when the children are in bed. Unfortunately, the kitchen is often the room that needs to be updated more than any other room in the home. Many of us settle for the standard kitchen accoutrements simply because they came with the home. Why settle? This room is indeed the most important space in your home. It should be designed specifically for the family that is living in the home. Storage solutions as well as aesthetics can easily be tailored to fit your specific needs. Warm, wood tones and stone countertops help to make the space feel welcoming. Detailed crown moulding and light rail moulding help give dimension. Decorative backsplashes provide flair to an otherwise boring wall. Up-to-date appliances provide ease of cooking and clean up. With spring just around the corner, isn’t it time to consider investing in the “real living room?” Kitchen remodeling not only adds to the enjoyment of your home, but also to your home’s value. Stephen Drucker, editor of House Beautiful, said, “I can’t mention the economy anymore. It’s in the news, it’s at the gas pump, it’s in the air every day. To everyone who hesitates that decorating is a luxury at this unsettled moment, I’d like to say that I think the home is more important than ever; not a last priority in your budget, but a first.” Home isn’t a luxury; the money you spend on it, you’ll enjoy every day. n
Laura Reid Riggin of Premier Home Design Center holds a degree in interior design and specializes in kitchen and bath design. See ad on this page . 72
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HOME IMPROVEMENT
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Visions of Sunrooms in March? You Better Believe It! Cathy Davin, Davin Interiors
In spite of all the snow and ice this year, our winter months go by fairly quickly. We’re marching through March, and spring is just around the corner! We Pittsburghers are a stout lot. Through the squalls of snow, we see visions of enjoyable sunrooms, patios, and porches. Why not start now to create yours with style and comfort? Before you get too far, think about the space itself. Does it have a natural focal point, such as a great view of the outdoors, a fireplace, or perhaps the perfect spot for a television? Are you using your space for dining and entertaining as well as relaxing with your family? Just as we do inside, it’s usually best to arrange outdoor furniture in conversational groupings, perhaps creating an L-shape or U-shape arrangement with sofas and chairs. And keep seats close enough to invite conversation—too far apart and you’ll feel that you have to shout! Sun and light are big considerations in designing your sunroom or outdoor spaces. Will you have issues with sun control, heat, glare, or visual privacy? If not, you may want to leave the windows untreated and enjoy the maximum light and view. Otherwise, order window blinds in one of the many styles that provide functionality and flexibility while adding softness and style to your room.
Consider a fresh outdoor color palette. While you generally want the style and color scheme to flow with the house as a whole, you might try colors that are either bolder or more relaxed than you would use inside. Incorporate the colors with today’s outdoor fabrics that are resistant to fading, staining, and mildew. Fabric designers have done a fantastic job of using technology to create outdoor fabrics that are soft, textured, and woven in beautiful colors and patterns, yet practical and weather resistant. Also thanks to technology, outdoor furnishings are not what they used to be. Choose stylish and comfortable furniture made with treated wood or an aluminum core, and a wicker or bamboo finish. Man-made materials today are far more weather resistant than natural products. Additionally, incorporate other furnishings such as area rugs, carpet, and table and floor lamps that are also designed to withstand outdoor use. Finally, infuse your space with life and energy by adding potted flowers and trees. Try an up-light for trees to create a dramatic look in the evening, or bunch several pots together on your coffee table. And please, get rid of those poinsettias from the holidays! Spring flowers and plants are beautiful, fragrant, and uplifting. Start now to update your outdoor spaces and you’ll be ready for that first cookout over Memorial Day weekend! n See ad on this page.
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CalligraphyAcross Across Calligraphy Calligraphy Across theAtlantic Atlantic the the Atlantic Judith Browne
As a calligrapher in England, I enjoyed working with a diverse list of clients, from students to anxious brides, from famous soccer players to the Queen Herself. When I was in the UK equivalent of third grade, we had hand writing lessons every week with the head teacher (principal). We were taught a style of handwriting called Marion Richardson. I never perfected this style, but I loved those lessons of writing the letters and trying to make them perfect. This was the beginning of my love of the rhythm of writing that led to a career I cherish. Several years before we even contemplated moving to the U.S.A., I did a piece of calligraphy as a favor for a friend. He used to come to the U.S. every year, and he stayed with a family in Pittsburgh. He had noticed that the front page of his host’s wedding album had never been completed, and he asked me to create one, listing the bridal party as a gift from him. I completed the piece, and he sent it to Pittsburgh, fully expecting to see it in their album on his next visit. Instead, they were so delighted with my work that they had it framed and hung in their entrance hall. At the time, I liked that it allowed me to say that I had exhibited work internationally. But I now realize that my work found a home in Pittsburgh years before my family and I did! For many years I worked on calligraphy that was intended for framing. Then one day a client asked me if I could design some seating cards for a dinner party for Prince Edward that would be hosted by her daughter. I completed that request and went on to do the wedding invitations for her daughter. Around this time, I was asked to join an association of wedding professionals to replace their retiring calligrapher. I said “yes,” and that was the start of many happy years working as an event calligrapher. I met the brides at the very beginning of their wedding process when I would address envelopes, write names on invitations and begin to plan the theme for their table stationery. The seating plans were often a design challenge and over the years I designed a Phantom of the Opera plan, a ’round the world plan, and an antique map. Every plan was unique to that bride. I worked with my fair share of bridezillas, as they are commonly called now, but I also met a caring family that went above and beyond by organizing a team of bride helpers when my middle daughter was rushed to the hospital with a ruptured appendix. As my business grew, so did the number of requests for my services. One summer a local event planner asked me for samples and prices, but wouldn’t tell me the client’s name. Eventually, I was given the job and told that I would have to keep the client’s identity a secret, that I couldn’t let anyone in my studio while I was doing this job, and my studio door had to be locked at all times. I didn’t know who it was until the invitations arrived for me to finish, then seal them with gold wax. It turned out to be one of England’s most famous soccer stars, but I was sworn to secrecy and couldn’t tell anyone. My children and husband were almost eaten up with curiosity. It was all very exciting. The couple had
given a false wedding date and venue to the press, but I knew the real date and venue! I felt such relief when I could finally tell my family the name of my client. There was even a photo of one of my seating cards in Hello magazine. My phone rang one day and it was one of the Queen’s Gamekeepers. It was coming up to the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and her gamekeepers and ghillies wanted to present her with a gift. They had decided on a framed piece of calligraphy to list all the gamekeepers during her reign. I submitted samples of my work and I was fortunate to be given the job. When I had finished the calligraphy, it was sent to a watercolor artist to have illustrations of the Queen’s palaces, a few foxes, and pheasants added. It looked lovely when it was all done. I didn’t see the finished original, only a photo, and I wasn’t allowed to keep the photo as the work now belongs to the Queen and hangs in Sandringham. I lived by the coast, just across the river Mersey from the City of Liverpool. Liverpool is one of England’s great ports and so we always had several lifeboat stations and, of course, the coastguards and pilots. The pilot service began in Liverpool around 1766 and, at its inauguration, was presented with a beautiful, huge leather and parchment ledger to record the crew’s names and details. The ledger was started, but then stopped for over two hundred years. One of the last jobs I did before we moved to Pittsburgh was to complete the ledger and bring it up to date. It was a mammoth task because I had to use the archives to put all the names in chronological and alphabetical order (they didn’t tell me the specifics when they offered me the job!) I had to put a small gold cross next to some of the names to signify that that person had been lost at sea. Some of them were very young—only 14 or 15 years old. I felt very privileged to write the names of all those men who had risked and sometimes lost their lives to bring people to safety from the sea. Fast forward to 2004 when my husband was offered a job in Pittsburgh. We all came over, had a look, and decided to take the plunge! One year later, we arrived. While I was very sad to wind down my calligraphy business in the UK, where I enjoyed my years working with brides, students, and everything in between, I have great hopes to develop my calligraphy business in the U.S. I’ve endured a few stumbling blocks along the way, but I’ve recently started teaching calligraphy at CCAC. In my very first class, one of my students was from Liverpool. Isn’t it a small world? n Judith Browne is a Deerfield Manor resident. See ad on page 18. Spring 2010
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Around the Township The Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair Serves the Community
The
Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair made a significant addition to the Upper St. Clair High School Theatre through the acquisition of the Steinway D Concert Grand Piano. This is the largest piano made and its beautiful sound will fill the theatre as it is played for the enjoyment of our residents for years to come! Many individual donations made this dream become a reality. Special recognition goes to State Representative John Maher and Aleen Mathews for their significant financial assistance.
Marvin Hamlisch does a sound check to an empty USC Theatre prior to his August 31, 2009 “An Evening With Marvin Hamlisch” performance.
Steinway Concert D Grand Piano Usage Since Its Purchase 2008 June 26 August 2-9 October 24-25 November 11 November 16 November 22 December December December December
South Hills Junior Orchestra Suzuki Festival PA Music Educators Association Town Hall South South Hills Junior Orchestra Community Foundation of USC
2 Town Hall South 11 Boyce Middle School 15-16 Upper St. Clair High School 19-20 Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra
Concert Teaching and Recital Performance Choir Festival Rehearsal/Concert Pre-lecture concert Concert Student Concert and presentation of the Steinway D to the School District Pre-lecture concert Choir and Band Concert Choir Concert Rehearsal and Orchestra Concert
2009 January 8 January 9-10 January 20-22 January 30-31 March 27-28 March 23-24 May 15,18-20 May 16-17 May 26-28 August 1-8 August 31 November 21-22 December 14-15 76
USC Elementary Schools PA Music Ed. Assn. Jazz Festival Ft. Couch Middle School Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra Upper St. Clair High School Upper St. Clair Elementary Schools South Hills Junior Orchestra Upper St. Clair High School Suzuki Festival Community Foundation of USC South Hills Junior Orchestra Upper St. Clair High School
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Winter Choral Concert Rehearsal and Concert Choral Concert Rehearsal and Orchestra Concert Young Artists Concert Choir Pops Concert String Rehearsal and Concert Rehearsal and Concert Rehearsal and Choir Spring Concert Teaching and Recital Performance An Evening With Marvin Hamlish Rehearsal and Concert Choir Concert
Activities in 2009 that supported the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair’s mission of creating a sense of community through enhancing the quality of life for all of the people of Upper St. Clair ... In conjunction with the College Fair at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, “Becoming A Competitive College Applicant IV” was held for parents and students on February 4th. Admissions officers from Clemson University, James Madison University, Ohio University, Purdue University and University of Michigan presented and answered questions. ------In addition to the highly successful Couples Bocce League on the courts at Baker School, a Men’s Bocce League was started in 2009. ------The Pittsburgh Symphony Chamber Orchestra performed in the Upper St. Clair High School Theatre on March 2 and April 25. ------CFUSC is the depository for the USC Crew Team Scull Fund. ------A grant was provided to cover the registration fees for the USC Odyssey of the Mind team’s participation in the World Finals at the University of Iowa. ------On Community Day 2009, the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair ran its twelfth Annual Duck Race and provided the prize money for parade floats.
A matching grant was approved for a USC Cheerleading request for new mats. ------CFUSC has been, and continues to be, the depository for five college scholarships awarded annually to USC high school students: Ted Barnett Scholarship, Ellie Batz Scholarship, William A. Pope PhD. Scholarship, T.J. White Upper St. Clair Athletic Scholarship, and Joanne Szymanski Scholarship. ------On August 31, 2009, “An Evening with Marvin Hamlisch” was held in the Upper St. Clair High School Theatre. ------Bussing for the Town Hall South series was provided from the Westminster parking lots to the Upper St. Clair High School Theatre. ------Ongoing support was provided through advertising purchased for the Football, Boys Basketball, the Lady Panthers and the Upper St. Clair High School Marching Band programs. -------A grant was provided to the Township of Upper St. Clair and the Regional Environmental Education Center for the first Bounty of Boyce Mayview Park Fall Fest.
Don’t miss
EDDIE PALMIERI and his Latin Jazz Band
Preceded by the Upper St. Clair High School Jazz Ensemble Friday, March 19 ~ 7:30 PM Upper St. Clair High School Theatre Tickets available through ProArtsTickets (412) 394-3353 or www.ProArtsTickets.org $40 ~ Students $15 Presented by Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair and Manchester Craftsman Guild
Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair
Phone: 412-831-1107 • Fax: 412-220-7780 • Website: www.mainstreetusc.com • Email: mainstreetusc@gmail.com Spring 2010
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Is There a Doctor in the House? Jim Meston
Is there a doctor in the house? Actually, since 1988, there have been two doctors in a house in Upper St. Clair. Nalina and Anil Prabhu have been partners in their medical practice since 1991, with offices in the St. Clair Medical Building, seeing patients in their office in St. Clair Hospital and at Country Meadows Nursing Home. Dedicated partners, they specialize in primary care medicine and geriatrics, with most of their patients over the age of 65.
Their Background Nalina was born in Malaysia into a very close-knit family. Her parents, both in their eighties, still live there. Both parents were educators and encouraged their children to study hard. Nalina attended school at The Convent of The Holy Infant Jesus in Ipoh, Malaysia. She had a love of medicine from a very young age and went to India to attend medical school, receiving her medical degree from Kasturba Medical College in 1980. She excelled in medical school, graduating with highest honors, and was first in her class among all the medical colleges in the State of Mysore, receiving six gold medals. Nalina’s sister is a psychiatrist in Chicago. Anil grew up in India and lived there until he was 16 when he then came to Pittsburgh with his parents. He attended Penn State University and studied electrical engineering for two years before switching to pre-med. With a keen interest in medicine, he returned to India to enroll in medical school, where he graduated with high honors. Nalina and Anil met in medical school. After graduating, they married in Malaysia then immigrated to the U.S. in 1981, moving to Pittsburgh to be in the same city as Anil’s parents. Both completed their internal medicine residency at St. Francis Medical Center and became Board certified in internal medicine. Anil operated his medical office in Carnegie and Nalina worked for Health America. In 1991, they formed a partnership and began their practice at St. Clair Hospital. Anil’s mother, a retired physician, is in her eighties and lives in the Pittsburgh area. Anil’s father recently died. No Day is Typical No day is typical for the Prabhus. They had two children early in their practice, and juggling the duties of parenthood and maintaining their practice consisted of long hours and great team work. When the children were in school, Nalina would see patients from 9 a.m. until noon, attend to the children until Anil returned, then make her hospital rounds. They both remark that life is far less hectic now that both children have completed high school and attend college. Nalina and Anil see patients throughout the day at their Arjun Prabhu, a college junior studying pre-med, and office at the St. Clair Anjeli Prabhu, a second-year medical student Medical Building, 78
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interspersed with emergencies, contacts from the emergency room for newly admitted patients, and the daily Drs. Anil and Nalina Prabhu in their office, a ritual of visitations to place where they spend lots of their time hospitalized patients. It’s not unusual for a day to extend to 12 hours—nine to nine. Both are on call every day, 24 hours a day. Two days a week, Anil sees patients at The Country Meadows Nursing Home. Nalina and Anil each have their own patients, developing and keeping the personal bond of the patient-doctor relationship. Some of their patients have been with them since they began their practice. Nalina has one patient who is one hundred and ten years old. Nalina says she is quite sharp mentally and intellectually curious. (I’d like some of whatever she’s taking!) and says she can tell you anything you want to know about history. A good testimony for keeping the old noodle working. The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far from the Tree Anjeli, a 2004 graduate of USCHS and valedictorian, now age 23, is the older of their two children. She completed her undergraduate degree at The University of Pennsylvania and is a second-year medical student at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. Arjun, a junior at The University of Pennsylvania, is enrolled in pre-med. Valedictorian of the USCHS class of 2007, he was captain of the high school varsity tennis team his senior year. Both Anjeli and Arjun had early exposure to a physician’s way of life as they, on many occasions, would accompany their parents on rounds and at the office. The Satisfaction of Doing Something You Love I first met Anil when my friend, John Ferentz, needed assistance getting to the doctor. Anil was John’s doctor. Anil is a big sports fan, and John’s son, Kirk, a well known Upper St. Clair graduate, is the head football coach at Iowa. I witnessed the close relationship Anil had with John and the time he took after treating him to talk football and other family issues. John’s wife, Elsie May, was also a patient of Anil’s and they both spoke highly of his abilities and care in their treatments. Both Nalina and Anil find medicine to be very rewarding and care for their patients in almost a family-like way. Anil expressed that as he continues to practice he continually grows more aware of the simpler things of medicine—communicating frequently with the patients and the families of ill patients, keeping them informed about the progress or lack thereof. Being close to your patients has consequences though. And while not easy, a caring physician must realize that death is an inevitable part of life. The Prabhus also realize that all work and no play is not healthy. Anil regularly rides a bicycle and plays tennis when time permits. Nalina recently began yoga classes near the hospital so she can check on patients after her class is over. Anil is now my doctor; Nalina, my wife’s. To date, we’ve not been guaranteed to be kept alive until we reach 110, but we count ourselves blessed as members of their patient family and know we will receive the best care available. We can count on that! n
Boyce Road Gardeners Celebrate 35 Years!
Boyce Road Gardeners, Upper St. Clair’s community gardens, will celebrate its 35th gardening season in 2010. The gardens began as the Garden Plots at Mayview State Hospital in 1975 and later became known as the Governor’s Bicentennial Gardens. In 1980, the gardens formally became Boyce Road Gardeners Corporation. The official gardening season kicks off on Tuesday, March 23 at 7 p.m. with a meeting at the Upper St. Clair Township Library meeting room. Meetings are both social and informative, with a guest speaker, and are a great way to get acquainted with new members. While they strive to have the gardens ready for planting by mid April, Pennsylvania weather can be notoriously difficult in the spring. When the flag flies, the gardens are staked and ready. The gardens are strictly organic, and members produce an amazing variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers in their 40-foot by 40-foot plots.
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The highlight of the summer is the annual garden fair and picnic held midAugust. Adult members can submit vegetables, herbs, and flower arrangements, as well as canned goods, for judging. The children have their own entries, which are judged separately (blue ribbons to all!), and entries have ranged from giant zucchini, to a snake gourd, to a stunning pumpkin!
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As in previous years, Boyce Road Gardeners continue to support the St. Winifred Food Bank with any excess fresh produce. With the continued, harsh recession, the need for food at the food bank has grown over the past two years. Though space is limited, membership is open to all. Start a garden in 2010 and help Boyce Road Gardeners celebrate 35 years! n
Information for plot availability can be obtained from Jerry or Phyllis Kender by calling 412-221-3118. Spring 2010
Wild games
Amazing crafts Lip-smacking snacks
Swashbuckling Bible adventures Incredible music Monday, June 28 through Friday, July 2 9:00a.m. - Noon Westminster Presbyterian Church 2040 Washington Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 www.westminster-church.org For more information, contact Rev. Mandi Richey at 412-835-6630x225 or richey@westminster-church.org UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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Medallion Ball 2009
Thirty-one exemplary honorees from Upper St. Clair were presented at the 2009 Medallion Ball held on November 27. Jubilation was expressed by the Most Reverend David Zubik, Bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, who reigned over this prestigious event. The largest Upper St. Clair group ever to be honored, each honoree was presented with the coveted Joan of Arc Medallion in recognition of 100 or more hours of volunteer service. The bishop supports St. Lucy’s Auxiliary to the Blind, whose mission is to encourage and inspire a lifetime commitment to volunteer service. The visually impaired, by means of the Blind and Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh, benefit from the auxiliary’s magnanimous effort. The Upper St. Clair community is very proud of these young women, their families, escorts, and volunteers who made this illustrious event a stellar success. Congratulations! Escorts, listed alphabetically, were: Clarke Bacharach, Christian Beck, Brandon Bianco, Nicklaus Caster, Lachell Carsten, John Columbus, Vincent Courtney, Robert Coury, III, Philip Dormish, Mathew Flickinger, James Franz, Samuel Gaetano, Tyler Hogya, Andrew Kearns, Joseph Kennedy,
… they carry on the St. Lucy’s tradition of a rich heritage, a mission to serve, and the aspiration of a bright future. Timothy Kikta, Dylan Lease, David McCurrie, Scott McMurtry, Sam Mendelson, Steven Morgan, Troy Murphy, Jake Palmer, Rocky Paterra, Michael Pezzone, Nicholas Rielly, Eric Seech, Justin Selep, Daniel Stapor, Harris Tucker, and Benjamin Walker n
Meredith Borst
Rachel Boyd
Martina Caruso
Angelina Castelli
Emily Coughlin
Marissa Cozza
Kelly Dennin
Talia Fontana
Kara Forse
Saige Foster
Stephanie Gielarowski
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Kristin Haleski
Elizabeth Kunkle
Jessica Little
Dorothy Lucas
Carly McCann
Cristina McCombs
Marissa Murin
Lindsay Pagano
Kristen Penkrot
Margaret Rizzi
Katherine Rogers
Kelly Sweeney
Carolyn Thompson
Jennifer Thompson
Alexandra Tobias
Jennifer Tuttle
Anne Villanova
Kyle Wagner
Sarah Walters-Slezak
Megan Wholey
Photographs courtesy of Ron Richards Photography Studio, Pittsburgh. Article by Mary Lynne Spazok. Spring 2010
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Building a Trail to the Falls Virginia White, Chrysann Panos, and Shannon Gallagher In the past year and a half, Girl Scout Troop 51142 has been working to earn the Silver Award in the depths of the Boyce Mayview Park trails. This award helps Girl Scouts make a difference in their community. In order to earn the Girl Scout Silver Award, requirements in six areas must be met: organize, lead, network, create, act, and reflect. Each scout must also contribute a minimum of 40 hours to the project. The Girl Scouts decided to choose a project that would improve their local environment. The troop was introduced to the Boyce Mayview Park trails and a hidden waterfall by one of the troop members and her family. Their project—to work as a group and build a new trail off of the park’s Curved Bridge to provide access to the waterfall. By networking through the Upper St. Clair community, the troop contacted Walter Jarosh, the Township’s Superintendent of Parks, Buildings, and Forestry. Mr. Jarosh became their project advisor. He educated the troop members on how to properly place and build a trail, considering erosion. He also provided the tools and taught the girls how to use them safely. Using their new information and skills, the scouts put their trail construction plans into action. One of the greatest challenges they faced was clearing debris, both natural and man-made from around the waterfall and along the trail. Many fallen limbs and discarded logs had to be moved off the trail and out of the waterfall basin in order to open up the flow of creek water. Some of the man-made debris included eight car tires, old lawn mower engines, the remains of a metal shed, bottles, cans, children’s bicycles, and discarded toys. After making the trail passable, the troop’s next goal was to create a peaceful refuge where hikers could take a break and enjoy the scenic woods. They chose to build a bench by the falls. The Township provided material for the construction of the bench, while the girls provided the scout power. The
troop used the expertise of two troop parents who taught them how to use hand and power tools to build the bench. The scouts hand-hauled the bench across the Curved Bridge and along the newly constructed trail. They then dug two holes, each about three feet deep, into the rocky hillside next to the waterfall. The bench was secured in the ground with cement and dirt. An important part of Troop 51142’s Silver Award Project involved educating the community about the trails, encouraging people to use them and help keep them environmentally clean. The troop members accomplished this by organizing and leading hikes for Girl Scout peers and community youth. Upon completion of the Silver Award Project, the girls reflected on all that they had learned, the people that they had met, and their project challenges. They felt a great sense of accomplishment in knowing that they had contributed to the Boyce Mayview Park trail system and improved the environment.
Mary Gibson, Chrysann Panos, and Jasma Mody drag metal debris out of the waterfall basin.
Now with a comfortable place to sit and enjoy the falls, Girl Scout Troop 51142 hopes that many hikers of all ages will discover this new trail and take the time to enjoy the natural wonder and beauty of the waterfall and surrounding woods. The Boyce Mayview Park trails are a great natural gift to our community and our residents. They are ours to hike and respect for years to come. n
Walter Jarosh educates Girl Scout Troop 51142 on trail building. 82
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Spring 2010
Honoring Our Veterans
Steve Levine, Douglas Kirchner, and Rebecca Smith During two weeks in November, USC students K-12 took time to commemorate and honor the service of veterans. The goals of these two weeks were to foster a sense of respect for the service and sacrifice of American veterans and to help students understand actions Upper St. Clair is taking On Veterans’ Day at USCHS, past and current to honor their service. In addition, the members of the high school faculty and staff were activities laid the groundwork for sturecognized for their patriotic service. dent participation and involvement in the development of the Upper St. Clair by the Chanteclairs. On stage, past and current Veterans Park. At the elementary level, teachers engaged members of the high school faculty and staff students in learning about the history and were recognized for their patriotic service, importance of Veterans’ Day through many including: Ed Callahan–Former USCHS science different educational experiences. The children studied patriotic symbols and learned ways teacher and curriculum leader who served in in which the U.S. uses symbols to represent the U.S. Navy, 1965-69. Keera Dwulit–USCHS social studies teacher important ideals. Students were given the opportunity to learn about the seven symbols who served on active duty in the Army used in the seven branches of the military and Reserves, 2000-06. Scott Holtkamp–USCHS technology spemake a connection to the seven pillars used in the USC Veterans Park design. As a part of this cialist who served in the West Virginia Army study, students explored Veterans’ memorials National Guard, 2002-08. Roy Legacy–USCHS maintenance techniacross the country. Elementary classes studied the plans for the new USC Veterans Park and cian who served in the U.S. Navy for 42 ½ the symbols used in its design and created a years. Fred Peskorski–USCHS technology edumemorial park of their own that they might cation teacher who served in the U.S. Army build for a veteran they know. Students from the elementary schools Reserves, 1992-98. Tom Smedley–Former USCHS math and also wrote thank you letters to express their gratitude to veterans in their families, in the physics teacher and math curriculum leader community, and in their world. These letters who served on active duty in the Pennsylvania were given to veterans in their families, sent National Guard, 1974-2004. Students and staff were also fortunate to to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, and donated to the Veterans’ Hospitals throughout the hear from U.S. Representative Tim Murphy, who gave an inspiring message about the importance Pittsburgh area. At the middle school level, events were of honoring veterans. State Senator John Pippy kicked off with a rousing rendition of the followed by reading a touching letter his daughNational Anthem led by music teacher Gloria ter wrote to him while he was serving abroad. Christofano and the Voice of Boyce choir. In Throughout the program, audience members their individual classrooms, students partici- heard personal stories and letters from each pated in a variety of activities designed to foster of America’s major conflicts since WWI. The an appreciation and respect for the sacrifice powerful, poignant event can be seen on local and service of American veterans. Many class- access Channel 19. After participating in these activities, the rooms participated in “Operation Gratitude,” a program designed to connect students with students were clearly impacted by what they soldiers currently in the field. Students wrote had seen and heard and were motivated to letters and drew pictures, which were then become involved in helping their community forwarded to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. honor its veterans. Upcoming fundraising efOther activities included writing and listening forts are currently being planned for the USC to patriotic music, interpreting poems about Veterans Park. Thank you to all involved in helping Upper war, and discussions about current American St. Clair honor its veterans and a very special conflicts. At the high school level, a moving thanks to those men and women currently servVeterans’ Day assembly was held in the theatre ing and protecting our nation. n for all students and staff. Emceed by high school Steve Levine is curriculum leader and a social social studies teacher Dan Zelenski who outstudies teacher at USCHS, Douglas Kirchner is lined the history and meaning of Veterans’ Day, a social studies teacher at USCHS, and Rebecca the 45-minute program began with a powerful Smith is curriculum leader and a social studies rendition of the National Anthem performed teacher at Streams Elementary. Spring 2010
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Poised for Take-Off Kathleen Himler
“Intense” is the word that comes to mind regarding USC wrestling. It’s not the choreographed drama of the professionals we see on WWE with TLCs (tables, ladders, and chairs), but rather the crafted style of amateur scholastic wrestling similar to the classic Greco-Roman wrestling as seen in the Olympics. This is a fierce competition, where pound for pound, flesh to flesh, opponents face off for a total of three grueling periods, unless either opponent gets pinned, ending the battle. Frankly, to understand the draw to this sport, one needs to experience it. And drawn to the sport indeed, are many in Upper St. Clair. Success certainly has a way of retaining talent and attracting new recruits. With a WPIAL (Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League) section championship secured in 2007-08, and a steady winning pace since, head coach Dave Kyle believes, “The USC junior high program is poised for take off” (at the time of this article, the team was 12-0, including first place honors at the Peters Dual tournament). Pivotal in the program’s history, dating back to the 2004-05 season was the transition from a seventh and eighth grader squad to also include ninth graders. Doing so broadened the talent base at each weight class and has since resulted in a 51-23 record in this competitive junior high format. Winter is the wrestling season and at the junior high level it starts with strictly enforced weight certifications. These procedures, regulated by the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA), are in place to determine minimum wrestling weight permitted per wrestler and to prevent the dangerous practice of weight cutting. In team tournament and dual formats, each team roster consists of one wrestler per weight class, from 75 to 250 pounds (18 levels in total). For this reason, each weight class is highly competitive, closely monitored, and is of high strategic value for scoring; thus, the need for wrestlers in every weight bracket to avoid costly forfeiture points during a contest. Wrestling is not, however, the winter activity chosen by those interested in merely staying active. The commitment to this sport is extensive and the grind constant. At the junior high level, students finish their school day and are then challenged daily to roll out and set up the over 300-pound wrestling mats, which are stored in a hallway maintenance area. (Despite the team’s years of success, Fort
Junior high program members are the Wilding brothers, left to right: Corey (110 lbs.), DJ (138 lbs.), and Brooks (105 lbs.). Not pictured is Austin Wilding who wrestles high school at 130 lbs.
Couch is one of the only middle schools without a wrestling room.) Once practice begins, it’s fast paced, methodical, and lengthy, whereby nearly 40 team members are coached to develop advanced technique, fluidity of movement, and mental toughness. Here, “on your toes” and “break’em down” hardly refers to graceful, rhythmic dance movement. When asked to explain this growing appeal for wrestling, the astute Coach Kyle states, “Wrestling success starts with the youth program in kindergarten.” It’s been no surprise that the strength of the USC youth wrestling program has likewise been surging. Under the steady leadership of wrestling commissioner Jim Wilding, the youth program (K-6) has experienced consistent growth (with over 50 wrestlers annually). In terms of competitiveness, USC youth wrestlers have placed in multiple team tournaments and are now touted as the program with exceptional conditioning; a coveted distinction since many matches are won with endurance in the final third period. Threading through USC wrestling tiers, giving strength of character and consistency, are many dedicated families. With special contributions are the Wilding formidable four (see photo above) who earn starting lineup positions across the junior high and high school programs. When asked about past accomplishments, the modest Austin Wilding (tenth grade) merely references the postings in the Fort Couch foyer and states, “The team enjoys having their accomplishments recognized.” The McGuire family, likewise, with three brothers, Michael (twelfth grade), McKenzie (tenth grade) and Mason (seventh grade), also serve to distinguish wrestlers as high caliber athletes whose work ethic and achievements set a high bar. Summing up the experience is America’s great wrestler and Olympic medalist Dan Gable who once said, “Once you’ve wrestled, everything else in life is easy.” Maybe that’s the main reason why they wrestle; they Unrolling the mats for practice are, left to right, Moe indeed recognize the enSlinger, Josh Lucas (volunteer coach), Danny Kincaid, John Rutkowski, and Ryan Betzold. during rewards. n Photos courtesy of Colin Rooney.
Wrestling coaching staff, left to right, are Zoltan Toth, assistant coach; and Dave Kyle, 12-year head coach. Not pictured is Greg Calvetti, assistant coach. 84
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Special note of thanks to the late Dan Hentosz whose charm, passion, and encouraging ways strengthened the character of wrestlers and parents alike.
Spring 2010
Both Skill and Passion Drive this Youth
For some it may be a skill; for others it may be a passion; for Ted Lucas Evangelista, his piano playing encompasses both. When the opportunity arose for Ted to demonstrate his love for classical music, he was able to display the passion that he inherited from his family and developed through his own hard work. Ted, a junior at Upper St. Clair High School, was one of three winners in the Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra (PCO) Young Artists Competition. The competition was held on October 4, 2009, and Ted played the first movement to Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor, op. 16 for his audition. Of the three winners, Ted was the only one to represent Upper St. Clair. As a result of winning this competition, Ted won a seat as the featured pianist performing with the PCO. Ted performed his audition piece with the Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra at the Upper St. Clair High School Theater on January 30, 2010, under PCO conductor Dr. Warren Davidson. Ted has been playing the piano for nine years and entered numerous competitions including the Pittsburgh Piano Teachers Association solo competition, the Duquesne Young Artists solo competition, and the Pittsburgh Concert Society’s solo competition. In March, Ted will be competing in the Pittsburgh Piano Teachers Association’s Senior solo competition and will be performing Schubert’s Impromptu No. 2 in E-Flat, op. 90 and
Bach’s Prelude and Fugue No. 12, in f minor, WTC, Book 2, BWV 881. In a public performance in 2008 to celebrate USC School District’s new Steinway D Concert Grand Piano, Ted was selected by the Community Foundation of Ted Evangelista Upper St. Clair and performed Beethoven’s Andante Favori. Ted began his studies at the Piano Academy studying under the direction of Carrie Hemington. He then studied classical piano at Duquesne University under the direction of Wonson Bae. For the last three years, Ted has been studying under Harry Coleman of Upper St. Clair. Ted grew up with a love of music that transcends the mechanics of learning and practicing. His grandfather, Theodore C. Evangelista, was a musician who played the acoustic and bass guitar professionally for 60 years. His grandfather always told him, “Ted, play your music and the achievements will take care of themselves.” n Ted lives with his parents, Ted F. and Barb Evangelista and his younger sister, Alexis. Now in the process of searching for colleges, Ted plans to continue his musical studies.
Band Festival Returns for the Seventh Big Year More bands, more music! That’s the plan for the seventh annual band festival which will bring together four of the best community bands in Western Pennsylvania and an all-new festival band. The festival, to be held at the spectacular Upper St. Clair Theatre, will be held Saturday, May 1 from 2:30-5 p.m., with theatre doors opening at 2 p.m. WQED-FM’s Jim Cunningham returns again this year as program host. Best of all, admission is free! Contributions to support the festival are greatly appreciated, but not required. The Three Rivers Community Band Festival is truly a showcase of the many musically-talented individuals in the region, and the concert promises a medley of songs to appeal to a wide range
of musical tastes. Community Band South represents the South Hills communities. This brass, woodwind, and percussion band of over 80 members is co-directed by Dean Streator, former teacher of instrumental music at Bethel Park High School, and James Bennett, retired director of bands and department chairman of Fine Arts at Upper St. Clair High School. Since its premier concert on December 14, 1987, at Upper St. Clair High School, Community Band South has been entertaining audiences throughout the communities from which its membership is drawn, performing an average of 15 shows a year. Other bands participating in the festival this year include the East Winds Symphonic Band, founding band of the festival; the West Hills Symphonic Band; the Youngstown Area Community Concert Band from Youngstown, Ohio, this year’s regional guest band; and the “ultimate community band,” made up of musicians from over 20 community bands in Allegheny County and ten other counties in the region. The festival band will perform selections under the baton of guest conductor Denis Colwell, former music director of the River City Brass Band, and be the exciting kick-off to a wonderful afternoon of music. Festival-goers are invited to enjoy free light refreshments after the concert and take the opportunity to meet and greet the musicians. n
Members of Community Band South, co-directed by James Bennett (left center) and Dean Streator (right center). Photo courtesy of John Small.
For more information about the Three Rivers Community Band Festival, visit www.ewsb.org/festival. Spring 2010
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Happenings! On Sunday March 28, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. the parish of St. Peter & St. Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Carnegie will host its 44th annual Pysanky sale. For sale will be over 1200 Pysanky (Easter eggs) and over 300 specialty eggs, hand crafted cultural items from Ukraine and Eastern Europe, basket raffles, door prizes, and kielbasa sales. The kitchen will serve a variety of Ukrainian foods. Church tours will occur throughout the day. Mastercard, Visa, and Discover will be accepted for egg and craft sales only. Address: Sts. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 220 Mansfield Blvd., Carnegie, PA 15106. Phone: 412-527-5359 or 412-276-0342 The DeMarillac Guild will hold a flea market “Timeless Treasures” from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, April 9 and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 10 in the LeGras Parish Center (lower level) of St. Louise Church, 320 McMurray Road, Upper St. Clair. Items will include gently used children’s clothing to 4T, toys, jewelry, decorative items, knick knacks, kitchen items, holiday decorations, and much more. For more information, call chair Nancy Marlowe at 724-941-4271. The Orchid Society of Western Pennsylvania (OSWP) will hold its annual Orchid Show on Saturday, and Sunday, March 20-21, 10 a.m.5 p.m. each day at the Phipps Garden Center, 1059 Shady Avenue (Fifth and Shady). Admission is free and the public is invited. The theme of this year’s show is the mystique of orchids—their beauty, variety, size, color, and country of origination. The show will include orchid exhibits, free educational seminars, plant raffles, and sales by 12 vendors from all over the eastern U.S. The orchids and exhibits will be judged by a team of certified American Orchid Society judges. Growing supplies that are difficult to find locally will also be available. As a special attraction, each day a series of free education classes and lectures will be offered, which will highlight tips on growing healthy orchids. Each lecture will last approximately 20 minutes with an additional ten minutes allotted for questions. Visit www.oswp.org.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Site #141 will offer free tax service through April 15 at South Hills Bible Chapel, 300 Gallery Drive, McMurray, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. No appointments; walk-ins only. Closed on Friday, April 2, in observance of Good Friday. VITA volunteers will assist taxpayers in the preparation of federal, state, and local tax returns as well as real estate/rent rebate forms and PACE forms. Individuals seeking assistance should bring pertinent tax documents, copies of Federal and state returns for the 2008 tax year, and any tax packages received in the mail. USC Swim Club will be offering a “learn to swim” program at the Upper St. Clair High School pool. • Six one-half hour weekend lessons for $66; April 10/11– May 15/16 (Saturday: noon or 12:30 p.m. or Sunday: 12:30 or 1 p.m.) • Eight one-half hour week night lessons for $88; April 12–22 (Monday-Thursday: 6 or 6:30 p.m.) To register or for more information, contact volunteer swim lesson coordinator Christie Costa at 806-789-8780 (cell) or christie_costa@yahoo.com or visit www.uscswimclub.org. The Three Rivers Quilters Guild will host its three-day quilt show this spring, April 15-17, at the IBEW Circuit Center and Ballroom at 5 Hot Metal Street on Pittsburgh’s South Side. This year’s show theme is “Nine Patch”—a tribute to a simple, yet versatile, block design. With over 100 quilts displayed, quilting demonstrations by Grannie’s Attic will take place and many vendors will have quilt-related items displayed and for sale. Visit www.threeriversquilter.org or call 412-431-4722. • Hours: Thursday, April 15, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday, April 16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, April 17, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. • Cost: $7, $5 admission Thursday, 3-7 p.m.
Dance, dance, dance! USCHS’s Interact Club is hosting a 24hour dance marathon to benefit Drug Free PA. The competition, scheduled for late April for USC students in grades 7-12, also invites members of the community to attend and dance for fun or to watch the dance. The event will take place at Westminster Presbyterian Church. It already happened, but take a look! Rainbow over Greymill on Thanksgiving Day 2009. Photo courtesy of Dan Wyse. 86
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Spring 2010
Boys’ Lacrosse Emphasis Kathleen Himler
The 2009-10 lacrosse season for USC kindergarten through eighth grade boys is underway with noticeable vigor! One prominent goal of the newly voted in board members is continued emphasis on player skill development. Realizing the challenges associated with skill level progression through each grade level, a program-wide development curriculum has been introduced. Coaches will emphasize the curriculum, designed with one critical objective—to identify and teach the required lacrosse skills at each grade level. This curriculum should ease the transition through each program tier so that by time players reach high school (USCHS boys’ lacrosse achieved WPIAL status beginning with the ’08-’09 season), they
are fully proficient with the necessary skill sets (i.e., off-hand ability). Additionally, there will be a concentrated effort to provide specific role instruction with recruited coaching talent (i.e., long pole defense starting in seventh grade) and targeted clinic instruction (i.e., goalie sessions). Another program distinction is USC’s commitment to drive the entry point beginning at the kindergarten level, whereas Western Pennsylvania has historically started lacrosse instruction in fifth grade. The USC Boys’ Youth Lacrosse Club, nearly 200 players strong, is extremely excited about the upcoming season where hard work, commitment, and fun are bound to combine for satisfying results on the field. n
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412.563.2858 www.MtLebanonMontessori.org PRESCHOOL (AGES 2-6) THRU 6TH GRADE
Young George Cox would like to thank his daddy, Andrew Cox, for building him the greatest tree house ever! The tree house has become somewhat of a neighborhood landmark since its completion last summer. With the help of energetic neighbors, the tree house serves hours and hours of playtime for many. George says, “I wish there was some way I could tell my Daddy how much this means to me and my baby brother. I just want to thank him!” And so… to honor George’s wish, we share this story with you. n
OPENINGS AVAILABLE FOR 2-AND 3-YEAR-OLDS AND ELEMENTARY
New Classroom Opening
Nestled in the midst of neighboring Mt. Lebanon and serving students ages two through 12 for over 30 years is Mt. Lebanon Montessori School and Academy. While its preschool has been juggling waiting lists for years, this year the school announces the launching of a new preschool classroom. In fall 2010, the school will accept three-year-olds for both a morning and an afternoon class. Applications are being accepted and tours conducted. For more information, call 412-563-2858. (See ad above.) n Spring 2010
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Prof iles on USC People
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 ugh Police for the Boro in as the Chief of n or ber. sw s em wa pt Se er uv st n this pa Kenneth M. Tr of Castle Shanno lice Po n no ba Le t. M the Truver retired from er aft , 09 ptember 8, 20 t. Department on Se M in ed rv se service. He r, over 22 years of to ga sti ve in er, fic lice of r, Lebanon as a po iso rv r, traffic unit supe watch commande as , tly en rec t r, and, mos division commande e. lic po of ief deputy ch St. d reared in Upper an rn bo s wa er uv Tr nt. ea rg se e her was a polic y, Clair, where his fat Jo fe, wi s hi th resident wi He remains a USC S. CH US d en att o wh and their two sons
USC Newcomer’s Club
The Newcomer’s Club of Upper St. Clair, a social organization for women who have moved to the Township within the past two years or who have had a significant life-style change, is designed to develop fellowship and acquaintances among new residents. The club also promotes assimilation into the civic life and social activities of Upper St. Clair. To get you acquainted with your new community, the club offers many activities and special interest groups to choose from, including book club, Bunko, mom and tots playgroup, family outings, and girls’ night out. The club invites you to attend one of its monthly welcoming coffees. For more information, contact c l u b p re s i d e n t E m i l y s board members include, left Huisman at 412-595-7624 Newcomer’ to right, front row: Catherine O’Malley, or esaxophish@gmail.com. n Emily Huisman; back row: Heather Ziegler, Kelli Glunt, Debbie Ogrodnik
Advertise in UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY “The Official Publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair” as it celebrates 16 years of publication
Advertising Rates—Competitive! Call 412-833-1600, ext. 2284 Visit www.twpusc.org/magazine Email usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us
Meeting your needs… TODAY, Tomorrow, and into the Future 88
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Local Clubs and Organizations Directory 1830 Log House Association Kimberly Guzzi, President . ...................................412-851-0570 American Assoc. of Retired Persons Bob Ericson.............................................................412-833-7012 American Assoc. of University Women Helpline............................................................ 1-800-326-AAUW Bethel-St. Clair Evening Rotary Club (www.bethelstclairrotary.org) Tom Atkins..............................................................412-901-0987 Boy Scouts of America Darla DiGiovanni . ................................................412-325-7973 Boyce Road Gardeners Phyllis Kender, Registrar....................................... 412-221-3118 Brookside Women’s Club Gretchen Herron, Membership Chairperson.... 412-833-8427 Civil Air Patrol Glenn Ward.......................................................... 412-221-0846 Community Foundation of USC Celeste Acinapura, Executive Director............. 412-831-1107 Different Strokes Tennis League Gina Braun ............................................................412-221-5717 Friends of the Library Kenneth Leonardi, President ..............................412-833-2553 Friends of the Montour Trail in Bethel Park Peter Kohnke, President...................................... 412-854-1835 Girl Scouts of USC Colleen Pikras........................................................412-854-8150 colleenpi408@gmail.com League of Women Voters Laryn Finder........................................................... 412-835-4097 Lifespan Virginia Jurofcik, Executive Director................... 412-464-1300 Mothers and More Membership.......................................................... 412-774-2138 Odyssey of the Mind (www.uscootm.com) Alison Hess, Program Coordinator.......................412-854-0794 PTA Council Liz Hall.....................................................................412-851-1757 eliz.hall@verizon.net Parent/Teacher/Student Organization (PTSO) Tina Seech..............................................................724-942-3927 tseech@yahoo.com South Hills Chamber of Commerce www.shchamber.org . .........................................412-306-8090 South Hills College Club Betsy Harkins, President....................................... 412-561-2034 South Hills Cotillion Club......................................412-221-5976 South Hills Interfaith Ministries (SHIM) James Guffey, Executive Director...................... 412-854-9120 South Hills Junior Orchestra Janet Vukotich .....................................................412-341-5160 South Hills Kennel Club Thomas Oelschlager............................................ 724-941-6973 Town Hall South Susan Miller............................................................ 412-854-4837
Trotwood Manor West Association John VanCleve.................................................... 412-854-4767 USC Athletic Association (www.uscaasports.org) Tom Burke, President.............................................412-221-8591 Baseball.......................Tom Murray................... 412-220-9380 Boys’ Basketball..........Jeff Conn...................... 412-257-3239 Girls’ Basketball..........Tony Reda..................... 412-257-2386 Football.......................Chris Lee........................412-854-4863 Softball.........................Kris Price........................ 724-941-7410 Fall Soccer...................Bill Littrell........................ 412-835-7533 Traveling Soccer.........Craig Howie.................. 412-835-2128 Wrestling......................Jim Wilding.................... 412-835-4270 USC Band Parents (www.uscbpa.org) Stacey Saracco, President .................................412-257-8889 USC-Bethel Park Breakfast Rotary Club John Gisleson........................................................ 412-577-5216 USC Chamber of Commerce Rosemary Siddall.................................................. 412-833-9111 USC Citizens for Land Stewardship (www.usccls.org) Patrick Campbell................................................. 412-831-3289 USC Democratic Committee Brien Wall................................................................412-831-8281 USC Fly Fishing Club Ed DiGangi.............................................................412-805-1593 USC Historical Society Jean Brown........................................................... 412-833-2323 USC Hockey Club Steve Gielarowski................................................. 412-835-2327 USC League for the Arts (USCLA) Ned Garnhart .......................................................412-835-7640 USC Library Helen Palascak, Director..................................... 412-835-5540 USC Lions Club Paul Rebholtz.........................................................412-257-2731 USC Lions Club Plastic Trash Bag Sales Paul Rebholtz.........................................................412-257-2731 USC Newcomer’s Club (www.mainstreetusc.com/newcomers/ncindex.htm) Emily Huisman, President USC Republican Committee Jim Bolas, Chairman ........................................... 412-833-9841 bolasjm@cs.com USC Senior Citizens Amy Kerman............................................... 412-221-1099, x603 USC Swim Club Doug Shaffer, President........................................412-220-4233 USC Volunteer Firefighters Jerry Kopach, Jr., President ............................... 412-835-0660 USC Woman’s Club Shirley Tadda, President ..................................... 412-854-4955 YMCA South Hills Area Mike Lloyd............................................................. 412-833-5600
Call the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY office at 412-833-1600, extension 2284, by June 2, 2010, if your club or organization would like to be listed in our Fall 2010 directory, if we have wrong information, or if the club or organization’s information is expected to change by August 2010. Thank you. For an online version, visit www.twpusc.org/magazine/features/index.htm Spring 2010
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Celebrations of all kinds take place throughout our community and the United Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair celebrates right along. This active group announces the dates of special birthdays and anniversaries of some of its members. You guess the years. Congratulations to our very special senior citizens!
Birthday Celebrations: January 10–Frank Kohler January 25–Youzhen Zhang April 3–Selma Furst April 26–Patricia Ringeling May 17–Robert Gastineau July 4–Al Baumgartner August 21–Florence Dorn
Special Anniversaries
April 23–Dottie and Frank Kohler August 11–Rina and Vince De Leon August 21–Maxinne and Al Brunwasser
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Spring 2010
Dining Guide • First Place, “Where the Locals Eat: The 100 Best Restaurants in the Top 50 Cities” • “City’s Best”, AOL City Guide Reader’s Vote • First Place, Post-Gazette Reader’s Poll • First Place, Tribune-Review Reader’s Survey • First Place, South Hills Record Reader’s Vote • First Place, City Paper’s Reader’s Poll
412-563-3466
30% off any dinner or lunch entree with purchase of another dinner or lunch entree of equal or greater value. Expires: May 31, 2010
USC Mag.
NOT GOOD WITH ANY OTHER OFFER.
Lunch ’til 4 • Dinners • Open Late • Bar • Sandwiches • Open 7 Days
Amel’s Restaurant, McNeilly Road
Steak Neil Ingredients: 14 oz strip steak 1.5 oz small button mushrooms 1.5 oz Crimini mushrooms 1.5 oz Shitake mushrooms
1 oz minced garlic 1 oz minced shallots 1 oz brandy 2 oz crumbled bleu cheese 1 oz bleu cheese dressing 1 TBS extra virgin olive oil 5 fresh basil leaves
Preperation: 1. Season steak with kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper. Grill to desired temp. 2. While steak is cooking, Heat EVO in a medium sauté pan, add mushrooms and sauté over medium to high heat. 3. Add ½ of the garlic and ½ of the shallots to the mushroom mixture. Sauté until aroma from garlic is released. Remove pan from flame and deglaze with the brandy. (Caution: when pan is placed back over flame the brandy will flare up.) Hold mushrooms in a warm place until ready to use. 4. In a small mixing bowl add remaining garlic and shallots, and bleu cheese crumbles and dressing. 5. Chop fresh basil. Add to the ingredients in step 4. 6. Once grilled steak has reached its desired temperature, move to sauté pan. 7. Top steak with the sautéed mushrooms. 8. Pour bleu cheese mixture over mushroom-topped steak. 9. Place steak under a broiler until cheese topping browns. Serve with you favorite sides and enjoy!
This crowd-pleasing recipe is compliments of Bistecca. See ad on this page. Spring 2010
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
91
Advertiser Index
Spring 2010 Celebrates 16 Years
"The Official Publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair" Advertiser
Page
Advertiser
Page
A Basket of Pittsburgh............................................................................ 18 Action Builders....................................................................................... 71 * Amel’s Restaurant .................................................................................. 91 Ameriprise Financial Services, John D. Link......................................... 57 * Angelo Associates, Inc........................................................................... 74 * ARAMARK.............................................................................................. 41 Baptist Homes Society............................................................................ 21 Bistecca................................................................................................. 91 * Boehmer Heating & Cooling Company.................................................. 73 Brookside Lumber Company.................................................................. 71 * Calabro Tire & Auto Service................................................................... 83 California University of Pennsylvania ...................................................... 2 Cardello Electric Supply & Lighting....................................................... 73 Catalucci Painting & Restoration, Interior & Exterior.............................. 87 Chatham University.................................................................................. 7 * Clark Construction Company................................................................. 68 * Coffey Contracting Company................................................................. 73 * Coldwell Banker Real Estate, Inc. Corporate . ...............Back outside cover * Coldwell Banker–Route 19 South/Galleria ............................................ 28 * Coldwell Banker–USC, South Hills Offices............................................ 29 Coleman Music Studios......................................................................... 37 Confluence Healing Community Acupunture & Herbs............................ 18 Country Meadows Retirement Communities.......................................... 13 Crandall, Steven R., D.M.D. .................................................................. 14 * Cupelli & Cupelli, Drs............................................................................ 35 D&M Chiropractic and Therapeutic Rehab, Inc...................................... 43 Davey Tree and Lawn Care...................................................................... 71 Davin Interiors, LLC............................................................................... 74 * Deckmasters Technologies Incorporated................................................ 69 Design Image Salon, Joe Ruffalo...................................................... 48 “Dirt” Dugan Landscaping, Inc............................................................... 73 * Extended Day Services........................................................................... 37 * Friendship Village of South Hills.............................................................. 9 George Girty Landscape Design............................................................. 72 * Hefren-Tillotson, Inc................................................................................. 5 * Henderson Brothers, Inc......................................................................... 23 * Howard Hanna Real Estate Services...............................Front inside cover * Howard Hanna–Susan Highley............................................................... 25 * Howard Hanna–Diane Horvath............................................................... 43 Howard Hanna–Robert Ellison................................................................ 67
Judith Browne Calligraphy..................................................................... 18 * Keller Williams–Sandy and Marshall Goldstein.............................. 35 * Kerr Family and Cosmetic Dentistry.............................................. 49 Learning Express Toys............................................................................ 41 Louis Anthony Jewelers.................................................................... 1 * Manalo, Larry E., D.M.D......................................................................... 48 * Master Remodelers, Inc......................................................................... 70 McClintock & Associates, P.C................................................................ 61 McMahon Financial, LLC ...................................................................... 15 Mt. Lebanon Awning............................................................................. 69 Mt. Lebanon Montessori School and Academy .................................... 87 * Northwood Realty–Bonnie Detwiler and Marlene McNaughton ............. 39 Pediatric Alliance, P.C............................................................................ 49 * Piccolina’s Restaurant........................................................................... 48 * Pinebridge Commons Associates.................................................. 48 Pittsburgh Audiology.............................................................................. 57 Port Authority Services . ........................................................................ 87 Premier Home Design Center................................................................. 72 R & R Masonry Restoration.................................................................... 73 Radiance–A Private Outpatient Surgery Ctr., LLC................................... 17 RDP Studio Ltd....................................................................................... 79 * Rusmur Floors.......................................................... Front cover, 10, 11 * Scott Bros. Windows and Doors............................................................. 69 * Sesame Inn............................................................................................ 91 South Hills OBGYN, Drs. Rankin & Warner, MD, FACOG......................... 5 * South Hills Orthopaedic Surgery Associates, P.C....................... 7 * St. Clair Hospital.............................................................Back inside cover * State Farm Insurance–Cindy Brophy...................................................... 49 Steel Valley Orthopedic Associates, P.C................................................. 25 Stephen Szabo Salon.............................................................................. 19 The Hand Center of Pittsburgh............................................................... 83 * The Thomas Studio of Performing Arts......................................... 39 The Villas of Arden Mills........................................................................ 67 Today’s Cosmetic Surgery...................................................................... 61 Township of Upper St. Clair Community & Recreation Center................ 65 * Valley Brook Family Dental–Joseph L. Gurecka, DMD........................... 45 * Wellington Real Estate–Patty Thomas...................................................... 8 Westminster Presbyterian Church.......................................................... 79 Yoga Innovations, LLC........................................................................... 18
Classifieds
Advertise with UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, in publication since 1994. Phone: 412-833-1600, extension 2284 • Fax: 412-851-2592 Website: www.twpusc.org/magazine • Email: usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us
Two AKC registered Yorkie puppies, Free. Email: dr1.bridge@gmail.com To place your small business or professional ad in the classified section, send 35 words or less with a check for $75, made payable to the Township of Upper St. Clair, to UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Upcoming guides for the Summer 2010 issue include Dining, Home & Garden, and Summer Activities. 92
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Spring 2010
In addition to our VIP advertisers (denoted by *) for this issue who have advertised a minimum of 30 issues, the following longstanding advertisers (bolded) also supported the premiere issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, published September 1994: Design Image Hair Salon, Sandy and Marshall Goldstein, Kerr Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, Louis Anthony Jewelers, Pinebridge Commons Associates, Rusmur Floors, South Hill Orthopaedic, The Thomas Studio, and Judy Ward and Mary Ann Zupon of Prudential Preferred Realty.
... meeting your needs TODAY, Tomorrow, and into the Future.
SM
Patients say we’re kind
“Our experience in the ER couldn’t have been better. From our arrival to discharge everyone made us feel comfortable and well cared for.” That’s how Gail Vater and her son Luke, of Mt. Lebanon, feel about St. Clair Hospital’s ER. And she’s not alone. When it comes to paying attention to patients, treating family and friends with courtesy and caring about each patient as a person, our ER ranks high. In fact we are now among the top 1% of hospitals nationwide for patient satisfaction. St. Clair Hospital’s ER. FastER. BettER. And KindER. SPECIALIZING IN EXCELLENCE
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412-942-4000
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COLDWELL BANKER REAL ESTATE SERVICES
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Well maintained brick home with first floor familyroom, 4 bdrms, 2 baths, gameroom, large yard abuts school tennis/basketball courts! $139,900 John Geisler 412-344-0500
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