SPRING 2022 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY by UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Magazine

Spring 2022 Guides Celebration Home Improvement

McQueen Building Company—Homegrown & Thriving in Upper St. Clair www.twpusc.org/usctoday

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

The Howard Hanna Upper St. Clair Office is ready to help with all of your real estate needs! 180 Fort Couch Rd, Upper St. Clair, Pa 15241 • 412-833-3600 Robbins Bobbitt Associate Broker

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MARCH IS

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Our practice is committed to providing state-of-the-art care to our patients, treating all gastrointestinal problems and screenings through a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic options. All of our physicians are board certified in Gastroenterology. Colorectal cancer is the second most deadly cancer and screening for colorectal cancer can save your life. The South Hills Endoscopy Center is a state-of-the-art facility providing colonoscopy and upper endoscopy screenings and services. Our medical staff and office personnel strive to work as a team to provide you with quality medical services in a pleasant and professional atmosphere.

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Micole Tucker, Manager 412-861-3095

Let us help you find your way home!

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©2022 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Tim, Cardiology Patient

So you never miss a beat. Expert cardiovascular care When Tim started experiencing an elevated heartbeat and labored breathing, he wondered if his stage days might be over. Fortunately, he knew St. Clair Health’s team of expert cardiologists wasn’t far away. The experts at St. Clair performed an advanced procedure to block abnormal signals and restore a normal heartbeat. Within weeks, Tim had returned to his two favorite gigs: grandfather of ﬁve and open mic night. Cardiovascular health can be a long journey, but the highly experienced team at St. Clair Health is never far away. Find out more at stclair.org/cardiology.

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Expert care from people who care.

Spring 2022

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Volume 28

www.twpusc.org/usctoday •

16 17 The History of Brookside Farms

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Issue 1

usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us

Features & Around the Township

Caste Barn Reflects Township History

Department of Finance 2022 Budget Highlights

Lessons Missed

Township Flood Services and Protection

Murder at Forbes Field

Plan for Summer Camp

Story of the 1909 Pirates

18 Gilfillan Garden Provides Local Bounty

Traveling with TODAY Al and Ted’s Second Big Adventure

Medallion Ball Honorees

School District

VFD Deploys FLIR Thermal Imaging Drone

Guides/ Directories

12 Celebration 25 Pinebridge Commons 64 Home Improvement 84 Advertiser Index

School District Annual Report

44 #TDW includes Polar Plunge

Township

Photo Ops

USC School Board Update

41 USCHS Homecoming Week

Enthusiasm Builds for USC Robotics

46 Freshman Field Day Returns 56 Bounty Returned

36 39

2021

Honoring Retired Coach Jim Render

70 Protecting Wingfield Pines

The front cover is sponsored by McQueen Building Company. With its headquarters located in the historic Boyce House, see article on pages 10 and 11 to learn more. You can purchase a TODAY cover, too! Contact usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us for specifications and rates.

74 Horses with Hope Animals Return 4

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2022

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

The award-winning, official publication of the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a not-for-profit School District and Township of Upper St. Clair community magazine dedicated to promot-

Summer 2022 edition includes Home & Garden and Summer Activities guides. Deadlines: Articles–March 17 Advertising–March 21

ing the Township and School District of Upper St. Clair by recognizing the gifts and contributions of the people who live and work here. This year marks 28 years of our publication.

The 109 th 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.

Website: www.twpusc.org/usctoday Email: usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us @usctoday

Steering Committee Mark S. Mansfield, Assistant Township Manager Paul K. Fox, School District Representative Editors and Staff Linda M. Dudzinski, Editor-in-Chief Terry Kish, Associate Editor Colleen DeMarco, Office Manager, Advertising Executive Sarah Beitler, Marketing Executive, Advertising Executive Kerry Turner, Advertising Executive Dorothy Clark, Graphic Designer Student Interns Julia Roeschenthaler Bria Zegarelli

Mark Mansfield, Paul Fox, Linda Dudzinski, Terry Kish, Colleen DeMarco, Sarah Beitler, Kerry Turner, and Dorothy Clark UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a non-partisan Township, School District, and community magazine. Political advertising and political commentary are not accepted. The publishers of this magazine reserve the right to reject advertising or articles inconsistent with the objectives, image, and aesthetic standards of the magazine. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is published and mailed quarterly to residents and businesses in Upper St. Clair Township. Extra copies of the magazine are available at the Township of Upper St. Clair Municipal Building and Township Library. If you did not receive a copy in the mail, call 412-833-1600, extension 2284. Subscription Information If you know someone living outside the Township who would enjoy receiving our community’s official magazine, please send $12 check, payable to UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, to cover mailing and handling for the next four issues, with their name and address, including zip code, to UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, USC, PA 15241. Add $10 to cover international mailing.

Board of School Directors Phillip J. Elias, President Dr. Daphna Gans, Vice President Barbara L. Bolas Louis P. Mafrice, Jr. Michael R. Mascaro Angela B. Petersen Jennifer A. Schnore Dr. Danielle Z. Wetzel

The next issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY will be the Summer 2022 issue and will be published in May 2022. Articles that were submitted but not published in this issue are on file for consideration in upcoming issues. Articles and announcements may be sent to: Editor UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 or email UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY at usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us. Article Information Editor-in-Chief Linda Dudzinski phone: 412-833-1600, extension 2681 Advertising Information Office Manager Colleen DeMarco phone: 412-833-1600, extension 2284 fax: 412-851-2592 Ad file submission: dclark@uscsd.k12.pa.us

Township Board of Commissioners Daniel R. Paoly, President, At Large Dante R. Plutko, Jr., Vice President, Ward 1 Pamela L. Enck, Ward 2 Robert W. Orchowski, Ward 3 Todd D. Burlingame, Ward 4 Ronald J. Pardini, Ward 5 Richard I. Thomas, At Large

Thank you to our volunteer contributors this issue: Judge Ronald Arnoni, Becky Brindle, Cindy Brophy, Kristin Culp, Lynn Dempsey, Natalie Freund, Carolyn Jones Friedrich, Christian Gmiter, Amie Guarino, Jennifer Harvey, Roy Kraynyk, Jay Lynch, Rep. Natalie Mihalek, Jim O’Brien, Keith Scannell, Gary Schafer, Mary Lynne Spazok, Tina Vojkto, Marilyn Walsh, and Bria Zegarelli (YWG). Thank you also to Matt Innes of USC Township Planning and Zoning for his help in investigating and verifying our community’s mail carrier routes to affirm that all USC residents and businesses are receiving the TODAY magazine. Young Writers Guild (YWG) promotes and encourages young writers in the Upper St. Clair School District, grades 8–12, to provide articles and artwork of interest for our community magazine. Email usctoday@uscsd. k12.pa.us to find out how your student can contribute. The 109th issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a joint publication of the Township and School District of Upper St. Clair. Reproduction of this magazine, in print or web version, in whole or in part, without the expressed written consent of the Editor, is strictly prohibited. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Phone: 412-833-1600, extension 2284 Fax: 412-851-2592 Email: usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us Township: 412-831-9000 School District: 412-833-1600 Printed by Freeport Press 2127 Reiser Ave. SE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 Design by DMC Design, 412-824-7844

Vacancy TBD

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2022

Where the good times roll, and the hills do too. When you’re searching for a community full of growth, greenery, and great company, Friendship Village of South Hills is your destination. Surrounded by lush nature on an expansive 73-acre campus, our residents enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle where there’s always something new to discover. With all the added benefits of Life Care, you’ll enjoy the knowledge that should your needs ever change in the future, your address doesn’t have to.

Welcoming community. Limitless possibilities. Schedule a tour today to learn how to secure your apartment home: 888-812-3435 Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care | Skilled Nursing | Rehabilitation 1290 Boyce Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 FriendshipVillagePA.com

As a Lifespace community, Friendship Village of South Hills gains the benefit of the strength of Lifespace Communities, Inc., a sponsor of 14 senior living communities and widely respected for its senior living industry success.

EIGHT YEARS RUNNING

2013-2020

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Spring 2022

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

A Spring Note From the Publishers Matthew R. Serakowski

Dr. John T. Rozzo

Welcome to 2022! We’re excited to introduce to you UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY’s spring edition. Use this publication as your go-to source for things involving our township and our schools; you’ll be amazed at how much more informed you will become. The School District feature section (pages 26–46) leads with its eight-page annual report, giving information about our school community and its statistics, goals, budgets, and achievements. In this section, you will also find an update on changes to the school board, an in-depth, engaging article about the USC robotics programs at the middle schools and high school, and many other informative pieces that will pique the interest of our readers. And, while this section is a must-read for parents of school-age children, all residents of our community will come away with a deeper appreciation for our school system and how it greatly benefits our Township. Speaking of our Township, this section (pages 48–63) begins with the Department of Finance’s overview of the Township’s 2022 budget, as well as related information about the C&RC fund, real estate tax notices, and the sanitary sewer fund. Going further into this section, an article about flood services will guide our residents toward what we can do to protect our homes in those situations. Then, check out the Recreation Department’s pages for adult and youth activities, alike. This four-page spread ends with a human interest article about lifeguarding at the C&RC. And, for those interested in drone technology, read about the fire department’s recent drone purchase as a way to deliver timely emergency response to the residents of USC. As always, there’s lots to catch up on regarding Township news. Local history is a repeated theme in this edition of TODAY. Feature stories highlight the Caste Barn, the Alexander Gilfillan Farm, Brookside Farms neighborhood, Wingfield Pines, and Forbes Field and the 1909 Pirates. The front cover feature article references the historic Boyce House. After learning more about local history, turn to page 83, where we ask our residents to weigh in regarding any knowledge you might have about the origin of the USC Township flag that was created as a result of a community contest years ago If there is something you would like to learn more about, please let us know. We use this magazine as one way to communicate with our residents. Started in 1994, TODAY’s initial mission of promoting the Township and School District of Upper St. Clair by recognizing the gifts and contributions of the people who live and work here has remained its consistent message. Now celebrating 28 years of this publication, we are grateful to have the opportunity to serve your needs in this manner. Sincerely,

Sincerely,

Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager

Dr. John T. Rozzo Superintendent of Schools

www.twpusc.org/usctoday | usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us 8

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2022

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Spring 2022

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Growing up in St. Clair, Christine McQueen knew about the Boyce House before she even knew it had a name. On the way to gymnastics, or running errands with her parents, she’d notice “the yellow building by the train tracks.” It was a solid brick reminder of the enduring community where she lived. No matter how much the world changed – even after she grew up, started a career and fell in love with a creative young guy named Geoff McQueen, who had a spark in his eyes and big entrepreneurial dreams – she’d steal a glance at the house as she rumbled over the railroad tracks along Boyce Road. Years later, once Christine and Geoff had married and settled in the area, Geoff fell in love with the Boyce House, too. There was something timeless about it, and yet it seemed full of possibility. “We’d always said that if this building became available, we needed to make it our own,” Geoff says. “Now that’s what we’re doing.”

TAKING THE LEAP Nearly a decade ago, the McQueens’ entrepreneurial journey began when Christine would find old pieces of furniture – worn tables made of once-beautiful solid wood – and refurbish them into something new. Geoff was working for a millwork company, and soon he was crafting new tables that Christine 10

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2022

Photos Provided By Post Script Productions

Homegrown & Thriving in Upper St. Clair, McQueen Building Co. is Here to Stay

would finish to add just the right dose of style. Those tables led to the launch of Farmhouse Luxe and Co., and eventually to McQueen Building Company. “I feel like I’ve been on this journey to get here my whole life,” Geoff says. “I always wanted to do it. But if I wasn’t married to Christine, we wouldn’t have this. Because she just jumped. She’s always been crafty and resourceful, and she made this happen.” But as so many entrepreneurs will tell you, the road to launching a successful company can be a winding and bumpy one. As they pursued their entrepreneurial dreams, they had to push through several years of slow going. The quality of their work was undeniable, and they began collaborating with craftsmen who shared their values: thoughtfully creating good things that would last and being fair and honest along the way. And with encouragement and support from Christine’s parents and from the wider St. Clair community, things began to happen. ”We didn’t do this by ourselves. We have so many good relationships here; the people we know and the township that we live in helped build this company. And it’s taken off.” Geoff says.

BUILDING FOR TOMORROW It seems fitting that the aging but lovely Boyce House will be the “forever home” of McQueen Building Co. Like the vintage tables Christine used to rehab into gorgeous new pieces, they feel a great responsibility to restore and take care of the building that is now their headquarters. “It’s a piece of history in Upper St. Clair,” Christine says. “I’m so glad we get to be a part of it and be the caretakers for a time.” As they build this permanent headquarters, they’re being as thoughtful as they are about each gourmet kitchen and remarkable bedroom suite they craft. If you ask what has made their success possible, the McQueens cite their commitment to quality and craftsmanship. But they also invoke the people they hire and their commitment to doing right by customers: “The most important thing beyond their skill is the heart of the people on our team. Because you can teach people to do anything, but you can’t teach them to be good people if they’re not.”

Potential customers can explore a trove of photos of past McQueen projects on their Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest feeds, and also check out Christine’s YouTube videos explaining the design choices they’ve made and the projects they’ve loved. For the McQueens, it’s exciting to contemplate what projects will grow in coming years from each new connection they make today. In these moments, Christine and Geoff look around the rooms of the Boyce House and the possibilities they hold. They’re excited. They’re realistic about the many challenges that come with running a family business – even one that’s been charting record growth. Most of all, they’re thankful that they’ve taken this entrepreneurial journey together. Visit mcqueenbuildingcompany.com to learn more.

While skills range from decades in carpentry to deep experience in project management and design, Geoff adds this important trait: making sure “we hire people you’ll want to have in your home.” Says Christine: “We are working in people’s houses who have little kids. It’s usually one of the parents – usually the mom – who is at home, and they really need to enjoy who’s in their house.” Being a family, they can relate to their clients. And here in the town they call home, integrity is absolutely vital. “When I meet with clients, it’s a big deal that our last name is on the company,” Christine says. “I live right down the street from you or our kids play soccer together – there’s like six degrees of everybody here, and that’s part of what we love about being here. That makes us accountable.” The main challenge ahead of the McQueens isn’t finding enough customers; it’s finding time to say yes to everyone. Geoff remembers the days when he’d worry about bringing in enough work to keep the family’s bills paid. That’s changed. “What I care about most is that longevity. I want McQueen Building to be a multigenerational family business.’” The McQueens are now fully booked well into 2023. But they’ve been using their social media channels to connect with their growing customer base as they help people dream. Spring 2022

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

CELEBR AT ION

STORE EXPANSION COMING SOON!

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

2022_LA_7.5x10_4cl_UpperStClairToday.indd 1

Spring 2022

1/22/22 2:38 PM

CELEBR AT ION Louis Anthony Jewelers Join the Family

Louis Anthony Jewelers has been wel-

coming customers into their family business for more than 30 years. A full-service retail jewelry store in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, Louis Anthony takes pride in offering a stunning collection of unique jewelry, timepieces, and giftware. Louis Anthony is constantly bringing in new designers from across the globe, including Picchiotti, Mariani, Etho Maria, Stephen Webster, Philips House, and Roberto Coin, to name a few. The family business first started in 1990 when Louis A. Guarino, Jr., who had been working in the jewelry industry for ten years in the South Hills, decided with his wife, Veronica, to open their own store. Lou managed the merchandising and sales, and Veronica took over the marketing and advertising responsibilities. She launched an ad campaign, “Have We Met...Yet?” featuring Lou. That memorable slogan is still in use today. In 2000, Louis Anthony relocated to a 2000-square-foot store, more than space twice the size of the store’s first location. This new location led to the expansion of both merchandise and staff. In 2001, Lou’s sister, Andrea Kaczmarek, joined the business in sales. Lou and Veronica’s children later joined them behind the scenes and on the sales floor. Their eldest daughter, Amie, joined in 2003 as designer and stylist; in 2009, son Lou III, or “Geeg,” joined in both the marketing and sales departments. In 2012, daughter Vanessa joined as head of social media and digital. Today, Louis Anthony is preparing for another expansion. Slated to open fall 2022, the remodeled store will grow from 6000 to 9000 square feet. As an official Rolex jeweler, Louis Anthony will use the expanded space to feature a redesigned Rolex boutique, as well as branded areas for David Yurman, Gucci, and other designers. The original store will also be remodeled to include a lifestyle department and hospitality offerings, showcasing a full-service bar. They are proud to announce an all new Louis Anthony Home department, anchored by luxury lifestyle brands Baccarat, Michael Aram, and MacKenzie Childs. If you are looking for a beautiful piece of jewelry, a gorgeous gift for a wedding, or anything in between, Louis Anthony Jewelers is the place to go. Along with the store expansion, they plan on growing their staff, as well; so, be sure to stop by and inquire about employment opportunities that only Louis Anthony can offer. They graciously invite you into their home to join the family! n

Symbolism in Jewelry Amie Guarino, Louis Anthony Jewelers

Symbolism has been a powerful theme in jewelry since the dawn of time. Emotions are represented by various talismans that can be overt or subtle, and often unifying. Messages of hope and perseverance can be communicated as well through symbolic jewelry. Literal designs like the peace sign, zodiacs, and crosses continue to be popular. Quieter statements can be made by choosing to wear a particular gemstone or an engraved affirmation placed on the backside of a particular piece. Life is full of special occasions, traditions, and accomplishments that deserve to be celebrated and preserved. Jewelry is a modern day magic of sorts, capturing the energy and personality of the wearer long after they are gone. Jewelry is the universal language when telling a story that never ends. How will you style yours for the next generation? n

Humor for a Great Cause Treat yourself and those celebrating birthdays, weddings, or graduations to humor from local resident Jay Lynch. The fun anthology benefits The Miracle League of the South Hills, where every child deserves the chance to play baseball. Order The Lighter Side of Upper St. Clair on . “Wonderful reflections on our community and some really funny baseball stories.” −Sean Casey, three-time Major League baseball All-Star, MLB Network TV broadcaster, and USC resident “Having enjoyed Jay’s stories for years, I can’t wait to revisit them in the book. Jay is USC’s humor historian and we’re lucky to have him.” −Steve Blass, Pittsburgh Pirates All-Star, World Series winner, broadcaster, and long-time USC resident Spring 2022

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

CELEBR AT ION Pittsburgh Opera

We Do Well by Doing Good Coldwell Banker Realty had another

successful year of making wishes come true for homeowners, but the company helped to grant other kinds of wishes, as well. In 2021, Coldwell Banker donated more than $40,000 to Make-A-Wish® of Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia. More than $30,000 of that total was raised through Coldwell Banker’s “12 Wishes for Christmas,” a campaign that has become a popular and creative online fundraiser where each Coldwell Banker office “adopts” a wish and works to make it come true. In addition, Coldwell Banker held two food drives during 2021 that collected 3652 pounds of food and raised more than $6000 for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. “Our agents take great pride in helping our buyer and seller clients, but it’s even more rewarding to know that we’re helping those in need with these types of charitable efforts,” said Milo Hindman, manager of the Coldwell Banker Realty South Hills office. “Coldwell Banker’s generous ability to give back is heartwarming, and we’re committed to continuing these efforts in 2022,” he said. n

If you haven’t been to the opera recently, you’re missing out! Create wonderful memories with friends and family with a night at the opera. Pittsburgh Opera has two beloved operas this spring at the Benedum Center for your enjoyment—Carmen and Norma. The perfect opera for firsttimers, Carmen is a roller-coaster A scene from Carmen of lust, deception, and murder. Fiery gypsy Carmen, who lives her life to the fullest, can have any man she wants. But when she seduces naïve Don José, she gets more than she bargains for. Like a moth drawn to a flame, Don José forsakes his career and the innocent peasant girl, Micaela, for a life on the lam with Carmen and a band of smugglers. Soon Carmen discards Don José for the testosterone-filled bullfighter, Escamillo. Left with nothing, Don José decides that if he can’t have Carmen, no one can. Full of magnetic melodies, colorful costumes, and tragic twists, you’ll fall in love with George Bizet’s one-and-only Carmen. March 28, 31; April 3, 5. Norma is the tragic tale of a conflict between love and duty. Norma is a Druid priestess in ancient Gaul, which is being occupied by Roman invaders. Norma falls in love with and bears two children to the Roman leader Pollione, thereby betraying her own people and breaking her sacred vows. When Norma finds out Pollione is having an affair with another priestess, it pushes her over the edge with deadly consequences. See why Norma is composer Vincenzo Bellini’s ultimate masterpiece, and why this story of forbidden love has been called “opera at its very best.” April 25, 28; May 1, 3. As always, English supertitles will be projected above the stage for all performances. A night at the opera makes a great date night with your significant other, a fun night out with friends, or an enriching family experience. See what you’ve been missing! n Single tickets for adults start at $14; kids and teens ages 6–18 are half-price. For tickets, call 412-456-6666 or buy online at pittsburghopera.org. See ad for Pittsburgh Opera on page 15.

Celebrating Movement Natalie Freund, Owner, Fitness Fanatics

The New Year is here, and for most of us it is a time to start or rethink a fitness program. As we consider how to prepare for a fresh start in fitness, numerous questions and thoughts can make our heads spin. In the fitness industry for more than 30 years, I can honestly say that I’ve heard just about every excuse for putting personal fitness on the back burner. But, what we need to remember is that, at any age, our health is our greatest wealth!

See ad for Coldwell Banker Realty on the back cover. 14

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2022

CELEBR AT ION

March 26 - April 3 Benedum Center See why Carmen is impossible to resist!

April 23 - May 1

August Wilson African American Cultural Center

Inspired by contemporary events

Full safety and vaccination requirement information at pittsburghopera.org/COVID

pittsburghopera.org

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Consistent award winning Chinese cuisine year after year! Movement can sometimes be intimidating, depending on the person. Not every movement is perfect for everyone. But, there is a movement that works for each one of us. As a personal fitness trainer, I will help you find your movement, and make it fun for you. If you are a fitness newbie of any age, in an exercise rut, or just need a few, fun fitness fixes, consider a personal trainer to get and keep you going. It is my passion to help clients live the best versions of themselves. Cheers to what we can do in 2022! n

Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person’s physical, emotional, and mental state.—Carol Welch Schedule a complimentary consultation by calling 412-220-4190. Email to natalie@ fitnessfanaticsinc.com or visit Instagramfitnessfanatics420. See ad on page 14. Spring 2022

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Caste Barn Reflects Township History Becky Brindle, Township Communications Specialist

As you walk along Boyce Mayview

Park’s perimeter trail on Morton Road, you may pass the Caste Barn, donated in 2017 to the Township of Upper St. Clair by the Caste family. “The Caste family has long been a part A plaque marking the donation of the of the Upper St. Clair community, including Caste Barn to USC Township when the land was provided to the USC School District to build Boyce Middle School,” said Cicely Caste McCreight. “When we were informed by the Township that a community trail system was in the works to connect neighborhoods to Township parks, we were pleased to cooperate by donating land to the Township, as it makes Upper St. Clair a better place to live and encourages all residents to enjoy Boyce Mayview Park to the fullest.” According to Cicely, the historic barn was built by the Morton family, likely around 1830. The Mortons used the barn for dairy cows, and there are stalls still located for the cows on the lower level. Around 1955, Felix Caste purchased the Morton and Fife farms in Upper St. Clair. Cicely’s parents, Lucian and Joan Caste, built a home on the land in 1957 and maintained the barn and other various buildings on the property. Today, Cicely continues to maintain Caste Barn, built around 1830 the family home and surrounding property. by the Morton family At one time, Lucian and Joan Caste had a few head of cattle, a horse, goats, sheep, ducks, and chickens on the property. In more recent years, Lucian had three Belted Galloway steers. “Residents may remember seeing the huge black animals with white ‘belts’ around their middle,” said Cicely. At present time, there are no livestock on the property. Lucian Caste died in 2013 at the age of 88. According to his autobiography published with his obituary, “Toward day’s end, Caste would always return to his farmstead, tend to his Belted Galloway cows, and nurture his precise architectural square-foot garden, where each vegetable is planted and grows organically to prescribed place and dimension. He knew intimately every earth form, rivulet, brush, tree row, and wildlife on his 40 acres of pristine farmland.” Cicely believes it’s important to maintain the Caste Barn. “It is a historic structure that reflects the history of USC Township and western Pennsylvania,” she said. “The barn is in excellent condition and is a reminder of the Morton family’s hard work. People who walk, ride their bikes, or drive by the barn have a daily remembrance of those who settled the area in the 1800s.” n 16

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Memorial Benches Flank Caste Barn Near the Caste Barn on the Boyce Mayview Park perimeter trail, going north along Morton Road, you will find two benches and a plaque donated in memory of Upper St. Clair resident T.A. Ward. The benches and plaque, located across from Lattidome Drive, were donated by the Rotary Club of Upper St. Clair-Bethel Park (Breakfast) and dedicated in August 2021. T.A. Ward was a founder and the first president of the club. “He was our patriarch and meant a lot to many of us,” said fellow Rotarian Brian Schill, who worked hard to make this memorial happen. T.A. Ward died in 2019 at the age of 82. A Marine Corps veteran, he was an active member of the community. On the Upper St. Clair Board of Commissioners from 1992 to 1999, he served as president his final two years.

Benches and plaque along the perimeter trail near the Caste Barn

Plaque honoring Rotarian T.A. Ward

Wellington

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The History of Brookside Farms

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cially formed in 1913, when the Freehold Real Estate Company (Freehold) combined its purchase of the Albert Fife farm with property the company owned in neighboring Bethel Park. Neighborhoods like Brookside Farms were appealing to many Pittsburghers who were seeking to escape city life. The completion of the Washington Interurban in 1909 made this suburban lifestyle possible for those employed in the city by providing hourly rail service into Pittsburgh. Freehold promoted its new neighborhood’s natural charms, offering an idealized view of life in this suburban oasis. Brookside Farms, Freehold touted, was “distinguished for its picturesque woodlands, romantic nooks, babbling brooks, broad-hedged lawns, artistic flower beds, prolific vegetable gardens, bountiful fruit groves, modern playgrounds, nicely kept poultry yards, and distinctive architecture.” In promotional materials produced around 1920, Freehold advertised Brookside’s proximity to the newly-built Clifton School and the Saint Clair Country Club. Additionally, it publicized, “When the new Liberty Tubes are finished, residents of Brookside Farms may easily motor to Pittsburgh in less than minutes without breaking the speed laws.” Not just a beautiful location, Brookside Farms soon grew into a close-knit community. G e rt r u d e Ta n n e r, a n e a r l y Brookside resident, recalled that neighborhood men chatting at the Brookside trolley stop while waiting to commute to work eventually formed the Brookside Civic Club in 1926. The club discussed practical matters of concern to the neighborhood, such as lighting, garbage collection, and sewers. At the time, these matters were handled by individual plans instead of the Township. Gertrude also recalled how the Brookside Women’s Club, originally the Women’s Literary Club, formed in 1925. Providing intellectually stimulating discussions, this club also dedicated itself to community service. The club’s fundraising efforts over the years benefited St. Clair Hospital, Bethel Park and Upper St. Clair libraries, volunteer fire departments, and many other local organizations. While the days of summer picnics to attract new residents and a well-stocked brook for fishing may be past, Brookside Farms still holds many charms for the residents of this neighborhood shared by Upper St. Clair and Bethel Park. —Article courtesy of Carolyn Jones Friedrich, Historian, Historical Society of Upper St. Clair; photos shown are from a promotional booklet, circa 1920. n

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Gilfillan Garden Provides Local Bounty Bria Zegarelli, USCHS Senior, TODAY Intern Five years ago, the Alexander Gilfillan Garden, a collaboration between Upper St. Clair High School and the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair, was born. The garden started with only five 4'x12' beds. However, due to the help of high school students and community members who planted, weeded, and harvested, it quickly became successful. After the first year, the garden expanded. With a grant and donations from local businesses, another five beds were added, and crops were planted in the field. The Three Sisters planting method—companion planting where three plants grow together to deter weeds and pests, enrich surrounding soil, and support each other—was used, but it was difficult to access the harvest. The next year was much more successful for the garden. The crops were now planted in rows for better organization, and they were covered in fabric to prevent weed growth. This method of planting helped the harvest to thrive, and the garden, which now has ten raised beds, as well as ten 40-foot rows in the field, has continued to grow each year. Lynn Kistler, one of the coordinators of the garden, as well as the high school’s science curriculum leader, explained that the garden’s biggest challenge has been access to water, especially since 2020 was so hot and dry. The year 2021, however, was Starting seeds much more beneficial for the plants due to nicer weather, as well as a proactive pest treatment. Lynn also wrote that members of the garden harvested over 3000 pounds in 2021, beating their prior best year of 1100 pounds. Lynn stated that in 2022, volunteers plan to incorporate a pollinator garden. As a result, students from the high school’s AP environmental science class are planting milkweed, as well as other native seeds to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Additionally, Lynn explained that another goal for this year is to include more hot peppers and fewer tomatoes, since SHIM (South Hills Interfaith Movement), a partner of the Alexander Gilfillan Garden, works with a total of 13 gardens in the South Hills and already has an abundance of tomatoes. USC high schoolers started growing the peppers indoors earlier this year. The garden includes a variety of crops, including pumpkins, corn, beans, squash, peppers, tomatoes, garlic, sweet potatoes, and several varieties of lettuce and greens. Lynn explained, “Some of the greens are things that we might consider to be weeds, such as lamb’s quarters and purslane, but these foods Preparing the soil are full of nutrition and a favorite of the refugee population that is served by SHIM. We’ve expanded to grow other Asian favorites, including long beans, hairy melon, and bitter gourd.” Another key individual in this project is Sue Wyble of Westminster Church. “Sue coordinates the work in the garden, contacting volunteers each week to let them know the upcoming tasks and possible changes due to weather,” said Lynn. “She also loads all of the produce into her car and delivers it each week to SHIM.” Lily Leggat and Bridget Boal, two USCHS students who are involved with the garden, both explained how rewarding the experience has been. Lily, who was in Lynn’s IB environmental science class, said that her entire family became involved through Westminster when she was in seventh grade, and she continued with the project once she was in high school. Lily explained, “I really enjoy combining my interest in sustainability with giving back to our community, since all of the produce goes to SHIM. It’s also a lovely group of people, and in rain or shine, Sue always shows up. She’s a wonderful leader and deserves recognition for what she does to facilitate the gardening and to coordinate everything. While I do get service hours for doing this, that’s not why I do it. I genuinely enjoy the work and the company.” Bridget, who became involved with the garden in June 2021, first started when Lynn asked students in her classes if they wanted to volunteer. Bridget, who had Lynn for both physics and AP environmental science, Raised beds at Alexander explained, “I initially got involved because I had been a remote student Gilfillan Garden all year, and I wasn’t able to interact with my teachers or classmates. But, 18

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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Nationally recognized for patient S FETY! Students planting onion sets

gardening was a safe option, and everyone wore masks when necessary.” Bridget went on to talk about how she became interested in the garden because she thought it would be fun to try something new, and that it was a safe way to get out of the house while still taking precautions with COVID. “Once I went the first two times with Ms. Kistler and the class, I wanted to go back!” Bridget explained. “I began going on Monday mornings with Lily when I wasn’t scheduled to work, and I loved working with the other volunteers at Gilfillan. Honestly, it is very therapeutic to know that you’re helping the community, and it is a nice place to interact with others!” Each Monday during the spring, summer, and fall, volunteers meet to plant, weed, and harvest. As people become involved, they learn more about garden preparation and treatment, transplanting different crops, and sowing seeds. The mission of the garden is to provide an education and maintain a working farm, as well as to help others in need. Having students, church, and community members involved in the garden fulfills the desire to provide individuals with an education about environmental science; plus, all produce from the garden is donated to SHIM’s food pantries, fulfilling the goal of helping others. Due to the teamwork, dedication, and passion behind this project, the Alexander Gilfillan Garden has thrived during the past several years, and it has positively impacted the community, environment, and everyone involved. n —Photos courtesy of Tina Vojtko, USCSD Communications Specialist

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Identity theft is a form of consumer fraud, and it happens every day. The number of individuals attempting to invade our privacy and obtain our personal financial information is growing at an alarming rate. These predators attempt to collect this information by stealing mail, spying for pin numbers at ATMs, gas stations, etc., and digging through trash. The Federal Trade Commission estimates that more than ten million people have their identity stolen each year. It’s very important to protect your personal information, in particular your Social Security number, bank information, credit card accounts, and passwords to your financial information. The best way to protect yourself is to always use common sense. If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is! Don’t ever provide anyone your personal information if you are contacted by phone. Individuals who seek out and use this

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Protect Yourself and Your Identity

information are professionals, and this is what they do day in and day out. I see these types of crimes committed against our very own citizens in my courtroom all too often. This crime can happen to anyone at any time and can cost you countless hours attempting to repair your good name and credit history. The following are some ways to protect yourself and your family from these thieves: 1. Avoid carrying your Social Security card, birth certificate, or even some credit cards with you on a regular basis, unless you need to use them. 2. Be sure to carefully monitor your credit card statements, credit reports, and all other documents related to your finances. Check for inaccuracies, fraudulent use of your accounts, and bank statements. 3. When using your credit cards online, make sure you only provide information that is pertinent to the specific item or service you are ordering, and always make sure you are on a secure site. It should list that it’s a secure site on the web address. 4. Never respond to an unsolicited request for your Social Security number or other financial information, especially over the telephone. If someone calls regarding donations for a charity for which you would like to contribute, tell them to put an invoice in the mail and you will send them a check made payable to that charity. 5. It’s very important to shred all unwanted financial documents or anything that contains personal information. I have teamed up in the past with State Senator Reschenthaler for an annual shredding event, which is normally held in August for this district. Properly shredding your discarded items has the added benefit of helping the environment. In 2017, our efforts collected and recycled 3090 pounds of paper, the equivalent of saving 26.3 trees, 194.7 gallons of oil,

5.1 cubic yards of landfill space, over 6000 kilowatts of energy, and 10,815 gallons of water. 6. A common way in which identity theft occurs is known as “skimming.” This is a method thieves use to steal your credit and debit numbers by using special storage devices attached to ATMs, gas pumps, and other point-of-sale machines. Always inspect your ATM or gas pump for suspicious devices before you swipe or insert your card and make sure that the item you’re sliding your card into is not loose and it does not look fake or out of place. 7. Another method of identity theft is called “phishing.” This is when thieves contact you and pretend to be a financial institution or a company that you’ve dealt with in the past. They can contact you by phone or on the computer by sending spam messages to try to get you to reveal your personal information. They are constantly coming up with new and different techniques to obtain your personal information. So, it’s very important to always be on guard. The safe thing to do is to hang up or log off, and call or email your financial institution or the company asking for information to verify that the contact is legitimate. Also, note that the IRS will never contact you by phone and ask you to send them payment in the form of a money order. If the unfortunate occurs and you become a victim, file a report with your local police department and contact your bank and notify all other institutions with which you deal. Have your financial institution place a fraud alert on your credit report and file a complaint with the Attorney General’s office, as well as the Federal Trade Commission. Protect yourself, your family, and your assets by taking the necessary steps, which are outlined in this article. Be safe, be smart, and don’t become a victim of these criminal predators! n

The Attorney General’s consumer protection help line is 1-800-441-2555. The Federal Trade Commission’s identity theft hotline is 1-877-ID-THEFT(1-877-438-4338). You can also view their website at www.identitytheft.gov. Remember that free credit reports are available, and you can obtain a copy once a year by visiting the three credit reporting agencies. They can be found at www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228. Spring 2022

Lessons Missed Jay Lynch

As a 1971 graduate of the rigorous USC school system, I’ve always felt well-prepared for academic and career challenges. However, I regret that I wasn’t always paying attention when teachers and coaches tried to impart important lessons about the use of common sense to avoid jumping to wildly incorrect conclusions. As a public service to today’s students, I offer the following lessons I never learned, and some embarrassing consequences. Lesson One: First, Check the Mirror Although movie streaming services are convenient, I prefer immersive theater screens for my favorite genres: shoot-’em-up westerns and war epics. Understandably, my wife has no interest in watching cowboys or carnage, so I usually see these movies alone. A few years ago, I heard that a particularly realistic war movie was playing at a summer afternoon matinee. I rushed to the theater, gladly sacrificing a beautiful, cloudless day for a dose of action on the silver screen. The theater was nearly empty, except for a few guys like me, sitting alone, without wives or girlfriends. The movie began with a nighttime combat firefight, where muzzle flashes and tracer bullets were all you could see. In the following scene (the morning after the battle) the sun seemed to be shining, but the movie had a dark grey-green hue. Something was wrong. I got the attention of a fellow several rows away and offered him a hand signal: I scratched my head and then inverted my hands, which is theater-semaphore for, “Do you think something’s wrong?” He surprised me with a shoulder shrug, meaning, “Problem, what problem?” I watched a while longer, but the annoying tint darkened every scene. So, I took action. I went to the lobby snack counter and asked the teenage popcorn vendor if I could speak to the manager. “Is it about the popcorn? Not enough butter?” When I assured him that the popcorn was fine, he summoned his boss, who appeared quickly and asked how he could help. The curious teen leaned over the counter, trying to listen in. I told the manager that there was a problem with the movie lighting, likely caused by a dim bulb in the projection lamp. I offered to go to the projection booth with him to investigate the problem. He said, “Let me understand, sir. Everything on the movie screen seems dark?” I replied, “That’s right, even the bright, daylight scenes.” He moved a little closer and whispered in my ear, as if to protect me from embarrassment, “Do you know you’re wearing sun glasses?” Despite the whisper, the popcorn vendor heard every word. He started to politely giggle, and then broke out into full-throated laughter. I removed my sunglasses, thanked the manager for trying to keep my faux pas a secret, and returned to the seating area. As I passed my semaphore buddy, he asked me what had happened. I fessed up. “I thought there was a problem with the projector, but the dim bulb is in my head.”

Lesson Two: Satire Knows No Age When I was a young man in the 1970s, I was traveling by plane to visit friends in Boston, and casually dressed in my typical work shirt and bell-bottom jeans. I was sitting next to a middle-aged man in a business suit. Long before today’s electronic devices, the only forms of entertainment on airplanes were reading materials and conversations with fellow travelers. I didn’t anticipate having much in common with the older gentleman, so I didn’t pursue a chat, and I had forgotten to bring a book aboard. So, I had nothing to do but read a well-worn copy of Allegheny Airlines’ Flightime magazine, which was the equivalent of reading a sticky Highlights magazine in a dentist’s office. However, when I glanced at the seat pocket in front of the businessman, I saw a familiar title peeking from the pocket. It was my favorite humor magazine, National Lampoon. I assumed that the person in his seat on a previous flight, someone of my generation, had inadvertently left it in the pocket. I nudged his shoulder, pointed at the magazine and asked, “Do you mind?” He said, “Go ahead,” and continued reading his Wall Street Journal. I was delighted to discover that it was the latest edition, one that I hadn’t yet read. As usual, it was hilarious: irreverent, off-color, and sarcastic. Some of the articles were so funny that I wanted to share them with my friends in Boston. Today’s travelers take photos of funny stories and cartoons with their phone cameras, but, in those days, we had a more manual approach. We tore articles out of magazines. I spent most of the flight giggling, ripping out stories and cartoons, and filling my shirt and jeans pockets with satire. By the time we landed, only a carcass of a magazine remained. As we taxied to the gate, the businessman looked at me and said, “May I have what’s left of my magazine?” I was stunned and embarrassed, and apologized profusely. I dug myself a deeper hole by saying, “I never thought a guy your age would buy the Lampoon.” I emptied my pockets and started shoving the wrinkled articles inside the carcass as if I could magically reconstruct his ruined magazine. When I sheepishly tried to hand him the mangled mess, he said, “Just keep the whole thing, son.” He reached for his brief case and walked away. To this day, I don’t know whether the magazine was really his, or he had cleverly spoofed me and used my reaction as personal entertainment and a funny story to tell his friends. Cont. on page 22

Spring 2022

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Murder at Forbes Field Story of the 1909 Pirates Jim O’Brien

Murder at Forbes Field? Hmmm. I got your attention, didn’t I? My imagination has been running wild ever since I read the book Murder at Fenway Park by Troy Soos in July 2020. I found this well-worn paperback at a library book sale during the COVID pandemic isolation. At a cost of 75 cents, it was a steal! It carried an endorsement from the late Robert B. Parker, the best crime-mystery writer ever to come out of Boston. I’ve read at least 40 of his books. Parker, a big fan of the Boston Red Sox, said that Murder at Fenway Park was “equal parts baseball and mystery of the perfect proportion.” It’s an easy and fun read. I also read a lot of biographies and history-related books during the coronavirus stay-at-home edict, those about President Truman, President Ulysses S. Grant, Detroit and Henry Ford, and books by David McCullough, Ron Chernow, and A.J. Baimes. At times, they can be quite demanding. You need a break now and again to lighten things up. So, books by John Grisham, Michael Connelly, and, of course, Robert B. Parker provided my lighter reading. This is the first book by Soos that I have read, but it will not be the last. I will be looking for another of his books, Murder at Ebbetts Field. Soos, born in New Jersey in 1957, two weeks after the Dodgers moved out of Brooklyn in favor of Los Angeles, is

a member of the Mystery Writers of America and the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR). I was once a card-carrying SABR member. The book is set in 1912, when Roosevelt, Taft, and Debs are running for the White House, and Ty Cobb and Shoeless Joe Jackson are battling for baseball’s batting crown. Mickey Rawlings, a young ballplayer fresh from the bush leagues, is about to get a major league education when he stumbles upon a murder in brand-new Fenway Park. What I liked about this historical fiction book is that it is set against a real background, has recognizable names of real people and real players, and is suspenseful to the end. It got me thinking. If Fenway Park opened in 1912, when did Forbes Field open? Turns out, it opened three years earlier, June 30, 1909. A million-dollar ballpark, it was the dream field of owner Barney Dreyfuss, the first steel-and-concrete ballpark. A triple-decker in Oakland, it sat on a seven-acre parcel in Schenley Park and originally seated 25,000 fans. Box seats cost $1.25, a reserved grandstand seat $1, general admission grandstand 75 cents, and left-field bleacher seats 50 cents. Sounds inexpensive in today’s terms, but in those days, it was not. The ballpark was a block and a half from the Schenley Hotel and about four miles from downtown Pittsburgh. Many people got there using the trolley or parking their cars on the winding roads in Schenley Park. Pitt’s Cathedral of Learning was not yet built. The timing was perfect. The Pirates enjoyed their greatest season ever, posting a 110–42 record, a .724 winning percentage. They won the National League pennant and defeated the Detroit Tigers of Ty Cobb in the seventh game of the World Series. The .724 winning percentage is the best-ever by a World Serieswinning team and the most successful season in Pirates’ history.

Lessons Missed Cont. from page 21

Lesson Three: Don’t Forget Father Time When my parents lived on Mitchell Drive in the Washington Terrace neighborhood of Upper St. Clair, my wife and I were visiting for dinner one evening. I had the occasion to use their basement bathroom, which had always been my father’s exclusive territory. The vanity was littered with tooth paste tubes, half-full coffee mugs, rusty woodworking tools, multiple toilet paper tubes, and his favorite foil-style Remington electric shaver. I’d been using a Norelco electric shaver since high school, as its “floating rotary heads” cut whiskers without aggravating my teenage skin eruptions. But, I started to wonder if his foil shaver was better than my Norelco. Breaking the rules of etiquette and hygiene, I shaved the right side of my face. I was amazed that my skin was much smoother than the left side, which, of course, had been shaved with the Norelco. It was quite a revelation. After many years of using the rotary model, the foil style seemed Norelco truly better. As soon as we came home, I placed my order for a Remington shaver on Amazon. When it arrived, I wanted to show my wife how much smoother my face would be with the scientifically-proven superior shaver. So, the next

morning, I shaved half my face with my old Norelco and the other half with the new Remington. I asked her to check each side to see the dramatic difference. There was none. Both sides were equally smooth. Perplexed enough to fess up, I told her about the impolite, clandestine experiment I’d conducted in my father’s bathroom. She reminded me that I had used the Norelco in the morning, but tested the Remington at dinner time; comparing a freshly shaven cheek to one with a five o’clock shadow. Quite a blunder. I hid my embarrassment with action, carefully repackaging the nonreturnable Remington, and gift-wrapping it for my father’s upcoming birthday. When he opened the gift and thanked me for being such a thoughtful son, my wife rolled her eyes. I hope these experiences will motivate today’s students to pay close attention when teachers offer lessons in logic, common courtesy, and the scientific method. And fellas, if you use a Norelco, stick with it, even after Remington your eruptions go dormant. n

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2022

For more local humor from Jay, check out his book, The Lighter Side of Upper St. Clair, available on Amazon. See more book ordering information on page 13. Contact Jay at bkefather@yahoo.com to share your thoughts and ideas.

Ty Cobb, a vicious competitor, was thought to be the meanest player in major league sports at the time. He was one of the murder suspects in Murder at Fenway Park. The Red Sox won the World Series, 4–3, with one tie over the New York Giants. Interesting that a tie game was called. There were four games decided by one run. It was an exciting series, featuring fireballer Smoky Joe Wood of the Red Sox and the great Christy Matthewson of the Giants. When I researched the grand opening of Forbes Field, I found many interesting factoids about the 1909 Pirates. Assuredly, it would have been a great beat for a sportswriter in those days, during a time Ty Cobb of the Detroit Tigers when the Pirates put a lot of runs on the scoreboard. Not so much these days. Honus Wagner, a home-grown great shortstop from Carnegie, led the National League in batting average (.339) and RBIs (100). He hit only five home runs. The Pirates, as a team, hit only 25 home runs that season in the deadball era. Fred Clarke was a star outfielder, as well the team’s manager. Yes, a playing manager. Wagner batted .333 in the World Series, with 8 for 24. The Pirates won the final game 8–0 by beating Detroit in Detroit. Howie Camnitz was second in the National League, with 25 wins (25–6), Vic Willis went 22–11, and Lefty Leifield went 19–8. The Pirates roster was a delight to dwell upon, with names suitable for a Dickens novel. The lineup of Ward Miller, Chief Wilson, Sam Frock, Sam Leever, Deacon Phillips, Bill Powell, and Jimmy Wacker was perfect for headliners Paddy O’Connor, Jap Barbeau, Dots Miller, Bobby Byrnes, Alan Stocke, Ham Hyatt, Tommy Leech, Babe Adams and, yes, the unforgettable Kid Durbin. Lots of murder suspects there, no doubt, especially Kid Durbin or Paddy O’Connor. Take your pick. During my research, I could not find anything about a murder at Forbes Field, so, I would have to make that part up. I asked my wife, Kathie, who reads lots of books and loves mysteries, if she had an idea for a story line. “How about a betting or cheating scandal?” she said. “When did the White Sox throw the World Series?” Is it any wonder that I married this girl? The Chicago White Sox were involved in the

“Black Sox Scandal” in 1919, with eight of their players accused of throwing the series to the Cincinnati Red Sox in exchange for money from a gambling syndicate led by notorious gambler Arnold Rothstein. There were lots of bettors at the ballgames at Forbes Field, the third home of the Pirates and the first home of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Someone could be murdered at Forbes Field for failing to pay a gambling debt. That could surely be something to ponder. By sheer coincidence, there are photos in my office of Honus Wagner with Ty Cobb at that 1913 World Series, one of Babe Adams in an oval frame, two of Forbes Field, and one of a ticket office placard about ticket prices that I rescued from the wreckage when they leveled Forbes Field in 1971. I can imagine Wagner, Cobb, and Adams leaping off my wall some evening, taking chairs behind my writing desk, and sharing stories with me like the old ballplayers who came out of the corn fields in the movie Field of Dreams. A friend and sports book reader of mine, Dr. Marvin Zelkowitz, a retired neurology specialist in suburban Chicago who was on my sports-writing staff at The Pitt News in the early ’60s, introduced me to a new word in my repertoire— anachronistic. I told him that I’d never used that word in any of my 30 books. He said it means “belonging to a period other than that being portrayed.” For instance, he said, “you wouldn’t Pirates ace relief pitcher have a jet plane flying overhead at Babe Adams Yankee Stadium when Lou Gehrig gave his final ‘Luckiest Guy’ farewell speech.” I looked it up and Gehrig gave that goodbye message on July 4, 1939. The first jet flight occurred on August 27, 1939. I see what Marvin meant. I’ll keep that word in mind if I decide to pen Murder at Forbes Field. While it would be my first venture into fiction writing, maybe it’s time I try. My friend Joe “Mr. Baseball” Landolina points out that Pittsburgh teams have, by coincidence, won three championships in Detroit: the Pirates in the World Series, the Steelers in the Super Bowl, and the Penguins in the Stanley Cup.

Former Pirates pitchers Bob Friend and Elroy Face flank Jim O’Brien at the annual October 13 celebration of the seventh game of the 1960 World Series at what remains of the wall of Forbes Field.

Pirates broadcaster Bob Prince signs autographs at Forbes Field. Bob lived in Mt. Lebanon and Upper St. Clair during his tenure with the team.

Cont. on page 24

Spring 2022

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

State Representative Natalie Mihalek 40th Legislative District

1121 Boyce Road, Suite 2200A Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15241

724-942-2045 www.repmihalek.com

Facebook.com/RepMihalek

Protecting the Commonwealth Since being elected to office, a main priority of mine has been to protect victims of crime. As I have done for the last three years, I plan to continue this work by creating legislation aimed at preventing crime and protecting victims. Crime victims deserve the support of the commonwealth, including safe housing, counseling, and job stability. Last year, I authored a bill that was signed into law as Act 32 of 2021. The law amends the human trafficking statute to prohibit defendants from introducing evidence of a human trafficking victim’s past sexual victimization and allegations of past sexual victimization. This legislation ensures that victims of human trafficking are afforded the same protections as victims of other sexual offenses. When evidence against the victim is brought up, it only discourages them from testifying and ensures that the trafficker gets away with their wrong doings. This law prohibits the defense from bringing up past events that are not relevant to the case. Recently, I joined with Reps. Wendi Thomas, Tracy Pennycuick, Shelby Labs, and Meghan Schroeder to introduce the Safer PA Act. The package consists of six bills designed to ensure that victims feel safe and supported after a traumatic experience, and that the criminal justice system is equipped to increase public safety outcomes. • The Victims of Violence Employment Leave Act would authorize victims of violent crime and their immediate family members to take unpaid leave from work for any of the reasons set forth in the act, including the victim’s need to seek medical attention or the need to grieve the loss of a loved one killed in a homicide. • The Victims of Violence Landlord-Tenant Act would permit individuals to lawfully terminate residential leases when necessary as a result of the crime. • The Victims of Violence Emergency Relocation Act would expand protections to victims of other types of violent crimes, their immediate family or household members, and witnesses to violent crime who are threatened with further violence. • The Victims of Violence Compensation Act would update the Crime Victims Act to ensure more victims receive the help they need and know their rights. • The Education Access and Incentivization in Corrections Act would build on Pennsylvania’s commitment to education in the correctional system as a smart, proven public safety strategy.

• The Sexual Assault Testing and Evidence Collection Act would create an exception to reporting identifying information specifically in sexual assault cases where victims wish to remain anonymous. These bills are just a few of the ways the legislature is working to protect Pennsylvania residents. Many state representatives also work directly with their local law enforcement to learn what types of programs and services are provided to the public that may be unknown, what resources the department needs to perform their job effectively, and tactics they use to deescalate situations and keep everyone as safe as possible. Our law enforcement is dedicated to keeping us safe, but there are things you can do to help protect yourself and others: • Be aware of your surroundings. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. • See something? Say something. Call 911 if you feel you are in immediate danger or witness someone else who looks to be in distress. If immediate danger isn’t present, but something still seems suspicious, call your local police station and be as descriptive as you can in your report. • Park in well-lit areas. If you are uncomfortable walking to your car, ask for an escort. • Always keep your car locked whether you are parked at home, at work, or at the store. • Keep your head up and your phone down. • If you are a victim of abuse, contact the police. Assault is a crime, whether it is mental or physical. • Invest in security cameras for your house. • Take a self-defense course. My office recently held a Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence panel at the Bethel Park Historical Society. Panelists shared stories of survival and tips to stay safe. Guests included Rocco Magnelli, CSI Corporate Security and Investigations; Beatriz Harrison, director of Development of Refuge for Women Pittsburgh; Bridget Simunovic, FBI victim specialist; Karleigh, human trafficking survivor; and Chief Tim O’Connor, Bethel Park police chief. n If you have questions about public safety matters or legislation, contact Rep. Mihalek’s office at 724-942-2045.

Murder at Forbes Field Cont. from page 23

I read a book in my personal library called Lost Ballparks by Lawrence S. Ritter, who is also the author of The Glory of Their Times. In it, he shared an illustrated chapter about Forbes Field that included this observation: “Home plate from Forbes Field is now on display under Lucite in the exact spot where it used to be, now in the lobby of the University of Pittsburgh’s Forbes Quadrangle building.” I’ve taught classes in Pittsburgh sports history in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in that building, and I know that statement to be untrue. If it were in the “exact spot,” it would be in the women’s restroom, a few feet away from where the plate now rests. 24

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2022

Part of the outfield wall of Forbes Field has been preserved, thankfully, and is the site of the annual “Gathering at the Wall” to celebrate the Pirates’ 1960 World Series victory over the New York Yankees, and, of course, Bill Mazeroski’s game-winning home run in the bottom of the ninth inning at 3:36 p.m. on October 13. And, while I contemplate my possible fiction writing assignment, I hope that you’ve enjoyed your sports history lesson for the day. n Visit local sports writer Jim O’Brien’s website at www.jimobriensportsauthor.com for information about his many books.

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Upper St. Clair School District

Board of School Directors

www.uscsd.k12.pa.us

@USCSchools

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

Administrator

Phillip J. Elias President pelias@uscsd.k12.pa.us 2023*

Dr. Daphna Gans Vice President dgans@uscsd.k12.pa.us 2025*

Barbara L. Bolas bbolas@uscsd.k12.pa.us 2023*

Louis P. Mafrice, Jr. lmafrice@uscsd.k12.pa.us 2023*

Secretary/Email Address

Extension

Dr. John Rozzo...........................................................Sarah MacDonald.................................... 2218 Superintendent of Schools smacdonald@uscsd.k12.pa.us Dr. Sharon Suritsky...................................................Mary Beth Harkleroad............................. 2214 Assistant/Deputy Superintendent mharkleroad@uscsd.k12.pa.us Amy Pfender...............................................................Mary Beth Harkleroad............................. 2214 Assistant Superintendent mharkleroad@uscsd.k12.pa.us Dr. Lou Angelo ..........................................................langelo@uscsd.k12.pa.us........................... 2272 Director of Operations & Facilities Ray Berrott.................................................................rberrott@uscsd.k12.pa.us.......................... 2059 Director of Technology Sean Bryson ...............................................................sbryson@uscsd.k12.pa.us.......................... 2560 Chief of School Police Dr. Judy Bulazo .........................................................Mary Beth Harkleroad............................. 2214 Director of Curriculum and Professional Development mharkleroad@uscsd.k12.pa.us Scott Burchill ............................................................Dawn Machi ............................................ 2220 Director of Business and Finance dmachi@uscsd.k12.pa.us Ray Carson, Jr............................................................Sarah MacDonald.................................... 2218 Senior Director of Operations & Administrative Services smacdonald@uscsd.k12.pa.us Cassandra Doggrell ..................................................Julie Karabinos......................................... 2116 Director of Special Education jkarabinos@uscsd.k12.pa.us Dr. Lauren Madia ........................................................Terri Lott .................................................. 2283 Director of Pupil Services tlott@uscsd.k12.pa.us Jonn Mansfield ............................................................jmansfield@uscsd.k12.pa.us ..................... 3450 Director of Transportation Tina Vojtko ................................................................tvojtko@uscsd.k12.pa.us........................... 2215 Communications Specialist Bradley Wilson ..........................................................bwilson@uscsd.k12.pa.us.......................... 3318 Director of Strategic Initiatives

School District Central Office Administration

Michael R. Mascaro mmascaro@uscsd.k12.pa.us 2025*

Angela B. Petersen apetersen@uscsd.k12.pa.us 2023*

Jennifer A. Schnore jschnore@uscsd.k12.pa.us 2025*

Dr. Danielle Z. Wetzel dwetzel@uscsd.k12.pa.us 2025*

Dr. John Rozzo Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Sharon Suritsky Assistant/Deputy Superintendent

Amy Pfender Assistant Superintendent

Scott Burchill Director of Business and Finance

Ray Carson, Jr. Senior Director of Operations & Administrative Services

Dr. Lou Angelo Director of Operations & Facilities

Ray Berrott Director of Technology

Dr. Judy Bulazo Director of Curriculum and Professional Development

Cassandra Doggrell Director of Special Education

Dr. Lauren Madia Director of Pupil Services

Bradley Wilson Director of Strategic Initiatives

*Date indicates expiration of term.

The list of the Upper St. Clair Board of School Director 2022 meeting dates is available on the District’s website: www.uscsd.k12.pa.us/schoolboard. Meetings typically begin at 7 p.m. in the District administration building.

Upper St. Clair School District Annual Notices

School District Building Administration

The required annual notices to parents of children who reside in the Upper St. Clair School District are available online. Visit the District website at www.uscsd.k12.pa.us. Click on Information and then select Compliance Notifications to view required state and federal notices and information.

Dr. Timothy Wagner High School Principal Dr. Daniel Beck High School Assistant Principal Cara Senger High School Assistant Principal

www.uscsd.k12.pa.us 26

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2022

Joseph DeMar Fort Couch Middle School Principal Erin Peterson Fort Couch Assistant Principal Dr. Daniel O’Rourke Boyce Middle School Principal Dr. Christine Mussomeli Boyce Assistant Principal

Dr. Patrick McClintock-Comeaux Baker Elementary School Principal Mark Miller Eisenhower Elementary School Principal/Supervisor of Elementary Education Dr. Lindsay Klousnitzer Streams Elementary School Principal

Upper St. Clair School District Annual Report: 2021

Dr. John T. Rozzo Superintendent of Schools I am proud to introduce the 2021 annual report, which details how the students and staff of Upper St. Clair overcame the many challenges of the past year. The report highlights many of their accomplishments and further demonstrates the District’s commitment to excellence. Beyond the classroom, our school community was flexible and creative to ensure that students had the opportunity to experience important milestone events. Whether it was hosting the first-ever homecoming dance in the high school stadium, performing in outdoor venues, or live-streaming events for families and friends, we were fully committed to providing a positive experience for our students and their families. Throughout 2021, our students and our parent organizations made it a priority to demonstrate their appreciation for so many of our employee groups. Thank you for supporting our staff through these coordinated acts of kindness. These collective efforts are always appreciated. As the information included in our annual report illustrates, despite the pandemic related challenges, amazing things continued to happen in our schools and classrooms. Now, more than ever before, it is important that we take time to recognize the many accomplishments and achievements of our students, our staff, and our USC schools. The annual report is a timely reminder of the unified effort needed to support our primary objective educating the students of Upper St. Clair. It is an incredible honor to serve as Upper St. Clair’s superintendent of schools. Thank you for your continued support. Sincerely yours,

John T. Rozzo, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

Our Students • For the second consecutive year, Upper St. Clair High School Student Council was honored as a 2021 National Gold Council of Excellence by the National Student Council. Upper St. Clair is one of only nine Pennsylvania high schools recognized as 2021 National Council of Excellence Award Winners. Nationwide, 251 high schools earned this achievement.

National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists

2022

Commended Students

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 0

Students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the PSAT – the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test – during the fall of their junior year. Semifinalist: scores in the top 1% Commended Students: scores in the top 3%

AP Scholars AP Scholar w/Distinction

2021

AP Scholar w/Honor

145

AP Scholar

114

2020

139

2019 2018

129

2017

138 0

120

AP Scholar with Distinction: average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on five or more exams AP Scholar with Honor: average score of 3.25 or higher on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams AP Scholar: scores of 3 or higher on three or more exams

150

• Ten Upper St. Clair High School students earned Academic AllAmerican awards from the National Speech & Debate Association. 2021 graduates Atharva Barve, Antara Cleetus, Reshma Gudla and Sophia Shi as well as seniors William Bacdayan, Scott Cheung, Saif Durrani, Ammar Kethavath, Rushikesh Kulkarni and Nitish Sharma were honored for their academic rigor, competitive speech and debate success, and personal excellence. • Boyce Middle School sixth grader Audrey Wetterau was honored with the NextUp Award for her extraordinary efforts through Socks With A Mission (SWAM). Since founding SWAM two years ago, Audrey has raised thousands of dollars and has distributed more than 30,000 socks to those experiencing homelessness in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas. • The Upper St. Clair Speech & Debate Team won the school’s first ever National Catholic Forensic League Sweepstakes Award, the Daniel S. Masterson, Jr. Award of Excellence in Forensics. The honor is given to the top five schools in the tournament who showed excellence across interpretation, debate and rhetorical events.

Upper St. Clair School District • Annual Report: 2021

Our Students

• Samari Dreher was named a National African American Recognition Program Scholar and George Atencio was named a National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar by the College Board for their academic achievements and outstanding performance on the PSAT and/or AP exams. • For the second year in a row, Upper St. Clair High School’s Speech & Debate team was named one of the Top 100 schools in the National Speech & Debate Association. In the 2020-21 school year, Upper St. Clair ranked 38 out of more than 3,000 schools nationwide – up from 50 in 2019-20.

• 188 new members were inducted into the Upper St. Clair High School chapter of the National Honor Society in May 2021. • Juniors Ariana Braughler, Tiffany Caskey and Lia Cortolillo were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. The students are enrolled in programs at Parkway West Career & Technology Center. • Fort Couch eighth grader Olivia Fuscaldo earned second place in the 2021 NASA Student Art Contest. Olivia was one of 90 student artists recognized from among 773 entries nationwide.

• The girls varsity tennis team won the 2021 Class AAA WPIAL championship - the program’s first title in 18 years and 14th overall. • The boys varsity basketball team won the WPIAL Class 6A championship - its first since 2005 and its third overall. The team advanced to the PIAA semifinals for the first time in school history. • Upper St. Clair hosted the 2021 WPIAL swimming championships and leveraged its home field advantage to capture the WPIAL Class AAA boys swim team championship - the team’s first title in 10 years.

2021 SAT averages 800

700

634

617

• Boyce fifth grader Mira Murthy placed second in the nation in the 2021 National Chemistry Week Illustrated Poem Contest, sponsored by the American Chemical Society. Mira qualified for the national competition by earning first place at the regional competition, sponsored by the Pittsburgh Section of the American Chemical Society.

600

566 533

500

400

300

200

557

528

National

• A team of Upper St. Clair High School rising seniors earned top honors in the Pennsylvania Future Problem Solving State Finals. By finishing first, the team of Shivani Jajoo, Aubrey Lang, Erin Payne and Nivedha Suresh qualified to represent Pennsylvania in the international competition.

• Sophomore Mahir Parmar placed fifth at the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Leadership Conference, held virtually from June 29 through July 2, 2021. Mahir competed in the Introduction to Business category.

• A team of Upper St. Clair High School seniors placed second in the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals.

Pennsylvania

• Sophia Shi, a 2021 Upper St. Clair High School graduate, was named a Semifinalist for the 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars. Sophia was among approximately 625 Semifinalists who were selected from a pool of nearly 6,500 candidates.

• Junior Marina Gzikowski was named to the Work2BeWell National Student Advisory Council. She is working with other student leaders from across the nation to increase mental health awareness.

Upper St. Clair High School

• Fort Couch eighth grader Rohan Mehta was crowned champion of the Western Pennsylvania Spelling Bee in March 2021. The runnerup was Boyce Middle School fifth grader Raana Parchuri, who won the previous year’s competition as a fourth grader.

Evidence-based Reading & Writing

Math

Unity • Success • Character

Our District & Schools • • Upper St. Clair High School ranks among the top high schools in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report. The newspaper released its list of 2021 Best High Schools on April 27, 2021. Ranked 19th in Pennsylvania, Upper St. Clair is the fourth highest-ranking high school in Allegheny County. Nationally, Upper St. Clair ranks 683rd out of nearly 18,000 public high schools in the nation. • Upper St. Clair School District has been named among the nation’s Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation for the sixth consecutive year. Upper St. Clair is one of only 16 school districts in Allegheny County, 109 in Pennsylvania and 686 from across the country to earn the distinction in 2021.

•

Upper St. Clair School District’s elementary and middle schools have been named Best Elementary Schools and Best Middle Schools by U.S. News & World Report. To earn a spot on the “Best” lists, a school must rank in the top 30% of public schools in its respective state. Boyce ranks fifth and Fort Couch ranks ninth among Pennsylvania’s 939 middle schools – both within the top 1% in Pennsylvania. Baker Elementary ranks 22nd; Eisenhower 44th; and Streams 61st among Pennsylvania’s 1,607 elementary schools. All three Upper St. Clair elementary schools rank among the top 4% in Pennsylvania.

All six Upper St. Clair schools earned the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) 2020-2021 No Place for Hate designation. They are among the 50 schools throughout Ohio, West Virginia and western Pennsylvania that were recognized for their efforts. Upper St. Clair High School was honored with the All-Around Award - one of just four schools to earn a special award from the ADL. • Upper St. Clair High School was selected as a WPIAL Sportsmanship Award winner for the 2020-2021 academic year. This marked the first year that Upper St. Clair received this recognition since the award’s inception in 1996-1997.

Upper St. Clair School District • Annual Report: 2021

Our Staff • Erin Peterson, Fort Couch Middle School assistant principal, was recognized with the Leonard R. Ference Outstanding Administrator Award from the Pennsylvania Association of Middle Level Educators (PAMLE). The award, established in 2004, honors “administrators who value, understand and support middle level education practices that promote powerful learning for young adolescents.” • Two Upper St. Clair middle school faculty members were honored with the Promising Practitioners Award from the Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Education (PAMLE). Tonia Autieri, school counselor at Boyce Middle School, and Eliza Luxbacher, resource teacher at Boyce and special education teacher at Fort Couch Middle School, were recognized during the PAMLE Virtual State Conference 2021. The Promising Practitioners Award “is presented to teachers who are just beginning their middle school careers. These beginning teachers have made a positive impact on both their school and community. They incorporate effective middle level practices in their everyday teaching.”

Tonia Autieri

Eliza Luxbacher

• Heather Herbay, art teacher at Baker Elementary School, presented at the National Art Education Association (NAEA) National Convention. Originally planned to take place in Chicago, the event was held virtually. More than 400 teachers registered for Mrs. Herbay’s presentation, “How to Rock the Power of Paper, Scissors, Glue & A Pencil.” • Kate Ruth, a reading specialist at Fort Couch Middle School, was selected as a 2021 All-Star Teacher by the Pittsburgh Pirates. She was one of 18 teachers selected for this honor. Nominated for the recognition by the Fort Couch Middle School administrators, Joe DeMar and Erin Peterson, Mrs. Ruth was recognized for her caring and positive nature, content knowledge, teaching skills, energetic personality and unwavering commitment to her students and their learning. • Pam Dillie, a third-grade teacher at Baker Elementary and the district’s elementary science curriculum leader, was named the K-8 Science Education Award winner from the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh.

• Dr. Christine Mussomeli, Boyce Middle School assistant principal, co-presented at the national 2021 WomenEd US Virtual Unconference. The theme of the WomenEd US Virtual Unconference was Leading through an Epoch of Change. Dr. Mussomeli along with Dr. Nicole Roberts, a principal in the New KensingtonArnold School District, led the topic, “How do We Move from SelfPreservation Back to Self-Care?” • Tracy Smith, Upper St. Clair High School physics and robotics teacher, presented at the Pennsylvania Science Teachers Association (PSTA) 2021 Virtual Conference: Innovating for the Future. Mrs. Smith presented on the topic, “Building a Community to Empower Student Innovators & Entrepreneurs - Every Teacher’s Role in Technology Education.” • Upper St. Clair High School math teacher Michael Funfar recently added published author to his list of accomplishments. Dr. Funfar contributed a chapter, titled “Out of Trauma Comes Strength: The Trauma-Informed Positive Education Model,” for the book, “Strategies and Methods for Implementing Trauma-Informed Pedagogy.”

Unity • Success • Character

Safe & Healthy Schools USC earns WELL Health-Safety Rating In February 2021, all six Upper St. Clair schools earned the WELL HealthSafety Rating – marking the first school district to reach this achievement worldwide. The WELL Health-Safety Rating through the International WELL Building Institute is an evidence-based, third-party verified rating for all new and existing building and space types focusing on operational policies, maintenance protocols, stakeholder engagement and emergency plans to address a post-COVID-19 environment now and into the future. This effort was fully funded through a grant from Highmark Foundation School Grants and Awards.

company, Ms. Avick is a graduate of Upper St. Clair High School as well as a parent of two Upper St. Clair students. “As an engineer, with so much invested in sustainable and healthy buildings, and as a parent, I was impressed with all the steps Upper St. Clair was taking to keep our children in their school buildings,” Ms. Avick said. “Teaming them with our highly experienced Director of Sustainability, Angelica Ciranni, to review and refine the great strides already being taken, validates those efforts and provides a sciencebased framework for moving forward.”

Upper St. Clair School District has been cited in numerous industry publications in association with the WELL Health-Safety Rating. In addition, Dan Synder, the district’s assistant director of facilities, served as a copresenter at the national EdSpaces Conference in November 2021.

Designed to empower organizations to take the necessary steps to prioritize the health and safety of their staff, visitors and stakeholders, the WELL HealthSafety Rating can help guide users in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, instilling confidence in those who come through the building as well as the broader community. “Our schools serve not only as learning environments for children, but also as workplaces for teachers and staff and as gathering spaces for communities,” said Rachel Hodgdon, IWBI president and CEO. “We applaud the Upper St. Clair School District for its leadership and commitment to evidence-based interventions that will help pave the way for schools everywhere that are navigating these pandemic times.” In pursuing the WELL Health-Safety Rating, Upper St. Clair partnered with Advantus Engineers, LLC, which is led by Alicia Avick. In addition to serving as president of the engineering

Upper St. Clair School District • Annual Report: 2021

Fiscal Responsibility 2021-2022 Budget Despite the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, the Upper St. Clair School District finished the 2020-21 fiscal year with a balanced budget. The district’s budget for 2021-22 totals $91,880,982, which included a 2.9% millage increase of 0.78 mills – resulting in a final millage rate of 27.6772 mills.

“

School districts throughout the nation received CARES Act and Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding to assist with pandemic-related expenses. In Pennsylvania, ESSER funding was distributed through the Pennsylvania Department of Education using the federal Title I formula. At $824,511, the Upper St. Clair School District received among the lowest ESSER II and III funds and, at $204.69, the lowest per student allocation of the 665 Pennsylvania school districts and charter/cyber charter schools. Meanwhile, six cyber charter schools collected ESSER amounts ranging from $4,268,250 to $47,144,770. In Upper St. Clair, 2020-21 ESSER funding was used to purchase technology, including student iPads, laptops, video-conferencing equipment, Promethean ActivPanels, as well as desk dividers. Use of ESSER funding for 2021-22 includes additional instructional technology, operations equipment, summer instructional remediation and COVID-19 contingency planning related to instructional models and curriculum.

At $824,511, the Upper St. Clair School District received among the lowest ESSER II and III funds and, at $204.69, the lowest per student allocation of the 665 Pennsylvania school districts and charter/cyber charter schools. Meanwhile, six cyber charter schools collected ESSER amounts ranging from $4,268,250 to $47,144,770.

REVENUE: $91,880,982 COVID Grants 0.90% Local 78.05%

Federal 0.53%

State 20.52%

Throughout the 2021-22 budgeting process, the district’s leadership team and school board focused on three primary goals: • Maintain a high-quality education for our students • Balance the needs of the school district while recognizing its fiduciary responsibilities to the community • Remain cognizant of the interdependence of all aspects that directly and indirectly affect the student school experience Upper St. Clair’s budget is primarily funded by local taxpayers – amounting to more than 78% of all district revenues. State funding totals approximately 20%. Federal revenues – including Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds to offset COVID-related costs – accounts for less than two percent of the district’s funding. “The 2021-22 budget is highly considerate of short and long-term financial health as well as maintaining excellence in education,” Scott Burchill, director of finance, said. “In addition to preserving all programs and activities, the district’s fund balance was not used for recurring costs in the 2020-21 nor the 2021-22 budget.”

EXPENDITURES: $91,880,982

Books/Supplies 5% Other Purchased Services 5% Purchased Services 2%

Contracted Services 4%

Benefits 28%

Misc. Fees 6% Other Uses 6%

Salaries 45%

Unity • Success • Character

Class of 2021 Where are they now? University of Akron, Main Campus University of Alabama at Birmingham The University of Alabama American Musical & Dramatic Academy American University Anderson University Anglo-American University The University of Arizona Baldwin Wallace University Belmont University Boston College Boston University Bucknell University University at Buffalo California University of Pennsylvania University of California, Berkeley Calvin University Cape Fear Community College Capital University Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University Castleton University Chatham University University of Cincinnati, Main Campus Clarion University of Pennsylvania Clemson University Coastal Carolina University University of Colorado Boulder University of Colorado Community College of Allegheny County Connecticut College University of Connecticut Cornell University University of Dayton University of Delaware DePaul University Dickinson College DigiPen Institute of Technology Douglas J Aveda Institute Duke University Duquesne University Edinboro University of Pennsylvania Elizabethtown College Elon University Emory University Flagler College-St Augustine Florida Gulf Coast University Florida State University University of Florida Garrett College George Washington University Georgetown University

2021 Valedictorians: Benjamin Paul Bacdayan, Gabriella Jinelle Brubach, Richard Alexander Carlson, Christian Grant Chiu, Harrison Chui, Taylor Andrew Finkelstein, Reshma Gudla, Patrick Liam Joyce, Bryce Andrew Keating, Andrew Scott Levy, Madison Lynne Milone, Claudia Ying-Qi Ng, Abigail Barbara Rutkowski, Ryan Matthew Sarkett, Sophia M. Schlichting, Sophia Shi, Emma Brooks Skeel, Constantine Stephen Tripodes and Veronica Zhang.

Georgia Institute of Technology University of Georgia Harvard University High Point University Hofstra University University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Indiana University, Bloomington Ithaca College James Madison University John Carroll University University of Kansas Kent State University at Kent University of Kentucky Liberty University Longwood University University of Louisville Lynn University Marietta College Miami University, Oxford University of Miami Michigan State University University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Middlebury College Millersville University of Pennsylvania Misericordia University New York University University of North Carolina at Asheville University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill North Carolina State University, Raleigh University of Notre Dame Nova Southeastern University The Ohio State University Ohio University Parkway West Vocational Technical Pennsylvania State University Pennsylvania State University, Altoona Pennsylvania State University, Allegheny Pennsylvania State University, Erie-Behrend University of Pennsylvania University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown University of Pittsburgh

Point Park University Purdue University, Main Campus Rhode Island School of Design Rhodes College Rider University Robert Morris University Rochester Institute of Technology Roosevelt University Rutgers University, New Brunswick Saint Francis University Saint Joseph’s University Saint Vincent College San Diego State University Seton Hill University Slippery Rock University University of South Carolina, Columbia University of Southern California St. John’s University, New York SUNY Morrisville Syracuse University The University of Tampa Temple University Temple University, Japan The University of Tennessee, Knoxville University of Toledo Truckee Meadows Community College Tulane University of Louisiana Universal Technical Institute Vanderbilt University Villanova University Virginia Polytechnic Institute Washington & Jefferson College Washington University in St. Louis Waynesburg University West Virginia University Westminster College University of Wisconsin, Madison The College of Wooster Yale University York College of Pennsylvania

34 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY District Spring 2022 Upper St. Clair School • Annual Report: 2021

USC School Board Update Members of the Upper St. Clair school board elected Philip Elias as president and Dr. Daphna Gans as vice president during its annual December reorganization meeting. Both offices are one-year appointments. Phil, who served as vice president during 2021, was first elected to the school board in 2015. Daphna is beginning her second four-year term on the school board. Dr. John Rozzo, superintendent of schools, thanked outgoing president Patrick Hewitt for his leadership. Pat, a six-year member of the school board, served as president throughout 2021. On January 31, 2022, Pat resigned from the board. Three board members were sworn in by Judge Arnold Klein of Allegheny County Common Pleas Court. Jennifer Schnore, who was re-elected in November, will serve another four-year term.

New Board Members The school board welcomed two newly elected board members. Michael Mascaro and Dr. Danielle Wetzel. Michael, a 1992 USCHS graduate, is a lifetime resident of Upper St. Clair. As executive vice president for Mascaro Construction Company, he oversees the organization’s human resources, wellness, marketing, and business development departments. Michael and his wife, Libby, have two middle school-aged daughters. An 18-year resident of Upper St. Clair, Danielle serves as a professor and director of writing and communication at Carnegie Mellon University. She is experienced in teacher training, curriculum design, and assessment. Danielle and her husband, Robert, have four daughters: three enrolled in USC schools and a 2020 graduate. Danielle and Michael take over for Jennifer Bowen, who served one four-year term, and Louis Mafrice Jr., who served three terms (12 years)—neither of whom sought re-election.

Michael Mascaro

Dr. Danielle Wetzel

Continuity On November 8, 2021, the school board accepted the resignation of Amy Billerbeck. By law, school boards must name a replacement within 30 days of resignation. To ensure continuity, members of the school board unanimously approved the appointment of outgoing board member Louis Mafrice, Jr. to serve the remaining two years of Amy’s four-year term. This past year, Louis was named to the Pennsylvania School Boards Association’s Honor Roll of School Board Service. During his 12-year tenure on the school board, he served as vice president in 2013 and president in 2014. Thank You Leaving the school board at the end of 2021 were Amy Billerbeck and Jennifer Bowen. Amy served as school director for 14 years—December 2007–November 2021. During her tenure, she served four oneyear terms as board president (2009, 2010, 2018, and 2019) and two one-year terms as vice president (2008 and 2017). She was highly involved with the Parkway West Career & Technology Center, the Youth Steering Committee of Upper St. Clair (YSC), and the District’s Parent Teacher Council and building-level parent organizations. Jennifer served as school director from December 2017 through December 2021. During her time on the board, she played a leadership role with the YSC and served on the Board Governance and Capital Projects Review ad hoc committees. Thank you to Amy and Jennifer for their dedicated service to our community! n

Louis Mafrice, Jr.

Amy Billerbeck

Jennifer Bowen

USC’s Elementary and Middle Schools Named “Best” This past fall, all of the School District’s elementary and middle schools were named Best Elementary Schools and Best Middle Schools by U.S. News & World Report. To earn a spot on the “Best” lists, a school must rank in the top 30% of public schools in its respective state. Boyce ranked fifth and Fort Couch ranked ninth among Pennsylvania’s 939 middle schools, both within the top one percent in Pennsylvania. Baker ranked 22nd, Eisenhower 44th, and Streams 61st among Pennsylvania’s 1607 elementary schools. All three elementary schools rank among the state’s top four percent. According to U.S. News & World Report, “Schools were assessed on their pupils’ proficiencies in mathematics and reading,

as measured by state assessment tests. Half of the ranking formula was the results themselves; the other half was the results in the context of socioeconomic demographics. In other words, the top-ranked schools are high achieving ones that succeeded in educating all of their students. All data for the rankings are from third-party sources, including the U.S. Department of Education.” The state assessment data used in the rankings are from the 2018–19 school year. While U.S. News & World Report has been ranking high schools since 2007, this year marks the first time that rankings extended to elementary and middle schools. n Spring 2022

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Flower Power The School-Wide Enrichment Program (SWEP III) at Streams Elementary is blooming this year— quite literally. “With the new science curriculum at the elementary level, we thought it would be great to build on the in-class plant science units by providing a special extension for all second and third grade students,” said Mary Quinn, Streams’ enrichment resource teacher. Each of the nearly 200 students who have been studying bulbs had the opportunity to plant and nurture a paperwhite bulb. Each second and third grade class attended a special weekly session instructed by Mary, as well as by Sheila Gorgonio, technical instructional aide. In addition to caring for their bulbs, students learned the parts of a bulb, including scales, roots, basal stem, bud, leaves, and tunic. This study of plants, appropriately named “Flower Power,” will continue throughout the remainder of the school year. “We plan for this SWEP III study to expand and focus on different kinds of plants and how they are grown,” said Mary. “Our hope is to enhance the students’ learning and engage them in higher level thinking as we experiment and explore plant life.” Funding for this project was provided by a grant from the Tanger Outlets that was awarded to Lauren Bogus, Streams second grade teacher, and a matching donation from Angela Petersen, a member of the Upper St. While learning about bulbs, students at Clair school board. n Streams planted paperwhites.

Bus Stuffed with Kindness Fifth and sixth graders at Boyce Middle School worked to stuff a bus to brighten the winter holidays for others. The school’s nearly 600 students loaded a school bus with gift bags filled with tokens of support, friendship, and love. A Boyce tradition for more than 20 years, the Friendship Shoebox project asks students to fill a package with small gifts to brighten the holidays for another child. The project is organized by the Boyce Middle School counselors, Amy Antonio and Tonia Autieri. The gift bags were delivered to children in Washington County through Merakey, a nonprofit organization that serves children and families in need. The boxes were then distributed to children in foster care, as well as to those who receive services from Washington County Children and Youth Services and a local soup kitchen. The annual project has evolved to adjust to COVID protocols. In previous years, packages traveled throughout the school, passing from student to student, to fill a box truck. But this year, the students gradually filled a school bus. “This year, our students continued to purchase small gifts for a child in need. But instead of wrapping shoeboxes in class, we provided a plain gift bag with tissue and a tag to each student that they then decorated independently in guidance class,” said Amy. “This allowed them to use their personal creativity to make a unique bag for a child and add their purchased gifts to the bag.” The school counselors wanted all students to participate in the project, remote or in-person during the pandemic, because they believe it helps to foster an awareness of others in need and provides the opportunity to make a difference. Community service projects, like the Stuff-a-Bus Friendship Shoeboxes, provide valuable learning opportunities for students. “Most importantly, it teaches kids that giving, and not always receiving, can be just as rewarding,” said Tonia. “We teach kindness each day to our students, but this project demonstrates what true kindness really is.” n 36

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Enthusiasm Builds for USC Robotics Under the leadership of Tracy Smith, USCHS physics and robotics teacher, after-school robotics teams have formed at Boyce and Fort Couch middle schools, as well as at the high school. She hopes the USC Robotics Club educates and inspires students to embrace technology and imagine what they could create using it. “Pittsburgh is currently a worldwide epicenter for robotics technology. This is unbelievably exciting! Unfortunately, the majority of students in the Pittsburgh area are not exposed to skill sets that are involved in this industry. Some may not be involved because their school does not offer programs, while others may not be involved because they don’t understand how content, including programming, engineering, and robotics, is relevant to future careers in their areas of interest,” said Tracy. “I am doing my best, through various means, to make sure that Upper St. Clair School District not only has diverse STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) opportunities in which to participate, but also to demonstrate to students how skill sets using innovation and technology can transfer to all future careers.” Soon after Tracy joined the USC faculty in 2003, she formed the first robotics club at the high school. Through a grant from the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair, she purchased a small number of LEGO robotics kits. “That year, I went to a FIRST Robotics competition and was wowed by what I saw, but also extremely intimidated. Without having formal robotics education, starting a FIRST ™ (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics team seemed outside of what I was capable of handling as a new teacher.” Nearly two decades later, Tracy met with two FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) teams, as well as other former FIRST coaches in the community who offered their support to implement FIRST Robotics at USC. “I realized how another two decades could easily pass by if I didn’t step up and take on the challenge to get involved with FIRST,” said Tracy. “Our students not only deserve this opportunity, but need more outlets to

Thoro engineers visited the high school.

be innovative, implementing skill sets learned in the classroom and challenging themselves to try something new.” In addition to revitalizing the high school’s USC Robotics Club, Tracy recognized the need to introduce robotics much earlier. Working with Dr. Timothy Wagner, USCHS principal, she proposed the USC Robotics Club reach out to the USC middle schools to help start FIRST Lego League (FLL) Challenge teams for students in grades five through eight. Her thought was that the high school FIRST team members, as well as other interested students, could mentor the middle school teams. “I couldn’t let go of the idea that starting at the high school was too late. Teachers Matt Henderson at Boyce and Jason O’Roark at Fort Couch offered to join the initiative and are the dedicated FLL coaches at their respective schools,” said Tracy. “Though the roll out during a COVID year did not go exactly as planned, this year we were successful at incorporating three FIRST Tech Challenge teams at the high school, four FLL Challenge teams at Fort Couch, and four FLL Challenge teams-in-training at Boyce,” she said. The outpouring of interest and support for USC Robotics has been incredible. At the high school, more than 25 students are participating on official FTC teams, and approximately ten other students attend club meetings to learn more about robotics. “To say that there is interest is an understatement,” said Tracy. “Though most of the high school teams this year primarily consisted of male students, I am working on having an all-female FTC team next year. I notice the aptitude of female students in this school with respect to problems solving, innovation, and technology, and I realize that USC females could have a dominating presence in the FIRST Robotics community.”

Boyce and Fort Couch middle schools have also experienced an enthusiastic response from students. “At the middle school level, the response was overwhelming! We were not prepared for the heightened interest that we had at the beginning of the school year,” said Tracy. “Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions and limited resources, we could only accommodate 24 students at each of the middle schools.” For next year, Tracy is looking into how all interested students can get involved on a FLL Challenge team. “For this year, we plan on offering a second semester robotics club opportunity for students who were not able to be involved in the first semester official FLL competition,” she said. In addition to student interest, parents and staff members have shown their support and excitement for the program. “The support from staff and parents is amazing! The amount of work that teachers and parents are putting into a successful first year of FIRST is heartwarming,” said Tracy. “As with all new programs, there have been hiccups in getting started. Luckily, these haven’t deterred the support and enthusiasm from staff and parents, alike.” There are multiple ways that parents and community members can support USC Robotics efforts, including guest speakers, volunteer coaches and mentors, and community sponsors. “We are always looking for guest speakers and mentors for both the USC Robotics Club and USC classes related to programming, engineering, and robotics,” said Tracy “The more practical applications the students are exposed to, the more relevant their formal education will be, and the more likely they will be to get involved in various extracurricular opportunities related to innovation and technology.”

Volunteers are needed to serve as coaches and mentors for the many robotics teams. “We do not have enough teachers to manage the team interest at the middle schools and the high school,” said Tracy. “Parent coaches and mentors play a vital role in having FLL and FTC teams. In order to grow this program, we need additional parent and community involvement.” The USC Robotics Club has corporate and community sponsorship opportunities for those willing and able to help financially support this initiative. “We continue to look for company and community sponsors to help with the high cost of this technology-driven opportunity,” said Tracy. “In general, we are looking at minimum costs of around $1500 for each FLL team and $3000 for each FTC team.” To date, more than one-third of the program’s startup expenses have been covered through financial support from the following organizations: Arconic, Eaton, KSG Orthodontics, Locomation, Mascaro Construction, RoCo Global, STEM4YINZ Learning, and Thoro. USC Robotics continues to consider other sources of funding, including grants and fundraisers. Thoro, an autonomous systems company with customers worldwide, recently announced its support for USC Robotics. In addition to providing financial contribution, Thoro’s engineers are sharing their knowledge of robotics engineering with technology classes and student teams as they prepare to participate in upcoming robotics competitions. A team of Thoro engineers visited USCHS this past December to share their knowledge and expertise of autonomous mobile robotics. More than 100 students enrolled in the school’s technology classes attended the presentation. “Investing in the next generation of engineers and roboticists is something that we’re passionate about; it’s how many of us got our start in this field. I was involved with a similar robotics program during high school, and our sponsor was critical to the enthusiasm, knowledge, and success of my team,” said Leo Agafonov, head of field operations at Thoro. “We’re eager to share the inner workings of the software and sensors that power our autonomous mobile robots, especially since the students are familiar with our autonomous cleaning scrubbers that sanitize their hallways every day,” he said. n

For more information about USC Robotics and ways to get involved, visit www.uscrobotics.org. Spring 2022

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Fort Couch Robotics The team of Ian Putorti, Daniyal Badaruddin, Callum Pollock, Preston McLeod, Ryan Katukota, and Miles Unger, who named themselves The Unreliable Delivery Service, earned second place among 33 teams in the Core Values competition in the regional FIRST LEGO League (FLL) robotics grand championship held this past December. The teams were given tasks and evaluated on how they functioned as a group. “The students did a wonderful job demonstrating kindness, professionalism, and a sense of humor as they interacted with each other and the judges,” said Jason O’Roark, Fort Couch

Fort Couch teams at the regional FIRST LEGO League robotics grand championship

Middle School gifted and accelerated math teacher. Transportation Haven team of Jillian Paoly, Sofia Alfredson Themudo, Zahra Khan, Adam Henry, Liam Dunn, and Jacob Clougherty received special recognition for their innovation project. They were tasked with improving the transportation of products. The students prepared for the competition throughout the fall semester, as they built and programmed robots to complete missions, used problems solving skills as they developed their innovation project, and learned to work as a team. Another piece of the competition was the robot game, where teams used their programmed robots to earn points by completing missions. This was the first year that Upper St. Clair has sponsored FLL robotics teams. “Considering that this was our first year, the teams did quite well, with many finishing in the middle of the pack,” said Jason. “We look forward to applying what we’ve learned this year to future seasons so that we can improve as the students and program

Members of Team Unreliable Delivery Service

grow within the USC Robotics program.” In total, 24 Fort Couch students, divided among four teams, competed in the regional competition. In addition to the team members who earned recognition, other Fort Couch participants included Luke An, Trevor Bhandari, Aadhi Bharath, Nikhil Chandran, Jackson Galbraith, Rohan Inampudi, Arth Italiya, Siddharth Kumar, Anish Moilla, Nikita Polstyanko, Harish Rajaganapathy, and Varun Thangella. In its first year, the USC Robotics program has benefited from the generosity of parents, community members, and sponsors. n For a complete list of sponsors and more information about USC Robotics, visit www.uscrobotics.org.

History Bowl Results Two teams of Fort Couch Middle School students tied for first place in the sixth–eighth grade division of the regional History Bowl at Pittsburgh’s Senator John Heinz History Center. The eighth grade team of Sofia Alfredson Themudo, Chloe Bird, Sara Gillespie, Kaia Petrick, and Ellie Simons and the seventh grade team of Molly Biedrzycki, Emma Eannarino, Lizzie Myers, and Hayley Zeringue took top honors. A third team from Fort Couch placed second in the bowl, including eighth graders Ayan Amin and Tony Chen, and seventh graders Colt Erdos, Ryan Katukota, and Myles Owens. “Throughout the day-long event, students used their knowledge of the humanities, Eighth grade first place team, left to right: along with problem solving, reasoning, critical thinking skills, and creativity as they Kaia Petrick, Sara Gillespie, Ellie Simons, completed four competitive experiences,” said Connie Gibson, Fort Couch gifted eduSofia Alfredson Themudo, Chloe Bird cation coordinator. The competition’s four challenges included Pittsburgh: A Tradition of Innovation and Pittsburgh Past and Present, Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum and Sports Trivia, Heinz Exhibit and Heinz by the Numbers, and Sigo Falk Collections Center with Interview with History. Serving as mentors for the event were Connie, as well as Sherri Garvey, gifted/enrichment resource teacher at Boyce Middle School. Sponsored by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, the oneday event challenges students to find answers to questions, think and write creatively, and practice problem solving as they explore the history center’s Seventh grade first place team, left to right: Second place team, left to right: Tony Chen, Myles Molly Biedrzycki, Emma Eannarino, Owens, Ryan Katukota, Colt Erdos, Ayan Amin exhibits. n Hayley Zeringue, Lizzie Myers

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USCHS Girls’ Tennis Crowned WPIAL Champs Third-seeded USCHS girls’ tennis team, under head coach Renee Russell, collected its first WPIAL 3A title since 2003, defeating top-seeded Greater Latrobe, 4–1, this past fall. USC picked up a pair of victories in first and third-flight singles. Maggie Stief bested Jenna Bell (6–4, 6–0) and Claire Loomis defeated Avery Massaro in straight sets (6–3, 7–5). Greater Latrobe pulled a win back after Carolina Walters topped Evie Ellenberger by a 6–2, 6–2 decision. The Panthers swept doubles to capture the WPIAL crown. Leah Lund and Hope Krawczyk bested Greater Latrobe’s Maya Jain and Emily Pierce, ultimately winning the top-flight played bout with a 7–5, 7–6 (1). In the second flight, Izzy Yoos and Victoria Semenov were victorious in two sets (6–4, 6–0) over Josie Marts and Bridget McHugh. Congratulations to the WPIAL champions, USCHS girls’ tennis team! n

Honoring Retired Coach Jim Render Retired Upper St. Clair High School football coach Jim Render was recognized for his service to the school community on Friday, October 22, 2021, when the new panther statue located within the stadium and legacy hallway near the football locker room were unveiled in his honor. The hallway features photos and milestones from throughout Coach Render’s four decades as head coach of the school’s varsity football team, as well as other significant highlights of the football program. Funds for the statue and hallway were raised by former football players and their friends and family through a committee for Upper St Clair football. For 40 years, Jim worked under the Friday night lights as head coach of the Upper St. Clair Panthers. He retired with one of the most distinguished and successful careers of any coach in any sport in WPIAL history. Under his leadership, USC earned 23 conference titles, five WPIAL titles, and two state championships. With a career record of 406 wins, Jim holds the most wins of any high school football coach in WPIAL history and is the 25th winningest coach in the nation. Coach Render was inducted into the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Hall of Fame and the Western Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. He was honored with a lifetime achievement award from the Lou Holtz Upper Ohio Valley Hall of Fame and was nominated by the Pittsburgh Steelers for the Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year award. n

—Photos courtesy of Tina Vojtko, USCSD Communications Specialist Spring 2022

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Danny Holzer Named USC Athletic Director

Danny Holzer, longtime social studies teacher and boys’ varsity basketball coach, was named Upper St. Clair School District’s athletic director, effective February 1, 2022. The school board approved his five-year appointment on Monday, January 31. “I am incredibly humbled for this opportunity to give our student-athletes and coaches the support and positive guidance they need to be successful on and off the playing fields,” Danny said. Serving as the District’s interim athletic director since October, Danny has been working with coaches, staff, and student-athletes throughout the last few months. “Without question, I have enjoyed working with and getting to know all of our coaches, administrators, and, certainly, our athletics department staff of Kim Valeriano and Greg Wagner,” said Danny. “However, what I’ve enjoyed the most is watching our student-athletes compete. Serving as interim athletic director has allowed me to see and be a part of all our sports programs.”

Danny will continue to serve as the boys’ varsity basketball coach. Now in his 27th season as head coach, he led his teams to three WPIAL championship titles, one WPIAL runner-up finish, and eight section titles. His teams have advanced to the playoffs 22 out of the past 26 years. This season, Danny Holzer Danny exceeded 450 career wins, and at the time of printing, the Panthers were in the race for the section title. Prior to taking the helm at Upper St. Clair, Danny served as an assistant coach at Duquesne University, California University of Pennsylvania and his alma mater, Thomas Jefferson High School. During his high school years, he was a three-year starter at TJ and then continued his athletic career at Alliance College before earning a bachelor’s degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree from California University of Pennsylvania. n

Musicians Selected

Several USCHS musicians were selected by competitive audition to participate at upcoming Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 1 band and orchestra festivals. The PMEA District 1 Honors Orchestra Festival was held this past November at Fox Chapel Area and Bethel Park high schools. Six USC students—Rumaysa Alam, viola; Leona Chen, violin II; Sophie Chen, violin II; Miriam Gutensohn, violin I; Joe Phillips, cello; and Isabella Zhang, violin II—were selected to participate.

The PMEA District 1 Honors Band Festival was held this past November at North Hills High School. Participants from USC included Phoebe Chen, flute I; Lauren Tenney, clarinet II; Leah Henning, clarinet III; Susan Liu, clarinet alternate; Gabe Pacella, trumpet II; and Ben Wasson, bass trombone. The PMEA District 1 Band West Festival took place in January at Duquesne University. USC musicians included Phoebe Chen, flute; Eleanor Alford, oboe; Lauren Tenney, clarinet II; Leah Henning, clarinet II; Susan Liu, clarinet II; Gabe Pacella, trumpet II; and Ben Wasson, bass trombone. PMEA District 1 includes school districts from Allegheny, Fayette, Green, Washington, and Westmorland counties. PMEA Region 1 comprises PMEA District 1 and District 5, which includes Beaver, Butler, Lawrence, and Mercer counties. n PMEA is a statewide nonprofit organization of more than 4500 members dedicated to promoting the musical development of all Pennsylvanians. The organization promotes and supports quality music education, learning, and performance. PMEA is affiliated with The National Association for Music Education.

PMEA District Orchestra members

Speech & Debate Team Ranks 38th Nationally For the second year in a row, USCHS’s Speech & Debate team was named one of the Top 100 schools in the National Speech & Debate Association. In the 2020–21 school year, USC ranked 38th out of more than 3000 schools nationwide, up from 50th in the 2019–20 school year. “Due to the number of students involved in your speech and debate program and the degrees they have earned through competition, leadership, and service, your school was named one of the top programs in the nation,” said J. Scott Wunn, NSDA executive director. “This is the most prestigious membership award the association bestows upon a school,” he said. Students earn honor society points and degrees based on participation, which contribute to a school’s strength points. The team achieved 445 or more strength points last year, earning membership in the NSDA’s 400 Club for the second consecutive year. “Your club award is remarkable because it demonstrates outstanding commitment to teaching students essential life skills, including 40

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communication, research, listening, writing, and organization,” said Mr. Wunn. “The hard work you have invested to achieve this distinction will pay dividends for years to come.” Last spring, the team placed second overall at the Pennsylvania High School Speech League (PHSSL) state tournament. The team won Speech Sweepstakes and was third in Debate. Last June, the team won the school’s first-ever National Catholic Forensic League (NCFL) sweepstakes award, the Daniel S. Masterson, Jr. Award of Excellence in Forensics. This honor is given to the top five schools in the tournament that show excellence across interpretation, debate, and rhetorical events. During the 2020–21 school year, ten USCHS students earned Academic All-American awards from the National Speech & Debate Association, including 2021 graduates Atharva Barve, Antara Cleetus, Reshma Gudla, and Sophia Shi, as well as current seniors William Bacdayan, Scott Cheung, Saif Durrani, Ammar Kethavath, Rushikesh Kulkarni, and Nitish Sharma. n

USCHS Homecoming Week 2021 While it may seem a bit unusual to see coverage of fall festivities as we anticipate spring, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the high school’s homecoming celebration. Homecoming Week 2021 kicked-off on September 26 with the Hollywood homecoming parade, followed by the annual powderpuff football game between junior and senior females. This year boasted one of the largest turnouts for the powderpuff game, which raised more than $1000 to benefit St. Clair Health’s Breast Care Center. Ninety-three junior and senior girls participated, and eight junior and senior varsity football players served as coaches. Following a late game interception, the juniors defeated the seniors, 14–7. High school seniors Joey Baird and Kathleen Gianni were crowned homecoming king and queen during halftime of the varsity football game on October 1. The homecoming court also included seniors Sarah Christensen, Marina Makoul, Tori Slagle, Izzy Yoos, Jake Fisher, Andrew Miller, Porter Rauch, and RJ Shontz. A good night got even better when the Panthers defeated Peters Township, 31–3, on the football field. Homecoming Week concluded with the homecoming dance at the school’s stadium. A record 1028 tickets were sold for the event that featured music, dancing, twinkling lights, and a 45-foot Hollywood sign that could be seen from Route 19! n —Photos courtesy of Lily Tarcson, USCHS senior, and Tina Vojtko, USCSD Communications Specialist

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PTC Parent Teacher Council (PTC) Gina Swanson, President Upper St. Clair School District (USCSD) is truly a special place, and as president of the Parent Teacher Council (PTC), I am proud to be part of this organization that functions as a liaison between the District and school families. Throughout the District, you will see the message of Unity, Success, Character. The PTC aims to embody these goals. Unity. With monthly meetings, the PTC provides for timely updates of the activities in each of the school buildings. This school year, the traditional PTC Open Mic has been replaced with a segment of the PTC meeting, where the District administration is available to respond to questions. This allows for more timely communication and feedback, and ultimately for greater unification. Success. There are accolades too numerous to mention from academic achievement, athletic victories, and awe-inspiring artistic and musical performances. From a very young age, students see that the result of their hard work and dedication is success. The PTC sponsors the Scripps Spelling Bee, the Arts in USC competition, and the STEAM Club to allow students the opportunity to shine. Character. While character development isn’t part of a typical classroom education, it is definitely a focus in the USCSD. From the elementary and middle school levels to the high school, there are multiple opportunities for students to learn the benefit of helping others, and to recognize the students who have demonstrated outstanding behavior. Additionally, the PTC sponsors the Wellness Committee, which helps USCSD students navigate the challenges facing them in today’s world. Interested to become involved in this partnership between the families and administration of USCSD? Start by attending PTO meetings where your child attends school and also the monthly PTC meetings. (Check the USCSD website for the most upto-date scheduling information.) Encourage your student to get involved in any of the PTC-sponsored activities, and then volunteer! The PTC and other parent organization are always in need of volunteers committed to helping achieve our goals. High School PTSO Maria Cedar, President This spring, there is enthusiasm to get back to traditional activities. Social 42

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Pawprints... connections enrich our lives, and the PTSO’s goal is to support a nurturing and caring environment for our children. We are also looking forward to supporting our teachers and staff the best way we can. Educators enhance the lives of our students by helping them grow and succeed. We are grateful for the continued dedication of our administration, school board, music and theater department, athletic department, Youth Steering and Wellness committees, transportation, and custodial staff. We have a wonderful team of committed individuals. The PTSO thanks our parents for their enthusiastic support. Always open to input and ideas, PTO meetings are held virtually. Attend! It is exciting to see visions come to life. Fort Couch PTSO Sarah Beitler, President Things have been busy at The Fort! The year 2021 ended with an outstanding Reach Out campaign, where the students were recognized for raising $21,574 for four charities: Chance to Change Lives–Kids, Giant Eagle gift cards for use by the USC Police Department for the community, Bike MS, and Hope for Haiti. Teacher Eliza Luxbacher said, “It has been empowering to see students share their energy with us in an effort to make Reach Out so incredibly successful this year. I am inspired by the kids and their leadership, resilience, and flexibility in a continually changing and challenging new mode of learning.” The PTSO held a teacher appreciation lunch before winter break, and our musical students had their respective concerts and performances. A team of students placed second in a robotics competition and two teams tied for first place at the regional History Bowl. (See page 38 for the related articles.) The PTSO sponsored the Spelling Bee this February. Our PTSO is proud of our students in whatever areas they choose to pursue. The PTSO is looking ahead to spring and celebrating our graduating eighth graders, as we send them off to the high school this coming fall. We are reaching out to rising seventh and eighth grade parents, asking them to consider becoming a part of the PTSO, either on the executive board or as a committee chair/member. To learn more about how to get involved or if you have questions, contact me at fcptsopresident@ gmail.com. Being a part of the PTSO is a great way to support your child’s school Spring 2022

and stay connected with everything going on with your student. Check out the PTSO’s website at uscsd. k12.pa.us/domain/321 and “like” our Facebook page at facebook.com/FortCouchPTSO to stay current on happenings at The Fort. Boyce PTO Pamela Scureman, President Recently, U.S. News & World Report released its results of the Best Middle Schools, based on 2018–19 school year data; Boyce ranked fifth in the state. To highlight some reasons why Boyce is such a great school for which the ranking may not have accounted, we reached out to Boyce staff, parents, and students to ask, “For you, why is Boyce Middle School a great place?” Check out the responses by viewing the QR codes found below.

Our children spend a very quick two years at Boyce. It’s easy to blink an eye and miss how important that the time at this gem of school is for them. These are the years that young children transition to teenagers and the time when they begin to learn how to manage their time, friends, and projects on their own. These two years are special to our children. The staff and administration realize this, and they strive to deliver a rewarding experience for all Boyce students. Baker PTA Sarah Cranganu, President There are many features that make Baker the special place that it is, notably among them are the “specials” classes and teachers. Baker students have weekly sessions in art, Baker Buzz, gym, library, music, and Spanish; and they benefit from the opportunity to learn and grow in these content areas. Baker PTA is excited to provide new materials and resources for students to use during their specials classes by using funds collected through PTA membership and fundraisers. These items enhance their enjoyment of these classes during their time at Baker and include iPad stands, musical instruments, and gym equipment, among others. This spring, Baker PTA, in cooperation with Baker resource teachers, is looking

... a USC Parent Teacher Council Feature forward to implementing a sensory garden to provide an opportunity for students to relax and explore in an outdoor setting, highlighting the interesting smells, textures, and sounds of nature. Baker is a special place to learn, discover, and grow! Eisenhower PTO Justine Walker, President With the uncertainty of upcoming events, I would like to showcase why Eisenhower is a special community. I’m excited to share a few thoughts that highlight how much Eisenhower means to its students and parents. Students called out: • Eisenhower has the best teachers! Best principal! Best playground! • Our principal is really fun! • All of the students at Eisenhower are nice, so it’s easy to make friends. • Eisenhower is the best place to be because it has the best teachers. • Eisenhower has the best teachers in the world because they make me laugh. Parents agreed: • I love Eisenhower! The educational environment is both nurturing and challenging.

The faculty and staff create a warm and positive sense of community. • Eisenhower is special because of the teachers. They do whatever it takes to make sure all students are successful. • Eisenhower is special to our family! The school and staff go above and beyond for our children’s growth and education. The families are wonderful and are eager to help out. It is just as special to our kids today as it was to us years ago when we were students! It really is a community inside our community. • Eisenhower is special for so many reasons. To sum it up, Eisenhower makes us feel at home. From the moment you walk into the building, you feel the warmth and welcomeness created by the caring staff and teachers. Streams PTO Jennifer Clougherty, President At Streams, the PTO is excited to again offer some of our normal events! Before winter break, our students attended the Holiday Shop to purchase gifts for family members to celebrate the season. They also enjoyed their classrooms’ winter parties! To

PTC

show support for the wonderful Streams staff, the PTO sponsored a staff appreciation luncheon. The first event of the new year was the bi-annual Streams “Soaring with Talent” Show, where students of all grades were invited to perform their act for peers and parents. Students could also test their spelling abilities at the Streams Spelling Bee held in early February. The Scholastic Book Fair visited Streams in the spring to encourage our students to continue reading both in school and on their own time. The Streams PTO is thrilled to host Streams Stravaganza, the school’s biggest family fundraiser of the year. Usually held in October, this year, the night of fun and games was moved to May, so that it can be safely hosted outside. Field Day is being planned for late spring, another opportunity for students to play games and have fun with their classmates near the end of the school year. While we are still working towards having a more typical agenda, the Streams PTO is grateful for the opportunities that we’ve provided to our Streams families this year! n

Teacher Co-Authors Peer-Reviewed Book Upper St. Clair High School mathematics teacher Dr. Michael Funfar contributed a chapter titled “Out of Trauma Comes Strength: The Trauma-Informed Positive Education (TIPE) Model” for the book Strategies and Methods for Implementing TraumaInformed Pedagogy, which was released in fall 2021. According to the publisher, IGI Global, the reference book “explains the effects of trauma and the ways in which it manifests in children, explores resources and community options to support children who have experienced trauma, presents strategies to help students who have experienced trauma to learn in the classroom, and teaches the management of behaviors in positive ways to cultivate a community of learners.” On the surface, the topic would appear unusual for a mathematics teacher. However, as Dr. Funfar explains, his commitment to students goes well beyond numbers and equations. “I have always appreciated that while teaching content is important, it is not everything that a teacher must address in his or her classroom,” he said. “Students cannot learn the content if they have significant stressors present either inside or out of school. Often these stressors include traumatic experiences or events in their lives. So, it is important to address how to manage trauma and focus on the whole child.” Dr. Funfar’s research for the chapter has spurred some significant changes to his approach in the classroom this year. “Every day my students and I go through a ‘practice of presence’ (POP) at the start of class, encouraging students to become more present in the moment,” he said. “This happens even on days students take

assessments to help them develop mindfulness, which can be used as intervention to address the psychological and physical symptoms of trauma.” In addition to teaching mathematics, Dr. Funfar helps to lead the high school’s Junior Dr. Michael Funfar Mentor Program, which empowers students in grade 11 to assist ninth graders with the transition from middle school to high school. “This work has reinforced the importance of the mission of the junior mentor program to build relationships, foster genuine concern, and promote student success for our ninth graders,” he said. (See related article about Freshman Field Day on page 46.) “Relationship building in particular is vital for trauma-affected students, because without a sense of belonging students often cannot develop the skills to effectively manage their emotions in a healthy way.” While the pandemic has created numerous challenges and struggles, Dr. Funfar offers that there are opportunities for growth and healing. “Trauma is often viewed from a deficit perspective or a problem that has to be fixed. In reality, more recent research suggests that when addressed in a healthy way, trauma can be used as an opportunity to learn, grow, and heal,” he said. “I am very proud to work in a school district that values the whole child, and with colleagues who care deeply about their students’ well-being.” Dr. Funfar, who joined the USCHS faculty in 2007, holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, along with minors in physics and religious studies from Saint Vincent College. He earned a master’s degree in instructional leadership, as well as a doctorate in instructional management and leadership from Robert Morris University. n Spring 2022

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

#TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat NextUp Award Junior Earns#TheyDidWhat Tennis Volunteer Award Boyce Middle School sixth grader Audrey Wetterau was USCHS junior Kayla Lumish was #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat honored with the NextUp Award #TheyDidWhat (12 years and under) for her honored with#TheyDidWhat the 2020 Junior Volunteer extraordinary efforts through Socks With A Mission (SWAM). Award from the U.S. Tennis Association #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Audrey began SWAM two years ago as a fourth grader. After (USTA) Middle#TheyDidWhat States, Allegheny Mountain learning that socks are among the items most needed by unDistrict. According to the USTA website, the #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat sheltered people who are homeless and the number one item award recognizes “an individual who has requested at homeless shelters, she immediately began working made valuable contributions to the growth #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat on her first sock collection drive and SWAM was established. of tennis in Middle States by working as a Since SWAM’s inception, Audrey has raised thousands of volunteer at the district and/or section level. #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat dollars and has distributed approximately 30,000 pairs of socks This person has demonstrated a passion in to those experiencing homelessness in Pittsburgh and surroundgiving back to their community or school.” #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat ing areas, including Erie, Youngstown, and Wheeling. SWAM “Kayla volunteered a considerable Audrey Wetterau distributes socks to dozens of organizations, including Light of amount of her time help#TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Life, Family Links, The Blue Kangaroo, Street Moms, Shepard’s Heart, and#TheyDidWhat Light in My City. ing to teach young kids The NextUp Awards honors young people who are dedicating their time and talents to makthe game of tennis,” said #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat ing a difference in others’ lives through fundraising, philanthropy, volunteerism, and activism. Lynn Ellenberger, USCHS The awards are hosted by the Blood Science Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Vitalant. tennis booster parent. #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Pittsburgh’s Inaugural NextUp#TheyDidWhat Awards Celebration was held this past #TheyDidWhat October. Winners in Kayla is a member of each of the three age groups (12 and under, 13–15, and 16–18 years) received $2500 to further the USCHS varsity tennis #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat their education or to invest in their#TheyDidWhat philanthropic or charitable programs. #TheyDidWhat The first and second team and actively particirunners up received $500 each for the same purpose. pates in student council. #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Kayla Lumish#TheyDidWhat Audrey plans to use her award#TheyDidWhat to continue helping others. #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Junior Named to NSAC Seniors Present Research at International Institute #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Marina Gzikowski was named to the USCHS seniors Paige #TheyDidWhat Copenhaver and Nitish Sharma Work2BeWell National Student Advisory were named Borlaug Scholars and were selected to pres#TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Council (NSAC) and will work with other ent their research at the World Food Prize Foundation’s student leaders from across the nation to Global Youth Institute this past October. #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat increase mental health awareness. The Paige and Nitish participated in the Pennsylvania student advisory council is a group of teens School for Excellence in the Agricultural Sciences #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat dedicated to the Work2BeWell program. Its Program 2021, formerly a#TheyDidWhat Governor’s School at Penn State Nitish Sharma vision is to empower teens to thrive through University, during the summer. The program is designed Paige Copenhaver #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat access to mental health resources, authentic to provide rising senior high school students an expansive overview of the diverse fields of connections with peers and educators, and agricultural science and natural resources in a university setting. Both Paige and Nitish attended #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat digital platforms for resiliency. #TheyDidWhat core agricultural and environmental courses, and researched a topic related to food insecurity Marina is a coin a targeted country as part of the World Food Prize Foundation. #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat founder of Mending In the research paper#TheyDidWhat entitled “Germany’s Attack on Food Spoilage and Waste,” Paige exMindsets, a USCHS amined spoilage and waste related to food insecurity in Germany, while Nitish’s paper, entitled #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat student-driven club “The Status of Water and#TheyDidWhat Sanitation in Nigeria,” studied water #TheyDidWhat and sanitation in Nigeria and that aims to increase the relationship to food insecurity there. Both presented their findings and proposed solutions #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat awareness about menduring the Pennsylvania #TheyDidWhat Youth Institute in July 2021. tal health. During the conference, student delegates presented and discussed their findings with inter#TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat national experts and their#TheyDidWhat peers, connected with other students from around the world, toured cutting-edge industrial and research facilities, and took part in symposium discussions with Marina Gzikowski #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat global leaders in science,#TheyDidWhat industry, and policy. #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Polar Plunge Four Perform with PYSO This past December, #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Four USCHS musicians performed with USCHS student council hostthe Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra this ed a Polar Plunge to support #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat past November. Performing at Heinz Hall were UPMC Children’s Hospital USCHS seniors Phoebe Chen and Sophie Chen of Pittsburgh through the #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat and juniors Eleanor Alford and Rebecca Lang. Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. StuLed by guest conductor Daniel Meyer, the dents and staff competed to see who could #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat concert featured Stravinsky’s Firebird (1919), Eleanor Alford Phoebe Chen raise the most donations, with the eight “winBrahms’ Academic Festival Overture, Selections ners” taking a plunge in the school’s pool after #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat from Bizet’s L’Arlesienne Suites, #TheyDidWhat and David being doused with a bucket of ice water. The Stock’s Drive Time. Polar Plunge, a new event for USCHS and #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat The youth orchestra, typically #TheyDidWhat comprising student council, raised $6300. 85 to 90 members ranging in age from 14 to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat 20, are from approximately 30 various schools raises funds and awareness for 170 member in the tri-state area. Students are selected to the hospitals that support the health of ten million #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat PYSO by competitive audition. #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat kids each year across the U.S. and Canada. Sophie Chen Rebecca Lang #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat 44 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Spring 2022 #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat

#TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat USCHS Recognized for Sportsmanship Perfect Score USCHS was selected as a WPIAL Sportsmanship Award winner This past November, sixth grade Boyce #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat for the 2020–21 academic year. This marks the first year that USC has student John Whitman placed first in the anreceived this recognition since the award’s inception in 1996–97. In its nual CalcuSolve competition for grades 5–6, #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat 25 year of existence, the purpose of the sportsmanship program is to the only participant among approximately promote sportsmanship in schools and to reward those schools that 350 students to achieve a perfect score. #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat best demonstrate the elements of good sportsmanship. Twelve Boyce students participated in the The selection process was based on the fall, winter, and spring math competition, six of whom earned top #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat seasons of the 2020–21 school year. Schools were eligible to be nomiscores. Felix Chen and Joey Wyse were among nated through either a self-assessment, by another school, or by an nine students who tied for second place; Aaron #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat officials’ chapter. The WPIAL Sportsmanship Award committee then Jiang, Cynthia Shen, and Raana Parchuri were met to discuss the nominees, with a maximum of five schools eligible three of the 25 who tied for third. #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat to be honored for their good sportsmanship. In team competition, the Boyce team John Whitman “I was proud to learn that the high school was nominated by of John Whitman, Hope Waldron, Lyman #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat two other schools for this recognition,” said Dr. Timothy Wagner, Thomson, and Aaron Jiang earned second place honors. Ninety-seven principal. “This is a wonderful testament to our student-athletes’ teams of up to four students competed in the annual math competi#TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat interactions with their peers, within and outside Upper St. Clair.” tion. The competition comprised two 10-point team questions and seven 5-point individual questions. Skills and knowledge involved #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat geometry, probability, measures of central tendency, ratios and proTalented Poet portions, divisibility, and number patterns. #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Boyce fifth grader Mira Murthy The CalcuSolve event, sponsored by the II-VI Foundation and placed second in the nation in the 2021 organized by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, was open to fifth and #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat National Chemistry Week Illustrated sixth graders throughout Allegheny County. Poem Contest, sponsored by the American #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Chemical Society. As part of National Chemistry Week 2021, students from Mira Murthy Nine Selected for Cardiology Program #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat grades K–12 were invited to share their Nine USCHS students—senior Kaelyn Moran; juniors Shree Diora, interpretation of the theme “Fast or Markella Jahn, Mansi Lathia, Priyanka Palayekar, Sophia Song, and #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Slow... Chemistry Makes It Go!” in the form Daniel Wang; and sophomores Priyasha Itani and Irene Yap—were of illustrated poems. Winners at the local secselected to participate in the I Look Like a Cardiologist program, #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat tion level qualified for the national contest. sponsored by the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute. At the national level, first- and second-place The hybrid program took place virtually each Wednesday evening #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat prizes were awarded in four categories: grades throughout the month of January, followed by a morning with menK–2, grades 3–5, grades 6–8, and grades 9–12. tors on the UPMC campus in early February. Session topics included #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Mira earned additional honors for her Panel Session and Mentoring, Cardiology 101, and Issue Simulation, writing and illustrations. In October, she featuring case study discussions relative to diversity, medicine, educa#TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat earned honorable mention in the fifth annual tion, and society. Mahatma Gandhi Creative Writing and Art The mission of the program is to expose students from back#TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Contest for her illustrated poem. #TheyDidWhat In addition, she earned several top grounds underrepresented in cardiology to the field to inspire diverse finishes in the annual Arts in USC contest, sponsored by the USC PTA. high school students to consider a career in the field. #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Quantum Theatre Education Day This past December, USCHS theatre class #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat students Sandra McFarland, #TheyDidWhat Milla Yager, Shreya Sriram, Jenni Holderby, Laura Decker, #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Dariya Baytar, Ethan Stevens, Noah Gidas, Niko Gidas, Jake Polochak, Maddie Sychterz, and Aida #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Health Professions Program#TheyDidWhat Cunningham, taught by music teacher Lorraine Six USCHS students—sophomores Renuka Kota, Jhoran Laffin, Mahir Parmar, Anuj Milovac, participated in Quantum Theatre’s #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Shah, Burhaan Waheed, and Isabella Zhang—were selected to participate in the Health fall Education Day. Beginning in September, Professions Prep (HPP) program for the 2022 spring season at the University of Pittsburgh. the students worked with Quantum Theatre’s #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat The program, held virtually January–April, included an #TheyDidWhat orientation, and then rotations resident teaching artist Tru Verret-Fleming to in two-week blocks at each school of the health sciences, including dentistry, health and create, write, and perform short pieces inspired #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat rehabilitation sciences, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and#TheyDidWhat public health. by the themes of Chimerica, a play performed Students had opportunities to engage in a variety of interactions, including career at Quantum Theatre. Students from Pittsburgh #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat awareness and exploration, clinical experience, student mentoring, academic experience, CAPA, Pittsburgh Westinghouse, and Pittsburgh reflection, observation and influential conversations, academic planning, and student Schiller School also participated in the event. #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat success skills. According to Quantum Theatre’s website, HPP, which serves a maximum of 40 participants, is open to students in grades 9–12 “Chimerica is a political thriller that takes a #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat who have an overall grade point average of 2.5 or above. Candidates are required to hard look at the role corruption and censorship submit an application that includes an essay and letter of recommendation. The program play in China and America, and the possibility #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat encourages participation from groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in for connection between peoples even amid the the health sciences. The program was previously known as the Health Science Career adversarial posturing of governments.” #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Exploration Institute and the Medical Explorers Program,#TheyDidWhat which began in 1974. #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Spring 2022 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 45 #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat th

#TheyDidWhat

Freshman Field Day Returns Following a one-year hiatus due to restrictions surrounding COVID-19, the USCHS mentor program hosted its 13th annual Freshman Field Day event this past October at the high school stadium. The event was led by a team of four super mentors—seniors Sarah Christensen, Felipe Mola Curi, Molly Maher, and Stephanie Spina—under the direction of faculty advisors Maureen Chermak, learning support teacher; Mike Funfar, mathematics teacher; Amanda Haas, mathematics teacher; and Tom Marquis, school counselor. In addition to providing a fun event, the purpose of Freshman Field Day is to build and strengthen relationships among the ninth graders. Mentors, assigned to freshman homerooms, served as coaches and cheerleaders to their mentees during each activity. “Field Day is a great bonding opportunity for mentors and mentees, as well as students new to the District. It’s fun and carefree—a good way to end a stressful week,” said Molly. “There’s also a spirit of competition that brings teammates together in ways that the monotony of everyday homeroom cannot.” The morning kicked off with a mentor-mentee breakfast in the school’s nutrition center, followed by a variety of team-building events, including tug-ofwar, dizzy bat, relay race, railroad relay, pipeline races, blind-folded dodgeball, and others. A team of approximately 25 senior mentors coordinated each of the competition stations. For Stephanie, a highlight of the event is simply the excitement and enthusiasm of all the students. “After not being able to host field day last year, it is refreshing to see everyone out here having fun,” she said. “Field Day is an awesome event for freshmen to bond with their mentors outside of the classroom. I love seeing all of the spirit out here on the field!” This year’s team themes included Valentine’s Vampires, Junko’s Smurfs, Erwin’s Easter Bunnies, Red Robbibaro, Shef’s Chefs, and Lee’s Leprechauns. Winners of best costume were Colella’s Criminals, winners of best spirit were Watson’s Winners, and the overall winners were Erbrecht’s Little Es. Students in grade 11 are eligible to apply to serve as mentors in order to assist freshmen with the transition from middle school to high school. Each freshman homeroom is assigned three to four mentors who provide information, encouragement, and support throughout the year. Each year, approximately 60 juniors serve as mentors in the program. For Sarah, the impact of Freshman Field Day and the mentoring program are far-reaching and postiviely affects the students’ overall transition to high school. “It’s so important to build relationships with everyone in the school,” said Sarah. “One of my favorite parts of the mentoring program is making connections with people in different grades. Having someone to look up to and give you advice when you’re a freshman is important and welcomed when going to a new school.” Most students can empathize with being nervous and anxious about the transition to high school. The mentor program helps to ease those feelings. “It’s important for freshmen to have a tightly connected homeroom because it allows for a great start to the day,” said Felipe. “These teambuilding exercises allow for the freshmen to build strong relationships with one another, with their junior mentors, and even with their homeroom teachers.” n —Photos courtesy of Tina Vojtko, USCSD Communication Specialist 46

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2022

John, Colorectal Surgery Patient

So you can tend to what matters most. Expert colorectal surgery Retirement gave John more time to spend gardening and restoring his home—until unexplained bleeding put his life on pause. Based on a colonoscopy screening, experts at St. Clair Health identiﬁed a tumor and diagnosed rectal cancer. John’s treatment team at St. Clair utilized the newest technology by performing robotic-assisted rectal resection surgery to remove the cancerous tumor and get him on the road to recovery. Now John is back tending to the garden he loves, thanks to one of the most advanced colorectal surgical teams in western Pennsylvania. Learn more about our services at stclair.org/colorectal.

stclair.org

Expert care from people who care.

Township Commissioners

Check out the Township’s website

Daniel R. Paoly President At Large

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-862-5995 2025*

www.twpusc.org

Township Administration

Dante R. Plutko, Jr. Vice President Ward 1

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-389-5187 2023*

Pamela L. Enck Ward 2

Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager

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

Jonathan Wharton Chief of Police

Mark P. Romito Director of Finance

Adam A. Benigni Director of Planning & Community Development

George Kostelich, Jr. Director of Public Works

Christian Gmiter Director of Library

Paul Besterman Director of Recreation & Leisure Services

Day 412-831-9000 2025*

Robert W. Orchowski Ward 3

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-854-1868 2023*

Todd D. Burlingame Ward 4

Day 412-831-9000 2025*

Ronald J. Pardini Ward 5

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 724-941-1199 2023*

Richard I. Thomas At Large

Day 412-831-9000 2023*

All business regarding the operation of the Township is conducted at the regular meetings of the Board of Commissioners. Citizens are invited to comment on any Township matter. Complete Board minutes can be found at the Upper St. Clair Township Library or on the website at www.twpusc.org. For more information, call 412-831-9000. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Other Services Police Administration...........................412-833-1113 Tri-Community South EMS Administration...........................412-831-3710 USC Volunteer Fire Department Administration...........................412-835-0660 Animal Control.........................412-833-7500 Community & Recreation Center...................412-221-1099 Cable 7.......................................412-831-1030 Emergency– Police, Fire, EMS....................412-833-7500

Follow the Township of Upper St. Clair on social media for the latest news and announcements.

2022 Township of Upper St. Clair Meeting Dates

*Date indicates expiration of term.

To reach Township personnel, call 412-831-9000 and follow the automated directions. Administrator Extension Matthew R. Serakowski......................... 2160 Township Manager Mark S. Mansfield.................................. 2190 Asst. Township Manager & Director of Administration Jonathan Wharton.................................. 2380 Chief of Police Mark P. Romito....................................... 2180 Director of Finance Adam A. Benigni..................................... 5010 Director of Planning & Community Development George Kostelich, Jr................................ 2710 Director of Public Works Christian Gmiter.................................... 2470 Director of Library Paul Besterman....................................... 6560 Director of Recreation & Leisure Services

• The Board of Commissioners meets at 7:30 p.m. The regular public meeting is held the first Monday of the month. The informational and general affairs meeting is held the last Monday of the month. • 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. at the C&RC; no meeting in December. • The Zoning Hearing Board meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 8 p.m. • The Civil Service Board meets as needed. • The Building/Fire Codes Appeals and Advisory Board meets as needed. • The Library Board meets as needed. Meetings are held in the Municipal Building’s board room, unless otherwise indicated. Meeting locations are subject to change; refer to the Township website at www.twpusc.org for more information.

Spring 2022

Honored for Service

Highlights of the Board of Commissioners’ Meetings October 4, 2021

Approximately 26 people attended.

Recognitions • Commissioner Orchowski presented a Proclamation to the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department designating October 3–9, 2021, as Fire Prevention Week in Upper St. Clair.

Members of the USC VFD who attended the board meeting • Commissioner Orchowski recognized the following VFD members for their years of service: Lillian Caudill–5 years, Marc Chlebowski–10 years, Alan Epler–10 years, Joseph Pascarella–20 years, David Kish–25 years, Gregory Gerlach–30 years, Russell Rauch–45 years, Ray Tomnay–50 years. The Board • Adopted Bill No. 5-21 Re. PLC21-0013–Palmer Bros. Subdivision–Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval. • Adopted Resolution No. 1708 Re. Updated Resolution for a Grant Contract with the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County Gaming Economic Development Fund for the Morton Complex/Community Gardens Connection–Phase IIB Perimeter Trail Project in Boyce Mayview Park.

November 1, 2021

Approximately 1 person attended.

The Board • Closed the Public Hearing Re. 2022 Proposed Budget. • Adopted Resolution No. 1709 Re. Allegheny County Department of Economic Development Community Development Block Grant Year 48 Application Resolution. • Adopted Resolution No. 1711 Re. Upper St. Clair Library Waiver for State Aid. • Approved the following appointments to various Boards/Commissions of the Township of Upper St. Clair: Planning Commission Yvonne Piecknick–term expires 12/31/23 Jeffrey Krantz–term expires 12/31/21 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Ryan Buries–term expires 12/31/21 Approval of Contract Glassmere Fuel Service, Incorporated Curtisville, PA 89 Octane Gasoline, Diesel Fuel and Winterized Diesel Fuel Additive.........OPIS Daily Pittsburgh Average Index Plus Fixed Margin of between $.1139 and $.029 on each gallon of 89 Octane Gasoline depending on order quantity, a Fixed Margin Price for Diesel Fuel of $.1139 on each gallon, and $.03 on Winterized Diesel Fuel additive on each gallon of Diesel Fuel.

December 6, 2021

Approximately 8 people attended.

The Board • Continued the Public Hearing Re. PLC21-0014– McLaughlin Run Storage–Nonresidential–Conditional Use Approval to the January 3, 2022, Regular Board Meeting. • Adopted Resolution No. 1712 Re. Phase II Consent Order and Agreement (COA), prepared as a Cooperative Effort between the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) and the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD). • Adopted Resolution No. 1713 Re. Snow Removal Agreement with the Upper St. Clair School District. • Adopted Bill No. 6-21 Re. Adoption of the 2022 Budget. • Approved the Township Traffic Engineer Fee Schedule and the 2022 Township Attorney Fee Schedule. • Approved the following reappointments to various Township Boards and Commissions: Building and Fire Codes Appeals and Advisory Board– 3-year term Anthony L. Pitassi (chair) Civil Service Board–3-year term Neal Holmes (secretary) Library Board–3-year term Joann Hockenberry Municipal Authority–5-year term Nicholas J. Seitanakis Parks and Recreation Advisory Board–3-year term Ryan Buries Jason Graves (vice chair) Matthew Weaver Planning Commission–4-year term Robin Weissert (secretary) Jeffrey Krantz • Adopted Resolution No. 1714 Re. the Appointment of Anderson Bailey to the Zoning Hearing Board of the Township of Upper St. Clair. Approval of Contracts • Digitech Computer, LLC Chappaqua, NY EMS Billing and Collection Services for TCS...................(3-year contract with annual one-year renewal options) 4.15% of net collected revenue Technology Systems for Phase 5 Next Generation Facility Improvements: • Aargent Telecom Pittsburgh, PA Supply and install of all required communications, data, CCTV security cameras and controlled access door systems cabling....................... $145,553.45 • Horizon Information Services Glenshaw, PA Supply and install of all required CCTV Camera systems and licensing requirements to match existing systems in place within the facility.............................................. $59,925

Upper St. Clair Commissioner Mark Christie received a proclamation for faithfully serving as a member of the Board of Commissioners, Ward 4, for 12 years, from January 2010 through December 2021. “The board expresses deep appreciation on behalf of its members and the residents of the Township of Upper St. Clair for Mark’s loyal and dedicated service,” stated Commissioner Daniel Paoly. Mark was an active member of the board during many accomplishments, most notably including the approval, construction, and opening of the Miracle Field and the Casey’s Clubhouse playground, Siena at St. Clair, and the USC Veterans Park. His oversight assisted in the development of 12 consecutive balanced budgets with no tax increase. Mark served the board as president from 2016 through 2021; chair of the Human Resources Committee and Budget and Finance Committee; member of the Parks and Recreation Committee and Public Works Committee; and representative of the South Hills Area Council of Governments, Tri-Community South EMS, and Southern Basin Group/Administrative Consent Order. Mark thanked the board members and Township staff, all who help make the Upper St. Clair community a great place to live. n

Township manager Matthew Serakowski, Mark Christie, board president Dan Paoly

USC Welcomes New Commissioner

On January 3, Richard Thomas was sworn in as a new Upper St. Clair commissioner. Honored to serve his community, he said, “I’ve always had an interest in serving as a commissioner, now I have the time. As a longtime resident, I also have the loyalty,” remarked Commissioner Thomas. Growing up in Upper St. Clair, Richard returned in 1972 to again live in the Township. He received his undergraduate degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College and his juris doctor from Duquesne University. Currently, he practices law for Burns White, focusing on mediation and arbitration. The Board of Commissioners and Township staff warmly welcome Commissioner Thomas to the board. n

• Johnson Control, Inc. Cranberry Township, PA Supply and install of all required door access hardware and security systems to match existing systems in place within the facility................. $126,361 • Magna 5 Pittsburgh, PA Supply and install of Wireless Access Points (WAPs) hardware, switches, and 5-year licenses and support to coordinate with existing systems in place within the facility.............. $22,531.86

Spring 2022

Left to right: Commissioner Richard Thomas, District Justice Ronald Arnoni, Commissioner Todd Burlingame, and Commissioner Daniel Paoly. The three commissioners were sworn in by District Judge Arnoni. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

2022 Budget Highlights Township Budget Overview The Township’s Board of Commissioners has once again approved a budget with no tax increase. For the 13th consecutive year, the budget keeps tax rates level. The real estate tax millage rate, currently 3.83, has remained flat since 2010. The Township’s earned income tax rate, currently 0.80%, has not changed since 2007. The 2022 budget process began this past May, with a focus on implementing the many initiatives that have been the subject of much effort over the past few years. This includes, but is not limited to, a strategic planning study with the USC Volunteer Fire Department, a master planning process for the Morton Fields Complex, and a major renovation of the municipal building. These initiatives share the common goal of ensuring long-term sustainability of the Township’s service delivery and operations. This goal also aligns with the Township’s budget philosophy, which emphasizes long-term financial planning. Thirteen separate funds comprise the Township’s budget. The operations of each fund are accounted for by providing a separate set of self-balancing accounts, which include its assets, liabilities, fund equity, revenues, and expenditures. This compartmentalization of resources, transactions, and statements is necessary to ensure that specific revenue sources are used to finance the specific activities for which they are intended. The Township’s primary operating fund is the General Fund, which is supported by taxes, fees, and other revenues. The General Fund includes all operations not required by law, policy, or external restriction to be recorded in other funds. Full details are available in the Township’s award-winning budget document, which can be found online at www.twpusc.org/budget.

General Fund revenues are budgeted at $23,818,198 for 2022—an increase of 7.3% from the 2021 budget. Notable changes in General Fund revenue include increases in Real Estate Transfer Tax and Sales Tax. The General Fund is projected to end the year with an unassigned fund balance of $4,810,776, or 20% of estimated 2022 General Fund revenues, which is in line with the Government Finance Officers Association’s recommended fund balance level. Where the Money Goes General Fund operating expenditures are projected to be $17,580,122, which is a 2.3% increase from the 2021 budget. The accompanying chart illustrates how the expenditures are distributed across the major program areas. The Township’s two largest programs are Public Safety, which includes the Police Department and Animal Control Services, and Public Works. These programs combine to represent 65% of the operating portion of the General Fund budget. The remaining difference of projected revenues over operating expenses of $6,238,076 will be used to fund debt service costs of $1,853,112 and transfers to other funds of $4,384,964. 2022 General Fund Expenditures Major Category $7,000,000 $6,000,000 $5,000,000 $4,000,000 $3,000,000 $2,000,000

Where the Money Comes From The Township’s primary sources of operating revenue in 2022 continue to be real estate tax and earned income tax. These taxes combine to make up roughly 80% of total General Fund revenues. Other taxes and other revenue comprise the balance of the operating revenue. Other taxes include real estate transfer, sales and use, and local services taxes. Other revenue consists of permits, fees, fines, service agreements, investment earnings, and recreation fees.

$8,000,000

$6,000,000

$4,000,000

$2,000,000

Real Estate Tax

Earned Income Tax

Real Estate Transfer Tax

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Public Safety

Public Works

General Government

Debt Service

Operating Transfers

Refuse Costs

Library

Community Recreation Development

For more information, visit www.twpusc.org.

Capital Projects Fund

The Capital Projects Fund accounts for most of the Township’s major equipment purchases and capital projects, and is based largely upon the five-year Capital Improvements Program. The largest item in the Capital Projects Fund for 2022 is the NextGen Municipal Building renovation project, funding which comes from a combination of grants and bond proceeds. All other items in the Capital Projects Fund would be funded by a combination of General Fund transfers, grants, existing bond proceeds, and the portion of fund balance that is specifically assigned for capital reserve. Other significant items in this fund for 2022 are $1,900,000 for the annual Street Improvement Program and $1,000,000 to begin implementing the anticipated multi-year master plan of the Morton Fields Complex.

2022 General Fund Revenues Major Category

$10,000,000

$1,000,000

Other Taxes

Other Revenue

Spring 2022

2021 and 2022 General Fund Budget GENERAL FUND APPROPRIATIONS

GENERAL FUND REVENUES Major Revenues

2021 Budget

2022 Budget

Real Estate Tax $8,551,932 $8,772,500 Earned Income Tax 9,051,000 9,980,000 Local Services Tax 278,400 297,500 Real Estate Transfer Tax 1,225,000 1,520,000 Public Utilities Tax 18,350 18,500 Local Option Sales & 514,200 578,800 Use Tax Licenses and Permits 137,725 147,450 Fees and Fines 489,100 462,500 Rental Income 2,865 2,950 Investment Earnings 9,000 12,000 Service Agreements 279,893 287,280 Other Non-Tax Revenue 1,325,525 1,368,118 Recreation Fees 307,350 370,600 Total Revenues Fund Balance Total Major Revenues

Increase Percentage (Decrease) Change $220,568 929,000 19,100 295,000 150 64,600

2.58% 10.26% 6.86% 24.08% 0.82% 12.56%

9,725 (26,600) 85 3,000 7,387 42,593 63,250

7.06% (5.44%) 2.97% 33.33% 2.64% 3.21% 20.58%

$22,190,340 $23,818,198 $1,627,858 -

7.34% 0.00%

$22,190,340 $23,818,198 $1,627,858

7.34%

2021 Budget

Major Program Areas

2022 Budget

General Government $2,075,566 Public Safety 5,966,907 Community Development 822,426 Public Works 5,090,235 Refuse Collection 1,502,500 Recreation & Leisure Services 541,554 Library 954,645 Unallocated Insurance Costs 227,322 Operating Expenditures $17,181,155 Operating Transfers 3,099,420 Debt Service Payments 1,909,765 Non-Operating Expenditures $5,009,185 Total Expenditures $22,190,340 Fund Balance Total Major Programs $22,190,340

Increase Percentage (Decrease) Change

$2,127,524 6,268,933 826,359 5,112,211 1,525,500

$51,958 302,026 3,933 21,976 23,000

622,482 865,144

80,928 14.94% (89,501) (9.38%)

231,969 $17,580,122 4,384,964 1,853,112

2.50% 5.06% 0.48% 0.43% 1.53%

4,647

2.04%

$398,967 2.32% 1,285,544 41.48% (56,653) (2.97%)

$6,238,076 $1,228,891 24.53% $23,818,198 $1,627,858 $23,818,198 $1,627,858

7.34% 0.00% 7.34%

Boyce Mayview Community & Recreation Center (C&RC) Fund

The 2022 Budget recommends the first C&RC membership rate increase since 2012. This is necessary to address increasing costs that have accumulated since 2012 and particularly over the past year due to wage pressure, the challenging labor environment, and other economic strains. This budget reflects an increase in the monthly family rate of $8 and an increase to all other monthly rates of $3. This keeps rates competitive in comparison to other facilities, while helping to partially address increasing operational costs. The resulting membership revenue is budgeted to be $2,560,000 for 2022. Other revenue sources in the C&RC Fund include facility rental revenue, program revenue, daily admissions, and miscellaneous revenue. These sources are budgeted to total $464,500 in

2022 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 Township real estate taxpayers of the payment schedule of each taxing body for the year 2022. The Township’s real estate tax millage rate for 2022 has been set at 3.83 mills. The School District’s schedule is dependent upon its adoption of a real estate tax millage rate for the 2022–2023 fiscal year no later than June 2022.

2022. The General Fund will appropriate $1,189,242 to the C&RC Fund for debt service costs associated with the construction of the C&RC building. The General Fund is also budgeted to contribute $533,968 to support the common area operations of the C&RC. n Other Revenue, $20,000 General Fund Debt Service Appropriation, $1,189,242 General Fund Operating Appropriation, $533,968 Facility Revenue, $58,500

Membership Revenue, $2,635,000

Distributed Costs, $221,276

Debt Service, $1,189,242 Commodities, $263,500

Personal Services, $2,368,488

Contractual Services, $1,093,939

Program Revenue, $331,000

2022 Township Real Estate Tax Schedule Date Tax Period May 1, 2022 ........................................Billing date May 1–Jun 30, 2022 ...........................2% discount Jul 1–Aug 31, 2022 .............................Face amount Sep 1–Dec 31, 2022 ............................10% penalty Jan 1, 2023 .........................................Lien date 2022 School District Real Estate Tax Schedule Date Tax Period Jul 1, 2022 ..........................................Billing date Jul 1–Aug 31, 2022 .............................2% discount Sep 1–Oct 31, 2022 ............................Face amount Nov 1–Dec 31, 2022 ...........................10% penalty Jan 1, 2023..........................................Lien date Spring 2022

This notice reminds all taxpayers that they are responsible to see that their property is properly assessed and taxed, and to request the 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 receive the two percent discount or avoid the ten percent penalty. n Cont. on page 52

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Street Trees Gary Schafer, Township Forester, ISA Certified Arborist Department of Finance Cont. from page 51

2022 Earned Income and Net Profits Tax Rate Notice The Township of Upper St. Clair and the Upper St. Clair School District hereby give public notice to all residents of the Township that the Earned Income and Net Profits tax rates of the Township and the School District for 2022 are 0.80% and 0.50%, respectively, of taxable income as defined by Act 32 of 2008. Thus, the Township taxpayer’s total rate for 2022 is 1.30%. All unincorporated business owners of Upper St. Clair Township and School District are also taxed upon the net profits from their business at the same 1.30% rate, and must remit their tax liability

quarterly to Jordan Tax Service on the following schedule for 2022: Date Tax Period Apr 15, 2022 ....... 1st quarter 2022 tax estimate due Jul 15, 2022 ........ 2nd quarter 2022 tax estimate due Oct 15, 2022 ....... 3rd quarter 2022 tax estimate due Jan 15, 2023 ........ 4th quarter 2022 tax estimate due

Quarterly tax payments are required. A taxpayer whose employer does not withhold local earned income tax must file and pay quarterly tax on the aforementioned schedule. Final tax returns are required for all taxpayers. Final returns for the 2021 tax year are due April 18, 2022. n

2022 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 raised sewage service charges and usage fees by 7% for 2022. The Sewer User Multiplier Rate that is used to calculate the Township’s cost reimbursement has been set at 1.86 for the year. The Township contracts with Jordan Tax Service to provide the billing and collection of the monthly sewer usage fees. n Debt Service, $374,042

Sanitary Sewer Fund The Township’s Sanitary Sewer Fund

(SSF) accounts for all sewer usage fees paid by residents, as well as the expenses Depreciation, related to sewage processing and main$790,000 tenance of the sanitary sewer system. Other Sewage processing is performed by Op. Exp., ALCOSAN, who in turn bills the $631,497 Township for the service. Sewer ALCOSAN has increased its Processing Fees Sewer (ALCOSAN), 2022 fees by 7%. The Township’s Rehabilitation, $5,410,500 sewer rate multiplier is being re$1,480,000 duced from 1.93 to 1.86. As usual, the ALCOSAN expense is the largest cost in the 2022 SSF budget (see “Sewer Processing Fees” in the accompanying chart). The remainder of the sewer fee revenue is used to rehabilitate the Township’s sanitary sewer infrastructure and provide other services related to satisfying all regulatory requirements that have been and will be imposed with regard to sanitary sewer improvement and maintenance. n For more information, visit www.twpusc.org. All questions or concerns regarding sewage billing should be directed to Jordan Tax Service at 412-835-5243, option 4, or via email to sewage@jordantax.com. 52

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2022

Trees and shrubbery provide humans many benefits. In addition to offering shade, they can handsomely enhance a property owner’s landscape. But, we need to carefully plant and prune Mother Nature’s beauties so that they do not encroach upon roadways or walkways. Trees along streets can cause problems. There are rules to observe if you own a tree that grows in the street right-of-way. To allow for safe passage on the roads and to avoid damage to vehicles, property owners are responsible to keep their vegetation trimmed to at least a 13-foot minimum height. Tree branches growing into the travel lanes can cause damages to vehicles. For example, should a branch grow into the roadway, broken mirrors, paint stretches, dents, or a driver swerving into oncoming traffic can be the result. Where sidewalks are provided along roadways, tree branches must be trimmed to a height that will allow for a minimum of eight feet of clearance. Should you have an evergreen or any shrubs along a roadway, those plants should not extend at all into the travel way. Often, the best place to trim a branch that is encroaching into a road’s travel path is where the tree branch attaches to the trunk of the tree. Usually this eliminates the problem for several years. n If you have questions regarding tree trimming along a roadway or walkway, contact the Township at 412-831-9000 and ask for Gary Schafer, Township forester.

Golden This past January marked 50 years of employment with USC Township for public works employee Gary Pitchok. Gary was hired by the Township on January 3, 1972, after serving in the Army during the Vietnam War. Gary’s starting wage was $2.75/hour. “Times have changed,” chuckled Gary. He’s performed every task in the department, and currently runs the street sweeper, maintains Township green space, and loads trucks. Thank you, Gary, for your years of service to our community! n Gary Pitchok

Township Flood Services and Protection

Upper St. Clair participates in the National Flood Insurance

Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS). The CRS is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements. As a result, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from community actions that meet the three goals of the CRS: • Reduce flood damage to insurable property, • Strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP, and • Encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management. In order to protect your home or business from flood damage, it is important to access and understand flood hazard information. A complete Flood Protection Library, including flood maps and flood protection references, is available at the Upper St. Clair Township Library. Localized flooding can result from even minor storms. Runoff overloads the drainageways and flows into the streets and low-lying areas. Sewers back up; yards are inundated. These minor storms could potentially cause more damage as they are most likely recurring, and small impacts accumulated over time can become major problems. A few factors to consider: • Even shallow flooding can pose safety hazards. It is not unusual for children to drown after slipping in shallow water or to be swept into a ditch or storm drain. Adults and even vehicles can be swept away by just a few inches of moving water. • The growth of mold and mildew in damp structures after flooding could contribute to allergies, asthma, and respiratory infections, especially in children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. In addition, gasoline, pesticides, fuel oil, chemicals, and other substances can be brought into the area and into buildings by flood waters. They soak into the soil, building components, and furniture, and can result in long-term health problems. • Even a few inches of water in the basement or ground floor of a building can cause expensive damage. Carpeting, wallboard, insulation, mattresses, and upholstered furniture must be thrown out and replaced. Flooring, studs, and other wooden parts of the building must be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Business records, photographs, and other papers are often destroyed. • Flood waters can block streets, disrupt traffic patterns, and hinder access to homes and businesses. This can affect the entire community, not just those whose property is flooded. People have to evacuate wet and/or damaged homes, and businesses have to close. Cleanup and repairs take time away from normal routines, interrupting lives and business operations. For your safety, Upper St. Clair regulates all construction and development in floodplains to ensure that buildings will be protected from flood damage. What You Can Do The Township’s efforts depend on your cooperation and assistance. Here is how you can help: • Do not dump or throw anything into creeks, ditches, ravines, or streams. Dumping is a violation of Section 83 of the Township Code. Even grass clippings and branches accumulate and plug channels, causing danger during rains. • If your property is next to a creek or ditch, keep the banks clear of brush and debris. • If you see evidence of dumping of debris in creeks or ditches, contact the Township. • Always check with the Community Development Department before you build, alter, grade, or fill on your property. A permit may be needed to ensure that projects do not cause problems on the other properties. If you are in a floodplain, special building codes may apply. The Community Development Department will walk you through any application and answer your questions. If you see building or filling without a Township permit posted, contact the Community Development Department at 412-831-9000, ext. 5010. • Help yourself by understanding floodproofing, flood insurance, and flood safety.

Flood Insurance If you do not have flood insurance, talk to your insurance agent. Homeowners’ insurance policies typically do not cover damage from floods. However, because the Township of Upper St. Clair participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, local residents can purchase a separate flood insurance policy. It is backed by the federal government and is available to all residents, even for property outside a floodplain. Any property could be flooded. Surface water can accumulate from heavy rain, melting snow, a broken water main, or a ruptured swimming pool. Insurance agents may require photographs of the front and back of your house, an elevation certificate (if you are in a floodplain), a completed and signed application, and a check for the first year’s premium. For sample flood insurance applications, visit the Flood Protection Library in the Township library. Stormwater Information The Township maintains a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit as mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This program places requirements on stormwater discharges associated with construction activities and discharges for municipal storm sewers. There are projects that the Township has undertaken to protect our streams and waterways from hazardous discharge. Check the Township’s website on a regular basis for updates on stormwater management and flood protection in addition to the steps the Township is taking to meet the federal requirements to keep Upper St. Clair a safe place to reside. Sanitary Sewer Lateral Inspection Ordinance The Township has an ordinance that requires video inspections of private sanitary sewer laterals prior to the sale/conveyance of property. Sewer lateral inspections must be conducted by a National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) certified contractor. The adopted ordinance supports the inspection, repair, and replacement of private sanitary sewer laterals that are cracked, disjointed, damaged, or blocked in order to reduce the amount of stormwater penetrating the sanitary sewer system. The influx of stormwater into the sanitary sewer system increases the wastewater flow in the collection system and could potentially lead to sanitary sewer overflows during wet weather conditions. To order the Dye Test and Sanitary Sewer Lateral Inspection paperwork, contact the Department of Public Works at 412-831-9000, ext. 2710. The completed forms and video of the inspection must be remitted to the Public Works Department at least one month prior to closing, along with a $50 fee made payable to the Township of Upper St. Clair to cover the cost of the dye test and sanitary sewer lateral inspection evidence of compliance letter. A copy of the ordinance can be found on the Township website at www.twpusc.org. This information is published annually as part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System recertification and is also available on the Township website at www.twpusc.org.

Sanitary Sewer Backups and Your Homeowner’s Coverage The Township maintains over 158 miles of underground sewer lines. There is no way to predict when the next sanitary sewer backup will occur. And while only a handful of our residents experience a significant sanitary sewer backup each year, we know that when it does occur, it is a distressing situation. It can be even more devastating if a resident is not insured for losses—losses that can easily run into tens of thousands of dollars. Sewer Backup Insurance Homeowners can alleviate possible sewer-related damage expenses by contacting their property insurance provider to verify that they have sewer backup coverage. Most homeowners’ insurance policies do not automatically include coverage for these occurrences. Given the potential for significant loss, it would be advisable for homeowners served by a public sewer system, particularly those with finished basements, to obtain some level of coverage. Lastly, if you experience a floor drain backup or otherwise suspect a sanitary sewer problem, contact the Township’s Public Works Department immediately at 412-831-9000, ext. 2710. Spring 2022

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

USC Recreation and www.twpusc.org

The Playroom at the C&RC

Save the Dates:

Easter Egg Hunt

Taking care of our health has never been more important than it is today. In an ever-changing world, our lives seem to increasingly prioritize family, work, and home above our personal needs. The USC Recreation Department recognizes these challenges and is here to help. The C&RC offers an in-house babysitting service, allowing you the opportunity to spend time on yourself, knowing your little one is being cared for just a few steps away. The playroom is a safe, nurturing environment where your child can play, create, and grow with friends. To learn more about the playroom and its services, contact the C&RC at 412-221-1099. n

Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 2 (Rain Date: April 9) Sponsored by the USCHS Interact Club and the Bethel-St. Clair Evening Rotary, this free event for children ages ten and under will offer fun activities, as well as a hunt for eggs containing candy or prize-winning numbers. The event will take place at the shelter and golf course area adjacent to the McLaughlin Run Activity Center, 1770 McLaughlin Run Road. Arrive at 10 a.m. for activities, with the egg hunt following at 11 a.m. Children should bring a small basket to collect the eggs, and dress appropriately for the weather.

Spring Break “Eureka Inventors” Camp Presented by Mad Science Monday–Thursday, April 11–14 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Ages 5–12 C&RC

Community Blood Drive Tuesday, May 10 Noon–6 p.m. C&RC Appointments preferred; walk-ins welcome. To schedule an appointment, visit vitalant.org and choose Login (previous donor) or New Donor (new to donating). The C&RC group number code is C565.

Community Day 2022 Saturday, May 21 Mark your calendars for the return of Upper St. Clair Community Day. Check the Recreation Department website (twpusc.org/communityday) for updated details about this fun-filled family event. 54

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2022

Pickleball at the C&RC

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the area! Join in every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 1–4 p.m., at the C&RC now through May for some pickleball fun. Open play and pickup games are available for all levels. Bring your own balls, paddle, and water bottle to the session. Participants are welcome to register for a one-month session (registration opens on the 15th of each month) or pay a drop-in rate. Contact the C&RC for more information. n

USC-USC

The United Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair (USC-USC) program, sponsored by the Township Department of Recreation and Leisure Services, invites retired residents, age 55 and older, to participate. The group meets on most Wednesdays for informal morning activities and time to socialize, beginning at 10 a.m., followed by a business meeting and noon lunch. After-lunch activities may include musical entertainment, presentations of interest, health and fitness instruction, and more. Most meetings are held at the McLaughlin Run Activity Center (MAC), 1770 McLaughlin Run Road. n For more information about senior programming, including the monthly USC-USC schedule, contact the Community Programs Department at 412-221-1099 or stop by the Recreation office at the C&RC at Boyce Mayview Park, 1551 Mayview Road.

Leisure Services 412-221-1099

Plan for Summer Camp

When you think of the words “summer camp,” your mind might go straight to woods, dirt, tug-of-war, and bug spray, but it doesn’t have to. While traditional summer camps do provide those things and more, there are options that exist beyond that for your child. Those options could include canvas and a paint brush, slime and test tubes, blocks and tools, or puppets and costumes. All of these and more will be available to children this summer through the Community & Recreation Center (C&RC). Choosing a camp that focuses on a specialty that includes such things as art or STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) allows your child to build upon a possible interest. For example, if they enjoy their art class during the school year, they may be seeking a creative outlet like that in the summer. Each summer, an art camp that focuses specifically on drawing and cartooning is offered. Enrolling a child in a specialty camp also allows him or her to dig deeper into new skills or areas of learning. At school, they may have a class or a club that explores robots or microscopes once or twice a year. Where could they get interactive exposure to these types of technology for an extended period of time? The answer is at a five-day-a-week STEM summer camp! Each summer, a variety of STEM-related camps are offered with topics that include robots, medical sciences, and nature. Age is not a factor! Camps with a variety of topics are offered beginning at age four. These camps focus on learning new things in fun ways, like how fast various animals can run and then trying it themselves, or gaining balance and agility through a themed obstacle course. However, if it is capture the flag and grass stains your child is seeking, look no further than Camp St. Clair! Based in Boyce Mayview Park, children are placed into groups by grade level and have a rotating schedule each day filled with field games, hikes, arts and crafts, and more. High school and college-age counselors supervise the campers and make excellent role models, all while providing a safe and fun environment for every child. The campers really enjoy engaging with the “big kids!” At the C&RC, there are summer camps to suit the interests of every child. Specialty camps often operate with a smaller group of children, allowing for a slower pace and a more hands-on experience. Camp St. Clair gathers together about 200 children per week. So, if playing a game of keep away with a giant beach ball with many others is what they seek, then this is the camp for them. Each camp, no matter the style, is enrolled by the week, meaning a child could attend a week of Camp St. Clair, switch to art camp for a week, and then go back to Camp St. Clair. The options are many and the opportunities for learning, growth, and fun are endless. So, be sure to join in this summer! n

Information for Seniors USC Township Silver Card The Township Silver Card is free and available to residents ages 62 and older. To obtain a Silver Card and receive access to a select number of group exercise classes, USC’s three-hole golf course, as well as a complimentary summer tennis permit, visit the Community and Recreation Center, 1551 Mayview Road. Silver card applications are available 8 a.m.–8 p.m., Monday–Friday. A valid photo ID showing USC residency is required upon application. Residents who acquired their Silver Card prior to 2019 are encouraged to re-apply for and receive a new, updated card.

USCSD Gold Card Upper St. Clair residents who are age 62 or older are eligible to receive a Gold Card, entitling them to free admission to plays and musicals, as well as regular season home athletic events and activities sponsored by the USC School District. WPIAL and PIAA playoff games are not eligible for free or discounted admission. To obtain a Gold Card, visit the high school main office at 1825 McLaughlin Run Road. For more information, contact Nancy Dunn at 412-833-1600, ext. 2236, or email ndunn@uscsd.k12.pa.us. Spring 2022

ACCESS and Port Authority Transportation for Senior Citizens Applications for the Senior Citizen Port Authority ConnectCard and ACCESS transportation are available at the C&RC. Application must be made in person at the C&RC during operating hours. Proof of age (65 and older) is required. Additionally, proof of Allegheny County residency is required for ACCESS. The Port Authority will indefinitely continue to accept blue or yellow Pennsylvania Senior Transit ID cards. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

USC Recreation and Leisure Services

www.twpusc.org 412-221-1099

Bounty Returned After a year off, USC residents were happy to be a part of the return of Bounty at Boyce Mayview Park Fall Fest, held this past November. Those in attendance enjoyed plenty of family-friendly activities during the annual fall festival, including magician Chuck Caputo, apple slingshots, a petting zoo, a campfire and s’mores, kids’ crafts, visits with local heroes, a corn pool, and life-size Jenga. Several food vendors were on hand, including BRGR, Totopo, Bado’s Pizza, Smokin’ Ghosts BBQ, Franktuary, Wild River Kettle Korn, The Pie Place, and Liquid Vibes. n —Photos courtesy of Melissa Lindberg, USC Township Recreation

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2022

In Upper St. Clair, Lifeguarding is a Family Affair Becky Brindle, Township Communications Specialist In the summer of 2021, Upper St. Clair employed 12 sets of sibling lifeguards. Chris Biswick, aquatics supervisor at the Community & Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park (C&RC), anticipates ten or 12 sets of siblings to lifeguard this summer. “I cannot pin down why we have so many siblings working here. My guess is that knowing someone who is already working here let’s them learn the ins and outs of the job before they even start working here, making the transition effortless,” said Chris. Brothers James and Tom Dunn have lived in Upper St. Clair for more than 40 years, and have together been C&RC lifeguards for more than seven years. “I love working with my brother,” said James. “I probably learned more about Tom in the last seven years than I ever knew before. We push each other to be our best, and we recognize the responsibility that parents entrust in us to guard their children while in the pool area. My brother is my mentor and my best friend,” James emphasized. James decided to become a lifeguard while he was recuperating from a minor surgery. “I would use the C&RC’s second-floor weights and then go down and soak in the pool area hot tub. The assistant aquatics manager noticed me, and asked me if I was interested to become a lifeguard since I was here almost every day. I was retired and looking for something to fill my days. Lifeguarding was the perfect solution,” he said. Tom enjoys the challenge. “Before my brother and I became lifeguards, a couple former lifeguards challenged us to take the brick swim test if we were really serious about becoming guards. The test requires you to retrieve a ten-pound, brick-shaped object from the bottom of the lap pool’s deep end, and swim on your back with the brick on your chest to the shallow end of the pool. A difficult test for old guys,” chuckled Tom. “My brother, Jim, and I have been C&RC members since 2011, and enjoy using the facilities to stay physically fit and healthy. I think we’re both competitive by nature and we motivate each other to show up to our lifeguard jobs and also later on in the gym,” he said. Abby Zadrozny has been a C&RC lifeguard for about eight years; her sister, Sarah, has been a lifeguard for three. “I became a lifeguard because my sister was already working at the C&RC,

I t ’s e n t i r e l y p o s s i b l e that

you’ve never heard of the Youth Steering Committee of Upper St. Clair (YSC). But, it’s an organization that’s been around for decades, providing programming and education to the community on issues that face our youth. After a tragic car accident involving students at the high school that resulted in a fatality in the 1980s, a community action group formed with the mission of “providing positive direction and support to our youth, as well as families.” Although created decades ago,

and we knew it would be convenient for us to work at the same place in terms of Sarah and Abby Zadrozny transportation,” said Sarah. “I like working with my sister for a lot of reasons, but I especially love how it has made us closer friends. With a six-year age gap between us, we never had overlapping friends. However, working together has helped to facilitate a deeper friendship between the two of us,” said Abby. Both sets of Upper St. Clair lifeguard Tom and James Dunn siblings say they’ve also gained a C&RC work family. “I like working with our lifeguard family, whether young or old. It keeps me motivated and feeling younger,” grinned Tom. “As a lifeguard at the C&RC, I’ve met some of the nicest people in my life. Many of them are now my new lifelong friends,” said James. “What I like most about working at the C&RC is probably my co-workers. After working here for three years, I’ve met some wonderful people and made some great friends,” Sarah expressed. “I really love my job! I think my main reason for working here is the people who also work here. From older guards to high school kids, my co-workers have taught me a lot about life. I also have an appreciation for my boss, Chris Biswick. He is flexible with my hours, which has allowed me to lifeguard through my high school, college, and graduate school years and, now, to work part-time even while working full time in my professional career,” said Abby. Upper St. Clair’s C&RC is hiring lifeguards for the coming season and beyond—siblings or not—and offering lifeguard training courses. “Lifeguarding is more than just a job. You get to work on mastering skills that include time management, interpersonal communication, and life-saving techniques that you can use for the rest of your life,” said Chris. n For more information about a lifeguard job at the C&RC, visit USC Township’s website at twpusc.org/employment.

Seeks New Members

this continues to be the mission due to its continued relevance. The YSC members are jointly appointed by the Township of Upper St. Clair Board of Commissioners and the Board of School Directors. YSC members include adult residents, high school students, parents, and representatives from both appointing boards. The YSC meets on the second Wednesday of every month—September to June— typically at the Community & Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park, although Spring 2022

recently, meetings have been held virtually. Meetings are either held as (1) general sessions, where planning and discussion occur, or as (2) as programming presentations, where content is shared and facilitated. The YSC is actively recruiting new members. To learn more about the YSC or to inquire about how to apply, sit in on a meeting, since all meetings are open to the public. n For more information, visit the YSC’s website at www.youthsteeringcommitteeusc.org.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

USC VFD Deploys FLIR Thermal Imaging Drone Keith Scannell, Assistant Fire Chief, USC VFD

The Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) primary grant writer, set out to obtain has always taken great pride in being at the forefront of delivering and ultimately receive a $15,000 grant a complete “all hazards” emergency response to the residents of for the purchase of a state-of-the-art the Township when it comes to fire suppression, rescue, hazard- Autel FLIR (forward looking infrared) thermal imaging drone. ous materials, and other high risk, low frequency emergencies. Traveling at up to 22 mph and with a five-air mile range, the While its membership still remains 100% volunteer and is almost drone can be deployed immediately from its home at VFD station completely funded by USC resident and #1 on Route 19. Then, while on-grid already local business donations, the department searching, the operators can travel to the has found various other funding sources command post and firm up the search plan. along the way, including state and federal With a 40-minute per battery flight time and grant programs. Many of you who read the with eight spare batteries, the drone can fly TODAY magazine or follow the department for approximately five hours. The drone on Facebook or Instagram may recall that can see at night as clearly as day, and with several years ago the VFD received such a ten thermal color palettes to choose from, grant to purchase a Zodiac-style rescue boat. it can compensate for even the most comIn early 2021, fire chief Mike Moore plex environment. It is also equipped with identified a grant opportunity that fit ana high-powered flood/search light, which other hazard—land search. With the vast can guide or aid in a nighttime extraction. Autel FLIR Thermal Imaging Drone 500+ acre Boyce Mayview Park, as well The drone is equipped with a “dynamic as the nearly 65 acres at Gilfillan Farm track” feature that allows it to search for and several large, wooded parks and other up to 64 defined objects, whether it be a privately-owned wooded or difficult terrain person, bike, animal, or car, and then track properties within the Township, the chief it autonomously. realized that the use of a thermal drone The VFD has initiated a drone commitcould dramatically cut search and rescue tee that includes members Greg Gerlach times. and Alex Gillespie. Greg has more than 30 When an elderly parent or a small child years experience in the fire/rescue services, wanders away, they are at a much higher including time as assistant chief and as risk of injury due to not only the weather, part of the “Delta Team” that participated but also the terrain. Locating a victim and in recovery efforts after the crash of Flight developing an extraction plan previously 427. He and Alex, who is currently a departDrone image at 400 feet in total darkness took a remarkable amount of time. ment lieutenant, EMT, and rescue operator, “It starts with the PLS (point last seen),” will oversee the training, maintenance, and said Chief Moore. “Then you have to dedeployment of the drone. termine how far the person might have While the VFD maintains an adequate traveled, in let’s say two hours. This helps number of firefighters, emerging techlimit your search area. But, at that point and nologies allow the department to do more depending on the weather, a victim’s health, with less. The downward trend in volunand several other factors, time is no longer teerism nationwide can, in some cases, on our side. For example, in cold weather, be compensated for with the progressive, hypothermia is a concern.” Hypothermia forward-thinking application of these occurs when environmental conditions technologies. The days of needing 20 or 30 cause the body temperature to drop below people to search a field are all but over, as Zoomed-in drone image at 400 feet 95 degrees Fahrenheit. the first engagement with the victim can in total darkness “Getting the victim’s location is by far now be from 400 feet above. the most time-consuming endeavor. Once located, we have the “We serve the residents, regardless of the conditions or their necessary resources, regardless of the victim’s condition or terrain, needs,” Chief Moore once said. Several years ago, we were asked to extract them rapidly,” said the chief. It’s the search time that by a resident to help search for a very small dog that had wandered the thermal drone will help reduce. In addition, if you’re looking away on a very cold night. At the time, Chief Moore noted, “This for someone who is incapacitated and they’ve fallen under a tree dog is their family, and we will find it.” Flash forward to today… canopy or brush or fell into a ravine, a searcher on the ground I believe the statement would be “This dog is their family, and may not be able to see them. A thermal drone will show differ- the drone will find it.” ences in heat signatures, day or night. If working with drones, fire trucks, rescue tools, and other cool Given the area’s demographics and the sensitivity of those stuff interest you, visit the VFD website or stop in at station #1 residents to outdoor exposures for extended periods of time, the any Wednesday evening to speak with members for an overview chief, VFD president Dan Barr, and secretary Russ Rauch, the of the volunteering opportunities that exist. n 58

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2022

Police Participate in No-Shave November

Becky Brindle, Township Communication Specialist The normally clean-shaven Upper St. Clair police force grew out their facial hair this past November to raise money for local charity. In December 2021, Police chief Jonathan Wharton and officer Kevin Forrester presented the Rotary Club of Upper St. Clair-Bethel Park (Breakfast) a check in the amount of $2020. “We appreciate everything the Rotary does for this community,” said Chief Wharton. “The police department wanted to help, realizing the fundraising challenges that occurred in 2020 due to the pandemic.” Eighteen officers raised funds during No-Shave November, and Township manager Matthew Serakowski and assistant manager Mark Mansfield both supported and donated to the fundraiser. The Rotary donated the money to Hair Peace Charities, a charity that helps local women and girls with financial assistance to purchase wigs needed due to cancer. The charity was started by Bonny Diver, a Left to right: Rotarian Sally Morrison, Officer traffic reporter for CBS raKevin Forrester, Police Chief Jonathan dio and a cancer survivor. n Wharton, Rotarian Bill Findle

Pool Permits Necessary Swimming pools deeper than two feet in the Township of Upper St. Clair require a permit, or in many cases, two permits. During the ongoing pandemic, the popularity of storable/temporary pools took off around the country. In Upper St. Clair, a building permit is required for the construction or installation of any swimming pool that can hold a depth of 24 inches or more of water. This includes permanent in-ground, above-ground, and storable/temporary pools. Any pool that contains a filter system, heater, or electrical lighting requires a second, electrical permit. In order to prevent children from gaining uncontrolled access to the pool, a barrier must be constructed. The height of the barrier or fence must be at least 48 inches above grade. A successful pool barrier prevents children from getting over, under, or through it. n For more information, visit twpusc.org/buildingpermits.

Police Department News Retirement After 45 years of service to the Upper St. Clair Police Department, technical services coordinator Russell Rauch has retired. Throughout his career, Russ served as the department’s “Inspector Gadget” and master of all things technical. Prior to coordinating technical services, he served as an Upper St. Clair emergency dispatcher until 1991. His experience working in dispatch brought a unique perspective to police administration, where he helped champion innovation. He advised three chiefs of police throughout his career, and played a tremendous role in equipping the police department with modern tools that enhanced operational excellence. With gratitude, we thank Russ for his commitment to the Township of Upper St. Clair, and we wish him every success in his retirement! Russ plans to continue volunteering with the USC Volunteer Fire Department, where he has been a member since 1976. Russ currently Russ Rauch (left) being presented a commemorative plaque by Police Chief serves on its board of directors. Jonathan Wharton

New Officers Alex Daum and Abby Weaver were sworn in as new USC police officers before Judge Ronald Arnoni this past January. Officer Daum graduated summa cum laude from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in criminology/ pre-law. He served as a member of IUP’s police force as a patrol officer for two years before joining USC’s police department. Officer Weaver graduated cum laude from Point Park University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. She served in the U.S. Army Reserves, where she achieved the rank of sergeant. Before joining the USC police department, Abby worked for five years with the City of Pittsburgh as a patrol officer and detective. Welcome! n

Left to right: Judge Ronald Arnoni, Officer Abby Weaver, Officer Alex Daum, Police Chief Jonathan Wharton Spring 2022

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

From the Director’s Desk

Christian Gmiter, Library Director Happy spring, residents, library patrons, and library users! If you haven’t heard, the year of 2022 is a year of transition with the continuation of the NextGen project, a large-scale renovation and improvement plan for the municipal building. The biggest changes to the library will include a reimagined third floor and a totally new space for the kids library. The following are some of the improvements coming to the renovated library space. The most exciting addition of the third floor will be the outdoor terrace. Patrons will be able to read outside, enjoy a snack, or just relax. Weather permitting, library programming may take place on the terrace. The third-floor public space itself will be transformed into a performance space for programs and gatherings. Study rooms, a large conference room, and a gallery space will complete the space. The most user-friendly feature of the new library will be that the entire collection (comprising adult fiction and nonfiction, audiovisual materials, and the children’s and teen collections) will be situated on one floor. The kids library and the existing adult library will be brought together by new construction. The connector will not simply be a conduit or a hallway, it will be an integral part of the building, spanning the area between the kids and adult libraries over what is currently an unused courtyard. Children’s and teen displays and collections will mark the kids wing’s end, while adult displays and bestsellers will mark the entry to the adult wing. Seeing as the adult nonfiction area was equipped with new shelving in 2017, this area will not appear much differently than it does currently, save for a few cosmetic improvements. The adult fiction area will be outfitted with new lighting, paint, and other enhancements to improve its overall appearance. After construction is complete, an entrance at the top of the existing side ramp will lead directly into the new kids library space. The space formerly occupied as School District offices will be remade and repurposed as the new location of the library’s children’s and teen collections. Programming space will be enlarged and enhanced in this new configuration, browsing sections will be tailored to age groups, and all checkout/circulation functions that were available in the current kids library will remain intact. A children’s restroom in this area will be installed. Ease of use will be emphasized. With this convenient entrance and relocation, parents, kids, and families will no longer have to traverse two floors to get to the kids library. This section will effectively be considered self-contained. With the additional entrance, users won’t have to go through other parts of the building to get their library materials if they don’t wish to do so. Once everything is finished, the Upper St. Clair Township Library will be even more majestic than it is today. Until next time, Chris Renderings of the NextGen project are currently on display in the municipal building office and the first floor library lobby. They can also be viewed on the Township’s website at twpusc.org/renovation.

USC Township Library Hours (as of January 2022) Mondays: Tuesdays: Wednesdays: Thursdays: Fridays: Saturdays:

10 a.m.–7 p.m. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Outside book and video return available 24/7. Upper St. Clair Township Library staff would like to thank you for your patronage. Due to restrictions caused by the COVID pandemic, continue to check the library’s website for hours of operation.

412-835-5540 www.twpusc.org/library 60

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Adult Programs Adult Programs at the Library Guided Nature Hike with Allegheny County Parks Wednesday, April 6, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Location to be determined Explore the outdoors with a park ranger as your guide. Learn about local flora and fauna while getting outside, getting exercise, and enjoying our parks.

Try something new this year and register for one of the library’s adult programs. While things could change due to COVID restrictions, the library staff is aiming for every program to be in-person. To register, visit the library website at twpusc.org/library and click on the link to the program on the online calendar and complete the registration form. Registration can also be done by phone by calling the library at 412-835-5540.

Body Language—Skills for Interacting Thursday, April 14, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Library Multi-Purpose Room Join certified body language consultant Lauren Tan for this fascinating talk about body language. Have you ever wondered how to use body language to your advantage? There are many ways to up your interacting skills using body language. In this class, Lauren will teach you about body language fundamentals, universal facial expressions, and other tips and tricks that will help you increase your perceptiveness, charisma, and presence.

Pysanky—Ukrainian Easter Egg Decorating Workshop Saturday, April 9, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Library Multi-Purpose Room The decorating of pysanky, or Ukrainian Easter eggs, is an ancient and expressive form of folk art that has been passed down through generations. Using a wax-resist method, hot wax designs are written onto the shell of a raw egg with a special stylus called a kistka. The smooth symmetry of the egg lends itself to the inscription of beautiful, repeated patterns. Colors are added in a series of dye baths as more wax designs are added to complete the designs. After several rounds of writing and dyeing, the beeswax is melted from the egg to reveal the finished designs underneath. This workshop will enable participants to design and create a single unvarnished pysanka. Handouts and take-home instructions will be provided. A nominal fee for this program will be charged to cover materials.

The British Invasion and American Answer: A Musical Journey Wednesday, April 20, 6–7 p.m. Library Multi-Purpose Room Take a fun and nostalgic journey through the most iconic and greatest era of rock-and-roll history with author and pop culture historian Marty Gitlin. This presentation highlights performance videos of influential British Invasion superstars, including the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Kinks, Hollies, Dave Clark Five, and The Who, as well as American bands that provided a wonderful reply, including the Beach Boys, Mamas and Papas, Temptations, Byrds, Monkees, and Simon and Garfunkel. The program also discusses how these artists influenced pop culture and society, compares and contrasts the music, and includes trivia questions for patrons to ponder (including snippets of songs from which patrons must identify the band). The presentation will conclude with a question-and-answer period. This program is anticipated to be lots of fun, so join in! Spring 2022

The Opioid Epidemic in Western Pennsylvania Thursday, May 5, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Library Multi-Purpose Room Join Pitt’s deputy director of Community Health Initiatives, Brenda Hall Sciull, and director of Innovative Health Systems Initiatives, Sharon Sumansky, as they discuss how the opioid epidemic has impacted Western Pennsylvania.

Introduction to Calligraphy Tuesdays, June 7, 14, 21, 28; 1–3 p.m. Library Multi-Purpose Room This course is an introduction to the world of calligraphy via the Gothic (blackletter) script. This script allows students to acquire and appreciate fundamental calligraphic skills, including structure, pen angle, letter proportions, and counterspace. Using simple tools and materials, attendees will study both the lowercase and uppercase Gothic alphabet and complete a simple calligraphy project. Historical context for the Gothic font will be discussed. Beginner calligraphers are most welcome! Limited to 15 participants. Attendees will be responsible for purchasing their own supplies. A nominal fee for this program will be charged to cover materials.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Kids Programs Kids Library Programs Are Back! Storytime for Two-Year-Olds It’s time for stories, active rhymes, and songs. It’s a great way to have fun and interact with a caring adult. Caregivers must attend with their child. Storytime for Three-Year-Olds Join the library for fun stories, activities, and an art activity especially for three-year-olds. Caregivers must attend with their child. Storytime for Four and Five-Year-Olds Come and explore kid-friendly subjects and ideas, through stories and interactive activities. Caregivers must help their kids with the enrichment activity at the end of class. Listen Learn and Create for School Age Kids Kids in Kindergarten through grade four are invited to share fun stories, games, and activities. This class is held at 4:30 p.m., so that kids have time to go home after school before the activities begin. Math Mites for Four-and Five-Year-Olds Explore early math concepts with fun activities and stories. Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten for Rising Kindergartners This monthly program is for kids who will be attending Kindergarten in fall 2022. The classes will concentrate on skills to help young children successfully transition to Kindergarten.

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Spring 2022

Below you’ll find some of the programs offered this spring at the library. Registration is required for all library programs. Scan the QR code, visit the library website, or call the library for the current class list, dates, times, and registration.

Lemonade Stand Proceeds Benefit the Township Library Little Charlie Ferguson came home with a big idea after learning about charity and helping people in Frank McFerran’s second grade class at Baker Elementary. The seven-year-old told his mother, Serena, he wanted to sell lemonade and donate the money raised to the Upper St. Clair Township Library. One Sunday, after church and before a Steelers game, they set up a lemonade stand in their neighborhood. “Our neighbors were very supportive,” said Serena. Along with lemonade, Charlie sold iced tea and cookies. The young book lover raised a total of $92.50 for the library. “We are very appreciative, Charlie!” Charlie, at his lemonade stand exclaimed Chris Gmiter, library director. To make this kind act even sweeter, since the donation came in during the month of September, the Jack Buncher Foundation matched Charlie’s donation for the library. The library staff thanks Charlie, his family, and his neighbors for their support! n Charlie, presenting his donation to the library staff

ANSWER KEY: Green Eggs & Ham; Goodnight Moon; The Very Hungry Caterpillar; Charlotte’s Web; Where the Wild Things Are; The Cat in the Hat; The Little Engine That Could; One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish; Rainbow Fish; If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

Spring 2022

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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Buying a Home in 2022?

Know these terms Lynn Dempsey, Realtor®

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Spring 2022

• Keep cleaning products out of reach. Make sure kids and pets can’t get access to any cleaning product. • Be careful with the bucket. Even a couple inches of water can be a drowning risk for small children. Keep filled mop buckets away from kids. Store buckets empty and upside down. • Tread lightly. Walk carefully on just-mopped floors or steer clear until they’re completely dry to avoid a slipping hazard. • Climb with care. When using a ladder, ask someone to hold it. To maintain proper balance, avoid leaning too far to one side or the other. • Lift carefully. Moving furniture? Reference some helpful guidelines from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Ask for help from others when moving large objects. • Allergies? Wear rubber gloves and masks along with protective clothing to help prevent irritations and allergic reactions. While cleaning each room, you should also update your home inventory to keep it up to date and current for any potential future insurance claims. n Article provided by Cindy Brophy, State Farm® agent. See ad on page 69.

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Spring 2022

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

AROUND THE TOWNSHIP Reflections After 20 Years of Protecting Wingfield Pines Roy Kraynyk, ALT, VP of Land Protection & Capital Projects I first visited Wingfield Pines in February 2001, a few on gravity for the water to flow through it, and the natural process weeks after being hired as Allegheny Land Trust’s (ALT) first full- of oxidation, where the ferrous oxide brought to the surface distime executive director. ALT already had the land under contract solved in the mine drainage turns into ferric oxide when it comes to purchase by December of that year. in contact with free oxygen. The iron changes It was a cold and sunny day when I from a mineral dissolved in water to a nonwalked the site with an environmental toxic solid that you can see accumulating at engineer who was conducting a Phase One the bottom of the sediment ponds as sludge. Environmental Site Assessment. The remOne day, the iron sludge will be removed and nants of the former golf course tees, greens, potentially sold as pigment for paint, stain, and fairways were still visible, the swimand dye. ming pool was about half full and frozen, The challenge the designers faced was to the bathhouse and kitchen building were create a system in the available acreage for the Teacher training at Wingfield Pines still standing but vandalized, and a small mine water to flow at a slow enough rate to be clubhouse with great views of the green in the system long enough for the dissolved space stood vacant. iron to oxidize before exiting the system. What We made our way north, past sand traps, used to take about 40 minutes for the water ending up at the abandoned mine discharge to reach Chartiers Creek from where the mine (AMD) flowing from a six-foot diameter water originally surfaced now takes about 40 concrete pipe. The channel created a flow hours. So, by the time the mine water reaches approximately 100 yards away to Chartiers the creek, the iron has turned into a solid simiCreek, and was pure orange in color from lar to rust and has sunken to the bottom of the Planting trees the iron sludge that was being deposited ponds and “finishing wetlands” that work to there by the mine water for decades. I said filter the last particles of iron from the water. to the engineer, “I hope our property line The system is working wonderfully, and you ends before this mess.” can personally observe it by the orange color We followed the flow channel to its of pond #1 compared to the clarity of the water confluence with Chartiers Creek, where entering Chartiers Creek. the bottom of the creek was a normal color From the beginning, the design was inand an assembly of various sized stones. tended to foster education by integrating However, looking downstream, the creek trails, boardwalks, and interpretative signage bottom was just a solid mass of orange throughout the system so that anyone visiting An aerial view of the AMD treatment sludge—a dramatic difference. Later studies the land can learn about the history of the site, system at Wingfield Pines of Chartiers Creek by Duquesne University as well as the legacy of mine drainage left by showed a drastic difference in the amount and diversity of life in the the coal mining industry. creek, up and downstream of the AMD input. Soon after that walk, While I’ve only explored the history of acquiring the land and ALT had a boundary survey completed and discovered that the cleaning its water, many of you know the green space hosts more discharge was on the land that it had under contract to purchase. than just an AMD treatment system. Upcoming Events at Seven months later, the 9/11 terrorist attacks occurred, bringing Visitors will also find a wide variety Wingfield Pines much of the country—including our ALT nonprofit—to a halt. So, of songbirds, including several seathe board decided to use operating funds in response to halted fund- sonal migrating species, waterfowl, Sunday, March 20 raising activities to close on the land and protect it by the December amphibians, reptiles, insects, and 7:30–8:30 p.m. Spring Equinox Starlight Stroll deadline. ALT became the proud owner of Wingfield Pines, which plants at the green space. Addition- $5/person was, and still is, one of ALT’s most popular green spaces, providing ally, attendees to our environmental Saturday, May 14 environmental, recreational, and other public benefits. education events onsite can learn 8–10 a.m. As the new owners of this AMD discharge-laden site, ALT got much more about the site’s flora World Migratory Bird Day $5/person to work planning remediation efforts to fix the site’s issues. Over and fauna. the course of about three years, we raised funds for a feasibility ALT looks forward to another Saturday, May 14 study and for the subsequent design, permitting, and construction 20 years of protecting this land, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. of the AMD Treatment System that you can see there today. and to making many more strides Bird Study Merit Badge The first drop of water into the system was in July 2009. It in maintaining, improving, and $20/Scout For information and has been flowing ever since, except for two years when ALT had programming on this special green registration, visit: to raise funds to redesign the system to fix an underground mine space in our community. n alleghenylandtrust.org/events. collapse that damaged the original system. To this day, the system requires no energy or chemicals. It relies —Photos courtesy of Lindsay Dill, ALT marketing communications director 70

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2022

Al and Ted’s Second Big Adventure Mary Lynne Spazok

I n J u l y 2021, Al in 1872. Nearby Bannock Ford on the Yellowstone River was an Iaconis and Ted Spazok were essential travel route for notable native Americans, the Crow on the road again. Previously and Sioux nations. Historically, the 1800s marked a time of vast reported, the first “Big Adventure” exploration, expansion due to fledgling wealth-seeking miners featured in Traveling with TODAY shad- and inquisitive Europeans looking for western homesteads. owed the route of Lewis and Clark. This year’s On the final day ten, 365 miles were added, which ended in Border to Border Posse Ride was an epic ten-day 2600+ mile Missoula, Montana, via the Canadian border bypass V2. Visited, journey from the border of Texas at El Paso north to Missoula, as well, was the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, the Montana. This once-in-a-life- union of Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada and Glacier time experience, sponsored National Park in the U.S. Both parks are declared Biosphere b y t h e H a r l e y O w n e r s Reserves by UNESCO and as World Heritage sites. Here, as in all Group (HOG), traversed the national parks, visitors are advised to enjoy wildlife at a distance. spine of the majestic Rocky Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, Mountains north to the and exposes them to predators Canadian border. and other dangers. Bright yellow Along the way, 13 Harley flyers assert that “A fed bear is a Ted, with TODAY at White Davidson dealerships hosted dead bear!” It illustrates a moose, Sands National Park, New Mexico evening events, as well as a Grizzly, and a black bear. How cycle maintenance “on demand.” Arrival day one celebrated an close is too close? It is advised to opening ceremony with an outing to the infamous Rosa’s Cantina. stay at least 100 yards (eight tour According to legend, it is here that a love-struck cowboy gunned buses) from bears and wolves and down another in a jealous rage. Onward, day two in New Mexico for all others, 25 yards (2.5 tour featured the Mexican Canyon trestle, offering spectacular views buses) away. Designated observaof the White Sands National Park. Day three highlighted the tion zones are secure for viewing Old Lincoln County Courthouse, made famous as Billy the Kid’s and photos. Ted, holding TODAY along jailhouse break. In addition, Los Burros De Carrizozo, a small, Keep in mind that motorcycle Beartooth Pass, Wyoming but celebrated town, extends a scavenger hunt to visitors of the daily excursions on this trip can many fiberglass burros situated around the town’s two streets. vary between 200 to 400 miles and two to seven and a half hours Durango was the destination for day four. There, one can visit ride time, depending on the weather and terrain. So, how did Camel Rock Monument, Santuario de Chimayo built in 1816, Al and Ted amass 7000+ miles? Beside the HOG-planned 2600 the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, and Chimney Rock. Although a miles, their itinerary, which started in Pittsburgh, took them non-activity night, day five featured a to Lexington, Kentucky, westward As you grow older, you’ll find south visit to the world’s highest Harley store, to Branson, Missouri, a stop at Fort Sill Silverton Harley-Davidson, then a mean- the only things you regret are (U.S. Army Post) in Lawton, Oklahoma, der over to Doc Holiday’s Saloon. Days six and then on to El Paso, Texas, a route the things you didn’t do. and seven tallied more than 443 foothill that is a bit more than 2000 miles each —actor Zachary Scott miles to Loveland, Colorado. Here, Estes way. Overall, the weather cooperated with Park, home base for the Rocky Mountain National Park, is native clear skies, no measurable precipitation, and temperature highs country to wildlife, including elk and bear, plus miles of perilous between 60 and 90 degrees. trails. The park’s Trail Ridge Road winds past craggy peaks, forests, With the coming of summer 2022, Al and Ted look forward and tundra. Nearby is the wilderness area of Roosevelt National to planning their next bike adventure, with destinations yet to Forest. The Estes Park Aerial Tramway summit of Prospect be determined. Mountain affords breathtaking valley views below. Never owned or rented a motorcycle? Now is the time! Take From Cody, Wyoming, Bozeman, Montana, was the next point a Harley Davidson new rider of interest and home to Belgrade Beartooth Pass, elevation 10,947 course to apply learned skills feet, via Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. At this point, northeast of riding safely and with conYellowstone National Park (Tower-Roosevelt) is accessible with fidence. Wisdom is knowledge a park pass purchased in advance. The 132-foot drop of Tower gained by having experiences in Creek, framed by eroded volcanic pinnacles, has been documented life. A Posse ride affords plenty by park visitors from the earliest trips of explorers into the of freedom to choose your own Yellowstone region. Its idyllic setting has inspired numerous way. No matter where your artists, including Thomas Moran, an American painter and interests lie, resolve to check printmaker of the New York Hudson River School. His career off one from your bucket list Al and Ted roadside at Glacier showcased the Rocky Mountains, and his painting of Tower Fall in 2022. n National Park, Montana played a role in the establishment of Yellowstone National Park Spring 2022

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Ship Atlantis replicating landing on the Moon

Space Adventure This past November, a visit to the Kennedy Space Center was, well, out of this world! A few miles north of Cape Canaveral, Florida, it was an exploration for all ages. Visiting just one week after a private rocket launch, you could still feel the excitement. An important first stop was to the information booth, where an attendee shared insight about the events and made suggestions for mapping out the day’s exploration. Heading first to the Heroes and Legends exhibit that celebrates the pioneers of NASA’s early space exploration programs, the next stop was to the IMAX theater for a presentation about Artemis, the renewed space exploration activity that NASA is undertaking. A full-scale model of Orion, a spacecraft under construction and development for the Artemis program that might one day carry astronauts to Mars, is prominently displayed onsite. Full-scale model of NASA’s Boarding a bus for a short excursion to the Apollo/Saturn Orion spacecraft V Center, authentic artifacts of the Apollo missions were displayed, as well as the space shuttle Atlantis which hung from Original NASA control the ceiling. Here you can learn about NASA’s space program’s room, with screens depictearly importance to the world and relive the final few moments ing the lift off of Apollo 11 in the actual control room leading up to the first words ever at 26 seconds. spoken from the surface of the moon by Neil Armstrong during the Apollo 11 One small step for man. mission, where he One giant leap for mankind. exclaimed, “… the Eagle has landed.” —Neil Armstrong, the first Returning to man on the moon, the visitor’s center, September 1959 Life magazines focus on July 16, 1969 and driving past the U.S. astronauts and their wives VAB (vehicle assembly building), the largest one-story building in the world, you can also see the actual missile launch pad sites in the distance that are situated on The Artemis Program protected beachfront property along the Atlantic The Artemis program is a U.S.-led international human spaceflight program. Ocean. Its primary goal is to return humans to the Moon, specifically to the lunar The center provides a number of places to grab a south pole, by 2025. If successful, it will include the first crewed lunar landing bite of food and recharge, as well as interactive play mission since Apollo 17 in 1972, the last lunar flight of the Apollo program. areas for young explorers. While visiting the center, The Artemis program began December 2017 as the reorganization and conpets can be housed in the onsite air-conditioned tinuation of successive efforts to revitalize the U.S. space program since 2009. kennel, free of charge. Its short-term goal is to land the first woman on the Moon. Mid-term objectives Historic space flight is being bolstered by private include establishing an international expedition team and a sustainable human entrepreneurial exploits by Sir Richard Branson of presence on the Moon. Long-term objectives are laying the foundations for Virgin Galactic, Jeff Bezos of Blue Origin, and Elon the extraction of lunar resources, and eventually, making crewed missions to Musk of SpaceX. Carving out a piece of the fledging Mars and beyond feasible. space tourism industry, travel to the heavens will The Artemis program is carried out predominantly by NASA and U.S. comsurely continue and escalate for thrill seekers, as mercial spaceflight contractors, in partnership with the European Space Agency well as for NASA. n and space agencies of several other nations. For more information, visit kennedyspacecenter.com.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2022

Dakotas Offer a View of American History On a mission to find a geocache in every state, Kerry Turner, accompanied by TODAY and a couple friends, took a road trip to North Dakota. The first geocache she found in that state was hidden along a portion of the North Country Trail as it passed through the Sheyenne National Grasslands. While in North Dakota, Kerry and companions also visited the world’s largest Sandhill Crane statue and the world’s largest buffalo monument. On their way home, they traveled through Deadwood, South Dakota, where they spent the evening at the 1899 Inn and visited Moriah Cemetery and the burial plots of Wild Bill, Calamity Jane, and Marshall Seth Bullock. Before leaving Deadwood, the small group hiked Friendship Tower on Mount Roosevelt for some beautiful vistas. Before beelining it back to Upper St. Clair, a visit to Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, Wall Drug, and the Minuteman Missile national historic site rounded out the whirlwind trip. n

The world’s largest Sandhill crane statue in Steele, North Dakota

The world’s largest buffalo monument in Jamestown, North Dakota Kerry Turner at Moriah Cemetery in Deadwood, South Dakota

Traveling Locally to Volunteer

Instructions for Traveling with TODAY Read the following criteria to find out how to submit information. • Clear, close-up digital photo of USC resident(s) holding his or her TODAY magazine. • Attach jpg (at least 300 dpi) and send via email, including required information (see below) in the body of the email. • List name(s) of resident(s), group, and specific photo location, and objective of visit (leisure, volunteer, career, etc.) or stay-athome project. • Include email address or phone number should further contact be necessary. • Email information to usctoday@uscsd.k12. pa.us, with “TODAY” listed in subject line.

While dressed in festive win-

ter holiday attire, Paul Fox traveled with TODAY in hand on his rounds at nearby St. Clair Health. Since retiring from the Upper St. Clair School District, Paul volunteers his time and is a member of the red-coat volunteers, helping wheechair-bound patients in, out, and around the hospital. As Paul says, “This is a heart-warming chance to help others during times of their greatest needs.” To learn more about volunteering at St. Clair Health, call Sharon Stander, director of Volunteer Services, at 412-942-2085. n

Paul Fox holds up a copy of the TODAY magazine and also helps distribute them throughout the hospital’s waiting rooms. Spring 2022

Note: Submitted photos and information for this feature section will remain on file for upcoming editions until published. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Horses with Hope Animals Return in May Kristin Culp, Horses with Hope In just a couple of months, the Horses with Hope animals will return to the historic barns and fields of Gilfillan Farm. In addition to the herd grazing the fields last year, this year will include a few new arrivals of the Halflinger breed. When driving or walking around Gilfillan Farm, look for their striking chestnut coat color and light mane. The Haflinger is a small horse, standing just under 15 hands, with ancestors dating back to the Middle Ages in Austria and northern Italy, where farmers and villagers relied on them to access narrow mountain paths. Today’s Haflingers trace back to a stallion named Folie in 1874. From the late 1800s throughout the World Wars, Haflingers were bred and crossbred for variations in height and frame. Today’s Halflingers are primarily bred for leisure and recreation. Their calm nature and size make them a perfect fit for therapeutic riding. One of the horses returning to Gilfillan Farm this year is Miracles, a six-yearold Haflinger gelding. Miracles 360 Foundation, a nonprofit providing support for therapeutic programs and families, provided funding to Horses with Hope for his purchase and gifted him the name Miracles. Horses with Hope is excited to bring Miracles into the program this year and knows he will be a favorite among participants. In preparation for the start of therapeutic riding at the end of May, work is in progress to construct a covered round pen to provide protection from the elements and reduce the number of program cancellations due to weather. In addition to therapeutic riding, Horses with Hope

Miracles

Rendering of a covered round pen

will offer three weeks of summer camp this year. Visit https://www.horseswithhope. org/summercamp for more information. Fundraising Opportunities Save the dates and stay tuned for more information on upcoming Horses with Hope fundraising events. Attend the walk with Horses with Hope at The Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community 2022 on Saturday, May 7 at Heinz Field. Ladies, get your hats, and gents, get your ties ready for the Belmont Jewel on Saturday, June 11 at St. Clair Country Club, while you watch the Belmont Run for the Carnations, and enjoy a wonderful evening of cocktails, appetizers, dinner, games, and raffles. Then, on Sunday, November 13, get ready for raffles, bowling, and pizza at the annual Horses with Hope bowling fundraiser at the Meadows Lanes. Volunteer Opportunities Be a part of the Horses with Hope team this year as a volunteer. “I have been volunteering at Horses with Hope for more than ten years,” said Jackie Rutledge. “When I go there, I disconnect from all the stresses in my life and connect with the horses, riders, their families, and fellow volunteers. This program is therapeutic for everyone involved, including me; it is a place to heal. Since I’ve been volunteering, I’ve

noticed that I have become calmer, more focused, and physically and emotionally better. Horses with Hope means the world to me. It is an amazing program and my happy place!” Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age and are welcome in the areas of riding programs, grounds help, sensory garden, fundraising, community events, and more. Come by yourself, bring your family, or attend as a group to help make a difference at Horses with Hope. n

Volunteer Jackie

For more information on the Horses with Hope programs and volunteer opportunities, visit www.horseswithhope.org.

Meet Rocky

A Haflinger at Horses with Hope Rocky

A group of volunteers 74

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2022

True to his breed personality, Rocky is full of character and charisma. Extremely intelligent, he easily adapts to change. While he may act like a grumpy old man in the pasture, Rocky is a huge fan of the attention that the kids give him. n

Welcome to Providence Point, a 62+ Life Plan Community designed especially for you—for the way you live now, with the added peace of mind you want for your future. We put wellness and exceptional healthcare* at the center of all we do, along with offering spacious residences and unparalleled amenities.

Pittsburgh’s Premier Retirement Community

*Providence Point Healthcare Residence was recently rated as one of the Best Nursing Homes in the USA by US News & World Report.

500 Providence Point Boulevard | Pittsburgh, PA 15243 | www.ProvidencePoint.org

A Move at the Right Time Can Change Your Life PP Ad-USCSpring2022.indd 1

1/26/2022 1:48:37 PM

Marilyn Walsh, Baptist Homes Society

Years ago, retirement tended to signal “the beginning of gives me the perfect blend of privacy and social interaction. It’s the end.” That is no longer the case. Today’s older adult sees my call,” she added. Adeline remains active in the larger community and is also retirement as a time for reinvention, a time to discover new purpose, and a beginning to a whole new chapter in life. Retirees are quite the host, holding domino socials, card games, and movie seeking new opportunities to maintain their health, enjoy time nights. She refers to her move to Providence Point as “a fantastic with family, discover new purposes and meaning to life, and find investment.” “It’s security knowing there is something there, just in case peace of mind for their future care needs. Life plan communities (LPCs), like Providence Point in Scott Township, know this and you need it,” said Adeline. An insurance policy almost. “I suggest you come before you need it because there’s a lot of fun here,” offer residents a lifestyle that meets their needs. Resident Adeline Rennekamp likes to tell her story about she added. n moving to Providence Point. She reserved an apartment in Hamilton Tower two years ago, before the newest residential living tower at Providence Point was completed. While she waited, she began to get involved in the community and formed what she calls “a close-knit sorority with her soon-to-be neighbors.” What happened once they all moved in? These ladies were ready to enjoy their new lifestyle. Rennekamp says “I never feel like I’m in a senior community. I feel like I am in a very active village that is constantly growing!” Dividing her time between golf, cornhole, bocce, or getting a few laps in the pool, Adeline is immersed in an inviting and Adeline Rennekamp interactive community that also offers peace and solitude when needed. “Single apartment living See ad for Providence Point, a Baptist Homes Society community, on this page. Spring 2022

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Medallion Ball Honorees

Gracious, Dedicated, Gifted

Spring is a glorious time of celebrates a most versatile, yet sophisticated, article of clothing— year. From darkness to increasing the dress? That year, couturier Ashley Lauren founded National light and cold to warmth, the sun Dress Day to pay homage to magical moments. Although frock radiates to explode in bursts of color. styles constantly evolve, their beauty continues to enhance, most The traditions and rituals of this especially at gala celebrations. Ms. Lauren asserts, “To me, this season reflect rebirth and rejuvenation. day is about empowering women to celebrate femininity and After many snowy days and lingering frosty cherish memories of wearing dresses. It’s the women and their nights, daylight thaws the earth and encourages sleepy creatures stories behind the dresses that make this day so special. Dresses to awaken. Springtime also inspires hopefulness. But, what if you aren’t going to change the world, the women who wear them will.” Regardless of age, background, personality, or skill set, all teens arise only to find an absence of volunteer spirit and commitment? Sadly, volunteerism has declined in recent years, and have unique gifts to share and contribute during their young lives. This year, the honorees’ time and talents circumstances have indeed transformed the have enriched Friendship Village, Girl landscape of benevolence. But not for the Medallion honorees of St Lucy’s Auxiliary to Alone we can do so little; Scouts of America, Horses with Hope, Janet Dance, Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh the Blind. Eighteen Upper St. Clair Township together we can do so Hayes Pride All Star Cheer, religious education, St. high school seniors (17 from Upper St. Clair High School and one from Oakland Catholic) much.—Helen Keller John Capistran Faith Formation, Spencer Family YMCA, The Thomas Dance Studio, met the four-year challenge of 150+ volunteer and USC Youth Cheer, among others. New hours. These young women symbolize compassion, self-discipline, and spiritual awareness. Each of additions for 2021 were Samaritan’s Purse, a nondenominational their hours was decisive, a gift that fashionably stirs momentum Christian organization that brings great joy to children worldwide via “Operation Shoebox.” To minimize hunger is an attempt within our community. Speaking of fashion, an honoree chooses her presentation to secure a healthier America, and the communal spirit at St. gown with that in mind. Did you know that since 2016, March 6 Winifred’s Food Pantry supports both traditional and virtual

Maya Burlingame

Katherine Clark

Talia Ivol

Sydney Kirk

Kathleen Kobeski

Maggie Lowden

Briella Mammana

Isabella Marasco

Carmella McNally

Quincy Pitcairn

Sofia Putorti

Emma Redlinger

Hannah Rieger

Stephanie Spina

Lily Tarcson

Madeline Tomsheck

Kendall Wright

Brooke Yates

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2022

The group of honorees who attend Upper St. Clair High School

food drives. And, finally, Beverly’s Birthdays spreads cheer 365 days a year for homeless children and families in need. It just goes to show that for every setback, there is an opposite, equal brighter side. Behind each honoree is the overwhelming and noticeable encouragement from loving families, friends, educators, clerics, and the inclusive community of Upper St. Clair. Proceeds from the 58th Medallion Ball benefit the Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh. Officiating the presentation of the Joan of Arc medallion to the honorees was Bishop David Zubik of the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese. A big thank you to Upper St. Clair Medallion Ball chairpersons Audrey Reilly and her daughters (both former Medallion honorees), Jessica and Megan Reilly. Their dedication and passion fashioned a stellar event. Committing endless hours, their teamwork and perseverance were appreciated. Other USC residents who played key roles in the ball this year were Maureen McDonough, emcee, and Pamela Barsotti, choreographer for the presentation and owner of Borelli Dance Gallery. Honoree escorts, in alphabetical order, included Samuel Carson, William Closser III, Jack Crouthamel, Felipe Curi, Dimitri Geronimos, John Hernandez-Brown, Cole Jooste, Ian Kirk, Jack Lowden, Liborio Mammana, Connor O’Neill, Nicholas Moretti, Henry Rainone, Joseph Shoutz III, Kevin Stief, Tyson Swigart, and Griffin Tomsheck. n Article courtesy of Mary Lynne Spazok. Since 1997, Mary Lynne has proudly showcased hundreds of stellar Medallion honorees throughout the pages of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. We thank her for her continued commitment to this endeavor. Photos graciously provided by Maxine McGough of Ron Richards Studio.

MT. LEBANON RECREATION CENTER ATTENTION UPPER ST. CLAIR RESIDENTS

SKATE at the MT. LEBANON RECREATION CENTER Open Year Round with Something for Everyone Learn-to-Skate Classes Beginner & Advanced Hockey Clinics Hockey Leagues Youth Developmental Middle School Varsity Adult Public Skating Summer Development Skating School Adult Skating & Instructional Programs Broomball Summer Camps

Ball chairs, left to right, Megan Reilly, Jessica Reilly, Audrey Reilly

Call the Recreation Center at 412-561-4363 for times and rates Or visit us online at www.mtlebanon.org Spring 2022

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

On Stage with Jim and Lanny Tune in to 15241 TODAY talk “On Stage with Jim and Lanny” to enjoy the half-hour broadcast that engages local celebrities and people with ties to USC. Through light-hearted, friendly conversations, the show is co-hosted by Jim Render and Lanny Frattare and aired on USC’s TV stations, Cable 7 or Verizon 42. The broadcast can also be viewed at any time using a computer or handheld device. Search YouTube for “Upper St. Clair Public Access Television” to choose the broadcast you’d like to watch, or visit USC Township’s website (www.twpusc.org) and click on USC Cable TV under the “Community” subhead to see the current program schedule. Links to all videos are also shared on Upper St. Clair School District’s athletic website (https://upperstclairathletics.com). Highlights from our October 2021 interviews accompany this feature story. If you enjoy this broadcast, contact TODAY at usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us and voice your opinion. If you visit the online version of TODAY ’s spring 2022 edition at www.twpusc.org/usctoday, you can access this page and click the live links to the interview(s) of your choice. n

Enjoy an entertaining half-hour with Pat and Nancy McDonnell, owners of A t r i a ’s a n d Nancy and Pat McDonnell Juniper Grill restaurants. Blessed to be involved in the communities they serve, learn how they got into the restaurant business and about the history of the flagship Mt. Lebanon Atria’s store. Best of all, find out where their newest store is scheduled to open in early 2022. YouTube links for all guests appearing on 15241 TODAY talk, “On Stage with Jim & Lanny” since initial airing in May 2019. Jim Render/Part 1 https://youtu.be/ceA5lmyB9_o Jim Render/Part 2 https://youtu.be/7dE8W7MXlHQ USC Chiefs of Police Bryson and Wharton https://youtu.be/0GWNTM1oYRo Steve Blass https://youtu.be/ulB7HuPQh38 Kent Tekulve https://youtu.be/FaLYLOcLswE Jerry Berteotti https://youtu.be/Hn89yQPo2XU Lanny Frattare https://youtu.be/OVIDXc1cYEA Phil Newcamp https://youtu.be/Ko-YfWhAzgM Dr. Kevin Deitrick https://youtu.be/hu4bCpgAk4Q D. Michael Fisher https://youtu.be/D1SR_zjGiqI Grant Jackson https://youtu.be/R5j-0jL76w0 Suzie McConnell-Serio https://youtu.be/zmR5VMh1w40 Sean Casey https://youtu.be/6wvnI-0bltM Pat Palazzolo https://youtu.be/aC3fnQl-p7o Danny Holzer https://youtu.be/RovaBAkqXu0 78

Mark Miller, USC’s Supervisor of Elementary Education since 2014 and principal of Eisenhower Elementary School since 2002, is at the Mark Miller helm of instruction for USC students K–4. Using the philosophy “If it were my child...” to understand and interact with all students and their families, he is great at what he does. In 2010, he was honored to be Pennsylvania’s National Distinguished Elementary School Principal.

Eddie Johnston https://youtu.be/yhbVhnvM62U District Magistrate Ronald Arnoni https://youtu.be/AIEzC5dON5A Gene Steratore https://youtu.be/GFIJ2E1x9LU Angela Petersen https://youtu.be/kF6vm1w1x-E Jim Leyland https://youtu.be/Mvs6luSfaDU Dave Schraven https://youtu.be/_WHQNHLarqg Missie Berteotti https://youtu.be/9r32ZEvt52s Dr. John Rozzo https://youtu.be/DNAL0uxOsDc Dr. Terry Kushner https://youtu.be/nInWcvJsKh8 Jerry Malarkey https://youtu.be/LgGJbrhLHYs Tim O’Malley https://youtu.be/l0ggzyhKblg Jim O’Brien https://youtu.be/KAaXHSv2IxM Von Campanella https://youtu.be/8Y1KApyV2Zw Josh Helmrich https://youtu.be/gbmen62gOgk Tony Accamando https://youtu.be/YJbAouEkWTY Todd Flynn https://youtu.be/yqhmfbJDQMU Craig Wolfley https://youtu.be/bHX3HO7jcK8

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2022

While a student at North Allegheny, Ben Edwards became involved with that school’s Speech & Debate (S&D) team, and he’s never looked back! Ben has Ben Edwards taken USC’s S&D team from a mere six students to 175, now the second largest S&D team in Pennsylvania. A social studies teacher at USC High School and advancing the curriculum to include heightened civic engagement among students, Ben affirms that “education is never finished.”

COVID 19 discussion https://youtu.be/-nxigTAhJfw Mike White https://youtu.be/ZvSDNXRCwRw Doug Whaley https://youtu.be/GO4PyX8l5ZE Ryan Huzjak https://youtu.be/ZGq6_JcdwnQ Don Rebel https://youtu.be/yT4k4fjSxPc John Banaszak https://youtu.be/qLPUGWJudio Mark Gentile https://youtu.be/b1v4GOcX1o0 John Sakoian https://youtu.be/_RuFCvATAOc Matthew Serakowski https://youtu.be/TlxLGPyUf2M Dr. Timothy Wagner https://youtu.be/Z4dG5_cnan4 Rich Donnelly https://youtu.be/8FykZLeKUmw Amy Scheuneman https://youtu.be/EtpLmiCXk04 Rep. Natalie Mihalek https://youtu.be/T9FPo__qVz4 John Steigerwald https://youtu.be/S7Ha5NN3FEw Kevin Orie https://youtu.be/wHKmmDFNETU Joe David https://youtu.be/MM6nQo5BIlk Matthew Serakowski and Dr. John Rozzo https://youtu.be/k-U1-zz-IEo

The Mascaro brothers https://youtu.be/bgCnBBWZrsw Pete Serio https://youtu.be/n03lpqEYIog Joe DeMar https://youtu.be/NQjLrGl8x04 Coaches round table https://youtu.be/DHNK1q7KYWE Gordon Mathews https://youtu.be/2SiuwKrLVKQ Amy Pfender ttps://youtu.be/Va72gRGtD3Y Sports broadcasters https://youtu.be/cjiAQojvz10 Dr. Jack Failla https://youtu.be/H1cF8OtDfEY Josh Matheny https://youtu.be/I3y5vol3yh8 Pam Dillie https://youtu.be/Azupdsep6iA Chris Gmiter https://youtu.be/T6k9bFvDMro Mel Blount https://youtu.be/elsHEhYBt3Y Mike Junko https://youtu.be/qTObjMCi8v8 Pat and Nancy McDonnell https://youtu.be/fdqrhfpslsA Mark Miller https://youtu.be/HyJE1zL9eRo Ben Edwards https://youtu.be/g8215UuuEZ0

Calabro Tire & Auto Service (412) 221-4300 www.calabrotire.com 1476 Bower Hill Rd. Family Owned Since 1941

ES ALL S MIL & DANCING A PLACE WHERE THEY CAN DREAM & GROW

Safe refers to wet braking when tires are new and worn to 3/32”. All tires eventually wear out and should be replaced. Based on internal wet braking tests from 50 MPH using new tires and tires buffed to 3/32” in tire size 235/55R18 on a 2020 Toyota RAV4 against the Continental® CrossContact™ LX25 and the Goodyear® Assurance® WeatherReady®; and in size 215/55R17 on a 2019 Toyota Camry against the Bridgestone® Turanza™ QuietTrack™ tire and the Continental® PureContact™ LS tire; using the MICHELIN® CrossClimate®2 tire. Actual on-road results may vary.

Based on third-party snow traction tests using ASTM Test Method F1805-12, using tires buffed to 3/32” remaining tread depth. When compared to Standard Reference Test Tire (SRTT), in size 235/55R18 the MICHELIN® CrossClimate®2 tire scored 93 compared against the Continental® CrossContact™ LX25 tire, which scored 63, and the Goodyear® Assurance® WeatherReady® tire, which scored 65; and when compared to SRTT, in size 215/55R17 the MICHELIN® CrossClimate®2 tire scored 90 when compared against the Bridgestone® Turanza™ QuietTrack™, which scored 62, and the Continental® PureContact™ LS, which scored 59. Actual on-road results may vary.

Riley Moorhead Upper St. Clair, Freshman

Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri 8:00am - 5:00pm; Sat. 8am - noon

New Chief at Tri-Community South EMS Tri-Community South EMS se-

lected Chris Matek as its new EMS chief. Chris started his first day in this role last October after the retirement of past director Nora Helfrich. Chris has been in emergency services for more than 35 years as a paramedic and firefighter. His career started in Harlem and New York City before he moved west to the Chicago Fire Department, and later to Minnesota. “Throughout my career, I have been involved in several areas of public Chris Matek safety, from municipal, hospital, and fire-based EMS, to local and federal service with the Department of Natural Resources,” he said. “Along with teaching both EMS and fire programs, I was in Minnesota’s inaugural class of community paramedics (CP), and have been involved as a CP at the local and state level for more than a decade.” Chris said he and his family are looking forward to getting to know Pittsburgh’s South Hills community. “People here have been very friendly and genuine. I really appreciate that,” said Chris. n

111 washington avenue 412-257-2000 dance@thomasdance.com bridgeville, pa 15017

The World Has Changed. The Risk of Colorectal Cancer Has Not.

Jennifer Harvey, Southwest Gastroenterology Associates A colorectal cancer screening can save your life. Screenings dropped an estimated 90% with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The decline in testing has put thousands of people at risk for a missed diagnosis or delayed treatment for a disease that can be prevented. March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, and the American Cancer Society recently recommended adults without a family history of colon cancer begin screening at age 45, since young onset is prevailing. Most insurance companies now cover this recommendation. Knowing the facts will help in prevention. On average, one in 23 men and one in 25 women are at risk for colorectal cancer over the course of their lives. It is the third most diagnosed cancer in the U.S. With a screening, early detection is achievable. Southwest Gastroenterology Associates’ primary goal is to help patients improve their overall digestive health. Its doctors are available to handle all your GI needs, as well as preventative procedures, including colorectal cancer screenings. To achieve better outcomes, it is important to practice early detection. Remember, tomorrow will not wait. n See ad for Southwest Gastroenterology Associates on page 5.

Spring 2022

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

CFUSC Health Initiative Supports Color Crawl & Gratitude 5K

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2022

Reaching for the Future The Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair kicked off 2022 with a fresh outlook, and a committed and renewed energy to perpetuate the ideals of its visionary founders. So many things have changed since 1993 when CFUSC was formed to support opportunities that were not funded by tax dollars. Areas of focus have shifted over the years along with growth in the community. Since 2019, CFUSC has been analyzing everything about the organization, from its By-Laws to its logo, from paper to electronic media, Gordon Mathews and Gary Giallonardo and how to address the impact of so much change over time. In 2021, the Trustees conducted a legal review to bring the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws into compliance with current government regulations for charitable 501(c)(3) organizations, examined finances, the awarding of grants, and streamlining operations. The Board is now engaged in strategic planning to sustain the Foundation as we look ahead to the next 30 years. President Gordon Mathews and Trustee Gary Giallonardo recently launched a brainstorming session with the Board to highlight a vision with a future-forward focus, to recharge the mission of CFUSC and to assess the current needs of the community. While the Board is excited with this “inside out” process and ongoing strengthening of the organization, CFUSC is always here to bring engagement and enrichment to the community, and to support unique projects. Consider becoming a Volunteer or a Trustee. Applications are available at https://www.cfusc.org/trustee-application. Submit a grant application, which can be found at https://www.cfusc.org/grants. Most importantly, contact any Trustee to ask about your Community Foundation and how you can become part of the synergy. CFUSC brainstorms in a hybrid session

2022 Board of Trustees

Cozy Up With Books Gordon Mathews, President - gmathews@cfusc.org Multipurpose Room Justin Schmidt, Vice president - jschmidt@cfusc.org Go to https://twpusc.libcal.com/event/8597838 Jennifer Dempsey, Secretary - jdempsey@cfusc.org Bruce Nelson, Treasurer - bnelson@cfusc.org Paul Fox, Communications pfox@cfusc.org “A single mother’s personal, unflinching look at America’s class divide, a description of the tightrope Gary Giallonardo - ggiallonardo@cfusc.org many families walk just to get by, and a reminder of Theresa Kish - tkish@cfusc.org the dignity of all work.” Danielle Pirain - dpirain@cfusc.org -President Barack Obama Adina Schiffman - aschiffman@cfusc.org Ryan Scureman - rscureman@cfusc.org

Blankets Are Back and Even Better Than Before! These ever-popular Community Foundation Panther Blankets are available again. They are still that amazing silky plush, that is washable and warm, and now they have double-sided art work. They are beyond comparison, and when the supply ran out we just had to order more to meet the demand. Blankets can be ordered through the CFUSC website. Tax is included in the purchase price and every blanket will be delivered to you personally by a smiling member of the Board of Trustees. Spring 2022

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Profiles

of people with a USC connection

Know of a resident to profile? Send information to: Editor,

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 or

usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us.

Summer Rothrock founded Leo and Lynn Jewelry in 2019, with a mission to create high quality, handmade jewelry to celebrate the magic of every day. Each piece of jewelry is designed and made in her home studio in Upper St. Clair. Her passion for casual jewelry comes from the belief that women deserve to have every day jewelry that works as hard as they do: jewelry that is lightweight, easy to wear, and made with high quality nickel-free metals. Summer Rothrock Summer has been making jewelry since she was a child, and started her entrepreneurial journey with a friendship bracelet stand in her front yard. Her grandfather was her best customer. Family is important to Summer and her small business. Her two children and husband, Michael, often help with packaging orders, local deliveries, and pop up events. Being able to involve her family in her small business drives Summer to keep growing her business and support the dreams of fellow women-owned small businesses. Summer sources her materials from women-owned small businesses, and loves the relationships she’s built through entrepreneurship. Summer designs jewelry that is classic with a touch of sparkle. She hand mixes and pours her resin designs and often uses glitter, glass shards, dried flowers, or gemstone chunks in her resin designs to create texture and a truly unique design. Leo and Lynn Jewelry features classic collection designs that are available all year and limited edition seasonal collections available in small batches. The limited collections are launched regularly and often sell out quickly. Summer wants her customers to feel like their jewelry was made by their friend—because it was! Each piece of jewelry is made with love and a commitment to celebrating the magic of your every day. Visit www.leolynnjewelry.com for a current jewelry selection.

Executor Services LLC (ES) was founded to support executors and executrixes navigate the complicated and stressful environments of estates. Founder Chuck O’Neill has firsthand experience of being an executor, and that experience led him to create Executor Services, with the intent of helping executors deal with the complex and time-consuming duties that are required. The average executor will spend in excess of 600 hours administering an estate. Managing an estate requires knowledge, as well as experience dealing with estate attorneys, insurance, financial planners, banks, real estate agents, contractors, appraisers, and more. ES’s team of professionals can dramatically reduce the overall effort required by executors to administer an estate by managing, guiding, and executing the executor’s day-to-day tasks, as well as maintain formal record keeping with efficiency and timeliness. ES’s goal is to take on the business aspects of the estate, allowing the executor to use his time to deal with the emotional and stressful situations that can occur due to the loss of a loved one. In addition to preforming tasks, ES will also provide a level of security and identity theft protections, which are essential components of today’s technological world. ES’s team of professionals offer a wide range of experiences and skills essential to addressing all the various aspects of an estate. Located in Upper St. Clair at 37 McMurray Road, visit www.executorservices.com for more information or to book a consultation. Paul Massimino and Brian Horner are following their 23-year dream of owning their own restaurant. This past November, their long-lasting dream became a reality when they opened All American Bistro. A hidden gem at Pinebridge Commons in Upper St. Clair, the restaurant strives to create an old school menu with a new school twist. The bistro offers something for everyone. Want something quick for lunch? Need a new regular spot for dinner and relaxing? Need a place to host your private event? Need catering? All American Bistro can be all of that and more! Call 412-319-7748 or visit them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AllAmericanBistroLLC.

Happenings! Free Tax Assistance by VITA

Orchid Show

Location: The Bible Chapel, 300 Gallery Drive, McMurray; enter door #2 Directions: Five miles south of South Hills Village on Washington Road, right at the light onto Gallery Drive, 0.4 miles to VITA site. Dates/Times: Mondays–Thursday, 8 a.m.–2 p.m., now through April 7. First come, first served; no appointments. What to bring: 2020 tax return; ID for yourself and spouse, if applicable; Social Security number(s) and birthdate(s) for yourself, spouse, and any dependents; all W-2 and 1099 tax documents (including Social Security 1099); 1095 health care statements; and property tax receipts. Both spouses must sign joint returns. Must wear a mask. Federal, state, local taxes, and property tax/rent rebate forms will be prepared. Questions? Call the IRS at 800-829-1040 or search “VITA” online at www.irs.gov. Do not contact The Bible Chapel.

The Orchid Society of Western Pennsylvania (OSWP) 2022 show, The Joy of Orchids, is on Friday, March 19 and Saturday, March 20 at The Crowne Plaza Hotel on Fort Couch Road. Admission is $5. Visitors will be inspired by the beautifully-crafted displays of blooming orchids. Expert orchid growers will be onsite to provide information about growing orchids. The show includes orchid vendors, free educational seminars, silent auction and raffles, and a repotting table, where attendees can bring their own orchids for some expert repotting by OSWP members.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2022

New Colorectal Screening Age Creates Diagnostic Benefits for Younger Patients March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. In the United States, colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths when men and women are combined, causing more than 50,000 deaths annually. For Mark A. Cedar, D.O., chief of Gastroenterology at St. Clair Health, increasing awareness is tied directly to how common the disease is and the rising risk factors for younger patients. “Thirty percent of men and 20% of women will develop adenomas or precancerous polyps in their lifetime. Because we’ve been doing colorectal screening exams for average risk patients age 50 and older for the last couple of decades, the overall deaths for men and women have been dropping. But, the overall death rate for the population under age 50 has been increasing two percent annually,” says Dr. Cedar. “And an even more glaring number that people need to know is this: the incidence of colorectal cancer for patients between the ages of 40 and 49 has increased 15% since 2002.” Good news has arrived, as experts like Dr. Cedar continue to find more colorectal cancers in younger patients. The American Cancer Society’s newest guidelines recommend colorectal screenings beginning at age 45, and most insurance carriers began covering colonoscopies for patients age 45 and older beginning in January of this year. Some symptoms of colorectal cancer that Dr. Cedar urges you not to ignore include: • Unexplained or unintentional weight loss • Changes in bowel habits • Blood in the stool • Bloating • Anemia

It’s important to note that younger patients may not present with the same symptoms as a patient of a more advanced age, and with younger patients, abdominal pain is one of the presenting symptoms that Dr. Cedar is keeping a close eye on. “Ranging from intermittent to severe and acute, it’s not necessarily a constant pain. One of the reasons this is important is because we’re finding more left-sided colon cancer and rectal cancer in patients under age 50. When your stool gets to the left side of your colon on its way down into the rectum, if a mass has formed then it’s going to cause a blockage or partial obstruction, so more younger patients are experiencing the resulting associated pain around their bowel movements. And this can present without weight loss or anemia that we more typically see in older patients,” he says. While any and all symptoms should be taken very seriously and lead directly to scheduling your colonoscopy, Dr. Cedar is adamant about getting checked long before symptoms present. “Most of the patients that we find advanced, precancerous polyps in—or even colorectal cancer—have no symptoms at all,” he says. The reasons for choosing not to put off your preventative colorectal screening exam are abundant. “The sooner that we can diagnose and find these colorectal polyps, the better,” Dr. Cedar says. “Number one: they’re less likely to turn into colon or rectal cancer. Number two: colorectal cancers are generally slow-growing to some extent, but they tend to snowball in both size and abnormal cell growth, so it’s best to find them before they have that opportunity. Number three: if I find precancerous polyps—and even some small colorectal cancers—during your exam, then I am often able to remove them

endoscopically during your colon o s c o p y, ” D r. Cedar says. Achieving that kind of positive outcome is an obvious benefit for concerned patients. And urging you to be proactive Mark A. Cedar, D.O. about preventative screening stems from how big of a difference even six months can mean when it comes to your treatment options and their respective outcomes. “Many patients have decided to defer their preventative screening exams during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we’re seeing the consequences of advanced polyps and cancers that we would likely have been able to resect,” says Dr. Cedar. “I can’t emphasize strongly enough how important it is to remain aggressive with listening to your body for any new symptoms, as well as following the recommended preventative screening guidelines during these challenging times.” “Better results upfront generally equate to less invasive treatment needed down the road. Coming in on time may even reduce your need for chemotherapy and radiation. When a mass is smaller and less advanced, it also gives our surgeons a better chance of removing it laparoscopically instead of requiring an open surgery—meaning a smaller incision, faster recovery, lower morbidity, and a lower chance of death.” n For more information or to schedule your annual colonoscopy with Dr. Cedar, call 412-232-8104. See ads for St. Clair Health on pages 3 and 47.

Sleuths Wanted! Sleuths are needed to help solve the mystery of Upper St. Clair Township’s flag. What started as a simple question about how the flag came to be has turned into a quest to discover its origin. If you can help answer the question and have any knowledge to share, contact Rachel Carlson, president of the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair, at president@hsusc.org. n

Spring 2022

USC Township flag

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Advertiser Index

Spring 2022

www.twpusc.org/usctoday

Advanced Surgical Hospital .......................................................................7

Louis Anthony Jewelers .......................................................................... 12

Affordable Decks & Additions .................................................................. 65

* Manalo, Larry E., DMD ............................................................................ 25

* Angelo Associates ................................................................................... 64

McQueen Building Co. ............................................. Front cover, 10, 11, 68

Arbor Tree Specialists, Inc. ....................................................................... 64

Mister Sewer ........................................................................................... 66

Ardolino’s ...................................................................................................9

Mt. Lebanon Awning ............................................................................... 65

* Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, The Preferred Realty, Rt. 19 South ... 2

* Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center .............................................................. 77

* Brookside Lumber ................................................................................... 69

* Pinebridge Commons Associates ............................................................ 25

Burn Bootcamp–McMurray ........................................................................9

Pittsburgh Opera ..................................................................................... 15

* Calabro Tire & Auto Service ..................................................................... 79

Porchlight Home Staging ....................................................................... 68

* Coldwell Banker Realty–Lynn Dempsey .................................................. 67

* Providence Point, a Baptist Homes Society community .......................... 75

* Coldwell Banker Realty–South Hills Office .....................Outside back cover

* Rusmur Floors .................................................................. Inside back cover

* Cupelli & Cupelli, Drs. ............................................................................. 39

* St. Clair Health .....................................................................................3, 47

Davey Tree and Lawn Care ....................................................................... 67

Schultz Builders Landscaping and Construction ..................................... 65

* Extended Day Services ............................................................................ 77

* Scott Bros. Windows and Doors .............................................................. 67

Fitness Fanatics ....................................................................................... 14

* Sesame Inn ............................................................................................. 15

At Lewis Music Studio, our mission is all about sharing music with the community, and being a part of the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY family helps us turn that goal into a reality!—Becki Lewis, Lewis Music Studio Friendship Village of South Hills ...............................................................7

South Hills Endoscopy Center ....................................................................1

Generator Supercenter of Pittsburgh ...................................................... 64

Southwest Gastroenterology Associates ....................................................5

* Howard Hanna–Diane Horvath ..................................................................9

* State Farm Insurance–Cindy Brophy ....................................................... 69

* Howard Hanna–USC Office .............................................. Inside front cover

* Thomas Dance Studio ............................................................................. 79

J&A South Park, LLC Heating-Cooling-Plumbing-Electric ........................ 69

* Troy Orthodontics .................................................................................... 25

* Keller Williams–Sandy and Marshall Goldstein ...................................... 20

* Washington Health System .................................................................... 19

* Kerr Family and Cosmetic Dentistry ........................................................ 25

* Wellington Real Estate–Patty Thomas & Rebecca Lutz ............................ 17

Lewis Music Studio ................................................................................. 14

Welter, Julie, Realtor® ............................................................................ 19

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Contact 412-833-1600, x2284. Upcoming summer guides include Home & Garden and *The above advertisers, who are advertising in this issue, have contributed their financial support for a minimum of 54 issues. Summer Activities. 412-833-1600 x 2284 | usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us | www.twpusc.org/usctoday

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, the award-winning, official publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair 84

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Spring 2022

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1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

WE MOVE UPPER ST. CLAIR South Hills Office

Lynn Dempsey

John Geisler

Ron Graf

Mike Hanley

Barb Hartman

Kathi Kernan

Elaine Krells

Maria Lane

Kim Lanphear

Julie Leslie

Heather Linz

Rachel Mazzie

Amanda Nasman

Sandi Ricci

Rachael Richard

Dora Rudick

Kathy Sekeras

Brad Templeton

Jim Walsh

Mary Ann Wellener

Faith Williard

Jane York

Milo Hindman Manager

Peters Township Office

Thinking about selling? Coldwell Banker Realty agents are here to help. Cindy Demel

Suzanne Lorenzi Sala

Bonnie Loya

Monica Mahla

Gabe Paulick

Mike Podolinsky

If you’re ready to sell your house and begin anew this spring, partnering with the best should be your first step toward a successful transaction. Contact one of these sales associates to discover how smooth, efficient and rewarding a real estate experience can be.

ColdwellBankerHomes.com/southhills South Hills 1630 Washington Rd. | Pittsburgh PA 15241 | 412.833.5405 Peters Township 3244 Washington Rd. | McMurray, PA 15317 | 724.942.1200

NMLS ID 1598647

Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2022 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully 223YHY_PIT_1/22 supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

SPRING 2022 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Articles inside

Gilfillan Garden Provides Local Bounty

Protecting Wingfield Pines

Horses with Hope Animals Return