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You may be eligible for your screening colonoscopy at age 45. Check with your insurance carrier to confirm coverage.
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.
If you’re expecting, or expecting to be expecting, finding the right hospital and OB/GYN for your baby’s birth is your first step. Look no further than St. Clair Health, where the region’s finest OB/GYN providers deliver personalized and award-winning care in a safe and comfortable family-centered environment.
ST.
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MCMURRAY
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The award-winning, official publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair
Upcoming Summer 2025 edition includes Home and Garden and Summer Activities guides.
Deadlines: Articles – March 6
Advertising – March 10
Website: twpusc.org/usctoday
Email: usctoday@usctoday.org @usctoday
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 412-851-2851.
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If you know someone living outside the Township who would enjoy receiving our community’s official magazine, please send a $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.
Kelly P. Hanna
Justin Lamber
Angela B. Petersen
Jennifer A. Schnore
Hallie H. Snyder
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a not-for-profit community magazine dedicated to promoting the Township and School District of Upper St. Clair by recognizing the gifts and contributions of the people who live and work here. This year marks 30 years of our publication.
The 121st 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.
The next issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY will be the summer 2025 issue and will be published in May 2025. 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@usctoday.org
Article Information
Editor-in-Chief Alex Pepke phone: 412-286-1482 email: apepke@usctoday.org
Advertising Information
Office Manager Sarah Beitler phone: 412-286-1363 fax: 412-851-2592 email: sbeitler@usctoday.org
Daniel R. Paoly, President, At Large
Dante R. Plutko, Jr., Vice President, Ward 1
Pamela L. Enck, Ward 2
Jason H. Graves, Ward 3
Todd D. Burlingame, Ward 4
Ronald J. Pardini, Ward 5
Richard I. Thomas, At Large
Publishers
Matthew R. Serakowski, Township Manager
Dr. John T. Rozzo, Superintendent of Schools
Steering Committee
Mark S. Mansfield, Assistant Township Manager
Paul K. Fox, School District Representative
Editors and Staff
Alex Pepke, Editor-in-Chief
Terry Kish, Associate Editor
Tina Vojtko, School District Associate Editor
Sarah Beitler, Office Manager, Graphic Designer
Colleen DeMarco, Advertising Executive
Charissa Lauren Moses, Advertising Executive
Kerry Turner, Advertising Executive
Student Interns
Caleb Guarino
Isabel Vilensky
Thank you to our volunteer contributors this issue: Judge Ronald Arnoni, Lily Ayers, Claire Birmingham (YWG), Lindsay Dill, Donna Fox, Paul Fox, Carolyn Jones Friedrich, Shannon Gallagher, Chris Gmiter, Caleb Guarino (intern & YWG), Ted Hale, Wayne Herrod, Kathleen Kennedy, Charissa Lauren, Jay Lynch, Connor McLean, Geoff and Christine McQueen, Rep. Natalie Mihalek, Rep. Dan Miller, Joyce Soung, Mary Lynne Spazok, Stutzman family, Mason Tupta and Shawn and Michele Zwigart.
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@usctoday.org to find out how your student can contribute.
The 121st 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: 412-851-2851
Fax: 412-851-2592
Email: usctoday@usctoday.org
Township: 412-831-9000
School District: 412-833-1600
Printed by Freeport Press 2127 Reiser Ave. SE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663
Matthew R. Serakowski
As the weather gets warmer and the sun stays out a little longer, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY welcomes you to our spring issue! TODAY begins 2025 with a few staff changes, which you can read about at the bottom of this page.
As always, the magazine’s wonderful volunteer writers have packed this issue with entertaining stories, informative articles and have highlighted successes around the township. You can read about the USC mom who starred in a Netflix show on page 12, this year’s Medallion Ball honorees on page 13, the one-year anniversary of a successful local initiative on page 84 and much more.
The School District section (pages 20-45) includes its eight-page annual report, an article about Pennsylvania’s assistant principal of the year and many more highlights within our very own award-winning school district. Students, teachers and staff make Upper St. Clair not only one of the best in the region, but in the state and country.
In the Township section (pages 48-63), you’ll find the Department of Finance’s 2025 Budget Highlights, complete with 2025 tax deadlines. Also included in the Township section is an article on the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department’s Citizens Fire Academy, new adult library programs and dates for the Recreation Department’s biggest upcoming events.
Now on its 121st issue, TODAY continues to celebrate Upper St. Clair and highlight the exceptional people in and around the community.
Sincerely,
Township Manager
Sincerely,
Dr. John T. Rozzo Superintendent of Schools
twpusc.org/usctoday | usctoday@usctoday.org
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY has had some exciting changes to its staff recently!
• Editor-in-chief, Terry Kish, plans to retire in 2025. To ensure a smooth transition, she will continue with TODAY as associate editor for the Spring and Summer issues.
• Township associate editor Alex Pepke has been named editor-in-chief, effective with the Spring 2025 issue.
• Anne Marie Kopach has resigned from her position as school district associate editor. Tina Votjko, school district communications specialist, replaces Anne, effective with the Spring 2025 issue.
• TODAY’s graphic designer, Dorothy Clark, retired in December 2024. TODAY’s office manager, Sarah Beitler, has been named her replacement, effective with the Spring 2025 issue.
• Charissa Lauren Moses has joined TODAY as an advertising executive. n
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That is what Shawn and Michele Zwigart, owners of Bath Pro of Western PA, provide their customers. Quality, professionalism and affordability are three of the things Shawn knew he wanted to focus on when he opened Bath Pro. Shawn has been a leader in the home improvement industry for the past 40 years, working for both national and locally-owned companies. He has been involved in all phases of home remodeling including sales, management and operations.
“Why don’t you open your own business?” is the question Shawn would get asked over the years. His answer was that he never wanted to use sub-contractors because you cannot always rely on them. When the time was right, Shawn decided to go to the people he knew he could trust: his wife, Michele, who had years of experience in the administrative field; his son-in-law, Jeff, who he knew was a hard worker and was working 60 hours a week at his job; Jeff’s dad, “Big Jeff” Skinner, who was a home remodeler for 35 years; and his youngest daughter, Stacey, who he
knew would do whatever it takes. That gave Shawn two guys he knew he could trust to do quality work and Michele and Stacey to support the operations of the business. After putting together a business plan, partnering with various vendors, finding a location and being blessed along the way, Bath Pro of Western PA was created.
The first opportunity to showcase their business was in March of 2020 at the Pittsburgh Home and Garden show; however, due to a global pandemic the show was shut down within a week. Determined to succeed, they worked through all the hurdles that were thrown their way. They adapted and changed some of their marketing strategies because of the pandemic. Word of mouth, referrals, quality of work and honest reviews were major factors in their early success. Soon after opening, the work of tub-to-shower conversions turned into full bathroom remodels, which opened the opportunity to grow their staff and include their daughter Mallory, who oversees the finances; son-in-law, Bill Kurek, who is part of IT and operations; and lifelong friend and co-worker, Keith Work, who is the general manager.
In their first year of business, they exceeded their expectations and goals. In the second year, they doubled their sales and employees. You will often hear Shawn say, “Even though we are a bathroom remodeler, we are truly in the people business.” Bath Pro has been blessed with dedicated people who are committed to customer satisfaction. The family owned and operated company was growing and keeping up with demand.Today, Bath Pro has 18 employees. Shawn knew that a big part of the industry was leaning toward the one-day remodels, but he never wanted to fit that “rush in-and-out” description. A lot of customers wanted more than just a shower/ tub replacement. Some bathrooms might need a new floor,
(l/r) Keith Work, Bill Kurek, Stacey Kurek, Michele Zwigart, Shawn Zwigart, Mallory Skinner, Jeff Skinner, Jeff Skinner Sr.
a new toilet or a new vanity. Some customers want their bathroom completely renovated. At Bath Pro, they want to be the solution to their customer’s problem. That is one of the biggest factors that has separated Bath Pro from most of the larger national companies.
What separates Bath Pro from other bathroom remodeling companies?
Bath Pro offers in-home consultations, or you can visit its Bridgeville showroom. Bath Pro is not a company that advertises that it can replace your shower/tub in one day. The goal is to do things right the first time and not rush through any project. All its installers are employees. Bath Pro is fully insured, and all employees are screened and professionally trained. It offers a variety of products and will be at customers’ home from the start of the project until it is complete and the customer is satisfied.
What materials does Bath Pro use?
Bath Pro is committed to using quality products. Some of the manufacturers it has partnered with are American Standard, Kohler, Toto, Delta, Brizo, Daltile and Alumax Shower Doors. In the shower/tub area it offers BCI acrylics, a variety of solid surface products (Onyx and Samuel Mueller) and custom ceramic/porcelain tile installed using a Schluter waterproofing system. For the flooring, it offers luxury vinyl and ceramic or porcelain tile, heated tile or whatever meets the customers’ needs and budget. For vanities, it uses Bertch cabinetry with either a cultured marble, solid surface, vessel bowls or quartz tops. When the job requires painting, it uses Sherwin Williams paints. What area does Bath Pro cover?
Bath Pro of Westen PA serves Upper St. Clair and all the South Hills area as well as six counties throughout Western Pennsylvania. Its showroom is located at 375 Carol Avenue, Bridgeville, Pa.
What values are most important to Bath Pro?
Bath Pro lives by its motto: “We provide our customers with quality products and professional installation, at a fair and affordable price.” When Shawn first began in sales at a company located on McLaughlin Run Road, his dad always told him that the most important thing in sales and running a successful business is to believe in your company, believe in your product and never lie to your customer. Shawn has always lived by that advice. Shawn, Michele and every Bath Pro family member genuinely believe in their company and the products they install. They also stand by their slogan: “We treat you like FAMILY… Because we ARE one!” Bath Pro treats its customers with honesty and respect and is devoted to being a
Christian-based company. They believe that God has blessed them with the ability to help others through running this successful business.
Why should I choose Bath Pro to remodel my bathroom?
By choosing Bath Pro of Western PA, you can ensure that you will be receiving quality products installed by professional employees who take pride in their work. Bath Pro goes above and beyond for their customers. As a company, it is not perfect; however, it always stands behind its work and is committed to doing what is right by the customers first!
Bath Pro has an A+ rating at the BBB, it has received the Angi Super Service Award for all five years that it has been in business and consistently gets five-star reviews. Bath Pro’s team of installers is an experienced, skilled group of professionals who settle for no less than the best. Having satisfied customers is key to growing a successful business. You can ensure you will have the bathroom you’ve always envisioned at a fair and affordable price after meeting with Bath Pro of Western PA. n
Lily Ayers
No two celebrations are alike. While one family might spend Easter morning in a chaotic hunt for eggs in the backyard, another may gather for a peaceful afternoon brunch surrounded by blooming flowers. A fall bride might embrace deep orange and golden hues, while a spring bride celebrates with pastels and florals. Even year to year, celebrations shift. A family grows and reaches new milestones, while occasions become bittersweet with loved ones missing from the table. Each celebration, and what it means to the individuals involved, serves as a unique display of life’s most cherished moments and the way they change as time passes.
Jewelry has long been a natural part of these moments. In addition to being a gorgeous accessory for the more elegant occasions, jewelry is one item that can be customized to reflect the individuality of a celebration and kept for long after the celebration is over. Across cultures and centuries, it has served as a way to mark milestones, commemorate achievements and honor loved ones.
Jewelry offers a tangible connection to life’s most fleeting but meaningful events. Rings symbolize unity and love during weddings and engagements. Birthdays and anniversaries become even more special when commemorated with personalized pieces. Graduations or new beginnings can be celebrated with meaningful designs, such as tree-of-life pendants or birthstone necklaces. Even the smallest victories — like achieving a long-awaited goal
In moments of remembrance, jewelry acts as a keepsake to honor loved ones, ensuring their memory lives on.
One of the reasons jewelry pairs so seamlessly with celebrations is its adaptability. As life changes, so do the ways we celebrate. A growing family might add new charms to a bracelet with each birth. A memorial piece could honor a loved one no longer present, bringing comfort to a bittersweet occasion. Just as no two celebrations are the same, no piece of jewelry tells the same story.
Personalizing jewelry allows it to reflect the uniqueness of a celebration. Engravings can mark dates, names or meaningful messages, turning a beautiful piece into a one-of-a-kind keepsake. Gemstones can be chosen to communicate through their symbolism. Custom-designed pieces offer the ultimate personalization, allowing individuals to create something entirely their own — a ring crafted from inherited jewels or a pendant that tells a story through its design.
Celebrations are an integral part of what it means to be a human and to live in a community, which means they change with us. Whether it’s a wedding ring worn every day or a pendant saved for special occasions, jewelry weaves itself into the fabric of our lives. It has the unique ability to display pieces of our stories, making our celebrations — and the memories they create — last a lifetime. n
See ad for JAB Jewelery on page 10.
Charissa Lauren
Imagine one day, you’re an average “fifty-four-able” (54 plus adorable) mom with a job in higher education technology, then the next day, you’re a key player in a Netflix series. Upper St. Clair’s own Deb Levy appears on season seven of the Netflix series “The Circle,” where she catfishes her way into a social media competition, assuming the identity of 26-year-old Rachel. She applied to the casting call on a whim, along with her niece, and didn’t think anything would come from it. Well, they couldn’t resist her charisma!
The show takes you through the competition of becoming the most likeable, but also the most trusted player. The goal of the game is to spot the catfish, with a cash prize at the end. It’s interesting to see the very true aspects of the show, particularly how the world so reliantly operates on the basis of social media image.
So, challenge accepted. Deb is a mother of Gen-Zers and also works closely with college students on campus; how hard can this be? With a notebook in hand, Deb hilariously has to quickly learn youth slang like “sus” and what “thirsty” really means. After dropping a “sus” selfie in the group chat herself, Levy is quickly starting to gain catfish vibes. Does she make it to the final round? You’ll have to watch and see.
Originally from Staten Island, Deb is now an Upper St. Clair wife and mother. Her husband, Phil, makes his own debut on the show as Deb’s emotional support pillow. The “Phillow” was a gift from a friend who grew in hilarity on the show. When asked what Phil thought of the show, Levy laughed as Phil responded, “Finally, the world gets to see what I live with every day.” Deb doesn’t fall short in personality — in fact, she might be what keeps us laughing through the season.
Whether it’s sweating through menopause or flipping through Gen-Z terms, Deb’s persona on her season is 100% her authentic self, though she may be a catfish on the show. She is a true sassy Jewish mom with a personality that sticks and an adorable New Jersey accent that imprints. She calls herself fifty-four-able, and it’s true in every sense of the word.
Getting to work with so many amazing young adults could have perhaps been a healing experience for Levy. The mother of three has been open about the early loss of her son, Jonathan, at age 22, a pain no
mother should ever have to endure. On the show, she connects with another young adult who had brain surgery at a young age. The authentic empathy shows Deb’s compassion and relatability. Though this was painful for me to hear as a mother, I’m so proud of this woman for carrying on her son’s legacy and keeping her strength for her family.
Upper St. Clair remains home for Levy and her family, as the kids pile back into the family home during school breaks. On raising a family here, she looks back at our community as being an incredible place for her children to grow up: “They got to experience an old-school childhood of just playing outside and in the woods. My neighborhood has a great block party every year; you really feel like it’s an old-fashioned neighborhood. Upper St. Clair is a big community with a small-town feel, everybody knows everybody,” she says. “You can’t beat the school district, and I wait for the band hoagies every year!”
When filming wrapped, it was back to St. Clair. Stepping back into reality,
she described the experience as feeling like a dream. From start to finish, she worked on the project for three weeks, and two and a half of those weeks were isolated in an apartment, filming The Circle. “I came back on a Thursday night, I woke up Friday morning and went back to work the very next day,” she says, “I asked my husband if it really happened; it almost didn’t feel real. I also couldn’t talk about the show until it was released.”
As for any future acting gigs, Deb says she is enjoying connecting with her husband over pickleball and travel, with no plans to pick up a career in acting. She’s fully embraced the “empty nest era,” enjoying the company of her now adult children and experiencing them as adults, even recently getting to travel to Las Vegas as a family. She is an honorable advocate for her Jewish faith and, of course, continuing to keep her son’s memory alive. All in all, Deb is one neighbor you’d want to know. n
Charissa Lauren is a fashion and entertainment publicist with her agency, FAME, and national writer. She and her husband live in Upper St. Clair with their four children.
Mary Lynne Spazok
Navigating the stress of education, family and extracurricular activities is a monumental task for today’s teens. To realize leisure time is a challenge!
However, 16 Upper St. Clair Medallion Ball honoree volunteers have used their “gift of time” to demonstrate genuine warmth, thus enriching a community. The outcome — exercising patience, developing leadership skills and realizing a solid understanding of citizenship.
Sponsored annually by St. Lucy’s Auxiliary since 1964, the Medallion Ball celebrates and honors the young women who have made valuable contributions to their community through their unselfish efforts in performing volunteer service. Honorees were awarded the St. Joan of Arc Medallion in November by the Most Rev. David Zubik, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh.
To give of one’s talent facilitates a healthy boost to selfconfidence and a natural sense of pride. Attained benefits include learning to respect others, being helpful and kind, and understanding those in need. This intrinsic dedication of these caring young women enlightens a community of diverse, praiseworthy organizations.
For example, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis Pittsburgh Youth & Young Adult Ministries (Y2AM) coordinates programs that benefit youth spiritually, physically and socially. The objective is to engage and to embrace Christ in every aspect of their life through summer programs, including retreats, athletics and folkloric dance.
Designed for youngsters, an adventurous summer agenda is part of the Bethel Park Nature Club. This premier program of study is focused on the wonders of nature, wildlife conservation through crafts, healthy snacks, exciting competitions and lots of fun. Instruction combines engaging activities focusing on natural history and environmental studies via outdoor recreation. Recurrent guests include the Carnegie Science Center, The Aviary, local animal experts and more.
Faith-based, The Neighborhood Resilience Project is affiliated with Saint Moses the Black Orthodox Church in Pittsburgh’s Hill District. Their system of managed ministry advocates for the transformation of communities and its populace. As positive change enablers, members recognize that essential education, job training, transparent personal counseling and effective communication are the keys to gaining trust and pivotal success.
A final highlight, the Mother’s Hope Foundation Endowment Fund at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, assists children enduring cancer. Mother’s Hope achieves this goal in two ways. First, to offer passionate support, then financial assistance. Resources are allocated to those in urgent need of items like food, household expenses, car repairs, travel needs, lodging, phone bills, out-of-pocket expenses, medication, medical supplies and sibling child care. Easing a family’s overwhelming emotional anguish and financial distress are paramount.
Congratulations volunteer honorees! Your passion inspires positivity; positivity embraces success. Enriched self-esteem empowers an optimistic outlook on life. Volunteering for over four years and more than 150 hours, being honored by St. Lucy’s Auxiliary to the Blind is not the end, but rather a stepping stone to a new beginning. Championing each young woman’s achievement
is a caring family, sponsors, educators, clerics, friends and the inclusive community of Upper St. Clair.
In this new year, goodwill does not have to be grand or complicated; take a moment to express a caring word to family, co-workers, neighbors or perhaps an acquaintance.
Honoree escorts, in alphabetical order, included Michael Albert, Jake Casares, Tyler McClintock-Comeaux, Robert Fleckenstein, Ryan Hines, Michael James, Everett Janz, Ryan LaRocco, Adam McFeely, Austin Middleton, Matthew O’Connor, Ryan Popp, Jack Schalk, Benjamin Seewald, Benton Thompson and William Tomb. n
Article courtesy of Mary Lynne Spazok, with a research assist from USC Medallion mom, Jill Spencer. Since 1997, Mary Lynne has proudly showcased hundreds of Medallion honorees throughout the pages of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. Official Medallion photos generously provided by Maxine McGough of Ron Richards Photography.
Jay Lynch
The class of 1971 at Upper St. Clair High School had mixed priorities. Driven by encouragement from teachers and parents, as well as fear of punishment, we dutifully conformed to expectations for classroom achievement and participation in school-sponsored extracurricular activities. On the other hand, we spent lots of time concocting and executing sophomoric pranks. One of our best was driven by class rivalry.
Throughout our high school years, we competed with members of the class of 1970 (one year older) for leadership positions in academic clubs, playing time on sports teams and leading roles in music and theater. Our rivalry even extended to romance, so inter-class relationships were discouraged.
Sometimes our competition ended in a draw, as it did in the 1970 homecoming float competition. The seniors presented an esoteric quest for world peace, while we tried to impress the judges with a down-to-earth diorama of a USC player caging an opponent while being escorted in a working man’s pickup truck. Understandably, neither float won recognition and both classes were disappointed.
When they were seniors, our rivals had full control of the 1970 Clairvoyant yearbook content. While attending a symposium on high school yearbook design at Ohio University, their team of editors discovered a way to increase the number of pages allotted to senior activities and photos. They would break with the tradition of displaying juniors and underclassmen in photos with names, organized by home rooms. Instead, each class would be allotted a single, wide-angle photo of nameless classmates. When we learned of the plan, we felt slighted, and three of our most creative classmates, Mark Whittaker, Sam Gullick and Jack Oelschlager, developed a plan.
On the day of the photo, our entire class of 400 students was released from classes and assembled on the campus lawn while a professional photographer stood on the school roof. On his signal, we smiled innocently while our prankster trio hoisted a three-sign message aimed at the senior class. The photographer objected, ordering them to remove it, and they complied. However, every time he gave another “say cheese” signal, they raised their message at the last second and another photo was bombed. Frustrated by teenage defiance and running out of film, he dismissed us and waited for the next class to assemble. We returned to school giggling and giving high-fives to our clever classmates.
During the final yearbook layout session, senior class editors were given their choice of our class photos, but they all included
the photobomb. Miss Hollman, the yearbook supervisor, refused to let them use the crude cropping techniques of the day, scissors and whiteout, and the photo became part of the final manuscript.
On yearbook distribution day, seniors were appalled, crying, “You spoiled our yearbook!”
Our response: “Yeah, well, you stole our girlfriends! The creativity of the high school prank was impressive, but I would soon learn that college students, unburdened by parental or teacher supervision, would devote even more effort to frivolous mischief.
I spent my college years as a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity at Purdue. If you’ve seen the movie “Animal House,” you can imagine the irreverent chaos that took place in the once beautiful red brick and ivy structure that was eventually condemned and demolished. The Phi Psi house shared a common parking lot with other fraternities. The close proximity, along with interfraternity sports rivalries and competition for pledges and girlfriends, fed long-standing feuds. Anyone who lingered too long in the shared lot or ventured too close to a neighboring house became a target for rivals perched in second-floor windows or on roofs. Rotten tomatoes, eggs, dinner leftovers and water balloons were launched without warning, as well as seasonal favorites like rotten pumpkins and snowballs. Our chief rivals were the brothers of Phi Delta Theta, known as the Delts. They
were mostly engineering students and had developed an arsenal that included giant sling shots made with surgical tubing that could launch beer cans and potatoes at frat houses blocks away. They even armed a moon-roof equipped Ford Pinto with a water filled fire extinguisher for mobile assaults.
Rivalries were temporarily suspended for football games when we were united against a common enemy: the opposing team. However, we tried our best to outdo each other with boisterous behavior, so university officials wisely assigned all fraternities to one large section of seats in the end-zone corner of the stadium, to keep us away from more mild-mannered fans. Ross-Ade Stadium holds about 60,000 fans and has rows of bleacher seats that stretch from field level to the highest row, about 80-feet above a parking lot. There’s a chain-link fence behind the highest row to prevent deadly falls. We were seated in mid-level rows, and the Delts were in the highest seats.
A favorite stadium activity at the time was crowd surfing “to the top,” where a fan in a low row would volunteer to be passed to the highest row with the support of hundreds of fans along the way. During the long upward journey, cheers and rhythmic clapping would encourage the volunteer to reach the top. Most attempts ended in drops by incompetent or inattentive fans or by surfers who thought better of their decision.
During a game when the Boilermakers were hopelessly behind, we were delighted to see a diversion — a fan was standing on the first-row bleacher of the fraternity section, waving her hands, indicating that she was ready to surf. She was easy to follow on her upward journey because of her long red hair. Her blue shorts and a red top also stood out from the Purdue black and gold attire of most fans. Since few people were watching the game, she got a lot of attention, and rhythmic clapping began. As she reached higher and higher rows, more fans joined the fun until it sounded like the entire stadium was cheering her on.
When she reached the top row, held aloft by the Delts, the crowd went wild, hailing her success. But cheers turned to gasps when her journey took an astonishing turn. Instead of lowering her to her feet, they threw her high in the air and over the safety fence — her hair flying in the wind and her arms and legs flailing. A hush came over the stadium. It was stunned silence. Yellow-shirted security guards and campus police started to rush up the steps. Then, she suddenly appeared, standing on the top row bench, uninjured and smiling. Her reappearance seemed astounding until the Delts grabbed a rope from the top of the fence and hauled up a mannequin dressed in an orange wig, red shirt and blue shorts. They proudly held the mannequin aloft while they and their accomplice waved to the crowd, expecting applause for their clever prank. Instead, they were loudly booed for causing mass anxiety.
Many of us in the fraternity section quickly recovered from our shock to realize that it was the best mass-deception caper
we’d ever seen. We stifled our interfraternity hostility to offer high-fives to the Delts as they were escorted down the steps and out of the stadium, along with the red-haired twins.
During the post-game party at the Phi Psi house, I was involuntarily appointed to venture to the Phi Delt house to congratulate them as a peace offering. I stood on the front lawn and talked with several of the perpetrators, who were sitting on their porch with the mannequin. They told me they’d been released by campus police because there was no statute prohibiting the incitement of emotional stress at a football game, but the Dean of Men and their national fraternity director had called to scold them. It was a surprisingly civil conversation. I thought it might be the first step in ending our rivalry until one of the Delts gave a signal and I was caught in a crossfire of hose water from two windows.
Even though I was upset about being soaked to the bone, I was impressed by how quickly the Delts had returned to their normal hijinks after being verbally admonished. Their behavior confirmed a pattern of rapid resilience by pranksters that I saw from USC classmates Sam, Mark and Jack. It was only a few hours after they had been criticized by some humorless seniors for tarnishing their yearbook that they plotted an even better caper — using a ladder in the dead of night to change the “zero” to a “one” in a message displayed on the huge South Hills Village sign. On our rival’s graduation day, it said, “Congratulations, USC Class of 71.”
Today’s parents might reconsider dampening the spirits of budding scholar-pranksters. Creative mischief might be good for their career development and society as a whole. After all, Allen Funt entertained millions for decades with Candid Camera. He may have gotten started with a photobomb and a mannequin. n
• Apply for a grant or to become a trustee
• Become a CFUSC committee member
• Sign up for community eUpdates
Our Vision: Investing in residents and their ideas to continually strengthen our community
Our Mission: To enrich our community by supporting activities and programs, to develop partnerships and to award grants in defined focus areas
Our Purpose: To address ideas and needs that are not necessarily funded by tax dollars
• Send dates about your group’s event for CFUSC eUpdates
• Contact CFUSC to form a partnership
• Learn about the amazing 31-year history of CFUSC
• Buy a CFUSC spirit blanket
• Find information about the annual Great Duck Race
• Set up a scholarship for a USCHS graduating senior
• Perpetuate our mission with a donation to CFUSC
Terry Kish was recently honored with an Outstanding Citizen Award for her years of service to UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine as editor-in-chief. As a member of the Community Foundation Board, she served as focus chair for Health and Wellness and spearheaded several fitness initiatives for residents. Several people nominated Terry for this honor. Fellow CFUSC trustee and USCT Steering Committee member, Paul Fox wrote: “It is my privilege to support the nomination of Terry Kish for District Judge Ronald Arnoni’s Outstanding Citizens award. I know of no one else in Upper St. Clair who consistently meets the criteria and “checks all the boxes” in such an exemplary manner for this honor:
We thank our friends and generous donors who continue to believe in our purpose and remain our valued partners in perpetuating our vision and mission for the benefit of all residents.
USC library director Chris Gmiter submitted a grant request in conjuction with the upcoming renovation of the arts area of the library. Upgrades to this area will now include technology additions, such as a high definition, electronic monitor to display digital art and media. Chris, thank you for your vision.
• Demonstrating excellent community leadership and positvely impacting the residents of USC by serving more than 22 years as a writer, photographer and associate editor (the last two years as editor-in chief) of the award-winning UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine.
• Showing generosity, unselfishness and modeling “eleemosynary” citizenship (look it up!) for more than four years as Health Focus chair and trustee of the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair!
• Making significant contributions to the community for nearly two decades as a freelance writer and photographer (a very creative “storyteller”) in local print publications, including the Observer Reporter and The Almanac, as well as web-based sites such as This Awful-Awesome Life, whose mission is to “celebrate the events we choose to embrace and those we let define us.”
Be on the lookout for Coach Artie, official mascot of the Great Duck Race. He will begin “training” the ducks in March for May’s Community Day Race. He wants you to adopt a duck and join in the fun at the race. Adoptions will begin in March and amazing prizes are already being gathered by the trustees.
Bruce Nelson, Trustee, President
Elize Giese, Trustee, Vice-President
Thomas Yochum, Trustee, Secretary & Director of Grants
Daniel Bellay, Trustee, Treasurer
Anthony Costulas, Trustee & Social Media Manager
Paul K. Fox, Trustee & Director of Communications, Arts Focus Chair
Sam Guarino, Trustee
Justin Hammett, Trustee & CFUSC Photographer
Joseph Ligier, Trustee, Health & Wellness Focus Chair
Gordon Mathews, Director of Programs & Partnerships
Lauren Mathews, Trustee
Navin Parmar, Trustee & STEM Focus Chair
Justin Schmidt, Trustee
Ryan Scureman, Trustee
Donna Fox, Business Manager
Every year in October, trustees from CFUSC don their costumes and hand out adorable costumed ducks at the fun-filled Halloween Extravaganza at the Miracle League Field. As always, it was a great day filled with treats and smiles.
The CFUSC holds its annual meeting in November every year to celebrate accomplishments and to begin planning for the next calendar year. This year, the meeting was held at the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department on Washington Road. The first order of business was to present a check to USCVFD chief Ted Hale for a grant for Health, Wellness and Safety that was awarded to the Fire Department in July. Trustees also toured the station to see the fire trucks and learn more about the Knox Box.
On Dec. 1, 2024, the CFUSC Arts Focus Area Committee held its first online town hall meeting of local arts colleagues, educators, practitioners and leaders called “Local Arts Brainstorming Sessions for Projects, Programs, & Partnerships” (LABs for P3). The goal was to foster better communications, engage the artistic community, inspire local individual and group creative self-expression and collaborate on plans for future arts initiates. Feedback was solicited on a number of arts-related topics, including assessing the needs and priorities for people of all ages interested in or already involved in the Upper St. Clair fine and performing arts. Facilitated by Paul Fox, Arts focus chair, those in attendance were Karen Chisholm, Matt Cosgrove, Nick Deutsch, Donna Fox, Elize Giese, Vi Laux, Sarah Shoemaker, Erika Valentine and Tom Yochum. More information, including a video and slides of the meeting, is posted at cfusc.org/arts-focus-area-activities.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. — Galatians 6:9
Did you know?
Therapeutic horseback riding aids in balance, core strength and even speech. The stride of the horse is a three-dimensional, symmetrical and rhythmic movement which engages the rider’s core and diaphragm, which can improve circulation, opens the airways and can aid in speech.
Did you know?
The programs offered at Horses with Hope couldn’t happen without our amazing volunteers. Each therapeutic riding lesson requires up to nine volunteers: three volunteers per horse — one leading and two side-walking. There are three riders in each lesson.
Did you know?
Our volunteers help in so many other ways too.
• Ground maintenance. Farms are a lot of work and we have a wonderful group of volunteers who keep them looking pristine. This involves mowing, brush hogging, trimming, mulching and much more. Great way to get lots of fresh air!
• Fundraising committees. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and fundraising is extremely important to us. If you have an interest in helping us grow in this area, join our fun-raising committees.
• Marketing/Community events. We believe our programs add value to the communities we serve, and volunteers help us with this message at various community events.
• Horse training. Our horses are the heart of our programs
and they get the best care needed for them. People with horse experience are able to assist us with their care and training throughout the year.
Did you know?
Horses with Hope is currently hiring instructors. There is a high demand for our services and we are looking to expand our programs to meet the demand. If you have horse/lesson experience, and are interested in becoming a certified instructor, contact Anne Davis at annehwh@gmail.com.
Did you know?
We offer internships from many local universities and welcome National Honor Students for fundraising/school projects raising awareness for our programs. The opportunities are endless and the impact on the lives we serve is priceless!
Did you know?
We hold two major fundraising events during the year. Save the date for the highly desired Annual Belmont Jewel event held at St. Clair Country Club. The 2025 date is Saturday, June 7. Individual tickets or tables of 10 are offered. Another fun-packed family-friendly event is our annual bowling fundraiser being held on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. Bring your family and friends and make a team of six to support our cause. n
To make a donation or learn about more ways to get involved, visit horseswithhope.org/donate.
Allegheny Land Trust
As spring’s first blossoms adorn the landscape, Allegheny Land Trust is also abuzz, excited for a season of growth, learning and community involvement. At the start of this year, we celebrated conservation successes across the county. At the start of this spring, we’re looking forward to launching a new effort to expand the Panhandle Greenway Conservation Project; we’re excited to see more explorers like you at our outdoor environmental education events; and we’re eager for another conservation intern to make their mark at Wingfield Pines Conservation Area.
We are grateful to report on our success in conserving 388.7 acres across Collier Township, the Municipality of Monroeville, Ross Township and South Fayette Township. By the time you’re reading this article, we hope to have conserved another 280 acres in Indiana Township. These lands will impact our region for generations to come, and the support of local community members was critical to our success, so thank you!
In the coming weeks, we will launch a third phase of the Panhandle Greenway Conservation Project — we have another 32 acres of green space in Collier Township under contract for permanent conservation. The Panhandle Greenway Conservation Project is a years-long, landscape-scale effort to create an ecological, recreational and place-making greenway unlike any in the region. In 2024, we closed
on the first two phases of the project, conserving 231 acres of critical green space. We hope you’ll follow along and support this conservation effort by visiting alleghenylandtrust.org/ panhandlegreenway/.
Spring is our favorite time of year, as our staff gets to shake the dust off our desks, don our favorite hiking boots and head out to share time on our lands with curious explorers like you. This year, we’ll host allages environmental education events exploring topics like flora and fauna identification, phenology volunteering, bird counting, foraging and preservation, nature at night, sustainability at home and so much more! Additionally, our stewardship team has organized many opportunities to lend a hand on the land — from invasive and trash removal workdays to trail building and tree planting outings, we have many ways you can make a lasting difference.
Keep up to date with all the latest news from the Allegheny Land Trust!
• Monthly Projects & Events Email Newsletter
Sign-Up: alleghenylandtrust.org/news-events/
• Panhandle Greenway Project Page: alleghenylandtrust.org/panhandlegreenway/
• Event Calendar for Details & Registration: alleghenylandtrust.org/events/
The Bethel Park Historical Society Series — Kids and Adults
• March 17 | 5–6 p.m.
Kids: Bug Olympics
@ Bethel Park Historical Society
• March 17 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Adults: Native Bees of PA
@ Bethel Park Historical Society
Webinar Series
• March 19 | 5–5:45 p.m.
Webinar: Wonderful Woodcocks
Virtual Volunteer Meetup Series
• March 26 | April 23 | May 28 | June 25
6–7 p.m.
50+ AARP Walk Series
• April 11 | 9–10:30 a.m.
Birding
@ Churchill Valley Greenway
Find these events and more at: alleghenylandtrust.org/events
Finally, this spring, we are seeking applications for our annual John Hamm Conservation Internship. The intern will play an instrumental role in the day-to-day activities that contribute to the well-being of Wingfield Pines Conservation Area in Upper St. Clair. From trail maintenance and volunteer workdays to community engagement, the intern will gain knowledge, experience and connections while
ensuring the continued health and vitality of this natural sanctuary. We also expect Wingfield Pines to undergo wetland work in 2025, which will offer an up-close view of wetland remediation work for this internship round. For more information, visit alleghenylandtrust.org/who-we-are/ job-opportunities.
As we usher in this season of renewal, ALT invites you to join us in our multifaceted efforts. Whether through volunteering, applying to an internship, attending events or supporting the Panhandle Greenway Conservation Project, every action makes a difference in preserving the natural beauty that defines our community. Together, let’s celebrate spring as a season of growth, learning and collective care for close-tohome green space. n
Dr. Danielle Z. Wetzel President dwetzel@uscsd.k12.pa.us 2025*
Barbara L. Bolas bbolas@uscsd.k12.pa.us 2027*
Kelly P. Hanna khanna01@uscsd.k12.pa.us 2027*
Angela B. Petersen apetersen@uscsd.k12.pa.us 2027*
Hallie H. Snyder hsnyder@uscsd.k12.pa.us 2027*
Michael R. Mascaro Vice President mmascaro@uscsd.k12.pa.us 2025*
Justin Lamber jlamber@uscsd.k12.pa.us 2027*
Jennifer A. Schnore jschnore@uscsd.k12.pa.us 2025*
The list of the Upper St. Clair Board of School Directors meeting dates is available on the District’s website: uscsd.k12.pa.us/ information/schoolboard Meetings typically begin at 7 p.m. in the district administration building.
*Date indicates expiration of term.
Administrator Secretary/Email Address
Dr. John Rozzo
Extension
Sarah MacDonald 2218
Superintendent of Schools smacdonald@uscsd.k12.pa.us
Dr. Amy Pfender Mary Beth Harkleroad 2214
Deputy Superintendent mharkleroad@uscsd.k12.pa.us
Dr. Rachel Andler Julie Karabinos 2116
Director of Special Education jkarabinos@uscsd.k12.pa.us
Dr. Lou Angelo
Director of Administrative Services
Ray Berrott
Director of Technology
Sean Bryson
The 2024 Annual Report for the Upper St. Clair School District offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the successes, growth and innovation that have taken place throughout the past year. These accomplishments are a testament to the unwavering dedication of our students, staff and community in the pursuit of educational excellence.
Within these pages, you will find highlights that showcase the diverse achievements in academics, arts, athletics and community engagement. Our district’s website, uscsd.k12.pa.us, provides ongoing updates about the incredible things happening in our schools. Throughout the year, we feature stories and photos of academic milestones, service projects, performances and athletic achievements that contribute to our vibrant school community.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to fostering a learning environment that inspires every student to reach their full potential. The foundation of our success is built on relationships — among our students, staff, families and community members. These partnerships strengthen our district and create a culture where every student feels supported and valued.
Since I began my role as superintendent in 2018, I have witnessed firsthand the deep sense of pride that our community holds for its schools. This shared commitment to providing the very best education for our students continues to be our guiding principle. It is an honor to serve as superintendent and to work alongside such a dedicated community.
Thank you for your continued trust and support in helping us achieve our mission of shaping the future of each and every student in Upper St. Clair School District. Together, we will continue to build on our successes and create opportunities for all students to thrive.
With gratitude and respect,
Superintendent
• Upper St. Clair School District’s elementary and middle schools ranked among Pennsylvania’s best schools by U.S. News & World Report. Its lists of 2025 Best Elementary Schools and Best Middle Schools were released in November 2024. Boyce and Fort Couch are the highest ranked middle schools in the region. Boyce is ranked No. 2 and Fort Couch No. 7 among Pennsylvania’s 2,387 middle schools. Only one other school in the region broke the top 10. Among Pennsylvania’s 3,216 elementary schools, Upper St. Clair’s three elementary schools all rank within the top 1% of schools. Baker Elementary ranks No. 23; Eisenhower Elementary is No. 24; and Streams Elementary rounds out at No. 31.
• Upper St. Clair School District was named among the 2024 Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) for the ninth consecutive year.
• Upper St. Clair High School ranks among the top 2% of high schools in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report. The report ranks USCHS 426th in the nation, ninth in Pennsylvania and second in the Pittsburgh region.
• Six USCHS musicians were selected for Pennsylvania Music Educators Association All-State honors: Isaac Bernstein, Orchestra; Miriam Gutensohn, Orchestra; Gabe Pacella, Jazz Ensemble; Carlee Santel, Band; Lauren Tenney, Band; Daniel Tung, Orchestra.
• Fourteen USCHS students were selected for the Health Professionals Prep program at the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences.
• Two Fort Couch Middle School students placed first in the Crescendo International Music Competition. Flutist Arjun Kairi and guitarist Aanya Jha won in their respective instrument categories.
• A team of Fort Couch Middle School students finished first in the 2024 Pittsburgh Regional Future City Competition and fifth at the international competition in Washington, D.C.
• Montage, a student-produced literary arts magazine at Upper St. Clair High School, earned first place recognition in the Annual Scholastic Yearbook, Magazine and Newspaper Contest, sponsored by the American Scholastic Press Association.
• USCHS student Nikhita Thakuria was one of six junior award winners honored at the Women of Achievement Awards, sponsored by the nonprofit Cribs for Kids.
• USCHS Student Council was recognized as a 2024 National Gold Council of Excellence by the National Association of Student Councils for its exemplary record of leadership, service and activities that improve the school and community.
• USCHS students performed four sold-out shows of the musical, “Newsies.”
• 2024 USCHS graduate Isaac Bernstein was named a 2024 CocaCola Scholar
• Three Upper St. Clair Future Problem Solving teams qualified to compete at the 2024 State Bowl, where a team of juniors placed second in Pennsylvania.
• A team of Fort Couch Middle School eighth graders placed first in the 6-8 Division of the regional STEM Design Challenge – advancing to the state-level competition
• The USCHS Speech & Debate team won its third title in a row at the 2024 Pennsylvania High School Speech & Language State Championships
• Siblings Kaaveri Patil and Aarav Patil were named finalists in the 30th Annual Shakespeare Monologue & Scene Contest for their scene from “Hamlet.”
• Eighth grader Raana Parchuri was crowned Champion of the 74th annual Western Pennsylvania Spelling Bee – marking his third time winning the regional event.
• Three USCHS juniors earned award medals at the Family, Career & Community Leaders of America State Leadership Conference
• USCHS senior Nate Grabowski was inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) at Parkway West Career & Technology Center.
• Four USCHS juniors completed the Westinghouse Science Honors Institute, a regional science and engineering program.
• Nine USCHS students earned recognition for 24 original pieces in the annual Scholastic Art & Writing Competition. Awards include two Gold Keys, five Silver Keys and 17 Honorable Mentions
• Seven USCHS seniors were selected as 2024 Outstanding Young Citizens by Trib Total Media. Isaac Bernstein, Leona Chen, Boshi Dong, Hunter Maher, Anna Makoul, Liam Park and Mahir Parmar were among the 109 students from 47 area schools.
• Four USCHS students advanced to the Future Business Leaders of America (FLBA) National Leadership Conference – Lylah Kateeb, Abhi Kanini, Arjun Suresh and Isabel Vilensky.
• Junior swimmer Victoria Zesch earned three medals at the Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s annual Summer Games at Penn State University.
• Streams Elementary School raised $3,291.08 to benefit Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh during the school’s annual Children for Children initiative.
• Fort Couch Middle School students raised $36,499.54 through the school’s 30th annual Reach Out campaign in December 2024.
• A team of eighth graders finished second among 394 middle school teams in the statewide STEM Design Challenge
• Junior trumpet player Carlee Santel was named first-chair at the Pennsylvania Music Education Association’s All-State Festival –qualifying for the 2025 All-Eastern Honors Band
• 2024 USCHS graduate Leona Chen was awarded a National Security Language Initiative for Youth scholarship to study Korean last summer in South Korea.
• The USCHS Speech & Debate Team finished sixth in the nation at the National Catholic Forensic League Grand National Tournament in Chicago.
• USCHS junior Auri Tarabishy finished second at the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Esports Association State Championships.
• Seven members of the USCHS Speech & Debate team earned Academic All American awards from the National Speech & Debate Association.
• USCHS junior Arth Italiya was one of three winners in the national essay contest sponsored by IndustryWeek.
• Upper St. Clair Inline Hockey won the high school and middle school Pennsylvania Interscholastic Roller Hockey League championships.
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) is a standards-based, criterion-referenced assessment used to measure students’ attainment of academic standards. The standards identify what a student should know and be able to do at varying grade levels. Students in grades 3 through 8 are assessed in English language arts and math. Students in grades 4 and 8 are also assessed in science.
Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments designed to measure proficiency in algebra, literature and biology. For most USCHS students, biology is completed in grade 9; literature in grade 10; and Algebra I ranges from as early as grade 6 through grade 9. The data below is for students in the Class of 2025 − regardless of when the Keystone Exam was administered.
WPIAL Champions
• Boys Basketball
• Kaitlyn Connors
Girls swimming –100 Freestyle
• Nazar Zoukovski
Boys swimming – 100 Freestyle
• Boys Swimming
• Boys Swimming
• Girls Swimming
• Boys Tennis
• Football
Dr. Dan Beck, assistant principal at USCHS, was selected as the 2025 Robert E. Lavely Assistant Principal of the Year by the Pennsylvania Principals Association in conjunction with the National Association of Secondary School Principals’ (NASSP) National Assistant Principal of the Year program.
Holly Fisher, Baker school nurse and nursing curriculum leader, was among eight local nurses honored during the Pittsburgh Penguins Nurse Appreciation Night in November at PPG Paints Arena.
USCHS world language teacher
Cephus Moore was selected as a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction by The National Society of High School Scholars.
USCHS world language teacher
Jacob Reis was selected as WTAE’s Teacher of the Month for February. He joined the USC faculty in 2021.
USCHS Speech & Debate Coach Ben Edwards earned his fourth Diamond Award from the National Speech & Debate Association. To qualify for this recognition, Mr. Edwards earned more than 90,000 points throughout his coaching career that spans 20+ years.
Dr. Jennifer Kirk, USCHS counselor and curriculum leader, co-authored a chapter of the sixth edition of the Fundamentals of College Admission Counseling textbook, published by the National Association for College Admission Counseling.
Dr. Timothy Wagner, USCHS principal, was named a 2024 Pittsburgh Penguins MVP (Most Valuable Principal) by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Grable Foundation, and the Allegheny Intermediate Unit.
Dr. Rachel Andler joined the Upper St. Clair administrative team in December 2024 as the district’s director of special education. She previously served in similar roles in the South Fayette, Carlynton and Brownsville Area school districts.
Upper St. Clair School District was awarded the 2024 School Operations Impact Award by the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials. The award recognized the district’s Building Leadership Team (BOLT) model. This effort was led by Dr. Lou Angelo, director of administrative services.
The Upper St. Clair School District budget for 2024-25 totals $104,452,426, which included a 3.25% millage increase of 0.9631 mills – resulting in a final tax rate of 30.5970 mills.
Early in the budgeting process, the USC School Board approved a resolution limiting any possible 2024-25 tax increase to within the inflationary index determined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). The resolution capped any tax increase at 5.3% or 1.5705 mills; the approved spending plan is well below that limit.
Dr. John Rozzo, superintendent of schools, shared that district administrators and school board members worked hard to present a fiscally responsible budget. The nearly sixmonth-long process began in January.
“This budget preserved what we know works for kids,” Dr. Rozzo said. “There were no reductions in programs nor any reductions in staff.”
Stagnant funding, inflation, assessment reductions, the loss of pandemic funding have challenged school districts across Allegheny County and Pennsylvania. Upper St. Clair has not used pandemic funding nor fund balance to fund recurring costs in the general fund budget.
“A lot of the work that has happened over the last few years – in particular when times have been more challenging –
Expenditures: $104,452,426
have positioned the district well,” Dr. Rozzo said. “We have not bankrupted the future of the district to get through the present time, even though some of those times were very challenging. Part of the reason why the tax increase was much less aggressive is because of the due diligence of the administration and the board over the last couple of years.”
Scott Burchill, director of business and finance, cautioned school board members and administrators about the negative impact of assessment appeals and the need for a county-wide reassessment. During the 2023-24 school year, revenues decreased by more than $1 million, which accounts for nearly half of the approved tax increase.
“A portion of the tax increase was to make up for the lost revenues from assessment reductions over the last 12 to 18 months,” Mr. Burchill said. “We need a reassessment and we need it quickly. Hopefully, it gets rectified soon.”
The budget supports several capital improvement projects throughout the district, including:
• ongoing roof replacement at USCHS
• HVAC systems throughout the district
• athletic wing renovations at USCHS
• district-wide safety & security enhancements
• new buses/vans, concrete repairs
• interior improvements to USCHS
• gym equipment.
Revenue: $104,457,640
Allegheny College
Auburn University
Bella Capelli Academy
Boston College
Boston University
Bowling Green State University
Bucknell University
Cape Fear Community College
Carnegie Mellon University
Case Western Reserve University
Chatham University
Clemson University
College of Charleston
Colorado State University
Community College of Allegheny County
Community College of Beaver County
Cornell University
Davidson College
Denison University
Duquesne University
Elon University
Florida Gulf Coast University
Fordham University
Fordham University at Rose Hill
Gannon University
George Washington University
Georgetown University
Gordon College
Grove City College
High Point University
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
John Carroll University
Johnson and Wales University
Juniata College
Valedictorians: Amanda Christine Aidar, Ryan Arya, Alexandra Itzel Berkoski, Isaac Theodore Bernstein, Matthew Bordenstein, Natalie Marie, Campagna, Marco William Carone, Mustafa Taha Disbudak, Boshi Dong, Joseph Alexander Donnelly, Henry Lawrence Ginsburg, Alexandra Gianna Kramer, Leah Esther Levine, Colin Xingyun Liang, Hunter Fitzpatrick Maher, Anna Josephine Makoul, William Nicholas Manning, Leo Masse, Caroline E. Murphy, Mahir Navin Parmar, Rohit Sattuluri, Asha Puri Segall, Irene Yap and Isabella Zhang
Kent State University
Kenyon College
Lafayette College
Lehigh University
Louisiana State University
Marshall University
Miami University of Ohio
New York University
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Ohio State University
Ohio University
Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University, Beaver
Pennsylvania State University at Behrend
PennWest California University
Pepperdine University
Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics
Pomona College
Princeton University
Purdue University
Queen’s University
Robert Morris University
Rochester Institute of Technology
Roosevelt University of Austin
St. Joseph’s University
St. Vincent College
Savannah College of Art and Design
Slippery Rock University
Southern Methodist University
Temple University
Tri County Technical College
Triangle Tech
Tulane University
University of Alabama
University at Buffalo, North Campus
University of Alabama
University of California, San Diego
University of California, Santa Barbara
University of Central Florida
University College
University of Colorado, Boulder
University of Connecticut
University of Dayton
University of Florida
University of Georgia
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Indianapolis
University of Kentucky
University of Maine
University of Maryland
University of Miami
University of Mississippi
University of Nebraska
University of New Hampshire
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
University of Notre Dame
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
University of Pittsburgh, Greensburg
University of South Carolina, Columbia
University of Southern California
University of Tampa
University of Tennessee
University of Vermont
University of Wisconsin
Utah State University
Vet Tech Institute
Villanova University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
Wake Forest University
Walsh University
Washington & Jefferson College
Waynesburg University
West Liberty University
West Virginia University
Westminster College
Dr. Dan Beck, assistant principal at Upper St. Clair High School, was selected as the 2025 Robert E. Lavely Assistant Principal of the Year by the Pennsylvania Principals Association in conjunction with the National Association of Secondary School Principals’ (NASSP) National Assistant Principal of the Year program.
The state and national Assistant Principal of the Year program recognizes outstanding middle level and high school assistant principals who have demonstrated success in leadership, curriculum and personalization. This marks the second time Beck has earned statewide recognition for his leadership and support of students. In 2020, he was named the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils Principal of the Year.
“Our selection committee has once again found a committed, enthusiastic and talented educator to represent Pennsylvania as the 2025 Assistant Principal of the Year at the secondary level. Dr. Dan Beck’s genuine commitment to the students, faculty and Upper St. Clair community exemplifies the desirable traits we look for in a candidate,” Dr. Eric C. Eshbach, executive director of the Pennsylvania Principals Association, said. “Dan’s passion for his students, his school and his fellow administrators shows how important each member of the administrative team is. I am thrilled that Beck has been selected to represent the Pennsylvania Principals Association as our 2025 Assistant Principal of the Year.”
According to Dr. John T. Rozzo, superintendent of schools, Beck has been an asset to USCHS, the school district and the greater community. Recently, Beck was tasked to help lead a district-wide strategic initiative focused on artificial intelligence.
“As a school leader that always puts students at the forefront of his work, he is highly respected by all constituents,” Rozzo said. “Dr. Beck’s recent leadership on the district’s artificial intelligence initiative is one of many examples where the trust and confidence we have in him are evident.”
Much of Beck’s leadership efforts are centered on establishing and nurturing a school community where students feel a sense of belonging. He supports various student programs that focus on well-being and safety, including the school’s student support services team, ninth-grade student mentoring, Student Council and No Place for Hate. In addition, he contributes to academic programs, including the school’s Leadership Academy, Peer-Tutoring, SmartDesk and the District’s curriculum recommendations.
Beck humbly attributes this Assistant Principal of the Year recognition to the Upper St. Clair education community.
“This recognition is a reflection of the dedication of outstanding colleagues, an active student body, engaged parents and a supportive community,” he said.
Beyond USCHS, he engages with the local and national education community to apply research into practice to impact school policy. Beck partners with the University of Pittsburgh to improve supports for neurodivergent students across the country with the Schools Unified in Neurodiversity (SUN) program and is a representative for Education Next, a group of educational stakeholders working to advance student success and policy in
Pennsylvania public education.
“All of these efforts exemplify his leadership philosophy, which is to build relationships to give students a voice in forming their own school culture and have a positive high school experience,” Dr. Timothy Wagner, USCHS principal, said.
In her letter of support, Dr. Amy Pfender, deputy superintendent, described Beck as a leader who students, families, staff and the community rely on, respect and trust.
“Dr. Beck continually demonstrates extraordinary commitment to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments,” Pfender said. “He fosters a culture of collaboration and respect, ensuring that everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to the school’s culture.”
According to Ben Seewald, president of the high school’s senior class, Beck is involved in many aspects of student life — making him both accessible and relatable.
“I have watched Dr. Beck in the audience while I perform in the school choir, been greeted by him and his family after they watched the school musical, and I have seen Dr. Beck cheer for our sports teams and players and greet students in the hallways, always addressing all students by name,” Seewald said. “Dr. Beck is extremely supportive of students and this support creates an environment where all students feel respected and valued and are ready to learn.”
Beck served as a presenter at the National ASCD Annual Conference. His presentation, titled “Leading a Cultural Shift through Student Voice and Empowerment,” discussed the importance of including student perspectives in decisions to shape change at school.
“I believe that students from all backgrounds need to be empowered to create change with opportunities to share their views and voice,” Beck said. “By embedding these practices into the school’s leadership framework, students have a more active role in school policies and cultural norms, ensuring their unique needs are met and their voices amplified.”
In addition to his work as an assistant principal, Beck serves in a variety of leadership roles within the greater educational community. He previously served as a board member of the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils and the Pennsylvania Principals Association. He was the first to hold the Principals Association’s assistant principal at-large position when it was established in 2018.
Beck joined the USCHS leadership staff in 2013. Previously, he taught secondary English in the Greensburg Salem School District and the Berlin Brothers Valley School District. He earned his doctorate and undergraduate degrees from Duquesne University and a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh.
Beck is now in consideration to be named the National Assistant Principal of the Year. Each of the 50 states will select an assistant principal to represent their state. From these state winners, three finalists are selected to become eligible for the National Assistant Principal of the Year award.
A resident of Upper St. Clair, Beck and his wife, Kelly, have two young children, Carter and Lyla. n
The Upper St. Clair School Board approved the appointment of Dr. Rachel Andler as director of special education during its meeting on Oct. 21, 2024. She joined the district’s leadership staff in December.
Andler had served as director of student support services for the South Fayette Township School District since March 2020 and previously held a similar position in the Carlynton School District. She began her career as a high school math teacher in the Brownsville Area School District, where she was promoted to several administrative roles, including cyber coordinator, co-director of alternative education, dean of students and director of pupil services, special education, curriculum and federal programs.
“Dr. Andler has a tremendous background in leading special education and pupil services programming,” Dr. John T. Rozzo, superintendent of schools, said. “She will be a true asset to our students, staff and families.”
A graduate of California University of Pennsylvania, Andler earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education with a concentration in mathematics. She holds a master’s degree in school leadership and curriculum and instruction as well as a doctorate school leadership from the University of Pittsburgh.
Andler took over for Dr. Cassandra Doggrell, who accepted an administrative position in the Seneca Valley School District in July.
Dr. Sharon Suritsky, retired USC deputy superintendent and previous director of special education, served as substitute director of special education until Andler joined the Upper St. Clair staff.
In other action, the school board approved a restructuring of the facilities and operations department. The position of senior director of operations and administrative services, previously held by Ray Carson who retired in September, has been eliminated.
Dr. Lou Angelo, who had been serving as director of operations, has been named director of administrative services — overseeing the areas of transportation and facility usage/permitting for all district spaces. In addition, Angelo now oversees alumni relations and specific safety, security and personnel matters.
The assistant director of operations and facilities, Dan Snyder, has been promoted to director of operations and facilities, resulting in the elimination of the assistant position. Snyder leads the custodial and maintenance staff and is responsible for the oversight of district facilities, maintenance and operations, as well as construction and capital projects.
The human resources department also experienced change. In August, Aimee Mack, human resources representative, was promoted to human resources manager. Mack oversees employee recruitment and retention, as well as employee relations. n
Upper St. Clair School District’s elementary and middle schools have once again ranked among Pennsylvania’s best schools by U.S. News & World Report. Its lists of 2025 Best Elementary Schools and Best Middle Schools were released in November 2024.
“We are proud of the academic progress within each of our Upper St. Clair schools,” Dr. John Rozzo, superintendent of schools, said. “Upper St. Clair is incredibly fortunate to have a community that embraces and supports its school system at every level. As a result, our students have endless opportunities to engage and excel in academics, the arts and athletics.”
The district’s middle schools — Boyce and Fort Couch — are the highest ranked middle schools in the region. Boyce is ranked No. 2 and Fort Couch No. 7 among Pennsylvania’s 2,387 middle schools. Only one other school in the region broke the top 10.
“We aim to provide students with a world-class educational experience that supports their academic, social and emotional growth within an environment that is safe and comfortable, and this ranking reflects the success of that mission.” Dr. Dan O’Rourke, Boyce principal, said. “From the exceptional instruction in our classrooms to the meaningful relationships we build with our students and families, every effort contributes to the success and growth of our students.”
Among Pennsylvania’s 3,216 elementary schools, Upper St. Clair’s three elementary schools all rank within the top 1% of schools. Baker ranks No. 23; Eisenhower is No. 24; and Streams rounds out at No. 31.
“The 2025 Best Elementary and Middle Schools rankings offer parents a way to evaluate how schools are providing a high-quality education and preparing students for future success,” LaMont Jones,
managing editor for education at U.S. News, said. “The data empowers families and communities to advocate for their children’s education. Research continues to indicate that how students perform academically at these early grade levels is a big factor in their success in high school and beyond.”
The methodology for the rankings focused on state assessments of students who were proficient or advanced in mathematics and reading/ language arts while accounting for student backgrounds, achievement in core subjects, and how well schools are educating their students. Student-teacher ratios are applied to break ties in the overall score.
The 2025 Best Elementary Schools and Best Middle Schools rankings are based on publicly available data from the U.S. Department of Education. The state assessment data used in the rankings are from the 2021-22 school. n
This past fall, all 332 Upper St. Clair third graders experienced a day of learning at the historic Gilfillan Farm, the last operational farm in the Upper St. Clair community. The event was led by Pam Petrarca, Eisenhower teacher and elementary social studies curriculum leader, and Rachel Carlson, Historical Society of Upper St. Clair president.
“Margaret Gilfillan left the farm to the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair to operate a working farm to educate the public as to life on a traditional farm in Pennsylvania and to be utilized as a historical, cultural or educational center and landmark, reflecting in whole or in part the past usage of the property by the Gilfillan family,” Carlson said. “This third grade field trip partnership with the Upper St. Clair School District was an exciting way to fulfill that mission given to us by Margaret.”
Dr. Tim Wagner, high school principal and director of education for the Historical Society, helped to facilitate the partnership between the schools and Gilfillan Farm.
Over a three-day period, each of the district’s three elementary schools traveled to nearby Gilfillan Farm. Students participated in five experiential learning activities before having a picnic lunch in the field.
The third grade students rotated through five learning stations: a house tour, a simulated school, farming, a tour of the outbuildings (springhouse, smokehouse, outhouse and the summer kitchen) and recess, where students learned and played games children would have played in the 1800s.
“The goal of the trip was to show students what life was like for adults and children living in Pittsburgh in the late 1800s to early 1900s, and we definitely accomplished our goal,” Petrarca said. “By all accounts, the trip was a huge success. The students learned so much and were really interested in each station.”
The learning stations were facilitated by high school students
from Interact, National Honor Society and/or Student Council.
In addition to Wagner, members of the high school faculty and staff assisted in recruiting and supervising the team of high school volunteers. Laura Carlino, science teacher and Interact sponsor; Lexi Surunis, English teacher and National Honor Society sponsor; and Brooke Tarcson, Student Council sponsor and head of student activities accompanied high school students each of the three days.
“The ‘big kids’ really appeared to enjoy their time serving our elementary students in a meaningful way,” Wagner said. “It was a real treat to be part of a team that brought this third grade/high school experience alive. It’s gratifying for students to know that this well-preserved 1800s working farm is just across the street from Target!”
Throughout the years, several individual teachers and classes have visited the farm for different projects. However, this is the first time in several years that an entire graduating year has visited at one time.
“We are excited that Gilfillan Farm can provide a local and unique atmosphere to learn about history with the personal touch of hearing about how the Gilfillans experienced life,” Carlson said. “I hope it makes it memorable for students and that as they pass by Gilfillan Farm, they will remember some of the things they learned to share with their family.” n
For the first time in over a decade, Upper St. Clair High School students have the opportunity to add a media class to their course schedule. Eighteen students in grades 9–12 are enrolled in the English elective for the current school year.
Mastering Media: From the Page to the Digital Age is a yearlong communications course that is comprised of three 12-week modules: the Evolution of Media, Introduction to Video and Presentation Techniques. The course was created with support from English teachers Melissa Tungate, Keith Froelich and Lexi Surunis.
“This course structure breaks away from the traditional semester scheduling,” Tungate said. “Instead, it is more responsive to the curriculum, student needs and the opportunity to expose students to greater variety in the area of media.”
The English teachers hope that the course’s three separate modules effectively introduce students to the different areas of communications.
“The course gives students background and history of media along with hands-on experiences to create as well,” Tungate said. “We hope they complete the course with a greater understanding of media and some skills in creating and delivering, ultimately giving them more confidence in themselves as communicators.”
With the ever-changing digital landscape, the Mastering Media course enables students to understand the relationship between society and media, and to sharpen their own personal communication skills.
“Communication is at the heart of every interaction we have in society,” Tungate said. “Now more than ever, we are consuming and delivering messages at a fast pace. We want high school students to be critical thinkers in analyzing messages and also know how to use their speaking skills to deliver messages effectively.”
Tungate stresses that effective communication skills are essential, regardless of a student’s potential career path.
“Though communication skills are traditionally a focus in the English department, these skills transcend content areas and
fields,” Tungate said. “Those who pursue STEM-related careers need these skills and knowledge just as much as those who pursue the humanities. Physicians, businesspeople, writers and everyone in between can benefit from what this course and other communications courses offer.”
The first 12 weeks — Evolution of Media — is focused on print, broadcast and digital media. An integral part of the course is the addition of guest speakers who can share their experiences and expertise. To date, guests have included Terry Kish, editor of the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine, Andrew Stockey, WTAE anchor/reporter and Natalie Glikes, a digital media professional.
“Guest speakers give students the interaction with professionals who are currently in the field of media,” Tungate said. “Our three speakers cover all three areas of media studied in the first 12-week rotation of the course; print, broadcast and digital.”
The speakers provide students with a glimpse of real-world experience in these areas of media and a better understanding of the work and challenges they face.
“With these professionals sharing their experiences and knowledge with our students, we hope that our students have a more enriched understanding of media,” Tungate said. “The speakers also provide an opportunity for networking and understanding the career-related aspects of the content. Speakers can also highlight what post-secondary training is needed to successfully enter this field, and what a career trajectory might look like.”
The 12-week Introduction to Video module includes basic camera and editing procedures and techniques. Students will have the opportunity to produce a commercial and a music video.
During the Presentation Techniques module, students will review presentation software, as well as preparation and delivery skills. Students will gain practice in various forms of expression, including informing, persuading and entertaining
For more information about the Mastering Media: From the Page to the Digital Age course, contact Melissa Tungate at mctungate@uscsd.k12.pa.us. n
A Fort Couch Middle School student is now a two-time published poet. Seventh grader Kriti Kulkarni’s poem, “Magic Spot,” was recently chosen for publication in the anthology, “The Big Green Poetry Machine – Talented Green Poets,” that showcases young writers.
Following her school’s sixth grade trip to Deer Valley in May 2024, Kriti wrote a poem inspired by the experience. One of her sixth-grade teachers, Sherri Garvey, encouraged her to submit her work to the Young Writers poetry contest, which invited students to write a poem inspired by the environment and nature.
This marks the second time that one of Kriti’s poems has been selected for publication. In 2022, as a fourth grader, her poem titled, “Pencil vs. Pen,” was selected for publication in the Creative Communication spring poetry contest.
In 2023, Kriti earned Honorable Mention in the annual Shakespeare Monologue & Scene Contest at Pittsburgh Public Theater for her portrayal of Helena in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” n
I look up toward the bright blue sky
And see the geese flying by
I take a deep breath of the clean, fresh air
And glance up at the green, leafy canopy up there
The water ripples in small waves
And a chilly wind whips my face
A green mountain stands strong and tall
A robin makes a loud, chirpy call
My boots scrape against the muddy trail
The wonders around me do not make me pale
The sun is beating down on me
Its warmth carrying out a comforting plea
Small bugs hover over a puddle
And fish splash in the water, quiet and subtle
I smell the sweet, wooden scent of the trees
And my hair flies backward with the oncoming breeze
An ant scurries across a decaying leaf
Scavenging for food to bring some relief
Inchworms dangling off webs
Creating loops with their bodies instead of legs
A large spider crawls up a small plant
Tilting the wobbly stem at a slant
A squirrel runs up a beech
Its small, warm body just out of my reach
Raindrops splatter in the damp, grassy ground
As nature’s symphony plays all around
I smell the smoky smell of barbecue
And I catch a whiff of s’mores too!
Time to get going
So I leave, my face glowing
From the excitement of watching the simple things
To the joy that in my heart it brings
But I love being in nature
It will always be greater
Than beating a level on a video game
Or trying to get my picture up in the hall of fame
Or saving the best cookie for last
For all of that will be in the past
Nature is my escape to peace
My time to relax and find my ease.
Kriti Kulkarni
May 20, 2024
Age 11
Upper St. Clair middle and high school students shined at the South Hills Literature Festival (Lit. Fest!) on Nov. 25, 2024, at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall in Carnegie. USC teams earned two first place, two second place and one third place finish in the middle and high school Battle of the Books.
Students from more than 25 school districts came together to celebrate literature, workshop poetry from the newly resurrected International Poetry Forum and compete in the annual Battle of the Books. The event is organized and funded by the South Hills Area Gifted Teachers’ Committee.
Gifted education teachers Sherri Garvey and Tom Yochum prepared the Upper St. Clair students for the event. The Boyce students were led by Garvey and the Fort Couch and USCHS contingents were headed by Yochum.
“Upper St. Clair School District had its best-ever showing at the event, winning both the high school and middle school divisions and nearly sweeping the medal stand,” Yochum said.
The USCHS team of Sophia Whitman, Sophia Henderson and Maria Alfredson-Themudo earned first place in the High School Division, while Raana Parchuri, Aaron Jiang, John Whitman and Malo Dubreil finished third.
Three teams of Fort Couch eighth graders flexed their literary knowledge — earning one gold and two silver finishes in the Middle School Division. The team of Mateo Lin, Alex Zhang, Luka Beric and Brayden Wong won first overall. Tied for second place was the team of Seth Pedretti, Will Kreizenbeck, Owen Maher, Max Belczyk and Aadi Kaushik, and the team of Hannah Rideout, Mira Murthy, Claire Dietiker and Lindsey Fitzgerald.
This year’s theme was “The Thrill of Reading” and included stories of mystery, perseverance and intrigue. The middle schoolers read four selections this year: Ruta Septeys’s “I Must Betray You,” Holly Goldberg Sloan’s “Counting by 7s,” V.E. Schwab’s “The City of Ghosts” and Daniel James Brown’s “The Boys in the Boat.” The high schoolers also read Brown’s modern classic surrounding Team USA’s improbable gold in rowing during the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, in addition to Erik Larson’s “Devil in the White City,” Rebecca Skloot’s “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” and Shelby Van Pelt’s “Remarkably Bright Creatures.”
The creative exercises and literary opportunities provide spaces for collaboration and feedback among the participating schools. Students often prepare all fall for the Battle of the Books competition.
Small teams from each school spent the day at various literary-themed workshops throughout the library: collaborating on flash fiction pieces, writing original poetry under the guidance of published poets and competing in team trivia. Both Garvey and Yochum helped to plan, organize and run the event, the largest of its kind in the South Hills.
“Each student who commits to the annual Lit. Fest is a winner, even before the event begins,” Yochum said. “Despite demanding schedules, our students devote many hours to reading supplemental books and enjoying the camaraderie and learning that accompanies our discussions and preparations. We’re so proud of all those who took the journey with us to various times and places, both real and imagined. Congrats to the students, but also to the staff at each school who support our efforts and encourage reading and creativity each day.” n
Fort Couch Middle School celebrated International Education Week (IEW) from Nov. 18 through Nov. 25, 2024. The week was filled with experiences representing a variety of cultures, including Chinese, Japanese, Indian, West African, Croatian, Romanian and more.
The annual event is led by the school’s world language teachers: Erin Lemon, Kristin Weaver, Maria Marchionna and Kelly Lee. The goal of IEW is to promote global understanding and cultural exchange by providing opportunities for students to explore diverse cultures.
“One key aspect of IEW is exposing students to the rich traditions of music and dance from around the world, allowing them to appreciate and experience the artistic expressions of different societies,” Weaver said. “Through these activities, students gain a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity, fostering a more inclusive and interconnected world.”
Activities included learning Chinese calligraphy and greetings, Japanese paper folding and greetings, Indian dance with Nandanik Dance Studio,
West African drum and dance with Yamoussa Camara, Chinese dance with the Yanlai Dance Academy, African dance with members of the University of Pittsburgh Ya’baso Dance Team, Samba dance from the Lua Dance Club, Croatian and Romanian dance with the Bulgarian Macedonian Cultural Center, African drum and dance from the Legacy Arts Project, and Salsa and Bachata with Cross Body Dance and Movement. In addition, students participated in a virtual show-and-tell with Upper St. Clair students who have lived abroad.
While the Fort Couch students enjoyed all of the different activities, the Ya’baso African Dance Team from the University of Pittsburgh was especially engaging.
“The instructors were college students, so our students found them relatable and had a lot of questions about their studies at Pitt and how they got involved with African dance,” Lemon said. “The choreography was high energy and was also quite challenging, so the students felt a huge sense of
Upper St. Clair High School celebrated its annual Global Education Week (GEW) throughout the week of Nov. 18, 2024. Embracing the theme of Game On!, the event featured guest speakers, film screenings, demonstrations and a variety of games and contests.
Led by Doug Kirchner, social studies teacher and curriculum leader, the GEW committee included numerous staff and students. Teachers included Bethany Chase, Marc-Andre Clermont, Nikki Colella, Jessica Peconi, Ron Sivillo and Erika Valentine. In addition, several staff members coordinated and led specific events, including Janine Despines, Human Library; Tom Marquis, Cultural Talent Show; and Tom Yochum, Global Trivia.
“Our annual goal for Global Education Week is designed to bring our school community together in engaging, exciting, and eye opening ways to celebrate our cultural backgrounds, to help us all be more globally mindful and to take humanitarian action,” Kirchner said. “With this year’s theme of Game On! we sought to show how sports and games of all kinds have the power to unite us.”
Approximately 30 students served on the planning committee with several leading different events and activities. The opening ceremony was coordinated by Marley Brown, Prachi Chetlur, Ryan LaRocco, Melice Rubino, Ben Seewald, Lily Simons and Maxim-Levi Shevechenko. Frankie Dubreil and Erin Shehab managed the Game Day events. The Global Awareness Fair was managed by
accomplishment when they were able to master it. Later in the day, we saw students showing their friends the African dance they had learned.”
By participating in IEW, the world language teachers hope students gain a broader perspective, become more aware of cultural differences and develop a greater sense of empathy.
“Overall, IEW helps create a more inclusive environment, preparing students to engage with and appreciate the diversity of our global society,” Weaver said. “Ultimately, we hope students leave with a stronger sense of global awareness and a readiness to engage with others in an inclusive, respectful manner, both in their local communities and on the broader world stage.” n
Frankie Dubreil, Anna Engelman, Addison Fitzgerald, Tanvi Kullar, Ojasi Madhekar and Divya Jyothi Udhayakumar.
Last year’s Global Education Week theme, “Express Your Humanity,” highlighted how music and art can inspire and bring people together. The committee brainstormed other elements of culture that offer similar opportunities for connection. According to Mr. Kirchner, the easy answer was sports/games.
“Global Education Week has continued to reach a wider audience and we knew that our Game On! theme would cast a wide net. Of course, the fact that we were fresh off the Summer Olympics in Paris played a role, along with a summer trip to the Clemente Museum,” Kirchner said. “Roberto Clemente, perhaps more than any other athlete, has left an inspiring legacy of humanitarianism that we wanted to share with our students and staff.”
The week kicked-off with a school-wide opening ceremony. Student clubs and athletic teams were invited to participate in an Olympic-style processional as the marching band played “Summon the Heroes.”
“Our first-ever Global Education Week opening ceremony resonated with students since our entire school was together in one place to kick off the week,” Kirchner said. “It was a powerful moment of unity and inclusion!”
During the opening ceremony, USCHS graduate and U.S. Olympian swimmer, Josh Matheny, delivered words of inspiration via video message. Roberto Clemente Jr. served as keynote speaker and challenged students to make their mark on the world.
Clemente talked about his father, legendary Pittsburgh Pirate Roberto Clemente Sr., who devoted his life to making the world a better place. Students had the opportunity to learn more about Roberto Clemente Sr. by watching a special screening of the documentary, “Clemente.”
Other film screenings included the documentaries, “Carla the Rescuer,” about a courageous Jewish member of the Dutch resistance during WWII, and “Rising Phoenix,” highlighting the history and current standing of the Paralympic Games, which has grown to become the world’s third largest sporting event.
Students had the opportunity to participate in a mini-Cricket Clinic hosted by ARYSE, an out-of-school-time resource for Allegheny County immigrant and refugee youth in grades 6-12. ARYSE students shared information about the history of the sport in Afghanistan and their favorite players before teaching the basics of batting and bowling.
“They taught our students about the sport and even played a simulated game in our gym,” Kirchner said. “This truly displayed the power of sport to bridge divides.”
Students heard from a variety of speakers that included a professional soccer player, a senior writer at The Athletic, a 13-year-old speedcuber and a little person who has won multiple gold medals at international athletic competitions.
The culminating events included a Cultural Talent show with 15 student performers and a Global Awareness Fair that featured over 30 student organizations with interactive booths. Throughout the week, students collected gently used sports equipment and clothing to benefit the Clemente Foundation and Open Field.
“Each of our events attempted to layer in messages that extend beyond sports and games; messages of unity, perseverance, inclusion and humanitarianism,” Kirchner said. “These are messages that are good to be reminded of. Through Global Education Week, we always try to show that we have more that connects us than divides us.” n
Claire Birmingham
Sports teams require a unique area to practice and work that is tailored to their needs. Basketball needs a hoop, soccer needs a net and baseball needs a diamond. What most people don’t realize is that the competitive Upper St. Clair Robotics Club, though not a traditional sport, has similar requirements.
The students who participate in the engineering and robotics First Tech Challenge (FTC) program in the high school did not have the luxury of a dedicated space to practice — until now. As of Oct. 7, 2024, the robotics team has its own space in a building that allows them to perform all of their necessary tasks, including all of their outreach programs.
Previously, the team had been meeting in the high school robotics classroom used by Tracy Smith, the head of the robotics program at USC, which could only fit one team at a time.
This situation was challenging because the room had to accommodate five high school teams — over 60 students — who all had their own robots, materials and tools, as well as full-sized 12-foot by 12-foot playing fields with game materials. Students signed up to use the classroom, but due to its small size, robots were required to be stored off site. This outside storage was needed because, in addition to the club robots, over 30 robots were being stored in the same room for Smith’s high school courses, hence the need for new space in addition to new robot fields for the robots to move on.
Saying that “space is a premium in this district,” Smith had been advocating for a dedicated facility for USC Robotics. She finally had her prayers for more space answered with 108 Commerce Boulevard.
She was very happy to discover a building that could accommodate not only one team at a time, but also all of the high school teams simultaneously. Originally, Smith found 108 Commerce to be too expensive for her 6000 square-foot goal to accommodate both the middle and high school competitive robotics teams, but after downsizing to 3000 square feet for the high school groups only, she found space in the same
building that was the perfect solution.
Many people worked with Smith, but one person she says deserves credit for attaining the property is Dr. Lou Angelo, director of administrative services for the District. Angelo said that he and Smith worked to find “a space that would serve as a feasible option to meet the growing needs of the program.” Angelo mostly handled the legal side of the project, as well as contacting chief of school police Sean Bryson to “assess the space for safety and security.”
Other people instrumental in making this dream a reality were superintendent Dr. John Rozzo and the Board of School Directors who approved the agreement that helped so many students. Director of operations and facilities Dan Snyder, and director of technology Raymond Berrott, were also integral in getting the building ready for occupancy quickly after the lease started.
Unfortunately, there were downsides associated with moving from one space to another. For example, the robotics program has to buy new drills and other large tools since they now cannot share the ones used by the robotics courses. Students also cannot work on their robots during a free block during school time because the robots will be stored in the new building.
One aspect that truly defines this team is their outreach programs. The team does a lot of outreach with the USC elementary schools. Smith told The Almanac in 2022 that she just “couldn’t let go of the idea that starting at the high school was too late.” Thus, the elementary robotics program was born. As of the 2024-25 school year, all three USC elementary schools offer afterschool “Extra” robotics programs available to students, as well as a FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Explore program run by a local teacher. Furthermore, the outreach program extends beyond the USC Community.
For example, BotsBurgh, one of the individual teams, worked with the South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM) to go to Hakimi School in Karachi, Pakistan, to do a “robot petting
zoo” for the children there. When asked if Smith thinks the new building could allow more room and opportunity for outreach hosting, she answered with a confident “absolutely,” explaining that each team does their own independent outreach that could be hosted in the front room of their new building.
Regarding future plans, Smith said she is looking to extend the lease from one year to three to five years, as well as expanding the amount of space in the building that is available to the team to accommodate the 11 FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Challenge teams from Boyce and Fort Couch. Currently, the FLL teams only have a meeting location in the Fort Couch LGI and neighboring hall space for the first semester. With their current space, they have limited storage, and robot fields need to be set up and torn down at every meeting. Having the FLL teams meet in an adjoining space to the high school FTC teams would allow for countless mentoring opportunities.
Smith’s passion for the success of her teams is clearly evident. She said that “besides getting the hands-on skills of programming, designing and building, they’re also making connections. There are great things that come out of these teams besides playing a game.”
The robotics team never had a space to practice and work that was large enough to collaborate in, but because of Smith and many others’ hard work and dedication, this team will be able to achieve even more success in the future. n
Claire Birmingham, a freshman at USCHS is a member of the Student Council and a team member on the JV Basketball Team. Her favorite class is Mastering Media because she has a passion for writing and would like to pursue a career using her storytelling skills in digital and print forums.
TeraBridges earned the Inspire 1 Award.
As of early February, three Upper St. Clair High School FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics teams have qualified for the Pennsylvania FTC State Championship, scheduled for March 2025 near State College.
TeraBridges (18603) earned the Inspire 1 Award at the Greyhound Sprint Qualifier in York, Pa. This marks its first Inspire Award and the team’s first time qualifying for the state championship.
ROGO Lotus (21357) secured the Inspire 2 Award at the Blue Streak Qualifier in Lancaster, Pa. This is the team’s first Inspire Award and its first time qualifying for the state championship.
BotsBurgh (11792) received the Think Award at the Philly Open Qualifier. This will be their fourth time attending the state championship.
“I am so proud of the high school FTC teams and all they have accomplished this year,” said high school robotics teacher Tracy Smith. “The teams have built and programmed robots to compete in the annual game put out by FIRST, but they have also worked tirelessly to inspire the community, engaging in numerous STEM initiatives and outreach events.” n
Annual traditions play an important role, especially during the holidays. For more than 25 years, Boyce Middle School students have embraced the tradition of helping others in need through the school’s annual holiday service project. Coordinated by school counselors Amy Antonio and Tonia Autieri, Boyce partnered with the Children’s Home of Pittsburgh and the Lemieux Center to provide gifts for children and families who are supported by the organization.
The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh is an independent nonprofit dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of infants and children. Each year, it serves nearly 400 families through its Adoption and Permanency Services, Child’s Way daycare center, Pediatric Specialty Hospital and Pediatric VIEW program.
“Many of the children at the Children’s Home of Pittsburgh are medically fragile and the holidays can be a very stressful time for families,” Autieri said. “Boyce students assembled gift bags for the families in hopes of bringing added joy to the season.”
Over a three-week period beginning in mid-November, students collected donations for themed gift bags. Each bag was designed to brighten the holidays with practical and festive items:
• Snow Day: hats, gloves, puzzles, card games and children’s books
• Cozy Night In: throw blankets, fuzzy socks and gingerbread kits
• Cookie Baskets: cookie mix, sprinkles, frosting and cookie cutters
• Hot Cocoa Bags: holiday cups, hot chocolate mix, marshmallows, stirring sticks and cookie tins
Students decorated and assembled the bags during their guidance classes in early December. On Dec. 10, a group of fifth and sixth graders accompanied Antonio and Autieri to deliver the gifts to the Children’s Home.
The school counselors set a goal to provide 200 gift bags.
“We filled 244 bags for the Children’s Home! Plus, we had boxes of additional supplies to keep their pantries well stocked for the next few months,” Antonio said. “We are so appreciative of the support this project receives from the Boyce community. By the end of the collection, our classroom was packed with donations!”
Boyce’s service project not only uplifts families during the holidays but also teaches students valuable lessons about empathy, kindness and the importance of giving back. n
Fort Couch Middle School students raised $36,499.54 through the school’s annual Reach Out campaign that spanned from Dec. 2 through Dec. 20, 2024.
The effort was spearheaded by the Fort Couch Student Council and its sponsors, Rebecca Maley and Alexandra Neely, with support from the school’s administration, teachers and PTSO. All six teams of seventh and eighth graders raced to collect the most donations. For the first time ever, two teams tied; Team 5 and Team 6 were the highest contributing teams.
For the last 30 years, Fort Couch students have supported local and international causes through the school’s annual Reach Out campaign.
“Reach Out is a longstanding Fort Couch tradition dating back to 1994 to encourage students to give back during the holiday season,” Erin Stehle, Fort Couch principal, said. “In 1994, they raised $600 to donate to the USC Police Department to give gift cards for families; this has grown to over $20,000 annually in recent years! Reach Out continues to grow every year,
and I feel fortunate to see how far it has come.”
Reach Out is a student-run and studentcentered effort. Throughout the month of December, students collect donations by reaching out to friends, family and neighbors and by offering their services to the community.
“Our seventh and eighth graders have done countless endeavors in order to fundraise on behalf of these organizations,” Neely said. “Whether it was walking door-to-door in the snow, selling hot chocolate in neighborhoods with friends or making intricate goodies for sale, our students understood the mission of service.”
The seventh and eighth graders were fully committed to raising funds on behalf of their four causes this past season — Sam Strong, Bike MS, Yahve-Jire Children’s Foundation and Giant Eagle gift cards with the Upper St. Clair Township Police Department.
“They recognized that their determination and efforts were imperative in order to ensure that these organizations received their needed donations,” Neely said. “We are beyond proud of their selflessness during this time of year!”
Community service projects offer an opportunity for students to strengthen their ties to the community.
“In the midst of the joys and hectic schedules of the holiday season, students have a chance to pause and reflect on how they can make a difference for those who experience hardship,” Stehle said. “Students express pride in their service efforts and share their enthusiasm for giving back.” n
Upper St. Clair High School senior Danny Shanholtzer is a sled hockey champion. His team — the Mighty Penguins Adult Black sled hockey team — won the 2024 USA Hockey Sled Classic Tier IV Championship on Nov. 10, 2024, in Texas.
Established in 2010, the USA Hockey Sled Classic is an annual tournament between NHL-affiliated sled hockey teams. A record 525 players on 30 teams competed in the four-day event, hosted by the Dallas Stars.
The 12-player Mighty Penguins Adult Black team played five games over three days, finishing 4-1. Danny, who plays forward, recorded one assist. “I am fortunate to be part of an awesome team,” Danny said. “I was so proud of our team because we lost the first game of the tournament, but then went on to win against that same team in the championship!”
Sled hockey is a fast-growing internationally recognized sport and a key event in the Paralympic games. This is Danny’s 10th season playing the sport. “I was initially drawn to the sport of sled hockey because of the physicality and the competitive aspect of it,” Danny said. “I really enjoy the ability to compete with a group of people that I have known for a long time.”
Danny is not sure exactly what the future holds for his sled hockey career beyond high school.
“A lot will depend on where I end up next year for college,” he said. “There is also the national championships in Florida this May which I am also looking forward to!”
At the high school, Danny is a member of Student Council and choir. He serves as a manager for the boys basketball team and the PA announcer for the girls soccer team. In addition, he has announced girls basketball games for the local cable network.
“It is important to be involved in school activities because it has given me the opportunity to make great friends and be an active member of my community,” Danny said.
According to the program’s website, “Mighty Penguins Sled Hockey is a fun, therapeutic and competitive program for physically disabled children and adults. We aim to develop character, sportsmanship and physical fitness — while promoting and encouraging both educational and cultural experiences.” n
The Theater Arts/Acting course at Upper St. Clair High School completed a semester-long partnership with Quantum Theatre that brought outside, real-world experiences to the school’s theater program.
The acting course, open to students in grades 9-12, is co-taught by Laura Surguine and Dr. Steve Torquato. It covered various aspects of the performing arts, including monologues, scenes, voice and speech, improvisation, movement, character development and audition preparation.
As part of Quantum Theatre’s high school residency project, a teaching artist provided weekly coaching and instruction to help students interpret a classic play, a piece of literature or a historical event in their own, contemporary terms. Catherine Baird, Quantum Theatre’s teaching artist, worked in the classroom with Upper St. Clair students starting in October. n
Upper St. Clair High School was named to the 2024 AP School Honor Roll after earning Silver recognition for the second year in a row.
According to the program’s website, the “AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening access. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit and maximizing college readiness.”
The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program offers students the opportunity to take challenging college-level courses while still in high school, and to receive college credit, advanced placement or both for successful performance on AP Exams.
In its second year, the AP School Honor Roll offers four levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. To be recognized
on the AP School Honor Roll in a given year, a school must meet the following minimum (Bronze) criteria for their students in the most recent graduating class:
College Culture: 40% or more took an AP exam at any point in high school, regardless of score.
College Credit: 25% or more scored three or higher on any AP Exam in high school.
College Optimization: 2% or more took five or more AP Exams in high school, where at least one exam was taken in ninth or 10th grade.
Percentages incrementally increase to reach Silver, Gold and Platinum level recognition.
In May 2024, 428 Upper St. Clair students completed 884 AP exams in 29 subjects — earning an 83% pass rate. AP tests are scored 1–5; students must earn a three or higher to pass and possibly qualify for college credit.
Upper St. Clair High School currently offers 24 AP courses, including AP Art & Design; AP Biology; AP Calculus AB; AP Calculus BC; AP Chemistry; AP Comparative Government & Politics; AP Computer Science A; AP English Language and Composition; AP English Literature and Composition; AP Environmental Science; AP French Language; AP German Language; AP Macroeconomics; AP Microeconomics; AP Music Theory; AP Physics 1; AP Physics C: Mechanics; AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism; AP Psychology; AP Spanish Language; AP Statistics; AP U.S. Government & Politics; AP U.S. History; and AP World History. n
Eight Upper St. Clair High School students earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Program for their academic achievements and outstanding performances on the PSAT and/or Advanced Placement exams. Honorees include seniors Michael Albert, Giuliana Amorosa, Noah Gidas, Yuxiang Jiang, Katherine Sweeney and Hannah Zheng, as well as juniors Gabriela Marquez and Anh Pham.
The annual awards recognize the hard work of thousands of top-performing students every year in five categories: National First-Generation Recognition Program, National African American Recognition Program, National Hispanic Recognition
Program, National Indigenous Recognition Program and National Rural & Small Town Recognition Program.
These National Recognition Programs grant underrepresented students with academic honors that can be included on college and scholarship applications and connect students with universities across the country, helping them meaningfully connect to colleges and stand out during the admissions process.
“This year, the National Recognition Programs are recognizing more students than ever so that the outstanding academic abilities of more than 90,000 deserving students are not overlooked as they plan for their future,” said Amy Reitz, senior vice president of BigFuture at College Board. “We’re proud to support colleges and universities that are committed to supporting all students, and our program offers one way they can strengthen their recruitment efforts to students that will thrive on their campus.”
Eligible students must meet the following criteria to qualify: earn a GPA of B+ (equal to at least 3.3 or 87%-89%) or higher; achieve PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10 assessment scores that are within the top 10% of assessment takers in each state for each award program or earn a score of three or higher on two or more AP Exams by the end of 10th grade; attend school in a rural area or small town or identify as African American/Black, Hispanic American Latino, Indigenous/Native American or a first-generation college student. n
Eisenhower Elementary third graders “rocked” World Kindness Day on Wednesday, Nov. 13!
Students collected and painted rocks that will be distributed throughout the community. The brightly colored rocks feature fun images and positive messages designed solely to make someone else smile.
“This project teaches that kindness doesn’t require grand gestures — small acts, like placing a kind message on a rock, can create ripples of positivity throughout the community,” Courtney Sadowy, Eisenhower third grade teacher, said. “We hope these rocks serve as lasting reminders of the importance of kindness and inspire others to keep spreading it.”
Many of the rocks carry messages such as “Be Kind” and “Smile,” while others depict cute animals and funny faces.
“Each student selected bright colors, encouraging words or
Holly Fisher, a school nurse and nursing curriculum leader in the school district was among eight local nurses honored during the Pittsburgh Penguins Nurse Appreciation Night in midNovember at PPG Paints Arena.
The Penguins’ recognition program highlights local nurses and their dedication to their respective communities. Fisher and her nursing colleagues each received two game tickets, new shoes and a prize bundle. In addition, they were recognized on the ice and rode the Zamboni during intermission.
As nursing curriculum leader, Fisher oversees nursing services at the district’s six schools as well as private schools within the township. She helps promote healthy living by chairing the district-wide Wellness Committee. Based at Baker Elementary, Fisher helps lead the school’s Kids of Steel program. n
drawings to paint on their rocks, creating messages that can brighten a person’s day and remind them of their worth,” Sadowy said. “The excitement of choosing meaningful locations, like the local library or the community garden near Eisenhower, adds a personal touch to each student’s contribution, making it even more impactful.”
“By creating a kindness rock initiative, the third-grade team has found a beautiful, hands-on way to teach students about the power of kindness and how it extends beyond the walls of their classroom,” Sadowy said. “With every third grade class participating, the potential to spread kindness throughout the community becomes even more powerful.” n
A team of Upper St. Clair High School students has advanced to the Top 32 in the 2024-25 International Public Policy Forum (IPPF) debate competition. Team members include Mana Barimani, MaximLevi Shevchenko, Priyaharshini Sivakumar, Nikhita Thakuria and Pari Varshney.
The Upper St. Clair students are part of the Speech & Debate Team, which is coached by teachers Ben Edwards and Dave Watson. Upper St. Clair is one of only two schools in Pennsylvania to advance to the next round of competition.
The IPPF is the first and only contest that gives high school students around the world the opportunity to engage in written and oral debates on issues of public policy.
“We commend all the advancing teams for their achievement on this global stage,” William A. Brewer III, chairman of the Brewer Foundation and founder of the IPPF, said. “This is among the most complex and pressing issues on which our students have ever debated. As advocates, our law firm started this competition with a vision to promote what we see here – an extraordinary level of academic research, scholarship and discourse.”
This year, 283 teams, representing schools in 26 countries and 30 U.S. states, submitted qualifying round essays affirming or negating the 2024-25 IPPF topic, “Resolved: Equitable access to pharmaceuticals should be prioritized over protecting intellectual property rights.” n
Donny Hamilton Jr., President
As we settle into 2025, I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the president of the Parent-Teacher Council (PTC). Reflecting on the first part of this school year, I’m reminded of the countless teachers, administrators, staff members, bus drivers, police officers and so many others who work tirelessly to create a nurturing environment for our children. It’s a privilege to witness the dedication and love they pour into their work each day, and I feel so fortunate to be part of such a caring and vibrant school community.
This fall, we had the privilege of visiting with our incredible USC school bus drivers. These drivers not only ensure the safe transport of our children, but they also deeply care about the students they drive. They shared with us their admiration for the students, telling us that “Upper St. Clair parents raise their children right.” What a testament to the values and character that each of you are instilling in your children! If you ever get a chance, I encourage you to stop by the bus garage, where you can hear heartwarming and humorous stories from our drivers. And, by the way, they love fruit, bagels and hot breakfast!
The District Appreciation Brunch hosted by the PTC in November for USC staff was equally inspiring. We are so fortunate to have a team of educators and staff who bring brilliance and enthusiasm to everything they do. I want to take a moment to personally recognize a few individuals who stand out as true models of servant leadership: Sarah McDonald, officer Jason Remmy, Leslie Smirniw, officer Jason Powell and Tina Vojtko. Their commitment to our students and their unwavering support makes a significant impact on our community.
As I walk through the schools and see the spark in the eyes of our students, I am filled with confidence that the future is in great hands. I’m especially grateful for the efforts our teachers make to create emotionally and psychologically safe spaces where our children can thrive and be their authentic selves. The sacrifices they make are countless, and it’s something we should all appreciate deeply.
For those of you who are new to the district, I encourage you to get involved with the school activities and parent-teacher organizations. I know it can feel intimidating at first, but there are so many wonderful ways to contribute. Whether you’re helping at a school event or simply showing a small act of kindness to a teacher, bus driver or cafeteria staff member, your involvement is valued and meaningful. And if you ever feel unsure of where to start, please reach out to me directly at uscptcpresident@gmail. com or connect with any of our other parent-teacher unit presidents. We’re here to support you, and I’d love to meet for coffee and help you navigate this wonderful school district. Looking ahead, we have some exciting activities planned for this spring, including Spelling Bees, ARTS in USC, PIE events and more. I hope you can join us for these events, as they are a great opportunity to connect with our school community and show support for the incredible work being done across the district.
In closing, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all the parents and PTC committees who make USC School District the best in Pennsylvania. Your support, time and effort help create a school environment where our children can succeed and thrive. Let’s continue working together to make 2025 an amazing year!
When I first joined the PTSO, I didn’t really know what I was signing up for. Would it be endless meetings? An inbox full of emails? A secret handshake? Spoiler alert: there’s no handshake (yet), but there’s plenty of fun, a touch of chaos and an eyeopening appreciation for what makes our school tick.
For starters, being a PTSO volunteer has solved the age-old mystery of what actually happens at school. You know the drill. “How was school today?” gets a “good” or “fine.” “What’s happening at school?” A quick “nothing.” Joining the PTSO, however, gave me the inside scoop. Not only do I hear from administrators about the incredible work going on, but I also get to see where we, as parents, can pitch in to make things even better. It’s not always about bake sales (though those are important, too).
Volunteering has also given me a deeper appreciation for just how much goes into running a successful school district. Supporting activities like dances, fundraisers and student programs has shown me the endless moving parts that need to click into place. It’s a bit like watching a well-oiled machine — except sometimes we’re the oil, helping things run smoothly behind the scenes. And, yes, I do this without the caffeine overload I thought I’d need.
As we are now well into the new year, I’m excited to help usher in the next group of PTSO leaders. At the high school level, the students are impressively self-sufficient (except when they need snacks). Our role is more about supporting administrators and maintaining the incredible culture that’s been built here. To parents considering joining: yes, you’ll wonder if you have time, or if it’ll stress you out, but let me reassure you — it’s organized, fun and absolutely worth it. Plus, you’ll finally have a good answer when someone asks, “What’s new at school?”
The best part? Seeing the dedication of our administrators and realizing the Herculean effort they put into shaping our kids’ futures. So, here’s my advice: jump in, lend a hand and enjoy the ride. Who knows, you might even find yourself laughing while organizing a snack table for 300 hungry teens at a dance marathon.
Justine
The best part of being a parent volunteer is interacting with staff, parents and students. I enjoy making connections with others; whether I am at a travel basketball game, community event or the grocery store, I love running into someone I know from volunteering. I am grateful for all the support staff at all of the schools; they keep everyone organized and focused.
At Fort Couch, I hope we can continue to raise money for our community and can inspire more parents to become involved in
the middle school/high school community. My advice to parents who are considering volunteering is to just start small — volunteer one year, then try chairing a committee. All help and support is appreciated and needed.
Boyce PTO
Shelly Patel, President
Boyce fifth and sixth grade students have already made an incredible impact this school year through their dedication to community service. Their efforts have shown that even the smallest acts of kindness can create a ripple effect in the community. In October, they took part in the “Socks with a Mission” campaign, collecting over 1000 pairs of socks and 200 pairs of pajamas for Three Rivers Youth, an organization supporting children in foster care. This remarkable achievement demonstrated their generosity and commitment to helping others in need.
During Red Ribbon Week, Boyce students focused on being bully-free and making positive, responsible decisions. Through theme days, like wearing pajamas and dressing in your favorite sports jersey, they raised awareness about the importance of making good choices and standing against bullying. The week empowered students to be leaders in creating a safe, supportive school environment.
In the spirit of the holidays, students also participated in the Holiday Gift Bag Project for the Children’s Home of Pittsburgh, filling a bus with clothing, toys, toiletries and other essential items for children in need. This heartwarming initiative spread holiday cheer and made a lasting impact on those who needed it most. Through these efforts, Boyce students have shown incredible kindness, teamwork and compassion. Their commitment to service is just beginning, and we look forward to more amazing contributions this school year.
Thank you to all the students, families, and staff who helped make these initiatives a success! Keep up the great work, Boyce!
PTA
Amanda Palermo, President
As a parent, having a child embark on their elementary school career can be daunting. It can feel like there is so much to know: everything is unfamiliar and might even feel more complex than the systems you already know, such as daycare, a play group or preschool. My best advice to parents just starting out is twofold. First, do your homework. Plan to spend some time getting familiar with the resources available to you, both official and unofficial! Upper St. Clair School District shares a wealth of information with their school families. Start with combing through the district website and also that of your student’s particular school. Information on dismissal procedures, staff profiles and more can be found there. Many, if not all parent-teacher organizations have social media accounts: give them a follow. Established school parents use these accounts as tools for sharing information and as a new parent, feel free to join in. Other parents are active members and willing to help out someone seeking information, advice and
help. Do not be afraid to ask questions! Unofficially, chat with your neighbors or family members in the district — if possible, someone with an older student! They have been through the new student stage and will most likely be able to offer you advice or suggestions. My second piece of advice: get involved with your student’s school! Read all of those school emails. Get to know your student’s teachers and reach out and support them. If your schedule allows, volunteer at school. Students spend close to 1000 hours at school during the year! Try to become familiar with this important environment in which they are learning and growing. In my experience, these two suggestions will set you up for success. Good luck to your future Panthers!
When my family moved to Upper St. Clair from Georgia, we knew we wanted to live in an area known for its school district. As we talked with locals in the area, we constantly heard Upper St. Clair echoed in the conversations about education. Three kids later and after being involved in three different schools in our district, we are so thankful that we chose Upper St. Clair.
When my oldest was in first grade, I desired to get more involved in the schools to help give back as the teachers and staff were pouring their hearts into my children each day. One of the things I enjoy most about being a parent volunteer is the relationships built inside the school walls with the teachers, staff, administration, students and other parents. Especially at the elementary schools, the kids begin to recognize you the more often you’re there. Then you see them out in the community, and it makes a big place like Upper St. Clair feel smaller. Therefore, my advice to new parents is to just get involved! Sign up to help with something. If you aren’t sure where to start, email your PTO president and see what the needs are and then choose one. One year, I had a young baby at home, so I emailed my daughter’s teacher and asked for projects I could do at home. I promise that there is always something to do!
At Eisenhower, one of our goals this year has been to see more parents involved in our activities. As we enter 2025, I would love to see the parent engagement continue to rise. Join your child at their class social or sign up to help at Teacher Appreciation. We can’t wait to meet you and serve alongside you!
As a proud USC parent and member of the PTO board, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our educators. Your dedication and hard work make every day special for our children, and your efforts do not go unnoticed. We are incredibly thankful for each of you! As we embark on planning our spring events, our wonderful Streams teachers have generously offered to help chair, organize and plan one of our biggest fundraisers. You are truly amazing, and we are so grateful to have you in our children’s lives. n
Upper St. Clair ninth grader Suhavi Singh was named a second prize winner in the eighth annual Creative Expressions Contest, part of Gandhi Day 2024. This marked Suhavi’s fourth time earning recognition in the competition. She was also among the top winners in 2020, 2022 and 2023.
Suhavi, along with other top performers, were honored during the 2024 Mahatma Gandhi Birthday Celebration on Oct. 6, 2024, at Carnegie Mellon University. The event was facilitated by the Alliance for Humanitarian Initiatives Nonviolence & Spiritual Advancement with programming support from the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion at CMU.
The theme for this year’s contest was, “Crafting Harmony in the Contemporary World.” Students were tasked with writing an essay, poetry or musical composition that represents Gandhi’s and Martin Luther King Jr.’s belief that community harmony can be promoted through interfaith dialogue, non-violent conflict resolution, community building and citizen diplomacy and explaining why Gandhi’s approach to community harmony is important in current times.
Suhavi is a member of the high school Speech & Debate team and the USC Robotics ROGO team. In addition, she competes on the school’s tennis and wrestling teams. n
Upper St. Clair High School students earned several top finishes at the Model United Nations (MUN) Conference this fall at Riverview High School. Fourteen USC students participated in the event, which boasted more than 200 students from a dozen schools from throughout the region.
Anoushka Barve, representing Germany, was named a Best Delegate in the NATO room.
Four students were named Honorable Delegates: Robert Elliot, representing Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Lylah Kateeb, representing Austria, each received Honorable Delegate commendations from the judges. Isabel Vilensky was named an Honorable Delegate in representing the United States and Carlee Santel was named an Honorable Delegate in representing Iceland. Roshan Mishra and Will Whiman also participated in these committees.
“Overall, USCHS was the most decorated among all local high schools, with top three finishers in each of the competitive committees,”gifted coordinator Tom Yochum said. n
Two Upper St. Clair High School seniors earned top honors at the annual CalcuSolve competition on Dec. 13, 2024. Yuhong Shi secured first place, while Eitan Schwartz claimed third among nearly 200 participants.
CalcuSolve is a math contest where students compete individually and as part of four-member teams. Participants tackle nine math problems — seven individual and two team challenges — earning points for correct answers within a specified time limit.
The Upper St. Clair students were coached by Casey Teagarden. n
USCHS senior Isabel Vilensky was named a semifinalist in the 2024-25 Coca-Cola Scholars Program this fall. Isabel was one of only 14 in the Pittsburgh region and 70 in Pennsylvania to earn this honor. Nationally, less than 2% of all applicants were selected as semifinalists.
Isabel serves as president of the USCHS Speech & Debate team and the USC Girls Who Code club, as well as captain of the Model UN and Model EU teams. She is a member of the National Honor Society and Future Business Leaders of America. This fall she was named an AP Scholar with Distinction, a National Merit semifinalist and a National Speech and Debate Association Academic All American. Isabel has previously advanced to PMEA district and region honors choirs. In addition, she is currently completing an internship with the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine. n
Seven Upper St. Clair High School student musicians successfully auditioned for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 1 Honors Jazz Festival.
Liam Mulhern, grade 12–Alto 1, Band 1
Andy Scherer, grade 11–Tenor 2, Band 1
Maria Khila, grade 12–Baritone Saxophone, Band 1
Carlee Santel, grade 12–Trumpet 1, Band 1
Joy Tang, grade 12–Trumpet 4, Band 2
James Barker, grade 12–Piano, Band 2
Caden Sarkett, grade 11–Bass, Band 2 n
Ten Upper St. Clair High School choir students participated in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Region I Contemporary A Cappella Showcase on Nov. 2, 2024, at Peters Township High School.
Representing Upper St. Clair were seniors Bryan Deep, Kriti Gupta, Sofia Jahn, Tyler McClintock-Comeaux, Eitan Schwartz and Ben Seewald, along with sophomores Milena Casiani, Sam Kerber, Trevor McClintock-Comeaux and Claire Reyes. Students receive musical instruction from Laura Surguine, USCHS choir director.
New this year, the PMEA A Cappella Showcase included an all-day workshop with sessions in vocal percussion, movement and
style. The workshops were led by Deke Sharon, considered a founder of contemporary a cappella. In total, more than 200 students from approximately 20 area schools participated. “This is an emerging trend in choral music, and the ‘Father of A Cappella,’ Deke Sharon, worked directly with these students,” Surguine said. “Students had a great time, met students from all over District 1 and got to sing pop music rather than the traditional choral music.”
The Contemporary A Cappella Showcase concluded with a culminating performance by the high school students. Ms. Surguine believes this will become an annual event, and anticipates the creation of a pop a cappella group at the high school. n
Six Upper St. Clair High School students successfully auditioned for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 1 Honors Band.
Kyriaki Smith, grade 10–Clarinet 1, First Chair
Andy Scherer, grade 11–Alto Sax 1
Abby Smith, grade 12–Tenor Sax, First Chair
Maria Khila, grade 12–Baritone Sax, First Chair
Carlee Santel, grade 12–Trumpet 2
Jacob Higgs, grade 12–Horn IV
The Upper St. Clair musicians were selected from among 520 students from Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland counties. The students receive music instruction from Nick Deutsch, Upper St. Clair High School band director. n
Eight Upper St. Clair High School musicians were selected for the 2025 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 1 West Band Festival. Led by band director Nick Deutsch, the following students will represent Upper St. Clair: Kiki Smith, Clarinet; Kaitlyn Burns, Clarinet; Andy Scherer, Alto Saxophone; Abby Smith, Tenor Saxophone; Maria Khila, Baritone Saxophone; Jacob Higgs, Horn; Carlee Santel, Trumpet and Thomas Mallison, Euphonium.
The 2025 PMEA District 1 West Band Festival took place Thursday, Jan. 23, through Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at Hampton High School. Dr. Cheldon Williams, associate director of bands and the director of athletic bands at West Virginia University, served as guest conductor.
PMEA District 1 West includes 55 public and private high schools throughout Allegheny, Greene and Washington counties. n
PMEA is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the musical development of all Pennsylvanians. The organization promotes and supports quality music education, learning and performance, as well as promoting and supporting music education in schools and communities. For more information about PMEA, visit www.pmea.net.
According to artistic director Paul K. Fox, “a small but precious gem of local artistry and enrichment shines on every Saturday morning in the Upper St. Clair High School band room!” The former USC performing arts curriculum leader and music teacher adds, “Throughout the 42-plus history of the South Hills Junior Orchestra, no one has ever been turned away! For thousands of Western Pennsylvania residents, this has been the essence of collaborative community music-making and creative self-expression… and we’re still going strong!”
The noncompetitive and nonprofit South Hills Junior Orchestra (SHJO) is a completely volunteer venture. Its musicians of all ages, directors and boosters operate on a “bare bones” budget, made possible in part by the generosity of the Upper St. Clair School District, which has provided SHJO a home throughout these years. Embracing the motto “where members learn, grow and lead,” SHJO offers a judgment-free, family-friendly opportunity of exploring orchestral music to students in grades 4–12, graduates and adult amateur instrumentalists of all ability levels (even beginners). Special features of the group include providing “guest conducting” and leadership training, solo and chamber music performances, internships and the earning of community service hours, online music theory and practice strategies for improving technique and musicianship, and member fundraising projects to “give back” to the school district and other charities (donating more than $30,000 over the past four decades towards the purchase of the grand piano and acoustic shell on the USCHS stage, a marimba, two electric pianos, other instruments, music
pfox@shjo.org
1983... still going strong!
stands, podiums, library cabinets, etc. for the high school).
Besides its annual fall concert on Nov. 23, 2024, in the USCHS theater, this past year SHJO sponsored senior outreach performances and sing-a-longs at the Friendship Village of Upper St. Clair, Grand Residence of Upper St. Clair and Provincial Bethel Park. Plans for the this year’s upcoming seasons include presenting a “Spring Fling” at the South Hills Square Retirement Resort, marching in the USC Community Day parade and concluding with the annual free SHJO Spring Concert on May 27 at 3 p.m. in the USCHS Theater.
New members are welcome to “try SHJO” any time throughout the year. The directors continue to emphasize to postgraduates of school band and orchestra programs and adults of all ages that they should find their old instruments, “dust off their chops” and return to regular participation in a music ensemble “no matter how rusty they are!” Everyone is invited to several free-trial “get your feet wet” rehearsals on Saturday mornings from 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. in the USCHS Band Room. For more information, visit shjo.org. n
Another local USC ensemble for adult amateur players is the Community Band South, which rehearses Monday evenings in the USCHS Band Room.
Below is a list of upcoming concerts:
April 5 at 2 p.m.
Community Band South
Three Rivers Community Band Festival
Franklin Regional High School
May 3 at 1 p.m.
South Hills Junior Orchestra
Spring Fling
South Hills Square Retirement Resort (private concert)
May 24 at 3 p.m.
South Hills Junior Orchestra
Spring Concert
Upper St. Clair High School Theater
June 7 at 2 p.m.
Community Band South
Vanadium Woods (private concert)
July 13 at 2:30 p.m.
Community Band South
Dean Streator Summer Concert Series
Bethel Park Community Center
Aug. 23 at 6 p.m.
Community Band South
Latrobe Summer Concert Series
512 Ligonier Street Suite C (off McKinley Avenue in Latrobe)
Dec. 7 at 2:30 p.m.
Community Band South
Bethel Park Community Foundation Holiday Concert
Bethel Park Community Center
AHN Pediatrics
Baywood Consulting, LLC
Cardinal Endocrinology
Debra Campbell Photography, LLC
Design Image Salon
Emerick Financial Planning
Emma’s Kafe & Deli
Gallagher Wealth Management
Peter Gialames & Associates
Interior Designs/ Furnishings by Mary Kay Chaffee
Timothy Kerr, DMD & Romana Pautler Kerr, DMD
Larry E. Manalo, DMD
Melissa D. Michel, LPC
Opus Properties, LLC
Pediatric Dentistry South Readwise, Inc.
Scoglio’s Restaurant
Shawna Kelly, LLC and Katherine Fletcher, LLC
Cindy Brophy, State Farm Ins.
Suburban Dry Cleaners TAG Wealth
Travel Leaders, Kiernan Ent.
Dr. Brett Crell and Dr. Beth Troy Orthodontics
Whole Plants Health, LLC
Xcoal Energy Resources
Daniel R. Paoly President At Large
Day 412-831-9000
Evening 412-862-5995 2025*
Dante R. Plutko Jr. Vice President Ward 1
Day 412-831-9000
Evening 412-389-5187 2027*
Pamela L. Enck Ward 2
Day 412-831-9000 2025*
Jason H. Graves Ward 3
R.
To reach Township personnel, call 412-831-9000 and follow the automated directions.
Administrator Extension
Todd D. Burlingame Ward 4
Day 412-831-9000 2025*
Ronald J. Pardini Ward 5
Day 412-831-9000
Evening 724-941-1199 2027*
Richard I. Thomas At Large
Day 412-831-9000 2027*
*Date indicates expiration of term.
Day 412-831-9000 2027* 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 on the website at twpusc.org. For more information, call 412-831-9000.
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
Ed Poljak
Director of Information Technology
George Kostelich Jr. 2710
Director of Public Works
Christian Gmiter 2470
Director of Library
Paul Besterman 6250
Director of Recreation & Leisure Services
&
Fire, EMS
• 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.
Oct. 7, 2024
Approximately 31 people attended
Recognitions
• Commissioner Enck presented a Proclamation to the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department designating Oct. 6-12, 2024, as Fire Prevention Week in Upper St. Clair.
• Commissioner Enck recognized the following Volunteer Fire Department members for their years of service: Roger Lauderas–5 years, Matthew Romah–15 years, Brad Mountain–15 years, Douglas Heckman–25 years, David Kropp–35 years
The Board
• Continued Public Hearing Re. PLC24-0001
— St. Clair Country Club Terrace Course — Unified Conditional Use Preliminary and Final Land Development Approval to the Board of Commissioners’ Regular Meeting on Nov. 4, 2024.
• Closed Public Hearing Re. Application for Transfer of Liquor License — The Kitchen at Frosty Valley, LLC.
• Adopted Resolution No. 1767 Re. Application for Transfer of Liquor License — The Kitchen at Frosty Valley, LLC.
• Tabled PLC19-0001 — Ardolino Development Plan
— Amended Final Approval — Extension Request to the Nov. 4, 2024, Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners.
• Moved to Establish the Community & Recreation Center Assessment and Implementation advisory Committee (IAC).
Nov. 14, 2024
Approximately 18 people attended
The Board
• Continued Public Hearing Re. PLC24-0001
– St. Clair Country Club Terrace Course — Unified Conditional Use Preliminary and Final Land Development Approval to the Board of Commissioners’ Regular meeting on Dec. 2, 2024.
• Adopted Bill No. 5-24 Re. PLC19-0001 — Ardolino Development Plan — Amended Final Approval — Extension Request.
• Closed the Public Hearing Re. 2025 Proposed Budget.
Approval of Contracts
C. Crump, Inc.
Hays Road Stream Restoration
$94,350.00
Melzers Fuel Service OPIS Daily Pittsburgh Average Index Plus Fixed Margin of $.0400 on each gallon of 87 and 89 Octane Gasoline and Diesel Fuel and $.0250 on Winterized Diesel Fuel additive on each gallon of Diesel Fuel.
87 and 89 Octane Gasoline, Diesel Fuel and Winterized Diesel Fuel Additive
Maher Duessel CPAs
Fiscal Year 2024: $47,800.00
Fiscal Year 2025: $50,150.00
Fiscal Year 2026: $52,700.00
Audit Services for the Township, Tri-Community South EMS, and the Municipal Authority
Penn Care, Inc. ...................................$757,788.00
Three (3) Ford F-450 4x4 Ambulances that include graphics and additional equipment @ $252,596.00/ each
Dec. 2, 2024
Approximately 16 people attended
The Board
• Closed Public Hearing Re. PLC24-0001 — St. Clair Country Club Terrace Course — Unified Conditional Use Preliminary and Final Land Development Approval.
• Adopted Bill No. 6-24 Re. PLC24-0001 — St. Clair Country Club Terrace Course — Unified Conditional Use Preliminary and Final Land Development Approval.
• Adopted Bill No. 7-24 Re. Adoption of the 2025 Budget.
• Adopted Resolution No. 1768 Authorizing Approval of the Designation of Matching Funds through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) for the Upper St. Clair Township Library — Next Generation Library Improvement Project.
• Adopted Bill No. 8-24 to Amend Chapter 25.10 of the Township Code entitled “Fiscal Affairs”.
• Adopted Bill No. 9-24 to Update the Investment Policy for Non-Retirement Funds.
• Adopted Resolution No. 1769 Authorizing the Approval of the Agreement between the Township of Upper St. Clair and the Upper St. Clair School District for snow and ice removal services on School District Properties.
• Adopted Resolution No. 1770 Authorizing the Appropriate Township Officials to Execute a Utility Relocation Abbreviated Work Reimbursement Agreement for Manhole Adjustments on Boyce Road.
Swimming pools deeper than two feet in the Township of Upper St. Clair require a permit, or in many cases, two permits.
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
The Township’s Board of Commissioners has once again approved a budget with no tax increase. For the 16th 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 percent, has not changed since 2007.
The 2025 budget process began in May, focusing on navigating evolving financial realities while upholding our commitment to delivering high-quality services and preserving our existing infrastructure. Challenges such as ongoing inflationary pressures, increased operating costs and declining real estate tax revenue exert additional financial pressures. Compounding these difficulties are unfunded federal mandates and an increasing tax burden from overlapping governments which strain our residents. Mindful of all of this, we remain steadfast in our pursuit of the Township’s long-term strategic goals and our commitment to prudent financial management.
The Township’s budget is comprised of 13 separate funds. 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, found online at www.twpusc.org/budget.
The Township’s primary sources of operating revenue in 2025 continue to be earned income tax and real estate tax. These taxes combine to make up roughly 78% of total General Fund revenues. The balance of operating revenue is comprised of other taxes and other revenue. Other taxes include real estate transfer, sales & use, and local services taxes. Other revenue consists of permits, fees,
fines, service agreements, investment earnings and recreation fees. General Fund revenues are budgeted at $27,576,785 for 2025 — an increase of 3.47% from the 2024 budget. Notable revenue changes include continued growth in earned income tax and sales tax, along with an increase in interest income. The General Fund is projected to end the year with an unassigned fund balance that achieves the Government Finance Officers Association’s recommended fund balance level.
General Fund operating expenditures are projected to be $20,349,461, which is a 3.44% increase from the 2024 budget. The accompanying chart illustrates how the expenditures are distributed across the major program areas. The Township’s two largest programs are Public Safety and Public Works, which combine to represent 73% of the operating portion of the General Fund budget. This includes refuse collection, a cost which increased nearly 10% for 2025. The remaining difference of budgeted revenues over operating expenses of $7,227,324 will be used to fund debt service costs of $2,848,157 and transfers to other funds of $4,379,167.
The Capital Projects Fund accounts for most of the Township’s major equipment purchases and capital projects. Funding for these items comes from grants, a General Fund transfer, existing capital reserve and, when planned and necessary, bond proceeds. Some of the notable items funded in the 2025 Capital Projects Fund budget are the annual Street Resurfacing Program, Municipal Building exterior improvements and parking lot repaving, police and public works vehicle replacements, various parks and playing fields upgrades and completion of the Morton Fields Complex renovation.
Membership levels at the Community & Recreation Center (C&RC) hit new highs again in 2024, but wages and general inflation continue to pressure the operating budget in several areas. Additionally, maintenance needs are growing with the aging of the facility which increases the cost of operations. This is reflected in the 2025 Budget which has overall operating costs increasing by 4.5% over 2024. The routine replacement of fitness equipment will occur as usual in 2025, as will the replacement of technology and aquatics equipment. The 2025 budget also anticipates another HVAC unit replacement as part of the
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 2025.
The Township’s real estate tax millage rate for 2025 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 2025-26 fiscal year no later than June 2025.
program that began several years ago.
Membership revenue for 2025 is budgeted at $3,865,000, which anticipates a small increase in membership rates. Other operating revenue sources in the C&RC Fund include facility rental revenue, program revenue, daily admissions and miscellaneous revenue. These sources are budgeted to total $747,000 in 2025. The General Fund will appropriate $1,180,967 to the C&RC Fund for debt service costs associated with the construction of the C&RC building and $692,796 to support the common area operations of the C&RC.
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 2% discount or avoid the 10% penalty.
2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025:
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 2024 tax year are due on April 15, 2025. n
The Township of Upper St. Clair hereby gives public notice to all Township sewer users that ALCOSAN will raise sewage service charges and usage fees by seven percent (7%) for 2025. The Sewer User Multiplier rate that is used to calculate the Township’s total usage fee has been set at 1.64 for the year.
The Township contracts with Jordan Tax Service to provide the billing and collection of the monthly sewer usage fees. 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.
The Township’s Sanitary Sewer Fund accounts for all sewer usage fees paid by residents, and the expenses related to sewage processing and maintenance of the sanitary sewer system. Sewage processing is performed by ALCOSAN, who bills the Township for the service. ALCOSAN has once again increased fees by 7% for the entire region. The Township’s sewer rate multiplier is being reduced from 1.68 to 1.64 to minimize the impact of this increase. The Alcosan expense is budgeted at $6,145,000 for 2025, representing 43% of the fund’s operating expenses. While that is usually the largest expense in this fund, the 2025 budget is different. This year marks the most significant and expensive stage of compliance mandated under the Phase II Consent Order and Agreement (COA) with the Allegheny County Health Department. Accordingly, the
In January 2024, Tri-Community South EMS (TCS) transitioned its dispatch operations to Allegheny County 911. This change provided us with access to advanced technology and modern dispatching practices. However, one significant benefit for the residents of Bethel Park, South Park and Upper St. Clair is the PulsePoint app.
When someone experiences a cardiac arrest, every second counts. A person has approximately four minutes after their heart stops before brain damage begins to set in. Additionally, the chance of survival decreases by about 10% with every minute that passes. Early CPR and defibrillation are the key factors that can reverse these grim statistics and save lives.
TCS has an excellent track record in cardiac arrest survival. In 2023, we successfully saved 18% of the patients we found in cardiac arrest, and in 2024, we approached 14%. This is well above the national average of 7%. However, TCS is only part of the equation. Much of our success can be attributed to bystanders and our dedicated police officers, whom we train and support to respond effectively in these critical situations.
PulsePoint is an international app that connects trained
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.
2025 Sanitary Sewer Fund includes $6,375,000 for the required source reduction efforts. 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 twpusc.org.
members of the public with victims of cardiac arrest in public spaces. Through a partnership with Allegheny County 911, the app notifies users within a quarter-mile radius of the cardiac arrest, encouraging them to provide early CPR and/or defibrillation — crucial interventions in these emergencies.
We strongly encourage everyone to get CPR certified and download the PulsePoint app. TCS offers CPR and First Aid training on the first Tuesday evening of every month at our Bethel Park headquarters. For more information about CPR training and the PulsePoint app, please visit tcsems.org. To download the app, scan the QR code.
Summer Laborer
Dept. of Public Works
Camp Counselor
Camp Director
Playroom Associate
Tennis/Golf Attendant
Event Attendant
Guest Relations
Associate
Fitness Attendant
Not yet certified?
Take the American Red Cross Blended Learning Course:
Location: USC Community & Recreation Center
Dates:
March 21-23, 2025
April 11-13, 2025
May 9-12, 2025
May 30-June 1, 2025
Fee: C&RC Members - $220
Non-Members - $255
Ask about our Certification Reimbursement Program
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 Dept. of Public Works Camp Counselor Camp Director Tennis/Golf Attendant Guest Relations Associate Event Attendant 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.
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.
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.
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 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 twpusc.org.
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 USC 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.
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.
On Nov. 6, members of the Upper St Clair Volunteer Fire Department, along with the help of a few commissioners and citizens, pushed their brand-new engine into the garage on Route 19. A “push-in” ceremony is a tradition that dates back over 100 years when a fire department gets a new engine. Fire Chief Ted Hale spoke and thanked the community for its support. Commissioners Daniel Paoly, Dante Plutko, Richard Thomas, Pamela Enck and Jason Graves were in attendance. n
This fall I participated in the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department’s Citizens Fire Academy (CFA). The academy was run by the amazing men and women who volunteer their time and expertise to make the Township a safer place to live.
The CFA was held one day per week over six weeks. I expected it to be a course where the firemen would present film and talk about what they do, and then demonstrate. I was wrong! Week one started with a history of the department, followed by a tour of the facility.
Chief Ted Hale then announced that it was time to gear up. Our group of 10 participants, ranging in age from 16 to 76, was given full fire turnout gear that included a fire helmet, Nomex hood and SCBA faceplate, fire coat, suspenders, pants and fire boots. This gear costs more than $5,000 and must be replaced every 10 years.
Once we received our turnout gear, we performed and completed tasks that the firemen do:
• Connected fire hoses to hydrants and operated hoses that released 150 gallons of water per minute.
• Learned truck company operations and use of ladders, which included climbing them. Performed forcible entry and used several types of power equipment.
• Practiced vehicle extrication, from glass removal to actually cutting a car open with jaws of life.
• Learned to operate a drone with thermal imaging and high-def camera ability.
• Were fitted with SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus). The SCBA is an air tank (not oxygen) with built-in safety features. For example, if the firefighter does not move for 30 seconds an alarm goes off. At approximately 25% capacity, an alarm sounds, warning the firefighter that the air supply is low and it’s time to exit the structure.
• Put out various types of fires with appropriate fire extinguishers.
Our final class took us to the Washington County Fire Academy where we fully geared up and had the opportunity to enter the burn building, which replicates live fire conditions where the temperature can get upwards of 1000 degrees. The participants entered in twos, with a trained firefighter for safety.
Chief Hale thought the academy was very successful.
“We had a wide variety of ages and occupations, both male and female. The participants were all eager and active. The feedback from every participant was that it was informative and educational and exciting. One person has already joined the department and that is one of the goals of the academy.”
Participants in our group included a high school student, a chemist, a CPA, a nurse, a police officer and a retired stadium operations manager.
Chief Hale added, “ I was also happy with the great participation from our volunteers. Even though they are on-call 24/7 and have drills every Wednesday, they still came out to help on the nights of the academy to teach what they constantly prepare for.”
I would highly recommend this program. It will be run again in 2025, so visit uscvfd.com for details. This program is exciting and interesting, and safety is the first concern of the firefighters. It was one of the most interesting events I have ever participated in. n
Chris Gmiter
All of us at the Upper St. Clair Library are excited to showcase our newly redesigned spaces that meet a variety of needs, ensuring there’s a space for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to study or work, a place to meet or a pleasant outdoor setting, the library has you covered.
On the third floor, you’ll find a bright, modern flex space that includes
five quiet study rooms, perfect for individual focus or small group collaboration.
A larger meeting room across from the study rooms accommodates up to six people for more formal discussion or brainstorming sessions. There’s also a common area where you can sit and read or work online. All our third-floor spaces are designed with comfort in mind, providing ample outlets, free WiFi, ergonomic seating and lighting that minimizes distractions.
For patrons 14 and older, the third floor also features a seasonal rooftop patio. Younger patrons are welcome to enjoy the patio if an adult accompanies them. This serene outdoor space is perfect for reading, studying or simply enjoying a snack in the fresh air, as food is allowed in the space. With great views and comfortable seating, the patio is an inviting retreat.
The library’s spaces don’t stop on the top floor. On the first floor, the mul-
tipurpose room is a versatile space that holds up to 40 people. It’s available for booking by local clubs and organizations, such as the Girl and Boy Scouts, book discussion groups and community organizations. It’s a great resource for hosting meetings, workshops or any event that brings people together.
As always, in the nonfiction area on our second floor, patrons can read or study throughout the space on a firstcome, first-serve basis.
Accessing all these spaces is easy and free for library patrons. Visit the library’s homepage and choose the “How Do I” drop down menu and select “Reserve a Quiet Study Room” or “Reserve the Multi-Purpose Room.” You can also call the library during operating hours for more information.
With our variety of spaces and services, the library is truly a hub for learning, collaboration and community engagement. We hope to see you soon — and often. n
Q: How long have you been in your current USC Library role?
Karen: I joined the Upper St. Clair Township Library team in February of 2024.
Q: What was your previous title/location?
Karen: Over the past 20 years, I’ve worked in a variety of library roles. I’ve managed circulation and technical services and have also created and conducted children’s programming. Just before joining the USC Library team, I held the position of unit head/ copy cataloging for Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.
Q: That’s impressive! What are your responsibilities at USC?
Karen: I work with our USC library team to provide exceptional customer service that connects community members and all patrons to a wide variety of library resources and services.
Q: What do you love about working at the library?
Karen: My office is next to the elevator. I love to listen to the children’s excitement as they bound off the elevator and into the library. Sometimes they’re ready to look for books. Sometimes they’re headed to a story time program or ready to play in the playroom. Whatever their destination, it always makes me smile to think they already know that the library is full of endless possibilities — and that we have an exceptional library staff to make those possibilities happen.
Q: Can you share a recent instance where you helped a library patron find a specific resource or overcome a challenge?
Karen: Recently, a gentleman came to our library for help completing job applications and for support developing his resume. There was a bit of a language barrier and so our patron returned for computer and employment help multiple times, continuing to work with me, as well as other circulation staff members. About a month later, our patron let us know that he was hired for a new job. The circulation team was happy and excited for his success!
Q: That’s a great feeling! What is your favorite book?
Karen: “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” by Charlie Mackesy is my favorite book. I recommend this book to everyone. I love the simple illustrations and kind message the writing delivers.
Q: What genre do you enjoy reading most?
Karen: Fantasy books are my favorite. Jim Butcher’s, the Dresden Files is a fun series. I also like Western books. Robert B. Parker’s, the Virgil Cole/ Everett Hitch series has the American Old West lawman language that makes for an immersive read.
Q: What do you enjoy most about interacting with the diverse community that visits the library?
Karen: Each day at the library brings something different and it gives me the opportunity to gain new perspectives.
Q: Please finish this sentence for our readers. People may be surprised to know that…
Karen: While studying at Pitt, I had the honor to sign as ASL interpreter for Mr. Rogers and Spike Lee.
Unless otherwise noted, all events are in-person and take place in the library multi-purpose room.
Eastern Medicine
Wednesday, March 12
6:30–7:30 p.m.
Join the Upper St. Clair Township Library for a presentation by Dr. Wenjin Li, who has a PhD, MD, and a master’s degree in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. He runs two clinics in Pittsburgh.
The presentation will focus on the benefits of integrating western and eastern medicine, addressing challenges of western medicine, explaining Chinese medicine and exploring how their combination can be beneficial for people.
Author Talk with Brian Colella
Wednesday, March 26
6:30–7:30 p.m.
Come join Pittsburgh author Brian Colella for a lively and engaging chat about his action-thriller novel, “Out of the Fire.” You’ll get to hear firsthand how his exciting experiences in aviation and firefighting inspired the thrilling adventure and unforgettable characters in this gripping story of courage and determination. This event will take place on the third floor of the library.
Forged in Steel: Pittsburgh from Swamp Land to Steel Mills
Wednesday, April 2
6:30–7:30 p.m.
Learn the incredible history of Pittsburgh’s steel industry — how it powered the Industrial Revolution, supplied crucial materials during several wars and forever changed the fabric of our region. Follow the evolution of Pittsburgh from its geological and geographic roots to its crushing downfall and rebirth. This event will take place on the third floor of the library.
Mah Jongg Class
Tuesdays: April 8, 15, 22, 29
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Learn to play the fun and addictive game of Mah Jongg on the library’s third floor. This series of four weekly classes is designed for
adults new to the game. The classes will cover all the essential components of the game, including tiles, hands, rules, strategy, setup and play.
This class offers you additional time to practice and apply the skills you have learned. Once you have grasped the game, you can play with other beginner players while the instructor offers guidance, tips and advice. Attending the first two classes is crucial as each class builds on the previous week’s lessons. The class size is limited to 12 people to ensure individualized learning. There is a fee of $5 per class. Classes take place on the third floor of the library.
Wetland Birds with Doris Dumrauf Wednesday, April 9
6:30–7:30 p.m.
Join bird photographer Doris Dumrauf for an engaging presentation on the wetland birds of Western Pennsylvania. She will share photos and stories of species like shorebirds, waterfowl, songbirds and ospreys. Doris will also highlight the birds of North Park, showcasing the region’s diverse wildlife.
Introduction to Labyrinths with Kelly Haywiser Tuesday, April 22
1–2:30 p.m.
Labyrinths are amazing, sacred and ancient symbols. Learn about the history, types and the benefits of walking a labyrinth. Learn a few different ways to walk a labyrinth, including setting your own personal intentions. Find out where labyrinths can be found, including more than a dozen in the local area. There will be an optional road trip after the presentation to go to a local labyrinth to walk as a group within a few miles of the library.
Creating a Finger Labyrinth
Tuesday, April 29
1–2:30 p.m.
This is a hands-on creative Sacred Expressive Art session to create your very own interactive art and finger labyrinth. A small canvas, acrylic paint and markers will be provided for a supply fee. Instructions will be provided on how to use your interactive art piece to walk a finger labyrinth to create
peace, serenity and intention. Your finger labyrinth is yours to take home. No prior art experience or knowledge of labyrinths is required. The supply fee is $10. Limit of 15 participants.
Relieving Stress and Anxiety with Energy
Wednesday, April 30
6–7:30 p.m.
Join the Upper St. Clair Township Library and Radiant Heal for a workshop on managing stress and anxiety. Participants will explore Energy Medicine, focusing on the Triple Warmer and its role in the fightor-flight response, to better understand how stress impacts the body and mind.
The session will include simple exercises to calm the Triple Warmer, enhance clarity, ground oneself and release emotions such as anger and fear. We will also discuss nourishing meal routines and a simple breathing technique to promote relaxation. This event will take place on the third floor of the library.
For a full list of our adult programs, visit the library’s website: twpusc.org/library.
Try-It Tuesday with local artist Jude Ernest is a regular monthly USC Library in-person, adult art program, limited to 15 registered participants. If you are unable to attend, please cancel your reservation ahead of time. A $5 donation is suggested.
Slider Cards
Tuesday, April 15 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Wax Thread Bracelet Tuesday, May 13 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Colorful Coil Coaster
Tuesday, June 10 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Caleb Guarino, YWG and TODAY Intern
This past fall, technical services librarian Danielle Packer started the Mah Jongg Club at the Upper St. Clair Township Library. Mah Jongg, originating from Chinese culture, combines luck and skill in a tile game, typically played with four people and 144 to 152 rectangular tiles. Generally, the object of the game is to make matching sets and pairs. Once a player has successfully completed this task, they must yell “Mah Jongg!” signaling the end of the game.
Since the game’s creation in the mid-1800s, Mah Jongg has developed into a global phenomenon with more than 40 different iterations of the classic game. Adapted and enjoyed around the world, the game is now available to play and free to learn at your local library, thanks to the new Mah Jongg Club.
In April 2024, staff members and patrons were taught how to play American Mah Jongg — a style adapted and influenced by Americans. Meeting once each week, the class lasted for four weeks. After learning how to play, many participants became interested in furthering their skills and playing more frequently. Packer, noticing this need, sought to organize the first ever Mah Jongg Club meeting. Held on Nov. 7, the club welcomed any and all who were interested in playing. From 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., roughly 20 people visited the library to enjoy the newly learned game. With great success from the first meeting, the club continues to meet on the first and last Thursday of every month from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. in the library’s flex space located on the third floor.
Although somewhat difficult to learn, the club welcomes players of all skill levels. It is recommended, however, to gain some experience before attending a first meeting. Whether a beginner or a Mah Jongg professional, the club’s friendly environment is sure to welcome you. Advanced individuals assist beginners, providing simple tips and tricks to better their play. Conversations emerge between community members that build relationships and form friendships; and games bring strangers together, changing feelings of uncertainty to a sense of belonging and connection in our community. While a seemingly simple game, the magic of Mah Jongg lies in the bridging of human connection to joyous emotion, as the cry of “Mah Jongg!” echoes throughout the township library.
If interested joining the club, don’t hesitate to stop by. Packer encourages everyone to “just try it!” Even if you don’t like it, it’s something new to learn, which expands your knowledge and increases your brain power.
Sometime in March, the library plans to host a How-To-Tournament for Mah Jongg beginners. Although the date is not set, this introductory event seeks to assist new players in learning the game and allows them to play in a non-competitive and helpful atmosphere. Keep your eyes open for Mah Jongg training sessions offered by the library, as well as other learning opportunities. Even if you’re intimidated to participate or not sure how to play, remain open-minded for a chance to experience the magic of Mah Jongg. n
The Upper St. Clair United Senior Citizens enjoyed the holiday season with group meals, entertaining Halloween costumes, birthdays and much more. The group learned about safety measures throughout the USC School District from USCSD superintendent Dr. John Rozzo, celebrated Thanksgiving with a meal and a “re-gifting” afterwards, plus got to congratulate their friend Lynda for completing her chemo treatment.
If you’re age 55 or older and retired, consider joining the group, which meets most Wednesdays at the McLaughlin Run Activity Center (MAC), located at 1770 McLaughlin Run Rd. (Spouses of eligible members may also join, even if under the age of 55). Informal activities begin at 10 a.m., with members holding a brief business meeting at noon, followed by lunch. In addition, there are various outings throughout the year. n
In 1971, my life took an unexpected turn that profoundly shaped my lifelong goal of serving my community. At 21, I was a junior at Ohio State University, aspiring to become a fashion designer or a teacher. Sewing has been my passion since middle school. However, everything changed when my high school sweetheart proposed on my 21st birthday and he received a low draft number for the Vietnam War shortly afterward. Looking for alternative ways to serve, we discovered the Peace Corps.
Established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, the Peace Corps offered Americans the opportunity to promote world peace abroad. In 1971, couples could apply together, and with my husband’s degree in agricultural economics and my background in education and design, we submitted our applications. We were accepted and initially assigned to Venezuela, but due to mismatched roles, we were reassigned to British Honduras (now Belize), to work among the local Mopan and Ketchi Mayan communities.
In October 1971, we officially became Peace Corps volunteers. Our new life in Belize meant adapting to living in a new world with no electricity, no running water and no modern conveniences. For example, I washed my clothes by hand in the local river. One time I even found a scorpion in the pocket of my husband’s pants, which I quickly chopped in half with a machete!
for traditional embroidered markings on the bands of the blouses made by the Ketchi mothers and grandmothers. Later, I expanded my efforts by teaching at a secondary school in the town of Punta Gorda, where I collaborated with Garifuna students on sewing projects that celebrated their local heritage.
As our initial two-year term in the Peace Corps neared its end, the success of the beekeeping project led us to extend our service for another year. This time allowed us to strengthen the community’s sustainability efforts and deepen our impact. During our third year in the Peace Corps, I discovered I was pregnant, adding a new layer of meaning to our time in Belize. I went to Belize City Government Hospital to deliver our son in 1974. His arrival brought joy to the community as the only blue-eyed, blondehaired baby in the nursery for many years.
Despite all the culture shock, the best part of the experience was the Mayan villagers who welcomed us warmly. We quickly immersed ourselves in serving the community. My husband supported local farmers by organizing agricultural cooperatives, teaching bookkeeping and developing incomegenerating projects like honey production through beekeeping. I volunteered at the local primary grade school and established the village’s first library. Inspired by the vibrant local culture, I started a sewing circle with teenage girls, teaching them to create skirts and blouses by hand. I also developed a marketing outlet
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.
After our transformative years in Belize, my commitment to serving others became a lifelong mission. I raised two sons and pursued a career as a teacher, further solidifying my passion for giving back. In 2012, I retired after teaching for 33 years and moved to Upper St. Clair to be closer to my Belize-born son and his two sons.
Today, I continue to serve my community in meaningful ways. I lead Project Linus, creating blankets for hospitalized and needy children, and volunteer within Christ United Methodist Church in Bethel Park as the president of United Women in Faith, and at the Brothers Brother Foundation, giving sewing lessons for the Latino Casa San Jose program. I have participated in local craft fairs by making and selling “Microwavables” Cotton Bowls and Plates Holders.
From Belize to Upper St. Clair, service to my community remains my greatest joy and purpose. At lunchtime on Wednesdays, I enjoy a tasty meal and terrific entertainment from the Upper St. Clair United Senior Citizens program. n
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. ACCESS Paratransit and Pittsburgh Regional Transit Senior Citizen Connect Card
Applications for the Pittsburgh Regional Transit Senior Citizen Connect Card and the ACCESS 65 Plus Coordinated, Shared-Ride Paratransit Service are available at the offices of State Representatives Natalie Mihalek and Dan Miller and State Senator Devlin Robinson.
If you’re looking for a reason to start — or continue — a regular exercise routine, look no further than Vera M. Thornburg. This Friendship Village resident turned 102 this past January and still works out regularly!
Her motto? “Keep moving!”
Vera Shogry grew up mainly in Brookline, near West Liberty, although she also lived in Republic, Pa., for a few years in elementary school. She explained that her father immigrated to the U.S. from Syria when he was about 20 years old. Trained in Syria as a tailor, he eventually opened a dry cleaning and tailoring business on West Liberty Ave. in Dormont, New Deal Cleaners.
After attending and graduating from South Hills High School on Mount Washington, Vera attended the University of Pittsburgh, graduating in June 1944.
Vera said, “I used to play softball as a young girl. I was 13 and played on a team with 15-year-olds. I played shortstop. Back in those days, we didn’t use gloves and played barehanded.”
“I was always physically active, and I liked gym class,” said Vera. “So, when I went to Pitt, I decided to major in health and physical education. I also took shorthand and typing classes.”
Vera met her husband, George “Clint” Thornburg, while at Pitt. She explained that when they met, he was an elevator operator at the Cathedral of Leaning. Vera thought he was cute, so she would always wait for his elevator. The couple married in July 1944 when he was on a one-week leave from the service during World War II. After the war ended, Clint returned home and enrolled at Pitt on the GI Bill. He graduated in three years and began a life-long career in banking.
Vera’s first teaching job after college was in McKees Rocks where she taught PE and Health and coached cheerleading during the 1944–45 school year. She quit that job to join Clint in Tucson when he was transferred to the Davis-Monthan Air Field. Several months later, when Clint was deployed to Guam, Vera moved back to Pittsburgh and got a job at Knoxville Junior High, near Beltzhoover, for the 1945–46 school year. She also worked at the YWCA, teaching exercise classes and swimming and leading outdoor retreats for young women at South Park.
In 1949, Vera and Clint bought their first
house on Ruthfred Dr. in Upper St. Clair. Vera took a break from teaching to start a family and raise their sons, Bob (USCHS 1967) and Todd (USCHS 1973). Bob worked in the petroleum industry and lives in Oklahoma City. Todd worked in environmental cleanup and lives in Portland, Ore. Retired now, both Bob and Todd went on to get advanced college degrees.
When Todd went to elementary school, Vera began substitute teaching at USC. She subbed for about five years until 1966, when she was offered a full-time job at Fort Couch Middle School teaching PE and Health. When Boyce Middle School opened in 1969, she moved to Boyce until she retired in the late ‘80s.
When Vera was a teacher in Upper St. Clair, she would hold gym shows during Open House. Each show started with a promenade and all the students would parade around the gym to music.
For the main show, there were several activities going on at once — vaulting, tumbling, square dancing and nationality dancing. “We tried to get everyone involved, both girls and boys,” said Vera.
After retirement, Clint and Vera got airline passes and did a lot of traveling to places such as Texas, Oregon and Arizona (to see their two sons), Hawaii and Mexico. They attended several elder hostels, which were week-long adult education classes, often about the local culture of the area.
Clint and Vera also started a jewelry business and made earrings, necklaces and bracelets using silver and semiprecious stones, stained glass lamps and suncatchers, selling the items at local craft shows in Canonsburg and Washington.
Vera moved to Friendship Village in February 2020. “I moved in just a few weeks before everything shut down due to COVID, so it was a difficult transition,” she commented.
When asked about her favorite activities, Vera said she used to enjoy swimming, tennis, racquetball and square dancing — actually any kind of dancing, including disco. Now her typical exercise routine consists of fitness class, circuit training and daily walks.
“I can still walk a mile!” she states. Her health advice for others? “Stay active, eat healthy and participate!” n
The Township and School District of Upper St. Clair honored veterans from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces during their annual veterans Day Observance ceremony, which was held on Nov. 1, 2024. Held at the Township’s Veterans Memorial Park, the ceremony featured keynote speaker Lieutenant Junior Grade Megan Bakkala from the Coast Guard and musical performances by the USCHS Chanteclairs and Fort Couch Middle School band. n
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RONALD A. ARNONI, DISTRICT JUDGE
District Court 05-2-20
Office: 412-835-1661
Fax: 412-835-4060
Hiras Professional Building 2414 Lytle Rd #200
Bethel Park, Pa. 15102
Terry Kish and Judge Ron Arnoni
Judge Arnoni wishes to introduce to you the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Citizen Award. On Dec. 4, 2024, Judge Arnoni presented this award to Terry Kish, who was nominated by Sarah Beitler, Alex Pepke and Paul Fox. The Outstanding Citizen Award is an award meant for an individual who demonstrates excellent community leadership, makes significant contributions to their community and shows generosity and unselfishness through their actions.
Terry grew up in South Fayette Township. She and her husband, David, have been USC residents since 1987, where they raised their two daughters.
Terry earned her bachelor’s degree in industrial administration from General Motors Institute (now Kettering University) while working as
a co-op student at GM’s Fisher Body Plant in West Mifflin. At GMI she was a member of Alpha Sigma Sorority, where she served as membership director and president. She was also on the staff of the daily paper, a member of the Society of Collegiate Journalists and volunteered as an EMT with South Hills Ambulance.
During her career at GM, she worked as an inspection supervisor, general supervisor of statistics, production services general supervisor, production superintendent and materials management superintendent. Terry also earned her MBA from West Virginia University and volunteered with Valley Ambulance Authority as an EMT.
While her daughters were in preschool, Terry decided to pursue a career with more flexibility and began working as a freelance writer. In addition to submitting to several regional publications, she was a stringer with the Almanac for more than 20 years. She was a Golden Quill award finalist in 1995 for Spot News: Non-Daily Newspapers. In 2003, Terry joined USC TODAY as an associate editor, then moved to the editor position in 2022.
Writing and editing gave Terry more time to pursue a variety of service opportunities. She volunteered at her daughters’ preschool, coached their soccer team and volunteered at Streams Elementary School, where she served as PTA vice president, president and board advisor. She was also on the board of the USC Swim Club, a member of the USC Band Parents Association and part of the ad hoc committee for the USC Community & Recreation Center. From 1998-2000 she served on the USC Community Foundation’s technology committee and as a trustee from 2018–2022. Terry and her husband have been parishioners at St. Catherine Laboure Parish (formerly St. Louise de Marillac) since 1987.
Over the years Terry has served a wedding coordinator, a member of St. Louise de Marillac’s pastoral council, a religious education teacher and a member of the marriage preparation team. Currently she is an extraordinary minster of holy communion, a funeral coordinator and writes and edits for the parish’s monthly magazine, “Drawn to Christ.”
Terry was presented with a certificate, commemorative medal and gift certificate for Bella’s restaurant. She was also presented with citations from Senator Devlin Robinson and State Representative Natalie Mihalek. Judge Arnoni would like to thank everyone who participated, with special thanks to Sarah Beitler, Alex Pepke and Paul Fox for nominating Terry. n
With the 2024 election cycle in our rearview mirrors, I am excited by the many opportunities that Harrisburg has before it.
For the last few years, we have been more politically divided than ever. However, I have always viewed party affiliation to be a means of where one stands in terms of policy and political philosophy. But we must do better than to let those ideas lead to hatred and division.
I am proud to say that while the 2023-24 Legislative Session presented partisan challenges, because of the makeup of Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives being 102 Democrat members to 101 Republicans, in many ways, the House overcame those challenges. In doing so, a number of bipartisan pieces of legislation were passed and written into law.
A perfect example of these victories can be found with new laws that aim to improve the lives of those who previously served in the United States Armed Forces.
With more than 600,000 veterans who call Pennsylvania home, the Commonwealth has the fourth highest veteran population in the country. Having served in the U.S. Navy, I am familiar with the challenges that many veterans face. Such challenges can include accessing important benefits or finding workforce opportunities.
To help those who contributed to our nation’s defense, recent changes include:
• Act 14 of 2024 locks in in-state tuition at Pennsylvania public colleges and universities, even if their military parent is reassigned to another state.
• Act 24 of 2023 allows children in military families soon-to-arrive in Pennsylvania to be enrolled in school prior to the establishment of a residence.
• Act 27 of 2024 excludes a veteran’s benefits from being considered as income when seeking eligibility in any program administered by the Commonwealth, making certain that veterans who receive benefits related to their service are still eligible for other Pennsylvania programs.
• Act 60 of 2024 establishes six new license plates honoring the service of the Commonwealth’s veterans. Three of the new plates recognize service members who received medals or honors for individual achievements or deployments, including the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal Registration Plate, Operation Inherent Resolve Veterans Plate and Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal Registration Plate. The other three new plate designs recognize women veterans and include the Honoring Our Women Veteran Motorcycle Registration Plate, Women Veteran Motorcycle Registration Plate and the Women Veteran Registration Plate for passenger cars and trucks. The plates are now available from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
• Act 71 of 2024 creates a direct connection between a voluntary veterans’ registry maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) and each county’s Veterans Affairs office, which will be able to respond sooner to veterans who may need assistance.
• Act 145 of 2024 creates a new memorial on the Pennsylvania Capitol grounds to honor Gold Star families, who are the ones left behind when a service member dies. The memorial is designed by the Woody Williams Foundation, a nonprofit organization that installs similar monuments throughout the United States. The MI Charitable Foundation will handle construction and maintenance, at no cost to taxpayers.
To inquire more about these new laws, contact my district office at 724-942-2045. In fact, on the third Wednesday of each month, a representative from the American Legion is available to assist veterans with various issues. You can reserve an appointment by calling the office.
I am often asked by friends and family about how I handle extreme partisan issues. For me, it is a matter of focus and wanting to address topics that are important to our friends and neighbors.
And this method is likely to continue throughout the 2025-26 Legislative Session, as the makeup of the House has not changed. This requires elected officials to work together, when possible, and find commonsense solutions to the problems impacting Pennsylvania. n
Phone: 412-343-3870
Mt. Lebanon Office – District 42
650 Washington Road, Suite 102 Pittsburgh, Pa.
RepMiller@pahouse.net
RepDanMiller.com
Facebook: @RepDanMiller42
Improving public safety and supporting emergency responders have always been top priorities of mine. I am excited to report that Gov. Josh Shapiro signed into law two bills that will impact first responders and also enhance our region’s emergency response capabilities for the future.
One of these is my House Bill 843, a bill that I championed with Rep. Natalie Mihalek, Sen. Devlin Robinson and Sen. Jay Costa. This new law takes a major step forward in our urban search and rescue capabilities throughout western Pennsylvania by authorizing and supporting the creation of a top-tier search and rescue team based in our region.
The need for this became apparent after the collapse of the Fern Hollow Bridge, when resources were required to be brought across the state to aid in the disaster response. In addition to authorizing the team, I also worked to build funding into the state budget to pay for equipment and training for this new team.
Normally it could take a decade for a bill like this to work its way through the legislative system and be signed into law. But, by working across political parties and with our senate partners, as well as Mayor Ed Gainey and Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, we were able to fast-track this legislation.
I am especially grateful for the support this effort received from the local fire and emergency response community, several of whom traveled to Harrisburg multiple times over the last two years to talk to other lawmakers and policy makers about the importance of this bill.
In addition to the urban search and rescue bill, another bill — Senate Bill 365 — was also recently signed into law. The Senate version of a House bill I worked on, SB 365, is designed to help our first responders deal with the challenges of workplace trauma.
Far too many of our first responders bear the scars of their work in silence or bring them home in unhealthy ways. Due to stigma and worker compensation barriers, this reality has damaged careers, impacted personal lives and in some cases, ended in suicide. We can do better, and SB 365 takes a big step forward by requiring workers compensation to cover post-traumatic stress injuries for first responders.
Preparing ourselves to meet the unknown challenges of tomorrow is a duty we all share, and when confronted with crisis or calamity, we need to make sure that our communities are ready. As we move forward, I will continue to collaborate with local officials and emergency responders to make sure they have the tools and training they need to be prepared. n
Article courtesy of Carolyn Jones Friedrich, historian, Historical Society of Upper St. Clair
Old handwriting can be a challenge for archivists and researchers to read at times. Advances in technology may provide assistance with messy penmanship and cursive handwriting. AI programs can be trained using a variety of handwriting samples to develop models that, when applied to scans of archival materials such as a letter, will produce a transcript of the document. Any new technology comes with pros and cons, AI in particular. Ethics, privacy, copyright and environmental impacts such as the carbon footprint are all topics to consider for each tool and service. While the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair is not utilizing AI handwriting transcription tools at this time, it is something I am watching with great interest for future applications. Used well, it could become another means to increase access and assist researchers working with Historical Society collections. n
Each spring, the Upper St. Clair-Bethel Park Rotary, Breakfast Club hosts its annual Night of Giving, a celebration supporting local charities in and around the community.
“It’s the event our whole club looks forward to,” said Marshall Goldstein, USC resident and founding member of the local club, “and we’ve been doing the Night of Giving for over 30 years.”
In the time since the event’s inception some three decades ago, the Upper St. Clair-Bethel Park Rotary, Breakfast Club has given away over $1.1 million to local charities and organizations throughout the South Hills and the Pittsburgh region.
The grant money comes directly from funds raised during the annual Chicken BBQ held each fall at Bethel Park High School.
“This year we raised more money than ever, so the spirit of giving is alive and well in our communities,” said BBQ co-chair Sally Morrison.
While the list of charities receiving grants changes yearly, the club remains focused on three areas of giving — youth, seniors and veterans. This year the group will host the Night of Giving at Bella Sera in Canonsburg on April 24 and expects over 100 guests in attendance.
“The entire grant process takes several months and culminates in April with a wonderful celebration of the many amazing charities
receiving grant funding,” said Russ Spicuzza, Rotary board member. Submission requests are received in early spring and carefully evaluated by the board to ensure all requests meet necessary Rotary International grant guidelines. Upon selection by the board, each charity is notified and receives their grant check during the evening’s festivities.
“The variety of charities receiving grants is incredible,” said board member Tom DeRubeis. “We give money to so many worthy organizations it’s truly astounding. I’m so proud to be a part of this club.”
The Upper St. Clair-Bethel Park Rotary has given grants to charities that include St. Winifred’s food bank, Washington City Mission, Our Black Rose, Montour Trail, Boy Scouts, Center for Theater Arts, Camp Aim, USC and Bethel Park fire departments and police, as well as organizations like Light in My City, started by Baker teacher, Erik Wiesemann.
For a complete list of past recipients, visit uscbprotary.org and click on Night of Giving. For more information or to submit a grant request, contact Mary Kirk at moxkirk@live.com. n
The Upper St. Clair- Bethel Park Rotary, Breakfast Club Bake-Off will once again be held during the USC Community Day celebration on Saturday, May 17, with winners announced at the conclusion of the parade.
“The USC Community Day Bake-off was successfully restarted last May,” said Rotarian and Bake-Off co-chair Mary Kirk, “and based on the enthusiastic participation, we expect 2025 to be even bigger.”
“The Bake-Off, open to all USC students from kindergarten through eighth grade, is a great way to show off your creativity, step away from electronics and learn some really useful skills along the way,” confirmed Leigh Harkreader, club president and event co-chair. “We have three categories to enter — favorite movie, favorite book or your choice, which is the most popular,” said Harkreader.
Registration for the Bake-Off opens on March 1. There is no fee to enter and prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in each category, by age grouping. To register or for more details, visit uscbprotary.org and click on Bake-Off registration. n
Geoff and Christine McQueen
A good detective can’t solve a crime without all the clues. And even a great chef can’t cook a fabulous dish without all the ingredients. So a few years ago, we began asking ourselves: Why do people use the traditional approach to home renovations, when it involves drawing up plans without all the information that can make or break a project?
Many people try it: They decide what sort of renovation they want, then hire a designer or architect to sketch out their vision. Those designs are then shared with a handful of potential builders, who each come back with a bid. The homeowner then looks at those bids and tries to choose the right builder to hire.
That all seems like a good idea until you consider that those original drawings are filled with ideas and educated guesses. And each builder has to try to understand those guesses and interpret the design package in their own way. They offer bids — each written differently, in a different format — leaving the homeowner stuck deciphering what’s being proposed.
It’s confusing: You’re not just comparing apples to oranges. You’re comparing imaginary apples to imaginary oranges. Because with this traditional “design-bid-build” approach, only after the homeowner chooses a builder does anyone begin doing all the vital analysis — assessing all aspects of your current home or the plot of land you’re building on, researching the exact permits that will be required and uncovering any real-world situations that may impact the vision your designer has put on paper.
You’ve paid a design professional to design your hopes and dreams and chosen a bid with a ballpark cost included. But as issues come to light, things begin to shift. You have to pay the design professional to go back and redesign your project, then renegotiate with your builder based on what’s been learned. We knew there had to be a better way.
What if everything about a job could be understood first? What if the people who do your renovation could partner with you and with an architect from day one to figure out things like feasibility, lot conditions, zoning regulations, township requirements and permitting — all the behind-the-scenes things that add substantial cost to the project — before you’ve ever committed to the total cost of your project?
That’s how the “design+build” approach works. Clear information and coordinated planning. It’s how we work at McQueen
Building Company, and we often hear from clients that they never realized home renovation could actually be fun. It’s surprisingly easy when you’re not playing the middle-man between an architect and a builder who don’t know one another but have to somehow collaborate.
With a design+build approach, you’re in partnership with a builder, a designer and an architect who know how to work closely together. And that team is constantly checking in to make sure your project is staying on budget.
At McQueen, here’s how we make that happen:
• Christine meets with potential clients to get a sense of their ideas and goals for investing in their home. Is the project a good fit for us, and are we a good fit for them? Do they need what we offer?
• Next comes pre-design services. We do a deep dive into the scope of work, including a meeting with a designer and a construction professional to visually inspect the property. We make sure that what the homeowner wants to do can actually be done. All the due diligence is done (zoning research, permitting research, stormwater requirements, etc.) and we draw the home in its existing state, something all municipalities require. Whether the client chooses to go with us or not, all these things have to be done. By doing it before the project designs have been created, there are no surprises later when we create the designs we’ll build from.
• With all that data, we create a detailed preliminary budget including every line
item from start to finish, all based on real information. When we’ve answered every question and the homeowner is happy, it’s time for schematic designs and design development. The homeowner selects the finishes they want and every detail is confirmed.
We don’t go to the next step until we know it’s feasible from a build perspective and the client’s budget perspective. No hypothetical drawings, no mysteries. We’ve already found in pre-design anything that might cause us to rethink or scale back.
Clients love the transparency of gathering all that data and talking honestly about budgets from the beginning. And it’s our favorite part of the process, too.
The only thing better, really, is the moment when a client is thrilled that we designed and built something beautiful on their budget. Our clients never end up in the all-too-common design-bid-build situation where a homeowner says, “I came into this with a $500,000 budget and I ended up spending a million.” On our design-build projects, the only time the budget goes up is when a client decides they want to increase it.
Truly, the only surprise you should get when renovating your home is discovering that you love your renovations even more than you expected. n
To learn more, visit mcqueenbuildingcompany.com or visit our social channels to view our latest projects.
See ad for McQueen Building Company on page 70.
Using a personalized planning process and proprietary investing strategies, our advisors will build a tailored portfolio to help you achieve your financial goals.
Connor McLean, United Capital Financial Advisors
Spring is a time when many decide to embark on a new and exciting purchase — like a new home or property, a home improvement project or two, or even an overdue vacation. That excitement can quickly turn to anxiety when thinking about how to fund those purchases without derailing your longer-term financial plan. Below are some tips for how to approach these decisions so that you can proceed with confidence.
Know your cash flow
Before any purchase, it is important to know the ins-and-outs of your monthly budget. Categorize spending to help determine what is a fixed cost (loans, utilities, medical premiums, groceries) versus what is more discretionary. It is always good to automate cash savings as part of your budget, and it is even more important when considering a major expense. With interest rates on mortgages and credit card debt drifting higher in recent years, using cash whenever possible can significantly reduce interest costs in the long run.
Tip: Higher interest rates for debt also means higher interest rates on cash savings accounts — you can consider Treasuries or bonds to take advantage of current yields for longer.
Family help
In 2025, the IRS permits annual gifts of $19,000 per person, per recipient. This means if two parents are married and wish to help their child financially, they can give $38,000 without paying taxes on the gift. Another option is for a family member to issue
a private loan, which can save money compared to a traditional mortgage. The IRS publishes a monthly applicable federal rate (AFR), which is the lowest rate at which money can be loaned between related parties without being treated as a gift.
If you plan to apply for a loan to fund a home purchase, it is important to get pre-approved. Pre-qualification offers you a rough estimate of how much you may be able to borrow. In contrast, pre-approval is a more in-depth process where the lender reviews all your financial information to determine both the amount you can be approved for and your applicable interest rate (they can even estimate your monthly payment).
If drawing on investments, it is critical to consider the tax consequences and potential penalties (depending on the account type). You will also want to analyze the long-term impact of removing investments from your nest egg in terms of how it could reduce your purchasing power later in life. Lastly, be careful about which investments would be good to part with so as not to disrupt the balance of your portfolio.
In reality, a significant purchase like a home or major home improvement will rely on a combination of sources, each with its own pros and cons. A financial advisor can use complex tools to model different short- and long-term scenarios. n
Shannon Gallagher
Home improvement projects are a powerful way to increase your property’s value, especially in a competitive real estate market. Strategic upgrades not only make your home more appealing to potential buyers, but can also increase its resale price and equity.
One of the most impactful areas to focus on is the kitchen. As a centerpiece of daily life, a kitchen with updated appliances, stylish countertops and fresh cabinetry can significantly enhance a home’s marketability. Even small changes like replacing hardware or adding a backsplash can make a big difference.
Bathrooms are another high-impact area. Renovating outdated bathrooms with new fixtures, contemporary tiles or energy-efficient lighting can add both comfort and value. Features like double vanities or walk-in showers are especially attractive to buyers.
Curb appeal is essential for making a strong first impression. Simple improvements, such as landscaping, a fresh coat of exterior paint or upgrading the front door can instantly elevate your home’s appearance. A welcoming exterior symbolizes care and quality, drawing in potential buyers.
Energy efficiency is increasingly important in today’s market. Adding features like upgraded insulation or energy-efficient windows not only reduces utility costs, but also appeals to eco-conscious buyers.
When planning home improvements, prioritize projects that offer a high return on investment and align with current market trends. With the right upgrades, you can transform your property into a standout listing while increasing its overall value.
“ I know I want to avoid a nursing home. What other choices do I have?”
An Envisage membership makes it possible to age independently and successfully in the place you call home—today and tomorrow.
Learn more about the smart way to age at home.
Mason A. Tupta, PT, DPT, CMTPT/DN, Direct Physical Therapy, LLC
Spring is a season of renewal and growth, making it the perfect time to focus on your health and wellness. As the days grow longer and the weather warms, there’s no better opportunity to celebrate your well-being and take proactive steps toward a stronger, healthier you.
Physical therapy is an excellent way to align your body and mind with the energy of the season. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain or seeking to improve your overall fitness, spring is an ideal time to begin your journey. The combination of warmer temperatures and increased daylight encourages movement, outdoor activities and a fresh perspective on your health goals.
Celebrating your wellness isn’t just about achieving milestones, it’s about recognizing the importance of self-care and the small victories along the way. Physical therapy provides the tools and support you need to move freely, reduce discomfort and boost your confidence, allowing you to enjoy everything the season has to offer.
This spring, take a step forward. Commit to prioritizing your health, set meaningful goals and embrace the power of movement. Celebrate the on-going personal journey of growth and ask how Direct Physical Therapy can help!
Visit Direct Physical Therapy’s website at directphysicaltherapypgh.com. n
Charissa Lauren
It’s 4 a.m. and as I sit in the nursery rocking little Sophia back to sleep, I find myself reflecting on this big little family we built here in St. Clair. As the twins approach their first birthday, it’s hard to believe that nearly a year ago, we brought two new babies into our home, fulfilling my dream of having a bigger family. It’s true what they say: the last babies really do pull on your heart strings a little more. You find yourself memorizing that new baby scent, clinging on to the last onesies a little longer and every end of a milestone seems to trigger a tear.
The last year has been a whirlwind of sleepless nights, first giggles and utter pure joy watching my eldest two become siblings. We survived the year of the twins; I don’t know how we did it. Our fivebedroom home that once felt huge to me now echoes with the pitter patter of tiny feet running in circles around the kitchen island, something I always envisioned when we first bought this home. Though we refinished our basement into an epic playroom, the toys seem to find themselves throughout the house.
I love our colonial home, and we can’t seem to beat our pandemic interest rate, yet I find myself at a standstill wondering if we’ve outgrown the space and if the three bathrooms will be enough for four future teenagers. I’ve always wanted one family home: the kind with one wall marked with heights as I watch my children grow over the years. I wanted our children to have a sense of comfort when they come back as adults for the holidays, if only for mom’s cooking. I want to pile in my grandchildren and be surrounded by this gift for years to come.
I look around at my canvas and I envision how we can elevate our space to accommodate us all. Where other people may see flaws, I’ve always seen opportunity.
I’ve loved design and home projects for as long as I can remember. My father spent many years leading a contracting team and always took me along to job sites. I loved seeing those empty frames become something in time. Naturally, when we first became colonial homeowners, I was ready to work.
On initial purchase in 2021, we put a lot of heart into this place. We had our roof done, our deck removed, a patio installed, our kitchen updated and our unfinished basement remodeled, all within the first year. I share a similar journey with many Upper St. Clair colonial homeowners: the journey of continual remodels and updates. The love and value we put into our properties ensures that our neighborhood remains a favored place to live.
To prep this home of ours for a family of six and a German Shepherd or two, it’s back to my drawing board. Every spring, I do a good cleaning, sweep and a purge of all that is old and unused. Minimalism is my mentality, so you may see me on Buy Nothing this spring as we revamp our garage into a functional space. I absolutely love having a garage off the kitchen, but it tends to be the landing zone and the place that accumulates the “stuff.”
When it comes to organization, the name Stephanie Jurik is consistently referenced around town. Think The Home Edit, but the Upper St. Clair edition. Stephanie has an eye for design and a knack for transforming a space into a functional, utilized
system. Her business, Organize by Nature, is a go-to in the area, especially when it comes to big moves or just a general closet or pantry project. I needed advice when it came to my own organization for the garage project.
“To keep it simple, contain and label! Keep similar things together in a location you would use them most often. Purge annually or more often to keep down on unnecessary clutter,” Stephanie says.
One of my very first design projects here was creating a gender-neutral playroom in my newly remodeled basement. Hilariously enough, I called this my “postpartum project” and did this just eight weeks after the twins were born. Maybe it was mom guilt’s way of saying, “Sorry for your two new sisters, kids, here’s an epic playroom.”
Nonetheless, this was one of my favorite rooms to design. Stephanie, being the master of organization, says, “Spring is a great time to organize and declutter those toys and playrooms! The kids are still in school, so get those spaces organized to make it easier to clean up over the summer.”
Next on my list is building a sunroom off my den to open my space. My first-floor layout is absorbed by a big open kitchen and will desperately need to be expanded to add space and flow. At the time of purchase, I adored the kitchen — the side-by-side fridge, the built-in butcher’s block and eight bar stools surrounding the counters. It was the perfect home to host in. Now with multiple children and infinite
dinner parties, we’ll need the extra space. The kitchen needed a lot of esthetic updates. We painted, and re-painted, updated fixture after fixture and it’s still a workin-progress. We find ourselves needing to finalize our tile accents. I stumbled upon a local-owned business called CHICCRETE and fell in love. I knew this is what I wanted to do for my backsplash and kitchen tile to meet my esthetic needs. They transform ordinary spaces into works of art, and it is the perfect upgrade if you’re looking for a modernized and more efficient way to
update tile, fireplaces or patio. The Greekinspired trend is used often in celebrity homes for accent walls, fireplaces, kitchen hoods/islands, backsplashes, bathrooms/ showers, flooring, basement walls, arched built in bookcases, patios and more.
Home and family are my priority and creating this space for them has brought me so much joy. After the twins were born, I’ve invested a lot of my time in scaling the agency and hiring new publicists so I can step into a CEO role. I’m finally able to appreciate my time and flexibility with my work. In aging, the meaning of life is crystal clear and that’s spending time with who and what matters. Nothing brings me more peace than being able to try a new recipe in my kitchen, design a room in the house, play in the garden or just all of us around the dining table for game night, absorbing the quality time.
While buying a new home can some-
times be our first thought as our lives change and evolve, remember that there is always a way to utilize the space we have. I frequently remind myself that home is a feeling, not an esthetic. In creating my home, I carry the image of what I want my children to feel when they come back as adults: safe, at peace and happy. Life wasn’t made to be Pinterest perfect and no life with kids comes without mess. Make the most out of your home, whether that’s remodeling or organizing. Above all, take pride in our community and what makes our homes unique. n
“He is the best baby ever! The happiest baby. The chubbiest baby. The sweetest baby. The baby who loves to smile, laugh and snuggle.” That’s how Kayla Freeman, RN, BSN, fondly describes her second born, Ford.
It’s difficult to imagine now what life would be like without the newest member of the family. But at one point, Kayla and her husband, Danny, were unsure if they would be able to grow their family as they had hoped. While the couple’s first son, Asher, was a happy surprise, they were struggling to get pregnant for a second time after actively trying for some time using ovulation strips, apps and more.
When Kayla asked Amy B. Turner, DO, of Advanced Women’s Care of Pittsburgh, if that was normal, the OB/GYN physician who specializes in fertility said they could start looking into things since Kayla had polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Following comprehensive lab work, hormone testing and medical imaging to check all the boxes, Dr. Turner ultimately performed an exploratory procedure, where she found and removed scar tissue to open a blocked fallopian tube.
The successful outpatient procedure enabled Kayla to quickly become pregnant — approximately one year after she and her husband first began trying to conceive their second child. Kayla says, “I told Danny the good news on his birthday.”
It was a full circle moment nine months later, when Dr. Turner delivered Ford at the St. Clair Hospital Family Birth Center after being with Kayla through every step of her journey. He was a healthy baby boy — born at nine pounds, two ounces and 22 inches long!
“I’ve always said I would not deliver my baby where I worked if I didn’t trust the team. My nurse colleagues were really respectful of everything that I wanted,” Kayla says. “Plus, I see first-hand how the physicians care for and remember their patients as a nurse at the Family Birth Center. I know they’re invested in what happens with every patient.”
A commitment to that level of care is a hallmark of St. Clair Health — one that
is shared by the physicians, nurses like Kayla and everyone else at the Family Birth Center. In fact, one nurse is assigned to one patient upon admission, and they remain intimately involved before, during and after your delivery.
Kayla explains, “Our Family Birth Center is one unit, so the nurse who cared for you during labor may also be your postpartum nurse. It’s very individualized care because I get to spend so much time with my patients and really get to know them.”
A board-certified Pediatric Hospitalist is in-house 24/7 to monitor babies in the Level II Special Care Nursery and provide other care as needed. Additionally, a certified lactation counselor from the on-site Lactation Center is available to help new mothers learn the ins-and-outs of breast-
feeding. And a perinatal social worker will make sure mothers are prepared for discharge. Plus, a variety of educational programs and support groups are offered for new parents and their families.
All of these caring professionals — and more — work as a team to make decisions because they recognize no birth is routine, and no baby ordinary. The personalized care each mother and child receives makes the labor and delivery experience at St. Clair Hospital truly unique. As Kayla puts it, “You are a patient here, not a number.”
She continues, “I cannot brag enough about our doctors and our staff. I love it here! It’s why my cousin is now seeing our doctors and will soon deliver her first baby at the Family Birth Center.” n
If you’re expecting, or expecting to be expecting, finding the right hospital and OB/GYN for your baby’s birth is critical. Look no further than St. Clair Health and its dedicated team of physicians, who can provide everything you and your baby need during pregnancy and delivery in a safe and comfortable family-centered environment. To learn more, visit stclair.org/familycenteredcare. See ad on page 80.
Brand new apartment designs, revamped community spaces, a refreshed health center — these are just a few of the renovations to Friendship Village of South Hills that make our senior living community the ultimate living experience. But a brighter future is not measured in the number of amenities. It is the opportunities to create lasting friendships, discover new passions and make memories amongst family old and new. With our recent updates, those opportunities are more plentiful than ever.
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 or usctoday@usctoday.org
Michael Ortenzo, USCHS Class of 2011 and owner of Magnus Mental Health, LLC, was inspired to pursue a career in marriage and family therapy after excelling in psychology in high school. His passion in this field continued to grow after graduation, leading him to attend California University of Pennsylvania and obtain a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Motivated by his desire to help others achieve their best selves, relationships and overall living, he diligently studied for and earned his master’s degree in family therapy summa cum laude from Drexel University in Philadelphia in 2017.
Shortly after commencement, Michael launched his career by providing mental health services to children and adolescents and their families through community-based programs across southwestern Pennsylvania. Following this experience, he shifted his focus to outpatient services within a private practice setting and earned his Pennsylvania state license in marriage and family therapy (LMFT).
Through his own practice in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, which he opened last November, Michael continues to support the community by offering personalized mental health care. As a licensed marriage and family therapist, Michael provides an array of proven therapeutic services for individuals, couples and families, such as anxiety and stress management, emotion regulation, habit change, strengthening individual relationships, pre-marital and marriage therapy, and family therapy with adolescents, young adults and adult families. Additionally, Michael offers a range of therapies including, but not limited to, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP/EXRP) for obsessive-compulsive disorder, Gottman Method couples therapy, solution-focused therapy and structural family therapy. n
Magnus Mental Health, LLC is located at 733 Washington Road, Suite 402, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15228 in Mt. Lebanon’s uptown and offers virtual and in-person sessions. To learn more, visit the website at magnusmentalhealth.com.
Katy Walker, a fitness supervisor in Upper St. Clair’s recreation department, recently had her article “FALLing in Love with Your Fitness Journey” published in the Pennsylvania Recreation & Park Society Magazine’s fall 2024 issue. She was listed as a featured author.
As a fitness professional in the parks and recreation field, Katy is passionate about sharing valuable insights on wellness and fitness. She says that writing this piece was a rewarding experience, and she hopes her article provides practical tips and inspires others to take the next step in their health journeys!
Katy’s experience and professional insight is on display daily at the Community & Recreation Center, where she leads fitness classes. n
If you’re considering a senior living community, having a discussion with your adult children about your personal priorities is key. It is important for you to address their concerns with confidence. You want to know that everyone is comfortable with your decisions.
Level of independence
Your children may wonder if a senior living community will allow you the physical and creative freedom to thrive. Most modern senior living communities support their residents’ independence in many ways, especially if you’re considering a community with premium services and amenities. Explain that these offerings support your independence by allowing you to focus on what matters most.
On-site programs that support your complete mind, body and spiritual wellness are increasingly common across senior living communities. Tending to your wellness needs can do wonders for your long-term well-being.
Quality of care
Adult children might feel they are better equipped to deliver care than professionals. However, most older adults don’t want to place the burden of care on their children. Talk about how you’d thrive from all the benefits of a senior community.
This is especially true if you’re considering moving into a continuing care retirement community with on-site healthcare options. These types of communities provide access to professional team members, personalized wellness plans, and state-of-the-art amenities to support your total health. Plus, the availability of on-site support removes the stress of wondering where you’ll find care.
Maintaining connections
It’s easier to find social connection when living where you can meet motivated people and explore new friendships with relative ease. Through access to communal spaces, group dining opportunities and activities, community living offers more opportunities for socialization with your peers. There are plenty of
opportunities for residents to go on excursions, either with family or using provided transportation to explore locations outside of the senior living community. Your children may also wonder how easy it will be for them to visit you after your move. Many communities offer accommodating spaces where you can host outside guests or family members, as well as guest accommodations. This makes maintaining existing connections easier.
Financial implications
Moving into a senior living community can be a smart financial decision, too. Life Care communities offer on-site care at predictable rates. Choosing where you will receive care and how it will be accounted for offers stability and predictability in the event you ever need additional support. A helpful step is to walk your children through available care offered by the senior living communities you are interested in and showcase the types provided.
Fear of the unknown
This fear of the unknown is something you can conquer together through open communication and touring a community you are considering, together. On a senior living tour, your loved ones can see what community life is like while exploring community grounds, experiencing activities, learning about services and more. Touring is a great way to learn how this new lifestyle can benefit you.
Friendship Village of South Hills is a warm and friendly senior living community that pairs newly renovated living spaces with resort-style services and amenities, with an exceptional level of on-site care should you need it. We take great pride in our community, and we sincerely believe that when you experience it with your adult children, they will understand and even be excited about your move into senior living. n
Stutzman family
EQUIP USC, founded by Upper St. Clair High School siblings Cooper and Nora Stutzman, recently celebrated a successful one-year anniversary, marking a significant milestone in their mission to make sports more affordable and environmentally friendly. What began as a simple idea to host an equipment drive and swap, using their own accumulation of sports gear, has evolved into a much larger initiative with a profound community impact.
The siblings launched EQUIP USC as a private Facebook group aimed at Upper St. Clair residents, providing a platform for neighbors to donate and request sports equipment. The group’s mission is to help fellow community members by making sports more accessible financially and reducing waste by keeping items out of landfills.
Over the past year, EQUIP USC has grown to approximately 700 members, with nearly 600 items donated. This impressive support has exceeded the founders’ expectations and drawn positive feedback from participants. In just 12 months, the initiative has saved residents around $33,000 and diverted 1000 pounds of used sports equipment from landfills.
Many members have expressed their gratitude for the financial relief provided by EQUIP USC and the opportunity for their children to try new sports affordably. Residents have also appreciated the convenience of passing on equipment they no longer need, knowing it will benefit others in the community.
The breadth of donated items includes ballet slippers, ski boots, wrestling gear, golf clubs and lacrosse equipment, allowing athletes of all interests and abilities to find the gear they need to pursue their passions. Over the past year, the program had a significant amount of baseball, soccer and hockey related donations. A highlight for the program is the ability for donors to pass on USC branded apparel and equipment that not only serve a practical purpose, but also instill a sense of school pride and community spirit in the recipients. The community’s generosity is
Cooper and Nora Stutzman
evident, with most of the requested items being fulfilled quickly by other members.
Understanding that not everyone uses Facebook, Cooper and Nora also collect and distribute sports equipment for residents who prefer not to join the online group. Unclaimed items are donated to organizations and individuals beyond the Upper St. Clair community, further extending the initiative’s reach and impact.
EQUIP USC’s successful first year highlights the power of community collaboration and environmental consciousness. As Cooper and Nora look to the future, they hope to continue growing this meaningful project, making sports accessible to even more families and keeping sustainability at the forefront.
Give your equipment another season by visiting facebook.com/groups/equipusc or emailing equipusc@gmail.com. n
The Upper St. Clair-Bethel Park Rotary, Breakfast Club has three exciting scholarship opportunities open to high school seniors in both Bethel Park and Upper St. Clair. The application process is easy and takes only a few minutes and could yield anywhere from $1000 to $1500, which can be applied to education related expenses like trade school or college tuition, room and board or books. Requirements for each scholarship vary but include a short essay focusing on commitment to community service.
Deadlines for all scholarships open in April and close by early May. For more information or how to apply visit uscbprotary.org or contact Pete Muck at Pete.m2481@yahoo.com.
Keynotes is accepting applications for Music Scholarship Competition 2025, which will be held May 10 at The Fine Arts Theater of Mt. Lebanon High School. Cash awards totaling more than $16,000 will be awarded. For an application, call Lori Walter at 412-260-6972 or email houdini5@hotmail.com. Deadline for application is April 30, 2025. For additional information, visit keynotesmusicscholarship.com or on Facebook, at Keynotes Music Scholarship.
The annual Farmers’ Market in Upper St. Clair has been a staple for over 15 years and is enjoyed by local residents and surrounding communities alike. On May 1 — the first Thursday in May — the market, run by the Upper St. Clair-Bethel Park Rotary Breakfast Club, is open from 4–7 p.m. through the end of September.
“You can expect your favorite vendors to be back this year, but you can also get excited for some new providers,” said Bill Findle, Farmers Market co-chair and Rotarian.
For more details or vendor information, contact Bill Findle at 412-983-5766 or bfindle@verizon.net or visit uscbprotary.org.
Location: The Bible Chapel, 300 Gallery Dr., McMurray, Pa.
Phone: No appointments — first come, first served
Dates/Times: Mon.-Thur., 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (through Apr. 10, 2025)
What to bring: 2023 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. Federal, state and local taxes, and property tax/rent rebate forms will be prepared.
Questions? Call the IRS at 800-829-1040 or search “VITA” online at irs.gov. Do not contact The Bible Chapel.
Bounty Fall Fest 2024 was a day of laughs, petting animals, slinging slingshots and lots of amazing food. The Recreation Department looks forward to this November for another day of exciting fall fun! n
“Providing children’s behavioral healthcare with light, color and hope.”
Southwood Children’s Behavioral Healthcare opened its doors on Oct. 24, 2024, and is the largest freestanding child and adolescent acute inpatient hospital in Pennsylvania. Formerly a facility with 74 beds built in 1984, Southwood is now a new state-of-the-art, three-story building with 108 beds. Southwood will continue to provide treatment to patients from ages four to 18.
This expansion helps to address the significant need in our surrounding area for accessible, high-quality behavioral healthcare services. The new space is bright, child-friendly and
open, breaking the stigma of an acute setting. It offers a full continuum of inpatient behavioral healthcare services for children and adolescents, including crisis stabilization, individual and/or family sessions, therapeutic and recreational groups, on site educational services for those who struggle and linking patients to community-based resources upon discharge. The new hospital is a welcoming environment equipped with the latest healthcare innovations, such as ObervSmart and ROAR, to ensure a safe and healing environment. n
