SUMMER 2010 by UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Magazine

SUMMER 2010

The Official Publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair

Suddenly, Darrin’s future rested in our hands. Leading hand and upper extremity specialist Christopher Manning, M.D. examines his patient, Darrin Kuhn.

Darrin Kuhn of Upper St. Clair thought he'd never be able to work with his hands again when he nearly amputated his thumb in a woodworking accident late one night. But Dr. Christopher Manning, one of the region’s top hand specialists, met him at our Emergency Room and proceeded to graft bone from Darrin’s hip to skillfully rebuild the thumb. Dr. Manning is just one of nearly 30 leading orthopedic specialists who practice at St. Clair Hospital, where advanced technology, skill and compassion make a difference in the quality of people’s lives every day. And night.

SPECIALIZING IN EXCELLENCE

1000 Bower Hill Road

Mt. Lebanon, PA 15243

412-942-4000

www.stclair.org

Dr. Manning is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He earned his medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and served his orthopedic residency and completed a hand and upper extremity fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Anthony Colatrella, MD • David Glorioso, MD • David Limauro, MD • Mark Cedar, DO • Nicholas Bellicini, DO • Lisa Oliva, DO

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

IS A STATE-OF-THE-ART FULL CARE ENDOSCOPY FACILITY PROVIDING BOTH COLONOSCOPY AND UPPER ENDOSCOPY SCREENINGS AND SERVICES

“Screening for colorectal cancer can save your life.” • We treat acid reflux, heartburn, ulcers, diarrhea, and change in bowel habits • Physicians on staff at St. Clair Hospital and UPMC Mercy Hospital • Anesthesia provided by an Anesthesia Care Team including a Board certified Anesthesiologist and Nurse Anesthetist

WPAA

Western Pennsylvania Anesthesia Associates, Ltd.

Call today

412.232.8104

Most insurance carriers accepted

2589 Boyce Plaza Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

1350 Locust Street, Ste. 406 Pittsburgh, PA 15219

SurgeryCtrAd7_Layout 1 3/24/10 12:51 PM Page 1

RADIANCE

A Private Outpatient Surgery Center, LLC We are proud to introduce you to RADIANCE – A Private Outpatient Surgery Center, LLC. Radiance has undergone the most stringent evaluations and inspections, such as those our local and university hospitals have undergone. The Pennsylvania State Department of Health, Medicare, and the Joint Commission for Accreditation of Hospitals have licensed Radiance as a first-class surgical center. Radiance Surgery Center has recruited the best of our region’s nurses, technicians and anesthesia providers to assist in your care. Radiance Surgery Center’s location, just off Interstate 79, provides easy accessibility to patients from western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and eastern Ohio. Your family can relax in our cozy waiting room with refreshment bar, flat-screen TV and music. Our pre-op nurse will check your vital signs and allergy alerts, help you change into a robe, and see that all your needs are met. You will then be interviewed by our board-certified anesthesiologists and registered nurse anesthetists of Radiance Anesthesia, LLC. Our anesthesia group’s expertise is outpatient anesthesia – quick emergence, nausea-free, and near-painless return to home and function. Our skilled and talented board-certified surgeons will carry out your surgery in our beautiful sterile OR’s, complete with the best and latest technology.

Surgeons and Specialties The following physicians perform outpatient surgery at Radiance Surgery Center: Plastic Surgery: Lori L. Cherup, M.D. (412) 220-8181 Plastic Surgeon Howard Edington, M.D. (412) 641-4274 Surgical Oncologist, Plastic Surgeon Orthopedic Surgery: South Hills Orthopedics Derrick Fluhme, M.D. (412) 429-0880 Sports Medicine Christopher Manning, M.D. (412) 429-0880 Hand and Upper Extremity Eric Nabors, MD. (412) 429-0880 Spine and Orthopedic Surgery The Orthopedic Group Alexander Kandabarow, M.D. (412) 276-7022 Spine Surgeon Podiatry: South Hills Orthopedics Damon Combs, D.P.M. (412) 429-0880 Podiatrist

Gynecology: Patricia Bulseco Associates Deborah Lenart, M.D. (724) 941-1866 Gynecologist Douglas Mackay, M.D. (724) 941-1866 Gynecologist Shannon McGranahan, M.D. (724) 941-1866 Urogynecology/Gynecologist Vascular Surgery: Georgevich Associates Philip Georgevich, M.D. (412) 249-8997 General/Vascular Surgeon Happel Laser & Vein Center John Happel, M.D. (724) 969-0600 General/Vascular Surgeon Pain Management: Premier Pain Management Bud Lateef, M.D. (412) 466-7246 Pain Management The Orthopedic Group Jose Ramirez-DelToro, M.D. (412) 276-7022 Pain Management

701 Boyce Road at Washington Pike • Bridgeville, PA 15017 Phone: 412-220-2336 • Fax: 412-220-2279 • www.drcherup.com • info@drcherup.com 2

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2010

The Official Publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair Summer 2010

•

Volume 16

•

Issue 2

Features and Around the Township 8

ire

and F rth, Wind,

Ea 16 Mother

Community Day 2010—Saturday, May 15

Make it your tradition to enjoy USC Township’s family fun-filled day.

Serving the community, the CF enhances life in USC. Learn how.

The zoo opens a facility in Somerset County and centers its attention on the African elephant.

Junko Kapples is reminded of a book and is inspired to help.

A new community feature, we welcome you to share your celebration with our readers.

12 Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair

18 Pittsburgh Zoo—Focus on Endangered Species 22 Thousand Cranes

71 Community Celebration

Township

28 Property Maintenance Standards

Code enforcement preserves the character of our Township. Please do your part.

The adult and children’s libraries both offer summer reading programs. Join in!

How to help those who help us clear the roads.

Choose one of our Township parks, plan your picnic, then enjoy!

Tri-Community South EMS responded to a record number of calls during February’s storm to remember.

u Help the

elping Yo REEC—H

30 Library Summer Reading

33 From the Eyes of a Salt Truck Driver 36 A Day in the Park

37 A Winter for the Record Books

School District 44 New Capital Projects

An evaluation and recommendation for major School District projects are being analyzed.

At school in USC, doing lunch involves carefully considered nutrition and more.

Creating art around the theme Beauty Is..., District students showed off their ingenuity at this year’s PTA-sponsored arts contest.

An educational summer trip to Italy and France will offer our students excitement and inspiration for art history.

Read interesting tidbits about our students and our teachers.

46 Let’s Do Lunch!

s Visit USC

rk 45 The Cla

50 Reflections

53 Upper St. Clair Fine Arts Tour 60 Did You Know?

Guides 24 40 64 75

Summer Activities Pinebridge Commons Home & Garden Dining

Cover

ff a 73 Block O

14 Providing 16 years of dedicated public service, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, a joint publication of the School District and the Township of Upper St. Clair, celebrated a special occassion and acknowledged the many who play a part in bringing this magazine to Township residents. Artwork for the front cover and shown here was provided by students in the Upper St. Clair School District. Cover and editorial photography was provided by Harry Coleman Photography.

rty

Date to Pa

Earth

The Official Publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair Publishers Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole Superintendent of Schools Steering Committee Mark S. Mansfield Assistant Township Manager Paul K. Fox School District Representative Editors and Staff Linda M. Dudzinski, Editor-in-Chief Terry Kish, Associate Editor Colleen DeMarco, Office Manager Andrew McCreery, Finance Lynn Dempsey, Senior Advertising Associate Erin Gibson Allen, Advertising Associate Alison Hess, Advertising Associate Thank you to our volunteer contributors this issue: Erin Gibson Allen, Dana Barone, Ken Baxter, Karen Boston, Cindy Brophy, Sue Clark, Sunny Disney Fitchett, Dina Fulmer, Kathy Gillen, Wayne Herrod, Junko Chidori Kapples, Shari Kapples (YWG), Nathan Kauffman, Anne Kopach, Mary Parks Lamb, Melissa Mattuci Lindberg, Regis McQuaide, Clifford Milowicki, Glenn Prokopovitch, Laura Reid-Riggin, Haley Roberts (YWG), Jennifer Roberts, Mary Lynne Spazok, James Stewart, and Jessica Stombaugh. Young Writers Guild (YWG) promotes and encourages young writers in the Upper St. Clair School District to provide articles of interest for this community magazine. The 62nd issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a joint publication of the Township and School District of Upper St. Clair. © Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this magazine, in print or web version, in whole or in part, without the express written consent of the Editor is strictly prohibited. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Phone: 412-833-1600, extension 2284 Fax: 412-851-2592 Email: usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us Township: 412-831-9000 School District: 412-833-1600 Printed by Herrmann Printing & Litho, Inc. 1709 Douglass Drive • Pittsburgh, PA 15221 412-243-4100 • Fax: 412-731-2268 Design by DMC Design 412-824-7844 • www.dmcdesign.com 4

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Celebrates 16 Years UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a community magazine that is dedicated to promoting the Township and

School District of Upper St. Clair by recognizing the gifts and contributions of the people who live and work here. With this issue, we celebrate 16 years of publication.

The 62nd 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.

Board of School Directors

Township Board of Commissioners

Amy L. Billerbeck, President Harry F. Kunselman, Vice President Barbara L. Bolas Frank J. Kerber Bruce L. Kerman Louis P. Mafrice, Jr. Angela B. Petersen Louis A. Piconi Rebecca A. Stern

Robert W. Orchowski, President, Ward 3 Glenn R. Dandoy, Vice President, At Large Preston W. Shimer, Ward 1 Mark R. Hamilton, Ward 2 Mark D. Christie, Ward 4 Russell R. Del Re, Ward 5 Daniel R. Paoly, At Large

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a non-partisan Township, School District, and community magazine. Political advertising and political commentary are not accepted. The publishers of this magazine reserve the right to reject advertising or articles inconsistent with the objectives, image, and aesthetic standards of the magazine. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine is published and mailed quarterly to residents and businesses in

Upper St. Clair. Extra copies of the magazine are available at the Township of Upper St. Clair Municipal Building and Township Library. If you did not receive a copy in the mail, please call 412-833-1600, extension 2284. The next issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY will be the Fall 2010 issue and will be published in August 2010. Articles that were submitted but not published in this issue are on file for consideration in upcoming issues. Articles and announcements may be sent to:

Editor, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 or email UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, at usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us. Subscription Information If you know someone living outside the Township who would enjoy receiving UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, please send $12 to cover mailing and handling for the next four issues with name and address, including zip code, to our address listed to the left. Add $10 to cover international mailings.

Deadline for articles and advertising for the Fall 2010 edition is June 10, 2010. Article Information

Editor-in-Chief Linda Dudzinski–phone: 412-833-1600, extension 2681

Advertising Information

Office Manager Colleen DeMarco–phone: 412-833-1600, extension 2284 fax: 412-851-2592

Website www.twpusc.org/magazine

Summer 2010

Email usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us

... meeting your needs TODAY, Tomorrow, and into the Future.

62nd Summer Season of Plays CAUGHT IN THE NET. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5/6-5/22 We are launching our season with big laughs. One taxi cab driver + his two unsuspecting wives = Hilarious farce.

MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS . . . 5/27-6/12

LITTLE LAKE

A wildly funny comedy about three men locked in a movie studio office with nothing but bananas, peanuts & a typewriter to re-write the screenplay for Gone With the Wind in 5 days!

Theatre Company

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6/17-7/3 This smash-hit Broadway MUSICAL is I-R-R-E-S-I-S-T-I-B-L-E!!!

YEARS AGO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7/8-7/24 How does a young woman in 1913 convince her gruff sea-captain father that she wants to pursue her dream of becoming a stage actress in New York City? Any dreamers in your family?

for Young Audiences Three fabulous and funny plays for children!

Cinderella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6/23-7/10 Giggle, Giggle, Quack

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7/14-7/31

THE FARNSWORTH INVENTION . . . 7/29-8/14 The turning point of the 20th century wasn’t on television. It was television! “Crackling prime-time theater.”

Two Dumb Dogs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8/4-8/21 LOST IN YONKERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8/19-9/4 www.littlelake.org / 724-745-6300

Neil Simon’s touching comedy. August, 1942: Two young boys are deposited to live with their stern grandmother and childlike-aunt over the family’s candy store in Yonkers.

Outstanding Performance. Standing Ovations.

• Exceptional senior living in spacious suites to luxurious carriage homes • Beautiful 73-acre campus with rolling hills and lovely views • Well managed, financially sound, secure and worry-free • True Life Care covering your living and care needs for life

You can count on exceptional, carefree independent living at Friendship Village. We have a 25-year track record of offering consistently high levels of service to our residents. In fact, our community is recognized nationally for high satisfaction ratings from both residents and employees. Outstanding performance and standing ovations. Experience them yourself with a personal tour and information kit. Call 724.941.6663 today. It’s the best move you’ll ever make.

1290 Boyce Road • Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 724.941.3100 • www.friendshipvillagepa.com 12370_FVSH_UpperStClairAdv3.indd 1

Summer 2010

3/12/10 11:12 AM

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

The Official Publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair

Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole

Matthew R. Serakowski

Welcome to the summer 2010 edition of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. As we anticipate the 32nd annual celebration of Upper St. Clair Community Day later this month, we take the opportunity to reflect upon and question why this festive day holds such importance to those who live and work here. If you live here and whether you’ve just moved in or you’re from a generational family, the character of Upper St. Clair calls us to partake, to participate, to preserve. Rich with history and founded in 1788, our ten square miles of land provide a family-oriented community, 17 parks, six award-winning schools, and public safety at its finest. While close to many amenities, including the arts, major league sports entertainment, and esteemed colleges and universities, a comfortable, safe, and pleasing atmosphere in Upper St. Clair draws us and keeps us in this South Hills community, just far enough out to appreciate the subtleties of suburbia. We choose to live and work here for many reasons. But assuredly and regardless of why each of us is here, three words shape us—welcoming, volunteering, giving—and define our township, proudly setting it apart from other communities. And while we occasionally revel in our personal accomplishments, we share our good fortune and talents with others for the betterment of our community and to help our neighbors. So with each passing year, why do we look forward to our annual day of community festivity with heightened anticipation? Because Upper St. Clair is synonymous with Community Day and its citizens mirror its definition each and every day. Please join us this year on Saturday, May 15 as we come together to celebrate Upper St. Clair Community Day and its citizens, making it a true community event for those who live and work here. And as you peruse this issue for your reading pleasure, be sure to pay special attention to pages 8 through 11, which showcase and highlight activities for your day of community enjoyment. Happy reading, happy summer, and happy Community Day 2010!

Sincerely,

Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager

Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole Superintendent of Schools

Township of Upper St. Clair 412-831-9000 Fax: 412-831-9882 Website: www.twpusc.org Email: uscadmin@twpusc.org

Upper St. Clair School District 412-833-1600 Fax: 412-833-5535 Website: www.uscsd.k12.pa.us Email: info@uscsd.k12.pa.us

1/2page USC Magazine ad for PPR_Rt19

Are you tired of hearing it’s “All About Them?” Maybe it’s time you work with an agent who makes it “All About You.”

Terry Abbott

Donna Angle

Barbara Baker

Lynn Banbury Frank Conroy Brian & Karen & Florine Kelly Cummings

Frank Conroy

Lynn

Bob Dini

Karen Frank Wayne Freund Kathy Hallberg

Karen Frank

Pat Hogan

Liz Hoyson

Barbara Kurdys-Miller

Lori Maffeo

Bob Main

Michelle Shocker Judy Ward & Ruth Weigers

Our agents are educated, sophisticated, business-savvy professionals who understand today’s real estate market. They really get it....

It’s ALL About You!

(412) 833-7700

•

Preferred Realty

www.PrudentialPreferredRealty.com

Think of the possibilities.

Grow your talents and discover new ones. Expand your mind and explore the world. You’ll be amazed at the big thinking – and big opportunities – that unfold everyday at Chatham. Take classes in another country. Learn what it means to live green. Develop an entrepreneurial spirit. And get involved in the world on a more meaningful level. Small class sizes and dedicated professors let you soar and explore in unbelievable ways. Chatham advantages • Experience a distinctive education built upon women’s leadership, environmental awareness, and global understanding • SAT/ACT optional admissions policy available for first-year students • Nearly 95% of Chatham undergraduate students receive some form of merit or need-based scholarship • All first-year students and most transfers are provided with a new tablet personal computer for use in the classroom and throughout our wireless campus • Most students have the opportunity to earn a bach elor’s and a master’s degree from Chatham in as few as five years from many of our graduate programs • Study abroad almost anywhere in the world during Maymester term, a full term, or a full year

Big thinking for a big world.

chatham.edu

Woodland Road . . . Pittsburgh, PA 15232 800-837-1290 . . . admissions@chatham.edu Summer 2010

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

USC Community Day Annual Community Day Schedule Saturday, May 15, 2010

Activities

7:30-9:30 a.m. ............................................... Fair Booth Setup Recreation Center Parking Lot 7:45-8:30 a.m. ..................................Run for Fun Registration High School Stadium—Registration form on page 9 9 a.m. . ................................................................... Run for Fun High School Stadium Entrance (Truxton Drive) 9:30-10:30 a.m. .................................... “Hottest Dog” Contest Stage Area—Registration form on page 9 See USC Community Day 2009 photo collage on page 11

The Run for Fun will begin at 9 a.m. sharp! Please pre-register by completing the form on page 9 and mailing it prior to the May 11 deadline. The 3.1 mile non-sanctioned race will begin in the lower parking lot at the Upper St. Clair High School stadium. The race is open to runners of all ages. Race day registration is between 7:45 and 8:30 a.m. Clair’s Kennel will be open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Get information regarding your pet’s care and licensing. See where runaway pets are temporarily held. Talk with an animal control officer. Animals will be available for adoption. The Log House will be open for tours 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Baked goods will be available for purchase before and during the parade. In addition to the tours, there will be an herb sale, pioneer games, and Knapp’s Battery E reenactor. The annual Community Day Parade will begin at 11:30 a.m. The parade will follow the route from Truxton Drive, along McLaughlin Run Road to Panther Pass, and up to the high school. The 1857 Gilfillan Farm House, a work of restoration in progress, and the surrounding buildings will be open on Community Day, noon-3 p.m. Visit the farm for house tours, to see the farm animals, and organic gardening information. The Imagination Station will be located in the library parking lot. All ages are welcome to stop by and engage in creative art and science activities, noon-3 p.m. The Inflatable Obstacle Course and Trackless Train will be operating in the library parking lot, noon-4 p.m. These activities will be offered free of charge thanks to patron donations. The Petting Zoo will be located behind the library and will be open noon-4 p.m. Children can visit the animals at no cost. There is a minimal fee for food and milk for the animals. The annual Community Day Treasure Hunt will be held at noon-5 p.m. Calling all pirates and children in search of treasure! Come and participate in the Treasure Hunt by searching for clues to give you a chance to win assorted prizes. A Sandbox Search will be available for the youngest treasure seekers. A water balloon toss will take place at 2:30 p.m. The Duck Race, sponsored by the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair, will start at 3:30 p.m. Watch for information on pre-adopting your duck, or buy your duck at the Community Foundation booth on Community Day. For more information, see page 12.  8

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2010

10:30 a.m. . .................................................................. Bake Off Stage Area (See page 10) 11 a.m. . ...................................................... Essay Competition Stage Area (See page 10) 11 a.m.-3 p.m. ...............................Clair’s Kennel Open House Log House Open House and Herb Sale 11:30 a.m......................................................................... Parade Noon......................................................................Panther Idol Stage Area (See page 9) Noon-3 p.m.................................................Gilfillan Farm and Homestead Tours

Imagination Station Library Parking Lot

Noon-4 p.m....................................Inflatable Obstacle Course and Trackless Train Petting Zoo Library Parking Lot Pony Rides Behind Recreation Center Noon-5 p.m............................................................. Fair Booths Entertainment Stage Area Treasure Hunt Booth #1 1 p.m.........................................................Run for Fun Awards 1-2 p.m........................................... Three on Three Basketball It’s All About Games Municipal Basketball Courts 2 p.m......................................................................Toddler Trot Founders’ Field 2:30 p.m..................................................... Water Balloon Toss Founders’ Field 3:30 p.m.................................................................... Duck Race McLaughlin Run Creek

Shuttle Bus Parking

Shuttle bus service will be available to the Municipal Building and C&RC at Boyce Mayview Park every half-hour starting at 10 a.m. from the following locations: • Boyce Middle School • Fort Couch Middle School • Gilfillan Farm • USC High School • Westminster Presbyterian Church Please be advised that permit parking only will be allowed in the Public Works parking lot on Truxton Drive.

USC Community Day Community Day Run for Fun When: Saturday, May 15, 2010. Race begins at 9 a.m. sharp! Where: Upper St. Clair High School. A 3.1-mile, moderately

hilly course, starting and finishing at Panther Stadium. Advance Registration:

Mail $3 race entry registration fee and registration form to the address below prior to May 11, 2010. Pre-registered runners should pick up their race packets between 8:15-8:30 a.m. on the day of the race at the high school track parking lot on Truxton Drive.

Coldwell Banker South Hills/Upper St Clair Presents

Upper St. Clair Community Day Saturday May 15, 2010

PANTHER IDOL

Late Registration: $4 the day of the race. Registration will be held

at the high school parking lot on Truxton Drive the morning of the race from 7:45 to 8:30 a.m. Please arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. to allow sufficient time for registration. Awards will be presented at 1 p.m. at a location to be announced.

First, second, and third place finishers will have times posted at Community Day. Full results and times will be available on the following Monday at the Recreation Department Office. Please check the Township website for future posting.

Come run for fun and exercise. Bring the whole family!

No pets please! Awards for first, second, and third places will be given in the following age groups. (Please note, this is not a sanctioned race.) MALE • 8 & under • 20 to 29 • 9 to 11 • 30 to 39 • 12 to 14 • 40 to 49 • 15 to 19 • 50 & over

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

Run For Fun Registration Form Name_____________________________________________ Age as of May 15, 2010_____________

Sex____________

Address___________________________________________ Telephone Number_________________________________ Email (optional)____________________________________

Upper St. Clair Community Day Return this form by May 11, 2010 to: Deb White 195 Kent Drive Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

CONSENT RELEASE FORM: I agree to hold the Township of

Upper St. Clair, the Community Day committee and volunteers, and/or any employees thereof harmless and blameless for any accident or injury which may occur while participating in the Run for Fun.

_________________________________ _ ______ Signature

(Parent/Guardian if Under 18 Years of Age)

For info, call 412-833-5405 ext 260

Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned and Operated by NRT Incorporated.

USC’s “Hottest Dog” Contest Community Day—May 15, 2010 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Stage Area Sponsored by Howard Hanna Real Estate - Upper St. Clair Office FIVE CATEGORIES OF COMPETITION

• Best Dressed Dog • Cutest Dog • Most Talented Dog • Cutest Puppy • Dog Who Most Resembles his/her Owner

Prizes will be awarded to the top three dogs in each category. Contestants must be residents of the Township.

Make checks payable to:

USC students, grades 9-12, send 3-minute video of your vocal performance by May 10 To: Coldwell Banker/Panther Idol 1699 Washington Rd, Pgh, PA 15228 or email to pantheridol@aol.com 12 finalists will be chosen to perform on Main Stage at noon when the 2010 Panther Idol will be chosen.

Date

Name:_ ________________________________________ Address:________________________________________ Phone number:__________________________________ Dog’s name:_____________________________________ Category dog is entered in:_ _______________________ Send registration form and current immunization record with $5 entry fee to: Mary Kay O’Hare 499 Clair Drive Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Questions should be directed to: Mary Kay O’Hare at 412-855-2875 Please register prior to May 13, 2010. Proceeds benefit the Free Care Fund of Children’s Hospital. Summer 2010

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

USC Community Day Community Day

If Wishes Came True ESSAY COMPETITION

Begin your essay by completing “If wishes came true I would wish for…….” USC Elementary School Students Only Name___________________________________________ Phone___________________________________________ Grade___________________________________________ School__________________________________________ Winning Essay will be Announced at USC Community Day

Send Essay by May 10, 2009 2010 to Mona Mona Colicchie Colicchie at at

SEVENTH Annual USC Bake-Off! Community Day - May 15th, 2010 Sponsored by Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services Kids, don’t miss this chance to show off your culinary skills! Prizes for winners in each of the following three dessert categories plus a grand prize winner!

Most Patriotic Most Original Home Sweet Home Based on appearance, not edibility.

1679 Washington Rd • Pittsburgh, Pa 15228

Pre-registration required. For more information and to register call: David Bruckner • 412-344-0500 Coldwell Banker is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned And Operated By NRT LLC.

Community Day 2010 Volunteers Upper St. Clair School District Danny Holzer, Director of Student Activities Sheila Bartlett Lloyd, Assistant Director of Student Activities Student Volunteer Chairs: Overall–Alex Shogry and Tuck Stapor Auxiliary–Tyler Podobnik and Phil Dormish Booths–Bobby Reynolds Toddler Trot–Hannah Gross and Steph Gielarowski Entertainment–Maria Allison and Sammie Teel It’s All About Games–Harris Beck and Maggie Simpson Parking Lots–Heather Taylor and Erena Lanza Run for Fun–Danny Codeluppi and Jeremy David Parade–Michele Mellick and Emily Roarty Publicity–Shane Heil and Zack Tobias T-Shirts–Anas Hoque and Ted Hages Three-on-Three Basketball–Brett McCormick and Chris Beck

Township of Upper St. Clair Paul Besterman, Director of Recreation and Leisure Services Ryan McCleaster, Assistant Director of Recreation and Leisure Services Lynn Walcoff, Community Programs Coordinator George Kostelich, Superintendent of Operations Dave Kutschbach, Superintendent of Projects Ronald J. Pardini, Chief of Police Amy Kerman, Older Adult Coordinator Glenn Ward, Upper St. Clair Public Access Television Other USC Groups Upper St. Clair Historical Society, Gilfillan Homestead and Farm– Jean Brown 1830 Log House Association–Kim Guzzi Community-at-Large–Tracy DeCock, Bill Findle, Shari Leckenby, Larry Lehman, Denise Orenge, Carla Roehner, Heather Slinger, Deborah White, Kelli Sharkey Winseck, and others.

Fair Booths open noon-5 p.m.—Plan to spend the day. A Community Day wrap-up, including a complete list of all patrons will appear in the Fall 2010 issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. We thank our kind and generous patrons for their financial and in-kind support of Community Day 2010! 10

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2010

USC Community Day

Memories... Community Day 2009

Photos by Anne Kopach and Karen Boston Summer 2010

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair Community Day Activities Watch the Community Day Parade at 11:30 a.m. and enjoy the floats of USC organizations. CFUSC provides cash prizes for the top three floats, plus the Float Trophy to be displayed and coveted for a year. The trophy (right) was won last year by the Upper St. Clair High School Crew Team.

12th Annual Duck Race Race Time ~ 3:30

A Pack of Quackers

A Quack Pack

Adopt-A-Duck

15 for $50

6 for $25

$5.00 each Phone (412) - 831-1107

If you haven’t adopted your duck by Race Day, be sure to stop by the CFUSC booth. DUCK RACE PRIZES 2 KENNYWOOD SEASON PASSES (Retail value $180.00) YOGA/PILATES SET: The Firm set of 2-DVD workouts, stainless steel water bottle, medium size balance ball, figure 8 fitness ring, yoga mat (Retail value $50.00)

GRILL SET: 4 piece barbecue tool set, vertical roasting wok, deep dish griddle, “The Great Big Barbecue Cookbook”, Hot Plum Chipotle grilling sauce (Retail value $40.00)

iLuv “SHAKE and WAKE” Dual Alarm Clock for iPod (Retail value $40.00) “WALKING FOR WEIGHTLOSS” SET: DVD, 2 lb pair ankle/wrist weights, stainless steel water bottle (Retail value $20.00)

Plus many, many more! Once again there will be a special kids BUCK-A-DUCK at the booth. A WINNER every time . . . GUARANTEED! 12

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2010

Stop by the CFUSC booth ﬁrst to get your reusable canvas grocery bag in which to carry all of your Community Day purchases.

Through the Fine & Performing Arts Focus Committee, the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair supports arts activities. CFUSC made it possible to bring nine time Grammy® Award-Winner Eddie Palmieri and his Latin Jazz Band to USC on March 19, 2010, to conduct a Jazz Workshop for students during the afternoon and a concert for the community that evening.

Eddie Palmieri Concert

Eddie Palmieri explains rhythms and demonstrates for students during the jazz workshop.

The Upper St. Clair High School Jazz Ensemble was the opening act for the concert.

l-r: Eddie Palmieri (piano), Brian Lynch (trumpet), Luques Curtis (bass), Joaquin Claussell (timbales), Yosvany Terry (alto saxophone), Vincente “Little Johnny” Rivera (congos), Orlando Vega (bongo)

Eddie’s signature joins Marvin Hamlisch’s on the Steinway Concert D Grand Piano CFUSC purchased for the USC Theatre.

l-r: Marty Ashby (MCG), Becky Stern (CFUSC Trustee & Concert Event Chair), Eddie Palmieri, Jim Bennett (CFUSC Trustee & Theatre Mgr.)

Watch for more exciting events coming to the Upper St. Clair High School Theatre. COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF UPPER ST. CLAIR 2585 Washington Road, Suite 131A • Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 (412) 831-1107

FAX (412) 220-7780

mainstreetusc@gmail.com Summer 2010

www.mainstreetusc.com UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Celebrate Good Times... Come On!

Just like Kool and the Gang did in 1980 when the band premiered their number one hit song Celebration, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY celebrated in style. On March 5, staff of TODAY dedicated its spring 2010 edition, sponsored by Rusmur Floors Carpet One, to its 16-year anniversary of the publication. Many joined the magazine staff at its spring opening in the lobby at the Community & Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park. Invited guests included advertisers who have given their financial support to the magazine over the years, representatives from the Township of Upper St. Clair and Upper St. Clair School District, dignitaries, voluntary contributors, and others. With the celebration motto “We’ll Save a Piece of Cake for You,” the luncheon, catered by ARAMARK, included a non-edible layered birthday cake, complete with candles, made from front covers of the magazine’s past 60 issues. The cake was crafted by students from Eisenhower Elementary under the direction of art teacher and Fine Arts Curriculum Leader Michele Scureman. Working on a project for the TODAY magazine is not an unusual undertaking for Michele, as she designed front covers for three of the 62 TODAY magazines. Showing excited involvement from the School District’s student body K-12, art from students at other USC school buildings also complemented the festivities. Streams Elementary students literally linked together to make a human chain to represent the number sixteen and provided a photo of their efforts. Boyce Middle School students made a celebration banner, large enough to include a life-size birthday greeting and each student’s signature. Fort Couch offered two special paintings for the occasion—a license plate to signify the age when one can begin to drive and

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2010

one which showed fun activities for 16 year olds. IB students at the high school sculpted and photographed snow art for their celebration presentation, fashioning the piece in Andy Goldsworthy’s style. Goldsworthy, an artist, uses natural objects and the environment to create his sculptures. The students took great pleasure in preparing their artwork. “Each student had wonderful energy and was very happy to be involved with this project,” said Michele. “It was a natural fit for the students to contribute to our community magazine.” All the

art was hung or placed at the event to not only commemorate the reason for the celebration, but to also include the children in the celebration. (See the magazine’s front cover and Table of Contents, page 3, for some of the students’ artwork.) While enjoying the displayed artwork, guests were also treated to the youthful voices of 122 Eisenhower Elementary fourth graders who, under the direction of Eisenhower’s music teacher Kerry Strauch, sang at the event. The chorus kicked off with Come Celebrate, and, of course, sang their rendition of Happy Birthday. In honor of its sweet sixteen, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY presented its own gifts to the community. To further promote the journalism profession, the magazine established an annual $500 book scholarship for a graduating USCHS senior who plans to study journalism in college. The presentation was made to Dr. William Rullo, USCHS Supervisor of Counseling. The scholarship is available this year. (See article on page 57.) A presentation was then made to Ched Mertz, board member of the USC Veterans Park, Inc. who accepted a $500 donation from UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY for the Upper St. Clair Veterans Monument Park. The park, to be situated along McLaughlin Run Road, is expected to be completed in the near future. It will not only honor those who have served in any one of the seven branches of the U.S. military, it will also function as an outdoor classroom for students and citizens. (See article on page 39.) Both of these donations further advance the mission of TODAY, which is to promote the people who live and work in Upper St. Clair. At the end of the ceremony, which included speeches from State Representative John Maher, U.S. Congressman Tim Murphy, Matt Campion representing the office of State Senator John Pippy,

Superintendent Dr. Patrick O’Toole, Assistant Township Manager and magazine steering committee member Mark Mansfield, and School District representative and magazine steering committee member Paul Fox, the spring 2010 issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY was unveiled to a human drum roll. Tours of the C&RC facility were conducted by staff of the C&RC. While the nearly 150 invited guests departed, the magazine staff stayed to tidy up and reflect. TODAY editor Linda Dudzinski commented, “Our staff couldn’t have been more excited to celebrate this important occasion with everyone who helps to make this community magazine a reality. I am especially proud of the small TODAY staff, including moms from the community, who work diligently on this project. But, we are no different from many others who commit their time for activities. The bond of volunteer spirit and dedication is what drives this community.” (For a list of TODAY staff members and contributing volunteers for this issue, see page 4.) UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, the not-for-profit official publication of the School District and the Township of Upper St. Clair, is published quarterly and mailed to all residents and businesses in the Township of Upper St. Clair, reaching more than 20,000 people. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY does not rely on taxes for its operations, but receives its funds entirely from the magazine’s advertising base and out-of-town subscriptions. n To learn more about UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY and advertising, sales, or writing opportunities, call 412-833-1600, extension 2284 or visit www.twpusc.org/magazine. Photos by Harry Coleman Photography.

Summer 2010

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Mother Earth, Wind, and Fire Mary Lynne Spazok

Earth Mother Earth bestowed a cornucopia of fancy flora, lavish fauna, and delectable wholesome vegetables on Gilfillan’s kitchen garden last year. The goddess of Nature gifted plentiful rain, dewkissed mornings, and luminous afternoons, rewarding volunteers with superlative success. Seasoned trail blazer Joseph Pasquarelli appreciates the idyllic tranquility of gardening. Youngsters also welcome this enchanting garden with its cheeky scarecrows whose whimsical fashion flair create quite a stir. No one knows this better than best friends, cousins, and siblings Sarah Tepe, Isabella Benoit, Sophia Benoit, and Victoria Tepe. Energy, imagination, and confidence bring the girls together. The camaraderie of planting, weeding, and watering is not a chore, but an opportunity for physical exercise while learning biology, math, social studies, nutrition, and history. Nature novelist Elizabeth Lawrence wrote that “There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again.” Blessed with “salt of the earth” grandparents and parents, tradition instills gardening as a lifelong practical skill. USCHS sophomore Sarah Tepe believes that to renew, re-use, and re-cycle cultivates individual responsibility. Over the years, she has come to realize that “To reach a great height a person needs to have great depth.”—Anonymous Free spirit Sophia Benoit likes easy—easy to grow, that is! To ensure success, she shops for top choice radishes, leaf lettuces, and, of course, zucchini. Visually appealing beets, cherry tomatoes, and sunflowers are robust and ensure a prosperous garden. Young Isabella Benoit knows that age-appropriate garden attire and tools are a must. Catalogs and local nurseries offer innovative birthday and holiday gifts that are exciting and motivating. For kids, kooky humor is surely a light hearted stepping stone toward scientific adventure. Adorned in Hollywood shades, fun loving Victoria Tepe embraces comedy: How do you fix a broken tomato? With tomato paste, of course!

Left to right are Sarah Tepe, Isabella Benoit, Sophia Benoit, and Victoria Tepe 16

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2010

Ryan Gaup and Marayan Thompson

Wind Upper St. Clair’s autumn wind blew in a myriad of remarkable guests to the Gilfillan homestead last fall. Upon harvesting the pumpkin patch, Ryan Gaup and Marayan Thompson from Boy Scout Troop 228 earned the Garden Merit Badge. Their Scout project commenced last spring and continued through late September. They grew six vegetables and flowers, three from seeds and three from seedlings. Food value was established for three root or tuber crops, three above ground vegetables, and three fruits. Seeds were tested for germination. They offered an explanation as to why some did not develop. Garden pests were identified on diseased plants. An organic solution helped to control the problem. Compost is the best medicine for any garden, so a vermipost (worm compost bin) was maintained for about 90 days. No garden effort would be complete without a visit to the county extension agent’s office, local university or agricultural college, nursery, or a botanical garden or arboretum. Lastly, the completion of a detailed report on this exciting expedition earned the Garden Merit Badge. Congratulations to Ryan and Marayan! While October’s golden leaves swayed in a gentle wind, an adventurous group, the Western Pennsylvania 3 Rivers Model “A” Ford Car Club, zipped into town and stopped traffic, causing gleeful amazement among onlookers at Gilfillan. In 1927, the Ford Model A was Ford Motor Company’s second huge success. The Model A replaced its venerable predecessor, the 18-year-old Model T. Intrigued? Fun facts and handsome photos are forthcoming in the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY fall 2010 edition. Fire According to FEMA, (Federal Emergency Management Agency) more than 4000 Americans die and more than 25,000 are injured every year due to fire. Direct property loss is estimated at $8.6 billion annually. Fortunately, the main station of the USC Volunteer Fire Department along Route 19 is directly across from the Gilfillan Homestead. The August 2009 electrical fire at the Gifillan’s main residence was not catastrophic. Originating in the basement, the fire’s smoke caused the most damage. However, the good news is that there was no property loss and complete restoration was successful. Non-toxic cleanup methods used by G.S. Jones Restoration included intense vacuuming followed by grazing static dusters (energized lambs’ wool) over damaged areas. Lingering residue was removed with commercial cleaning erasers. Lastly, universal house cleaning was performed. In October, the Historical Society hosted a “spic and span” tour to show appreciation to the USCFVD and employees of G. S. Jones Restoration.

USCVFD on call to Gilfillan Homestead

Keep in mind that overloaded electrical systems invite fire. The capacity of a wiring scheme, especially in older homes, may not keep pace with today’s electrical needs of contemporary gadgets and appliances. Electricity, the silent servant, can quickly become a silent assassin. Bring friends and family to celebrate Armed Forces Day at USC Community Day 2010. Since visiting Old Meadowcroft Village during a school field trip, second grade budsters Ben Bond Gordon and Nathan Piatt now plan to explore the Gilfillan Homestead. The Historical

Society will guide them and others through the residence, out barns, and environmentally-friendly preserve from noon until 3 p.m. Horse drawn wagon rides are always a hit, while the homestead’s hefty herd of heifers take pleasure in the enthusiastic “oohs” and “ahhs” they draw from the crowd. Mother Nature’s organic garden is “food for thought” where organic gardener Shannon Thompson and Penny the pup will greet visitors. Rain or shine, we’ll see you on Saturday, May 15 at USC Community Day! n

Nathan Piatt and Ben Bond Gordon

Daily trail blazer Joseph Pasquarelli

Sam Furlong and Jonathan Tepe

While parking is prohibited along Orr Road, handicap parking is allowed at the rear of the house via Orr Road. The front offers a general parking area. Summer 2010

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Pittsburgh Zoo—Focus on Endangered Species Wayne Herrod

The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is one of the world’s leaders in animal conservation, education, and breeding programs. In the past year, the zoo has opened the International Conservation Center (ICC) in Somerset County. The ICC’s 700acre complex is devoted to housing breeding groups of endangered species, with an emphasis on African elephants. It is also intended to further the development of the zoo’s successful elephant program. While the Pittsburgh Zoo and the ICC, with its elephant manager Willie Theison, are among the world’s leading experts in African elephants (see article “Willie Theison—Babymaker” UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY winter 2008, pages 14-15 or visit www.twpusc.org/magazine and click on “Past Magazines”), it is the first facility currently run by an AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) accredited zoo with a strong emphasis on the African elephant. “Starting with elephants, the ICC will eventually bring in more endangered species including, but not limited to, African painted dogs and black rhinos,” said zoo spokesperson Tracy Gray. “But our first emphasis is on elephants.” Jackson, the African elephant bull, (see article “Lady and the Elephant,” UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY fall 2007, pages 12-13) was the first elephant moved to the ICC. Jackson has fathered the four babies currently at the Pittsburgh Zoo, in addition to six others across the country. “Jackson handled the trip very well,” said Willie. “Jackson has traveled a lot and actually enjoys it. He immediately took to his new surroundings.” The prolific Jackson, along with Willie, will be a big part of the zoo’s efforts regarding African elephants.

Jackson, on his second day at the ICC

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2010

Several elephant females, including Kallie and Better, were brought to the ICC from Philadelphia. Unfortunately, after a thorough reproductive evaluation by Dr Thomas Hildebrand, it was determined that these two girls were not good breeding candidates. The Pittsburgh Zoo started a fundraising campaign to build a second elephant barn at the ICC. The barn is expected to span more than 44, 000 square feet (approximately one acre) and will have the accommodations to safely house up to 20 elephants, including up to five bull elephants. The design of the building will include stalls of various sizes for mothers and their calves and will be conducive to herd structure. Herd structure is the key component in the zoo’s elephant management philosophy, which recognizes and respects herd bonds. The facility will also include a reproductive research laboratory, an observation deck, and supporting education and animal management offices. In addition, the ICC will eventually open an elephant care school. This program will play a major role in the training of managers and keepers who provide care for these animals. The program, the first of its kind in the United States, will consist of a two-year academic husbandry program for the next generation of elephant managers. Individuals graduating from this program will be leaders in animal care. The curriculum for the school will include one year of study on animal husbandry, behavior, and elephant training basics. The second year will be hands-on elephant management. The program will eventually expand to include the care of other critically endangered wildlife species. The zoo’s goal is to continue to improve the lifestyle of the animals in their care.

Paulette Paulin, D.M.D. Prosthodontics Comprehensive dental services including: • preventative (cleanings and x-rays) • restorative (fillings and crowns) • cosmetic and IMPLANT dentistry AMERICAN COLLEGE OF PROSTHODONTISTS Dedicated to the Highest Standards of Care in the Restoration and Replacement of Teeth

The American College of Prosthodontists is the professional association of dentists who have had three or more years of advanced specialty training to provide simple as well as complex dental care. Prosthodontists are trained in creating optimal oral health, both in function and appearance including dental implants, dentures, veneers, crowns and teeth whitening.

The philosophy of the elephant management program is termed “natural care.” The handlers at the zoo use positive reinforcement and nurturing to develop a relationship with the animals, one built on mutual respect and trust. I have had the good fortune of being around the Pittsburgh elephant herd numerous times while interviewing staff for articles in the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine. Never once have I felt in danger or threatened by these animals. I sense and feel the trust that Willie has built with this herd. Willie has received world-wide recognition for his successful method. Through the use of voice commands, praise, and food rewards, keepers are able to work in contact with the elephants to accomplish necessary grooming, husbandry, enrichment, and veterinary procedures. It is absolutely amazing to watch Willie command one of the herd to lie down and allow a veterinarian to collect blood samples. A simple, authoritative “Down, Nan” is all it takes. While elephants are the first focus, the ICC will select additional species in collaboration with AZA Species Survival Plan to identify needs for hands-on research and conservation work. The Pittsburgh Zoo will lead the international effort to determine the best methods for breeding threatened and endangered species. In identifying species, the zoo will: • Research species in need of help and develop criteria for species at the ICC. • Outline the criteria to determine if the facility will provide, including, but not limited to, the rehabilitation of specific animals, breeding animals, and holding animals. • Utilize the space at the ICC for species that have been identified as needing acreage for health and reproduction.

Stoffer And Associates Summerfield Commons Office Park 2585 Washington Road, Suite 121 Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

412-854-9055 Evening and Saturday Appointments Available, Select Insurances Accepted

• Ensure the long- and short-term health and well being of each animal and the species it represents. • Conduct animal husbandry, behavioral, and reproductive research. • Serve as a holding facility for other zoos that need help and meet certain criteria. The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium has embarked on a revolutionary and exciting new program. This emerging program is in its infancy, but don’t expect it to stay there long. This program is being run by talented and caring people at the zoo who are excited for its progress. n

The girls from Philly

A special thanks to the PR department of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. Certain editorial was obtained from press releases and stories supplied by the zoo’s administration and from the zoo’s website. Photography courtesy of Paul Salvaggio. Summer 2010

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

e r e H m o Fr

Once Upon a Snowfall

Erin Gibson Allen Brave workers in the town drove giant salt-filled trucks around the precarious streets in a round-the-clock effort to make it safe for the townspeople to leave their homes and go to doctor appointments or to reach loved ones in need. As the days passed, every town person Even the most attentive towns- had a story of hardship to share. Pipes burst people did not fully appreciate the changes and roofs leaked. Backs ached from the inthe days ahead would bring. Weathermen cessant demands of shoveling and even the in suits stood and gestured in front of gi- dogs were antsy from being indoors. ant maps, speaking of doppler radar and Eventually the streets were cleared, pressure systems and warnings in effect power was mostly restored, and the townsuntil late the following night. Many drove people slowly left their homes. Free at last, to the market to stock up on eggs, milk, they shared stories with each other of how and bread. they fared. A lonely elder was taken in by When evening came, the townspeople a beautiful mom who had a warm room to went home, ate their dinners, and slept share. Neighbors pitched in and shoveled soundly through the night. And when the for others in need. Others had cooked for sun rose, they peered tentatively out of those without heat. their windows to see if the predictions had Yet as the townspeople shared their come to pass. Behold, great depths of snow stories of adventure and hardship, someblanketed the town. The townspeople were thing happened that escaped the attention stunned at the changed landscape before of many. The snow returned. Three inches. them. Then four. Two. One. Two more. Icicles Excited, children bundled up and dug like dragons’ teeth slowly sprouted from caves in the giant snow banks, while adults the gutters above the people’s heads. The hauled firewood and donned thick sweat- weatherman came back on television and ers. The beautiful mothers of the town (this announced that all sorts of records were is my story; the mothers were all beautiful being broken. and intelligent) got ready for a different It was as if the townspeople were bekind of week ahead as school was cancelled ing sent a message that they had not quite and the forecast did not offer any lapse in heard clearly enough the first time; the the snow. message was being resent and repeated But all was not beauty and silence with so that the attentive among them might the frosty make over. Snow had not hit the hear. land so hard in three decades and many Incredulous, the townspeople shoveled woke to find their homes cold and dark and again, slept, and woke as if to find their their communication systems shut down. shoveling in vain. What good did one Trees that stood the day before bowed un- shovelful of snow do? Why bother when der the weight of the heavy, wet snow that it keeps coming and there is so much of it? snapped power lines in half. Would it ever end? The townspeople without power stoked Yet the townspeople were wise enough their fires or revved up generators and to know that despite their newfound gathered candles from the back of dusty hardships, their lives were overall pretty drawers. Some moved in with friends or good. Far-off countries to their south relatives or checked into nearby hotels. had suffered devastating earthquakes and The normal activities of the town thousands had been lost. The townspeople virtually ceased—children stayed home knew their lives were mostly good, blizzard from school day after day and many of the or no blizzard, and they did not complain grown-ups worked not at all or from home. too much under the relentless strain of Families searched the recesses of their snow removal and bitter gales that blew pantries to see what forgotten ingredient across their exposed faces. could be turned into a tasty dinner or a After nearly a full month of living in difwarm batch of cookies. ficult conditions with spotty heat, gradual changes again happened in the town that 20

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2010

barely received notice of the townspeople. Temperatures rose a few degrees and the snow levels sank a few inches. Icicles shrunk and an occasional robin landed on the branch of a fallen tree. Small brave animals made appearances and people started talking about other topics, like the Olympics and St. Patrick’s Day parades. The people slowly returned to life as they had always lived it—educating their children, maintaining their homes, working hard at their jobs, and when the spring finally arrived, they put on a community celebration with games for the children and a parade through the main street of town. But when the blue skies returned and the people could once again touch the grass in their yards that was buried for so long, some of the most attentive reflected on the meaning of all that snow. No one lives in isolation. Or at least no one thrives in isolation. A town is at its best when neighbors keep an eye out for each other and share when they can and offer a hand when possible. For a brief time in the land, priorities shifted from things outward to things inward. And mostly the townspeople rose to meet the challenge through hard work and keeping an eye out for their neighbor. And even as they prepared to plant spring flowers and paint their mailboxes and put screens in their windows, many in the town still remembered what it all looked like under several feet of snow. And what it means to be a neighbor. How a blizzard can be both isolating and unifying is a paradox only understood by those who have bravely lived through one. And to remember this paradox in times of sunshine and daffodils is only for those with strong memories that can carry them back to the cold, silent winter nights, long forgotten by many others. The snows would fall gently and lightly on the town the following winter. It would be another 30 years before the townspeople, and the beautiful mothers who lived there, would experience life-stopping, relentless snow of that magnitude. n I’d like to hear your thoughts on contemporary parenting in Upper St. Clair. Please share your ideas about my column with me in person, or email your thoughts to me at eallen@uscsd. k12.pa.us. Let me know if, like me, you’re from here.

Patients say we’re fast

“I was immediately taken to a room and was so impressed with how quickly I received my test results, putting my mind at ease.” That’s how Bridget Belardi of South Fayette feels about our ER. A lot of people agree. With the fastest critical heart care in the region, a highly trained staff, 46 state-of-the-art treatment rooms, and an average wait time of only 4 minutes to be taken to a treatment room, our ER ranked in the top 1% of hospitals nationwide in patient satisfaction. St. Clair Hospital’s ER. BettER. KindER. And FastER. SPECIALIZING IN EXCELLENCE

1000 Bower Hill Road

Mt. Lebanon, PA 15243

412-942-4000

www.stclair.org

(Senbazuru) Thousand Cranes

Junko Chidori Kapples

On January 27 of this year, I had an opportunity to talk with my colleague, Ms. Buccilli, while having lunch at Upper St. Clair High School. She was telling me about her friend Barbara. I learned that Barbara has cancer and was recently told by her doctor that she has a few months to live. She was creating a collage to celebrate her life by collecting 1000 signatures of people who would wish her well and who would pray that her health be restored. What a passion for life! It reminded me of the children’s book Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr. The story tells of a young girl named of Sadako Sasaki who lived in Hiroshima during World War II. She lived in Hiroshima when the atomic bomb was dropped on August 6, 1945. At the time of the explosion, she was at her home, which was about 1.7 kilometers from ground zero. She was two years old. In her early years, Sadako was a strong, athletic young girl. However, in February 1955, at the age of 11, she was diagnosed with leukemia. Her health quickly failed and she was hospitalized, being told that, at best, she had a year to live. One day in August, Sadako’s best friend visited and created a paper crane to give to her. Her friend also taught Sadako the Japanese legend about the thousand cranes. The legend teaches that if one folds 1000 cranes, one’s health would be restored and longevity would be achieved. In the book Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes, Sadako fell short of making a thousand cranes before she died at age 12. She only created 664 cranes while alive, hoping that her health would return. After her death, her friends folded more cranes and completed the 1000 cranes for her. In the real life story of Sadako, she managed to create over 1300 cranes by herself before her life came to a close. Even now, some of her cranes can be seen at the Atomic Bomb Memorial Museum in Hiroshima (Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum). This story has always meant a great deal to me because my mother is a Hiroshima survivor. She was 21 years old when the atomic bomb dropped. The day after the explosion, she traveled to Hiroshima searching for her cousin. Unfortunately, my mother never saw her cousin again. She still clearly remembers the horrific

Sadako statue

Photos courtesy of Mitchell Small 22

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

sights and the devastation throughout the city of Hiroshima. After that day, her health declined and she nearly died from typhoid fever. The family doctor advised my grandparents that my mother would probably not make it and to be prepared for the worst. However, my mother (all four feet, seven inches of her) was never a quitter or a coward. As long as I can Kannonbosatsu with thousand cranes remember, my mother has always been a hard worker and a warrior. Miraculously, she battled her illness and survived. At 85 years old, she’s very much alive today, calling Japan “home.” When I learned about Barbara, I said to my friend that I would like to help by collecting 1000 names for her collage. I have three good reasons for wanting to get involved. First, I guessed that Barbara’s idea came from the story of the thousand cranes. I felt that I was meant to hear about Barbara. Since I visited the Atomic Bomb Memorial Museum in Hiroshima with my students last summer, I vividly remembered seeing the thousands upon thousands of beautiful paper cranes, symbols of hopes and wishes, created by people from all over the world. Secondly, I wanted to help Barbara in honor of my mother, a survivor of the atomic bomb explosion at Hiroshima. And lastly, I also have an incurable disease called Devic’s disease. I can associate her heartache with mine and I wanted to support her in all ways possible. After I had learned about Barbara, I shared the story with my daughter, Shari, and my Japanese students at the high school. My students made cranes for her to use as accents on her collage. Some of my students and my daughter decided to visit other classrooms and collect signatures for her. Some teachers helped and shared the story with their students. Many wonderful people that I know came forward to support Barbara whom we have never met. With those caring people’s efforts, we collected over 834 signatures. Barbara had more than 440 signatures before I got involved. Because of everyone’s effort, she has reached and surpassed her goal. I truly hope that Barbara’s wish comes true and that she will be able to create her collage Hiroshima Ground Zero to celebrate her life. Unknowingly, she has created a beautiful collage in the hearts of many people. Sadako’s story brought strangers together to perform a heartwarming chain of actions. Kindness is contagious, isn’t it? n

Summer 2010

A Thousand Kindnesses

Our DOOrs are Open tO

What is a thousand? To some it may be just a large number But to others much more Whether cranes or names All the same Love matters The hope it brings And the friendships we gain forever Kindness is contagious, isn’t it? Like love It may start off small But it grows and consumes everyone’s hearts and lives It starts as a seed does Slowly growing into a giant awe-inspiring tree A single gesture may seem like nothing at all Like one drop in the large vast expanses of water Yet one drop still represents hope Without that one hope, a dream may never be reached It may be one short of a thousand What is a thousand? —Shari Kapples This poem, written by USCHS senior Shari Kapples, is dedicated to Sadako Sasaki, from the book Sadako and Thousand Paper Cranes, Barbara Dahlberg, and Shari’s grandmother, Yoshino Chidori. Shari Kapples writes: “To Sadako, your story is truly an inspiration that shows the struggle and the hope to survive. To Barbara Dahlberg, I pray that you feel the love and support from many people and that your spirits stay alive while you battle cancer and throughout your life. Your story, in which you tried and did collect a thousand names of people who support and pray for you, touched my heart. To my grandmother, though you are an ocean away, you always are and continue to be my inspiration. You have shown me how to live life with kindness. You are a survivor of the bombing of Hiroshima in which you went looking for your cousin the day after the bomb was dropped. You are still alive and that in itself amazes me. I love you, Obaachan!”

a VIBrant, aCtIVe LIFestYLe

At Providence Point, retirement is

full, fun and exciting. Our residents enjoy a wellness center and day spa, multiple on-site restaurants, a surround-sound movie theater, a library, a game room and billiards room and even an indoor golf simulator. Providence Point sits on 32 acres in the South Hills bordered by a nature conservancy. And our LifeCare program provides added peace of mind, ensuring the financial legacy you’ve worked hard to leave behind is protected, and providing the freedom to make decisions for future healthcare on your terms.

Call us today to schedule your private tour or to be included in one of our group presentations.

412.489.3550 Intersection of Kane Blvd and Providence Point Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15243 Pittsburgh’s first choice in retirement living

To find out more, visit www.ProvidencePoint.org

Baptist Homes Society has provided for your residential and healthcare needs since 1910 with our Baptist Homes campus in Mt. Lebanon. We are now proud to introduce a new, enhanced lifestyle option for seniors at our second community, Providence Point.

Summer 2010

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

SUMMER ACTIVITIES GUIDE Summer Maladies

Mary Parks Lamb, M.D., Medical Director, Urgent Care Center After the longest, snowiest, most anknow that you have touched poison ivy, noying winter in recent Pittsburgh memory, wash exposed skin immediately with soap what a relief it is that summer is almost and water to remove the plant oils. here! We need to get outside to enjoy the • Launder gardening clothes immediately. fresh air and sunshine, feel the warmth of • Be careful with pets and gardening tools the sun on our faces, and experience longer, that may have plant oils on them. less stressful days. Be forewarned, however, • Barrier creams are controversial and have that with the carefree days of summer come not been proven to prevent poison ivy. some common summer maladies that could If you happen to get a bad case of poiruin your fun and relaxation. son ivy despite these measures, see your One of the worst summer problems is physician or visit an urgent care center for sunburn. Even though most of us are fully treatment. aware of the dangers of the sun, sometimes More daylight in the summer means we inadvertently get too much exposure. more opportunity for exercise and outWhat should you do if you get a severe door fun. Summertime is prime time for sunburn? injuries—broken arms from falling off For immediate relief, apply cool com- monkey bars, sore knees from extra miles presses or soak in cool water. Aloe vera gel of running, strained backs from yard work, and moisturizing lotion have been used for lacerations from lawnmowers, and head years to help soothe sunburns, although injuries from bicycle accidents. Make sure very little evidence supports their effective- you review and continue to monitor safety ness. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, issues with your children. Insist on helmets including ibuprofen and naprosyn, can ease and other protective equipment when ridpain and inflammation when used within ing bikes and scooters, and roller blading. the first 24 hours. Topical and oral steroid Advise caution while playing at crowded medications, including prednisone, and playgrounds. Make sure swimming skills are hydrocortisone cream, have not been shown strong, and if they are not, enroll your child to be helpful. If blisters occur, do not pop in swimming lessons. Prevention is key in them, but allow them to rupture on their childhood safety. own. Apply antibiotic ointment to soothe Adults often fall victim to the “weekend skin and prevent infection once blisters warrior” syndrome—going all out on a open. Avoid any further sun exposure until weekend, seemingly the only available time your skin has healed. Wear loose, soft cot- to exercise and experience outdoor sports. ton clothing on burned skin. Most sunburns Overexerting ourselves on the weekends will not scar, although pigment changes can leads to sore muscles, and sprains and occur, especially if damaged skin is exposed strains that can persist for weeks. Make to more burning rays of the sun. Be sure to sure to warm up thoroughly, stretch tight protect yourself and your children by stay- muscles, and listen to your body when it’s ing out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 telling you to stop or slow down. p.m., wearing protective clothing, and using Keep summertime fun to a maximum sunscreen. this year by following sun exposure guideMany of us will be out in our yards this lines, preventing poison ivy, and practicing summer trying to restore our snow-damaged safety and moderation in leisure activities. plants and landscaping. Do you love to gar- Of course, summertime maladies are not den but want to avoid getting intensely itchy, entirely avoidable. To get you back in action annoying poison ivy this summer? Here are quickly through high quality, convenient some tips to help lessen your chances of care, you may want to visit your local urgent getting the dreaded rash. care center. n • Avoid anything on a vine with three For more information, contact the Urgent leaves. Care Center, affiliated with The Washington • Wear long pants, long sleeves, and gloves Hospital at 3515 Washington Road, Krebs to protect exposed skin. Center in McMurray, at 724-969-4321 or visit www.theurgentcarecenter.org. See ad on this page. • If you clear out a suspicious plant or you 24

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2010

SUMMER ACTIVITIES GUIDE Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center

Two Locations in Upper St. Clair:

Eisenhower School & Streams School! Entering K - 7th Grade June 14 - August 27 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Flexible Scheduling Swim Trips Field Trips Special Party Days Hot Lunch Program Enrichment Classes Including Sports, Cooking, Art, Crafts, Science, & Much More!

www.ExtendedDay.com or call (412) 221-1980

Extended Day Services

ATTENTION UPPER ST. CLAIR RESIDENTS SWIM & SKATE at the MT. LEBANON RECREATION CENTER Open Year Round with Something for Everyone *Individual & Family Season Swim Passes Available Pool Open Noon – 8 P.M. Daily (Beg. June 12) *Learn-to-Skate Classes/ Beginner & Advanced Hockey Clinics Youth Developmental & Adult Hockey Leagues Public Skating Adult Skating & Instructional Programs Speed Skating * Broomball Birthday Party Packages

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

A Fantastic Summer Is In the Planning

Jennifer Roberts, Extended Day Services, Owner An important aspect for summer family fun is in the family goals is for the kids to keep up with some academic review planning! Summer can be a great family-oriented, memory-filled this summer, then you might put a workbook page in math and time or it can be several weeks that go by unnoticed. Luckily, it’s reading on the schedule each day in the morning. There are some not too late to plan for this summer. Summer should be scheduled great workbooks available for all grades at amazon.com or at the and have structure similar to the school year, but include more fun local bookstores—fun, colorful, and engaging! and inviting things to do. Afterwards, you might schedule a family pool outing once or First, you should make a list of things that are important to your twice a week and set a play date one day a week. Scheduling play family. Have you been talking all year long about visiting a certain dates helps children learn to use a calendar, plan their time with their place this summer? Do you want the kids to keep up with some friends, and teaches that some activities are worth the wait. The evening, when everyone is home together, is a great time to academic review? Would you like to build in some regular exercise to your family’s evening routine? Start with your family vacation. If you plan family exercise—take a walk around the neighborhood or ride are taking a week-long trip, confirm the dates, location, and details bikes. It’s important for kids to see that exercise is essential for all family members and can be a lot of fun! to avoid anything that could interfere with your family’s getaway. Finally, if your summer scheduling is already hairy, consider enThen, begin to schedule a few other smaller day trips on a few weekends throughout the summer. Some of the weekend trips may rolling the kids in some specialized summer classes or a traditional include a trip to Presque Isle State Park in Erie or going on a fam- summer day camp. Extended Day Services offers a full-day camp ily geocaching adventure! Presque Isle State Park is a 3200-acre experience at both Streams and Eisenhower Elementary Schools sandy peninsula that arches into Lake Erie—a beach within a short every day throughout the summer. Campers participate in field two-hour drive, complete with surf. Who knew? Geocaching is a trips, weekly swim trips, and a variety of special daily activities, super-exciting treasure-hunting adventure for the entire family. All including teachers versus kids Olympics, a teacher-manned dunk you need is a GPS device, the Internet, and the desire to find buried tank, life-sized goofy games, candyrama craziness, and an end-oftreasure in local parks or even downtown! A good website to visit camp talent show. Each summer is something different and always for great Pennsylvania daytrips is http://pittsburgh.about.com and a great time! n click on the “things to do” tab. I have lived here all my life and even For information about Extended Day Services Summer Camp, conI learned new things from this website. tact Kelly or Patricia at 412-221-1980 or visit the EDS website at After these special days are set, you can then begin to schedule www.ExtendedDay.com. See ad on this page. your family activities on a daily basis. For example, if one of your Summer 2010

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

SUMMER ACTIVITIES GUIDE Summer Event Schedule: June 14 - 18

Jump into Summer with Music!

A general music day camp

June 21 - 25 Cello Fury

A music day camp featuring Cello Fury

July 12 - 16

Intensive Music Camp

An intensive camp for middle & high school students including improvisation with Cello Fury and coachings with PSO members

July 31 - August 8

Greater Pittsburgh Suzuki Institute

A week of intensive music study for teachers and students at Upper St. Clair High School

August 16 - 20

Music Boot Camp

Get back into shape for fall music lessons

All camps will be held at our Carnegie location

THE

1100 Washington Ave. Suite 111 PITTSBuRGH Carnegie, PA 15106

MuSIC INC

Academy

412-429-2122

www.pghma.com HOT YOGA IN THE SOUTH HILLS

Honoring Mom in the month of May $1 from each package sold goes to Womansplace, Inc. shelter

dana barone, owner dana@yogainnovations.com specializing in Power Vinyasa Flow (Hot Yoga) 102 broughton road bethel park, pa 15102

412-851-yoga www.yogainnovations.com

please visit our web site for class times 26

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Keep Your Backyard Pool Safe

Cindy S. Brophy, State Farm® Agent Taking a dip in your backyard pool drowning is listed as the leading cause of can be a great way to beat the heat during death of children under five. the dog days of summer. It can also be That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a an excellent way to relax with family and pool in your backyard. There are a number friends or be a part of a regular exercise of preventative measures you can take to routine. ensure a safe and enjoyable backyard. With As much fun as a pool can be, it can available self-latching gates, safety covers, also be a source of danger. Unsupervised or and underwater alarms, you can prevent poorly protected swimming pools and hot young children from having access to the tubs can be very inviting to young children. pool without appropriate supervision. A curious child can enter a pool area before When the weather heats up, a backyard pool can be a great way to cool down. Make an adult realizes he or she is missing. The Consumer Products Safety Com- sure yours is safe as well as enjoyable. To mission (CPSC) reports an estimated 350 help you, the CPSC has a number of pubchildren under age five drown in swimming lications. Visit www.cpsc.gov. n pools each year; another 2600 are treated See ad for State Farm agent Cindy Brophy on in hospital emergency rooms. Nationally, page 40.

Sun Salutations

Dana Barone, Yoga Innovations, LLC, Owner In the Northern Hemisphere, the and touch your fingerSummer Solstice is a major celestial event tips to the mat (Standing celebrated as the longest day and shortest Forward Bend). Inhale night of the year. With the arrival of sum- to extend the spine then, mer, many people are drawn outdoors to exhale, and step your right worship the sun and bask in its warmth. foot back followed by your However, there are many who choose to left foot back into Plank remain faithful to their indoor practices. Pose or High Pushup. As This is certainly true for those who have you continue to exhale, an active yoga practice. Many practitioners slowly lower your body prefer to celebrate the appearance of the as a unit to Low Push Up sun on their yoga mats through a sequence position. Inhale reaching of poses known as sun salutations. One of the crown of your head skyward creating a the most common sun salutations, Surya slight backbend (Upward Facing Dog Pose) Namaskar A increases flexibility of the then, exhale pressing away from your mat spine, warms the muscles of the body, firms into Downward Facing Dog Pose. Remain the core muscles, and builds strength. It in Downward Dog for several breaths and is no coincidence that the Sanskrit word access the quality of your breathing. When “namaskar” is derived from namas, which you are ready, inhale to step forward extendmeans to bow or to adore. Each sun saluta- ing your spine, then exhale and fold. Your tion begins and ends with the palms of the next inhale lifts you into Upward Salute hands touching at the center of the heart with your hands reaching skyward. Exhalto remind us that only the heart can really ing, you draw your hands back to the heart know the truth. and open the palms to finish. To perform Surya Namaskar A, begin Traditionally, sun salutations are perby standing in Mountain Pose with palms formed outdoors facing east toward the pressing together and thumbs resting lightly rising sun to symbolize the dawn of conagainst the breastbone. Inhale pressing the sciousness. Regardless of where you place palms to the sky and look to your hands. Ex- your mat, it is the perfect place to practice. n hale and bring the palms through the center See ad on this page. of the body, hinge forward at the hip joints, Summer 2010

SUMMER ACTIVITIES GUIDE • Cutting edge, sports specific training programs

Come join a small group of women who have just moved to the area. Meet new friends as we work through, After the Boxes Are Unpacked, by Susan Miller. Begins September 16

• Kettlebell training, group & custom individualized programs • Physical therapy— emphasizing an active, dynamic, training approach

Kids, come have some summer fun with Boz the Bear! This camp is for Li’l WROCers ages 2-5. July 5-16 & July 19-30, 9:30 a.m.-noon

• Rehabilitation— specialists in dynamic, functional post-operative recovery • Fully staffed with physical therapists only

Titleist Performance Instititute Certified

Ahoy Matey! Come have a ship load of fun at Barefoot School, Westminster’s Vacation Bible School. June 28-July 2, 9:00 a.m.-noon download forms at www.westminster-church.org

Clifford Milowicki, MSPT Alliance Physical Therapy and Performance Center

3540 Washington Rd. McMurray, PA 15317 724.941.7070

645 Rodi Rd. Penn Hills, PA 15235 412.242.7800

www.alliancephysicaltherapy.com

Westminster Presbyterian Church

2040 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15241

412-835-6630

The Components of Balance in the Golf Swing Clifford Milowicki, Alliance Physical Therapy and Performance Center

The athleticism required to play competitive golf in this era has come to the forefront in recent decades. The introduction of Tiger Woods to the tour has brought an awareness to all players that if they want to compete to win, golf specific exercise and training is no longer an option, but a necessity. One of the most talked about and analyzed components of a competitive golfer’s physical attributes is his or her balance. Most people think of good balance as being able to walk a tight rope or perform a gymnastics routine on a balance beam. These are good examples of high level balance activity, but they involve moving the feet, taking steps, and displacing the body from point A to B. In golf, good balance is required to keep the body stationary and controlled over the ball while unleashing a 120 or more mile per hour swing of the club in the hopes of making dead solid perfect contact. The question is: What is required of the golfer to maintain steady control of the body while swinging at this speed? The good news is that the answer includes many physical attributes athletes train to improve upon all the time. Initially, you must have joint flexibility. If your ankles, knees, hips, and spine don’t move freely through required ranges of motion, you will be forced to slide or fall off of the ball during various components of the swing. If your ankle is immobilized secondary to a fracture or a sprain, you will be unable to walk and maintain balance normally. The same is true with the golf swing. Neurologically, a player must be intact in order for the brain to communicate appropriately with the joint receptors. If there is an absence of neurological disease or injury both in the brain and the peripheral nervous system, joint receptors can be trained to respond

more effectively and efficiently during different aspects of the golf swing. Often times, this is an area that a person has not addressed on his or her own. But once these training activities are introduced and repeated in the right format, improvements in this aspect of balance are usually quick and dramatic. For the healthy individual, I believe that the most important component to developing and maintaining good balance is strength. Peripherally, this is important in the hip, knee, and ankle musculature as these areas of the body are essential in making and maintaining contact with the ground. Symmetrical and balanced strength in the core of the body is the most essential physical attribute that a golfer with excellent balance possesses. As the buzz word in the fitness world today, the “core” is often misrepresented as the abdominal region of the body. To the contrary, the abdominals represent only a portion of the core. The core includes all aspects of the hip, back extensors, oblique muscles, thoracic musculature, and the upper aspects of the thigh. The golfer must have balanced strength in all aspects of the aforementioned areas to maintain proper position of the body while effectively initiating and completing a competitive golf swing. Most respected golf specific exercise programs, such as the Titleist Performance Institute, consider all of these areas for fitness training. Golf has become a game for the masses, which means more play, more competition, and more preparation to play your best. Golfers that have learned how to work properly on their balance have seen improvements in their accuracy, distance, and, ultimately, their enjoyment. It’s fun to play golf, but it’s a blast to play it well! n See Alliance Physical Therapy and Performance Center ad on this page. Summer 2010

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

T Robert W. Orchowski

President, Ward 3 Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-854-1868 2011*

Glenn R. Dandoy

Vice President, At-Large Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-833-6243 2011*

Preston W. Shimer Ward 1

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-221-1736 2011*

Mark R. Hamilton Ward 2

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-478-2812 2013*

Mark D. Christie Ward 4

Day 412-831-9000 2013*

Russell R. Del Re Ward 5

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 724-941-3336 2011*

Daniel R. Paoly At-Large

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-862-5995 2013*

*Date indicates expiration of term.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Property Maintenance Standards

Glenn Prokopovitch, Township Code Enforcement Officer Certain property maintenance environment. Clean, safe, and attractive standards are required and addressed in neighborhoods promote a positive impact the Upper St. Clair Township Code to help on residents, businesses, schools, churchpreserve the character of the Township and es, and visitors. prevent unsafe or unhealthy conditions for Infractions of the items listed in this all of its citizens. article detract from a positive quality of life Exterior surfaces and properties are and are some of the most frequent issues subject to a variety of weather conditions, that employees of the Township of Upper some of which are extreme. Remember St. Clair face when enforcing the Code. the snow storm that gave our area a 24- The Township addresses Code violations inch blanket of snow this past February? by means of verbal warnings, courtesy Exterior building surfaces include, but are letters, or formal notices to achieve complinot limited to doors, window frames, trim, ance. Often, an attempt to gain resolution and cornices. Exterior wood surfaces not is conducted informally by educating the made of decay resistant woods or metal individual on the issue and encouraging surfaces subject to rust are required to be voluntary compliance. However, individuprotected from the elements with paint als who are unresponsive to the Township’s or other protective coating. Additionally, attempt to resolve matters amicably are decorative features must be maintained in subject to legal action. n good repair, with proper anchorage. Exterior properties are required to be kept in a clean and safe condition. Unused or unusable materials, including automobile parts, machinery, appliances, building materials, or vehicles without current inspection and registration shall not be stored openly. Accessory structures, including storage sheds, fences, detached garages, and gazebos, shall be maintained structurally sound and in good repair. During the growing season, lawns are to be maintained at a maximum height of six inches. Furthermore, trees, shrubs, or other similar vegetation must be maintained to provide clear sight distances for motorists on the roadways. Responsible use of private property includes, but is not limited to, respect for neighbors, community, and the The Department of Community Development strives to be responsive to your questions or concerns. If you wish to report a potential violation by letter, telephone, or in person, contact Community Development, which is located in the Township building at 1820 McLaughlin Run Road. The telephone number is 412-831-9000. All business regarding the operation of the Township is conducted at the regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Citizens are invited to comment on any Township matter. Complete Board minutes can be found at the Upper St. Clair Township Library or on the website at www.twpusc.org. For more information, call 412-831-9000.

2010 Township of Upper St. Clair Meeting Dates • The Board of Commissioners meets at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building. The regular public meeting is held the first Monday of the month in the Board Meeting Room. The informational and general affairs meeting is held the last Monday of the month in the Board Meeting Room. • The Planning Commission meets the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. • The Parks and Recreation Board meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m., no meeting in December. • The Zoning Hearing Board meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 8 p.m. • The Civil Service Board meets as needed. • The Building/Fire Codes Appeals and Advisory Board meets as needed.

Visit the Township’s website www.twpusc.org Summer 2010

Highlights of Board of Commissioners’ Meetings December 7, 2009

Approximately 25 people attended.

Proclamations and Recognitions • Commissioner McElhinny presented a Proclamation to Samuel Furlong of Troop #228, recognizing his attainment of Eagle Scout rank for installing a 16-foot by 4-foot bridge over an inlet along the shore of Canonsburg Lake. He also installed two pedestrian bridge signs on each end of the bridge.

Reappointments to Boards and Commissions at the December 7 meeting • Approved the following reappointments to Township Boards and Commissions: December 31 Board/Commission Name Term Expires Building Fire Codes Appeals and Advisory Board............. Robert Stevens...................... 2012 Civil Service Board............................................................. James Conn.......................... 2012 Parks and Recreation Board............................................... Jennifer Schuler.................... 2012 Planning Commission........................................................ Marvin Haddox.................... 2013 Planning Commission........................................................ James Sekela......................... 2013 Zoning Hearing Board........................................................ David Tungate....................... 2012

The Board • Adopted Bill No. 17-09 approving PLC09-0008-Deerfield Manor Plan No. 7, Revision No. 3, Preliminary and Final Subdivision. • Adopted Bill No. 14-09 amending Section 4.02 of Article IV entitled “Retirement Benefits” to the General Employee Retirement Plan. • Adopted Bill No. 15-09 amending Sections 6.03 and 6.04 of Article VI entitled “Death Benefits” to delete references to the Killed In Service Survivor benefit. • Adopted Bill No. 18-09 to amend Chapter 57.18, Library Fees and Fines to add a fee for color copies and increase the fee for overdue adult items and magazines. • Adopted Bill No. 16-09 to keep the cost of refuse collection inside the General Fund. • Approved the Township Traffic Engineer 2010-2011 Fee Schedule. Board Approval of Contracts • USDA Wildlife Services, Raleigh, NC.......................not to exceed $37,500 Special use culling permit/prescribed activities

Commissioner McElhinny and Samuel Furlong

January 4, 2010

Approximately 10 people attended.

Reorganization of Board of Commissioners • Newly elected Commissioners Mark D. Christie, Mark R. Hamilton, and Daniel R. Paoly were sworn into office as Commissioners of the Township of Upper St. Clair. • Commissioner Orchowski was elected President of the Board of Commissioners. • Commissioner Dandoy was elected Vice President of the Board of Commissioners. Recognitions and Proclamations • Commissioner Orchowski presented a Proclamation to Brian Rollick of Troop #366 recognizing his attainment of Eagle Scout rank. Brian’s project involved 115 hours of planning and labor for a garden area surrounding a newly constructed pavilion at a local nursing home. The Board • Approved the executing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Peters Township Sanitary Authority (PTSA) and the Township of Upper St. Clair re: PA H20 Grant-Abandonment of Deerfield Pump Station.

February 1, 2010

Approximately 27 people attended.

The Board • Adopted Resolution No. 1506 to establish public hearing re. PLC10-1301, Amendment to Chapter 130 of the Township Code entitling “Zoning” amending the definition of a gasoline station and to add parking requirements. • Approved appointment of Case|Sabatini & Company as the Township’s auditing firm. • Approved the Memorandum of Understanding between the Township of Upper St. Clair, the Upper St. Clair School District, and Upper St. Clair Veterans Park, Inc.

Commissioners (left to right) Mark Hamilton, Dan Paoly, and Mark Christie were sworn in by Judge Wyda at the January Board of Commissioners meeting.

Board Approval of Contracts • Hunter Truck Sales, Butler.............................. $81,608.58 2011 International Cab and Chassis

Commissioner Orchowski and Brian Rollick Summer 2010

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

USC Library Help Imagine Your Library in 2015

What do library patrons want? How can the library satisfy those wants? In conjunction with initial work for the Upper St. Clair Township ten-year strategic plan, 2015-2025, a process has been started to analyze current library services and project what changes are necessary to continue fulfilling community needs. A SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis worksheet was used during two initial library staff sessions, and three primary service roles were identified as most important to our community. Now, the library needs your help! Focus groups will meet in May to discuss library services in the future. These meetings will help to identify unfolding possibilities by addressing the following questions: • How are people using technology? • What new information resources does the library need? • How is the outside environment affecting library use? • What are new opportunities? • What challenges does the library face? Will you help? Call the library at 412-835-5540 to sign up and take part in an informal guided discussion with the library director and other library staff on Tuesday, May 18, 1-3 p.m. or Wednesday, May 19, 7-9 p.m. n

Service Roles of Upper St. Clair Township Library • To provide items of current popular social and cultural interest for recreational purposes. • To provide information on a broad spectrum of topics related to work, school, and personal life. • To serve as a center for life-long learning, assisting those interested in self-directed personal growth, supporting adult and child literacy development, and providing help with using library technology.

Water Your Mind—Read! Be on the lookout for new prizes and surprises in the 2010 adult summer reading program offered at the Upper St. Clair Township Library. The program begins Monday, June 14 and wraps up with an ice cream social for adults and kids in August. Watch for additional details posted in the library.

What: Library Strategic Plan focus group discussion When: Tuesday, May 18, 1-3 p.m; Wednesday, May 19, 7-9 p.m. How: To register, call the library at 412-835-5540

Upcoming Adult Library Programs

America Sings

Sponsored by Friends of the Library of Upper St. Clair What: Old time sing-along, featuring Walt and Susie Olsen on banjo and guitar When: Thursday, July 1 at 7 p.m. Where: Multipurpose Room I Who: Adults and kids of all ages

An Evening with Brian O’Neil Presented by Brian O’Neil, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette columnist Thursday, May 20, 7-8:30 p.m. Popcorn & a Movie Friday, May 21, 1-3 p.m. A Star is Born World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh Thursday, June 3, 7-8:30 p.m. Energy Efficiency Presented by Theresa Wilson, Direct Energy Business Thursday, June 17, 7-8:30 p.m. Popcorn & a Movie Friday, June 18, 1-3 p.m. Two for the Road Since refreshments are served, library program registration is requested. Programs are held in the Library Multipurpose Room, first floor. The Summer Reading programs are sponsored by Friends of the Library of Upper St. Clair.

Library Hours Monday–Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday–Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed summer Sundays (May 30–September 5)

The library is closed: Saturday, May 15 for USC Community Day Monday, May 31 for Memorial Day

www.twpusc.org/library

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2010

Outside book and video return available 24 hours a day, collected daily at 9 a.m.

412-835-5540

Library, Children’s Department Ask the Librarian

home. fuses to read at in school, but re l a el at w m es I’ ” do g. er rin g is bo My sixth grad I’m told “readin g, in ad re t es gg ? When I su y child to read ent I encourage m Concerned Par loss. How can

Summer Programs Are Fun For All! Art in the Park When: Friday, June 4, 10 a.m.-noon Who: Preschoolers accompanied by an adult Registration begins Monday, May 24

rned Parent, Dear Conce g: ave your child d the followin your child. H ith I recommen w y rl la gu rary re • Visit the lib to read. . Ask d magazines ur child likes select books an topics that yo on s ok bo g pealin . • Choose ap read. for suggestions or too easy to the librarians not too hard e ar s ok bo e re th • Make su to borrow. or she doesn’t or five books a book. If he of s ge • Select four pa . Kids 25 child to read y another book • Tell your it’s time to tr t, will in ey po th at ow th at try if they kn like the book ve reading a gi to ely lik e e. are mor don’t lik ish a book they here to help. d its staff are not have to fin an ry ra lib he up! T • Don’t give

Beach Party! When: Thursday, July 22, 2-4 p.m. Who: All Ready to Read and Summer Reading participants, accompanied by an adult Registration begins Monday, July 12 Ready to Read Adventure Activities Enjoy Ready to Read Adventure activities during the library’s hours of operation! These fun activities will be available in the Children’s Department of the Upper St. Clair Township Library, Mondays through Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Sincerely, Librarian Debra Conn,

Storytimes

Library Summer Reading Programs Ready to Read Program Who: Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartners “Ready to Read” is the library’s award-winning early literacy program designed to help young children acquire pre-reading skills with fun and easy parent-directed activities. When you register, you’ll receive an activity guide complete with information about ready to read skills, ready to read activities, an activity log, and instructions for participating in the program. Participants will receive fun rewards for completing weekly activities. Registration for the Ready to Read program begins Monday, June 7. Ready to Read activity log check-in begins Monday, June 14 and ends Thursday, July 22. Library Reading Program Who: School-age children “Summer Reading” is designed for children who have completed first through eighth grades. Kids who read succeed! The summer reading program is a fun way to encourage your child to spend time reading. Participating in summer reading can play an important role in creating fluent, lifelong readers. Participants will receive a reading log to record the titles of the books they have read. Children will receive one ticket for each book read for a weekly drawing of prizes. Registration for the Library Reading program begins Monday, June 7. Summer Reading log check-in begins Monday, June 14 and ends Thursday, July 22.

Offered Monday, June 21 through Monday, July 19 Registration begins Monday, June 7 Babies and Toddlers When: Mondays at 10 or 11 a.m. Who: Children ages 4-24 months with a caregiver Twos and Threes When: Wednesdays at 10 or 11 a.m. Who: Children ages 2-3 ½ with a caregiver Preschool When: Thursdays at 10 or 11 a.m. Who: Children ages 3 ½ and older Family Storytime When: Thursday, June 10, 7 p.m. Who: Children ages 3 ½ and older with a parent, grandparent, or caregiver

Literacy Programs Offered Monday, June 21 to Monday, July 19 Registration begins Monday, June 7 Kindergarten Here I Come When: Wednesdays at 2 or 3:15 p.m. Who: Children entering kindergarten in September 2010 I’m Going to First Grade! When: Tuesdays at 11 a.m. or 2:15 p.m. Who: Children who have completed kindergarten I Love to Read! When: Thursdays at 2:15 p.m. Who: Children who have completed first and second grades Readers’ Theater When: Mondays, 2:15-3 p.m. Who: Children who have completed third through fifth grades

Summer 2010

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Community Development

412-831-9000, extension 501 • www.twpusc.org Just a Reminder!

According to the Township of Upper St. Clair Codes: • Lawns need to be maintained at a maximum height of six inches from April through October. • Vehicles without current inspection or registration must be stored in a completely enclosed structure.

• Waste receptacles and recycling containers should be placed at the curb line after 6 p.m. the day before collection with removal before midnight the day of collection. • Boats, trailers, campers, and other types of recreational vehicles must be stored in completely enclosed structures.

• Garage sale signs are permitted, provided the following regulations are met: – Signs are located only on the lot where the sale takes place. – Signs are displayed only on the day of the sale. – Signs do not exceed nine square feet combined. – Signs are set back a minimum of ten feet from any side lot line. – Signs are to be placed outside the Township right-of-way. Typically, the right-of-way extends a minimum of 13 feet back from the edge of the street or curb. – Signs may not obstruct sidewalks.

• No structure may be placed within the Township right-of-way except for a driveway or mailbox. A structure is any object having a stationary location on or in lots. The Township right-of-way typically extends back 13 feet from the edge of the road.

Friends of the Library Used Book Sale

• A newspaper tube is permitted provided it is attached to the existing mailbox post. The newspaper tube may not be supported by a separate structure such as a post or column.

• Realtor open house signs are permitted provided the following regulations are met: – One tent or easel type sign, not to exceed four square feet. – Sign permitted to be displayed Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. – Sign must be located a minimum of 13 feet back from the edge of the street or curb. – With permission of property owner, open house signs may be placed on a lot other than the one for sale with the same restrictions above. – No open house signs are allowed on Township-owned property.

• Building permits are required for most construction and remodeling projects. Typical projects that require a building permit include, but are not limited to, sheds, garages, swimming pools, decks, additions, retaining walls, driveway pillars, and patio enclosures. Some projects such as patios and driveways require only zoning approval. In all cases, when a building permit or zoning approval is required, a land survey of the property must be submitted as a part of the permit application process. The Township may have a copy of the property survey on file. Please check the Township website at www.twpusc.org for types of projects requiring a permit and the application process. Questions concerning permit requirements can also be directed to the Community Development Department at 412-831-9000, extension 501.

community wide flea market SATURDAY, JULY 10, 2010 (Rain or Shine) Place: USCHS Stadium Parking Lot Time: 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Sale) Setup beginning at 6:30 a.m.

Bargain books for all ages and tastes will again be featured at the Friends of the Library Used Book Sale, May 5–11 at the large multi-purpose room near the main entrance of the library. With book prices starting at 50 cents, this opportunity is too good to pass up! Bring the family and stock up on good reading! All proceeds are used to assist the USC Township Library in serving the needs of the community. n

Wednesday, May 5–5:30-8 p.m. (Members only preview night) Thursday, May 6–10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, May 7–10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 8–10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, May 9–Closed (Mother’s Day) Monday, May 10–10 a.m.-8 p.m. ($3 Bag Day) Tuesday, May 11–10 a.m.-noon ($2 Bag Day) 32

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2010

Space is limited, so sign-up for your space early. Only Upper St. Clair residents may reserve a space prior to May 14. After that date, other reservations will be accepted. Sellers are responsible for providing their own table. Please complete the following form and mail to: _ Upper St. Clair Recreation, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Name_________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ Telephone_____________________________________________________________ Number of spaces needed*_ _____________________________________________ *(A space is two parking spaces, 9’ x 18’ each, one for automobile and one for setup.) Fee per space is $12–resident, $17–nonresident. Check should be made payable to Upper St. Clair Recreation.

From the Eyes of a Salt Truck Driver James Stewart, Public Works Editor’s note: When we started on the first draft of this issue of TODAY, over two feet of snow was still on the ground after a February for the record books. It is our sincere hope and expectation that the sun is shining and all the snow is gone when you read this! Hello folks. Let me start out by saying that I didn’t order the snow. It’s not my fault we got two feet of snow. It’s also not my fault you can’t get where you think you need to go or that your driveway is plowed in, again. Giving me dirty looks, hand gestures, and sometimes using colorful language isn’t going to make the snow go away. My job is to clear the roads as quickly and safely as I can. I do this at times with little sleep, and sometimes no lunch or dinner, so that you can safely reach your destination. Here are some things you can do to help me accomplish this task. First and foremost, stay home! Unless it’s a dire emergency, please stay off the roads. Those errands you think you have to run can wait. When you get out on the roads you become one more obstacle that I have to plow around or get stuck behind. If you stay off the roads, I can do my job more effectively. Let’s talk a little about obstacles. The trees on your property are your responsibility. If they hang onto the street they become a hazard as I try to plow past your home. I have two choices, plow around the tree leaving snow on the street or hit the branches and risk breaking my side-view mirror. For obvious safety reasons, I need my mirrors. Salt truck mirrors cost $400 to replace, so I’ll go around. Now you’re upset because I’ve left snow in front of your home. Help me make a clean pass down your street by removing any branches hanging onto the street. You’ve cleared your walk and driveway. You stand and survey your hard work. Now you park your car at the top of your driveway thinking I won’t be able to plow you in. You’ve just created another problem for me, as you are too close to the road. Believe me, I can still plow snow against your car, making it harder for you to shovel yourself out. Here’s another thing I don’t understand. Why would you decide to park your car in the turn around of your cul de sac? Where do you think I’m going to turn around my 36,000-pound truck? Please keep your vehicles off the street and safely in your own driveway. So what’s with driving so close to the back of my truck? If you can’t see my mirrors, I can’t see you. I make sudden stops and back ups. Give me some room to do so. I would really hate to back into your car.

Let’s step back a moment to shoveling your snow. Most residents know it’s against USC Township regulations to shovel snow into the street. You can and will be fined for this. If you don’t want me to clean your street, that’s fine with me. You just go ahead and shovel all your snow into the street and I’ll pass you by. Hey, it’s easy for me to lift the plow and keep on going. Please keep your snow confined as best you can to your yard so I can keep your street clear for traffic. Now, a word to the dog walkers. I do not want to hit you or your dog. Please be sure you have your dog under control and on a short leash. I need to know your pet won’t be running out in front of me with you following. It’s pretty tough to stop a big truck like mine quickly. When you’re in your car and you see me coming, please don’t panic. I’m not going to hit your car. No need to stop or run your car into a snow bank. Now you’ve put snow that I’ve already plowed back onto the street, and now I have to go back and plow again. I see you. We share the road. Just drive on by, carefully. I do want to take this opportunity to thank those residents who kindly offer me a bottle of water or a soft drink. There are some long hours in that truck with no break. I’d also like to acknowledge those who stop me to tell me “thanks for doing a good job!” You’ll never know how appreciated those gestures of kindness are to a very tired truck driver. Folks, like clockwork, winter comes each year. Some winters are worse than others. But one thing is for sure, spring follows. By the time you read this, the mounds of snow will be a distant memory and the crocuses and daffodils will be making way for tulips and roses. Just keep these tips in mind the next time the snow flies so we can get through our winters safely. n

ediscover your smile.

A smile is a precious thing to share. But for so many who are self-conscious about their teeth, a smile is simply an awkward moment of embarrassment. Damaged, missing, or crooked teeth can rob you of one of life’s simple pleasures. But our advanced cosmetic dental techniques and precision-crafted implants can give you a whole new smile and take away your inhibitions. To learn more about what we can do to put a smile back on your face, simply call and schedule and appointment. It’s a simple way to see what you’ve been missing.

Dr. Steven R. Crandall, DMD can restore the smile of your youth and correct virtually any dental problem. • Replace missing teeth • Relieve headaches • Replace old deteriorated fillings • Relieve jaw muscle and joint pain

• Repair abscessed teeth • Repair gum disease • Correct an unstable bite • Invisalign Provider • ZOOM Whitening

We process all insurance plans. 70 Fort Couch Road, Upper St. Clair (Next to McDonalds, Adjacent to South Hills Village)

412-833-6166 McLaughlin Run Road on February 6, 2010 Summer 2010

w w w. s t eve n rc r a n d a l l d m d . c o m UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

REEC—Helping You Help the Earth

Jessica Stombaugh, REEC Program Manager Snow, and tons of it, had left all of us a little stir crazy as we entered 2010. Here at the Regional Environmental Education Center (REEC) where I’m at home in the outdoors, I couldn’t help but see how delicate everything looked under the wintery hold. It took some motivation, a lot of cabin fever, and some good thermal clothing to brave the wintery trails in Boyce Mayview Park, but I managed to trudge through the two feet of snow and subsequent ice to see the wonders of the park under a blanket of white. Now that warmer weather is upon us, and in light of my wintery wanderings, the REEC will be focusing on the interactions of humans and the environment this year with a special focus on what we can do here in our community. Last year we taught over 2200 schools students the importance of nature here at the REEC, but even more rewarding was interacting with over 13,000 individuals both on and off the park grounds. As Pittsburgh acts as the North American host to World Environment Day this year, here at REEC we’ll be hiking, cleaning, and preparing to bring in experts to help us help the Earth. Starting on Saturday, April 24 with its first annual participation in the “Let’s Pick It Up PA” cleanup, REEC volunteers of all ages cleaned up the park and Chartiers Creek for those who play here and the animals that live here. Kicking off the summer events at the REEC is the first Earth Extravaganza on Saturday, June 5, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., with games, contests, hikes, and exhibits focused on the Earth and our connections to the place we live. Come and experience this wonderful, free family event! For the teachers among us, the REEC has partnered with ASSET Inc. to present two environment and ecology based trainings. Spring Meadows & Butterflies was presented on April 27. Presenting on Thursday, May 13, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. will be PA Forests in the Spring. The REEC also partnered with Earth Force Three Rivers to bring Project Food, Land and People on May 1.

Tiny wonder by Jennifer Dalke

Giant Puffballs by Jennifer Dalke

Frost on Chicory by Julia Travaglini A snowy classroom this past winter

Our friends at the Pennsylvania Resources Council will be presenting their Rain Barrel workshop on Wednesday, May 19 from 6-8 p.m. Learn the benefits of collecting rain water and receive rain barrel creation materials. On Tuesday, June 29, 7:30-9:30 p.m., join April Claus of Interactive Environmental Programs as she discusses the various reptiles and amphibians of Pennsylvania and how easily they are affected by environmental changes. Afterwards, have a chance to hold the live animals and hunt for herps by Chartiers Creek. Learn how to identify edible mushrooms and their poisonous look-a-likes with the experts from the Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club on Saturday, July 10, 9 a.m.-noon. As always, the REEC staff will lead Saturday Outdoors hikes (SOD), which started in April from 10-11 a.m. and will continue through November. The Moonstruck Full Moon hikes began a new trail loop this year and will continue each full moon through year-end. REEC volunteers will once again play their part as citizen scientists and join in the Pittsburgh South Hills Migratory Bird Count on Saturday, May 8. In conjunction with the count, the REEC will hold its “All About Birds” Interest Project workshop for Girl Scout Cadettes. Boy Scouts looking to earn their Environmental Science Merit Badge can do so during the REEC workshop on Saturday, June 27, noon-5 p.m. n Summer camp registrations began in April for the following camps: • Jr. Naturalists: ages 4-5, June 21–25; and ages 5-6, June 28–July 2. Both camps run Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.-noon. • Bullfrogs & Pollywogs: ages 2-3 (9-10 a.m.) and ages 3-4 (10:30-11:30 a.m.) and their parents on five consecutive Wednesdays: June 23, 30, July 7, 14, and 21. • Eco-Kids: ages 7-10, Monday–Friday, July 12–16, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. • Universal Science (SSS-16): ages 8-12, Monday–Thursday, July 26–29, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. • Explorer’s Hiking Club: Survival: ages 12-15, five Saturdays in July, 9 a.m.-noon.

Regional Environmental Education Center, Program Manager Jessica Stombaugh PO Box 12566, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Phone: 412-838-0064 Website: www.regionaleec.org 34

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2010

T Recreation and Leisure Services Just Add Water!

Melissa Mattucci Lindberg, M.S., C&RC Assistant Aquatics Supervisor While most think of Memorial Day as the start of the swim season, any time is a good time to head to the pool—the indoor pool that is! The Community & Recreation Center (C&RC) offers a wide variety of aquatic exercise classes designed to fit all fitness levels, beginner to advanced. Classes are held in both the morning and evening throughout the week and take place in the indoor four-lane lap pool and resistance channel. If you’re looking to shake up your typical workout, the pool is a great place to start! Classes like Aqua Blast, River Aerobics, Deep Sea Aerobics, and Aqua Boot Camp give participants a fast-paced, heart pumping, total body cardio workout in less than an hour. In order to achieve this level of exercise, instructors guide their classes through a sequence of pushing, pulling, running, jumping, and skiing against the water’s natural resistance. In addition to the high intensity classes, the C&RC offers some great beginner and intermediate level classes for anyone new or returning to exercise. Aqua Motion is a great way to experience a challenging aerobic workout without the high impact on joints required during land

aerobics. The Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program (AFAP) is a nationally recognized series created to provide relief for those suffering from arthritic and other joint conditions. These classes are also a great option for individuals who cannot work at high intensity levels. If this describes you, then give Aqua Motion, Hydro Strength, Water Walking, or the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program a try. All classes run one to two days per week and can be registered for in advance. So get your workout ready for summer—just add water! n

Summer 2010

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

T A Day in the Park

The Township of Upper St. Clair can fill your summer days with fun and laughter as you and your family visit its many parks and parklets. Go for an early morning stroll or pack a lunch and stay to play. Feel the evening’s cool breeze as you enjoy the swings, climbing bars, a ball field, or a welcoming bench. You don’t have to travel far to enjoy green space and summer activity. Our Township can host a wonderful day in the park. 

Township

Fields/Courts

Baker Park 13.82 acres

1 small baseball field, 1 large baseball field, 2 lighted basketball courts, 1 lighted sand surface, volleyball court, 2 tennis courts, 2 lighted bocce courts

Beadling Soccer Field 3.36 acres Boyce Field 1 acre Boyce Mayview Park 475+ acres

soccer field

Wiltshire Park

Playground Equipment Play unit and swing set

Miscellaneous Bike rack, small shelter, water fountain, picnic tables, grass play area, large covered sand play area

baseball field

Dugouts, batting cage, bleachers

1 baseball field, 1 softball field, 1 football/soccer field

Natural area and wetlands, ten miles of natural surface walking trails, perimeter trail connecting Morton Complex to Baker Park to the active area of Boyce Mayview Park, including the REEC, pavilion, open space, Community & Recreation Center, with its 90,000-square-foot facility featuring indoor/outdoor aquatics, state-of-theart fitness, group fitness rooms, 1/8 mile walking track, 2 full size basketball courts, rentable community rooms Natural area

Brookside Park 3.7 acres Byrnwick Park 7.05 acres

1 lighted basketball court, 1 tennis court

Play unit and swing set

Walking track—handicapped accessible, water fountain, walkway lighting

Clair Park 2.2 acres

1 basketball court

Play unit with slide and 2 swing sets

Large grass play area, water fountain, small shelter, walkway lighting, spray pool Natural area and 1.25 mile mulched trail

Gilfillan Park 59.57 acres Hays Park 4.21 acres

1 basketball court, 1 tennis court

Play unit and swing set

Asphalt walking trail, spray pool, small shelter, water fountain, grass multi-purpose area, perimeter lighting, barbecue grill

Johnston Park 2.48 acres

1 lighted basketball court (1 full court and 6 baskets), 1 tennis court, 1 lighted hockey court

Play unit and swing set

Walking path, water fountain, walkway lighting

Marmion Field 11.32 acres

1 soccer field, 1 lighted baseball field

Morton Complex 7.5 acres

3 soccer fields, 2 lighted baseball fields

Play unit above Morton 2 area

2 batting cages, concession building, shelter, storage building, storage, dugouts, announcer’s booth

Municipal Park 29.75 acres

10 lighted tennis courts with 6 courts under air structures for winter season, 2 lighted paddle courts, 1 lighted little league baseball field with dugouts, concession stand, picnic shelter, 2 lighted basketball courts, 1 volleyball court

Swing set, 4 buck-a-bouts

Recreation Center building with meeting facilities, kitchen, pool table, ping pong table, and restrooms, outdoor horseshoe pits, large picnic shelter, 3-hole golf course, water fountain, batting cages

Shelter and bleachers, 2 water fountains

Central play structure— handicapped accessible.

Natural area

Ravine Park 10.51 acres Trotwood Park 8 acres

1 basketball court, 1 tennis court, 1 lighted multi-purpose field

Play unit and swing set

2 water fountains, small shelter, spraypool, walkway lighting

Tustin Park 6.52 acres Wiltshire Park 11.2 acres

1 basketball court

Play unit and swing set

Walking trail around park

2 lighted basketball courts, 1 lighted street hockey court

1 4-man totter, 1 large sand play area, 1 swing set with 2 infant swings, 1 large play structure

Track ride, merry-go-round, shelter area, Dolphin spray pool, water fountain, walkway lighting

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2010

A Winter for the Record Books Tri-Community South EMS

(TCS) entered service on December 31, 1977, on the eve of what would be, to that time, the snowiest month ever recorded in Allegheny County since record keeping began in 1883. In that first month of operation, the new service answered 242 calls with two ambulance crews in service, since the system owned only two ambulances at that time. In the process, the system developed procedures and policies for responding in severe weather conditions through hard-won experience. Over the next 32 years, TCS updated and refined its severe weather operations plans in experiences like the greatest single-day snowstorm recorded in the area on March 13, 1993, and the greatest single-day rainstorm ever recorded in the area on September 17, 2004. But in February 2010, the system’s operations would again be put to the test. The snowstorm of February 5 and 6, 2010, dropped just four inches less snow than the March 13, 1993 snowstorm, followed by an additional eight inches on February 9 and 10. By the end of February, the former record monthly snowfall total from January 1978 would be surpassed by eight and a half inches. During the month of February, TCS answered 540 calls, with up to five ambulance crews in service at a time during the worst weather from February 6-10. Additionally, a supervisor in a response vehicle was ready to assist crews when access and egress was difficult. Working extended hours throughout the emergency during the peak five days of the back-to-back storms, the staff put in an additional 198 hours of duty to help protect and respond to the community. By the end of the month, the total rose to 302 hours. TCS’s crews reached every person who called for help throughout the storm. Though the weather conditions sometimes extended response times, a crew was at the scene of most calls within 15 minutes. Crews shoveled and salted their way to the scene when needed, in some cases walking up to a quarter-mile through the snow. In a few cases, the crews dragged downed trees off roadways to get through. The four-wheel

drive supervisor vehicle was used to get patients from the scene to the ambulance where conditions required it. Throughout the emergency, TCS remained self-sufficient. During the first storm, the system responded to 76 calls in a short 48 hours. Of these calls, only two

were turned over to mutual aid services, while TCS responded to seven requests for mutual aid from other services. The call volume during the storm was unusually high, partly because of the extended power outages caused by downed trees and power lines. People who depend upon electrically-powered oxygen concentrator units needed assistance with supplemental oxygen until their home health care provider could provide an alternative supply. TCS responded to a half-dozen calls for such assistance on the morning of February 6 alone. In addition, the snow caused some fall injuries and people attempting to shovel snow had some cardiac emergencies. In each case, TCS responded and every patient who needed to be transported was transported safely to the appropriate destination. As was the case during the December 13, 2009 ice storm, a similarly disruptive event, TCS experienced no accidents to its vehicles. As always, TCS will review its operations throughout the weather emergency for areas of improvement and for planning for future emergencies. At first glance, it appears that the lessons of January 1978 were well learned, and that TCS was well prepared for this most recent emergency. The system will continue to plan for all hazards, which will allow TCS to provide the care that the residents of Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park, and South Park have come to expect. n

NAVIGATE THE ROAD TO SUCCESS

MC MA H O N FI NAN C I A L 6 5 0 WA S H I N G T O N R O A D / S U I T E 1 0 0 0 P I T T S B U R G H PA 1 5 2 2 8 / 4 1 2 3 4 3 8 7 0 0 W W W. M C M A H O N - F I N A N C I A L . C O M

For more information on emergency planning, to find out what you can do to support yourself or your loved ones during severe weather or other emergencies, or for any other questions on emergency medical services, call Tri-Community South at 412-831-3710, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. or visit www.tcsems.org. Summer 2010

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

USC-USTC The United Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair

Were you born in 1955 or before? Are you retired? If you’ve answered “yes” to both questions, then you are eligible to join the United Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair. This organization, chartered by the Township commissioners in 1975, is a recreational program for senior residents. The group meets every Wednesday, usually in the Recreation Center on McLaughlin Run Road, and occasionally somewhere else for an adventure. The Recreation Building opens at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays, so bring your bridge group or your craft work. Meet new friends, or see neighbors and acquaintances whom you haven’t run into for a while. Either way, enjoy the company of others, and have a delicious lunch!

Silver Card

Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair are entitled to apply for a Silver Card that will admit holders to the Upper St. Clair Municipal three-hole golf course, outdoor tennis facilities, and to attend other activities designated and sponsored by the Township of Upper St. Clair. Any resident age 62 and retired or age 65 with no restrictions is eligible for the Silver Card program. Applications are available at the Community & Recreation Center.

A short business meeting begins at 12:30 p.m., followed by lunch prepared by volunteers from the group, and then a program. Programs range from educational to entertaining. Recent programs have included a presentation on nuclear energy and a visit from the Thai exchange students at the high school. Once you’ve reached age 62—born in 1948 or before—you can join the group even if you’re still working. But if you work on Wednesdays, you’ll miss the programs! Questions? Contact Amy Kerman, Older Adult Coordinator for the Township, at 412-221-1099, extension 603, or email at kerman@twpusc.org, or stop by the Recreation Department office at the Community & Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park. n

Gold Card

Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair, apply now for your Gold Card. See and enjoy drama and musical performances, exciting athletic events, and other activities, courtesy of the Upper St. Clair School District. If you are a resident 62 years of age or older just stop by the School District receptionist desk and ask for your Gold Card. It’s a great way to experience your community!

A Winning Recipe The Township’s first annual Bounty of Boyce Mayview Park Fall Fest caused not only wonderful memories, but the sharing of food recipes that were being judged that day. The apple pie recipe by Carol Ann Coslow

was printed in our spring 2010 issue, and in this issue we are happy to share Eileen Geffrey’s pumpkin pie recipe that also was a top contestant in the adult contest. Bon appetit! n

Attention Senior Citizens, age 65 and older: If you would like to register for the ACCESS 65 PLUS shared-ride transportation program or make application for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Senior Citizen Identification Card to be used for the Port Authority Transit system, please contact Amy Kerman, Older Adult Coordinator, Township of Upper St. Clair, 412-221-1099, extension 603.

Bicycle Registration and Safety Program— Saturday, May 8

The Upper St. Clair Police

Eileen’s Special Crust Pumpkin Pie Eileen Geffrey

Crust: 1½ cups rolled oats 4½ Tbs. brown sugar 1 cup ground walnuts ½ cup butter, melted Combine ingredients. Press evenly into 9” deep dish pie plate.

Filling: ¾ cup granulated sugar 1 tsp. ground cinnamon ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. ground ginger ¼ tsp. ground cloves 2 large eggs 1 can (15 oz.) Libby’s® 100% Pure Pumpkin 1 can (12 fl. oz.) evaporated milk

Instructions: Mix sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and cloves in small bowl. Beat eggs in large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk. Pour mixture into pie shell. Cover edge of crust with pie shield or foil to prevent browning. Bake in preheated 425° oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350°. Bake 40-50 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate. Top with whipped cream before serving.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2010

Department will hold its annual bicycle registration program on Saturday, May 8 in the rear of the Upper St. Clair Township municipal building. This annual event includes a skills course and registration of bicycles, along with safety videos for participants to watch. To meet your busy schedule, the three-hour open enrollment program begins at 10 a.m. and concludes at 1 p.m. Come at anytime during those hours. Rain or shine, members of the Police Department look forward to seeing many bicyclists at the event. All participants will have a chance to win a new bicycle. n

USC Veterans Park Update

USC Veterans Park is coming closer to a reality. Contributions are coming in daily since the initial campaign in early September 2009. The response to this project is a sign that our community will assure that veterans, both living and deceased, will not be forgotten. It is a sign that this community recognizes that a veteran epitomizes the definitions of “giving” and “sacrifice.” While the park, which will be built along McLaughlin Run Road by the USC municipal building, will stand as a daily reminder of the service and dedication of our veterans, the park will also serve as an outdoor classroom for the students and citizens of Upper St. Clair. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

magazine steering committee member Mark Mansfield was USC Veterans Park board member Ched Mertz. The USCVP board of directors continues to meet bi-monthly to discuss additional fundraising opportunities, potential grants, and in-kind contributors. The board is committed to ensuring that this much overdue and worthy project be completed. A donation to the USCVP is a great gift for that “hard to buy for” relative or friend. A special acknowledgement letter will be mailed, indicating the donor’s name, your message, and the reason for honoring the recipient. n For more information or to make a donation, visit www.uscveteranspark.org.

made a donation to the Upper St. Clair Veterans Monument Park at its spring 2010 sweet sixteen celebration this past March. Realizing the importance of the monument and the magnitude of use by students and citizens of Upper St. Clair, the donation complements the mission of the community magazine by recognizing the gifts and the contributions of the people who live and work in Upper St. Clair. To accept the donation from Assistant Township Manager and

Highley

A personal, more meaningful approach to financial planning

Dedicated

John D. Link, CFP®, MS CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM practitioner

Knowledgeable

Whether you’re starting a small business, obtaining life insurance, or sending your kids to college, I can help you plan to reach your financial goals through personal, customized financial planning.

Accessible

Call (412) 854-4001 today. John D. Link, CFP®, MS Financial Advisor 2555 Washington Road, Suite 610-B Pittsburgh, PA 15241 (412) 854-4001 john.d.link@ampf.com www.ameripriseadvisors.com/john.d.link

Dependable $95 Million Sales in 19 Years

Susan Highley ABR, CRS, SRES

412 833-3600 Cell-412 889-1214 Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.

URL:shighley.howardhanna.com Summer 2010

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

P INEBRIDGE Pinebridge Commons McLaughlin Run Road at Lesnett Road Come by and see what’s new ••••••••••••••••• Carlson Wagonlit Travel Davin Interiors, LLC Design Image Salon Emma’s Market & Deli, Inc. Peter Gialames & Associates Interior Designs by Mary Kay Chaffee Jimcor Associates, Inc. Timothy Kerr, DMD & Romana Pautler Kerr, DMD Larry E. Manalo, DMD Pediatric Alliance

Pediatric Dentistry South Piccolina’s Restaurant Pinebridge Commons Associates Primary Physicians Research Questa Petroleum Co. Eric J. Reitz DMD & Gary J. Yanniello, DMD Richardson Family South Hills Financial Group State Farm Insurance Suburban Dry Cleaners Wininsky Law Offices

•••••••••••••••••

for leasing information, please call Pinebridge Commons Associates (412) 220-9288

FAMILY AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Let us make you smile!

T imothy J. K err , D.M.D. R omana P autler K err , D.M.D.

KK 412-257-4250 Pinebridge Commons Suite 207

kerrdmd.com 40

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Chairside Whitening System

Summer 2010

Northern Italian Restaurant “ Come visit with the little one”

Private Party and Banquet Room Al Fresco Dining Expanded Dining Room Reservations suggested Gift Certificates available

Phone (412) 257-1880 Fax (412) 257-2895 1580 McLaughlin Run Rd., Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Visit our website: www.piccolinas.com

COMMONS LARRY E. MANALO, D.M.D. General Dentist & Prostodontic Specialist

SALON HOURS Tues. Wed. Thurs. 9:00 to 8:00 Fri. & Sat. 9:00 to 5:00

Quality Gentle Dentistry for the entire family! Brighten your smile with

ZOOM!

chairside whitening system!

SALON SERVICES

For Women and Men • Shampoo, Cut and Style • Color: Highlights Double process, Root touch up • Perms • Up Do

"New research indicates that healthy teeth and gums may improve overall health. By receiving REGULAR DENTAL CLEANINGS, diabetes, low birth weight babies, & heart disease may be prevented!"

• Wedding, Prom (Special Styles) • Blow Dry & Style • Waxing: Eyebrow, Lip • Manicures • Pedicures

PINEBRIDGE DENTAL

1580 MCLAUGHLIN RUN ROAD UPPER ST. CLAIR, PA 15241

412-221-2221

412-257-4001

88 DENTAL

4100 LIBRARY ROAD CASTLE SHANNON, PA 15234

412-343-4100

Graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine Proud resident of Upper St. Clair. Provider of most major insurance plans

Mention this ad and receive $5.00 off any service. PINEBRIDGE COMMONS, SUITE 110 1580 MCLAUGHLIN RUN ROAD, UPPER SAINT CLAIR, PA 15241

Amy L. McGarrity, MD Kimberly M. Pezzone, MD Edwin B. King, MD

St. Clair Division

Debra M. Faber, MD

“Exceptional Care for Your Children, Confidence and Convenience for You.”

Mark M. Blatter, MD

• New Patients Welcome • Electronic Medical Records • Saturday Morning Hours; Evening Hours • Coming Soon: Walk-in Hours • Convenient Location: • Easy free parking • Pediatric, Family/Cosmetic Dental and Orthodontic Services located in same building • 24/7 On-Call answering service • Board Certified Pediatric Nutritionist on staff • Pediatric and Adolescent specialists • In Office Lab Services

Kristin L. Koontz, PA-C

Whitney L. Boyle, PA-C

Located Conveniently in the Pinebridge Commons

1580 McLaughlin Run Rd Pittsburgh, PA 15241

412-221-2121

www.PediatricAlliance.com Summer 2010

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Heart Patients Have Options for Catheterization

A patient undergoing a heart catheterization at St. Clair Hospital now has the option of having the procedure performed through the radial artery in the wrist instead of the traditional femoral artery in the groin. While entry through the femoral artery is still the most common style of the approximately 2000 cardiac catheterizations performed each year at St. Clair Hospital, Cardiologist Jeffrey M. Friedel, M.D. says a so-called “radial cath” through the underside of the wrist offers two major advantages. “For a traditional heart cath through the femoral artery in the groin, a patient often requires prolonged bed rest of four to six hours following the procedure, especially if the patient undergoes angioplasty or stent placement,” Dr. Friedel says. “With a radial cath, you can remove the tube, place a small bandage on the artery, secure it with a special, adjustable wristband, and the patient can literally walk away from the table. There is no prolonged bed rest. This also holds true if the patient is on long-term blood thinners, including Coumadin. Unlike traditional catheterizations through the femoral artery, you do not have to stop Coumadin several days prior to the procedure.” The other advantage is safety. Dr. Friedel says several studies that compared the two methods showed that a catheterization through the wrist offers up to a 75% reduction in bleeding risk. “The radial artery is smaller, and if you do have bleeding, it is much easier to control. The risk of blood vessel injury is also less compared to the femoral approach.” Dr. Friedel says a catheterization through the femoral artery is still a very safe procedure and is the preferred method of most cardiologists. In fact, today about 99% of the one million-plus heart catheterizations done annually in the U.S. are performed through the femoral artery. But, Dr. Friedel adds, that is due in large part to the fact that most invasive cardiologists were trained to do cardiac catheterizations through the femoral artery and have become very proficient at that method. There is a significant learning curve for performing a radial cath, and it is not yet a standard part of every training program. What’s more, the original catheterization equipment was larger. “Simply put, the tubes were too big to place into a small artery in the wrist,” Dr. Friedel explains. “As the procedure evolved, all of our equipment has gotten smaller and now the tubes we use are only several millimeters in diameter and can easily fit into most radial arteries.” Dr. Friedel notes that, aside from the different access point into the body, femoral and radial caths are very similar. “The majority of the procedure is the same—injecting dye into the coronary arteries (to detect blockages and other abnormalities), doing an angioplasty (in which a small balloon is inflated inside the artery to re-open blockages) and placing stents (small mesh tubes used to keep the re-opened arteries from collapsing). Dr. Friedel, who has been doing radial caths since 2001, says the radial method is of particular benefit to patients with orthopedic limitations, including severe back, leg, and knee pain—people who in general can’t lie flat for a prolonged period of time. It’s also more comfortable for obese patients or patients 42

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2010

Cardiologist Jeffrey M. Friedel, M.D. is board certified in interventional cardiology, cardiovascular disease, nuclear cardiology, internal medicine and cardiac computerized tomography (CT) angiography. At St. Clair Hospital, he is co-director, Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory; director, Cardiac Rehabilitation Department; serves on the Medical Executive Committee; and is a founding member of the hospital’s renowned Door-To-Balloon team. Dr. Friedel earned his medical degree at Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency at Allegheny General Hospital and was awarded fellowships in interventional cardiology, cardiology and categorical internal medicine at Allegheny General Hospital.

with significant lung problems. And, he says, it is an excellent alternative for patients with significant blockages in the larger arteries of the abdomen or lower legs. Not every patient is a candidate for a radial cath, Dr. Friedel says. The main prerequisite is good circulation in the wrist arteries. A non-invasive test that takes seconds and is performed at bedside can determine if a patient’s circulation is good enough for a radial cath. Of the approximate 400 cardiac catheterizations he performs each year at St. Clair Hospital, Dr. Friedel says he does about 20% through the radial artery. His goal is to increase that rate to about 50% per year, approximately the same rate of radial caths performed annually in Europe and Japan. Other cardiologists performing radial caths at St. Clair Hospital are Mark K. Greathouse, M.D., Adil Waheed, D.O., and John P. Girod, D.O. n

The Rollover Decision Nathan Kauffman

Almost 30 years ago, the 401(k) was introduced as a savings mechanism for retirement savings. Over time, participation in these and other similarly defined-contribution plans has increased substantially. Today, employer-provided retirement plans often represent the bulk of an investor’s retirement savings. At various times in their lives, participants in 401(k) plans have the opportunity to remove assets from the plan, while retaining many of the tax benefits. This transfer process is often termed a “rollover.” Changes in employment, such as retirement or employment with a new company, often lead individuals to consider transferring their assets to an IRA. Other investors are sometimes able to use a lesser known technique known as an in-service withdrawal to transfer all or a portion of their retirement plan assets to an IRA even while they remain an active participant in their employer-provided plan. Regardless of the timing of the transfer, many individuals choose to roll assets into an IRA because of the benefits to the investor. Two of the most common reasons individuals decide to utilize an IRA for retirement plan assets are the increased investment options that are available and professional advice. A common fault of employer-provided retirement plans is that the investment options are limited and may not be the most appropriate for the investor. When utilizing an IRA, the greatly expanded investment options can make a significant difference. The previous decade that many have dubbed a “lost decade” illustrates this. The performance of the S&P 500 over the ten-year period ending December 31, 2009, was negative. If the funds in an employer-sponsored plan consisted of index funds, or other poorly performing mutual funds, participants had a difficult time finding decent returns over that ten-year period. The expanded investment options in an IRA could have provided a significant benefit.

Many retirement plan participants find navigating the various options in the employer-provided plan difficult enough; therefore, expanded investment options may not provide much of a benefit without the help of an investment advisor. With an IRA, an investor can team up with an investment professional to help provide timely advice. For example, in early 2009, Hefren-Tillotson advised many of its clients to add high yield bond exposure. It came at a time where many investors were considering moving to a money market or other fixed dollar assets like certificates of deposit for security. The recommendation proved to be timely, valuable advice. As a category, high yield bonds rose 58.2% in 2009. That option is not typically available in an employerprovided retirement plan, since many retirement plans lack a high yield bond investment option. There can be situations when transferring retirement plan assets to an IRA is not wise. One example would be for some individuals between ages 55 and 59½. Under certain circumstances, the IRS permits penaltyfree distributions from an employer-provided retirement plan that are not available from an IRA. Transferring to an IRA could ultimately result in adverse tax consequences for such an individual. The decision whether or not to move assets from an employerprovided plan to an IRA is unique to each individual investor. Anyone considering a rollover should discuss it with a knowledgeable advisor, making sure that they understand all the implications involved. When all factors are properly considered, the rollover can provide opportunities to the investor. n Nathan T. Kauffman is a Certified Financial Planner™ practitioner and a financial adviser with Hefren-Tillotson, Inc. at the Upper St. Clair office. He can be reached at 412-833-5777. See ad on this page. Summer 2010

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

New Capital Projects

Board of School Directors

Amy L. Billerbeck President 412-833-2712 2011*

Harry F. Kunselman Vice President 412-851-1115 2013*

Barbara L. Bolas 412-833-9841 2011*

Frank J. Kerber 412-833-4873 2013*

Bruce L. Kerman 412-221-5407 2013*

Louis P. Mafrice, Jr. 412-851-0622 2013*

Angela B. Petersen 412-831-7182 2011*

Louis A. Piconi 412-831-1880 2011*

Rebecca A. Stern 412-220-0745 2011*

The 2010 regular meetings of the Upper St. Clair Township Board of School Directors are held at 7 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month at the High School LGI room, unless otherwise noted. No regular meeting is scheduled for July.

*Date indicates expiration of term.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

In September 2009, USC School Board established a Capital Projects Review Committee to meet with the administration and construction professionals in order to provide input and review District needs for capital improvements to the middle school athletic fields, the high school stadium, and other related projects. Committee membership consists of School Board directors, District administration, and representation from the District’s athletic department, USC Athletic Association, band parents, USC Township, PTA/PTSO, and the community at large. A major area of discussion was closing the deficit of athletic practice facilities lost when the high school front field was raised 15 feet during the high school’s reconstruction in 2000, eliminating the possibility for interscholastic soccer practice. Practice facilities for both the boys and girls programs were pushed on Township natural fields, at times causing over usage on these fields for the past ten years. Also, the conditions of the high school track and stadium press box were discussed. Both of these items were included in the most recent feasibility study conducted by the District in 2005. At the February 8, 2010, School Board Committee of the Whole meeting, the work completed by the review committee was presented. Members of this committee worked throughout December and January on the task of reviewing the list of capital projects options and developing a final ranking of priorities for the Board to consider. The major project areas that were reviewed and analyzed include: • Boyce athletic field • Cook School athletic field • Fort Couch athletic field • High school athletic complex • High school main entrance security • High school pool Within each project area, there were a number of items to be considered. Estimated costs were associated with each item so committee members could provide a realistic ranking for the Board’s consideration. Committee members agreed that two project areas, the high school main entrance security and structural repairs and a new HVAC for the high school pool, needed to be addressed immediately and were not included in the committee’s final ranking. Consequently, 17 items in four project areas were ranked, with one being the highest assigned priority and 17 the lowest. In order to gather more information, at the February 22 School Board of Directors meeting, the board approved the following: • Permission to request competitive bids on: 1. High school main entrance security 2. Replacement of the high school pool-pac (HVAC) 3. Foundation and structural repairs to the high school pool 4. Repairs/replacement of the high school track 5. Cook School athletic field grading and seeding • Permission to request complete architectural design development and opinion of construction cost: 1. Fort Couch Middle School athletic field ‣ New infield mix/field grading/seeding ‣ Repair/replace backstop/fencing and dugouts ‣ Bleachers added 2. Boyce Middle School athletic field ‣ Synthetic turf field ‣ Perimeter track finish ‣ Field lighting/scoreboard ‣ Infrastructure for future concession/toilet facility 3. High school athletic complex ‣ New press box/concession/toilet facility ‣ Renovation of exiting concession/toilet facility • Permission to begin the planning process with the Upper St. Clair Planning Board: Boyce Middle School athletic field n

Summer 2010

Council Honors Two on Founders’ Day

As part of PTA Council’s Founders’ Day celebration, it is customary for council to honor some outstanding volunteers with the Pennsylvania PTA Honorary State Life Membership Award—an award given to those who have gone above and beyond in terms of donating their time and energy to the youth of Upper St. Clair. The two women recognized this year have been dedicated volunteers to the Upper St. Clair PTA for many years, and stand out as leaders in our community and examples for our children. The name Vicki McKenna is almost synonymous with volunteer. She has held countless positions in the PTA from president at Baker Elementary to many committee chairmanships. She served as a School Board Director from July 2004 to November 2005 and sat on several school board committees during that time. Vicki is a tireless fundraiser when she finds a worthy cause. In fall 2004, she chaired a telethon at the high school to raise money for Carlynton High School students and their families who were victims of Hurricane Ivan, and in February of 2007 she chaired another telethon that raised over $100,000 for Sean Roche, a senior at the high school who was in need of a heart transplant. She is currently a member of the Principal’s Advisory Committee (PAC) at USCHS and serves on the board of the USC Veterans Park initiative as the educational liaison with the School District for the project. Cherie Dixon, as talented as she is dedicated, has held many positions in the PTA over the years—from historian at Streams Elementary to the Boyce Garden Club chair to the PTA president at Fort Couch. But what Cherie is most recognized for is her work with the arts. Cherie has served as the orchestra chair and chorus parent at both Fort Couch and Boyce—going above and beyond to make meaningful experiences for the students. It was her vision as costumer that brought the musicals Seussical, Mulan, and Willy Wonka to life.

Vicki McKenna and Cherie Dixon are presented with PTA Honorary State Life Membership awards.

To quote Paul Fox, Performing Arts Curriculum Leader, “Cherie Dixon is one of the most dedicated parent volunteers with whom I have ever had the privilege of working. She has contributed countless hours to the success of all of the Upper St. Clair Performing Arts programs.” Thank you, Vicki and Cherie, for your many years of service! n

Members of The Clarks Visit USCHS

Members of the popular regional rock act The Clarks conducted a day-long music industry seminar for the Upper St. Clair High School student body this past March. Bassist/songwriter Greg Joseph, lead guitar/songwriter Robert James, and The Clarks tour manager John Williams offered an entertaining insight into how the music industry operates with a combined musical performance and lecturing format that appealed to both casual music fans and students with serious musical aspirations. Following a pair of morning general assemblies, a series of more specialized workshops was conducted, with topics including the business and management of music, the creative processsongwriting/publishing and recording, and music production. The workshops included one-on-one interaction and student participation. The Clarks are a four-piece rock band based in Pittsburgh. Formed over 20 years ago while they were students at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, The Clarks have sold over 300,000 CDs and have toured the United States extensively during the group’s career. n

Greg Joseph and Robert James of The Clarks Summer 2010

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Let’s Do Lunch!

A great lunch can be the highlight of the day, and Russ Phillips, Director of Nutritional Services for the Upper St. Clair School District, is the man responsible for seeing that the hundreds of students in the District are well fueled for learning. While Phillips is the only Nutritional Services ARAMARK employee in the District (the District contracts with ARAMARK for its food services), he doesn’t go it alone. He has a team of 55 employees to assist him with the task of providing well balanced meals for the students. While there are a few full time employees, including the cook and assistant cook at the high school, most of his crew is part-time. “They’re a very good group,” Phillips stated. If you’ve ever tried to plan meals for a month, you realize what a challenge it can be. Now, just imagine planning a school year’s worth of menus! During the summer, USC’s Nutritional Services plans the menus for the entire year. Phillips said the menus— everything served on the menus—are analyzed for nutritional value, a daunting job. Phillips explained that the USDA recommends using a cycle of meals so that there is a truer nutritional analysis per child. The District uses a seven week cycle. Starting with the nutritional data sheets for each ingredient, the staff builds a recipe, and then the menu. Since the District offers a varied menu, especially at the high school and Fort Couch, Phillips said there is a lot of adding and subtracting of foods to meet the weekly nutritional analysis guidelines. When asked which items are the most popular, Phillips said District-wide, popcorn chicken tops the list. He said in general, chicken is the most popular offering—from the chicken twister wrap offered at the high school to orange chicken, chicken patties, chicken nuggets, and chicken fries. At the elementary schools, homemade pizza and Italian dunkers—garlic bread sticks with mozzarella cheese and a marinara dipping sauce—are two of the

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2010

top sellers during lunch, as are whole grain maple flavor silver dollar pancakes. Offered by Pillsbury, these pancakes were an almost instant best seller. Phillips said the product was so popular nation-wide that, for a time this year, Pillsbury could not keep up with the demand. Vocelli pizza is another popular offering at both the elementary level and the District’s middle schools, while the panini line is a popular choice at the high school. In addition to lunch, many students take advantage of the District’s breakfast offerings. At Fort Couch and the high school, the build your own breakfast sandwich is a favorite in the mornings. As students grow and progress through the District’s schools, their food choices also grow and change. At the elementary schools, breakfast ($1), lunch ($1.75), and a premium lunch ($2.10) are offered each day. The premium lunch is the Treat Yourself Right (TYR) menu, which includes low-fat, whole grain healthier options. At the secondary level—Boyce, Fort Couch, and USCHS—breakfast ($1.10) is offered each day, with a premium breakfast option ($1.55) to build your own breakfast sandwich offered at Fort Couch and the high school. Lunch ($2) and premium lunch ($2.40) are offered each day, and a super premium lunch ($3.10) is offered at Fort Couch and the high school. The high school nutrition center offers students the widest variety of choices. In addition to a set lunch menu, students can

opt for the panini line, a regular deli line for make your own sandwiches, and PMX (Panther Mix), which offers baked hoagies twice a week, Mexican offerings twice a week, and specialty pizza with a choice of approximately a dozen different toppings once a week. Students also have the Treat Yourself Right (TYR) option which offers vegetarian options, a deli line with low fat meats and cheeses, and whole grain breads and rolls, and super premium salads, including strawberry and Greek salads (two very popular offerings). Phillips, who has been with the District for over a decade, said he has seen lots of changes in the students’ eating habits over the years. While pizza has always been, and still is, a popular menu item, foods like hot dogs and hamburgers are declining in popularity. Phillips said the cheese/pepperoni roll used to be a big item, but is now only an average seller. The sale of salads, which Phillips said are made with at least 50% Romaine lettuce, has increased over the years. He sees that most kids are trying to make healthier food choices. For example, Phillips said the TYR line at the high school started with a small group of students who wanted to eat healthier. Initially, it served about 40-45 students per day; now, about 120150 students choose the TYR line for lunch each day. It used to be that only girls used the TYR line said Phillips, but now about 40% of the TYR meals are purchased by boys, especially more of the male athletes. Even the snacks in the vending machines are healthy snacks (based on USDA guidelines), with no more than 35% fat, 10% saturated fat, and 35% sugar by weight. All beverages in the student vending machines are un-carbonated. Another change Phillips has seen during his tenure is a rise in food allergies. “There is really an increase in food allergies, and in more severe allergies.” Nutritional Services works with students who have a variety of food related medical conditions to provide them with the information they need to make smart food choices. As an example, Phillips said the school nurses work with the Nutritional Services staff to determine the number of carbohydrates to help students trying to manage diabetes. Peanut

butter is served at Fort Couch and the high school, but all the other schools in the District use sunflower butter, a move that was made several years ago. If you haven’t tried sunflower butter, Phillips said, “It’s not bad!” Peanut butter and sunflower butter are just two of the items the USDA sends to the District each year. Phillips said the District receives about $75,000 worth of government food annually; other items include turkey, chicken, ground beef, cheese, canned fruit, and frozen vegetables. While the students may be more concerned about the taste of the food, Phillips and his staff are almost obsessed with the safety of the food they serve. In 2003, Upper St. Clair was the first school district in Allegheny County to receive an award for outstanding food safety. From sanitizing all equipment so there is no cross contamination to checking food temperature with digital thermometers during cooking, during serving, and at the end of serving, there is an exhaustive list of procedures followed to ensure food safety. In addition to monitoring the temperature of the food, temperatures of both the heating equipment and refrigeration equipment is taken twice a day. Phillips said they Continued on page 48

Nutritional Services staff gets ready for lunch by packaging healthy choices like salads (left) and fruit (above).

Summer 2010

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Continued from page 47

do not keep a lot of leftovers, but there are very specific cooling instructions for anything that is leftover. Food samples are kept for 72 hours, in case there would ever be a need for testing. “We keep records of everything,” said Phillips. “We are on top of the regulations. We want to keep everyone safe.”

Approximately 2200 meals are served each day in the USC School District, and most of the students going through the lunch lines use the Point of Sale (POS) computerized debit system. With the system, parents can choose to prepay for breakfast and lunches by depositing money into a debit account, which helps prevent lost lunch money as well as often being more convenient for parents. Of course, students can still pay cash on a daily basis if they choose. In addition to providing meals to the District’s students and staff, USC Nutrition Services also provides catering services—from a continental breakfast to an elegant dinner and lots in between. Phillips has high praise for the manners of the students in the District. “They say “please” and “thank you” and talk politely to the employees in the serving lines. Having worked for ARAMARK in several school districts, Phillips said, “The students in Upper St. Clair are the best behaved I’ve seen anywhere.” n

Lunch—Not Always About the Meal

Of course, mealtime is not always about the meal! UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY asked some of our building principals

to share some of their favorite and memorable things about lunch at USC schools. Streams Elementary principal Dr. Claire Miller is always looking for opportunities to interact with the students, and one of her favorite places to visit and chat with them is in the Nutrition Center. By being on hand to pass out straws and napkins, while at the same time giving reminders such as, “Your mom would like you to use a napkin” or “I appreciate it when you say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’,” it gives her a great chance to speak individually to each child and reinforce his or her good manners. She enjoys hearing the students’ stories and knowing what is on their minds. Often, those lunch conversations open the door to building trusting relationships with the students. During lunch mods at Fort Couch Middle School, the kids and teachers often challenge each other to a game of Ping Pong. Joe DeMar, principal at Fort Couch, said it’s fun and excites all of the students to gather around to watch. DeMar recalled an occasion a few years ago when a little—not even five foot tall—seventh grader told teachers Mr. Duchi and Mr. Wayland that he could beat them in Ping Pong. Due to the size of the teachers and the fact that each has a very expensive Ping Pong paddle (upwards of $125), they thought “this little kid is not a match for us.” Well, they played and not only lost, but were embarrassed. The teachers only scored a few points in the entire game. The kids were laughing and the teachers were amazed. The little boy ended the game by telling the teachers to “practice a bit more and then we can play again.” Eisenhower Elementary principal Mark Miller said there aren’t as many stories to

share about lunch as you’d think—at least not ones to share publicly! Of course there’s the occasional food eating contest, sandwich swapping, or even a gag in a lunchbox from mom or dad. One thing that is clear said Mr. Miller is how important lunch is to the students. “They love it when a teacher or I get a chance to eat with them, and it is nice to know it makes an impression. The other day, I was walking through Cafe Ike (Eisenhower’s cafeteria) and talking with some of the kids. On my way out, with lunch in hand, a student stopped me to ask if today was the day that he and I were going to have lunch together. Apparently, at the very beginning of the year I promised him that we would have lunch together and, as of that day, I had not yet fulfilled my promise. He had not forgotten and needless to say, I am now looking forward to spending an enjoyable lunch in Cafe Ike with Jon as a soon as possible, since those lunch conversations can be pretty interesting. We always say: we’ll only believe half the stuff kids say about home, if parents will only believe half the stuff they say about school!” n

Fort Couch students sharpen their Ping-Pong skills. 48

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2010

USC Forensics Qualifies Nine for State Championships Upper St. Clair High School Speech and Debate, also known as “Forensics,” is proud to announce the qualification of an unprecedented nine competitors for the Pennsylvania High School Speech League Championships this past March at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove. The nine students won their spots at the District 3 qualifying tournament held at Mt. Lebanon High School in February. USCHS was up against ten other schools from around the area, both public and private, all competing to represent District 3 at the state championship. Students needed to place in the top three of each event to qualify for state competition. Congratulations to the District 3 champions: Kathryn Lin placed first in Lincoln-Douglass Debate. Vinay Viswanathan placed first in Commentary. Vijay Viswanathan placed third in Commentary. John Kulp placed second in Humorous Interpretation. Brent Heard placed second in Extemporaneous Speaking. Pankaj Aggarwal placed third in Poetry. Avisha Shah placed first in Prose. The team of Mahen Seneviratne and Evan Pye placed second in Public Forum Debate. Honorable Mentions: Jalpa Patel placed fourth in Poetry, making her the top states alternate. Meera Babu placed fourth in Original Oratory, making her the top states alternate. Upper St. Clair Forensics is a nationally recognized high school speech and debate team that competes throughout the year. Forensics challenges students to research, debate, speak publicly, interpret, and act through regular practice and competition. Competitive speech and debate is also a collegiate event offered by numerous colleges and universities across the country, one of the oldest and most famous being the Harvard Speech and Parliamentary Debate Society of Harvard University. n

Great Gifts Under $20 FREE GIFT WRAPPING BIRTHDAY REGISTRY FREE PERSONALIZING

Cap It Oﬀ Jewelry Kit • $16.99

Grab-a-Bug • $14.99

Apple Pie Set • $19.99

THE COOLEST TOYS, BOOKS, GAMES & SO MUCH MORE! Pankaj Aggarwal placed second in Poetry at the state championship.

Vijay Viswanathan placed third in Commentary at the state championship.

Upper St. Clair Forensics is coached by Rich Platts and Dave Watson. All students are welcome. All USC School District staff and community members are encouraged to consider volunteering at local forensics events. Questions and inquiries can be directed to Rich Platts at rplatts@uscsd.k12.pa.us.

Galleria of Mt. Lebanon 1500 Washington Rd • Mt. Lebanon • 412-341-TOYS Summer 2010

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Reflections

Reflections, a national PTAsponsored arts contest, is open to all K-12 USC students. Each year, students are asked to interpret a theme—this year’s theme was Beauty Is…—in one of six arts areas: visual arts, photography, literature, video production, dance choreography, and musical composition. After placing at the local PTA level, entries moved on to the council level. From there, entries were judged at the Region 3 level, where over 1500 entries were submitted from area PTA Councils. USC students submitted over 140 entries this year at the local level. All of the artwork was on display in each school as PTA council held its all schools art show in November. Winning entries then move on to states and, finally, nationals. Congratulations to all our USC artists and Reflections participants, and good luck to those who continue to move on in the competition. Pictured (by school) are students who placed at the local PTA level and moved on to Region 3 competition. To start your creative juices flowing, begin thinking about ideas for next year’s theme, Together We Can. The deadline for submissions will be October 2010. n

Boyce (listed alphabetically): Aubrey Carson, Aditi Chattopadhyay, Oceanne Fry, Michael Haverlack, Carly Henderson, Arushi Kewalramani, Erin Pacalo, Anna Zacur, Claire Zalla. Not pictured: Geet Punjabi.

Upper St. Clair High School (listed alphabetically): Karrah Beck, Marissa Bowman, Qinglan Huang, Ryan Miller, Anna Rosati, Michael Sweterlitsch, Ryan Zalla. Not pictured: Bruno Perdigoto, Frank Perryman.

Baker (listed alphabetically): Sahil Doshi, Eli Gander, Matthew Haverlack, Meghan Haverlack, Nathaniel Paul, Timmy Pollock.

Eisenhower (listed alphabetically): Gabriella Brubach, Declan Carness, Thejaswi Duvvuru, Jackson Enterline, Kate Groninger, Jacqueline LeKachman, Daniel Rieker, Morgan Schmalzried, Joseph Yonke.

Fort Couch (listed alphabetically): Emily Critelli, Rachel Geffrey, Emily Hughes, Joshua Kane, Rishabh Kawalramani, Eliana Ondrejko, Margo Perryman, Lorrie Pollock, Marielle Snyder, Meaghan Welch, Devan Zalla. Not pictured: Megan Zugger. 50

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2010

Streams (listed alphabetically): James Boston, Trey Getner III, Richa Mahajan, Isabella Putorti, Sara Steve, Mikhail Szriabin. Not pictured: Paige Keith.

Reflections

Region

Winners Announced The following students’ artwork placed at the regional level and advanced to the Pennsylvania state level for judging:

Ann knows the pain of losing a spouse.

Visual Arts

Middle/Junior division 2nd–Meaghan Welch, Fort Couch Senior division 3rd–Karrah Beck, High School

Her life was filled with sadness, now it’s filled with new friends.

Literature

Primary division 2nd–Richa Mahajan, Streams Middle/Junior division 3rd–Emily Critelli, Fort Couch 3rd–Rishabh Kewalramani, Fort Couch Senior division 3rd–Bruno Perdigoto, High School

Film Production

Senior division 1st–Frank Perryman, High School

Photography

Intermediate division 3rd–Meghan Haverlack, Baker Middle/Junior division 1st–Anna Zacur, Boyce

Losing a loved one is one of life’s most traumatic events, and Ann was devastated when she lost her husband. She came to Country Meadows seeking help to fight severe depression and regain her own desire for life. Soon after she moved in, Ann discovered a community of people her own age with similar experiences; she made friends and discovered talents she never knew she had. Today her life is filled with a strong support network of friends and family, social gatherings and volunteer service. At Country Meadows we have independent living, assisted living, memory support services and restorative care options to fit the individual needs of most seniors. We also offer in-home personal care services to seniors in the comfort of their own homes. Like Ann, every one of our residents is unique. So for many of them, having more choices about how they live makes a world of difference.

www.countrymeadows.com Anna Zacur’s photo was a first place winner at the Region 3 level.

State Results

Congratulations to Frank Perryman, USCHS sophomore, who place third at the state level of competition in April with his video entry for the category of film production.

3570 Washington Pike | Bridgeville, PA 15017 | 412.257.4581 A Continuing Care Retirement Community Independent Living | Assisted Living Restorative Care | Skilled Nursing

| |

Memory Support In-Home Care

Country Meadows does not discriminate in resident admission on the basis of race, ancestry, religious creed, age, sex, handicap, disability or national origin, provided the resident, in the sole opinion of Country Meadows, can be cared for legally and responsibly. CM Ann_USCT.indd 1

Summer 2010

1/27/10 4:16 PM

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

New School Year—New Instructional Spaces

While this school year has been challenging for those at Boyce and Fort Couch Middle Schools, each day is one day closer to new and improved facilities. As summer approaches, students will have much to look forward to when they return to school in the fall. With the start of the 2010-11 school year, new and renovated instructional spaces will be opened to middle school students and staff, together with new school kitchens and a new cafeteria

Fort Couch in early spring Boyce in early spring

at Boyce, and a renovated cafeteria at Fort Couch, which was converted from the former school gym. At Boyce, nine newly added classrooms together with nine renovated classrooms will be available for use during the school year. In addition to the new cafeteria and school kitchen, students at Boyce will also be able to use the newly added expressive arts wing that is situated around the added theatre, which will be operational at the start of the school year. The newly renovated school library area and two new computer rooms will also be completed. At Fort Couch, six team instructional pods will be completed and operational by the start of school this September. There will be three instructional pods on each of the two levels of the newly added academic wing. These instructional pods will surround a new library area on the second floor and two computer labs on the first floor. Throughout the remaining 2010-11 school year, the final phases of the project will be completed at both sites, and by the beginning of the 2011-12 school year the projects will be completed. n

Summer Vacation Plans

Like their students, many of the teachers in USC School District have already made plans for the summer. Some of them were kind enough to share them with UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY.

Streams Elementary Kindergarten teacher Lauren Kopicko and her family always go to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in August, where they rent a big house and spend the week relaxing together. Lauren has very special memories from Myrtle Beach, since that is where she and her husband met! Sarah Klingler, an English teacher at the high school will be returning to Uganda this summer. She taught there for two months last summer and is going back again to work on some ongoing educational projects. Vivian Criner, Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at Boyce Middle School said, “I am living the dream in the summer… we have a cabin by a lake in Maine.” While she does a lot of reading, relaxing, cooking, and entertaining, she also hikes and spends a lot of nature time. Viv said it helps to keep new

Viv on top of Barren Mountain, Maine getting ready for Deer Valley 52

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2010

knowledge flowing for Deer Valley. She and her family have also spent time at old forts doing some history hunting. Deanna Baird, German and International Studies teacher at the high school and Foreign Language Curriculum Leader, and her colleagues Johanna Rennhoff and Richard Platts are taking 28 students to Germany to Upper St. Clair’s partner school in Leverkusen. The group will tour Berlin for three days, including the prison and interrogation center from the Oscar-winning film Lives of Others. They will then spend almost two weeks going to school and touring area attractions. Deanna said the best part of this experience is the immersion in the language and the culture that students (and teachers!) get. Students boost their German skills, see a reason to have those skills, and potentially change their perspectives on the world and on life. Teachers collaborate with the teachers in the partner school, learn about new styles of teaching, and, of course, refresh their language and culture skills. After the two-week academic concentration, the group will have a more leisurely trip to the Alps and to Munich. Deanna said it is very rewarding to watch the constant new learning that the students experience. “They really discover a whole new world and they learn to adjust to new experiences, and, thus, mature in many ways.” After the official exchange, Deanna is staying for an additional week, which she will spend with a German childhood friend and again become completely immersed in the culture and in the language as they hike through the Alps, lose some calories, and eat them right back on with some great German/Swiss cooking. Tim Wagner, IB teacher at Streams Elementary, will be “vacationing” for a week this summer in Johnstown to study with faculty from the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh as part of his doctoral work in school leadership. n

Art History Tour Discovers Italy Art, architecture, history, and

society—that’s what Susan HofrichterWatts plans to share with a group of students and past graduates during a 13day trip to Italy and France this summer. Susan, a visual arts educator, said this educational art history trip coincides with the art history class she is currently teaching at USCHS. The trip runs from June 20 to July 2, and each day is filled with amazing sights and activities. While in Venice, the group will enjoy a vaparetto cruise on the Grande Canal to the Piazza San Marco where they will take an exploratory walking tour of the city. Sites will include the Bridge of Sighs, the Ducal Palace, St. Marks’ Basilica, the Campanile, th e R ia lt o , an d an exhibition of Ve n e t i a n g l a s s blowing. There will also be an opportunity to enjoy the city with visits to the Guggenheim M u s e u m , t h e Ghetto, the Arsenal, Eiffel Tower or a gondola ride through the canals. Then the group follows the coast to the former Venetian harbour of Sant’ Apollinare in Classe to view the magnificent Byzantine mosaics, before arriving in Florence, home of the Medici, Machiavelli, and Michelangelo. While there, they will take a guided walking tour of the principal sites: the Duomo, Baptistry, Campanile, Piazza della Signoria, Medici Chapel, the Uffizi (one of the greatest art galleries in the world, with its masterpieces of many great Italian and other masters of the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the Baroque periods), as well as the Galleria dell’Accademia to view Michelangelo’s David. In addition to Sienna and San Gimignano in the Tuscan countryside, the group will also take a short visit to Pisa to view the famous Leaning Tower, Duomo, and Baptistry before continuing on to the fortress city of Lucca. From there they will travel to the Gulf of Genoa and follow the coast to Ventimiglia before arriving on the Cote d’Azure and the city of Nice, capital of the Riviera. When the group reaches Paris, they are scheduled to visit Versailles, the Arc de Triomph, the Champs Elysées, Place de la Concorde, Les Invalides, Notre Dame, the

Opera, and the Eiffel Tower. There will be a visit to the Louvre where they will view Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and Venus de Milo. Other highlights while in Paris include a Metro ride to the Isle de la Cité with Ste. Chapelle, the Conciergerie, the Prefecture, a visit to Montmartre and Sacre Coeur, and an evening cruise on the River Seine. The whirlwind trip concludes with a visit to Pere Lachaise, the cemetery to the rich and famous—Chopin, Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, and Jim Morrison—and a visit to the Musée D’Orsay, home to the magnificent Impressionist collection of such artists as Monet, Gauguin, Manet, Renoir, and Van Gogh.

Group Benefits Commercial Insurance Individual Financial Planning Professional Liability Coverage Automobile-Homeowners

Venus de Milo

Notre Dame

Susan said the trip is scheduled so the students are in Florence for St. John the Baptist Day, which she thinks will be one of the highlights of the trip. “It’s just a great day to be there,” she said. There is a huge celebration around the baptistry with a parade, and they march a bull through the piazza, something that Susan says takes you back to the Renaissance. Having taken students on similar trips in the past, she said that all your senses are at such a peak that the students can’t even speak. Afterward, one student told her, “That was the coolest thing I ever experienced!” Another thing Susan is looking forward to is the visit to view Michelangelo’s David. “It’s really a magnificent piece of art. It moves you,” said Susan. She said she goes in before the kids so she can see their faces when they first see the masterpiece. “As a teacher, that’s a thrill!” Susan said that art history tells us so much about who we were, where we have come from, and where we are going, adding that the arts are such an important part of a student’s education because it helps them synthesize information and put it together in new ways. “If indeed the academics are the pearls of knowledge, then the study of art history is the string that holds the pearls together,” she said. n Summer 2010

Life-Disability

Protecting Today. Securing Tomorrow.

Henderson Brothers, Inc. 920 Fort Duquesne Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15222 T • 412.261.1842 F • 412.261.4149

info@hendersonbrothers.com www.hendersonbrothers.com UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Upper St. Clair High School Halls Of Fame Mission Statement To identify and to honor those who have distinguished themselves in academics, the arts, or athletics at the high school, collegiate, or professional level and who, in so doing, have contributed to the pride and prestige of Upper St. Clair High School.

A former student must meet the following criteria to be considered for any of the three Halls of Fame. The individual must be a graduate of Upper St. Clair High School and must be away from the high school for at least five years. The individual must have made a positive contribution during high school as well as significant achievements after leaving USCHS. Students are nominated by members of the high school staff, an Upper St. Clair alumnus, or the Upper St. Clair community. Administrative staff, teachers, and coaches are also eligible. Each Hall of Fame committee will include representatives from the high school staff, alumni, and the community. Nominees must earn a 75% vote of a quorum of the committee. During and after high school, the student could have excelled in one or more of the following: Arts • School and Local Awards • District and Regional Awards • • State and National Recognition • Contributions in the Field • • Post Graduate Recognition • Collegiate Recognition • • Professional Accomplishments • • School Service and/or Leadership in Field • • Benefactor of the Arts • Contributions to Society • • Excellent Citizenship •

Athletics

Academics

• High School Awards and Records • • WPIAL or PIAA Champion • Post Season Recognition • • National Recognition • Multiple Sport Consideration • • Post Graduate Recognition • • Collegiate Accomplishments • • Professional Accomplishments • • Leadership Accomplishments •  • Other Hall of Fame Honors • Media Recognition • • Excellent Citizenship •

• Academic Honors • National Merit Recognition • • National Honor Society • Valedictorian •  • Student of the Year • Scholarship Awards • • School Service and/or Leadership •  • Post Graduate Recognition • Collegiate Recognition • • Publication of Work • Professional Accomplishments • • Contributions to Society • Excellent Citizenship •

2010 Halls of Fame Inductee Nomination To nominate a candidate for the 2010 Upper St. Clair High School’s Halls of Fame, use the nomination form on the Upper St. Clair School District website at www.uscsd.k12.pa.us. Click on the “Information” tab, and then click on “Halls of Fame.” Submit your name, address, and phone number, along with your completed nomination via email to: Linda Moses at lmoses@uscsd.k12.pa.us. All Nominations Due May 31, 2010. Nomination forms can also be mailed to: Linda Moses Assistant Principal’s Office Halls of Fame Committee Upper St. Clair High School 1825 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 54

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Support Our 2010 High School Varsity Football Team Cheer on our Panthers in the Great Southern Conference!

Kick-offs Fridays—7:30 p.m. at Panther Stadium September 17 Youth Night

USC faces North Allegheny

September 24 Halls of Fame

USC battles West Allegheny (7:45 p.m. start)

October 8 Homecoming

USC confronts Peters Township

October 22 Senior Recognition Night

(band, cheerleader, football) USC challenges Bethel Park Summer 2010

Traveling with TODAY 11th place out of 32 teams, a marked improvement from prior years’ results. The girls shone individually and on relays as they stepped up on the medal platform four times, and dropped and even shattered some personal bests. All eight males moved on to the state championship held at Bucknell University on March 17-18. Brittany and Natalie moved on for the girls’ team. A normal two-and-a half hour practice can include about 7000 yards, or just over four miles of swimming. Needing a stick-to-it commitment for this wet sport, both the girls and boys UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY traveled with USCHS’s boys high school swim teams are motivated and girls WPIAL swim and dive teams. and poised to continue to splash up the competitive ladder with an expected dozen UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY traveled with the boys and girls high school swim and dive incoming male and female freshmen adding to teams to the University of Pittsburgh in March both teams’ depth. Nearing the end of an exciting high school for the AAA WPIAL championship meet. And swim season, USCHS’s new head coach Tom while the trip took the group only 11 miles north of their home base, it was an impressive Donati, who has 20 years of coaching experience under his water belt, shared his thoughts, trip at that! Under head swim coach Tom Donati and “In all my years of coaching, I have never been assistant coaches Charlie Seymour and Brittany as proud of a bunch of kids. In my eyes, USC Thomas, the boys high school swim and dive won! Including swimmers on the high school team garnered WPIAL runner up behind power team, upcoming kids on the Upper St. Clair house North Allegheny, beating out neighbor- Swim Club, and all former USC swimmers, this ing rival and favored Mt. Lebanon. With eight was a win for our swim community!” n boys on the USC team getting points at the oneUPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is proud to day dive competition at Pine Richland and the travel with you, too! Read the following two-day WPIAL swim meet at the University of criteria to find out how. Pittsburgh this past March, the team en• Clear, close-up photo of USC resident(s) thusiastically took home the second place with his or her TODAY magazine in trophy, outpacing 30 other teams with hand. 230.5 total points. Helping the WPIAL • Digital photo preferred, but hard copy 35 boys team achieve ten medals swims/dives, mm also accepted. shatter six school records, and break two ‣‣ For digital, attach one jpg photo of WPIAL records were seniors Eddie Jew, capat least 300 dpi, and send via email, tain Matt Novak, and Brent Stimer; juniors including required information (see Pat Davis, Kyle Dudzinski, and James Frauen; below) in the body of the email. and sophomores JT Perryman (dive) and Andy ‣‣ For 35 mm, attach post-it to back of Tomiczek. hard copy photo, listing the required The group effort is what propelled this team information (see below). forward, helped by the swimmers’ commitment • List name(s) of resident(s), group, and to core training and a weight program, twospecific photo location. a-day practices three days a week, and many, • List objective of visit—leisure, volunteer, many miles of swimming. “Not only did we career, etc. accomplish our far-reaching goal of WPIAL • Include your email address or telephone runner up, the way the team came together is number should further contact be necsomething we are all proud of,” said captain essary. Matt Novak. It has been over ten years (1999) • Deliver one 35 mm photo with details since USCHS last made a similar mark at to the USC Township receptionist in an WPIALs with a runner up finish. envelope marked “USC TODAY,” or In the water representing the girls AAA • Email one digital photo with details WPIAL swim team this year were juniors Allison to usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us, with Kearney and Erin McTiernan (dive); sophomores “TODAY” listed in subject line. Natalie Johnsen, Vanessa Murray, and Emily Schmitt; and freshmen Brittany Dudzinski, Note: Submitted photos and information for this Betsy Erlanger, Lily Olsakovsky, and Jessica feature section will remain on file for upcoming Reilly. The girls’ 91-point total earned them editions until published. Summer 2010

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Our Adventure in Oz Haley Roberts

As I stepped off the airplane, I was met with a technicolor world filled with golden Buddha statues and bright silk clothing. Six other Upper St. Clair High School students and I had landed in Bangkok, Thailand, and we immediately knew that we weren’t in Kansas anymore. I was determined to get as much as I could from my brief time in Thailand. I jumped right into the food, culture, and history of the Thai people. My host family played an integral role in my total immersion in Thai culture, as they spoke Thai in my presence (although I had no idea what they were saying) and prepared authentic meals. I learned not to question what I was eating; knowLeft to right are Luck Groves (Thai-US Exchange ing the ingredients, depending on coordinator), Ron Sivillo (USCHS social studies teacher), A view of the Ancient City what they were, could spoil the Haley Roberts (senior), Rachel Amoroso (junior), Tanner Murray (freshman), Meg Small (junior), Kelsey Roberts experience. (freshman), Chloe Roberts (freshman), and Michele We spent entire days, someScherf (freshman) times from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m., touring museums, markets, and monuments that gave us not in the other classes because of the language barrier (I would’ve only a modern view of Thai culture, but also an ancient perspec- been lost in a Thai chemistry class!). However, English was our tive. The Ancient City, for example, is dedicated to preserving best subject; we were naturals! We spoke to the classes about traditional Thai architecture, culture, and music, among other the United States and the aspects of our culture and answered things. We rode bikes around old Buddhist spirit houses, award- their questions. I made a lot of friends at school, and thanks to winning gardens, and religious buildings with beautiful painted modern technology, I continue to keep in touch with them. Those ceilings. We took a short break to get Thai foot massages, too, connections are precious to me. I hope to return to Thailand for which felt wonderful after many days of walking around tourist a semester abroad while I’m in college. attractions. The Thai markets were absolute chaos, but you haven’t experiGoing to school was one of my favorite parts of being in enced Thailand until you’ve been to one. Little kiosks were set up Thailand (next to going to the beach, of course!). The kids everywhere and sold everything imaginable from food, clothing, were extremely welcoming. We went to music, art, and cooking and jewelry to electronics and Buddha statues. (Those statues classes, mainly because were my weakness; I bought six.) When we found something we we couldn’t understand wished to purchase, we bartered the price. This was a difficult what was being taught task, especially when the vendor didn’t speak English and we had to play charades for ten minutes to strike a deal. In the end, all the negotiating paid off, as we left the marketplace with what we perceived to be great bargains. After almost three weeks of new food, culture, history, and even new families, we returned home. It was a bittersweet moment for me. I missed my family and friends in Pittsburgh, but I knew I was going to miss my Thai family and the Thai culture I had grown to love. However, I realized that my adventure in Oz was complete. So, I clicked my heels together three times, handed the Delta employee my boarding pass, waved goodbye to Thailand, and sat down in my seat, ready to return to Kansas. n A local vendor selling fruits at the Floating Market in Pattaya, Thailand A performance of the Thai Culture Show at Nong-Nooch Gardens on New Year’s Eve 56

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Haley Roberts is a senior at USCHS. Summer 2010

TODAY

Offers Scholarship

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY announces that it has established a $500 journalism book scholarship. Beginning in 2010, the Township’s community magazine will recognize a graduating USCHS senior who plans to study journalism as an undergraduate concentration or major in college. The scholarship was established to commemorate the 16-year anniversary of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY and the community service it provides to the residents of Upper St. Clair. “Being able to offer a journalism scholarship to the most deserving high school candidate is something that the magazine staff is proud of and what we’ve been working towards for some time,” said TODAY editor Linda Dudzinski. “Recognizing those who desire to pursue a career in the field of journalism holds significant importance to the TODAY magazine and its goals and mission.” With modest funds earmarked for this project, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY hopes to present this journalism scholarship on an annual basis. “The mission of our not-for-profit magazine ties in extremely well with presenting a student scholarship. Giving back to the community is what we’re all about. I hope we can continue offering this scholarship for a long time to come,” remarked Linda. The scholarship presentation was made by School District representative and magazine steering committee member Paul Fox to Dr. William Rullo, Supervisor of Guidance at USCHS. While the deadline for the 2010 scholarship has passed, current high school juniors who are interested in this field of study should be aware of this opportunity for next year. n Information about the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Journalism Book Scholarship and its corresponding application can be found by contacting the USCHS Guidance Department or visiting the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY website at www.twpusc.org/ magazine and clicking the “Features” link on the navigation tool bar.

USCHS Winter 2009-10 Sports Results Team

Wins

Losses

Ties

Boys’ Basketball

–

Girls’ Basketball

–

Wrestling

–

Boys’ Swimming/Diving 5 2 – • WPIAL Team Runner Up • Kyle Dudzinski–WPIAL Champion/WPIAL Record– 100 Fly & 100 Back, PIAA Champion–100 Fly, PIAA 3rd place–100 Back Girls’ Swimming/Diving

–

Rifle

–

Ice Hockey 15 • PIHL Section Champions

David J. Stapor, M.D. Edward D. Poon, M.D. Mark L. Lesh, M.D. Jeffrey M. Matheny, M.D. Certified American Board of Orthopedic Surgery

• Sport Related Injuries • Total Joint Replacement Including Minimally Invasive Techniques • Arthroscopic Surgery • Carpal Tunnel • Rotator Cuff Repair • ACL Reconstruction • Fracture Care 1000 Higbee Drive, Suite 106 Bethel Park, PA 15102 Phone: (412) 854-5664

1200 Brooks Lane, Suite 240 Jefferson Hills, PA 15025 Phone: (412) 469-1660

Office Hours by Appointment Summer 2010

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Baker Students Collect Clothing for Shelter

Instead of participating in a classroom winter holiday party this past December, Baker Elementary third graders in Pam Dillie’s class decided to use their time and energy to collect and package clothing for the Washington Women’s Shelter. The shelter helps domestically abused women and their children. In January, Washington Women’s Shelter executive director Michelle Robinson-Ritter wrote a letter of appreciation to the students for their efforts. “On behalf of the women and children of Washington Women’s Shelter, Inc. who will benefit from your

generosity during the holiday, I thank you. Your donation of gloves, socks, and cash was extremely important to our mission of providing quality services to area victims of domestic violence. Thanks again for remembering the needs of battered women and their children this special time of year,” wrote Michelle. The students said that their holidays had more meaning knowing that they had given their time and effort towards this cause. n

With help and supervision, Baker third graders ready their gifts for the shelter.

Putting finishing touches on their donations

Children for Children Auction

A full-sized tent, lessons on making edible fire, a “day at camp” obstacle course, an archery course, camp crafts, put-yourself-in-the-scene green screen photos, and much more were some of the activities crowded with excited children this past February as Streams Elementary celebrated its sixth annual Children for Children silent auction for charity. It was an all-school event supported by the families, staff, and teachers of Streams whose goal is to teach a caring message to the students while supporting a child-related charity. This year, the National Military Family Association’s summer camp program, Operation Purple, was the star organization for the auction. Operation Purple provides a free week of summer camp to children whose parents are in the military and who are deployed or have been deployed. In addition to providing exciting outdoor and camp activities, Operation Purple camps provide a supportive environment while teaching coping skills to children of military parents. The camp’s theme is Kids Serve, Too! To impart the message of thanks and caring, Streams teachers helped the students see life from a military child’s perspective. The special teachers extended the message. In music, teacher Jeff Leonhardt put together an all-school sing-along assembly where the students sang songs about camping, America, and the great outdoors. Teachers and staff took to the stage to create Streams very own camp singers and band. Angela Juliessen, the art teacher, brought a message of peace to each class as they created peace related decorations for the auction. In addition to a camp theme and fun activities, the auction had many donated auction items from the teachers, families, and staff. Some highly sought after items included lunch with the principal, Dr. Claire Miller; Be the Spanish Teacher for a Day; a movie and popcorn basket; craft and art supplies baskets; hand 58

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2010

decorated classroom items; ice cream, bowling, and lunch events with the teachers; handmade items—a scarf, jewelry, and a vase; and student offered services, including yard work, babysitting, and a gymnastics party. There were baked goods for auction and frozen busy-night dinners for sale, and much more. Streams also invited members of the USC Veterans Park to talk about their proposed military tribute park and receive donations. Students were able to create thank you cards which will be delivered to Pennsylvania Operation Purple camps this summer. Streams’ Children for Children silent auction is truly an evening of kid-created generosity. It focuses on the child and asks the question, “What can you do to help?” Streams community came together to raise over $5000 and is excited to be able to send nine Pennsylvania military children to camp. n

Having fun at auction night

For more information on Operation Purple and research related to military children, visit www.militaryfamily.org.

Boyce Cafeteria Goes Green

When you’re finished with your lunch and you’re about to throw it away, do you every wonder how much garbage there is at the end of the day? This question was how Boyce Middle School’s Green Team came up with the idea of “No Throw Away Lunch Day.” The Green Team, led by students Hannah Cafaro and Hannah Shephard, designed the day to bring awareness to their fellow classmates. On Friday, February 26, the side dish options at lunch were served in recyclable containers, and students used easily

biodegradable corn-based silverware purchased by Boyce student council. Students who purchased their lunches used the reusable hard plastic trays. The students who packed their lunch were encouraged to bring their lunch in a lunch box, take home any uneaten food, and pack foods in Tupperware. n

Elizabeth Engel, Hannah Cafaro, and Hannah Shephard Bobby Chriss (front) waits in line to empty his tray.

HAIR • MAKEUP • PRODUCTS

3101 WASHINGTON ROAD MCMURRAY, PA 15317

724.941.4062

SOUTH HILLS VILLAGE PITTSBURGH, PA 15241

412.833.8833

www.stephenszabo.com Summer 2010

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Did You Know?

Did You Know? Did You Know? All the World’s a Stage Congratulations to the Did You Know? Did You Know? following Up pe r St. Cl air stu de nts wh o pa rDid You Know? You Know? ticipated in the Shakespe Did are Scene and Monologue contest at Did You Know? Did You Know? the Pittsburgh Public Theater this past FeDid bruary. Did You Know? You Know? Boyce: Amanda Mittelm an, Maura Wells, Ben Nadler, Liam Did You Know? Did You Know? Carse, Arushi Ke wa lar am i, Ha nn ah Ty ge r, Ril ey Did You Know? You Know? Ur ba no , Gi an a Vie rhe Did lle r, Me gh an Matheny, Krishna Gopal , Did Lydia de la Did You Know? You Know? Parra, Danny Ferriss, Mi chael Nastac, Natalie Urban, Ben Fin Did You Know? Did You Know? kelstein, Erin Gr ah am , Ey ram Ak ab ua , Ma ce y Did You Know? You Know? Kaplan, Claire Zalla, Ma Did rina Brajovic, Ma sh a Sa vin ov, Al lie Ry av Did You Know? Did You Know? e, Ca rly de Co ck , Sh ea Bu nt ain Book ird Th es ish bl Pu , Su za nn a Perry Did You You Know? Goodman, and Christin Did Andrea Perry, Know? e Mellick. Congratulations to e dl id M Fo e rt yc Co Bo uc h: Ananya CleDid at Did Know? You Know? etus, Morgan Cook a te ac he r’s ai deYou , Brian Kaplan, Carso Melissa Levine, Mered g her third chilin n Mafrice, Ben Grzesiak ish bl ith pu Mc on , Do ol no ugh, Sarah , Scho Violi, Eliana Ondre bath. Know? rd Sta Bi lna Did You Did You Know? ’ ker ys , Bre leb ck nn jko Bi a , Alex Bowman, Ben Ca e rse, Mandy Seiner, Sarah dren’s book, Th Co a llin s, en Sar be and ah Meiman, Sean Ketchel, Ma Jenna Ravasio. Andrea has cy Miller, Did Know? Did You Know? A gifted writer, You s. ol Hi gh ho Sc sc ho y ol: an Ma m ris at sa Bowman, Victoria Cavri guest author ch, Kathleen Chen,Know? Godbole, Brent Heard, Did You Know? You Samantha Dreyer, Poorw QingDid lan Huang, John Ku a lp, Chelsea Lane, Bethan Ryave, Jacob Ryave, Rache y Mittelman, Daniel l Szu cs, Mohini Walav Did You Know? Did You Know? alk ar, Molly Jones, Rocky Pat Murray. era, and Vanessa De spi te the sno w delays Did Did You Know? Know? and cancellations,You these 61 students dem traordinary skill and tal Montage Wins National Award onstrated not only exent, but also great resilie nce and perseveranceKnow? Did You Know? Did You wa s The 2009 edition of the Upper St. rescheduled three times. as their competition date Overall, they performed scenes and monologues Midsummer Night’s Dream Clair High School literary magazine, the ranging from A andDid Did You Know? Know? Two Gentlemen of You Verona to Macbeth and Invited back to the Finalis Montage, won first place in the American Ric har d III. t’s Showcase were Macy Miller as HelenaKnow? Dream and Molly Jones Scholastic Press Association national Know? Did You Did You from A Midsummer Night’ and Ro cky Patera as Lady Ma s ultimately won the upper cbeth and Macbeth. Mo competition for literary arts magazines. lly and Rocky div isio n wit h Did You Know? Did You Know? the ir Ma cbe th sce ne. Upper St. Clair School Dis trict sponsors for this com petition are Marjie Patricia Palazzolo, Sue Did You Know? Did You Know? Heins, Connie Gibson, Fleckenstein, Mary Mu ffly, and Diane Ecker. Did You Know? Did You Know? Presidential Honors Did You Know? Did You Know? Stellar Spellers Kristina King and Michelle Szucs are Did You Know? Did You Fort Couch and Bo commended Know? for being selected as candiyce Middle School students participated in dates for theKnow? United States Presidential Did You Know? Did You the school-level competition of the Scripp Scholars Program, which recognizes and s National Spelling Bee on February Did Did You Know? You Know? honors some of our nation’s most distin4. At Fort Couch, six students finished at guished graduating seniors. the top, with EricYou Know? Did You Know? Did Baumann in sixth place, Yasaswi Duvvuru in fifth place, Brinda DoDid Did You Know? shi in fourth place,You Know? Deepika Sriram in thi rd place, Julia deYou Know? Did You Know? Did la Parra in second place, and Eva Roy as school champion. At BoDid Did You Know? yce , five studentsYou Know? What’s Cooking? Renee finished at the top, with Betsy Boal in fift and r ine We e Zo to ns hYou Know? Congratulatio You place Did Know? in place, Eyram Akabua inDid fourth place, Raaing second Becker for each achiev hem a Durrani in third pla the ce, Devon Garcia You Know? Did You Know? Did Competition in the Skills USA Regional in second place, and Sam st. Chaudhari as We ay kw Par at ts Ar linary Cu school champion. Eva and Did You Know? Did Sam continued You Know? to the next level of the com petition, held on You Know? Did You Know? March 20, when the We Did stern Pennsylvania Spelling Bee was held at Did You Know? Did You Know? Children’s Hospital of Pittsb Andrea Perry

Macey Kaplan and Jenna

Ravasio at the 2010 Sha kespeare Scene and Monologue Con test

ker

Zoe Weiner and Renee Bec

Kristina King and Michelle Szucs

urgh of UPMC.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2010

D H O EG E L T G H O H T E M SD G T E H A T E Creating a Buz M T M E z about Geogr H aphy Middle School T AM TEA TEA D T OLD O Challenge stud competition of ents participat M ed in the scE the National G L hool-levelD G EG eography Bee A D Middle School O T at Fo s this past Janu rt L C ou E E ch L an G d ar Bo y. yc TheT e De, atw scho answero O E D i d 22dentsY K n o ol leve H TH M ed oral u O? l Be questions on ge L wG hich G T stuography, w annual Nationa D H O as the firstw l GeograpL round in? D i d graderY o u o E T AM AM TEA D hy K theE Bee. At n G s finishe Fort Couch H d at the top,O H , th re e seT EFin venth E D L mes G with JaK in seco nkel inT D i d BoPituycche,Y o o ?ielEAM TE nd placu third plw T e, and MatthH O ace, Dan E M L ew WertzM T Liam McC as schoolA Hlellau nd placed thir chw D LD GO E G E ampion? .T D i d and GY o K At d,E StA M iana VieT evn E L en Wago rheller fin ne r pl ed D T. acw Aished as scThool chn second, H TH O GO E L ampiono T Did Yo ? G D H O TEuLD K T AM AM TE G wHE? THE OLnEo O GK Did Y oGu T M H o AM TE D TE LD G M Did Y o uHE KTn w ? E O E T AK M n EA? D T OLD OL G EA Did You o w T H T E L E D LD G T G H O T Did Y o u OK ow T AM AM L n G ? HE THE O E M G Ereal estateTE LD Did YouG K n To H wM?T M Offering Acustomized T E E D Upper St.LClair D O T by A ?EA D services Did Y o u TH KAn w Mo L G E O T L residents 1976 E H O since T w E nDo G T Student wi Did Yo u ? G D nners of the Bo H O TK yce and Fort E Goldstein L ?G H E & Marshall T AM A LCouco h GeoO Bees H Sandy Did You K n w O E T M E G H T M 412-721-0306 E G T A ar Ye T e ng th cell E tli of res h W ac gh T ? DCoiKyd You Kt n w M A724-941-9400 E ext. 215 nior Hi H o nized for Section 8 Ju D office LD G T A d a dual meeT ha David le was recog M m E tea L ng tli es E wr h uc Co D rt Fo D i d Y o u K n o w ? e T at Th A O GO E T D urnament Coach of the Year. L E eight-team dual to Sandy@Sandygoldstein.com an in G st fir ed ts ac H M in pl D , O GoldsteinMarsh@aol.com po -0 T o of 13d E record i w ith te am K L D Y n w ? E se co ndu T L ed o ac G pl d an p, ne hi H to ns O ys H T O Pe te rs To w E ur na m en t at Ke M TEA al too G T G www.sandygoldstein.com D Y u K o w ? rough n ea m in di vi du th h nt H 12 -td ve A se in a i m fro E of 38 boys T AM AM TE D n Toth D The team consisted H Oaks. i s were ZoltaK ache co ng D d Y o u n o w ? tli es L wr T M nt ta E L sis As . es E ad gr ninth A ?T D T LD GO GO lvetti. D ieg Cad You Kno and Gr H O E TEwLD E L T G H O H T Did Y o uFuture City KComn ow O ?G E M petition G T H A 9-2010 National Engineers Week 200 ary E Janu past M this held was T D The i16d Y o u K n o w ? tion M E peti Htern M EA EA Pittsburgh Regional Future City Com T Wes more than 500 students fromT ing draw , land Oak in Hall ic Mus D egie Carn D d Y o u K n o w ? T at thei A T L E D HORVATH D Pennsylvania and West Virginia. practheT O erstandw und er bett to DERMATOLOGY ents L stud ire D i d Y o u K n o ? insp to s L O G This annual competition aim pursue a career inO E atics and science, and to ultimately hem mat of G ions licat app tical G? E David Di d Y o year u’s event chalK students schoolw HA. Horvath, MD middleo lengedn T engineering, math, or science. This ate rpor inco and ing, neer H engi en” on “gre K n o w ? Brian D. Horvath, MD, MPH Dto desi ignd oa focu usmm future with T AM a city of the Y e people that had been displaced odat acco rily pora tem to sing Decon iomical dhou Y o u K n o ke,w ?TE due to a natural disaster. da Brin Bur ert MEDICAL & SURGICAL students Rob esented by K repru School, D For it d Y o n o ? Couch Middle and also petitionw com l ona regi DERMATOLOGY this in e plac third hi, and Virginia White, won DDos i d Y o u K n o w ? received special awards for Skin Cancers, Moles, Warts, ment o u sing DevelopY D“Besit Houd K n o w ? Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema, Use t “Bes Layout,” and Dand i d Y o u K n o w ? The Rashes & Other Diseases n.” ctio stru of Green Con rinco to of the Skin, Hair and Nails able e wer entsd Dstud i Y o u K n o w ? ired insp s idea y man te enta- o u Dpora divating presY Know? Adults, Pediatric and the mot by i by Dave McLean of n Geriatric Care give tion DGraives &d You Know? McLean Registered Joseph o u Relocating To s, LLC, and Y DArchiitectd Know? Con Dick 110 Ft. Couch Road, Suite 203 P.J. nan of DBren i d Y o u K n o w ? ch Cou Fort The n. structio Pittsburgh, PA 15241 men-o u City team was (across from South Hills Village) DFutuirebyd Y K n o w ? Joseph Brennan. i, da Dosh Burke, Brin Roberto P. 412-831-3300 • F. 412-831-3301 Dtoreid d Yo K n w ? students Future City 2, are With u e Whit Virginia nd

Real Estate Professionals

www.horvathdermatology.com

and

Summer 2010

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

USC Summer School Program 2010 Application forms available at school buildings beginning May 3. Back-To-School Reading Camp (Grades K-1) Students who have completed kindergarten or first grade may enroll in a special workshop designed to help compensate for regression that may take place during the summer months of play and relaxation. Phonemic awareness and phonics skills will be emphasized and some time will be devoted to story comprehension. Location: Streams Elementary School Dates: August 2–6 Hours: 8:30-10 a.m. (exiting kindergarten) 10:15-11:45 a.m. (exiting grade 1) Fee: $55 Elementary Math Lab (Grades 1-4) This lab is for students who are experiencing difficulty with mathematics. Manipulatives, learning games, and individual practice will be a part of this lab. Location: Streams Elementary School Dates: June 28–July 16 (no class July 5) Hours: 8:30-10 a.m. (exiting grades 3, 4) 10:15-11:45 a.m. (exiting grades 1, 2) Fee: $125 $10 discount if registered by May 25. Elementary Reading Lab (Grades 1-4) This lab is for students who are experiencing difficulty with reading. Each child will experience small group instruction designed to meet individual learning needs. Independent practice will also be a part of this lab. Location: Streams Elementary School Dates: June 28–July 16 (no class July 5) Hours: 8:30-10 a.m. (exiting grades 1, 2) 10:15-11:45 a.m. (exiting grades 3, 4) Fee: $125 $10 discount if registered by May 25. If taking both Reading and Math Lab, fee is $235 per child.

Fort Couch

The final school social for Fort Couch Middle School was held towards the end of March—a great way to head into spring break. The Fort Couch chorus performed Beauty and the Beast on May 5, the first musical performance under the direction of Thomas Hunsberger. The Fort Couch band will perform on Tuesday, May 11 and the String-A-Thon is scheduled for Tuesday, June 1. Fort Couch will end its year with a farewell to the eighth graders at a special social (and the last ever to be held in the current MPR) on Thursday evening, June 3.

Links to Learning through Mathematics (Grades 5-8) This program is for middle school students who need to improve their skills in mathematics. Instruction will focus on the state standards and concentrate on the needs of each student. Location: USCHS Dates: June 28–July 16 (no class July 5) Hours: 8:30-10 a.m. (exiting grades 7, 8) 10:15-11:45 a.m. (exiting grades 5, 6) Fee: $125 Links to Learning through Reading (Grades 5-8) This program is for middle school students who need to improve their skills in reading. Instruction will focus on the state standards and concentrate on the needs of each student. Location: USCHS Dates: June 28–July 16 (no class July 5) Hours: 8:30-10 a.m. (exiting grades 5, 6) 10:15-11:45 a.m. (exiting grades 7, 8) Fee: $125 High School English and Math (Grades 9-12) Classes in English and mathematics will be held for students who need to repeat course work. Enrollment will be through the Guidance Office at USC High School. Students must discuss their specific needs with the Guidance Department to schedule class time. Location: USCHS Dates: June 21–July 30 (no class July 5) Hours: 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Fee: $150 per semester (3 weeks) $275 for full year (6 weeks) Wellness Education (Grades 10-12)* Level: Grades 11, 12 (30-hour session) Location: USCHS Large Gym Dates: June 21–30 Times: 7:30-11:30 a.m. (make-up dates are July 1, 2) Fee: $150

Boyce

As the weather warmed up, the activities at Boyce Middle School heated up, as well. The Garden Club reconvened after hibernating for the winter. The band, chorus, and orchestra all worked hard to prepare for their respective spring shows. The fifth graders all made trips to the NASA Space Simulator at Wheeling Jesuit College, while the sixth graders traveled to Deer Valley for their three-day, two-night Earth Warden trip. Students and teachers alike worked to share highlights of the year with parents during the Celebration of Learning in May. The PTA honored the Boyce staff for all of their efforts during Staff Appreciation Week in May, which culminated with a luncheon.

Pawprints

~ Registration Information ~ • Registration for classes will begin the first week of May. See applications for registration deadline dates. Class size is limited. Enrollment is on a firstcome, first-serve basis. Early registration discounts are available for certain elementary level classes. • Classes are subject to cancellation based on enrollment. • Applications for high school classes are available at the USCHS Guidance Office. Elementary and middle school class registration forms are available in all main offices and at the School District’s Central Office. • Student transportation to summer school is a parental responsibility. • Families for whom tuition presents a hardship are encouraged to contact the counselor at their child’s school building. • Students who do not attend the Upper St. Clair Schools will be accepted based on availability of space. • Make checks payable to Upper St. Clair School District.

Wellness Education Continued Level: Grade 10/Option A (30-hour session, one semester) Location: USCHS Large Gym Dates: July 6–15 Hours: 7:30-11:30 a.m. (make-up date is July 16) Fee: $150 Level: Location: Dates: Hours: Fee:

Grade 10/Option B (60-hour session, two semesters) USCHS Large Gym July 6–27 7:30-11:30 a.m. (make-up dates are July 28-30) $275

* Wellness Education Make-Up Session Dates: July 28–30 This time is available for all students grades 10-12 who may have missed a wellness education class during the summer session.

Eisenhower

In February, Eisenhower Elementary had an indoor snowball battle. Students who brought in ten box tops earned a snowball for their classroom. They then decided which other classroom’s door they would “throw” their snowball at by sticking it on that classroom’s door. The classroom earning the most snowballs won a family movie night for their class. On February 4, Eisenhower celebrated 100 days of school. Students were encouraged to wear something that represented the number 100. The PTA also raffled off Barnes & Noble gift cards every 100 minutes throughout the day, with two winners per grade level.

A USC PTA Council Highlight of Our Schools 62

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2010

USC School District Calendar (May–June 2010)

All events are subject to change. For the most up to date information, please check the calendar on the School District’s website at www.uscsd.k12.pa.us.

May 2010 4 4-6 4-7 4-14 4-21 4-28 5 5-6 6 7 7-14 10 10-11 10-14 11 12 12-14 13 14 15 16 17 17-18 18 19 19-20 20 21 24 24-28 25

FC–Choral Rehearsal–12:30-4 p.m. (HS Theatre) BA–Book Fair Preview BA–1st Grade REEC ST–Executive Board Meeting–9:30 p.m. (LGI) EI–Book Fair BA–Teacher Appreciation Week EI–PTA Staff Appreciation PSSA Make-Ups HS–AP Tests BO–Deer Valley Begins HS–Spring Art Exhibit HS–Deans’ Breakfast–7:40 a.m. (LGI) FC–Choral Musical–8:45 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. (HS Theatre) CO–PTA Council Changeover Meeting/Luncheon BA–Book Fair BA/EI/ST–Early Dismissal Grades 1-4–12:45 p.m. (Tentative) BA/EI/ST–Elementary Open Houses or Other Educational Events–7 p.m. (Tentative) ST–Star Night–7-9 p.m. (All School Facilities) EI–PTA Executive Board–9:30 a.m. BO–5th Grade NASA BO–PTA Executive Board Meeting–1 p.m. FC–Band Rehearsal–12:30-4 p.m. (HS Theatre) BA/EI/ST– 1st & 2nd Grades Terra Nova Tests FC–Band Concert–7:30 p.m. (HS Theatre) FC–PTA Executive Meeting BA–PTA Meeting (Changeover) Lunch–10 a.m. (LGI) BA–3rd Grade REEC ST–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. (LGI) HS–IB Program MYP Certificate Ceremony–7 p.m. (Theatre) BO–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. (LGI) EI–3rd Grade REEC ST–Staff Appreciation Luncheon CO–Youth Steering Committee–7 p.m. (Board Room) HS–Mini Band Camp HS–Senior Meeting Mods 1-2 HS–Senior Banquet–5:30-10 p.m. BA/EI/ST–Musicals–7:30 p.m. (Elementary Schools) ST–3rd Grade REEC Field Trip BA/EI/ST–Strings Rehearsal–9 a.m.-noon (HS Theatre) FC–Teacher Appreciation Luncheon EI–PTA Meeting–9:30 a.m. ST–4th Grade Graduation Party–6-8:30 p.m. (HS Pool /Gym/NC) Community Day HS–SHJO Concert ST–2nd Grade REEC Field Trip BA/EI/ST–Strings Rehearsal–9 a.m.-noon (HS Theatre) HS–Academic Honors Dinner–6:15 p.m. (Nutrition Center) HS–Spring Art Exhibit BA–2nd Grade REEC BA/EI/ST–4th Grade Parents Open Mike–9:30 a.m. (Boyce) BA/EI/ST–Strings Concert–7 p.m. (HS Theatre) FC–PTA Turnover Luncheon EI–2nd Grade REEC ST–PTA Turnover Luncheon BA/EI/ST–Elementary Band Rehearsals–9:15-11 a.m. (HS Band Room) HS–Choral Rehearsal–7:30 a.m.-2:20 p.m. (Theatre) HS–PAC Meeting–9:30 a.m. HS–Student Council Election Speeches HS–Choral Concert–7:30 p.m. (Theatre) ST–Spring into Kindergarten–9:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. BA/EI/ST–Elementary Band Rehearsals–9-11:30 a.m. (HS Band Room) HS–Student Council Elections Homeroom BO–Deer Valley Ends BA–Field Events EI–Kindergarten Visitation EI–1st Grade Move-Up Day BA/EI/ST–Band Rehearsal–9-11a.m. (HS Theatre) BA/EI/ST–Band Concert–7 p.m. (HS Theatre) ST–Cultural Week HS–Awards Night–7-9 p.m. (Theatre)

Legend: BA – Baker Elementary BO – Boyce Middle CO – Central Office 25-28 26 27 28 31

EI – Eisenhower Elementary FC – Fort Couch Middle HS – High School ST – Streams Elementary

BO–Band Concert–7 p.m. (Gym) BA–1st Grade REEC BO–Staff Appreciation Week HS–Band Rehearsal–7:30 a.m.-2:20 p.m. (Theatre) HS–Band Concert–7 p.m. (Theatre) BO/BA/EI/ST–Math Assessment Testing Grades 4, 6 EI–4th Grade Farewell–6-8:30 p.m. EI–1st Grade REEC BO–Early Dismissal–1:15 p.m. (Tentative) BO–Open House or Other Educational Event–7 p.m. (Tentative) ST–1st Grade REEC Field Trip EI–Cultural Arts Day No School–Memorial Day

GRI, CRS

Let my experience work for you.

June 2010 1 2 3 4 7 8 9 10 11 16 21 30

Diane Horvath,

HS/FC/BO–String-A-Thon Rehearsals–noon-4:30 p.m. (Theatre) HS–Jazz I Concert–7 p.m. (LGI) HS–Course Selector Lockdown BA–4th Grade Pool Party, 6-8:30 p.m. EI–Kindergarten Field Day–9 a.m. & 1 p.m. HS–Deans’ Breakfast–7:40 a.m. (LGI) HS/FC/BO–String-A-Thon Rehearsals–9 a.m.-3 p.m. (Theatre) HS–String-A-Thon Concert–7:30 p.m. (Theatre) BA–Kindergarten Meet & Greet EI–PTA Luncheon–11:30 a.m. CO–PTA Council–9:30 a.m. HS–Wind Ensemble Rehearsal–7:20 a.m.-2:20 p.m. (Theatre) HS–Wind Ensemble Concert–7 p.m. (Theatre) FC–8th Grade Farewell Party–7-9 p.m. EI–Kindergarten Field Day (Rain Date) BA–Moyer Test EI–Field Day (1st-4th Grades)–9 a.m. ST–Field Day HS–Last Senior Day/Senior Picnic HS–Graduation Practice–7:30-10:30 a.m. HS–Prom–8 p.m.-2 a.m. BA/EI/ST–4th Grade Move-Up–9 a.m. (Boyce) BA/EI/ST–4th Grade Parent Orientation–7 p.m. (Boyce) FC–Incoming 7th Grade Parents Meeting–7-9 p.m. EI–Field Day–1st-4th Grades (Rain Date) CO–Youth Steering Committee–7 p.m. (Board Room) HS–Baccalaureate–5:30 p.m. HS–Commencement–7:30 p.m. ST–Field Day Rain Date BO–Field Day Last Day for Students Kennywood Day Report Cards mailed

• Top Producer • Member of Top 1% of Realtors Nationwide • Listing and Sales Leader • Relocation Specialist Office: 412-833-3600 ext. 219 Cell: 412-491-6984 Howard Hanna - USC Office 180 Fort Couch Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

dhorvath@howardhanna.com

USC Kennywood Day

Monday, June 21 Rides open at 11 a.m.

le e is availab Bus servic wer Elementary ho from Eisen Ticket sales on Friday, May 14 at the following school buildings at the designated times:

Fun Day Pass

$21

High School...........................................7 a.m. Eisenhower.............................................8:15 a.m. Fort Couch.............................................9 a.m. Baker......................................................9:45 a.m. Boyce.....................................................9:45 a.m. Streams..................................................10:30 a.m. St. Louise de Marillac.............................12:15 p.m. Final ticket sales date to be announced and at Municipal Building Lobby.................9 a.m.-1 p.m. Payment by cash or money orders only. Watch for mailings or contact the School District Central Office at 412-833-1600, extension 2202. Summer 2010

Kristy G. Cupelli D.M.D. Pediatric Dentistry

Alfred A. Cupelli D.M.D.

Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry

411 McMurray Road, Suite 102 Bethel Park, PA 15102 412/831-3373 Fax: 412/831-3777 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Home & Garden

Enjoy the Summer, But Remember… Regis McQuaide, CGR, CBA, Master Remodelers Inc. This time of year we’re all enjoying summer activities, practically living outdoors at our homes. Our patios, decks, yards, and grills are giving us lots of enjoyment. We’re almost forgetting the frightful weather experiences we had this past February. Not to put a damper on summer fun, but let’s look at a few practical suggestions for your home that can make your life better year-round. Here are some fairly simple energy efficient remodeling suggestions to make your life more comfortable, your energy bills less imposing, and your maintenance less time consuming. Let’s start outdoors. Dramatic lighting for night fun is always a bonus, but you don’t want to run up your electric bills. Check out the cool new LED and solar lighting products available. Cheaper compact fluorescent lighting is now available in many styles and even colors. New decking materials are also available, which means more fun and low to no maintenance.

Too Hot and Too Cold In the summer, some rooms in your house can become too hot, causing you to crank up the AC which, unfortunately, increases the electric bill. A simple, long-range solution is to strategically plant leafy trees that will provide the most shade for your home, especially on the southern side of your house. Their shade alone can keep your home up to five degrees cooler. New high performance low-e glazing windows and solar heat coatings can also make a difference. 64

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2010

Often, the same issues that cause summer heat discomfort also cause winter chills—and high energy bills in both seasons. A home energy audit is really the only way to confidently locate the sources of problems. While you can sometimes eyeball where you need to place insulation, caulking, or weather stripping, an energy audit is more precise and scientific about where best to invest your money to save money over time and improve your comfort—both in winter and summer. Too Wet Another summer and winter challenge for homeowners is water or ice getting into places that can cause expensive damage. Last winter, many homes experienced problems with snow and ice, and roof damage. If you have yet to address water problems as a result of your winter damage, now is the time! In the summer, heavy rains can cause gutter overflow, with water ending up in the basement. Cleaning gutters helps, but the real key is to keep the water in pipes where it belongs and away from the foundation of your home. Finally, consider using pervious materials for your patio or driveway to keep storm water runoff to a minimum. Our region has problems with flooding and combined sewage and runoff; please help to make our rivers cleaner when and how you can. n Regis McQuaide, president of Master Remodelers, and his crews have served homeowners for more than 20 years, providing a wide variety of services. See ad this page.

Home & Garden

ars 30 Ye ality u Q of anship Workm

We ALL o Do Own f Our Work !

Transforming Visions and Ideas into a Beautiful Private World

~ Residential and Commercial ~

CEMENT FRE E S ASPHALT TIM E ATE S REMODELING CONSTRUCTION

LY FUL ED R INSU

All Types of Concrete Work Windows and Doors Major Remodeling References Available 4 1 2 - 6 5 5 - 4 5 6 5 FAX 412-655-4741

Great American Workers Installing Great American Products

Over 25 Years in Business

George Girty Landscape Design

George Girty, B.L.A. 412.835.3245 â&#x20AC;˘ www.girtyland.com

Summer 2010

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Home & Garden Upper St. Clair’s Kitchen & Bath Design Center

In this economy, an investment in your home is one of the safest investments you can make. Whether you plan to live in your home long term or are planning to sell your home within the next 5 years, a new kitchen and bath can offer a 30% return on your investment. Premier Home Design Center offers expertise and products designed to fit your budget. Call Premier now for an excellent return on your biggest investment. Design & Planning Services • A Merillat Signature Showroom • Consultations by appointment 412-276-5650

Collier Town Square, 1597 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, PA 15017 • 412-276-5650 email: premierkitchenandbath@verizon.net www.premierhomedesigncenter.com PA054993

Kitchen Design Trends for 2010 and Beyond

Premier Ad USC 7.5x4.25.indd 1

1/11/10 9:12 AM

Laura Reid-Riggin, PREMIER Home Design Center

Now that the piles of winter snow are but a memory, the touch of spring and thoughts of summer bring new motivation to remodel, replace, and rejuvenate. It is time to think about your kitchen remodel project and consider the current trends. While I normally caution to avoid anything too trendy in a remodel project, I am quite comfortable with some of the styles for this season. Traditional design and style will remain the most widely accepted, while more urban areas will continue to prefer contemporary influence in cabinet design. The Shaker style cabinet door remains important in cabinet design. Cherry will be the most popular wood for cabinets this year, followed by maple and some of the more rustic woods such as birch and quarter sawn oak. Wood finishes of medium tone will set the stage for a kitchen that exudes “welcome” to all who enter. Natural and light wood finishes will be on the decline. Woods continue to dominant the flooring industry. There are many upto-date looks available with wood floors. Hand scraped wood is tremendously well-liked because its uneven finish helps hide dents and scratches. The finishes are very durable compared to the wood floors of the past. Ceramic and porcelain tiles remain a staple. Stone tiles are also available, but require more maintenance and upkeep. Granite countertops remain hot! Without a doubt, the granite phenomenon is one that will define this generation of kitchens. Quartz countertops are a good alternative for those who want the sheen of granite with less maintenance. In addition, laminate companies continue to introduce more realistic patterns. Formica brand has launched the 180FX laminate which has the most realistic granite pattern on the market today. Wilsonart International features Hi-Definition laminate, which has the appearance of depth and texture to the surface and has three times the wear resistance of the industry standard.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2010

The standard backsplash is a thing of the past. Gone is that awkward 18" strip of wall between the countertop and bottom of the wall cabinet. Stone tile, ceramics, and glass tile are replacing faded wallpaper and stained drywall for an easy-to-care-for style. Interesting mosaic tile patterns and listellas can transform an otherwise boring wall into art. What a fabulous way to showcase your granite countertops! Cabinet depth refrigerators with French doors and a pull-out freezer drawer will continue to be a must-have. Because the storage space is somewhat smaller in them, additional refrigeration areas can be added into the kitchen design. Beverage centers, wine coolers, and under-the-counter refrigeration drawers will continue to grow in popularity because of the convenience and versatility that they add. The pull down and pull out faucet styles are currently the most requested. The faucet types are available in a surprising variety of shapes and sizes. There are styles that are complementary to every kitchen, from traditional to contemporary. The convenience of having the faucet, sprayer, and controls all in one area is appealing to homeowners. Look for many more faucets that have matching water filtration systems. A water filtration system can save many plastic bottles from being used and discarded. With the continued movement toward keeping green, people will be looking for ways to do their part. Why not start at home? The brushed nickel finish will remain a staple in plumbing fixtures, while oil-rubbed bronze is available for those who prefer a darker look. In addition, polished chrome is making a comeback in a big way. Look for polished chrome in plumbing fixtures and accessories. Kohler features a polished brass finish in some of its newer literature. I hope you are as excited as I am with the many choices of styles, patterns, and materials that are available for your new kitchen! With the help of a qualified kitchen designer, you can have the kitchen of your dreams before the next snowfall. Start planning now! n See ad on this page.

Home & Garden

Summer 2010

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Home & Garden What’s Your Style?

Ken Baxter, Baxter Remodeling & Design Today’s kitchen is no longer just a room for preparing meals. Today’s kitchen reflects the lifestyle of the home’s owner. Whether your style is formal, relaxed, or an eclectic mix, your desired design can be achieved using a wide selection of woods, finishes, and cabinetry designs. Kitchen makeovers can be as simple as changing countertops using granite, quartz, or the new laminates of today. Updated appliances, replacing cabinetry hardware, new wall treatments, and decorative mouldings can all give a new look to an existing, tired space. A design theme is a good way to approach a complete kitchen renovation. This can be achieved through proper planning, combining your ideas with the advice of a kitchen designer. Perhaps you like warm natural colors and fine carvings to express a Tuscan kitchen. Or perhaps you prefer an American traditional look with cherry wood and an heirloom finish, or possibly a sleek contemporary look using soft wood tones and stainless steel accents. Whatever your style, if planned properly, the result will be a beautiful environment for your family and friends to gather and enjoy. n

e

The Pioneers of Masonry Restoration, Chimney Rebuilds and Repointing

412-831-7074 412-561-6463

Whole House Pointing & Partial Pointing Garage Steel I-Beam & Lentil Replacement Brick Replacements High Pressure Cleaning Stone & Brick Specialize in Mortar Matching

$50 off any job over $1000 References Available • Fully Insured PHIC Registration #PA029487

www.reberrestoration.com

of Knowing

See ad for Baxter Remodeling & Design on page 79.

PA 10088

So,You Want To Be Green? Sue Clark, Clark Renovation, Inc. So, you want to be green? We don’t mean green like Kermit, or green with envy, or wallowing in money (well, maybe that would be nice). We mean “green” to help the environment—earth friendly! So, how do you define this green? To some, it means 100% recycled; others define it as using less energy; others say to improve our health we need to reduce toxic materials. These are all correct. Being “green” means to be sustainable—improving the environment while diminishing our impact on the environment. Simple ways to help: • Switch the style of light bulbs to LED or CFL bulbs. • Install light dimmers on non-fluorescent fixtures. • Turn lights off when you leave a room for more than a few minutes. • Clean with less harmful products—vinegar or baking soda. • Shut off the faucet while brushing your teeth. • Reduce showering time by five minutes. • Hang clothes outside. (Think of it as a solar dryer.) 68

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

• Pull up shades when the sun is shining, lower them on cold winter days. Opposite for summer months. • Dress for the outdoor temperature. • Buy a programmable thermostat. • Drink tap water instead of bottled. • Leave grass clippings on the lawn. • Weather strip or caulk house leaks. A little more expensive, but not a budget breaker: • Plant a tree. • Add a ventilating fan to the bathroom. • Install low flow faucets and showerheads. • Use low or no VOC (volatile organic compounds) house paints, silicones, or caulks. • Insulate your water heater. • Insulate hot water pipes with foam. • Add a layer of drapes to windows to retain heat in the winter. • Add ceiling fans to circulate the air. Bigger ticket items that help: • New kitchen countertops of Corian (made with recycled content—durable and renewable in 25 or more colors). Summer 2010

• Install water saving toilets. • Install an instant hot water heater. • Use a glass top range instead of the calrod variety. Use Energy Star appliances. • Buy kitchen cabinets locally to save on transportation fuel consumption. • Install windows with .30 UV rating and get a tax rebate. Add a south facing window. • Add a tube-type skylight for extra light. • Add insulated siding to the exterior of your home. • Add an on-demand recirculating pump under the kitchen sink. • Update to an energy efficient furnace. Some “green remodeling” can drive up costs, but the payback over time may be worth it. Look for the quality of “green” products to match the quality of those which they replace. Do your part to be green (if only minimally) and feel good about helping to save the environment. n

See ad for Clark Renovation, Inc. on page 69.

Home & Garden

“

Summer 2010

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Around the Township

Town Hall South— Presents its 2010-2011 Series —Kathy Gillen The Town Hall South Lecture Series proudly presents its 2010-11 slate of speakers. The series explores topics that include news making events that changed our lives, global health care, inner-faith dialogue, and travel. Town Hall South’s 42nd season offers speakers chosen for their dynamic styles and wide-reaching appeal.

An interfaith journey will be the topic of The Faith Club on Tuesday, February 1, 2011. After the events of September 11, Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver, and Priscilla Warner began a quest to understand each other. The authors of The Faith Club offer insight into others’ faith as well as an opportunity to deepen and explore one’s own beliefs. Steve Kroft is celebrating his 30th year as a CBS News correspondent. His reports from around the world, as well as his

Town Hall South 42nd Season

Lecture Series 2010–2011 Nick Clooney

Nick Clooney

Rick Steves

Tuesday, October 5

T.R. Reid Tuesday, November 11

T.R. Reid

Rick Steves

The Faith Club

Tuesday, December 7

The series kicks off on Tuesday, October 5 with Emmy award-winning The Faith Club commentator Nick Clooney. Tuesday, February 1 Clooney’s long resume includes time spent as a reporter, anchor, talk show host, and on-air spokesman Steve Kroft for American Movie Classics. He Tuesday, March 1 has published three books, includSteve Kroft ing The Moments That Changed Us. Nick, along with his youngest son, George (Oscar-winning actor), have traveled to report on the weekly appearances on 60 Minutes, have enlightened our nation and been awarded 11 Emmys. Kroft’s lecture on Tuesday, March genocide crisis in Darfur. T.R. Reid, correspondent for the Washington Post and 1 will offer a “no-holds-barred” exploration of his experiences documentary film producer, presents his lecture on Tuesday, around the globe. The Town Hall South Lecture Series is an outreach of November 9. Reid’s 2008 Frontline documentary, Sick Around the World, looks at national healthcare systems around the world Westminster Presbyterian Church. The Town Hall South Series’ mission is to provide quality lectures and philanthropic gifts to and what knowledge the United States may gain from them. On Tuesday, December 7, television host and travel writer the community. Last year, 18 local agencies were supported by Rick Steves will share his smart and affordable travel tips. As proceeds from the series. All lectures are held at the Upper St. host and writer of the popular public television series Rick Clair High School Theatre on the first Tuesday in the months of Steves’ Europe and best-selling author of 40 travel books, Steves October, December, February, and March and the second Tuesday in November. n encourages Americans to travel as “temporary locals.” For further information and a subscription form for Town Hall South, visit www.townhallsouth.org or look for a pamphlet at the Upper St. Clair Township Library. 70

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2010

Community Celebrations Celebrate Your USCHS Reunion—50, 30, 20!

Upper St. Clair High School’s first two graduating classes, 1960 and 1961, are planning a combined 50-year reunion. Classmates and their spouses are invited to enjoy a day of golf, followed by a dinner at the Southpointe Golf Club on Thursday, September 23. Then on Friday, September 24, alumni can attend an in-school student-alumni event. To keep school spirit alive, that evening at 7:30 p.m., alumni are invited to root on the high school football team at Panther Stadium when USC plays West Allegheny. Visit http://upperstclair1960.myevent.com/3/events.htm to learn more. A 1978 USCHS reunion, set for USCSD Homecoming weekend, Saturday, October 9, is being planned. Questions? Contact Janet Graybill Tenos either on Facebook or email jtenos@comcast.net. USCHS class of 1980 will hold its 30-year reunion on Saturday, July 31 at The Mattress Factory Museum. For tickets and information, visit http://uscreunion80.ning.com. For questions, email JennyLBrennan@mac.com. The planning has begun for USCHS’s 30-year reunion for the class of 1981. Mark your calendars now for the weekend of July 15-17, 2011.

Rooms have been blocked at the South Hills Crowne Plaza Inn (across from South Hills Village). Friday night will be an informal gathering at the hotel bar and the outdoor swimming pool (also a pool bar). The Saturday night event will be held at St. Clair Country Club and on Sunday, families can enjoy a picnic at South Park. Email Joan Engel Wunderlich at joanwu81@gmail.com or Colleen Hess Tokarz at ColTokarz@aol.com with your email address and inform people about the dedicated site on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/search/?init=srp&sfxp=&q=upper+s t+clair+1981#/group.php?gid=102799267536&ref=search&si d=1021488902.2541208510..1.

Twenty years have passed since the class of 1990 tossed aside caps and gowns and went their separate ways. On Saturday, October 9, join classmates from USCHS class of 1990 as they gather for a true blast from the past with a night of music and memories at PNC Park’s Keystone Corner Club, overlooking the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Visit http://www.pierceevents.net/c5/index.php?cID=79 or join the Facebook group “USC Class of 1990 Class Reunion” for more information. n

Congratulations to USCHS senior Chelsea Lane and junior Joseph Merchant, winners of the 2010 Pittsburgh Concert Society Young Artists’ competition held this past January. Auditions were open to instrumentalists under the age of 19 living within a 75-mile radius of Pittsburgh. A recital for the winners was held later that month at the Kresge Recital Hall at Carnegie Mellon University. Chelsea preformed pieces for the harp by Pierne and Glinka and Joseph, a basson player, performed pieces by Hindemith and Koechlin. Chelsea and Joseph each received a $500 award from the Benjamin and Anna Perlow Scholarship fund of the Pittsburgh Foundation to further their musical education. T h e i r p e r f o r m a n c e s Jessica Naumann successfully completed c a n b e v i e w e d a t her Dan examination this past October and was pittsburghconcertsociety.org. promoted to Black Belt in February. She trains with Master Jeffrey Mignogna at Tang Soo Do Karate College in Bethel Park. Jessica has been in training for over three years and hopes to one day become a Master Level belt.

Born to proud parents George and Michelle, Maximillian Hollis Urban will be celebrating his first birthday on August 6. According to his parents, Max has already become boss of the house!

Join the Celebration in our fall issue!

Do you have a special celebration coming up this summer or fall season? Share it with the USC Community! To be included in our next Community Celebrations listing, please email the following information about your event to usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us: a brief description of the event; a phone number, name, and address of a contact person; a digital photograph in .jpg format at a resolution of at least 300 dpi; and full name of person(s) in photograph. Information must be received by Wednesday, June 2, and is subject to space constraints and placed on a first-come, first-served basis. Enjoy your special event and share the news with others in our community! Deadline submission for the winter issue is Wednesday, September 1. Summer 2010

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Prof iles

on People with a USC Connection

Know of a resident to profile?

Send information to: Editor, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 or usctoday @ uscsd.k12.pa.us Since 2001, Carl Huhn has been a dedicated Boy Scout leader in the Connestoga District, most recently with Troop 228 as Scoutmaster. Over the years, he has been honored with numerous scouting awards. A wood carving instructor, Carl shares his wood carving skills with others, especially the community youth. In addition to his scouting activities, Carl is involved in the Township as a soccer and basketball coach. This year, with the Boy Scout of America celebrating 100 years, it is certainly timely to recognize Carl for his contributions to scouting and to our community.

Marcella Ogrodnik, USCHS class of 2008, is studying at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Marcella entered the esteemed Bocuse d’Or USA, a biennial chef competition, and took the award for the Best Commis (aka Sous Chef). The award was presented to Marcella at the Marcella Ogrodnik and Chef Bocuse d’Or USA Gala Clauss prepare for competition event in February and included a one-week trip to France to study the culinary art of Foie Gras (courtesy of Rougie Foie Gras). Twelve teams in the competition were judged by many culinary giants, including Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud, and Jerome Bocuse. The competition was hosted by Kelly Choi of the Top Chef Masters show.

Chloe Kondrich, a first grader at Eisenhower Elementary, is in the news! On a Saturday in January, Andy LaRoche of the Pittsburgh Pirates, a true champion for children with disabilities, invited Chloe and her family to PirateFest. Hanging in the Pirate Community section was a large poster of Chloe and Andy from a photo taken last season when Andy invited Chloe to come down and help him warm up. Chloe gave Andy a copy of the book Making Chloe Kondrich and Andy LaRoche a Case for Life - A New Definition of Perfection written by Stephanie Wincik, which mentions their friendship. The book features Chloe on the cover and showcases the positive seeds Chloe has planted in her young six years of life. The following is an excerpt from chapter nine. Chloe Kondrich, is a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native whose father, Kurt, is a tireless advocate for individuals with Down syndrome and their right to full inclusion in society. Chloe’s delightful personality has captivated everyone around her, and as we will see, her kindness has already touched so many lives that it is virtually impossible to support any argument suggesting that the world would be a better place if she had never been born. David Horvath, MD, of Horvath Dermatology Associates, recently relocated his office from Mt. Lebanon to 110 Fort Couch Road, opposite South Hills Village, in Upper St. Clair. Dr. Horvath’s son, Brian Horvath, MD, MPH, will be joining the practice this July. Brian completed undergraduate and medical school at Duke University. He received his master’s degree in public health at the University of North Carolina and completed his dermatology residency at Virginia Commonwealth University. Brian represents the third generation in this practice. His grandfather, Francis Krugh, MD, began this dermatology practice in Oakland in the late 1940s and in Mt. Lebanon in 1955. Dr. Krugh was a member of the original Skin and Cancer Clinic at the University of Pittsburgh. David Horvath joined the Mt. Lebanon practice in 1979.

Aaron Gander was promoted to director of business development at Henderson Brothers, Inc., one of the leading independent insurance agencies in the tri-state area. In this role he will hire and train new employees and consultants, and identify and develop growth opportunities for the firm across its various product lines. Gander has been with Henderson Brothers since 2004, previously serving as an employee benefits consultant, working with mid-sized companies. Before joining Henderson, he was vice president of employee benefits consulting with a benefit services company based in Virginia. A Registered Health Underwriter (RHU), Gander graduated from West Virginia University with a bachelor of arts degree in psychology. Aaron Gander

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2010

Block Off a Date To Party

Many communities in Upper St. Clair gather annually to enjoy camaraderie in neighborhood style. Simple to elaborate, neighborhood block parties allow neighbors to get to know one another better and to congregate in a familiar location, usually outdoors on a blocked off neighborhood street. Generally held during the summer months when the weather is warm, block party organizers can schedule the USC VFD to make a stop and hose kids of all ages down with a gentle cool spray of fun. Food and beverage complement the festivities as

do music, bike parades, night time movies, inflatable bouncing gyms, face painting, and more. Only your imagination limits what you can offer. Sound like fun? You bet! If your neighborhood does not hold a block party, you might consider starting a new tradition this year. If your neighborhood holds a block party that neighbors look forward to every year, keep it going! To assure that your block party goes according to plan, follow the six items outlined below. n

Bob Ellison REALTOR®

• Specializing in Upper St. Clair and the South Hills • Knowledgeable and Professional • Serving Buyers and Sellers • Upper St Clair Resident Office: 412-833-3600 ext. 246 Cell: 412-552-8290 bobellison@howardhanna.com Howard Hanna - USC Office 180 Fort Couch Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

Fun for all, a bike parade, face painting, bouncing gym, and a visit from the USCVFD, along with delicious food and beverages complemented Deerfield Manor’s 2009 summer block party.

www.howardhanna.com

Calabro Tire & Auto Service Full Service Auto Center

FAMILY OWNED FOR OVER 65 YEARS

Submit a story and photos from your block party to

usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us.

HydroEdge

Block Party Time is Any Time! 1. Send a letter or download a Block

Party Request Form (www.twpusc.org) requesting permission for a block party with a specific date to: Township Manager 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241. You will receive a letter granting authorization to have the party in your neighborhood. Activities must be held between noon and 10 p.m. The Public Works Department will deliver barricades to your residence a day or two before the event and will pick up the barricades soon after the

event. The street may not be barricaded for more than six hours. 4. Residents in the neighborhood are responsible for providing adequate access for public safety vehicles during the event. Please be considerate to neighbors who may not be involved in the festivities. 5. The Police and Fire Departments give informational talks to kids. Call 412-833-1113 or 412-835-0660 to schedule a time. 6. If you have additional questions, call 412-831-9000.

Summer 2010

A proven record of providing safety, value and performance over the entire life of the tire.

1476 Bower Hill Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Phone (412) 221-4300 www.calabrotire.com UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Barefoot School at Westminster Church

Have you ever driven past Westminster Presbyterian Church in early June and noticed a sign of a big yellow foot with the words “Barefoot School” on it? Have you ever asked what is Barefoot School? Over 30 years ago, Hester and Joe Joseph, residents of Upper St. Clair and members of Westminster Presbyterian Church, launched the church’s first Vacation Bible School (VBS). The musical The Barefoot Cantata inspired the Josephs to plan a week of activities for children, including Bible stories, crafts, and singing, all leading up

to a closing ceremony where the children participate in a musical. They wanted something “catchy” and descriptive for the name of the program that they had in mind. From their efforts evolved the name and concept of Barefoot School and its symbol, the big yellow foot. Every June since 1975, Westminster Presbyterian Church proudly displays the big yellow foot sign along Route 19. Debb Egli, assistant director of children’s ministry remembers that one year the foot was misplaced. An alternative sign was used that year until the foot was found. The phone began ringing off the hook. “Is Westminster Church

having Vacation Bible School? We didn’t see the big yellow foot!” exclaimed many callers. The tradition and reputation of Barefoot School is wide and deep and continues. Each year, over a hundred children participate in Barefoot School. Many adult volunteers remember attending BFS as a child and now enjoy sharing the tradition with their own children. I f y o u w o u l d l i k e t o j o i n i n Westminster’s long standing tradition of Barefoot School as a volunteer or to encourage your child’s enrollment, look for the big yellow foot next month to participate in this year’s program, High Seas Expedition or see information below. n

Westminster Presbyterian Church Barefoot School (Vacation Bible School) Monday–Friday, June 28–July 2 9 a.m.-noon Registration begins Sunday, May 16 Downloadable forms available at: www.westminster-church.org Questions? Call the Children’s Ministry Office: 412-835-6630 x220 or x226 (Tracey or Mandi)

Moving On After Moving In Women thrive on connection

and, after a move, often struggle with loneliness, stress, anger, grief, and loss of identity. These traumas are just a few of the many that are associated with Moving Affective Disorder (MAD), a phrase coined by Susan Miller, America’s Moving Coach™ and author of After the Boxes Are Unpacked; Moving On After Moving In, to help women around the world understand that their struggles are common and legitimate. Westminster Presbyterian Church is sponsoring a “Moving On After Moving In” group that will meet weekly on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m., beginning in September. Women who are new to the area are welcome to attend and find friendship and encouragement as they establish new roots in the South Hills community. The group will use Miller’s book to cover topics, including: • Remembering the past, but looking forward • What Moving Affective Disorder does to you • Building your nest 74

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

• Bloom where you’re planted • Dealing with loneliness • Finding your lost identity • Finding contentment in your circumstances • Equipping you to move forward Here are a few quotes from women in the previous Just Moved groups: “I wouldn’t have made it through my first four months here without that hour and a half highlight each week. I needed to make a group of friends with the same values and beliefs who understood what I was going through and supported and encouraged me and to whom I could provide similar understanding and encouragement. I found a group of friends with whom I have a special bond.” “This class was the biggest blessing I could have had moving to a new city and knowing no one. It helped me to cope with leaving behind my friends and family and learn to thrive where I’m planted. The best Summer 2010

Graduates of Just Moved!

part of the class was the relationships I made. These friendships continue today.” Whether you moved a year ago or just unpacked last night, join Just Moved to meet new neighbors who are also looking for friendship, connection, and belonging. Learn to “let go, start over, and move ahead” despite the difficult circumstances associated with a move. For more information or to register for the group, visit www.westminster-church.org or call Lisa Boyd at 412-835-6630, extension 224. n

Dining Guide Steakhouse and Wine Bar

RAISING THE STEAKS AT MEADOWS RACETRACK & CASINO! LOCATED ON THE SKY LEVEL. Spectacular Views of Both the Racetrack And Casino Floor. Two Private Dining Rooms Can Accomodate up to 20 Guests Each. Book Your Next Social or Business Gathering in One of Our Five Private Suites.

WWW.BISTECCAPITTSBURGH.COM 210 Racetrack Road | Washington, PA 15301 PLEASE JOIN OUR

PAGE

• First Place, “Where the Locals Eat: The 100 Best Restaurants in the Top 50 Cities” • “City’s Best”, AOL City Guide Reader’s Vote • First Place, Post-Gazette Reader’s Poll • First Place, Tribune-Review Reader’s Survey • First Place, South Hills Record Reader’s Vote • First Place, City Paper’s Reader’s Poll

412-563-3466

30% off any dinner or lunch entree with purchase of another dinner or lunch entree of equal or greater value. Expires: August 31, 2010

USC Mag.

NOT GOOD WITH ANY OTHER OFFER.

Lunch ’til 4 • Dinners • Open Late • Bar • Sandwiches • Open 7 Days

Amel’s Restaurant, McNeilly Road Summer 2010

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

A Case for Lifelong Imagining

Sunny Disney Fitchett, Little Lake Theatre Company, Artistic Director “I like acting because, when I do it, it makes me feel my courage.” —Stephen, age seven Doesn’t that statement make your heart soar? I am often asked why I feel it is important to involve kids in the arts; to take them to plays; to encourage them to become active participants in theater, or dance, or music. There are many remarkable answers. I fully understand that the arts foster engaged learning. How, for example, did you learn your ABCs? Through song? I certainly have witnessed the self-confidence of children blossom when they are given the opportunity to participate in arts activities. The arts do not insist upon “right” answers, but that every child’s contribution has validity and worth. At the same time, the arts necessitate a disciplined focus and a spirit that welcomes adventure and collaboration. The arts build bridges to new ideas, new insights. But, mostly, I believe every one of us should be reminded to imagine, and be given permission to engage in imagining throughout our lifetime. Most of us know Albert Einstein’s statement: “Imagination is more important than

knowledge.” The rest of his statement is rarely quoted: “For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.” This summer at Little Lake Theatre there are several opportunities for children and adults to expand their arts experiences and their imaginations. Little Lake Theatre offers three camps. The first two-week session of camp, July 19-30, is for children in grades 4-8 who are just beginning their journey in theater. The second session, August 2-13, will be an advanced performance camp for students in grades 8-12. But, why should kids have all the fun? On Tuesday evenings, June 29-August 24, Little Lake Theatre will offer a nine-week acting camp for adults. Students will participate in monologue and scene work, and will be given the opportunity to observe and analyze a working dress rehearsal. For those more comfortable engaging in the arts as part of an audience, Little Lake Theatre offers an appealing season of 11 Mainstage plays with summer

highlights, including The 25 th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (June 17-July 3), the local premiere of the popular Broadway musical; Years Ago (July 8-24), a charming and especially family-friendly comedy about a young actress in 1913 and her quest to convince her gruff, sea captain father that she should become an actress; The Farnsworth Invention (July 29-August 14), a spellbinding play that documents a competitive race between an Iowa farmer and a radio mogul towards the invention of television; and Red, White and Tuna (September 9-25), the eagerly-anticipated premiere of a madcap comedy in the Greater Tuna, A Tuna Christmas trilogy featuring two actors who play more than 20 roles. For young audiences, Little Lake’s Looking Glass Theatre presents a delightful summer season: Cinderella (June 23-July 10), Giggle, Giggle, Quack (July 14-31), and Two Dumb Dogs (August 4-21). n

a swimmer that you would like to join them in a lane and also being flexible in sharing the lane with another swimmer. Keep in mind the ability level of other lap swimmers when you are entering the pool. It may be difficult to lap swim with a strong, serious swimmer if you are only a beginner. An alternative is to plan your pool visit when the lanes are less crowded. Ask a pool manager for advice. If two or more swimmers are sharing a lane, swimmers should always keep the lane lines on their right (called circle swimming). If someone is swimming at a faster pace than you and you feel them “tip” your toe while swimming, that’s usually a polite indication to: • Slow down your pace temporarily so the person behind you can easily pass you on the left. • When you reach the wall, wait a few seconds so the faster person behind you can pass you at the wall. While no inflatable flotation devices are permitted at the C&RC pool, kickboards are allowed and do aid in concentrated lower body exercise. Many pools have kickboards available on a gratis, first-come, first-served basis. For non-swimmers, the kickboard should not be considered a flotation device or toy. To

avoid injury, do not attempt to sit or stand on a kick board and do not dive over and under the lane lines. Check out the pool rules before entering any public pool and obey them. Lap swimming is wonderful exercise. Try it this summer season; or for that matter, try it any season at the C&RC. Happy swimming!

More information about summer camp fees and registration, Mainstage and Looking Glass Theatre plays, and ticket purchases may be found at www.littlelake.org or by phoning the box office at 724-745-6300. See ad on page 5.

At the Pool Mary Lynne Spazok

Lap Lane Courtesy While many swimming pools in Western Pennsylvania are used primarily in the summer months, The Department of Recreation and Leisure offers indoor lap lanes seven days a week at the Community & Recreation Center (C&RC). No matter the season, understanding proper lap lane etiquette ensures an efficient, stress-free workout. Serious swimmers as well as leisure bathers benefit from aquatics, especially those with knee, leg, back, or shoulder injuries. Suitable for all ages and abilities, water walking is the simplest form of range of motion. While an outdoor pool may be a little chilly in the early morning or on rainy days, the C&RC’s yearround indoor lap pool temperature is a comfortable 8284 degrees. Lap courtesy includes informing 76

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2010

Kids Korner “No running, please. Thank you!” How many times have you heard these words repeated over and over again by an alert lifeguard? Slipping on a wet surface is of real concern and dangerous. Children are so excited about being at the pool that they sometimes forget about safety issues. The “no running” rule is enforced because the pool’s surrounding environment or “deck” is generally a hard surface and usually wet. These conditions can increase the risk of accidental slips. Injuries, as a result, tend to be severe. Head injuries, broken limbs, and lots of tears can be avoided by simply not running or engaging in boisterous or rough play around the pool. So remember to walk, don’t run—all the while having fun at the pool! n

Adaptive Basketball

For most families in Upper St. Clair, rec sports have been part of their children’s lives. But for parents with kids with special needs, rec sports can sometimes be too competitive, as Terry and Frank Ross discovered. The Ross’s have three sons, and while their oldest son, an eighth grader at Fort Couch, plays on a USC travel basketball A team, rec basketball was too

competitive for their twin boys in sixth grade who have special needs. Frank said he approached the staff at the Community & Recreation Center (C&RC) last fall about starting an adaptive basketball program designed for the special needs community. The program was approved and advertised in the Winter/Spring C&RC catalogue, through the “E-Alert” school district service, and by word of mouth. Frank said about eight or nine kids were at the C&RC gym each Wednesday night from mid-January through the first week of March to learn the basic fundamentals of basketball.

Working with Frank were nine eighth grade “coaches,” all from the Township’s A and B travel basketball teams. Before starting the program, Frank told the coaches that the program was about basketball and showing the kids how much you love the game. The eighth graders were “very excited,” maybe more excited than the program participants said Frank, adding that he had a waiting list of kids who wanted to coach. A parent of one of the coaches said, “My son cannot wait for Wednesday nights; it’s become the highlight of his week!” Once the details can be worked out, Frank said he plans to offer another adaptive basketball class. For more information, contact Terry or Frank Ross at 412-221-8590. n

“U.S.” See “U.S.” See is an active concept with a social flair being implemented by a group of women in Upper St. Clair. To support and encourage retail businesses in our community, this group is looking to schedule monthly outings at local establishments, allowing companies to introduce and market their businesses. Encouraging local shop owners and restaurants to open up their doors and offer an informative session of sorts will go far to introduce people to a business looking to develop an identity or expand its clientele. Whether it’s food tastings, open houses, fashion shows, or presentations, the possibilities are endless. As previous members of the Newcomer’s Club of Upper St. Clair, a group which offers new residents assimilation to the civic

life and social activities of USC, this active group of women has maintained contact with one another for the past 13 years and schedules social outings monthly. “We realize the importance of supporting people in our own community,” said Mary Repischak, a group member who initiated “U.S.” See. “The downturn in the economy and its negative effect on small businesses is one reason we started talking about this possibility. We hope local owners will take advantage of our desire to learn more about their business and invite us in for either a social or learning opportunity, or both, and let us see what they do.” If you would like to introduce your business to this group, contact Mary Repischak at 412-854-5352. n Summer 2010

The Dance Conservatory of Pittsburgh Summer & Fall 2010 Space is limited 412.344.3900 dcpdance.com

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Advertiser Index

Summer 2010 Celebrates 16 Years

The Official Publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair Advertiser

Page

Advertiser

Page

A. Calfo Construction ............................................................................ 65 Action Builders....................................................................................... 69 Alliance Physical Therapy and Performance Center . ............................. 27 * Amel’s Restaurant .................................................................................. 75 Ameriprise Financial Services, John D. Link.......................................... 39 * Angelo Associates, Inc........................................................................... 67 Baptist Homes Society............................................................................ 23 Baxter Remodeling & Design.................................................................. 79 Bistecca Steakhouse and Wine Bar........................................................ .75 * Boehmer Heating & Cooling Company.................................................. 68 Brookside Lumber Company.................................................................. 67 * Calabro Tire & Auto Service................................................................... 73 Catalucci Painting & Restoration, Interior & Exterior.............................. 79 Chatham University.................................................................................. 7 * Clark Renovation, Inc............................................................................. 69 * Coffey Contracting Company................................................................. 67 * Coldwell Banker Real Estate, Inc. Corporate . ...............Back outside cover * Coldwell Banker–Route 19 South/Galleria .....................Back inside cover * Coldwell Banker–USC, South Hills Offices........................................... .80 Country Meadows Retirement Communities......................................…51 Crandall, Steven R., D.M.D..................................................................... 33 * Cupelli & Cupelli, Drs............................................................................ 63 Davey Tree and Lawn Care...................................................................... 67 * Deckmasters Technologies Incorporated................................................ 69 Design Image Salon, Joe Ruffalo............................................................ 41 * Extended Day Services........................................................................... 25 * Friendship Village of South Hills.............................................................. 5 George Girty Landscape Design ............................................................ 65 G’s Window & Gutter Cleaning.............................................................. 69 Harry Coleman Photography.................................................................. 59 * Hefren-Tillotson, Inc............................................................................... 43 * Henderson Brothers, Inc......................................................................... 53 Horvath Dermatology Associates . ......................................................... 61 Howard Hanna–Hill Station Manor......................................................... 77 Howard Hanna–Maureen Cavanaugh .................................................... 55 Howard Hanna–Robert Ellison................................................................ 73 * Howard Hanna–Susan Highley............................................................... 39

* Howard Hanna–Diane Horvath............................................................... 63 * Keller Williams–Sandy and Marshall Goldstein..................................... 61 * Kerr Family and Cosmetic Dentistry....................................................... 40 Learning Express Toys............................................................................ 49 Little Lakes Theatre Company ................................................................. 5 * Manalo, Larry E., D.M.D......................................................................... 41 * Master Remodelers, Inc......................................................................... 64 McMahon Financial, LLC ...................................................................... 37 Mount Lebanon Montessori School and Academy ............................... 79 Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center ............................................................. 25 Outback Steakhouse............................................................................... 75 Paulette Paulin, DMD, Prosthodontics .................................................. 19 Pediatric Alliance, P.C............................................................................ 41 * Piccolina’s Restaurant........................................................................... 40 * Pinebridge Commons Associates........................................................... 40 Pittsburgh Audiology.............................................................................. 49 Port Authority Services . ........................................................................ 79 PREMIER Home Design Center.............................................................. 66 Prudential Preferred Realty–Route 19 South ........................................... 7 R & R Masonry Restoration.................................................................... 68 RADIANCE–A Private Outpatient Surgery Center, LLC............................. 2 * Scott Bros. Windows and Doors............................................................. 65 * Sesame Inn............................................................................................ 75 South Hills Endoscopy Center.................................................................. 1 * St. Clair Hospital...................................................... Front inside cover, 21 * State Farm Insurance–Cindy Brophy...................................................... 40 Steel Valley Orthopedic Associates, P.C................................................. 57 Stephen Szabo Salon.............................................................................. 59 The Dance Conservatory ....................................................................... 77 The Hand Center of Pittsburgh............................................................... 55 * The Thomas Studio of Performing Arts.................................................. 57 The Pittsburgh Music Academy . ........................................................... 26 Urgent Care Center, The Washington Hospital . ..................................... 24 Township of Upper St. Clair Community & Recreation Center................ 35 * Wellington Real Estate–Patty Thomas.................................................... 17 Westminster Presbyterian Church.......................................................... 27 Yoga Innovations, LLC........................................................................... 26

Classifieds

What They Said The response from the ad has been incredible! We have had nine people walk through our door because they saw the ad in USC TODAY. —Testimonial from first time advertiser Yoga Innovations (a new business in the South Hills). See ad on page 26.

Advertise with UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, in publication since 1994. Phone: 412-833-1600, extension 2284 • Fax: 412-851-2592 Website: www.twpusc.org/magazine • Email: usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us

The publishers and management of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY would like to thank our advertisers who have faithfully support this community magazine, helping to make this publication a long-standing, well-respected vehicle for disseminating useful information to our residents.

To place your small business or professional ad in the classified section, send 35 words or less with a check for $75, made payable to the Township of Upper St. Clair, to UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

Upcoming guides for the Fall 2010 issue include Dining, Education, and Health & Wellness. Ad space reservation is June 14, 2010. 78

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2010

*The above advertisers, who are advertising in this issue, have contributed their support for a minimum of 31 issues.

... meeting your needs TODAY, Tomorrow, and into the Future.

= (noteworthy news)

busINESSES

Komen Pittsburgh Affiliate Awards Grant to St. Clair Hospital The Pittsburgh affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® awarded the Breast Care Program at St. Clair Hospital a $7500 grant for 2010. The funding will provide breast cancer patients with camisoles with temporary prostheses, exercise, and educational materials. This organization serves 30 counties in western and central Pennsylvania and has raised more than $22 million to fund local breast cancer research, education, screening, and treatment initiatives. The Pittsburgh Race for the Cure, an annual tradition on Mother’s Day since 1993, is one of the top ten Komen races nationally and will be held this year on Sunday, May 9. For more information, visit www.komenpittsburgh.org.

Mount Lebanon Montessori Expands The most important period of life is not the age of university studies but the period from birth to age six... for that is the time when intelligence itself, his greatest implement is being formed.—Maria Montessori This philosophy guides the Mount Lebanon Montessori School and Academy and its programs. With the school’s recent expansion, the three-to-sixyear old program now has room for new students. This pre-school experience, a complete program through the kindergarten year, is geared to construct knowledge by interacting with the environment and includes the areas of practical life, sensorial, math, and language. Children also enjoy extracurricular activities, including Spanish language and culture, physical education, and music, with opportunity for outdoor gardening and playground activities. To enhance the learning environment, the classroom is divided into learning areas, including daily living, sensorial art, reading and language development, geography, science, and math. Optimally, the materials in each learning area are geared up or down to the child’s age and skill level. The child completes an entire work cycle before moving onto the next. A child can also watch another student work or ask to join another’s work. Classes meet five days a week for three hours each day. To register, call 412-563-2858.

at your service

Catalucci Painting & Restoration Interior Remodeling

Our Name Guarantees Excellence!

◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

Custom Design Mouldings Wood Repair & Restoration Wood Staining & Finishing Faux Finishing Plaster and Dry Wall Repairs Venetian Plaster

Professional Workmanship ◆ Fully Insured

412-835-3890

550 Sleepy Hollow Road Mt. Lebanon, PA 15228

412.563.2858 www.MtLebanonMontessori.org PRESCHOOL (AGES 2-6) THRU 6TH GRADE OPENINGS AVAILABLE FOR 2-AND 3-YEAR-OLDS AND ELEMENTARY

KITCHENS • BATHS • FAMILY ROOMS

St. Clair Hospital Purchases Site for Building St. Clair Hospital will purchase property in Peters Township to construct a new medical office building and outpatient center. The facility, being developed to provide more medical office space for St. Clair physicians, will also make the hospital’s services more convenient for its patients. Over the last few years, the hospital has seen a marked increase in the number of patients from this area. More than 40 St. Clair physicians have offices in the Peters Township area, one of the fastest growing communities in southwestern Pennsylvania. The new facility will be constructed along Route 19, just south of Donaldson’s Cross Roads. The site now includes a home improvement center and a former dance studio. St. Clair purchased the nearly three-acre site for $2.995 million. While detailed plans for the new building continue to be formulated, the project is expected to break ground this year.

Farmers Market in USC The USC Lions Club will host a farmers market in the Westminster Presbyterian Church south parking every Thursday from June 3 to September 30, 3-7 p.m.

Innovative designs Quality craftsmanship

Serving Pittsburgh to Upper St. Clair for 29 years

Remodeling & Design 1121 Boyce Rd. Sainte Claire Plaza, Suite 1200-B Pittsburgh, PA 15241

USCad

724.941.2707

3/10/08 10:57 AM Page 1 www.baxterremodeling.com

We've got you completely covered. Our 2200-space parking garage at the South Hills Village light rail station not only

Plants for Paws Plants for Paws, a group of gardeners from southwestern Pennsylvania, will hold a plant sale to raise money for the Washington area Humane Society. Approximately 1500 perennial plants, priced between $1-$2 each, and plant and garden accessories will be offered for sale. Washington County Penn State Master Gardeners will be available to answer questions. Two speakers and a silent auction will complement the event. Visit www.plantsforpaws.com for more information. Date and Time: Saturday, June 5, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Place: The field next to the Spring House in Eighty Four Summer 2010

keeps your car out of the weather, it keeps you dry with a covered walkway from the garage to the T platform. All for just 2 dollars a day. For more information call customer service at 412.442.2000 or visit PortAuthority.org.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

C oldwell B anker Hope Bassichis

Janice Caputo

Eleanor Carpenter

Marie Carpenter

Barbara Cusick

Lynn Dempsey

Joanne Fibbi

Bonnie Frear

Dal Goldstein

Joan Hirsch

Karen McCartney

Judy Hlister

Pete Krelis

Carol Marks

Audrey Mercuri

Deona Miller

Lisa Moeser

Michael Myers

Pat Paslowski

Toni Petrucci

Tulla Rakoczy

Stacy Romanias

Kathy Sekeras

Jim Walsh

Mary Wolf

South Hills/USC Office

Barbara Boyle, Manager

1699 Washington Rd. • Pittsburgh, PA 15228 • 412-833-5405

Real estate seRvices

Bonnie Byrnes

Nancy Beaulieu

Norma Bishop

Noel Bliman

Marcia Briner

Anita Crago

Janine Dillon

Kathy Enick

John Geisler

Genie Gooding

Janine Guthrie

Leigh Harkreader

Nancy Heffernan

Sydnie Jones

Sue Kelso

Kathi Kernan

Jane Krauth

Maria & Joe Lane

Julie Leslie

Joyce Lewis-McDonough

Arlene Murray

John Tanney

Mary Torchia

Carmela Viviano Mary Ann Wellener

David Bruckner, Sales Director

GLOBAL CONNECTIONS LOCAL TRADITIONS Rt. 19 South/Galleria Office

1539 Washington Rd. • Pittsburgh, PA 15228 • 412-344-0500 ©2010 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned and Operated by NRT LLC.

ECRWSS* CARRIER ROUTE

1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

POSTAL CUSTOMER

Presorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid Pittsburgh PA Permit No. 206

Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

This magazine was printed on recycled paper.

COLDWELL BANKER REAL ESTATE SERVICES

Check out these fabulous Upper St. Clair area homes!

Sophisticated blend of traditional & contemporary. Great room w/ soaring ceiling, gourmet Kitchen w/stainless & granite, 2 master. $1,250,000 Jim Walsh 412-833-5405

Magnificent, unique 4 bedrm, 4 full & 3 half bath contemporary ranch. Spiral staircase in LR. Tremendous entertaining possibilities! $1,200,000 Ondrea Barnes 412-831-5555

Exquisite French Country Home nestled on 1.7 Acres in Deerfield Manor in Upper St Clair built with the utmost quality. $1,975,000 Stacy Romanias 412-833-5405

Beautiful home & convenient location in Deerfield Manor. Award winning School District with excellent Parks & Recreation. $689,900 Jim Walsh 412-833-5405

One of a kind renovation, over $200,000 in updates, see it to believe it! Fabulous condo in Village Court w/everything you need for a carefree lifestyle! $450,000 Kathi Kernan 412-344-0500

Crafted w/incredible attention to detail, 4 bdrms, 2+2 baths, smashing kitchen, den, familyroom, gameroom, more, on level serene yard! $399,900 Maria & Joe Lane 412-344-0500

Quality built brick colonial w/spacious rooms thruout in Deerfield Manor! 4 bdrms, 2+2 baths, familyrm off kitchen to porch & back yard! $345,000 Carmela Viviano 412-344-0500

Charming colonial, large eat-in-kitchen w/adjacent FR & log burning fireplace. French doors from kitchen to patio & landscaped yard. $289,900 Pat Paslowski 412-833-5405

Large 4 bdrm, 2 full/1 half bath, 2 sty Colonial w/well landscaped treed lot and rear/side usable lots. Brick patio off formal DR. $284,900 Sharon Ritchey 412-831-5555

Custom Mac and Mac on a quiet cul de sac. Updated kit and appl. Redone MB & PR. Pegged oak in FR. Lovely fncd rear yrd. $265,000 Barbara Cusick 412-833-5405

Inviting 3 BR townhome with open floor plan. Soaring ceilings/skylites. 1st floor master suite. Loft overlooks greatroom with wetbar. $264,900 Ondrea Barnes 412-831-5555

Spacious move-in-condition brick Colonial on corner lot with exposed hardwoods in LR & DR. Lovely FR w/ fireplace, eat-in-kitchen. $249,900 Lynn Dempsey 412-833-5405

Multi level w/attractive floor plan, 4bd, 2.5 ba, gleaming hdwd floors, kitchen opens to familyroom, large lvl lot with sprinkler system! $229,900 Bart Hardy 412-344-0500

Roomy 4 Bedroom, 2 1/2 bath with newer roof, A/C, hot water and furnace. Separate office and finished basement. $199,900 Amy Thamert 412-833-5405

Great 4bd, 2.5 ba two story home! Custom entry, livingrm bay window, updated kit, familyroom fireplace and slider to multi-level deck! $199,900 John Geisler 412-344-0500

Home in great condition! Cape Cod featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 updated baths, neutral throughout, nice white kitchen with access to yard! $150,000 Anita Crago 412-344-0500

ÂŠ2010 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell BankerÂŽ is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned and Operated by NRT LLC.