SUMMER 2015 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY by UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Magazine

Summer 2015

Celebrate USC Community Day at Gilfillan Farm www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home

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

ROBBINS BOBBITT SALES DIRECTOR

BILL RUSSO VP & SW REGIONAL MGR

BONNIE BAGAY

LYNNE BINGHAM

CHRIS BUREK

MAUREEN CAVANAUGH

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BOB ELLISON

GIGI FALVO

GINA FONZI

KELLY FRAASCH

SHANNON GALLAGHER

JANET HENSLER

SUSAN HIGHLEY

DIANE HORVATH

FRANKIE JO KUNSELMAN

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MARIE MAGERAS

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PATTY MORGAN

ERIN MUSCIANO

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WENDY VESPA

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

David Glorioso, MD • David Limauro, MD • Mark Cedar, DO • Nicholas Bellicini, DO • Lisa Oliva, DO • Xuong Lu, MD

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

EALTH YOUR IS OUR PRIMARY CARE

A primary care physician is at the center of your good health. As one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals®, St. Clair offers a wealth of experienced, board-certified primary care physicians to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. To find a physician who’s right for you, please refer to the listings at right or visit us at www.stclair.org. S T. C L A I R H O S P I TA L

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1000 BOWER HILL ROAD

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M T. L E B A N O N ,

ST. CLAIR HOSPITAL PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS AND PRACTICES Rocco J. Adams, M.D., LLC 3000 Brownsville Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15227 412.884.8233 Rocco J. Adams, M.D. Adiba S. Ahmed, M.D. 2101 Greentree Rd., Ste. A-103 Pittsburgh, PA 15220 412.279.2020 Adiba S. Ahmed, M.D. Banksville Medical, P.C. 2508 Banksville Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15216 412.341.6650 Charles F. Diederich, M.D. Roy M. Beerel, M.D. 1370 Washington Pike, Ste. 206 Bridgeville, PA 15017 412.257.3395 Roy M. Beerel, M.D. Bhavank Doshi, M.D., LLC 1000 Bower Hill Rd., Ste. 312 Pittsburgh, PA 15243 412.381.1949 Bhavank V. Doshi, M.D. Fort Pitt Senior Health Care Associates 393 Vanadium Rd., Ste. 307 Pittsburgh, PA 15243 412.232.8494 John M. Prendergast, M.D. Internal Medicine/ Richard Gobao, M.D., LLC 393 Vanadium Rd., Ste. 307 Pittsburgh, PA 15243 412.279.5372 Richard A. Gobao, M.D. Shabbir Lakdawala, M.D. 2912 Glenmore Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15216 412.563.1132 Shabbir Lakdawala, M.D. Medi-Help 1691 Washington Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15228 412.835.6900 Bora Janicijevic, M.D. Nenad Janicijevic, M.D. Nikolai Zdrale, M.D. James M. Moretti, M.D. 2589 Washington Rd., Ste. 423 Pittsburgh, PA 15241 412.835.5304 James M. Moretti, M.D.

P E N N S Y LVA N I A 1 5 2 4 3

Prabhu Primary Care, P.C. 1050 Bower Hill Rd., Ste. 301 Pittsburgh, PA 15243 412.531.7330 Anil Prabhu, M.D. Nalina Prabhu, M.D. Preferred Primary Care Physicians, Inc. 102 Broadway Ave., Ste. 100 Carnegie, PA 15106 412.279.0320 William Bader, M.D. 1050 Bower Hill Rd., Ste. 202 Pittsburgh, PA 15243 412.572.6122 Barry Austin, D.O. Kimberly Anne Hewitt, D.O. Raman S. Purighalla, M.D. 1145 Bower Hill Rd., Ste. 204 Pittsburgh, PA 15243 412.276.3050 Khattar Aizooky, M.D. Mai Yousef, M.D. 1168 Washington Pike Bridgeville, PA 15017 412.257.2050 Nicolette E. Chiesa, M.D. Donald E. McFarland, D.O. 2375 Greentree Rd. Carnegie, PA 15106 412.276.1560 Frank A. Civitarese, D.O. Louis A. Civitarese, D.O., MMI David C. Garretson, D.O., FAAFP Michael J. Speca, D.O. 313 Barr St. McDonald PA, 15057 724.926.3320 Michael J. Speca, D.O 300 Fleet St., Ste. 100 Pittsburgh, PA 15220 412.920.0400 Richard J. Egan, Jr., M.D. Joshua B. Goldman, D.O. Ewa M. Hozakowska, M.D. 3400 South Park Rd. Bethel Park, PA 15102 412.835.6653 Uma Purighalla, M.D. 363 Vanadium Rd., Ste. 202 Pittsburgh, PA 15243 412.279.9900 John G. Yaros, M.D.

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412.942.4000

3928 Washington Rd., Ste. 220 McMurray, PA 15317 724.941.8877 Stephanie Colodny, M.D. Ashith Mally, M.D. Walter J. Robison, M.D. Supritha A. Shetty, M.D. 1039 Brookline Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15226 412.561.3452 Stephanie Colodny, M.D. Ashith Mally, M.D. Walter J. Robison, M.D. Supritha A. Shetty, M.D. 2000 Oxford Dr., Ste. 220 Bethel Park, PA 15102 412.831.1522 John L. Bobby, D.O. Kevin G. Kotar, D.O. Premier Personal Healthcare, Concierge Practice 2000 Oxford Dr., Ste. 440 Bethel Park, PA 15102 412.833.2233 Joel D. Warshaw, M.D. Lawrence J. Purpura, M.D. 1206 Brookline Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15226 412.344.8900 Lawrence J. Purpura, M.D. South Allegheny Internal Medicine, P.C. 2000 Oxford Dr., Ste. 302 Bethel Park, PA 15102 412.854.5491 John E. Popovich, M.D. St. Clair Medical Services DeGiovanni Montini Associates 717 Washington Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15228 412.341.7887 Lesley DeGiovanni, M.D. John Montini, M.D. Dobkin/Riccelli Associates 250 Mt. Lebanon Blvd., Ste. 306 Pittsburgh, PA 15234 412.563.5560 Larry A. Dobkin, M.D. Antonio M. Riccelli, M.D. Fatigati-Nalin Associates 3928 Washington Rd., Ste. 280 McMurray, PA 15317 724.731.0090 Nithin V. Bhandarkar, D.O. Nicholas P. DiTullio, M.D. Mario J. Fatigati, M.D. Nina M. Fatigati, M.D.

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5187 Library Rd. Bethel Park, PA 15102 412.835.4886 M. Sabina Daroski, M.D., FACP Joseph P. Endrich, M.D. James P. McDowell, D.O. 1025 Washington Pike Bridgeville, PA 15017 412.221.3377 Cynthia P. Butler, D.O. Nicholas P. DiTullio, M.D. Daniel B. Erlanger, D.O. Mario J. Fatigati, M.D. James P. McDowell, D.O. 733 Washington Rd., Ste. 401 Pittsburgh, PA 15228 412.343.1770 Cynthia P. Butler, D.O. M. Sabina Daroski, M.D., FACP Daniel B. Erlanger, D.O. Mario J. Fatigati, M.D. Robert E. McMichael, III, D.O. John E. Love, D.O. Family Practice 1626 Potomac Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15216 412.531.7020 John E. Love, D.O. Johnston Internal Medicine 2000 Oxford Dr., Ste. 302 Bethel Park, PA 15102 412.471.3061 Robert T. Johnston, M.D. Mt. Lebanon Internal Medicine 300 Cedar Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15228 412.561.1484 Karl E. Bushman, M.D., FACP Aimee K. Marmol, M.D. Carol Showalter Myron, M.D. David R. Sacco, M.D. Beth Ann Schneider, M.D. Sapna Vasudevan, M.D. Samuel Urick, D.O. 5482 Campbells Run Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15205 412.494.3339 Samuel Urick, D.O. G. Alan Yeasted, M.D., FACP 2000 Oxford Drive, Ste. 303 Bethel Park, PA 15102 412.572.6066 G. Alan Yeasted, M.D., FACP Anisa S. Yunus, M.D. 6000 Steubenville Pike, Ste. 103 Robinson, PA 15136 412.490.7440 Anisa S. Yunus, M.D.

W W W. S TC L A I R . O R G

21 Years

LOCAL Summer 2015 • Volume 21 • Issue 2 www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home

Features & Around the Township 10

Community Day 2015 Events and Activities

School District 31

School District Volunteers and Act 153

Fort Couch Athletics

Arthur St. Clair’s Contributions

Summer Job Shenanigans

Reflections Art Contest

usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us

Township 54

USC Makes the List

Park It!

USC VFD Fire Prevention Program

Owl Hooks Hearts

Rubik’s Cube Taking Boyce by Storm

Meet... the Rotary

Guides/ Directories 44 Pinebridge 46 Summer Fun 72 Home & Garden 84 Advertiser Index Photo Ops 13 Saddle Up St. Clair

Community Day Memories

42 USCHS’s Musical

Production Kiss Me, Kate

Cover

The cover of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is offered by the TODAY staff and the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair in conjunction with USC’s Community Day, and depicts a photo taken at Gilfillan Homestead in October 1962. See pages 10–15 for the day’s events, including activities at Gilfillan, and page 79 for the Historical Society’s late spring and summer events.

Town Hall South Lecture Series

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68 42 59 4

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2015

Publishers Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole Superintendent of Schools

The award-winning, official publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a not-for-profit community magazine 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. This year marks 21 years of our publication.

The 82nd 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.

Fall 2015 edition deadlines: Articles—June 18 Advertising—June 22

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 Dorothy Clark, Graphic Designer Alison Hess, Marketing Executive Lynn Dempsey, Advertising Executive Neena Jacob-John, Advertising Executive Laura Whitcomb, Advertising Executive Brittany Dudzinski, Intern

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY steering committee and staff members include Mark Mansfield, Paul Fox, Linda Dudzinski, Terry Kish, Colleen DeMarco,

Dorothy Clark, Alison Hess, Lynn Dempsey, Neena Jacob-John, Laura Whitcomb and Brittany Dudzinski.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a non-partisan Town-

The next issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY will be the Fall 2015 issue and will be published in August 2015. Articles that were submitted but not published in this issue are on file for consideration in upcoming issues. Articles and announcements may be sent to:

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine is published

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

ship, 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. 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. 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 above. Add $10 to cover international mailings.

Editor

1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 or email UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY at usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us.

Article Information

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

Advertising Information

Office Manager Colleen DeMarco phone: 412-833-1600, extension 2284 fax: 412-851-2592 Ad file submission: dclark@uscsd.k12.pa.us

Website www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home Email usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us Board of School Directors Frank J. Kerber, President Buffy Z. Hasco, Vice President Amy L. Billerbeck Barbara L. Bolas Harry F. Kunselman Louis P. Mafrice, Jr. Louis M. Oliverio Angela B. Petersen Rebecca A. Stern

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Township Board of Commissioners Robert W. Orchowski, President, Ward 3 Russell R. Del Re, Vice President, Ward 5 Nicholas J. Seitanakis, Ward 1 Rex A. Waller, Ward 2 Mark D. Christie, Ward 4 Glenn R. Dandoy, At Large Daniel R. Paoly, At Large

Summer 2015

Thank you to our volunteer contributors this issue: Judge Ronald Arnoni, Eva Barinas, Daniel Barr, Garrett Beard, Cindy Brophy, Janine Calabro, Fawn Moore Campbell, Mia Moran-Cooper, John D’Angelo, Cathy Davin, Dina Fulmer, Gigi Gerben, Justin Gremba, Mattie Groninger (YWG), Heather Holtschlag, Jennifer Lydon, Jay Lynch, Jim Meston, Jim O’Brien, Helen Palascak, R. W. Dick Phillips, Laura Reid Riggin, Jennifer Roberts, Gary Schafer, Jenn Schuler, State Senator Matt Smith, and Mary Lynne Spazok Young Writers Guild (YWG) promotes and encourages young writers in the Upper St. Clair School District to provide articles of interest for our community magazine. Email usctoday@uscsc.k12.pa.us to find out how your student can contribute. The 82nd issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a joint publication of the Township and School District of Upper St. Clair. © Copyright 2015. 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 Knepper Press 2251 Sweeney Drive, Clinton, PA 15026-1818 724-899-4274 Design by DMC Design 412-824-7844 • www.dmcdesign.com

Terry Abbott

Lynn Banbury

Frank Conroy & Florine Kelly

Kathy Corazza

Brian & Karen Cummings

Bob Dini

Wayne Freund

Judy Gelman

Kathy Hallberg

George Herrington

Liz Hoyson

Lori Maffeo

Elva Marotta

Bobbie Mikita

Barbara Kurdys-Miller

Heather Orstein

JoAnn Robb

Michele Schocker & Ruth Weigers

Kristin Shaw

Benny Smith

Judy Ward

Tony Mete Manager

Let us help you find your way home! Call one of our award-winning Mt. Lebanon Regional sales associates

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A Summer Note from the Publishers Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole

Matthew R. Serakowski

Despite mailing UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY to 100% of the Township’s residents and businesses each and every issue, our summer edition continues to get lots of online hits and more than the usual number of people stopping into the Township office to grab an extra copy. It might be because this issue showcases our upcoming Community Day and provides a peek into what we have planned for you. As this year’s theme suggests, “St. Clair Safari” should prove to be a roaring good time. Make sure to bring the whole family out for this full day of fun and Township camaraderie. See pages 10–15 for a list of the day’s events, and then choose what activities best suit you. As leaders of our community, we are continually focused on what is best for Upper St. Clair and its residents. The School District’s advancement of its academic rigors, arts programs, and athletic endeavors promoted at each of our school buildings and at each grade level is unparalleled. See page 32 to learn about the various sports that our seventh and eighth graders can participate in while at Fort Couch, and review the girls’ high school basketball season as told by one of our student writers on page 33. On page 36, read about our elementary and middle schools’ Reflections art contest results and about an upcoming art contest. There’s also a great article about a STEAM-themed created mosaic by our high school students on page 38. Upper St. Clair Halls of Fame, which identify distinguished USCHS graduates in academics, the arts, and athletics, is accepting nominations through May 31. Turn to page 34 to find out how to nominate a worthy candidate for this distinction. The Township is committed to its parks system, and we enjoy providing stories in this edition that share information about the improvements made to some of our parks this year (see pages 56–59). Our seniors are a very spry bunch. Read about their activities and many more Recreation Department offerings on pages 63–65. There might be a number of activities and events that pique your interest. Get involved and give one, or more, a try! Our Township library’s summer reading program for adults and kids alike is right around the corner. Get ready for summer reading by checking out the information on pages 67-69. Surely, there’s a lot to do right here in our community—both indoors and out—at this time of year. If you’ve not already made your way out and about to enjoy our Township’s many amenities, start with Community Day and keep on going! Our “Summer Happenings,” on page 81, list some of the activities that you might consider. Thanks for reading TODAY, and take advantage of the outdoor, warm-weather season by enjoying things found in our Summer Activities guide (see pages 46–51) and get some home improvement tips from our Home & Garden guide (see pages 72–76). Let the summer’s sun warm your spirit and invigorate your mind.

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

TODAY, the award-winning, official publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair 8

www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2015

usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us

Luxury One and Two Bedroom Apartments starting at $1205 per month 7 Floor Plans to Choose From Stainless Steel Appliances Granite Countertops Master Suites with Walk-In Closets Oversized, Private Balconies Elevators in all Buildings Private Garages and Storage Units 24 Hour Fitness Center Clubhouse Pool and Patio Professionally Managed On-Site Maintenance Pet Friendly

Brand Ne Now L w! easing!

The Clubhouse & Model Apartment are currently open for tours!

412.551.0520

www.TorrenteUSC.com 2565 Boyce Plaza Road Pittsburgh, PA 15241 Located near the intersections of Boyce Road and Mayview Road Summer 2015

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

USC Community Day Annual Community Day Schedule

Saturday, May 16, 2015 7:30–9:30 a.m. ............................................... Fair Booth Setup Recreation Center Parking Lot 7:45–8:15 a.m. ..................................Run for Fun Registration High School Stadium—Registration form on page 12 9 a.m. ..................................................................... Run for Fun High School Stadium Entrance (Truxton Drive) 9:30–11 a.m. ......................................... “Hottest Dog” Contest Stage Area—Pre–registration form on page 11 10:45 a.m. (approx.).................................Run for Fun Awards Race Tent 11 a.m. ........................................................... Bake Off Awards Stage Area (See page 11) 11 a.m.–3 p.m. ..............................Clair’s Kennel Open House 11 a.m.–4 p.m......................................................... Fair Booths Entertainment Stage Area Volunteer Fire Department Tours Main Station, Route 19 (See page 11) 11:30 a.m......................................................................... Parade Noon–3 p.m........................................ Log House Open House and Herb Sale Gilfillan Farm and Homestead Tours Safari Station Noon–4 p.m..................... Community Pickleball Tournament Basketball Courts Inflatable and Trackless Train Petting Zoo Pony Rides Behind Recreation Center 2 p.m...................................................................... Toddler Trot Founders’ Field (See page 11) 2–4 p.m........................................ Community Sand Volleyball 3 p.m..........................................................................Duck Race McLaughlin Run Creek

Shuttle Bus Parking Shuttle bus service will be available to the Municipal Building 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 • Fire Station Please be advised that permit parking only will be allowed in the Public Works parking lot on Truxton Drive. 10

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2015

See USC Community Day 2014 photo collage on page 13.

Planned Activity Descriptions: The Run for Fun will begin at 9 a.m. sharp! Complete the registration form found on page 12 to make your “day of” registration quick and easy. 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 8:15 a.m. Awards will be presented after the race. 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. 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. Community Pickleball and Sand Volleyball Tournament will provide fun for students and adults. Come watch and cheer on your favorites! Check out the Safari Station, open noon–3 p.m. The Log House will be open for tours after the parade. 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 re-enactors. The 1857 Gilfillan Farm House, will be open noon–3 p.m. for tours. The barnyard will be open noon-4 p.m. Activities will include wagon rides, cow milking, sheep shearing, and a baby farm animals petting zoo. The Inflatable and Trackless Train will be operating in the library parking lot, noon–4 p.m. Thanks to patron donations, these activities will be offered free of charge. The Petting Zoo 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 Duck Race, sponsored by the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair, will start at 3 p.m. Watch for information on adopting your duck or buy your duck at the Community Foundation booth on Community Day. Visit the Township website for details about a new Community Day opening event. 

St. Clair Safari

USC Community Day Upper St Clair Community Day 18th Annual Hottest Dog Contest! Proceeds will benefit Children’s Hospital Free Care Fund

Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department invites you to visit their main station on Washington Road on Community Day from 11 a.m. to until 4 p.m. Shuttle bus service will be provided.

Prizes

Date: 05/16/2015 Location: Stage Area

Prizes to the top three dogs in each category!

Time: 9:30–11:00AM Pre-register by: 05/13/15 Could your canine be USC’s:

Cutest Puppy? Best-dressed Dog? Cutest Dog? Most Talented Dog? Dog Most Resembling Its Owner?

Tours Demonstrations Activities for the kids

All dogs get a reward for participating!

Entry fee: $5.00 • All contestants must be residents of USC • Owners must provide proof of up-to-date shots record with entry. • Entries must be received by 5/13/15 • Entry fee must accompany your entry

For more information or to register email:

412-833-3600 www.howardhanna.com

Diane Horvath at dhorvath@howardhanna.com

Dog’s Name ____________________________________

Mail form and entry fee to:

Owner’s Name

Diane Horvath Howard Hanna 180 Fort Couch Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15241

Dog’s Breed ____________________________________

Address

Fax: 412-833-2075 Email: dhorvath@howardhanna.com

Please choose one competition category

Phone:__________________________ Email:_______________________

Up-to-date shot record attached: Yes

: Cutest Puppy ___ Best-dressed ___ Cutest Dog ___ Most Talented ___ Dog-owner Lookalike ___ Signature

Date

Signature of parent or guardian if under 18

Date

Toddler Trot

Attention Kids! 12th Annual USC Bake-Off! Community Day May 16th, 2015

Sponsored by Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services

Ages: Twelve months to four years (races grouped by age) Location: Founders’ Field (grassy area–look for the balloons)

Prizes awarded to 3 winners in each category plus a grand prize of $100! CATEGORIES

Race Course: (age-appropriate, short distances) Race time begins: 2 p.m. Register by: 1 p.m.

Most Patriotic Most Original Favorite TV Show, Movie or Book

Pre-registration/Waiver forms available at the Information Booth on Community Day.

Save the Date May 16th

Entries must be edible but will be judged on appearance, not taste. Pre-registration is required

This activity is free, but pre-registration is required.

For more information or to register call Lisa Davis at 412-833-5405.

REALTOR®

© 2015 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

Summer 2015

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

USC Community Day Community Day Run for Fun When: Saturday, May 16, 2015. 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 (by May 1):

Pre-registered runners should pick up their race packets between 8:15 and 8:30 a.m. on the day of the race at the high school track parking lot on Truxton Drive. Day of Registration: $10 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 8:15 a.m. Please arrive no later than 8 a.m. to allow sufficient time for registration and bring your completed “Day Of” registration form found below for a quicker registration process. No registrations accepted after 8:15 a.m. Awards will be presented at the end of the race at the Race Tent. Awards for first, second, and third place finishers in each category will be given and times will be posted at Community Day. Full results and times will be made available. Please check the Township website for future posting. Come run or walk for fun and exercise. Bring the whole family! No pets please! (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

USC Community Day Run For Fun “Day Of” Registration Form No registrations accepted after 8:15 a.m. Name_____________________________________________ Age as of May 16, 2015_____________

Sex____________

Address___________________________________________ Telephone Number_________________________________ Email (optional)____________________________________ $10 – Day of Registration Make checks payable to:

Upper St. Clair Community Day Bring this completed form with you to “Day Of” registration. T-Shirts - additional fee (availability limited) 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 12

(Parent/Guardian if Under 18 Years of Age)

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Date

Summer 2015

St. Clair Safari 2015 Volunteers Upper St. Clair School District: Danny Holzer, Director of Student Activities Sheila Lloyd, Assistant Director of Student Activities Student Volunteer Chairs: Overall–Ricky Alfera, Madison Shogry Auxiliary–Nick Toosi, Amna Amin Booths–Julia de la Parra, John Panos Entertainment–Ted Gialames Opening Event Parade–Ted Gialames, Adam Heil Parking Lots–Grant Evans, Max Schuler, Sophie Kennedy Pickleball Tournament–Rebecca Smith, Zoe Rankin Publicity–Katy Hall, Lauren O’Keefe Run for Fun–Cullen Murin, Maxwell DeYoung Sand Volleyball–McCoy Madson, Austin Cassidy T-shirts–Sarah McMurtry, Madison Serio Toddler Trot–Alice Evans, Nicole Joyce 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 Chaz McCrommon, Assistant Community Programs Coordinator George Kostelich, Director of Public Works Rich Botz, Superintendent of Operations Dave Kutschbach, Superintendent of Projects Douglas Burkholder, Chief of Police Glenn Ward, Upper St. Clair Public Access Television Other USC Groups: Upper St. Clair Historical Society, Gilfillan Homestead and Farm–Rachel Heins Carlson, Marjie Heins 1830 Log House Association–Kim Guzzi Community-at-Large–Bill Findle, Larry Lehman, Karen East, Kelli Sharkey-Winseck, Janine Gross, and others. A Community Day wrap-up, including a complete list of all patrons, will appear in the Fall 2015 issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. We thank our kind and generous patrons for their financial and in-kind support of Community Day 2015!

USC Community Day

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Here’ To Here’ss--To USC’ ’ ss 2014 USCl’ 2013 Community Day Community Day

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Summer 2015

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Genealogy, Goats, Mary Lynne Spazok

and

Glue

Gilfillan

An archetype of Americana, the Gilfillan Farm celebrates Upper St. Clair Community Day (which is also Armed Forces Day) Saturday, May 16. New for 2015 is “Finding Our Families, Finding Ourselves,” which chronicles the roots of Upper St. Clair through genealogy and is the first “G” in our article. Consider helping. Offer your vintage photos or documents, which will be scanned and methodically archived, and then returned to you. Every contribution is valued and will enrich this open-ended research. Upper St. Clair Historical Society president Rachel Heins Carlson asserts, “The pursuit of family origins tends to be shaped by kinship and the desire to carve out a place for one’s family delineation and preserve the past for future generations. To amass individual and civic data, genealogists employ oral interviews, historical records, genetic analysis, and other registers, including obituaries. The collective outcome includes charts and written narratives. Digital data from legacy software can significantly expand ancestral horizons. Start discovering today!” The second “G” is for those contrary goats and other animals that nibble incessantly. The always popular petting pen will showcase quirky quackers, loving lambs, and squawking turkeys who will entertain with their barnyard antics. Enjoy sheep shearing and dairy cow milking, and see the brute strength and power of the genteel Percheron draft horses. The goal is to endow children with confidence in their abilities and their decisions and creative choices. The farm is enchanting; be curious, wonder aloud, listen carefully, absorb new knowledge, and explore. The ever-popular Gilfillan Farm kids craft encourages independence and imagination. Therefore, the third “G” is for glue! Kids are invited to bring a 4" x 6" photo to create their very own picture frame. An assortment of foam farm animals will be available to enhance their creations. This memento is yours to keep and treasure. While smiling, laughing, and learning, preserve the memory of friends and family through photography. Unlimited photo ops at Gilfillan Farm include perching on an antique tractor or chatting with an authentic cowgirl and bronco buster. Whether your camera is disposable, digital, or through your smart phone, photography empowers. In a single moment, photography transforms a real life image into a historical artifact. Cameras are tools of exploration, passports to inner feelings, recorders of history, and, perchance, instruments of change. Whether flora or fauna, portrait or landscape, happy or sad, a photograph captures a memory. USC Community Day 2014 photos depict some awesome activities! Why don’t you share your art of photography at Gilfillan this year? Seize the perfect place, the perfect time, or the perfect angle, but remember your photo is uniquely yours! The Gilfillan Homestead is open Saturday May 16, noon–3 p.m., rain or shine. Handicap parking is off Orr Road at the entry lane; general parking is located at the garden area. n

The best thing about a picture is that it never changes, even when the people in it do.—Andy Warhol, Pittsburgh native, artist, filmmaker, biographer, (1928–1987).

For additional genealogy inquiries, email president@hsusc.org or phone 412-835-2050. For possible photo publication in UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY or HSUSC event anthology, email jpg format to mlsusc@aol.com, including names, dates, and locations. 14

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2015

This Community Day come take a ride back in time at

12-3 Farmhouse Tours 12-4 Barnyard Tours and Activities

The Gilfillan Farm

Join us for tours of this National Historic Place, genealogy presentations, a historic photo exhibition, cow milking, a petting zoo, kids crafts, garden activities, cookie sale and more!

The Historical Society of Upper St. Clair is looking to borrow historic photos of Upper St. Clair for scanning into the HSUSC collection. Contact HSUSC or bring your photos to Community Day. 1950 Washington Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 412-835-2050 events@hsusc.org www.hsusc.org www.facebook.com/HSUSC

Volunteer Fire Department Community Day Open House

Sparky, the Fire Dog

Join the members of the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department on Saturday, May 16, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. for their annual open house during Upper St. Clair’s Community Day celebration. The Community Day open Check out the fire department’s equipment during open house. house was such a success last year that the officers and members of the fire department decided to make this an annual event. Shuttle buses will again run between the McLaughlin Run Road Recreation Center and the fire department. Kids can enjoy time in the Sparky Bouncy House, visit with Sparky, the Fire Dog, watch demonstrations of equipment, watch a firefighter don and doff his protective equipment, and be amazed by fire extinguisher demonstrations. Firefighters will be on hand to answer questions that kids and adults may have. There will be videos on display and pictures of the fire department’s history spanning 75 years. Stop in and enjoy some fresh popcorn and get acquainted with the fire department facility and its members. n Fire extinguisher demonstration Summer 2015

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Arthur St. Clair’s Contributions R. W. Dick Phillips, Author, Historian

Arthur St. Clair’s contributions to America were awesome: forty years of exceptional military and public service. And that was after this fighting Scot had served five years as a British officer in Canada’s French-Indian war. There are many in Pennsylvania and 11 other states who know of Arthur St. Clair because his performance affected their area or their family in some way. In 1788, Upper St. Clair was named for this great patriot, as have many other communities, buildings, institutions, roads, parks, lakes, and waterways throughout the Midwest. Nearly two and one-half centuries ago, beginning with his retirement in western Pennsylvania, local families knew him, his accomplishments, and what he stood for. His reputation had been passed down through generations. He was dedicated to America’s fight for freedom and the concepts of honor, duty, and country. He always tried to do the right thing, regardless of the consequences, which were often heavy to bear. His American service began in Pennsylvania after he retired and moved his family from Boston to Bedford and acquired acreage in the Ligonier Valley for future family development. For 12 years he helped his neighbors fight off Indians and then served in various judicial positions to which he was appointed by Governor John Penn. But St. Clair grew tired of the excessive taxation by the British and their brutal treatment of the colonists and their families. So he met with President Hancock, renounced his former British allegiance, and accepted a commission as colonel in the Continental Army. He became the first Pennsylvanian to achieve the rank of Major General during the war. He was elected a Pennsylvania congressman in 1785 and became President of Congress in 1787, the year that both the U.S. Constitution and the Northwest Ordinance were debated and approved. History textbooks seldom, if ever, mention St. Clair, which may partly explain why the general public knows so little about him. This discovery launched six years of research and writing projects, which culminated with publishing the book Arthur St. Clair, The Invisible Patriot, which is only the third book written about him since 1882.

Shown is all that remains of Castle Girnigoe, circa, 1475. Located on the north coast of Scotland, it was the ancestral home of the St. Clair’s. 16

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Arthur St. Clair was one of America’s greatest patriots and founding fathers, and yet history gives him little credit. Part of this stems from the fact that despite many accomplishments, his do-the-right-thing attitude and outsideArthur St. Clair at 50, the-box thinking often by presidential artist Charles Willson Peale made him enemies. For a short while after retirement, his cousin, British Commander General Thomas Gates, recruited him to oversee the British forts and villages along the Forbes Road. The most active fort community was in Ligonier. But the assignment proved shortlived when the general decided to move his troops elsewhere and leave the settlers without protection. Left to his own devices, St. Clair recruited a volunteer army of rangers to help him solve the Indian problem. Governor Penn was so impressed with St. Clair’s initiative that he secured funds from his legislature to provide the Rangers with muskets and ammunition and an additional budget to pay the Rangers for their service, all of which was administered through St. Clair. When St. Clair finally resigned his British army commission, Governor Penn placed him in charge of all surveying for Cumberland County. This was followed by more than a half-dozen judicial appointments by Penn in Bedford and Westmoreland Counties, the last of which was as a magistrate in Westmoreland County. During his Pennsylvania years, St. Clair’s greatest nemesis was British Lord Dunmore, Governor of Virginia. The two were first set in conflict when St. Clair learned that Lord Dunmore was inciting the Indians to terrorize the settlers into leaving Pennsylvania. Years later, the governor’s agents tried to annex Fort Pitt and the three-rivers area for Virginia. They even changed the name to Fort Dunmore and informed the surrounding communities that they were now under Virginia law. St. Clair, a magistrate in Westmoreland County, had Dunmore’s agents arrested and jailed both times they took this action in 1774. An argument between governors ensued until the war broke out the following year, 1775. Because of his five-year experience with the British against the French in Canada, Colonel St. Clair’s first assignment was to recruit an army of Pennsylvanians and march to Montreal and provide relief to an American army whose Congress had grossly underestimated the British force when it ordered an attack. St. Clair found General Sullivan’s army trapped and created a strategy which extricated them. St. Clair soon earned promotion to Brigadier General and spent the remaining year leading retreating actions from the pursuing British across Canada. He was next ordered to recruit an army to assist General Washington, who had been retreating from the

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British in battle after battle throughout New York and New Jersey, to preserve the existence of his army and keep America’s fight for independence alive. This brings us to the most unrecognized performance of St. Clair’s career. During 1776, Washington retreated from nine battles, where he lost 90% of his army. To preserve what remained, he took them from Trenton across the ice-laden Delaware River into Newton, Pennsylvania, for protection. Washington was carrying the weight of the Declaration of Independence on his shoulders. In late December, St. Clair arrived with 2000 fresh troops he had recruited and trained. Washington assigned St. Clair to lead a brigade and, considering his experience, help him plan a strategy for an attack on the nearest British outpost being held by the Hessians in Trenton. In just nine days after Christmas 1776, Washington had won the next three battles, driving the British out of New Jersey. Washington immediately became known around the world as a great military strategist of the era, who had produced the greatest military turnaround in history. It is the opinion of some historians

and many of St. Clair’s fellow generals on Washington’s staff that St. Clair’s contributions brought a new energy to Washington and his men, sparking this great turnaround. Washington had been valiantly trying to keep his dwindling army in the fight. He had lost credibility with the British, and America’s Congress was ready to replace him with one of the generals who had been lobbying for his job. Surrender meant the end of the Revolutionary War. Many historians agree that, although a great leader of men, military strategy was not Washington’s strong suit in the early years of the war. However, St. Clair did have the experience and also knew the British habits. Other than Washington’s generals and Congress, whose plans had been dashed, few knew of St. Clair’s role. Washington soon promoted St. Clair to Major General because of his experience and performance in New Jersey. Washington’s early biographers have avoided mentioning St. Clair, or even that the great man was ever in such dire straits.

There are other stories about St. Clair and Washington which have either been unreported or misreported by history because they were inconvenient truths for Congress or their administration. n

The forts along Forbes Road

More details of these accounts and Author St. Clair’s life before, during, and after the Revolution can be found in the author’s book, Arthur St. Clair, The Invisible Patriot, available at Amazon.com and select Barnes and Noble stores and independent book stores. More information can also be found on the book’s Facebook page. Summer 2015

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

RONALD A. ARNONI, DISTRICT JUDGE District Court 05-2-20 Office: 412-835-1661; Fax: 412-835-4060 5100 West Library Avenue, Bethel Park, PA 15102

Judge Arnoni Discusses the Drug Problems in Our Community I feel honored to hold the seat of District Judge for the communities of Bethel Park and Upper St. Clair. Over the past year, I have presided over a variety of cases, including traffic violations, landlord-tenant issues, and civil suits. I have issued protection from abuse orders and search warrants. I have set bail and conducted preliminary hearings in misdemeanor and felony cases. This leads me to my subject for this article: drug abuse and the disturbing number of cases that appear in my courtroom as a result, both directly and indirectly. I feel a sense of responsibility to make every effort to reverse this trend. Prior to accepting the role of judge, I was a criminal investigator for the Office of Attorney General. We’ve had many successes in getting drug dealers off the streets. However, the drug epidemic continues to grow. Unfortunately, our South Hills communities are far from immune to the problem. Heroin has become so cheap and available that it often makes buying a six-pack of beer the more expensive proposition. Unlike most other available drugs, heroin is rapidly addictive. Add to that the growth of prescription drugs in the illegal drug trade and, suddenly, we see addiction among wage earners, retirees, students, and celebrities alike. As District Judge, my courtroom is the first place most addicts end up. Sometimes their parents bring them in because the parents don’t know where else to turn. Other times, they have been arrested for stealing money or lifting goods to sell on the street for cash. In some cases, they have embezzled from their employer in a desperate attempt to feed their habits. The trickle-down effect of drug abuse is that local businesses suffer from increased shoplifting and robberies and, unfortunately, home invasions are on the rise. I don’t pretend to have the magic answers to this epidemic. What I do know, however, is that working together as a community will have the biggest impact against drug abuse. First, each family needs to know exactly what drugs are in their medicine cabinet and whether or not they are addictive. Your pharmacist can help to answer your questions. Those drugs should be stored somewhere safe or, better yet, locked up whenever possible. Secondly, be on the lookout for missing items or money in your home or business. If you find that something is missing, report it immediately to the local police department. We need to find and get the perpetrators off the streets. Lastly, parents, talk to your children about drugs and drug abuse as early as grade school, know who their friends are, and be vigilant to changes in their behavior. I say this fully recognizing that adolescence can be complicated. Some of the traditional benchmarks, including mood changes, declining grades, and changes in appearance may indicate a problem. In my courtroom, I take a hard stance on drug abuse, especially drug distribution and dealing. My efforts are fully focused on helping our community reduce its number of victims. I welcome the opportunity to work with our local school districts to reinforce their existing drug education programs, and I am happy to speak to any interested local or civic group about my experiences in drug enforcement and my perspective as a judge in dealing with this issue. Listed to the right are some treatment center resources. n 18

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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Pennsylvania Treatment Centers Greenbriar Washington 724-225-9700 or 800-637-4673 21-, 28-, 30-day treatment programs 62 inpatient beds; detox center with 14 beds) White Deer Run (several facilities) Bowling Green, Brandywine, Allenwood 800-662-2438 or 610-268-3589 153 Beds Cove Forge 800-873-2131 or 814-832-2131 215 bed facility Eagleview Valley 800-255-2019 Transportation provided to/from facility Glenbeigh (affiliated with Cleveland Clinic) 1-800-234-1001 175 beds, which includes four quarter way houses for men and women Turning Point Franklin 814-437-1750 14- to 28-day programs, also extended care for up to 160 days 106 beds Alpha House Shadyside 412-363-4220 5-6 women’s beds, 18-19 men’s beds Six-month in house program Gateway Aliquippa 724-378-4461 21- or 28-day programs; 28 detox beds Harbor Light (Salvation Army) Northside 412-231-0500 Men’s facility only Gaiser Butler 724-287-8205 90-day program Valley Forge Medical Facility Norristown 610-539-8500 5- to7-day detox, 20-day rehab treatment Transportation can be provided Eagleview Valley Norristown 800-255-2019 280 beds

Drug and Alcohol and Mental Health Family Links 250 Shady Avenue (15206), 412-661-1800 2644 Banksville Road (15216), 412-343-7166 Mercy Behavioral Health Birmingham Towers, Suite 200, Southside, 412-488-4040 120 Reedsdale Street, Northside, 412-442-1900 Mon-Yough Corrections 120 Fifth Avenue, McKeesport (15130), 412-675-8585 Stockbridge Consulting 2550 Mosside Boulevard, Suite 212, Monroeville, 412-965-0050

Drug and Alcohol Gateway Rehabilitation Center 2121 Noblestown Road (15205), 412-928-5940 1360 Old Freeport Road, 412-963-7077 5818 Forbes Avenue (15217), 412-697-0928 3 Robinson Plaza (15205), 412-747-0390 Turtle Creek Valley Alternative 70 South 22nd Street, Homestead/ Bridgeville, 412-381-2100

Mental Health Turtle Creek MH/MR 723 Braddock Avenue, Braddock, 412-351-0222 East Pittsburgh (Munhall and Homestead), 412-461-1004 Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic Hazelwood, Oakland, Squirrel Hill, Hill District, 412-624-2000

Other Sources: Alcoholics Anonymous: 412-471-7472 Narcotics Anonymous: 412-391-5247 General information: 412-355-4457

STATE SENATOR MATT SMITH Mt. Lebanon District Office: Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 319 Castle Shannon Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15234 Phone: 412-571-2169 Fax: 412-571-2000 Peters Township Satellite: Tues & Thurs 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Peters Twp. Municipal Building, 610 East McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317 Phone: 724-942-7210 Fax: 724-942-7211 www.SenatorMattSmith.com Twitter: @SenMattSmith Facebook: SenMattSmith

Working to Downsize Pennsylvania’s General Assembly This legislative session I am pushing for a renewed focus on the size and cost of Pennsylvania’s General Assembly. Pennsylvania has the second largest legislature in the country. It is time we pass legislation to enable state government to most efficiently serve the people of this commonwealth. Building on a commitment that drove me to public service in 2006, I remain dedicated to reforming, modernizing, and streamlining the way state government operates. It is incumbent upon us as legislators to get our house in order before making the difficult fiscal decisions that impact hard working families. This is why I have supported, co-sponsored, and aggressively advocated for reducing the size and cost of the legislature. Downsizing the legislature would save tax dollars and improve efficiency without significantly altering the level of representative government in Pennsylvania. As the options for communication evolve, the current number of legislators is no longer necessary to adequately represent constituents. Residents can reach me via phone, mail, fax, my website, Twitter, Facebook, or in person at one of my offices in the district or in Harrisburg. I also hold various events and town halls in person, online, and via phone for constituents to interact and influence their government at their convenience.

Constituents contact me on this issue more than any other and broader public opinion overwhelmingly supports it. Additionally, this idea has historically had bipartisan support, particularly among the rank-and-file members elected in recent years. Progress can seem slow, but momentum continues to build and I am hopeful that we will see change on this front. This session, I’m proud to work again in a bipartisan way to advance this much needed reform and partnered with my colleague, Sen. Elder Vogel (R–Beaver/Butler/Lawrence Counties). We have introduced Senate Bill 488, which would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to decrease the State Senate to 45 members and the State House of Representatives to 153. Because this would change Pennsylvania’s Constitution, identical bills must pass in two consecutive legislative sessions and be approved by the public through a ballot referendum. The measure is currently before the Senate State Government Committee. Although I am no longer a member of this committee as I had been last session, I will continue to push my Senate and House colleagues to bring this proposal to a vote and, ultimately, to the voters for their opportunity to decide. As always, I welcome your feedback on this proposal or on any state issue. n

Get back to it.

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Summer 2015

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer Job Shenanigans Jay Lynch

Are you a teenager who dreads another summer flipping burgers, stocking shelves, bussing tables, or otherwise working for “the man” for slave wages? Here’s an alternative: start your own business! I’m not talking about the usual grass cutting or house painting gigs, I’m talking about capitalizing on demand driven by universal homeowner negligence and procrastination—driveway maintenance. Sound like a good idea? Consider my experience and then decide. Maybe McDonald’s isn’t so bad. In the summer after we graduated from USCHS in 1971, classmate Steve McNish and I had simple, 18-year-old male goals: make money, avoid traditional nine-to-five employment, chase girls, listen to loud music (The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, to name a few), and enjoy harmless fun-fueled behavior. Even though we knew next to nothing about driveway maintenance, we launched L&M Tar, a company that reflected the initials of our last names and was a play on words with a cigarette brand’s unappealing residue. The business might have been quite successful had our entrepreneurial ambition equaled our desire for fun. Here are some suggestions for those who might take a shot at this type of summer business: 1. Establish a credit line with the “Bank of Mom and Dad.” In order to patch holes, fill cracks, and apply sealer, you’ll need to buy materials and tools, which can be expensive. You’ll also need a vehicle, unless a parent wants to volunteer his or her car, ensuring its certain demise. Since you have no credit history or assets, you’ll need to convince your parents that a business formation loan and a cheap pickup are the best ways to show how much they love you. You’ll also get a chance to express what businesspeople call an “aspirational assertion” by telling your investors (parents) you’ll repay them, with interest, at the end of the summer. In our case, Mrs. McNish fronted the money to buy applicator brushes and enough sealer for our first job. My dad went a step further: he paid $350 for a 1948 Willys CJ-2A Jeep (the first commercial model made after WWII). It was a wonderful vehicle in the eyes of an 18-year-old boy. Three of its four cylinders worked well, the gearbox and four-wheel drive feature were intact, and all four tires (no spare) had a little tread. The lack of a back seat meant we had a great place to store and transport driveway sealer, equipment, and 50-pound bags of cold patch. Bonus features included a fold-down windshield, a winch mounted on the front bumper and a horn that sounded just like the Jeeps we had heard in TV shows like Gomer Pyle USMC and movies like M*A*S*H. The lack of seat belts added a sense of mild rebellion that fit our personalities. 2. Make sure your work vehicle is reliable. Although it was a very cool, historically significant vehicle, the Jeep couldn’t pass state inspection. Once again, we relied on parental goodwill, as my girlfriend’s step-father owned Quality Auto on Banksville Road, and was kind enough to let us use his garage and tools. Since neither of us had any automotive knowledge or skills, the mechanics at the shop found humor in our idiotic questions like, “Excuse me, sir, what does a spark plug look like?” and “I can’t see down the hole in the carburetor. Should I strike a match?” We earned a familiar greeting every morning when we arrived at the garage: “Well, if it ain’t the book-smart boys from Upper St. Clair.” Eventually, the mechanics took pity on us and grew tired of us taking up garage space. So, they made enough repairs for the Jeep to pass inspection. However, the starter remained unreliable, so we always tried to park on a hill and use the “clutchpopping” method to start the engine. On occasions when we had to park on a level street, we could push-start the Jeep with a little teen-power and dexterity. Since Steve was a lineman for the USC football team, he would push from behind and I would also push while holding the 20

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Summer 2015

steering wheel. When we reached sufficient speed, I would jump into the driver’s seat (there were no doors) and pop the clutch. Steve occasionally ended up in the cargo area when the Jeep lurched but didn’t start. 3. Rely on legal, ethical, and socially acceptable sales techniques. In addition to copyright infringement when we painted an oversized pack of L&M cigarettes on the side of the Jeep, we also used a few sales An invoice for L&M Tar, techniques that might not be acceptable dated June 14, 1971 today. Our favorite technique was to roam USC Township looking for asphalt driveways that were in bad shape. We would park the Jeep in front of the targeted home, hop out and head to the driveway, where we’d start slowly and carefully inspecting and measuring the driveway. We’d even sit on the asphalt and pick at potholes and cracks. Typically, a homeowner would come out of the house within 15 minutes to ask who we were and what we were doing on, and to, their driveway. Then, we’d deliver our sales pitch: “Mr. Smith, we were driving by and noticed the deterioration of your driveway. In our professional opinion, we give you two seasons, tops, before you need to completely replace your driveway, costing you thousands. However, we can postpone or maybe even eliminate that expense by patching, filling, and sealing your driveway this summer. We’ve examined your driveway and developed an estimate of $80. What day next week would work best for you?” We had very good success with this approach, except one occasion, when an older woman living alone called the police when she saw us camping out on her driveway with no apparent intent to leave. The police lectured us about property rights, trespassing, Township solicitation rules, and business licensing requirements, but found humor in our blatant disregard for the rules and imposed no fines. Our other sales approach was sticking flyers under car windshield wipers at the mall and at local churches on Sundays. The flyers weren’t very effective though, and resulted in a conversation my dad relayed to me. He was an usher at St. Thomas Moore Church and was called by Monsignor Rooney to ask if Jay Lynch was his son. Since it’s not good to lie to a priest, my dad said, “Yes, Father. Was he snoring at Mass again?” Father Rooney instructed my dad to remind me that God’s church, even His parking lot, were sacred places, which were not to be defiled by unholy documents. 4. Be realistic about your work ethic. Steve and I were very successful with our somewhat aggressive approaches to solicitation and could have easily scheduled two or three jobs a day. However, our tolerance for manual labor didn’t match our selling skills. So, instead of scheduling full days where we could have made lots of money, we scheduled one job a day and reserved the rest of the day for fun. In fact, when the summer heat became brutal, we even postponed a few jobs. Steve was very creative when it came to manufacturing reasons for why we had to delay work. One very hot and humid day, Steve called a customer to tell her we had to reschedule her work because the asphalt factory blew up, killing 14 people. Father Rooney wouldn’t have appreciated that one. Our typical work day included spending a whole afternoon on a job that should have taken us two hours, and then heading to St. Clair Beach, a swimming pool that was located where the Rossmoor neighborhood is today. After a dip in the pool, we’d spend most of the day’s profit on incidental junk and then head to the woods behind Baker School (where Boyce Mayview Park is today) where we would take turns driving the Jeep off road, in and out of streams and over bushes and small trees. Its winch came in handy when we had to pull it out of ditches, and it was light enough that we could push it back on its wheels when we rolled it over. Even better, Steve had a portable cassette player that blasted Black Sabbath to enhance the chaos.

5. Prepare to lose your girlfriend. Steve and I learned that our USCHS girlfriends didn’t share our enthusiasm for spending money as fast as we made it, leaving little for movies, restaurants, or pleasant summer picnics. They also grew tired of sweaty, tar-covered boyfriends with no more ambition in life than to romp in the woods in a filthy WWII era Jeep. However, as a relationshipending gesture, Steve’s girlfriend made a nice decoupage of our sales flyer, which was used in college as a base for a Matéus Rose bottle covered with candle wax, a popular dorm room decoration in the ’70s. 6. When a silo operator smirks, brace yourself. By mid-summer, we began to dread the patching process. We were using 50-pound bags of “cold patch” to fill potholes, which also required monotonous and tiring tamping with a heavy tool, followed by endless waiting for the patch to harden before we could apply sealer. The easier approach would be to use “hot patch,” like the process you may have seen when municipal trucks fill potholes quickly. The downside of using hot patch is that you have to pick up the material at an asphalt plant and quickly drive it to a job site before it cools and hardens. One of our customer’s driveways had a very large pothole that would have required many bags of cold patch, so we decided to try the hot patch approach. We emptied the Jeep’s cargo area and laid out Hefty bags to catch the hot patch and protect the rest of the Jeep from asphalt residue. Then, we proceeded to the Bridgeville asphalt plant on Presley Road. The plant protocol was based on the assumption that customers have large municipal, PennDOT, or commercial dump trucks. The trucks waited in line and then pulled into a loading area that contained a truck scale platform beneath a very large hopper full of hot asphalt. The operator’s station was a large cubicle beside the scale. When a truck pulled beneath the hopper, the operator weighed the truck and asked how much hot asphalt the driver would like to buy. He then would pull a lever that opened a chute high above the truck that emptied asphalt into the truck’s bed. Steve and I got in line. Our tiny Jeep sandwiched between gigantic trucks was a little intimidating. When our turn came, we pulled the Jeep onto the scale and positioned the cargo area directly beneath the hopper. The operator gave us a look of astonishment, followed by a sly grin, and said, “How much, boys?” I said, “Fifty cents worth, please.” The operator said, “OK, boys, but you better get out of the Jeep. Come on in.” So, we joined the operator as he rapidly pulled and pushed his lever, which opened the chute for only a second or two. That amount of time was long enough to dump a mountain of hot asphalt on the cargo area of the Jeep, and the rest of it, as well. The operator thought this was hilarious. He handed us shovels and told us if we didn’t get the asphalt and the Jeep off his scale in ten minutes, we’d have to deal with an angry mob of truckers. We went to work, frantically digging out the wheels and enough of the driver’s seat to get to the steering wheel and push the Jeep off the platform. The drivers in line enjoyed our misfortune and likely remember it (with a laugh) to this day. After we moved the Jeep out of the way, we continued digging the asphalt before it hardened. The Hefty bags, of course, permanently melted to the cargo area. Exhausted when we finished, we went back to the operator’s booth to return the shovels and apologize for our stupidity. When we turned to leave, the operator said, “Wait, boys. Where’s my fifty cents?” L&M Tar was in business for two summers and was one of the most entertaining capitalist endeavors I ever experienced. Steve and I made a little money for college expenses and made good on our promise to pay Steve’s mom back for her initial investment. We were also able to repay my dad by selling the asphalt encrusted Jeep to A photo of Paris Lake in the 1940s, a collector who, thankfully, just wanted its parts. where cottages were built and families So teens, there you have it. If tarring driveways in the vacationed. Paris Lake became St. Clair manner undertaken by Lynch and McNish still sounds Beach in the 1970s, which is now Upper St. Clair’s Rossmoor neighborhood like a good idea, Father Rooney’s successors will be happy development off Hays Road. to counsel you. n Steve McNish, a USCHS ’71 graduate who still doesn’t change spark plugs, went on to earn his MD. He practices medicine in Little Rock, Arkansas. Jay Lynch, a USCHS ’71 graduate and USC resident, is a business consultant who tenaciously can outwait a prospective client’s waiting room, refusing to leave until he gets what he came for. Contact Jay at bkefather@yahoo.com with your thoughts about this article and your memories of USC. Summer 2015

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Vegan Out

A Healthier U(SC)

Heather Holtschlag

Lately, everywhere we look, veganism is making headlines, and for a variety of reasons. Individuals, particularly athletes, are turning to this type of lifestyle to feel healthier and more energized, ward off disease, aid the environment, lose weight, and protect animals. But can you maintain optimal nutrition levels on a vegan diet, particularly if you perform intense workouts or participate in athletic competitions? Are vegans missing crucial elements in their diets, and how can they ensure adequate consumption? “A vegan diet is a type of vegetarian diet that excludes all animal products—eggs, fish, meat, poultry, milk, cheese, and any other dairy products—and possibly honey,” said Barbara Benedict, RD, Upper St. Clair resident, clinical dietitian at the Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh, and a staff dietitian for the Health Science Department at Duquesne University “The main difference between vegans and vegetarians is that everything in a vegan’s diet is plant based.” Upper St. Clair resident April Delaney is a fitness instructor at the C&RC and St. Clair Fitness and Racquetball Club. She turned to veganism about a year ago and was a vegetarian for about 15 years prior to that. “I have ulcerative colitis. Being a vegan has not only helped me feel better while managing that condition, I feel healthier, too,” April said. “I just feel better when I don’t eat meat.” April teaches four classes a week and runs and weight trains on the days she does not teach. She said she does not feel as if her diet is lacking in any way, even with the intense cardio workouts she often performs. “I get protein in many ways,” she said. “I buy a pea plant protein, and combine that with frozen fruit and almond milk to make smoothies. I also get protein from the vegetables I eat and from foods like quinoa and almond butter spread on rice cakes.” Though April ensures she gets adequate amounts of protein in her diet, other vegan athletes may find themselves lacking in protein, along with other key substances, namely Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, calcium, and iron. “The nutritional challenges of athletes (and non-athlete vegans) are the risk of lower than recommended intake of these important nutrients,” Barbara explained. According to Barbara, to overcome these nutritional challenges, the following is recommended:

• Protein: Protein can be found in both plant and animal foods. It is not necessary to combine specific plant foods in order to make a complete protein. Adequate protein intake can be consumed by simply eating a wide variety of foods and enough calories throughout the day. The following are good sources of protein: whole grains, lentils, beans, tofu, nuts, seeds, tempeh and peas, and corn, rice, or potatoes. • Calcium: Vegans pay attention to their daily calcium needs— the equivalent of three cups of milk or yogurt a day—by using plant sources of calcium: dark leafy greens (spinach, kale, mustard, collard, and turnip greens and bok choy), broccoli, beans, dried figs, sunflower seeds, calcium fortified juices, cereal, and cereal bars. Many soy products are also fortified with calcium. Calcium supplements are also an option. • Vitamin D: We need Vitamin D to help our body absorb and use calcium. Very few foods are naturally high in Vitamin D, which is why many dairy products are fortified with Vitamin D. Many soy-based products are also fortified with vitamin D. Your body can make Vitamin D, but only when the skin is exposed to adequate sunlight. Therefore, vegans who do not consume fortified soy products or who do not receive regular direct exposure to sunlight should consider taking a Vitamin D supplement. • Iron: Iron can be found in iron-fortified breakfast cereals and breads, naturally in dark green vegetables (spinach and broccoli), dried fruit, prune juice, blackstrap molasses, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and soybean nuts. Vitamin C helps to enhance the absorption of iron so consuming citrus fruits or juices and tomatoes or green peppers can help the body absorb the iron from these plant sources. Also cooking food in an iron pot or pan can increase your iron intake. • Vitamin B12: This vitamin is only found in animals and by bacteria in soil. Vegans should consider consuming Vitamin B12 fortified soy milk or taking a multivitamin-mineral supplement that contains Vitamin B12. Inadequate Vitamin B12 intake can cause development of a type of anemia. “The main concern for vegan athletes is assuring that they are consuming enough food to meet their higher calorie needs,” Barbara noted. “A vegan athlete is able to train and workout the same as a non-vegan athlete and the same rules apply. They should ensure Lentil Burgers adequate calorie and protein intake and hydration and refueling Ingredients: 1 medium celery stalk, finely after a workout or competition. As with any athlete, adequate calo1 small onion, chopped chopped rie consumption that includes a wide variety of foods containing 1/2 cup dry short-grain brown 1 small carrot, finely chopped protein, fat, and carbohydrates is essential. The body simply does rice 2 teaspoons stone-ground not function properly when working out or competing when any 1/2 cup dry lentils mustard nutrient is restricted or eliminated from one’s diet,” she continued. 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon garlic powder April believes she is getting proper nutrition in her diet. “A 2 cups water Vegetable oil spray benefit of eating healthy and eating no animal byproducts is that I Directions: very rarely get sick,” she said. In medium saucepan, combine Lightly coat large, non-stick Barbara advises that anyone considering making a switch to vegonion, rice, lentils, salt, water. skillet with vegetable oil spray. Bring to slow simmer. Cover Cook patties over medium heat, anism take it slowly. “Make gradual dietary changes. Choose whole grain products, including whole grain bread, brown rice, whole and cook for about 50 minutes four minutes per side, or until or until rice and lentils are lightly browned. grain pastas, and whole grain cereals, instead of refined or white tender and all the water has Nutrition per serving: grains. Eat a wide variety of foods and limit intake of sweets and been absorbed. Calories: 89 foods high in fat. Use a regular source of Vitamin B12 and Vitamin Add carrot, celery, mustard, and Fat: 0.6 g D, especially if you don’t spend much time in the sun,” she said. n garlic powder to hot lentil mixture. Mix. Chill completely.Form chilled mixture into 3-inch patties. 22

Protein: 4.3 g Carbohydrates: 17.3 g Makes eight 3-inch burgers.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2015

Source: Foods That Fight Pain by Neal Barnard, M.D.; recipe by Jennifer Raymond, M.S., R.D.

Thwarted passion Inspirational courage Astonishing humanity Erupting laughter Unexpected tenderness Extraordinary wonder

Theatre + Emotion = The Little Lake Experience! Come Feel It ALL With Us during our 67th Season! Attend any one Opening Night performance for full price & bring a friend for just $1. Visit www.littlelake.org/usc or call 724.745.6300 and mention this ad. Little Lake Theatre Company, 500 Lakeside Drive South, Canonsburg, PA 15317 Summer 2015

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

The Case of the Fluffy Rug Jim O’Brien

I hate being caught doing something stupid. It’s difficult to elude detection at my house, however, because living with my wife, Kathie, is akin to sharing an abode with Jessica Fletcher. You may recall that Jessica Fletcher was the mystery writer who solved every murder that occurred wherever she went in the TV series Murder, She Wrote. I always thought she should have been the number one suspect since people were always dying wherever she showed up. As of August 12, Kathie and I will have been married 48 years, the longest I’ve held onto any job in my lifetime. I sometimes feel like I’m still at basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, though, learning tactics to keep from getting hit by one grenade after another. Kathie likes to get rid of things, and I am a saver. Sometimes I hide things that she’s told me to throw away. No matter where I put them, no matter how far back in the garage, she finds them, usually within the same day. I can’t slip anything past her. I don’t know why I even try. I recall one day, for instance, when I did something daft. I was multi-tasking too early in the morning, I suspect. While in the kitchen, I poured milk into a bowl of cereal and then answered a phone call. When I finally came back my bowl of cereal, it was too soggy to eat, so I threw it down the sink drain. I went upstairs to the bathroom and turned on the hot water in the sink. I usually let it run a while to get real hot, better for me to shave with. I got another phone call and I left the bathroom and headed for my office. What I didn’t notice was that the plug was placed in the bathroom sink. I talked on the phone for quite some time, and then turned to my office computer and started typing something. After a while, I heard a strange sound in the distance, something like “tick, tick, tick.” I paused at the keyboard to listen more intently. A fly banging off the hallway walls? I left my office and climbed to the top of the stairs. I returned to my office and my keyboard when I could not hear it. While I typed, I could hear it…a faint “tick, tick, tick.” In truth, however, it began to sound like “drip, drip, drip.” Leaving my office desk, I went back upstairs to the bathroom and the sound became very clear, indeed! Hot water was spilling out over the sink and onto the tile floor. I turned the faucet off and quickly opened the drain. I ran into to the hall to get a roll of paper towels and began to mop water on the top of the sink. Then I started toweling my brow, which was wet with sweat. I proceeded to dry the bathroom’s tile floor and noticed that that edge of a white throw rug was wet, so I wrung it out over the sink. There were two plastic baskets full of Kathie’s cosmetics under the sink that also got wet. I toweled them off, too, and put the baskets back under the sink. I drew a mental map of where everything was placed in the basket and took care to put things back in the same position I found them. I spent a half-hour drying everything in sight. All the while I was doing this, I kept thinking that somehow, some way I would leave something behind that would allow Kathie to catch me doing something stupid. I carried the throw 24

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2015

rug downstairs and put it in the dryer for a few cycles. Then I placed it on a drying rack and set it near the window, where the sun would shine on it. Water had also dripped from the bathroom onto the foyer floor below. I toweled that up, too, making sure there was no evidence of water. I succeeded in that endeavor. I went back upstairs and went over the entire area again with a fine-tooth comb before Kathie got home from shopping. Our good friend, Alex Pociask, was scheduled to stay with us that night and he arrived at our house the same time as Kathie. While Kathie went upstairs, Alex stayed in the kitchen with me. I confessed to Alex what had happened and swore him to secrecy. Kathie came downstairs and into the kitchen. “What happened up in the bathroom?” she asked. “What are you talking about?” I said, appearing innocent of any wrongdoing. I glanced sideways at Alex and saw him roll his eyes. He did it behind Kathie’s back, though, so she wouldn’t notice his theatrical response. “The waste basket is full of soggy paper towels,” she began. “My cosmetics are out of place under the sink, the baskets are in different places, and…”—I held my breath—“… the rug is fluffy, so I know you put it in the dryer.” The rug is fluffy! I looked at Alex, who couldn’t contain his huge smile. The rug is fluffy. Who would notice that? At that point, I realized I had no chance. Kathie’s three clues sealed my fate. I’m sure that Alex had fun telling his wife, Sharon, about the incident. Oh well, I enjoy making people laugh regardless of the subject matter. Alex witnessed another example of Kathie catching me trying to sneak one past her. Kathie had told me not to fool around with the blinds on this one particular window in the front of the house. The threading had gotten thin in one spot so that the blinds didn’t always sit straight. I forgot her warning one day, however, and tried to raise the blinds to let in some sunlight. The blinds dropped on the one side and were crooked. Painstakingly, I fumbled with them to get them back in order and horizontal. Alex and I were again sitting at the kitchen table when Kathie came through the door. “What happened to the window blind?” she said. My ears picked up on her word “blind,” not “blinds.” I would have preferred a “Hi, honey, how was your day?” But, not this time. “What are you talking about?” I said, using a line I say more often these days, blaming it on my advancing age. Alex just smiled and waited to see what Kathie would say next. “The blind is crooked,” Kathie declared. “How did you see that?” I asked. “I saw it when I was coming up the driveway,” she said. Who’d be looking for something like that after spending a pleasurable afternoon shopping at South Hills Village? What mystery will Kathie solve next? I’ll keep you posted. As with Murder, She Wrote, mine is a TV soap opera with a telling outcome. n Visit jimmyobriensportsauthor.com to learn more about Jim O’Brien’s new book, Golden Arms: Six Hall of Fame Quarterbacks from Western Pennsylvania.

Meet…

the Upper St. Clair/Bethel Park Rotary Club

In this issue, TODAY introduces you to the Upper St. Clair/Bethel Park Rotary Club (also known as the Breakfast Rotary). Each Tuesday morning at 7 a.m., members of this group gather at Kings Family Restaurant on McMurray Road in Upper St. Clair for their weekly meeting. Rotary president John Biedrzycki said their 43 members are a diverse group of mostly employed and self-employed businessmen and women who want to help each other and the community. And for the past 35 years, the USC/BP Rotary has helped many people and organizations, including the South Hills Interfaith Ministry (SHIM), Westminster Church, Nyadire Connection with Christ United Methodist Church, Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh, and Upper St. Clair High School’s Leadership Academy, and also provided Natalie Mihalek greets guests at the Chicken BBQ. scholarships to Upper St. Clair and Bethel Park High School students. Shown working the Chicken BBQ are some USC/BP Rotary members. One of the Rotary’s most well-known activities is its annual Chicken BBQ (See article in the spring 2015 issue of TODAY, page 79), but this year, the Rotary is tackling another big project—Upper St. Clair’s Thursday evening farmers’ market. John explained that the Lions Club was having difficulty staffing the farmers’ market, and that they contacted the Rotary to take the reins for this popular local event. Planning meetings are underway, and John said that the Rotary hopes to retain the current vendors and to enhance the mix with some new and exciting additions. He said they would like to bring in more vendors that offer prepared food for grab-and-go dinners for busy families. Another new event sponsored by the Upper St. Clair/Bethel Park Rotary is the Barnyard Beer Benefit to be held at Gilfillan Farm and scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 7–11 p.m. The benefit features craft beers, music, and a silent auction, with all Rotary will take over hosting the summertime Thursday evening proceeds from the event going to the Gilfillan farmers’ market held at the Westminster parking lot. Farm restoration project. The $50 ticket price includes food and beverages; there is also a $35 designated driver admission. Come join the Rotary as it celebrates 35 years in the community! The USC/BP Rotary is always looking for new members, and John invites USC residents to join the group for a couple of meetings at Kings to learn more about the organization. As John says, “Rotary is a great way to provide service within the community and to get to know your neighbors!” n

Grilling for the Chicken BBQ

For more information about the Upper St. Clair/Bethel Park Rotary, contact John Biedrzycki at john@steelcitylawyer.com or by calling 412-400-0578. Summer 2015

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

WHAT DOES THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION DO? The Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair has been a vital part of the Upper St. Clair community since its formation in 1993. The largesse of our many donors and partners have kept ‘community’ in the Community Foundation. The reason that the Community Foundation has been able to support initiatives focusing on the mission of “creating a sense of community through enhancing the quality of life for all the people of Upper St. Clair” is because so many of our residents participate in giving. The 2014 Annual Solicitation produced a wonderfully generous result that will enable the Community Foundation to continue reinvesting in Upper St. Clair – Thank You! The Foundation's reinvestments in the community are proudly listed at cfusc.org for your review. To sample a few — some of which may jog memories — the Community Foundation has been successful in supporting: Arts: bringing the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and POPS to our community on many occasions, making this the South Hills home of the River City Brass Band concerts, sponsoring jazz concerts, supporting the acoustic shell and acquiring a Steinway Concert Grand Piano for the High School Theater, securing a grand piano for the new Boyce Middle School Theater through the generosity of Sue Garnhardt, and participating in a partnership that culminated in the performance of the Verdi Requiem in the High School Theater. Science and Technology: developing one of the first electronic weekly newsletters MainStreetUSC, providing linkups for amateur radio contact between Middle School students and NASA’s AmericanRussian joint space shuttle flight, sponsoring “Techno-Expo” to showcase the technology of the future, supporting the “North American Marsville Project” for Boyce Middle School, purchasing equipment for Campus News at the High School thereby activating Channel 19, working with Rep. John Mahr to secure a grant for teleconferencing cameras and related equipment for the School District, and actively assisting in the establishment of the Regional Environmental Education Center now known as The Outdoor Classroom. Lifelong Education: administering six scholarship accounts, sponsoring “Celebrate the Arts” a symposium with a focus on promoting fine and performing arts education, supporting “Becoming a Competitive College Applicant”, funding a grant to start a Robotics Club at the High School, initiating adult classes through the CF QUEST program, approving a grant request from High School Teacher Todd Flynn to fund the “Greatest Generation USC War Memorial”, sponsoring the Pennsylvania flag pole at the Veterans Memorial Park, funding the High School Mentoring Program, sponsoring the “Celebrate Our Schools” Gala events, and funding a grant for the “Camo Night T-Shirt” start-up project of SHOP@USC. Recreation and Leisure: providing funding for Casey’s Clubhouse at Miracle Field, supporting USCHS athletics through program ads, approving grant funds for a variety of athletic equipment from cheerleading mats to fitness equipment, initiating Bocce and Fly Fishing clubs, sponsoring Family Fit Night for Middle School families, hosting the annual outdoor “Family Movie Night”, and offering the CF Book Club.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2015

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION 17th Annual Community Day Duck Race Saturday, May 16, 2015

Sponsored Events ~ Past & Future

The 6th Annual Free Outdoor Family Movie

Big Hero 6

3:00 P.M. Watch for information on future events

Thursday, August 20, 2015 C&RC Multi-Purpose Field at dusk

CF Book Club

The 3rd Annual Oktoberfest & Craft Beer Tasting October, 2015 Details to follow

March 12,2015

Janu

ary

2015 ,15

A “Night At The Races” May 2, 2015 November 12th, 2014

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY wishes all USC residents a roarin’ good time at St. Clair Safari

Your Satisfaction is My Goal!

21 Years

LOCAL

Diane Horvath, GRI, CRS

Let my 25+ years of experience go to work for you!

We all want to do more for our community. We make informed decisions about what we buy. AND, we support our local community when we can. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is our local magazine, run by USC residents for USC residents. Anything else is from somewhere else. Fair Booths open 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Plan to spend the day.

• Top Producer • Member of Top 1% of Realtors Nationwide • Listing and Sales Leader • Relocation Specialist

Office: 412-833-3600 ext. 219 Cell: 412-491-6984 dhorvath@howardhanna.com Howard Hanna–USC Office 180 Fort Couch Road Pittsburgh, PA 15241

Summer 2015

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

12th Annual !

Becoming a Competitive College Applicant!

The Community Foundation of USC partners with the USCHS Counseling Department each year to present

Becoming a Competitive College Applicant, which has become a

favorite of 8th - 11th grade students and parents. !

!This annual event coincides with the College Fair at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, making it possible to host representatives from a variety of colleges and universities.! This year’s representatives were from Elon University, American University, University of Kentucky, University of Dayton, and Syracuse University.!

!This year’s meeting was on February 4th. Watch for next year’s in February 2016.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2015

Choices...

enable us to tell the world who we are.

rovidence Point, Pittsburgh’s premier retirement community, introduces Choices—a future residency program that immerses you in our unique retirement lifestyle, at a level you choose, prior to making a firm commitment. Try our exquisite dining... Treat yourself to spa services... Meet future neighbors... Enjoy! Experience your best Choice for senior living.

Call 412.489.3550

to learn more, to attend an event, or to schedule your personal tour.

500 PROVIDENCE POINT BOULEVARD PITTSBURGH, PA 15243 WWW.PROVIDENCEPOINT.ORG Celebrating five years of service to seniors. A Baptist Homes Society community

Screening is Essential in Preventing and Detecting Colorectal Cancer St. Clair Hospital gastroenterologist Robert E. Flanigan, M.D. is board-certified in both internal medicine and gastroenterology and treats patients with a broad range of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The West Mifflin native and current Peters Township resident is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and completed a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in gastroenterology at Mercy Hospital, where he also served as chief resident for the internal medicine service. In his practice, G.I. Specialists, Inc., located in the St. Clair Hospital Professional Office Building, he and his partner, Robert J. Pagano, M.D., treat patients with Crohn’s Disease, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, celiac disease, reflux, pancreatitis, gall bladder disease, liver disease including cirrhosis, and colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, says Dr. Flanigan, and the key to prevention is screening. “Screening, usually with colonoscopy, enables early diagnosis and treatment,” he explains. “A screening colonoscopy allows us to see the entire colon, which is where most bowel cancers occur. With colonoscopy, we’re able to find and remove polyps, abnormal growths on the colon wall, which can become cancerous.” According to the National Cancer Institute, there are 48,000 deaths from colorectal cancer in the U.S. every year. It is a common cancer and a deadly one—it’s the second leading cause of death from cancer. Although most colon cancers have no symptoms, when symptoms, which may include rectal bleeding and changes in bowel habits, do occur, the cancer tends to be far advanced. Current recommendations are to have a colonoscopy at age 50 and then every ten years thereafter. Earlier or more frequent screening may be required if there are high-risk factors, such as a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer. “Age and family history determine the time to begin screening and the frequency of

testing,” Dr. Flanigan explains. “People should consult their primary care physicians to discuss their individual needs. The most important point is to have some form of screening done.” Although most people are aware that colonoscopy is the ideal screening tool for colorectal cancer, many still resist undergo- Robert E. Flanigan, M.D. ing the procedure. Their objections may be based on fear of pain, anxiety about being sedated, or aversion to the preparation phase of colonoscopy. “The prep has become easier,” Dr. Flanigan says. “But it can’t be avoided. If the prep is inadequate and there is retained stool in the colon, the lesions or polyps can be missed.” Fortunately, there are alternatives for those who are unable or unwilling to undergo an invasive procedure, and although these are not quite as effective as colonoscopy, they are still useful and worthwhile. These screening exams include CT colonography and flexible sigmoidoscopy. Stool tests, including the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), can detect the presence of blood, and a newly approved test known as Cologuard combines FIT along with genetic analysis of fecal DNA, which makes it an effective test. “With colonoscopy, we can not only find but also remove precancerous polyps,” Dr. Flanigan says. “The other tests are options and you may prefer to have one of them. The most important point is that it’s essential to have some type of screening; the worst choice is to do nothing. Regular screening for cancer is an essential element of a healthy lifestyle.” n To contact Drs. Flanigan and Pagano, call 412-572-6951. See St. Clair Hospital ad on pages 2 and 3. Summer 2015

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

SD Upper St. Clair School District Board of School Directors

Frank J. Kerber President 412-833-4873 2017*

Louis P. Mafrice, Jr. 412-851-0622 2017*

Buffy Z. Hasco Vice President 412-833-5712 2017*

Louis M. Oliverio 724-941-4584 2015*

Amy L. Billerbeck 412-833-2712 2015*

Angela B. Petersen 412-831-7182 2015*

*Date indicates expiration of term.

Barbara L. Bolas 412-833-9841 2015*

Harry F. Kunselman 412-851-1115 2017*

The 2015 regular meetings of the Upper St. Clair Township Board of School Directors are held at 7 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month at the Central Office Board Room, unless otherwise noted. No regular meeting is scheduled for July.

Rebecca A. Stern 412-220-0745 *Date indicates expiration of term. 2015*

School District Detailed Monthly Calendar—Visit www.uscsd.k12.pa.us.

Random Acts of Kindness Week

During the second full week in February, Boyce Middle School celebrated Random Acts of Kindness Week, an international celebration dedicated to reminding students about the importance of doing kind acts for others. Thousands of schools all over the world participate each year. Activities for the fifth and sixth grade students included: • Participation in a kindness activity during guidance class. Some examples of the activities included decorating Giant Eagle bags with uplifting messages, drawing pictures for the Color a Smile organization, and writing thank you cards to Upper St. Clair elementary teachers. • Students were challenged to do at least one kind act for a classmate, a Boyce staff member, a family member, or for their community. Examples included saying “please” and “thank you” to the lunch ladies, inviting someone new to sit with the student at lunch, and organizing a group of friends to pick up trash in one of our Township parks. • Each classroom had a SPPRAK board (Special People Performing Random Acts of Kindness). Students and teachers wrote kind acts that they witnessed on Post-it® notes. • Students raised money for The Education Partnership, an organization that pur- Each student made a heart on which they wrote how they would “show heart” during Random chases school supplies Acts of Kindness Week. Pictured, left to right, for needy students in are Hannah James, Bridget Boal, Anna Hess, and Maggie Lowden. the Pittsburgh area. Students purchased Valentines for fellow classmates and teachers with the goal of raising $500 for The Education Partnership. The week ended with an assembly, Experience the Magic of Kindness, to celebrate the students’ hard work. The assembly stressed the importance of continuing to do acts of kindness even after the week-long celebration came to an end. T.J. Hill, a local magician who has appeared on Ellen and the David Letterman T.J. of T.J. Hill performed an assembly titled Experience the Magic of Kindness. Show, volunteered to perform for the students at the assembly. n Pictured with T.J. are student volunteers Alexis Montana and Demyan Eagle. 30

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Assistant Superintendent Receives Outstanding Administrator Award John Rozzo, assistant superintendent for Upper St. Clair School District, has been selected by the Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Education (PAMLE) to receive the Outstanding Middle Level Administrator Award. John was presented with the award in February at the PAMLE conference held in State College. PAMLE seeks to honor administrators who value, understand, and support effective middle level education and who promote powerful learning for young adolescents. Criteria for selection include understanding how young students learn, promoting middle level education, building community support, supporting and modeling effective middle level philosophy, and encouraging professional development of middle level best practices. John was appointed as USCSD’s assistant superintendent in July 2014. He began his tenure with the District in March 2005 as the Fort

Couch Middle School assistant principal. In March 2012, John was promoted to the position of Middle School Academic Principal for grades five through eight. In July 2013, he assumed additional responsibilities that were reflected in the new title of Supervisor of Middle Level Education for grades five through eight. John earned his bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and his masJohn Rozzo ter’s degree from California University of Pennsylvania. He is currently pursuing his doctoral degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Before coming to USCSD, John was a middle school teacher with the Brentwood School District. n

School District Volunteers and Act 153 The Upper St. Clair School District is grateful for each parent and community member who contributes to the success of students. The District has hundreds of volunteers who work in a variety of capacities in our schools. In December 2014, the Pennsylvania Legislature adopted Act 153 of 2014 as an amendment to a section of the Child Protective Services law requiring a background check for a volunteer once every three years. A volunteer is defined as an individual in an unpaid position with a program, activity, or service who is individually responsible for the welfare of one or more children or has direct contact with children. The District’s Amended Policy 6011 defines direct contact as the “possibility of care, supervision, guidance, or control of children or routine interaction with children.” The following chart provides guidance regarding the required clearances. The related costs are shown below: 1. Act 114 FBI Criminal History Report ($27)* 2. Act 151 Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance ($10) 3. Act 34 Pennsylvania Criminal History Check ($10) The costs of the clearances are incurred by the volunteer. Upon receipt of your completed clearances, scan and email them to hrvolunteers@uscsd.k12.pa.us. If you have clearances dated after December 31, 2011, but prior to January 1, 2015, scan and email these clearances to hrvolunteers@uscsd.k12.pa.us as soon as possible. If you have been a volunteer at USCSD in the past, you will have until July 1, 2015, to obtain your clearances. If you are new to the District as a volunteer, you will be required to obtain your clearances prior to any contact with students. For boxes marked with a “Yes,” the volunteer must complete the above clearances: According to Brooke Tarcson, PTA Council Volunteer Care of Supervision Guidance/ Routine Interaction president, there is much confusion and debate of Children of Children or Control of with Children Act 153 at the USC volunteer level, and parents Children have heard conflicting reports about what clearExtra Help: No No No No ance is needed to fulfill USC’s requirements. “As *Book fair Council president, I go by what Dr. O’Toole says at *School pictures our general Council meetings. Dr. O’Toole stresses *Cook breakfast that the state approved this Act without a clear un*Classroom parties derstanding of how school districts will implement *Special classroom projects the law,” said Brooke. Extra Help: Yes Yes Yes Yes “The question on every volunteer’s mind is: Do *Routinely read with students I need clearances? If you have direct interaction *Routinely help in classroom with kids, the answer is ‘yes.’ We are concerned Chaperones: Yes Yes Yes Yes about how this will affect volunteerism at our Field trips schools. Unfortunately, we believe that Fort Couch Chaperones: No Yes Yes Yes and the high school may see the largest decline in Dances volunteerism among schools in our District. As an Fun nights example, school dances need many chaperones in order to provide a safe environment for our kids. As we move forward, hopefully our parents will realize that getting their clearances and volunteering go hand-in-hand,” said Brooke. * The Act 114 FBI Criminal History Report is not legally required if the volunteer has been a resident of Pennsylvania for the entire previous ten-year period and has not committed designated crimes in Pennsylvania or elsewhere. An official District Affidavit, which can be found on the District website (www.uscsd.k12.pa.us), will ask the individual to attest that he or she has been a resident of Pennsylvania for the entire ten-year period and has not committed designated crimes in Pennsylvania or elsewhere, will be required. There is no charge for the affidavit. n

In the event that financial hardship may deter you from volunteering when clearances are required, contact your building principal or USC School District coordinator Diane Mariano Rodi. If you have questions about Act 153 or its implications regarding volunteering, contact Ellie Stoehr at 412-833-1600, extension 2214, or Diane Mariano Rodi at 412-833-1600, extension 2240. Summer 2015

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fort Couch Athletics— a Look into a Successful Program

Garrett Beard, Athletic Coordinator, Fort Couch Middle School

Coach Steve Levine, Fort Couch eighth grade teacher; Coach Bill Gehrlein, Boyce sixth grade teacher; and Coach Jessica Von Bloch, Fort Couch seventh grade teacher, instruct their cross-country team of 112 participants at the Gilfillan Trail.

Unlike most teams across the South Hills, Fort Couch Middle School opens its doors to every student-athlete. Knowing that this age group is ever changing, both physically and emotionally, Fort Couch allows each interested student to have a chance to participate on a sports team. Most people know the Michael Jordan story about how he was a late bloomer in his athletic career. At this age, just giving young people a chance as a middle school student to play a sport can make a positive impact athletically in the student’s future. Embracing this philosophy, Fort Couch does not “cut” to accommodate only the top athletes. Rather, the middle school sells its sports programs to all students at the beginning of the school year by encouraging each student to sign up for at least one team, regardless of his or her experience level. As a result, 550 of the 676 total number of Fort Couch students play on at least one athletic team for the school.

Student Participation and Coaching The open door, or no-cut, philosophy has its challenges. Finding playing time for all 550 Fort Couch student-athletes is a big coaching hurdle. Fortunately, the coaches are primarily Fort Couch teachers who have a middle school mindset to embrace an inclusive philosophy. Because of the large student turnout for many of its sports, Fort Couch fields up to three teams within one sport to allow all students playing time. The student-athlete participation is especially high in boys’ and girls’ basketball, girls’ volleyball, co-ed cross-country, and co-ed track and field. To help with the organization of these highly populated teams, the athletic department created six girls’ volleyball teams and six boys’ basketball teams this past year. Student involvement in sports at Fort Couch is high, with 81% of the student population participating in at least one sport and many students competing in all three sports seasons: fall, winter, and spring.

New Indoor and Outdoor Facilities Since a building renovation in 2010, the Fort Couch studentathletes have enjoyed an impressive gymnasium. The one thousand-seat venue has wowed visiting teams since this threestory facility was erected. A powerful sound system is one of the new additions to the gym. Many times, visiting teams and the officials make comments praising the facilities. As one Mt. Lebanon coach stated, “This gymnasium is a special place to play for any middle school student. Your students and coaches must love playing here!” The football and softball fields have also been replaced with a newer look during the renovation process. A new drainage system and a natural grass surface have made the fields more usable throughout the fall and spring seasons. A noticeable reduction of standing water on the field has certainly improved the playing conditions. Regular field maintenance has played an important role in keeping the facilities in good condition and the ground vegetation has thrived with the newly installed pop-up sprinkler system. The Fort Couch athletic facilities are in high demand, and it is wonderful to provide a great space for our community’s kids to play organized athletics.

Eighth grade football, led by Coach Dave Kyle, Fort Couch eighth grade teacher, practices on the Fort Coach football field.

Budget Considerations Over the years, the Fort Couch athletic program has made some major changes to accommodate the new financial climate facing education. However, throughout this transition the athletic program has remained steadfast to supplying our athletes with the necessary equipment, and in recent years, steps have

At home against Bethel Park, Fort Couch’s Jillian Rocca scores with a foul shot just before halftime. 32

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been taken to remain fiscally responsible while providing quality uniforms. Track, cross-country, boys’ and girls’ volleyball, softball, and boys’ basketball have rotated through the years to purchase uniforms, while football has remained compliant to PIAA laws by adding 85 safe new helmets to the school’s inventory. Although faced with financial challenges, the athletic department remains committed to meeting the essential needs of the sports program that allow our student-athletes to develop, learn, and thrive within and because of their respective teams. n

Coach Jace Palmer, Fort Couch guidance counselor, and his seventh grade volleyball team in the school’s gymnasium

Fort Couch Sports Teams and Student-Athlete Involvement: One co-ed cross-country team: 112 participants One co-ed track and field team: 133 participants One co-ed swim team: 40 participants One boys’ wrestling team: 26 participants One boys’ volleyball team: 34 participants One girls’ softball team: 23 participants One eighth and one seventh grade boys’ football teams: 80 total participants Two eighth and two seventh grade girls’ basketball teams: 66 total participants Three eighth and three seventh grade girls’ volleyball teams: 88 total participants Three eighth and three seventh grade boys’ basketball teams: 110 total participants For more information about the Fort Couch Middle School sports program, visit: http://www.uscsd.k12.pa.us/domain/318.

USCHS Girls Basketball Family

Mattie Groninger

Energized by a new coaching staff, including Pete Serio, Kyra Kaylor, Kristin Lesaco, and Greg Wagner, the 2014-15 Upper St. Clair High School girls’ basketball season proved memorable for many reasons. Six returning seniors, including Madison Serio, Rachel Mazzie, Diandra Conwell, Sarah McMurtry, Katie White, and Olivia Hutton, led the Lady Panthers to a winning season and a bid in the WPIAL playoffs. Despite a disappointing loss to Shaler in Team huddle before a game the first round, the girls will no doubt remember sweet victories over section rivals Bethel Park and Mt. Lebanon. Sarah McMurtry reflected on the win against Mt. Lebanon and said, “This was the first time we’ve beaten Lebo in my career and we did it at Lebo which was so cool. We dedicated the win to my grandfather— “Gramps”—who always comes out to watch us play. It was so special for me.” Rachel Mazzie reached an incredible accomplishment this season by getting her 1000th point on senior recognition night. “It was by far my favorite memory of the season,” said Rachel. “At that moment, I realized just how supportive our fans are. It meant so much to me.” For Madison Serio, this season was extremely special. “Playing for my dad was definitely the highlight of my senior year. We’ve (the team) made lots of great memories this year with him and the rest of the coaching staff.” Diandra Conwell added, “The best part is the family feeling of our team. We really are a family, and it shows in our play on the court.” Family proved to be a common theme both on and off the court this year. From pasta dinners, Pitt games, team parties, and a visit to volunteer at a soup kitchen, the girls created many unforgettable memories. No doubt the graduating six players will be greatly missed, but they have taught their younger teammates valuable lessons about friendship, how to play with your heart on your sleeve, and what it means to “Play smart, Play hard, and Play together.” The seven juniors—Ally Steve, Peyton Bayer, Hannah Shepard, Cat DeLo, Mira Fontana, Kaedryn Keller, and I—are ready to carry on these lessons next year. Contributing cross-overs to this year’s team include freshmen Kennedy Bayer, Kate Groninger, Liv McClelland, and Sam Smith. Sophomore Catherine Gollihugh and freshmen Joanna Chikuni, Alexis John, and Sam Spina also left their marks on the season’s JV team. Summing up the season, Coach Serio commented, “Just being able to coach my daughter and the girls I’ve watched grow up has been very rewarding. I’ve been given the opportunity to build relationships and make some great memories with the team. But the moment when we come together at the end of every pregame huddle and put our hands in… those are my favorite memories and are the ones I’ll remember most. Not the wins or the losses, not the made or missed baskets, but just being together as one trying to accomplish something bigger than ourselves. Those are the moments that I’ll never forget.” Both varsity and junior varsity teams finished their seasons strong. Maybe we didn’t win a championship, but we learned to play together as a team, rather than playing as individuals. We played not only for ourselves, but for our families, coaches, and, most importantly, for each other. Playing for the name on the front of the jersey—Upper St. Clair—rather than the name on the back is one of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of the game. I speak for the entire team when I say that for this reason Members of the girls’ basketball team, we were victorious. n helping out at a soup kitchen

Mattie Groninger, writer of this YWG article and daughter of Glenn and Kristin Groninger, is a junior and member of the USCHS girls’ basketball team. Summer 2015

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, must be away from the high school for at least five years, and 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

• 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 •

• 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 •

2015 Halls of Fame Inductee Nomination To nominate a candidate for the 2015 Upper St. Clair High School Halls of Fame, use the nomination form found 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: Lois Mulholland at lmulholland@uscsd.k12.pa.us. For more information, contact Lois at 412-833-1600, ext. 2532. All Nominations Due May 31, 2015. Nomination forms can also be mailed to: Lois Mulholland Halls of Fame Committee Upper St. Clair High School 1825 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 34

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Support Our 2015 High School Varsity Football Team Cheer on our Panthers in the AAAA South Conference!

Kick-offs Fridays—7:30 p.m. at Panther Stadium September 4

Youth Night USC tackles Penn Hills

September 18

USC battles Bethel Park

September 25

USC challenges North Allegheny

October 16

Halls of Fame/Homecoming USC takes on Canon McMillan

October 30 Senior Recognition Night (band, cheerleader, football) USC confronts Mt. Lebanon

For additional information regarding the schedule, call USCHS Athletic Office at 412-833-1600, extension 2260 or 2261.

Family Medicine Center - Cecil Cardiovascular Care OB/GYN Care Teredesai McCann & Associates Southwestern Nephrology, Inc. Southwestern Pennsylvania Eye Center

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Kids Helping Kids Drive Benefits Blessings in a Backpack Jenn Schuler

A blessing is what you’d call Linda Lafferty. A retired Pittsburgh Public Schools librarian and former resident of Wilkinsburg who now lives in Plum, Lafferty is just that to 640 students at Kelly and Turner Elementary schools in Wilkinsburg. Each weekend each student receives a backpack to take home, full of nutritious food to help feed them through the weekend. The program is just one of a few in Pennsylvania that distributes food to poor children through the nonprofit Blessings in a Backpack program created by tennis pro turned stockbroker and USA Harvest founder Stan Curtis. Linda, who initially saw a television interview with Stan Curtis talking about the program, was inspired. Wilkinsburg provided the perfect backdrop to initiate a new program because at each of these schools, 100% of the student population receives free or reduced priced lunches. “I think our bags of food for the weekend help make sure the children get enough nourishment to come to school Monday prepared to learn,” said Linda. The national program lends local programs its name and an initial round of donated backpacks. But the process of raising money, buying food, packing backpacks, and getting them to children is a distinctly local effort. Backpacks are provided 38 weeks of the school year and only $2.10 can be spent per child, per weekend. The program has adopted a slogan “The Power of 80” because that is what it costs to sponsor one child for an entire school year. Six hundred and forty students add up, and that is why financial support and volunteers are so critical to the program. Each Thursday, a group of local volunteers packs the 640 backpacks for the students. Backpacks go home each Friday and are brought back Monday, then refilled at the end of the week. Local organizations and businesses often help to provide funds and

food. This February, backpacks were packed with the help of Upper St. Clair High School’s (USCHS) Kids Helping Kids Club. The club’s mission is to develop leadership skills USCHS Kid Helping Kids members help fill backpacks with nutritious food. through youth-led service projects. The goal is to empower students to take their passion and turn it into action to make a difference in the lives of other kids. The USCHS Kids Helping Kids Club asked for monetary donations to help sponsor students and collected juice boxes and cereal for the program during a week in February. Club members decorated posters, made flyers, and wore pins “Ask me about the Power of 80” that they created. The donation drive was also highlighted through the school’s morning announcements, other school clubs, and during lunch periods throughout the day. “Our club chose to support Blessings in a Backpack because the program has a real impact on these local kids,” said Bethany Chase, USCHS French teacher and club leader. “As a result of the backpack program, the students receiving them are doing better reading and on their test scores. They stay healthier throughout the year and school attendance is better. It is Kids Helping Kids in its simplest form.” The Upper St. Clair Kids Helping Kids Club provided 198 juice boxes and 152 boxes of cereal, and collected $1642 for Blessings in a Backpack, which will help sponsor 20 local children for one year in the program. n For ways on how you can support this critical Pittsburgh program, write to Blessings in a Backpack, P.O. Box 14296, Plum, PA 15239. Summer 2015

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Pawprints... Baker

Eisenhower

Streams

Boyce

Fort Couch

USCHS

Reflections Art Contest Congratulations to all of our students who entered the 2014-15 Reflections art contest sponsored by PTA Council. Using the prompt “The world would be a better place if...” as inspiration, they put forth their best efforts. The top three from each category of local judging advanced to regional judging. Categories with less than five entrants were listed as “winner” and automatically advanced to regional competition.

Local Winners: Primary Division Visual Arts First–Ryan Robbins (Streams) Second–Isabella Stewart (Streams) Third–Anna Fera (Baker) Photography Winner–Andrew Cianflone (Baker) Winner–Meredith Roman (Baker) Literature Winner–Madison Kovacs (Baker) Winner–Ryan Katzokota (Streams)

Intermediate Division Visual Arts First–Libby Eannarino (Baker) First–Maggie Lowden (Boyce) Third–Autumn Ma (Baker) Photography First–Gabrielle Deep (Baker) Second–Luka Misic (Boyce) Third–Luka Misic (Boyce) Literature Winner–Shana Reddy (Boyce) Winner–Dev Patel (Boyce) Film Winner–Luke McDonough (Baker) Winner–Luka Misic (Boyce) Winner–Shivani Jajoo (Boyce) Music Winner–Rhea Punjabi (Boyce)

Gabrielle Deep, … If everyone could see a beautiful sunset

Luka Misic, They will be remembered

The Upper St. Clair Parent Teacher Council is creating a new arts program—Arts in USC—for the Upper St. Clair School District. All students, grades kindergarten through 12, are eligible to participate in the events or contests. Look for exciting information on the Council’s webpage and at each school building this coming fall for the 2015-16 school year. The Arts in USC program needs a representative logo. Council is holding a District-wide art contest and asking all local artists to submit logo entries for the new arts program. Here are the rules: 1. Each artist must be a student in the Upper St. Clair School District. 2. Art must be two-dimensional and no larger than 8" x 10" in size. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Based upon results of regional judging, the following students placed in the top five of each category. The top three artists advanced to the Pennsylvania state level of competition. Dina Leyzarovich, We’re all in this together

Arts in USC

Middle Division Visual Arts First–Antara Cleetus (Boyce) Second–Anna Rush (Boyce) Third–Brianna Lin (Boyce) Photography First–Dina Leyzarovich (Fort Couch) Second–Samantha Seewald (Boyce) Third–Emily Roman (Boyce) Literature Winner–Richa Mahajan (Boyce) Winner–Isabella Putorti (Fort Couch) Winner–Hridhay Reddy (Fort Couch) Film Winner–Devan Ekbote (Fort Couch) Winner–Samuel Reeder (Fort Couch)

Summer 2015

3. Any medium may be used as long as the logo can be scanned and emailed. 4. The words “Arts in USC” must be used in the logo in some way. 5. Entries are due via email no later than September 30, 2015, to ArtsinUSC@gmail.com. 6. Include the student’s name, grade, and school in the email. 7. Start creating now! To submit your child’s entry for judging, email a clear digital image file to ArtsinUSC@gmail.com. When the winning logo is chosen, a high resolution digital image will be required. Until the winner is announced, please keep the original artwork handy. Good luck! n Questions? Email Brooke Tarcson at ArtsinUSC@gmail.com.

... a USC PTA Council Feature Regional Winners: Primary Division Photography Third–Meredith Roman (Baker) Literature First–Madison Kovacs (Baker) Intermediate Division Visual Arts Fifth–Libby Eannarino (Baker) Photography First–Luka Misic (Boyce) Second–Gabrielle Deep (Baker) Literature First–Shana Reddy (Boyce) Fifth–Dev Patel (Boyce) Film First–Luka Misic (Boyce) Music Third–Rhea Punjabi (Boyce)

Middle Division Visual Arts First–Antara Cleetus (Boyce) Second–Anna Rush (Boyce) Third–Brianna Lin (Boyce) Photography First–Dina Leyzarovich (Fort Couch) Third–Samantha Seewald (Boyce) Literature Fourth–Isabella Putorti (Fort Couch) Film First–Devan Ekbote (Fort Couch) Fourth–Samuel Reeder (Fort Couch)

Antara Cleetus, Always a Good Time Meredith Roman, More Tigers in the World

Summer 2015

At the Pennsylvania state level of competition, six USC artists placed in the top five of their category: State Winners: Primary Division Photography First–Meredith Roman (Baker) Literature Second–Madison Kovacs (Baker) Middle Division Visual Arts First–Antara Cleetus (Boyce) Photography Third–Samantha Seewald (Boyce) Fifth–Dina Leyzarovich (Fort Couch) Film Second–Devan Ekbote (Fort Couch) Antara Cleetus’ entry “Always a Good Time” and Meredith Roman’s entry “More Tigers in the World” took first place in their categories and have progressed to the national level of competition. Results of nationals will be included in the next issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. Congratulations to all of our talented student artists! n

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Local Artist Guides STEAM-Themed Mosaic Efforts

This winter, students and staff at Upper St. Clair High School created a ten-foot, 12-panel STEAM-themed mosaic under the guidance of visiting artist Laura Jean McLaughlin of the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. For ten days in February, Laura Jean worked closely with the IB Visual Arts and the Ceramics 2 and 3 classes. Additional sketches and suggestions came from Giulia Gouker’s English classes and Kierah Hannah’s and Matt Martocci’s history classes. Students from Tracy Smith’s and Colin Syme’s science classes and Bethany Chase’s French students helped with gluing down tiles. Janine Despines’ Recycling Club worked on the project after school.

Artist Laura Jean McLaughlin (far right) works with high school students on part of the mosaic.

MathCounts

Daniela Buccilli’s freshman English classes used the opportunity to observe the mosaic process as they prepared to write centos (collage poems); some of her students also glued tiles. Students were involved in every step of the creative process, from the design of the mural to the application of the tiles. Laura Jean created a surrealistic design from student sketches, and art students enlarged the design onto backer boards. Once the images were drawn, students outlined them with small pieces of black tile. Larger pieces of colored tile were used to fill in the shapes. Besides traditional tile work, the mosaic honored the school’s focus on STEAM by including gears made from the Fab Lab’s

Students working on the mosaic

The MathCounts Competition Series is the only competition program of its kind, with live, in-person events in all 50 states. The competition is “ideal for students who have a talent and passion for math who need to be challenged.” Matching that description and representing USC in this year’s competition were Fort Couch seventh and eighth graders Jason Choi, Sam Ding, Julia Fennell, Dina Leyzarovich, Serena Luo, Mallika Matharu, Vikram Reddy, Aleksa Rodic, Riwk Sen, and Braden Yates, and Boyce sixth graders Christian Chiu, Harrison Chui, Jonah Murray, and Jack Myers. With the help of their coaches, math resource teachers Kathy Hoedeman and Yasmina Hough, these students solved their way through many MathCounts workouts and warm-ups in preparation for the competition sponsored by the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers. On February 14, all students participated in the sprint and target rounds. Then, one team of four students from each school competed in the team round, which allowed for group collaboration. The culmination of the Fort Couch and Boyce competitors left to competition was the countdown round, a fast-paced compe- right, front row: Christian Chiu, Harrison tition for the top ten scoring individuals. In this round, pairs Chui, Jack Myers, Jonah Murray; middle of “mathletes” competed against each other and the clock. row: Mallika Matharu, Serena Luo, Dina Julia Fennell; back row: Riwk The Fort Couch team took home first place at the com- Leyzarovich, Sen, Jason Choi, Sam Ding, Braden Yates, petition, and Braden Yates, Dina Leyzarovich, Jason Choi, Vikram Reddy, Aleksa Rodic and Sam Ding continued on to the state competition in Harrisburg. Regionally, three students finished in the top ten as individual competitors. Sixth grader Jonah Murray earned his seat in the countdown round in his first year at this competition, while Braden Yates and Sam Ding, both returning competitors, improved their seat positions from last Included in the top ten, left to right: year. Braden was fifth seat and Sam was second seat at the start of the countdown round. Starting Sam Ding, Braden Yates, Jonah Murray with seats ten and nine, students had to buzz in with a correct answer before their competitor 38

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2015

Rubik’s Cube Taking Boyce by Storm 3-D printer, recycled glassware from science labs, and copper tubing. This project incorporated the creativity of the whole student body, as well as the efforts of teacher and staff volunteers. The STEAM-themed tile mural is located outside the Fab Lab at Upper St. Clair High School. n

The completed mosaic

Laura Jean McLaughlin is a well-known ceramic and mosaic artist who has done many mosaic murals, including one at Streams Elementary, which was created with Streams’ students as part of an Artist in Residency program in 2009. Learn more about her at www.laurajeanmclaughlin.com.

answered in a best-of-three round. The winner of the pair went on to compete with the next best seat. Braden advanced to fourth place and Sam finished second, which earned them monetary prizes and a spot at the MathCounts state competition in Harrisburg in March. n

Fort Couch first place team, left to right: Yasmina Hough, Fort Couch math resource teacher; students Sam Ding, Dina Leyzarovich, Braden Yates, and Jason Choi; and Virginia Dailey, MathCounts coordinator for the Pittsburgh chapter

Justin Gremba, Boyce Middle School Teacher

You can see it in the halls. You can see it at recess. You can see it everywhere at Boyce Middle School. “What is it?” you might ask. It is a Rubik’s cube. These small, colorful puzzles were introduced in the 1980s by Erno Rubik. Originally intended as something to show his college students, he realized by revolving the sides of the cube, the colors would get mixed up. However, one time he scrambled it just a tad too much. Thinking he ruined it, he estimated it would take a lifetime to return it to its original state. But a few months later, he managed to get all of the colors back to their respective sides. He then started to market it as a toy; he figured that the puzzle would be fun and challenging Holding the check for The Educational for all ages. The fad started to grow, and the Partnership, left to right, are Devan Ekbote, Boyce sixth grade math teacher rest is history. Now, the Rubik’s cube is making Justin Gremba, and Declan Gessel a comeback and gaining in popularity. During the 2013-14 school year, student Devan Ekbote, a sixth grader on the Spada/Gremba teaching team, brought his Speed Cube into class. Mesmerized by his speed—his current record: roughly 16 seconds—classmates dug out their old Rubik’s cubes and brought them to school. “I had no idea the fad I would start,” Devan said. As more and more kids started to bring their cubes to school, student Danny O’Brien saw a business opportunity. Danny teamed up with Devan to create a business, originally called Cube and Lube. When asked about this opportunity, Danny said, “I wanted to learn how to run a business, and I loved Rubik’s Cubes, so I put them together.” Early on, Devan noticed that students were very interested in owning their own cube. Through the help of his parents, he purchased a few cubes online and brought them to school to sell. As the first cubes sold, Danny and Devan determined that they would need to order more. Demand continued to exceed supply. They sold cubes between $6 and $15, based on size and speed. They marketed and offered classes for those who needed help solving the cube and charged a fee to speed up cubes by taking them apart, adding a lubricating oil, and putting them back together. Devan wasn’t sure that the business would be profitable; however, he said, “I thought it was worth a try.” Danny agreed that the business exceeded expectations. The fad grew from the Spada/Gremba team to a Rubik’s cube frenzy throughout the school. Student Sam Sweet, a customer of the company, gave his review. “It gives kids an opportunity to solve Rubik’s cubes. It’s really pretty cool.” He learned about the fad from seeing kids with their cubes, and thought it would be something fun to try. The company began to turn a profit and saw another amazing opportunity. Not only could the company make money, but it could also donate a portion of the profits to help people. The business pledged to donate 50% of the profit to charity. At the end of the school year, Danny and Devan, who graduated from Boyce and moved on to Fort Couch, had created a school-wide fad and made $234. Cube and Lube gave half, or $117, of the profits to The Education Partnership, an organization that provides school supplies for students in need. Danny and Devan wanted Cube and Lube’s success to continue at Boyce, so they passed the business onto Declan Gessel, a rising sixth grade student at Boyce. When the 2014-15 school year began, Declan found himself in very familiar territory, the Spada/Gremba/Gehrlein teaching team. The Rubik’s cube business picked up exactly where it left off. The hype of the cube was still there and Declan capitalized on the opportunity. Devan and Danny continue to help out. They’ve created an online store and are coowners of the business with Declan. This school year, the company changed its name to D3 Cubing and has already donated an additional $500 to The Educational Partnership. These seemingly impossible puzzles have shed new light on Boyce Middle School in many tangible and intangible ways. But in the end, it comes down to: Can you solve it? n Summer 2015

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Did You Know? Did You Know? SD Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know?Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know?Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Scholastic Writing Awardees Seven USCHS students were recognized for their writing in the Scholastic Writing Awards, hosted regionally by the University of Pittsburgh’s Western Pennsylvania’s Writing Project. More than 300 writing pieces from across the region were submitted. Students were mentored by USCHS teachers Elizabeth Cecelia, Tim Wagner, and Pat Palazzolo. Silver Key Award Poetry–Aditi Chattopadhyay Short Story–Mahima Reddy Flash Fiction–Erin Graham Flash Fiction–Mahima Reddy Honorable Mention Short Story–Mahima Reddy Short Story–Ben Nadler Flash Fiction–Ben Nadler

NCWIT Winner Kriti Shah, a ninth grade student at Upper St. Clair High School, has been chosen as an Affiliate Award winner in the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Aspirations in Computing. The NCWIT chose Kriti for her computing-related aspirations and for her demonstrated outstanding aptitude and interest in information technology/computing, solid leadership ability, good academic history, and plans for post-secondary education. Kriti is one of nearly 1600 young women in the nation who were chosen to receive the award.

Young Entrepreneur USCHS senior Ananya Cleetus is the CEO of a new social media network, Magikstra, which allows high school students to find mentors in universities and businesses. This year, Ananya was honored as StartUp Entrepreneur for her work on Magikstra as part of the 19th annual Carnegie Science Awards.

Ananya Cleetus

Geography Bee The Boyce National Geographic Geography Bee was held this past January. The students competed in various topics, including “Team Turf,” “Weird But True!” and “World Comparisons.” First place winner was sixth grader Ishaan Shah. Other top finalists were Christian Chiu, Bear Bottonari, Joseph Reeder, and Richa Mahajan.

Front row: Ishaan Shah; back row, left to right: Christian Chiu, Bear Bottonari, Joseph Reeder, Richa Mahajan

PMEA Festival This past February, three members of the Upper St. Clair High School orchestra participated in the PMEA District 1 Festival at Penn Hills High School. Students were selected for this festival based on recommendations by their orchestra directors and general music performance credentials. Students from Upper St. Clair who participated in the festival were Mary Molitoris, Andrew Khor, and Alexis Scott. Following her audition on the viola, Mary Molitoris was also chosen for inclusion in the Left to right: Mary Molitoris, Andrew Khor, Western Region Orchestra Festival held in March. Alexis Scott

Shakespeare Scene and Monologue Contest This past February, 65 Boyce, Fort Couch, and USCHS students participated in the preliminary rounds of the Pittsburgh Public Theater’s Shakespeare Scene and Monologue contest. More than 1100 students from the region were a part of the first round of competition, portraying characters from across Shakespeare’s many works. Following the preliminary rounds, USCHS junior Ben Nadler and senior Sriparna Sen were invited to the Showcase of Finalists along with 14 other high school scene and monologue participants. After a second riveting performance as Lysander and Hermia from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the judges announced Ben and Sriparna as the winners of the Pittsburgh Public Theater’s 21st annual Shakespeare Monologue and Scene contest. Congratulations on this exceptionally high level of achievement in the arts!

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Sixty-five USCSD Shakespeare participants after the preliminary round (above) Ben Nadler and Sriparna Sen at the Showcase of Finalists (right)

Summer 2015

DidYouKnow?DidYouKnow? SD DidYouKnow?DidYouKnow? DidYouKnow?DidYouKnow? DidYouKnow?DidYouKnow? DidYouKnow?DidYouKnow? DidYouKnow?DidYouKnow? DidYouKnow?DidYouKnow? DidYouKnow?DidYouKnow? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? DidYouKnow?DidYouKnow? DidYouKnow?DidYouKnow? DidYouKnow?DidYouKnow? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? DidYouKnow?DidYouKnow? DidYouKnow?DidYouKnow? DidYouKnow?DidYouKnow? DidYouKnow?DidYouKnow? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? DidYouKnow?DidYouKnow? Penn State Writing Competition Congratulations to Akshay Prasadan for earning an honorable mention in the Penn State Writing competition. In December, 11 USCHS juniors were invited by their English teachers to participate in the competition, where the students read an article about the right to civil disobedience/social protest and then constructed an argumentative essay as a response. Akshay’s essay was chosen by a panel of his peers to move on to the state level. Akshay is in Elizabeth Cecelia’s Honors English 11 class.

Akshay Prasadan

Academic WorldQuest Despite the two-hour delays in the majority of school districts on the morning of February 24, teams from 45 high schools were dedicated and braved brutally low wind chills to travel to the University of Pittsburgh and participate in the annual Academic WorldQuest competition. Sponsored by the World Affairs Council of America, the contest required students to work in teams to answer questions about current events, geography, history, international relations, and business. This year’s competition also included special rounds on Russia, international health, events of the 1950s, and international water issues. All students were well-prepared for the close battle, but in the end, the Upper St. Clair team was victorious, finishing two points ahead of defending champion Shadyside Academy. Upper St. Clair represented the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh at the National Academic WorldQuest competition in Washington DC in April. Coached by USCHS gifted coordinator and World Affairs Club sponsor Pat Palazzolo, the team included sophomore Paul Abrams, juniors Gaurav Bhushan and Thomas Mologne, and senior and team captain Daniel Pituch.

PMEA Choir Festival This past February, the PMEA Region 1 Choir Festival was held at Trinity High School. Serving as guest conductor for the event was Dr. Ryan Beeken, director of Choral Activities at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Three of the students—Carly DeCock (grade 10), Megan Jones (grade 12), and Jonny Summers (grade 12)—successfully auditioned to represent Upper St. Clair High School at the PMEA All-State Conference held in Hershey in March. Students who placed in the top six chairs of each voice part were selected for the AllState Choir. Megan Jones and Jonny Summers each received first chair, and Carly DeCock received fourth. The students are Left to right, front row: Lindsay Buono, Eva Schenker, Carly DeCock, Cassidy Poerstel, Devon Garcia; back row: USCHS taught by USCHS choral director choral director Lorraine Milovac, Izzy Tarcson, Megan Jones, Lorraine Milovac. Noah Manalo, Tom Maddigan, Jonny Summers

USC Summer School To customize learning for all

students, the Upper St. Clair Summer School program provides students with choices in learning related to content, time, interest, and academic need. Partnering with outside agencies, including Invent Now, and using the expertise of USC School District’s own staff allows students many opportunities and choices directed to their interests and needs. High school electives are available to students entering grades nine through

International Education Week This year, students at Fort Couch celebrated International Education Week by participating in many cultural activities. Students learned about other cultures through sharing research, songs, dances, and food. Students enjoyed a West African drum and dance workshop given by Yamoussa Camara Drum and Dance. Fort Couch’s very own retired secretary, Matoula Rice, spoke with students about growing up in Greece and students learned two Greek dances.

Top Young Scientist This past February, USC High School freshman Sahil Doshi, America’s 2014 Top Young Scientist, was featured on a live webcast sponsored by Discovery Education. Inspired by the global energy crisis, Sahil developed an innovative new battery design called PolluCell and submitted his innovative idea to the 2014 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge. Chosen as a national finalist, Sahil worked oneon-one with a 3M scientist mentor to bring his idea to life and was awarded the grand prize of $25,000. As America’s Top Young Scientist, Sahil has traveled the nation to share his innovation, appearing on NBC News, Fox and Friends, and Wake Up with Al.

11. Upon successful completion, students will be granted one general elective credit towards graduation requirements for those courses advertised as credited options. Registration began in April. If registration has not exceeded enrollment capacity, many courses will continue to enroll students up to a week before the course begins. All courses are subject to cancellation based on lack of enrollment. Vi s i t t h e D i s t r i c t ’s w e b s i t e a t www.uscsd.k12.pa.us and click on the

summer school icon under the announcements on the home page, where a description of courses and registration information can be found. It is exciting to know that many students will be able to take advantage of learning opportunities beyond the regular school year. n

Summer 2015

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Kiss Me, Kate Wows Crowd! This year’s spring musical, Kiss Me, Kate, delighted audiences at Upper St. Clair High School this past March. A comedic production set in Baltimore in the 1940s, the musical pairs the story of William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew with the best of Cole Porter, and features songs, including “Another Op’nin, Another Show,” “Wunderbar,” “Too Darn Hot,” and “Kiss Me, Kate.” Providing guidance to the student company of over 200 and 100 Theatre Angels adult volunteers were executive producers Jane Dodd and Tim Wagner, drama director J.R. Hall, choral and vocal director Lorraine Milovac, music director Don Pickell, and choreographers Shari Opfermann and Katie Boyle. In addition, for every adult position, there was at least one student “running the show” behind-the-scenes as a member of the student leadership team. —Photo credit: Zachary Heckler, USCHS junior

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Summer 2015

Town Hall South Lecture Series

Dr. Eben Alexander III October 6, 2015

Dr. Anne-Marie Slaughter November 10, 2015

Peter Greenberg December 1, 2015

The Town Hall South (THS) lecture series presents its 2015-2016 lineup of speakers that explores current and topical issues. The five-part lecture series includes a doctor who wrote a bestselling book, a foreign policy expert, a top travel guru, a Pittsburgh community and business “genius,” and a wildlife conservationist and adventurer. Gracing the stage of the Upper St. Clair High School Theater will be another terrific lineup of interesting, cutting-edge speakers. In its 47th season, THS offers speakers chosen for their dynamic styles, relevant topics, and wide reaching appeal. Dr. Eben Alexander III, an academic neurosurgeon for more than 25 years, thought he had a good idea of how the brain generates consciousness, mind, and spirit. But driven into a coma by a rare bacterial meningitis-encephalitis, he spent a week with diminishing prospects for survival. His experience revealed that we are conscious in spite of our brain—in fact, consciousness is at the root of all existence. Blessed with a complete recovery, Dr. Alexander shares a powerful life-changing story in his book, Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon’s Journey into the Afterlife. Through his nonprofit organization, Eternea, Dr. Alexander dedicates himself to encouraging people to be inspired by the power of unconditional love. His latest book is The Map of Heaven: How Science, Religion, and Ordinary People Are Proving the Afterlife. Dr. Anne-Marie Slaughter, described as “an innovative and prolific scholar” by Foreign Policy, turns big ideas and deep analysis into realistic strategies for a networked world. As president and CEO of the New America Foundation, she leads a team of scientists, technologists, and political and economic thinkers. A contributing editor for The Atlantic, Slaughter became one of the country’s most talked about writers with Why Women Still Can’t Have It All, an in-depth and controversial look into the extreme work-life balance of today’s professional women. The author and editor of six books, including A New World Order and The Idea that Is America, she has published over 100 scholarly articles in international law and relations.

Bill Strickland February 2, 2016

Jack Hanna March 1, 2016

Multiple Emmy-winning investigative reporter and producer Peter Greenberg is America’s most recognized, honored, and respected front-line travel news journalist. Known as “the Travel Detective,” he is the travel editor for CBS News. His newest project, The Travel Detective with Peter Greenberg, is a series offering 42 half-hour episodes that seek to empower audiences with travel news, must-have information, and insider tips known only to a select few. He also hosts a nationally syndicated radio broadcast, Peter Greenberg Worldwide. Greenberg has authored several books, including The Best Places for Everything, Don’t Go There!, and The Complete Travel Detective Bible. He received a News & Documentary Emmy Award for outstanding coverage of “Miracle on the Hudson.” For 30 years, Bill Strickland has used his innovative arts and training centers to transform the lives of thousands of impoverished adults and teenagers. His message of self-worth inspires audiences. Former eBay president Jeff Skoll describes Strickland as a “genius, because he sees the inherent genius in everyone.” A Pittsburgh native, Strickland was inspired by his high school art teacher and eventually created the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild. As a result of his success, in 1971, Strickland was asked to assume leadership of the Bidwell Training Center and guide its transition to providing relevant skills. Today, Manchester Bidwell Corporation has evolved into a national model for education, culture, and hope. The model works so well that he is replicating the Manchester Bidwell enterprise throughout the country. Animal expert “Jungle Jack” Hanna is one of the most visible and respected ambassadors between the human and animal worlds. His hands-on approach and insights into the public’s appreciation of wildlife have won him widespread popular acclaim as director emeritus of the Columbus Zoo, conservationist, author, television personality, and lifelong adventurer. Jack’s career took off in 1978 when he was offered the directorship of the Columbus Zoo, where he transformed it into a state-of-the-art facility. Airing since 1993, his television program, Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures, now reaches 96% of U.S. television households. A dynamic orator, Jack enjoys speaking tours, sharing his globetrotting experiences. He is the author of seven books. His timeless tales captivate audiences from every generation. Town Hall South has a two-fold purpose: to provide an enrichment program for the community through quality lectures and to provide service in the community through philanthropic gifts to a wide range of local organizations. To that end, Town Hall South has given away over $505,388 during its 46 years of existence. n

All lectures are held at the Upper St. Clair High School Theater on the first Tuesday of October, December, February, and March and the second Tuesday in November. Tickets are available by series subscription for $145 and can be purchased by visiting the Town Hall South website at www.townhallsouth.org. Summer 2015

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P IN EBRI DGE Pinebridge Commons

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

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Pediatric Alliance

Cardinal Endocrinology

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Design Image Salon, Joe Ruffalo Emma’s Market & Deli, Inc.

Piccolina’s Restaurant Pgh. Stone & Waterscapes

Peter Gialames & Associates

Questa Petroleum Co.

Interior Designs/Furnishings

Randal Agency, Allstate Ins.

by Mary Kay Chaffee

Eric J. Reitz DMD &

Jennings & Co., CPA

Beth Troy, DMD

Jimcor Associates, Inc.

Richardson Family

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Suburban Dry Cleaners Travel Leaders, Kiernan Ent.

Melissa D. Michel, LPC Midway Financial Services

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

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

• Individualized care in a friendly and patient-focused environment • Convenient appointment hours, including Saturday mornings • 24-hour emergency services • Most major insurance plans accepted

S O MU C H TO O FFE R ... Larry E. Manalo, D.M.D.

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Your smile is the greatest gift of all!

1580 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

412-221-2221 • www.manalosmiles.com 44

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Summer 2015

COMMONS 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

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. . .O N E S TO P C O N V E N I E N C E 1580 McLaughlin Run Rd Pittsburgh PA 15241

412-257-1150 4000 Waterdam Plaza McMurray PA 15317

724-942-4840 133 West Allegheny Road Imperial PA 15126

724-695-0133

Our primary goal is to give your child positive memories that instill lifelong hygiene habits.

Office hours are Monday through Friday. Evening appointments are available.

Peter Grondziowski, M.D., F.A.C.E., in private practice at Upper St. Clair’s Pinebridge Commons, is a Pittsburgh native and has lived in the South Hills since 1965. He attended Keystone Oaks High School and graduated from Duquesne University with a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy in 1985. Concurrently with his pharmacy employment, he attended medical school at the University of Pittsburgh, where he received his M.D. degree in 1989. He served his internship and residency years at Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh, and completed his fellowship in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism at Shadyside Hospital in 1994. Peter began his endocrinology career in the private sector after completing his fellowship, and accepted a position at Allegheny General Hospital in 2002, where he founded and served as medical director at the Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Health. After nearly 12 successful years of expansion in the West Penn Allegheny Health System, he now returns to private practice at Cardinal Endocrinology, where he intends to blend the most important components of the complex science of medicine with the traditional art of medicine. “I am committed to providing high quality endocrine services to the population of southwestern Pennsylvania,” said Dr. Grondziowski. Dr. Peter Grondziowski

Summer 2015

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Summer Fun! The 12 Weeks of Summer— Try a Fun Idea Each Week Jennifer Roberts, Extended Day Services

Take advantage of the beautiful, warm weather and plan a family activity at least once a week this summer. The kids will look forward to it and so will you! The list below will help provide a little inspiration for your weekly activities. Remember to get your plans on the calendar at the beginning of the summer so you don’t miss your opportunities. Summer goes so fast! 1. Introduce your kids to your favorite childhood movie. Chances are your kids haven’t even heard of the movie that you thought was the best ever! Spend a fun night with the family and movies like ET, Ghostbusters, Back to the Future, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, the Princess Bride, Gremlins, or The Never-ending Story. 2. Pick your own berries. There is nothing like eating fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries out on a farm. Strawberry season is early June, followed by blueberries and raspberries. Two good local farm options are Simmons Farm in McMurray and Trax Farm in Finleyville. 3. Go to a Wildthings game. Everyone should go to at least one baseball game each summer and the Washington Wildthings are a great option for kids! In addition to the game, there are great food options and a variety of children’s activities when your little ones get restless during the game. 4. Start a collection. Bugs and wildflowers are everywhere, and once properly dried can be collected and displayed. Your child may also be interested in collecting rocks, feathers, or leaves. 5. Grow a garden. There’s nothing like growing your own vegetables, flowers, or herbs! Kids can help choose what to grow and learn the steps necessary for a successful harvest. 6. Let the kids start their own small business. Kids love to earn their own money and it’s never too early to teach them the value of a dollar! Let your kids choose a business idea that interests them: a lemonade stand, dog walking, bake sale, or pet sitting are good examples. 7. Make homemade popsicles. Try these strawberry-banana frozen yogurt pops. Puree two cups of strawberries, one banana, and one cup of vanilla yogurt in a blender until smooth. If desired, add honey or sugar to taste. Pour in popsicle molds or use paper cups covered with foil and add popsicle sticks or plastic spoons as a stick. Consider purchasing a ZOKU Quick Pops maker, a great popsicle mold that allows you to freeze popsicles in just about ten minutes! 8. Play flashlight tag outside after dark. There’s something magical about playing outside after dark on a summer evening! Flashlight tag combines tag with hide-andseek. The person who is “it” counts to ten (or higher) while others hide. The person who is “it” must find the other players and call their names while shining a light on them to tag them. 9. See a drive-in movie. Many children have never been to a drive-in. Show them a whole new way to watch movies! Two good local options are the Dependable Drive-In located in Coraopolis and the Twin Hi-Way Drive-In in Robinson Township. 10. Go camping in the backyard. There’s no need to send the kids to sleepover camp to experience the great outdoors! Set up a tent in your own backyard, roll out the sleeping bags, and toast marshmallows under the broiler for S’mores. 11. Make sand slime. This easy summer recipe uses only two small bottles of school glue, one cup of liquid starch, and two scoops of sand. Add more or less sand and play with the texture of this very cool substance. It can be stored in a sealed Ziploc bag for several weeks. 12. Visit the Washington County Agricultural Fair. A great time for the entire family! Not only do you get rides, games, food, and cool events like tractor pulls, you also get great 4-H learning opportunities. This year, the fair runs August 15–22. n See ad for Extended Day Services on page 47. 46

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2015

Summer Fun! Register now for Summer and Fall! Summer Petite Camps for ages 2-5, with sessions in June, July & August!

*1/2nd grade camp *Summer Class Cards (3rd-12th grade) *All Genres *Boys-only classes

Open House & Registration: Thursday, May 21st 6-8pm

Call today for more information! Thomas Dance Studio South

111 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017 412-257-2000 www.thomasdance.com “Growing Dancers Since 1967”

What to Do This Summer? How About Dance? Jennifer Lydon, The Thomas Dance Studio

With no school to occupy your kids’ time during endlessly long summer days, are you looking for structured, fun summer activities? Does your son or daughter dance throughout the house and tumble all over the yard? Was your child enrolled in a dance class this past school year and felt sad to see it end? Whether your son or daughter has dance experience or is an enthusiastic beginner, there is a variety of options available to you over the summer months. You may be looking for an opportunity for your dancer to continue working on the technique she learned during the school year. Or if you have never enrolled your little one in dance class, you may want to ease him or her into it with a short-term commitment this summer to try it out. Summer camps offered to the youngest of dancers should focus on creative movement through ballet, gymnastics, and tap. Fun camp ideas for preschool and kindergarten-age dancers may be centered around a familiar children’s theme and can include art projects, movies, and a snack. Look for a program designed to encourage and nurture a love for dance while also building selfesteem and confidence in your child. Elementary-age dancers may choose to try a new style of dance like hip hop, or continue working on a personal favorite like ballet or tap over the summer. Busy teenagers sometimes don’t want to commit to a summer-long class, but are looking to refine their technique or brush up on their dance and gymnastics skills for

upcoming cheerleading or dance team auditions. For that reason, look for studios that offer a class-card system to provide flexibility. Dancers can purchase a class card for a specific number of classes and attend when it best fits their schedules. Summer is the perfect time for any dancer, whether beginner, recreational, or advanced, to prepare for the upcoming year and receive the individual attention he or she needs. If you’re looking for summer dance options in the South Hills, The Thomas Dance Studio has been “growing dancers since 1967.” The Studio offers the following techniques: ballet, pointe, gymnastics, hip hop, lyrical, jazz, tap, modern, and boys-only classes. The Studio also boasts an award-winning competitive dance company. The 48th annual Thomas Studio dance recitals will be held over the course of two weekends in May. The Junior/Senior recitals are Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17 at West Allegheny High School. The Petite recitals are Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31 at Chartiers Valley Intermediate School. Stop by to check them out! n Call The Thomas Dance Studio at 412-257-2000 or visit www.thomasdance.com for more information on summer and fall dance classes. See ad on this page. Summer 2015

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer Fun! Carnegie Squirrel Hill Upper St. Clair 412-429-2122 www.pghma.com

We’ve got a full schedule for you this summer! • Private & Group lessons • Cello Fury Rock Camp for Strings • Chamber Music Intensive Camp • Greater Pittsburgh Suzuki Institute

Call us for more details!

Summer Driving Tips

John D’Angelo, Tri-Community South EMS Do you First, the summertime driver can know which become too relaxed and will devote far season of the less concentration on the road. The good year has the highest number of traffic fa- weather and the increase in roadside sights talities? Most people, without hesitation, combine to add too many distractions would choose winter. After all, winter which, in turn, lead to a loss of focus. Also, drivers face adverse weather and road because school is out in the summer, more conditions, including high winds, snow, teen drivers are on the road. The lack of exice, low visibility, and increased hours of perience of this age group inevitably results darkness. Surprisingly, however, the month in an increased risk of accidents, because with the highest number of traffic fatalities lack of experience leads to more driving nationwide is July. And, again surprisingly, errors. Data from many different sources the second and third months with the high- shows that teens are involved in more road est numbers of fatalities are August and accidents than any other age group. June. According to figures compiled by Next, good weather translates into far the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, more car and motorcycle drivers on the more than 3000 fatal car accidents occur road than in the winter months. This conin each of those three summer months, far gestion, combined with vacationers who outdistancing any other months of the year. are traveling on unfamiliar roads, leads Why is driving in the summer more to an increase in the number of impatient dangerous than driving in any other period drivers who will take more chances. Their of the year? As it turns out, the answer driving becomes less predictable and more to that question involves a combination erratic. Crowded roads also have been of an increase in both road dangers and shown to lead to an increase in road rage driver errors. incidents. 48

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2015

Another summertime hazard is road construction. Good weather signals the start of the construction season with its resulting slowdowns, lane changes, and detours. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, road construction zones are the cause of close to 700 road fatalities every year. Drivers in a hurry to reach a destination will sometimes ignore the lower posted speed limits and thus will be unprepared for sudden stops or quick lane changes. Summertime driving can be both relaxing and pleasurable. However, the members at Tri-Community South EMS want to ensure that our neighbors know and understand the increased risk that come with warm weather driving. Enjoy the driving opportunities offered in the summer, but also be aware of the dangers that accompany these opportunities. n Contact Tri-Community South EMS for more information at 412-831-3710 or www.tcsems.org.

Summer Fun! Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center ATTENTION UPPER ST. CLAIR RESIDENTS SKATE & SWIM at the MT. LEBANON RECREATION CENTER Open Year Round with Something for Everyone *Learn-to-Skate Classes/ Beginner & Advanced Hockey Clinics Youth Developmental & Adult Hockey Leagues Public Skating Summer Figure Skating School and Figure Skating Sessions Daily Adult Skating & Instructional Programs Speed Skating * Broomball Birthday Party Packages Newly renovated pool and bathouse *Individual & Family Season Swim Passes Available Pool Open Noon – 8 P.M. Daily beginning June 13

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

Calling All Youth Triathletes

Day/Date: Saturday, July 25 Time: 7:30–9 a.m.* Place: Starting location at C&RC outdoor pool Fee: $30 per athlete (until June 24) $35 per athlete (June 25–July 24) Ages 7, 8, 9 Swim 75 yards (3 pool lengths) Bike 1 mile Run 0.5 mile

Ages 10, 11, 12 Swim 125 yards (5 pool lengths) Bike 2 mile Run 1 mile

*Wave times are given at the pre-race preparation meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, July 24 at the C&RC. Maximum of 100 total participants, athletes must fill out legal waiver prior to participating. All athletes must arrive at the outdoor pool area for the above age group event day registration starting time. No rain date. Helmet and bike are required.

USC Youth Triathlon Registration Form Participant Name (print): _______________________________________________ Age as of July 25: __________ Gender: ____________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ Phone Number: _______________________________________________________ Email: _______________________________________________________________ T-shirt size (circle one): Child S M L Adult S M T-shirt size will be honored for those registering before June 24. Remaining t-shirts will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Parent or Guardian Signature_____________________________________________ Make checks payable to: USC Recreation, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Registration Deadline: July 24 In consideration of the Township of Upper St. Clair granting me permission to engage in recreational activities at Boyce Mayview Park, the above signed does hereby waive, release, save, and hold harmless and indemnify the Township of Upper St. Clair, its employees, agents, and independent contractors for any and all claims for damage or personal injury to me or loss of property which may be caused by any act or failure to act on the part of the Township of Upper St. Clair, its employees, agents, and independent contractors. Summer 2015

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer Fun! Backyard Playground and Trampoline Safety

NEW

Kids love to play and explore, and one of the best places to do that is in their own backyard. So it’s important that you know all you can about playgrounds and trampoline safety. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 51,000 emergency room visits are the result of injuries from home playground equipment each year. And while the numbers are decreasing, the American Academy of Pediatrics reports 98,000 trampoline-related injuries occurred in 2009, resulting in 3100 hospitalizations. Here are some of the basic safety guidelines that the Consumer Safety Product Commission recommends in their home playground safety tips: Home Playground • Install playground sets properly. Follow manufacturer’s instructions. If you need help, contact a professional installer. • Avoid pressure treated wood. Although most manufacturers of outdoor equipment quit using this material in 2004, make sure your backyard playground equipment doesn’t contain pressure-treated wood. Exposure to arsenic in pressure-treated wood can increase the risk of certain types of cancers. • Check for protruding hardware, hooks, protruding bolt ends, and any sharp points or edges that can be hazardous. Make sure they are removed or properly covered. • Install and maintain a shock-absorbing surface. The play area should be at least six feet in all directions beyond any play equipment. Depending on the height of the equipment, the surface should have at least seven inches of double shredded bark mulch, wood chips, fine sand, or fine gravel. Replenish the base each year as it can lose much of its material or become compacted during the winter. • Remove tripping hazards. Concrete footings, tree stumps, rocks, and other exposed hazards can be dangerous to children running around the playground. • Check for spaces that could trap children. Openings in guardrails or between ladder rungs should measure less than three and a half inches or more than nine inches. • Make sure platforms, walkways, and ramps have guardrails. These are common area where children fall. • Check slide and platform heights. They

should be no higher than six feet for school-age children or four feet for preschool-age children. • Never attach ropes, jump ropes, clotheslines, or pet leashes to playground equipment. These can be extremely dangerous and cause strangulation. • Regularly check play equipment for sturdy supports and that the surfacing is in good condition. • Supervise children at all times. An adult should monitor play to make sure children are safe. Trampoline Safety As much fun as it is, jumping on trampolines can be very risky for both children and adults. If you choose to buy a trampoline despite the risks, the following safety rules are recommended: • Only one person should jump at a time. Having multiple people on a trampoline at the same time can lead to injury. • Kids should not attempt somersaults and flips. These are among the most common causes of permanent, devastating cervical spine injuries. • Adults must provide constant, active supervision and enforce all safety guidelines. Never let children use a trampoline alone. • Homeowners should check their insurance policies. Verify that your insurance policy covers trampoline-related claims. • Trampolines should have adequate protective padding, in good condition and appropriately placed. • Trampolines should be set at ground level whenever possible or on a level surface and in an area cleared of surrounding hazards. • Inspect protective padding, net enclosure, and any other parts for damage. Examine frequently and replace as needed. • Discard trampoline if it is broken beyond repair and if replacement parts are unavailable. Playing in the backyard creates great childhood memories. Make sure your family stays safe by installing and maintaining your backyard equipment properly and assure children are supervised at all times. The above list of safety precautions is not exhaustive. Consumers should follow the applicable playground and trampoline product manufacturer safety and use guidelines. n

Article complements of State Farm®. See ad for Cindy Brophy, State Farm® agent, on page 44. 50

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2015

Summer Fun! USC Kennywood Day Monday, June 15 Rides open at 11 a.m. Fun Day Pass

$26

Phone: (724) 941- 4747

pecktravel@pecktravel.com

c To ort ur ed s

m Va ily ca tio

A District-wide ticket sales event will be held at the Municipal Building Lobby...............9 a.m.–noon Payment by cash or money order only.

es W tin ed at di ion ng s

Specializing in group travel, exotic destinations & more! A

Calling all USC residents to come out and enjoy a day of family fun at USC’s Kennywood Day.

Donaldson’s Crossroads 3967 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317

Watch for School District eBlast information or contact the School District Central Office at 412-833-1600, extension 2202.

community wide flea market SATURDAY, JULY 11 (Rain or Shine) Place: USCHS Stadium Parking Lot Time: 8 a.m. to noon (Sale) Setup beginning at 6:30 a.m. Space is limited, so sign-up for your space early. Sellers are responsible for providing their own table(s). Please complete the following form and mail to: _ Upper St. Clair Recreation, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Name:________________________________________________________________ Address:_ _____________________________________________________________ Email:_ _______________________________________________________________

dine in-carry out-delivery-catering

412.531.6666 412.531.8666

Phone:________________________________________________________________ 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.

670 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon, PA, 15228

www.jadegrille.com Summer 2015

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

T Township Commissioners 2015 Township of Upper St. Clair Meeting Dates

Robert W. Orchowski

Russell R. Del Re

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-854-1868 2015*

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-287-9076 2015*

President, Ward 3

Nicholas J. Seitanakis

Vice President, Ward 5

Rex A. Waller Ward 2

Ward 1

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-220-4434 2015*

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-854-5065 2017*

Mark D. Christie

Glenn R. Dandoy

Daniel R. Paoly

Day 412-831-9000 2017*

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-944-3957 2015*

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-862-5995 2017*

Ward 4

At-Large

• The Board of Commissioners meets at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building. The regular public meeting is held the first Monday of the month in the Board Meeting Room. The informational and general affairs meeting is held the last Monday of the month in the Board Meeting Room. • The Planning Commission meets the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. • The Parks and Recreation Board meets at the C&RC the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m., no meeting in December. • The Zoning Hearing Board meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 8 p.m. • The Civil Service Board meets as needed. • The Building/Fire Codes Appeals and Advisory Board meets as needed. • The Library Board meets as needed. *Date indicates expiration of term.

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

Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager

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

Douglas W. Burkholder Chief of Police

Mark P. Romito Director of Finance

Scott A. Brilhart Director of Planning & Community Development

Amy Sommer Director of Information Technology

Administrator Extension Matthew R. Serakowski........................................................216 Township Manager Mark S. Mansfield.................................................................219 Asst. Township Manager & Director of Administration Douglas W. Burkholder.........................................................238 Chief of Police Mark P. Romito......................................................................218 Director of Finance Scott A. Brilhart.....................................................................501 Director of Planning & Community Development Amy Sommer Director of Information Technology George Kostelich, Jr...............................................................271 Director of Public Works Helen M. Palascak.................................................................247 Director of Library Paul Besterman......................................................................656 Director of Recreation & Leisure Services Other Services Police–Administration............................................ 412-833-1113 Tri-Community South EMS–Administration........ 412-831-3710 USC Volunteer Fire Department–Administration.... 412-835-0660 Animal Control..................................................... 412-833-7500 Community & Recreation Center....................... 412-221-1099 Cable 7................................................................... 412-831-1030 Emergency–Police, Fire, EMS ............................. 412-833-7500

George Kostelich, Jr. Director of Public Works 52

Helen M. Palascak Director of Library

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Paul Besterman Director of Recreation & Leisure Services

Summer 2015

USC Township website:

www.twpusc.org

T Highlights of the Board of Commissioners’ Meetings January 5, 2015

Approximately 13 people attended.

The Board • Continued Public Hearing Re. PLC14-0015–Dunkin’ Donuts–Unified Conditional Use and Preliminary Land Development Approval to the February 2, 2015, Regular Meeting of the Board. • Continued Public Hearing Re. PLC14-1304–Amendment to Chapter 130 of the Township Code Entitled “Zoning” to establish the hours of operation for businesses in the Township to the February 2, 2015, Regular Meeting of the Board. • Approved the following appointment and reappointments to Township Boards and Commissions: Term Expires Board/Commission Name December 31 Building and Fire Code Appeals......... David McLean....................... 2017 and Advisory Board....... Robert Stevens, Jr.... (appointment from alternate to full board member) Civil Service Board........ Paul Battisti........................... 2017 Library Board................. Paula Holmes........................ 2017 Parks and Recreation Board........... Bill Barnard........................... 2017 Tom Browand Diane Morris Planning Commission... Robert Stevenson.................. 2018 David Wade Zoning Hearing Board... Gregg Zegarelli..................... 2017 Robin Weissert, alternate

February 2, 2015

Approximately 15 people attended.

The Board • Adopted Bill No. 1-15 Re. PLC14-0015–Dunkin’ Donuts–Unified Conditional Use and Preliminary Land Development Approval subject to certain conditions, and including the revision “that the applicant shall revise the plans to provide a double-sided finished block along the top of the retaining wall to final grade.” • Adopted Bill No. 2-15 Re. PLC14-1304 to amend Chapter 130 of the Township Code Entitled “Zoning” to establish the hours of operation for businesses in the Township. • Adopted Resolution No. 1597 for Plan Revision for New Land Development (Planning Module) for PLC14-0015– Dunkin’ Donuts–Unified Conditional Use and Preliminary Land Development Approval. • Adopted Resolution No. 1598 establishing a public hearing date of April 6, 2015, Re. PLC15-1301–Amendment to Chapter 130 of the Township Code Entitled “Zoning” to establish regulations for Distributed Antenna Systems. • Moved to extend the Sewage Billing and Collection Agreement with Jordan Tax Service through 2016. Approval of Contracts • Lone Pine Construction, Inc. Bentleyville, PA...................................................$63,870 C-53-10 Sanitary Sewer Manhole Project • Kenny Ross North Huntington, PA.........................................$25,438 2015 Chevrolet Colorado 4WD Extended Cab Truck • Tri-Star Motors Blairsville, PA......................................................$66,868 Two (2) 2015 F-550 XL 4x4 Cab & Chassis Trucks

Community Development

Flood Protection Flooding and other surface drainage problems can occur well away from a river, lake, or ocean. When you are looking at a property, it is always a good idea to check possible flood hazards. Be aware: • The force of moving water or waves can destroy a building. • Slow moving floodwaters are forceful enough to knock people off their feet or to float a car. • Water-soaked contents, such as carpeting, upholstered furniture, and mattresses often suffer irreparable damage and may have to be disposed of after a flood. • Some items, such as photographs and heirlooms, may never be restored to their original conditions. • Floodwaters are not clean; they carry mud, disease, farm chemicals, road oil, and other noxious substances that are serious health hazards. • The impact of a flood (cleaning up, making repairs, and suffering personal losses) causes great stress to you, your family, and your finances. Township Flood Services Upper St. Clair participates in the Community Rating System, which is a program of providing flood hazard information and services. The first step to protect your home from flood damage is to assess the flood hazard. A complete Flood Protection Library, including flood maps and flood protection references, is available at the Upper St. Clair Township Library. The Department of Planning and Community Development, located in the Municipal Building, can provide more information, such as depth of flooding above a building’s first floor, location of floodplains, past flood problems in the area, and tips on how to select a contractor. For your safety, Upper St. Clair regulates all construction and development in floodplains to ensure that buildings will be protected from flood damage. What You Can Do The Township’s efforts depend on your cooperation and assistance. Here is how you can help: • Do not dump debris of any kind into creeks, ditches, ravines, or streams. Dumping is a violation of Chapter 83 of the Township Code. Even grass clippings and branches accumulate and plug channels, causing danger during rains. • If your property is next to a creek or ditch, keep the banks clear of brush and debris. The Township has a response program to help remove major blockage such as downed trees. • If you see evidence of dumping of debris in creeks or ditches, contact the Public Works Department or the Department of Planning and Community Development. Summer 2015

• Always check with the Department of Planning and Community Development before you build, alter, grade, or fill on your property. A permit may be needed to ensure that projects do not cause problems on other properties. If you are in a floodplain, special building codes may apply. The Community Development Department personnel will walk you through any application and answer your questions. If you see building or filling without a Township permit posted, contact the Department of Planning and Community Development at 412-831-9000. Flood Insurance If you do not have flood insurance, talk to your insurance agent. Homeowners’ insurance policies typically do not cover damage from floods. However, because the Township of Upper St. Clair participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, local residents can purchase a separate flood insurance policy. The Township has received a lower rating of a seven out of ten, which provides for a 15% reduction in insurance. It is backed by the federal government and is available to all residents, even for property outside of a floodplain. Any property is subject to flooding. Surface water can accumulate from heavy rain, melting snow, a broken water main, or a ruptured swimming pool. Insurance agents may require photographs of the front and back of your house, an elevation certificate (if you are in a floodplain), a completed and signed application, and a check for the first year’s premium. For sample flood insurance applications, visit the Flood Protection Library in the Township Library. Stormwater Information The Township maintains a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit as mandated by the EPA. This program places requirements on stormwater discharges associated with construction activities and discharges for municipal storm sewers. There are projects that the Township has undertaken to protect our streams and waterways from hazardous discharge. Be sure to check the Township’s website on a regular basis for updates on Stormwater Management and Flood Protection and the steps the Township is taking to meet the federal requirements in order to keep Upper St. Clair a safer place to reside. This information is published annually as a part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System recertification and is also available on the Township website at www.twpusc.org. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

USC Makes the List

There’s no doubt that Upper St. Clair is a great place to live, work, and play! Over the years, both the Township and the School District have been named to various “best of” lists, and recently Movoto, a real estate brokerage site, published its 2015 ranking of the safest places in Pennsylvania, based on data from the most recent Uniform Crime Report. Upper St. Clair Township ranked as the eighth safest place in the state (http://www.movoto.com/blog/top-ten/the-10-safestcities-in-pennsylvania/). Sperling’s Best Place lists a number of interesting facts, as well, about the community that we call home. For example, comparing statistics of 2014 to 2000, Upper St. Clair’s population of slightly less than 20,000 declined by about three percent over the past 14 years. With home appreciation of nearly 1.8% last year, the 2014 median home cost in the Township was around $250,000. USC’s cost of living is approximately 18% higher than the U.S. average, while the average work commute time is 30 minutes, which is slightly above the national average of 25 minutes. Upper St. Clair public schools spend $18,183 per student. (USCSD reports per pupil expenditure as $13,181, which excludes debt service and financing activities.) The average U.S. per pupil expenditure in is $12,435. There are approximately 15 students per teacher in the Upper St. Clair School District. One of the advantages of living in Upper St. Clair Township is our proximity to the city of Pittsburgh, which has also been named to a number of “best of” lists in recent years. Pittsburgh was ranked number one in the list of Best Cities to relocate to in America. According

to the study, “Pittsburgh is an affordable city that offers the amenities of a megalopolis with added stability. With an average home price of $116,400 (the national average is $171,700) and a cost of living that is 12.2% below the U.S. average, Pittsburgh is an attractive city for many looking to relocate. The unemployment rate is 7.8%, whereas the national average is currently at 10.2%. Moreover, the low risk of natural disasters and low crime rate make Pittsburgh a safe city for homeowners and families.” For sports entertainment, Pittsburgh is home to three major league sports teams—the Steelers, the Pirates, and the Penguins. Sports play an important role in Pittsburgh, and considerably improves the quality of life for those who live here. Pittsburgh was also ranked number one in a list of the Most Romantic Cities for Boomers. The study indicates that, “Pittsburgh came out on top as the number one city where the boomer set is finding special moments for romance. Boomer marriage rates in Pittsburgh ranked eighth among the 50 largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. The study also found that Pittsburgh has the secondlowest percentage of divorced and separated boomer adults among the 50 largest cities. Living in the most romantic city, Pittsburgh boomers are ready for the special moments in a relationship and take the time to create them by showering their true love with flowers and candy. Floral sales in Pittsburgh ranked number one and candy sales ranked number two among the top ten cities.” Sweet! n To see additional rankings, visit www.bestplaces.net.

Community Development

Be Aware of the Rules

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. 54

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2015

• 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.

412-831-9000, ext. 501, www.twpusc.org

Get back to it! Visit the Sports Medicine and Spine Center. Jose Ramirez-Del Toro, M.D., Justin Petrolla, M.D. and Melissa Guanche, M.D. specialize in non operative treatment options for sports and work injuries, arthritic conditions and spine pain. Cutting-edge non-surgical rehabilitation Diagnostic and therapeutic treatments Advanced interventional pain procedures Patient-centered care

1145 Bower Hill Road Suite 301 412-276-7022 theorthopedicgroup.com

Dr. Ramirez-Del Toro, Dr. Guanche and Dr. Petrolla Members of The Orthopedic Group: Scott L. Baron, M.D.; Thomas F. Brockmeyer, M.D., Ph.D.; William T. DeCarbo, D.P.M.; Gerson Florez, M.D.; Mark Hofbauer, D.P.M.; Alexander Kandabarow, M.D.; Richard Mitchell, M.D.; Ari E. Pressman, M.D.; Daniel Stewart, M.D.; and Shaka Walker, M.D. MM/CL-ICM/8-14

Local Earned Income Taxes

Make Sure Your Local Earned Income Taxes Go to Work for You and for Your Community! Since 2012, employers in Pennsylvania have been required to withhold employees’ local earned income taxes much like state and federal income taxes. Employees are required by law to complete a Residency Certification form (Residency form) providing name, address, social security number, home municipality, and a six-digit PSD code for the municipality in which the employee resides. Unique PSD codes are assigned to each municipality in Pennsylvania. The completed Residency form is kept on file by the employer and is used to withhold and distribute the proper tax amount to the tax collector representing the tax collection district in which the employee’s home municipality and school district are located. Errors on the Residency form result in significant delays in the employee’s taxes arriving at the employee’s home municipality and school district. It is the employee’s responsibility to provide accurate and updated information on his or her Residency Form. Upper St. Clair Municipality/School District is part of the Southwest Allegheny County Tax Collection District and Jordan Tax Service, Inc. (JTS) is the appointed tax collector. Visit www. jordantax.com/Act32 for frequently asked questions and answers specific to taxpayers as well as to view sample forms, including the Residency form and the Annual Final Tax Return form. You can also contact JTS at 412-345-7966 and a customer service representative will assist you. JTS also permits you to file your final return and pay any additional taxes due online.

If you are a resident of Upper St. Clair Township, your PSD Code is 731701. This code must be used on your Residency form and on your Final Local Earned Income Tax Return which must be filed annually by all taxpayers. Here are some important suggestions to ensure that you comply with your obligations under Pennsylvania’s Earned Income Tax Collection Law and that your taxes arrive on time to your home municipality and school district: • Check with your employer to ensure that your Residency form is correct, including your up-to-date home address and PSD code. • Update your Residency form with your employer if you move your residence and complete a new Residency form if you change employers. • If you file a Final Return with JTS online, be sure to follow the instructions and mail your W-2 form and any other schedules you or your accountant used for your return to Jordan Tax Service, Inc. at 7100 Baptist Road, Bethel Park, PA 15102. • Use your home PSD code on your final return. Just because your taxes are being withheld does not relieve you from your obligation to file a Final Return. You must file a Final Return each year regardless of whether you owe additional taxes. n Contact JTS for assistance at 412-835-5243. Summer 2015

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Park It!

Wiltshire 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’s 18 parks welcome you to come and park it! Visit http://www.twpusc.org/rec-leisure/parks-fields for park location information. 

Site

Fields/Courts

Playground Equipment

Baker Park 13.82 acres

1 small baseball field, 1 large baseball Play unit and swing set field, 2 lighted basketball courts, 1 lighted sand surface volleyball court, 2 tennis courts, 2 lighted bocce courts, 2 pickleball courts

Beadling Soccer Field 3.36 acres

soccer field

Boyce Field 1 acre

baseball field

Miscellaneous Bike rack, small shelter, water fountain, picnic tables, grass play area, large covered sand play area, natural surface trail head, perimeter trail

Dugouts, batting cage, bleachers

1 baseball field, 1 softball field, Multi-purpose field, (See map on page 57.) 1 Miracle League baseball field Boyce Mayview Park 475+ acres

The Clubhouse at Boyce Mayview is the all-inclusive playground adjacent to the Miracle League Field. It is a custom-themed playground for kids of all ages and abilities featuring tower slides, ball glove tube slides, replica Clemete Bridge, water misting tree and misting fountain, ground piano and NEOS 360 electronic aerobic game.

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 Outdoor Classroom, pavilion (rentable facility), open space, Community & Recreation Center, with its 90,000-square-foot facility featuring indoor/outdoor aquatics, state-of-the-art 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, water fountain, walkway lighting, grass play area

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, splash pad 1.25 mile outer loop wood chip trail with interior trail through meadow

Gilfillan Park 59.57 acres Hays Park 4.21 acres

1 basketball court, 1 tennis court

Play unit and swing set

Asphalt walking trail, splash pad, small shelter, water fountain, grass multi-purpose area

Johnston Park 2.48 acres

1 lighted basketball court (1 full court with 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, 1 lighted field, 2 lighted baseball fields

Play unit above Morton 2 area

2 batting cages, concession building, shelter, dugouts, announcer’s booth, natural surface trail head, perimeter trail

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 sand volleyball court

Swing set, separate 2–5 & 5–12 year old play structures, with synthetic turf safety surface, mega-tower w/two 10-ft. twist tube slides, climbing wall, tot and traditional swings, and Mt. Kilimanjaro climbing rock.

Recreation Center (rentable facility) building with meeting facilities, kitchen, pool table, and restrooms, outdoor horseshoe pits, large picnic shelter, 3-hole golf course, water fountain, batting cages, and the rain garden educational/picnic site

Shelter and bleachers, 2 water fountains

Natural area

Ravine Park 10.51 acres Trotwood Park 8 acres

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

Play unit and swing set

2 water fountains, shelter, splash pad, walkway lighting

Tustin Park 6.52 acres

1 basketball court

Play unit and swing set

Asphalt/wood chip walking trail around park Visual presentation of military history, benches, lighting

Veterans Park Wiltshire Park 11.2 acres

2 lighted basketball courts, 1 lighted street hockey court with goals

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Renovated in 2014-15. The new playground has poured-in-place rubber and synthetic turf safety surface built in the hillside, which includes horizontal net climber, cable bridges, roller slide, double deck tower with slides, Omni spinner, and swings with infant seats. Also, a sand play area and frog splash pad.

Summer 2015

Restrooms, pavilion, pergola seating area, grass play area, walkway lighting, water fountain

Summer 2015

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Rain Garden at Municipal Building

An improvement to the Township’s parks is the addition of a rain garden located by the municipal building playground. Situated adjacent to the parking lot, the rain garden captures water runoff from the parking lot and filters it into a specifically designed landscape planting area. The planting area was engineered to include a certain soil mixture to help retain and filter the water for a specific amount of time. The mixture is intended to allow plants more time to absorb the water and also filter the water into the ground, thus recharging the water table.

This model project, funded by a grant from the Allegheny County Conservation District, was designed to illustrate the importance of a rain garden and showcase the garden as an enjoyable place to be in the Township’s landscape design. This summer, take time to appreciate the sights and sounds of nature at the rain garden. The site includes a picnic table. Enjoy a tranquil lunch near McLaughlin Run creek the next time you are at this park. n

USC VFD Fire Prevention Program Daniel Barr, Vice President, USC VFD

Each year, the members of the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department focus hundreds of man hours on fire prevention educational programs throughout our community. The fire prevention program is presented to pre-school groups and elementary school classes (K-4). The firefighters travel to meet the students in their classrooms; sometimes the students are bused to meet the members at the fire station. Firefighters also meet with church groups, Boy Scouts, Tiger Cubs, Daisy Troops, Girl Scouts, and other local organizations. The firefighters provide an educational video on the ABCs of Fire Prevention and demonstrate the Stop, Drop, and Roll procedures to use if your clothing catches on fire. They teach kids what to do when they find matches or a lighter. The firefighters show the apparatus and equipment they wear and explain why and how it is used. Firefighters present in detail the importance of EDITH (Exit Firefighter Russ Rauch distributes fire prevention material at the Fall Bounty at Boyce Mayview Park. Drills in the Home) and the necessity to designate a family meeting location in case of an emergency. The kids are invited to ask their parents if there are smoke detectors in each sleeping area and one on each level of the house, and if the detector’s batteries are checked regularly. I can tell you from experience that some kids have a lot of questions for their parents when they get home! In addition, the firefighters put on their special bunker gear and breathing apparatus, describing how each piece functions. Then, a firefighter in full gear crawls around on the floor asking the kids to respond to his questions. Seeing a firefighter in full gear is extremely important, because in an actual emergency, a firefighter dressed this way would scare most kids to the point they would want to hide. The firefighters stress the importance of not hiding, but feeling the door and door handle before opening it and peeking into the hallway to look for a clear escape path. The firefighters tell the children to yell for help if they cannot leave a room they are in due to fire or smoke. As the children get acquainted with the firefighters, they often remark that Local students learn how to recognize a firefighter in full gear and more during a USC VFD fire prevention program. they sound like Darth Vader when in gear and using the breathing apparatus. This response is exactly what the firefighters hope for, because the children will then know the sounds to expect from the firefighters when they are crawling around on their knees in search of victims should they find themselves in a real life situation. Because of the repetition of the fire prevention program throughout the grade levels and to outside groups in which many children participate, there are some kids that could teach the class! This is what the program strives to accomplish. Members of the volunteer fire department want kids to be familiar with fire safety and to know what to do in case of an emergency in their homes. A lot of the kids know Fireman Russ due to the fact that firefighter Russell Rauch has been the primary teacher of the fire prevention program for many years. When members of the department participate in various activities in the community, including the Halloween parade at South Hills Village, Fall Bounty at Boyce Mayview Park, Community Day, and other events, you will hear kids say to their parents, “There’s Fireman Russ!” Unfortunately, sometimes at these programs, firefighters will also hear a few parents comment to their children, “Don’t worry, we will never have a fire.” While we all hope that this statement will hold true—and, fortunately, for most families it will be true—there are families that will lose everything because of a fire. Upper St. Clair Fire Department and its members hope that the kids and their parents adequately plan for the unexpected and at least know how to “get out and stay out” of a fire safely as a result of the department’s continuing educational efforts. Stay safe, neighbor! n 58

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USC Park Renovations

Gary Schafer, USC Township Parks and Forestry Administrator The Township was very busy planning and constructing improvements at the Miracle Field and Wiltshire Park last year, and it appears the hard work has paid off! Upper St. Clair is fortunate to add the Miracle Field playground, officially referred to as The Clubhouse at Boyce Mayview Park, to our regional park. Many thanks to Casey’s Clubhouse and the Regional Asset District (RAD) to make this park improvement possible. With their funding, The Clubhouse was a great playground to plan, and it was wonderful to watch as it progressed in its construction phases. Now that all of the pieces have been installed, it is great to see the playground is being put to good use. Bring your kids or stop by to explore the hidden treasures that The Clubhouse offers. During the weekends in late spring and early summer, you can also catch a ballgame at the Miracle Field. Wiltshire Park has seen a major transformation this past fall and winter. With the assistance from a Department of Conservation and Economic Development grant, the Public Works Department had the opportunity to renovate this park. The playground has been relocated to where the swings once were. Don’t fret! There are still swings, and a replacement merrygo-round has been installed. A wonderful new playground has been built on the hillside, complete with an awesome view of the park and neighborhood from the top of the tower. The slide down from the tower is pretty fun, too! The safety surface is made from a poured-in-place rubber and synthetic turf, which meets the regulations for fall protection. But please, still keep your eye on those precious kids!

The Clubhouse playground

The courts have been updated with new basketball goals and a fence. A major transformation occurred to the hockey court; kids love the addition of the dasher boards and professional goals. To give easy access to both sides of the park, a new pedestrian bridge over the creek has been installed. Parents and their children will be happy with the addition of restrooms, an amenity new to the park. Later this summer, a new seating area will provide a great place to relax and enjoy Wiltshire Park the quiet beauty of nature that surrounds playground this updated recreational area. The splash pad next to the sand box was renovated to include a frog and bubbling water that comes out of the ground. To all of the debaters of whether the former water feature was a dolphin or a seal, the debate may continue at another Township park. You just never know where it might resurface! We hope the community comes out to play at these two parks and all of our other 16 parks, too. (See page 56 for a complete list of the USC Township parks.) n Should you see the need for improvements at any USC park, contact the Township Public Works Department, or come and voice your praises or concerns at a Parks and Recreation Advisory Boards meeting, held at 7:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of every month, except for December. Summer 2015

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

The Outdoor Classroom Spring and Summer Events Family and Community The Buzz Programs

on the Bees

Eva Barinas, Program Administrator, The Outdoor Classroom Many of us have heard the hype over the honeybees dying off or colony collapse disorder (CCD) running rampant through neighborhoods. But what does all that really mean? One less stinging insect actually sounds appealing, right? What many of us forget to connect in the larger picture is the pollination process. How many of the following are part of your daily diet: almonds, apples, apricots, avocadoes, blueberries, cashews, cherries, coffee, cranberries, alfalfa (which cows eat, and what do we get from cows?), grapes, grapefruit, kiwi, macadamia nut, mangos, melons, papaya, peaches, pears, peppermint, raspberries, blackberries, sesame, strawberries, sugarcane, tea plants, vanilla, allspice, anise, cardamom, coriander, nutmeg? These are a small sampling of the many items pollinated by honeybees. In order for a plant to produce a fruit or vegetable, pollen from one plant’s anther (male part) needs to travel to another plant’s stigma (female part), enabling fertilization. This is exactly what honeybees do. Honeybees go from flower to flower slurping nectar to bring to their hive to turn into honey. Whether they intend to or not, pollen is transferred from anther to stigma along the way. So the next time you hear the buzzing of a bee or a person buzzing about bees, pause for a moment and consider what sustains you. Healthy food is available as a result of healthy bees! Interested in finding out more about these connections in nature and how they directly affect you, or how you can help these pollinators and more? Visit The Outdoor Classroom’s website (www.TheOutdoorClassroomPA.org) and register for the environmental educational programs. n

Bumble bee pollinating the water garden flowers 60

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Talk N’ Walk Series Date: Sundays, May 17 (Serpent Science), June 14 (Animal Forensics), July 19 (All About Bees), August 16 (History of Boyce Mayview Park) Time: 2–4 p.m. Location: The Outdoor Classroom offices Audience: Family friendly Fee: $8 adults, $3 children under 12 10% discount for 3 or more Topics change every month and include a handson 30- to 45-minute presentation followed by a hike focusing on the day’s topic. Especially appropriate for Scout troops and leaders and educators. Pre-registration is requested and required for groups and to receive the 10% group discount. Amphibians and Reptiles of Western Pennsylvania Dates: TBD Time: 6–8 p.m. Meeting Place: The Outdoor Classroom Learning Lab Audience: Family friendly Fee: $10 per person over age two 10% discount for 3 or more Does your child want to be a herpetologist? If he or she has an affinity for things that hop, slither, and spend time in wet places, then he or she will love this presentation. April Claus, of Interactive Environmental Programs, will bring her collection of reptiles and amphibians to the Classroom for two sessions this summer. Learn about the homes and habits of these unique creatures and be prepared for some hands-on encounters. These sessions are very popular. Sign up early! Registration is required. Moonstruck Hikes Dates: June 2, July 2, August 29 Time: Varies slightly by season, check website. Meeting Place: The Outdoor Classroom kiosk next to the pavilion Audience: Family friendly Fee: $4 per person over age 2 One of the Classroom’s most popular family friendly events—a walk in the dark on the peaceful trails of Boyce Mayview Park as the nocturnal world begins to come alive! Listen for owls, hear an insect symphony, or just enjoy the quiet stillness of the forest. The constellations and the moon will be the stars of the show as the moon crests the eastern horizon. The trails are relatively flat, but appropriate clothing and footwear are recommended.

Environmental Science Boy Scout Merit Badge Date: Sunday, June 7 Time: Noon–5 p.m. Location: The Outdoor Classroom Learning Lab Audience: Ages 12 and up Fee: $20 per child Join other Scouts for an afternoon filled with science and nature while hiking through the meadows and forests of Boyce Mayview Park. Learn about the multidisciplinary field of environmental science. Discuss the impacts that humans have on the environment, as well as the biological and physical components of this study of science. Participate in a meaningful conservation project while earning your Environmental Science Merit Badge. A merit badge counselor will be present to sign off on your blue card. Individual Scouts and interested children age 12 and up are encouraged to attend. Troop registration is also available. Campout in the Park Dates: Saturday, June 27 Time: 8–10 p.m. Meeting Place: The Outdoor Classroom Learning Lab Audience: Family friendly Fee: $10 person. Family Pak of 4 for $35 Join in for a fun family campout with tents, campfire treats, songs, and star gazing as part of the Great American Backyard Campout Night. Great as a Scout family night and fun for all ages! Cozy Campfire Nights Dates: Saturday, July 25 and Friday, August 28 Time: 7:30–8:30 p.m. Meeting Place: The Outdoor Classroom Learning Lab Audience: Family friendly Fee: $6 per person. Family Pak of 4 for $20 Bring the family for an evening of fun to jump start the summer! Enjoy the crackling fire, experience the woods at dusk, and feast on every child’s favorite campfire treat: S’mores and more! You can tell your favorite campfire story or make it comedy night and share a knee-slapping joke. This really is the perfect ending to a summer night! Geo-Pupping: Geocaching with Your Dog Dates: Saturday, August 22 Times: 10 a.m.–noon Meeting Place: The Outdoor Classroom Learning Lab Audience: Family and dog friendly Fee: Free Bring your family’s furry friends to the Classroom’s first dog-friendly event. There will be activities and temporary caches for people and pups alike. The Pittsburgh Area Geocaching Association (PAGA) will have its normal raffles and door prizes. All dogs must be leashed, well mannered, and up to date on shots. Watch for more information on the Classroom’s website and www.Geocaching.com.

Summer Camps Bullfrogs and Pollywogs “Nature’s Superheroes” Eligibility:Children ages 2–4, with an adult Day: Wednesdays Dates: July 8, 15, 22, 29, and August 5 Time: 10:30–11 a.m. Meeting Place: The Outdoor Classroom Learning Lab Fee: $90 for the series or $20 per class; $2 each additional adult Special times for preschoolers to enjoy time in the outdoors, listen to a woodland tale, and create a craft to take home. This summer’s focus will be on the super strength of animals in nature. Jr. Naturalists “A Closer Look” Eligibility: Ages 4–6 Day: Monday through Friday Dates: June 22–26 Time: 9 a.m.–noon Meeting Place: The Outdoor Classroom Learning Lab Fee: $160 per child Ready to get down on your hands and knees for an up close look at all the teeny-tiny organisms found in the natural world? Come ready to dig, poke, and peek at all the small amazing nature findings! Eco-Kids “Everything Little” Eligibility: Ages 7–10 Day: Monday–Friday Dates: July 20–24 Time: 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Meeting Place: The Outdoor Classroom Learning Lab Fee: $180 per child This summer everything small and tiny will be remembered! Join in to discover what lives, crawls, flutters, and creeps by that has been hardly noticed until now! Seasonal Scientist Series: “Weathered Science” Eligibility: Ages 8–12 Day: Monday–Friday Dates: July 27–31 Time: 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Meeting Place: The Outdoor Classroom Learning Lab Fee: $180 per child Ever wonder how it rains, or why the wind blows? What do people and other animals do to stay protected in a storm? Come and find out all things weather related in this science experiment-filled camp. Camper can attend EcoKids and Seasonal Scientists for more adventure and two weeks of avian fun. Didn’t attend EcoKids? No problem! You’ll still be able to enjoy this camp to its fullest.

Off to another flower

Outdoor Volunteer Opportunities • Garden Gang. Join in for garden clean up beginning Tuesday, June 2. Help is needed to maintain all four of the gardens at the Classroom and will involve weeding, cutting back, and covering flower beds. • Camp Counselors. Lend a hand while having fun this summer! The Classroom needs help with running its science and nature based camps. This volunteer opportunity is fantastic for responsible high school and college students. Time slots are available on varying days throughout June and July. • The Outreach Outfit could be your ticket to an exciting summer! If you like to meet and talk to lots of people, why not join the Classroom at Community Day and events around town? Tell the world about the Classroom’s programs and adventures and work on your tan at the same time! Available various Saturdays throughout the summer. For full details and a complete calendar of volunteer events or to register for your favorites, contact Eva Barinas, the Classroom’s volunteer coordinator at 412-838-0064 or Eva@TheOutdoorClassroomPA.org.

Teacher Workshops Pennsylvania Songbirds Educator Workshop Date: Saturday, May 16 Time: 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Location: The Outdoor Classroom offices Act 48 hours: 7.5 Fee: $10 Welcome Patrick Snickles, the Southwest Region Wildlife Education supervisor of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, for the first Pennsylvania Songbirds workshop at the Classroom since 2009. Pennsylvania Songbirds is a hands-on, interdisciplinary resource and activity guide for K-12 educators, offered through a joint project of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, DCNR, and Audubon Pennsylvania. This workshop focuses on natural history, social and ecological aspects, and habitat considerations for our feathered friends. WILD About Bears Workshop Date: Monday, June 29 Time: 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Location: The Outdoor Classroom offices Act 48 hours: 7.5 Fee: $10 Welcome Patrick Snickles, the Southwest Region Wildlife Education supervisor of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, for the first WILD About Bears workshop ever at the Classroom. Explore the world of the black bear, focusing on natural history, management practices, and research and nuisance conflicts. There might even be a chance for a close up view! Join in for an awesome day of learning about one of this state’s most revered mammals. Summer 2015

Project WILD Educator Workshop Date: Monday, July 13 Time: 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Location: The Outdoor Classroom offices Act 48 hours: 7.5 Fee: $10 Welcome Patrick Snickles, the Southwest Region Wildlife Education supervisor of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, for an encore presentation of the popular Project WILD Workshop. Project WILD is a hands-on, interdisciplinary resource and activity guide for K-12 educators. The curriculum focuses on classroom and field activities related to ecology, social and political aspects, and sustaining fish and wildlife resources. Spend a day exploring the world of wildlife. Team Tadpole Leadership Academy: Nature in Early Childhood Classrooms Date: Monday, July 20–Wednesday, July 22 Time: 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Location: The Outdoor Classroom offices Act 48 hours: 15 Fee: TBD The goal of the Team Tadpole Leadership Academy (TTLA) is to uncover ways educators can bring the fascinating world of the outdoors into the classroom. Manipulatives and sensory bins will be discussed to bridge the natural world with the indoor classroom. The TTLA will include a Team Tadpole explorer’s kit which will be filled with nature-focused materials, games, and other instructional aides to help educators share their new knowledge with their students. WILD About Raptors Date: Monday, August 11 Time: 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Location: The Outdoor Classroom offices Act 48 hours: 4.5 Fee: $10 Welcome Dan Lynch, the Southeast Region Wildlife Education specialist of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, for the first WILD About Raptors workshop ever at the Classroom. This workshop will explore the world of Pennsylvania’s diurnal raptors. Resources will include Wildlife Notes for each species and a review of additional materials used and/or available from the Pennsylvania Game Commission. A significant portion of the day will be a field experience designed to further develop raptor watching and identification. Dress for the indoors and outdoors. Bring binoculars if you have them. This workshop is appropriate for grade K-12 formal and non-formal educators as well as interested adults and pre-service educators.

Holding a newly emerged mason bee UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Owl Hooks Hearts

Gigi Gerben, MSEd, Avian Research Center, Volunteer Powdermill Bird Bander There is danger lurking in the dark. My family and I made the trip to a park in West Virginia at night to meet a guy. After that one time, I was hooked—there was no Gigi Gerben, with Northern Saw-whet owl going back. That “guy” was Joey Herron, master bird bander and a member of Project Owlnet, a network of mostly volunteers who research the small and elusive Northern Saw-whet owl. That night was several years ago, but I remember it like it was yesterday. This small raptor with an oversized head and huge saffron-colored eyes, unfazed by numerous sets of human eyes examining her and content to perch on a child’s hand before silently flapping her wings and lifting off, was magic. The Northern Saw-whet owl is the smallest owl in eastern North America, measuring approximately seven inches in height and weighing somewhere between two to a little over five ounces, with females generally being larger than males. Housed in a small, white and brown spotted body with huge yellow eyes and a white facial disk, the Northern Saw-whet owl wins hearts and minds, often awakening in people a desire to know more. Being owls, they are active at night, so being an owl researcher means being active at night. During the months of October through early December, while many people are cursing the early darkness and colder temperatures and retreating to the cozy shelter of their homes, there are hundreds of volunteers fanning out across various geographic areas to set up stations from which they will monitor the migration of the Northern Saw-whet owl. Northern Saw-whet owls spend the breeding season mostly in the boreal forests of northern North America. In our area, some nesting saw-whets have been found in higher elevations of Pennsylvania and West Virginia. They migrate south during the fall, to spend winter in slightly warmer climates, where they can still find food, which consists mostly of small mammals. Researchers used to believe that the Northern Saw-whet owl’s migration occurred across mountain ranges, with habitat similar to their breeding ground habitat. More recently, and with the involvement of more researchers, the owls have been found to be much more dispersed. Last year, Bob Mulvihill of the National Aviary established a Project Owlnet station in Sewickley, and banded 12 owls. With two years of experience as a volunteer bird bander with Powdermill Avian Research Center—the environmental research station of Carnegie Museum of Natural History in the Laurel Highlands—I proposed establishing a Project Owlnet station in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. Upper St. Clair Township quickly came on board; and with A Northern Saw-whet owl support from Powdermill, the study site became a reality. During our first night in Boyce Mayview Park, we pulled up to our selected spot and unloaded equipment from the back of our 62

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van: poles, rebar, mist nets, and our do-it-yourself sound system. After what seemed like hours, but in reality was only 20 minutes, our nets were up and our sound system was on, calling “toot, toot, toot.”As is standard protocol with Project Owlnet stations, we used an audiolure, which is the “tooting” call of the Northern Saw-whet owl. The call is broadcast through a speaker, which attracts migrating owls in the area, some of which will come in for a closer look and make a gentle landing in our nets. Satisfied that all was set up properly, we retreated to the relative warmth of our vehicle to wait for our first net check and our first owl. Dutifully checking our nets every 40 minutes, each time we found them to be empty. After several hours, we disassembled our gear and headed home, cold and tired, but optimistic. The following night, we went to the park again and went through the same ritual. As we were getting ready to call it a night, I caught sight of something in the beam of my headlamp. There it was—a magnificent and magical sight—the first Northern Saw-whet owl netted at Boyce Mayview Park. A few minutes later, back at our vehicle, now known as the mobile owl lab, I placed a uniquely-numbered lightweight band on the owl’s leg and collected standardized data, which indicated that this owl was a hatch-year female, a bird born this year. She appeared to be healthy and, perched on my hand, she seemed unfazed by our intrusion into her nocturnal flight. After looking around, with silent wing beats she disappeared into the darkness, leaving me with the sense that I dreamed the entire episode. Project Owlnet uses a standardized protocol. Data is collected from the bird, and includes wing length, weight, amount of fat, and other information that helps determine the age and sex of the bird. This data is reported to the federal bird banding lab in Patuxent, Maryland, so that if a bird is recaptured, we can determine where it was originally banded, which also enables us to trace the owl’s route. The information is also reported to Project Owlnet, which helps researchers to understand more about how long the owls live and how they migrate. Once the data is collected, the owls are released to continue on their migration. By conducting this research, we are beginning to understand more about the ecology of the secretive Northern Saw-whet owl’s migration. Some of the questions we hope to answer include: Do young birds show up more often and at different times than do adults? Is the migration time frame the same each year? In years of severe weather, does the migration change? Are there regional differences in migration? Our season came to a close at Boyce Mayview Park. In 12 nights of banding, three Northern Saw-whet owls were caught and banded. All of them appeared to be healthy and all were released to continue on their southern journey. We hope to continue this study at Boyce Mayview Park in the future to gather meaningful data to contribute to science’s understanding of these secretive birds. Public nights in upcoming seasons are being considered to allow the general public to come out in the cold and warm their hearts by being part of science and meeting some of these beautiful, elusive creatures of the night. But be warned: it may only take one time until you, too, are hooked—hooked on science through this beautiful nocturnal creature! n

Older Adults

Seniors at Leisure Friday Fun Don’t let the summer heat stop you from getting out and about this year. Include in your Friday afternoon schedule a stop to the C&RC where some great senior activities are held. The fun begins at 1:30 p.m., except for Movie Day which starts at 12:30 p.m. There are four Friday rotations each month that are open to all seniors (age 55 and up), both USC residents and residents from surrounding communities. C&RC membership is not required. First Friday Brain Fitness: Enjoy exercise, puzzles, and games to keep you sharp. Second Friday Art Experience: Professional artist Rikki Walsh offers a hands-on art activity. Options include watercolors, pastels, sculpting, and more. Third Friday Movie Matinees: Join seniors from around the area and view old favorites on a big screen. A free pizza lunch and light refreshments are served. Fourth Friday Game Day: Cards? Mahjong? Jigsaw puzzles? Rikki Walsh, far right, offers advice during an art class. Tripoley? Grab your friends or make new ones and play the afternoon away. Pickleball Play Pickleball, the fastest growing sport in America, is the hottest racquet sport around, and it’s perfect for those 50 and older. A fun game played on a badminton court with the net lowered to 34 inches at the center, it’s a combination of tennis, badminton, ping pong, and racquetball. It is easy for beginners to learn, and can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players. Day(s): Tuesdays and Thursdays (no program July 7 and 9) Time: 1–3 p.m. Place: C&RC gym Fee(s): $25 punch card for ten sessions, USC resident/C&RC member or drop-in fee of $3 per session $35 punch card for surrounding community non-member or drop-in fee of $4 per session

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Resources for Seniors

Gold Card

Offered by the USC School District to residents age 62 and older. Card admits holder to School District drama and musical performances, athletic events, and other events free of charge. Applications taken at School District reception desk at 1820 McLaughlin Run Road.

Silver Card

Offered by USC Township to residents age 62 or older. Card admits holder to the Municipal threehole golf course, outdoor tennis facilities, specified Community & Recreation Center programs, and other activities designated and sponsored by the Township of Upper St. Clair. Applications are available at the Community & Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park.

ACCESS 65 PLUS is a shared-ride transportation service program for senior citizens age 65 and older. Contact Chaz McCrommon, assistant community programs coordinator, at 412-221-1099, ext. 603, for information about this program and for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Senior Citizen identification card for the Port Authority Transit (PAT) system. For more information on any Older Adult programming, contact Chaz McCrommon, assistant Community Programs coordinator, at 412-221-1099, extension 603, or mccrommon@twpusc.org. Summer 2015

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

USC Recreation and www.twpusc.org

There’s Lots to Do at the C&RC This Summer Outdoor Pool Opening * Date: Saturday, May 23 Open Daily: 11 a.m.–7 p.m. But don’t let bad weather ruin your plans. The C&RC offers lots of indoor options to chase away those rainy day blues! * Modified hours (11 a.m.–5 p.m.) on Memorial Day (May 25), Independence Day (July 4), and Labor Day (September 7)

Water Safety Day Date: Friday, May 22 Time: 6–7:30 p.m. Age requirement: 3–13 years old Fee: free Drowning is preventable! Start your summer out the safe way with our Water Safety Day event. Join us to learn essential information for keeping everyone safe in and around water. Participants will be both in the classroom and in the water. Parental participation is strongly encouraged, so bring your suits!

World’s Largest Swimming Lesson Date: Thursday, June 18 Time: 10–10:30 a.m. Age requirement: 3–13 years old Fee: free Limit: Maximum number of participants is 60 children Registration: Begins Friday, May 22 The nation’s top water safety and training organizations are joining forces to present The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ (WLSL), on June 18 to build awareness about the vital importance of teaching children to swim to help prevent drowning. On this day, water parks, pools, and other aquatic facilities around the globe will simultaneously host local WLSL lessons at 10 a.m. in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record. Join in to break last year’s record!

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Water Safety Instructor Course * Dates: Tuesday, June 16–Friday, June 19 Time: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Fee(s): $150 C&RC member, plus $35 for Red Cross online fee $175 USC resident, non-member, plus $35 for Red Cross online fee $195 surrounding community non-member, plus $35 for Red Cross online fee Are you a good swimmer? Would you like to teach those swimming skills to others? This course is dedicated to developing the knowledge and skills you will need to plan and teach courses in the American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety program. To enroll, participants must be at least 16 years of age, and pass a pre-course skill assessment consisting of a 25-yard swim using each of the following strokes: front crawl, back crawl, breaststroke, sidestroke, elementary backstroke, and butterfly (15 yards). * Participants must attend all classes, without exception. Additional 6.75 hours of online class work is required prior to class completion. Additional times may be included depending upon class pace and size. Junior Lifeguarding Dates: Monday, June 22–Friday, July 3 Time: 9 a.m.–noon Fee(s): $60 C&RC member per session $65 USC resident non-member per session $70 surrounding community non-member per session Prerequisites: • Swim the front crawl for 25 yards continuously while breathing to the front or side. • Swim the breaststroke for 25 yards using a pull, breathe, kick, and glide sequence. • Tread water for one minute using arms and legs. • Show a level of comfort on the back by floating on the back for 30 seconds or swimming on the back for 25 yards using the elementary backstroke or back crawl. Are you interested in lifeguarding, but not yet quite old enough? This course is designed to give 11- to 14-year-olds a fun sneak peek into what it takes to become a great lifeguard. This course covers all the basics and gets you ready to enter the American Red Cross Lifeguarding program when you turn 15. Participants do not receive certifications in lifeguard, CPR, and/or AED; however, each participant will receive a certificate of completion for the course.

Summer Sports Conditioning Dates: Monday, June 22– Friday, August 7 Day(s): Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays Time: 12:30–2 p.m. Age(s): 12 years and up (12 and 13 year olds will train separately from participants 14 years of age and older) Fee(s): $120 registration for seven-week session or daily drop in rate of $10 a day This program teaches young athletes the foundational components of athleticism through a fun, motivating, and dynamic training environment. The focus is on developing agility, power, core strength, quickness, improved flexibility, and also, hopefully, to prevent injuries. All athletes preparing for his or her upcoming sports seasons (soccer, football, field hockey, cross country, tennis, etc.) are welcome and encouraged to participate. Youth Triathlon Training * Dates: June 25, July 2, 9, and 16 Day(s): Thursdays Time: 1–2 p.m. Location: C&RC gym, Boyce Mayview Park, C&RC indoor lap pool Age(s): 7–12 years old Fee(s): $25 C&RC member $30 non-member Thinking about or already signed up for the Youth Triathlon at Boyce Mayview Park to be held on Saturday, July 25? If you are looking for help training for this fun event, the USC Recreation Department is offering a four-week course that will teach, motivate, and inspire you to complete and be successful in the race. The focus each week will be on a different aspect of the race: running, cycling, and swimming. The last week will wrap up with an actual mini-triathlon. Participants will receive pointers on transitioning between each stage of the race. All are welcome to participate. * Participants who complete this program will receive a discounted registration rate for the annual Youth Triathlon at Boyce Mayview Park.

Participants in last year’s World’s Largest Swimming Lesson

Summer 2015

Leisure Services 412-221-1099

Boyce Mayview Park Youth Triathlon * Date: Saturday, July 25 Time: 7:30–9 a.m. Location: Race start is at C&RC outdoor pool Fee(s): $30 per athlete (now through June 24) $35 per athlete (June 25–July 24) Do you have a child who likes to swim, bike, and run? If so, then the annual Youth Triathlon at Boyce Mayview Park is the right place for him or her to show some spirit. There is a pre-race preparation meeting at the C&RC the day before the event (Friday, July 24, 6 p.m.). Wave times will be announced at the pre-race preparation meeting. Registration includes a race T-shirt, guaranteed to all who register on or before Wednesday, June 24. Remaining shirts will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Ages 7, 8, and 9: Swim 75 yards (3 pool lengths), bike 1 mile, run 0.5 mile Ages 10, 11, and 12: Swim 125 yards (5 pool lengths), bike 2 mile, run 1 mile * Maximum limit of 100 participants. Athletes must complete legal waiver prior to participating. Athletes must arrive at the C&RC outdoor pool area for the age group event day registration starting time (given out at the pre-race meeting). No rain date scheduled if event is cancelled due to weather. Helmet and bike required. See registration form on page 49.

Save the Dates

Summer Camps

Fourth of July Fireworks Display! For many years, the Township of Upper St. Clair and the Municipality of Bethel Park have jointly sponsored an Independence Day fireworks display at the Port Authority Station next to South Hills Village. Due to an approved development at this site, this collaboration has come to an end. Join us at dusk on Saturday, July 4 for the new partnership between Upper St. Clair and South Fayette and enjoy the evening’s fireworks display at Fairview Park, off Boyce Road! Another great location to watch the display is from Boyce Mayview Park. Look for more information on the Township website and Cable 7.

Panther Paws* (Ages 3–6) Dates: June 22–July 24 Days: Monday through Friday Times: 8:45–11:45 a.m. Monday–Thursday 8:45 a.m.–1 p.m. Friday Location: Baker Elementary School Are your cubs ready? This five-week program features a wide variety of fun-filled activities for preschool/kindergarten-aged children. To participate, your child must be at least three years old and potty trained by the start date of camp. Each week will follow a routine designed around a specific theme. Children will participate in games, arts and crafts, music and creative movement, and other learning experiences. Supervision will be provided throughout the duration of camp, including snack time and free play with friends. Plan for your child to attend one week, two weeks, or more! Campers should bring a peanut, treenut free snack each day. The summer camp counselors are very excited for five weeks of summer fun!

Blood Drive Dates: Thursday, June 11 and Thursday, September 3 Time: Noon–6 p.m. Location: C&RC community rooms Age Requirement: 16 years old (parent permission required) and older Be someone’s hero! In fact, you might help as many as three people with just one donation. You are eligible to donate blood if you: • Are in good physical health • Weigh at least 110 pounds • Have not donated whole blood in the past 56 days Community-Wide Flea Market Date: Saturday, July 11 (rain or shine) Time: 8 a.m.–noon Location: USCHS stadium parking lot Space is limited. Sellers are responsible for providing their own table(s). USC residents may reserve a space through May 15. After that date, other reservations will be accepted. Fee per space is $12 USC resident, $17 nonresident. See page 51 for registration form. Setup begins at 6:30 a.m. day of event. Summer 2015

Summer Playground* (Resident children entering grades 1–6) Dates: June 22–July 24 Days: Monday–Friday Times: 8:45 a.m.–2:45 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:45–11:45 a.m. Tuesday, Thursday (optional off-site afternoon activities) Location: Baker Elementary School/ Baker Park area This annual day camp opportunity is available to all resident children entering grades 1–6. There will be a variety of activities offered in a safe and supervised environment. The camp provides an awesome summer setting for your child to be creative, social, and active. Staff members are eager to make each day fun and safe for the campers! *All parents/guardians must complete and return the Panther Paws/Summer Playground registration form, which is available at the C&RC. The USC Recreation and Leisure Services Department offers a variety of art, music, sports and other specialty camps. For a complete list as well as additional information about Panther Paws and Summer Playground, view the digital program guide at www.twpusc. org/rec-leisure/rec-leisure-home.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

From the Director’s Desk: There’s a War Going On Helen Palascak, Library Director Your brain is not at peace. Some researchers believe the more you read on screen, the more your brain adapts to non-linear reading. On screen, your eyes dart around, you respond to a text, you stop halfway through to click on a link, you scan and look for keywords. “The human brain is almost adapting too well to these particular attributes or characteristics of digital reading,” says Maryanne Wolf of Tufts University. She believes we have to develop a “bi-literate” brain; a brain which can switch from the scattered skimming typical of screen reading to the sustained attentive reading, with the associated critical thinking skills that are commonly connected with reading books on paper. Wolf worries that “Digital media may literally be changing the way children think. Children are learning to be distracted. They aren’t learning in too many places to concentrate and think deeply for themselves. The volume of information, the immediacy of information… these are characteristics that can be good, but they can also lead to a less active, more superficial learning style.”

Neuroscience, in fact, has revealed that we use different parts of the brain when reading from a piece of paper or from a screen. In his 1986 book The Alphabet Effect, Robert Logan wrote, “conflict Helen Palascak of brain wave patterns arises when the left-brain process of reading is attempted in the video medium that favors right-brain patterns.” (He suggested high-speed printers as the answer.) In a book published this year, Words Onscreen, author Naomi Barron explores how technology is changing traditional reading skills. Check it out at the library. So what should you do? When it comes to intensively reading and comprehending long pieces of plain text, paper and ink still are the best choice. But printed text is not the only way to read, and information on screen is easily assessable, up to date, and often has sophisticated graphics and video to add dimension to the experience. Give both sides of your brain a fighting chance to develop a well-balanced and bi-literate brain. Be a print and plasma reader!

I WANT TO BE A FRIEND! ❑ Yes, I'd like to sign up today. Please accept my tax deductible donation payable to Friends of the Library of USC. $5 per household + $____ (donation) = ____Total Name:_______________________________________ _____________________ Date:___________________ Address:_____________________________________ ____________________________________________ Phone:_______________________________________ Email:________________________________________

❑ Yes, call me for volunteer opportunities. 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 www.twpusc.org 66

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Summer 2015

Valentine Tea with Louise Sturgess Everyone enjoyed the presentation of Pittsburgh–Quirks and All, by Louise Sturgess, executive director of the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation. Don’t miss the next tea! Watch for information about the upcoming fall tea with local romance writer Madeline Hunter. Register early, spaces fill quickly!

MySelectReads: a New Kind of Reader’s Resource

Participants at the Valentine tea listen to the presentation by Louise Sturgess.

Louise Sturgess

Upcoming Library Programs Monday, May 11–Laughter Yoga, with David Russell Thursday, May 21–Current Topics in the News, with David Shribman Wednesday, May 27–Treating Knee Pain, with Dr. Kevin Smith Monday, June 1–Mindful Meditation, with Priscilla Robinson Thursday, June 11–Women’s Vintage Fashion Show, with Jean Kanouff, 1–3 p.m. Thursday, June 18–Fearless Female Self-defense for Women, with Daniel Piocquidio Programs take place at 7 p.m. in the library multipurpose room, unless otherwise stated. Registration is requested. Coming This Summer! What: A four-part series on eating healthy: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, presented by certified holistic health counselor Janet McKee. When: Thursdays, July 9, 16, 23, and 30; 7–8:30 p.m. Fee: $50 (covers the cost of food and materials)

Turn your library’s collection into your own personal book shelf with MySelectReads. Think of MySelectReads as your personal librarian, alerting you to new titles on subjects you’ve selected for yourself. Choose topics you’re interested in and enter your email address. In return, you’ll get a weekly bulletin with book recommendations generated specifically for you. It’s that simple! But, there’s more: • See every new title added to the collection from the New Book Alerts tab • Keep up with your favorite authors in Author Spotlight • Check out booklists specifically created for our kids in BookLists • Sign up for a monthly newsletter on general topics of your choice Click on the link from the library homepage to get started.

Summer Reading is for Adults, Too! Janet McKee

End of Summer Ice Cream Social When: Thursday, August 6, 7 p.m. Where: USC Recreation Center on McLaughlin Run Road Enjoy entertainment by the South Hills Keystone Chorus Barbershop Quartet and your choice of an ice cream sundae or root beer float! Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

When: Register at the library between June 8 and August 4 Weekly prize drawings for gift cards (compliments of the Friends of the Library) occur on Fridays in July. Every story you read this summer can be your chance to win!

Keystone Chorus Barbershop Quartet Summer 2015

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

T Kids & Teens Dear Librarian, of planned busy this summer with lots My child and I are quite ticipate in par ld chi make time to have my activities. Why should I summer reading? Concerned Parent Dear Concerned Parent, e and effort. g reader takes a lot of tim Becoming a fluent, lifelon summer months s, children must read. The To become proficient reader lots of free time ty for your child to spend offer a wonderful opportuni tion and rewards ding program offers motiva reading. The summer rea words, it’s fun! for participants. In other reading has a y suggests that summer Current research strongl as the ability ll y and spelling skills, as we positive effect on vocabular erently. ted phrases and write coh to understand sophistica re likely to retain mo are the summer Children who read during therefore do better ool the previous year and what they learned in sch school year. when they start the new ary’s sumr child to sign up for the libr I hope you’ll encourage you both make reading summer, and I hope you’ll mer reading program this r daily routine. an important part of you Sincerely, ian Debra Conn, Your Librar wit y skills h can work on early literac P.S. Parents of preschoolers ether program. in the library’s Reading Tog their child by participating

Student Volunteers at the Library All students in grades six through 12 who want to volunteer at the library must register for Teen Read, read at least five books, and complete a questionnaire on each book to earn entry to the library’s volunteer roster. Once you are on the roster you will receive a monthly email message about upcoming volunteer opportunities. Volunteer hours will fill on a first-come, first-served basis and students will be limited to two volunteer hours per month.

Library Summer Reading Programs Registration for Summer Reading Programs begins Wednesday, June 3. “Check-ins” begin Monday, June 15 and end Thursday, July 30. All library programs are free! You can register for most summer activities at Art in the Park on June 5 or in person at the library. Reading Together Who: Babies, Toddlers, Preschoolers and Kindergartners Reading Together is designed to help young children learn important language and early reading skills. When you register, you’ll receive the first of six weekly activity booklets. Activities you’ll do with your child include reading library books, learning a rhyme, and playing with a library educational kit or iPad app. When you’ve completed the activity sheet, return to the library with your child where he or she can “check-in” at the summer reading desk. Your child will receive a fun reward, encouragement, and the next activity sheet. Kids Read Who: School-aged children who have completed grades 1 through 4 This summer reading program is a fun way to encourage children to spend lots of time reading. Summer reading plays an important role in developing good readers, so make sure your children register for Kids Read and make sure they read! Participants will receive a reading log to track the library books that they’ve read. When they “report” on their reading, they’ll be given a ticket for each book read. The tickets are for special prize drawings. They’ll also get weekly coupons for free stuff from local businesses. Teen Read Who: Kids who have completed grades 5 through 11 When you sign up, pick out a few books. Read books you like. Read 25 to 30 pages; if you like the book, keep reading it. If you don’t like it, choose another book to read. The books must be checked out from the Upper St. Clair Library. Teens will complete a questionnaire for each book they read. Return the questionnaire to the library to get credit for reading your book. Each book you complete gives you a chance to win a prize. Participants may use tablets or e-readers to read library books checked out through CLP’s Overdrive.

“Reporting” for Kids Read at the library 68

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Summer 2015

T Kids & Teens Weekly Classes and Programs for Kids and Teens

The library will be offering a variety of classes and programs for kids and families during our Summer Reading Program. Kids from four months to 17 years of age can have fun at the library in activities tailored to their age groups. The library’s weekly classes are designed for incremental learning and each week builds on itself. Regular attendance is suggested for optimal growth and learning. Registration for all classes and programs begins Wednesday, June 3 in person at the library. Babies & Toddlers Storytime Who: Children ages 4 to 24 months with a caregiver When: Mondays, 10 or 11 a.m. Twos & Threes Storytime Who: Children ages 2 to 3 ½ with a caregiver When: Tuesdays or Wednesdays, 10 or 11 a.m. Preschool Storytime Who: Children ages 3 ½, 4, and 5 who are ready to spend a half hour on their own When: Thursdays; 10 a.m., 11 a.m., or 2 p.m.

Family Storytime Who: Families with children ages 2 to 7 When: Thursdays, 7 p.m. K-1 Activity Time Who: Kids who are going into kindergarten or first grade in fall 2015 When: Thursdays, 10–11:30 a.m. Brain Teasers Who: Kids who are going into second through fifth grades in fall 2015 When: Fridays, 10–11:30 a.m.

Special Events at the Library

Paws for Reading Who: Kids who are going into second through fifth grades in fall 2015 When: Tuesdays, 2:30–3:30 p.m. Teen Readers’ Theater Who: Kids who are going into sixth grade and higher in fall 2015 When: Tuesdays, 4 p.m. Teens Create Who: Kids who are going into sixth grade and higher in fall 2015 When: Wednesdays, 2–4 p.m. Teen Fun Night Who: Kids who are going into sixth grade and higher in fall 2015 When: Thursdays; June 18, July 9, and July 23; 6 p.m.

USC Township Library Hours

Mark your calendars for these special events for kids of all ages! See the library program brochure for registration information.

Monday–Thursday, 9:30 a.m–9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, 1–5 p.m. Art in the Park

Art in the Park Help the library kick-off Summer Reading! When: Friday, June 5, 10 a.m.–noon Where: Municipal playground

Fun & Games Day Celebrate the end of Summer Reading! When: Thursday, July 30, 2–3:30 p.m. Where: Library, Kids Department

Celebrate Fourth of July Crafts When: Monday, June 29 through Thursday, July 2 Where: Library, Kids Department

Teen Superhero Challenge Thursday, August 6, 6 p.m. Where: Library, Kids Department

Community Hero Day Visit with local heroes (and their vehicles) from the Police and Fire Departments, Public Works, Tri-Community South EMS, and Animal Control. When: Friday, July 24, 10–11:30 a.m. Where: McLaughlin Run Road Recreation Center

Family Fun Night: Variety Show Thursday, August 20, 7 p.m. Where: Library, Kids Department

The library is closed Saturday, May 16 (for Community Day); Monday, May 25 (for Memorial Day); and Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 (for Independence Day). The library is closed summer Sundays May 24 through September 6. Outside book and video return available 24/7.

www.twpusc.org 412-835-5540 Summer 2015

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Be Smart, Use Your Cart Be smart, use your cart. No need to drag a bin, just roll to the curb. Waste Management will pick up only USC Township-provided automated recycling carts. Once curbside, apply the 2 x 3 rule: a maximum of two containers at a minimum of three feet from the mailbox and three feet of separation per unit. Orphan receptacles and their contents or stray materials will not be collected. What to consider for recycling: YES: • “Single stream” recycling means all items go into the same automated bin. • No need to cut cardboard into 14" x 14" pieces, but please, break it down. • Remove food from containers, but no need to wash. NO: • Boxes with food contamination, including cheese, grease, or other—NO! • Plastic bags of any sort, even those bearing a recycle icon—NO! • Lids or caps from water bottles, containers, or household cleaners—NO! USC’s Building/Grounds & Sustainability administrator Ron Sarrick emphasizes, “Community programs work when residents are proactive. Each one of us plays a vital role aimed at success. Each effort, beginning with the first one, advances communal achievement. Lighten the strain on Mother Earth, embrace sustainability. Be proud to be green in USC!” Misplaced your recycling brochure? Check the recycle bin lid for a brief overview. More information needed? The “2015 Trash & Recycling Information” guides (e-cycling, flag disposal—also see page 71, document destruction) are available at the USC Township building reception area on McLaughlin Run Road or visit www. twpusc.org. “A Moment in Recycling” on USC Cable TV highlights green tips from Ron Sarrick holds the 2015 Township our sustainability specialist, Ron Sarrick. Trash and Recycling brochure Tune in! n

Public Works Day— Wednesday, May 20

Upper St. Clair’s Public Works Department celebrates Public Works Day and welcomes the community to the Public Works building at the corner of Truxton and McLaughlin Run Roads on Wednesday, May 20, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. With crafts for the kids and demonstrations of the equipment for everyone, take time to visit and learn more about this active department in our community! n

Enjoying USC’s Public Works Day on a school field trip 70

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What is Blood Pressure?

John D’Angelo, Tri-Community South EMS Blood pressure numbers, along with pulse rate and body temperature are an integral part of every physical exam. These readings, taken together, are commonly called vital signs. But what do the blood pressure numbers really mean? Almost everyone knows that a blood pressure reading consists of two numbers, commonly called the top and bottom numbers. The top, or systolic, number indicates the pressure that the blood flow exerts on the inner walls of a person’s arteries when the heart contracts to push blood through the body. This number, of course, will be higher than the bottom, or diastolic, number which represents the force exerted when the heart is at rest between contractions. Commonly accepted medical standards classify blood pressure numbers as normal, pre-hypertensive, or hypertensive (high blood pressure). For the top, or systolic, number, a reading below 120 is normal, while a reading in the 120-139 range is pre-hypertensive and anything over 140 is in the hypertensive range. For the bottom, or diastolic, number, less than 80 is normal while the range from 80 to 89 is pre-hypertensive and anything over 90 is considered in the hypertensive range. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a very dangerous medical condition because the constant pressure on the walls of the arteries will eventually weaken the tissue to the point where a rupture can occur. A ruptured artery, in turn, will lead to a stroke or a severe cardiac emergency depending on where the rupture has occurred. It is easy to see that those people whose numbers are consistently in either the pre-hypertensive or the hypertensive range must frequently monitor their readings and begin taking steps to lower their blood pressure. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a result of a combination of both genetic and lifestyle factors. For instance, risk factors for high blood pressure include smoking, obesity, inactivity, high cholesterol, and family members who are hypertensive. Inclusion in one or more of these categories will put you at risk for hypertension. Future articles will detail ways that a person can lower his or her blood pressure. Meanwhile, members at Tri-Community South, EMS want to emphasize that it is important for all of us to monitor our blood pressure readings frequently, especially if you find yourself to be consistently in either the pre-hypertensive or the hypertensive group. n Contact Tri-Community South EMS for more information at 412-831-3710 or visit www.tcsems.org.

Recycling Never Takes a Vacation Mary Lynne Spazok

It’s that time of year to pack up the family and travel. Whether your vacation destination is land or sea, it’s important to remember that many of the items packed or purchased are recyclable. Common items for your recycling consideration are: • Snack/Candy Boxes • Sunscreen Containers • Aluminum Beverage Cans • Insect Repellant Containers • Water Bottles and Water Jugs Making a reservation for a resort, camp ground, or hotel? Ask if they recycle. If not, consider a destination that is environmentally responsible. However, there are other viable options. Have a vehicle? Use the Internet to research regional recycling sites (i.e., Chambers of Commerce). No drop-offs available? Why don’t you stash the trash? Bringing it home is a great way to turn a negative into a positive! Planning a cruise? The downside of the fun, food, and entertainment is the enormous amount of foodstuff, garbage, and waste discharged into the seas. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), spoils from “floating cities” pose a severe threat to fragile ecosystems, sea life, and naive tourists. The world’s oceans are clogged with plastic debris. Willful refuse destroys and sullies aquatic ecosystems. Picture this: five grocery bags of plastic trash per foot of every single coastline worldwide. In 2015, 9.9 million tons of debris will kill seabirds, sea turtles, and other marine mammals. A cruise ship with 3000 passengers can generate more than 200,000 gallons of waste and sewage and one million gallons of gray water in a typical week. Discharged bilge (gray water) contains oil and toxic contaminants including non-biodegradable kitchen grease. Beyond three nautical miles out to sea, inadequate and archaic sewage discharge rules apply. Most travelers fail to realize that taking a cruise is more harmful to the environment and their health than other forms of travel. Research the Cruise Ship Report Card (Friends

of the Earth’s International). Yearly they rank 16 major cruise lines and 167 ships for their air and water pollution footprint. Whether choosing by destination or specific ship, www.foe.org/cruise-reportcard can help you to make a responsible choice. For example, Disney Cruise Line’s overall grade is A-. Their ships have advanced sewage treatment systems and are equipped to plug in to shore-based power which conserves diesel fuel, thus curtailing air pollution. Ecotourism is about uniting conservation and communities. Don’t allow your holiday to blemish any destination site. Choose responsibly! If your getaway is landlocked, remember, trash travels through inland waterways, storm drains, sewers, and “on the wind.” As a vast amount of sea debris emanates from land, it is not uncommon to see diligent trekkers, adults and children alike, armed with trash bags. Why are cleanups important? They are our last line of defense to counteract the devastation of wildlife and demise of tourist driven economies. “Redding up” empowers kids. Children see the impact of their efforts immediately, awarding a sense of accomplishment, pride, and stewardship. Whether on the road or planning a backyard barbecue, to Reuse, Reduce, Recycle is paramount! Our survival and well-being depends—directly and indirectly—on our natural environment. It creates and then maintains conditions under which humans and nature can coexist in productive harmony. n

Retiring Old Glory A Boy Scout flag retirement ceremony

The Flag Code (U.S. Code, Title 4– Chapter 1, The Flag) states that when an American flag is tattered, torn, faded, and is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it is to be retired in a dignified and respectful manner, preferably by burning. When Denise and Daniel Etter learned that people wanted to do the right thing when it comes to showing proper respect for the American flag but didn’t know where they could take their old flags for retirement, an idea was born. Retire Your Unserviceable Old Glory provides community members with a convenient location to drop off old flags for retirement. Denise, the project coordinator for Retire Your Unserviceable Old Glory, said that

collecting and retiring old flags is not a new idea. For example, local veterans and scouting organizations have traditionally retired American flags. But Retire Your Unserviceable Old Glory is unique because it places patriotically designed collection bins in convenient public locations. All flags collected as part of the project are to be retired under the guidelines of the U.S. Flag Code. The official start date for the project was May 1, 2011, and to date more than 9700 flags have been collected for retirement. The project’s success comes from the cooperation, commitment, and participation of the sponsors, flag retirement groups, and various local communities. The Retire Your Unserviceable Old Glory program was introduced to Upper St. Clair in late 2010. By April 2011, a flag bin was placed at the C&RC on Mayview Road. Since then, approximately 700 U.S. flags have been collected for retirement, including a bicentennial flag and a 9-11-2001 Old Glory at this site. Of the flags collected, at least 600 have been retired by Boy Scout Troop 366 in Upper St. Clair. The troop routinely makes it Summer 2015

part of their scouting schedule to place the flag retirement as a priority. The ceremony is performed at the fire ring across the creek from the Recreation Building on McLaughlin Run Road. Typically held on Tuesday evenings throughout the year, the flag retirement ceremony usually starts around 7:30 p.m. and lasts approximately 90 minutes. There is a prepared reading that addresses the concept about the identity of our nation’s symbol of freedom. It speaks directly about the importance to fly the flag in a proper manner and in presentable condition. Thanks go out to the Scout leaders, moms and dads, and the Scouts who provide the service. This year, take time to observe this solemn ceremony in the retirement of Old Glory. There is one planned for Wednesday, June 10, just days before our national celebration of Flag Day on June 14. There will be other ceremony dates throughout the year, which can be found on the Township website or viewed on Cable 7, the Public Access Channel. n Additional information regarding the American flag can be found online at retireyouroldglory.com. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Home & Garden

Trending—New Homes Get the Personal Touch Cathy Davin, Davin Interiors

There are many platitudes that show just how special our homes are to us: Home is where the heart is. A man’s home is his castle. There’s no place like home. As cliché as these may be, Dorothy had it right when she said, “There’s no place like home.” As specialists in designing new custom homes, we see a lot of similarities in what our clients desire even if their personal styles differ. The home should be a sanctuary, a space where people feel most comfortable and one that fits their lifestyle. Five emerging trends that we see across the board are: 1. Outdoor Living Spaces. Outdoor spaces are being designed to function as an extension of indoor living spaces. Patios and porches are no longer just an outdoor barbecue. They’ve become fully developed and functional outdoor kitchens and dining spaces that are used regularly. Outdoor living areas with fireplaces or fire pits are also part of most new luxury homes. Options abound for outdoor furnishings, including TVs, furniture, fabric, and area rugs. We are also seeing an increase in swimming pools and pool houses in our current projects. 2. Smart Homes. Tech-savvy homeowners are gaga over the advances of technology for the home. We’re designing homes that allow control of lighting, energy, and security from a smartphone or tablet and smart systems for HVAC, sprinklers, door locking, and automated window blinds. Most new home designs are including home theater systems with surround sound to emulate a movie theater experience. 3. Luxe Master Bedroom Suite. Master bedroom suites have become a space that is for much more than sleep. Our clients want the feel of the Ritz Carleton right in their own home! Thick plush carpeting, bespoke bed linens, and a soothing color palette create great atmosphere. Master 72

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closets often have more square footage than the bedroom itself, which allows for roomy seating areas in the bedroom, perhaps centered on a fireplace. Custom closet design makes the closet feel like your own personal boutique; many are designed as a dressing room with an island, vanity, and seating. 4. Luxury Bathrooms. Bathrooms are spa-like with incredible selections of tile, plumbing fixtures, and lighting. Showers might have a rainfall showerhead, body sprays, or a sophisticated sound system. Steam showers continue in popularity. Freestanding tubs are popular, either as a beautiful soaking tub or an air tub. And no custom bathroom is complete without heated floors and heated towel racks! 5. Gourmet Kitchens. Kitchens are often the heart of the home where the family spends the majority of time. As such, kitchens are being designed with more square footage than ever before. And they don’t necessarily look like kitchens. Many kitchens feature cabinets and islands with furniture detailing and include fantastic selections in tile, flooring, appliances, and lighting. Breakfast areas and large islands are a gathering space for everyone. Most custom kitchens that we’re designing have additional features, including a seating area with a fireplace, adjacent outdoor kitchen, or an adjoining wine cellar. What fun it is to design living spaces for today’s families, giving them the personal touch they desire! n Cathy Davin is owner and principal designer of Davin Interiors in Mt. Lebanon. A long time resident of Upper St. Clair, she and her team are passionate about creating interiors that are beautiful, functional, and timeless. Visit davininteriors.com. See ad on page 9.

Home & Garden

Arbor Tree Large Difficult Tree Removal

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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Caring for Your Home on Wheels Janine Calabro, Calabro Tire & Auto Service We maintain our homes and our health, but often the maintenance of our cars is not a priority. We falsely assume that if the car turns on, it must be OK. But when you spend hours upon hours each week in your car, it becomes your second home and one you should tend to. Routine maintenance is also preventative maintenance when it comes to flushing fluids so that your car runs like it should for many years. Regular tire rotations and air pressure checks are essential to prolonging tire life and giving you the comfortable ride that you expect. Having good wiper blades is not only a convenience, but also a safety requirement for clear visibility. Annual Pennsylvania state inspection will check many safety issues, but fluid exchanges are often neglected. Most people know that their car’s oil needs to be changed on a regular basis—generally every 3000 to 5000 miles. Many cars today take synthetic oil and can go longer between oil changes. Draining old oil and replacing it with new oil and a new filter lubricates vital engine parts to keep the engine running smoothly and quietly. Without adequate oil, or clean oil, the engine can seize and stop, causing permanent damage to the engine. Transmission flushes are important to prevent costly transmission repairs. If the transmission fluid is never changed, it becomes thick and begins to break down and burn. This can cause internal damage to your car. Most car manufactures recommend changing your transmission fluid at about every 50,000 miles, although synthetic fluid may prolong interval changes. Refer to your owner’s manual for recommended intervals. Most people think about coolant or antifreeze exchanges during 74

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the winter months to prevent freezing. But coolant is also important, especially in the summer. Coolant keeps the car from running too hot and overheating. Failure to flush antifreeze can cause rust inhibitors to break down and cause the cooling system to rust internally. This can lead to leaks in the cooling system, which can result in radiator or water pump failure. Vehicles with extended-life antifreeze may not need to be changed for 80,000 or 100,000 miles. Check your owner’s manual for recommended interval changes. Power steering fluid keeps your car’s steering smooth, making it easy to turn. A loss of power steering fluid will make it hard to turn the steering wheel. When this fluid is thick and dark it can wear on the seals and may cause power steering fluid to leak from the power steering pump, causing premature power steering failure. Consult your owner’s manual for recommended exchange intervals. Brake fluid flush is done to keep the brake fluid clean and to preserve rubber seals, including those in the brake caliper, wheel cylinder, and master cylinder. Like many fluids in your car, brake fluid will break down and become contaminated over time. When this occurs, your car’s brakes do not work as effectively, seals can begin to deteriorate and leak, and the feel of the brake pedal when depressed can become soft. Flushing the brake fluid every three to five years, as recommended, can help prevent more costly repairs while maintaining optimum braking performance. It’s easy to forget about routine car maintenance when everything seems to be going OK. But the expression “pay now or pay later” is the best way to say that neglecting your car can be much more expensive than maintaining it. n See ad for Calabro Tire and Auto Service on page 59.

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Fifty Shades of Grey for Your Kitchen It’s What’s Hot in Kitchen Décor! Laura Reid Riggin, Premier Home Design Center

A nearly endless array of grey tones continues to dominate the latest color palette…greys that range from neutral grey to mushroom grey/beige provide many possibilities for flexibility in color choices for the kitchen. Some designers are even saying that grey “is the new black.” It is a color that is strong enough to stand on its own and neutral enough to work with many color palettes. It is also very practical. Whereas white and black cabinets are quick to show fingerprints, grey is much more forgiving. Many families with children appreciate this plus! White and cream painted cabinets continue to be in vogue. However, sometimes these tones can appear stark in a kitchen. The use of grey as an alternate cabinet color is effective in balancing out white spaces to create a softer and more inviting environment. People like the concept of a white kitchen, but after it is installed, they realize that it can have a very sterile feel. It is because of this that a pop of color is sometimes added. A bit of color can eliminate the starkness and bring a feeling of happiness to the homeowners. Grey is also very versatile and works well with both cool and warm tones. Because there are many shades of grey available, this color can go with just about anything. Statement pieces can be incorporated into a kitchen design. An island that has a high contrast in the cabinet color Continued on page 76 Summer 2015

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Home & Garden

Garage Sale or Estate Sale? Fawn Moore Campbell, Sydney B. Moore Estate Sales

Should I have a garage sale or an estate sale? I get asked this question all the time. It is not

always an easy question to answer. People have sales for various reasons (e.g., someone passes away, downsizing, relocating, divorce, foreclosure, etc.). It depends on the number of items you are looking to sell and your goal. If you are looking to unload just a few items, a garage sale may be a better option. However, family-run garage sales typically do not fetch the true market value for the items being sold, nor do they attract the number of customers that an estate sale typically brings. If you are looking to liquidate an entire estate, an estate sale is your best choice. There is a big difference between having your own estate sale and hiring a professional liquidator. An estate sale is conducted onsite and usually includes the contents of the entire house. It is a very powerful tool when a house needs to be listed for sale, as well as when a house sells and needs to be emptied before the closing takes place. A full service liquidator can make this process carefree. There is a lot of work that goes into preparing for a successful sale. When hiring an estate liquidation company, the size of its customer base is crucial. Most liquidators charge a flat fee and a commission. You pay for their experience, customer base, and reputation. How do you decide between having your own sale vs. hiring a professional? Most people have an attachment to items which ultimately affects how they price them. Items may be priced too high or too low based upon what the market will bear. A professional and reputable liquidator thoroughly researches and prices all items. Staging the items properly is also an important factor. Advertising the sale and listing some of the specific items included in the sale is critical, as well. Something else to consider is what happens with the items that do not sell? When you decide to have a professional liquidation, a clean out of all remaining items after the sale is usually included in the upfront price. Sydney B. Moore Estate Sales understands how emotionally difficult it can be to hold an estate sale, and treats each client with respect and sensitivity, honoring their clients’ confidentiality. n Sydney B. Moore Estate Sales, a full service liquidator offering free consultation, no obligation, has been in business for more than 30 years. See ad on page 83. 76

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Continued from page 75

Fifty Shades of Grey...

can add intrigue and interest to a space. Don’t be afraid to pop some color for your accent. A bright red, a shade of blue, or even gold tones or orange can add the right amount of sizzle to your kitchen. For some time now, countertops with a lot of movement have dominated the kitchen and bath industry. Homeowners are looking to get away from these busy countertops. The latest patterns that have been introduced by the countertop manufactures this year are almost all soft shades of grey or white/beige tones with veining. The Carrara marble look continues to be a hot choice for countertop selection. Kitchen trends are moving toward calm looks and monochromatic color schemes. These color schemes tend to be more calming and happy, not busy and intrusive. With the hectic schedules of today’s family, the most important room of the house should not only accommodate the occupants’ busy calendars with its efficiencies, but can also set a great mood with its environment. n See ad for Premier Home Design Center on page 75.

Around the Township Upper St. Clair Newcomers What Can We Do for You? Mia Moran-Cooper, USC Newcomers’ Club

The Upper St. Clair Newcomers’ Club is a women’s social club started in 1955. Formed to help new residents make friends with their neighbors and become acquainted with life in a new community, the USC Newcomers’ Club averages 100 members. Women of all ages who have moved to Upper St. Clair from other cities, states, and even foreign countries make up the membership. “My husband, Jake, grew up in Bethel Park, but we didn’t know anyone Members during a “Bits and Bites” other than family when we moved to Upper St. Clair,” said Ashley Collins, tour of Lawrenceville originally from Texas and a working mother of two young children. “When I received an invitation in the mail, I wasn’t sure a social club was for me. My husband encouraged me to check it out. I’m so glad he insisted! I’ve met so many fabulous women and their families.” Months later, the club’s Good Samaritan program delivered meals to Ashley’s home during a serious health crisis. “The USC Newcomers’ Club is my favorite thing about life in Upper St. Clair,” she said. Lisa Smith was familiar with similar clubs in other areas where she had lived. She moved with her husband, Rick, to Upper St. Clair from New Jersey with their high school-aged daughter and one who is in college. “I hadn’t even moved into my house when I joined,” she said. “I wanted a jumpstart Marthé and John Groves at “Taste of the to meet local women and get acclimated.” Low Country” progressive dinner Lisa has found membership invaluable in other ways, too. “Not only is it about meeting people and doing fun activities, the list of referrals and recommendations are priceless! We are all starting over and we help each other by exchanging contacts for electricians, plumbers, and painters, as well as dentists, doctors, and babysitters.” After moving to USC from northeastern Iowa, where she and her husband, John, resided for 12 years, Marthé Groves learned about the club from a neighbor while walking her dog. “We’d never lived east of the Mississippi, and I joined the club two years ago because I loved the camaraderie between women who were also new to USC, as well as new to Pennsylvania.” For Marthé, a homemaker and active community volunteer, the value of membership is the diversity and frequency of activities, as well as the club’s private Facebook page where members exchange Ladies Day Out in March was tips and support. “Chat in a Hat” at a local tea room. There are many activities each month designed to meet the diverse interests of the club’s membership. In addition to the regular monthly activities, some of this year’s outings include a progressive dinner, family bowling, a pig roast, beer tasting, family kickball, a food tour of Lawrenceville, a formal party, a holiday brunch and gift exchange, a tour of Gilfillan Farm, a Segway tour of downtown, and lunches at various area restaurants. Participation is optional, but encouraged; attendance in not required, but suggested. Members select what suits their schedules. In any given month, posted on the website of the Upper St. Clair Newcomers’ Club, members will find invitations to:

• Couples Events • Family Outings • Ladies Day Out

• Girls Night Out • Book Club • Craft Night

• Playgroups • Morning Coffee • Wine and Chat

Membership is open to any woman who has lived in the community for less than two years or who has had a life-changing event such as the birth of a baby or a new job. Annual dues are $25, and while the club activities are fewer during the summer months, there is open enrollment all year long. n

For more information on Upper St. Clair Newcomers’ Club or an application, visit http://www.uscnewcomers.org.

Jake and Ashley Collins at the fall pig roast Summer 2015

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Local Robotics Team Advances to Super-Regional Competition The Steel Serpents robotics team did it again! After competing in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Pennsylvania State championship tournament on February 28, the team advanced to the FTC U.S. Super-Regional competition in March. The state tournament was extremely difficult and demanding for the Steel Serpents, who advanced as the Finalist Alliance Captains. Their Alliance came in second place, losing in the final round. The Steel Serpents team (#8509) includes Graham Robot #8509 Kretschmar, Brendan Neal, and Reese Benonis from USC’s Fort Couch Middle School; Sam Grau, Josh Zeisloft, CJ Rhen, and Brandon Thomas from Peters Township Middle School; and Ian Rankin, who attends a private school. FTC takes a lot of individual work, teamwork, and commitment. Not only does this team design, engineer, program, and build a robot to compete in an arena with and against other robots, team members also document and compile an engineering notebook. They perform outreach by volunteering and mentoring a snapology class. Sponsors of the team include AXA Advisors, Union Electric Steel, Grau & Associates, Members of Steel Serpents, front: Ian Rankin; Performance Unlimited, and the Neal Family. n back, left to right: Reese Benonis, Graham Kretschmar, Brendan Neal

You can find the Steel Serpents Robotics team by visiting the team’s website at www.steelserpentsrobotics.net or using Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Steel-Serpents-FTC-Robotics/789563764434096. To learn more about the Pennsylvania State championship tournament and the U.S. Super-Regional competition, visit: http://www.ftcpenn.org/ftc-events/2014-2015-season/pennsylvania-ftc-championship-tournament and http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/super-regionals.

A Good Old Fashioned Diner is Hard to Beat How can you beat the smell of a diner! It starts when you enter the parking lot—that aroma generated by the grilling of onions and green peppers on a flat top grill alongside thick bacon and real home fried potatoes. Throw in the smell of fresh ground coffee and great chatter amongst patrons and staff and there you have it—Bob’s Diner! Bob Marshall started this diner thing at age 50, almost ten years ago, after being in corporate America for 30 years. He’d always traveled and sought out little mom and pop restaurants, knowing the food would be fresh and, most importantly, homemade. Bob was determined to one day have his own place. Now, four diners later, he’s enjoying the ride more than anything he’s ever done! Sure the hours are long, but the reward is great! Spending his time interacting with staff and patrons, he pays special attention to his customers. Without them, Bob says, “I would not be here. I like to introduce myself to as many guests as I can. The most common question I get is ‘Are you Bob?’ I often joke with them and ask if they have ever met Bob Evans, or Denny, or Max and Erma! People like to put a face with a name.” What it really comes down to, though, is the food. Bob believes that people will travel almost anywhere for good food. They will deal with parking issues, weather, crowds, and location for a really good meal. It’s important to keep the standards up and consistently offer great quality. Bob’s Diner offers menu items that most places don’t, including turkey dinner Tuesdays that include real turkey, homemade stuffing, real mashed potatoes, cole slaw, or salad, or soup, and 78

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cranberries, all for under $12. Other hard-to-find items on the restaurant scene, including a chipped ham sandwich, meatloaf, stuffed green peppers, and stuffed pork chops, are among Bob’s Diner patrons’ favorites. Real hamburgers, not pre-frozen or pre-formed, are served on a grilled Mancini bun. Even an old fashioned ham barbecue is popular, as is the signature barbecued chicken soup. Breakfast, served all day, is requested and served often at dinnertime. Waffles, pancakes, eggs Benedict, omelets, and a tasty breakfast sandwich on fresh, grilled Mancini bread with scrambled eggs, and ham, bacon, or sausage, and cheese, home fries, and tomato is a true tummy filler! Bob’s Diners, in additional to the USC location on Painters Run Road near Bower Hill Road, are located in Kennedy Township, near Ohio Valley Hospital; in Carnegie, along Mansfield Boulevard between Interstate 79 and the Parkway; and the newest spot on Grove Road in Castle Shannon, formerly Armstrong’s. Bob Marshall was once told that life is not a rehearsal, and we should not live it as if we will do things differently the next time around. “Now is the time to follow your heart and follow your gut! I did, and I’m having a ball,” says Bob. For more information, tune into Bob’s radio show on 1410 KQV AM Wednesdays or replay an archived show from the KQV. com website. The show is all about local dining in Pittsburgh, where Bob shares the air with his daughter, Claire, a dietician. n For more information, check out Bob’s Diner’s website at eatatbobsdiner.com or call Bob at 412-922-2176. See ad on page 50.

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Historical Society of Upper St. Clair List of Events Saturday, May 16— USC Community Day Time: Noon–4 Where: Gilfillan Farm During Community Day at Gilfillan Farm, Marilyn Cocchiola Holt, MLS, will be available for general questions about genealogy. A more detailed presentation and workshop follows on Sunday, June 28. See information to the right about the presentation and about Marilyn. Sunday, May 31—Presentation and Hike Time: 2 p.m. Where: Gilfillan Farm Topic and Presenter: Some Local Tree Roots by Dianne Machesney Dianne Machesney, an amateur botanist, a certified Master Gardener from Penn State University, and treasurer of the Wissahickon Nature Club, spends her retirement time outdoors in search of birds, butterflies, and plants. Diane will speak about the trees of Pennsylvania and provide an overview of the trees generally found in our local forests. The presentation will cover the common uses of trees, preferred environments, pests, and the interrelationship of trees. A walking tour of the Gilfillan Farm will follow the presentation and participants will learn to identify the trees found right here in our own backyards.

Sunday, June 28—Presentation Time: 2 p.m. Where: C&RC Topic and Presenter: Today—Climbing Your Family Tree: Beginning Genealogy by Marilyn Cocchiola Holt, MLS Come to hear an introduction to the process involved in searching for family roots: how to find the who, when, and where of your family. Beginning with information gathering from family tradition and oral history interviews, the methodology of recording, organizing, and storing your family history is reviewed. Resources discussed will include census schedules, vital records and courthouse resources, church and cemetery records, military records, and immigration and naturalization information. Marilyn Cocchiola Holt, MLS, is department head of the Pennsylvania Department of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and currently serves as president-elect and program chair of the Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society. She is also an honorary vice president of the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania. Raised in Baldwin Borough, her undergraduate and graduate degrees are from the University of Pittsburgh. Teaching genealogy courses since 1988, Marilyn has also worked with genealogical patrons for 30 years and has presented numerous programs on local and family history topics. n RSVPs are not required, but appreciated. To register online, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1546810962239540. For more information, contact the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair at 412-835-2050. Summer 2015

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Traveling with TODAY Upper St. Clair natives and brothers Mike (USC Class of 1979) and Pat (USC Class of 1980) Joyce show off UPPER ST. CLAIR Mike and Pat Joyce TODAY all over Pittsburgh. Mike and Pat, owners of Southside BBQ Co. food truck and a brick and mortar in the Southside, are setting a new standard for barbeque above the Mason-Dixon Line. The brothers lived in South Carolina for years and also made many visits to their younger brother Tom’s home in Memphis and to their grandmother’s home in Texas. It was just a matter of time until they brought their form of barbeque to Pittsburgh and fused their ideas and recipe into one great experience. Mike, a resident of USC who has a son, James (USC Class of 2014) and daughter, Julie, a USCHS junior, noticed that food trucks have become popular at high school graduation parties. “Times have changed,” said Mike. “People want to enjoy their parties at their homes and food trucks are the perfect choice for all kinds of parties,” he said. We wonder how many miles TODAY has traveled with Mike and Pat through the streets of Pittsburgh? n Follow the trucks on Facebook and Twitter at www.southsidebbqcompany.com. Traveling with TODAY got a welcomed respite from being on the road this past winter and spring, and instead traveled within Upper St. Clair Township to attend an open house at Don’s Appliances, catered by Chef Anthony Marino. Many locals enjoyed the food and hospitality, while TODAY graced a showcased appliance. n

Prof iles

Chef Anthony pauses for a picture with TODAY.

Travel with UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Read the following criteria to find out how. • Clear, close-up photo of USC resident(s) holding his or her TODAY magazine. • Digital photo or hard copy 35mm accepted. ‣‣ For digital, attach jpg (at least 300 dpi) and send via email, including required information (see below) in the body of the email. ‣‣ For 35 mm, attach post-it to back of hard copy photo, listing the required information (see below). • List name(s) of resident(s), group, and specific photo location. • List objective of visit—leisure, volunteer, career, etc. • Include email address or phone number should further contact be necessary. • Deliver one 35 mm photo with details to the USC Township receptionist in an envelope marked “ USC TODAY,” or • Email one digital photo with details to usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us, with “TODAY” listed in subject line. Note: Submitted photos and information for this feature section will remain on file for upcoming editions until published.

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. Great news for pizza lovers! Doug Zalla of Upper St. Clair recently opened Pennsylvania’s very first Jet’s Pizza in Dormont on Banksville Road, a stand-alone building next to Kuhn’s Market and Dormont Pool. Jet’s, a Michigan-based chain with a fanatical following, provides signature square, Detroit-style, deep dish pizza with a crunchy crust. Customers may “flavorize” the crust for free from a choice of eight flavors: butter, poppy seed, Parmesan, garlic, Cajun, Romano, sesame seed, or Jet’s Turbo Crust®. “While there are several pizza choices in the area, there’s really nothing that closely compares to Jet’s. It’s something you just have to try for yourself. I am excited to bring this exceptional pizza to Pittsburgh,” said Doug Zalla, outside Jet’s on Doug. Banksville Road

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Sometimes good things come in small packages. This is especially true for 11-yearold Victoria Pete, who stands 4 feet 7 inches and dances at Pittsburgh Youth Ballet Company. Vicky, an Upper St. Clair resident who attends St. Thomas More Catholic School, is a high honor roll student. “Although dance is my passion, my parents stress the importance of working hard at everything I do”, says Vicky. And work hard she does. This past fall she was chosen to perform as Clara in Pittsburgh Youth Ballet’s Nutcracker. In January she auditioned for the School of American Ballet’s Young Dancer’s Program in California and was accepted with a full scholarship. She was also chosen to perform in the Youth America Grand Prix when they came to Pittsburgh in February and was named as a top 12 classical pre-competitive dancer. Vicky began dancing at age six. With the help of her teachers and artistic director Jean Gedeon at Pittsburgh Youth Ballet, Vicky’s like of dancing turned to love which turned to passion. In addition to PYBC’s annual Nutcracker and spring performances, she auditioned in 2013 for the New York City Ballet’s Summer Performance Series in Saratoga, New York, to be in the Garland Waltz by George Balanchine. Accepted as an understudy, her hard work earned her the right to perform one night of the dance on stage. The following year, she earned her own spot in Jerome Robbins’ Circus Polka. You can see Vicky and all the other Pittsburgh Youth Ballet Company dancers perform The Sleeping Beauty, A Midsummer’s Excerpt and Stars & Stripes this May 29 and 30 at the Byham Theater in Downtown Vicky Pete Pittsburgh.

Summer 2015

Happenings USC Community Day, Saturday, May 16; see pages 10–15 Barnyard Beer Benefit/Rotary, Saturday, May 23, see page 25 Blood Drive, Thursday, June 11 & Thursday, September 3; see page 65 Deerfield Manor Garage Sale, Saturday, June 6; see page 83 USC Kennywood Day, Monday, June 15; see page 51 Pet Day “Dogs’ Day of Summer,” Saturday, June 27; see page 83 USC’s Fourth of July Fireworks, South Fayette’s Fairview Park; see page 65 USC Community Flea Market, Saturday, July 11; see page 51 St. Louise Flea Market, Saturday & Sunday, July 24–25; see page 83 USC Youth Triathlon, Saturday, July 25; see page 49 Outdoor Movie at C&RC, Thursday, August 20; see page 27 Baptist Homes Society volunteer opportunities; see page 83 Historical Society of Upper St. Clair, various dates; see page 79 The Outdoor Classroom events & classes, various dates; see pages 60–61 USC Summer School information; see page 41

412-561-5405

info@outreachteen.org

Summer Structure… Somewhat Dear Outreach, Summer is always a struggle in our house. Our son spends all of his time at home on the computer or Xbox and sleeps all day. Our daughter is often out late with friends getting into trouble. Please help us have a positive summer. Concerned Parent Summer can be challenging for teens who are inexperienced in balancing a schedule. They want to have fun and relax after feeling the stress and pressure of the school year. However, teens and parents alike can make the mistake of having no structure or expectations in the summer to being overly rigid and scheduled. Start the summer off right by having a family meeting where each family member can discuss their goals for the break. Parents can highlight the importance of dividing up time between relaxation and fun; pursuing skills and hobbies; working inside or outside of the home; volunteering, community, and religious activities; and family and friend time. Once your child brainstorms activities, help him or her figure out how to balance these priorities during the summer. Parents should still set limits and rules in the summer that correspond with their child’s age and maturity level. For example, set a curfew, give them a list of regular chores, and make certain family functions, such as Sunday dinners, mandatory. Children should receive consequences for breaking rules and not meeting expectations. Whenever possible, allow your child to choose activities he would enjoy or some flexibility in when or how she would accomplish a certain task to increase a sense of independence and responsibility. n Outreach Teen & Family Services, a community resource since 1984, helps youth and families thrive. For more support, contact Outreach at 412-561-5405 or info@outreachteen.org. Summer 2015

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

The Effects of Unfairness Jim Meston

Do you remember a time when you were treated unfairly? Not just a minor slight, but something more? Chances are it doesn’t matter how long ago it happened, the memory is still real and alive, even though it may not affect your daily behavior; or maybe it does. I’ve had three unfair incidents in my life that, honestly, were major occurrences. Compared to others, three times may be a very small number, but I can remember each one of the circumstances like it was yesterday. Unlike some, I’ve never been treated unfairly on a daily basis. I’ll introduce you to three men in my life who have been treated unfairly their whole lives, but still excelled in their life’s work. The first person may not be familiar to you, well maybe to a few of you, since I’m not sure who might read this article. One person, in particular, had a profound influence on my life. Johnny Bright I attended St. Louis University on a football scholarship. We were in the same conference as Drake University, in Des Moines Iowa, my home town. During my sophomore and junior years we played Drake. During my junior year, Drake had a backfield star sophomore, Johnny Bright. Johnny was a black athlete who had tremendous ability. I had the task of having to tackle him often; he was a load. After my junior season, St. Louis dropped football. Drake offered me a scholarship and I was eligible to play immediately. I met my new teammates, most of whom I’d played against twice—a tough bunch. I would primarily play defense, but I competed to be Bright’s backup. Because of this, I spent a lot of time with him. There were no black players on the St. Louis team, nor did we play against any, except for Johnny. He was a joy to be around, and I quickly developed a friendship with him that continued to grow as the season progressed. In Des Moines and in most every other city, black people were not allowed to be guests at hotels. When we traveled, Johnny had to find a private home where he could stay. This was my early introduction to prejudice and in my young perception, unfair treatment. The year was 1946. The last year of my eligibility was Johnny’s junior year. The team primarily comprised seniors who had played together for four years. Johnny, who led the nation in total offense, was an All American and a candidate for the Heisman trophy. After our last home game, Johnny invited me to a local jazz club where he would hang out. I parked my car and started to walk towards the club. Surrounded by several young black men who were about to rough me up for being in their territory, I let them know I was there to meet Johnny Bright. I was escorted in. The nucleus of the team graduated and Johnny began his senior year where he left off by compiling some awesome statistics in the first few games. I was in the Army by then, but tried to follow his accomplishments. Drake was scheduled to play Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State) on their turf. Days prior to the game they sent Drake a letter stating to not bring Johnny—no black had ever played on their field. Drake took Johnny, and an ugly incident ensued early in the game. The Oklahoma defensive end came in and slugged Johnny well after he had handed off the ball, breaking his jaw. Johnny stayed in the game, and twice more was hit hard until he had to leave. The referees did nothing. The incident was captured on film by two Des Moines newspaper photographers, Don Ultang and John Robinson. The sequence of gruesome 82

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2015

pictures made national news. I believe if Drake’s previous year’s team had been playing, there would have been a riot on the field. With his jaw wired, Johnny played the rest of the season and earned outstanding statistics, getting first team All American ranking. In the NFL draft, he was the first round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles, who offered him a low dollar contract. Johnny chose to play in Canada, where he was a star and led his team to several Grey Cup championships, Canada’s equal to the Super Bowl. Johnny was inducted into the Canadian Hall of Fame and became a football coach, a teacher, a principal, and a superintendent. He also became a Canadian citizen. I began speaking at sports dinners, and I had two occasions to speak in Calgary, which was near Johnny’s home. I said I’d come if they would include Johnny at the dinners. They did, and I attended and spoke. We had fun reminiscing about the old days. He mentioned that the Oklahoma incident was a good thing in that it opened the eyes of many Americans who were naive concerning the extent of discrimination in our country. He appeared to hold no grudges about his experience. Johnny had a heart attack in 1983 and died at age 53. In 2006, Drake University renamed the Drake stadium John Bright Field. I was grateful to attend the ceremonious event and be on the field with his family and a few teammates who were able to travel in for the occasion. I continued to marvel at Johnny’s ability to handle the numerous acts of unfairness he had experienced his entire life. My relationship with Johnny Bright contributed dramatically to my attitude about the ugliness of discrimination and it influenced my treatment of blacks whenever I related to them. I realized early on that the color of someone’s skin might be the only difference between them and me. Number 42 and the King In 1947, my father and I, along with a buddy and his father, made some college visits. We ended up in Chicago and decided to go see a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. We didn’t realize that it was the first time that rookie New York Dodger ballplayer Jackie Robinson would be playing there. Getting standing room only tickets, we were among many hundreds of black fans, who we found out later had never seen a game at Wrigley. It was hard to take your eyes off Jackie, particularly when he got on base. He would dance around, keeping the pitcher alert for his next steal. Almost every sports fan knows how Jackie was unfairly treated; the movie 42 dramatically depicts the discrimination he experienced. Regardless of Jackie’s accomplishments and abilities, teammates treated him unfairly because his skin was black. He persevered and had an outstanding career, playing for ten years and in six World Series. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. A statistic that continues to amaze me is that he stole home base 19 times. Everyone who likes music knows the name Nat King Cole. A top performer throughout the country, discrimination against him was so rampant that when this super star would arrive at the location he was to perform, he was required to enter through the back door or kitchen entrance. He would perform, the audience would cheer wildly, and he would have to again leave through the back door. These are just a few obvious examples of discrimination; there’s a litany of many, many more.

The Challenge for All of Us Over the past 200 years, there have been many laws enacted to help to correct gross discriminations. As far back as the Civil War, a group of black Union soldiers distinguished themselves in battle, wonderfully depicted in the movie Glory. The movie Red Sails highlights the contribution and success of the Tuskegee Airmen in World War II. In both instances, white prejudice had to be overcome to allow blacks to perform in battle. The movie Selma depicts a vivid example of discrimination at a fever pitch, with fire hoses and dogs being released on black and some white marchers who simply sought the right to vote for everyone. Anyone who doesn’t see progress regarding discrimination isn’t paying attention. But to gloat over the fact that rest rooms and water fountains are no longer segregated is ignoring the work that still needs to be done. Do Unto Others… Lately, we have seen horrific examples throughout the U.S. of unfairness and discrimination equal to and surpassing the vivid examples relayed in this story. I am passionate about the importance of continuing to improve racial relationships and improve its effect on the future health and well being of our nation. To achieve harmony, we must treat others like we want to be treated, and speak out against injustices when and how we can. n To enjoy Jim’s blogs, visit http://curbstonepulpit.wordpress.com.

Classifieds: Baptist Homes seeks volunteers to help residents practice for the chime choir (10:45 a.m. Tuesdays); participate in drum circle (10:45 a.m. Thursdays); to escort residents to their rooms after Saturday morning programs; to escort residents to/from beauty shop on Thursdays and Fridays; and to assist staff during Sunday 3 p.m. church service. Volunteers receive access to Baptist Homes’ state-of-the-art wellness center. For more information, contact Dionne Rose, Baptist Homes’ activity director/volunteer coordinator, at 412-572-8254.

BUSINESSES

AT YOUR SERVICE Stacy & Emanuel Romanias

USC residents since 1991, with over 13 years of experience.

Simply Put, We Get Results...

Office 724.941.3000 Cell 412.370.3447

x77

www.romaniasgroup.com

JB S LAWN MAINTENANCE COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE SERVICES Grass Cutting • Hedge Trimming Mulching • Planting Trees & Shrubs

412-877-0928

S B M

The annual Deerfield Manor garage sale will be held Saturday, June 6, 8 a.m.–noon. Participating houses will be identified with a balloon tied to the house’s mailbox. Questions? Call Bethany at 412-370-2895.

Estate & Household Liquidations

St. Gregory’s Church will host “Dogs’ Day of Summer” pet day, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Saturday, June 27 at its parking lot and parish hall at 2005 Mohawk Road, in USC’s Brookside Farms neighborhood. For dogs and their owners, there will be lots of free things to do in addition to some fee offerings. Visit www.stgregorychurchusc.org or call Sharon Opal at 412-721-3799 for more information.

Experience is the key to success

The DeMarillac Guild will hold its annual flea market “Timeless Treasures,” 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Friday, July 24 and 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Saturday, July 25 in the LeGras Parish Center (lower level), 320 McMurray Road, Upper St. Clair. Sale items include gently-used children’s clothing to size 6, toys, jewelry, decorative items, knick knacks, kitchen items, holiday decorations, and more.

Fawn Moore Campbell, Proprietor

412-657-9132

sydneybmoore.com

550 Sleepy Hollow Road, Mt. Lebanon, PA 15228

412.563.2858

PRESCHOOL (AGES 2-6) THRU 6TH GRADE OPENINGS AVAILABLE FOR ALL AGES

www.MtLebanonMontessori.org

Summer 2015

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

21 Years

LOCAL Advertiser Index

Summer 2015

www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home

Advertiser Page

Affordable Decks & Additions ................................................................ 75 * ARAMARK ............................................................................................. 79 Arbor Tree Specialist, Inc. ...................................................................... 73 Bedner’s Farm Market ............................................................................ 74 * Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, The Preferred Realty, Rt. 19 South ..7 BISTECCA - STEAKHOUSE - WINE BAR ............................................... 48 Bob’s Diner ............................................................................................ 50 Brookside Lumber ................................................................................. 76 * Calabro Tire & Auto Service .................................................................. 59 Chinese Acupuncture & Herbs Center, LLC ........................................... 63 * Coldwell Banker–The South Hills Office .......................Back outside cover Coldwell Banker–Lynn Dempsey ........................................................... 79 * Cupelli & Cupelli, Drs. .......................................................................... 81 Davey Tree & Lawn Care ........................................................................ 76 Davin Interiors, LLC ................................................................................ 9 * Deckmasters Technologies Incorporated ............................................... 73 Executive Home Maintenance Service ................................................... 74

* Kerr Family and Cosmetic Dentistry ...................................................... 45 Little Lake Theatre Company ................................................................. 23 * Louis Anthony Jewelers .......................................................................... 5 * Manalo, Larry E., D.M.D. ....................................................................... 44 * Mount Lebanon Montessori School and Academy ................................ 83 Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center ............................................................. 49 Northwood Realty Services .................................................................... 23 Orthodontics by Dr. Reitz & Dr. Troy ...................................................... 44 Peck International Travel Services ......................................................... 51 Pediatric Dentistry South ....................................................................... 45 * Piccolina’s Restaurant ........................................................................... 45 * Pinebridge Commons Associates .......................................................... 44 Pittsburgh Music Academy .................................................................... 48 Pittsburgh Youth Ballet Company........................................................... 49 Premier Home Design Center ................................................................ 75 Providence Point, a Baptist Homes Society Community ........................ 29 * Rusmur Floors ...............................................................Back inside cover

What They Said We keep several copies of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY in our store’s lobby for customers to read. The articles provide interesting insight into our community and its businesses. Often customers will take a copy for their reference. Stop in to Calabro Tire and Auto Service for your auto servicing needs. Extended Day Services .......................................................................... 47 Farmers Insurance–Tom DiPasquale ..................................................... 73 Furgiuele, Natalie, M.D., F.A.C.S. .......................................................... 37 Historical Society of Upper St. Clair ...................................Front cover, 15 * Howard Hanna USC Office ............................................Front inside cover * Howard Hanna–Maureen Cavanaugh .................................................... 81 * Howard Hanna–Susan Highley .............................................................. 59 Howard Hanna–Diane Horvath............................................................... 27 JB’s Lawn Maintenance ......................................................................... 83 Jacksons Restaurant-Rotisserie-Bar ...................................................... 50 Jade Grille ............................................................................................. 51 * Keller Williams–Sandy and Marshall Goldstein .................................... 63 Keller Williams–The Jim Roman Group ................................................ 17

* St. Clair Hospital ................................................................................. 2, 3 * Scott Bros. Windows and Doors ............................................................ 72 * Sesame Inn ........................................................................................... 46 South Hills Endoscopy Center ................................................................. 1 * State Farm Insurance–Cindy Brophy ..................................................... 44 Sydney B. Moore Estate Sales ............................................................... 83 The Orthopedic Group ..................................................................... 19, 55 The Romanias Group at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices .................. 83 * The Thomas Studio of Performing Arts ................................................. 47 Torrente at Upper St. Clair–Luxury Apartments ....................................... 9 Washington Health System .................................................................... 35 * Wellington Real Estate–Patty Thomas & Rebecca Lutz .......................... 21

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY thanks the wonderful advertisers who have supported our publication for 21 years.

We couldn’t do it without you!

*The above advertisers, who are advertising in this issue, have contributed their support for a minimum of 41 issues. Thank you.

Upcoming guides for the Fall 2015 issue include Dining, Education, and Health & Wellness. 84

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2015

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Global Connections, Local Traditions Hope Bassichis

Noel Bliman

Anita Crago

Barbara Cusick

Lynn Dempsey

Janine Dillon

John Geisler

Elaine Goldblum

Genie Gooding

Andrew Guillot

Leigh Harkreader

Nancy Heffernan

Judy Hlister

Sydnie Jones

Sue Kelso

Kathi Kernan

Jane Krauth

Hedy Krenn

Maria & Joe Lane

Julie Leslie

Ron Loncharich

Nancy Morgan

Arlene Murray

Julie Puzausky

Tulla Rakoczy

Kathy Sekeras

Diane Snyder

Mary Torchia

Carmela Viviano

Faith Williard

Jim Walsh

Mary Ann Wellener

Jane York

Marian McGinley Manager

The South Hills Office 412-833-5405 • 1630 Washington Rd, Pittsburgh PA 15241