Summer 2018 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY by UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Magazine

C C D US ity un e m ssu I

Summer 2018 Blackwood & Associates, Building One-of-a Kind, Distinctive Landscape Designs www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home

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

Upper St. Clair Office â&#x20AC;˘ 180 Fort Couch Rd, Upper St. Clair, Pa 15241 412-833-3600 â&#x20AC;˘ HowardHanna.com

Robbins Bobbitt Sales Director

Bonnie Bagay

Lynne Bingham

Kirstan Boettger

Shannon Briggs

Chris Ciccarelli

Leanne Dresmich

Bob Ellison

Shannon Gallagher

Janet Hensler

Susan Highley

Diane Horvath

Jess Hutchinson

Doug Hyrb

Caitlin Kennedy

Frankie Jo Kunselman

Sheryl Kyle

Matt Luciani

Marie Mageras

Kathy McCloskey

Leann Monz

Patty Morgan

Erin Musciano

Brittany Pantuso

Jennifer Solomon

Coral Stengel

Beth Thomas

Wendy Vespa

Jody Yurcich

Izzy Zehner

Would you like to join our team? Call for a confidential discussion: Robbins Bobbitt, Sales Director 412-833-3600

David Limauro, MD • Mark Cedar, DO • Nicholas Bellicini, DO • Xuong Lu, MD • David Glorioso, MD • Lisa Oliva, DO • Robert J. Pagano, M.D. • Theresa Schuerle, D.O.

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

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“Screening for colorectal cancer can save your life.” • We treat acid reflux, heartburn, ulcers, diarrhea, liver disease, fecal incontinence, change in bowel habits and hemorrhoids • Physicians on staff at St. Clair Hospital and UPMC Mercy Hospital • “Compassionate, personalized Anesthesia Care”

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Real Estate Agents Who Make a Real Difference!

Barbara Baker Team*

Lynn Banbury

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Brian and Karen Cummings Team**

Cory Engel

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George Herrington

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Michelle Schocker & Ruth Weigers

Donna Snefsky

Karen Susan

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Christina Watson & Lisa Murovich

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Tony Mete, Manager

412.833.7700 1679 Washington Road www.ThePreferredRealty.com

Let us help you find your way home! Call one of our award-winning Mt. Lebanon Regional sales associates * Barbara Baker Realtor®, Stephanie Spahn, Dan Colaizzi, Kim Kocher, Ciara Higgins (not pictured), Fabienne Palu-Benson, Kristen Shaw and Lindsey Schafer - All licensed assistants ** Brian and Karen Cummings Team, Shawnda Smoker - licensed assistant ©2018 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchise of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity. Information not verified or guaranteed. If your home is currently listed with a Broker, this is not a solicitation.

FIND YOUR PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR AT STCLAIR.ORG A 5K used to be like a walk in the park? Whether shortness of breath or knee pain is slowing you down, talk to one of our Primary Care physicians. St. Clair offers a wealth of experienced, board-certified Primary Care physicians to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Please refer to the listings at right or visit us at stclair.org.

ST. CLAIR MEDICAL SERVICES PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS AND PRACTICES FATIGATI/NALIN ASSOCIATES Mario J. Fatigati, M.D., FACP M. Sabina Daroski, M.D., FACP Nicholas P. DiTullio, M.D. Daniel B. Erlanger, D.O. Amanda Hercules-Smith, M.D. James P. McDowell, D.O. Robert E. McMichael, III, D.O. Nithin V. Bhandarkar, D.O. Joseph P. Endrich, M.D. Nina M. Fatigati, M.D. Laurie Shirman-Molinda, M.D. Lindsay A. Yarbrough, D.O. Christine M. Townsend, D.O.

Bethel Park 5187 Library Road Bethel Park, PA 15102 412.835.4886

MT. LEBANON INTERNAL MEDICINE

DOBKIN / RICCELLI & ASSOCIATES

GOBAO INTERNAL MEDICINE

Carol Showalter Myron, M.D., FACP, MBA Karl E. Bushman, M.D., FACP Beth Ann Schneider, M.D. Aimee K. Marmol, M.D. David R. Sacco, M.D., FACP Sapna Vasudevan, M.D. Ramy Khalil, M.D.

Larry A. Dobkin, M.D. Antonio M. Riccelli, M.D. Mallory Strickland Ciuksza, M.D.

Richard A. Gobao, M.D.

Bethel Park/Village Square St. Clair Hospital Outpatient Center– Village Square 2000 Oxford Drive, Suite 420 Bethel Park, PA 15102 412.942.8500

Bridgeville 1025 Washington Pike Bridgeville, PA 15017 412.221.3377 Mt. Lebanon 733 Washington Road, Suite 401 Pittsburgh, PA 15228 412.343.1770

Castle Shannon 250 Mt. Lebanon Boulevard Suite 306 Pittsburgh, PA 15234 412.563.5560 Caste Village/Whitehall 5301 Grove Road Pittsburgh, PA 15236 412.942.9105

DeGIOVANNI MONTINI ASSOCIATES

Peters Township St. Clair Hospital Outpatient Center– Peters 3928 Washington Road, Suite 280 McMurray, PA 15317 724.731.0090 Robinson Township 5482 Campbells Run Road Pittsburgh, PA 15205 412.494.3339

Mt. Lebanon 1145 Bower Hill Road, Suite 206 Pittsburgh, PA 15243 412.279.5372

WEST HILLS MEDICAL Gene M. Battistella, D.O. Michael A. Notte, M.D. Kennedy Township 27 Heckel Road, Suite 212 McKees Rocks, PA 15136 412.777.4319

Lesley DeGiovanni, M.D. John Montini, M.D. Mt. Lebanon 717 Washington Road Pittsburgh, PA 15228 412.341.7887

YOUR HEALTH IS OUR PRIMARY CARE.

St. Clair Hospital is a national leader in quality care, patient safety, patient satisfaction, and value.

Summer 2018 • Volume 24 • Issue 2 www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home • usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us

Features & Around the Township 20 Misinterpretation

22 Letter to My Departed Husband

74 Water, Water, Where’s the Water?

76 Coach’s Corner— Conquering Mountains...

78 Nothing but Net!

Township 14 Community Day Schedule

34 Tri-Community South… the Second Decade

School District 57 Dr. O’Toole Announces His Retirement

60 Fall Sports Season Review

Stay Safe from Fire

38 Adult Programs at the Library

64 USC Artists Earn Recognition

Guides/ Directories 28 Summer Activities 31 Pinebridge 48 Home and Garden 88 Advertiser Index Photo Ops 18

Community Day 2017

Recreation Department’s Recipe for Summer Fun

They Did What?— a Glimpse of the District’s Depth

USCHS Spring Musical

Stay and Play in the Park!

Pawprints

62 71 Township Egg Hunt

Cover

The summer cover of UPPER ST. is sponsored by Blackwood & Associates. See pages 12 and 13 for a feature article on this home and gardens design/build company. Cover photo by Tim Baird.

CLAIR TODAY

24 Legislation to Ban Pet Stores

from Selling Puppy Mill Pets

26 HGTV and “Restored by the Fords” Land in USC

41 Library’s Teen Battle of the Books 82 Newcomers’ Club 6

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2018

Sewer and Drain Inspection and Repair

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Don’t Dig – Call Us Today

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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 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 24 years of our publication.

The 94th 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 2018 edition deadlines:

Articles—June 21

Advertising—June 25

Steering Committee Mark S. Mansfield, Assistant Township Manager Paul K. Fox, School District Representative Editors and Staff Linda M. Dudzinski, Editor-in-Chief Terry Kish, Associate Editor Colleen DeMarco, Office Manager, Advertising Executive Lynn Dempsey, Advertising Executive Alison Hess, Marketing and Advertising Executive Dorothy Clark, Graphic Designer

Mark Mansfield, Paul Fox, Linda Dudzinski, Terry Kish, Colleen DeMarco, Lynn Dempsey, Alison Hess, and Dorothy Clark. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a non-partisan Township, School District, and community magazine. Political advertising and political commentary are not accepted. The publishers of this magazine reserve the right to reject advertising or articles inconsistent with the objectives, image, and aesthetic standards of the magazine.

The next issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY will be the Fall 2018 issue and will be published in August 2018. 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 is published and mailed

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

quarterly to residents and businesses in Upper St. Clair Township. Extra copies of the magazine are available at the Township of Upper St. Clair Municipal Building and Township Library. If you did not receive a copy in the mail, call 412-833-1600, extension 2284.

Subscription Information If you know someone living outside the Township who would enjoy receiving UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, please send $12 check, payable to UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, to cover mailing and handling for the next four issues, with their name and address, including zip code, to UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, USC, PA 15241. Add $10 to cover international mailing.

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

Board of School Directors Amy L. Billerbeck, President Barbara L. Bolas, Vice President Jennifer L. Bowen Phillip J. Elias Dr. Daphna Gans Patrick A. Hewitt Angela B. Petersen Louis P. Mafrice, Jr. Dante R. Plutko

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Township Board of Commissioners

Mark D. Christie, President, Ward 4 Nicholas J. Seitanakis, Vice President, Ward 1 C. Elise Logan, Ward 2 Robert W. Orchowski, Ward 3 Ronald J. Pardini, Ward 5 Russell R. Del Re, At Large Daniel R. Paoly, At Large

Summer 2018

Thank you to our volunteer contributors this issue: Judge Ronald Arnoni, Betsy Boughner, Becky Brindle, Cindy Brophy, John D’Angelo, Kevin Deitrick, Lynn Dempsey, Betty Digby, Jane Myers Dodd, Michael Ference, Tammy Goffin, Milo Hindman, Chantel Hitchman, Heather Holtschlag, Rebecca Kane, Jessica Kester, Jay Lynch, Jim Meston, Jim O’Brien, Kevin O’Laughlin, Helen Palascak, Russell Rauch, Jim Render, State Senator Guy Reschenthaler, Haley Roberts, Dora Rudick, Ron Sarrick, Dr. Tracy Scanlon, Gary Schafer, Jonette Shanahan, and Marilyn Walsh. 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@uscsd.k12.pa.us to find out how your student can contribute. The 94th issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a joint publication of the Township and School District of Upper St. Clair. © Copyright 2018. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this magazine, in print or web version, in whole or in part, without the expressed written consent of the Editor, is strictly prohibited. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Phone: 412-833-1600, extension 2284 Fax: 412-851-2592 Email: usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us Township: 412-831-9000 School District: 412-833-1600 Printed by Knepper Press 2251 Sweeney Drive, Clinton, PA 15026-1818 724-899-4274 Design by DMC Design 412-824-7844 • www.dmcdesign.com

2565 BOYCE PLAZA ROAD • UPPER ST. CLAIR, PA 15241

412-551-0520 • www.TorrenteUSC.com • info@TorrenteUSC.com

A Maintenance Free Community Located Less Than Two Miles from the USC Rec Center!

One and Two Bedroom Apartments starting at $1205.00 per month • Large, Open Floorplans • Walk-In Closets • Granite Kitchens • Stainless Steel Appliances • In-Suite Washer & Dryer • Private Balconies • Garage Parking • Elevators in Every Building • Beautiful Views • Convenient Location in Upper St. Clair • No HOA Fees! • No Property or School Taxes! • No Maintenance to Self-Perform! • No Landscaping to Worry About! • No Guesswork in Monthly Expenses! • No Worries! Call us today to schedule your private tour of the model and grounds at Torrente, 412-551-0520!

A Summer Note from the Publishers Matthew R. Serakowski

Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole

One of the many attributes of Township of Upper St. Clair residents is a true sense of community. As we plan for the annual Community Day on May 19 this year, we are always excited to see the large turnout, even in some years when the weather has been less than cooperative. From the police and volunteer firefighters, the myriad of booths, the large number of volunteers (both staff and residents), elected officials, those who sponsor contests, and everyone who visits, we are truly fortunate to share that feeling of togetherness, friendship, and camaraderie. This year as we wish Dr. O’Toole our best in his future endeavors, we are reminded that the School District and the Township share a common goal—a commitment to community excellence. Although separate entities with individual responsibilities (and budgets), working for this shared objective is the number one priority. The nationally-recognized, awardwinning School District has continued to thrive under strong leadership and quiet guidance, traits that define Dr. O’Toole. As with previous District leaders, Pat has made his mark on the schools and on the community. Pulling together such qualities and assets allows community leaders, residents, volunteers, and employees like Superintendent Dr. Patrick O’Toole to establish community excellence, which continues to enhance the quality of life in Upper St. Clair.

I began writing this letter on March 22, exactly 11 years after I started my tenure as Upper St. Clair’s Superintendent of Schools. It hardly seems possible that time has gone by so quickly and my June 30 retirement from USC fast approaches. Gratitude. When looking back at my time in Upper St. Clair, I am sincerely grateful to so many people, including the nine members of the School Board of Directors who took a leap of faith by hiring me in 2007. It has been my goal over these past 11 years to work diligently each day to ensure they never regretted their decision. In addition, I thank all the members of the board, faculty, administration, staff, parents, students, and community for their support throughout my USC career. There is no better educational leadership role in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania than to serve as superintendent for the Upper St. Clair School District. In 2012, I had the opportunity to share 50-year reunion events with the first two graduating classes of USCHS. Our alumni shared stories told by their parents about the District’s first high school. Reportedly, the community decided that USC needed a great high school. They even planned to “steal” the best teachers from neighboring schools. Those parents understood the primary ingredient to a great school district! Proudly, the community’s commitment to quality education has not waivered over the past 56 years. I also wish to share my thanks and appreciation for co-publisher Matt Serakowski and his team from the Township side of our magazine and office. Sadly, I would be remiss to not mention Matt’s predecessor, Doug Watkins, who passed away in 2010. Both men have offered me tremendous assistance in my role. USC can take equal pride in the educational and public services provided by both of our entities. Our police chiefs, Ron Pardini (former) and Doug Burkholder (current), have been partners in improving our work and planning in safety and security and emergency preparedness. We have also worked closely with Township staff on the District’s building plans and recreational programming. And, finally, I wish to thank Linda Dudzinski, editor-in-chief of USC TODAY, and her staff for their superior work in publishing this outstanding magazine that showcases the pride of USC. We have worked on leadership succession planning for the past ten years, identifying and nurturing leaders at all levels of our organization. As a result, USCSD is poised to continue its rich tradition of delivering educational excellence.

Sincerely,

Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager

Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole Superintendent of Schools

TODAY, the award-winning, official publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home 10

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2018

usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us

Southwest Gastroenterology Associates

Comprehensive and

compassionate care

Southwest Gastroenterology Associates is a Private Practice Physician Group specializing in the evaluation and treatment of all digestive diseases, composed of Richard Panicco DO, Mohan Phanse MD, Philip Joson MD, Richard Kenney DO, Jennifer Totten MD, Manhal Tannous, MD, Theresa Meldon, CRNP and Heather Beta, CRNP. This dedicated group of physicians has been taking care of patients in Southwest Pennsylvania for over 30 years. In addition to the wealth of experience, each of our doctors is Board Certified in Gastroenterology. Together we strive to provide outstanding care and service to our patients and fellow health providers.

724-941-3020 Tri-State Surgery Center 80 Landings Drive Washington, PA

www.swgastro.net

Canonsburg Hospital 100 Medical Blvd, Canonsburg, PA

Washington Health System 155 Wilson Ave, Washington, PA

Washington Health System Greene 350 Bonar Ave, Waynesburg, PA

St. Clair Memorial Hospital 1050 Bower Hill Rd, Pittsburgh, PA

Blackwood & Associates Creating the Property of Your Dreams William “Pete” Blackwood of Blackwood & Associates has been creating beautiful outdoor living spaces for over 45 years. His team of more than 20 highly skilled individuals has produced work all over Western Pennsylvania and has earned many landscaping awards, including “Best Backyard in the Burgh” by WTAE.

After graduating from The Penn State Turfgrass Management School, Pete began his career as the golf course superintendent at Beaver Valley Country Club in Beaver Falls. Many members took notice of several landscape projects Pete was developing around the golf course and requested that he create some interesting projects at their homes. Several years later, those side jobs became more interesting and fulfilling, and Blackwood & Associates was born. As a home and gardens design/build company, Blackwood & Associates has completed thousands of projects ranging in size and scope from a $3000 landscape maintenance job to a $1.5 million outdoor living project, which includes a swimming pool, waterfall, pool house, landscape gardens, lighting, and irrigation. “Every beautiful landscaping project starts with an overall landscaping plan for the entire property,” said Pete. “Once we understand exactly what the client is looking for, we provide a comprehensive final design and specifications, and then move on to produce the work to the customer’s satisfaction.” 12

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2018

Blackwood & Associates has created some of the most unique and highly developed outdoor living spaces in Western Pennsylvania. “It’s happened thanks to the great people we have had the pleasure to work with over the years. Our team includes some very talented individuals who possess a real passion and an eye for conceptualizing and creating unique landscapes and outdoor living spaces,” said Pete.

Greg Gorman, a graduate landscape architect from Penn State has developed significant design and estimating elements for the company. Sarah Swehla started as a crew foreperson six years ago and has become Blackwood’s operations manager, responsible for million-dollar multi-faceted projects utilizing numerous production personnel, equipment, and vendors. Tim Baird leads the landscape maintenance arm of the company and is responsible for keeping the projects looking great years after completion. What sets Blackwood & Associates apart from its competition is three-fold. One, is the company’s constant pursuit of unique and interesting design ideas that brings a project to life. Two, the selection of natural materials and key design elements create a timeless landscaped property. And, three, the quality of workmanship, by Blackwood’s highly skilled and trained staff, makes the difference between a property that is landscaped and one that is the envy of the entire neighborhood!

Pete finds the creative side of the business rewarding. “It’s wonderful to take a blank slate, create something exceptional, and see it come to life when our clients experience the finished product. I’m very fortunate to have found such an enjoyable and rewarding way to make a living,” said Pete. From a single-truck operation, founded in 1972, that performed lawn maintenance and tree and shrub plantings, Blackwood & Associates has continued to grow and thrive, encompassing all aspects of residential design/build services from conceptual designs to the implementation of those designs at the highest level, focusing on an unwavering commitment to customer service and the desires of the homeowner. Create the property of your dreams! Contact Blackwood & Associates to receive a complimentary consultation about landscaping, pool installation/ pool houses, outdoor kitchens, or any other outdoor elements. To view more of the company’s landscaping and outdoor living projects, visit www.blackwoodandassociates.com. n

843 Washington Avenue Carnegie, Pennsylvania 15106 Telephone: 412-818-3106 www.blackwoodandassociates.com HIC # 129305

Summer 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

USC Community Day “Pink Panthers” Community Day Schedule Saturday, May 19, 2018

Planned Activity Descriptions: The Color Run /Walk for Fun will begin at 9 a.m. Complete the registration form found on page 16 to make registration quick and easy. The 3.1 mile non-sanctioned race, complete with color, will begin in the parking lot at the Upper St. Clair High School stadium. The race is open to runners and walkers of all ages. Awards will be presented after the race at the race tent. At 10:30 a.m. at the USC Veterans Park, help kick-off Community Day and acknowledge Armed Forces Day. Clair’s Kennel will be open 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Talk with an animal control officer, and get information regarding your pet’s care and licensing. See where runaway pets are temporarily held. 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. New this year, USCHS student council will host a continual Scavenger Hunt, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Additional information is posted on the School District website. On the day of the event, stop at the Student Council information station for more details. Also new this year, the Township Public Works Department will host an open house, 12:30–3:30 p.m. at its main building on Truxton Road. The 1830 Log House will be open for a baked goods and herb sale at noon. Tours of the house will be held noon–3 p.m., along with 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 baby farm animals to see. Pony Rides will be offered near the batting cages, noon–3 p.m. The Petting Zoo, 5-in-1 Fun House, 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, other than 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. Adopt your duck at the Foundation’s pre-sale or stop by their booth before the race. 

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 Church South Lot • Fire Station Please be advised that permit parking only will be allowed in the Public Works parking lot on Truxton Drive. 14

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2018

7:30–9:30 a.m. ..................................... Community Fair Setup McLaughlin Run Activity Center (MAC) Parking Lot 7:45–8:15 a.m. ............ Color Run /Walk for Fun Registration High School Stadium—Registration form on page 16 9 a.m. ................................................ Color Run /Walk for Fun High School Stadium Entrance (Truxton Drive) 9:15–10:15 a.m. ........................................Hottest Dog Contest Stage Area—Pre–registration form on page 15 10:30–11 a.m............................................... Kick-off Ceremony USC Veterans Park 10:45 a.m. (approx.)........... Color Run /Walk for Fun Awards Race Tent 11 a.m.–3 p.m. ..............................Clair’s Kennel Open House 11 a.m.–4 p.m........................................ Community Fair Area Entertainment Stage Area Scavenger Hunt Student Council Auxiliary Information Station 11:30 a.m......................................................................... Parade Noon (after parade)......................................... Bake-Off Awards MAC (See page 15) Noon–3 p.m........................................ Log House Open House and Herb Sale Gilfillan Farm House Tours Pony Rides Grassy area near batting cages Noon–4 p.m................ 5-in-1 Fun House and Trackless Train Petting Zoo Library Parking Lot Gilfillan Farm Barnyard Activities Gilfillan Farm area Volunteer Fire Department Tours Main Station, Route 19 (See page 17) 12:30–3:30 p.m............................... Public Works Open House Main Building, Truxton Drive 2 p.m...................................................................... Toddler Trot Founders’ Field (See page 15) 3 p.m..........................................................................Duck Race McLaughlin Run Creek 3:30–6:30 p.m...............Community Foundation’s After Party USCHS Front Field (See page 17)

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

Tours Demonstrations Activities for the kids

Upper St Clair Community Day 21st Annual “Hottest Dog” Contest! Proceeds benefit

Prizes

The Children’s Hospital

5 Fun Contests:

Free Care Fund

* Cutest Puppy (up to 4 months)

Date:

* Best Pet Trick Contest Time:

* Best Tail Wag Contest * Best Costume Contest

Rules: •All contestants must be residents of USC. •Owners must provide proof of up-to-date shots record with entry. •Entries must be received by 5/16/2018 •Entry fee must accompany your entry. •You may register at the event. •$5 entry fee.

•

Pet & Owner Look-a-like Contest

For information or emailing in your registration contact: Beth Thomas 412-865-9865 BethLinn27@gmail.com leannmonz@yahoo.com

Mail, or drop off your registration form :

Dog’s Name _____________________________________

Owner’s Name

Hottest Dog Contest Attn: Janet Kaufman 180 Ft. Couch Rd, Ste 100 Pittsburgh, PA 15241 412-833-3600

Dog’s Breed _____________________________________ Please choose competition categories: Cutest Puppy ___ Best Trick ___ Best Tail Wag ___ Best Costume ___ Dog-owner Lookalike ___

Address Phone_____________________________ Email:__________________________

Signature

Date

Signature of parent or guardian if under 18

Date

** All Dogs will get a treat just for participating! **

Toddler Trot

Ages: Twelve months to four years (races grouped by age) Location: Founders’ Field (grassy area, look for the balloons) Race Course: (age-appropriate, short distances) Race time begins: 2 p.m. Register by: 1 p.m.

Attention Kids! 15th Annual USC Bake-Off! Community Day Saturday, May 19th, 2018

Sponsored by Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services A $50 prize will be awarded in each of the following grade levels: K-2

3-4

5-6

7-8

9-12

Entries must be edible but will be judged on appearance, not taste. Pre-registration is required. Cakes should be dropped off at the Old Rec Center on McLaughlin Run Rd between 4:30 and 6:00 pm on Friday, May 18th. For more information or to register

Pre-registration/Waiver forms available at the Student Council Information Station on Community Day.

This activity is free, but pre-registration is required. Register, then come cheer on your favorite toddler! A USCHS Student Council-sponsored event

call Leigh Harkreader or Anita Crago at 412.833.5405.

Name:

Age:

Address: Phone:

Email:

Please select a category for your entry: __K-2

__3-4

__5-6

__7-8

__9-12

Complete and return this form by May 11th to Anita Crago or Leigh Harkreader 1630 Washington Road • Pittsburgh, PA 15241

leigh.harkreader@gmail.com • anitacrago@gmail.com • 412.833.5405

Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2018 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services. All rights reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 305887PIT_3/18

Summer 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

USC Community Day Community Day Color Run/Walk for Fun When: Saturday, May 19, 2018. Race begins at 9 a.m. sharp! Where: Upper St. Clair High School. A 3.1-mile route, start-

ing and finishing at Panther Stadium. A map is available at the Community & Recreation Center (C&RC).

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 day-of registration. 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. Check the Township website for future posting. Come run or walk for fun and exercise. Bring the whole

family! No pets, please! Wear your sunglasses and prepare to set color on your clothing! (Note, this is not a sanctioned race.) FEMALE MALE • 8 & under • 9 to 11 • 12 to 14 • 15 to 19

• 20 to 29 • 30 to 39 • 40 to 49 • 50 & over

• 8 & under • 9 to 11 • 12 to 14 • 15 to 19

• 20 to 29 • 30 to 39 • 40 to 49 • 50 & over

USC Community Day Color Run/Walk For Fun Registration Form No registrations accepted after 8:15 a.m. Name_____________________________________________ Age as of May 19, 2018_____________

Sex____________

Address___________________________________________ Phone number (preferred)____________________________ Email_____________________________________________ $10 – Day of Registration Make checks payable to:

Upper St. Clair Recreation

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 Color Run /Walk for Fun.

_________________________________ _______ Signature 16

(Parent/Guardian if Under 18 Years of Age)

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Date

Summer 2018

2018 Volunteers Upper St. Clair School District: Danny Holzer, Director of Student Activities Brooke Tarcson, Assistant Director of Student Activities Student Volunteer Chairs: Auxiliary: Taylor Quinn, Peyton Ciesco Community Fair Area: Paarth Shankar Run/Walk for Fun: David Frauen, Jack de la Parra, Nick Malogne Entertainment: Haley Beardsley, Juliana Gianni Parade: Caroline Nelson Parking Lots: Drew Hobart, Akshar Golakiya Publicity: Catherine Sandford, Bria Smith, Emma Tarcson Scavenger Hunt: Gavin Genter T-shirts: Wyatt Keating, Sophie Kennedy, Allison Epler Toddler Trot: Zoe Rankin Township of Upper St. Clair: Paul Besterman, Director of Recreation and Leisure Services Lynn Walcoff, 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 USC VFD 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–Karen East, Bill Findle, Paula and William Henderson, Shari Leckenby and family, Susan and Dan Rosati, and others A Community Day wrap-up, including a complete list of all patrons, will appear in the Fall 2018 issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. We thank our kind and generous patrons for their financial and in-kind support of Community Day 2018!

Have you “herd” what’s been happening at Gilfillan Farm?

Just that “ewe” should get there for Community Day

Come learn about the work that has been done to completely disassemble and rebuild the smokehouse. The smokehouse project should be complete just in time for this year’s Community Day. Also learn all about the work planned for the future preservation of the Gilfillan farm. Open Community Day, May 19, 2018 12p-4p (House tours 12p-3p) House tours, wagon rides, farm animal petting zoo, shearing, milking & masonry demos

www.gilfillanfarm.org • 412-835-2050 • president@hsusc.org

Volunteer Fire Department Community Day Open House Join members of the Upper St. Clair VFD on Saturday May 19, 2018, at the main fire station located at 2001 Washington Road for the annual open house during Upper St. Clair’s Community Day celebration.

Starting at noon and running until 4 p.m., doors will be open to the public. Shuttle buses will run between the McLaughlin Run Activity Center (MAC) and the fire department. Kids can enjoy time in the Sparky Bouncy House, visit with Sparky the Fire Dog, watch demonstrations of the equipment, and observe fire extinguisher demonstrations. Firefighters will be on hand to answer all questions that kids and adults might have. On display will be videos and pictures of the fire department’s history. Stop in to have a look around, enjoy some fresh popcorn, and get acquainted with the facility and the VFD members. We look forward to seeing you! n

Summer 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Panthers Under the Sea

Community Day last year was anything but underwater, except for the “Panthers Under the Sea” theme that contributed to the day of fun. Enjoy the photo collage that captures some of that day’s activities, and then read pages 14–17 for a list and timeline of this year’s family-friendly, daylong event.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

USC Community Day 2017

Summer 2018

Myron Cope—Part of a Shrine for a Steelers’ Fan

Wellington

Jim O’Brien

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Holl

Summer 2018

Sharing this fond memory, the family’s name was intentionally omitted. Jim O’Brien, a resident of Upper St. Clair for 38 years, has authored 29 books in his Pittsburgh Proud series. Visit www.jimobriensportsauthor.com for more information.

New Construction In A Walking Community

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of Waldenbooks on the upper level of South Hills Village. This was in the fall of 1992, and my book signing was for my book Whatever It Takes, about the Steelers who’d won four Super Bowl titles in the ’70s. She smiled and introduced herself. She said my wife had told her I would be there doing a book signing when they talked earlier that day at the Cancer Center of Allegheny General Hospital on the city’s North Side. The woman had been telling Kathie of her husband’s strong interest in local sports and her desire to get him a book to read during his hospital stay. Her husband, John, was a lifelong fan of Pittsburgh sports teams—the Steelers, the Pirates, the Penguins—especially the Steelers. He was in his mid-50s and he had terminal cancer. His days were numbered. “He loves everything that has to do with the Steelers,” she told me. “He loves to listen to Myron Cope. He can recite all the names and statistics. I would like to get him one of your books.” She picked up a copy of Whatever It Takes, a sequel to the book Doing It Right. I asked the woman a few questions about her husband and then I wrote a personal note to him near my signature, jotting down some encouraging words, considering his challenge. She smiled when she saw what I had written. “He’ll appreciate that,” she said. “I don’t know if he will have enough time left to finish the book, but I want him to have it.” Wearing thin black silky gloves, rather uncommon in this day and age, she moved her finger over the words I’d written. Upon further inspection, I noticed she was dressed all in black, readying herself, I thought, for her role as a widow. A week or so later, I saw her husband’s name and photo in the Post-Gazette’s obituary section. As a general rule, I read the obituary section daily. A friend of mine, the late Tom “Maniac” McDonough, told me that this section is “the Irish sports section” of the newspaper. The viewing for John would be at the Fryer Funeral Home on Washington Pike in Bridgeville, about four miles from my home in Upper St. Clair. “I think I should pay my respects,” I told my wife, Kathie. “You’ll be at work and I can represent our family. You got to know this lady quite well. It’s not far away.” My wife was a social worker in the Cancer Center at AGH for 17 years, and this death occurred about midway through that timespan. So, I showed up at Fryer Funeral Home, now Beinhauer-Fryer Funeral Home and was well received. John’s wife introduced me to her family and friends, and shared with them the story about the special book signing I’d done for her husband. Lying there, John had a Steelers’ ball cap resting on his head. He had lost all his hair to chemotherapy treatments and the cap didn’t quite fit. He’d lost weight, I was told, and he looked somewhat engulfed by the coffin. He was dressed in a Steelers’ jersey, a rather common occurrence for a true Steelers’ fan. Fran Rogel was a fierce fullback for the Steelers back in the ’50s and the first Steeler I met as a child; but he, too, looked lost in his casket because he’d shrunk. “Nobody looks good in the box,” Steelers’ founder Art Rooney often remarked. In a corner at the foot of John’s casket was an old green metal U.S. Army ammunition box which held a collection of Steelers’ game programs. A Myron Cope official Terrible Towel was neatly draped over the box’s sides. A small candle was placed in front of the box that held his meaningful collection. At that moment, I thought of Craig Wolfley, a former Steelers lineman who operated a nearby martial arts and boxing gym in Bridgeville. It would be great, I thought, if Wolf and his buddy, Tunch Ilkin, would visit and pay their respects on behalf of the Steelers. But Wolf wasn’t at the gym when I stopped there on my way home. As many remember, these two joined Cope and Bill Hillgrove on the Steelers’ broadcast team. I couldn’t attend the funeral the following day, which was held at St. Agatha, now Holy Child Parish when it merged with St. Anthony (South Fayette) that same year. Later, I was told that a family member walked up the center aisle during the funeral procession, carrying Whatever It Takes in his extended hands. I am humbled to know that my books have been displayed in at least six coffins and buried with people who have enjoyed them. When I told my wife that bit of personal trivia, she jokingly told me that she’d be sure to put a few copies of my books in Jim O’Brien and Myron Cope on my casket. “We need to clear out some space in the garage,” she the football field at Allegheny laughed. n College, circa 1962

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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Misinterpretation Jay Lynch

Like many children, I was trustful to the point of being gullible. I believed that my uncle could pull a dime out of my ear and make it disappear with a wave of his palm. I was convinced that Patty Duke and Hayley Mills had twin sisters and that Moe could repeatedly poke Larry and Curly in their eyes without inflicting injury. Teachers made diligent efforts to teach me that superficial observations can mask the truth and lead to false conclusions. Science teachers focused on big words and phrases, like “rigorous hypothesis testing,” while English teachers told us, “You can’t judge a book by its cover.”

fancy country club in New Jersey named Canoe Brook. (Sounds like a name out of Caddy Shack, eh?) As we departed from the reception, our limousine driver drove us among the impressive, well-kept grounds of the club. I noticed a flower bed, which included the day’s date displayed in perfectly sculpted grass. I said to Katie, “How thoughtful! They put the date of our wedding in the main lawn. I’ve got to take a picture for our wedding album!” Katie rolled her eyes, knowing that the current date is displayed in grass at the club every day. We spent our honeymoon at a couples-only resort in Jamaica. We chose the spot based on beautiful photos in sales brochures and my unfounded expectation that Bob Marley and Peter Tosh would be providing music and the happy people of Montego Bay would welcome us to their lovely town. It was quite the opposite. The resort targeted American couples who enjoyed tunes from Broadway musicals. It was surrounded by armed guards and a barbed wire fence that extended into the surf, with posters warning against venturing into the town of Montego Bay. Jumbo jets from the adjacent airport provided deafening noise every 20 minutes, but provided welcome relief from Rogers and Hammerstein. However, there was one exceptionally good thing about the honeymoon (two, since Katie’s reading this story). Every morning, when the tide was right, a boat took guests beyond

One of my Eisenhower Elementary school teachers, Mr. Radaker, used a clever demonstration to liberate our young minds from thinking the sun rotates around the earth as it moves across the sky. He used a basketball, a light bulb, and a sleepy ant that he plucked from the classroom ant farm. After turning off the lights, he placed the ant on the basketball, held it a few feet from the light bulb and rotated it slowly so the ant would move from light to darkness with each spin. Then he posed the question, “What Example of the daily changing of does the ant think?” Classmate Mike Turbeyville had the date at Canoe Brook his usual smart-aleck response: “He wants to go back to the farm.” But quick-witted Shelley Mann gave the the breaking waves to an offshore coral reef. It was spectacuright answer, “The ant thinks he’s standing still, and the light lar—beautiful fish, crystal clear water, and colorful coral. The bulb is moving. He’s like people who think the earth stands still excursions provided an hour of unregulated swimming and while the sun moves across the sky.” Mr. Radaker agreed, saying, snorkeling until the captain blew a horn that indicated it was “Don’t think like the ant! Broaden your perspective to find the time to return to the boat and head back to shore. truth.” When Mike asked how fast the earth moves, Mr. Radaker One early morning, as we gathered at the dock with other responded, “In Pittsburgh, we’re moving at about 800 miles per couples, waiting to board the boat, we chatted with a young hour.” Mike exclaimed, “Wow, that’s fast! Instead of walking couple who were sipping strawberry adult beverages from glasses home from school today, I’ll just jump, and land in my front with umbrellas. Our conversation gave Katie and me the impresyard,” which prompted an exasperated look and the promise of sion that these cocktails weren’t their first beverages of the day. future lessons on gravity and momentum. We climbed aboard the boat and donned our flippers, masks, Despite the best efforts of Mr. Radaker and other teachers and snorkels. As usual, we had plenty of fun exploring the reef over the years, I’ve stubbornly retained a strong tendency toward and admiring the wonders of nature. When the horn sounded, misinterpretation. When my wife, Katie, and I were married we were expected to dutifully return to the boat as instructed. in 1986, her parents kindly funded a wonderful reception at a Katie and the others swam toward the boat and began to climb 20

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2018

the ladder to get on board. As usual, I took my time getting to the ladder so I could capture every last moment of snorkeling bliss. To my surprise, I saw something I hadn’t seen on prior trips— a jellyfish suspended in the water. It was pink, with long, translucent tentacles dangling several feet below the surface. As I swam toward the amazing pink jellyfish, it didn’t retreat. So, I got closer… very close. The captain blasted his horn again, and gave me a Jamaican-dialect scolding, insisting that he’d leave if I didn’t climb on board immediately. But

Snorkeling boat, off the Jamaican shore

the pink jellyfish was captivating, so I ignored his command and touched it several times to see if it was dead. At this point, the captain lost his temper and yelled, “Cummon, mon. Stop pokin’ at da puke!” When I climbed aboard, I noticed the happy honeymooners we had met earlier. The man was lying face down on the deck and his young wife’s head and hands were draped over the boat’s rail. Strawberry adult beverages were the source of their agony and my snorkeling fascination! Mr. Radaker would have explained my misinterpretation succinctly. I had been thinking like the ant. n

Katie and Jay Lynch, on their honeymoon

Contact author Jay Lynch with your comments about this article or your memories of Upper St. Clair at bkefather@yahoo.com. Summer 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Letter to My Departed H usband, David Lee Digby Betty Digby

My beloved David, Easter 1963, midnight ’til morn. We were alone in a hospital room. You were holding my hand, anxiously awaiting the birth of our first child, Lynn Elizabeth… Easter 1999, midnight ’til morn. We were alone in a hospital room. I was holding your hand, watching your every move, awaiting the moment you would take your final breath, leaving this world forever. I wanted to cry out to you, but you were resting so peacefully that I just kept caressing your hand, silently talking to you—praying. What is it about that particular time and day? Never thought about it before, but I suppose it all began on that Easter midnight ’til morn in 1959, when we were at Christ Methodist Church helping to build a balcony, and you committed a heist at Brookside Lumber Company, and I felt compelled to quit my lucrative corporate job with J. H. Hillman—both of us “on a mission from God,” as the Blues Brothers would say. I know your face, and I can see you now, glancing at me with your dark brown eyes and lighthearted grin that I loved, shaking your head in amazement at how that night changed our future. We’d do it again, for you were just as intent on helping others as was I. Remember the summer you gave one of your favorite tweed suits from Baskin Company—and I gave my muskrat fur coat—to the young couple going to Minnesota after a fire destroyed their home in Bethel Park? “They will need warm clothing,” you said. Loved that big heart of yours and your genuine caring for others! Certain days, especially holidays, aren’t the same without you and our son, John David, who died just four years ago. This Thanksgiving I microwaved a plate of food and ate alone in our dining room, thinking of all the seats that would now be empty at a festive Thanksgiving dinner like we used to have at your mother’s home or at Koula and Glenn’s. I was alone, by choice. A church friend called, offering to bring in a plate of Thanksgiving food, but that wasn’t necessary. It’s now hard to listen to some of the poignant Christmas songs, for they remind me of our son, with his powerful solo tenor voice singing “O Holy Night” on Christmas Eve at Christ Methodist Church. I now try to devote the time around Christmas to the families of both of our children. First, I fly to Atlanta, spending several days wrapping presents and participating in meaningful events with Lynn and her family. Then I go to Buffalo to be with Wendy and John David’s family so we have a few days of “quality time” together. Everything’s ok—just not the same. How I miss you on the holidays. We have five grandchildren: Andrew and Elizabeth Baxter, and Nick, Ben, and Becki Digby—all born since the turn of the millennium. You would love each one of them, for different reasons; and each of your grandchildren appreciates and loves you, for in the hallway outside of Lynn’s room I have the Harader’s vintage steamer trunk filled with your treasures that we search through—and I am constantly telling stories about you and our journey together. One discovery in the trunk was a stub to a roller derby in October 1940. On the back you wrote, “First date with Betty Robertson.” That was my first date, but I never knew it may also have been yours or that you cared enough to save the stub. Thank you, my love, for this uplifting surprise. We lived in the Big Band era and witnessed some of their greatness 22

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2018

on the Stanley stage, and we danced to their music at the Kennywood Pavilion. Now, I have a reproducing parlor-grand piano in our living room and sometimes I play the music rolls for hours reminiscing with Hoagy Carmichael’s Stardust or some of Barbra Streisand’s top songs, especially “Memories… of the Way We Were.” But “Deep Purple” is the ballad that affects me most of all. I’ve spent more than a few days on an overlooking porch of a beautiful rental home at the tip of the mountain in St. John, Virgin Island, painting the scenery with young Elizabeth. On a clear day, I can see boats sailing past St. Thomas Island, four or five miles away, and I try hard to capture with my watercolors the feeling of “forevermore.” “Forevermore” is my heart word for how I’ll remember our friends who were with us for life—the Barnes, Ray Crawford, Carl Feick, the Eibs and the Perkeys, John and Mary Lou, Yuppie and Janie Krebs, and your favorite Long Island cousins, Evelyn and Norma. In many ways, especially during this year’s intense winter, I am reminded of those carefree, extended weekends we spent with Evelyn, Don, Norma, and Bob, during the February Trust Department award trips to New York, New York. We took in all of the Broadway plays with the great stars of the 1960–70s and visited famous restaurants and night spots until the wee hours, even though Bob Sherman had to deliver Thomas’ Muffins about 4 a.m. the next day. His eyes were so tired that they bulged like tennis balls, but he kept coming back, because he was one of us. I’ll forever remember the night of the big blizzard, when the metro system on Long Island unexpectedly shut down while we were traveling from Queens to a hockey game at Madison Square Garden. There was no turning back, so you flagged down a small pickup truck. Four of you climbed into the metal rear platform as Evelyn and I squeezed into the cab seat with a portly, one-legged driver, who had trouble operating the stick-shift because of Evelyn’s trapped leg. The hockey game started two hours late, and by the time it ended, all transportation to and from the city had stopped. Penn Station (where Bob wanted to wait in order to take the first train to Long Island and possibly make his 4 a.m. “muffin” delivery) was jammed with people seeking shelter. You convinced the group it would be more prudent to go to our reserved room at the Plaza. As was the custom back then, even for sporting events, men wore suits and leather shoes, and the women dresses and high heels, so we were all wet and cold—shivering—after trudging in our finery through deep snow to the hotel, about two miles away. No one would be going back to Long Island that night. Evelyn, Norma, and I slept on the double bed in a variety of my clothing—whatever fit; and you, Don, and Bob slept scattered around the room on the floor, wrapped in whatever you could find. All of our friends were special; we had happy “forevermore” times with all of them! My desk and computer are now in the corner of the TV room/ library where you used to sit and read or watch sports, and your comfy chair is now between the desk and the bookshelves. I still feel you in the room and, occasionally, I’ll catch myself looking over and commenting about something on a TV program. I answered the phone recently and was taken aback when I heard the deep sound of your voice. It was our

grandson, Nick, calling to say he loved me—and I shook because it was so much like you. Lynn still wears your plaid flannel shirts, probably because she then feels you close by. You meant much to her, you know. She’s now recognized as one of Atlanta’s “Best Doctors,” for Diagnostic Radiology—head of the Department at Northside Hospital—still the same caring, lovely person you were so proud to call your daughter. I’ve always felt blessed that you were in my life and that you were so involved in the lives of our children. Nineteen years have passed since that Easter Sunday 1999. It could be nine or 99 years—wouldn’t make any difference, for you are gone and there is a void. Miss you, desperately. Someday, somewhere, we’ll meet—and I’ll go to you instantly. All my love… my dearest David… forevermore, Bett

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Services to help you look and feel your best. Breast Augmentation ◆ Breast Lift ◆ Face Lift Brow Lift ◆ Liposuction ◆ Tummy Tuck Rhinoplasty ◆ Botox/Fillers At a family reunion, left to right, are John David Digby, Betty Digby, Lynn Digby, and David Lee Digby

Betty Digby’s husband, David, spent his entire career at PNC from 1955 until he retired in 1990. He was the manager of the Fort Couch branch in Upper St. Clair from about 1960 to 1990. Betty and David met as students at South Hills High School, where David was the editor of the student newspaper, The Sesame News, and Betty Robertson was his assistant. David served in the U.S. Army during World War II, including the D-Day invasion. Upon returning home from the service, David earned his bachelor’s and J.D. degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. Betty Digby of Upper St. Clair is a member of The Writers of Westminster, led by Pittsburgh author Jim O'Brien.

Robert W. Bragdon, M.D., F.A.C.S. Board Certified in Plastic Surgery

Plastic Surgical Associates of Pittsburgh St. Clair Hospital • 412-572-6164 Peters Township • 412-572-6164 www.plastic-surgical-assoc.com Summer 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

State Senator Guy Reschenthaler Bethel Park District Office

100 Broughton Road Bethel Park, PA 15102 Phone: 412-831-0250 Fax: 412-831-2740

5996 Steubenville Pike Robinson Township, PA 15136 Phone: 412-788-2967 Fax: 412-788-2970

I recently introduced legislation that will prohibit the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores unless they are from animal shelters or rescues. The intent of the bill is to shift the pet market towards humane sources. According to the ASPCA, puppy mills are large-scale commercial dog breeding facilities that are often overcrowded and unsanitary, with a lack of adequate veterinary care, food, and water. It is well-documented that these facilities frequently supply pet stores with puppies, kittens, and rabbits. Pets in puppy mills are often kept in cages with wire flooring that injures their paws. In addition, because of the focus on profit over the health of the animals, pets from puppy mills are often more prone to congenital and hereditary conditions, including heart disease and respiratory disorders. Customers often spend thousands of dollars caring for sick puppies from pet stores, in some cases, only to suffer the heartbreak of their new pet dying. With this legislation, pet stores will partner with shelters and rescues to promote adoption, which will decrease the demand for the puppies raised in puppy mills. Shelters and rescues focus on finding families for homeless pets, thousands of whom are euthanized each year in Pennsylvania alone. RONALD A. ARNONI, DISTRICT JUDGE District Court 05-2-20 Office: 412-835-1661; Fax: 412-835-4060

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Summer 2018

Responsible breeders, who care deeply for their dogs and want to ensure that they go to good homes, will continue to provide Pennsylvanians with healthy, socialized dogs. These breeders will not be impacted by this bill because they do not sell to pet stores, as their breed clubs discourage it and demand to meet buyers in person. Stores that sell commercially-raised puppies operate based on an outdated and socially unacceptable business model, and are an outlier in their own industry. The vast majority of pet stores, including the largest and most successful chains and small mom and pop shops, do not sell puppy mill puppies, proving that pet stores do not need to sell puppies to be successful. This has been proven by many pet stores, including Pets Plus Natural, a business that has five locations in Pennsylvania. They previously sold puppy mill puppies, but switched to the

2414 Lytle Road, Suite 200 Bethel Park, PA 15102

Consumer fraud happens every day. Identity theft is a form of consumer fraud. The number of individuals attempting to invade our privacy and obtain our personal financial information is growing at an alarming rate. These predators attempt to collect this information by stealing mail, spying for pin numbers at ATMs, gas stations, etc., and digging through trash. The Federal Trade Commission estimates that over ten million people have their identity stolen each year. It’s very important to protect your personal information, in particular, your Social Security number, bank information, credit card accounts, and passwords to your financial information. The best way to protect yourself is to use common sense. If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is! Don’t ever provide your personal information to someone who contacts you by phone. Individuals who seek out and use this information are professionals, and this is what they do every single day. I see these types of crimes committed against our very own citizens in my court room all too often. This crime can happen to anyone at any time and can cost you countless hours attempting to repair your name and good credit history. The following are some ways to protect yourself and your family from identity thieves: 1. Avoid carrying your Social Security card, birth certificate, or even some credit cards with you on a regular basis, unless you need to use them. 2. Carefully monitor your credit card statements, credit reports, bank statements, and all other documents related to 24

Robinson Township District Office

Legislation to Ban Pet Stores from Selling Puppy Mill Pets

Protect Yourself and Your Identity

your finances. Check for inaccuracies and fraudulent use of your accounts. 3. When using your credit cards online, make sure you only provide information which is pertinent to the specific item or service you are ordering, and always make sure you are on a secure site. It should say “secure site” on the web address. 4. Never respond to an unsolicited request for your Social Security number or other financial information, especially over the telephone. If someone calls regarding donations for a charity for which you would like to contribute, tell them to put an invoice in the mail and you will send them a check made payable to that charity. 5. It’s very important to shred all financial documents or anything that contains personal information. I teamed up with Senator Guy Reschenthaler last year to promote the regional area’s annual shredding event, which is normally held in August. Properly shredding your items has the added benefit of helping the environment. In 2017, our efforts collected and recycled 3090 pounds of paper (the equivalent of saving 26.3 trees), 194.7 gallons of oil, 5.1 cubic yards of landfill space, more than 6000 kilowatts of energy, and 10,815 gallons of water. 6. A common way in which identity theft occurs is known as “skimming.” Using special storage devices attached to ATMs, gas pumps, and other point-of-sale machines, thieves steal (or skim) your credit and debit numbers.

humane adoption model after learning of the high kill rates in shelters. To date, they have adopted out over 8000 animals, and their business is thriving. The owners credit their success to having an improved reputation in the community. The Humane Society of the United States pet store conversion staff assists Pennsylvania’s pet stores with conversion to a humane model that does not rely on the sale of animals from cruel puppy mills. In addition to the puppy mill ban on pet stores, this legislation addresses a loophole in the outdoor sales law. Under current law, a licensed kennel can sell a dog at any public place in the commonwealth. A license does not guarantee a breeder is humane and selling healthy puppies, which is why the exemption for licensed kennels will be removed under this bill. Purchasing a puppy at a remote location makes it impossible to see the parents of the puppies or the conditions in which they were raised—making it the perfect sales venue for unscrupulous dealers. Young puppies sold under these conditions are often outside in the cold or blistering heat

far too long, and puppies that are not sold may simply be let loose. Moreover, consumers who end up with sick puppies have no way of contacting the breeder for additional information. Arizona, California, Maryland, and Virginia have similar laws in place. Finally, this bill will also provide transparency in advertising. By requiring those with federal, state, and/or local licenses to include their license number(s) in all advertisements, consumers can use this information to research licensed kennels and be alerted to unlicensed ones. Requiring license numbers will also give enforcement officers an opportunity to identify unlicensed breeders, as well as offer an extra incentive for breeders to comply with the law. More than 250 localities in the U.S., as well as the state of California, have passed similar laws. Representative Ortitay will introduce a companion bill in the House. With these changes, it is my hope that we will move forward in our efforts to provide more humane treatment to animals in Pennsylvania. n

Always inspect the ATM or gas pump for suspicious devices before you swipe or insert your card, and make sure that the item you’re sliding your card into isn’t loose or doesn’t look out of place. 7. Another method of identity theft is known as “phishing.” Thieves contact you and pretend to be a financial institution or a company that you’ve previously dealt with. Contact is by phone or through the computer by sending spam messages to try to get you to reveal your personal information. They are constantly coming up with new and different techniques to obtain your personal information, so it is very important to always be on guard. The safe thing to do is to hang up the phone or log off the computer and call or email your financial institution or the company asking for information to verify the contact’s legitimacy. Also, note that the IRS will never contact you by phone and ask you to send them payment in the form of a money order. If the unfortunate occurs and you become a victim, file a report with your local police department and contact your bank and notify them and all other institutions with whom you deal. Have your financial institution place a fraud alert on your credit report and file a complaint with the Attorney General’s office as well as with the Federal Trade Commission. Remember, free credit reports are available and can be obtained once a year from any of the three major credit reporting agencies. Information can be found at www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228. Protect yourself, your family, and your assets by taking the necessary steps to protect yourself against identity theft and avoid becoming a victim of these criminal predators. n

Identity Protection Sources:

Attorney General’s consumer protection help line: 1-800-441-2555 Federal Trade Commission’s identity theft hotline: 1-877- ID-THEFT Website: www.identitytheft.gov

Summer 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

HGTV and “Restored by the Fords” Land in USC

Brad and Heather Collins are living in their dream home thanks to Upper St. Clair natives and siblings Leanne and Steve Ford and their new remodeling show “Restored by the Fords” on HGTV. The USC residence of Brad and Heather Collins was featured in two of the show’s episodes this past winter. “Restored by the Fords” is based on the work of Pittsburgh siblings Leanne and Steve Ford, who renovate unconventional houses in the Pittsburgh area. Parts of the pilot filmed in the Collins’ home, just down the street from the Upper St. Clair house where the Fords grew up. When Leanne and Steve were offered the full series by HGTV, Brad and Heather jumped at the chance to work with them. Brad and Heather met in 2002 while working for Deloitte. Ever the world travelers, they became engaged while visiting Rome, Italy, four years later. They were married a year later in the Dominican Republic, then spent two years in India. After stints in Manhattan and Miami, the couple learned Heather was pregnant with their son, Alex, now five, as the couple climbed Machu Picchu in Peru. The ancient Inca ruins, more than 7000 feet above sea level, were the perfect backdrop to welcome that news. With the arrival of their first born, the couple decided to move home. As the Collins searched for homes in the Pittsburgh area, they found one that ended up having connections to their family. “We joked leaving Miami that we wanted to swim year-round so we entered “indoor pool” in our search terms. Amazingly, about a year after moving back, a house with an indoor pool arrived via email update.” “We fell in love immediately but realized that it would need a ton of work and take years to return to glory. The history was really cool, given it was midcentury modern and built by an architect that studied under Frank Lloyd Wright,” said Brad. As the sale was being finalized, the couple received a call, asking permission to 26

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

use footage previously filmed in the home for a TV pilot. Heather and Brad agreed to the use of the film, but dug deeper on what it was for and where they could see their new home. Filming After some investigation, the Collins realized the film would be used in the new show “Restored by the Fords” on HGTV. The pilot went incredibly well and HGTV reached out to secure the home for the first season. The couple met with Leanne and Steve, agreeing on an initial $150,000 renovation budget to remodel the kitchen, living room, and children’s bathroom. Under the plan, the renovation had to be complete within eight weeks and the design had to be a surprise. A few weeks in, the Fords called and had an additional surprise. Executives from HGTV visited and fell in love with the house and initial design. They proposed an additional episode tackling the entire house. However, it would call for another $50,000 to the bottom line. “We didn’t deliberate very long, as the privilege of Leanne and Steve’s work on the entire home was worth twice what they were proposing. Don’t tell them I said that though!” added Brad. The Fords started work on June 16 (of 2017) and revealed their design two months later on August 16. Leanne’s design and Steve’s handiwork The home is unusual for the Pittsburgh area, with an open layout, atrium, and indoor pool that connects to the master bedroom and bathroom. A bridge leads to the home, which features 20-foot ceilings in the pool area, three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a living room, family room, kitchen, and a two-car garage. In all, the house is 5000 square feet and sits on two acres. “It’s really a fascinating place for Pittsburgh,” said Brad. Using black and white as the primary colors, the goal was a modern, clean look and a design to remind the couple of their travels. The kitchen features white oak cabinets and a white marble backsplash in the design of a waterfall. Alex’s bedroom was designed with Lightning McQueen from the movie Cars in mind. “He loves coming home from school and jumping into the pool and giving people the entire tour of the house when they come to visit,” said Brad. “He loves talking Summer 2018

about it—especially his room.” The pool, which was painted black, grew on the couple. “The color was a shock at first, but we ultimately fell in love with it,” said Brad. “I don’t think it could have Heather and Brad Collins (homeowners) come together more perfectly.” Bringing it all together Near the pool are the words “live your life” in Telugu, a primary language in parts of India. During their last trip to India, the couple decided to get tattoos in that language. The pool room message is one of many connections the couple has to their home. During filming, Brad and Heather celebrated their ten-year wedding anniversary. The couple had their first kiss in a former downtown Pittsburgh restaurant. After it closed, Brad bought a stained-glass window from the business and Leanne made it part of the home as a surprise for Heather. “That was the last thing they showed us,” Brad said. “Presenting that to my wife, we both got emotional.” The connections do not end there. Heather’s grandfather, John Cunko, handled the plumbing when the home was built. Heather’s mom, Kathy Cunko, worked with the original owner’s daughter and remembered visiting the home years ago. Brad’s college roommate, Ian Fallon, and Steve worked together in college. Steve even crashed on Brad’s floor in college and made light of it on the show. “It’s those little things you don’t normally get when you buy a house,” said Heather. “It’s like this home was truly meant to be ours.” n

BEDNER ESTATES Over 90% Sold!

Tour a Variety of Our Floor Plans Currently Under Construction in Upper St. Clair • Large, Wooded Home Sites with 100+ Feet of Usable Backyard • Gorgeous Brick and Craftsman Style Homes from the $470s • Homes include Granite Kitchen Countertops, Gourmet Islands, Stainless Steel Appliances and Upgraded Cabinetry • 9 Miles to Downtown Pittsburgh

Visit Us: 1495 Main Street - Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Model Hours: Mon-Fri 10-5; Sat-Sun 12-5

Summer Activities 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 18, 2018

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

Keep Your Children’s Skills Sharp This Summer Without Them Knowing

Haley Roberts, Administrative Coordinator, Extended Day Services Summer is almost here! Between vacations, camps, and summer sports, it’s hard to build in time to reinforce the academic skills that your children learned this past school year. To ensure they are well prepared for fall, here are some easy, engaging activities to keep their academic skills strong without them realizing your motives. 1. Play Bingo. This timeless classic is great for younger kids because it reinforces number and letter identification skills. Better yet, if you plan on taking a cruise this summer, most ships have kid-friendly bingo tournaments as a part of their regular programming. 2. Develop scavenger hunts. Set up an outdoor scavenger hunt in your backyard where the clues your children find involve math puzzles or reading riddles. This activity also keeps children active and fosters problem solving skills. 3. Read chapter books aloud. Instead of reading shorter books from start to finish each night before bed, choose a longer chapter book and read one chapter each evening. To maintain listening and reading comprehension skills, ask your children to summarize the previous chapter and predict what will happen before beginning the next one. 4. Start family board game night. Many popular board games require basic school-aged skills, including counting, reading, sharing, and taking turns. Turn off the electronic devices for an afternoon and have some old-fashioned fun with the family. 5. Write letters to family and friends. This activity helps younger children maintain the reading and writing skills they developed and the friendships they built in the classroom. It might also win you some serious brownie points with your in-laws! 28

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2018

6. Start a builder’s challenge. With common household items, including plastic cups, uncooked spaghetti, and paper plates, ask your children to build the tallest structure they can or a structure that can hold the weight of a cookbook. There are lots of ways to engage them in this activity, which fosters critical thinking and spatial reasoning. 7. Play a card game. Card games (think War) help children keep their math skills sharp by making them identify numbers that are “less than” or “greater than.” For younger children, try Uno to reinforce color and number matching skills. These games are great for on-the-go families! 8. Build an obstacle course. Dust off that sports or playground equipment in your garage and arrange it into an obstacle course. Provide things for children to jump over, walk across, or crawl under to engage their gross motor skills and get them moving! 9. Create sculptures. Break out some Play-Doh or Model Magic and ask your children to sculpt an animal or make letters and numbers. These materials encourage the development of fine motor skills and engage a child’s creativity. 10. Play Wastepaper Basket Math or Spelling. On a rainy summer day, this is a great activity for stir-crazy kids! Ball up some paper and ask your children to spell a word or solve a basic addition or subtraction sentence. If they get the answer right, they can shoot the paper into the wastepaper basket. If they get it wrong, they do not shoot. Keep track of points for some friendly competition among siblings or friends. n See ad for Extended Day Services on this page.

Summer Activities

Staying Active Is a Way of Life … and a Way of Extending Life Marilyn Walsh, Director of Marketing, Providence Point

“Did you sign the book?” is a familiar question among residents passing in the hallways at Providence Point. The book refers to a massive registry of events that sits atop a table near the entryway. Residents enter their names in the book to RSVP for all sorts of events that take place within the community and around the Pittsburgh area. The consequence of not signing the book could mean missing out on a special event or exciting outing. To many at Providence Point, that is not acceptable. “I have actually set my alarm to sign the event registry book,” joked veteran resident Roland Nace. “The Todd DePastino lectures tend to fill fast, and I don’t like to miss them.” The amenities of Providence Point are put to good use and the schedule of events, created by a full-time events planner with guidance from the residents, continues to grow in quantity and variety. “Many of the events and programs offered at Providence Point are a direct result of resident planning and interests,” said Baptist Homes Society CEO Al Allison. “Others are part of our philosophy of wellness, which focuses on six components: spiritual, physical, intellectual, community, emotional, and social.” This focus on wellness supports burgeoning research that finds being active is associated with health and well-being among older adults. The benefits of engaging in a variety of social, educational, cultural, and spiritual activities include better cognition and decreased instances of depression, heart disease, and stress. From iPad tech classes, lectures, and concerts to recreational fun with bocce and corn hole, there is never a scarcity of things to do at Providence Point. The fun goes on the road, too. By removing some of the challenges—things like parking, traffic, organizing—excursions to Pittsburgh’s cultural district or overnight trips become fun again. From bowling and shopping to cultural events and dinners, there is never a need to sit idle, since residents are transported via a limo coach to multiple venues for days and nights on the town. Research shows that seniors who stay active remain healthier and live longer. If this is the case, Providence Point residents have found the Fountain of Youth! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends weekly ratios of exercise and musclestrengthening activities. Your brain also benefits from physical exercise as well as from mental stimulation. Bethel Park native, Pat Evey, finds both physical and mental exercise in her chosen hobby. Pat always enjoyed theater while working for non-profit groups. When she moved to Providence Point, she created the retirement community’s drama club. It was something she’d always dreamed of doing. “It is the enjoyment of working with fellow residents and the excitement to see that the hard work pays off. We have weekly rehearsals, set dress rehearsals, and performances in front of a full house,” said Pat. “I Preparing to board Providence Point’s have worked on 62 plays, to coach limo for a monthly planned ladies’ be exact, and I could not pick dinner are, left to right, Nancy McSteen, a favorite. I just always look Pat Evey, Jean Barker, Ruthe Fleming, Frances Aloe, and Mary Ann Wucher forward to the next.” n

See ad for Providence Point, a Baptist Homes community on page 75.

Summer 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer Activities

Summer DIY Party Decor Tips Rebecca Kane, Owner, Funny Little Bird

Creating Beautiful Moments

Event Styling & Decor Services Inspiration Planning Sessions Custom Decor Designs Prop Rental and Sourcing Services Day of Party Set Up Service Graduations | Bridal Showers Rehearsal Dinners |Weddings Birthdays | Anniversaries Bar & Bat Mitzvahs Baby Showers

CALL TO LEARN MORE FunnyLittleBirdie@gmail.com (412) 414-4151

Along with the summer months comes graduations, weddings, reunions, and even BBQs and pool parties. There are so many reasons to celebrate! Don’t underestimate the importance of the party decor in preparation for these summer celebrations. The impact of decor is important in setting the overall ambience for your event. Below are some steps to help simplify and ensure your decor helps to create an event to remember. Set a theme. Take into consideration the venue, reason for the event, and any personal elements that would be important to include, then set the focus with a color scheme or theme. For example, a graduation party featuring Broadway musicals would offer a personalized focus for a thespian graduate. Wow item. With your theme in mind, pick one thing to be your “wow” element. It could be centerpieces, a photo display, or even a creative food or drink bar (like a sangria bar for a fun, fiesta event). Your list. Just like a menu, make a detailed decor plan to save time and money. It should include the wow element, centerpieces, atmosphere items, place settings, seating charts, and party favors. Sourcing. Consider alternative sourcing options, including reusing items from inside your home, prop rentals, shopping resale stores, and creatively using items purchased from dollar stores and online. Day of planning. Don’t wait until the day of the event to put it all together. Work ahead and do a dry run, if possible. Consider getting help for the event from a decor resource and possibly also for the day of set up. Then, relax and enjoy your guests and the wonderful party you’ve created! n Contact Funny Little Birdie, custom decor services for DIY party planners with planning assistance, props, and sourcing, as well as for day-of support. Visit funnylittlebirdie.com or 412-414-4151. See ad on this page.

Little Lake Theatre Presents Its Looking Glass Season

Summer is fast approaching, which means another wonderful season of Looking Glass plays for young audiences at Little Lake Theatre. This year’s shows feature memorable characters from books and the silver screen, all brought to life on stage! The Looking Glass season opens with Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. (June13–30), featuring Ariel, Sebastian, Flounder, and all of your favorite characters in this wonderful musical. Discover the classic tale of Mowgli, a young boy abandoned in the jungle and his journey to find his place in the community of animals in The Jungle Book (July 6–21). Grab your passport and follow Stanley Lambchop as he travels the world in The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, Jr. (July 25–August 11). Performances are held on Wednesdays at 11 a.m., Fridays at 2 p.m., and Saturdays at 2 p.m., and are perfect for the entire family. The Looking Glass season also features two special performances for each show. The popular Ice Cream Socials return this summer, thanks to our friends at MedExpress. Enjoy an ice cream sundae and meet your favorite character after the shows on June 16, July 7, and July 28. Sensory-friendly performances of each play will be offered on June 23, July 14, and August 4 at 11 a.m., specifically designed for children and family members with autism or other sensory disorders. The best way to join Little Lake Theatre for its Looking Glass season is to buy a Kidcard; see all three shows for just $27 per person. See you at the Lake! n To order, call 724-745-6300 or visit www.littlelake.org. See ad on page 29. 30

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2018

Pinebridge Commons Pinebridge Commons

FAMILY AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Let us make you smile!

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Cardinal Endocrinology Pediatric Alliance Design Image Salon, Joe Ruffalo Pediatric Dentistry South Emerick Financial Planning Piccolina’s Restaurant Emma’s Market & Deli, Inc. Pinebridge Commons Ethical Intruder Questa Petroleum Co. Peter Gialames & Associates Randal Agency, Allstate Ins. Interior Designs/Furnishings Gloria Sayut, MS LPC, NCC by Mary Kay Chaffee Troy Orthodontics Jennings & Co., CPA Beth Troy, DMD Jimcor Associates, Inc. Richardson Family Timothy Kerr, DMD & Cindy Brophy, State Farm Ins. Romana Pautler Kerr, DMD Suburban Dry Cleaners Larry E. Manalo, DMD Travel Leaders, Kiernan Ent. Melissa D. Michel, LPC Wininsky Law Offices Midway Financial Services Xcoal Energy Resources

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

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

Chairside Whitening System

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

Schedule your complimentary consultation today! • Orthodontic services for children and adults • Individualized care in a friendly and patient-focused environment 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

• Convenient appointment hours, including Saturday mornings • 24-hour emergency services • Most major insurance plans accepted

www.drtroysmiles.com

Summer 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

T Township Commissioners

Mark D. Christie

Nicholas J. Seitanakis

President Ward 4

Vice President Ward 1

Day 412-831-9000 2021*

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-220-4434 2019*

C. Elise Logan Ward 2

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-206-5130 2021*

2018 Township of Upper St. Clair Meeting Dates

Robert W. Orchowski Ward 3

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-854-1868 2019*

Ronald J. Pardini

Russell R. Del Re

Daniel R. Paoly

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 724-941-1199 2019*

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-287-9076 2019*

Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-862-5995 2021*

Ward 5

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.

At-Large

*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.

Township Administration

Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager

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

Mark P. Romito Director of Finance

Douglas Burkholder Chief of Police

Adam A. Benigni Director of Planning & Community Development

To reach Township personnel, call 412-831-9000 and follow the automated directions. Administrator Extension Matthew R. Serakowski........................................................216 Township Manager Mark S. Mansfield.................................................................219 Asst. Township Manager & Director of Administration Douglas Burkholder..............................................................238 Chief of Police Mark P. Romito......................................................................218 Director of Finance Adam A. Benigni....................................................................501 Director of Planning & Community Development 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 32

Helen M. Palascak Director of Library

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Paul Besterman Director of Recreation & Leisure Services

Summer 2018

USC Township website:

www.twpusc.org

T Highlights of the Board of Commissioners’ Meetings January 2, 2018

Approximately 10 people attended.

Reorganization of Board of Commissioners • Newly elected Commissioner C. Elise Logan and re-elected Commissioners Mark D. Christie and Daniel R. Paoly were sworn into office as Commissioners of the Township of Upper St. Clair by the Honorable Ronald A. Arnoni. • Commissioner Christie was elected President of the Board of Commissioners. • Commissioner Seitanakis was elected Vice President of the Board of Commissioners. Recognition • Commissioner Orchowski presented a Proclamation to Nora Helfrich, Director of Tri-Community South Emergency Medical Services (TCS EMS), recognizing the 40th Anniversary of TCS EMS.

The Board • Adopted Bill No. 5-18 Re. IMP16-0001–Acceptance of Public Improvements in the Zahalsky Plan of Lots. • Adopted Resolution No. 1651 adopting the revised National Incident Management System as required by Homeland Security Directive (HSPD)-5. • Adopted Resolution No. 1652 to authorize the filing of an application for Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program Funds with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Approval of Contracts • Robinson Pipe Cleaning Company Pittsburgh, PA.............$1.31 per Lineal Foot for approx. $65,500 50,000 +/- of Lineal Foot of Storm Sewer Video Inspection during 2018.

Left to right: Commissioner Robert Orchowski; Tri-Community South members Nora Helfrich, John Bower, Chuck Bryan, Tim Hall, Kevin Trichtinger The Board • Adopted Bill No. 1-18 Re. PLC17-0016–Manual of Design Guidelines–Streetscape Plan–Siena at St. Clair, on property located at 100 Siena Drive, Block/Lot 319-R-350 subject to certain conditions. • Adopted Bill No. 2-18 Re. PLC17-0017–Siena at St. Clair– Outdoor Restaurant Dining Phase II–Conditional Use Approval. • Adopted Bill No. 3-18 Re. PLC17-0014–1395 McLaughlin Run Road–Nonresidential–Unified Conditional Use/ Preliminary and Final Land Development. • Adopted Resolution No. 1650 for the Plan Revision for New Land Development (Planning Module) for PLC17-0011– Upper St. Clair High School–Natatorium Renovation and New Community Complex Building–Unified Conditional Use/Preliminary and Final Land Development Approval. • Approved the 2018-19 Township Traffic Engineer and 2018 Township Attorney Fee Schedules. • Adopted Bill No. 4-18 authorizing adoption of a schedule of attorney fees in connection with the collection of taxes, tax claims, tax liens, Municipal claims, and Municipal liens pursuant to Act 1 of 1996 and Act 20 of 2003. Approval of Contracts • Jordan Tax Service McMurray, PA..................Approximately $18,000 annually Tax Billing & Collection–Real Estate Tax (current & delinquent), Local Services Tax (current & delinquent), Earned Income Tax (delinquent only) and Mercantile Tax (School District) from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2022. • Upper St. Clair School District Upper St. Clair, PA............ $27,180 annually for Year 2018 (with adjustments for actual expense increases for 2019-2022) Township to Serve as the Tax Collector for Real Estate Tax (current & delinquent), Local Services Tax (current & delinquent), Earned Income Tax (delinquent only) and Mercantile Tax (School District) from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2022.

February 5, 2018

Approximately 25 people attended.

Public Works Vehicles • Kenny Ross North Huntingdon, PA One 2018 Chevrolet Colorado Pickup 4x4....... $30,335.74 • Tri-Star Motors Blairsville, PA One 2018 Ford F-350 4x4 Cab & Chassis............. $29,210 One 2018 Ford F-550 4x2 Regular Cab & Chassis..........$32,890 One 2018 Ford F-550 4x4 Super Duty 4x4 Cab & Chassis................................................ $36,270 Total Tri-Star Motors Contract............................... $98,370 Police Vehicles • Whitmoyer Auto Group Mount Joy, PA One 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD...................... $35,475.46 • Woltz & Wind Ford Heidelberg, PA Three 2018 Ford Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles........$85,650 Staff Vehicle • Woltz & Wind Ford Heidelberg, PA One 2018 Ford Explorer XLT AWD ...................... $37,920

March 5, 2018

Approximately 16 people attended.

Presentation • Erik Lund, President of the Upper St. Clair Athletic Association (USCAA), presented a check to the Township in the amount of $29,400 for 2017 user fees from the USCAA recreational programs.

The Board • Adopted Resolution No. 1653 Re. 3 Rivers Wet Weather Source Reduction Resolution in which the Township is joining with other similarly affected municipal bodies within the ALCOSAN service area to help create a unified approach to Source Reduction efforts, and affirming the submission of the Source Reduction Study as required by Phase I Consent Order and Agreement. • Adopted the Allegheny Regional Asset District–Diversity Plan Updates. • Adopted Resolution No. 1654 to authorize the filing of a grant application for Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program Funds with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. • Adopted Resolution No. 1655 to authorize the filing of a grant application through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Community Conservation Program in the amount of $330,000 for the Morton Complex/Community Gardens Connection–Phase IIB Perimeter Trail project. Approval of Contracts Township Renovations • Arcon Contracting, Inc. New Kensington, PA Tennis/Golf Administration Building Renovation............................................. $395,000 • A-1 Electric, Inc. Washington, PA Administration Building Generator & Fire Alarm Renovations.................. $428,000 2018 Street Improvement Program • Russell Standard Corporation Mars, PA 2018 Street Crack Sealing...................................... $36,800 • El Grande Industries Monessen, PA 2018 Annual Street Resurfacing w/Alternate #1–Asphalt Surface Treatment w/Alternate #2–Bird Meadow Drive w/Alternate #3–Byrnwick Park......................... $1,760,000 Public Works Equipment • E. H. Griffith, Inc. Pittsburgh, PA One (1) Toro Greensmaster Flex 2100 w/Attachments............................... $11,883.18 One (1) Toro 5040 Infield Groomer w/Attachments................................. $22,572.27 One (1) Toro Groundsmaster 3280-D 4WD w/Options................................. $24,566.18 Total E. H. Griffith, Inc. Contract Amount............................................ $59,021.63

USC Named Banner Community

County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and the Allegheny League of Municipalities announced that Upper St. Clair is one of 55 municipalities designated as a 2018 Banner Community. The program recognizes municipalities committed to professional development, prudent fiscal management, transparency, accountability, and proactive communications (including UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY) to engage community stakeholders. Upper St. Clair was one of 16 municipalities recognized for being part of the Banner Representatives from the recognized municipalities include USC’s Community Programs since Mark Mansfield (standing, eighth from left) and Prudence Cooper its inception in 2012. n (seated, third from left) Summer 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

40 YEARS

Tri-Community South EMS… the Second Decade Becky Brindle

On January 1, 1998, Tri-Community South EMS (TCS) celebrated its 20th anni-

versary. The ’90s were a time of change in the ambulance industry, and another decade in service was something the TCS team truly commemorated. “It was the first time we started feeling financial pressure. A lot of government aid went away during that time frame,” said supervisor Kevin Trichtinger. “We started to see a lot of ambulance services close and consolidate. We didn’t.” TCS was able to maintain, and even grow, during the ’90s, partly due to a surge in call volume. In 1988, TCS had 3373 emergency calls. By 1997, volume increased to 4013 emergency calls and 1337 non-emergency transports.

USC police officer with an AED device

The construction of nursing and personal care homes in the area was one of the main reasons for the increase in call volume. Additionally, TCS started performing non-emergency calls. In the mid-’90s, TCS began to provide wheelchair van transport service. “This became a pretty significant part of the picture,” said Kevin. The increasing call volume and added service required TCS to expand. The ambulance fleet grew from four ambulances to five, and TCS added staff. In 1988, TCS staff included four superviTCS EMS staff in the early ’90s sors, four paramedics, three part-time employees, and 30 volunteers. In 1997, the staff had grown to six supervisors, 12 full-time employees, one part-time employee, 34 volunteers, and four office personnel. In 1996, TCS teamed up with Baldwin EMS, Brentwood EMS, and Peters Township Ambulance Service in a joint operation named South Suburban EMS. South Suburban shared supervision, scheduling duties, staffing, equipment, and vehicles to cover the area in a more economical and effective way. Coverage was adjusted to meet normal call volume during the 24-hour cycle. The most significant accomplishment of the ’90s came in 1992, when TCS trained all the police officers in Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park, and South Park to use an automatic external defibrillator (AED) and CPR. The grant to purchase the AEDs and train the police and paramedics was obtained by Dr. Vincent Mosesso, an Upper St. Clair resident and UPMC physician. “This program continues to improve, and has saved countless lives with bystander CPR and the use of an AED 26 years later,” said Nora Helfrich, the current director of TCS.

The “old shack,” TCS EMS’s old administration building in 1997 34

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The “new shack,” TCS EMS’s new administration building when it opened in 1997

T INTRODUCING THE $5,000 ENTRANCE FEE RENTAL OPTION THE CHOICE IS YOURS: $5,000 ENTRANCE FEE RENTAL OPTION •Available on the majority of apartments and carriage homes •Access to all services and amenities ENTRANCE FEE OPTION •50% off refundable and non-refundable options •Available on the majority of apartments and carriage homes For more information, contact Gail Brenkus at 412-571-5031 or gbrenkus@asburyheights.org.

Independent Living

Personal Care

700 Bower Hill Road, Mt. Lebanon

Memory Support

Nursing and Rehabilitation

asburyheights.org

Asbury Heights complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

In 1997, TCS hosted its first golf outing to promote the learning of CPR and how to use an AED. “Twenty years later, the golf outing has grown to be one of the largest attended events to accomplish the goal of training all in bystander CPR to save the out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. No school or athletic event should ever take place without an AED present,” said Nora. Today, TCS has one of the largest AHA training centers as an EMS in North America, training over 17,000 people in life-saving skills. The second decade ended with a new EMS base, opening on June 30, 1997. “It was modest and small, but was a welcome change after years of being housed in the original Bethel Park

Police Department’s metal hut on Slater Road,” said Nora. The new building allowed staff to work from separate rooms, rather than huddled in one room. The ambulances remained housed in the Bethel Park Public Works garages. Throughout its history, TCS continues to be on the forefront of technology and works to provide top quality care to the residents it serves. n For further historical information, stay tuned to the fall issue of TODAY, where we will share TCS service in the third decade. For information on TCS’s first decade, see page 68 of TODAY’s spring 2018 edition.

Tri-Community South EMS in Need of Donations You can help Tri-Community South continue to withstand the test of time. TCS is largely funded through annual subscription fees paid by the citizens of the communities it serves: Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park, and South Park. By donating $60 annually to TCS, you and everyone from your household will be protected from any unnecessary fees or charges from your insurance company in the event that you need emergency medical services. Visit tcsems.org to learn more and make your donation online. Supervisory staff that coordinated the South Suburban EMS operations

Summer 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Stay Safe from Fire—Summertime Guide Russell Rauch, Vice-President, USC VFD

It’s possible to enjoy a sizzling-hot summer without getting burned! When the time comes to pull out the gas grill, camping equipment, and lawn mower, give some thought to this advice from the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department (USC VFD). It could keep you a lot safer this summer. Grilling Keep barbecue grills far away from anything that can burn: your home, cars, dry vegetation, etc. Stay with the lighted grill and keep children and pets away from the area. When barbecuing, protect yourself by wearing a heavy apron and an oven mitt that fits high up over your forearm. If you get burned, run cool water over the burn for ten minutes. (Tip: Don’t use butter or a salve on burns because these seal in the heat and can further damage the tissue.) If you receive a serious burn, with charred skin, for example, seek medical attention promptly. Barbecue grills must never be used inside the home because, in addition to the fire hazard of indoor grilling, the grill can easily cause carbon monoxide poisoning. If lightning appears while you’re grilling, seek shelter and wait for the storm to pass. For charcoal grills, only use starter fluids designed for barbecue grills. Never use gasoline! Use a limited amount of starter fluid before lighting the fire. If the fire is too slow, rekindle with dry kindling and add more charcoal as necessary. Don’t add liquid fuel to re-ignite or build up a fire, as flash fires can result. Soak the coals with water before you discard them and keep the grill away from the house’s exterior until completely cool. For gas grills, always store any gas cylinder outside, away from structures, and turn the valves to “off” when not in use. Check frequently for any leaks in connections by using a soap-and-water mix that, when applied, will show bubbles if gas is escaping. When purchasing a gas grill, select one that bears the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Follow manufacturer’s instructions and, if needed, have it repaired by a trained professional. Fireworks The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend an outdoor public display put on by professionals. Pyrotechnic devices (better known as fireworks) are designed to burn and explode, and are a leading cause of injuries in the U.S. Every year, fireworks used by amateurs cause thousands of injuries serious enough to require emergency room treatment. Children between the ages of ten and 14 are at the greatest risk of injury from fireworks. In 1995, more 36

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than 11,000 people suffered severe fireworks injuries in the U.S., including burns, lacerations, amputations, and blindness. USC VFD recommends that all fireworks—including devices considered legal—be used only by trained professional pyro-technicians. Even sparklers, often mistaken as safe, burn as hot as 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. Leave any area where amateurs (adults included) are using these devices and do not pick up or touch found fireworks. Landscaping/Gardening Trim tree limbs so they don’t hang over roofs of your home or other structure, and keep eaves and gutters free of leaves and other debris that burn easily. Clear weeds, brush, and other flammable vegetation at least 30 feet away from your home and store firewood away from all structures. Check with local authorities before burning trash or debris outside. If you do burn brush, closely supervise the fire, keep a garden hose running nearby, and keep children and pets far away from the area. Gasoline Safety Store gasoline outside the home, preferably in a locked, detached shed, and store just enough to power your gasolinefueled equipment. Keep gasoline up high, inside a clearly marked container that is labeled and approved for gasoline storage. Make sure gasoline and all flammable liquids are well away from any heat source or flame. Use gasoline as a motor fuel only—never as a stain remover or for other purposes. To transport gasoline in an automobile to and from the filling station, place a sealed, approved container in the trunk with the trunk lid propped open. Drive directly to and from the fueling site. Never store gasoline in a vehicle. Extinguish smoking materials before fueling, and take the equipment outside, well away from combustibles. Wipe up any spills immediately and move the equipment at least ten feet away from the fueling area when starting the engine on any piece of equipment fueled by gasoline. Before re-fueling, turn off the equipment and let it cool completely. Boating Before fueling your boat, make sure to extinguish smoking materials and shut down all motors, fans, and heating devices. Be sure the fueling nozzle is grounded to the fuel intake and don’t fill to capacity; leave room for expansion. Wipe up fuel spills immediately and check the bilge for fuel leakage and odors. After fueling and before starting the motor, ventilate with the blower for at least four minutes. On board your covered boat, consider installing a smoke detector and test the battery before using the boat each time, replacing the battery with a new one at least once a year. Only use portable stoves and heaters specifically designed for marine use. For information on marine fire extinguishers and other information on boating safety, contact the nearest U.S. Coast Guard office. Enjoying Your Pool Liquid and solid chlorine-based oxidizers are commonly sold for home pool care as hydrogen chloride products. These chemicals can spontaneously combust if contaminated by organic materials (such as body fluids, acid rain, etc.) or hydrocarbon liquids (such as fuel or motor oil). This type of fire will result in toxic fumes that can be extremely dangerous and require resident

evacuation. Store and use pool chemicals according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, and always store them outside the home, away from any heat source or flame. Keep the containers in a dry place, well away from other items. If the container is punctured or otherwise damaged, properly dispose of the chemicals. For more information on proper storage of other hazardous chemicals or flammable and combustible products, contact your local pool supplier or the fire department. Camping Pitch your tent (flame retardant is best) well away from your campfire. Use only flashlights or battery-powered lanterns inside the tent or any other closed space rather than liquid-fueled heaters or lanterns. In addition to the fire hazard posed by liquid-fueled devices, carbon monoxide poisoning can easily result in any unvented space. Build your campfire downwind, away from your tent, clearing away all dry vegetation and digging a pit surrounded by rocks. Look for signs that warn of potential fire hazards in national forests and campgrounds, and always obey park service regulations. Pour water over or cover the fire with dirt before going to sleep or leaving the campsite. Store any liquid fire starter—never use gasoline— away from your tent and campfire and use only dry kindling to freshen a campfire—not liquid fuel. By following these common sense, simple steps, we can all keep summer activities fun and fire-safe. n

For further information on summer fire safety or other fire safety topics, contact the USC VFD at 412-835-0660.

New Faces at USC Police Department

The Upper St. Clair Police Department recently added to the department three new officers: Patrolman Garrett Lukacs, Patrolman James Johnston, and Patrolman Anthony Oliva. Chief of Police Douglas Burkholder welcomed them and expressed how impressed he is with their education and experience and believes they will be assets to the department. Ptlm. Lukacs is a graduate of Slippery Rock University and comes to us from the Penn H i l l s P o l i c e D e p a rt m e n t . Ptlm. Johnston is a University of Pittsburgh graduate and comes to the department from the University of Pittsburgh Police Department. Ptlm. Oliva comes to the department from the Prince William County Police Department in Virginia, and is a graduate of Averett University. n Left to right: Officers Anthony Oliva, James Johnston, Garrett Lukacs

Fire Department Annual Fund Drive We Need Your Support! T h e U p p e r S t . C l a i r Vo l u n t e e r Fire Department (USC VFD) is beginning its annual fund drive. Your support plays a vital role in the ongoing effort of volunteer firefighters to provide fast, reliable USC VFD respond to a fire. fire protection services upon which all citizens depend. From when the USC VFD was originally organized in 1937 to serve the residents and businesses of Upper St. Clair, the area of responsibility has grown from mostly farm land and a few small commercial businesses to a highly developed 10.5 square miles of residential and commercial structures. With the area’s continued growth, the USC VFD must be ready to go 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The responsibilities associated with this duty are enormous and the cost of equipment continues to rise. As an example, it costs approximately $12,000 to outfit one firefighter in protective gear that has an associated expected life of five years. Therefore, continual gear replacement is necessary. Additional firefighting equipment has also become more specialized and, again, more expensive. There is no question that we are in a difficult, fluctuating economy today. Nevertheless, firefighting and emergency services on a 24/7 basis is a very expensive business. USC VFD’s operating and capital expenditure budget for 2018 approximates $300,000. While allocations from the Township and Pennsylvania cover nearly 52% of the department’s expenses, the department remains reliant on its fund drive to cover this year’s (and every year’s) operating budget. The USC VFD is dependent on the generosity of residents like you! Your financial support is what gives the department’s volunteers the ability to respond to calls every day, as necessary. The department solicits funds by mail only and does not solicit funds by telephone. There are some legitimate fire-related organizations that solicit funds by phone; however, the USD VFD does not receive any funds donated to these organizations. Please respond today with your tax-deductible contribution made payable to the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department. For your convenience, a reply envelope is enclosed with the department’s mailed solicitation letter. Alternatively, make a donation online by visiting www.uscvfd.org. Your support is greatly appreciated! n Summer 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

T From the Director’s Desk It’s All About Literacy

Helen Palascak, Library Director Libraries today have moved far beyond book storage to become centers of information, technology, and learning that support educational and economic opportunity for all people. Five types of knowledge are essential for successful living: basic literacy, information literacy, civic and social literacy, health literacy, and financial literacy. Pennsylvania Library Association’s 21st Century Literacies Initiative, PA Forward, brings these literacies to our attention in a very focused way. Upper St. Clair Township Library is actively engaged in supporting this program and the five literacies. PA Forward libraries ensure that resources are available to support the following “moving forward” goals: • To read and learn early in life, which correlates directly to academic performance and high school graduation rates. • To excel in the 21st century, where command of new information technologies will help drive job creation and retention, with libraries serving as community hubs for job information and career reinvention. • To help all citizens actively participate and initiate change in society, the foundation by which a democratic society functions. • To make appropriate health decisions by providing basic healthcare information. • To foster the ability to use knowledge and skills to manage financial resources effectively for a lifetime of financial well-being. Look for the PA Forward branding on the library’s programs and services, demonstrating that it is a part of a larger statewide initiative to power progress and elevate the quality of life in Pennsylvania. The library and its staff have a shared vision of helping residents succeed as citizens, parents, students, employers, employees, and consumers. PA Forward, powering progress! n

Recurring Adult Programs Adult Gaming Night Today’s board games promote deep strategic thinking, creative problem solving, and empathy. Come see what the new breed of games has to offer! Bring your own favorite to share, or expand your horizons with a choice from the library’s collection of exciting new games. Second Mondays, 7 p.m.; May 14, June 11 (no meeting in July), August 13 Bring-Your-Own-Book Group No special preparation needed for our newest book group. Just stop by and chat about whatever you happen to be reading! Third Fridays, 2 p.m.; May 18, June 15, July 20, August 17 WOW (Women Of Words) Book Group This ladies’ evening book discussion group welcomes new participants. Read the book, Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania, by Erik Larson, prior to the May meeting. Fourth Tuesdays, 7 p.m.; May 22

Yarn Works Calling all knitters, crocheters, and fabric artists of all types! Make your own projects, share your talents, and meet new people. Second and fourth Tuesdays, 7 p.m.; May 22; June 12, 26; July 10, 24; August 14, 28

Date Specific Programs

Register for adult programs online or call 412-835-5540. Stroke: Decreasing Your Risk Monday, May 21, 7 p.m. May is Stroke Awareness Month. Join St. Clair Hospital’s stroke team to learn what makes you at risk for having a stroke and what lifestyle changes you can make to help decrease your risk.

Genealogy: Write Your Life Story Thursday, May 24, 7 p.m. Attend the library’s new monthly genealogy series. James R. (Bob) Hagerty will talk about how to write life stories about oneself or others and how to interview loved ones to preserve their recollections for future generations. Hagerty, based in Pittsburgh, has served for the past two years as The Wall Street Journal’s only full-time obituary writer, writing about the lives of prominent people worldwide. Working Creativity Cafe Makers of every kind, join in for a monthly for the WSJ for 35 years, he has been based in many major exploration of the creative process! We’ll cities, including New York, Hong Kong, London, Brussels, support each other’s efforts and experi- Paris, and Atlanta. ment with tools to spark our creativity. First Fridays, 2 p.m.; June 1, July 6, August 3 World War II: The Home Front, Parts 3 and 4 Thursday, May 31 and Tuesday, June 5, 7 p.m. Caregiving 101 Join in for this ongoing series with topics Blackouts, rationing, war bonds, sabotage, income of interest for caregivers of family members tax—these were just a few of the things that Americans confronted at home for the first time during World War with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Mondays, 7 p.m.; May 21, June 18, July 16, II. Todd DePastino talks about how World War II changed everyday life in the United States in order to win the war. August 20 Express Yourself Writers’ Group The focus of this group is to share writings and serve as a resource and writing inspiration for one another. Stop in anytime. Wednesdays, 10 a.m.; May 23; June 6, 20; July 18; August 1, 15, 29

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T 101 Ways to Nurture Yourself Monday, June 4, 7 p.m. Some of us know how to nurture others, but forget the most important person: ourselves. We owe ourselves the same love and care that we give to family and friends. Inside 101 Ways to Nurture Yourself, we find ways to love ourselves more by nurturing body, mind, and spirit. Join Chris Mabon, as she discusses her book 101 Ways to Nurture Yourself. Chris invites you to try one or all 101 ways and see how good it feels! Getting to Know Astronomical Binoculars Thursday, June 7, 7 p.m. Did you know that the library has astronomical binoculars that you can check out? Join Kathy DeSantis of the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh to learn all about how to use these amazing tools! Get valuable tips on skygazing, and have a chance to be the first to check out the binoculars! Summer Concert: The Allegheny Drifters Thursday, June 14, 7 p.m. From the western foothills of the Alleghenies, the Allegheny Drifters have presented their exciting style of bluegrass for more than a decade. Their engaging, fast-paced show appeals to people of all ages with fine bluegrass classics, strong soulful vocals, and blazing instrumentals. This event will be the kickoff of the library’s free summer concert series. Dirty Wars and Polished Silver Monday, June 18, 7 p.m. D i r t y Wa r s and Polished Silver is Lynda Schuster’s story of her life a b ro a d a s a foreign correspondent in war-torn countries and, later, as the wife of a U.S. ambassador. It chronicles her time living through a war on a kibbutz in Israel, reporting on uprisings in Central America, dodging rocket fire in Lebanon, and grieving the loss of her first husband, a fellow reporter, who was killed only ten months after their wedding. Equal parts gripping and charming, this is a story about one woman’s quest for self-discovery. Don’t miss this author visit!

Adventures in Archaeology Monday, June 25, 7 p.m. Join educators from the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History for a fascinating tour through the lives of past human societies! Dig into the past using archaeological techniques. Find clues in real and replica artifacts, and interpret how ancient humans would have used them. Summer Concert: Simple Gifts Thursday, June 28, 7 p.m. Drawing on an impressive variety of ethnic folk styles, the award-winning duo of Simple Gifts plays everything from lively Irish jigs and down-home American reels to hard-driving Klezmer frailachs and haunting Gypsy melodies, spicing the mix with the distinctive rhythms of Balkan dance music, the lush sounds of Scandinavian twin fiddling, and original compositions written in a traditional style. Come for an u n f o rg e t t a b l e evening of world folk music! Summer Concert: Cathasaigh Thursday, July 19, 7 p.m. Join eight-time “Best of Pittsburgh” winner Cathasaigh for an evening of acoustic originals. Cathasaigh is Southwest Pennsylvania’s foremost roots revival singer/songwriter, creating a striking blend of music and lyrics that are as thought-provoking as they are enchanting, drawing on ’60s folk, traditional Celtic, and New Age influences. Celebrate the Rain! Rain Barrel Workshop Monday, July 23, 7 p.m. Learn how to practice watershed protection and conservation in your own backyard. It’s easier than you think! When you attend the Pennsylvania Resources Council’s (PRC) workshop, you will learn how to harvest rainwater from your roof, store it, and use it in your landscape. This workshop includes 90 minutes of instruction, plus a FreeGarden RAIN 55-gallon, easy-to-install rain barrel. $80/person or $85/couple. For information and/or to register, contact Nancy at 412-488-7490, extension 247, or register online at http://prc.org/programs/conservation-workshops/watershed-rain-barrels/. Summer 2018

Artificial Intelligence and Humanity Thursday, July 26, 7 p.m. What can artificial intelligence teach us about what it means to be human? Join professor Illah Nourbakhsh and assistant dean Jennifer Keating as they explore the mind-expanding question that inspired their Carnegie Mellon University course “Artificial Intelligence and Humanity.” Wet Felted Flowers; Felted Calla Lilies Monday, July 30, 7 p.m.; Monday, August 6, 7 p.m. Fiber artist Judé Ernest will teach you to create felted flowers in this hands-on workshop for adults. Learn the techniques of wet and dry felting and create something special! Materials are provided for these free classes (a $5 donation is appreciated, but not required). Summer Ice Cream Social Thursday, August 2, 7 p.m. Don't miss the library’s annual ice cream social for adults! Come for the sundaes and stay for the musical entertainment (group TBD). Prepare for the Perseids! Thursday, August 9, 7 p.m. Kathy DeSantis of the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh offers an introduction to the prolific Perseid meteor shower, including the history and science behind the meteors, as well as viewing tips. This year, the Perseids will peak between August 11 and 13, when the moon will be close to new, with viewing opportunities to see up to 70 meteors an hour.

Crossing Borders— Music of Many Lands A series of folk and world music concerts Crossing Borders—Music of Many Lands, funded primarily by a generous grant

from the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair, with additional funds from the Friends of the USC Library, involves four musical events over two days in late June with the professional folk and world music duo Simple Gifts. Four special concerts featuring a variety of ethnic folk styles will be presented. The library is collaborating with two local assisted living facilities, Friendship Village and The Grand Residence, to bring Simple Gifts to their locations. There will also be two concerts at the library, one specifically for children and the other for all residents of the community. Many thanks to the Community Foundation and the Friends for bringing the nationally-recognized Simple Gifts music to Upper St. Clair. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

T KIDS & TEENS 2018 Summer Reading Programs at the Upper St. Clair Township Library The Upper St. Clair Township Library will offer summer reading programs for kids from birth through grade 12. Registration for all programs begins Wednesday, June 6 in person at the library, unless otherwise noted. The programs will run from Monday, June 18 through Thursday, August 2. The library’s reading program grand prize drawing will be held Friday, August 3. Summer Reading is made possible through generous funding from the Friends of the Library of Upper St. Clair and through donations by area residents and businesses. Reading Together A fun way to encourage early learning! Babies, Toddlers, Preschoolers, and rising Kindergarteners You and your child are invited to have fun with reading and rhymes. When you sign up, you’ll receive the first of six activity sheets. For each sheet, you’ll read ten library books to your child and share a rhyme. On the back of the sheet you’ll find a simple activity for you and your child to complete. When you have completed all the activities, return to the library with your child and receive a fun reward, one ticket for the grand prize drawing on August 3, and the next activity sheet. Kids Read A fun way to encourage reading! School-aged children who have completed Kindergarten through fourth grade At sign up, participants will receive a reading log to track the library books they’ve read. During each visit to the Summer Reading Desk, kids will earn a bead for each book they’ve read, receive fun rewards, and get one ticket for the grand prize drawing on August 3. Teen Read A reading, activity and volunteer program! Tweens and Teens who have completed fifth through 11th grades “Teen Read” is a way to read for fun and get rewarded over the summer months! (Participation in Teen Read is mandatory for all student library volunteers.) Tweens and teens should sign up and read books that they enjoy. They’ll complete a short book questionnaire for each book read. Return the questionnaire to the library to get one ticket for the grand prize drawing on August 3. 40

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer Classes and Special Events for Kids and Families

Kids and families are invited to the library to participate in summer classes, learning activities, special performances, and more. The library’s weekly classes for kids run for six weeks from Monday, June 18 through Thursday, July 26. For more information, visit the library’s website at www.twpusc.org/ library/library-home or visit the library in person to pick up a complete program guide. Registration for Summer Learning Programs begins Wednesday, June 6 in person at the library, unless otherwise noted. Babies & Toddlers Storytime Children ages 4–24 months, with a caregiver Babies & Toddlers Storytime combines interactive play, action rhymes, songs, and books all designed to hold the attention of the library’s youngest participants. Mondays, 10 or 11 a.m. Twos & Threes Storytime Children ages 2–3 ½, with a caregiver Twos & Threes Storytime features books and stories, action rhymes and songs, and puppets and play to entertain your child. Tuesdays, 10 or 11 a.m.

Preschool Storytime Children ages 3 ½, 4, and 5 who are ready to spend a half-hour on their own Stories, songs, finger plays, and book-related actives are featured in Preschool Storytime which concludes each session with an activity for participants and their caregivers. Thursdays, 10 or 11 a.m. or 2:15 p.m. Family Storytime Families with children ages 2–7 Come to this fun storytime to share stories, songs and games. Wednesdays, 10 or 11 a.m., or Thursdays, 7 p.m.

Summer Learning

The library will offer Summer Learning Programs for “Kids Read” participants. Learn through play and fun at the library this summer! Registration for Summer Learning Programs begins Wednesday, June 6 in person at the library, unless otherwise noted. Maker & More Time Children going into Kindergarten–fifth grade This come-and-go maker program will feature a sensory table, activities to experience at the library, and a make-and-take activity. Mondays–Fridays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. No pre-registration necessary. Summer Reading Skills Program for Rising First Graders Come to reinforce and practice reading skills learned during the school year in this small-group program. Registration is limited. Wednesdays, July 11, 18, 25, 11 a.m. Summer Reading Skills Program for Rising Second Graders Come to reinforce and practice reading skills learned during the school year in this small-group program. Registration is limited. Wednesdays, August 8, 15, 22, 11 a.m. Paws for Reading Any “Kids Read” participant You are invited to come to the library and read to dogs licensed through Therapy Dogs International. These dogs love to listen to stories read by boys and girls! Tuesdays, June 19–July 24, 2:30–3:30 p.m.

Summer 2018

Rock Mining Rush Rising fourth, fifth, and sixth graders Educators from the Carnegie Museum of Natural History will present this Learn It! Do It! program about rocks and minerals. Explore mineral resources and how to use them in fun-filled activity stations. Pan for minerals in the portable sluice box and be surprised by what minerals are needed to make your cell phone. Friday, June 22, 11 a.m. Rock & Mineral Hounds Rising first, second, and third graders Educators from the Carnegie Museum of Natural History will present this Science Stations program about rocks and minerals. Travel through four interactive stations for a scientific experience as you investigate the properties of rocks and minerals. Visit the activity station, imagination station, data collection station, and analysis station on your way to becoming a junior geologist! Friday, July 6, 11 a.m. Summer STEM Any “Kids Read” participant Flex your STEM muscles this summer during Summer STEM. At Recycled Racers, you’ll learn all about the axel simple machine to create a racer out of recycled products. The event will conclude with a race! At Money Cents, you’ll learn all about money and saving. Money games and activities will also be available. Dates/Times: TBD

T KIDS & TEENS

Summer Fun

Enjoy a variety of special events and performers at the library! Not only will the annual summer events and craft weeks be offered, but the library is also pleased to host performers and musicians. Registration for special library events begins Wednesday, June 6 in person at the library, unless otherwise noted. Art in the Park Children up to age 6, with a caregiver Join the library staff at the playground for some fun art projects. Dress for a mess and wish for sun! In case of inclement weather, the program will move indoors to the kids library. Friday, June 8, 10 a.m.–noon Registration begins Monday, May 21 in person at the library. Father’s Day Crafts Kids of all ages, with a caregiver Get ready for Father’s Day by making some great crafts and decorations. Monday, June 11–Saturday, June 16 during library hours No pre-registration necessary.

Craft Week: Celebrate the 4th of July Patriots of all ages, with a caregiver Get ready for Independence Day by making some great crafts and decorations. Monday, June 25–Tuesday, July 3 during Maker & More Time No pre-registration necessary.

Kim Adley Presents: Little Red Riding Hood Kids ages 3 and older, with a caregiver Little Red Riding Hood is a classic fairytale character who explores old fantasy favorites in new ways. You’ll love her traditional tales with a new twist. Friday, July 20, 11 a.m.

Simple Gifts Folk & World Music Kids ages 4 and older, with a caregiver During this fun, energetic, and informative cultural program, you’ll have the chance to experience folk music and instruments from around the world. Funding for this program has been made possible by the generosity of the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair. Friday, June 29, 11 a.m.

Musical Instrument Show & Tell Children ages 4 and older, with a caregiver See and hear a variety of musical instruments up close and in person. Friday, July 27, 11 a.m.

Al Mazing: Summer Reading Magic! Kids ages 4 and older, with a caregiver Be astonished by Al Mazing! He’ll delight and entertain with magic, humor, and other surprises. Friday, July 13, 11 a.m.

Summertime Programs and Events for Tweens and Teens

“Teen Read” participants who are going into sixth through 12 grades are invited to participate in programs and events designed especially for this age group. Registration begins Wednesday, June 6 in person at the library. Shakespeare in the Summer Participants will practice lines and create scenery for Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. A performance will be held for the United Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair at the conclusion of the sixweek series. Mondays, June 18–July 23, 4 p.m.

Teen Battle of the Books— Book to Movie

USC Township Library Hours Monday—Thursday, 9:30 a.m.—9 p.m. Friday—Saturday, 9:30 a.m.—5 p.m. Sunday, 1—5 p.m. Outside book and video return available 24/7 The library is closed: Saturday, May 19 for Community Day Monday, May 28 for Memorial Day Wednesday, July 4 for Independence Day The library is closed summer Sundays, May 27—September 2. 412-835-5540

www.twpusc.org

Compete in the ultimate challenge of book knowledge at the library’s annual Battle of the Books! Thursday, August 9, 6 p.m. Tweens and Teens who participate in “Teen Read” will also have the opportunity to participate in Kindness Rocks, Extreme Musical Chairs, Teen Open Mike Night, Egg Drop Challenge, Escape the Library, and more! Pick up a Teen Read brochure or check out the Teen page on the library’s website for more information! Summer 2018

Fun & Games Day All “Reading Together” and “Kids Read” participants, with a grown-up Celebrate the end of summer reading by playing some great carnival-type games at the library. Thursday, August 2, 2–3:30 p.m. Registration begins Monday, July 23 in person at the library. For complete program information, visit the library website or the library in person to pick up a program guide.

Summer Reading Challenge

Baker, Eisenhower, and Streams This year will be the library’s seventh USC Summer Reading Challenge. All students at Baker, Eisenhower, and Streams elementary schools are encouraged to read for their school during the annual summer reading program. The total number of participants and books read will determine the winner. The winning school proudly displays their USC Library Summer Reading Champion trophy for the next full school year. Last year, Streams won the trophy with 163 readers and 4450 books read. Eisenhower came in second with 127 readers and 2580 books read. Baker was in third place with 118 readers and 2548 books read. That’s a lot of books! Streams and Baker have both won the trophy three times. The children’s librarians encourage all students to spend time reading during the summer. Reading is like any other skill, you have to practice it to get better! Good luck to all the students and their schools in this year’s challenge.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

USC Recreation and www.twpusc.org

Recipe for Summer Fun—Just Add Water

Outdoor Pool Opening Saturday, May 26 The outdoor pool opens for the season on Saturday, May 26 (weather permitting) at 11 a.m. Daily operating hours are 11 a.m.–7 p.m. everyday throughout the summer. Holiday hours (11 a.m.–5 p.m.) will be in place on May 28 for Memorial Day, July 4 for Independence Day, and September 3 for Labor Day. Water Safety Days Friday, May 25; Saturday, May 26 It’s never too early to teach children how to stay safe in and around water. Come for a fun, interactive water safety class for both parents and children ages 3–13. Wear your swimsuit! Free for all participants. Extended Outdoor Pool Hours Tuesdays; June 19, July 17, August 21 The outdoor pool will remain open until 8:30 p.m. (weather permitting) on the third Tuesday of each month during the summer season.

Summer Splash into Water Exercise Tuesdays; June 12, July 10, August 14 7:15–8 p.m. Summer Splash is an adult water exercise class that uses shallow water movements to improve agility, flexibility, cardiovascular function, strength, and endurance. Swimming ability is not required. Junior Lifeguarding Summer Camp June 19–29 1–4 p.m. Are you interested in lifeguarding, but are not quite old enough? This two-week summer camp is designed to give 11- to 14-year-olds* a fun sneak peek into what it takes to become a great lifeguard. *Children who are under the age of 11, but have completed grade 5, may also participate. World’s Largest Swimming Lesson (WLSL) Thursday, June 21, 12:15 p.m. On Thursday, June 21, waterparks, pools, and other aquatic facilities around the globe will host local WLSL events in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record. The C&RC is participating! Free to children ages 3–13 years old.

Boyce Mayview Park Youth Triathlon Saturday, July 28 7:30–9 a.m. Registration available online or at the C&RC. Call 412-221-1099 for more information. Children ages 7–12 will swim, bike, and run their way towards the finish line in this fun, athletic event. All participants should attend a pre-race preparation meeting the day before the event (Friday, July 27, 6 p.m.) at the C&RC to review the course. 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 miles, run 1 mile Fee(s): $33.50 per athlete (until June 1) $38.50 per athlete (June 2–July 25) No rain date or refunds. Helmet and bike required. 42

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Youth Triathlon Training July 3, 10, 17, 24 Tuesdays 1:30–2:30 p.m. This four-week course will focus on the different aspects of a triathlon race: swimming, cycling, running, and transitioning between stages, and includes as a wrap up an actual mini triathlon. All children age 7–12 are welcome to participate. Fee(s): $25 C&RC members/ $30 non-members

Family Recreation Programs

Art in the Park After camps, the pool, and busy summer days, take an hour to relax and gather in Boyce Mayview Park to enjoy the tranquil surroundings, spending quality family time. Each evening features a different art project in which families can express their creativity together. Mondays, 7–8 p.m. June 25; July 9, 23; August 13 Fee(s): $56 per family for all four dates or $18 per family for individual dates Family Science Nights Join Humane Animal Rescue and explore animal-related topics in science! Take your family on an adventure at Boyce Mayview Park and discover new worlds that exist right in your own backyard. Each family-friendly lesson offers new subjects and activities, as well as an opportunity to meet a wild animal guest. Fridays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. June 29, August 31 Fee(s): $8 per participant per date or $30 for a family or group of four per date

Senior Information 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 three-hole 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 Lynn Walcoff, community programs coordinator, at 412-221-1099, ext. 655, 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 about any Older Adult programming, contact the C&RC at 412-221-1099. Summer 2018

Leisure Services 412-221-1099

Panther Paws June 19–July 20 This one of a kind, five-week Panther Paws program is designed for children ages 3–6. Each week is theme-based and will feature songs, stories, crafts, and activities that go along with that theme. Choose one week or register for all five!

Camps for Kids

Kids in the Kitchen Camp June 25–28 and August 13–16 Participants ages 6–14 will learn hands-on baking techniques and have the opportunity to make cakes, cookies, and pies, as well as some other tasty and savory treats. Check… and Checkmate Camp June 25–29 and July 30–August 3 Participants age 6 and up will spend the first hour learning and the second hour playing chess under the guidance of an experienced instructor. Cartoons and Anime Camp July 16–20 Campers in grades 3 and up can nurture their inner comic genius at this week-long camp. Gemini Theater Camps July 23–27 Ages 4–6 and 7–11 Campers will stretch their minds and bodies as they prepare for their last day of camp performance.

Camp counselors are ready for a summer of fun! Which camp interests your child?

Puppets and Performance Camp July 30–August 3 Campers in grades 3 and up will delve into the creative world of character design, development, and storytelling, which concludes with a performance on the last day of camp. Pets and Animals Camp August 13–17 Children in grades K–3 will have fun drawing, painting, and sculpting their favorite pets and animals.

Pickleball Tournament Recap

The third annual Upper St. Clair Recreation Department pickleball tournament was held this past February at the C&RC. Coordinated by the department’s community programs coordinator Lynn Walcoff, tournament directors were Lou and Sally Sherfinski and volunteers were Molly Brown, Eileen Devaty, Jack Samuels, and Steve Hast. A total of 22 teams in three skill levels entered this year’s friendly competition. After a full day of exciting matches, the winning gold, silver, and bronze teams were announced: Beginner Division • Gold: Carol Chase and Ken Hale • Silver: Jackie Myers and Betty Ann Meenan • Bronze: Tod McDonald and Jan Stanley Intermediate Division • Gold: Karen Dreska and Dan Lebak • Silver: Nancy Zupancic and Mark Andrews • Bronze: Michele and Todd Sandford Advanced Division • Gold: Scott Hedrick and Bill Marinelli • Silver: Heather Hric and Rich Neill • Bronze: Linda Cribbs and Mike Wertz

Medal winners, intermediate division, left to right: Mark Andrews, Nancy Zupancic, Karen Dreska, Dan Lebak, Michele Sandford, Todd Sandford

Other participants not shown included Rose Zoric, Nancy Sumera, Karen Helbling, Cheryl Colussy, Maureen Greco, Don Jarvis, Virginia McClellan, Diane Adams, Sandy McWilliams, Vernie Dzura, Dale Charochak, Liz Allen, Steve Henderson, Mark Krysvig, Ingrid Meenen, Gina DeCola, Lenny Rubino, Bill Buettner, Chris Wunderlich, Karen Cartier, Dottie Delancey, Bill McMahon, Andrea Sheth, and Melissa Majkic

Medal winners, advanced division, left to right: Heather Hric, Rich Neill, Scott Hedrick, Bill Marinelli, Linda Cribbs, Mike Wertz

Beginner participants, left to right: Ann Marie Rossin, Dee Johnson, Jackie Myers, Ken Hale, Carol Chase, Tod McDonald, Betty Ann Meenan, Jan Stanley

Summer 2018

A Panther Paws camp visit in 2017 from USC’s Public Works Department

Summer Playground June 19–July 20 Summer Playground is a day camp that provides USC resident children entering grades 1–7 a chance to take part in a variety of activities while in a safe and supervised environment. Using Baker Elementary and Baker Park, participants will enjoy a program that contributes to their active, creative, and social abilities, from sports and games to arts and crafts. Counselor-In-Training (CIT) June 19–July 20 The CIT program is designed to mentor youth between the ages of 13–16 on how to become a knowledgeable and responsible counselor. CITs will be responsible for assisting campers, administering games and activities, and creating a fun, engaging environment for all campers. Applications are due May 21. DAP Strength & Conditioning June 18–August 3 This program teaches young athletes ages 12 and up foundation components of athleticism through a fun, motivating, and dynamic training environment. The focus is on injury prevention, developing agility, power, core strength, speed, and improved flexibility. Sports Camps • Baseball/Softball • Basketball • Fencing • Golf • Lacrosse • Soccer • Volleyball For a complete list of all sports camps session dates and times, refer to the Township-mailed Spring/ Summer Recreation Guide. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

T Stay and Play in the Park!

The Clubhouse at Boyce Mayview 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 play! Visit http://www.twpusc.org/rec-leisure/parks-fields for park location information. 

Site

Fields/Courts

Baker Park 13.82 acres

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

Beadling Soccer Field 3.36 acres

soccer field

Boyce Field 1 acre

baseball field

Boyce Mayview Park 475+ acres

1 baseball field (rentable), 1 softball field (rentable), Multi-purpose field (rentable), 1 Miracle League baseball field, All fields have sports lighting

Playground Equipment Play unit and swing set

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

Dugouts, batting cage, bleachers The Clubhouse at Boyce Mayview is the allinclusive, custom-themed playground adjacent to the Miracle League Field 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, expanding perimeter trail currently connecting Morton Complex to Baker Park to the active area of Boyce Mayview Park, including a 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, rest rooms at the Miracle League/Clubhouse playground, baseball field concession building, Boyce Gardens (rentable through Boyce Road Garden Club), shelter at Miracle League field 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

Splash pad, cozy dome climber w/rubber safety surface, shelter, water fountain, and LED walkway lights 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 with goals

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 play structures for 2–5 and 5–12 year-olds, with synthetic turf safety surface, mega-tower w/two ten-foot twist tube slides, climbing wall, tot and traditional swings, and Mt. Kilimanjaro climbing rock

McLaughlin Run Activity Center (MAC) (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

Poured-in-place rubber and synthetic turf safety surface playground 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 2018

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

Tear out the park directory (found on the previous page) and the Boyce Mayview Park map to take with you on your next Upper St. Clair park visit.

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T Gilfillan Park Walking Trail

Gary Schafer, Parks and Forestry Administrator

The Township is exploring alternative surfaces to portions of the Gilfillan Park walking trail. For more than 25 years, the Public Works Department has placed wood chips over the walking trail during the winter or in the driest parts of the year. Trail maintenance has become a challenge these past few years, due to the extended rainy season in summer, as well as the lack of frozen ground in the winter. Dry conditions or frozen ground tend to provide the best times for trucks to access the trail and spread the wood chips. Gilfillan walking trail To alleviate this challenge, as discussed at several Parks and Recreation advisory board monthly meetings, the Township is exploring alternative surfaces for portions of the trail that will lessen the yearly or biannual maintenance. Materials discussed for the trail range from a crushed limestone path, to asphalt, concrete, rubber, or even synthetic turf. Improvements are expected later this year, or next year, on portions of the trail. Look for Gilfillan trail updates on the Township’s website and social media. n

Sustainability for All

Community Day 2018—Saturday, May 19 The Department of Public Works, along with the Department of Recreation and Leisure Services, invites everyone to the Township’s Community Day event, held on Saturday, May 19 at the McLaughlin Run Activity Center (MAC) parking lot. Take notice of the new signage around the event lot, requesting all of us to be a bit more thoughtful about recycling and trash disposal during the day’s festivities. Signs posted along the grounds will be placed as a reminder to event-goers to recycle and dispose of trash in its appropriate place. There will be two stations positioned at each end of the event lot for disposal and waste separation. Place recycling materials in the blue containers and trash in the boxed containers with black liners. One of the biggest problems with single stream recycling is the contamination rate. Food laden cups, plates, and plastic utensils are the chief culprits, along with Styrofoam #6 lids and cups. These items are not to be recycled at Township events or at normal curbside pickup. Make the effort and take a few moments to place your discards in the appropriate container. Stop over to visit the staff at Public Works on Community Day; they’d be happy to show you around! Earth Day 2018 Although, Earth Day, held on April 22, has come and gone, consider the purposeful event as a reminder that we have but one earth. It is in our best interest to do as much as possible to preserve the environment through considerate stewardship every day. Plant a tree, share a ride, donate to a sustainable cause, or help to create an awareness of Earth Day pride with friends and family. 46

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Summer 2018

Coming to USC— New Tennis and Golf Building

T h i s M a r c h , the Township Board of Commissioners approved the construction of a new tennis and golf administration building on McLaughlin Run Road. The current structure is more than 30 years old and beyond its useful life. Construction is set to begin late spring. The 1110-square-foot structure will house Upper St. Clair tennis and golf administration, storage for the tennis programs, a pavilion, and ADA-compliant bathrooms. n

The more than 30-year-old USC tennis and golf building is scheduled for demolition.

Zero Waste Award The Bounty at Boyce Mayview event, held last November, won the Gold Achievement Award for its 93% waste reduction effort. The award was presented to Ron Sarrick, the Township’s sustainability administrator, on behalf of the Departments of Recreation and Leisure Services and Public Works in a cooperative effort through composting and recycling the event waste. Gold Achievement This marks the event’s third year in Award presented to USC winning an award with the Zero Waste for the Bounty at initiative. Zero Waste is a Pennsylvania Boyce Mayview event Resource Council (PRC) platform, encouraging recycling, composting, and other means to offset trash that otherwise would go to a landfill. This February, PRC presented its third annual Zero Waste Events and Business Awards to 18 environmental leaders in recognition of their commitment to adopting sustainable environmental practices and diverting waste through recycling, composting, and reuse. “PRC’s Zero Waste Pennsylvania program provides special events, commercial businesses, and institutions with vital waste reduction assistance,” said PRC Western Regional Director Justin Stockdale. (http://prc.org/zerowastehonorees2018/) Flag Day Flag Retirement Boy Scout Troop 366 will retire Old Glory flags on Tuesday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m., in honor of Flag Day, which is June 14. The U.S. flags are honorably retired in a solemn ceremony that incorporates thoughtful readings, Taps, and the retirement of the flags by ceremonial burning. The event takes place at the MAC. All are welcome! Additional future events are planned, as well. n

COMMUNITY WIDE FLEA MARKET SATURDAY, JULY 14 (Rain or Shine) Place: USCHS Stadium Parking Lot Time: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Sale) Concessions will be available. Setup beginning at 6:30 a.m. Space is limited, so sign-up early for your space. Sellers are responsible for providing their own table(s). Complete the following form and mail to: Upper St. Clair Recreation, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Name:________________________________________________________________ Address:_ _____________________________________________________________ Email:_ _______________________________________________________________ Phone:________________________________________________________________ Number of spaces needed*_ _____________________________________________ *A space is equal to two parking spaces at the USCHS lot. Fee per space is $12-resident, $17- non-resident. Checks payable to USC Recreation. For more information, call the Recreation Department at 412-221-1099.

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.

• 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.

Questions? Call 412-831-9000, ext. 501, or visit www.twpusc.org.

Summer 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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Chantel Hitchman, Office Manager, Scott Bros. Perhaps you are giving your home a fresh facelift, preparing to sell your home, or simply need to replace your windows. New windows can make a dramatic difference in any home, whether you want to improve its appearance, open up a spectacular view, or simply replace worn windows that seem to let in more wind and rain than they keep out. Key concerns of today’s homeowners include energy efficiency, low maintenance, value, and esthetics. Additionally, there are replacement options to be considered. In today’s market, some of the highest quality windows installed are clad wood windows. Clad wood windows offer a beautiful interior that can be painted or stained with a durable maintenance-free exterior. The frame of a wood window is excellent at inhibiting the transmission of cold or heat from the outside. Clad wood windows are considered the gold standard by many professional installers. The wood interior drastically improves the aesthetics of your home and can be a main selling point to potential buyers. Many manufacturers of clad wood windows have super product lines with a wide variety of colors, glass, hardware, and grille pattern configurations to match your vision. Currently, a popular color trend on both the interior and exterior is black. Oil rubbed bronze is a favorite hardware finish. Quality windows not only enhance the design of a house, but when chosen with care, they also decrease energy loss. 48

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2018

Glass can affect energy efficiency more than any other part of a window. Leading manufacturers of clad wood windows—such as Andersen and Marvin—offer a high performing insulated glass. This type of glass has outstanding thermal performance for climates where both heating and cooling costs are a concern. It is much more energy efficient than ordinary dual-pane glass. There are two types of replacement windows available: insert and full frame. Insert windows fit into your existing window frames and are an option if the frames are in good condition and rot free. Another reason to use the insert application is when there is architectural trim and you would like to maintain its authenticity. A full frame application is where the entire old window frame and sash are torn out all the way down to the studs of the wall. This application is warranted when existing frames are compromised or when one wants to maintain or increase the existing glass size. The value added to installing new, high-end wood windows is apparent. Overall, clad wood windows give you a great bang for your buck, especially with the many options and styles that are available. n Scott Bros. Windows and Doors is a locally-based specialty window and door contractor, with quality installation and service for more than 32 years. Scott Bros. serves all of the South Hills, including the Upper St. Clair community. Visit scottbroswindows.com or call 724-745-2376. See ad on this page.

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Home & Garden

Protect Yourself Against a Home Burglary

According to the FBI, a house, apartment, or condominium in the United States is burglarized once every 15 seconds. In 2015, victims of burglary lost an estimated $3.6 billion. Even if you’re not there when it happens, a break-in can permanently shatter your feelings of security at home. Fortunately, taking a few simple precautions can dramatically reduce the risks of an invader gaining access to your home. Common sense Believe it or not, it’s often the simplest and most obvious precautions that homeowners tend to forget and which burglars tend to exploit. Maybe you’ve lived on the same street for decades and doubt it could ever happen to you. Maybe you’re in a rush and skip the usual routine. Whatever the situation, you should always lock your doors and windows when you go out. Keep close track of any spare keys that exist. Do you know where they are? Do you trust who has them? Here are a few more commonsense tips to minimize the chances of a break-in: • Do not have money or jewelry lying out in view from a window. If possible, keep jewelry and other small valuables and important documents in a safety deposit box. Thieves who otherwise would have passed up your home might attempt a “smash and grab” to get at your valuables. • Don’t tell strangers your daily routines, and avoid telling others about the valuables in your home. If you’re at home working outside, leave doors that are out of sight locked. • Be wary about posting your vacation plans and updates on social media websites. Even though you trust your friends, you never know who might learn that you’re not home. • If you have children, discuss home security with them, such as not talking with strangers about their home, its contents, or family schedules. Reduce chances of a break-in Fool burglars by making your home look occupied at all times. • Use automatic timers on lights when away. • Always park your cars in the garage with the garage door shut. A burglar may otherwise notice a pattern that a closed garage door or no cars in the driveway means no one is home. Closing the garage door and having curtains or blinds on the garage windows also hides some of your belongings. • Place radios on automatic timers and raise the volume so they can be heard outside. • Never leave notes on your door that can tip off burglars. Make your home a tough target The average burglar will spend no more than four to five minutes trying to break into a residence. Keep your property safe by making your home an inconvenient target. • When moving into a new residence, have the locks changed. • Consult a good locksmith to make sure you have the right types of locks on your doors and windows and that they’re functioning. Don’t make assumptions. It’s always possible that previous owners or tenants improperly installed a lock or that your locks are broken and need replacing. • Secure your exterior doors and any doors from attached garages by installing good quality deadbolt door locks, 50

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doorjamb reinforcement, security-type door strikes, and strong, properly installed doors and doorframes that cannot be spread apart. • Use ANSI Grade 1 locks. Look for the designation on the packaging. • Secure your windows by installing additional locks and installing impact-resistant glass on any windows within 42" of a door lock. This will make it more difficult to break the glass, reach in, and unlock the lock. • Prune lower branches of trees near your house if they could help a burglar gain access to a second-story window. • Secure your patio door with a pin-type lock, a key lock, or a steel rod inserted into the door channel. When you’re away for more than a day Extended vacations can change the look of your home and thieves can often see those changes. If you’re going to be away, take measures to make your home appear to be occupied. • If possible, have your telephone calls forwarded when you’re away from home. Burglars sometimes check to see if someone is home by making a telephone call. • Have a trusted neighbor pick up the mail and newspaper. If possible, do not have either stopped. That gives information about being away from home to others whom you do not know. • If away for an extended period, have a plan in place to have the grass mowed or snow shoveled. • If you’re away from home on garbage pickup day, ask a trusted neighbor to put your garbage cans out to the street and take them back in. You may wish to have your neighbor use your garbage cans while you are gone. Burglars sometimes check for empty cans as a sign the family is away. Be a good neighbor Protecting yourself against break-ins goes both ways. Just as you rely on them, your neighbors rely on you to keep the whole neighborhood safe. What can you do? • Organize a cookout or other apartment or neighborhood get-together so neighbors can get to know one another. • Organize or participate in an apartment watch or neighborhood watch program. • Arrange for a local police officer to complete an apartment security survey or educate your neighborhood about specific safety concerns. • If you live in an apartment, notify management if you notice burned out light bulbs, dark corridors, broken locks on mailboxes and doors, or other safety concerns in shared spaces. • Call the police immediately if you see suspicious activity in your neighborhood. n

This article was provided by Cindy Brophy, State Farm® agent. See ad on page 31.

Home & Garden

Tips for Preparing to Sell Your Home Dora Rudick and Kevin O’Laughlin

1. Get in touch with your preferred local realtor. He or she will guide you through the selling process, starting with preparing a comparative market analysis to give you an estimated listing price. From there, your realtor should tour your home and give you guidance in preparing to put your house on the market. The realtor will discuss a marketing plan that includes cutting-edge technology and social media to help you get top dollar for your home. The right real estate agent can not only get you the best price for your home, but can also make the transaction as smooth as possible. That being said, you should interview at least three area agents. That way, you can compare their marketing plans side-by-side and determine with whom you are most comfortable. 2. Get in touch with your preferred local mortgage loan officer if you plan to use financing to purchase your next home. The loan officer will be able to assess your current financial situation to determine if you have the financial ability to potentially carry two mortgages or if it’s a requirement of your loan approval to sell your current home before closing on your next. This is extremely important; a non-contingent offer is much stronger than a contingent offer. 3. Price it right! As the old saying goes, “Price it right, sells overnight. Price it wrong, it sits too long!” The single most important thing when selling your home is pricing it correctly. Don’t overprice the home, as it will lose its fresh appeal after the first few days on the market. On the other hand, don’t

worry about pricing it too low as it will attract multiple offers and bring the price up to market value. Pricing is all about supply and demand. Right now, Upper St. Clair is a sellers’ market, where supply is low and the demand for homes is extremely high. 4. Clean, declutter, depersonalize! New fixtures, fresh paint, and updated landscaping are all easy, affordable ways to give your home a quick makeover. Add new mulch to the flower beds, plant new flowers in the garden, and paint the front door. Buyers need to envision what they can do with the space. It makes it difficult when a home is cluttered and personalized with family photos and too many collectables. Your ultimate goal is to sell, right? It’s time to put away the family photos and your favorite Star Wars collectibles! This effort alone will help make your home appear bigger and more attractive to potential buyers. 5. Think like a buyer! Get a home inspection! While most buyers will get this done themselves, doing it ahead of time will give you a heads up for what things might need to be repaired. Providing a pre-inspection will assure potential buyers that no major surprises are in store. And, while buyers may still opt for their own home inspection, they will feel more comfortable about placing an offer on your home if you’ve already done the ground work. n Check out Facebook.com/movementmortgagepittsburgh and Facebook.com/dorarudickrealtor. See ads on this page. Summer 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Home & Garden 412-568-3481

www.porchlighthomestaging.com

Why Stage?

Betsy Boughner and Jonette Shanahan, Co-Owners, PorchLight Home Staging The process of preparing your home to sell can be overwhelming and stressful. A staging process guides the sellers step-by-step to get their home ready for the market. Why is staging so important? Living in your house is very different from selling it. It’s difficult for homeowners to see their home through a buyer’s eye because it holds memories. Your home is a very personal space and you accumulate things over time without purging the things you no longer use. Depersonalizing and decluttering is crucial to better showcase the architectural features of your home. Staging helps create your most crucial marketing tool—attractive, compelling MLS photos. Over 90% of buyers will view your home online and decide within seconds whether to visit in person or move on to the next listing. Don’t let prospects get away! The staging process uses the seller’s own furnishings to showcase the home’s finest features by creating the best traffic flow, emphasizing focal points, using lighting, color, and accessories. For vacant homes, it’s crucial to fill empty rooms with furnishings and accessories to give buyers the opportunity to envision themselves in your home. Staging has an impressive record of getting results. With professional staging, your house will stand out from the others in your price range, and you are guaranteed to make a great first impression. Buyers no longer just compare your house to the comps around you, but also to what they see on the Internet and TV. According to a 2016 study conducted by RESA (Real Estate 52

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2018

Staging Association), homes staged before hitting the market sold in 23 days versus unstaged homes that spent on average 184 days on the market. Once those unstaged homes were staged, they spent an average of 41 days on the market. The lesson to be learned is: if you stage your home, it will, most likely, spend 90% less time on the market. The goal at PorchLight Home Staging is to work collaboratively with real estate agents to execute a competitive marketing plan. When an agent provides professional staging services for their clients, the home statistically sells faster. “I met Betsy and Jonette at a time when I needed a staging company. They are exceptional; very knowledgeable and prepared,” said Carol Bagaley of Coldwell Banker. “On a scale of one to ten, they are an 11! I highly recommend their services.” Accredited by the Home Staging Resource, PorchLight provides a variety of staging items based on the seller’s needs and budget and whether a home is occupied or vacant. In addition to having a beautiful collection of accessories for a client’s use, they have a collaborative partnership with Douds Furniture. n To learn more, visit www.porchlighthomestaging.com and Facebook www.facebook.com/porchlighthomestaging, or call or text 412-568-3481. USC residents, the owners of PorchLight Home Staging serve the Pittsburgh area. See ad on this page.

Home & Garden

G’s LANDSCAPING 412.726.0035 Residential • Commercial

Lawn Mowing Aeration/ Thatching Sod & Seeding Edging/Trimming

Mulch (Finn mulch blower) Spring/Fall Cleanup (leaf vac)

Excavating Retaining Walls New Installs Snow Removal

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Competitive Pricing • Free Estimates • Fully Insured

Summer 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Home & Garden Custom Made Window Treatments Roman shades, pillows, bedding and more.

draperies

valances

fabrics

trims and more

Vivian C. Dibrell (412) 344.3308 chasecustomcreations@gmail.com www.chasecustom.com

Photography Tips When Selling Your Home Lynn Dempsey

Residential and Commercial Interior Design Firm Furniture Accessories Space Planning Color & Fabric Selection Blinds Outdoor Furniture

Window Treatments Bedding Flooring Area Rugs Lighting Wallpaper

Let us create your dream home!

412-266-1869

www.ashlininteriors.com 54

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A picture is worth a thousand words. In the world of real estate, a picture might be worth a few hundred thousand dollars as it relates to sale of a home. First impressions matter; and with most home buyers who first search online for their new home, the importance of good quality photographs is a high priority for a home seller. To maximize your home’s appeal and get the best look, hire a professional photographer or make sure your real estate agent (listing agent) has one to provide you with the look your home deserves. When interviewing agents, ask this important question: Who will be taking the photos of my home? Here are some points to consider: 1. Have adequate lighting. There is no excuse for dull, dreary photos. Turn on all of the lights to brighten up the room. Additionally, any photograph can be digitally touched up to enhance the lighting, brighten the image, or balance the exposure. 2. Clean up and stage your home to make it look the very best. Move furniture around in a room to maximize the space. Photographs can enhance the look of the room. Declutter those coffee tables, counter tops, and end tables. 3. Virtual staging. If your home is vacant and to give the idea of the room’s potential, hire a professional to stage your home with furniture or add virtual furniture to the photographed room. Remember, whether using virtuallystaged furniture or your own furniture, the “less is more” philosophy seems to work best. Abiding by this philosophy will help make any room look bigger. 4. The finished photographs create a story for your home. Choose the most appealing shots, inside and out. Make sure the photos show a thorough “walk through” of your home, from the front door to the garage. If you hire a professional photographer, he will, most likely, use a wide-angle lens to enhance and better show the width of a room. When you only have a few minutes to show your house through photos on the Internet, they need to be as appealing as possible to capture the attention of your home’s potential buyer. n Lynn Dempsey, Realtor, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services, 1630 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, 15241. Cell: 412-445-6264 or email: lynn.dempsey@pittsburghmoves.com. See ad on page 83. Summer 2018

Home & Garden

Sewer Inspections Buying or Selling a Home… There is Help Michael Ference, Owner, Greater Pittsburgh Plumbing In years past, very few home buyers would ask for a sewer inspection before buying a home. They very well knew to get a home inspection, but sewer line inspection was somewhat of an after-thought. Yet it’s one of the most important inspections a buyer or seller of a home should conduct. The time to find out if a sewer is faulty or needs repaired or replaced is before buying or selling a home. With USC’s new Ordinance #2175, these inspections are now required, as per NASSCO standards. A NASSCO-certified plumber will insert a fiber optic color camera attached to a video monitor/DVR into the interior and exterior sewer. You can watch the image on the monitor while it is recording. The camera will show if the sewer line is clean or clogged and affirm the overall condition of the lines. The cost of this service may vary. For a homeowner, a sewer backup is a nasty and expensive event. Sewer line repairs can also be expensive, as it may require excavation and potential street or sidewalk repairs. An inexpensive sewer line repair can cost between $3000 and $5000, but once you get into the street, a repair can quickly escalate between $10,000 and $25,000, making it one of the most expensive repairs you could face. The lateral sewer line is the pipe that exits the home to join up with the public sewer main line. Some of the older homes in USC have sewer lines made of clay. Sometimes, builders used

concrete and cast iron. Clay and concrete pipes are susceptible to cracks and tree root infiltration at the joints between sections of the pipes. Cast iron piping becomes scaled inside and brittle. In the late ’70s to early ’80s, builders began using plastic pipes (PVC or ABS). Plastic pipes are impervious to most issues, including roots. However, there can be issues with new plastic pipes, as well. Cracks, pipe shifting, low spots, and roots can all cause the sewer to backup into your home. Let’s face it, there can be sewer problems in both old and new homes. The lesson here is to not trust what you are told about a sewer line. Get video from an inspection to verify its condition. Dye testing is another required test when selling your Upper St. Clair home. The Township requires you verify that rain and storm water runoff is not getting into the sanitary sewer system. To check this, dye tablets are placed into the rain leaders/drains and flushed with water. The manhole cover is lifted to inspect and observe the water’s flow. If colored dye is detected in the flowing water, an issue exists and needs to be corrected. Ask a certified NASSCO plumber for up-front pricing and request guarantees on all repairs or replacement. Seek a plumber who is objective, prompt, and professional. n For further information and to learn how Greater Pittsburgh Plumbing can service your plumbing needs, visit www.greaterPGHplumbing.com or call 412-223-2560. See ad on this page. Summer 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

SD Upper St. Clair School District Board of School Directors

Amy L. Billerbeck President 412-833-2712 2019*

Patrick A. Hewitt 412-831-0178 2019*

Barbara L. Bolas Vice President 412-833-9841 2019*

Louis P. Mafrice, Jr. 412-851-0622 2021*

Jennifer L. Bowen 412-660-5846 2021*

Angela B. Petersen 412-833-4873 2019*

http://www.uscsd.k12.pa.us

Phillip J. Elias 412-257-1198 2019*

Dr. Daphna Gans 412-851-18250 2021*

The 2018 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.

Dante R. Plutko, Jr. 412-389-5187 *Date indicates expiration of term. 2021*

Upper St. Clair School District Annual Notices

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

School District Central Office Administration

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

Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole Superintendent of Schools

Scott Burchill Director of Business and Finance

Dr. Sharon Suritsky Assistant/Deputy Superintendent

Dr. Judy Bulazo Director of Curriculum and Professional Development

Dr. John Rozzo Assistant Superintendent

Ray Berrott Director of Technology

Amy Pfender Director of Student Support Services

Secretary/Email Address Extension

Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole................................ Mary Ann Stabile.............................2201 Superintendent of Schools mstabile@uscsd.k12.pa.us Dr. Sharon Suritsky................................... Donna Faccenda..............................2218 Assistant/Deputy Superintendent dfaccenda@uscsd.k12.pa.us Dr. John Rozzo............................................ Mary Ann Stabile.............................2201 Assistant Superintendent mstabile@uscsd.k12.pa.us Scott Burchill.............................................. Dawn Machi.....................................2220 Director of Business and Finance dmachi@uscsd.k12.pa.us Dr. Judy Bulazo.......................................... Donna Faccenda..............................2218 Director of Curriculum dfaccenda@uscsd.k12.pa.us and Professional Development Ray Berrott.............................................................................................................2059 Director of Technology rberrott@uscsd.k12.pa.us Amy Pfender............................................... Terri Lott...........................................2283 Director of Student Support Services tlott@uscsd.k12.pa.us Melissa Garvin............................................ Cheryl Ellison...................................2116 Asst. Director of Student Support Services cellison@uscsd.k12.pa.us Bradley Wilson .....................................................................................................3318 Supervisor of Customized and Online Learning Sheila Gorgonio.....................................................................................................2826 Director of Advancement sgornonio@uscsd.k12.pa.us Joseph Conners......................................................................................................2560 Chief of School Police Jonn Mansfield........................................................................................................ 3450 Director of Transportation Tina Vojtko............................................................................................................2215 Communications Specialist tvojtko@uscsd.k12.pa.us School District Building Administration

Melissa Garvin Asst. Director of Student Support Services

Bradley Wilson Supervisor of Customized and Online Learning

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Sheila Gorgonio Director of Advancement

Summer 2018

Dr. Lou Angelo............................... High School Principal Dr. Timothy Wagner ..................... High School Associate Principal for Program Planning and Innovation Daniel Beck.................................... High School Assistant Principal Dan Zelenski.................................. High School Assistant Principal Joseph DeMar ................................ Fort Couch Middle School Principal Erin Peterson.................................. Fort Couch Assistant Principal Daniel O’Rourke............................ Boyce Middle School Principal Christine Mussomeli...................... Boyce Middle School Assistant Principal Dr. Patrick McClintock-Comeaux... Baker Elementary School Principal Mark Miller.......................................Eisenhower Elementary School Principal/ Supervisor of Elementary Education Dr. Claire Miller............................. Streams Elementary School Principal

Dr. O’Toole Announces His Retirement

Clair, he implemented the “Total Leaders” program, bringing in nationally-known education innovator Charles Schwahn to work with the District’s administration. The program quickly expanded to include teaching staff and sparked innovative leadership programming for students at nearly all grade levels. “Dr. O’Toole’s vision of developing and nurturing leadership throughout the District has been transformational,” said Amy. “Through his efforts we are extremely fortunate to have strong, highly capable leaders at every level of our organization.” The District has garnered national praise for several innovative programs initiated under Dr. O’Toole’s leadership. In 2013, the District was recognized with the National School Boards Association Magna Award for its Student Leadership Academy that helps students at all levels understand how they can change the world through their leadership. This program was an outgrowth of the leadership initiative started by Dr. O’Toole. The District earned another Magna Award—this time a grand prize winner—in 2017 for SHOP@USC, a student-run business within the high school’s Innovation Hub that operates fully through the collaboration between students with significant disabilities and their same-age peers without disabilities. In November 2017, USCHS was named one of only 25 schools nationwide to be selected as a national model of Innovative Successful Practices by the Successful Practices Network and AASA, The School Superintendents Association. USCHS ranks among the top high schools in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report’s list of 2017 Best High Schools. For the second year in a row, the District was named among the nation’s 2017 Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation. Personally, Dr. O’Toole earned

numerous honors for his leadership and contributions to the field of education. The Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators honored him with the 2010 Service to the Professional Award and named him the 2012 Pennsylvania Superintendent of the Year. Also in 2012, he received the Distinguished Educator Award from the Tri-State Area School Study Council. In addition to his duties as superintendent, Dr. O’Toole has provided leadership to the greater education profession. He served as president of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators during 2016–17, president of Tri-State Area School Study Council from 2013 through 2015, and treasurer of the South Hills Area School Districts Association (SHASDA) from 2009 through present. He also served as a presenter on numerous educational topics, including best practices, student achievement, customized learning, flexible scheduling, and student leadership at regional, state, and national-level conferences and institutes. Prior to joining the leadership staff at Upper St. Clair, Dr. O’Toole served as superintendent in the South Butler County and Shenango Area school districts. In addition, he served as a high school principal, assistant high school principal, and elementary teacher. A graduate of Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Dr. O’Toole holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. He earned a master’s degree in educational administration and a doctorate in administration and policy studies from the University of Pittsburgh. In 2016, Clarion University honored him with its Distinguished Alumni Award. Dr. O’Toole resides in Cranberry Township with his wife, Tracey, a chemistry teacher in the Seneca Valley School District, and their son, Patrick. n

Kennywood Day—Monday, June 18 Hope to see you there!

SCHOOL PICNIC

2018

F o l l o w i n g a career in public education that spans 39 years, Dr. Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole Patrick T. O’Toole, superSuperintendent of Schools intendent of the Upper St. Clair School District, announced his retirement, effective June 30, 2018. “It has been the greatest honor of my career to serve the community of Upper St. Clair,” said Dr. O’Toole. “I never imagined having this opportunity to work with such talented educational leaders, faculty, support staff, and students.” Serving as Upper St. Clair’s superintendent since March 2007, Dr. O’Toole has provided effective leadership for numerous projects and programs. He focused the District’s vision for these initiatives on a new tagline: “Customizing Learning, Nurturing Potential and Delivering Excellence.” Throughout his tenure he led the following strategic plans: the expansion of STEAM opportunities through the District’s 1:1 initiative and the creation of the Innovation Hubs at the middle schools and high school; the enhancement of the Professional Learning Communities model in all six USC schools; the renovation of Boyce and Fort Couch middle schools; and the current capital project effort. Dr. O’Toole also led the District through its most difficult financial times brought on by the 2008 recession. A result of this work is the District’s advancement initiative that secures private and grant funding for District programs. “Words cannot adequately express my appreciation of the board members who took a chance when hiring me in 2007 and those who have supported me through the years,” said Dr. O’Toole. “Most of all, I wish to thank my family for their many sacrifices throughout my career.” Members of the board expressed their appreciation for Dr. O’Toole and shared the positive impact he has had on the District. “Dr. O’Toole often shares how fortunate he is to work at Upper St. Clair School District; in fact, it is our community, our staff, our school board and, most importantly, our students who have benefited from his leadership for more than a decade,” said Amy Billerbeck, board president. “He has led Upper St. Clair with vision, integrity, and professionalism. We wish him well in his retirement.” For Amy, Dr. O’Toole’s most impactful initiative was leadership development. During his first few years at Upper St.

EACH

Purchase your tickets at USC’s Kennywood website, www.kennywood.com/usc. Tickets are available for purchase up until your school picnic date. Additional processing fee will apply.

Summer 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Administrator Receives Pitt Award

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. High school electives are available to students entering grades nine through 11. Upon successful completion, students will be granted one general elective credit towards graduation requirements for those courses advertised as credited options. Registration is underway. If registration has not exceeded enrollment capacity, courses will continue to enroll students up to one week before the course begins. All courses are subject to cancellation based on enrollment. Summer program information is available in the Headlines section of the District’s website at www.uscsd.k12.pa.us. It is exciting to know that many students will be able to take advantage of learning opportunities beyond the regular school year. n

2018-2019 USCSD School Calendar

Aug 27 �� First Day of School for Students Sep 3 �� No School–Labor Day Oct 12 �� Half Day (Early Dismissal for Students) Oct 29–30 �� No School–Teacher-in-service Nov 6 �� No School–Teacher-in-service Nov 21-23 �� No School–Thanksgiving Recess Dec 24–Jan 1 �� No School–Winter Recess Jan 21 �� No School–Teacher-in-service Feb 18 �� No School–Teacher-in-service Mar 15 �� Half Day (Early Dismissal for Students) Mar 18 �� No School–Teacher-in-service Apr 1 �� No School–Teacher-in-service Apr 15–19 �� No School (Spring Recess) May 27 �� No School–Memorial Day Jun 6 �� High School Commencement Jun 11 �� Last Day of School for Students (Pending Snow Make-Up Days) Jun 12–13 �� Teacher-in-service (Snow Make-Up Days) Jun 14 �� Snow Make-Up Day Jun 17 �� Kennywood Day 58

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Amy Pfender, director of student support services for the Upper St. Clair School District, received the 2018 University of Pittsburgh School of Education’s Distinguished Departmental Alumni Award from the Department of Administrative and Policy Studies. She was recognized at the School of Education’s alumni reception in early April at the University Amy Pfender Club on Pitt’s campus in Oakland. “We are honored to recognize you and your professional accomplishments with this award, the department’s highest designated award,” wrote Valerie Kinloch, PhD, dean of the School of Education. Nominated for the award by Dr. Patrick O’Toole, superintendent of schools, Amy was praised for her leadership. “Amy has had an incredible career at Upper St. Clair. Throughout her 13 years with the District, she has continued to grow as a teacher, leader, and person,” said Dr. O’Toole. Amy joined the Upper St. Clair faculty in August 2005 as a special education teacher at Boyce Middle School. In 2009, she became the District’s elementary special education department chairperson, and the following year she ascended to special education curriculum leader. In March 2012, she was appointed assistant middle school principal and was promoted to principal of Boyce a year later. She began her current role, director of student support services, in January 2016. Dr. O’Toole describes Amy as a fierce supporter of others and one who regularly goes above and beyond to do what is right and best for others. “She is a selfless leader who is humble and focuses on others rather than herself,” said Dr. O’Toole. “She walks into every meeting and every classroom with the same thought: How can I support you? How can I support our students?” In May 2015, Amy earned statewide recognition for her early leadership skills when she was honored with the Wanda McDaniel Honorary Membership Award from the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators. The annual award recognizes an aspiring school administrator who demonstrates evidence of great leadership potential. Amy earned a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a bachelor’s degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. In addition to her administrative principal certification, she also holds certifications in K-12 supervisor of curriculum and instruction and K-12 supervisor of special education. Amy resides in Robinson Township, Washington County, with her husband, Keith, and their children, Jonah and Emily. n

Boyce Teachers Honored

Two Boyce Middle School teachers were honored with the Promising Practitioners Award from the Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Education (PAMLE). English language arts teachers Amy Homer and Morgan Olsen were Left to right: Boyce principal recognized this past February at the 2018 PAMLE conference Dan O’Rourke, Amy Homer, in State College. Morgan Olsen, Boyce assistant According to PAMLE’s website, the Promising Practitioners principal Christine Mussomeli Award “is presented to teachers who are just beginning their middle school careers. These beginning teachers have made a positive impact on both their school and community. They incorporate effective middle level practices in their everyday teaching.” Amy and Morgan were nominated for the award by Dan O’Rourke, Boyce principal, and Christine Mussomeli, Boyce assistant principal. “Amy and Morgan are consummate professionals and outstanding middle level educators,” said Dan. “Their knowledge of content and pedagogy, coupled with their passion for helping students grow and succeed academically, socially, and emotionally make them the perfect candidates for this award.” Amy, a member of Boyce’s Team Comet, previously served as long-term substitute in the District before joining the Boyce faculty in August 2017. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in education from Slippery Rock University. After teaching at Streams Elementary since 2004, Morgan recently transitioned to middle school English and language arts. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University, her master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in library and information sciences at Pitt. Morgan is a member of Boyce’s Team Challenger. “Amy and Morgan, both first year teachers at Boyce, are outstanding collaborators with their colleagues and with the entire Upper St. Clair community,” said Dan. “The climate and culture in their classrooms are warm, welcoming, and conducive to learning. They teach their students passionately and compassionately, while working to meet all students’ individual needs,” he added. n

Summer 2018

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 •

Academics

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

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

2018 Halls of Fame Inductee Nomination

Support Our 2018 High School Varsity Football Team

To nominate a candidate for the 2018 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 “Alumni” and then click on “Halls of Fame.” Submit your name, address, and phone number, along with your completed nomination via email to: Nancy Dunn at hof@uscsd.k12.pa.us. For more information, contact Nancy at 412-833-1600, ext. 2236.

Kick-offs Fridays, 7:30 p.m. at Panther Stadium for four home games

Cheer on our Panthers!

August 31

Youth Night USC takes on Peters

September 21

USC challenges West Allegheny

October 12

Halls of Fame/Homecoming USC confronts Moon

October 19 Senior Recognition Night (band, cheerleader, football) USC tackles Chartiers Valley

Nominations Due May 31, 2018. Nomination forms can also be mailed to: Nancy Dunn Halls of Fame Committee Upper St. Clair High School 1825 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

For additional information regarding the schedule, call the USCHS Athletic Office at 412-833-1600, extension 2260 or 2261. Summer 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Fall Sports Season Review Kevin Deitrick, USCHS Athletic Director Sharing good news is always relevant. The USCHS 2017 fall sports season featured many playoff teams, big games, and standout performances. Here’s a breakdown of each team’s and individual accomplishments. The varsity football team finished the season with an overall record of 8–4, including a 7–1 section record. The Panthers won their 23rd section title under head coach Jim Render. The losses were to eventual playoff teams, and the team came within a game of making it to Heinz Field and playing for the WPIAL championship. The Panthers lost to Penn Trafford in the semi-finals of the WPIAL playoffs. Individual accomplishments include having five players—Dante Greco, Football First Team All-Conference players, left to right, Jake Slinger, Jack Burton, Colin McLinden, and Matt Kissinger—named Jack Burton, Jake Slinger, Colin McLinden, coach Jim to the First Team All-Conference. Five players—Phil Elias, Dom Cepullio, Render, Dante Greco, and Matt Kissinger Tom Kyle, Jesse Fera, and Jack Hansberry—were named to the second team. Quinton Nelson and Chris Pantelis were named honorable mention. The varsity girls’ volleyball team finished the season with an overall record of 11–6, including a 9–3 section record in which they finished in second place. The team qualified for the WPIAL playoffs and made it to the quarterfinals. Seniors Alex Amos and Isabelle Walsh were named to the Big 56 First Team All-Conference and first team All-WPIAL and were named All-State selections. Alex Amos was selected as an Under Armor All-American. Emily O’Malley and Cam Shaffer were selected to the third team all-section. The boys’ and girls’ cross country teams had an incredible season! The girls finished the season with an 8–0 record and won their first-ever section title. The girls finished fifth in the WPIAL championship and won the Mingo Classic and the Tri-State Invitational team championship. The boys finished with a 7–1 record and placed second in the section. The boys finished ninth Members of the USCHS girls’ volleyball team in the WPIAL and won the Tri-State Invitational team championship. Cross country runner Savannah Shaw finished second at the WPIAL championship and third in the PIAA state championship. Savannah qualified for the All-State team and finished 16 th USCHS boys’ golf team, with their check in the Footlocker for Birdies for a Cause Members of the USCHS girls’ cross country team National cross country finals in San Diego, California. Claire Hoffman finished first in the Tri-State Coaches Association Invite and 21st in the PIAA championship. Boys’ golf finished the season with a 9–4 record and a section record of 8–2. Seniors Chris Joson and Jack Steve qualified for the WPIAL playoffs. Jack Steve finished fourth in the WPIAL championship and qualified for the PIAA state finals. The team raised $6645 through “Birdies with a Cause” to benefit Children’s Hospital of UPMC. They appeared on KDKA’s Annual Free Care Fund Benefit show in December. The girls’ golf team had a great year, ending the season with an overall record of 10–1 and 8–0 in section play. They won their section and finished third in the WPIAL championship. Mary Groninger advanced to the WPIAL individual championship round. The JV team went undefeated Members of the USCHS girls’ soccer team for the season. 60

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2018

The girls’ varsity soccer team finished the season with an overall record of 11–7–2 and a section record of 6–3–1. They finished in second place and made it to the semi-finals of the WPIAL playoffs. Nikki Gibbons and Mia Snyder were named All-WPIAL and First-Team Big 56; Nikki Gibbons, Mia Snyder, Marissa Krenn, and Jill Rocco were named All-Section; and Marissa Krenn and Jill Rocco were named Second Team Big 56. Girls’ tennis finished the season with an overall record of 13–5 and 9–3 in the section in which they placed third and qualified for the WPIAL playoffs. Senior captain Samantha Spina was named the 2017 Junior Volunteer of the Year. The boys’ varsity soccer team finished the season with an overall record of 7–10–1 and a section record of 6–4. They finished in second place for the section and qualified for the WPIAL playoffs. They made it to the quarterfinals of the tournament. Individual accomplishments include Ben Burlovic being named first team Big 56 All-Section; Sean Korpics, Zach Shoemaker, and Jack Gordley being named second team All-Section; Zach Ioli being named Big 56 honorable mention; and Zach Ioli, Ben Burlovic, and Jack Gordley being named WPSCA 4A All-Section. The varsity field hockey team finished the season with an overall record of 7–9 and a section record of 6–6. They finished section play in fourth place. Lauren Wholey was named AAA WPIAL All-Star and to the AAA All-Section team. Madeline Takos was also named to the AAA All-Section team. A special shout out to the entire Upper St. Clair student body for their attendance at the football games this past season, both home and away. According to the WPIAL Insider, the student section, which consistently placed second for five weeks and had eight top-five finishes, was ranked as the third best student section in the entire WPIAL! Their support of the school and the USC community is valued and appreciated. n

USC Student Wins Shakespeare Monologue Fort Couch eighth grader Anoushka Sinha was named the monologue winner in the upper division of the 24th annual Shakespeare Monologue and Scene contest at the Pittsburgh Public Theater. The Showcase of Finalists was held this past February at the O’Reilly Theater in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. Anoushka gave her winning performance as Helena in “All’s Well That Ends Well.” The youngest competitor in her division, she went Shakespeare winner up against seven other students in grades ten, 11, and 12. Anoushka Anoushka Sinha received a leather-bound volume of Shakespeare’s complete works as well as a flex subscription to Pittsburgh Public Theater’s upcoming season. In addition, a pair of Boyce students were two of five finalists in the lower division scene category. Sixth graders Katie Kucherawy and Janelle Knierim performed a scene from “Romeo & Juliet.” In total, 50 Upper St. Clair School District students participated in the Shakespeare Monologue and Scene contest—27 from Boyce, 17 from Fort Couch, and six from the high school. Serving as sponsors were gifted education teachers Connie Gibson (Fort Couch and high school), Pat Palazzolo, (high school), Jason O’Roark, (Fort Couch), Sue Fleckenstein (Boyce), and Diane Ecker (Boyce). More than 1200 students in grades four through 12 from nearly 100 area schools competed in the preliminary rounds in early February. Students could enter the monologue, scene, or both portions of the contest in either the upper division (grades eight through 12) or the lower division (grades four through seven). Coaching sessions are conducted in January and February in the schools and at the O’Reilly Theater. Contestants present their pieces in front of a panel of judges, and those who advance to the final round of the contest have the opportunity to perform at the Showcase of Finalists. n Summer 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Upper St. Clair High School Spring Musical

The USCHS Performing Arts Department thrilled crowds this past March with this year’s spring musical, Evita. Evita charts the young and ambitious Eva Peron’s meteoric rise to sainthood. Set in Argentina between 1934–1952, the Tony-winning musical follows Eva Duarte on her journey from poor illegitimate child to ambitious actress to, as wife of military leader-turned-president Juan Peron, the most powerful woman in Latin America, before her death from cancer at the young age of 33. The events in Eva’s life are presented in song and commented on by the show’s narrator, Che. Wellknown numbers from Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical masterpiece include “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” “Oh What a Circus,” “Buenos Aires,” and “Another Suitcase in Another Hall.” Photo credit: Andrew Halpner and John Barsotti

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2018

Speech and Debate Wins Invitational This past February, the USC Speech and Debate team was the overall team tournament champion at the Bethel Park Black Hawk Invitational, the largest annual tournament in the tri-state area, with more than 600 competitors from 42 schools in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. Upper St. Clair placed first as a team in debate for the fifth consecutive year and third overall in speech. In debate, the Parliamentary debate team had a terrific tournament, taking all four semifinal and final places. The team of Vivek Babu, Sunny Chai, and Jami Stout defeated Ethan Bowman, Steven Cheung, and Jacob Lantzman for the championship. Third and fourth places belonged to the teams of Mathena Jencka, Amanda Ross, and Anika Sinha, and Basir Khan, Ayush Sharma, and Chand Vadalia, respectively. The Lincoln-Douglas team had great success, as well. Abby Riemer advanced to the semifinals (top four) and Nadith Dharmasena made the quarterfinals (top

eight), while Eshita Chhajlani made Partial Double-Octofinals (top 20). In Public Forum, Christian Chiu and Harrison Chui were Partial DoubleOctofinalists, and Ariana Chiu and Ava White were Octofinalists (top 16). In Congress, Daniel Speer placed fifth and John Joyce placed sixth, while Alex Lampe and Caroline Wolfe were semifinalists (top 12). In Speech, the Left to right, sophomores team of Wyatt Keating and Shebl Rosati Left to right, seniors Abby Riemer and Amanda Ross, Jami Stout, Sunni Chai, won the tournament championship in holding their individual and Vivek Babu, after Duo by seven ranks. Meanwhile, Mayka awards and the first place winning Parliamentary Debate at the Bethel Park Chaves took home second place and Ralph Karn Excellence in Debate Award Invitational Joe Phillips was fourth in Prose, the The team won overall sweepstakes titles largest speech event. Paarth Shankar placed sixth in Extemporaneous Speaking. at Hampton and Mercer in January and Semifinalists (top 12) included Maddie Pittsburgh Central Catholic in December Nolen (Prose), Laura Lapham (Humor), and placed second overall at Pine-Richland Grace Blumenfed (Oratory), and Hashim in January and North Catholic in December. Durrani (Drama). Quarterfinalists (top 24) USC captured its final regular season included Atharva Barve (Extemp), Sammy tournament at West Allegheny in speech, Levy and Bryce Keating (Prose), and Ben debate, and overall. n Holthaus (Humor).

The Monsters of Upper St. Clair

When we were little, they lurked in the shadows, living under our beds and in closets as we hid under the covers. Then Disney’s Monsters Inc. came along, and the scary monsters of childhood lore Streams fourth graders, left to had suddenly been transformed into right, MaryEllen, Isabella, and cuddly, funny characters with big perEden, holding their monster sonalities. Somewhere in the middle drawing and the resulting high school created 3D model lie the monsters of Upper St. Clair. In a partnership, members of the fourth grade art club at Streams Elementary teamed up with the 3D Studio Art students at the high school. Fourth graders used their wild imaginations to invent their very own monsters—including drawings of what they would look like—and written descriptions about their unique characteristics. High school students were tasked with bringing the drawings to life with clay and mixed media materials. “At the elementary level, students have wonderful imaginations and creative ideas that are often lost as students move on to middle school. Once in middle school, kids start to care more about what others think and how they might be judged by classmates,” said Erika Valentine, USCHS art teacher. “Those days of openly thinking outside the box disappear in many kids as they grow older. So, by bringing the elementary and high school art programs together for a project, my hope is to allow the high school students to tap into the younger, more creative side and explore a part of them that they may have forgotten.” The fourth graders worked in small groups of three to four to develop one monster, its name, and its specific characteristics. Some of the imaginative details included denim, patched overalls with one strap hanging down; big, pointy troll ears; round feet; spikes on the body; a rainbow-colored horn; pink, fuzzy fur; and

the definite need for a disco ball and dance floor. “What makes this project special is the ability to show our students how working collaboratively as a team allows for heightened imaginative ideas, ones that could not have been created by one mind alone,” said Angela Stevenson, Streams Elementary art teacher. “This project shows how problem solving, planning, and a solid foundation can create a finished product for someone to follow. “While the drawings and sculptures are cool pieces on their own, the solid foundation—which provides a clearly defined blue print—allows the creation of the sculptures in the first place,” she said. Erika and her high school art students visited Steams in late January to deliver the 3D monsters to their fourth grade owners. The fourth grade team of Isabella Donnelly, Eden Elkoni, and MaryEllen Kobeski attribute much of the inspiration for their monster design to trolls. Their monster was green, with pointy ears, one eye, only a bit of hair, and clad in denim overalls. “We wanted something scary, but a little cute at the same time. That’s why we chose the overalls,” said Isabella. According to Isabella, Eden, and MaryEllen, the high school artists did a great job creating the 3D model and they enjoyed the opportunity to work with them. “We usually only get to work with other fourth graders,” said Eden. “It was cool to work with students outside our school and with kids older than us.” “Our high school students benefit from the free and open imaginations of our fourth graders. The fourth graders witness how their creativity can inspire others, which offers these students, who might not feel they shine in other classroom studies, the opportunity to gain self-esteem and believe in themselves,” said Angela. “They were excited when they realized their artwork was good enough for a high school student to take the time to create it in a 3D representation.” n Summer 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

USC Artists Earn Recognition High School and Fort Couch Five writers and four artists recently earned recognition in the regional Scholastic Art and Writing Awards contest. Among the 13 awards were two Gold Key honors for eighth grader Alex LeKachman for his painting titled “Autumn Trail” and sophomore Lauren “Autumn Trail,” by Alex LeKachman Teresi for her photograph “Into the Woods.” As Gold Key award winners, Alex and Lauren moved on to national level competition. The following students earned a combined total of seven 2018 Northeast Art Region-at-Large awards (cat“Into the Woods,” by Lauren Teresi egory in parenthesis). Sydney Kirk, Fort Couch, grade 8: honorable mention for “Morning Mist” (photography), honorable mention for “Pigged Out” (photography), honorable mention for “Three Little Birds” (photography) Alex LeKachman, Fort Couch, grade 8: Gold Key for “Autumn Trail” (painting) Katherine Li, USCHS, grade 9: honorable mention for “Curiosities” (painting) Lauren Teresi, USCHS, grade 10: Gold Key for “Into the Woods” (photography), Silver Key for “The Bean” (photography) Five students earned recognition through the 2018 Pittsburgh Regional Scholastic Writing awards: Annika Chaves, USCHS, grade 9: Silver Key for “An Unwanted Question” (poetry) Sarah Besser, USCHS, grade 10: honorable mention for “A Phone Call Never Placed” (personal essay/memoir) Markella Jahn, Fort Couch, grade 7: Silver Key for “The Wish” (short story) Himani Karia, Fort Couch, grade 8: honorable mention for “Battle of Ambivalence” (personal essay/memoir) Julia Roeschenthaler, Fort Couch, grade 8: honorable mention for “Time” (poetry) Students, grades seven through 12, in the U.S. and its territories, as well as American schools abroad, submit creative and original work in any of the awards’ 29 art and writing categories. This year’s writing contest drew more than 400 submissions from students throughout Allegheny County. All works are initially evaluated through blind adjudication on a regional level by more than one hundred local affiliates of the Alliance, and then nationally by a panel of creative industry experts. At each level of judging, all works are reviewed based on the same criteria that have represented the program since its founding in 1923: originality, technical skill, and emergence of personal vision or voice.

Elementary Schools and Boyce

The following students earned first, second, and third place honors in the District-wide 2017–18 Arts in USC contest, sponsored by the USC Parent Teacher Council. Kindergarten First place: “Early Morning Wonder at the Park” by Kriti Kulkarni, Baker Second place: “The House and the Sea” by Annika Richard, Streams area home-schooled Third place: “Family Time” by Matthew Hobbs, Eisenhower First Grade First place: “Wonderful Nature” by Cadia Gostic, Baker Second place: “The Wonder All Around Us” by Mira Murthy, Streams Third place: Untitled by Elle Fisher, Eisenhower Second Grade First place: “Winter Wonder Land” by Alexa Galbraith, Streams Second place: “Beach of Wonders” by Madelyn Brunner, Baker Third place: “The Girl” by Audrey Chakos, Eisenhower Third Grade First place: “Peacock and Rainbow” by Sahana Senthil, Baker Second place: “Super Blue Moon Morning” by Penelope Weaver, Streams Third place: “Daydream” by Makenzie Smith, Eisenhower Fourth Grade First place: “Seeing Things Through” by Sasha Boyette, Baker Second place: “World Peace” by Medha Misra, Eisenhower Third place: “Peaceful World” by Isaac Gracie, Streams Fifth Grade First place: “Who’s Watching Us?” by Meredith Roman Second place: “Wondrous Owl” by Zoe Roberts Third place: “Man-Made and Natural Wonders” by Eva Dubriel Sixth Grade First place: “#Smile” by Melodi Caliskan Second place: “To Dream Far Enough” by Elena Fairfull Third place: “Seeing All the Wonder Around Us” by Diana Funaro More than 150 students in kindergarten through grade six participated in this annual USC contest. With the theme “The Wonder All Around Us,” students were tasked with creating original, two-dimensional artwork. All submissions were on display at the Arts & Chocolate Spring Spectacular held at the C&RC this past March. The mission of the Arts in USC contest is to bring opportunities of artistic expression to all students, while making it possible for students to have a contest experience. Students submitted artwork to this in-house competition, which was judged at each grade level within each school. First place artwork for each elementary grade advanced to District-wide judging. n The USC Parent Teacher Council (PTC) promotes student participation through its Arts in USC initiative.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2018

Best Buddies

Five USC students advanced to the 68th annual Western Pennsylvania Spelling Bee held this past March at Robert Morris University. To qualify for the regional competition, Noshi Dabas, Zahra Hossain, Jhoran Laffin, Priyanka Palayekar, and Emiliano Sobarzo each finished first in his or her school’s spelling bee. The schoollevel bees, open to students in grades four through eight, were sponsored by the USC Parent Teacher Council. Students from throughout a 26-county region competed in the event. Upper St. Clair’s regional winners and second through fifth place school finishers are: Baker First place: Noshi Dabas, with the winning word “ricochet” Second place: Nikhil Chandran Third place: Zahra Khan Fourth place: Anvita Talasela Fifth place: Sara Gillespie Eisenhower First place: Emiliano Sobarzo, with the winning word “facilitate” Second place: Roha Pandya Third place: Lylah Kateeb Fourth place: Artie McCallum Fifth place: Danny Angelov Streams First place: Zahra Hossain, with the winning word “conspiracy” Second place: Seth Williams Third place: Isabella Donnelly Fourth place: Hudson Honeycott Fifth place: Kaia Petrick Boyce First place: Jhoran Laffin, with the winning word “nunnery” Second place: Eitan Schwartz Third place: Anushka Patil Fourth place: Kristen Albertini Fifth place: Shriya Narasimhan Fort Couch First place: Priyanka Palayekar, with the winning word “architectural” Second place: Keshav Narasimhan Third place: Daniel Wang Fourth place: Arunprakash Vasudevan Fifth place: Shana Reddy

The Streams Elementary School community raised over $7000 to benefit Best Buddies through its 14th annual Children for Children initiative. Students presented the check to a representative from the Best Buddies organization this past March. With the slogan “A Simple Act Can Make a Difference,” the community service initiative was first launched in the 2004–05 school year when a small group of parents approached school principal Dr. Claire Miller about developing a child-focused, child-driven charity event. The goal was simple: expose students to other children in the world who Left to right: Colleen Hicks, program manager, Pittsburgh Best are in need, and show Buddies; Streams students Delaney Burnette, Josh Snyder, them how they can make a Wyatt Serdy, Evan Smirniw, McKenzey Mack; difference. Dr. Claire Miller, principal, Streams Elementary Each year, the school selects a different charitable organization. The only prerequisite is that the organization must help children. Since 2005, the Children for Children initiative has raised nearly $75,000 to benefit 14 local, regional, national, and international organizations. Charities include Connecting Children with Champions, UNICEF Tsunami Relief, Katrina School Fund, CORE Organ, Dominican Republic Outreach Program, Heifer International, National Military Family Association’s Operation Purple, Casey’s Clubhouse, charity: water, Jameson’s Army, Grady’s All Stars, The Education Partnership, Global Links, Our Clubhouse, and Beverly’s Birthdays. n

The District Reaches Agreement with Support Staff Union Upper St. Clair School District (District) and the USC Special Service Federation (USCSSF) recently ratified a new two-year collective bargaining agreement effective September 1, 2018, through August 31, 2020. The current contract expires August 31, 2018. “This agreement is the result of a positive relationship between the District and the union,” said Amy Billerbeck, School Board of Directors president. “Our community, students, and staff depend on the skill and dedication of our service employees.” Following ratification by USCSSF members this past February, the board unanimously approved the new agreement the same month. The classified union represents more than 160 workers, including custodians, maintenance, mechanics, teacher aides, secretaries, and nutrition center staff. The new contract represents a wage increase of approximately three percent in salaries, offset by an increase in contributions to health care premiums. “The wage increases in this extension are well-deserved,” said Dr. Patrick O'Toole, superintendent of schools. “The critical work these employees engage in each day ultimately results in staff and student success.” Federation president Andy Ruffalo attributes the successful agreement to a healthy working relationship between the two entities. “Both the federation and the District were committed to reaching a fair contract. We did just that and our members voted overwhelmingly to accept the new contract,” said Andy. “This new two-year agreement continues the solid labor management relationship we have with the District,” he said. n Summer 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

T HEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? SD THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDTHEY IDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDID WHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? DID THEYDWHAT IDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDID?WHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEY DID WHAT?THEY DID WHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEY DID WHAT?THEY DID WHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? Top Honors at Japanese Contest This past March, three USCHS students placed first in the annual High School Japanese Speech Contest, held at the University of Pittsburgh. Madelyn Lebedda, Katie Knizner, and Anna Culhane earned top honors in levels 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Also finishing in the top three for each level were Ethan Quinto, second place in level 3; Caroline Knizner, third place in level 1; and Maggie Bryant, third place in level 2. More than 100 high school Japanese language learners of all levels from the tri-state area competed in the regional speech and poster competition. Students participated in one of four speech levels according to their level of instruction. For the speech competition, beginner level students were asked to prepare and deliver a self-introduction, and intermediate through advanced-plus students were instructed to prepare a speech on the topic “Animals in Japan.” In addition to those who placed, the following USCHS students participated in the contest: Hunter Bench, John Chakos, Elijah Chapdelaine, Gianna Lavezoli, and Busra Nakiboglu. Students were directed by Japanese language teachers Chie Ramsey and Junko Kapples. The competition is hosted by the Asian Studies Center; University Center for International Studies, University of Pittsburgh; and the Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.japansocietypa.org/Speech-Contest. Anna Culhane

Chess Champ Congratulations to Fort Couch Middle School student Trinity Murphy who placed fifth in the Scholastic section at the 2018 PA State Game/75 Championship-6 Grand Prix Point Event chess tournament, that was held this past February at the University of Pittsburgh.

Trinity Murphy

Boyce Student Semifinalist in Geography Bee Louis Gargani, a Boyce sixth grader, has been named a semifinalist in the 2018 Pennsylvania National Geographic State Bee. He scored among the top 100 on the qualifying exam that was administered to school-level champions throughout the state. The bee, in its 30th year, is open to students Louis Gargani in grades four through eight. Students initially compete at the school-level to determine school champions, who then complete a qualifying test that is submitted to the National Geographic Society. The 100 top-scoring students in each state were invited to compete in the state bees held in April and the top winner of each state goes on to the national level of competition in hunt for various scholarships, prizes, and a trip. National Geographic will stream the final round of the National Geographic Bee Championship starting May 24 at www.natgeobee.org. 66

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Summer 2018

Katie Knizner

Madelyn Lebedda

Odyssey of the Mind Teams Advance to States Of the 19 USC teams that competed in the Odyssey of the Mind regional tournament, six teams qualified to advance to the state competition in April at the Poconos. The teams advancing to the Pennsylvania Odyssey state tournament represent Odyssey divisions I (elementary), II (middle school), and III (high school). Their eight-minute solution performances, which are judged on creativity and risktaking, include vehicle, technical, classics, and performance problems. First place Performance: Division I Boyce team of Eva Dubreil, Komel Nulwala, Michael Conte, Anushka Sharma, Pritika Gupta, George Abdel-Messih, and Benjamin Ross; coached by Batool Nulwala and Neelum Sharma Technical: Division I Boyce team of Esha Lathia, Anastasia Gzikowski, Ben Murtough, Owen Mucho, Jake Casares, Ben Seewald, and Peter Markovitz; coached by Stacey Seewald, Meridith Markovitz, and Laura Murtough Vehicle: Division III USCHS team of Christina Conte, Vivek Babu, Jacob Conte, Maggie Lowden, Isabella Putorti, and Gracie Lowden; coached by Rachel Lowden and Beatrice Conte Second place Classics: Division III USCHS team of Sammie Seewald, Max Murtough, Victoria Cuba, Brianna Lin, Joseph Markovitz, Eric Wang, Constantine Tripodes; coached by Laura Murtough, Meridith Markovitz, and Stacey Seewald Third place Performance: Division I Streams and Eisenhower Elementary team of Ellie Simons, Geneva Eisinger, Lily Simons, Lauren Ginsburg, Addie Young, Kurt Baran, and Collin Rosenberg; coached by Simon Rosenberg, Nate Eisinger, and Artie Baran Classics: Division II Fort Couch team of Cameron Coller, Rosemary Ramirez, Josilyn Seftchick, Lindsay Ross, Jack Lowden, Cameron Weber, and Mariam Abdel-Messih; coached by Kurt Weber and Mike Ross According to its website, “Odyssey of the Mind is an international creative problem-solving program for students K-12 and college students. Students learn the value of brainstorming and teamwork, as they grow their selfconfidence and appreciation for the ideas and strengths of others while in an encouraging team-focused atmosphere.”

USCHS Swim Team Excels at States Congratulations to all of the Upper St Clair swimmers who competed in state championships this past March. Notable swims included freshman Josh Matheny, who won the state championship in the 100 breaststroke; junior Jack Fitzpatrick, who placed third in the 500 free; and seniors Abby Matheny and Olivia Shaffer, who finished sixth and eighth in the 500 freestyle, respectively. Both teams claimed runner up at the WPIAL championship and the boys’ team won Sections.

Left to right are the three students who raised the largest amount of contributions: Peter Mitchell, Kindergarten; Madison Hahn, first grade; Tyler Palucis, third grade

Regional America Bowl Two USC teams were among the top finishers at the regional America Bowl held at Baldwin High School this past February. A team of Boyce students finished first in the 3–5 division. Team members included Jamie Barrett, Louis Gargani, Rohan Mehta, and Yuhong Shi. Fort Couch seventh graders Ethan Anderson, Qadir Khan, Jack Miller, and Ben Wasson placed second in the 6–8 division. Students answered individual and team questions from categories that included presidents, famous people, Pittsburgh history, U.S. states, physical map/things to see, and U.S. government.

National Merit Finalists Ten USCHS seniors were recently named finalists in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program. Steven Cheung, Ariana Chiu, Nadith Dharmasena, Sahil Doshi, Jagadeesh Gummadi, Michael Hrehocik, Caroline LeKachman, Spencer Miller, Daniel Speer, and Abigail Wagner were selected on the basis of their SAT scores, grades, essays, and letters of recommendation. Founded in 1955, the National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships. High school students enter the program by taking the PSAT (the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) during the fall of their junior year. Of the nearly 1.6 million entrants, the top one percent (nearly 16,000 students), qualify as semifinalists, approximately 15,000 of whom advance as finalists. As finalists, the USC seniors are now competing for National Merit Scholarships that will be offered and announced this spring. The program awards three types of scholarships: National Merit $2500 Scholarships, corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarships and college-sponsored Merit Scholarships.

Left to right: Josh Matheny, Jack Fitzpatrick, Abby Matheny, Olivia Shaffer

Left to right: Boyce team: Rohan Mehta, Yuhong Shi, Jamie Barrett, Louis Gargani

Left to right: Fort Couch team: Qadir Khan, Ben Wasson, Ethan Anderson, Jack Miller

State Wrestler Congratulations to Jake Slinger for finishing in seventh place in the PIAA state wrestling championship tournament this past March. Following states, Jake attended the NHSCA wrestling championships in Virginia Beach, where he garnered fifth place and earned All-American status.

Left to right: Dom Frollini, Danny Palm, Jake Slinger, Josh Mollica (head coach), Ryan Logue

USC Freshman Featured in Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra Concert USCHS freshman Christian Chiu has been named a winner in the 2017–18 Solo Competition, sponsored by the Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra and the Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association–Greater Pittsburgh Chapter. Christian performed the first movement of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in the orchestra’s March 24 concert. Christian made his orchestral debut with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at age ten. He was chosen as a finalist in the MostArts Festival Young Pianists Competition and the Arthur Fraser International Piano Competition/Southeastern Piano Festival. Christian has also been first prize winner of the Duquesne Young Artist National Competition and the Pittsburgh Concert Society Young Artist Competition. He currently studies privately with professor Natasha Snitkovsky. Christian Chiu

Summer 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Pawprints...

SD PTC

Baker

Eisenhower

Council Dr. Daphna Gans, President Several weeks ago, I had the opportunity to tour every school building in our District and meet all schools’ administrators in one day. No, it was not the first time I visited each building, nor was it the first time I conversed with each administrator. But it was the first time I did it all in one day. You may ask yourself why it matters, and to be honest I did not expect it to matter either. However, walking down the halls of each school, one after the other, it became clearly apparent to me: we are all one community. Yes, every building has its own character. True, each administrator brings his or her own world view, management style, and passion to each school. But there are common threads that tie all the schools together and unite them into an Upper St. Clair school community. Perhaps the most notable common theme was a culture of kindness and inclusion. From a poster on a wall in one school stating “Be Somebody Today to Make Someone Feel Like Somebody,” to a poster with individual messages of encouragement in another, to classes that promote interactions among students with varying abilities in yet another, the message was clear: in our District, from elementary to high school, we value and promote kindness and inclusion. How do we manage to have this sense of shared values across the different age groups and different buildings? While there are so many ways the administrators, faculty, and staff deliberately work together to achieve a shared culture, I chose to focus in this article on transitions. I spoke to Amy Pfender, the District’s director of student support services, and Lauren Madia, student support services curriculum leader, on what transitionfocused activities take place at every point of transition. “Collaboration and communication are very important when we approach our transition activities,” said Lauren. “We work to ensure that students and families understand the processes in place and supports that are available. Following are some key transition activities across the District. When moving from the elementary schools to Boyce and 68

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Streams

Boyce

from Boyce to Fort Couch, parents receive forms where they can provide input as it relates to their child’s transition, asking the parents to describe the strengths of their child and type of teaching style they respond to, as examples. Some parents include names for peers to support a positive transition. At all levels, informational meetings for parents—providing a wealth of information on what to expect are held well ahead of the transition. The counselors also meet with the students and discuss upcoming transitions with them. At Fort Couch, for example, eighth grade students participate in guidance class activities and lessons. They also get to hear presentations from high school teachers who discuss class offerings at the high school, receive course recommendations from their current teachers, and have ample time to meet with their counselors to discuss their individual situation. Another aspect to the transition activities to the high school is the visits of high school student mentors (juniors in the high school who are carefully selected for this role) at Fort Couch. The mentors meet with the students for three 25-minute sessions towards the end of the school year and continue to have interactions with them when they become freshmen. The District move-up day at the end of each school year is probably one of the hallmarks of the transition activities. On this day, incoming fifth, seventh, and ninth graders get to spend the day in their respective next school and experience what a typical day may look like. During the summer before the transition, several schools hold back-to-school events at the end of the summer, supported by our PTA/PTO/PTSO units, as well as new family welcome events where information is shared with those families new to the school, who may have missed other transition activities. As the umbrella organization, the Parent Teacher Council holds its District-wide new families welcome event at the beginning of each school year. Once the school year starts, the receiving schools continue with activities to ensure a smooth adaptation. For example, notes Amy Pfender, “Since fifth grade is the first time that parent conferences are not on the scheduled school calendar, parents Summer 2018

Fort Couch

USCHS

are encouraged to schedule conferences with teachers or counselors through the school’s office.” At the high school, there is a mandatory freshman seminar to support the students transition. “We also work behind the scenes as faculty and administration to be sure we are aware of students’ needs,” Lauren adds. This includes a variety of efforts in both the sending and receiving schools, including communications between the counselors at each school, between the teachers and others, and as-needed consultations based on an individual child’s needs. As you walk through your child’s school building, or when you attend your child’s next transition activity, keep in mind that while it may seem effortless, there is, in fact, a great deal of effort that goes into creating smooth transitions. This is my last article as a PTC president, following my articles as Fort Couch PTSO president a couple of years ago. I thank you for taking the time to read my comments and for the opportunity to serve the USC School District in these roles. Our District is only a community if we make it one, so please continue to attend our meetings, visit our website, join our Facebook page, volunteer if you can, and stay engaged. High School PTSO Tracy Barnett, President Transitioning from middle school to the high school can be daunting for any freshman. The high school administrators, counselors, teachers, and staff have many formal and informal programs in place to make the transition as seamless as possible for all freshmen. I will focus on the student mentoring program and the student activities office. Mentoring Program: Approximately 60 USCHS students serve as junior mentors (four seniors serve as super mentors). Their job is to provide information, support, and encouragement during a student’s first year at the high school. From greeting the freshmen on move up day in their brightly colored t-shirts through their weekly visits to their assigned freshmen homeroom classes, the mentors provide whatever guidance the freshmen appear

... a USC Parent Teacher Council Feature to need. They help the students navigate the building on Simulation Day and during the first few days of the school year. Throughout the year, they visit freshman homerooms for informal meetings and discussions regarding both academic and non-academic issues. The mentoring program is rewarding for both the student mentors and the freshmen who receive advice and guidance. Activities Office: A wonderful way to transition into the high school is to get involved in a club or activity. There are more than 65 clubs at the high school, including the archery club, cereal club, and the yearbook committee, to name a few. Students may form a new club by submitting an application to the activities office. At the beginning of the school year, there is a “rush” for freshmen (and other new students). The clubs set up informational tables where students can learn more about a particular club. If a student has difficulty finding a club, Brooke Tarscon, USCHS assistant activities director, welcomes them to stop by her office. She has a wealth of information about all of the activities going on at the school and will help your student find an activity that interests him or her. These are just two of the mechanisms in place to help the freshmen transition from middle school to high school. The administration, counselors, teachers, and staff are aware that this is a big transition for our children, and they do their best to make it as smooth as possible. If additional assistance is needed, contact any of the administrators or your child’s counselor. Fort Couch PTSO Hemina KrishnaBachia, President Six Fort Couch students were interviewed to glean their perspectives on community as it relates to school, USC, and what they plan to do as adults. These students reflect the diversity of our students. “I have lived in USC my whole life. My advice to incoming seventh graders is to keep up with all your schoolwork and projects, as this helps you prepare for high school. I love basketball and play travel basketball. The C&RC is really amazing and I love playing basketball there with my friends. My favorite part of USC is the Community Day parade. When I grow up, I want to be an oral surgeon just like my dad. He has a practice in Mt. Lebanon.” —Devin Hall, Grade 7 “My family moved to USC from Baltimore, and we have lived here for three

years. When I transition to eighth grade next year, I would like to play a leading role in the musical. I’m part of the ensemble this year. My favorite community service project was being part of the Jenna Squad at my synagogue. A group of us helped a special needs child prepare for her Bat Mitzvah by helping her rehearse and feel comfortable singing in front of an audience.” —Ella Elkoni, Grade 7, MYP/IB “I love playing baseball with my friends and on my travel league. My favorite place to play is municipal field, next to the Township library. The great big scoreboard, fences, and concession stand make it feel professional! If I could travel anywhere in the world, I might go to Japan to experience a completely different culture.” —Charlie Stohl, Grade 7 “I like living in USC because everyone is friendly. I love volunteering. The IB program teaches me about reaching out to the community and society, and to be tolerant of one another. Adults should behave this way, too! When I grow up, I want to be a microbiologist. Last year, we learned about genetics. It was really cool to take a swab from my cheek and look at my cells under the microscope.” —Jordana (Jordy) Kennedy, Grade 8, MYP/IB “I am nervous about high school. It’s so big. It’s nerve-wracking! I love playing soccer, and I volunteer as a server at our church’s fish fry. When I grow up, I want to be a middle school principal, like Mr. DeMar. During guidance, I researched this career and it seems cool. I am currently vice president of student council. Working on student council projects, I get a chance to work closely with Mr. DeMar. I really like his job.” —RJ Shontz, Grade 8 “High school is a big deal because it prepares you for college. I want to do my best. Everyone in middle school takes the same classes, but in high school, you choose classes geared towards your interests. You can select challenging classes, like honors or AP. I love all the parks and green space in USC! Our community is cozy and homey, and feels safe. It’s a very welcoming community. I enjoy volunteering in the elementary schools. When I grow up, I want to go into the field of psychology. The human brain is fascinating and interesting!” —Anoushka Sinha, Grade 8, MYP/IB The Fort Couch PTSO proudly serves our community of students and teachers. In January, a $10,000 gift was provided to purchase a 3D printer, poster printer, a surge protector, and four sewing machines to make costumes for the school musical.

SD PTC

Left to right, front row: Jordana Kennedy, RJ Shontz, Anoushka Sinha; middle row: Ella Elkoni, Devin Hall; back row: Charlie Stohl

Boyce PTO Stacey Cobb, President It’s hard to believe the end of the school year is just around the corner. Where has the year gone? Time flies when you are having fun and the students at Boyce are always having fun! Our teachers and staff continue to come up with new and exciting ways for the students to not only learn, but to have fun while they are learning new topics. Our students are being challenged while also being encouraged to have fun and enjoy what they are doing. Boyce students have been busy this year, participating in numerous fundraisers for both the school and various charities. Some of the charities we’ve helped include the Miracle League, Operation Homefront, SHIM, Meals on Wheels, Family Promise, and Northwestern Human Services. In addition to helping charities, the students raised funds through Read for a Reason, our yearly read-a-thon, to purchase life size games to be used for recess. We appreciate the generosity of all our Boyce families. With the end of the year approaching, the students will be transitioning into new roles. Our sixth graders will be leaving Boyce and transitioning to Fort Couch, while our fifth graders will become the upper classmen! Each transition is different for every student, but one they will all go through. Given a little time, everyone will become familiar with their new roles. Transitioning can be daunting and difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. A big transition is the one from elementary school to middle school. At Boyce, the staff helps make the transition as seamless as possible. For all students, there is a new school to navigate, along with new teachers and classmates. There is also a new routine that the students will have to learn. Classes become longer and students have iPads to use in class and for homework. These are all changes that every student entering Boyce has to deal with. Some transition Cont. on page 70

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... a USC Parent Teacher Council Feature

Cont. from page 69

without any problems, while others might feel a bit lost. But, before they know it, all will have it figured out and the daily routine becomes just that, routine. The school staff prides itself in making each student feel comfortable and at home at Boyce. Near the end of the school year, fourth graders have the opportunity to visit Boyce during move up day to give them a glimpse of what the school is like and allow them a chance to check out the famous slushies! Students have another opportunity to tour the school and have questions answered at Family Welcome Day in August, normally one week before school begins. Information is sent home with the child’s school assignments. Hopefully all students transition easily in and out of Boyce. Boyce is a great school for students to expand their knowledge and social groups and continue their love of learning. The opportunities all Boyce students get are truly amazing! Baker PTA Michelle Urban, President Transition. What does it mean? According to Webster’s Dictionary, “transition” means the process or period of changing from one state or condition to another. We transition from season to season, grade to grade, etc. But I think the idea of transition means different things to different people. Some people see transition as way of growing, others see it as frightening, while others see it as a necessity. I asked a group of Kindergarteners and fourth graders about their upcoming transitions—changing grade levels—to hear their ideas about transition. A group of fourth graders were asked about moving into fifth grade at Boyce Middle School. Most of them were nervous and excited about the unknown, but curiosity overshadowed all other questions. They asked: Will it be easy to find the classrooms? Will we like the kids from the other two elementary schools (even though they probably know some or most of them)? What are teachers like at Boyce? One thing was a definite for all of them: they were extremely excited about the smoothie machine and can’t wait to give it a try!  When I posed the question about moving into first grade to a group of Kindergarteners, curiosity also seemed to rank first. They asked about first grade— was it easy?—and about the first grade teachers. They asked about staying for lunch—was the food good? (Funny how 70

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food always creeps into the conversation at any age!) For them, their main question was about a full day of school.  So, as our students transition to their next grade level, I wish them all the best! Eisenhower PTO Jessica Strub, President It seems that just when we get comfortable in each phase of life, it’s time for a change. I realize this is cliché, but change is good—it keeps us growing, it keeps us learning. As my children transition through the District, I am reassured at every turn by the tools and support available to ease each move, whether attending kindergarten for the first time, entering high school as a freshman, or somewhere in between. Take advantage of the many ways the District supports its students and families. Each school offers an open house in the summer months where you can tour the school and meet the staff. It’s a great way to familiarize your child and yourself with the building’s layout, and maybe even meet a new friend. Call or email your school principal or counselor. They’d welcome the opportunity to speak to you about your child’s needs or concerns. Reach out to your parent teacher organization’s representatives. There are a number of ways to become involved, even if it is just to learn more about what each organization does throughout the year. Learning more about the programs and activities at your school can start a dialogue with your student and get them to think optimistically about the year ahead. Ask a neighbor or friend about their child’s experience in each school or grade. Personal insight can make a world of difference when faced with the unknown. For example, I asked my Kindergarten student what she would say to a friend who might be nervous to attend Kindergarten this coming fall. Her response: “Oh, I would tell them not to be nervous, school is so much fun! You get to color every day!” It has been my pleasure to serve as the Eisenhower PTO president this year. I am grateful for the never-ending support of the executive board, including Heather Grote, Gina Swanson, Tricia Bodamer, Jill Hicks, and principal Mark Miller. They made every event more fun and I am proud of what we together accomplished. As I transition into my new role as board advisor, I wish each of you the best in your next transition and, most importantly, I hope you get to color every day! Summer 2018

PTC

Streams PTO Veronica Davis, President It’s finally spring here at Streams and summer vacation is right around the corner, but the calendar of events is still quite full. During the first week in May, Streams held its last PTO meeting of the year, followed by a year-end volunteer “thank you” luncheon held in a nearby restaurant. The Streams PTO continued to extend its appreciation to the Streams staff at a lunch in the school’s LGI room the next day. Star Night will be held on Thursday, May 10, 7–9 p.m. Make time to visit Streams to see all the amazing work and progress the students have accomplished this school year. On Sunday, May 20, the fourth graders will be singing the “National Anthem” at PNC Park for the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game. All in attendance are invited to run the bases after the game. Is there any better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than heading to the North Shore and taking in a Bucco game? Following Memorial Day weekend, the Streams PTO will host the fourth grade graduation party at the USCHS pool and cafeteria on Friday, June 1. All fourth graders are invited to have a final celebration with their fellow classmates as they wrap up their time at Streams. Field Day will follow on Friday, June 8. It’s always a fun day playing games and racing against friends to celebrate the end of the school year and summer vacation. Streams will host its annual Kindergarten Connection on Monday, June 11, which is a great opportunity for incoming Kindergarten students and their families to come meet the PTO executive board and make some new friends with fellow students. The PTO will again host “Playdates in the Park” throughout the summer for these rising Kindergarten students, helping them make new friends and ease the first-day-of-school jitters. The last day of school is Tuesday, June 12. The Streams PTO wishes everyone a safe and fun summer vacation and looks forward to August, when we will again connect with you in the fall. n

Around the Township Egg-cellent Fun! It was a colorful chase as the Townshipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s younger residents enjoyed the annual Upper St. Clair Easter egg hunt, hosted by the Upper St. Clair High School Interact Club and the Bethel-St. Clair Rotary Club. Held on March 17 at the three-hole golf course near the McLaughlin Run Activity Center (MAC), children had the opportunity to enjoy spring-themed crafts and meet the Easter Bunny prior to the egg hunt. n

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First row: Angela Petersen, Beth Ellis, Tim Wagner, Ponny Jahn, James Bennett. Back row: Theresa Kish, Wendy Vespa, Jennifer Dempsey, Michael Barnett, Daphna Gans, Paul Fox, Rachel Lowden, David Jones, Alison Hess, Tammy Singleton-English. Not pictured: John Tarcson.

3 rd A n n u a l G o l f I n v i t a t i o n a l at St. Clair Country Club Co-Sponsored by the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair & The Gallagher Foundation

Monday, September 24, 2018 Registration/Luncheon at Noon Shotgun Start at 1 p.m. Dinner Immediately Following

St. Clair Country Club

For over 100 years, the reputation of St. Clair Country Club has been synonymous with the very best in club life and amenities in Western Pennsylvania. It is a true country club that retains the quiet ambiance and character of a pastoral countryside. To inquire or to select a sponsorship level, please contact John Tarcson at jtarcson@cfusc.org or call 412-584-9990.

To register for the 2018 Golf Invitational, visit the Community Foundation website @ cfusc.org

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2018 Sponsorship Levels Platinum - $5000 Includes 2 Foursomes Full Page in Yardage Guide Title Dinner Sponsorship Gold - $2500 Includes 2 Foursomes Half Page in Yardage Guide Title Lunch Sponsorship Silver - $1500 Includes 1 Foursome Quarter Page in Yardage Guide Bronze - $1200 Includes 1 Foursome Mention in Yardage Guide Single Golfer - $250 Pairings will be developed by the Invitational Committee Hole Sponsorship - $100 Includes 1 20 x 24 sign positioned at tee box

Upcoming Events Sponsor ed by the Community Foundation of U pper St. Clair

C&RC 11 a.m. & 7 p.m.

May 10, 2018

Sept. 13, 2018

Nov. 8, 2018

Community Day Duck Races 2018 Co-Sponsored by CFUSC and Duck Donuts. Tickets on Sale @ cfusc.org $5 each, or buy a Quack Pack of 6 for $25.

Join us for CF activities throughout the year, as we celebrate a 25-year tradition serving the community and enhancing life in Upper St. Clair. Visit cfusc.org for more information about upcoming events and be sure to sign up to receive the e-newsletter of the Community Foundation. What is the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair Crossword Answers

9th Annual Family Movie Night Thursday, August 23, 7 p.m. at Boyce MS Field. In case of rain we will move to the Boyce Gym.

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Water, Water, Where’s the Water? Jessica Kester, Vice President of Education, Allegheny Land Trust

If you visited Wingfield Pines this past winter and this spring you may have been surprised to find some unusual extremes in the water levels on site, from very little water in the ponds to most of Dr. Tracy Scanlon the property being submerged under water at levels approaching that of Hurricane Ivan. Why such drastic changes in water levels recently? Don’t worry, be happy! Between 20–25 acres of the 87-acre property houses Easier said than done, right? Wingfield Pines flood a unique abandoned mine drainage (AMD) reclamation Perhaps not. Concoct some joy! system that began flowing in 2009. After eight years of There is no doubt that it can constant water flow through the system, a shift in the feel hard to keep a stable state underground mining system in early November 2017 of bliss flowing. It is true that caused the contaminated mine water to flow directly into happiness, like other emotions, Chartiers Creek and bypass the passive treatment system. is dynamic and fluid, not a perYou may have noticed that the “fountain” was not flowmanent static state of mind. But ing, the settlement ponds were extremely low, and orange researchers, life coaches, psywater was entering the creek near the northern property chologists, and similar experts Bird counting boundary. Allegheny Land Trust (ALT) staff and mine enhave found proven ways to at gineering experts are working closely with the Department least boost the bliss, and it may of Environmental Protection to determine the best method be much more doable than you to fix the problem. We are hoping for a temporary soluonce thought. tion by spring 2018 to continue to provide habitat for bird Some of the key ingredients migration, habitat development, and seasonal educational for the happiness recipe include: programming. The permanent fix will require significant happy life, happy thoughts, an construction and should be complete by May 2019. attitude of gratitude, doing what Although the system is not running, visitors can still enjoy the property, and school groups you believe you are good at and are still able to visit and learn about the system and its benefits. We are now collecting our water samples from different areas on the property for ALT’s educational programs, and we can show students first-hand the effects of untreated AMD water. How does Upcoming Events: this affect the wildlife? The lower water levels in the AMD ponds restrict the 25 9–10 p.m. Starlight Stroll movement of fish, crayfish, and other aquatic organisms from pond to pond, decrease feeding depth for waterfowl while increasing feeding areas for wading 6 noon–5 p.m. Environmental Science Merit birds, and has decreased the water level and flow in the wetlands. However, Badge Workshop people hiking on a nice spring day may not really notice a difference in the 14 4:30–6:30 p.m. Creek Critters amount of singing birds or buzzing insects, especially if we’re able to get the short-term fix in place by the time you’re reading this! 28 9–10 p.m. Starlight Stroll On the other hand, nature has seen fit to help some of our creatures 8 4:30–6:30 p.m. 4:30–6:30 p.m. Creek Critters move about the property by providing multiple flooding events this spring 18 5–7 p.m. NatureQuest Bonfire & Hike and past winter. As a forested floodplain habitat, Wingfield Pines acts as a natural diversion area for floodwaters. Allowing hundreds of thousands of gallons of stormwater to collect in the floodplain means less flooding downstream; especially in Chartiers Creek, which becomes channelized and has lost much of its natural floodplain due to development. This channelization is done to encourage stormwater to move out of an area quickly, using methods such as straightening the stream path, routing the water into concrete channels, or diverting the stream underground in attempts to keep the floodwaters from spilling over into a floodplain area, which in an urban setting has been developed (a.k.a., someone’s backyard). If you haven’t noticed the highwater mark on the telephone pole near the old swimming pool, you need to check it out on your next hike. There’s a sign that marks the highwater line and it’s above my head! By preserving Wingfield Pines as a forested floodplain, the property is providing some 50 million gallons of stormwater management ability. There are some setbacks that come out of all that water, including the erosion of the land bridge at the northern end of the property as you head toward Lynch’s Pond, the movement of species from one pond to another, as well as on and off the property (like the AMD reclamation system at mosquito fish that researchers believe are remnants of when the area was a golf course), and, Wingfield Pines of course, all the trash and debris that has been washed downstream and onto the floodplain. Low water or high, Wingfield Pines is a sight to see. We invite you to visit (preferably not during the high-water times) and enjoy for yourself the wonders of this particular greenspace. Hike on your own or join ALT staff for a program, share your pictures and experiences with us on social media, or offer to volunteer sometime. If you have any questions or concerns, or wonder how you can help, contact Emilie Rzotkiewicz at 412-741-2750. We look forward to seeing you on the trail! n August

June

May

Got Happy?

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doing it often, and spending as much time as possible around people you like. A strong social support equals a stronger buffer against sadness and low mood. According to the people who spend a lot of time studying the concepts of happiness and contentedness, we can boil the entire thing down to the law of attraction. In other words, our thoughts create our experience (interpretation and perception). Expect the best, get the best; visualize or fantasize a positive outcome and a positive outcome is manifested. Simple in theory, although harder in execution, the theory suggests that how we think determines how we feel. Control the negative thoughts, minimize negative feelings and emotions, and ultimately, outcomes. It can’t be stated any simpler—our thoughts matter! Our thoughts grow our feelings (emotional state) and our emotional narrative (beliefs) create our behavior—the outcomes we experience in the world. The secret of happiness is a concern of growing importance in the modern era, as life in contemporary society has us all searching for security and psychological growth. Happiness books—self-help books that guide us toward our most fully actualized selves—have become a booming industry. This growing zeal for happiness or at least for understanding how to grow and achieve it is supported by an increasing body of literature that purports that happiness is not just a good thing, something that feels good and is pleasant, but is directly correlated to something that is good for us. The more peaceful and contented among us are often those with higher immune systems, are higher earners, and have fewer diagnoses, among others. And, biology and DNA play their part. We have what some

call a set-point. We have set points for our IQ, our ideal body weight, and now we know there is a genetic component to our happiness set point. Irrespective of your particular set point or happiness thermometer, you do make choices and subscribe to a way of life, and you do have free will. According to Psychology Today, “Regardless of your emotional set point, your everyday habits and choices—from the way you operate in a friendship to how you reflect on your life decisions—can push the needle on your well-being. Recent scholarship documenting the unique habits of those who are happiest in life even provides something of an instruction manual for emulating them.” (Psychology Today. April 2013). What’s the take away here, folks? Well, it would appear that the world and those around us do not hold all the power after all. The world doesn’t control you, you control you! There is no secret, no matter how many people write books that tell us so. You hold the key. You can assert your power for positive thinking, use your powers for good, so to speak, and inoculate yourself against the negative forces to decide how you will perceive the world, or you will concede to the negative blocks that our minds so easily conjure up for us. You are your own ounce of prevention, and so am I! n Dr. Tracy Scanlon, LPC, is a psychologist in private practice in Pittsburgh and the director of professional and program services at Outreach Teen and Family Services. Outreach is a nonprofit, confidential counseling service offering counseling and educational programs for teens and parents. Visit www.outreachteen.org or phone 412-561-5405 for more information.

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Summer 2018

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Coach’s Corner

Cullen Hawkins, Big 33 player, 1996

Jim Render, USCHS Football Coach

Conquering Mountains in Several Venues As a person who makes journalistic attempts to feature my former players and tell their stories as marvelous athletes who have gone on to become proud husbands and fathers and successful people in their chosen professions, I often wonder if my current players are reading about the men who preceded them. There is so much they can learn from the guys who have worn the same jerseys, shared their same numbers, played in the same stadium, toiled in the same weight room, suffered the same agony of defeat, and endured the same thrill of victory. Maybe I could do a better job educating these young players or other athletes beginning in high school about those who have excelled. My experiences also tell me that the best players also have a variety of skills. For instance, did you know that Steelers Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw threw the javelin in high school for a national record of 244 feet, 11 ¾ inches? Without USC Hall of Famer Sean Lee, who now earns his living playing professional football, USC would not have won the 2006 WPIAL basketball championship. Most NFL players competed in basketball, wrestling, or track while they were in high school. Furthermore, if the best players are also shown to be the hardest workers, you now have a very special team! Cullen Hawkins, USC Class of 1996 and a 2002 Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, epitomizes those qualities cited in the previous paragraphs. For three years in a row—seventh, eighth, and ninth grades—he competed as a freestyle mogul skier. During the winter months, he and his mother moved to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, so he could train with the Junior National Team. He also traveled to Lake Placid, New York, and Snowbird, Utah, to compete in the championships. As a 14-year-old, he finished as the top skier in the nation for his age group. “When I got into the ninth grade, I had to make a decision,” Cullen said. “Either move to Colorado and work year-round on skiing, working toward a possible shot at the Olympics, or stay in Pittsburgh, give up competitive skiing, and concentrate on football. I decided on football.” He also added that, “It was too hard on my family to move around like that.” Cullen was quoted in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette during the 1995 football playoffs his senior year saying, “Skiing is a lot of work and it is hard on your body. I got beat up on my back and my knees far more in skiing than in football.” During Cullen’s middle school years, it was football in the fall and skiing in the winter. He also played youth soccer and developed his extensive leg strength by running and skiing. So, it was only natural that when the Fort Couch football team needed a kicking prospect, Cullen was ready, willing, and able. Well coordinated, he was very athletic and always ready to compete. Arriving on the field his sophomore year for varsity competition, he was a cut above the rest. His football accomplishments—during his three-year varsity career—were unmatched. Most nights, he was, without question, the best athlete on the field from either team. 76

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We played in the WPIAL finals at Three Rivers Stadium in each of his varsity years where the competition was outstanding. First, there was North Hills with their future Penn State All-American LaVar Arrington. Next, we faced McKeesport and another Penn State All-American, Brandon Short. And finally, we played Penn Hills with their magnificent linebacker Ron Graham, a guy who was destined to excel at Penn State. All three of these Penn State players were recruited by Tom Bradley, the recently named defensive backfield coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cullen is the all-time leading scorer in the history of Upper St. Clair High School. He scored points six different ways. First as a running back and second as an extra point kicker. Some nights we would depend on him to kick a field goal, and on several occasions, as a defensive back, he would intercept a pass and run it back for a touchdown. He also scored by returning kickoffs and, lastly, punts. As a senior player, Cullen scored 183 points or 14 per game during the 1995 season, which made him the leading point producer in Western Pennsylvania. The No. 2 player was far behind at only 108 points. That season, Cullen rushed for 1700 yards and scored 21 touchdowns, including four games where he rushed for 200 yards or more. He averaged 8.5 yards per carry during the last two seasons of his high school career and rushed for a total of nearly 3000 yards. Post season honors included the Post-Gazette Fabulous 22, the Tribune Review Finest 44, Associated Press All State First Team, MVP of The Almanac/Advertiser Premier Performers, MVP of the USC football team, and he played in the Big 33 Football Classic. Although there were many colleges aware of Cullen’s ability as a football player, the recruiting process was close to over when he made his visit to Virginia Tech. His father, Scott, also a USC Hall of Fame inductee (2001) had played at Tech with then head coach Frank Beamer. I was quoted in the Virginia Tech football recruiting program as saying, “Coach Beamer did a good job of coming in and cleaning up before anybody else had a chance.” Cullen told Mike White of the P i t t s b u rg h P o s t Gazette, “It’s kind of always been the colScott and Cullen Hawkins, November 2000 lege I’ve been looking

at. It’s been in my mind that it would be great to play there since my dad played there.” So, in the fall of 1996, Cullen made his debut as a Hokie. He started every game on the kickoff return team—including two kicks for 29 yards at the VT versus Pitt game— and earned his first collegiate varsity letter. In 1997, he played in every game in their two-rotation system as a fullback, which included 30 snaps against Syracuse and 53 against Temple. His first collegiate touchdown came on a 14-yard run that helped seal Tech’s third straight win against the Miami Hurricanes. During the 1998 Miami game, he caught three passes, including a touchdown catch before a broken bone in his foot sidelined him for the remainder of the season, which became a red shirt season for him. Thus, he entered the 1999 season as a junior. This was an outstanding year for the Hokies… and for Cullen. In their final regular season game against Boston College, he caught a 30-yard pass from quarterback Michael Vick, landing in the end zone (see photo below) and icing the victory to put the Hokies in the National Championship Sugar Bowl game versus Florida State. In that game, he caught two more passes for a total of 49 yards. However, Florida State prevailed in the end to win the National Championship. Virginia Tech closed the century with an undefeated 11–0 regular season and the trip to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl. Privately, Coach Beamer gave Cullen credit for urging the upper classmen to get behind the freshman Michael Vick and follow his abilities to lead the football team. Vick lead the nation in passing efficiency and finished third in the balloting for the prestigious Heisman Trophy. The 2000 football season was Cullen’s senior season—another highlight year for the Hokies and for their “do-everything” fullback. They won 11 games, losing only to Miami. The final game was played at the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida. An outstanding day for Virginia Tech, they beat the Clemson Tigers 41–20 in what would be Cullen’s final game. He was awarded the Virginia Tech Paul Torgersen Award, an award given to “the player who represents a commitment to hard work and great effort every time he takes the field.” In Chuck Noll’s terminology, “It was time to graduate and get on with his life’s work.” Cullen returned to Pittsburgh and joined his dad in the steel fabrication business. After a couple of years, he moved to Tampa, Florida, and obtained a commercial real estate license. There he began working for Paradise Development from 2003 to 2005. At that time, the company moved him to their Atlanta office to oversee their operations, which he did successfully for three years. Cullen was always interested to venture out on his own, and he was not going to be satisfied until he tried. In 2008, along with a friend and risk-taking partner, they started their own business, Encore Real Estate Development Company. They find and develop properties for notable clients, including Walgreens, PNC, and Starbucks. He reports that this is a very competitive business and that no deal is the same. Quite comparable to skiing moguls down a mountain or catching a pass in front of 80,000 people and a national TV audience, each situation is different. It goes without saying that his competitive juices are always ready for the next challenging venture. Cullen is a winner. He is a winner… and he is prepared. Today, Cullen and his wife, Janie, his college sweetheart, live on Sullivan’s Island in Charleston, South Carolina. When they first met at Virginia Tech, Janie asked Cullen if he was going to the upcoming football game on Saturday. The always humble Cullen simply replied, “yes.” They live a rather quiet life near the ocean and center their activities around their three children: Laken (9), Revi (7), and Caleb (5). The proud grandparents, Scott and Karen Hawkins, still live down the street from the high school. Cullen’s sister, Hallie Snyder, and husband, Nathan, also live in Upper St. Clair with their four children: Anna, Elle, Josh, and Mia. Can you believe they are active and competiCullen’s winning touchdown, Virginia Tech vs. Boston College, 1999 tive kids? Go figure! n

Summer 2018

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NOTHING BUT NET!

USC Panthers Inline Hockey He shoots, he scores! An amazing goal by teammate Owen Krzywicki, Franco Ben Bonasso propelled the USC Inline Hockey High School 4 Liberatore, Jack Cottrill, (HS4) team to win the first game in the final seconds of a thrilling and Claire Manalo, who overtime in a best-of-three series, beating previously undefeated scored four goals in the third Butler. And, Ben did it again in game two! With a blocked goal, he game of the series to seal the made the rebound shot, and HS4 won the PIRHL championship deal with a win and the chamin the last seconds of the game, with a score of 3–2. pionship. Caleb Guarino From the beginning, the odds were against this team with its was the division leader in short bench of only seven skaters. But as the season progressed, points, with Claire Manalo they soon realized that nothing was getting past Nick Oprison, following in second place Panther’s E2 team, celebrating the victory goalie extraordinaire. Blocked shots and crazy glove saves, Nick’s and Alex Coleman in eighth. goaltending was spot on! But what makes this team even more Middle School 2 (MS2) coached by club president Dr. Eric special is that every player made this championship possible, Bernstein and Chic Noll finished with a silver medal in a hardincluding Matt Hurst being named the division leader in total fought series with rival Canon-McMillan. Both of Coach Bernstein’s points scored, and Jake Geisler, Lucas Manalo, and Ben Bonasso sons, Isaac and Jacob, were first and second, respectively, as total each being named one of the divisions’ top 12 scorers. Cameron points leaders for their division, with Max Laurent following in 11th. Edkins, Daniel Hilf, and Nate Paul rounded The Panther’s last two teams (High School out the team, being sharp on the puck Five teams—two championships, 2 and Middle School 4) fell just shy of the one silver finalist, two semiand making smart plays after smart plays. championship round. However, each of these Coaches Joe Bonasso, Gary Paul, and Irwin finalists—with all holding the teams also had the total point leader for their Hurst mentored this team to play hard, play #1 spot for point leader in their respective divisions with HS2 player Alex smart, and, most of all, have fun! Contis, first; followed by Jack Beisner, fourth respective division But that’s not all folks! The Elementary and Ryan Polosky, fifth; and MS4 player 2 (E2) team went undefeated in regular season play and had Cohen Marx, first; followed by Kaleb Volle, third. an otherwise perfect season until they lost in the best-of-three These athletes excelled in and dominated the PIRHL this championship series against Bethel Park. Adapting to chang- season. Collectively, the five Panther teams have a special distincing situations and new plays set by coaches Matt Guarino, AJ tion—each holds the number one point leader spot for each of Liberatore, and Ryan Vaughn, these kids stayed focused to win the league’s divisions. Go Panthers! game two with a score of 6–5, thanks to an outstanding game Founded by Gary Paul, the Upper St. Clair Inline Hockey played and five goals scored by Caleb Guarino. As an elementary (USCIH) Association is celebrating its tenth season this coming team made up of new developmental players learning alongside year. Dedicated to providing a positive, character building exseasoned, more veteran players from second through sixth grade, perience for the youth of USC and creating a passion for inline this team’s greatest achievements were teamwork, passing the puck, hockey, USCIH is family oriented. Many families have multiple and controlling the play by looking ahead. Goalies Ian Vaughn and players on its teams, thanks to the affordability of the sport and Owen Laurent kept the team on the winning side with help from USCIH offering opportunities for needs-based scholarships. Deteammates Thomas Vilushis, Yuhong Shi, Alexander Coleman, velopmental and skilled players are welcome. Some players have furthered their athletic career at the collegiate level. Built around strong moral character, team members participate in various community service projects. Congratulations to a wonderful 2017–18 season of play! n

2018–2019 Tryouts / Signups Bridgeville Rollerplex Wednesday, May 30 5–6 p.m.: high school (grades 9-12) 6–7 p.m.: middle school (grades 6-8) 7–8 p.m.: elementary (grades 2-6) The PIRHL season runs September through March, with a once-a-week practice and once-a-week game. More information can be found at www.uscinlinehockey.com.

Panther’s HS4 team champions 78

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Summer 2018

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The Joy and Importance of Friendship Jim Meston

When browsing the TV channels looking for something to watch, I happened to see the beginning of a Carole King concert, her first in 30 years, at the age of 73. She was performing in London before 65,000 people and many of her songs came from her famous album Tapestry. Hearing songs from that album took me back many years. It came out in 1971. At that time, my wife and I had three teenaged kids, and they played and sang many songs from that album. “You’ve Got a Friend” echoed throughout the house. The lyrics of “You’ve Got a Friend” contain wisdom and hope, including: When you’re down and troubled and you need some love and care… Close your eyes and think of me and soon I will be there… You just call out my name and you know wherever I am, I’ll come running to see you again… You’ve got a friend. These words share beautiful sentiments about the essence of friendship. Who would come running to help? If we invest the necessary time and energy, we have many opportunities to create and develop sincere friendships. When you’re with someone who you would like to get to know better, take the risk to reveal some personal information. Their risk comes when that person responds by also revealing something personal. This deeper conversation helps to develop a closer relationship. It usually doesn’t take long to discover many areas of common interest that build a more open and deeper relationship. Unfortunately, friendships can erode as we grow our own

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families and make other things our priorities. We still may have friends, but time spent together may become increasingly infrequent. A few of my closest friends early in life are now deceased. I’ve also had friends over the years with whom a close relationship was not customary. Too busy doing daily chores, raising a family, and earning a living, we didn’t invest the time to allow a closer friendship to flourish. The value of a close friendship Close friends are there to listen to you and talk with you during times when you feel overwhelmed by a problem. A close friend can provide you that source of support to allow you to talk with someone in whom you trust and respect. Openness begets openness. As a result of these types of conversations and exchanges, the friendship further develops and deepens. I don’t expect to have open and deep personal relationships with everyone I meet like I had with my longtime friends. I miss them. They would have come running to help me—full steam—if I called upon them. My friendships with these people lasted as long as they lived, and I am fortunate to have known them. I accept that I should do more to develop more openness in certain relationships that are now at my doorstep. I should take my own advice and take risks by sharing with others more of what I’m thinking. I also realize that it might take a while to find someone with whom I want to be close friends. It doesn’t happen overnight, but it doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t try. No matter our stage in life, we should all look for that someone who, if you called out his or her name, would drop everything and come running. Well, at my age, maybe a slow walk is more in order. But, nonetheless, it would be fulfilling to know they would be there for me, and I for them. n Summer 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Prof iles(and

Memories)

of People with a USC Connection

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

John Gido

A Moment of Silence John M. Gido 1934–2017 Veteran (Marines) Degrees from Edinboro State Teachers College and Duquesne University Middle School Science Teacher Upper St. Clair School District Administrator

My Time with John Gido

Ted Barnett, Retired USC Counselor and Principal, 1971–2002

USCHS sophomore Gabriella Spina recently earned the highest achievement in Girl Scouting, the Gold Award. This award, presented to Gabi by Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania, recognizes girls in grades nine through 12 who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through sustainable and measurable Take Action projects that address important community needs. As a Girl Scout member for 14 years, Gabi is a Girl Scout senior of Troop 52124. Gabi’s Gold Award project, Taking Care of Your SELFie, which began last October and was completed this past January, offered a free one-day workshop for girls in grades six, seven, and eight to address and combat negative selfesteem. The workshop encouraged girls to focus on the positive aspects found within themselves and to use these in daily life. As the girls rotated through various stations, skills such as combatting stress by appealing to the senses while creating bath soaps were discussed. Learning and practicing yoga taught the girls to be in tune with their bodies, as well as the mental and physical importance of posture. Other skills included identifying positive role models to emulate the traits they exhibit. Each participant developed an individual pledge outlining positive traits that she would strive to emulate. The workshop concluded with a discussion on how to create positive and safe spaces on social media. Gabriella Spina The Gold Award is a national award that represents a Girl Scout’s time, leadership, creativity, and effort contributed to making her community better. For more information, visit www.gswpa.org.

Former “Voices of the Panthers” announcers John Gido (left) and Carl Lindstrom (right) join superintendent Dr. Patrick O’Toole at a 2013 USCHS varsity football game.

After arriving at Upper St. Clair, I began to realize that I was accumulating a sizable number of professional mentors. I have always looked to John Gido as a valuable contributor from my personal “mentor Hall of Fame from USC.” My contact with John spread across three settings: 1. My connection with John was when he was a Central Office administrator; first, when I was an elementary school counselor, and then as an elementary principal. 2. The most concentrated time I had with John was when he served as Baker Elementary School principal. 3. An additional time segment I shared with John was in the Panther Stadium press box where I assisted “The Voices of the Panthers” John Gido and Carl Lindstrom near the end of their remarkable 50+ years of volunteer service at USCHS varsity football games. From multiple perspectives, I applauded John’s agenda of promoting change and enhancements to curriculum while maintaining consistent educational leadership. He set a high standard for himself and expected a high level of performance from the staff. On a personal level, John always encouraged me to think “outside the box” and nudged me into the computer age. He provided an example of leadership that inspired me to have open discussion and consistently perform at the highest degree of professionalism possible.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2018

Upper St. Clair residents Betsy Boughner and Jonette Shanahan are stay-at-home moms turned entrepreneurs. Both always dreamed of running a business, and in 2017 they launched PorchLight Home Staging. Betsy caught Left to right: Jonette Shanahan, Betsy Boughner the staging bug a few years back when her USC home sold in 24 hours! It was then she realized how much she enjoyed using the staging process to prepare her home to sell and wanted the opportunity to help others do the same. Jonette has spent years transforming her own home and always had a passion for interior design. “Our families are close and our kids are around the same ages. We both reached a point where we were thinking about the next phase. We shared our personal goals and found many similarities. That was our ‘aha’ moment! We looked at each other one day and said, ‘let’s do this!’ ” commented the women. “We have a great support system, our husbands have been involved in helping get our business off the ground, and we are able to work around our kids’ busy schedules,” said Jonette. Both women spent time researching the Pittsburgh market and noticed that not many agents or homeowners use a professional staging service. Betsy is always telling agents and their sellers that “we see the value of staging in other cities across the U.S. and we want to provide that same return on investment here in our hometown. Turn on HGTV and you’ll hear the word ‘staging’ mentioned over and over. The modern buyer begins his or her search for a new home online, so you’ll need amazing MLS photos to get buyers in the door,” said Betsy. For more information, visit www.porchlighthomestaging.com.

Rest in Peace Thomas Harshman Father of USCHS Theater Jane Myers Dodd

Tom Harshman; photo by Tony Tye, reprinted with permission of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Everyone has a teacher who influenced him or made an impact on her life. Tom Harshman was that kind of teacher. He started his career with Upper St. Clair as an English teacher at USC High School, then became principal at Fort Couch Middle School, and then a USCSD administrator for middle school education. And while those were all great contributions to the District, most students will remember him as the “father” of the high school musical. And that is where my relationship with him began. “Hank,” as he liked to be called, had a vision to bring theater to USC. And not in a small way. The first musical he did, back in 1973, was Hello Dolly. He convinced three other teachers to help make his vision come to life. With the help of James Bennett, Robert Gielas, and George McClintock, the high school spring musical went from an idea to reality. Although I was not involved with the first musical (I was in the eighth grade at the time), I remember sitting in the audience, watching in awe. Although the performance was simple compared to what we do today, it was amazing from start to finish. At that moment, I knew I wanted to be involved with the musical when I came to the high school. My first interaction with Tom was in 1974 when I tried out for a role in the musical South Pacific. I watched and waited for my turn to sing. Nerves set in and butterflies in my stomach started to take over. I thought I would never be able to croak out the song. It was my turn. Tom called my name and asked me to role play before I sang. Panic set in. This is not what I was expecting. He asked me to pretend I was Miss Janie from Romper Room, and then he instructed “Go!” Quickly, I pretended to step into a fake police car and drive around the stage asking imaginary students to follow. I even pretended to look into my magic mirror to say good-bye to all my new friends. The only thing I heard from the audience were thunderous belly laughs. “Have I got a role

for you!” he exclaimed. I never made it to the stage. Instead, I was asked to serve on the student staff, and that is where my involvement in the musical began. Four years on the musical’s student staff while in high school and again after graduating from WVU in 1981 to this day, I have had the privilege and pleasure of working in various capacities, including the musical’s director to associate producer. In the beginning, Tom would rehearse the musical after school and build sets at night. As a member of the student leadership team, I worked at his side, taking on anything he would think of to get the musical from casting to curtain—running lines, rehearsals, selling tickets. Once we drove to a Canonsburg tuxedo shop that was going out of business to buy all their clothes sight unseen. One night in a snowstorm, we drove to Bridgeville to purchase very ugly floral material, where Tom convinced the sales person to close the store early and let us in the back room to purchase all the old fabric that was packed away for a $1 per bolt. Tom was also the person who helped me commit a few “risky” acts, including asking who I thought was a parent to leave a dress rehearsal several times only to find out that he was the new principal, and helping Tom remodel the auditorium light booth (which he used as his office), only to find out later that we didn’t have the District’s permission to do so. Of course, there was also the night the fire marshal showed up right before a performance and said the stage was too close to the audience and that we would have to move the thrust back four feet. Tom had a better idea: we would just take out a few front row seats and put them back when were done. Seemed simple enough, except we had nowhere to store the seats. So, we preceded to hide them around the building, literally. In the end, Tom felt that we didn’t really need the seats, so they were never returned to the theater. The last of the seats was found when renovation work began on the high school in the late ’90s. Things were never dull when working with Tom! Tom had a smile and charm about him that made everyone around him want to help. His appeal helped him to form the Theater Angels, a loving group of parents and friends that assist (in many ways) with Summer 2018

the musical every year. Always intended to be student-driven, the Angels work alongside students on everything from sewing, painting, accruing props, and building sets for the musical. To this day, there remains an amazing group of parents who continue to carry on the Angels’ tradition in donating their time and talents to the students and District in this way. Tom’s ultimate goal was to promote the very best he could for the participants and the musical. His goal has been realized. In addition to being an inspiring pioneer of and contributor to the success of the high school theater program and stage crew, Tom was also involved in numerous other Township and School District projects and innovations. He had a love for the entire USC Community. We will miss him dearly! n

Tom “Hank” Harshman, during his time as a teacher in USC

A Tribute to Tom

A Man with a Vision Alumni, current students and their family members, staff, and Upper St. Clair Township residents are invited to submit a tax-deductible donation to the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair in remembrance of Thomas Harshman. Tom was a teacher, administrator, dramatist, and inspiring pioneer, and a huge factor in the success of the Upper St. Clair High School theater program, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine, Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair, USC Community Day, and numerous other projects and innovations. Tom’s passion for the students, the South Hills, and the Pittsburgh community has left a lasting impact for previous, current, and future generations. Contributions will go to provide a gift to the Upper St. Clair High School Theater in his memory. Please send tax-deductible donations via check payable to CFUSC, mailed to Community Foundation of USC, 1585 Washington Road Suite 131A, Pittsburgh, PA 15241 or online at https://www.cfusc.org/donate. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

For the past 60 years, a group of women in Upper St. Clair have gathered together for a variety of activities, including game night, book club, pottery making, progressive dinners, fall bonfires, playgroups, and museum trips, to name a few. The types of activities and events vary so there’s always something for everyone. The group, known as Upper St. Clair Newcomers’ Club (Newcomers), is a women’s social club that dates back to 1955. The club was formed to help new residents meet and make friends with their fellow neighbors and to help each other become acquainted with life in a new community. There are currently more than 50 members in the club, all who have moved into the community from other cities, states, and even countries. Tammy Goffin Membership to Newcomers 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 a change in domestic lifestyle (new baby, divorce) or a new job. Annual dues are $30 and membership is limited to five years, at which time members have the option to become an alumni member for an additional $5 a year. Members receive a weekly newsletter with information about upcoming events, member profiles, and club announcements. Members are also granted access to a private Facebook group that helps provide a wealth of information to new residents ranging from school information, local doctor recommendations, and kid-friendly restaurants. The club consists of an executive board and board chairpersons who organize everything from dues and membership, mailings, publicity, couple and family events, and playgroups. Each year, a new board is chosen, bringing fresh ideas to the club and keeping members engaged. Where new neighbors become old friends Meeting new people and getting involved with local activities led Newcomers’ member Megan Watson to search local clubs prior to moving. That’s how she stumbled upon Newcomers. “We moved to Upper St. Clair and only knew a handful of people in the Pittsburgh area. Newcomers was a welcoming group of women who made me feel at home right away. Their diverse social calendar helped me get acquainted with things to do in the area and allowed me to forge meaningful friendships.” Megan says with no family in the area, Newcomers has become her Pittsburgh family. “I think a part of feeling settled when you move is when you start feeling like you are part of a community. And Upper St. Clair is a great community,” Megan warmly stated. “When I moved to Upper St. Clair four years ago, I knew no one. I joined Newcomers and was welcomed into a supportive group of women who really helped me get plugged into the community,” stated Upper St. Clair Township commissioner and executive board member C. Elise Logan. “The best thing about Newcomers is that it brings together women who are from all kinds of backgrounds and at all stages of life—whether you are single, newlywed, divorced, parenting, or empty nesting—this club is for everyone.” While bringing new community members together is the main focus of the club, community service is also an important part of Newcomers. The club gives back to the community through its participation in the Salvation Army’s annual holiday Treasures for Children campaign and sponsors a booth at the Upper St. Clair annual Community Day celebration. New this year, the club teamed up with the USC boys’ youth lacrosse club and USC High School boys’ lacrosse to sell and help distribute mulch, hanging baskets, and potted plants to the local community. And through the club’s Good Samaritan program, members make meals and provide support and other assistance to their fellow neighbors in need. “When my husband and I moved back to Upper St. Clair with our young son, I realized how much had changed. I knew right away that I needed to find some ladies to relate to. I was so happy to find Newcomers,” said member Kris Jenkins. “The club has been a great fit for me and a wonderful way to make new acquaintances throughout our community. I would invite everyone to check out the club and attend one of our many events.” The club hosts an annual fall kick-off event every September at a local restaurant. The event welcomes back current members and offers potential members an opportunity to learn more about the club, while creating interest for upcoming events. n

Local Club Offers Welcoming Opportunity to Newcomers

For more information about Upper St. Clair Newcomers’ Club or to become a member, visit www.uscnewcomers.org or contact 2017–18 president Ann Marie Pirnat at 859-620-9191 or am_pirnat@yahoo.com. 82

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2018

Headaches

John D’Angelo, Tri-Community South, EMS Almost everyone experiences occasional headaches. Usu-

ally, we go to the medicine cabinet, take a couple of aspirin, and the headache eventually disappears. However, some types of headaches may require more complex treatment than simply popping aspirin. The two most common types of headaches are tension headaches and migraines. Most of us have experienced tension headaches, which usually appear as a dull ache or sometimes as a band of pain circling the head. A number of causes, sometimes called triggers, have been associated with tension headaches. Some of these triggers include stress, neck strain, and sleep deprivation. Usually over-thecounter medications such as aspirin, Advil, or Tylenol will relieve the symptoms. However, if the symptoms appear more than 15 days a month, the condition is considered to be chronic and treatment may include prescription medication along with stress reduction therapies and relaxation training. Migraines commonly affect women more than men and are much more debilitating than tension headaches. Migraine headache pain can be extremely severe and can lead to nausea and vomiting. Also, migraines can seriously interfere with daily activities. Treatment for migraines usually uses a two-pronged approach. First, the triggers that lead to the migraines must be identified and, second, treatment in preventing or lessening the pain must be considered. Trigger identification is usually accomplished by means of a diary approach. The migraine sufferer is instructed to write down each time a headache occurs along with the symptoms and probable triggers, such as food and stress inducers. When enough evidence is gathered, a migraine sufferer can begin making life-style changes to avoid the triggers as much as possible. Pain preventive therapy may include prescription drugs, including triptans, Metoprolol, or Lopressor. Non-drug therapies such as magnetic stimulation, where electrical currents are used to stimulate nerve cells, may also be prescribed to lessen or avoid the pain that accompanies migraines. Other types of headaches that are not quite as common as tension headaches or migraines include cluster headaches and headaches that occur from the use of certain types of medications. Cluster headaches rarely appear, but when they do, they tend to affect males who smoke. The pain usually occurs on one side of the head behind the eye and can last for several hours. The affected eye may become teary and turn red. Treatment usually involves injectable prescriptions and nasal sprays. Headaches caused by medications are more difficult to identify and to treat. Pain from these types of headaches can be throbbing and can interfere with daily life. Treatment, again, begins with trigger identification. However, this step may be made more complicated by the number of medications that could be involved. Also, medications are prescribed to treat certain medical conditions. If one of these prescriptions is found to be the culprit, the person must be weaned off that prescription and placed on another medication that can provide the same benefits without the accompanying side effect. Treatment for medication headaches requires constant monitoring by a physician. Finally, seek immediate attention for any sudden and extremely painful headache or any headache that occurs as a result of an accident, especially one involving a head injury. These types of headaches are usually very serious and need professional evaluation. Unfortunately, headaches are a part of everyday life and we tend to deal with them as best as we can. n

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(412) 221-4300 1476 Bower Hill Rd. Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri 8:00am - 5:00pm Sat. 8am - noon

www.calabrotire.com Summer 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Local Foundation Offers Hope in Fight Against Pregnancy-Related Diseases In 2005, Jane Klimchak’s daughter, Jennifer Angelici, told her mother she was expecting twins. She also told her not to worry, but that one fetus appeared to be smaller than the other and that her doctor ordered an ultrasound to check on the health of the twins. “They told me baby B was a lot smaller than baby A, but I don’t think I was prepared for what I was about to learn or experience,” says Jennifer, who now works as a nurse in labor and delivery at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC. At 15 weeks into her pregnancy, Jennifer was diagnosed with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) through an ultrasound. TTTS is a condition in which twins share a single placenta, causing the blood supply of the twin fetuses to become connected so that they share blood circulation through interconnecting blood vessels. A life threatening condition, the only cure for TTTS is an in utero surgery to disconnect the twins’ blood vessels. At the time of Jennifer’s pregnancy, Magee did not offer this high-risk surgery and Jennifer had to travel to Florida. After a successful procedure, Jennifer returned home to Pittsburgh and her care team at Magee for the remainder of her pregnancy. Placed on bed rest at home, Jennifer had two to three ultrasounds every week until she delivered Jackson and Noah on June 24, 2005, at 34 weeks of pregnancy. “There were many peaks and valleys in Jennifer’s journey, but we will be forever grateful to our Magee family for supporting us.

From Tonya, who performed Jen’s ultrasounds every week, to Dr. Daniel Edelstone, who came from home on his evening off to be there for the delivery, to Dr. Frederick Sherman, who monitored Noah’s heart every day, to the staff who helped care for the boys and Jennifer—we were incredibly blessed,” says Jane. While Jackson had some initial health issues, he was able to be discharged within ten days. Noah, who had given his doctors, Jennifer, and husband, Adam, concern from early on, faced many health challenges. He required continuous oxygen, feeding tubes, and multiples surgeries, including coarctation of the aorta. While Noah was able to stay at home for brief periods of time, much of his time was spent in Magee’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, and the Children’s Home Transitional Infant Care. Noah bravely fought for his health for two and a half years, before he passed away in December 2007. “Noah was a very sick little boy, but he had a ton of personality. He was always smiling, and when he could hear his mommy coming, his heart would beat faster with excitement. Noah brought us such happiness. I learned a lot from him. I learned that if you only look at the negative, life is filled with doubt and fear. But, if you look at the positive, you can always find hope. Noah was and still is a source of hope for us,” says Jane. Feeling blessed for the time they shared with Noah and the support of the Magee care team and family and friends, Jennifer, Adam, Jackson, Aliyah, and Andrew Angelici, along with Jane Klimchak’s family, wanted to take their experience and turn it into something that would help others. With the goal of touching as many lives who are affected by TTTS as possible, the family founded the Noah Angelici Hope Foundation, which provides financial resources and emotional support to families facing similar health crises. The foundation also raises funds to support cutting-edge research and clinical care at Magee. With the addition of Dr. Stephen Emery in 2006, Magee established the Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment Center and is now a regional leader in fetal conditions, including TTTS. A primary focus for the foundation is to establish an endowment to continue to support Dr. Emery’s work. “It’s very important to us that we support the work at Magee. As a parent and as an employee, I know first-hand that Magee has the ability to make medical advances so that fewer families have to go through what we did with Noah,” says Jennifer. “I know that the work Dr. Emery and other physicians who treat high-risk pregnancies are doing is making a difference in twinto-twin and other pregnancy-related diseases. Whether it’s by purchasing equipment or funding research, we want to be part of that in Noah’s honor.” Each year, the foundation hosts two events—Follow the Star Gala and the Noah Angelici Hope Foundation Memorial Golf Outing. On June 24 and 25, they will host the 11th annual golf outing at Shepherds Rock Golf Course at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. n

Noah was and still is a source of hope for us.

See event information on this page. 84

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2018

A Healthier U(SC)

USC’s New Wellness Committee Heather Holtschlag

Very few would argue that social and emotional learning at any stage in a child’s educational career can have a positive impact, not only on their academic performance, but on their personal lives, as well. Social and emotional learning, as defined by the website Edutopia as having five key competencies, include: • self-awareness, or how a student assesses his thoughts and feelings; • self-management, or how they can appropriately respond to a given event or circumstance; • social awareness, or how to better understand the thoughts and feelings of others; • relationship skills, or how to communicate effectively with others; and • responsible decision making, or thinking about the consequences of an action before acting. Social and emotional learning is just one key aspect of the educational system that Upper St. Clair School District’s new Wellness Committee will be researching and working on to better integrate these concepts into the classrooms at each school. “As a committee, we aim to increase the health and wellbeing of the ‘whole’ student in the District, which includes both mental and physical health,” said Libby Mascaro, chairperson of the committee. “We want to increase mental health awareness in the schools and community of USC, educate parents/guardians, administrators, teachers, and staff on the importance of the alignment and relationship of the students’ overall health and academic performance. We also want to teach compassion, kindness, and acceptance among all students and the community.” The committee, which was formed in January and has a current membership of about 25, will partner with and serve all of the schools by implementing new wellness policies and procedures, according to Libby. “We hope to partner with outside resources,

including the National Alliance on Mental Illness and The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, as well as local institutions, including Southwood Hospital, and existing committees within the School District, like the Youth Steering Libby Mascaro, Committee and the Board of School Directors, USCSD Wellness to ensure that we are providing a well-rounded Committee chairperson education for all students.” Some of the initial projects that the committee will work on include the use of social media and Smartphones, particularly during school hours and the effect on student’s wellbeing personally, emotionally, and academically. USC resident Kamryn York, who has been an educator for more than 20 years in a variety of areas, including as a teacher, behavioral specialist, and mentor, took interest in the committee because of its focus on meeting the social and emotional needs of students. “Examining the wellness of our children goes far beyond what is taught in the classroom,” said Kamryn. “We need to have conversations about teaching the whole child, particularly the social and emotional aspects. It’s obvious that we are experiencing a rise in overall stressors in our children’s lives. We need to figure out ways that we can effectively help them. I’m hoping that through the work of the Wellness Committee, we can heighten the awareness of the social and emotional needs of our students and offer resources to the teachers, parents, and students that would best meet the needs of our community.” Kamryn also said that she hopes by having the right conversations and heightening awareness, we all can become proactive in our approaches when we need to. “There are a host of issues that we plan to address as a committee,” Libby noted. “For starters, we will focus on a number of areas, including mental health awareness; suicide prevention; social media bullying; body image and eating disorders; stress, anxiety, and depression; nutrition; school lunches; and overall physical health. We aim to help each student of the District be well as a whole person, both body and mind.” n For more information about the District’s Wellness Committee or to find out how to become involved, contact Libby Mascaro at Libby.Mascaro@gmail.com.

St. Clair Hospital Names New Chief Medical Officer

St. Clair Hospital recently announced the appointment of John T. Sullivan, MD as the hospital’s new senior vice president and chief medical officer. Dr. Sullivan joins St. Clair Hospital from Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, where he served for 17 years in a number of clinical, academic, and management positions, most recently as associate chief medical officer for academic affairs and as professor of anesthesiology in the Dr. John Sullivan Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He is also the immediate past-president of the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology. “I am delighted to welcome Dr. Sullivan to Pittsburgh,” says James M. Collins, president and chief executive officer at St. Clair Hospital. “He is uniquely qualified to lead St. Clair’s continued ascent as one of the nation’s leaders in patient safety, quality, patient satisfaction, and value.”

Dr. Sullivan earned his medical degree at the University of Michigan Medical School and completed his residency in anesthesia at Massachusetts General Hospital, which is affiliated with Harvard Medical School. More recently, he received his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Dr. Sullivan has held a series of progressively responsible positions with the Navy and currently serves as a commander in the Naval Reserve. At St. Clair Hospital, Dr. Sullivan is responsible for clinical program development, best-in-class performance, and leveraging technology to better serve patients and the community. n St. Clair Hospital is a nationally recognized integrated health system with more than 2500 employees and 600 physicians serving 500,000 residents of southwestern Pennsylvania. In 2016, it became a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. As the region’s largest independent hospital, St. Clair Hospital participates with all major insurers. For more information, visit stclair.org. See ads on pages 4 and 5. Summer 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Traveling with TODAY While exploring central California this past February, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY climbed the mountains of the Sierra Nevadas and also came upon a cabin situated in the state’s central valley Entrance to Sequoia National Park built to commemorate a person of great influence on American literature. The first stop was to Sequoia National Park, a park in the southern Sierras that plays host to thousands of giant sequoia trees, including General Sherman. While neither the tallest nor the widest, this towering conifer is scientifically estimated to be 2300 to 2700 years old and is said to be the current largest living tree (by volume) on the planet. Navigating the mountainous terrain of the Giant Forest—using roads cut into the cliffs, up and down 7500 feet—slow and steady was the pace for the day. Next on nature’s beauty bucket list, TODAY traveled north to Mariposa County to explore Yosemite National Park in the high Sierras. While experiencing breathtaking views of magnificent granite cliffs, including El Capitan and Half Dome, thunderous careening waterfalls were forced down to the valley and to the Merced river below. Driving deep into this 1200-square-mile forest, 55 degrees plummeted quickly to 32 degrees, while sunny blue skies with puffy white clouds unexpectedly turned into a General Sherman, the largest temporary blizzarding snow that threatened an otherwise calm weather day. living tree in the world Historical accounts of the park and the works of John Muir (1838-1914), America’s most famous and influential naturalist and conservationist who, in the mid 1860s, was greatly responsible for the creation of the Yosemite area as a national park, were continually shown in A view of the valley and Merced River a theater stationed at the visitors’ center in the main valley of the park. Stretching for miles through California’s central valley, passing countless numbers of cows and acres and acres of grapevines and walnut and almond trees, a side trip west to Toulumne County completed the Half Dome, Yosemite National Park excursion. TODAY explored a cabin dedicated to Sam Clemens, better known to many as Mark Twain, who lived in the area for a short period of time. Restored in 2002, the folklore surrounding the site of this cabin and its dwellers has had an irrefutable impact on American Upper fall, Yosemite National literature as we know it. (see article below). n Park; upper and lower falls together drop 2425 feet

Traveling with TODAY

Read the following criteria to find out how to submit information. • Clear, close-up photo of USC resident(s) holding his or her TODAY magazine. • Digital photo accepted. • Attach jpg (at least 300 dpi) and send via email, including required information (see below) in the body of the email. • List name(s) of resident(s), group, and specific photo location. • List objective of visit—leisure, volunteer, career, etc. • Include email address or phone number should further contact be necessary. • 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. 86

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Mark Twain’s Cabin

The Mark Twain Cabin was first built in 1922 to commemorate the famed author’s stay in Toulumne County, California, during the winter of 1864–65. Sam Clemens had come over the Sierra Nevada mountains from Virginia City, Nevada, to San Francisco with his friend, Steve Gillis. Various biographers gave different reasons for Clemens coming to Jackass Hill. No matter the reason, he arrived at this site on December 4, 1864. Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, stayed with the other two Gillis Brothers, Jim and Bill, and Dick Stoker (local pocket miners) until about February, 25, 1865. While living on the hill, Sam heard the story of the “Jumping Frog” in an Angels Camp saloon. His version would transform his life. Also, some of the tall tales spun by the Gillis brothers and Stoker would find their way into Mark Twain’s later writings. As a result of the toll that time and the elements took on the original cabin, a local Rotary club, during 2002-05, restored it as its centennial project when celebrating 100 years of Rotary (1905–2005) and dedicated the restored cabin on February 23, 2005. n This information was adapted from a plaque erected by the Sonora Sunrise Rotary placed near the cabin. Summer 2018

A New Way to Connect Are you reading this article from your phone? On your computer? Or with our magazine in hand? You might be surprised to know that not all of our readers flip physical pages to read our issues. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY publishes an online magazine concurrently with our paper issue each quarter, and we have over 300 regular readers from more than ten countries each week. You can visit https://issuu.com/usctodaymag anytime, anywhere, to read our current and past issues—66 of them in total right now! We also have a Facebook page where we highlight articles and events that are important to our residents, spanning topics like music and art events, high school sport updates, and road closures. You can find us @usctoday. Our posts are public, so you can share them with your family and friends. We also post these notices on our Twitter account: @usctmag. TODAY’s newest communication tool is a way to combine our paper magazine with our online efforts. A hub of information, https://15241.today is a site that pulls it all together. With sections for local news, events, and fundraisers, this is the place to go for a quick overview of what’s happening in or near zip code 15241. Various feature articles from our magazine will be reprinted here, along with anything that may have missed our deadline or changed since printing. Crossposts will go to Facebook and Twitter. If you are interested in sharing something with our readers, send your information to our online editor Alison Hess at ahess@uscsd.k12.pa.us. And coming soon to 15241.today—a new way to advertise… online! See TODAY’s upcoming fall issue for more information. n

Road Work Again?

The warm days of spring and summer signal the beginning of the construction season for Pittsburgh’s roads. While no one likes potholes and traffic delays, paved roads having such conditions are still an improvement over roads encountered by Upper St. Clair’s first drivers. Early automobile owners could expect to find their share of red dog and macadam roads in the area. Red dog refers to a form of paving using left over materials from coal mining. This waste would be burned to dispose of unusable materials. Most of the waste would be consumed, but any slate would heat up, often changing to a red shade. This readily available by-product was then used on back roads and driveways, as an improvement over dirt roads. Macadamized roads used compacted layers of crushed stone. To combat dust from the stones and to further improve the road for automobile traffic, macadamized roads could be covered with a layer of tar to seal the road surface and minimize wear and tear. A ro u n d a c e n t u r y a g o , Upper St. Clair’s roads, including Washington Road, were improved using this method to make way for increasing traffic from cars McLaughlin Run Road, as horse-drawn transportation early 20th century continued to decline. n

Photo courtesy of the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair. If you have genealogy questions or old USC photos to share, email president@hsusc.org.

Left to right: Dana Block, affiliated agent; Suzy Brucker, title service representative; Manny Fisher, affiliated agent; Amanda Houston; affiliated agent; Milo Hindman, manager South Hills office; Gina Fonzi, affiliated agent; Hope Bassichis, affiliated agent

Helping Find Homes for Dogs

Last fall, the South Hills office of Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services in Pittsburgh hosted a pet adoption event as part of the Coldwell Banker “Homes for Dogs” National Adoption weekend. Affiliated agents and office staff partnered with FurKid Rescue, a foster-based animal rescue organization located in the area. The event was a great success, with six dogs finding a home that day. Volunteers from Coldwell Banker’s South Hills office were joined by members of FurKid Rescue for the event, which featured ten dogs that were available for adoption. Those interested in adopting a dog, or one of the many other animals listed with the rescue organization, were able to register on-site and complete an adoption application. Attendees visited with the dogs and enjoyed snacks and socializing. “We are fortunate to help people in the South Hills community find new homes every day, and now we get to extend that service to homeless pets in need. It’s a win-win,” said Milo Hindman, manager of Coldwell Banker’s South Hills office. “The affiliated agents showed a great passion for this cause. Thanks to them, as well as the involvement of our past clients and customers, support from local businesses, and friends within the community, we had a very successful day! We look forward to hosting a similar event in the future.” In total, hundreds of Coldwell Banker offices and animal shelters from around the country participated in the initiative to help find homes for shelter animals. The nationwide adoption weekend was part of a three-year campaign launched by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC and Adopt-A-Pet.com, North America’s largest nonprofit pet adoption website. The organizations helped facilitate more than 20,000 adoptions in the first year alone. n

See Coldwell Banker ad on outside back cover.

Memorialize Your Block Party

Take photos of your 2018 neighborhood block party and then send them to USC TODAY so we can help you memorialize your event! Mail your digital photos (minimum resolution of 1 MB each) to usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us, along with a short write up about the event, including when and where it took place. UPPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY will share information about your fun day in our November edition, at a time when we all need to think about the warmer days that lie ahead and the fun outdoor activities that take place during the summer months. n Summer 2018

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

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

Summer 2018

Advertiser

Page

Affordable Decks and Additions .............................................................. 54 Arbor Tree Specialist, Inc. ........................................................................ 49 Asbury Heights ....................................................................................... 35 Ashlin Interiors ........................................................................................ 54 Benjamin Marcus Homes/Siena at St. Clair .............................................. 2 * Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, The Preferred Realty, Rt. 19 South ... 3 Blackwood & Associates ................................................. Front cover, 12, 13 Brookside Lumber ................................................................................... 53 * Calabro Tire & Auto Service ..................................................................... 83 Chase Custom Creations ......................................................................... 54 Chinese Acupuncture & Herbs Center, LLC .............................................. 25 Cirigliano Plumbing ............................................................................... 49 * Coldwell Banker–The South Hills Office ......................... Back outside cover Coldwell Banker–Rebecca Church ........................................................... 77 Coldwell Banker–Lynn Dempsey ............................................................. 83 Coldwell Banker–Dora Rudick ................................................................. 51 * Cupelli & Cupelli, Drs. ............................................................................. 77 Davey Tree and Lawn Care ....................................................................... 55 Extended Day Services ............................................................................ 28 Funny Little Birdie ................................................................................... 30

Advertiser

Page

Jacksons Restaurant + Bar ..................................................................... 30 * Keller Williams–Sandy and Marshall Goldstein ...................................... 25 * Kerr Family and Cosmetic Dentistry ........................................................ 31 Little Lake Theatre Company ................................................................... 29 * Manalo, Larry E., D.M.D., proud sponsor of USC Inline Hockey .............. 79 Mister Sewer ............................................................................................. 7 Movement Mortgage–Kevin O’Laughlin ................................................. 51 Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center .............................................................. 28 * Pinebridge Commons Associates ............................................................ 31 Plastic Surgical Assoc. of Pittsburgh, Robert W. Bragdon, MD, FACS ....... 23 PorchLight Home Staging ....................................................................... 52 Preferred Drapery & Blinds ..................................................................... 53 * Providence Point, a Baptist Homes Society community .......................... 75 RE/MAX Premier Group–Susanne Wagner .............................................. 47 * Rusmur Floors .................................................................. Back inside cover St. Clair Fitness ........................................................................................ 23 * St. Clair Hospital ....................................................................................4, 5 * Scott Bros. Windows and Doors .............................................................. 48 * Sesame Inn ............................................................................................. 61 South Hills Endoscopy Center ....................................................................1

What They Said Working with UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine has been a real pleasure. The staff is wonderful at facilitating exactly what my company needs to be seen by the residents of Upper St. Clair! —Jason Daugherty, Owner, Mister Sewer G’s Landscaping ...................................................................................... 53 G’s Window and Gutter Cleaning ............................................................ 49 Greater Pittsburgh Plumbing .................................................................. 55 Heartland Homes Bedner Estates ........................................................... 27 Historical Society of Upper St. Clair ........................................................ 17 * Howard Hanna USC Office .............................................. Front inside cover * Howard Hanna–Diane Horvath ............................................................... 79

Southwest Gastroenterology Associates ................................................. 11 * State Farm Insurance–Cindy Brophy ....................................................... 31 * Thomas Dance Studio ............................................................................. 29 Torrente at Upper St. Clair–Luxury Apartments ..........................................9 Troy Orthodontics .................................................................................... 31 Washington Health System .................................................................... 21 * Wellington Real Estate–Patty Thomas & Rebecca Lutz ............................ 19

The Summer 2018 edition of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a great opportunity to advertise in USC’s Community Day issue! Our advertisers know this and have responded wonderfully by placing their ads in our publication! *The above advertisers, who are advertising in this issue, have contributed their financial support for a minimum of 47 issues. Thank you.

Let guide you the rest of the year with great ad placement.

Give us a call! 88

OUR GUIDES

Fall: Educational Resource and Health & Wellness Winter: Holiday and Life Planning

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, the award-winning, official publication

of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair 412-833-1600 x 2284 www.twpusc.org

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Summer 2018

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COLDWELL BANKER WE MOVE UPPER ST. CLAIR

Hope Bassichis

Noel Bliman

Mary Lou Borchert

Anita Crago

Barbara Cusick

Lynn Dempsey

Janine Dillon

The John Geisler Team John Geisler | Michael Hornick | Carmela Viviano

Before Rates Go Up, Make Sure You Don’t Miss Out! Elaine Goldblum

Genie Gooding

Buyers are looking for homes, and they want to act fast before interest rates rise. Get the best price for your home while the most buyers are in the market!

Leigh Harkreader

Nancy Heffernan

To find out what your home could be worth, contact any of these Coldwell Banker® independent agents for a free no-obligation market analysis. Judy Hlister

Kathi Kernan

Maria Lane

Kim Lanphear

Julie Leslie

Ron Loncharich

Julie Puzausky

Dora Rudick

Kathy Sekeras

Laura Simon

Jane York

Milo Hindman Manager

Diane Snyder

Mary Torchia

Jim Walsh

Mary Ann Wellener

Julie Welter

Faith Williard

ColdwellBankerHomes.com/SOUTHHILLS South Hills | 1630 Washington Road | 412.833.5405 Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2018 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. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 259404PIT_1/18