Summer 2020
Continuing to connect with our community www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home www.15241.TODAY
The official publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair
Upper St. Clair Office • 180 Fort Couch Rd, Upper St. Clair, Pa 15241 412-833-3600 • HowardHanna.com
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Summer 2020
•
Volume 26
•
Issue 2
www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home • www.15241.TODAY •
8
10 Citizen of the Year
Features & Around the Township
USC Alumni News— Speaker Bureau to Spotlight
The 50th Quigg-Clair Block Party
Partners in Lifelong Learning
16
Kevin Orie—Rookie to Pro
73
Town Hall South, Enriching Our Community
76
15241 TODAY talk “On Stage with Jim and Lanny”
78
What’s Life without Goals?
26
Township
Enjoy the Outdoors in USC
USC parks, 18 in all, have what you want
39 USC Citizens Fire Academy
50
School District
Notes from Our Publishers
22
14 Getting His Kicks…
usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us
27
Healthy Lawn Care Practices
33
Police Department Personnel News
40
52 55
Kids Helping Kids
57
My Response is My Choice
Guides/ Directories
42 Pinebridge Commons 43 Summer Activities 66 Home & Garden 84 Advertiser Index
Photo Ops
36 Kids & Teens Library 59 Shrek The Musical 62 Doors of USC 63 Community Pep Rally
Echoes of Loss
52 Butterfly Project Flutters into Boyce
56 An Exchange Student’s U.S. Experience 4
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Cover
The summer cover of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY shows a serene waterfall along the Montour Trail. In close proximity to Upper St. Clair, near the intersection of Route 19 and Valley Brook Road, get out to enjoy the beauty of nature while getting exercise. Ongoing planning efforts between Upper St. Clair Township and private property owners are underway that will tie the trails in our Township directly to the trail in Peters Township, increasing our residents’ use and enjoyment of an expanding trail system. —Cover photo by Linda Dudzinski Summer 2020
The award-winning, official publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair Fall 2020 edition deadlines:
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 26 years of our publication.
The 102 nd 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.
Articles—June 18 Advertising—July 7
Winter 2020 edition deadlines:
Articles—September 24 Advertising—October 6
Website: www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home Email: usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us Online magazine: www.15241.today
@usctoday @usctmag @15241.today
Publishers Matthew R. Serakowski, Township Manager Dr. John T. Rozzo, Superintendent of Schools Steering Committee Mark S. Mansfield, Assistant Township Manager Paul K. Fox, School District Representative Editors and Staff Linda M. Dudzinski, Editor-in-Chief Terry Kish, Associate Editor Colleen DeMarco, Office Manager, Advertising Executive Sarah Beitler, Advertising Executive, Marketing Executive Alison Hess, Advertising Executive Kerry Turner, Advertising Executive, Social Media Specialist Dorothy Clark, Graphic Designer Student Interns Haley Beardsley, Lauren Teresi, Emme Wetzel
Mark Mansfield, Paul Fox, Linda Dudzinski, Terry Kish, Colleen DeMarco, Sarah Beitler, Alison Hess, Kerry Turner, and Dorothy Clark. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a non-partisan Township, School District, and community magazine. Political advertising and political commentary are not accepted. The publishers of this magazine reserve the right to reject advertising or articles inconsistent with the objectives, image, and aesthetic standards of the magazine. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is published and mailed quarterly to residents and businesses in Upper St. Clair Township. Extra copies of the magazine are available at the Township of Upper St. Clair Municipal Building and Township Library. If you did not receive a copy in the mail, call 412-833-1600, extension 2284. Subscription Information If you know someone living outside the Township who would enjoy receiving 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.
Board of School Directors Barbara L. Bolas, President Patrick A. Hewitt, Vice President Amy L. Billerbeck Jennifer L. Bowen Phillip J. Elias Dr. Daphna Gans Louis P. Mafrice, Jr.
The next issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY will be the Fall 2020 issue and will be published in August 2020. Articles that were submitted but not published in this issue are on file for consideration in upcoming issues. Articles and announcements may be sent to: Editor UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 or email UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY at usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us. Article Information Editor-in-Chief Linda Dudzinski phone: 412-833-1600, extension 2681 Advertising Information Office Manager Colleen DeMarco phone: 412-833-1600, extension 2284 fax: 412-851-2592 Ad file submission: dclark@uscsd.k12.pa.us
Township Board of Commissioners Mark D. Christie, President, Ward 4 Daniel R. Paoly, Vice President, At Large Dante R. Plutko, Jr., Ward 1 C. Elise Logan, Ward 2 Robert W. Orchowski, Ward 3 Ronald J. Pardini, Ward 5 Rex A. Waller, At Large
Angela B. Petersen
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Young Writers Guild (YWG) promotes and encourages young writers in the Upper St. Clair School District, grades 8–12, to provide articles and artwork of interest for our community magazine. Email usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us to find out how your student can contribute. The 102nd issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a joint publication of the Township and School District of Upper St. Clair. © Copyright 2020. 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.
Jennifer A. Schnore 6
Thank you to our volunteer contributors this issue: Judge Ronald Arnoni, Becky Brindle, Cindy Brophy, Dave Bulger, Lauren Costello, John D’Angelo, Lynn Dempsey, Wayne Herrod, Heather Holtschlag, Leona Horino (YWG), PA Sen. Pam Iovino, Richard Jurik, David Kutschbach, Jay Lynch, Amy Martin, Gordon Mathews, Rep. Natalie Mihalek, Ron Morosky, Jim O’Brien, Jim Render, Haley Roberts, Keith Scannell, Gary Schafer, Lauren Teresi (intern & YWG), Julie Travaglini, and Emme Wetzel (intern & YWG).
Summer 2020
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
LIVE IN a
Neighborhood where you can l l A t i o t k l a W Summer 2020
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
7
Notes from Our Publishers Matthew R. Serakowski
Dr. John T. Rozzo
This is an unprecedented time for members of our community, the nation, and the world. It is matched equally by the response from our federal, state, and local governments. As matters evolve, so too does the response from our community, whether it includes calls for social distancing, building and facility closures, or even secured playgrounds and sports courts. In the early spring when many people clamor to get outside, we were all met with extraordinary challenges as to how we engage with one another. We adapted. Many of our friends and family were called to action to combat this new situation, while others were summoned to shelter in place. Parents continued to navigate matters by balancing kids at home and their online learning while remaining engaged with their own work-related responsibilities. We adjusted. We recognize the multitude of emergency service workers, including but not limited to EMS paramedics, police officers, firefighters, and all the doctors and nurses who continue to staff the hospitals. Additionally, we acknowledge the many workers in the service industry who remain on the job throughout this crisis, assuring essential products and services are available and delivered. We are thankful. While the decision was not taken lightly, we cancelled Community Day 2020 due to the concern for our residents’ safety and health. While we’ve withstood a wide range of weather-related variables— rain, extreme heat, and even light snow flurries—since the inception of Community Day on May 20, 1978, this was one challenge that could not be overcome. We will endure. We will have future Community Days. We will once again hold playdates at Wiltshire Park, participate in baseball and softball games at Founders Field, continue to enjoy long hikes in Boyce Mayview Park, and our kids will return to the classroom. Many of us gained a reconnection with family dynamics, and some of us now have a heightened appreciation for our neighborhood and for those around us. We look forward. Many of us are now well versed in new methods and applications for connecting with people, whether virtual, on social media, or over the phone. Families hit the pause button on our otherwise busy, programmed, and sometimes over-scheduled lives. The world may likely be a much different place once we emerge from this local, national, and global response. We, as individuals and through the strength of our communities, will choose how we will advance in the months and years to come. We will triumph.
These past couple months have been a new and unprecedented journey for all of us. Our world, nation, community, and public education have faced uncertainty and challenges the likes of which we’ve never experienced. On Friday, March 13, we made the difficult decision to close our Upper St. Clair schools for at least a month to protect our students and community from the spread of COVID-19. Less than a month later, on April 9, Governor Tom Wolf announced that all Pennsylvania public schools will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019–20 academic year. Following the news of our initial extended closure, our educational leadership team and teachers began planning for remote learning, and soon built a completely new delivery model for teaching and learning in the District. Through high levels of collaboration, innovation, and cooperation, our team created a remote learning environment in a few short weeks that ensures the continuity of education for our community’s children. Our students continue to receive instruction from their teachers through video conferencing, live instruction by video, pre-recorded lessons through videos, various effective online platforms, and other educational resources. By expanding the District’s use of its Canvas learning management system and with support from our technology staff, we provided a smooth transition for our families. Prior to the closure, the District’s 1:1 program provided students in grades 5–8 with an iPad and students in grades 9–12 with a Chromebook. Elementary school families have been using personal devices or have borrowed iPads from the District through the closure. We recognize that this pandemic has impacted families in many ways. Our student services and nutrition center staff have worked tirelessly to ensure families who rely on free or reduced priced meals continue to have access to nutritious meals. Curbside pickup of to-go breakfast and lunch began mid-March and will continue for the remainder of the school year. While none of this has been easy for anyone—especially our students and their families—I am encouraged by the innovation, collaboration, displays of kindness, and genuine care for one another that have emerged from this challenge. We have all been asked to do more or do differently. Rather than bending and breaking, we have risen to the occasion. Our Upper St. Clair school community is indeed a family, and in times of challenge and uncertainty, families circle the wagons. All of our District resources are currently focused on supporting one another throughout this unprecedented time. We will get through this together and emerge stronger than ever. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for our community’s children.
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager
Dr. John T. Rozzo Superintendent of Schools
For the most up-to-date information regarding Township services and our schools, visit: www.twpusc.org and www.uscsd.k12.pa.us. www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home | @15241.today | usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us 8
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Summer 2020
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We will certainly miss seeing the community for what is historically a very busy May at Gilfillan Farm but hope that you will take the time to check us out online as we continue to press forward with preservation and fundraising efforts. We would like to thank all of our sponsors who had committed to making Barnyard Beer Benefit a success. • • • • • • • • •
Insurrection Ale Works Links Brewing Company Mindful Brewing Six Points Southern Tier Brewing Spoonwood Brewing Voodoo Brewery Ardolino’s Atria’s
• • • • • • • • •
Bonefish Grill Bravo Eat ‘n Park Juniper Grill Nothing Bundt Cakes Texas Roadhouse The Porch TOSS Unique Pretzels
• • • • • • •
Whole Foods Brewers of PA Colussy Chevrolet Heartland Homes Louis Anthony Jewelers McLean Architects Pittsburgh Realty
• • • • • •
Dora Rudick, Realtor The Saloon School of Rock SP Floors Town Hall South The Yard
www.hsusc.org www.facebook.com/HSUSC www.gilfillanfarm.org www.facebook.com/GilfillanFarm www.Instagram.com/GilfillanFarm
Summer 2020
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
9
RONALD A. ARNONI, DISTRICT JUDGE District Court 05-2-20 Office: 412-835-1661 Fax: 412-835-4060
Hiras Professional Building 2414 Lytle Rd #200 Bethel Park, PA 15102
Citizen of the Year Recognized
Judge Arnoni wishes to introduce the recipient of the District Court’s 2019 Upper St. Clair Outstanding Citizen of the Year: Paula Henderson. The award is given to an individual who has been nominated and who demonstrates excellent community leadership, makes significant contributions to the community, and shows generosity and unselfishness through his or her actions. This past January, Judge Arnoni presented the award to Paula. Attending the ceremony were Paula’s husband, Bill, State Representative Natalie Mihalek, the previous two years’ winners, and many members from Upper St. Clair Recreation Department’s Older Adult Program, who came to show their support. A few years ago, Paula was asked to assist with the Older Adult Program. Happy to help, the opportunity allowed Paula to develop familiar relationships and interactions she once formed with other senior citizens when she worked at a nursing home years ago. Older Adult Program members meet on Wednesdays at USC’s McLaughlin Activity Center on McLaughlin Run Road for a business meeting, followed by a lunch and program. Paula works alongside group members, helping them prepare the recipes they’ve selected for that day’s luncheon. She is humbled that the members proudly share with her their Paula Henderson and Judge Ronald Arnoni stories of growing up and of their families, jobs, and lessons they’ve learned along the way. Based on their interests, she helps develop and select programs that entertain, educate, and enhance their lives. Paula has met many wonderful and interesting people since taking this position, and feels fortunate and blessed to be a part of this energetic group. Paula also volunteers with Outreached Arms, an organization that provides help to Pittsburgh’s inner city homeless and working poor by serving meals and nurturing relationships. A volunteer of Outreached Arms for several years, Paula sometimes brings young A group from USC’s Older Adult Program happily attended the ceremony that was held in the District Court this adults from the community with her past January. Shown on the table of contents page is Paula Henderson, Judge Arnoni, and Carolyn Graham. to help fulfill the program’s outreach mission. Paula received her undergraduate degree from Kent State University, getting a BA in gerontology. She then went on to complete the nursing home administrators course at UNC, Chapel Hill. Upon graduation, she worked as a nursing home administrator for ten years in North Carolina and Ohio before moving to Pittsburgh 20 years ago. Paula and Bill chose Upper St. Clair as their home for its outstanding community and for its award-winning school district. Their three children are pursuing nursing careers paths, similar to that of Paula. At the ceremony, Paula received a commemorative medal and certificate, as well as a gift certificate to DeLallo’s Restaurant. She was also recognized with a citation given to her by State Representative Natalie Mihalek. Judge Arnoni wishes to thank all those who nominated exceptional candidates for this year’s award, and extends a special thank you to Carolyn Graham for submitting the nomination Left to right: 2017 award recipient Richard “Dick” Thomas, Rep. Natalie Mihalek, 2019 award recipient Paula Henderson, Judge Ronald Arnoni, 2018 for such a well-deserving individual. n award recipient Sam Gaetano 10
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Summer 2020
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State Senator Pam Iovino, 37th Senatorial District Bethel Park Office 100 Broughton Road Bethel Park, PA 15102 Phone: 412-831-0250 Fax: 412-831-2740 Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm
Robinson Township Office 5996 Steubenville Pike Robinson Township, PA 15136 Phone: 412-788-2967 Fax: 412-788-2970 Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm
Harrisburg Office 458 Main Capitol | Senate Box 203037 Harrisburg, PA 17120-3037 Phone: 717-787-5839 Fax: 717-772-4437 Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm
Subscribe to my monthly e-newsletter and learn more on my website: www.senatoriovino.com. Follow me on social media @SenatorIovino for regular updates.
It is an honor and privilege to represent Upper St. Clair Township in the State Senate and the entire 37th Senatorial District, which spans the southern and western suburbs of Allegheny County and Peters Township in Washington County. Sharing here some of my legislative accomplishments and district activities since being sworn-in as your state Senator in April 2019, I hope this update is useful and informative. Remaining engaged with the community—whether through UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, my office’s regular mobile office hours at the Township library, or attending community events this summer and beyond—is the goal to best serve you. If my office can assist you with accessing state government programs or services, please contact me and my office staff. Improving the Coordination of Veterans’ Services Last fall, the Pennsylvania State Senate unanimously passed SR 170, legislation I introduced to improve the coordination of services for Pennsylvania’s more than 800,000 veterans. SR 170, with strong bipartisan co-sponsorship from 22 Democrats, 15 Republicans, and one Independent, directs the Joint State Government Commission to establish a task force to study the coordination of the nearly 6000 veteran service entities in the commonwealth, including federal, state, local, not-for-profit, and private programs. As noted in a 2014 needs assessment, lack of programs and benefits for veterans is not the issue, but rather awareness and accessing benefits. The task force will conduct a comprehensive review and analysis of the programs and procedures in Pennsylvania regarding the coordination of veterans’ services and will issue a report with findings and
recommendations to the Senate. With these recommendations, the legislature and state can take informed actions to better accommodate connecting veterans to the benefits that are available and that they have earned. Supporting Fire Departments First responders, a critical element of public safety in every Pennsylvania community, are facing a crisis of recruitment and retention. In the 1970s, Pennsylvania had more than 300,000 active volunteer firefighters. Today, there are only about 38,000. In response to this ongoing crisis, I have used direct input from fire service personnel to craft a legislative package that will help them continue keeping us safe. • Incentivizing Innovative Recruitment and Retention This legislation would create a new grant program available to fire and EMS departments that think outside the box in their recruitment and retention efforts. An example is already in place at the Peters Township Fire Department, where they provide a “work from home at the station” workspace to allow volunteers to work remotely. • Improving Fire Department Management Training Under this bill, management training would initially be recommended and eventually required for at least one member of the fire department’s leadership. Additional grant funding would be available to assist departments with leadership training. The training would include legal and fiduciary guidelines, best practices to create efficiency of operations, human resources management, and working with public officials and elected officials. n
Sen. Iovino hosts mobile office hours at the USC Township Library; pictured (left to right): Mark Mansfield, assistant township manager; Helen Palascak, retired library director; Senator Pam Iovino; Linda Dudzinski, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY editor; Chet Dudzinski 12
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Summer 2020
State Representative Natalie Mihalek 40th Legislative District
3515 Washington Drive, Suite 540 McMurray, Pennsylvania 15317
724-942-2045 www.repmihalek.com
Facebook.com/RepMihalek
For assistance with any state-related issue, either call my office at 724-942-2045 or stop in to visit my office located at 3515 Washington Road, Suite 540, McMurray. To keep up with my legislative updates, follow me on social media: www.Facebook.com/RepMihalek, Twitter.com/RepMihalek, and Instragram.com/RepMihalek.
As Warm Weather Approaches, Be Mindful Of Ticks
With May being “Lyme Disease Awareness Month” and as warmer summer weather approaches, it’s important to be reminded and informed about the serious impact that Lyme disease and other tickborne illnesses can have. Individuals who spend time outdoors should check themselves for ticks and be aware of the symptoms of Lyme disease and other tick-related ailments. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that most people get from the bite of a deer tick. If left untreated, the disease can cause serious physical and neurological problems that are hard to manage later on. The number of cases of Lyme disease in Pennsylvania is among the highest in the country, with 11,900 cases reported in 2017. Ticks carrying Lyme disease have been found in each of the commonwealth’s 67 counties. Early diagnosis is important in fighting Lyme disease. Most cases of the disease can be treated successfully with antibiotics, especially if treatment is started early. However, if left untreated or inadequately treated, the infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system, resulting in increasingly serious complications and requiring intensive therapy. The first and most effective line of defense against Lyme disease is prevention. The best ways to prevent tick-borne illnesses are to avoid
tick-infested habitats, use personal protective measures such as insect repellent with DEET, wear protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and thoroughly check for and remove attached ticks after being in an infested habitat. Showering will also help any unattached ticks to be washed off. Change clothes and place worn clothes in the dryer at a high temperature to kill any ticks that might remain. Thoroughly check pets that spend time outside, as well. Many people with Lyme disease are unaware that they’ve been bitten, since ticks are very small and hard to see. If a circular rash that looks like a bulls-eye appears, consult with a physician, as you may have Lyme disease. However, not all persons with Lyme disease develop a rash. Other symptoms are non-specific and can include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and joint pain. If you develop any signs or symptoms of Lyme disease, see your healthcare provider immediately. When detected early, Lyme disease can be easily treated with antibiotics. I encourage everyone to be safe when enjoying the outdoors from early spring to late fall, when ticks are most active. Take the proper precautions and educate yourselves before heading out into tick habitat. n For more information on Lyme disease, visit www.health.pa.gov.
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
13
Getting His Kicks on Route 66 Wayne Herrod
Upper St. Clair resident Bob Orchowski’s favorite song should be “Route 66.” That song, with original lyrics written by Bobby Troup in 1946 and recorded by Nat King Cole that same year, was later re-recorded by other famous singers and groups, including Perry Como, Chuck Berry, The Rolling Stones, Manhattan Transfer, Depeche Mode, and, most recently in 2012, by Glenn Frey. Why should this song hold special meaning to Bob? Over the years, he’s not only traveled Route 66 extensively, but he’s also driven on countless other roads and highways to reach destinations near and far. With a planned trip to Idaho, Bob will have attained the pinnacle of visiting all 50 states in the U.S. What’s even more exciting is that with this trip, Bob will join 1600+ other people and become a member of the All 50 Club. Requirements to become a member of the club? Visit all 50 U.S. states, staying over a minimum of one night in each state. As you can see, Bob’s feat centers on exploration! Accomplishments are nothing new to Bob or to his family. Married to his wife, Rose, for 46 years, these two Pittsburgh sweethearts met during their high school days when they both worked at Carnegie Library in Oakland. Bob, who earned a BS degree in engineering from Carnegie Mellon and was employed at Duquesne Light (1974–1996) and Orion Power through 1999, is currently a partner at Hillcrest Group, a company that specializes in environmental development. In addition to enjoying time with his grandchildren and traveling, Bob’s hobbies include fishing, hunting, and golfing. As you can see, his hobbies tie in rather nicely with his travel goals. Rose graduated from Pitt and is an RN at St. Clair Hospital in the family birthing unit. The Orchowskis have four children and seven grandchildren. The Orchowski children, like their parents, appreciate rigorous academic pursuit. All Upper St. Clair High School graduates, twins Neal and Lindsay received undergraduate degrees from Penn State and Dartmouth, respectively, while Tyler received his from Cornell and Katie from Harvard. Bob’s story about his intrigue with the All 50 Club is fascinating. Bob stated, “About ten years ago, the kids bought me a map of the United States. We began placing yellow pins in the various locations I’d visited. As we placed the pins, it became apparent that I had not missed many states while on my travels. This past March, Bob showed off his state map, with Idaho not yet “pinned.”
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Well if you ever plan to motor west Just take my way, that’s the highway, that’s the best Get your kicks on Route 66. Well it winds from Chicago to LA More than 2000 miles all the way. Get your kicks on Route 66. Well it goes from St. Louie down to Missouri, Oklahoma City looks oh so pretty. You’ll see Amarillo and Gallup, New Mexico, Flagstaff, Arizona. Don’t forget Winona, Kingman, Barstow, San Bernadino, Would you get hip to this kindly tip, And go take that California trip. Get your kicks on Route 66. My first state to visit was Massachusetts in 1969 during my high school days. And, as you will notice if you look at my map, many more pins have accumulated since then. As of today, I’ve visited a total of 141 U.S. cities and placed those pins on my map, with California leading the way with nine. About five years ago, Rose and I realized that there were only four states on my map that were not represented, including Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Idaho. I jokingly told her that if I didn’t make it, she should take my ashes and spread them around in these four states. She said ‘No way. We’re going!’ ” Bob’s past travels resulted from business trips, family vacations, and following the kids’ sporting events when they were young. They now include visiting his children and grandchildren, whose homes are spread throughout the country. So, with less than a handful of states to go, the Orchowskis planned and executed three of their four remaining trips. Bob enjoyed reminiscing about several of them. “Wyoming has to be the most amazing place that I’ve visited. The wildlife was extraordinary and the scenery unbelievably beautiful, with the Rockies rising out of the West. Mississippi was probably the most boring, with far fewer attractions and much less to see and do than anywhere else I’d been.” “One of my most unforgettable trips was a fishing expedition to Narragansett, Rhode Island, with my sons and sons-in-law. We caught hundreds of pounds of striped bass, flounder, and blue fish. Best fishing ever!” “Probably the funniest and, at the time, scariest was the trip to Theodore Roosevelt National State Park in North Dakota. Visiting during the month of October, very few people were in
The Orchowskis, on a family vacation to the Outer Banks, North Carolina, left to right: son Tyler and his wife, Mckenzie; grandson Mac, son Neil and his wife, Leah, granddaughter Reese; son-in-law Shannon, grandson Julian, daughter Lindsay, grandson Avery; Bob and Rose; daughter Katie, and son-in-law Don; not yet born when this photo was taken are grandchildren Josie, Scarlett, and Calvin
the park when we were there. Being the only car on the road we were traveling, we literally drove into a large herd of buffalo. Stopping to observe them, about 50 buffalo surrounded our car within minutes. One large bull came right up to the window and appeared very curious. Frightened, I thought for sure he would push over our car, but he didn’t. Nearly a halfhour later and without any other travelers on the road during our close encounter, the buffalo finally lost interest and went about their way. With a sigh of relief, we continued on with our visit to the park.” As a Township resident, you might be familiar with Bob for another reason. Since 1998, Bob has served Upper St. Clair as a Township commissioner. For six of those years, he served as president of the board. “I originally ran for a seat on the board when the contentious issue of a wireless cell tower at Boyce Mayview Park was the hot topic in the Township. I believed my background and knowledge in electrical and environmental issues would be helpful to our community and its residents. Many agreed, and I was elected.” While traveling is certainly a passion for Bob, residents appreciate the dedication and expertise he’s given to Upper St. Clair for more than 20 years in his position as commissioner. While Bob will soon accomplish his goal Bob at Inner Passage, Alaska
A father/son/son-in-law fishing expedition in Rhode Island, including, left to right, Neil, Don, Bob, Tyler, and Shannon
Bob enjoys an Indy car race experience, where he drove the course at well over 100 mph.
of traveling to all 50 states, our community hopes that he finds find Pennsylvania, specifically Upper St. Clair Township, to be his favorite! Have fun as you continue to “get hip… and get your kicks on Route 66.” Oh!… and, please, keep travelling to that well-known building on McLaughlin Run Road, the Township building, as you continue to well represent the USC community and its residents. n
A trip to North Dakota included a visit to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Summer 2020
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The 50th Quigg-Clair Block Party A USC Tradition Unlike Any Other Dave Bulger
A group gathering after a hard fought softball game between Quigg and Clair (circa 2011)
On Saturday July 3, 1971, a gallon of gas cost 40 cents, All in the Family was the most popular show on television, and the Pittsburgh Pirates were in first place in the National League East (and would win the World Series three months later). That same day, an Upper St. Clair neighborhood tradition was launched that has continued uninterrupted each year ever since. Remarkably, the annual Quigg Drive-Clair Drive Fourth of July block party will celebrate its 50th edition this summer. Friends and neighbors will enjoy the mid-summer classic, as they have since the Nixon administration, with both current and former residents descending on the confluence of Clair and Quigg Drives to celebrate Independence Day. The annual event brings together old and new friends who share the common bond of either living or having lived in what we affectionately refer to simply as “The Neighborhood.” It is a tradition unlike any other. While suburban neighborhoods are often transient, ours was unique in that the core foundation of families that moved in during the 1960s and ’70s remained there for decades and, in many cases, still live there. The neighborhood became unusually close-knit. Families not only watched their children grow up together, but also vacationed, played sports, celebrated holidays, and enjoyed other life events together. Longtime neighborhood families—Walton, Tomko, McKenzie, Thiros, Cullen, Blass, Giusti, Wilkins, Bulger, Valentino, Teller, Hawkins, Kennedy, Avick, Augenstein, Smith, Eannarino, Morelli, Kelly, Pfeffer, Christman, Dennison, Bauch, and Reichenbach—helped build the block party institution. Over time, other families—including Rowland, Hutchinson, Halackna, Busse, Zeh, Williams, Bernard, and Zadrozny—moved into the neighborhood in the ’80s, ’90s, and ’00s and embraced, added to, and carried on the event and its tradition. 16
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It all began innocently as a one-day celebration of Independence Day with a bike parade, softball game, bingo, and pony rides. Old home movies and pictures from the early years show a lot of plaid pants, bell-bottoms, banana-seat bicycles, and side-burns. The Alexander and Siemens families were the original founders of the event and thought it a good way for the neighbors to socialize and celebrate the holiday together. Ironically, those two families both moved away just a few years later. Little did they know that they were starting a fire that would burn for 50 years. The party grew a little bigger each year, and as its popularity exploded during the ’70s, it soon became a three-day-and-night free-for-all, featuring kids’ games, a dunking machine, fire truck visit, dinner, bingo, square dancing, golf outing, volleyball, Simon Says contests, movies, Pirate Parrot visits, late-night table games, recovery breakfasts, and unofficial fireworks displays by Bobby Wilkins. And, throw in an adult beverage or two. Pure Americana! Perhaps no activity was more ridiculous or is as fondly remembered than the ’70s pie eating contests, which always quickly descended into mayhem with pie fights reminiscent of the Three Stooges. For a few years, a magic show was part of the festivities. However, that ended after the 1981 block party when the magician, who had partaken of a little too much holiday celebrating, stumbled off the porch that had served as his stage, and collapsed into the bushes. Instead of performing, he fell asleep. An annual grudge match softball game—Clair and Long Drives versus Quigg Drive—was a favorite part of the weekend for years, with yearlong bragging rights at stake. The annual classic matched two former Pirate teammates against one another,
with Dave Giusti captaining the Clair and Long team and Steve Blass leading Quigg. Inexplicably, Quigg defied the law of averages to win 34 of the 44 contests held over the years. However, of great consequence, Clair and Long did manage to win the historic 1976 Bicentennial game. The 1983 gathering is fondly remembered as the “Love Story Block Party” because it served as the romantic backdrop for the introduction of John Schirra to the much-loved, long-time USC school teacher Dee Hamel during the square dance. Four years later they were married, and 37 years later still they credit the magic of the block party for bringing them together. One of the more unusual years was 2017, when a large underground water main burst just prior to dinner. The resulting geyser and massive sink hole nearly swallowed the bingo tables. If not for the heroic actions of John McKenzie and Brian Cullen, who led people to safety and helped shut off the water, the fecal flood could have had disastrous results. Since its inception, there is only one person who has never missed a block party. Ellie McKenzie has a perfect attendance record, which she attributes to self discipline and prioritizing the importance of friendships. The Tomko and Cullen brothers are usually vying for the water balloon toss championship. The neighborhood bingo champion is Joan Valentino, and Mike Morelli is the table games champion. And Tula Thiros’ homemade Greek dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) are always a favorite in the dinner buffet line. In recent years, Billie and Eric Williams have successfully introduced and hosted a corn hole tournament, which replaced square dancing (since very few of us remember the lost art of square dancing). The weekend festivities also include a golf scramble on the third day, typically organized by Lisa Blass and Glenn Pfeffer. More often than not, the winning team has included at least one member of the McKenzie or Walton clans. The planning and organizational duties have long been shared by all neighborhood families. In the early years, there was a rotating block party chairman. However, over time Jan Teller, Kim Polosky, and Diane Rowland each stepped up and played huge roles, planning the event for many years, with Ginny Giusti helping as treasurer. Jan is also the official photographer and archivist of the annual party, and has dozens of scrapbooks documenting the festivities. More recently, the organizational and logistical
duties have been carried out by two women: Kathy Kappert and Melissa Zeh. They have done a wonderful job bridging the old guard neighbors with the current, newer ones to make sure everybody is included and has fun. The significance of this year’s 50th block party is not lost on any of the participants. No doubt, stories will be told and toasts offered to the many beloved neighbors who are no longer with us. Among those, special mention and honor to the memories of George Bulger, Dave Teller, Terri Walton, Rege McKenzie, Roy Augenstein, Dave and Betty Kelly, Jack and Eleanor Kennedy, Joe Valentino, Bruce Hutchinson, Fred Bauch, Al and Gloria Smith, and Bob and Gina Wilkins. Mostly, the block party is about lifelong friendships and maintaining relationships that are now, in some cases, five decades old. It has become an annual pilgrimage for those of us who no longer live in the neighborhood or in Pittsburgh to stay connected with old friends. Now, many of us who grew up there bring our children back for the block party as we connect the past with the present. It’s unclear if this will be the final block party or if the tradition will continue. However, what is clear is that we have all been blessed to share so many fun and special times over the years. Fifty years is a long time for any tradition to last. And, it’s been a great ride! n
Steve Blass (right), leading a “Simon Says” game (circa 2002)
John McKenzie, Dave Bulger, Andy Tomko (circa 1990)
Eleanor McKenzie, leading the bike parade (circa 2010)
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Hitting the Bricks Jay Lynch
Residents of our neighboring community, Mt. Lebanon, are proud of the quaint beauty of their yellow brick streets. They’re viewed by most as historic assets to the community, and real estate agents say they attract new residents and support property values. But, as a former Mt. Lebanon resident, I discovered that the seemingly charming brick streets can contribute to embarrassing neighborhood gatherings. Shortly before my marriage in 1986, I scraped together a down payment and bought a small home on Allendale Place, a classic, tree-lined brick street in Mt. Lebanon. We planned to move into our “love nest” after our wedding, but I moved into our home early to begin working on self-serving renovations, like converting the game room into a man cave before my bride could object. I’d not met any of the neighbors… until the night of my bachelor party. As bachelor parties go, it was tame by design. I didn’t want anybody to get hurt or be thrown in jail. To honor my last gasp of male independence safely, my buddies took me to a variety of venues in the South Hills for activities that would be off-limits after marriage: consuming adult beverages in seedy taverns, gambling on horses at The Meadows, and bowling with pot-bellied beer drinkers at Bowling City.
Early in the evening, my friends locked a plastic ball-and-chain to my ankle, presented me with a large bottle of Jack Daniels, and introduced me to my “date”—a life-sized buxom blonde blow-up doll that remained close to me for the rest of the evening. While her latex legs had to be awkwardly bent to make her stable on bar stools, she was the catalyst for entertaining banter with waitresses, bartenders, and fellow patrons (e.g., “Hey, buddy, your date looks like a bit of an air head! Yeah, she’s not talking to me… we had a bit of a blow up in the parking lot.”). She was also a hit at The Meadows when she crowd surfed like a beach ball to celebrate our rare victories. My friends had a remedy for our rotten luck with the ponies that evening and a special gift for me. They bought a $2 ticket on every horse to win the last race of the night, and ceremoniously presented all of them to me and my vinyl date. We couldn’t lose. Everyone expected the favored horse to win and my payoff to be pennies, but at least I’d end the evening with a victory. To everyone’s surprise, the least favored horse won, and I dragged my ball-and-chain to the betting window to collect $300 on a $2 ticket!
Our next stop was Bowling City, where we threw gutter balls and downed pitchers of Iron City ’til well past closing time, when we were asked to leave. While the party was over at 2 a.m. for my friends, my adventure was about to begin. In anticipation of an alcohol-fueled evening, I’d asked one of my young employees, Keith Simmons, to participate in the festivities and also serve as my designated driver. I thought a loyal employee might be motivated to do a good job of keeping me safe at the risk of a lousy performance review. Keith’s final task for the evening was to drive me less than a mile from Bowling City to my house. In retrospect, I should have walked. Keith had grown up in Detroit and was obsessed with cars and speed. For most of the evening, he’d tempered his aggressive driving. But, as we approached our final destination, he accelerated, intending to make a dramatic, controlled half-spin, ending with a skidding stop in front of my house. Just for fun. He hadn’t considered several important conditions that would impact his planned maneuver. It was raining, so the brick street was wet. In addition, it was autumn, so the bricks were covered with leaves. As a result, Allendale Place had become incredibly slippery. Keith lost command of his controlled skid when we were only 50 feet from my house. His car hit the curb and went airborne, leaving the street. It flipped over and landed upside down on my new neighbor’s backyard swingset with a mighty crash that shattered the nighttime silence and woke the whole neighborhood. Keith and I were suspended, upside down, by our seat belts. The car’s headlights, still on, illuminated my neighbor’s family room through their picture window. We could see pajama-clad adults and kids scrambling for robes, flashlights, and umbrellas. When the police arrived, they cut the seat belts, pulled us from the car, and helped us to my neighbor’s back porch, where curious neighbors had assembled to see who’d woken them from their slumber. Neither of us were seriously injured, but my neck hurt and we were both stunned by the impact. As we sat on the neighbor’s porch steps, one of the policemen flashed his spotlight on the car and declared, “Good Lord, there’s a woman in the back seat!” They ran to the car, shattered the rear window and pulled out the inflatable lady. Irritated by their unnecessary panic, they brought her to the porch and handed her to me, asking, “Your girlfriend, buddy?” I could hear kids in pajamas asking their parents why the strangers who destroyed their swingset owned a life-sized blow-up doll. Teens giggled. We overheard one of the officers reporting the incident to his superior on his walkie-talkie: “Inverted vehicle on swingset. Minor injuries. Driver passed DUI. Intoxicated passenger wearing ball-andchain owns inflatable lady and whiskey.” I heard a voice on the other end of the line say, in disgust, “What kind of people are they, anyway?” At that moment, I thought it best to speak to the crowd, “Guess what, folks? I’m your new neighbor. How do you like me so far?” My attempt at humor was met with a chorus of boos, until I explained that Keith’s insurance would pay for any damages and the neighbor kids would be getting a brand new swingset. I also reassured the crowd that I, indeed, had a real, human, girlfriend, who would soon be my wife and their neighbor. A subsequent X-ray revealed a cracked cervical bone, giving me the perfect excuse to be a pain in the neck with wedding planners. During our honeymoon, my bride frequently reminded me of the ironic name of the horse that paid off so well at The Meadows the night of the bachelor party: Whiplash. When we moved to Upper St. Clair in 1995, I was delighted to discover that there’s only one brick street within our Township’s tensquare-mile radius, and it’s a safe distance from our house. n Share your thoughts about this article with Jay at bkefather@yahoo.com.
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Mike Wagner—USC to Mars… Not Far Away Remembering a 2019 Interview Jim O’Brien
Mike Wagner (#23), circa 1979
Mike Wagner wants to improve his golf game, make his swing higher and more consistent, learn how to read music to play the piano, enjoy bicycling in a safer manner, and read books about all the U.S. presidents. “I’m a big believer in setting goals,” he said while eating a plate of spaghetti bolognese bravo at Bravo on Route 19 in Cranberry Township, not far from his home in Mars, Pennsylvania. I had a personal favorite, eggplant parmigiana with a chopped salad, and it was sensational. I met Mike at 1 p.m. and we both pulled into our parking spots at 12:58. There was one car between our vehicles. Talk about good timing. I reminded him that we had once met at Bravo in North Fayette. I looked it up in my book Steelers Forever, and the date was Wednesday, April 10, 2002. Mike had suggested 1 p.m. that time, too. And that seemed like only yesterday. Now we were meeting on Wednesday, January 6, 2019, nearly 17 years later. I also met him for lunch at King’s Restaurant when he was playing for the Steelers in the early ’80s and he was living in Upper St. Clair. I used to run into him at the post office. I know he liked to play golf at St. Clair Country Club, and often showed up at celebrity fundraisers for several good causes. So, Wednesdays are good for meeting Mike Wagner. Remember the movie Any Wednesday? It starred Jason Robards as a well-to-do Manhattan businessman who had a mistress (actress Jane Fonda) in a New York hotel. I told Mike that I once attempted to interview Kordell Stewart in the Steelers’ locker room and he snubbed me. “Don’t you know the rules,” Stewart scolded me. “I only do interviews on Wednesdays.” 20
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
The previous visit with Mike was on a you about something relating to me not bright, sunny day. This meeting was on a playing in Super Bowl XIV?” he asked for day when it never stopped raining. Never. openers once we were seated. Pittsburgh experienced record rainfall in Mike still hasn’t shared that story with 2018 and it looked like 2019 was on its me. I just know that he and Jack Ham did way to setting a new record. The parking not play in that Super Bowl game and, lots along the rivers were shut down due worse yet, they were not in the team photo to flooding. for that season. As Mike walked toward me in the parkInjured players and players on the ing lot, he looked much like the fellow I reserve squad were never on the sidelines had talked with in 2002—still walking when Chuck Noll was the coach. Why? ramrod straight, still taut, and still look- Noll had those guys sit in the last row ing like he could chase down any receiver. of the press box at home games. Today, This Wednesday, Mike weighed in at 170 mostly in hoodies and sweat suits, Steeler pounds. “Every decade I make a conscious players are generally directly behind effort to drop ten pounds,” he said. “I Coach Mike Tomlin. bicycle 20 miles each day and, yes, I’ve Mike was eager to tell me about Franco fallen off my bike more than a few times. Harris and Rocky Bleier, two of his favorite Bicycle people will tell you that it’s par Steelers this side of his former roommate, for the course. Uneven roads, pot holes, Jack Ham. He smiled when I told him I’d cars suddenly moving in on you, lots of spoken to Randy Grossman on the phone obstacles.” earlier that morning and that Randy had His hair, including his eyebrows and requested that I give Mike his regards. mustache, may have had a little more Randy is also one of Mike’s favorites. “He’s curl to them, and there’s some gray on a smart man,” said Mike. “And he makes the sides of his handsome head. But, he funny observations.” That’s Randy. looked terrific, as always. Mike is most “They’re all good guys,” added Mike. accommodating, while careful in what he “We had a lot of good guys on our teams. says, still recalling how Chuck Noll told One of the things that says a lot about the his players to be careful when speaking Steelers of my day,” said Mike, “is that to sportswriters. I tell Mike he looks like we genuinely care about one another. I he just walked out of a window at Brooks just went to a funeral for Ron Johnson in Brothers. Even when he’s wearing a dark Detroit, and many of the guys were there. I blue jersey. didn’t call anyone to go out with me; I just I noticed that he slid the chair to his felt I had to be there. When we see each left, away from the table, so he could ex- other, it’s not just ‘hi’ or ‘hello’ We hug one tend his left leg. “It was rubbing against another, and we mean it.” my knee,” he said. He still has some wounds and soreness from his playing days with the Steelers. He’s had his share of surgeries and repairs and rehabilitation. He asked the hostess to seat us in a corner where we could talk, without eavesdroppers. Mike smiles at some of my questions, as Noll often did during press conferences, but he tells good stories. Sometimes the smiles are smug smiles. Left to right: Chuck Noll and Mike Wagner, late 80s at the “You still want me to tell Ray Mansfield Memorial golf outing; photo by Jim O’Brien Summer 2020
Ron Johnson was the No. 1 draft choice out of Eastern Michigan in 1978, the year before I attended camp to cover the Steelers. He had a mean look and he backed it up. He played seven seasons (until 1984) with the Steelers, mostly as a cornerback, but some at free safety. Mike was a free safety with those same teams. Johnson had played for two Super Bowl winners—XII and XIV. I know from talking to them that J.T. Thomas and Mel Blount both attended the funeral service for Johnson. I thought Johnson was from Michigan, but that was Ron Johnson of the New York Giants, whom I had interviewed in my New York days. Mike corrected me that Ron Johnson’s school was Eastern Michigan and checked his smartphone to verify it. Mike is a smart guy. Graduating from Western Illinois, he got an MBA from Pitt and retired after nearly 40 years in the financial services field with several Pittsburgh banks and corporate entities. He and Andy Russell were good friends and called on one another about business. “It was hard when we lost Dwight White and Ernie Holmes in such a short period of time (in early 2008) and then we lost L.C. Greenwood (in 2013),” said Mike. “I got to know those guys more after we retired from playing, and they were special in their own ways.” “Jack Lambert tells me every time I call him that he hesitates to pick up the phone because he figures someone else has died. I’m 60 now and Ron Johnson was just 53. It’s scary. All those guys had gifts. J.T. Thomas was a much under-valued cornerback. He was solid. And, you should hear him play the piano and organ. He’s really good!” “We had so many great players, and great players make average players great. One year, Glen Edwards and I both made the Pro Bowl and the following year Glen gave way to Donnie Shell as a starter at strong safety. I was wondering how that happened. But Shell will soon be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.” Edwards was in the Pro Bowl in both 1974 and 1975 and surrendered his position to Shell the following season. Shell started for the Steelers for 11 seasons and was a five-time Pro Bowl participant. “I often wondered how or why coaches made decisions about who played or where they played,” said Mike. “We had four to five weeks of training camp then, and you could test and sort out the players better than you can now. We had full contact practices. We had the Oklahoma Drill (one-on-one helmet-first collisions) and now everyone is more safety conscious and avoids what is deemed unnecessary contact. I saw a play in the (2019) Super Bowl where a defensive back hit a receiver one second after he caught the ball, and there was a penalty for hitting a defenseless player. How do you know when you can tackle a player now? It’s ridiculous.” Mike has always been proud of being a Pittsburgh Steeler. He likes to talk about those days and his teammates, but he is always careful to protect the franchise, the legacy of his teammates, the Rooneys, and Chuck Noll. “It’s different today,” said Mike. “Yes, it bothers me when I hear about some of the things that go on today. The players are too into themselves. I’m a big believer in team and good sportsmanship.” “There’s so much money in the game today, and with free agency, the players have a lot more to say about where they’re going to play. They have more power. Most pro athletes come from poor or humble circumstances, and they have little knowledge about handling money. They are not mature. We weren’t so mature at their age, either. I did some stupid things in my life that I wish I could change. That’s what you do when you’re young.” It was a great lunch with great conversation. I’m looking forward to our next Wednesday Marianne Noll (left) with Mike and Becky Wagner, mid-80s at the meeting. n Mel Blount Youth Home dinner; photo by Jim O’Brien
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Coach’s Corner
Kevin Orie—Rookie to Pro, Both On and Off the Field Jim Render
I have discovered that writing an article is tough. Many of you know that I began writing about my former players because I am proud of them and wanted to share their success stories as young football stars who’ve turned into productive citizens and fathers. Here’s my problem. We won a state championship 31 years ago, in 1989. My memories are vivid; however, some readers of this magazine were not yet born, and some didn’t live in Upper St. Clair in those days. Fortunately, some of you were in attendance at past games and were part of our celebrations. Being aware of this generational gap, maybe I write for my own satisfaction and mental exercise. At any rate, I will move forward with my history lesson and hope that some of you enjoy my efforts to inform and promote the many accomplishments of USC graduates. First, a little history about a couple of professional athletes who were not from dear ole Upper St. Clair. Many of you Penn State fans will remember Kerry Collins. He played quarterback for West Lawn Wilson High School (near Reading), which was our opponent in the 1989 Pennsylvania State championship football game. That night, the wind chill factor was 20 degrees below zero at a frozen Hershey Park stadium. Kerry then went to Penn State and was highly successful leading the Nittany
Lions to a 1994 undefeated season and a Rose Bowl championship. In 16 seasons in the NFL, he threw for over 40,000 yards and 206 touchdowns. He was a great quarterback for the New York Giants in the 2007 Super Bowl and made the pro bowl in 1996 and 2008. Excellent! Roger Clemens played professional baseball for both the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. He won the Cy Young award seven times. He earned 350 wins as a starting pitcher and recorded more than 4500 strikeouts. Because of his highly competitive attitude and his high and inside fastball, he was nicknamed “The Rocket.” He should be in the major league baseball Hall of Fame, but that is a story for another time. In case you are wondering, I am a big Yankee fan. But, how do these two superstar athletes factor into an article about a young man from Upper St. Clair? My answer comes in the form of a fantastic trivia question. Who is the only man to intercept a pass thrown by Kerry Collins and later hit a home run off a pitch thrown by Roger Clemens? The answer: Kevin Orie, USCHS Class of 1990. He intercepted a pass in the ’89 state championship game that sealed USC’s victory. And, he hit a home run off Clemens while playing for the Florida Marlins against the Yankees in 1999.
Quad A championship, November 25, 1989—USC (38) vs. North Hills (14); left to right: Kevin Orie, Terry Hammons, Sean Bryson, Kevin McKeever 22
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I would like to introduce you to Kevin Orie and his outstanding story as both an athlete and a father. Growing up in Upper St. Clair, he attended St. Thomas Moore School before coming to the Upper St. Clair School District. The son of Ron and Eileen Orie, Kevin grew up in one of the first houses built on Blairmont Drive, situated above the high school stadium. Along with his eight siblings—brothers Tim, Mike, Ron, Dan, and Pat, and sisters Eileen, Katie, and Fran—he played on fields of the nearby school. In my humble opinion, the Ories were one of the most remarkable families in Upper St. Clair. As for Kevin, he may have been the last three-sport athlete whom I coached. He was old school; football in the fall, basketball in the winter, and baseball in the spring. This was standard in my day, but is an exception by today's commitment to the one-sport, 12-months-a-year mentality. First of all, Kevin had fun, which is something all high school athletes should experience. Secondly, by the time he was a senior, he excelled in all three sports. The accompanying picture of Kevin #20, celebrating in the end zone with his teammates, was taken at Three Rivers Stadium. Kevin had intercepted a North Hills pass and returned it 50 yards for our first touchdown in the WPIAL
USCHS football players, left to right, front row: Kevin Orie, Jay Groninger; back row: Doug Whaley, Pete Habib, Phil Dunn, Dan Lawlor (circa 1989)
championship game, a 38–14 USC victory. For the record, we scored the first 38 points before North Hills managed to see the end zone. Several weeks later, after the aforementioned game vs. Kerry Collins and his team in the PIAA championship, Kevin returned to the hardwood, where he starred for Coach Fred Lese on USC’s basketball team. His senior year performance earned him a scholarship offer from St. Vincent College. It was an offer to which he gave much consideration. When springtime arrived in 1990, it was onto baseball with USC Coach Jerry Malarkey. Jerry recently commented to me that his outstanding shortstop (Kevin) caught a line drive behind his third baseman that remains the most athletic play he’s seen in his long successful tenure as a coach. Toward the end of the high school baseball season, Wake Forest University came to see Kevin play and left highly impressed. Eventually, Wake Forest extended Kevin an opportunity to play both baseball and basketball at their school. However, they were lax in getting him officially admitted. During that summer of 1990, Indiana University offered Kevin a scholarship to play baseball at the prestigious Big Ten school. So, it was off to Bloomington for three years of intense training and high level competition. In 1993 and after his junior year, Kevin was drafted in the first round by the Chicago Cubs baseball team. In fact, there was a spontaneous party at the Orie household when the Cubs’ pick was confirmed. Many of Kevin’s friends, former teammates, and coaches joined the impromptu celebration. I was honored to be one of them! The opportunity was too good to pass up, and he left Indiana University to begin his life in professional baseball. It took the better part of four years bouncing around the minor leagues before Kevin made the major league roster. This included a stint in the Arizona fall league in 1995, where he was selected as the most valuable player. In 1997, he became the starting third baseman for the renown Chicago Cubs, whose stadium is the world famous Wrigley Field. Can you imagine being a rookie in the major leagues and playing in Wrigley Field on Father’s Day with your dad and brothers in box seats along third base? Can you also imagine hitting a home run on that same day and looking towards those seats as you round third base and
head toward home plate? If you guess that kind of stuff only happens in movies, you’d be wrong. Kevin made it happen that day and the Orie family was there to share in the experience. In a surprise move at the halfway point of the 1998 season, Kevin was traded to the Florida Marlins and played for legendary manager Jim Leyland. Then in 2000, Kevin began a fiveyear shuffle of teams and Throwing the first pitch at the Cubs vs. Pirates June 2014 game personal injuries, which at Wrigley Field is Kevin Orie (left) and his daughters, left to right: Alexa, Kara, and Ava included shoulder surgery in 2003. The best of those years was as a designated hitter for the Houston Astros in 2005. His retirement was official in 2006. Soon thereafter, he moved back to Pittsburgh and obtained a commercial real estate license and spent five years working for Grubb-Ellis in the business world. His next venture was working at 93.7 The Fan, where he served as a radio analyst before and after each Left to right: Kevin, Eileen (Kevin’s mother), Melissa, and Pittsburgh Pirates game. Ron (Kevin’s father) Orie (circa 2005) Not an easy job when the Pirates (and all teams) play so many wife was just 40 years old. Kevin remarked games, some of which end late, particular- that he met Melissa when she was 19, ly Pirates’ games played on the west coast. and he knew even then that there was How big is the radio audience at 2:00 a.m. something special about her. “She was the after another Pirates loss? That five-year sweetest, most beautiful person, inside relationship ended in 2017. Kevin is now and out,” he said. Today, Kevin is doing a masterful job working as a private investor, including some financial dealings with his brothers. at raising their girls as a single parent. On Kevin did have another interest out- the day we were scheduled to meet, he side of the world of baseball. In 2004, first had to drive the girls to a dentist aphe married his longtime friend, Melissa pointment and back to school before our Kratsa of Fox Chapel. Director of Patient lunch appointment. He was a little early; Relations at UPMC Presbyterian, she was I was a little late. Recently, Kevin bought a house very known to have a very calming effect on patients. She and Kevin started a family near Fox Chapel High School so his girls in 2007 with the birth of their daughter, can experience what he did growing up Ava (now 13). Two and four years later, in Upper St. Clair. He wants them to respectively, came sisters, Kara (now 11) run the fields, listen to band practice, and socialize before and after games and and Alexa (now nine). Tragedy struck the family in 2012 events in their home. Kevin shared that he when Melissa was diagnosed with a rare enjoyed all those experiences as a youth, form of lung cancer. Kevin lost his wife and combining that with all the winning and the little girls lost their mother in teams in USC, he said, “You couldn’t ask February 2013. This devoted mother and for anything more!” n Summer 2020
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Township Commissioners
Township Administration
Mark D. Christie President Ward 4
Day 412-831-9000 2021*
Daniel R. Paoly
Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager
Mark S. Mansfield Asst. Township Manager & Director of Administration
Jonathan Wharton Chief of Police
Vice President At-Large
Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-862-5995 2021*
Dante R. Plutko, Jr. Ward 1
Mark P. Romito Director of Finance
Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-389-5187 2023*
Adam A. Benigni Director of Planning & Community Development
C. Elise Logan Ward 2
Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-206-5130 2021*
George Kostelich, Jr. Director of Public Works
Christian Gmiter Director of Library
Copyright © M&M Photography
Robert W. Orchowski Ward 3
Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-854-1868 2023*
Ronald J. Pardini Ward 5
Day 412-831-9000 Evening 724-941-1199 2023*
Rex A. Waller At-Large
Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-854-5085 2023*
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 Jonathan Wharton.................................... 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 Christian Gmiter...................................... 247 Director of Library Paul Besterman......................................... 656 Director of Recreation & Leisure Services
*Date indicates expiration of term.
www.twpusc.org 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. 24
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Paul Besterman 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
2020 Township of Upper St. Clair Meeting Dates
• The Board of Commissioners meets at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building. The regular public meeting is held the first Monday of the month in the Board Meeting Room. The informational and general affairs meeting is held the last Monday of the month in the Board Meeting Room. • The Planning Commission meets the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. • The Parks and Recreation Board meets 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. Summer 2020
Highlights of the Board of Commissioners’ Meetings January 6, 2020
Approximately 9 people attended.
Reorganization of Board of Commissioners • Newly elected Commissioner Dante R. Plutko, Jr., and re-elected Commissioners Robert W. Orchowski, Ronald J. Pardini, and Rex A. Waller 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 Paoly was elected Vice President of the Board of Commissioners. The Board • Accepted a ceremonial check from State Representative Natalie Mihalek in the amount of $150,000 for a Gaming Economic Development Fund (GEDF) Grant awarded to the Township of Upper St. Clair. • Adopted Bill No. 1-20 Re. IMP19-0003–Acceptance of Public Improvements in PLC14-0011–Shenandoah Estates. • Established Monday, February 3, 2020, as the public hearing date Re. PLC19-0010–Tuscany Pointe–Planned Residential Development–Amended Tentative Approval. • Approved the 2020–2021 Township Traffic Engineer and 2020 Township Attorney Fee Schedules.
February 3, 2020
Approximately 9 people attended.
The Board • Accepted a check for $27,390 from the Upper St. Clair Athletic Association for the 2019 user fees.
• Adopted Resolution No. 1682 authorizing a grant application through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Community Conservation Program for the Morton Complex/Community Gardens Connection–Phase IIB Perimeter Trail Project. • Approved the following appointment and reappointment to the Youth Steering Committee: Appointment for 4-Year Term–Mary Kirk Reappointment to Resident Professional for 2-Year Term–Joann Petursson Tomnay Approval of Contracts A. Merante Contracting..................................... $1,515,650 Pittsburgh, PA Morton Complex/Community Gardens Perimeter Trail–Phase IIA Project W. A. Petrakis Contracting & Landscaping Export, PA.........................................Year 2020: $214,076* Sanitary Sewer and Storm Sewer Year 2021: $220,798* Operations and Maintenance Year 2022: $227,769* Program (* based on est. quantity and unit values) Hunter Truck Sales................................................. $86,000 Butler, PA One 2020 International HV507 Cab & Chassis Tri-Star Motors....................................................... $33,685 Blairsville, PA One 2020 Ford F-350 4x4 Super Cab & Chassis Tri-Star Motors....................................................... $37,985 Blairsville, PA One 2020 Ford F-550 4x4 Cab & Chassis Tri-Star Motors....................................................... $75,630 Blairsville, PA Two 2020 Ford Police Interceptor Utility AWD Vehicles @ $37,815 each Sabre Equipment, Inc............................................. $22,286 Coraopolis, PA Reading Classic II Utility Body Upfit (for new 2020 Ford F-350 4x4 Cab & Chassis)
Presentation of USCAA funds to Township, left to right: Erik Lund, Jay Sukernek, Commissioner Mark Christie, Joe Krolczyk • Continued Public Hearing Re. PLC19-1301–Zoning Text Amendment to Chapter 130 of the Township Code entitled “Zoning” to add Conditional Uses in the SB Zoning District to the Board of Commissioners’ Regular Meeting on March 2, 2020. • Tabled Public Hearing Re. PLC 19-0010–Tuscany Pointe–Planned Residential Development–Amended Tentative Approval to the Board of Commissioners’ Regular Meeting on March 2, 2020.
March 2, 2020
Approximately 12 people attended.
The Board • Continued Public Hearing Re. PLC19-1301–Zoning Text Amendment to Chapter 130 of the Township Code Entitled “Zoning” to add Conditional Uses in the SB–Special Business Zoning District to the Board of Commissioners’ Regular Meeting on April 6, 2020. • Accepted the withdrawal of PLC19-0010–Tuscany Pointe–Planned Residential Development–Amended Tentative Approval
• Continued Public Hearing Re. PLC20-0001–Frosty Valley Professional Building–Amended Tentative and Final Approval to the Board of Commissioners’ Regular Meeting on April 6, 2020. • Adopted Resolution No. 1683 authorizing the appropriate Township Officials to execute the Reimbursement and Maintenance Agreement for Intersection and Pedestrian Improvements on State Route 19. • Adopted Resolution No. 1684 authorizing a grant application through the Department of Education, Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund for the renovation and new construction of the Upper St. Clair Children’s Library. • Adopted Bill No. 3-20 Re. Update to Police Pension Plan Investment Policy Statement. • Adopted Bill No. 4-20 Re. Update to General Employees Pension Plan Investment Policy Statement. • Adopted Bill No. 5-20 Re. Update to General Employees Pension Plan Document. Approval of Contracts 2020 Street Improvement Program Russell Standard Corporation............................ $42,000 Valenica, PA 2020 Street Crack Sealing Mele, Mele & Sons, Inc............................ $1,787,087.90 Rankin, PA 2020 Annual Street Resurfacing w/Alternate #1– Trotwood Park Tennis Court Pesticide Contract Commercial Turf Fertilization.......... Year 2020: $50,429 Mars, PA Year 2021: $52,515 Pesticide, Herbicide, and Fungicide Spray Program Category 7 Municipal Building Renovation Phase 5 EPM Architecture Bradfordwoods, PA Architectural & Engineering Design Services................................................. $442,282 Project Management Services........................... $122,009 Public Works Equipment Sabre Equipment................................................ $87,403 Coraopolis, PA One Utility Body Upfit with Aerial Lift (for 2020 Ford F-550 Cab & Chassis*) Stephenson Equipment, Inc............................... $69,788 Pittsburgh, PA One 10' 6" Stainless Steel Dump Body with Salt Spreader and Hydraulics for Snow Removal (for 2020 International Cab & Chassis previously ordered)
2020 Annual Street Resurfacing Program
With the return of warmer weather, it’s time for road repairs. Here’s a list of USC Township roads scheduled to be worked on this summer. Street Resurfacing Aetna Drive Brookdale Drive Clair Drive Harrow Drive Highgate Drive Jenkins Drive Morrow Road Oak Park Court Old Washington Road Rexford Drive Rolling Meadow Circle Seegar Circle
From Engelwood Drive Ponoka Road Quigg Drive McMurray Road Orr Road Hidden Timber Drive Morton Road Mayview Road Johnston Road Jenkins Drive Old Meadow Road Fort Couch Road
To Hidden Timber Twp. line #444/#437 Cramden Road Cul de sac Terminus Tall Trees Drive Cul de sac Hays Road Cul de sac Cul de sac Cul de sac
Street Resurfacing Sky Ridge Drive Southampton Drive Southvue Drive Tall Trees Drive Tier Drive Tilton Drive Topsfield Drive Village Court Wellington Drive Windsor Court Woodlawn Court Summer 2020
From Morrow Road Morrow Road Johnston Road Morrow Road Tilton Drive Taper Drive Kent Drive Old Washington Road Lesnett Road Wellington Drive Tall Trees Drive
To Mayview Road Cul de sac #2422 #1070 Cul de sac Cul de sac Cul de sac Village Court loop Windsor Court Cul de sac Cul de sac
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Enjoy the Outdoors in USC
USC's Wiltshire Park
The Township of Upper St. Clair can fill your summer days with fun and laughter as you and your family visit its many parks and parklets. Go for an early morning stroll or pack a lunch and stay to play. Feel the evening’s cool breeze as you enjoy the swings, climbing bars, a ball field, or a welcoming bench. You don’t have to travel far to enjoy green space and summer activity. When the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions are lifted, our Township’s 18 parks welcome you to enjoy the outdoors! Visit http://www.twpusc.org/rec-leisure/ parks-fields for more information.
Site
Fields/Courts
Playground Equipment
Baker Park 13.82 acres
1 small baseball field, Play unit and swing set 2 lighted basketball courts, 1 lighted sand surface volleyball court, 2 tennis courts, 2 lighted bocce 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
Miscellaneous Small shelter, water fountain, picnic tables, grass play area, large covered sand play area, natural surface trail head, perimeter trail, extra pickleball courts at the basketball courts (must bring your own net)
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, piano, and a NEOS 360 electronic aerobic game
Natural area and wetlands, ten miles of natural surface walking trails, expanding perimeter trail along eastern portion of the 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, restrooms at the Miracle League/Clubhouse playground, shelter at Miracle League field, baseball field concession building, Boyce Gardens (rentable through Boyce Road Garden Club) Natural area
Brookside Park 3.7 acres Byrnwick Park 7.05 acres
1 lighted basketball court, 1 tennis/pickleball 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 swing set
Splash pad, cozy dome climber w/rubber safety surface, shelter, water fountain, LED walkway lighting 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/pickleball 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 tennis/pickleball 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
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, fire circle, large picnic shelter, 3-hole golf course, water fountain, batting cages, 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/pickleball court
Play unit and swing set
2 water fountains, shelter, splash pad, walkway lighting, grass play area
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
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2 lighted basketball courts, 1 lighted street hockey court with goals
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Poured-in-place rubber and synthetic turf Restrooms, pavilion, seating area, grass play safety surface playground built in the hillarea, walkway lighting, water fountain side, which includes horizontal net climber, cable bridges, roller slide, double deck tower with slides, Omni spinner, swings with infant seats, a sand play area, and frog splash pad
Summer 2020
Keep Your yard Up to Code and Eco-Friendly Upper St. Clair ordinances are in place for the safety and well-being of the Township and its residents. “When residents follow the codes, it helps the community look more appealing and it positively impacts property values,” said Adam Benigni, director of Planning and Community Development. Upper St. Clair code enforcement follows a process to help remind residents of the ordinances. “Sometimes we need to remind residents to cut their grass and trim overgrown shrubs, especially if they’re closer to the roads, so that drivers have good visibility,” said Adam. “When you’re cutting your grass, don’t allow the grass clippings to go out in the roadway. It can build up over time and potentially clog storm drains, which can lead to flooding issues. Grass in the street doesn’t look great, either. Sometimes it’s the residents’ landscapers who need to be reminded.” Upper St. Clair has a monthly yard waste drop-off collection on the second Saturday of each month between April and December from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is held at the Boyce compost site on Boyce Road, by the community gardens. As an alternative, director of Public Works George Kostelich recommends residents recycle their grass clippings by leaving them in the lawn or use them for mulch in gardens. He says residents should not send grass clippings and yard waste to the landfill. While residents work in their yards this summer, here are some other environmentally-friendly options to incorporate. Use Mulch Grass lawns are water guzzlers. Incorporating mulch throughout landscapes can reduce outdoor water usage. Mulch can help keep plants alive and healthy and inhibit weeds in flowerbeds. As mulch breaks down, it can add nutrients to soil. “Wood mulch and leaf compost are available to USC residents. Located at the Boyce community gardens, there are bins near the cell tower that are filled with mulch materials year round,” said Gary Schafer, Parks and Forestry administrator. Dedicate to Composting “I recommend that residents compost if they are up for the challenge and dedication,” said Gary. Build a compost bin and include vegetable
scraps, saw dust, small branches, office paper, and newspaper (shredded is best). Do not compost animal bones, meats, oils, or thick paper products. Harvest Rainwater Rain barrels are storage vessels that collect and store rooftop runoff from a downspout for later use. Use the harvested rainwater to water plants and flowers to reduce the amount of outdoor water usage. “Keep an eye out for mosquito larva breeding in the water,” said Gary. Mosquito dunks that contain Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis can be placed in the rain barrel. Other options are to add a screen over the openings or a few tablespoons of vegetable oil to the water to deter mosquitos. Plant Rain Gardens “If you have the space, plant rain gardens,” said Gary. Planted where rainwater habitually pools, rain gardens are landscaping elements that capture and filter stormwater. They absorb large amounts of rainwater and filter out pollutants. Reliable online sources for your reference are 3riverswetweather.org and raingardenalliance.org. Choose the Right Plant for the Right Space “Native plants are great to incorporate into your landscape; however, it is often difficult to find a true native plant. The horticulture industry has created so many cultivars of various plants that it is difficult to find the parent variety of specific plants. That being said, finding the right plant for the right space is the goal. Sometimes it may be a specific variety of a tree that may not be native to our area; however, it could be native to the U.S.,” said Gary. It’s also important to remind residents to take care of the areas around creeks. George said residents should protect streams from the use of herbicides and fertilizers, and also from silt and runoff. Remove debris from blocking a stream and do not deposit grass clippings or yard debris in or near a creek. Adam concluded, “It is evident that USC residents take pride in our Township’s appearance. Our primary goal is for everyone to be safe, and all of us appreciate when everything looks nice, too.” n
Healthy Lawn Care Practices David Kutschbach, Superintendent of Projects Maintaining a strong, healthy lawn goes a long way toward protecting our streams. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that maintaining a dense turf grass cover reduces runoff, retains nutrients in the grass, and reduces erosion. The EPA recommends eight general tips for growing and maintaining a healthy lawn. Your journey toward a healthy lawn should begin with a consultation with your local Penn State Extension office or other lawn care professional to develop an effective nutrient management plan for your lawn based on a soil test analysis. A site-specific recommendation will evaluate soil properties, age of the lawn, type of grass species, and other factors. Your site-specific evaluation will consider one of four fertilizer application strategies: • Not to fertilize. Some lawns may be able to maintain a healthy, dense cover without additional fertilization, due to natural soil fertility or due to the age of the lawn. • Apply an organic fertilizer like Milorganite, compost, or composted manure. • Try the “reduced rate and monitor” approach. Read the nitrogen application rates on the fertilizer bag label and then reduce the application rate by one-third to one-half. Monitor your lawn. Should your lawn quality fall below your expectations, reapply the fertilizer at the reduced rate. • The Penn State Extension recommended nitrogen rate is 3.0 to 3.5 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet of lawn per season. Simply divide the fertilizer total into four small doses, and fertilize using those doses in the early spring, late spring, late summer, and mid-fall.
Keep these things in mind when minding your lawn. • When mowing, use a mulching mower. Lawn clippings and mulched leaves are good for your lawn. High in nutrients, they should be treated as if they are a fertilizer. Do not apply fertilizers before spring’s green up or after the grass becomes dormant in the late fall and heading into winter. The risk of fertilizer pollution from surface runoff or leaching is greatest when the grass is dormant. • Maximize the use of slow release nitrogen fertilizer. You can find a slow release fertilizer by looking on the bag label. It will be shown as water insoluble nitrogen (WIN). • Most southwestern Pennsylvania soils are clay-based with a low pH, indicating an acidic soil. An application of lime will improve vegetation health and soil porosity. • Sweep excess fertilizer granules back onto the lawn from spill over onto the sidewalk, driveway, or street before the granules are washed into a storm drain during a rain event. Do not apply fertilizer within 15 to 20 feet of a stream, creek, pond, or other body of water. • Maintaining taller grass ensures a deeper and more extensive root system. Set your mower deck no lower than three inches throughout the growing season, spring to fall. The benefits include increased nutrient uptake, absorbing more moisture in a dry spell, suppressing weeds, and reducing stormwater run-off. Incorporating a few changes to the way you maintain your lawn will help to produce a more dense, healthy lawn, which will also slow and reduce potentially harmful stormwater runoff. n Summer 2020
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Invasive Spotted Lanternfly Gary Schafer, Parks and Forestry Administrator The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatul), a native insect from China, India, and Vietnam, has been wreaking havoc in Pennsylvania since 2014 when discovered in Berks County. In its native land, the spotted lanternfly (SLF) has predators to keep the insect at bay and from causing widespread destruction of the agriculture crops and ornamental trees. The SLF does not bite; however, it uses its piercing and sucking mouthparts to suck nutrients out of plants’ leaves, stems, and trunks. To date, there are few known predators of the SLF. Predatory bugs, like the praying mantis or parasitoids wasps, attack the SLF during different growth periods of the insect. There are also fungus pathogens that can control the SLF during different growth stages. These biocontrol measures show great potential to manage the SLF population; however, insecticides may still be necessary for control.
There are more than 70 plant species to which the SLF are attracted. A favorite plant choice is Ailanthus altissima, also known as the Tree-of-Heaven, a nonnative, highly invasive plant that is often considered a weed tree. Major concerns are for the other prize species of plants— maple, apple, plums, grapes, and hops— that the insect is attracted to. Earlier this year, the SLF was spotted in Allegheny and Beaver counties. How to help control this insect is to squish it and remove its egg masses. In the fall, the adult SLF lay egg masses, which look like putty. Those egg masses can be found on almost any hard surface. They are often found on trees; however, expect to see them on the side of your house, car, patio furniture, or any other hard surface. Inspect your vehicle when traveling. Should you see egg masses, scrape off the masses with a plastic card or putty knife. Place the mass in a container or plastic bag
filled with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to kill the eggs. You can also burn or smash the eggs. Controlling an egg mass can kill 30 to 50 potential SLF. Reporting SLF helps officials understand the movement of SLF and identify quarantine counties (1-888-4BADFLY). Commerce within and in and out of quarantine counties has special regulations. n
Spotted lanternfly infestation of a tree trunk
Find more information at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s webpage, www.agriculture.pa.gov.
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. • S tormwater management permits are
required, as of January 7, 2019, for all residential small projects proposing additional earth disturbance or impervious area greater than 400 square feet. These requirements apply to both new development and redevelopment. Stormwater management permits must be obtained before the submission of a building permit. • 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.
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. 28
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Summer 2020
Alayna Butcher, MD
Carly Zuwiala, MD
Malay Sheth, MD
Kathryn Simons, MD
Marianne Wizda, MD
Monica Smith, DO
Excellent care and the personal attention every woman deserves Won 1st place for Best OB/GYN Practice three years in a row through the Observer Reporter’s Best-of-the-Best awards.
Nicole Garcher, DO
William J. Mitsos, MD
OB/GYN Care whs.org/obgyn
(724) 225-3640
4198 Washington Road, McMurray, PA Additional Locations: Washington - Waynesburg - Cecil - California
West Penn Power Addresses Customers’ Concerns Becky Brindle
It was December 9, 2019. The weather was rainy and damp, but nothing severe. However, a tree fell and brought power lines with it. The fall caused three broken poles and seven damaged poles. To make matters worse, the McLaughlin and Brookside circuits were temporarily tied to complete a substation upgrade, which caused a power outage for double the customers. A total of 1332 homes lost power. Days later, on December 13, 2019, another tree came down in a different location, causing another power outage for the same 1332 customers. West Penn Power customers in USC voiced their frustrations and concerns, so the Township of Upper St. Clair organized a presentation from a West Penn Power representative at the Board of Commissioners’ informational and general affairs meeting this past January. Key points discussed at the presentation: • There was a known problem at the Bethel Park Substation/ Clifton Circuit. This substation serves the Deerfield Manor area, among others. West Penn Power installed tollgrades (sensors clamped to power lines that monitor and communicate information) on November 23, 2019. An engineer is reviewing the findings. In addition, a drone inspection identified 17 maintenance issues with the Bethel Park Substation/Clifton Circuit. Workers are fixing the maintenance issues and will continue to do so throughout 2020. To view the full presentation on your digital device, visit Upper St. Clair Township’s website, twpusc.org.
• Underground wires that were installed in the 1960s and ’70s are now failing due to age. After underground wires fail two to three times, West Penn Power will replace the affected underground wires. • The West Penn Power vegetation management team follows a fiveyear trimming cycle. Additional rainfall the past few years caused more instances of healthy trees uprooting and falling into power lines. The West Penn Power representative said it is cost prohibitive to replace overhead power lines with under- A downed tree on McLaughlin ground lines. Run Road takes with it electrical lines and causes • Downed trees are the leading cause power outages in the of power outages. If you see a tree Township. that looks like it might be in danger of falling into a power line, report it to the Upper St. Clair Public Works Department by calling 412-831-9000, extension 271. • If you experience a power outage, report it. The information helps the power company determine the extent and location of the outage. To report, call the West Penn Power phone number at 800-686-0021. You can view reported outages and their statuses on firstenergy.com/outages. n Summer 2020
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USC Recreation and
For the most up-to-date information, visit www.twpusc.org
Outdoor Pool Season Is Here!
C&RC Outdoor Pool is Scheduled to Open Saturday, May 23 The C&RC’s outdoor pool is scheduled to open for the season Saturday, May 23 (weather permitting and lifted restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic) at 11 a.m., with normal daily operating hours 11 a.m.–7 p.m. throughout the summer. Holiday hours (11 a.m.–5 p.m.) will be observed on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. Extended Outdoor Pool Hours On 12 Friday evenings (June 5–August 21), the outdoor pool will remain open until 8 p.m. (weather permitting) to give you and your family more water time fun! Member Only Hour at the Outdoor Pool On 16 Sundays (May 24–September 6), the outdoor pool will open exclusively to C&RC members 11 a.m.–noon.
Get Ready for Upcoming Events Water Safety Day Friday, May 22, 6 p.m.
It’s never too early to teach children how to stay safe in and around water. Join in for a fun, interactive water safety class for parents and their children ages 3–13. Remember your swimsuit! Free for all participants.
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson (WLSL) Thursday June 18, 12:15 p.m.
On June 18, the Recreation and Leisure Services Department and the C&RC will host a local WLSL event in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record. Free for children ages 3–13 years old.
Vitalant Blood Drive
Thursday, May 28, noon–6 p.m.
For eligibility details and to schedule an appointment, visit www.vitalant.org. Walk-ins welcome. 30
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Summer 2020
Yoga Under the Stars Saturday, August 22, 7–9 p.m.
Join in to practice yoga at night in the beautiful outdoor studio nestled against the trails and trees of Boyce Mayview Park. Participants (ages eight and up) of all levels are invited to attend class, and then enjoy socializing post-class around a bonfire. Free for all participants.
Leisure Services 412-221-1099
Try a Tri! Boyce Mayview Triathlon Training Camp (BMTC) Ages 7–12
This training program will allow for complete immersion in triathlon training for every triathlete who attends. From first timers to experienced triathletes, there will be a place for everyone. To get the most out of the camp, it is broken down into four consecutive training sessions, followed by a triathlon. Dates/Time:
Summer Camps The Upper St. Clair Recreation and Leisure Services Department offers a wide variety of camps for children of varying interests and ages. For a complete list of offerings and to register, visit twpusc.org/crc/registration.
Tuesday, June 30: swim, 1–2 p.m. Tuesday, July 7: bike, 1–2 p.m. Tuesday, July 14: run, 1–2 p.m. Tuesday, July 21: all components, 1–2 p.m.* Saturday, July 25: youth triathlon, time TBD** Ages 7, 8, 9—swim 75 yards (3 pool lengths), bike 1 mile, run 0.5 mile Ages 10, 11, 12—swim 125 yards (5 pool lengths), bike 2 miles, run 1 mile *To participate in the “all components” training class, attendees must also attend the previous three specific training sessions for swim, bike, and run. **Note: There is no official timing or awards for this event. Participants only interested in attending the youth triathlon event are welcome to register; however, full price of the training camp will be charged. Cost: $30 C&RC member/$35 non-member Adult Indoor Triathlon and Training Program Ages 18+
Have you ever wanted to participate in a triathlon, but weren’t sure where to begin? Well, look no further! Join in at the C&RC for a four-week training program and indoor triathlon, specifically aimed for adults. Race distances include 0.5-mile swim in the indoor pool, 12.5-mile bike on the indoor cycling bikes, and a 3-mile run on the indoor track. Expect music, lights, and cheering to help you with your indoor triathlon experience! Indoor triathlon training (four weeks) begins the week of July 6, with specific training dates and times TBD. Date/Time of Race:** Sunday, August 2, 8–11 a.m. **Registration for the indoor triathlon is permitted without attending the training program; however, full price of the training program will be charged. Cost: $20 C&RC member/$25 non-member
Summer 2020
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USC Recreation and Leisure Services www.twpusc.org 412-221-1099 MLK Day of Service 2020 participants
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’” This past January, the Recreation and Leisure Services Department once again sponsored “a day on, not a day off,” which offered an opportunity for children and adults to honor Dr. King’s vision. Participants and volunteers spent the day working with one another and completing several community service projects, along with learning interesting facts about Dr. King and participating in cooperative games and a drum circle. School-age participants, high school student volunteers, college-age volunteers from the PittServes program, and adult
Seniors at Leisure There are a number of Friday opportunities that are free for older adults (age 55 and above), both USC residents and surrounding community residents. C&RC membership is not required. All activities are held at the C&RC, unless otherwise noted. Outdoor Afternoons Bring a snack or lunch to Boyce Mayview Park and join in to play lawn games, engage in various fitness opportunities, take nature walks, and enjoy the warm weather. Location: Boyce Mayview Park pavilion Dates: June 5, August 7 Time: 1–2:30 p.m. Art Experience Professional artist Rikki Walsh offers a hands-on art activity. Options include watercolors, pastels, sculpting, and more. Date: To resume in the fall Time: 1–2:30 p.m. 32
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volunteers came together to share their time, talents, and enthusiasm. Everyone had the opportunity to work on several projects designed to meet the needs within the community at large. At the end of day, several dozen freshly made cookies were packaged and readied for delivery by adult volunteers to unsheltered and disadvantaged individuals as a special treat for that evening. Enrichment toys for cats, bunnies, and dogs, including snuffle mats, were gathered and then delivered in the days following to Animal Friends, Inc. and Humane Animal Rescue. Several no-sew blankets were completed and then given to individuals in Head Start and senior programs. Hand-made Valentines and
cards of appreciation were delivered to VA Pittsburgh Health Care System patients. Bags crafted from old T-shirts were donated to food banks in the Homewood area. USC’s Day of Service made a positive difference for both people and animals. n
Making Valentines for the VA Pittsburgh HCS patients
For more information about any Older Adult programming, contact the C&RC at 412-221-1099.
Entertainment Day Join other area seniors and get ready to kick off summer at an ice cream social. Date: June 19 Time: 12:30–3 p.m. Game Day Five Hundred? Bridge? Mah Jongg? Jigsaw puzzles? Tripoley? Grab your friends or make new ones as you play the afternoon away at the C&RC. Date: June 26 Time: 12:30–3 p.m. (Doors open at 12:15 p.m.)
Silver Card Offered by USC Township to residents age 62 or older. Proof of age and residency required at time of application. 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. USCSD Gold Card Serving Our Seniors Upper St. Clair residents who are age 62 or older are eligible to receive a Gold Card, entitling them to free admission to plays and musicals, as well as regular season home athletic events and activities sponsored by the USC School District. WPIAL and PIAA playoff games are not eligible for free or discounted admission. To obtain a Gold Card, visit the high school main office at 1825 McLaughlin Run Road. For more information, contact Nancy Dunn at 412-833-1600, ext. 2236, or email ndunn@uscsd.k12.pa.us.
ACCESS and Port Authority Transportation for Senior Citizens Applications for the Pennsylvania Senior Transit and up) is required. Additionally, proof of Allegheny ID and ACCESS transportation are available at the County residency is required for ACCESS. C&RC. Application must be made in person at the The Port Authority will indefinitely continue to accept C&RC during operating hours. Proof of age (65 blue or yellow Pennsylvania Senior Transit ID cards. Summer 2020
Police Department Personnel News Retirements Lisa Beadle retired this past December after 32 years as the Police Chief’s secretary. During her career, Lisa was the voice that answered the phones for the police department. She also handled all the correspondence for several former chiefs. Lisa is looking forward to enjoying lazy mornings, sipping her coffee and overlooking the lake on which she lives. Officer Brian McGuire retired this past February with 34 years of service to the USC Police Department. Brian began his career in 1986 as a dispatcher and became an officer in 1987. Brian, who is known for his love of exercise, plans to continue that trend into his retirement with lots of involvement with his family and a little hunting and fishing on the side. After 44 years as a police officer, Sgt. Ronald Fleischer retired this past March, having served more than 40 years with the USC Police Department. Sgt. Fleischer started in January 1980 and worked in various positions, including traffic, patrol, patrol supervisor, and, for the last several years, as one of the department’s investigators. When asked what he will miss most, he replied, “The people with whom I’ve worked on a daily basis. They were like family. I will always be grateful that I had the opportunity to serve the residents of and visitors to Upper St. Clair. It’s truly a wonderful community and a great place to work!” Retirement will bring Ron more time to spend with his granddaughter and enjoy his two hobbies: wildlife photography and decoy carving. Lisa Beadle
Brian McGuire
Sgt. Ronald Fleischer
New Hires Paul Abel joined the department last October as the Township’s first identification technician, which is part of the Identogo initiative. He comes to USC after a storied career in law enforcement, including 33 years as an officer in Scott Township and five years before that in Ingram. Paul also served as an investigator for both the federal and state governments. Currently, Paul is the 6th ward commissioner for Scott Township. In November 2019, the police department welcomed two new officers, Philip Saracco and Sean Allebrand. Officer Saracco is a recent graduate of Teal University and serves our country in the National Guard. Officer Allebrand is a graduate of Slippery Rock University and came to Upper St. Clair after two years with the City of Pittsburgh police department. Corrine Dowlin is the new administrative assistant to the Chief of Police. She lives in the South Hills with her dachshund puppy. Her prior professional experience includes corporate talent acquisition, relationship development, and equestrian program/facility management. She studied international relations and Spanish at California University of Pennsylvania and is eager to begin her career in government administration. n
Paul Abel
Left to right: Assistant Township Manager Corrine Dowlin Mark Mansfield, Officer Philip Saracco, Officer Sean Allebrand, Chief of Police Jonathan Wharton
Action Plan to Help Prevent Older Adult Falls John D’Angelo, Tri-Community South EMS The number of deaths resulting from a fall has been rising significantly among older adults since 2000. The latest statistics from 2016 show that 25,000 Americans age 75 and older died as a direct result of a fall. This number is three times higher than the number of deaths among the same age group that occurred in 2000. Also, it has been reported that more than $50 billion is being spent yearly on medical expenses related to falls. No one has yet to find an explanation for this sudden increase in falls, other than the fact that America’s aging population is increasing rapidly. However, numerous studies have shown that most falls among the elderly occur as a direct result of strength and balance issues. It is estimated that by increasing strength and balance among the elderly, falls occurring over a 12-month period can be reduced by as much as 36%. The following exercises and programs have been found to be extremely beneficial in increasing strength and balancing capabilities among senior citizens: • Individual balancing exercises include standing on one leg for 30 seconds to a
minute, then switching legs. To be effective, exercises must be done at least twice a week for approximately an hour at a time. • Tai Chi is a group program that emphasizes slow, controlled movements designed to increase balance, strength, and mobility. • Yoga, which can be either a group or an individual practice, combines still poses with breathing and meditation exercises. As a result, the participant will gain both muscle strength and balance. • Pilates uses a combination of strength, flexibility, and coordinated movements with an emphasis on strengthening the muscles of the abdomen, back, and hips. • Dancing. Various studies have shown that older citizens who dance regularly have superior balance in comparison with those who do not dance. Also, in comparison to all the exercise programs that have been developed, dance programs have the lowest drop-out rate, especially if a variety of dances is included. • In addition to exercise, diet can play a significant role in preventing falls. It has been long reported that a diet rich in protein, vitamin D, and calcium will lead to a stronger body. Summer 2020
No matter which programs are chosen, the following practices are recommended for participants: • Plan both balancing and strengthening activities that gradually increase in intensity and duration. • Plan for a resistance component that might include light hand-held weights for all activities. • Try to place participants of the same skill levels in the same groups. Placing a beginner in an intermediate or an advanced group will surely discourage the beginner. • Make each level progressively more challenging. • Walking can be used as a supplementary exercise in any program. Members at Tri-Community South EMS state that falls are their number one trauma call each year and account for more than 70% of all of calls, both trauma and medical. By sharing these tips with the residents of the communities we service, let’s together help reduce the number of falls of our elderly. n Tri-Community South EMS 5490 Progress Blvd, Bethel Park, PA 15102 412-831-3710 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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Recurring Adult Programs
ADULT PLAY
CREATE
DISCUSS
Games for Check Out and Adult Gaming Night Did you know the library offers a collection of more than 50 tabletop board games that you can check out? We’re in a golden age of board game design! There’s something for everyone, whether you like strategy or storytelling, competition or cooperation. There’s never been a better time to try a new game! Check out one today.
“Making” Friends— Drop-In Crafting Bring your crafts to the library or come learn something new. Every Monday, 2–4 p.m., join resident artist Judé Ernest to learn and teach traditional and high-tech crafts, meet other local makers, and experiment with your own creative projects. Join this friendly, welcoming group! Mondays, 2 p.m.: June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; July 6, 13, 20, 27; August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
WOW Book Group WOW (Women of Words) is a Tuesday evening discussion group that meets on selected months throughout the year. Refreshments provided. Join in! Fourth Tuesdays, 7 p.m.: June 23, July 28, August 25
Come game with our community! The power of games brings together people of diverse ages, backgrounds, and worldviews. Bring your own favorite game to share or explore something new from the library’s game collection. Anyone can play, and all are welcome. Second Mondays, 7 p.m.: June 8, July 13, August 10
Reimagining Books— A Crafting Afternoon Combine your love of books and crafts at this monthly workshop. Learn how to repurpose damaged or unusable books into something imaginative and beautiful. No prior prep needed. A $2 donation is suggested to help cover the cost of supplies. Fourth Thursdays, 2 p.m.: June 25, July 23, August 27
Vintage Radio Players Step back in time and connect with the radio shows that today’s seniors grew up hearing in the 1940s and ’50s! This group meets biweekly to read classic scripts and performs at local personal care homes and in the library. We reenact these shows as they were originally broadcast, including commercials and sound effects. To inquire about a free performance, contact the library. Second and fourth Tuesdays, 2 p.m.: June 9, 23; July 14, 28; August 11, 25 Monday Movies Come enjoy free movie screenings at the library. Refreshments provided. Third Mondays, 6:30 p.m. June 15—Little Women July 20—Knives Out August 17—Harriet
Upper St. Clair Library Coronavirus Closure What Are We Doing While No One is Here? Like everyone affected by COVID-19, the library complied with directives from government officials and the Pennsylvania Library Commissioner, Glenn Miller, who asked all libraries to refrain from any direct, in person, library services during this emergency situation. During the shutdown, library personnel answered its direct phone line, 412-835-5540, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., providing information and helping anyone with the 34
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Zentangle Join certified Zentangle teacher Mary D’Angelo to explore the Zentangle method of pen and ink drawing. This popular technique promotes relaxation, creativity, focus, and fun! Regardless of your artistic background or ability, it’s easy to learn and offers endless possibility. Second and fourth Wednesdays, 1–3 p.m.: June 10, 24; July 8, 22; August 12, 26 Creativity Cafe Want to live your life creatively? Find your community at the library’s Creativity Cafe! Creativity is about more than making art; it’s a way of seeing the world, a system of values. You don’t have to consider yourself an artist to embrace your own creativity and follow it to a deeper, richer existence. Join this group of like-minded folks for monthly conversations about creativity. First Fridays, 2 p.m.: June 5, July 3, August 7
library’s electronic resources. Through apps like Libby, Flipster, and Hoopla, patrons were able to stream or download books, audiobooks, magazines, and movies right to their digital devices. Library staff was busy the first few days of shut down, contacting program presenters, registered attendees, and volunteers to explain about the closure. Information was posted to the Township website as quickly as possible. Anyone remember “spring cleaning?” Well, that happened here! Staff members
Plant-Based Pittsburgh South Plant-Based Pittsburgh South is open to anyone interested in learning and sharing information about healthy, plant-based food choices. Second Tuesdays, 7 p.m.: June 9, July 14, August 11 Accepting Our Neighbors Our community grows stronger when we listen to and connect with one another. Accepting Our Neighbors is a group dedicated to exploring and understanding the diversity that makes our community unique. We share a desire to learn about the experiences of people from diverse cultures, races, sexual identities, and economic backgrounds. Join in for monthly community conversations about diversity and identity. Fourth Thursdays, 7 p.m.: June 25, July 23, August 27
USC Township Library Hours Due to restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to check the library’s website for hours of operation.
412-835-5540 www.twpusc.org
conducted a deep clean of all the patron computer workstations and seating areas. Book covers were Lysol cleaned, and DVD and audio CD cases wiped off. While kids toys and activity sets are always being cleaned with a formula safe for the kiddos and plastics, but tough on the germs, during the shutdown they got a second pass. Public Works wiped down every door and door handle and surface in the library that they could find. When it is safe to do so, the library will be shiny and bright and ready to greet patrons. We miss you! n
Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and related restrictions, library programs may not be held as scheduled. Check the website for the most up-to-date information. Summer 2020
Adult Programs
Register for scheduled adult programs online or call 412-835-5540.
ADULT
Miniature Dioramas with Jim Allan Thursday, June 4, 7 p.m. Join artist Jim Allan for a delightful exploration of his miniature dioramas of iconic Pittsburgh landmarks, as well as local family homes. A former teacher at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and the Douglas Education Center, Jim has been creating miniatures since he was in high school. Come view his tiny creations, explore his process and technique, and learn how he can create a miniature of your own home! Make Your Own Vision Board Thursday, June 11, 6 p.m. A vision is merely a dream without action. Participants will clarify what they want for themselves, choose pictures and words from magazines that reflect their vision, and create a 16"x10" vision board. Under the direction of Yvette Howard of Aspect Life Coaching, participants will leave the workshop with a clear vision of what they want to create, their personal vision board, and simple instructions for using the vision board daily. $20/participant. Music in the Stacks— Steel City Klezmer Thursday, June 18, 7 p.m. The Yiddish word klezmer comes from two Hebrew words: klay, which means “vessel of,” and zemer, which means “song.” Join Cantor Henry Shapiro and Steel City Klezmer for a thrilling night featuring the dance music of Eastern European Ashkenazi Jews. Klezmer music is the centerpiece of weddings and other celebrations, and this spirited ensemble is sure to get your feet tapping! Reel to Real—Conversations That Bring Movies To Life Wednesday, July 8, 6:30 p.m. Attention film buffs! Join the Denis Theater at the library for a movie screening and group discussion. Refreshments provided. This month, we will watch and discuss the 1996 mockumentary Waiting for Guffman. Directed by and starring Christopher Guest and featuring Catherine O’Hara, this sharp satire follows a producer’s attempts to stage a theatrical revue in a small Missouri town. This program is generously supported by The Fine Foundation and the Philip Chosky Charitable Educational Foundation. This program meets in the training room on the library’s first floor. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the film beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Music in the Stacks— AppalAsia Thursday, July 9, 7 p.m. Come groove to the unique sounds of AppalAsia! This Pittsburgh trio fuses Appalachian and Asian music traditions to create an evocative and ambitious performance language for dulcimer, erhu, banjo, and vocals that combines the influence of their folk-roots with original composition and inspired improvisation.
The Sites of the French and Indian War Monday, July 27, 7 p.m. Join historical reenactor Robert Kevin Nipar for a look at some of the most important sites of the French and Indian War, including Fort Pitt, Fort Necessity, and the Braddock Road. Robert is vice president of Friends of Fort Pitt and director emeritus of the Braddock Road Preservation Association. All About Bitcoin Monday, August 3, 7 p.m. Bitcoin? Cryptocurrency? The blockchain? Let professor Christopher Wilmer of the University of Pittsburgh be your guide in this introduction to cryptocurrency. Learn what it is, what it’s good for, and what to expect in the near future. Professor Wilmer is the author of Bitcoin for the Befuddled, and the co-founder of Ledger, the world’s first academic journal for blockchain research.
Summer 2020
Immaculate Reflections on Art Rooney Thursday, August 6, 7 p.m. Join beloved sportswriter Jim O’Brien for a jaunt through the life and times of one of the most colorful figures in sports history, Art Rooney. Fans of Pittsburgh sports—football, in particular—are sure to enjoy learning more than you ever knew about the Rooneys and their impact not only on Pittsburgh, but the national sports scene, as well.
Ice Cream Social with the Allegheny Drifters Thursday, August 13, 7 p.m. Join the Allegheny Drifters for the library’s annual ice cream social. 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 all ages with fine bluegrass classics, strong soulful vocals, and blazing instrumentals. Don’t miss this free summer concert! This program will take place in the McLaughlin Run Activity Center, 1770 McLaughlin Run Road.
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KIDS, KIDS, KIDS! Staying Connected
The library strives to keep us connected! But, due to the COVID-19 outbreak and related restrictions, the Upper St. Clair Township Library will announce its Kids & Teens summer programs at a later date. Check the library’s website for the most up-to-date information. In the meantime, see if you can spot yourself in this collage of past programs. Let’s stay connected, learning and having fun through books, programs, events, and activities for kids of all ages. n
Al Mazing Halloween Magic Show
Book and Bowl at AMF Mt. Lebanon Lanes
Listen, Learn, and Create
Aesop’s Fables Puppet Show
Arts and Crafts Fun and Games Day
Carnegie Science Center Hands On Science
Paws for Reading
Citizen Science Lab Art in the Park Edible Rockets
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Summer 2020
“T” FOR TWEENS AND TEENS
Robot Petting Zoo
Battle of the Books
Teen Readers Theater
Maker & More Time
Twenty-Four Club
Summer 2020
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Here to Serve You USC Township Library Director Retires
of the most welcoming and user-friendly libraries in the Allegheny County library system. She has been committed to the innovation in the physical library space, as well as visualizing the needs and role of a library of the future. She heads up a staff of well-trained and caring employees who continue to make USC Library the Township jewel that it is. And because of Helen’s knowledge and experience, Helen Palascak Becky Brindle the library is well respected by the county-wide library members. She has been supportive of and After 23 years with the Upper St. Clair an advocate for the USC Friends of the Library for Township Library, director Helen Palascak is re- many years. We are very grateful for her years of tired. Helen started with the library in 1997 as head service,” said Barbara Zimmt, treasurer of the USC of technical services. At that time, the library had Friends of the Library. one computer with dial-up Internet service. “And “Helen has been the best director I’ve worked no one knew how to use it,” Helen chuckled. “The under during my many years in libraries,” said access to information and entertainment that we Debra Conn, head of USC’s offer now was unimaginable in 1997.” Children’s and Youth Services Today, the library has 12 computers with Department. Internet, eight iPads, and six laptops for patron use. “And the staff… they’re Additionally, patrons enjoy free WiFi, download- my friends,” Helen said emoable books, audio-books, and Hoopla to stream tionally. “When I think about free movies. my staff and the patrons, they Helen was instrumental in the library’s mi- will always be in my heart.” gration into the eiNetwork in 2006. Due to this Helen feels strongly about improvement, patrons have access to material the books in the library, as from all Allegheny County libraries. “Helen has well. “I’m a book person. I been an asset not only to USC’s library, but to the started off as a cataloger. I feel entire Allegheny County regional library system. like these books are my chilHer leadership and guidance as director will be dren. I want them to do well,” difficult to duplicate,” said USC Township Manager said Helen. Matthew Serakowski. Helen came to the decision Helen is proud of the library’s non-fiction of retiring after considering it room. She led the improvement so that patrons for nearly two years. Her hushave an easy way to find subjects in which they are band has been retired for six interested. Materials are placed by topic, including years, and she has five young parenting books, gardening books, and books for grandchildren with whom she DIYers. “It’s been very effective. Our non-fiction looks forward to spending circulation is up,” said Helen. “It’s the ultimate li- more time. She’s also looking brary service—providing something patrons didn’t forward to attending grandparknow they needed or wanted.” ent days at her grandchildren’s Helen feels passionate about the patrons and schools and surprising them staff she’s met over the years. “The residents are as a mystery reader in their so wonderful; they are so supportive,” said Helen. classrooms. “This is not a sterile, academic library. It’s a real Helen is excited about community space. I’m appreciative of all the pa- more gardening time. Her Mt. trons’ suggestions.” Lebanon backyard lacks grass. Helen’ stewardship, the Book librarySale is one Instead, full of beautiful Your“Under donation and spurchases at the Corner make itit’s possible
pathways, gardens, seating areas, and a fishpond. Her yard has been featured in the Mt. Lebanon Garden Tour in 2004 and 2014, and the Pittsburgh Botanic Tour in 2018. “I love to read, obviously,” said Helen, and she looks forward to spending more time pleasure reading in her garden. “I’ve enjoyed working with Helen for more than 20 years. In her tenure at the library, she’s created welcoming spaces for library visitors and a work environment that encourages kindness and positivity,” said Susan Latshaw, the library director’s secretary. “Her favorite phrase, ‘It will all work out,’ is one that will stay with me long after she’s retired. Because, in my experience while working with Helen, it always did.” n
Everybody needs a friend. Be ours.
for the Friends to sustain the library’s improvements and programs. There are several ways to contribute: • Drop off this form with your cash or check at the library’s Adult or Juvenile Circulation Desk • Mail your check with the attached form to the library • donation Visit our website, http://www.twpusc.org/library/friends, donate online Your and purchases at the Book Sale Corner make to it possible
Everybody needs a friend. Be ours.
for the Friends to sustain the library’s improvements and programs. There are several ways to contribute: • Drop off this form with your cash or check at the library’s Adult or Juvenile Circulation Desk • Mail your check with the attached form to the library • Visit our website, http://www.twpusc.org/library/friends, to donate online
_________________________________________ Name _________________________________________ Address _________________________________________ _________________________________________ Phone _________________________________________ Email
By providing my email address, I agree to receive occasional updates from the Upper St. Clair Library. 38
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Summer 2020
USC Citizens Fire Academy Richard Jurik, Second Captain USC VFD
Have you ever wondered who shows up to your door when you call 911 for fire service? In Upper St. Clair, with our all-volunteer Fire Department, it is your friends and neighbors who show up to help. The USC VFD has been serving our community for more than 75 years, and prides itself in providing the most advanced training and equipment to its members to help protect the community and residents in their time of need. The USC VFD has 52 members. Its 24 active firefighters responded to 337 calls in 2019. The USC VFD is actively recruiting new members. Be the neighbor you want to show up during your time of need! Time and dedication are what you need to become part of the fire service, since all training and equipment is provided by the department. The USC VFD has weekly training or meetings on Wednesday nights at 7:30 p.m. You are invited to stop by and ask any questions you might have. If you are interested in learning more, but are unsure about what is truly expected of a volunteer firefighter, consider participating in the department’s 2020 USC VFD Citizens Fire Academy to learn more. The academy allows you to see what it is like to be a firefighter. The five-day class will run on four Wednesday evenings and one Saturday (June 3, 10, 17, 20, and 24). You will be introduced to the history of the USC VFD and be issued gear to use during classes. You will also participate in training with the women and men of the department. During the academy, you will learn about ladder operations, search and rescue, vehicle rescue, fire suppression, and other interesting topics. n
For more information about the academy or to apply, email deputychief@uscvfd.org.
Fire Safety Tips for Summer Vacationing
During the summer months, many of us will travel for a much-needed vacation and might stay in hotels and motels. The Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department offers the following hotel fire safety tips. Pre-plan your escape route • As soon as you check in, take a few moments to locate escape routes. • Find the nearest exits or exit stairways and an alternate. • Count the doorways, turns in corridors, and any other features between your room and the exits.
• Find the nearest fire alarm. Read the instructions on how to use it. • Read the emergency evacuation instructions posted on the inside of your suite or bedroom door. If a fire begins in your room • Leave your room and close the door behind you to keep smoke and flames out of the corridor. • Sound the alarm. • Leave the building using the nearest exit. • Do not use the elevators. Summer 2020
If you hear the alarm • If there is evidence of smoke in the room, roll out of bed and crawl on the floor. Do not stand! Smoke and deadly gasses rise. • Go to the door of your room. If the door handle is hot, do not open the door. If the door handle is not hot, open it slowly, but be ready to close it immediately, if necessary. Coninued on page 40
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Echoes of Loss
Keith Scannell, Second Assistant Chief, USC VFD Often when there is a loss, after the grieving period for many people, life returns to a semi-normal state. Of course, the wound never really heals, but people find the strength, despite the void, to go on. But the loss echoes from time to time in the lives of the living for years to come. Earlier this year, we suffered the loss of former USC VFD Fire Chief Steve Moore, a loss that will echo not only for his children, Michael and Lauren, but for our entire Upper St. Clair family for years to come. On January 25, 2020, after a courageous fight with illness, the community lost a true steward. While Steve Moore may have been “just” our fire chief, in the totality of his contributions, he was so much more. If you’ve been to a Community Day parade, got a special glimpse of Santa’s sleigh, had a fire truck at your block party, witnessed the Easter bunny being delivered for an Easter egg hunt, saw a fire truck standing by at the Friday night football games, received a briefing from your young child on a fire safety topic, had a carbon monoxide incident, cooking accident, or worse over the last 38 years, the chances are pretty good that Steve had a hand in planning and executing the event or call. Even a cat stuck in a tree or a small pet lost in the woods at dusk garnered Steve’s attention. His firefighters knew the excellence he demanded, as he often told us, “Customer service is not just a phrase, guys. People need your best.” Shortly after graduating from USC High School, Steve joined the USC At Community Day 2019 is former USC VFD fire chief Steve Volunteer Fire Department. Over the years, he gradually, but consistently, rose Moore (right) with his son, through the ranks to the top position of fire chief, a position he held during Michael Moore, current chief the last ten years. If your child was safely transported to one of our wonderful schools, Steve also had a hand in that. A school bus mechanic and occasional emergency substitute driver and employee of the USC School District, Steve took great pride not only in the position he held, but the job that he did. Safety, especially a child’s safety, was paramount to Steve, and the proper mechanical operation of a bus transporting a child was obviously incredibility important. It was this genuine attitude that almost guaranteed Steve would be able show up to a daytime fire call. As many people know, being a 100% volunteer fire department, we, as do most communities that rely on this form of fire protection, know that from time to time we may be short on personnel for daylight calls. The District, being a very progressive and understanding community partner, knew the value of getting the volunteer fire chief to a fire call. While, of course, it made good sense to let Steve respond to a fire call in one of the District’s many buildings, they also knew that a house fire could just as easily be at a student’s home. Steve Moore at Bounty of Boyce Mayview Steve, as well as the School District, always put the community first. In Steve’s honor, let us endeavor to put the community first to a level that would make him proud. He set a great example for all to follow, both as members of the fire department, as well as members of the community. While we at the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department transition to a semi-normal state after our great loss, we would like to send a thank you to our neighboring fire departments, Pennsylvania State Representative Natalie Mihalek, District Magistrate Ronald Arnoni, and many, many others who showed their love and support. While our loss echoes a little less, we will hopefully fill some of the void that Steve’s passing left by continuing to do good for our community in his memory. n Fire Safety Tips for Summer Vacationing Coninued from page 39
• Check the hall. If you can exit safely, take your room key with you and close the door behind you. • Proceed to the nearest safe exit and exit the building. • Proceed with care down to the ground level while holding onto the handrail for stability. • Do not use the elevators. If the room door is hot or there is fire or dense smoke in the hall Few people burn to death in fires; most fatalities come from smoke inhalation. Avoid excessive exposure to smoke. Staying in your room might be safer. Here are some things you should do. 40
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• Let someone know you are in the room. If the phone works, phone the switchboard by dialing “0.” • Wet towels, sheets, or other clothes items, and then place them around the edges of the doors to prevent smoke from coming in. • Fill the bathtub with water, then fill the hotel-supplied ice bucket with that water to keep the towels placed around the doors wet. • Do not break windows unless the smoke in your room becomes heavy. Open or broken windows will draw the fire into your room. • Hang a sheet or other visible item on the outside of the window to signal the fire department. n
From
labor to lullabies
For everything you and your baby need during your pregnancy and delivery, count on St. Clair Hospital to provide a full continuum of safe and family-centered care. Here you’ll find some of the region’s finest OB/GYN doctors, state-of-the-art technology, and warm and comfortable Labor, Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum suites. At St. Clair, our Level II Special Care Nursery and highly trained pediatricians are available 24/7 to ensure both mom and baby are always in good hands. Every year, more than 1,500 babies are born to proud parents at St. Clair, consistently ranked as a national leader in quality, patient safety, patient satisfaction and value. To find one of our leading OB/GYN physicians, please visit stclair.org/delivering.
Delivering Family-Centered Care 1000 BOWER HILL ROAD
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M T. L E B A N O N , PA 1 5 2 4 3
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412.942.4000
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STCLAIR.ORG
Pinebridge Commons Pinebridge Commons
“Quality Dentistry with a Gentle Touch & the Personalized Service that YOU Deserve!”
••••••••••••••••• Cardinal Endocrinology Design Image Salon, Joe Ruffalo
Pediatric Alliance Pediatric Dentistry South
Emerick Financial Planning
Pinebridge Commons
Emma’s Market & Deli, Inc.
Questa Petroleum Co.
Estetyka
Gloria Sayut, MS LPC, NCC
Peter Gialames & Associates
Cindy Brophy, State Farm Ins.
Interior Designs/Furnishings by Mary Kay Chaffee
Travel Leaders, Kiernan Ent.
Suburban Dry Cleaners
Timothy Kerr, DMD & Romana Pautler Kerr, DMD
Troy Orthodontics Beth Troy, DMD
Larry E. Manalo, DMD
Whole Plants Health
Melissa D. Michel, LPC Mike’s International Creekside Kitchen
Wininsky Law Offices Xcoal Energy Resources
General Dentist and Prosthodontic Specialist
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NEWLY RENOVATED • STATE-OF-THE-ART
McLaughlin Run Road at Lesnett Road www.pinebridgecommons.com Leasing Opportunity – Avison Young (412) 944-2138
Pinebridge Dental • Upper St. Clair
88 Dental • Castle Shannon
www.manalosmiles.com
manalosmiles@aol.com
412-221-2221
FAMILY AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY
412-343-4100
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.
Let us make you smile!
Schedule your complimentary consultation today! • Orthodontic services for children and adults • Individualized care in a friendly and patient-focused environment 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 42
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Chairside Whitening System
Summer 2020
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 Activities
Mt. Lebanon RecReation centeR
Teachers that love what they do, make for kids who love where they are!
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 *Individual & Family Season Swim Passes Available Pool Open Noon – 8 P.M. Daily beginning June 12, 2020
Call the Recreation Center at 412-561-4363 for times and rates Or visit us online at www.mtlebanon.org
Bridgeville: 111 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017 412-257-2000 Robinson: 7053 Steubenville Pike, Oakdale, PA 15071 412-787-7686
Stronger Together
www.thomasdance.com Summer 2020
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Summer Activities
Developing the Whole Child Amy Martin, Owner, The Little Gym Did you know that gymnastics helps kids develop physical skills, including body control, coordination, and strength? Gymnastics for kids allows them to experience self-confidence through creativity and performance, and helps lay a strong foundation for other sports in which a child might be interested. Check out some of the long-lasting benefits that can come from getting a child involved in a gymnastics program. • Develops the whole child. In parent/child or preschool gymnastics classes, children learn how to listen, follow directions, and take turns. In older preschool and grade school gymnastics classes, children learn how to respect one another, work as a team, and celebrate other children’s victories, not simply their own. • Builds confidence. Toddler gymnastics can help develop selfconfidence and self-esteem early in childhood. Children are given an opportunity to learn to love and value themselves just the way they are. As kids develop new gymnastics skills, they activate rapid cognitive development through their understanding, application, proficiency, and mastery of the skills. • Enhances physical development. Gymnastics provides an outlet for kids to develop skills like strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, and body control, all while laying a strong foundation for a healthy habit of physical fitness throughout a child’s lifetime. • Frames a routine for your child. Consistent and scheduled extracurricular activities help children anticipate what will happen next. This provides a sense of security, control, and 44
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confidence. For young children, involvement in extracurricular activities also provides structure to prepare them for school and beyond. • Fosters ongoing skill and child development. Participating in extracurricular activities allows children to explore new interests and skills, which allows them room to discover what it is they are passionate about. This could be an affinity for a specific sport, playing an instrument, or even an interest in art. Developing new skills and discovering those they like continues to build self-confidence and self-esteem within children. Gymnastics provides an opportunity for children to acquire not just physical skills, but social and emotional skills, as well. Gymnastics can be a compass for a child’s future. It’s a sport that truly benefits the whole child! n To learn more about The Little Gym, visit www.tlgpittsburgh-southhillspa.com or email tlgpittsburgh-southhillspa@thelittlegym.com. Text or call 724-941-0100. See ad for The Little Gym on this page.
Summer Activities
Summer Ballet Fun! Classes/camps for ages 18 months & up, beginner thru advanced – as low as $40!
Ballet Academy of Pittsburgh 4100 Library Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15234
412-343-9333
www.balletacademypgh.com info@balletacademypgh.com
Summer STEAM Bucket List
Haley Roberts, Administrative Coordinator, Extended Day Services When we approach extended time off school, like summer break, we get anxious that our children will lose the academic skills and natural curiosity they acquired during the school year. Just like muscles atrophy without exercise, our brains do not retain knowledge unless we apply the things we’ve learned and continue to explore new concepts. As a parent, how can you reinforce the STEAM principles that your child learned this school year? Keep your kids intellectually engaged at home this summer with these fun, educational STEAM activities. Packed with fun, the kids will not even realize they’re learning! 1. Embrace electronics. Embrace your child’s love of videogames and turn it into an opportunity to learn how to code. Your child can build his or her own simplistic games and apps through learn-it-yourself subscription services, including Bitsbox (https://bitsbox.com/), which teaches children to code through fun online games sent to your door. 2. Illustrate stories. Read a story to your child and ask him or her to draw what he or she thinks the cover of the book should look like. Then, share the actual cover and compare the two. Talk about why the illustrator might have chosen to represent the story in this way. 3. Make slime. There are countless recipes for slime that are sure to please every child. From rock slime to fluffy slime to Oobleck, these concoctions encourage your child to think about chemistry, states of matter, and the senses (https://www.thebestideasforkids. com/how-to-make-slime-with-contact-solution/). 4. Run a lemonade stand. Get your child interested in entrepreneurship and help him or her sell lemonade. It is a great way to
not only encourage social skills, but it also reinforces basic math skills and builds self-confidence. 5. Design a S’mores solar oven. You know you’ll be eating lots of S’mores this summer! Why not turn it into a scientific experience and a discussion on renewable energy? Melt chocolate and soften marshmallows in a solar oven. All you need is aluminum foil, a large cardboard box, tape or glue, and scissors (https://climatekids.nasa.gov/smores/). 6. Plant a garden. If you have plans to spruce up your yard this summer, get your child involved in planting flowers and caring for them. Designate an area to compost fruit and vegetable scraps to reuse as fertilizer in your flower beds, teaching your child about sustainability. Or have your child plant and tend to a miniature vegetable garden of his or her own creation! 7. Create “explosive” reactions. Build off the excitement of fireworks by making your own small-scale explosions using Diet Coke and Mentos or baking soda and vinegar to create a backyard bottle rocket. There are lots of ideas like these to teach kids about chemical reactions (https://www.greenkidcrafts.com/diy-bottle-rocket/). 8. Take a “daycation.” Need a break from self-developed activities? Spend the day at a local educational or cultural institution, including the Nationality Rooms at the University of Pittsburgh, MuseumLab, or the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Many of these destinations have children’s interactive exhibits or activities that teach a variety of STEAM topics. n See ad for Extended Day Services on this page. Summer 2020
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Summer Activities Twenty-Five Ideas for Summer Fun Julie Travaglini, ALT Education Program Director While most of us don’t associate the warmer months with the thoughts of Thanksgiving, I recently had the honor of attending a symposium where the opening address was a Thanksgiving address. No, there wasn’t turkey and stuffing; instead, this address was the traditional storytelling of thanks and appreciation of nature derived from the Seneca Nation. Given in both English and Onöndowa'ga:' Gawë:nö' (the traditional Exploring at Wingfield Pine language of the Seneca Nation), the address, called Ganö:nyök in Seneca, requires participants to close their eyes and hold images in their minds of all of the intricate details of the natural world that sustain life and bring joy. The entire Ganö:nyök can take more than an hour to complete. This led me to wonder about this coming summer. How could I, in my own way, appreciate our natural world for an hour (or more!) every day? Luckily, summer is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy all that nature has to offer. You don’t have to be Bear Grylls or have backwoods orienteering skills to enjoy the great outdoors. In fact, you don’t really need to go anywhere because you can start right in your own backyard! From setting up a tent and having a backyard campout to toasting marshmallows or exploring what can be found under a paving rock, appreciation and thankfulness can come from simple things, like small activities or enjoyable Bird watching at Wingfield Pines family outings. If you’re interested in joining me on a quest to appreciate the outdoors this summer, then try out any or all of these 25 ideas!
Catch (and release!) fireflies Clean up litter in your neighborhood Collect earthworms off a rainy sidewalk Collect rain for use in making watercolor paints Count how many flowers a single bumblebee visits in a specified period of time Create a crown out of wildflowers Explore a rotting log for bugs Find a four-leaf clover
Find the perfect tree to read underneath Go for a hike at Wingfield Pines Go for an evening walk to hear owls Grow a vegetable plant Lay on your back and find shapes in clouds Learn to safely build a campfire Look for potato bugs under rocks Make a bird feeder Make a grass angel instead of a snow angel Make a mud pie
June–August Events at Wingfield Pines June 20 Creek Critters (1–3 p.m.) Starlight Stroll: Summer Solstice (9–10 p.m.) August 1
Creek Critters (1–3 p.m.)
31 National Eat Outside Day (6–7 p.m.)
From earthworms and four-leaf clovers to bees and rain, it isn’t too hard to find things in nature to be thankful for. So, join me and get outdoors as much as you can and enjoy the warmer weather. And every now and again, stop to tell nature “Thank you!” n
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, events are under review and may be rescheduled. Find current ALT event and registration information at the following case-sensitive link: http://bit.ly/altoutside. 46
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Put your bare feet on a patch of thick moss Roast hotdogs over a fire Smell a wildflower in every color of the rainbow Splash in a puddle Splash in your local creek Try to count a millipede’s legs Watch a spider weave a web
Making fairy gardens
Summer Activities A Healthier U(SC) Summer Surge of Exercise Heather Holtschlag Thoughts of winter are a thing of the past, and on the horizon is the forthcoming sunshine, warmth, and the lazy days of summer. While a little rest and relaxation is good for the soul, what’s as important is the need for activity! Though schedules may be a bit more hectic in the summer around school breaks and vacations, there are some sneaky ways to get in the recommended 30 minutes of daily activity. “Playing outside is the best exercise,” reports Upper St. Clair resident April Jackson, general manager of Mecka Fitness and yoga instructor at South Hills Power Yoga. “We’ve all done this as small children, but sometimes get away from it as we get older, though it’s just as important. Go outside. Play with the dog, the kids, play frisbee, or enjoy relay races. Just have fun! Find a park and swing, or try the jungle gym, which often offers a doozy of a workout. Another little known exercise-friendly activity is gardening, which includes mowing the lawn, picking weeds, and planting flowers. All of these activities provide great forms of functional fitness.” According to April, the reason why these activities are effective forms of exercise is because they are the truest form of functional fitness. “The squatting, bending, and lifting are ways to increase strength because you are holding your own body weight. These activities can help maintain and increase mobility and flexibility, while also increasing aerobic endurance and fat burn.
If you wear a device that monitors your steps, your heart rate, and caloric burn, you will often notice an increase in each of these metrics when performing these activities.” And while it’s summer, you should still aim for achieving a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate or 15 minutes of vigorous exercise each day to reap the benefits, both physically and mentally. This is especially important to note, April says, because the idea that we must exercise strenuously for hours a day is not necessarily the most effective way to gain strength. It doesn’t take a lot to maintain and sustain a healthy body. Before you head outdoors, however, be sure to take precautions that without, could take a toll later. “Of primary importance is hydration,” April emphasizes. “Drink water! We lose more water in the heat when moving about, so be sure to replenish before, during, and after outdoor activities. In addition, clothing matters! Dress appropriately so you can let the skin breath, not overheat. Finally, remember to protect the skin with sunscreen. No matter your skin shade, it is important to apply sunscreen, especially if you’ll be in the sun for long periods of time.” Kids, especially, need to get outdoors during their time out of the classroom, and away from screens and technology. Remember that getting them outdoors is of great benefit, so encourage them to head to the nearest park, join a pickup game, play hide-and-seek, or whatever will have
Local Flea Markets The DeMarillac Guild, of the parish grouping of St. Joan of Arc and St. Louise deMarillac, will hold its annual flea market, “Timeless Treasures.” Sale items will include gently used children’s clothing to size 6, toys, jewelry, decorative items, knick-knacks, kitchen items, holiday decorations, linens, tools, books, some furniture, and more. A boutique will also be set up to offer better items. Location: LeGras Parish Center (lower level), 320 McMurray Road Dates/Times: Thursday, July 23, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Friday, July 24, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday, July 25, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
April Jackson them enjoying the outdoors. “Even if they don’t play a specific sport, encourage them to try a variety of things, as it usually results in a fun experience. A treasure hunt is a good way to get them moving, and you can incentivize them with healthy drinks and treats, like popsicles, along the way.” April encourages families to head to local trails, courts, and parks with playgrounds and swings during the summer months. Parts of nearby Montour Trail may be a good location for an adventure walk or a good hike. “You can also find enjoyment right in your very own front or backyard.” So, be sure that on days when exercise is the last thing on your mind, April offers these benefits that may help you get your feet on the ground and out the door: • The sun is a natural mood enhancer and really helps with sadness and depression. • The sun provides a free daily dose of Vitamin D that is needed for bone formation and assistance in muscle, heart, lung, and brain function. Even on cloudy days, you’re still getting sun rays. • Exercising outside in an environment that is constantly changing teaches the body to adapt to an ever-changing environment. This can enhance the strength of your body’s connective tissue, which may help you avoid certain injuries, while also potentially burning more calories than exercising indoors on a constant surface. n
Happenings! The much anticipated St. Gregory Church’s annual flea market is around the corner! Find your treasure from among household items, toys, baby items, jewelry, holiday, home décor, children’s clothing, small furniture, linens, sports, tools, and more. Location: St. Gregory Byzantine Catholic Church social hall 2005 Mohawk Road, Brookside Farms Date/Time: Saturday, August 8, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Summer 2020
Women’s Golf League The Women’s Golf Association of Mt. Lebanon invites you to join its golf group for play on Tuesdays, now through September. Membership is open to women of all skill levels. For more information, call Sharon Ackerman at 412-480-3319. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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Upper St. Clair School District
Board of School Directors
Barbara L. Bolas President 412-833-9841 2023*
Patrick A. Hewitt Vice President 412-831-0178 2023*
Amy L. Billerbeck 412-833-2712 2023*
Jennifer L. Bowen 412-660-5846 2021*
www.uscsd.k12.pa.us
@USCSchools
To reach personnel, call 412-833-1600, and follow the automated directions.
Administrator
Secretary/Email Address
Extension
Dr. John Rozzo...........................................................Sarah MacDonald.................................... 2218 Superintendent of Schools smacdonald@uscsd.k12.pa.us Dr. Sharon Suritsky...................................................Mary Beth Harkleroad............................. 2214 Assistant/Deputy Superintendent mharkleroad@uscsd.k12.pa.us Amy Pfender...............................................................Mary Beth Harkleroad............................. 2214 Assistant to the Superintendent mharkleroad@uscsd.k12.pa.us Dr. Lou Angelo ..........................................................langelo@uscsd.k12.pa.us........................... 2272 Director of Operations & Facilities Ray Berrott.................................................................rberrott@uscsd.k12.pa.us.......................... 2059 Director of Technology Sean Bryson ...............................................................sbryson@uscsd.k12.pa.us.......................... 2560 Chief of School Police Dr. Judy Bulazo .........................................................Mary Beth Harkleroad............................. 2214 Director of Curriculum and Professional Development mharkleroad@uscsd.k12.pa.us Scott Burchill ............................................................Dawn Machi ............................................ 2220 Director of Business and Finance dmachi@uscsd.k12.pa.us Ray Carson, Jr............................................................Sarah MacDonald.................................... 2218 Senior Director of Operations & Administrative Services smacdonald@uscsd.k12.pa.us Cassandra Doggrell ..................................................Cheryl Ellison........................................... 2116 Director of Student Support Services cellison@ uscsd.k12.pa.us Sheila Gorgonio ........................................................sgornonio@uscsd.k12.pa.us ...................... 2826 Director of Advancement Lauren Madia ..............................................................Terri Lott .................................................. 2283 Assistant Director of Student Support Services tlott@uscsd.k12.pa.us Jonn Mansfield ............................................................jmansfield@uscsd.k12.pa.us ..................... 3450 Director of Transportation Tina Vojtko ................................................................tvojtko@uscsd.k12.pa.us........................... 2215 Communications Specialist Bradley Wilson ..........................................................bwilson@uscsd.k12.pa.us.......................... 3318 Director of Strategic Initiatives
School District Central Office Administration Phillip J. Elias 412-257-1198 2023*
Louis P. Mafrice, Jr. 412-851-0622 2021*
Jennifer A. Schnore 412-833-4141 2021*
Dr. Daphna Gans 412-851-18250 2021*
Dr. Sharon Suritsky Assistant/Deputy Superintendent
Dr. Lou Angelo Director of Operations & Facilities
Ray Berrott Director of Technology
Amy Pfender Assistant to the Superintendent
Scott Burchill Director of Business and Finance
Ray Carson, Jr. Senior Director of Operations & Administrative Services
Angela B. Petersen 412-833-4873 2023* The 2020 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.
*Date indicates expiration of term.
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Dr. John Rozzo Superintendent of Schools
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Dr. Judy Bulazo Cassandra Doggrell Bradley Wilson Director of Curriculum and Director of Strategic Director of Student Professional Development Support Services Initiatives
School District Building Administration
Dr. Timothy Wagner .............................. High School Principal Dr. 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 Summer 2020
School Board Fills Vacancy Members of the Upper St. Clair School
Board unanimously approved the appointment of Jennifer Schnore to its board this past January. Jennifer will serve the remaining two years of a four-year term, expiring December 2021, created by the November 2019 resignation of Dante Plutko. An Upper St. Clair resident since 2003, Jennifer has been an active member of the school comJennifer Schnore munity since her two sons, now in grades five and seven, first entered Kindergarten at Eisenhower Elementary. She has served in several leadership roles with the Parent Teacher Organizations at Eisenhower and Boyce Middle School, as well as with the Upper St. Clair Parent Teacher Council. An experienced commercial litigation attorney, Jennifer holds a law degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Clemson University. The board formally accepted Dante Plutko’s resignation during its Monday, January 13, 2020, meeting. By law, Pennsylvania school boards must name a replacement within 30 days. Since Dante was elected as a USC Township commissioner in November 2019, his resignation was expected and an anticipated board vacancy was advertised beginning mid-December of last year. n
Emerging Woman in Education Amy Pfender, Upper St. Clair assistant to the superintendent, was recently named the Emerging Woman in Education Award recipient by the Tri-State Area School Study Council. This award honors a woman who is at an early stage on the path of her leadership career, and is intended to recognize a woman who has made a Amy Pfender significant impact and positive difference through her leadership activities and initiatives. Amy was nominated for the award by Dr. John Rozzo, superintendent of schools, with support from Dr. Sharon Suritsky, deputy/assistant superintendent. “Amy has established herself as a talented educational leader within our School District and throughout the region,” said Dr. Rozzo. “She brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and a spirit of collaboration, which enhances our educational programs.” Hired as a special education teacher at Boyce Middle School in August 2005, Amy became the District’s elementary special education department chairperson in 2009 and ascended the following year to special education curriculum leader. In March 2012, she was appointed assistant middle school principal and was promoted to principal of Boyce Middle School a year later. In January 2016, Amy was named director of student support services and remained in that leadership role until her promotion to assistant to the superintendent in 2019. “Amy is an outstanding leader who has been equally successful in regular education and special education leadership,” said Dr. Suritsky. “She is student-centered, future-thinking, committed to families, and focused on developing effective relationships with all staff.”
USC School District Calendar 2020–2021
Aug 24 ������������� First Day of School for Students
Sep 7 ��������������� No School–Labor Day Oct 23 �������������� Half Day (Early Dismissal for Students) Nov 2-3 ������������ No School–Teacher In-service Nov 9 ��������������� No School–Teacher In-service Nov 25–27 ������� No School–Thanksgiving Recess Dec 24–Jan 1 ��� No School–Winter Recess Jan 18 �������������� No School–Teacher In-service Feb 12 �������������� No School–Teacher In-service Feb 15 �������������� No School–Teacher In-service (Snow Make-Up Day) Mar 5 ��������������� Half Day (Early Dismissal for Students) Mar 26 ������������� No School–Teacher In-service Mar 29–Apr 2 �� No School (Spring Recess) Apr 5 ���������������� No School–Teacher In-service (Snow Make-Up Day) May 31 ������������� No School–Memorial Day Jun 3 ���������������� High School Commencement Jun 9 ���������������� Last Day of School for Students (Pending Snow Make-Up Days) Jun 10 �������������� Teacher In-service (Snow MakeUp Day) Jun 21 �������������� Kennywood Day
Amy was previously honored with the 2018 University of Pittsburgh School of Education’s Distinguished Departmental Alumni Award from the Department of Administrative and Policy Studies. In 2015, she earned statewide recognition for her early leadership skills when she received 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 is currently pursuing her superintendent’s letter of eligibility from California University of Pennsylvania. A resident of Robinson Township, Washington County, Amy and her husband, Keith, have two school-aged children, Jonah and Emily. n The Dr. Jean E. Winsand Institute for Women in School Leadership is organized through the Tri-State Area School Study Council, which provides support and assistance to school districts, intermediate units, vocational technical schools, and charter schools throughout western Pennsylvania. Dr. Winsand, former Tri-State associate executive secretary and associate professor of education at the University of Pittsburgh, passed away in 2001. Summer 2020
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USC Alumni News
Gordon Mathews, MS, NCC, USCHS Counselor, Connect2USCSD Coordinator The USC alumni network is growing! There is much to be excited about and to look forward to for our Upper St. Clair alumni. Some of the alumni expansion includes the Alumni Speaker Bureau, Homecoming 5th Quarter, Halls of Fame ceremony, upcoming class reunions, seasonal alumni events, and our Alumni Spotlight. The Alumni Speakers Bureau consists of USC alumni who are interested in sharing their professional and personal experiences with USC students. Interested alumni are matched with teachers who have similar disciplines as their career paths. Alumni are then scheduled to attend a high school class and speak to students about their experiences. The teachers and students are very eager to welcome alumni into their classrooms and hear about their skills and perspectives. Over the past year, many alumni have also participated in career lunches at the high school. Five career lunches have been offered this school year, focusing on various career areas, including law and safety, business, the arts, health, and marketing. During these scheduled gatherings at lunch periods, the alumni have engaged with students about careers in their respective fields, answering questions about their journey beyond USCHS. The annual 5th Quarter alumni homecoming event continues to grow and is attended by alumni near and far. At last year’s second annual event, nearly 50 former USCHS students attended. The event, which took place at St. Clair Country Club after the school’s homecoming football game, offered the alumni community the opportunity to gather and socialize. This year’s event is scheduled to take place on Friday, October 9. Be sure to check the alumni webpage at https://www.connect2uscsd.com/ for registration information. Don’t miss a wonderful opportunity to gather with alumni across many class years. Another exciting fall event is the annual Halls of Fame ceremony and reception. This year’s ceremony and reception will take place on Friday, September 18 and will commemorate 20 years of recognizing distinguished USC alumni in the areas of academics, arts, and athletics. Recipients include former students, teachers, and community members, all of whom have made distinguished and lasting contributions to our school and community. Nominations for this prestigious honor can be found at https://www.connect2uscsd.com/. All student nominees must be graduates of Upper St. Clair High School and must be separated from the high school for at least five years. All staff member or volunteer nominees must be prior employees/volunteers of USC School District and no longer working for the District. The Halls of Fame is a great way to recognize and praise the hard working individuals associated with our School District. See
Summer School at USC
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. There are many offerings from which to choose at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Upon successful course completion, high school students will be granted one general elective credit towards graduation requirements for those courses advertised as credited options. Registration is underway. Most courses have limitations on the 50
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Upcoming Events Class of 1970 50th Reunion–Saturday, September 12 Classes of 1960–1964 Reunion–TBD Halls of Fame Ceremony–Friday, September 18 Homecoming and 5th Quarter Event–Friday, October 9 page 51 for information regarding the Halls of Fame nomination procedures. In the coming months, there are some notable milestone reunions that are designed to bring our alumni together. The Class of 1970 will hold its 50th reunion on Saturday, September 12 at St. Clair Country Club, and the Classes of 1960–1964 are planning a combined reunion in the fall, date TBD. Other class reunions are being planned. Reference the alumni website regularly for the most up-to-date information. This past year, USC’s alumni community gathered for camaraderie at several social outings. In addition to a fall event, Homecoming 5th Quarter, and Halls of Fame, USC grads reconnected and tried their luck at Topgolf. These functions connected many former USC students in a fun, social setting. Information about these and other events is available through the quarterly alumni newsletter and under the “Alumni” tab of the Upper St. Clair School District website at https://www.uscsd.k12.pa.us/. Presently, we have a call out to all USC alumni to become part of the Alumni Spotlight. We love to show the community and other alumni what our graduates are up to, both professionally and personally. We invite all alumni to participate in the Alumni Spotlight. As a participant, your information and pictures will be displayed on the alumni website and in the electronic newsletter. In addition to showcasing the Alumni Spotlight, the website is regularly updated with information about Upper St. Clair School District, the community, staff members, and notable alumni accomplishments. Reference the “News and Updates” tab at https://www.connect2uscsd.com/ for the latest information. We thank all of our alumni who have subscribed to our network through Connect2USCSD.com. If you are an Upper St. Clair alumni and have not yet joined our network, take a few minutes to do so. By subscribing, you’ll receive quarterly newsletters, alumni updates, and information about various events throughout the year. If you wish to add anything to the newsletter, want to become part of the Alumni Spotlight and/ or Alumni Speaker’s Bureau, or just want to touch base, contact alumnirelations@uscsd.k12.pa.us. We’d love to hear from you! n
number of students who can be served. Courses will be filled in the order that registrations are received. If course capacity is not exceeded, registration will remain open up to one week before the course begins. All courses are subject to cancellation if adequate enrollment is not achieved or other cancellation reasons arise. n Visit the District’s website at www.uscsd.k12.pa.us and select Summer School from the “Academics” drop-down menu to find the most up-to-date information and a description of courses and registration information.
Upper St. Clair High School Halls Of Fame 20th Anniversary 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 •
2020 Halls of Fame Inductee Nomination To nominate a candidate for the 2020 Upper St. Clair High School Halls of Fame (the event’s 20th anniversary), use the nomination form found on the Upper St. Clair School District website at www.uscsd.k12.pa.us. Click “Alumni” and select “Halls of Fame.” Submit your name, address, and phone number, along with your completed nomination form via email to hof@uscsd.k12.pa.us. For more information, contact Nancy Dunn at 412-833-1600, extension 2236. Nominations Due June 30, 2020. 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
Support Our 2020 High School Varsity Football Team Cheer on our Panthers!
Kick-offs Fridays, 7:30 p.m. at Panther Stadium for five home games September 4
Senior Recognition Night (band, cheerleader, football) USC tackles Mt. Lebanon
September 18
Halls of Fame USC battles Pine-Richland
October 9
Homecoming USC challenges West Allegheny
October 16
Youth Night USC meets Moon
October 30
Give Back Night USC battles Bethel Park
For additional information regarding the schedule, call the USCHS Athletic Office at 412-833-1600, extension 2260 or 2261. Summer 2020
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Butterfly Project Flutters into Boyce Valentine’s Day is typically filled with messages of love and friendship. At Boyce, those messages were accompanied by compassion, acceptance, empathy, and hope as sixth graders painted ceramic butterflies as part of the Butterfly Project, a Holocaust education program. The project, which kicked-off in February, is part of the school’s No Place for Hate initiative through the Anti-Defamation League. According to the Butterfly Project’s website, “the Butterfly Project is a call to action through education, the arts, and memorial making. It uses the lessons of the Holocaust to educate about the dangers of hatred and bigotry and cultivates empathy and social responsibility. Participants paint ceramic butterflies that are permanently displayed as symbols of resilience and hope, with the goal of creating 1.5 million butterflies around the world—one for each child who perished in the Holocaust and honoring the survivors.” “We chose the Butterfly Project because at its heart is Maddie Moran and Emma Hollingsworth decorate kids paying respect their butterflies. Shown on the table of contents to other kids,” said page is Matthew Yates, making his butterfly.
Dan O’Rourke, Boyce Middle School principal. “We believe that this project is a meaningful way for kids to honor other kids—specifically, those who lost their lives as a result of the Holocaust.” The more than 300 painted butterflies have been displayed within the school and will be moved to the school’s courtyard gardens. “We have real butterfly bushes in the garden and we've seen butterflies flying around when the weather is nice,” said Dan. “The ceramic butterflies will be a beautiful addition.” The Boyce Middle School staff has established a working relationship with the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh. A few staff members had the opportunity to attend a Holocaust summer teacher institute last year, and the school has continued to collaborate with the center’s education outreach associate, Emily Bernstein. “The Holocaust Center has been instrumental in providing guidance on teaching this sensitive topic, providing various teacher trainings, and suggesting appropriate resources,” said Dan. “We saw the Butterfly Project as a natural connection, since our sixth grade English language arts curriculum includes novels that relate to the Holocaust.” Students read the novels
Partners in Lifelong Learning Students from Baker and Streams Elementary Schools recently completed a Lifelong Learner Project aimed at researching and learning a new skill. The project, introduced to third and fourth graders enrolled in the School-Wide Enrichment Program (SWEP II) for the first time this year, was created and led by enrichment resource teachers Barb Helmeci and Mary Quinn from Baker and Streams, respectively. “Research has always been a part of SWEP II, but we hoped to offer something more action-oriented and different than the traditional research report,” said Mary. “This led to the idea of what it means to be a lifelong learner. How do we learn something new? What resources do we use? What qualities do all learners possess?” Students selected something they wanted to learn that they had not done before. Projects included baking cookies, cake decorating, training a dog, throwing a football, making jewelry, creating a video game, and more. In addition to conducting research, students were tasked with finding an expert who would be a resource or guide. “Students quickly realized that no matter what you want to do, there is a community of learners out there interested in the same thing,” said Mary. “It might be a digital community halfway around the world or a class at the public library just down the street.” The project also included a morning-long field trip to USC High School. “It is my hope that elementary students see that intellectual curiosity is celebrated across our District. The natural excitement for learning new things is a value we hope to instill in students from their first day of Kindergarten all the way through 52
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high school graduation,” said Dr. Timothy Wagner, high school principal. “Ultimately, if a spark for learning can be sustained, and elementary students can see future versions of themselves in our high schoolers, we will perpetuate the District’s mission of developing lifelong learners.” Elementary students had the opportunity to explore the resources available within the high school’s library, visiting teachers and educational spaces that corresponded to their subject of interest. They also talked with high school students who have some knowledge about the topics that the students were interested in learning. “The program was mutually beneficial,” said Dr. Wagner. “While elementary-aged children were recipients of
James Conner, Baker, grade 3; Katie Hobart, USCHS, grade 12
The Devil’s Arithmetic and Number the Stars early in the school year’s semester. In addition and through the school’s partnership with the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh, students attended a presentation by Lynne Ravas, the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, a U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum teacher fellow, and former middle school English teacher. In addition to its curricular connections, the Butterfly Project and the partnership with the Holocaust Center serve as important components of the school’s No Place for Hate initiative. “It is our hope that students will be more knowledgeable about the Holocaust, as well as be better equipped to appreciate diversity and to be more inclusive in general,” said Dan. “Empathy is such a critical skill for all people to embrace and develop. We are committed to providing programs and experiences that encourage students to appreciate differences in others and to be kinder and more empathetic.” In addition to the Holocaust Center, Boyce has partnered with the Children’s Institute to conduct “Understanding Autism” presentations for all fifth and sixth graders. n
the high school students’ knowledge, the high schoolers had a chance to reflect on their own expertise, package information for younger learners and, ultimately, enjoy the satisfaction of conveying exciting information to motivated young people. The high school students were already asking if they could participate again next year!” The goal of elementary students visiting the high school was threefold: • To make connections with high school students and peers from another elementary school building to practice the art of face-to-face conversation with strangers. • To identify a larger community of learners who share their excitement about a topic or skill. • To preview the wide array of offerings and resources that will be available to them when they become high school students. “We wanted each student to have a face-to-face connection with someone who also shares their interest,” said Mary. “Our SWEP II students interviewed high school students to gather information, as well as to learn what resources high school students tap into for new learning.”
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The students’ research and experiences culminated in a presentation that highlighted the steps they took, documented their progress, shared valuable information they learned throughout the process, and, most importantly, demonstrated the newly learned skill. “Students need to be lifelong learners to remain engaged and active in growing themselves as individuals, and that it’s never too early to recognize this,” said Mary. “School eventually ends for all of us, but the love of learning that keeps an individual involved and enthused can continue. We model this for our students and hold up models of adults who have kept growing and learning. Plus, learning new stuff is just plain fun!” To model the art of lifelong learning, Barb is learning to play the ukulele, with Baker Kindergarten teacher Eric Weismann and Baker music teacher Christine Hestwood serving as her experts. Barb shared her progress with the school community at Baker’s winter concert. Mary’s project includes starting a neighborhood supper club. “We see lots of each other when the weather is good, but I wanted a fun and easy way to continue to Summer 2020
connect when it is not,” she said. For Dr. Wagner, his lifelong learning goal for 2020 is to recommit to reading for pleasure, with the goal of reading a new book each month. n
Emily Rhodes, USCHS grade 11; Lydia Sliski, Baker grade 3 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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School Spelling Bee Winners USC’s School-Level Results (winning word in parentheses) A Baker Elementary School
fourth grader, Raana Parchuri, was crowned champion at the 70th annual Western Pennsylvania Spelling Bee this past March at Robert Morris University. As the winner of the state bee, Raana would have been given the opportunity to advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Unfortunately, the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Other USC students who competed at the Western Pennsylvania Spelling Bee included Ahana Mendhi, Iris Wang, Nikhil Chandran, and Rohan Mehta. To qualify for the regional competition, each student finished first in his or her school’s spelling bee. The five school-level spelling bees, open to students in grades four through eight, were sponsored by the USC Parent Teacher Council. n
Baker (grade 4) First place: Raana Parchuri (accordance) Second place: Kavin Senthil Kumar Third place: Nathan Del Fourth place: Sam Cranganu Fifth place: Devnarayan Nair Eisenhower (grade 4) First place: Ahana Mendhi (suspect) Second place: Aaron Rai Third place: Meera Alabed Fourth place: Rohith Kumar Fifth place: Blake Uffelman Streams (grade 4) First place: Iris Wang (sanitized) Second place: Suhavi Singh Third place Josh DiGennaro Fourth place: Jack Hollingsworth Fifth place: Brianna Meliton
Raana Parchuri
Boyce First place: Nikhil Chandran, grade 6 (transmute) Second place: Ryan Katukota, grade 5 Third place: Siddharth Nambiar, grade 6 Fourth place: Anushka Sen, grade 5 Fifth place: Emiliano Sobarzo, grade 6 Fort Couch First place: Rohan Mehta, grade 7 (array) Second place: Arnav Kumar, grade 8 Third place: Harsh Mali, grade 7 Fourth place: Eitan Schwartz, grade 7 Fifth place: Rayan Sarwar, grade 8
German Exchange Earns School of Distinction Honors Upper St. Clair High School was recently selected as a German American Partnership Program (GAPP) School of Distinction for its long-term youth exchange program between the United States and Germany. Upper St. Clair is among a select group of schools nationwide to receive this award. The School of Distinction program recognizes GAPP schools in the U.S. for their outstanding engagement and best practices that facilitate youth exchanges in their school, community, and beyond. “We thank you, as well as your coordinators and chaperones, for making the GAPP a success at Upper St. Clair High School. You are allowing for a life-changing experience that your students will never forget,” said Molly Rowland, GAPP executive director. “Spending a significant amount of time with a host family and going to a host school in a foreign country allows a young person to grow as a global citizen, which benefits them personally and professionally.” In fall 2019, 17 USC families hosted students and teachers from Germany. Planned for this summer, 16 USC students and teachers are signed up to travel to Germany and Austria, with the goal of building lasting relationship between and among students, teachers, and host families. Sign-ups for 2020–21 GAPP participation will begin next school year. “We are thrilled to offer such a great opportunity to our students at the high school,” said Lynne Kopaz, world language teacher. “Global skills are crucial in today’s world. Many world language teachers who I know never had an opportunity to be part of a study abroad until college. If students decide they want 54
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to study abroad or choose a career that leads them on an international path, they will be more prepared having participated in a high school exchange.” The partnership between USCHS and Lise-Meitner Gymnasium in Leverkusen, Germany, began in 1993 through GAPP coordinating USCHS teacher Deanna Baird. The program continues under coordinator Uwe Schneider, with assistance from GAPP teachers Johanna Rennhoff and Lynne Kopaz, all USCHS teachers. “Since 1972, GAPP has developed into the largest and most successful bilateral student exchange program in the U.S. with any other country,” said Elizabeth Latham, program officer for the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. “As of this year, more than 400,000 students, including students from your high school, have participated in GAPP. The success of this program is made possible with your hard work and dedication to facilitating international cultural diplomacy,” she said. GAPP’s goals are to deepen relations between the two countries and to promote knowledge of the German language and culture through intercultural encounters and continuing education. According to its website, the program “inspires intercultural understanding, promotes German language instruction, and fosters new and lasting friendships in the U.S. and Germany.” n GAPP is administered by the Goethe-Institut and funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and the U.S. Department of State. GAPP is also supported by the WunderbarTogether Campaign.
KHK Travels to Dominican Republic Emme Wetzel, USCHS Senior and TODAY Intern
Every year, the club Kids Helping Kids (KHK) at Upper St. Clair High School sends 20 students and four teachers on a service trip to the Dominican Republic (DR) for one week. This year, I had the incredible opportunity of attending, and through this article sharing the importance of the trip with the rest of the community. Before the DR trip, we thoughtfully prepared by choosing what we should bring to donate to the various places we visited. Club members decided to bring educational resources for the local schools to use, since most of them have not nearly enough. We also chose to take hygiene supplies and sew reusable pads so that we did not contribute to the ongoing sanitation issues. Kids Helping Kids 2020 The first location we visPainting the clinic ited was an orphanage that I would liken to a foster home in the United States. The main difference between the two is that the DR children who grow up in an orphanage can shadow the workers and eventually become employed at the orphanage when they reach adulthood. While at the orphanage, we spent a lot of time playing with the kids who lived there, giving their caretakers a break. The orphanage has a wall of murals. In hopes of leaving a lasting memory of our visit and all prior visits by our KHK club, we painted a mural on the wall. After we left the orphanage, we stayed with host families in a nearby camp and helped them with projects that needed to be completed. The first day at the camp was spent painting the inside and outside of a soon-to-be opening medical clinic. We were also supposed to plant lemon trees for their community, but, unfortunately, USC KHK mural painting the excessive amount of rain in the area prevented us from doing what we’d initially at the orphanage planned. Instead, we went to the local high school and met students of our own age. Even though it was disappointing that we couldn’t do as much service work as we had wanted, we realized that we still accomplished so much and made new relationships with people from another culture. To me, the most memorable part of the trip was our visit to a Haitian batey (a settlement around a sugar mill), where the cycle of poverty was very apparent. I cannot truly put into words all the things that I saw at the batey on this day. To relay every sad thing that I noticed would certainly fill more pages than one short magazine article. One of the most shocking things I saw was the amount of garbage all over the streets and piled next to the homes. We spent time trying to clean up some of it, but we barely made a dent in the amount of trash that was there. The baty we visited was right next to a dump for multiple bateys, which seemed to make matters worse. While there, we played with the children and helped feed them lunch. It was especially at that moment when I realized how blessed I am to live where I do and receive the wonderful education I’ve been given. As a result of this trip, I am much more grateful for the opportunities I am presented with each and every day. n
Various scenes at the batey that show the poor conditions
A USCHS senior, Emme will be attending Carnegie Mellon University this fall.
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An Exchange Student’s U.S. Experience Leona Horino, USCHS Exchange Student
Leona (third from right) during her pre-RYE speech; the flags indicate to which country each student was chosen to go to.
Hello! I am Leona Horino. I would like to introduce myself. I am from Tokyo, Japan! I am a Rotary Exchange Student. I am here with a scholarship to be a goodwill ambassador between Tokyo, Japan, and the USA. I am a senior at Upper St. Clair High School. I am from a family of five. I have a big brother and a little sister. I miss them. I majored in art in Japan. I’m good at painting with watercolor and Japanese black ink. I do not have any tools to paint with Japanese black ink. I wish I could show my paintings. Also, I am good at cooking. I like to cook Japanese food and I can make sushi! I would like to hold Japanese food party someday. Past Activities I like to volunteer to help people and to meet people. I volunteered at Pittsburgh Zoo on Halloween, and I learned how to talk to people to leave a good impression, even my poor English! I volunteered at City Beautification in Pittsburgh and many people thanked me for cleaning in the city. I was happy with it. I felt people’s kindness. I did many things to be a goodwill ambassador. I held events for trying Japanese calligraphy and to making sushi rolls at the high school. Many students visited the events, and they had fun. That made me happy. I joined the holiday parade on
Leona at the Pittsburgh Zoo on Halloween 56
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November 30, 2019. I was a part of the parade and I could show that I am here as an exchange student. I also joined an international dinner. I made sushi and sushi rolls for people who visited it. Many people talked to me and I explained how I made the rolls. I enjoyed the conversation. It was a great time to help people learn about Japan. Another day, I joined the pancake festival held by Bethel-St. Clair Rotary Club; my host Rotary Club. I volunteered for nine hours. I served pancakes, apple sauce, and sausages. It was hard, but I met new people. I talked about myself deeply during my free time. It was one of the great experiences! RYE System I am here with a Rotary Youth Exchange scholarship. Students who want to be Rotary Youth Exchange students need to pass exams in Japan. However, the students in almost all other countries do not have exams to be Rotary Youth Exchange students. I think that Japanese Rotary Youth Exchange program is the most difficult. At first, students need to submit a document including their grades at school and an essay to pass. Second, they have an exam. It includes an essay, math test, liberal education test, and English test. They also have group interviews, four students and about 20 Rotarians. The students who pass the exams have final interviews, one student with about 20 Rotarians. All interviews are stressful. Different topics are chosen each year. The students have 15 minutes to tell Rotarians about themselves in the final interview. They need to leave a good impression and impact. They need to show how they will survive during the exchange year to be a goodwill ambassador. I showed my skill, which is emergency and critical care, to prove that I can help people around the world with AED and my CPR skills. I made a human doll and AED to show my skills. And I passed to be a Rotary Youth Exchange student! Once students pass the exams, they are called pre-Rotary Youth Exchange students Summer 2020
Leona (center) and her family in Japan
Leona (behind the suitcase) on the day she left Japan for the U.S. as a RYE studen
and trained to be goodwill ambassadors. They have an orientation once a month and have to make a monthly report. The first orientation is climbing Mt. Fuji with inbounds and outbounds (pre-Rotary Youth Exchange students) to show teamwork. General orientations include making speeches and presentations about yourself and Japan to give presentations during exchange year. Other orientations include knowing about Japan and yourself. My Future Plans I would like to do many things in my future. I would like to appear in the newspaper and local television to let many people know about me as a goodwill ambassador. And I would like to help people learn about Japan. This article is also for helping people learn about me. In addition, I would like to visit a Kindergarten and elementary school to give a presentation about Japan. I think that I can do that to continue as a goodwill ambassador. Thank you for your time to read my article. I hope you enjoy it. If you have anything that I can do, please contact me. I want to try everything new! And please feel free to email me if you have any inquiry. Thank you very much. n With online school beginning April 2 for all USC students, Rotary International suggested that Leona remain with her USC host family through the spring. She's doing just that and is doing fine! Contact Leona Horino at leona523b@gmail.com.
My Response is My Choice through life’s unexpected, uncertain, and unwanted challenges. “Adversity, the unexpected, is part of life; but you get a choice in how you respond to it,” said Kate. “Resilience is being committed to getting back up every time you get knocked off your feet.” Kate shared that the days, months, and years after her sister’s death she felt powerless and angry. She credits the following poem from Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, in transforming her outlook. Everything can be taken from man But one thing—the freedom to Choose one’s attitude In any given set of circumstances. —Viktor Frankl
Left to right: Elle Snyder, USCHS junior; Kate Fitzsimons, speaker; Dr. Timothy Wagner, USCHS principal
“My response is my choice” was the resounding theme throughout Upper St. Clair High School this past February. In addition to a presentation given by an internationally known speaker on resilience, members of the school’s Black Student Union, Multicultural Club, No Place for Hate Committee, and student council designed and led activities in honor of Black History Month. While ninth and 11th graders listened to the speaker in the auditorium, students in grades ten and 12 were in 22 classrooms throughout the school, where 44 student facilitators led activities. The groups switched venues after 50 minutes, giving all students access to both programs. “The No Place for Hate Committee believes in implementing student-led activities that empower students to take an active role in combating hate and discrimination, while also celebrating inclusion and diversity,” said Dan Zelenski, assistant principal and the high school’s No Place for Hate coordinator. “Our student facilitators planned and implemented activities that provided for an impactful experience for all of our students.” Black History Month activities included The State of Louisiana Literacy Test, a Black history trivia quiz via Kahoot, sharing powerful quotes from African Americans, and a discussion that included reflections on what individuals can do to create a more inclusive environment for all. “As a result of participating in the Black History Month activities, we hope our students more fully understand the obstacles and struggles faced by African Americans,” said Dan. “The Black Student Union, led by Rebekah Chikuni, suggested the idea of having our students take a 1965 Alabama literacy test. This allowed our students to experience one of the many ways African Americans were historically disenfranchised.” Australian Kate Fitzsimons, a speaker and coach who specializes in uplifting teens, took the stage to share her personal story of loss, challenge, and resilience. Following the 2012 death of her older sister, Kate made it her mission to empower teens
“If Viktor Frankl can find hope, then any of us can,” said Kate. “I have a choice about how I respond to things.” She shared with the students what she considers the three Rs of “Response-ability.” • Recognize: separate the facts from your thoughts. • Reflect: Are these thoughts useful? Do they bring me closer to my goals or the kind of person I want to be? • Redirect: Find that “rabbit” by asking empowering questions. “There are times in all of our lives when we are called upon to be resilient,” said Dr. Timothy Wagner, high school principal. “Kate Fitzsimons’ message is important. We need to realize that in times of difficulty, we have more strength than we believe and that we are not alone. Accessing inner strength in combination with accessing resources to help us are critical ways to manage difficult situations and times in our lives.” Upper St. Clair High School offers help and support to students who are struggling. “Students can always turn to a school counselor, teacher, administrator, or really any adult in the school building for support,” said Dr. Wagner. “If an adult in the building doesn’t have the specific resources to help, he or she will work tirelessly, in collaboration with the family, to ensure that a student’s needs are met in the best ways possible.” According to Kate, each challenge or unexpected event can either make you bitter or better. The difference is simply a choice in perspective. “You are never a victim to your circumstance,” she said. “No matter what, I have power over my life. My response is my choice.” The programming was part of the high school’s efforts to support social-emotional learning and the overall wellness of students. “We are excited to provide students with tangible access to programming that reminds us we are here in the service of all components of students’ healthy learning and development,” said Dr. Wagner. “In addition to participating in coursework, athletics, arts, and activities, we are excited to provide opportunities that complement the work they do each day.” No Place for Hate programs have included a panel discussion in December 2019, with guest speakers Richard Butler, nonprofit leader, group exercise specialist, and lifestyle and business coach; Rabbi Chuck Diamond, a former rabbi at the Tree Of Life Synagogue; and Dorit Brauer, artist, author, and the owner and founder of The Brauer Institute for Holistic Medicine. In January, the No Place for Hate Committee encouraged students to make and share “no hate resolutions,” which were then posted in the school’s cafeteria. n Summer 2020
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Robotics Team is Impressive A team of six USC High School students— under the name Botsburgh #11792—qualified to compete at the Pennsylvania FIRST Tech Challenge championship. Team members include junior Nathan Scher; sophomores Varun Damarla, Sambhav Saggi, Sujay Shah, and Nitish Sharma; and freshman Sahil Bhalodia. The students are coached by Hunaid Nulwala, PhD, Ketan Shah, and Alan Scher, as well as USCHS senior Moez Nulwala, who serves as a mentor. The FIRST Tech Challenge is an international robotics competition for students in grades seven through 12. As a team, the students design, build, and program a robot that meets various challenges in the game posed by FIRST (www.firstinspires.org). Botsburgh qualified for the state competition by placing third in the Inspire Award category at the West Central Pennsylvania Qualifier this past December in Johnstown. The team was recognized for hosting several community events at the Upper St. Clair Township Library aimed at introducing science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) to young children. Efforts included a robot petting zoo and city maker events. In addition, the team was lauded for developing a modular approach to programming that simplified the Java code. The team placed this code under the MIT license, and it is available for free on github.com. According to the FIRST Tech Challenge tournament website, “The Inspire Award is presented to the team that the judges felt truly embodied the ‘challenge’ of the program. The team that receives this award is a strong ambassador for FIRST programs and works to promote FIRST and make it loud in their community.”
Left to right: Nitish Sharma, Sujay Shah, Varun Damarla, Sahil Bhalodia, Nathan Scher, Sambhav Saggi, coach Hunaid Nulwala PhD, coach Ketan Shah.
Botsburgh also earned the Collins Aerospace Innovation Award at the Blue & White Qualifier. Nearly 25 teams from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Delaware competed in the day-long event this past January. According to the tournament website, “The Collins Aerospace Innovate Award celebrates a team that has the ingenuity and inventiveness to make their designs come to life. This award is given to the team that the judges feel has the most innovative and creative robot design solution to the FIRST Tech Challenge game.” The judges praised the team’s use of semiconductor nanoparticles (also known as quantum dots) to improve their sensors. The judges were impressed with this team’s use of sensors. “Like every busy robotics team, they didn’t want to get overextended. They knew that all their robot needed was a red dot to hit the spot,” the judges wrote. Materials for the sensors were provided by two local advance materials technology startups, Liquid Ion Solutions LLC and Crystal Plex Corporation. n
USCHS Junior Receives Youth Leadership Award High school junior Elle Snyder was selected as the recipient of the Youth Mental Health Leadership inaugural award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Keystone Pennsylvania. Elle was honored during the organization’s statewide Child and Adolescent Mental Health Conference this past February. Elle is a founding member of the high school’s Student Wellness Elle Snyder (center) with her parents, Nathan and Steering Committee, a group that Hallie Snyder works to raise mental health awareness at the school. She is also a member of the varsity girls’ soccer team, which has also devoted significant time to the issue of mental health awareness. “When planning the conference, we wanted to include a voice we thought had been missing—the perspective of a young person,” said Debbie Ference, COO of NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania. “We honored Elle with our first youth advocate award because young people like Elle are leading the way in making it acceptable to talk about mental health.” In addition to receiving the award, Elle served as a presenter for the conference. In her presentation, “Creating a Movement: Why Young Voices Matter,” she articulated why youth voices are critical in starting the conversation among their peers. Elle highlighted 58
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the progress that she and other youth advocates are making to encourage fellow students achieve mental and physical wellness. “Elle has been a committed ally and advocate for people who are living with mental illness,” said Dr. Daniel Beck, USCHS assistant principal. “She has helped increase awareness among her peers, and has actively engaged adults in the conversation as they support adolescents. Whether it be coaches, teachers, or administrators, her approach is consistent and unwavering. She just wants to start the conversation,” he said. By having both students and adults recognize that mental health is something we all need to be mindful of, Elle has begun to influence systemic change. “Most recently, she worked alongside a core group of students at Streams Elementary in their Children for Children fundraising efforts. All attendees that night saw that there are simple strategies and tools that can be considered that help engage even our youngest community members in the context of mental health,” said Dr. Beck. “The goal is simple: expose our students to other children in the world who are in need, and show our students how they, themselves, can make a difference.” The theme for the fourth annual Child and Adolescent Mental Health Conference was “Resilient Youth: Strategies to Overcome Adversity.” The conference is one of the only events in the region specializing in youth mental health. Nearly 400 people from all over the country attended the conference to learn about the newest research and best practices to assist and advance the mental health needs of children, adolescents, and young adults. n
Crowds were entertained by Upper St. Clair High School’s spring musical, Shrek The Musical, presented this past March at the USCHS theater. Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, the musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure that features songs from Jeanine Tesori and a side-splitting book by David Lindsay-Abaire. The high school students on stage and in the pit brought all the beloved characters and music from film to life on stage to delight the audiences. Unfortunately, the musical went dark halfway through its March production as a result of crowd restrictions instituted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the show couldn’t continue as scheduled, we thank and applaud our students for their hard work and for sharing their many talents with our community. n
—Rehearsal photos by Lauren Teresi, USC TODAY Intern
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Pawprints...
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Council Batool Nulwala, President As I reflect on the past school year, I am proud to say we’ve had a successful year with the community and administrators who come together to promote a strong partnership and well-being for our children. The collaboration between parents and school administrators is highly visible, as shown by the many programs and speakers available for our students and the community that addressed how to navigate through the increased levels of anxiety and depression that our kids are experiencing these days. School administrators work diligently to support what we as parents request, as reflected in our District’s mission statement. Helping set the District’s strategic plan for 2020–25 is one way to get involved and participate in the vision that takes USC from “Excellent to Extraordinary.” I am grateful to have worked with Dr. John Rozzo and his team of administrators, who wholeheartedly support the parent groups. In this journey, I’ve formed friendships with USC school board members, all of whom are wonderful assets to our community. I am grateful to my PTC board advisor, Suzanne Wynne, for her support and guidance throughout the school year. It has been my honor to serve as PTC president, and I look forward to continuing my journey as a parent volunteer in the District. If you are new to the District or want to get further involved as a parent volunteer, reach out to me at Batool.hunaid@gmail.com or to one of the six unit presidents who represent our schools. As I pass my baton to PTC’s vice president, Kerstin Goodworth, let me briefly introduce you to her. Incredibly tech savvy, Kerstin’s ability to communicate and streamline things continues to impress me. Her dedication to getting things done, combined with her easygoing attitude, makes working with her very enjoyable. Have a wonderful summer, everyone, and see you in August! High School PTSO Deonna Dreher, President We’ve nearly come to the end of another school year. It has been a true blessing to work with so many wonderful people at the high school and throughout the District. Thank you to all the people who made my time with the PTSO such an amazing experience. I’d like to especially thank the executive board who give 60
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Fort Couch PTSO Stacey Cobb, President of their time and are dedicated to the success of this year’s PTSO, and ultimately, our children. Beth Thomas, our vice president and next year’s president, always made herself available for whatever was needed. She has a true heart for making sure that the PTSO fully benefits all students at the high school. She has wonderful ideas and is spearheading the new “mini-grant” program for the school’s student clubs. Thank you, Beth. I couldn’t imagine any better hands in which to leave the PTSO. Priyanka Sharma, treasurer, thank you for all your hard work this year. Your attention to detail ensures that the financial information is as it should be. We appreciate the time and talents you have dedicated to the PTSO throughout your term. Your successor has big shoes to fill! To our secretary, Amy Zahalsky, who is an absolute joy to work with, thank you for giving your time to the PTSO. We could always depend on your impeccable recording of our meetings. But more importantly, your smiling face and positive attitude were very much appreciated! To the school’s principal, Dr. Tim Wagner, what an amazing first year, sir! You are flexible and a team player. Your “whatever it takes” attitude and dedication to our students is infectious. This year’s PTSO and our kids are fortunate to have you heading up the “squad.” Your enthusiasm is palpable, and I am so excited for my seventh graders to enter the high school under your leadership. You do an amazing job, thank you! I joined the PTSO as a new freshman parent, eager to learn about all the opportunities that were available for my son. I leave this position as an enlightened parent of a rising junior, armed with information that my seventh graders probably won’t appreciate until they’re in their 30s. I am so grateful for this experience and appreciative of the many teachers, committee chairs, counselors, and administrators whom I’ve met and learned from along the way. Parents who are new to the high school should get involved in the PTSO. Join the executive board, chair a committee, come to the meetings. There is a wealth of information that you won’t get anywhere else. I’ve learned so much. With that said, have a wonderful summer. I look forward to seeing everyone in the fall!
Summer 2020
It’s hard to believe that the school year is almost over. It feels like we were just sending our kids off for their first day of school, and, now, here we are trying to wrap up the year. Things have been busy at Fort Couch, and we couldn’t have accomplished everything we wanted to without the incredible staff and students. The PTSO has done amazing things for our students, yet again. We had our last social of the year, the Valentine’s Dance, which is always a big hit with the students. Most students get dressed up to attend the event, enjoying time with their friends. The PTSO also supported the students with snacks during the everpopular after- and before-school clubs. I’ve had the privilege to serve as president of the Fort Couch PTSO. It has been wonderful to see all that was accomplished and what an amazing school our students get to be a part of. Next year will continue to be just as incredible, if not more, under the leadership of Sian Howell. She will be sure our Fort Couch students get more amazing opportunities through the work of the PTSO. Have a wonderful summer! Boyce PTO Gina Swanson, President Boyce Middle School is a busy place, and as the school year comes to an end, I look back at the time I’ve spent as PTO president and realize how much I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to serve in this capacity. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work closely with the teachers and administrators of Boyce. They work tirelessly to provide the best possible experiences for all students, addressing not only academic needs, but also fostering social and emotional learning. They are dedicated to developing kids academically, and also believe in the importance of kindness. The entire school (staff and students) truly embodied this year’s school theme: “We Rise by Lifting Others.” I am also grateful for the many PTO volunteers. Without this amazing group of people, the activities and events that make Boyce so special would not be possible. Whether you volunteered every month or for a single event or afternoon at the school, your assistance was appreciated. While it would be nearly impossible to thank each person individually in this article, please know that I do value your help in making Boyce the wonderful school community that it is.
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I leave the job of PTO president to the very capable Andrea Amorose. This past year, Andrea was actively involved in many ways, including organizing Boyce Pride, the Chess Club, and anything else that fell her way. She is a busy lady! Her energy and enthusiasm are infectious, and I feel confident she will make a positive impact at Boyce. Good luck, Andrea. I know you’ll do an incredible job! To our graduating sixth graders, I say “Good luck!” Don’t forget the many lessons you’ve learned at Boyce and know that you’re ready for any challenges you will face at Fort Couch. To our fifth graders, I say “Keep going, you’re not done yet!” You are now the leaders of the school, responsible for setting a good example. Get ready for new adventures and activities and enjoy every day at Boyce. To the rising fourth graders who will be Boyce students in the fall, I say “Welcome!” While the prospect of a new school might be intimidating, Boyce is a wonderful place to learn. Make new friends and embrace all the new experiences available to you. See you in the fall! Baker PTA Betsy Wilson, President It is hard to believe that the school year is coming to an end, and with it, my tenure as PTA president. I’ve enjoyed every aspect of this experience and am grateful to have had the privilege of serving the Baker community. I’d like to introduce the incredible lady who will be taking on my duties for next year, Jackie Barefoot, and tell you a little bit about her. As a graduate of Baker, Jackie is happy to be back home as part of the Baker family. She attended St. Francis University, where she met her husband, Luke. She was a member of the school’s Division 1 swim team and earned a BS in health science and a master’s in occupational therapy. She worked in the healthcare and mental health fields for several years before returning to school for fashion merchandising. Jackie then went on to work for American Eagle at the corporate level. Later, she left the workforce to raise her four children: Anna, Lucas, Colette, and Nolan. She and her family reside in USC’s Deerfield Manor. As much as I will miss being president, I know I am leaving the PTA in Jackie’s wonderfully capable hands. It has been an honor to lead the PTA this school year, and I look forward to the opportunity to stay involved in the many aspects of life at Baker (and with a rising Kindergartener, I’m not going anywhere soon!). From the entire Baker family, we wish everyone a fun-filled and healthy summer!
Eisenhower PTO Natalie Livingston, President The Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, a memorial to honor General and President Eisenhower, will be completed this year. The memorial is located on a four-acre site in Washington, DC, just off the National Mall and directly in front of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Building. In conjunction with the opening of the memorial will be a special reception in the lobby of the LBJ Building. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission and the U.S. Department of Education have reached out to all schools named after President Eisenhower, inviting them to submit a piece of artwork to be on display during the dedication event. The students at Eisenhower, under the guidance of Matthew Cosgrove, art teacher at Eisenhower, worked on a piece to submit. Their design embodies the theme “Celebrating the Life of Dwight D. Eisenhower.” The artwork was completed and has been submitted. After the opening exhibit, their artwork will be transferred to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission and potentially on to the National Archives and Records Administration. Our students and school community are very excited to be part of this special event. This commemoration coincides well with the anniversary of Upper St. Clair School District’s decision to name one of its schools in honor of President Eisenhower. It was 60 years ago this past August that Eisenhower Elementary first opened its doors to students in 1959. Thanks for a great year! Have a fantastic summer! Streams PTO Amy Hollingsworth, President As the school year ends, it’s been wonderful to reflect on the incredible year of learning and connecting with the Streams and Upper St. Clair communities. The PTO hosted many exciting events intended to bring students, families, and teachers together for a common purpose—to support and bring the best opportunities to our students through the efforts of the school’s staff and parents. Through fundraisers like PTO membership and Stravaganza, the PTO has provided numerous activities, including grade level field trips, assemblies, and special programs, holiday parties, Open Mics, and grade level nights, Snuggle Up and Read, computer lab and classroom resources, Kindergarten connection and Olympics, Field Day, staff appreciation, Sharing and Caring, a new family welcome breakfast, and much more! The PTO also provides a generous gift to the school, which this year included funding for a landscaping and beautification project, as well as other building improvements. Thank Summer 2020
you to everyone who supports the PTO! These programs and gifts to our school would not be possible without your contributions. We are also deeply grateful for the staff members and volunteers who devoted their time and energy to all the wonderful PTO events and programs. Streams welcomed two new staff members this year, Sarah Milk and Carrie Kushner. Sarah is the new ESL teacher. Moving from the state of Indiana, Sarah and her husband, Dave, have a two-year-old daughter, Ella. Sarah shared that they enjoy hiking, camping, and going to the museums in Pittsburgh. Sarah has been teaching for 14 years, including teaching Spanish for four years and the last ten years as an ESL teacher. She expressed that she already loves being at Streams, and says, “The students and teachers are amazing!” Carrie Kushner is the new resource teacher at Streams. She relayed that she loves education and working with children of all ages. She and her husband and their three kids live in the District and value the wonderful things that happen at Streams. This is her 16th year of teaching, and she is confident that her background experience will be beneficial in her new role as a resource teacher. Because of her love of reading, after receiving her master’s in education, she went on to get her reading specialist certificate. Carrie reports that she has had the pleasure of teaching first, fourth, and fifth grades, while spending the last seven years teaching Kindergarten. When teaching Kindergarten, her focus was on letter identification, phonemic awareness, reading, and writing. Carrie says, “I am really excited for this new opportunity, and I look forward to working with everyone at Streams!” As the outgoing PTO president, I have absolutely enjoyed working with everyone on the Streams PTO executive board, as well as with the parents and school staff. It has been a pleasure to collaborate, share ideas, and personally observe the ways in which our community is positively impacted. From observing our students enjoying recess games, flexible seating, and special level nights to being a part of events for families and staff, like the new family welcome breakfast and staff appreciation, I have a unique perspective of how everyone’s efforts help to create a wonderful, inclusive, and supportive environment. Our incoming president, Michelle Holzer, has been a huge part of our successes this year, and the Streams PTO is in good hands for the 2020–21 school year! Michelle is thoughtful, hard-working, and exceedingly capable of leading the PTO and serving Streams and Upper St. Clair in her position. Enjoy your summer!
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Doors of USC Champion Our Student-Athletes
Encourage. Support. Boost. Decorated front doors of USC houses traditionally honor and encourage student-athletes as they prepare for their season-ending competitions. With help from the teams’ booster club parents, full length door signs, made of paper and paint that bear an athlete’s name and sport, as well as the school’s well-recognized Panther paw, capture the attention of passers by and the hearts of our athletes. And just as the spring 2020 season was to begin, it abruptly ended. Students who were ready and excited to participate in a spring sport or other organized spring activity this year were left looking at a shuttered season and an empty field. As we resume our new normal and soon welcome the 2020–21 fall sports season, remember to send a photo to TODAY’s Facebook page (@usctoday) of your decorated front door. If submitted via email in high resolution to usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us, it will be considered for inclusion in a future printed publication of TODAY. n
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Community Pep Rally USC School District hosted its second annual spring Community Pep Rally early March in the high school gymnasium. The event, which was free and open to the community, included a variety of friendly competitions—musical chairs, scooter obstacle course relay, tennis ball relay, team crawl, scavenger hunt, and a team dance off—for members of the high school’s spring varsity sports teams. Participating teams included baseball, softball, crew, boys’ tennis, boys’ volleyball, as well as boys’ and girls’ lacrosse and track. While this was a fun, spirited event meant to kick off spring sports at the high school, the sudden cancellation of events, sports, and activities, including all WPIAL sports, due to restrictions resulting from COVID-19, caused our athletes’ spring sports seasons to come to an abrupt halt. Albeit only a one-day activity, we are consoled that the students had the opportunity to share this fun time together. n
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#TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Robotics Team Crowned State Champion National Merit Finalists #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat A robotics team of Fort Couch seventh Six USCHS seniors were named graders, Gear Grinders, took home#TheyDidWhat the gold Finalists in the 2020 National Merit #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat at the Western Pennsylvania Middle School Scholarship Program. Julia Brubach, IQ state championship. The team, which Nisarg Kalra, Vivian Li,#TheyDidWhat Daniel #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat included members Owen Bell, Ian Dvorin, O’Brien, Ian Rankin, and Braden Ryan Hyatt, Rohan Mehta, and Carlee Santel, Yates were selected on the#TheyDidWhat basis of #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat also earned the STEM Research Project award. their SAT scores, grades, essays, This marks the second consecutive year and letters of recommendation. In #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Julia Brubach Nisarg Kalra Vivian Li that the team has won this competition, September 2019, these students which was held this past March at#TheyDidWhat Clarion were named Semifinalists in the #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat University. Thirty-three middle school teams competition for scoring in the from throughout the region competed in the top one percent of all#TheyDidWhat juniors #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat day-long competition, and the win qualifies completing the PSAT in October Gear Grinders to advance to the 2020 VEX 2018. As Finalists, the these six are #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Robotics World Championship–VEX IQ now competing for National Merit Challenge Middle School Division. #TheyDidWhat Scholarships that will be offered. #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Daniel O’Brien Ian Rankin Braden Yates #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Shakespeare Finalists A group of Boyce sixth#TheyDidWhat graders advanced to finals in the 26 annual Shakespeare Monologue #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat and Scene Contest, held at the Pittsburgh Public Theater. Selected to perform a scene from Hamlet at the Showcase of #TheyDidWhat Finalists this past February were Logan Campbell (Horatio), Ben Todd #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat (Marcellus), and Leo Goodworth (Bernardo). Leo was unable to perform one of the evenings; therefore, Alex Todd substituted as Bernardo. #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Five other scenes/monologues performed by USC students earned honorable mention at the competition, including: #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat • Boyce, grade 6: Eliana Doyle (Juliet) and Anoushka Barve (Nurse), Romeo and Juliet • Boyce, grade 6: Kaia Petrick (Bottom), Sara Gillespie (Flute), and Pritika Gupta (Quince), #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat A Midsummer Night’s Dream • Fort Couch, grade 8: Emily Whiteford (Ophelia), Hamlet #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat • Fort Couch, grade 8: Anushka Patil (Porter), Macbeth Gear Grinders team members • USCHS, grade 11: Maddie Nolen (Lady Percy), #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Henry IV, Part 2 Chess Champs! More than 1000 area students from 110 schools competed #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Congratulations to in the preliminary rounds of the Shakespeare Monologue Arnav Kumar who won first and Scene Contest. Of that#TheyDidWhat number, 52 were from USC and #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat place in the U600 Scholastic included 29 from Boyce, 19 from Fort Couch, and four from division during the the high school. #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Pennsylvania State Game/75 Over a ten-day period, contestants performed monologues Chess championship at the and/or scenes they had chosen from the works of William #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Left to right: Ben Todd, grade 6; University of Pittsburgh this Shakespeare. Students in grades 8–12 competed in the upper Logan Campbell, grade 6; Alex Todd, past February. division, while grades 4–7#TheyDidWhat competed in the lower division. #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat grade 9 #TheyDidWhatArnav#TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Kumar PTC Food Drive Socks for This past February, the Parent Teacher Jack Lowden, an #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat the Homeless Council hosted a District-wide food drive eighth grade student Fourth grader to benefit families served by the South Hills at Fort Couch Middle #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Audrey Wetterau Interfaith Movement (SHIM). This effort Sc h o o l, t o o k f irs t organized a sock is a part of SHIM’s annual Sack Hunger place in the Advanced #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat drive at Baker community-wide campaign. To collect the Beginner section E l e m e n t a r y, food, boxes were placed at all six of the Tri-State at the 22 #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat collecting 2207 District’s school buildings. Junior Chess Open socks for the SHIM has #TheyDidWhat been providing people in To u r n a m e n t held Jack Lowden accepts #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat homeless. his trophy from Jerry l a s t D e c e m b e r a t Pittsburgh’s southern suburban neighborhoods Meyers, international Winchester Thurston with food, clothing, and services for more #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat chessmaster and than 50 years. The organization works to School. tournament facilitator Audrey Wetterau, among the sock donations reduce the devastating effects of poverty #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat among the working poor and unemployed families, single#TheyDidWhat parents, senior citizens, and #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat women, and also includes service to the high concentration of refugee families in the area. #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat 64 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Summer 2020 th
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#TheyDidWhat
#TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat PMEA Region#TheyDidWhat I Band Student Honored for Volunteerism #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Five USCHS musicians were selected through competitive This past January, Fort Couch Middle audition to participate in the PMEA Region I Band in March, School seventh grader Krishna Sathya #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat including Phoebe Chen, flute; Henry Zou, oboe; Justin Pacella, Vagheeswar was awarded the 2019 Weekend euphonium; Steven Halpner, percussion; and Nick Pacella, Rescue Warrior Award from 412 Food Rescue, #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat percussion. an organization that honors a volunteer who The students qualified by their#TheyDidWhat performances at the PMEA completed the#TheyDidWhat highest number of weekend #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat District 1 West Band Festival in February. Also performing at rescues in a year. PMEA Band members from USC District 1 West Band Festival were Eliza Glunt, clarinet, and Matt According#TheyDidWhat to the organization’s website, #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Hornak, trumpet. The students are led by Don Pickell, USCHS music teacher and band director. “412 Food Rescue works with local food PMEA District 1 includes school districts from Allegheny, Fayette, Green, Washington, businesses and retailers (grocery stores, #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat and Westmorland counties. PMEA Region I comprises PMEA District 1, as well as District 5, restaurants, wholesalers, and farmer’s which includes Beaver, Butler, Lawrence, and Mercer counties. markets) by #TheyDidWhat rescuing their surplus food #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat PMEA is a statewide nonprofit organization of more than 4500 members dedicated to and transporting it directly to nonprofit and promoting the musical development of all Pennsylvanians. The organization promotes and community-based organizations (shelters, #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat supports quality music education, learning, and performance, as well as promoting and family support centers, and housing authority supporting music education in schools and communities. PMEA is affiliated with The National sites) where the food is given to individuals #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Association for Music Education. and families experiencing food insecurity.” #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Boyce Team Places First Kids of STEEL #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat in Science Bowl In 2019–20 and its first year in the Kids of STEEL program, Baker Elementary was named A team of Boyce Middle School students Rookie Site of the Year for the largest new site to the program, with about 100 participants. This #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat took first place at the annual Science Bowl school year, participation at Baker doubled to more than 200 students! at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. The Kids of STEEL program is an award-winning, physical activity and nutrition program #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Team members included sixth grader Ayan offered free of charge to any interested classroom, school, or youth organization. During training, Singh Amin and fifth graders Erika Metzger, participants complete the#TheyDidWhat equivalent of 26.2 miles (the distance #TheyDidWhat of a full marathon) of physical #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Mackenzie Pope, and Jonah Zahalsky. activity at school, during a before- or after-school-program, or at home with their families. The event, sponsored by the#TheyDidWhat Carnegie “Kids of STEEL has highlighted and accentuated the way we#TheyDidWhat work as a family. With more #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Museum of Natural History and the Allegheny than half of our students participating, it requires unbelievable organization and energy,” Intermediate Unit, is open to students in said Dr. Patrick McClintock-Comeaux, Baker principal. “Holly #TheyDidWhat Fisher, our school nurse, and #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat grades four through eight. Students competed Melissa DePuy, a Baker in four different hands-on challenges and parent, lead parent #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat scavenger hunts, including Do you see what volunteers to create a I see; Explore anywhere; Fur, Feathers and program that our kids #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Scales; and Who am I (dinosaurs). love and is incredibly Students good for them. They are #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat were under the learning a life skill not direction of Susan only of running, but also #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Fleckenstein, of valuing hard work, B o y c e ’s g i f t e d training, and working #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat and enrichment toward a goal,” he said. resource teacher. #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Kids of STEEL participants at an after-school program Science Bowl#TheyDidWhat winners #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat USC Gets Top Honors#TheyDidWhat at Japanese Contest #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Two Advance to State Science Competition Three USCHS students placed first in the 23 annual High School Two USCHS students earned first places at the Pennsylvania Junior Japanese Speech Contest this past#TheyDidWhat March held at the University of #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Academy of Science Region 7 competition this past February, advancing Pittsburgh. Earning first place finishes were Alexis Wright, Level to the state-level competition. 1/poster presentation; Stephanie Lu, Level 2/beginner speech #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Freshman Keshav Narasimhan completed independent research and a presentation; and Caroline Knizner, Level 3/intermediate speech presentation titled “A Mathematical Model to Predict Crohn’s Flare-Up.” presentation. Finishing with second places were Roehl Benedicto, #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Junior Sophia Shi, who participated in #TheyDidWhat a research internship with the Level 1; and Alex Edkins, Level 2. Taking third places honors were UPMC Aging Institute last summer, focused her research and presentation Christian Farmerie, Level 1; and Hunter Bench, Level 3. #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat on “Regulation of Deubitiquinase Activity in Mitophagy.” The students In addition, the following USC students participated in the are sponsored by Corrine Newman, USCHS science teacher. contest: Level 1–Celena Brentzel,#TheyDidWhat Gabrielle Caudill, Robert Jaffee, #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat PJAS is a statewide Miranda Oliver, William Schultz, and Colby Stanekentered; and organization of junior and Level 2–Kymahni Vidale. #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat senior #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat high school students More than 100 high school students competed in one of the designed to stimulate and competition’s four speech levels based on their level of instruction. #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat promote interest in science The contest draws students from western Pennsylvania, eastern among its members through the Ohio, and West Virginia and includes various Japanese activities and #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat development of research projects games. The competition is hosted by the Japan-America Society of and investigations. For more Pennsylvania and the University of#TheyDidWhat Pittsburgh’s Asian Studies Center. #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat information, visit www.pjas.net. Keshav#TheyDidWhat Narasimhan Sophia Shi #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat #TheyDidWhat Summer 2020 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 65 rd
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Fabric Awnings and Shades for Summer Lauren Costello, Mt. Lebanon Awning
Sitting outdoors on a hot summer day with a refreshing drink in hand has long been an American tradition. There’s something about a warm breeze blowing as you relax that makes the summer months one of our favorite times of the year. But a relaxing spot in the direct hot sun is hardly a great place to rest. Luckily, there are many ways to bring shade to your outdoor spaces this summer. Imagine adding an extra space to your home for entertaining. A porch or patio awning allows you to sit outside, rain or shine. Dining, watching TV, or simply sitting and visiting with friends and family is possible in any type of weather under a fabric awning. These types of awnings are also very effective at cooling your home. They can reduce the sun’s glare by 94% and the heat from outdoors by up to 70%. You can also prevent UV ray damage to your outdoor furniture by using an awning. Window awnings are another way to cool your home and add curb appeal. A properly installed awning can reduce the heat generated by eight to 15 degrees, which means it reduces air conditioning costs up to 25%. Window awnings will also protect furniture and fabrics inside your home by blocking damaging UV rays. Retractable awnings are great when you want temporary shade and protection from the sun. With the push of a button, the awning can extend or retract with ease. Most models plug easily into a duplex outlet and require very little maintenance when used properly. Although they are great for shading the sun, retractable awnings are cantilevered on retractable arms and are not recommended to be used in rain or windy conditions. A front door awning can be eye-catching as well as functional, providing protection from the sun and rain. A bright fabric cover can increase your home’s curb appeal, help your home stand out from your neighbors’, and even incorporate your street number. There are a variety of shapes and styles for front door awnings to choose from, including domes or even cone-shaped. Many homeowners are installing permanent roof structures to their homes, but still need protection from the sun. Vertical drop curtains are the perfect solution to shade the sun from creeping in the side of your outdoor space. They can be made in a variety of opaque fabrics or with mesh. Mesh curtains allow visibility but can block up to 95% of the sun’s heat and glare. Drop curtains are also very effective in creating privacy for your outdoor space. If you’re looking to add a fabric covered space to your home this summer, or even just to add functional curb appeal to your house, a fabric awning or shade might be your best solution. n
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Home & Garden
How Often Should I Review My Insurance Coverage?
The next time you need to renew your insurance policy, consider taking these steps to make sure you have the proper coverage for your property. Most often, people purchase a homeowners or renter’s insurance policy when they first move into their new home. And it ends there. Over time—as they make renovations, purchase new items, or replace existing appliances—they don’t review their policy to ensure they remain properly covered. This, unfortunately, can lead to a gap in coverage. What steps should I take to review my homeowners insurance? • Create a home inventory. The inventory is a list of property in your house, the date you bought it, and what you purchased it for. Use the list to discuss your needs with your agent as you choose the correct coverage. • Meet with your agent. Your insurance needs change over time. Conducting a home insurance review with your agent at least once a year can help you determine if your policy continues to make sense for your current situation. During the meeting: Ask about discounts. Before you renew your policy, speak with your agent about any applicable discounts, including discounts for alarm systems. Also ask about higher deductibles that could lower the premium. Ask to review your auto policy. If you combine your homeowners or renter’s insurance with auto insurance to get a discount, consider reviewing your auto coverage, as well. And ask your agent about any safe driving or telematics discounts you might be eligible for. Review home renovations. If you have added on to your house 70
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or made updates to any rooms in the house, talk about this with your agent to make sure your coverage reflects the changes. Talk about any landscaping changes. Any new sprinkler systems, sheds, pool, or even a new riding mower may require changes in your policy. Share any changes in the appliances. Like home renovations, updating you furnace or air conditioner can increase the value of your home. Ask about insuring your house for the estimated cost to rebuild rather than the real estate value. State Farm® suggests you select a policy amount equal to at least 100% of the estimated replacement cost of your house, but the choice is yours. You also should make sure any replacement cost estimate reflects the actual characteristics of your house. Insuring your house for at least 100% of its estimated replacement cost (not the current market value) could give you the means to replace your house entirely in the event of a full loss. Carefully review the limitations on coverage and exclusions on all your policies, and make sure your agent is aware of any significant changes in your life. Some items in your house might qualify for extra protection. For example, you may need more protection for jewelry and firearms. Business in the home coverage can protect furniture and equipment used for business purposes. Talk to your agent to make sure you’re not overlooking important add-ons to your policy. Always ask questions of your agent about your current coverages, making sure that the coverage you have covers what you have. n This article was provided by Cindy Brophy, State Farm® agent. See ad on this page.
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Home Sales Tips for Summer 2020
DELIVERING RESULTS Selling or buying a home is a major life investment... Choose wisely. Platinum Producer: 2018 & 2019 Over $20 million in sales! Thank you Clients! ❤
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© 2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.
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While we are still a few weeks away from the summer months, below are some ideas on how to get your house “sale” ready during this time of year. With interest rates dropping to another low, potential buyers are checking out the low mortgage rates, too! Prepare your home’s exterior. Think curb appeal! Does your home look crisp, clean, and well maintained on the outside? Mow the lawn and keep it watered. Trim the bushes and shrubs. Mulch the flower beds. Paint the front door and add a colorful summer wreath to welcome potential buyers. Seal your driveway now. Does that crisp, clean look of the exterior extend into your home’s interior, as well? Highlight the outdoor living space. Power wash your concrete patio and any sidewalks leading up to the house. Do you have a deck? Power wash or paint it, and add potted flowers and plants. Clean the grill, too! Buyers will notice how you use your outdoor space as an extension of your home. Think about adding outdoor lighting to enhance the space. Address necessary repairs. If certain repairs are needed, do them before putting your house on the market. Don’t wait until the home inspection is done, which might force you to negotiate the home’s sales price. Save repair receipts, documenting what improvements you’ve made. Buyers will notice and appreciate the “love” you’ve put in to keeping your house updated. Is the AC working? When showing your house, make sure the interior of the home is cool on a hot summer day. To keep it running efficiently, have your unit periodically serviced by a reputable professional HVAC technician. Rid the clutter. It’s true that less is more, especially when selling your house. Your house will show better without the clutter and personal belongings. Let potential buyers envision how their belongings will fit into your space. Stage your home to reflect summer. Summer staging is simple. Place brightly colored, cheerful flowers on the kitchen counter or dining room table. Place flowering pots at your home’s entrance or on the back deck. Add summer scented candles throughout, too! n
See ad for Lynn Dempsey, Realtor®, Coldwell Banker Real Estate, on this page.
Around the Township Enriching Our Community 2020–2021 Lecture Series Town Hall South is a philanthropic organization dedicated to bringing nationally and internationally acclaimed lecturers to the South Hills of Pittsburgh. Founded in 1969 as an outreach program of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Town Hall South functions as a self-sustaining entity under the gracious auspices of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Annually, a portion of the proceeds is awarded as grants to a wide variety of local organizations in the surrounding community. While lectures, attendance, ticket prices, board size, and members continually change and evolve based on the needs of the organization and to those to whom it caters, its mission, high standards, and lecture format remain constant and continues to enrich our community year after year.
Dan Rather October 6, 2020 With more than 60 years spent covering the biggest events and news stories of our time, Dan Rather is a living witness to history. During his 44 years at CBS, including 24 years as anchor of the CBS Evening Dan Rather News, he interviewed every president since Eisenhower and personally covered historymaking events from the Kennedy assassination through Vietnam, Watergate, Tiananmen Square, the fall of the Berlin Wall, 9/11, and the Iraq invasion. Rather is a recipient of the Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award. He is also the author of the New York Times bestseller What Unites Us: Reflections on Patriotism, which takes on the toxic political atmosphere and polarized opinions of our time, with a hopeful reminder of the core ideals that all Americans share.
Kevin Surace November 10, 2020 Kevin Surace is a Silicon Valley innovator and visionary who focuses on artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and automation and how they will impact our jobs and our future. Named “Entrepreneur of the Year” Kevin Surace by Inc. magazine, a “tech pioneer” by the World Economic Forum, and one of the “Top 15 Innovators of the decade” by CNBC, Surace is widely recognized as one of the most influential innovators of our time. With 28 U.S. patents, Surace is responsible for numerous technologies that are commonplace today, including the first cellular data smartphone and first human-like AI virtual assistant. Surace has also helped to develop, patent, and produce green technologies that reduce energy usage in buildings.
Leon Logothetis December 8, 2020 Leon Logothetis is a global adventurer, motivational speaker, and philanthropist. While working as a broker in London, Logothetis felt uninspired and depressed. He decided to give it all up for life on the road and discovered that anything is possible Leon Logothetis if you act with kindness and harness the power of human connection. As host of the Netflix series, The Kindness Diaries, Logothetis circumnavigated the globe, relying on the kindness of strangers and giving life changing gifts to unsuspecting good Samaritans. He has visited more than 100 countries and traveled to every continent. He has also written several books, including Amazing Adventures of a Nobody, The Kindness Diaries, and Live, Love, Explore: Discover the Way of the Traveler–A Roadmap to the Life You Were Meant to Live.
Richard Stengel February 2, 2021 As longtime editor of TIME magazine and former Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Richard Stengel has seen and led the transformation of mainstream media. As a New York Times best-selling author and journalist, Richard Stengel Stengel speaks widely on fake news and disinformation, the case for national service, diplomacy, and leadership lessons derived from reporting on the world’s greatest leaders. In his most recent book, Information Wars: How We Lost the Global Battle Against Disinformation and What We Can Do About It, Stengel describes how governments are using and spreading disinformation, largely by way of social media, in an effort to attack democracy and American values, and stresses that we must find a way to combat this ever growing threat to democracy.
Dr. Temple Grandin March 16, 2021 Temple Grandin, PhD, is the most accomplished and well-known adult with autism in the world. She was diagnosed with autism in 1950, at a time when her parents were told she should be institutionalized. Dr. Grandin now works as a professor Dr. Temple Grandin of animal science at Colorado State University and speaks around the world, inspiring and motivating others through her story. She has been featured on NPR and major television programs, including The Today Show, 48 Hours, and 20/20. She has been named on TIME magazine’s annual list of the world’s most influential people, and her life is depicted in the Emmy Awardwinning HBO film Temple Grandin. Her current best-selling book on autism is The Way I See It: A Personal Look at Autism and Asperger’s. n Lectures are held in the Upper St. Clair High School theater on Tuesday mornings, beginning at 10 a.m. To learn more about subscription pricing and other lecture series information, visit townhallsouth.org. Summer 2020
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CFUSC Proudly Sponsored the Annual
BECOMING A COMPETITIVE COLLEGE APPLICANT SEMINAR Allegheny College High Point University Indiana University Bloomington North Carolina State University Penn State University Dr. William Rullo served as moderator for the event
USC Alumna and Panelist Marni Bassichis Blair represented Indiana University Bloomington
SCREENAGERS
The synergy of several vital and concerned township organizations brought the Screeenagers movies to Upper St. Clair. Following on the heels of “The Unselfie” by Dr. Michelle Borba, these two movies amplify how children are growing up in the digital age and shed light on what they experience. According to the film’s website, filmmaker and physician Dr. Delaney Ruston takes the conversation around screens and teens to the next level. Screenagers examines the science behind the emotional challenges, the interplay of social media, and what can be done in our schools and homes to help children build crucial skills to navigate stress, anxiety, and depression in this digital age. The Community Foundation was proud to fund this event.
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Book Club Going Online for May Meeting In the interest of health and wellness, the next meeting of the Book Club will be held online to discuss When We Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O’Neal. Amazon Prime members can get a free copy for download on Kindle or as an audio book. The book can also be purchased on amazon.com. Please join us for the discussion on Thursday, May 14 at 11 a.m or 7 p.m. We will be using GoToMeeting and you can join us from your computer, tablet, or smartphone. If you are new to GoToMeeting, you can be ready when the meeting starts by downloading the app at https://bit.ly/cf_gotomeeting. It is also recommended that you use headphones with a microphone. All Upper St. Clair residents are welcome to join. Participants can register at bookclub@cfusc.org. Once you have registered, you will receive the secure link and password for entry into the meeting. See you on line! Happy reading!!
Emergency Mini Grants Awarded and More To Come... CFUSC is pleased to announce that two Emergency Mini Grants have been awarded for worthy projects with a focus on health, wellness, and safety at this very difficult time. John Bower of Tri-Community Ambulance Service will receive $250 for a proposal to purchase sterilization equipment to cleanse and disinfect their ambulances and their base of operations. Vidhur Senthil will receive $250 for his crew of drivers to buy gasoline and incidentals needed for a delivery service for elderly and frail members of the community. The crew will be engaged to bring needed supplies to our most vulnerable community members so that they can stay home, stay safe, stay healthy, and still get needed supplies. Congratulations to these awardees for recognizing a need and reaching out for support to fulfill the need. A second round of Emergency Mini Grants will be awarded on June 1st. Applications can be found at www.cfusc.org and are due by May 20th. Details are on the website.
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www.cfusc.org
The Community Foundation welcomes residents who share our interest in providing opportunities for projects and ideas that make Upper St. Clair a place we are all proud to call home. Our focus areas are Arts, Health, and STEM, and through the years, we have formed many partnerships to bring unique enrichment to our residents. Visit www.cfusc.org today to fill out and submit an application to become a member of the Board of Trustees.
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15241 TODAY talk “On Stage with Jim and Lanny” 15241 TODAY
talk
Dave Schraven, head swim team coach of USCHS and PEAQ
Taking USC Township by storm, the interviews conducted by co-hosts Jim Render and Lanny Frattare are winning the hearts of viewers. If you’ve not yet seen these light hearted half-hour conversations on USC’s TV stations (Cable 7 or Verizon 42), you can choose to watch them digitally through the links shown below, visit the Township website, choosing videos gallery under “Life in USC,” or visit the School’s District’s athletic website, where the links are also shared. These talk shows will whet your appetite to learn more about the many interesting guests (shown in order of appearance) who have already appeared on the show.
Missie Berteotti, retired LPGA golfer
• Jim Render: In the long history of the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) Jim is the only football coach to win more than 400 games. He served USC as the head football coach for 40 years. In this two-part series, he discusses his distinguished career with broadcast cohost Lanny Frattare. (https://vimeo.com/336592859 Part 1) (https://vimeo.com/338274316 Part 2) • Police Chiefs Jonathan Wharton and Sean Bryson: Both men are graduates of Upper St. Clair High School, proud members of USC football teams, and have had their careers rise to positions of chiefs in law enforcement. Jon is the chief of police for Upper St. Clair Township and Sean is the chief of security for the Upper St. Clair School District. (https://vimeo.com/341560343) • Steve Blass: Just recently retired from the Pirates organization after a long and successful career as both a player and color commentator on radio and TV. (https://vimeo.com/342335271) • Kent Tekulve: As a pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, he developed one of the most unique deliveries in baseball history. It served him all the way to being a World Series winning pitcher and Pittsburgh legend and hero. (https://vimeo.com/344817387) • Jerry Berteotti: How many men have been a winning quarterback on a WPIAL championship team and later served as a coach on the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team? (https://vimeo.com/344868875) • Lanny Frattare: Co-host of 15241 TODAY talk “On Stage with Jim and Lanny,” not only did he replace the legendary Pirates broadcaster Bob Prince, but he served as the voice of the Pirates baseball club longer than Mr. Prince or any other announcer. (https://vimeo.com/345983450) • Phil Newcamp: As the head golf professional at St. Clair Country Club for 40 years, he personified the term “a Pro’s Pro.” (https://vimeo.com/396701413) • Dr. Kevin Deitrick: No man works longer hours, generates more enthusiasm, nor takes more pride in his department than does the Upper St. Clair High School athletic director. (https://vimeo.com/350804736) 76
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USCSD Superintendent Dr. John Rozzo
Terry Kushner, retired USCHS principal and USC administrator
• The Honorable D. Michael Fisher: This intelligent and highly respected judge has served his community, his state, and his country with extreme honor and dignity. (https://vimeo.com/350808369) • Grant Jackson: He started out as an outstanding Ohio high school football player, but his arm strength led him to fame and glory as a Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher. (https://vimeo.com/371149891) • Suzie McConnell-Serio: This Gold Medal Olympian is one of the most decorated female athletes in the history of our region, as well as the entire USA basketball world! (https://vimeo.com/362325814) • Sean Casey: His ability to hit a baseball at the major league level is matched only by his ability to be an ambassador for the sport and his enthusiasm for helping children with special needs. The first man to hit a home run in Pittsburgh’s PNC Park. (https://vimeo.com/365356983) • Pat Palazzolo: This USCHS teacher is a leader in many areas of academia, most notably as an original member of NASA’s Teacher in Space program. (https://vimeo.com/367339176) • Eddie Johnston: A National Hockey League legend and Pittsburgh Penguins player and coach who has amazing stories about a lifetime in the world of hockey! (https://vimeo.com/372913263) • Danny Holzer: One of the most respected coaches in the history of WPIAL basketball. This USC coach for a quarter century is a certain future Hall of Famer! (https://vimeo.com/372912614) • District Magistrate Judge Ronald Arnoni: Our local district magistrate loves his job and is making a big difference in the lives of young people in their personal growth and through his courtroom. (https://vimeo.com/374470901) • Gene Steratore: He has climbed to the top of his profession as a NCAA basketball official, a Super Bowl NFL referee, and a CBS national television replay analyst. (https://vimeo.com/380336421)
Summer 2020
Jerry Malarkey, USCHS counselor and baseball coach
Tim O’Malley, WPIAL executive director
• Angela Petersen: There is no other person in Upper St. Clair who has given more of her time and talents in service to the students and residents of USC. (https://vimeo.com/380795174) • Jim Leyland: There are very few men on earth who can say they were a winning manager of a World Series championship team. (https://vimeo.com/380795377) • Dave Schraven: Head swim coach of Upper St. Clair High School and Pittsburgh Elite Aquatics (PEAQ) swim club, Dave discusses “everything swimming,” including the new high school pool, the swim team and age group program, and his stellar road to get here. (https://vimeo.com/391582019) • Missie Berteotti: How many young USC women win multiple WPIAL and PIAA championships in golf, play on the LPGA tour, and become friends and golf partners with Arnold Palmer? Just one! (https://vimeo.com/393933401) • Superintendent Dr. John Rozzo: A young dynamic educator who has climbed the ranks to become the superintendent of the prestigious award-winning Upper St. Clair School District! (https://vimeo.com/392551975) • Terry Kushner: An educator’s educator. He gave a total of 23 years to the Upper St. Clair School District as a principal at the high school and a central office administrator. He played a key role and was a major reason why the District earned Excellent in Educator awards from the federal government. (https://vimeo.com/399891349) • Jerry Malarkey: He has served Upper St. Clair High School for 43 years as a teacher, guidance counselor, and very successful head baseball coach. (https://vimeo.com/398039966) • Tim O’Malley: He has guided the WPIAL for 14 years as its executive director. After overseeing much success in the growth of men’s and women’s sports in western Pennsylvania, he will retire in June 2020. (https://vimeo.com/399248605) n
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Wholeness Restored
Oncoplastic Surgery is an Excellent Option for Breast Cancer Patients
Breast cancer patients who need to have a lumpectomy along with breast reconstruction might find oncoplastic surgery an excellent option. Oncoplastic surgery is a specialized approach to the treatment of breast cancer that produces the best possible medical outcome, as well as a superior aesthetic result. It combines lumpectomy (surgical removal of a suspected cancerous tumor, or other abnormal tissue, and a small portion of the surrounding tissue) with plastic surgery reconstruction in a way that removes the cancer and conserves the breast, restoring wholeness to the patient and enhancing her long-term recovery. At St. Clair Hospital’s Breast Care Center, breast surgeons and plastic surgeons collaborate in order to provide this option to patients who are good candidates for the procedure. A traditional lumpectomy can be disfiguring, leaving a patient with a scar or deformity. In an oncoplastic breast surgery procedure, a breast surgeon performs the
lumpectomy in a way that facilitates breast reconstruction by a plastic surgeon. The breast surgeon does a generous resection (surgical removal of tissue or organs) of the tumor, plus extra surrounding tissue, to make sure that the margins are clear. The breast surgeon leaves enough tissue for the plastic surgeon to reconfigure in a breast lift and/or breast reduction that rebuilds the breast and restores it to a normal and natural appearance. No implant is needed. The opposite breast is also reshaped, so that the breasts match. Oncoplastic surgery has many benefits. One of the most significant is that it can lower the risk of cancer recurrence. The ideal candidate for oncoplastic surgery is a large-breasted woman who has a large tumor and wants breast conservation. Another candidate is a smaller breasted woman with a regular-sized tumor with the same clinical indicators, so that the cosmetic result is better. Most women, when presented with this option, are pleased to have it, but the procedure
is not for everyone. A woman with small breasts who has a large cancer will not have enough tissue and will need to have a mastectomy and breast reconstruction. Breast reconstruction is a safe, outpatient procedure. It does not increase the risk of cancer recurrence or the risk of missing a recurrence. Oncoplastic surgery represents a new effort in breast cancer treatment that emphasizes how a woman feels about her breasts and herself after surgery. n
Operating at St. Clair Hospital are Dr. Edward J. Ruane, Jr. (left) and Dr. Tara L. Grahovac
For more information on oncoplastic surgery, contact St. Clair Hospital plastic surgeon Edward J. Ruane, Jr., MD at 412-942-5725 or St. Clair Hospital breast surgeon Tara L. Grahovac, MD at 412-942-7850. See ads for St. Clair Hospital on pages 2 and 41.
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What’s Life Without Goals?
USC Inline State Wars 16AAA gold medalists, left to right: Matt Hurst, Jacob Bernstein, Lucas Manalo, Nick Oprison
“Shoot!” Coach Bernstein shouts from the bench as the Upper St. Clair M1 Inline team plays in the championship game against Penn Trafford (PT). Even though the Panthers maintained the lead most of the game thanks to Caleb Guarino’s hat trick, PT came back scoring three goals in three minutes, followed
by another in the third period to tie the game! Then, with seven minutes left, Jeffrey Hurst caught the pass from Isaac Bernstein and found nothing but net! USC Panthers win in a nail bitter with a 5–4 victory to become Middle School Tier 1 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Roller Hockey League (PIRHL) champions! This is the first time USC has won the M1 division title. Players Caleb Guarino, Claire Manalo, Nick Contis, Jeffry Hurst, and Cohen Marx all finished in the top 11 in scoring, led by Isaac Bernstein finishing the season with 134 points—the highest ever in a single season per PIRHL’s website. Everyone contributed to this win, including Jack Bavaro taking charge in defense and, of course, the star of the show, goalie Ian Vaughn. USC Inline celebrated its tenth year anniversary last season. Started by Gary Paul when his son was interested in playing roller hockey, he formed the USC Inline team that went on to win the championship in its first ever year for the elementary division. Many of those kids and parents continued with the program through high school graduation and some, like Mike Smith, Jr. who was on the inaugural team, continued to play in college. As an organization, the kids always come first. The focus is on family, especially since several families have multiple kids who play for USC Inline. Almost half of the organization is made up of siblings. Out of the nine players on the Varsity 1 team, all but two have, or have had, siblings play for USC Inline. Like Steven Smith, a senior, who learned to play from his dad and older brother. On the M1 team, five of the eight players also have family members currently playing for the organization.
Varsity 1 champions, front row: coach Gary Paul, Alex Contis, Nate Paul, Nick Oprison, Matt Hurst, Lucas Manalo, Ben Bonasso, coach Mike Smith, coach Joe Bonasso; back row: Evan Thurston, Steven Smith, Kolten Keller 78
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The Smith family, under coach Mike Smith, Sr., has been part of the organization since its inception in 2008. And what a more fitting farewell to coach Smith for his time and tenure over the years than winning the championship for the Varsity 1 team and first ever USC win in the highest division of PIRHL! With a mix of kids who have played together since elementary school, including Steven Smith, Kolten Keller, Evan Thurston, Ben Bonasso, Alex Contis, Nate Paul, Lucas Manalo, Matt Hurst, Dev Patel, and goalie Nick Oprison, they earned every bit of their success. With only two minutes and 49 seconds left in the game and Pine Richland (PR) trailing 3–2, they pulled the goalie to increase their forwards by one, in hopes to tie the game. Just then, USC’s forward, Matt Hurst, scored again sealing the 4–2 win over PR by taking the first two in the best of a three-game series. After an up-and-down regular season, the varsity team dominated in the playoffs to become PIRHL Varsity 1 champions! USC Inline is proud to have such a high level of talent within its organization. Several of the players have been selected to represent Team Pennsylvania in inline hockey’s greatest event: State Wars Hockey. Teams from the U.S., Canada, and other countries from around the world compete at this event for the highest honor. Last summer, players Matt Hurst, Jacob Bernstein, Lucas Manalo, and goalie Nick Oprison won the gold medal for Team Pennsylvania’s 16 AAA division. Bernstein, Manalo, and Oprison also competed and won silver in 2018. Team Pennsylvania also brought home the bronze medal last summer for the 14A division, thanks to USC Inline players Isaac Bernstein, Claire Manalo, and Alex
M1 PIRHL champions, front row: coach Eric Bernstein, Nick Contis, Jack Bavaro, Ian Vaughn, Caleb Guarino, Claire Manalo, coach Ben Morr; back row: Cohen Marx, Jeffry Hurst, Isaac Bernstein, coach Matt Guarino
Protecting and Enhancing Bethel Green Earlier this year, local non-profit land conservation organization Allegheny Land Trust (ALT) finalized the acquisition of 40.5 acres of woodlands in Bethel Park, known as Bethel A walking path along Bethel Green Green. The permanent protection of this rare remaining green space along Route 88 near its intersection with Valley Drive has been ensured by ALT after working for almost a year in cooperation with the Municipality of Bethel Park, the local community, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and other supporting partners. “We’re proud to conserve one of the largest remaining green spaces in Bethel Park for the health, well-being, and enjoyment of current residents and future generations,” said Tom Dougherty, ALT’s vice president of External Affairs. “It took a real team effort, and ALT is extremely grateful for the support of local residents, Bethel’s municipal council, State Senator Pam Iovino, and State Representative Natalie Mihalek.” Over the past year, ALT worked to arrange funding for the acquisition through a successful community fundraising campaign, a contribution from the Municipality of Bethel Park, and grants from the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Bethel Green features an informal network of hiking trails, remnants of the area’s mining history, and a variety of resilient plant and animal species that have recently reclaimed it as a natural space. Its protection will preserve scenic beauty, provide a close-to-home place for healthy exercise, absorb thousands of gallons of rainwater at the head of the flood-prone Saw Mill Run watershed, enhance local property values, and provide opportunities for historical and environmental education. Bethel Green is owned and managed by ALT, with volunteer support from interested community members and civic organizations. Go, check it out! n
USC Inline State Wars 14A bronze winners, left to right: players Alex Oprison, Claire Manalo, Isaac Bernstein; coaches Rich Oprison, Eric Bernstein
Oprison. Ben Bonasso and goalie Ian Vaughn also participated at State Wars, as well as several other USC players from past years. USC Inline is open to all and welcomes anyone who loves to play hockey and wants to give inline a try. The season runs September to February, with playoffs occurring in March. With one weekly practice and, generally, one game per week, USC Inline has a low cost, less time commitment, and more playing time for all skill levels and ages. As a non-checking league, inline hockey is a great sport for both boys and girls! Congratulations to the 2019–20 M1 and V1 PIRHL inline hockey champions, and a special shout out to the coaches and parents who support inline hockey and made this year’s success possible and so enjoyable. Thank you! n
Contact president Eric Bernstein for sign up dates for the upcoming season and more information by visiting www.uscinlinehockey.com.
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g in h l ve wit a Y Tr A D O T
s iatu er H th On Fur l i Unt Notice ” ead DAY
A plane over Maho Beach, coming in for a landing
R O th T g wi s on n i l e n v o “Tra structi 1. 8 in e g a p
Touching down at SXM airport on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten, a pleasure trip to this shared island caught vacationers exploring both sides, including the quieter French portion, where the spelling of the name changes to St. Marten. Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, Sint Maarten was once occupied by Spain for its prime location in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Nestled among other posh Caribbean islands, including St. Barts, St. Barths, Saba, and Anguilla (all visible from Sint Maarten and short ferry rides away), this island has been shared by The Dutch Netherlands and France since 1648. Residents and vacationers alike enjoy uninterrupted auto travel without government border checks from one side of the island to the other. While traffic roundabouts A monument welcoming are plentiful, there exists only one traffic signal on the entire 34all to the French side of mile island. Once known for its sugar cane production, which the island included farming help from African slaves, tourism now accounts for approximately 80% of the island’s economy. Heineken, the Dutch side’s beer of choice is sold literally everywhere, along with the lesser available native beer of the island, Carib, endeared as “the beer from here.” Enjoying the plentiful rum concoctions, a working distillery is available for tours near Simpson Bay. While food on the Dutch side includes a number of fast food franchises, the more upscale French side is dedicated to “slow” food Perched on the hilll is Fort Louis and includes some Michelin starred (3-star) restaurants. The island continues to rebuild itself from well-known Hurricane Irma, a devastating category 5 hurricane with winds gusts of up to 185 mile an hour that hit on September 6, 2017. While much unsightly land and sea debris remain visible as a result of the $3 billion in storm destruction, the rebuilding of the infrastructure, commercial buildings, and homes appear to be happening at a much faster pace on the Dutch side. In addition to construction work being undertaken by locals (with the financial help from insurance policy payments), people escaping the political injustices of Venezuela have come here in recent years in hopes of labor employment and a better life. With an unlimited array of sea vessels owned or chartered by “the rich and famous,” you can be assured of breathtaking views of Simpson Bay and its floating inhabitants from atop a drawbridge that operates on the half hour. After a late morning trip to sun-kissed Orient Beach on the French side, with swim suits as an optional wear item and water sports of Simpson Bay is home all kinds, it was off to Marigot, the French side’s capital, for late afternoon to many breathtaking pleasure boats. shopping at a fresh air market and a stair climb up to Fort Louis, an old fort perched on a hill that overlooks the city below. An evening stroll to the Dutch side’s Maho Beach for a beautiful sunset, where a walk along the sandy beaches at just the right moment provides a knock-over blast from the exhaust of departing planes was a thrilling end to a fun-filled day. As a way to generate tax TODAY wishes the people of Sint Maarten continued recovery and dollars on the Dutch side of the island, residents who own a car rebound from the most devastating hurricane that this island has ever must purchase a new license experienced. n plate every year. 80
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Enjoying Old Town
What’s the draw of Phoenix, Arizona, besides great weather in February? How about the Phoenix Open? With wonderful hospitality venues found throughout the course catering to the crowds of people, day three at the tournament held at TPC Scottsdale is a golfers bucket list item. TODAY perched on a table in one of the temporarily erected hospitality tents to look out onto the 18th hole and clubhouse. Too much of a good thing is sometimes not such a good thing. So, to add diversity to the trip, an energetic hike up Camelback mountain and a leisurely stroll in and out of shops and watering holes in Scottsdale’s Old Town neighborhood rounded out the fun experiences that added to this few day respite. n
A view of Camelback mountain
At the Phoenix Open
Instructions for Traveling with TODAY
Sometimes we travel to go elsewhere, while sometimes others travel to come here. Leona Horino, a Japanese exchange student, is the latter. Displaying mementos on her Rotary jacket of her travels while in the United States, Leona shares her story of being selected as a Rotary exchange student and her experiences while in the U.S. and at Upper St. Clair High School. Read her story on page 56 to learn more. n
Read the following criteria to find out how to submit information. • Clear, close-up digital photo of USC resident(s) holding his or her TODAY magazine. • Attach jpg (at least 300 dpi) and send via email, including required information (see below) in the body of the email. • List name(s) of resident(s), group, and specific photo location, and objective of visit (leisure, volunteer, career, etc.) or stayat-home project. • Include email address or phone number should further contact be necessary. • Email information to usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us, with “TODAY” listed in subject line.
USCHS principal Tim Wagner and USCHS exchange student Leona Horino
Note: Submitted photos and information for this feature section will remain on file for upcoming editions until published.
For now, send us your photos (high resolution to usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us) taken March through May while you have been following the federal, state, local, and self-imposed social distancing and quarantine guidelines. We'd like to share how our community coped and what creative and caring things you did during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Profiles
and Remembrances of People with a USC Connection
Know of a resident to profile? Send information to: Editor,
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 or
usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us.
Psychologist Lindsay Orchowski, PhD, (USC Class of 1999 and 2017 Hall of Fame recipient) was presented with the 2019 Bruce M. Selya Award for Excellence in Research, an honor created to recognize rising stars in their fields of medical research. Lindsay is a member of the Lifespan Physician Group and a staff psychologist in the Rhode Island Hospital adult outpatient division. She was recently promoted to associate professor of research in the departLindsay Orchowski ment of psychiatry and human behavior at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and also serves as the medical school’s deputy Title IX coordinator. Lindsay has distinguished herself nationally in the fields of alcohol abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence, with her current work dedicated to sexual assault prevention. Her research program has garnered more than $6.7 million in funding to advance the development and evaluation of sexual assault prevention programs for middle school, high school, college, and military populations. Her work is supported by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Education. Lindsay holds posts as associate editor for Psychology of Women Quarterly and consulting editor for Psychology of Violence. She has published more than 75 peer-reviewed scientific papers and chapters, and has presented at more than 225 regional, national, and international conferences. Additionally, she published the book Sexual Assault Risk Reduction and Resistance: Theory Research and Practice and is the co-editor of a forthcoming volume addressing men’s roles in sexual assault prevention. Linsday earned her undergraduate degree at Dartmouth College and completed her PhD in clinical psychology at Ohio University in the Laboratory for the Study and Prevention of Sexual Assault, concurrently earning a graduate certificate in women’s studies. Completing her training in 2012 with a psychology residency at Brown University and a NIAAA T32 fellowship at the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies at Brown under her belt, she was hired onto the Brown faculty and at Lifespan. Lindsay is the daughter of USC residents Bob and Rose Orchowski.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Missy and Bryan McMinn received daughter Harper James McMinn into the world on March 22. With hospital rules tightened and social distancing enforced, friends and family waited anxiously to greet her in person. Welcome Harper! And congratulations to the parents and to grandparents, Joe and Colleen DeMarco and Bill and Teri McMinn. Harper McMinn 82
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Meg Jones (USCHS Class of 2015) performed in Bard College’s devised opera, Rest in Pieces, at the Richard B. Fisher Center this past March. While at Ithaca College, Meg was honored with the Roberta Peters scholarship. She also won the concerto competition her junior year and enjoyed every aspect of playing the role Laetitia in Gian Carlo Menotti’s The Old Maid Meg Jones and the Thief. After receiving a BM in vocal performance at Ithaca in 2019, she joined the graduate vocal arts program at Bard College in Annadale-on-Hudson, New York. The program, focused on encouraging creativity, art in many forms, exploration, and communication, gives students the tools to express themselves through many styles of music and the opportunity for personal and individual experiences. In addition to the many public performance opportunities, Meg’s classes include poetry, language, diction, career development, movement, acting, and vocal ensemble. Meg loves to be a part of something so new, and is grateful to share ideas with so many talented musicians.
Willard Hartley II (Herr Hartley), former USCHS German teacher, passed away in January. Born in 1943 in Canonsburg, he was a 1961 graduate of Washington High School and a 1964 graduate of California University, where he received his bachelor of science degree. Employed and retired from USCHS as a German teacher for 35 years, Will headed many student exchange trips t o G e r m a n y. H e w a s i n d u c t e d i n t o Willard Hartley Washington-Greene Hall of Fame, Upper St. Clair Athletic Hall of Fame, Washington High School Hall of Fame, and Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. He received additional awards, including the Achievement Award from the City of Washington, the Certificate of Appreciation Award, and the Prexie Pride Award. The following quotes give insight into his beloved personality. One of his trademark cheers at the USCHS pep assemblies was “I’ve got that feeling, that winning feeling...” Herr Hartley charged up the crowd! He was a winner!—Paul Fox He was already a substitute teacher by the time I attended the high school. But Herr Hartley would make German class fun, and would always rap for us. A jovial and kind person, I enjoyed when he would substitute for Frau Baird!—Steve Franz Herr Hartley was a fine man. I had him in class and wrote a profile of him for our school’s newspaper. He got me on the chain crew/gang for football games when I was a senior.—Jim Roberts Remember his food buffets for the German holidays? The Panzer/Panther German army song? Hans and Sophie Scholl? Grammar songs? He the Bavarian and I the Prussian.—Deanna Baird Will fought valiantly against many harsh medical conditions. What a great guy! Never a negative word about him, he was dedicated to USC and its students. To my friend of 55 years!—George McClintock
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We Work in Love We are forever there, Connected through love and time we share. Found in lines and spaces of our lives, The bond, tossed and turned, survives. Holding on to words of comfort and purpose aligned, We nod in our minds, this is good, this is fine. Our destinations and adventures unfold Our souls’ energies intact, our love foretold. Making a difference in lives of others, we try Drawing energy from colored waves up high. Another day’s work fulfilled in bright light, Moving through grays of twinkling twilight. Resting in darkness, silently speak of the day, Embracing life, with pain at bay. Our eyes wide open, our hearts filled, We work in love, compassion instilled. —Ron Morosky
The staff of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY wishes our residents comfort and continued resilience as we work toward a new normal. Unexpectedly placed in a paradigm shift regarding how we interact with our world and one another and what we deem important, this poem is a reminder that through love and compassion all things are possible and made better. Summer 2020
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Advertiser Index Summer 2020
www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home Affordable Decks & Additions .................................................................. 68 American Standard Pittsburgh ................................................................ 67 Arbor Tree Specialists, Inc. ....................................................................... 66 Ballet Academy of Pittsburgh .................................................................. 45 * Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, The Preferred Realty, Rt. 19 South ... 3 * Brookside Lumber ................................................................................... 72 * Calabro Tire & Auto Service ..................................................................... 77 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. ...................................................................... 53 Chartiers Bend Retirement Resort .......................................................... 13 Chinese Acupuncture & Herbs Center, LLC .............................................. 83 * Coldwell Banker–The South Hills Office .........................Outside back cover Coldwell Banker–Lynn Dempsey ............................................................. 72 Coldwell Banker–Dora Rudick ................................................................. 71 * Cupelli & Cupelli, Drs. ............................................................................. 79 Davey Tree and Lawn Care ....................................................................... 70 * Extended Day Services ............................................................................ 45 Friendship Village of South Hills............................................................. 19
* Keller Williams–Sandy and Marshall Goldstein ...................................... 79 * Kerr Family and Cosmetic Dentistry ........................................................ 42 Little Lake Theatre Company ................................................................... 43 * Manalo, Larry E., DMD ............................................................................ 42 Mister Sewer ........................................................................................... 69 Mt. Lebanon Awning ............................................................................... 68 * Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center .............................................................. 43 Movement Mortgage–Kevin O’Laughlin ................................................. 71 * Pinebridge Commons Associates ............................................................ 42 * Providence Point, a Baptist Homes Society community .......................... 11
RE/MAX Premier–Susanne Wagner ......................................................... 77 * Rusmur Floors .................................................................. Inside back cover * St. Clair Hospital ................................................................................. 2, 41 St. Clair Plastic Surgery Associates .......................................................... 11 * Scott Bros. Windows and Doors .............................................................. 66 * Sesame Inn ............................................................................................. 44 South Hills Endoscopy Center ................................................................... 1
Extended Day Services is happy to partner with UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY! We have worked with the magazine for the past 20 years to reach families in the USC community. The magazine also gives us the opportunity to provide residents with a variety of child-related articles and helpful information. We proudly display each issue at our administrative office for our staff and families. Thank you for providing such a high quality magazine for Upper St. Clair Township!—Jennifer Roberts, Executive Director, Extended Day Services G’s Landscape, LLC .................................................................................. 72 G’s Window and Gutter Cleaning ............................................................ 68 George Girty Landscape Design .............................................................. 68 Greater Pittsburgh Plumbing, Heating & Cooling .................................. 71 Hastings South Fayette–Charter Homes & Neighborhoods ...................... 7 Historical Society of Upper St. Clair and Gilfillan Farm ............................. 9 * Howard Hanna–USC Office .............................................. Inside front cover * Howard Hanna–Diane Horvath ............................................................... 83 J&A South Park, LLC Heating-Cooling-Plumbing-Electric ........................ 67 Kathy’s Music .......................................................................................... 43
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Southwest Gastroenterology Associates ................................................... 5 * State Farm Insurance–Cindy Brophy ....................................................... 70 The Little Gym ......................................................................................... 44 * Thomas Dance Studio ............................................................................. 43 Torrente Apartment Homes ....................................................................... 9 Troy Orthodontics .................................................................................... 42 Washington Health System .................................................................... 29 * Wellington Real Estate–Patty Thomas & Rebecca Lutz ............................ 21 Western PA Ductless ............................................................................... 19
Thank you to all UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY advertisers who are here to serve our community. Call upon their expertise and support their businesses when you are able to do so. *The above advertisers, who are advertising in this issue, have contributed their financial support for a minimum of 51 issues. Thank you.
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