Winter 2017
www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home
The official publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair
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e c i v r in e S ’17 Winter 2017 • Volume 23 • Issue 4 www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home
Features & Around the Township 10 Holiday Hoopla!
12 We’re Home! Or Are We?
Centerfold The Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair
66 Engage Your Senses
68 Nature’s Engineers
70
Township 18
•
usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us
School District 45
Guides/ Directories 36 Serving Upper St. Clair
A Green USC
USC Hosts Professional Learning Communities at Work Institute
23
47
VFD’s Geo Tracking Fund Drive
Dr. Suritsky Finalist for National Award
24
50
Time to Celebrate— Tri-Community Turns 40!
Strike Up the Band!
26
Capital Projects on Schedule
New Ordinance Requires Sewer Inspection
20
Police Department Promotions and Hires
54 57 They Did What?
Traveling with TODAY
37 Local Clubs and Organizations
43 Pinebridge 58 Life Planning 80 Advertiser Index Photo Ops 22 Sustainable Living
Coloring Contest
39 Community
Foundation Events
48 USC Community
Pep Rally
72 Block Parties Cover
46 USC Halls of Fame
34
The winter cover of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is sponsored by the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair. See the fourpage centerfold, pages 39–42, featuring this local philanthropic organization. Cover creation courtesy of Alison Hess, CF trustee.
Library Block Party
48 USC Community Pep Rally
62 USC’s First Four Reunion
64 The Angels of Polish Hill
4
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Winter 2017
Publishers Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole Superintendent of Schools
The award-winning, official publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a not-for-profit community magazine dedicated to promoting the
Township and School District of Upper St. Clair by recognizing the gifts and contributions of the people who live and work here. This year marks 23 years of our publication.
The 92nd 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.
Spring 2018 edition deadlines:
Articles—January 11 Advertising—January 15
Summer 2018 edition deadlines:
Articles—March 15 Advertising—March 19
Steering Committee Mark S. Mansfield, Assistant Township Manager Paul K. Fox, School District Representative Editors and Staff Linda M. Dudzinski, Editor-in-Chief Terry Kish, Associate Editor Colleen DeMarco, Office Manager, Advertising Executive Lynn Dempsey, Advertising Executive Alison Hess, Marketing and Advertising Executive Dorothy Clark, Graphic Designer
Mark Mansfield, Paul Fox, Linda Dudzinski, Terry Kish, Colleen DeMarco, Lynn Dempsey, Alison Hess, and Dorothy Clark. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a non-partisan Township, School District, and community magazine. Political advertising and political commentary are not accepted. The publishers of this magazine reserve the right to reject advertising or articles inconsistent with the objectives, image, and aesthetic standards of the magazine.
The next issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY will be the Spring 2018 issue and will be published in March 2018. Articles that were submitted but not published in this issue are on file for consideration in upcoming issues. Articles and announcements may be sent to:
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is published and mailed
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
quarterly to residents and businesses in Upper St. Clair Township. Extra copies of the magazine are available at the Township of Upper St. Clair Municipal Building and Township Library. If you did not receive a copy in the mail, call 412-833-1600, extension 2284.
Subscription Information If you know someone living outside the Township who would enjoy receiving UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, please send $12 check, payable to UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, to cover mailing and handling for the next four issues, with their name and address, including zip code, to UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, USC, PA 15241. Add $10 to cover international mailing.
Editor
1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 or email UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY at usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us.
Article Information
Editor-in-Chief Linda Dudzinski phone: 412-833-1600, extension 2681
Advertising Information
Office Manager Colleen DeMarco phone: 412-833-1600, extension 2284 fax: 412-851-2592 Ad file submission: dclark@uscsd.k12.pa.us
Follow us on Facebook Website www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home Email usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us Board of School Directors
Angela B. Petersen, President Amy L. Billerbeck, Vice President Barbara L. Bolas Phillip J. Elias Buffy Z. Hasco Patrick A. Hewitt Frank J. Kerber Harry F. Kunselman Louis P. Mafrice, Jr. 6
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Township Board of Commissioners Mark D. Christie, President, Ward 4 Rex A. Waller, Vice President, Ward 2 Nicholas J. Seitanakis, Ward 1 Robert W. Orchowski, Ward 3 Ronald J. Pardini, Ward 5 Russell R. Del Re, At Large Daniel R. Paoly, At Large
Winter 2017
Thank you to our volunteer contributors this issue: Judge Ronald Arnoni, Daniel Barr, Adam Benigni, Cindy Brophy, Ray Conaway, John D’Angelo, Lynn Dempsey, Alison Hess, Heather Holtschlag, Jay Lynch, Karin Mayr, Jim Meston, Jim O’Brien, Helen Palascak, Rachel Rennebeck, Emanuel Romanias, Ron Sarrick, Dr. Tracy Scanlon, Mary Lynne Spazok, and Julie Travaglini.
Young Writers Guild (YWG) promotes and encourages young writers in the Upper St. Clair School District to provide articles of interest for our community magazine. Email usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us to find out how your student can contribute. The 92nd issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a joint publication of the Township and School District of Upper St. Clair. © Copyright 2017. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this magazine, in print or web version, in whole or in part, without the expressed written consent of the Editor, is strictly prohibited. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Phone: 412-833-1600, extension 2284 Fax: 412-851-2592 Email: usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us Township: 412-831-9000 School District: 412-833-1600 Printed by Knepper Press 2251 Sweeney Drive, Clinton, PA 15026-1818 724-899-4274 Design by DMC Design 412-824-7844 • www.dmcdesign.com
Real Estate Agents Who Make a Real Difference!
Terry Abbott
Barbara Baker Team*
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Mary Lou Stipanovich
Chuck Wallace
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A Winter Note from the Publishers Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole
Matthew R. Serakowski
As we embark on the last issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY for 2017 and share our yearending publishers’ letter, we became aware of just how quickly time flies. Instead of speaking to the emerging signs of spring, leisurely summer events, or back-to-school activities as we have, respectively, in our three past issues, we now turn to the season of giving, the occasion to offer thanks, and the closing of yet another year. Let’s first focus on the season of giving, making a personal commitment to one another to undertake a worthy project or help a family member, friend, or neighbor in need. No matter the cause, let’s make a difference in our community by sharing our time and talents with others. For example, take the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair, our front cover sponsor for this issue. Established in 1993 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the Foundation invests all donations into our community to support activities and organizations that enhance the quality of life for the people of Upper St. Clair. Over the years, you may have volunteered in some capacity for the Foundation or attended one of its many special events. We thank you for that! Check out the magazine’s centerfold, where you can learn even more about this worthwhile organization and what it has accomplished in its 25-year history. A giving form, with return envelope enclosed, is an easy way to support this philanthropic, home-grown community asset. Take a look throughout the magazine where you will find additional charitable opportunities for your consideration. Speaking of giving… give up some of the stressors that tend to encroach on each of us at this time of year. Instead, adopt some well-deserved, low-key “me” time with family and friends. Take part in hallowed traditions and communal activities that bring pleasure to you and joy to those around you. To maintain a quality lifestyle, make healthy choices a priority. Once a year (and in this edition), we formally extend a hearty “thank you” to all the residents of Upper St. Clair. A community is a reflection of its residents; and because of you, our community shines brightly! Whether you serve on a board or committee or are a worker bee for our schools’ or township’s many organizations, or lend a helping hand when you notice a need, your collective effort makes our “home” a place in which we have enormous pride. In closing, we offer the following sentiment: may our upcoming winter season be mild when it comes to local weather, but bold with joy from activities that bring smiles and laughter to you and those around you. Give thanks and treasure those moments! We look forward to re-engaging with you in the spring through TODAY, our community’s official magazine. In the meantime, we wish you the happiest of holidays. Let us know how we can best serve your needs; it’s our pleasure to do so!
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager
Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole Superintendent of Schools
Township of Upper St. Clair 412-831-9000 • Fax: 412-831-9882 Website: www.twpusc.org Email: uscadmin@twpusc.org
Upper St. Clair School District 412-833-1600 • Fax: 412-833-5535 Website: www.uscsd.k12.pa.us Email: info@uscsd.k12.pa.us
TODAY, the award-winning, official publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home 8
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Winter 2017
usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us
Holiday Hoopla! Luminaria
Lighting the way to a historical and USC tradition Mark Collins Have you ever driven through the various neighborhoods of Upper St. Clair on Christmas Eve to see the streets and driveways lit up by hundreds of softly glowing candles? These Luminaria, simply made from small candles placed in brown paper bags and weighted with sand, are part of a Christmas holiday tradition dating back more than 300 years. Spanish merchants, inspired by Chinese lanterns, designed Luminaria or farolitas and made them popular in New Spain. To this day, Luminaria displays decorate streets, parks, and homes in New Mexico, especially the cities of Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Luminaria or “festival light” also refers to the small bonfires which are lit, one per night during the nine days of Las Posadas, which ends on Christmas Eve. Observed mainly in Mexico and Guatemala, the 16th-century festival of Las Posadas celebrates the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. In the reenactment, people process, guided by each night’s bonfire, to pray at a Nativity scene. However the word and the tradition of Luminaria as a “little lantern” (the literal meaning of farolita) has spread gradually to other communities nationwide, including our own Township of Upper St. Clair, and it has become a long standing tradition. The Luminaria program in Upper St. Clair is organized as a To order your Luminaria kit, including 12 candles, bags, and sand, which is delivered to your door, visit the USC band parents’ website at www.uscbpa.org and click on the “Order Luminaria” link to order online. Paypal or credit cards are accepted for payment. Alternatively, complete
fundraiser by the USC Band Parents Association and benefits all USC music department students. This year, the band parents and students will assemble the kits November 30 and December 1, and deliver them to residents on Saturday, December 2. Additional kits can be purchased (while supplies last) on December 2 at the McLaughlin Run Activity Center (MAC) on McLaughlin Run Road. Over the years, many local residents, churches, and homeowner associations have participated in this tradition of lighting Luminaria as a symbol of warmth, peace, and friendliness. One resident notes, “My parents would drive through USC neighborhoods so that we could see the Luminaria. I remember with great fondness that Christmas Eve tradition.” Another writes, “We always made the Luminaria part of our annual family Christmas tradition. The kids would assemble the Luminaria and then we would all go outside to light the candles at sunset.” If you’ve not yet participated in Luminaria, consider becoming part of the tradition this year. If Luminaria are already part of your family tradition, then welcome back and, perhaps, help spread this tradition to your families, friends, and neighbors by purchasing kits for them. It would be a beautiful sight to light up the entire USC community on Christmas Eve this year! n and mail the order form found below with your payment. For orders of 20 kits or more, there is a $2 discount per kit. For more information, contact Paula Schmeck Myers at bpaluminaria@gmail.com or call 412-914-2046.
Luminaria Kit Order Form Name: ________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________ City:_________________________________________________________ State:___________________Zip: __________________________________ Phone: _______________________________________________________ # of kits: __________ x $12 or $10/kit = Total enclosed: $______________ Price of Kit: $12/kit; or for orders over 20 kits, $10/kit Make check payable to: USC Band Parents Association
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Winter 2017
Mail to: USC Band Parents Association 1791 Robson Drive Upper St. Clair, PA 15241
Holiday Hoopla!
Symphony Splendor 2017
Ho-ho-ho and mistletoe, this year’s Symphony Splendor Holiday Home Tour will be held Sunday, November 19, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Mt. Lebanon’s historic Virginia Manor is the venue where owners of eight architectural treasures will open their art-and-antique-laden abodes for a walking tour (Molly’s Trolleys are also available to transport you from home to home) of their neighborhood. These timeless beauties, located just minutes apart, will be beribboned and bedecked to a Christmas fare-thee-well. Adding to the Yuletide spirit, classical musicians will be entertaining in each home. For a profusion of joy and a wonderful holiday gift, treat yourself, your family, and your friends to a lavish Christmas fantasy, while supporting the world-class Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra! This holiday fanfare tour, presented by the Pittsburgh Symphony Association, is the gold standard event of the season. Now in its fourth year, the event to date has raised $240,000 for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Tax-deductible tickets are $60 in advance, two for $100, or, if available, $70 on tour day. Free parking and free transportation to and from Virginia Manor will be by Molly’s Trolleys. For shuttle service, park in the lot across from the Manor Oak 2 building, located at 100 Roessler Road (off Cochran Road), Scott Township. No on-street parking in Virginia Manor is allowed during the day of the event. Programs, that include a tour map with homes’ addresses, will be issued to ticket holders and same-day ticket buyers at the indoor ticket counter in the main lobby of Manor Oak 2. n
Holiday Breakfast for Charity
The South Hills Office of Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services will host its annual Holiday Breakfast for Charity on Friday morning, December 8, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Fort Couch Road across from South Hills Village. For more than two decades, the agents of Coldwell Banker have planned a festive event in support of local charity partners. Proceeds will be shared by Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia, granting wishes for children battling life-threatening illness since To purchase Symphony Splendor tickets online or at a 1983, and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, feeding neighbors in need participating vendor, visit the PSA website at throughout 11 counties in southwestern Pennsylvania. www.psa75.org or call 412-392-3303. Now a holiday tradition for many patrons and guests, this event features a sit-down breakfast, gift basket auction, 50/50 raffle, silent auction, table of cheer raffle, breakfast table food drive, and special guest visits, including Santa. Contributions from local businesses and individual patrons, along with months of work by dedicated volunteers culminate in a morning of fun, festivity, and fundraising success. Last year’s event ended with a delivery of 679 pounds of food to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and more than $23,000 donated to the two worthy charities. The 50/50 raffle winner took home $1585 and the table of cheer winner took home 45 bottles for holiday gifts and gatherings. Most importantly, everyone went home with the knowledge that they helped make a positive difference for someone less fortunate. Make-A-Wish parents say that a wish makes kids feel stronger and more energetic. The healthcare professionals say a wish experience influences a child’s physical health. Wish kids describe the wish experience as a turning point in their fight against their illness. And no one can argue the value of a good meal to a hungry person. n For more information on the Holiday Breakfast, contact Milo Hindman, manager for Coldwell Banker, at 412-833-5405. For tickets, call Judy Hlister at 412-901-6808. See ad for Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services, South Hills office, on back cover.
Photo by Dean M. Beattie
Winter 2017
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
11
We’re Home! Or Are We? Jay Lynch
Sometimes, youthful lessons are learned when poorly planned pranks go awry. When I was a student at Purdue in the early ’70s, I invited my girlfriend to visit Pittsburgh for a winter weekend. An odd suggestion, since every Midwesterner knew the city’s well-earned reputation as “hell with the lid off.” Given her middle class upbringing in clean, tidy suburban Indianapolis, she feared two nights at my parents’ house, which she thought would include the deafening roar of blast furnaces, the blinding light of massive gas flares, and air filled with choking toxins. Stockdale home, 241 Orr Road house (circa 1962) Since she was majoring in anthropology, I was able to convince her that the risk to her health from a few days in the “smoky city” would be nothing compared to the years she’d soon endure while studying indigenous people in malaria-infested jungles, as pythons slithered into her tent as she tried to sleep. Our trip to Pittsburgh along I-70 from Indianapolis was great fun. We blasted the latest Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan, and Uriah Heep albums on my Pioneer cassette deck mounted in the glove compartment cavity of my 1968 Ford Cortina. Designed in England and built in Canada, the miserable car featured Rube Goldberg style Victorian-era engineering and manufacturing quality inspired by large quantities of Molson on the assembly line. The toggle switch for the heater fan controlled the dome light, but neither the light switch (nor other switches) made the fan work. So, heat was available only when the car was moving. An accident near Columbus stopped traffic long enough for ice to form on the inside of the windshield. My girlfriend, wrapped in her winter coat, scraped ice while I drove. Very romantic. We got to the Bridgeville exit by nightfall and started the last part of our journey along Orr Road when I was struck by an unusual idea. I wondered how my girlfriend would react if her low expectations of Pittsburgh were abruptly dashed by seeing how my family had accumulated great wealth while living in the smoky city? So, instead of turning onto Warwick Drive and heading to my family’s modest home in Washington Terrace, I continued to the crest of Orr Road—to the Stockdale family’s beautiful colonial estate (later bought by the Broderick family and now owned by the Wyatts). I remembered that the Stockdales rarely lived at the estate in the wintertime, and darkness would likely give me cover. So, I turned into the beautiful, stately tree-lined driveway, and announced to my girlfriend, “Here we are!” I slowly drove to the front of the house and watched her eyes widen and jaw drop. I parked the Cortina at the front of the house, got out, opened her door, bowed like a gentleman and took her hand as we walked up the front steps. That’s when a dog started barking. It wasn’t a Chihuahua-yelp, it was more like a Doberman's thunder: loud and intimidating. Then, the porch lights came on. I could see through the window that someone was approaching the front door. My gentle chivalry ended quickly, as I not-so-gently hustled her back into the Cortina, slammed her door, ran to my side of the car, jumped in, and headed out the driveway, tires squealing. A younger Jay Lynch stands in As I was driving like a bat out of hell, the cassettes went airborne and my girlfriend, while hangfront of his get-away vehicle, a 1968 Ford Cortina ing on for dear life, demanded answers. “Slow down! Why’d you throw me back in the car? Why are we racing away from your house?” she asked. I assumed the Stockdales called the USC police, who would soon be on my tail. I fessed up. “That wasn’t my house! I think the cops are chasing us!” I drove to the back alley entrance of my parents’ house on Mitchell Drive, where the Cortina would be hidden from the police. My parents knew we were coming for the weekend, but didn’t expect us to barge through the basement door, huffing and puffing. My mom gave my girlfriend a hug and innocently said, “Welcome to Pittsburgh and our humble home. Did you have a nice trip?” I hoped that my girlfriend wouldn’t reveal my behavior to my parents, but she spilled the beans. “The trip was uneventful, Mrs. Lynch, until the last ten minutes. Let me tell you what your son did…,” she went on. My dad, a federal probation officer, reminded me about trespassing laws, the importance of honesty and trust in relationships, the physical danger of reckless driving, and the need to control my inappropriate, sophomoric Lynch home, 8 Mitchell Drive (circa 1970s) sense of humor. My mother took sympathy on my girlfriend for having me as a boyfriend and sternly reminded me that “It’s not the size of the house, Sidenote: The original residential property at 241 Jay. It’s the size of the heart.” For the past 43 years, the Stockdales have probably wondered why, back Orr Road was torn down in 1994 to build a new in 1974, a young couple in an ugly car came to visit, but took off abruptly house that resembled the original. The guest house before they could answer their door. Mystery solved! n on site remains the original guest house. Contact author Jay Lynch with your comments at bkefather@yahoo.com. 12
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Winter 2017
RONALD A. ARNONI, DISTRICT JUDGE District Court 05-2-20 Office: 412-835-1661; Fax: 412-835-4060
2414 Lytle Road, Suite 200 Bethel Park, PA 15102
Driving Under the Influence With the holidays rapidly approaching, festivities and celebrations will be on almost everyone’s calendars. While I hope your holiday parties are enjoyable, I also hope level heads prevail. The topic of this article is driving under the influence, or DUI for short. I see many, many DUI cases in my courtroom every month. Although DUIs are costly for offenders, these drivers are the lucky ones. They are able to appear in court, unlike those who have been badly injured or killed in car crashes caused by drunk or drugged drivers. If you are a responsible driver, I applaud you, but please drive defensively. There are predators, albeit unseemingly ones, on our roads. In 2013, 28.7 million people admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol. That’s more than the population of Texas, and although our local police departments do their best to get these drivers off the road, it’s impossible for them to be everywhere. Every day, people drive drunk more than 300,000 times, but only 3200 are arrested. An average drunk driver has driven drunk over 80 times before his or her first arrest. What is even more concerning is the fact that about one-third of all drivers arrested for drunk driving are repeat offenders, and 50 to 75% of those convicted continue to drive on a suspended license. According to MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers), the number of drunkdriving deaths in the United States has been reduced by half since MADD was founded in 1980. Still, 27 people in the U.S. die every day as a result of drunk-driving crashes. In July, this statistic hit close to home when three young women were killed in a onecar drunk-driving accident in Bethel Park. I think young people sometimes believe they are invincible and that nothing bad will happen to them. Unfortunately, the statistics state otherwise. In fatal crashes in 2014, the highest percentage of drunk drivers was for drivers ages 21 to 24 (30%), followed by ages 25 to 34 (29%) and ages 35 to 44 (24%). Here are some facts to remember before getting behind the wheel of a car: • Impairment is not determined by the type of drink, but rather by the amount of alcohol drunk over a period of time. • A standard drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits, all which contain the same amount of alcohol. • The average person metabolizes alcohol at the rate of one drink an hour. • Only time will sober up a person. Drinking strong coffee, exercising, or splashing cold water on your face will not help. • On average, two out of three people will be involved in a drunk-driving crash in their lifetime. DUI incidents are not limited to alcohol. Drivers can also be under the influence of drugs, illicit as well as prescription. With the drug abuse problem at an all-time high, MADD changed its mission statement in 2015 to include “help fight drugged driving.” MADD hopes to bring awareness to drugged driving on our roadways. About 4000 drivers are killed each year with drugs in their systems. This does not include those killed by drivers with drugs in their systems. The drug showing the greatest increase among drivers from 2007 to 2014 was marijuana. In 2013, 9.9 million people (3.8% of the population) admitted to driving under the influence of illicit drugs; this was highest among 18- to 25-year-olds. Surprisingly, more than a third of teens mistakenly believe they drive better under the influence of marijuana. This statistic makes me think that we need to do more with regards to drug awareness and education in our schools. I would like to urge you to follow all laws for safe driving. They are in place for your protection. Every two minutes, a person is injured in a drunk-driving crash. During the holiday season, especially, I recommend that you plan your transportation to and from your social events in advance when you are thinking more clearly. Use a designated driver or a driving service such as Uber. With the accessibility and cost effectiveness of driving companies, there is no excuse for driving under the influence. Be responsible! Think of it as saving a life, possibly your own! n
Winter 2017
e m o C ome To H
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
13
Bill Warren’s Reflections
Memories of Press and Pete Maravich and Connie Hawkins Jim O’Brien
Bill Warren winters in The Villages, near Orlando, Florida, and spends the rest of the year at his home in Upper St. Clair’s Millgrove neighborhood. I met Bill in an Upper St. Clair tennis league nearly 40 years ago and I’ve played some basketball with him at a community playground. We have remained friends. He and his wife, Gail, were really good tennis players, and their three children—Billy, Lisa, and Renee, also good players—played on high school and college tennis teams. Bill played basketball at Baldwin High School and Clemson University and was coached by Press Maravich at both schools. He had a memorable tryout with the American Basketball League’s Pittsburgh Rens, scrimmaging against the likes of 19-year-old phenom Connie Hawkins, Pittsburgh playground legend Delton Heard, and Bucky Bolyard, a one-eyed shooting guard from West Virginia University, whose coach was former NBA star Neil Johnston. Bill knew “Pistol Pete” Maravich from the time Pete was seven and dazzling everyone at that young age with his ball-handling skills. Because of past life events, Bill has stories to share. Bill, at age 79 when we touched base for this story, is deeply spiritual and writes reflections on religious topics. He’s shared them with me over the years. He once built a garden that featured the Stations of the Cross. He remembers when his religion was basketball. Bill has humble roots, similar to those of Jerry West. People think West came from Cabin Creek, West Virginia, but he actually came from Chelyan. I thought Bill was from Curry, Pennsylvania, a coal-mining community, Patch No. 5 of the Pittsburgh Terminal & Coal Company. But he corrected me and told me that he was from neighboring Horning, coal mine No. 4. The coal company built rows of simple and modest homes for its employees. Those houses still exist today. Curry was renamed Broughton and is located at the end of Brownsville Road, near South Park.
Gail and Bill Warren, fall 2017
When Bill attended school in Baldwin, students thought he was from “The Shanty Row” or “The Patch.” It was a putdown. Bill recalls getting food from the company store without any money when he was about eight. The company store would take it off his dad’s pay that week. This was in the ’30s, when men were earning 50 cents for a full day’s work. “We owed our souls to the company store,” recalls Bill. “We lived the life that Tennessee Ernie Ford sang about in his hit song ‘Sixteen Tons.’ My mom and dad both dropped out of school in the fourth grade to find jobs. To help out at home while growing up, I carried three 18-hole golf doubles a day. There were no golf carts. At night in the winter, I jumped double lane, setting pins at the Curry Bowling Alley, sometimes setting up 100 lines a night.” The Warrens didn’t have money to pay for Bill to go to college, so Bill worked hard at basketball during his high school years, pushed by his coach, Press Maravich. Maravich coached at Baldwin High for two years (1954– 56) before he was hired away to coach at Clemson University.
Marques Haynes Could Dribble Right By Me Jim O’Brien
Left to right are Press Maravich with his step-granddaughter, Diana, Pistol Pete Maravich, Jim O’Brien, and Marques Haynes (circa 1971) 14
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The death of Marques Haynes in 2015, once billed as “the world’s greatest dribbler” when he and “Goose” Tatum were the stars of the Harlem Globetrotters, recently brought back memories. I first met Marques after he left the Globetrotters and formed his own traveling basketball team, the Harlem Wizards. They were booked for a game in New Castle by local promoter Figo Carvella, who was also a Pirates’ scout. Carvella was a regular correspondent with sports writers. Are you old enough to remember the movie “Go, Man, Go,” which was about the Globetrotters and their founder, Chicago sports promoter Abe Saperstein? He was played in the 1954 movie by actor Dane Clark. “Sweet Georgia Brown” was the theme song in that movie, a song that was also played during the team’s pregame warm-up and during some of their ball-handling drills. I heard that song on the car radio just the other day and, as a Pavlovian reflex, I thought of the Harlem Globetrotters, and then about Marques Haynes and my magic moment with him once upon a time. Sidney Poitier was in the movie and played the part of the team’s showboat center, in one of his first Hollywood movies. Ruby Dee was also in the movie. There was a scene in the movie where Haynes, who grew up in Oklahoma, comes to visit
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In addition to Bill, Coach Maravich recruited three students from the McKeesport High School 1954 WPIAL and PIAA state championship teams, including Dutch Shample, George Krajack, and Walt Gibbons, who were all coached in high school by Neenie Campbell. “My best game was when we beat Duke for the first time in Clemson’s history,” recalled Bill during a recent conversation. “I led the scoring with 20 points. Duke was set to be number one in the country until we beat them by one point in the final seconds of the game.” Bill enjoyed sharing his stories with me. Sometimes the notso-great players and fans see something no one else has seen or heard; that’s why I always listen to anyone willing to share a story. Bill has a vivid memory of “Pistol Pete” Maravich. “He was about nine when I signed with Clemson in 1956, and he’d often accompany his dad to practice,” Bill said. “Even at that age, he challenged us with his dribbling skills.” “One night, about 11 p.m., during finals week, I was headed to town for a burger. There, in the local gym, I spotted Pete. He’d sneaked out of his house to practice. He would throw the ball at the wall (only about two feet from him) and catch it with both hands just before it hit his face. Then he would bang the ball down very hard between his legs and catch it behind his back. That’s not including the repeated hundreds of shots he would take. From the start, that kid was totally dedicated to being the best.” Some believe that Pete would have averaged more than 50 points a game if he were playing in the NBA today, as a result of the stricter defensive rules and the three-point field goal. I asked Bill to recount a story he’d told me years ago about something Connie Hawkins did during a Rens’ practice. Neil Johnston, an NBA star in the ’50s, was the coach at the time. “I was on Connie’s team during practice one day,” said Bill, “and I fed him the ball at every chance. We were winning and Johnston could see that. There was a big guy who, by comparison, made Charles Barkley look small. He kept banging Connie. Connie handed me the ball and said, ‘Give me a nice pass midway between midcourt
and the top of the key. Not too hard; not too soft.’ ” “I did as I was told and passed him the ball,” said Bill. “He caught it with his right hand like it was a melon. With one dribble and his left foot on the foul line, Connie pushed the ball in the face of the defender (without hitting him) and the big guy fell back on his butt. Connie maneuvered the ball behind his back and grabbed it with his left hand. Leaping from the foul line, he dunked the ball into the basket over the fallen giant. While I could dunk a ball with the best of them, I could never do that phenomenal Connie Hawkins’ dunk!” “I didn’t stay with the Rens because the Washington Capitals had first rights to all ACC players. Johnston gave me a good recommendation, but an eventual ear operation ended my basketball career.” “After the operation, the doctor asked, ‘What do you do?’ I answered that I had just signed a professional basketball contract. He said, ‘How many games do you play?’ I told him about 150 practices and games. He said, ‘Your ear will hold up for 30 games, at most.’ So I left basketball and instead went into teaching and about 25 other job occupations.” n Bill Warren, during his Clemson days Jim O’Brien includes a chapter about Bill Warren in his latest book, Looking Up–A Basketball Memoir from the ABA to the NBA, the WNBA to the NCAA. The book also includes a chapter on Upper St. Clair’s Suzie McConnell-Serio, the head women’s basketball coach at Pitt. For more information, visit Jim’s website at www.jimobriensportsauthor.com.
Saperstein to see if he can play for his Harlem Globetrotters team. The team became a big draw, often playing in the first game of an NBA double-header. This was before there were any blacks in the NBA, and they continued to play after a few blacks broke the color barrier. Saperstein tosses a basketball to Haynes and asks him if he thinks he can dribble past him in a narrow hallway. Haynes, of course, does just that, and Saperstein was convinced he’d fit in fine with the fancy ball-handling tricks that were the team’s signature. Back in the mid-80s, when I was in Tulsa, Oklahoma, following the Pitt basketball team, I paid Haynes a visit at his office. He was coming down the hallway with a red, white, and blue basketball cradled in his arms. I smiled at him and asked if he thought he could dribble the ball past me. He took the bait and went by me in a blur, with a deft movement of the ball, here and there, and then directly past me. Another memory of Marques Haynes I have was when I was working at The New York Post in the early ’70s, and I traveled to Kutsher’s Hotel and Country Club in New York’s Catskill Mountains to cover the annual fundraising basketball game that helped pay for the medical care of Maurice Stokes. All the top pro players came each summer to participate in this all-star game to raise money for Stokes, a star player from Westinghouse High School, St. Francis of Loretto College, and the Rochester Royals and Cincinnati Royals. He was restricted to a wheel chair from a serious head injury he’d sustained while playing for the Royals in the final game of an NBA season. Marques Haynes and “Pistol Pete” Maravich, two of the greatest ball-handlers in basketball history, were both at Kutsher’s, along with Pete’s dad, Press Maravich. I had a chance to interview all of them.
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I enjoy reflecting on and sharing my memories of Marques Haynes, a man who lived a full life, dying at the ripe age of 89. n
Marques Haynes, during his Harlem Globetrotters days UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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T Township Commissioners
2017–2018 Township of Upper St. Clair Meeting Dates
Mark D. Christie
Rex A. Waller
Nicholas J. Seitanakis
Robert W. Orchowski
Day 412-831-9000 2017*
Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-854-5065 2017*
Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-220-4434 2019*
Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-854-1868 2019*
President Ward 4
Vice President Ward 2
Ward 1
Ward 3
Ronald J. Pardini
Russell R. Del Re
Daniel R. Paoly
Day 412-831-9000 Evening 724-941-1199 2019*
Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-287-9076 2019*
Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-862-5995 2017*
Ward 5
At-Large
• The Board of Commissioners meets at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building. The regular public meeting is held the first Monday of the month in the Board Meeting Room. The informational and general affairs meeting is held the last Monday of the month in the Board Meeting Room. • The Planning Commission meets the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. • The Parks and Recreation Board meets at the C&RC the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.; no meeting in December. • The Zoning Hearing Board meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 8 p.m. • The Civil Service Board meets as needed. • The Building/Fire Codes Appeals and Advisory Board meets as needed. • The Library Board meets as needed.
At-Large
*Date indicates expiration of term.
All business regarding the operation of the Township is conducted at the regular meetings of the Board of Commissioners. Citizens are invited to comment on any Township matter. Complete Board minutes can be found at the Upper St. Clair Township Library or on the website at www.twpusc.org. For more information, call 412-831-9000.
Township Administration
Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager
Mark S. Mansfield Asst. Township Manager & Director of Administration
Douglas Burkholder Chief of Police
Mark P. Romito Director of Finance
Adam A. Benigni Director of Planning & Community Development
Amy Sommer Director of Information Technology
To reach Township personnel, call 412-831-9000 and follow the automated directions. Administrator Extension Matthew R. Serakowski........................................................216 Township Manager Mark S. Mansfield.................................................................219 Asst. Township Manager & Director of Administration Douglas Burkholder..............................................................238 Chief of Police Mark P. Romito......................................................................218 Director of Finance Adam A. Benigni....................................................................501 Director of Planning & Community Development Amy Sommer Director of Information Technology George Kostelich, Jr...............................................................271 Director of Public Works Helen M. Palascak.................................................................247 Director of Library Paul Besterman......................................................................656 Director of Recreation & Leisure Services Other Services Police–Administration........................................... 412-833-1113 Tri-Community South EMS–Administration....... 412-831-3710 USC Volunteer Fire Department–Administration... 412-835-0660 Animal Control..................................................... 412-833-7500 Community & Recreation Center....................... 412-221-1099 Cable 7................................................................... 412-831-1030 Emergency–Police, Fire, EMS ............................. 412-833-7500
George Kostelich, Jr. Director of Public Works
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Helen M. Palascak Director of Library
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Paul Besterman Director of Recreation & Leisure Services
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USC Township website:
www.twpusc.org
Directory of Important Numbers Highlights of the Board of Commissioners’ Meetings July 3, 2017
Approximately 17 people attended.
The Board • Adopted Bill No. 11-17 Re. PLC17-1301 Amendment to Chapter 130.24 of the Township Code entitled “Special Business–Mixed Use (SB-MU)” to amend the provisions for streetlights. • Adopted Resolution No. 1640 to approve the transfer of liquor license No. R-5421 from the Steel City Saloon, Inc. at 3075 Clairton Road, West Mifflin, PA into the Township of Upper St. Clair, to Social House Seven, at 100 Siena Drive, Suite 197. • Continued Public Hearing Re. PLC17-0005–Bank of America–Unified Conditional Use/Preliminary Land Development Approval to the August 7, 2017, Regular Board Meeting. • Adopted Bill No. 12-17 to grant final planned residential development approval of Phase 1 to Friendship Village of South Hills–Phase VI located at 1290 Boyce Road, Block/ Lot Number 670-B-00110, subject to certain conditions. • Adopted Resolution No. 1641 to approve adopting and submitting to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources a Planning Module for Land Development for Friendship Village of South Hills–Phase VI as a revision to the official Sewage Facilities Plan. • Adopted Resolution No. 1642 to establish a date for a public hearing on a proposed amendment to Chapter 130 of the Code of the Township, entitled “Zoning,” to amend the definition, requirements, and zoning districts permitting “massage therapy establishments” to the September 5, 2017, Regular Board Meeting. • Approved the addendum to the Memorandum of Understanding between the Township of Upper St. Clair and the Peters Township Sanitary Authority. • Adopted Resolution No. 1643 to appoint Alternate Anderson T. Bailey to fulfill the unexpired term of David E. Tungate on the Zoning Hearing Board. Approval of Contracts • Jeffrey Associates Indianola, PA Purchase and Installation of Pavilion for Boyce Mayview Park–Miracle Field/Playground.............................................$ 48,713 • East West Manufacturing & Supply Co., Inc. Pittsburgh, PA Replacement of 50-Ton Air Conditioning System at the Municipal Building................................$152,900
August 7, 2017
Approximately 35 people attended.
Recognitions • Commissioner Seitanakis presented Certificates of Achievements to Liam Gibbons and Kevin Kwok for the 2017 Upper St. Clair High School WPIAL Class AAA Doubles Tennis Championship.
• Commissioner Paoly presented a Certificate of Achievement to Savannah Shaw for her 2017 Upper St. Clair High School WPIAL Class AAA Track & Field Championship.
Savannah Shaw and Commissioner Daniel Paoly • Commissioner Paoly presented a Proclamation to Harvey Kane for his 2017 Upper St. Clair High School PIAA Class AAA Outdoor Track and Field State Title Championship.
412-833-7500 Township Offices are open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday
Administration/Township Manager 412-831-9000, ext. 216 Community Development 412-831-9000, ext. 501 Finance/Tax – 412-831-9000, ext. 226 Recreation – 412-221-1099 Public Works – 412-831-9000, ext. 271 Public Works Hotline (Emergency After Hours) 412-833-7500 Police Administration – 412-833-1113 Animal Control 412-833-7500 Tri-Community South EMS 412-831-3710 Volunteer Fire Department (Fire Station) 412-835-0660 Library – 412-835-5540 Frequently Called Numbers
Harvey Kane and Commissioner Daniel Paoly The Board • Adopted Bill No. 13-17 granting Unified Conditional Use/Preliminary Land Development Approval to Bank of America, located at 1801 Washington Road, subject to certain conditions. • Adopted Resolution No. 1644 to authorize the proper Township Officials to sign all documentation, agreements, and permit applications on behalf of the Township with regard to the McMurray Road Traffic Signal Upgrades Green Light-Go Grant Program–Application Number GLG-2016-02123-0775. • Adopted Resolution No. 1645 to adopt the 2018–2022 Five-Year Capital Improvement Program. • Adopted Bill No. 15-17 relative to the establishment and maintenance of Township Employees’ Pension, Annuity, Insurance, and Benefit Fund or Funds, to amend certain provisions of the Pension Plan or Program applicable to the Police of said Township and to restate in its entirety such Pension Plan or Program. Approval of Contract • G&G Fitness Williamville, NY Replacement/Upgrades of Various Exercise Equipment for the Community & Recreation Center.......................................$ 73,997.30
Left to right: Kevin Kwok, Liam Gibbons, and Commissioner Nicholas Seitanakis
Police/Fire/Ambulance Emergency
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Cable 7 (Public Access Television) 412-831-1030 District Judge Ronald Arnoni 412-835-1661 League Of Women Voters 412-261-4284 Post Office – 1-800-275-8777 School District – 412-833-1600 South West Communities Chamber of Commerce – 412-221-4100 Tennis Administration – 412-831-7556 Three-Hole Golf Course 412-831-7556 Utilities & Services
Comcast Cable Communications Sales, Service, and Billing 1-800-266-2278 Columbia Gas Company 724-416-6300 People’s Natural Gas Company 412-395-3050 First Energy – 1-888-544-4877 PA American Water Company 1-800-565-7292 Verizon – 1-800-660-2215 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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New Ordinance Requires Sewer Inspection Before Property Sale Adam Benigni, Director of Planning and Community Development The
To w n s h i p
Board of Commissioners in September adopted new regulations to support the timely inspection, repair, and replacement of private sewer laterals. The ordinance is aimed at preventing sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) that can occur during wet weather conditions. Effective January 1, 2018, two events will require property owners within the Township of Upper St. Clair to hire a National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) certified contractor to conduct a video inspection of their private sewer lateral, at the property owner’s expense. 1. Prior to the close of a sale for any property. 2. Property improvements that require a Township building permit and an Allegheny County plumbing permit. An example of this is if a property owner constructs an addition to an existing home that includes a new bathroom. The property owner will be required to submit the inspection results and a copy of the video to the Township. If the inspection yields no defects or failures, the Township will issue a letter of compliance. If there are defects or failures, any repair or replacement of the sewer lateral must be completed prior to the close of escrow of the sale or, if there is no escrow, prior to recording the deed or other document transferring title. Inspection of any work required will be made by the Allegheny County Health Department. Property owners who are considering selling are strongly recommended to hire a NASSCO-certified contractor to inspect the private sewer lateral early in the process. A private sewer lateral is the pipe that connects a business or home’s plumbing system to the Township’s wastewater collection main pipeline. The lateral is considered the “private” segment when it is located on private property and serves the purposes of an individual, privately owned building. The property owner is responsible for the entire pipe length, including the wye or saddle at the point of connection to the Township’s mainline. The Township is responsible for the maintenance of the main pipelines that carry used water from homes and businesses. To protect public health and safety, these pipes are regularly inspected and repaired to maintain their integrity. Many older homes still rely on original sewer laterals that have become cracked, disjointed, or damaged by earth settlement 18
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or blockages. Unmaintained private laterals that become blocked or fail can contribute to SSOs of the public sewer system or to sewage backups into the building served by the private lateral. Some of the causes for concern for unmaintained private laterals are described below: • Earth settlement that results in cracks and leaks in the private lateral allows for the “inflow” of groundwater into the private lateral. This additional groundwater flows into the public sewer main, increases the wastewater flow in the collection system, and has the potential to overload the system, creating SSOs. • If roof drains, irrigation drains, and driveway drains are connected (illegally) to the private lateral, this increases the “infiltration” of rainwater into the public sewer system, which can lead to system overloads. • Grease build-up in the private lateral (like plaque in a person’s artery) can cause blockages that potentially result in on-site SSOs or backups of wastewater into the building that is served by the blocked private lateral. The combination of inflow and infiltration from private laterals, across a wide area (neighborhoods or commercial districts), can significantly increase the wastewater flow in the public sewer main and to the treatment plant. Infiltration and inflow from private laterals are currently a major source of SSOs in communities. South Fayette and Peters Townships are some of the other municipalities in the area with similar regulations. Contact the Department of Public Works or Community Development at 412-831-9000 with any questions or comment. A copy of the new ordinance can be found on USC Township’s website, twpusc.org. The Township also requires dye testing at the time of sale of a property. n
Winter Storm Emergencies Winter storm emergencies are just that—emergencies. The Township of Upper St. Clair’s administrative staff, Police Department, and Public Works Department are on call 24 hours a day to help residents and businesses by making the streets safe. During the winter season, Township residents are asked to be patient and understanding. To help the Police and Public Works Department during storms, the Township asks the cooperation of residents in the following areas:
1. Keep calls concerning snow removal to a minimum. Public Works and Police phone lines need to be kept open for emergency calls only during storm situations. The Township is as eager as you to have the streets cleared quickly. Major roads such as Route 19, Boyce Road, McLaughlin Run Road, Lesnett Road, McMillan Road, Fort Couch Road, and Mayview Road are plowed first as a matter of public safety and for emergency vehicles. 2. Do not shovel or plow snow back into the streets. This is a violation of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code and creates additional traffic safety problems. 3. When streets are plowed, snow will be pushed in front of driveways. Unfortunately, there is no other place for the snow to go. 4. The Public Works Department is not permitted to assist residents by clearing driveways, sidewalks, or paths to mailboxes. Public Works employees work as many hours as necessary to make streets, inlets, cul-de-sacs, sidewalks, and parking lots safe for all vehicles and pedestrians. 5. Under emergency situations, there may be delays or cancellations of garbage collection and recycling pickup. Please do not call the Township during a snow emergency to ask about garbage collection. Until the snow situation is under control, it is impossible to say when garbage collection will be back on schedule. Check Cable 7 or the Township’s website at www.twpusc.org for information on garbage collection. 6. The Township cannot recommend contractors or companies that provide private snow removal. Please refer to advertising publications.
7. The Township receives numerous calls regarding sidewalks not being adequately maintained during heavy snow periods. Sidewalks with unshoveled snow may cause problems for residents, school children, mail carriers, delivery persons, etc. Chapter 109 of the Township Code states that the standard removal time of snow and ice from sidewalks is within 12 hours after the snow or ice has ceased to fall or be formed. There are several Township-owned sidewalks that are posted “No Winter Maintenance” and are not covered under this ordinance. 8. Please keep fire hydrants clear of snow. They are for your safety.
Public Works Snow Removal— How It Works
The Public Works Department is on call 24 hours a day to help residents with snow removal emergencies and related situations. During severe snow situations where plowing is needed, the main state and Township roads have priority, which in some cases requires residential roadways to be designated secondary priority. The department deploys 16 trucks equipped with salt spreaders and plows to clear approximately 110 miles of roadway, all Township-owned parking lots, buildings, and all School District parking lots. The department is currently contracted to perform snow and ice removal on all state-owned roadways within the Township, including Route 19, Boyce Road, Mayview Road, Lesnett Road, McLaughlin Run Road, Fort Couch Road, and McMillan Road. It does not have maintenance responsibilities for Allegheny County-owned roadways, including Painters Run Road, Bethel Church Road, and Drake Road. Some considerations regarding the snow removal services that you receive as a resident of USC include:
www.twpusc.org
surface temperatures. Sodium chloride (rock salt) is effective to about 23° Fahrenheit. At temperatures below 23°, road surfaces will require additions of liquid calcium chloride. Traffic causes rock salt to act more quickly, so streets with heavier traffic will show the results of sodium chloride application sooner than less traveled roadways. 2. Air Science Consultants are contracted by the Township and available on a 24hour basis to provide periodic advance weather forecasting. 3. Peak traffic occurs between the hours of 6–9 a.m. and 3–6 p.m. Decisions to delay school must be made by school administration. 4. The Public Works Department minimizes the use of chemicals by plowing whenever possible. Generally, accumulations over one inch with additional snow predicted may require plowing as dictated by temperatures and information obtained from Air Science Consultants. 5. Constant monitoring of road conditions helps the Public Works administration coordinate snow removal actions to ensure total roadway coverage. All snow removal vehicle drivers assist and back each other up to ensure effective roadway salting and plowing. 6. Walks will be cleared at the Township building, C&RC, and tennis bubbles as soon as possible. The Recreation Center schedule is checked to ensure clear walkways prior to scheduled activities. 7. Excessive snow may require opening of inlets or location of fire plugs. 8. The Public Works Department has instituted an anti-icing process into the snow removal operation. This process consists of applying manufactured salt brine to the roadways prior to a storm event. As you encounter these Public Works’ trucks applying the product, please give them the space and right of way needed.
1. The Public Works Department must be alert to air temperatures and road Winter 2017
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A Green USC
Ron Sarrick, Sustainability Administrator
Public Works Coloring Contest The Public Works coloring contest published in the fall edition of TODAY has been completed, and the winners have been announced. Hopefully, we are all a tad more knowledgeable about sustainable living in USC. If you missed out this year, we plan to continue the fall coloring program. Our thanks to JVS Environmental for underwriting the cost of the gift cards for the contest winners! I sincerely hope that many residents who took the opportunity to complete the coloring pages found it to be fun, relaxing, and enlightening. You might be further pleased to know that the coloring pages from the contest were added to the new, second edition Public Works Coloring Book. It is filled with pages of recycling tips and storm water knowledge in coloring format. There are also stickers, a maze, and adult coloring pages for relaxation. The new book, which is free of cost, is available at the Public Works building, Municipal building reception area, and the USC Township Library. For information about the results of the coloring contest, see page 22.
Green Workplace Challenge “The Pittsburgh Green Workplace Challenge (GWC) is an initiative of Sustainable Pittsburgh’s Champions for Sustainability (C4S) Business Network. Sustainable Pittsburgh is a nonprofit organization that affects decision-making in the Pittsburgh region to integrate economic prosperity, social equity, and environmental quality, bringing sustainable solutions to communities and businesses.” Being in the Small Municipal section with twelve other area communities, USC Township focused on the sustainable actions set forth in the 4.0 competition. Along with the legacy points earned from the previous year and significant air quality points, with two ribbons earned for this achievement, the Township found itself a place in the winner’s circle! For more information, see “USC Takes First in Green Workplace Challenge” article on page 21.
Bounty at the Community and Recreation Center I hope that many of you were able to get some of the literature from the Public Works recycling booth during Bounty. Residents must help to keep storm water as clean as possible, and keep grass, leaves, and other debris from entering the storm drains. Remember, water flows to the drains capturing everything in its path. Balls, toys, and other items can easily make their way to a catch basin in a heavy rainstorm, and the same can be true about chemicals and fertilizers that are dispensed too heavily 20
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on a lawn or just prior to a rainstorm. Also, vehicle fluids leaking on the road or a driveway can potentially find its way to the creek. Please play your part in keeping our stormwater clean. “The Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater” is available to anyone who wants to know more about creating a stormwater plan for your property or who just wants to become more knowledgeable about it. This free booklet can be picked up at the Township Municipal building or at the Public Works building’s main entrance. For those of you who came to the Public Works information booth at Bounty, don’t forget to use your new USC tote when heading to the grocery store. Plastic bags or plastic film is recyclable; however, many of the bags find their way into the environment, causing unsightly conditions and causing other issues that can be avoided by the regular use of a reusable tote for shopping. Try it! Call 2 Recycle Drop off your dead rechargeable batteries, including AAA, AA, C, D, or 9-volt. Rechargeable tool batteries, toy batteries, and others not weighing more than nine pounds are accepted. Weigh larger batteries before you drop them off, as the program will not accept heavier units, which leaves USC Township to bear the cost and effort of disposal. The Call 2 Recycle box is located at the USC Township Library’s main entrance, which is in the rear of the Municipal building. As of September, the Call 2 Recycle drop off has collected 429 pounds of batteries for the year! America Recycles Day, November 15 “America Recycles Day,” A Keep America Beautiful national initiative, is the only nationally-recognized day dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the United States. Each year in the weeks leading up to November 15, thousands of communities across the country participate by promoting environmental citizenship and taking action to increase and improve recycling in America. (https://www.kab.org/our-programs/ america-recycles-day) (para. 1) Please take the time to recycle! It’s a relatively small adjustment that you must make to play your part in an ever-growing movement toward a sustainable lifestyle. Reuse, or repurposing, is most possibly the next step in sustainable living. Finding ways to create utility with older or near end-of-life items can be a challenge. Reduce is the pinnacle of the three choices. Most of us find it hard to keep from purchasing things or removing them from our ever-growing inventory. Run it through the litmus test. Do I want it? Do I need it? Can I afford it? Can it be beneficial toward saving me time or money? If you can answer “no” to any of these questions, you probably can do without it, which makes you the ultimate decision maker in sustainability! Even if you are reading this after the America Recycles Day of November 15, anytime is the right time to begin sustainability. Good luck with your choices to reduce, reuse, and recycle! n
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Avoiding Hypothermia
John D’Angelo, Tri-Community South EMS Now that cold weather is here, we must be aware of the dangers of hypothermia. A human’s normal body temperature is around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (F). Hypothermia occurs when that temperature slips below 95 degrees. At such low temperatures, our organs, especially the heart and lungs, cannot function normally. Continued hypothermia will lead to eventual heart and respiratory failure and death. Older people are more susceptible to hypothermia because of their thinner skin and frequent underlying medical conditions, including diabetes or arthritis, which can cause them difficulty staying warm. Signs that someone is hypothermic include: • Uncontrollable shivering, usually accompanied with dizziness • Pale skin • Extremely cold hands and feet • Slow and/or irregular pulse and breathing • Confusion, slurred speech, and extreme clumsiness If you come upon someone who is exhibiting one or more of these signs, call 911 immediately. While waiting for the ambulance, do not rub their arms or legs; this action could possibly worsen the situation. Hypothermia can be avoided by following these simple precautions: • Keep the thermostat at 68 F or higher. • Wear loose-fitting clothing in layers. • Use extra blankets at night. • Eliminate drafts around doors and windows. • Dress in water-repellant outer layers when outside in damp weather. Wet skin causes rapid loss of body heat. • Stay out of the wind as much as possible. Wind can cause rapid drops in body temperature. • Always wear a head covering when outside, since much of our body heat is lost through our heads. • Avoid dry skin by using a house humidifier and skin moisturizers and by drinking plenty of water. • Check on elderly neighbors during periods of intense cold weather. Members at Tri-Community South EMS hope that our neighbors will heed this advice about hypothermia and how to prevent it during the cold winter months that lie ahead. n
USC Takes First in Green Workplace Challenge Sustainable Pittsburgh
has recognized the Township of Upper St. Clair’s commitment to sustainability. The Township placed first in the 2016–17 Green Workplace Challenge. The year-long, friendly competition enabled municipalities, businesses, nonprofits, and universities to track and measure improvements in energy, water, waste, and transportation. The participants took green and sustainable actions, all of which earned them points in the chalRon Sarrick, holding the lenge. Some of the point-earning Green Workplace Challenge award actions in Upper St. Clair include monitoring indoor and outdoor air quality; switching out less efficient light bulbs; installing higher efficiency HVAC units; planting more trees, bushes, and flowers; and finding ways to reuse furniture. Sustainability Administrator Ron Sarrick led the Township to victory! “Sustainability is more than a thought. It’s an actual way of living,” said Ron. This was the Township’s third year competing in the Green Workplace Challenge, and the first year it took highest honors. The Borough of Monaca placed second, and Moon Township was third. n Winter 2017
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Sustainable Living Coloring Contest Results The fall edition of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY featured a centerfold spread of coloring pages to help our residents learn more about sustainable living through recycling and storm water knowledge in USC Township. In addition to being educational, the pages were also a coloring contest for those so inclined. The entries have been judged, and we are pleased to share the results of the first annual coloring contest for USC sustainable living, with winners’ colorings displayed! Colorings of winning and honorable mention places in each category are shown on USC TODAY’s Facebook page. Please visit! n
Category 1/Elementary, K–4 Winner: Molly Biedrzycki Honorable Mention: Teagan Depuy Category 2/Middle School, 5–8 Winner: Sophia Teklinski Honorable Mention: Kaia Petrick Category 3/High School, 9–12 Winner: Maxwell Turnwald
Molly Biedrzycki
Sophia Teklinski
Maxwell Turnwald
Category 4/Adult Winner: Melissa Depuy Honorable Mention: Sydney Turnwald Category 5/Team Winner: Sienna Gingrich and Sidney Zottola (Team Zingrich)
Sienna Gingrich and Sidney Zottola (Team Zingrich)
Melissa Depuy
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T Geo Tracking Fund Drive Daniel Barr, USC VFD President Our 2017 annual fund drive kicked off in May, with our first mailing going out to all USC Township residents. As we gathered the information from that first mailing, we entered the data into a software program that locates the donation on the map of the Township.
• Photo A shows the total number of occupancies in the Township to which we mail. (Green represents those residents who have donated; red indicates those who have not.) • Photo B shows a breakdown by neighborhood. • Photo C zooms in on those neighborhoods. • Photo D zooms in to streets in the neighborhood.
Photo A
Photo B
Using the new software helps the USC VFD identify donation trends in various areas of the Township, so we know where we need to improve our fundraising efforts. We are also able to see some new streets that are not on our mailing list, so we can add these addresses to our database. Our second mailing and first reminder letter went out late September, and the final reminder letter will go out in December, around the time that Santa Claus visits the Township. If you haven’t made your 2017 taxdeductible donation to Upper St. Clair’s Volunteer Fire Department, there is still time. We truly appreciate your generosity and support! n Photo C
Photo D
Santa Claus Visits the Township The elves have contacted the volunteers at the fire department to schedule a time for Santa to visit all the families in USC Township. Santa Claus is coming to town on Saturday, December 9! Check the USC VFD website at uscvfd.org for a schedule of the approximate time Santa will be on your street. As always, Santa will have helpers from the fire department to answer any questions or concerns that may arise during the day. You can contact Santa Central at 412-835-3339. n Santa, making his annual visit to USC Township
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40 YEARS
Time to Celebrate— Tri-Community South Turns 40! While most people in technology that enables us to diagnose medical emergencies think of New Year’s Eve much more quickly, before we arrive at the emergency departas a time to celebrate, for ment. This ability, in turn, gives us the opportunity to save more Tri-Community South (TCS) lives. But, with better technology we also must face the higher EMS, New Year’s Eve 2017 costs associated with emergency medicine today.” has a special significance—it Helfrich said the types of medical emergencies they have seen marks 40 years of providing in the last 40 years have not changed significantly, except for outstanding emergency medi- the number of drug overdoses. Forty years ago, calls for drug cal care for the communities overdoses were almost non-existent. of Bethel Park, South Park, “The significant increase in senior citizens compared to 40 and Upper St. Clair. years ago has lead to a greater number of medical calls,” said On December 31, 1977, Helfrich, “and the care and treatment of the elderly senior citizen Ray Jackson, first supervisor, teaching at 11 p.m., Tri-Community requires specialized education and treatment.” The increase in CPR to police, 1978 South EMS went into service calls makes TCS much busier than it was 40 years ago. In the first with two vehicles and a combination of full-time paramedics year of service, TCS responded to approximately 1000 emergency and full-time and volunteer emergency medical technicians calls compared to more than 7000 emergency calls in 2016. (EMTs), providing basic life support (BLS) and advanced life Over the years, TCS has grown into one of the finest ambusupport (ALS) services 24/7. A third ambulance was added in lance systems in the area, recognized for excellent emergency February 1978, enabling the system to operate one ALS unit and medical service. TCS has received numerous awards and recogtwo BLS units. By the end of its first year of operation, TCS had nitions, including becoming the first EMS system in Allegheny answered 2779 calls. County (second in Pennsylvania, 100th in North America) to be Chuck Bryan, a paramedic supervisor with TCS EMS, was granted accreditation by the Commission on the Accreditation there for that first shift, with his partners Mary Ann Scott and of Ambulance Services (CAAS) in April 2006. Robert Jacobs. He remembered the first Tri-Community South has also call being for a self-inflicted gunshot been a leader in community healthcare wound, which was the result of a man and education, even from its earliest celebrating the New Year by firing his days. In 1978, TCS began cardiopulgun. Fortunately, he survived his inmonary resuscitation (CPR) training jury. Bryan said there were two other to the community with classes for police and fire personnel, scheduled calls during that shift: one for a laceracommunity classes, all day marathon tion and a cardiac call for a patient with classes, private classes for businesses, a failing pacemaker. and CPR “house parties,” where inNora Helfrich, TCS EMS director structors taught CPR to small groups in said, “In the past 40 years, the greatresidents’ homes. Now a Community est change I’ve seen in Tri-Community Left to right are Joanne Cline, Mary Ann Scott, Training Center (CTS) for the American South EMS has been the advancement first director, and Nora Helfrich, 1983
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Driver training simulator, 2016
T did the first police training on use of an AED, under a grant with Dr. Vince Mossesso from UPMC. This training has since been used as a model for other police departments across the country. Upper St. Clair Township Manager Matthew Serakowski said, “We are extremely pleased USC Community Day, 2017 to recognize Tri-Community Biohazard protection training, 2017 South EMS and their entire staff Heart Association, TCS continually ranks among the top ten CTCs on its 40th anniversary. This is a dedicated group of professionals who have served not only Upper St. Clair, but also Bethel Park in Pennsylvania in numbers of people trained annually. A training site for field preceptorship of paramedic students in and South Park over the last four decades. They have set the the Community College of Allegheny County and the University bar for our region and throughout the commonwealth when it of Pittsburgh Center for Emergency Medicine (CEM) paramedic comes to the provision of emergency medical service, from their training programs, TCS has trained students from South Korea, Voluntary Ambulance Service Certificate of Excellence in 1978 Norway, Qatar, Ireland, Germany, Canada, Nigeria, Argentina, less than six months from incorporation, in 2007 being honored Iceland, and Finland, and U.S. students from New York, New as the Ambulance Service of the Year, or becoming only the secJersey, Vermont, Virginia, Ohio, Florida, California, Delaware, ond ambulance service in the entire state of Pennsylvania to be accredited by the CAAS. Tri Community South EMS continues Texas, Michigan, and across Pennsylvania. David Kish, RN, MHA, executive director of emergency to remain at the forefront as an emergency medical provider. The services & patient logistics at St. Clair Hospital, commented, “Tri- residents of Upper St. Clair are blessed to have such a dedicated Community South has provided decades of high quality emergency group of individuals serving our community.” To celebrate Tri-Community South’s 40th anniversary, in 2018, medical service to the residents of the South Hills.” Kish said Tri-Community South has always been an innovator each issue of TODAY will feature a decade of the organization’s in the field of emergency medicine. For example, in 1992, TCS history and how things have changed over the years. n
Paying for Ambulance Service John D’Angelo, Tri-Community South EMS
People are often confused about health insurance benefits, especially when it involves emergency transportation to a hospital. Many assume that their individual health insurance will pay ambulance fees, but the fact is that most health insurance plans do not cover 100% of the cost of an ambulance trip. Any amount not covered by insurance then becomes the responsibility of the individual, and this amount can exceed $600 for a single trip. In addition, most insurance plans contribute nothing for an ambulance visit that results in the treatment of a patient without transporting to an emergency room. The fee for this service, which can cost between $200 and $250, again becomes the responsibility of the individual. These charges, however, can be reduced or eliminated simply by becoming a subscriber to Tri-Community South EMS through its annual subscription program. For an annual fee of $60, each household can protect its family members from incurring unnecessary bills for emergency ambulance service. A subscription will cover 50% of any co-payments or deductibles not covered by an insurance policy. Also, the subscription plan will cover 100% of any emergency treatment in which hospital transport is not required. Those who are covered by a subscription include not only all family members living at that address, but also non-resident
guests and visitors. The subscription plan also covers subscribers who may require an ambulance outside of Tri-Community’s coverage area. Additionally, and because Tri-Community South receives no municipal taxes, your subscription helps it to maintain its position as one of the foremost EMS systems in Pennsylvania. The subscription program provides Tri-Community South a source of revenue in place of taxes to operate the highly regarded system. You can see why the subscription program is beneficial to both parties. It seems that people should need little convincing to join! Unfortunately, the opposite appears to be the case. The 2017 subscription drive resulted in the enrollment of just 25.2% of the total households in the three communities that comprise its coverage area. Brochures for the 2018 campaign drive were mailed at the end of October. We hope that you have retained the brochure and will review it for consideration or have already sent it in with payment to become a subscriber. n If any group or organization would like to have a Tri-Community South speaker attend a meeting or gathering to talk about the subscription program or any other topic related to emergency healthcare, contact Tri-Community South EMS at 412-831-3710. Winter 2017
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Police Department Promotions
Community residents are fortunate to have such a dedicated staff in the Upper St. Clair Police Department to serve their needs and protect their interests. Five Upper St. Clair police officers were promoted this past July and are recognized below. Lt. Curtis Gallatin, with the USC Left to right are USC Township Manager Matthew Serakowski, Lt. Jonathan Wharton, Lt. Curtis Gallatin, Honorable Judge Michael Fisher, Sgt. Michael Lindenfelser, Sgt. Robert Police Department (USCPD) since McMaster, Sgt. Michael Ventura, and Chief Douglas Burkholder 1979, was hired as a patrolman. Promoted to sergeant in 1992, he served Roche College, and his specialized training includes Computer as acting lieutenant from 2015 to 2017. Lt. Gallatin is also an at- Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA), Taser instructor, Defensive Tactics torney with Holsworth, Sanders and Associates and is a member instructor, Car Seat technician, Field Training officer, and Crisis of the Federal Bar–Western District of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Intervention Training (CIT). He also participates in the South State Bar Association, and Allegheny County Bar Association. Hills DUI Task Force. Lt. Gallatin earned his BA from Indiana University of Sgt. Lindenfelser teaches CHAMPS in local schools. The Pennsylvania, with a double major in criminology and sociology. CHAMPS program, created by the USCPD and the USC School He earned a master’s degree in public administration, with a con- District, is designed to encourage students to make good decicentration in personnel and labor relations from the University of sions and educate them about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Pittsburgh and a law degree from Duquesne University. It also helps develop and maintain positive relationships between His professional police training includes the Allegheny County students and the police. Sgt. Lindenfelser also teaches about cyPolicy Training Academy, DARE Officer Training, Police Executive berbullying and making positive decisions. Development (POLEX) Institute Training and Advanced POLEX, Sgt. Robert McMaster began his career as a dispatcher with through Penn State. In addition, he holds a certification by the the USCPD in 1991, and became a patrolman in 1994. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers’ Sgt. McMaster earned his BS in administration of justice from Education and Training Commission as a general instructor and Penn State. His specialized training includes ACTAR vehicle collias a special instructor (Operation of Patrol Vehicle), certification sion investigation, advanced applied physics and thermodynamics in accident reconstruction investigation by the Pennsylvania related to vehicle collisions, Crash Data Retrieval technician Department of Education, Traffic Institute for Police Services. (vehicle “black box” data retrieval), Special Weapons and He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Section 213. Tactics (SWAT), Intoxilyzer technician, Police Supervisor training, Lt. Jonathan Wharton joined the USCPD as a patrolman in homicide and death investigations, and narcotics investigation 1991, when he was 21 years old. Very proud to have grown up in (DEA training). He is also a Taser technician and instructor. this community, he was promoted to sergeant in 2012. Sgt. Michael Ventura worked for the Hanover Township Lt. Wharton’s professional police training includes ACTAR Police Department and Peters Township Police Department before collision reconstruction and Computer Voice Stress Analysis joining USCPD as a patrolman in 2012. (CVSA)/truth verification. He is also a firearms, Taser, baton, and Sgt. Ventura earned his BA in administration of justice from self-defense instructor. the University of Pittsburgh. A graduate of the Allegheny County Lt. Wharton is working toward his master’s degree in criminal Police Training Academy, he teaches the CHAMPS program at justice from the California University of Pennsylvania. He earned Fort Couch and Boyce Middle Schools and St. Louise de Marillac his bachelor of arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh. School. Sgt. Ventura is a certified firearms instructor and armorer. Sgt. Michael Lindenfelser was hired by the USCPD in 2007 He has extensive training in DUI detection and participation in as a dispatcher, and was promoted to patrolman in 2010. He also South Hills DUI task force events. He has also completed nuserved one year with the Wilkinsburg PD. merous drug and crime scene investigation courses, along with Sgt. Lindenfelser earned his BA in criminal justice from La critical incident response training. n
Police Department Welcomes Two New Hires The Upper St. Clair Police Department recently added to the department Patrolman Jonathan Beck and Dispatcher Christine Crouch. Chief of Police Douglas Burkholder welcomed Christine and Jonathan and expressed how impressed he is with their past work experience and believes it will be an asset to the police department. Christine has many years of emergency Jonathan Beck
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communication experience, as she previously worked at the dispatch centers in Mt. Lebanon, the Pittsburgh International Airport, and most recently, the Pennsylvania State Police–Washington Barracks. Jonathan (Jon) joined the department after serving as an officer in the Savannah, Georgia, Police Department and, most recently, the University of Pittsburgh Police Department. He earned his bachelor of arts degree at the University of Pittsburgh. n Christine Crouch
SKATE—PLAY—WIN
WHILE SOME OF OUR FALL/WINTER CLASSES HAVE STARTED, IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO JOIN IN. WINTER HOCKEY SCHOOL 8 weeks—$120. 40-minute classes beginning 1/9/18. 5 STEP PROGRESSIVE FORMAT. Classes meet once a week on the studio rink for 40 minutes. The Hockey School enables players ages 4-12 of all ability levels to participate and learn the skills of the game in a progressive, non-pressure atmosphere at an affordable price. Small size classes, P.S.A. Skating Professionals, certified USA Hockey Instructors and weekly scrimmages. Register in Dec. with the rink cashier.
DEVELOPMENTAL LEAGUE 5-8 year old & 9-12 year old divisions. The Mt. Lebanon Ice Center’s Developmental League begins 1/6/18, ON THE STUDIO RINK. The league is noncompetitive, no-check; equal ice time is guaranteed. To ensure balanced teams, registration is on an individual basis, with players rating each other. Enrollment is limited. Full equipment is required. Register in Dec. with the rink cashier. The fee of $120 includes referee’s fee and game jersey. The league will be looking for volunteer coaches.
w!
MT. LEBANON ICE CENTER
Lear
nT o S kate
LEARN TO SKATE 8 week—$136. The Mt. Lebanon Ice Center’s Learn to Skate program will begin 1/13/18. Registration for residents and current 2017 skaters begins in December.
No
MT. LEBANON ICE CENTER’S FUN AND FRIENDLY LEARNING ENVIRONMENT PROVIDES THE FINEST PROGRAMS ON ICE FOR PRE-SCHOOLERS TO ADULTS IN THE PITTSBURGH AREA.
PLAY DATE ON ICE Every Tuesday, 9-11am. $4.50 each; preschool children with an adult. Light refreshments, children’s movie and more! Fall Weekend Public Sessions Friday: 4:40-6 p.m. - Fun Fridays 7:40-10p.m. - TGIF SK8 Saturday: 2-4 p.m., Sunday: 2-4 p.m.
412-561-4363
Phone and online registrations are available.
Visit www.mtlebanon.org
“Scott Bros. comes highly recommended in the Upper St. Clair area.”
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Call us today for FREE estimate
724.745.2376
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Winter 2017
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Township Reminders 2017 Trash-Recycling Holiday Collection Holiday Collection Date Thanksgiving.....Friday, November 24 for the normal Thursday collection Christmas...........Thursday, December 28 for the normal Wednesday collection and Friday, December 29 for the normal Thursday collection New Year............Thursday, January 4 for regular Wednesday collection. and Friday, January 5 for regular Thursday collection.
2017 Fall Yard Debris/Leaf Waste Collection—Saturdays
Township of Upper St. Clair’s Christmas Tree Recycling Project December 26, 2017 – January 31, 2018 The trees will be ground for mulch for residents’ use. Please remove all plastic tree bags! Tree drop off will be at the empty lot across from the Public Works Building on Truxton Drive. Check the Township website at www.twpusc.org, view Cable 7, or call 412-831-9000, ext. 271, if you need more information.
Place your fall yard debris and leaf waste in compostable bags, then place the bags at curbside by 6 a.m. the morning of pick up. Collection will take place the remaining two Saturdays: November 18 and December 2.
Attention Dog Owners
Deer Management Update
Pennsylvania law requires owners to obtain dog licenses in January of each year. Violations can result in fines of up to $300 per day. To be in compliance with this law, dog owners must obtain the Allegheny County License by January 1 of each year. The Allegheny County application is available at: • The Upper St. Clair Police Department • The Upper St. Clair Reception Desk • Online at www.county.allegheny.pa.us/treasure/dog.aspx The Upper St. Clair license, which should be obtained in January of each year, is a “Pet License.” Chapter 41 of the Township Code defines a pet as “any dog, cat, or other domesticated animal kept for pleasure rather than utility.” The Upper St. Clair license application is available at: • The Upper St. Clair Reception Desk • Online (PDF) at www.twpusc.org There is no charge for the Upper St. Clair license, but proof of rabies vaccination is required.
Upper St. Clair Township continues its partnership with Whitetail Management Associates and contracts with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services to help manage the Whitetail deer population within the Township. Before USDA involvement with USC in 2004, the Township recorded an all-time high number of reported deer-vehicle collisions (207). The Township reversed this trend through more aggressive culling efforts and last year the total number of accidents involving deer was 45. The deer population in some areas of the Township appears to be normalized. However, due to limited culling opportunities in portions of the Township, there is still significant herd growth, which creates a challenge to reduce the deer-vehicle collision occurrences much beyond the current level. The Township is fortunate to have residents assist in its efforts by offering private property for the culling programs. Residents who would like consideration for inclusion in private property culling for the Deer Management program should contact Debi Bakowski, Township personnel, at 412-831-9000.
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USC Recreation and Leisure Services Adult & Senior Programs
United Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair
Meeting, Lunch, and Activity Wednesdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Held at the McLaughlin Run Activity Center (MAC) on McLaughlin Run Road, morning activities are informal and include the preparation of lunch by volunteers from the group. The members hold a brief business meeting at noon, followed by the delicious meal. Afternoon activities include musical entertainment, lectures or presentations of interest, book reviews, health and fitness instruction, game days, and more! In addition, day trips to various performances and places of interest are scheduled throughout the year.
Seniors at Leisure
Fridays Every Friday afternoon there is something free and fun to do! The program is open to and free for all seniors (age 55 and older), both USC and surrounding community residents. C&RC membership is not required. All activities are held at the C&RC unless otherwise noted. Activities rotate on a weekly basis and include Boomer Balance and Flexibility (group exercise class), Art Experience, Movie Matinee, and Card & Game Day.
For a complete schedule, contact the C&RC at 412-221-1099. See page 31 for more senior information.
Activities to Get Through Winter
Hero Workouts Once a month, a Hero Workout is done to remember and honor the men and women who have died serving our country, whether in the armed forces or as police officers or firefighters. Workouts are free for all participants. Contact the C&RC fitness department at 412-221-1099, extension 623, for more details. Adult Volleyball Nights Mondays 8–9:45 p.m. Come out and enjoy a night of coed pickup volleyball! Open to men and women, both USC residents and non-residents. Painting and Pastels Tuesdays, February 6–27 1–3 p.m. The classes—for beginners and those with more experience—will show you the simple way to draw and paint as you enjoy the studio still-life setup. Valentine’s Day Workout Sunday, February 11 12:30–2:30 p.m. F u n , p a r t n e rbased boot camp and yoga classes. Bring your significant other, family member, or friend! Contact the C&RC for more details. Third Annual Winter Pickleball Tournament Saturday, February 17 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Registration will be accepted for all doubles teams of any combination (age 16 and up). Register at the C&RC no later than Wednesday, February 14. Need help preparing? Free pickleball clinics are offered the second Monday of the month, 1:15–3:45 p.m., and will focus on development of fundamentals skills, strategies, and techniques of pickleball. Winter 2017
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USC Recreation and www.twpusc.org
C&RC Holiday Happenings *Class is free to participants who bring a charitable donation. Contact the C&RC for details.
Thanksgiving Spin-A-Thon* Friday, November 24 A great way to burn off your Thanksgiving feast! Three classes (varying lengths): 9:30–10:30 a.m., 12:30–1:15 p.m., 1:20– 2:05 p.m. Holidays at the C&RC Saturday, December 2 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season with musical performances, craft making, sweet treats, and a special visit from Santa at noon. Free for all participants! ZUMBA® Jingle Jam* Saturday, December 9 Join in for a holiday ZUMBA dance party. Wear your jingle bells! 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Coming “Om” for the Holidays* Sunday, December 10 Come, breathe deeply, let go of stress, and recharge your body and mind during the busy holiday season! 12:30–2 p.m. Very Merry Mix* Saturday, December 23 and Saturday, December 30 Three of your favorite group exercise classes rolled into one workout. 10:15 a.m.–noon Camp December December 26–29 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Children in grades K–4 will have a chance to swim, do arts and crafts, play themed games, and socialize with friends. Register for individual days or the entire week. Contact the C&RC for fees. New! Augmented Reality Design Holiday Camp December 26–27 9 a.m.–3p.m. Create your own augmented reality app— just like Pokémon Go—to enjoy and share with your friends. 30
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Be a Better You in 2018 Personal Training Holiday Promotion Take 25% off all personal training services purchased December 1, 2017– January 31, 2018.
Group Exercise Free Trial Week January 2–7 All group exercise classes (fitness and aquatics) are free for C&RC members and non-members.** (**excludes Pilates Reformer)
Kids’ Activities
Winter Wellness Dash Saturday, January 13, Noon A family-friendly one-mile run/walk for all ages and fitness levels. Fit City Challenge Saturdays, January 13– February 24 Whether your goal is to get stronger, lose weight, or both, this is a true test of physical fitness. Weekly weigh-ins, challenges, and workouts will be provided throughout the program to keep you motivated. Fee(s): $75 C&RC members, $130 non-members
Baby Cakes Ages 3 months to 1 year old w/parent Fridays, January 26–February 16 A parent and baby class with flashcards, music clips, colors, songs, shapes, and small instruments. *Additional music programs available for toddlers and older children.
Theater Workshop Group Ages 6–11 Mondays, January 22–March 19 Young actors choose their own characters and then put them together in an original story, which they write, rehearse, and perform as a mini-play on the last day of the session.
For the Love of Animals 2–4 years old w/parent Wednesday, January 31 or Thursday, February 8 Explore what it means to take care of pets, as well as how rehabilitators save Pennsylvania wildlife. Complete a fun craft while meeting an animal friend.
“Old School” Drawing Lab Grades 3 and Up Thursdays, March 1–22 Learn techniques in pen and ink, charcoal, graphite, and conté crayon.
Hummingbirds Soccer Ages 3–6 Saturdays, January 13–February 17 Little Hoop Stars Basketball Grades K–2 Mondays, February 5–March 12 Language–World Explorers Grades K–6 Saturdays, February 24; March 3, 10 Classes will provide an immersive experience into five different cultures through language, art, music, food, and traditional games. S.N.A.P. Age 3–Adult Saturdays, March 3–24, April 7–28 S.N.A.P. (Special Needs Active Program)— fun and interaction for individuals with special needs. Winter 2017
Sleeping the Cold Away Ages 9–12 Saturday, December 9 or Thursday, December 21 Learn how Pennsylvania animals survive the winter, as well the differences between hibernation, brumation, torpor, and migration. Heart & Sole® and Girls on the Run® Grades 6–8 and Grades 3–5 Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 6–May 24 These programs run concurrently for elementary and middle school girls. Worldwide Winter Ages 13–16 Thursday, January 18 Students will learn about how seasons differ across the globe and how animals have adapted to survive in extreme environments.
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Leisure Services 412-221-1099
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service*
Celebrate at the C&RC The C&RC now offers gym parties! These parties are geared for children ages three to eight. Party package includes time in the gymnasium with C&RC staff and one hour of community room rental for up to 15 guests. Call 412-221-1099, extension 613, for availability and rates.
Save the Dates for Spring Activity!
Arts & Chocolate Spectacular Saturday, March 24 11a.m.–4 p.m. Spring Break Cartooning Mini-Camp March 26–28 Kids in the Kitchen Spring Break Camp March 26–29 Spring Break Day Camp March 26–30
Monday, January 15 10 a.m.–3 p.m. School-age boys and girls can “Make it a Day On,” not a day off! In honor and in the spirit of Martin Luther King Day, youngsters can come together to spend the day at the C&RC completing community service projects that will benefit the greater community. Participants should bring a packed lunch. The kids will have time “off” to enjoy lunch together, cooperative games, and a snack at the end of the day. Students in grades seven and eight will assist the younger age groups. Participants should dress comfortably and wear sneakers; they will be given their commemorative T-shirt to wear at the beginning of the day. High school and adult volunteers are welcome; contact staff at the C&RC at 412-221-1099, extension 655 or 613, to find out more about the volunteer requirements and opportunities. Age requirement: Grades 1 through 8 (Grade K, with an adult) Fee(s): $18 (includes commemorative T-shirt and snack) No fee for volunteers—high school or adult * The time spent can count toward community service hours required by school districts or other organizations.
Easter Egg Hunt Mark Your 2018 Calendar! Saturday, March 17 10 a.m. McLaughlin Run Activity Center (MAC), 1770 McLaughlin Run Road
The Upper St. Clair High School Interact Club and Bethel-St. Clair Evening Rotary Club are hosting the annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 17 (rain or snow date—Saturday, March 24). Activities and an opportunity to snap a photo with the bunny begin at 10 a.m. The egg hunt begins promptly at 11 a.m. This free event will take place
at the shelter and golf course areas adjacent to the MAC. Children should dress appropriately for the weather and bring a small basket to gather plastic eggs, which will contain either candy or prize-winning numbers. All are welcome! Children will be grouped age appropriately: 0–23 months, ages 2–3, ages 4–5, ages 6–7, and ages 8 and over. Parking is available in the lots located at the MAC, Public Works building, Municipal building, and Municipal tennis facilities off Morrow Road. For additional information, contact Ray Kells at 412-999-6779.
Senior Information Gold Card Offered by the USC School District to residents age 62 and older. Card admits holder to School District drama and musical performances, athletic events, and other events free of charge. Applications taken at School District reception desk at 1820 McLaughlin Run Road. Silver Card Offered by USC Township to residents age 62 or older. Card admits holder to the Municipal three-hole golf course, outdoor tennis facilities, specified Community & Recreation Center programs, and other activities designated and sponsored by the Township of Upper St. Clair. Applications are available at the Community & Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park. Winter 2017
ACCESS 65 PLUS is a shared-ride transportation service program for senior citizens age 65 and older. Contact Chaz McCrommon, assistant community programs coordinator, at 412-221-1099, ext. 603, for information about this program and for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Senior Citizen identification card for the Port Authority Transit (PAT) system.
For more information on any Older Adult programming, contact the C&RC at 412-221-1099.
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T From the Director’s Desk Rediscover Your Library
Helen Palascak, Library Director If you’ve not visited in a while, now is a perfect time to discover what’s new at the USC Township Library. From updated physical spaces to more activities and programs for all ages, the library is a place where you can read, learn, play, try out new technology, or get together with your fellow residents. An open house held in October showcased improvements Helen Palascak to library facilities: the reorganization of the adult nonfiction room this past summer and the new additions to the kids’ floor activity areas. The most frequently heard comments were “There’s so much to do here,” “I love the displays,” and “It’s so inviting!” When you can’t make it to the library, you can visit online 24/7 for access to a large variety of digital resources for all ages. From online encyclopedias, to kids’ literacy games, from e-books to audiobooks to downloadable videos, the library has your informational needs and leisure time activities covered. Watch for the Events Calendar and Facebook page for upcoming programs for all ages. There are story times, teen nights, book groups, educational programs, one-on-one sessions about digital tools, and musical nights for everyone! You owe it to yourself; rediscover your library and discover something wonderful! n
Share Your Expertise in Our First How-To Festival! The library is planning a celebration of the knowledge and skills of Upper St. Clair, and we want your help! Next summer, the library will put on a How-To Festival where dozens of community members will teach attendees a simple skill—from changing a tire, to sharpening kitchen knives, to playing the spoons! If you can teach your specialty in a half-hour crash course, we want to feature you! Email evansw@einetwork.net to get involved. Creativity Café Fridays, February 2 and March 2, 2 p.m. Calling all cartoonists, cooks, crocheters, and makers of every variety! Find your people and nurture your creativity with the library’s newest offering, the Creativity Café! This new group will meet regularly to share food, fellowship, and mutual support. Each meeting will showcase the latest projects, experiment with some tools to stimulate creativity, and offer words of support, advice, and encouragement. Enjoy opportunities for diverse perspectives on your craft. You might be surprised by a quilter’s insight into poetry! Connect with fellow makers, get to know your community, and maybe spark a new collaboration. Recurring Programs • Yarn Works–Second and fourth Tuesdays, 7 p.m. • Express Yourself Writers’ Group– Wednesdays, 10 a.m.; November 22; December 6, 20; January 3, 17, 31; February 14, 28; March 14 • History Nights–Mondays, 7 p.m.; December 11, January 8, February 5, March 5 • Caregiving 101–Mondays, 7 p.m.; January 22, February 19, March 19 • Bring Your Own Book Club–Third Friday, 2 p.m.; January 19, February 16, March 16
USC Township Library Hours
Monday—Thursday, 9:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Friday—Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday, 1–5 p.m. Outside book and video return available 24/7
Photos taken during the library’s open house held this past October
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
412-835-5540 www.twpusc.org Winter 2017
Holiday Closures Thanksgiving: Closes at 5 p.m., Wednesday, November 22; closed Thursday, November 23, and Friday, November 24 Christmas: Closed Sunday, December 24; Monday, December 25; and Tuesday, December 26 New Year’s: Closed Sunday, December 31 and Monday, January 1
T Adult Programs Register for adult programs online or call 412-835-5540.
Civil War Series Join the library for three exciting Civil War programs in December! Day-By-Day with the 123d Pennsylvania Volunteers Monday, December 4, 7 p.m. Christopher D. George will discuss his book Day-By-Day with the 123d Pennsylvania Volunteers, the multi-layered chronicle of a Pittsburgh-area regiment eager to “whip the rebs” and win the war for the North. Discovering Gettysburg Thursday, December 7, 7 p.m. W. Stephen Coleman will share his acclaimed book Discovering Gettysburg: An Unconventional Introduction to the Greatest Little Town in America and the Monumental Battle that Made It Famous. Visit with a host of famous and off-the-beaten-path places on the battlefield, explore the historic town of Gettysburg as it is today, and chat with some of the town’s fascinating “resources.” Shoulder Arms of the Civil War Thursday, December 14, 7 p.m. Join Robert Fark of the 9 th Pennsylvania Reserves for an engaging exploration of the shoulder arms used to fight the Civil War. View and learn about these fascinating glimpses into our nation’s history! The Retirement Playbook Saturday, November 18, 10 a.m. Learn all about financial planning for retirement from Certified Financial Planner Chris McCoy. Topics will include how to start planning for retirement, questions retirees need to ask themselves, different ways to construct a portfolio based on a retiree’s spending and income sources, the Masterplan approach, and what a financial plan looks like.
Make Your Own Felted Holiday Ornament Tuesday, December 12, 7 p.m. Fiber artist Judé Ernest will teach you to create felted holiday ornaments in this hands-on workshop for adults. Felted ornaments make wonderful gifts! All materials are provided for this free class (a $5 donation is appreciated, but not required). Becoming Your Best Self, Living Your Optimal Lifestyle Thursdays, 7 p.m.; January 11, February 8, March 8, April 12, May 10 Embrace your potential in this series of monthly classes with counselor Laura Parkinson. Learn to set realistic personal goals; integrate your physical, mental, and spiritual lives; nurture your relationships; and create a life full of meaning. Pittsburgh Drinks: A History of Cocktails, Nightlife & Bartending Tradition Monday, January 15, 7 p.m. Join local authors Cody McDevitt and Sean Enright as they trace the history of the Steel City drinking culture. From the era of Prohibition to the cafés of Diamond Street, the music scene of the ’70s, and today’s South Side bar revival, this is a tour to savor. Classical Painting Concepts & Techniques Workshop Tuesdays, 7 p.m.; January 16, 23, 30; February 6, 13, 20, 27; March 6 Learn the concepts and techniques of classical oil painting from classical artist James Sulkowski in this eight-part workshop series. Develop and refine your skills and create your own portrait or still life. Individual instruction.
U.S. Foreign Policy Under President Trump: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Monday, November 20, 7 p.m. How will international relations shift under a new president? Mt. Lebanon history teacher George Savarese offers a road map to an uncertain new era of global politics.
Recognizing Online Scams Thursday, January 18, 7 p.m. Philip Little of the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office will offer a safety guide for the digital age. Online scammers are growing ever more sophisticated. Don’t get conned. Know the warning signs and stay safe! Middle Eastern Belly Dance Monday, January 22, 7 p.m. Learn about the history of a fascinating traditional art form in this presentation, demonstration, and participatory lesson from experienced belly dancers Amethyst and Sourie. Antarctic Explorer Paul Allman Siple Monday, January 29, 7 p.m. John Lenkey presents the fascinating saga of Paul Allman Siple, Eagle Scout, Antarctic explorer, and prolific inventor. Device Lab Thursday, February 1, 6 p.m. Do you have a new tablet, phone, or e-reader? Stop by the library to learn its ins and outs! We’ll teach you the basics, get you started with library e-books, and answer your questions. Valentine’s Day Tea with Nancy Martin Wednesday, February 14, 1 p.m. Join local romance and mystery author Nancy Martin for a special Valentine’s Day tea! Pittsburgh Potties Thursday, March 1, 7 p.m. Ted Zellers will share stories and photos from his experiences creating a coffee-table book about the humble Pittsburgh Potty. Self-Publishing with Cori Nicole Smith Monday, March 12, 7 p.m. Self-published author Cori Nicole Smith will recount her experiences, offer advice for other writers considering self-publishing, and share selections from her novel “Confessions of the Editor Brigand.” 30 Days a Black Man: The Forgotten Story that Exposed the Jim Crow South Thursday, March 15, 7 p.m. Writer Bill Steigerwald shares the incredible story of Pittsburgh journalist Ray Sprigle who spent a month undercover as a black man in the Deep South in 1948.
Winter 2017
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T Kids & Teens
Block Party The library has a growing collection of building materials for kids of all ages. Last summer, the “Block Party” arrived and included a large collection of wooden blocks, a block cabinet, and lots of vehicles, animals, and people. Building with wooden blocks helps kids learn sorting skills and numerical comparisons, including more, less, greater than, and equal to. It also encourages creativity and is a catalyst for kids playing together. The blocks are available whenever the library is open. We hope you’ll have fun building with your child the next time you visit the library. The “Block Party” is made possible by a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of Commonwealth Libraries. n
I WANT TO BE A FRIEND! ❑ Yes, I'd like to sign up today.
Please accept my tax-deductible donation payable to Friends of the Library of USC. FRIEND
$10 per household + $____ (donation) = _____Total
GOOD FRIEND (entitles you to a Friends of the Library coffee mug)
$25 per household + $____ (donation) = _____Total Name: ______________________________________ _____________________ Date: __________________ Address: ____________________________________ ____________________________________________ Phone: ______________________________________ Email:_______________________________________
❑ Yes, call me for volunteer opportunities. 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 www.twpusc.org 34
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Winter 2017
T Kids & Teens Winter Classes and Events for Kids and Families Snow is falling and books are calling! Visit the library this winter and enjoy a variety of activities, including the popular weekly classes for kids of all ages. The library’s weekly classes for kids run for six weeks from Monday, January 22 through Friday, March 2. Classes require pre-registration. Registration begins Wednesday, January 10 in person at the library. For more information, visit the library’s website at www.twpusc.org/library/ library-home or come in to the library and pick up a printed brochure. Babies & Toddlers Storytime Children ages 4–24 months with a grown-up Babies & Toddlers Storytime combines interactive play, action rhymes, songs, and books all designed to hold the attention of our youngest participants. Mondays or Tuesdays, 10 a.m. Twos & Threes Storytime Children age 2–3 ½ years old with a grown-up Twos and Threes Storytime features books and stories, action rhymes and songs, and puppets and play to entertain your child. Tuesdays, 11 a.m. or 1:45 p.m. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. Preschool Storytime Children ages 3 ½, 4, and 5 years old who are ready to spend a half-hour on their own Stories, songs, finger plays, and bookrelated actives are featured in Preschool Storytime, which concludes with an ending activity for participants and their caregivers. Thursdays, 10 a.m. or 1:45 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. Math Mites Children ages 4 and 5 years old who are not yet in Kindergarten Preschoolers can learn early math skills through stories and hands-on activities at the library’s Math Mites class. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. or 1:45 p.m.
Library Explorers Kids currently in Kindergarten Let’s explore math in a fun and exciting way at the library! This session of Library Explorers will feature activities developed by the Crazy 8s math club that sneaks arithmetic lessons into fun games. Tuesdays, 10 a.m. or 1:45 p.m. Book Trek Kids in 1st–4th grades Express yourself this winter through creative art workshops and learn about some famous artists. Tuesdays or Wednesdays, 4 p.m. Winter Reading Program: Quack Open a Good Book! Kids in Kindergarten–2 nd grade are invited to participate in the 2018 Winter Reading Program. Following along with a reading guide, participants will get a duck to help the library form a river of readers. Participants who read all of the books will get to pick a rubber ducky of their own! Winter Reading runs from Wednesday, January 10 through Friday, March 2. Family Battle of the Books Families with children in 3rd or 4th grade can participate in the ultimate challenge of book knowledge. Read our pre-selected books to prepare for a quiz show featuring questions based on the books you’ve read. All participants will get a prize, and trophies will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place families. Additionally, the elementary school with the most points will win a trophy and bragging rights. Registration for Battle of the Books begins Wednesday, January 10 in person at the library. Battle Dates: February 26 and March 1, 6 p.m.
Family Storytime Families with children ages 2–7 years old are invited to spend a fun evening sharing stories, songs and games! Dates: Thursdays, Januar y 18 and March 15, 7 p.m.
Craft Time at the Library
Themed crafts for the seasonal holidays will be available to make at the library during regular library hours. Parents and caregivers are asked to assist their child during craft time. Celebrate Thanksgiving Monday, November 13–Wednesday, November 22 Make a Holiday Ornament M o n d a y, D e c e m b e r 1 1 – S u n d a y, December 17 Celebrate Winter Wednesday, January 10–Sunday, January 21 Celebrate Valentine’s Day Monday, February 5–Wednesday, February 14
Events for Tweens and Teens at the Library
Kids in middle school and high school are invited to attend Teen Fun Nights each month at the Township library. For up-to-date information, see the flyers on the Teen Library website at www.twpusc.org/library/teens. If you’d like to be included on the teen program announcements, email Miss Colleen at milesc@einetwork.net with your name to join! Winter events will include: • Monthly Creative Workshops • Game Night • Book Swap
Paws for Reading Kids in Kindergarten–5 th grade are invited to come to the library and read to dogs licensed through Therapy Dogs International. These dogs love to listen to stories read by boys and girls! Dates: Thursdays, Januar y 25 and February 22, 5:30 p.m. Winter 2017
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Serving Upper St. Clair
Churches and Synagogues
Nursery Schools
Alliance Church of Upper St. Clair 2510 Old Washington Road—412-835-4775
St. David’s Episcopal Church 905 E. McMurray Road, Peters Twp.—724-941-4060
Bethany Presbyterian Church 740 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville—412-221-5132
Berean Fellowship Church 300 Rockfield Circle, Scott Township—412-220-4673
St. George Orthodox Church 610 Dewey Avenue, Bridgeville 412-221-2277
Beth-El Nursery School 1900 Cochran Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-561-1168
Bethany Lutheran Church 5303 Madison Avenue, Bethel Park, PA 15102 412-835-9221 Bethany Presbyterian Church 740 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville—412-221-5132
St. Gregory Byzantine Catholic Church 2005 Mohawk Road—412-835-7800 stgregoryusc@aol.com St. John Capistran Roman Catholic Church 1610 McMillan Road—412-221-6275
Bethel Presbyterian Church 2999 Bethel Church Road, Bethel Park 412-835-0405
St. Louise de Marillac Roman Catholic Church 320 McMurray Road—412-833-1010
Beth-El Congregation Of South Hills 1900 Cochran Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-561-1168
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 1066 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-531-7153
Beverly Heights Evangelical Presbyterian Church 1207 Washington Road—412-561-5100
St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church 126 Fort Couch Road 412-833-0031
Bower Hill Community Church 70 Moffett St., Mt. Lebanon—412-561-4114 Brightwood Christian Church 5044 West Library Ave., Bethel Park—412-835-6703 Center Presbyterian Church 255 Center Church Road, McMurray—724-941-9050 Christ Community Church of the South Hills 100 Warwick Drive—Sunday 10 a.m. www.cccsh.org Christ United Methodist Church 44 Highland Road, Bethel Park—412-835-6621 Faith Lutheran Church of Upper St. Clair 80 Bartley Road—412-835-4590 First Bethel United Methodist Church 5901 Library Road, Bethel Park—412-835-0700 First Church of Christ, Scientist 1100 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-561-1125
Mount Lebanon Montessori 550 Sleepy Hollow Road, Mt. Lebanon 412-563-2858
South Hills Interfaith Ministries 5301 Park Avenue, Bethel Park 412-854-9120
Mushroom Family Learning Center 1900 Cochran Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-531-1225
Temple Emmanuel 1250 Bower Hill Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-279-7600
Noah’s Ark Preschool-Our Redeemer Lutheran 105 Gateshead Drive, McMurray—724-942-6699
The Bible Chapel 300 Gallery Drive, McMurray 724-941-8990
Ruthfred Lutheran Nursery School 3401 South Park Road, Bethel Park—412-835-7140
Day Care (Children)
Holy Child Parish 212 Station Street, Bridgeville—412-221-5213
Bethel Park Presbyterian Church 2999 Bethel Church Road, Bethel Park 412-835-1043 Christ United Methodist Child Care Center 44 Highland Road, Bethel Park—412-854-4310
St. Paul’s Episcopal Nursery Washington and Mayfair Roads, Mt. Lebanon 412-531-2644 St. Thomas More Preschool & Transitional Preschool to 8th Grade 134 Fort Couch Road—412-833-1412 Temple Emmanuel 1250 Bower Hill Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-279-7687 Westminster Nursery School 2040 Washington Road—412-835-2906
Day Care (Adult) Prime Time Adult Care, Inc. Alzheimer Day Care 44 Highland Road, Bethel Park—412-835-6661
Kid Biz, LLC 3540 Washington Road, McMurray—724-941-4172
Seton Center—Brookline 1900 Pioneer Avenue, Brookline—412-344-4777
KinderCare Learning Center 1040 Clifton Road, Bethel Park—412-831-1888 KinderCare of McMurray 118 Wilhaven Drive, McMurray—724-941-4579 KinderCare of Mt. Lebanon 1610 N. Highland Road, Mt. Lebanon 412-531-1953
Peters Creek United Presbyterian Church 250 Brookwood Road, Peters Twp.—724-942-3635
Westminster Child Development Center 2040 Washington Road—412-835-9450
Ruthfred Lutheran Church Patterson and South Park Roads, Bethel Park 412-835-7140
*Unless otherwise listed, the organization is located in Upper St. Clair Township.
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
St. David's Preschool and Mother's Morning Out 905 E. McMurray Road, Venetia—724-413-0490
First Bethel United Methodist Church Kings School Kids 5901 Library Road, Bethel Park—412-835-6141
Peace Lutheran Church 107 Carol Drive, McMurray—724-941-9441
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John McMillan Preschool 875 Clifton Road, Bethel Park—412-833-4704
South Hills Community Baptist Church 2400 Old Washington Road—412-833-1313
Hillside Christian Community 1050 Campbells Run Road, Carnegie—412-279-2996
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church (ELCA) 105 Gateshead Drive, McMurray—724-941-7467
First Bethel United Methodist Church Kings School Kids 5901 Library Road, Bethel Park—412-835-6141
Montessori Early Childhood Center 2400 Old Washington Road—412-835-3340
Westminster Presbyterian Church 2040 Washington Road—412-835-6630
New Day Assembly of God 701 Circle Drive—724-941-1661
Christ United Methodist Church Nursery School 44 Highland Road—412-854-4310
South Hills Church of the Nazarene 5601 Library Road, Bethel Park—412-831-6333
Grace Fellowship Church of South Hills 3857 Willow Avenue, Castle Shannon—412-334-3803
Mt. Lebanon Evangelical Presbyterian Church 255 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-531-3387 www.mlepc.org facebook.com/mlepc
Center Church Christian Preschool 255 Center Church Road, McMurray—724-941-9050
Kingdom Kids Nursery School 255 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-531-6227
Good Shepherd Church 110 Hays Road—724-941-9418
Mt. Lebanon Christian Church Cedar Blvd. at Hollycrest Dr., Mt. Lebanon 412-531-8554
Beverly Heights Christian Preschool 1207 Washington Road—412-561-7200
South Hills Assembly 2725 Bethel Church Road, Bethel Park 412-835-8900
The Unitarian Universalist Church of the South Hills (aka Sunny Hill) 1240 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon 412-561-6277
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox 123 Gilkeson Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-833-3355
Bethel Park Presbyterian Church 2999 Bethel Church Road, Bethel Park—412-835-0441
Winter 2017
If we’ve overlooked your information, have incorrect information, or if you would like your Upper St. Clair facility to be represented in our magazine with an article, please write to: Editor, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 or email usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us. For an online version, visit www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home and find the “Features” section under the “Past Issues” sub-directory.
Local Clubs and Organizations Directory
1830 Log House Association Kimberly Guzzi, President ..................................... 412-851-0570 American Assoc. of University Women Helpline............................................................ 1-800-326-AAUW Bethel-St. Clair Evening Rotary Club (https://portal.clubrunner.ca/3664/ Tom Atkins.............................................................. 412-901-0987 Boy Scouts of America........................................... 412-325-7965 Boyce Road Gardeners Phyllis Kender, Registrar........................................ 412-221-3118 Brookside Woman’s Club http://brooksidewomansclub.webs.com Lisa Ambrose......................................................... 412-916-7303 Civil Air Patrol Glenn Ward........................................................... 412-221-0846 Community Foundation of USC Angela Petersen, Executive Director...................... 412-831-1107 Different Strokes Tennis League Gina Braun ............................................................ 412-221-5717 Friends of the Library Kate Mayberry, President ...................................... 412-835-5540 Friends of the Montour Trail in Bethel Park Peter Kohnke, President....................................... 412-854-1835 Girl Scouts of USC Jim Corona..............................................................724-941-1193 jim.corona@verizon.net Historical Society of Upper St. Clair Marjie Heins.......................................................... 412-835-2050 www.hsusc.org www.facebook.com/hsusc president@hsusc.org League of Women Voters Louise Cannon...................................................... 412-835-8822 Lifespan Kim Rollinson............................................... 412-464-1300, x127 Odyssey of the Mind (www.uscootm.com) Meridith Markovitz.................................................. 412-401-5233 meridithmarko@msn.com Laura Murtough...................................................... 412-478-1736 lauramurtough@hotmail.com Parent/Teacher/Student Organization (PTSO) Tracy Barnett.......................................................... 412-257-2131 tgbarnett@verizon.net Pittsburgh Elite Aquatics “PEAQ” Kristin Matheny, President............... president-usc@peaqpgh.org South Hills Chamber of Commerce www.shchamber.org .............................................. 412-306-8090 South Hills Interfaith Ministries (SHIM) James Guffey, Executive Director......................... 412-854-9120 South Hills Junior Orchestra Janet Vukotich ....................................................... 412-341-5160 South Hills Kennel Club Barb Baker............................................................ 724-258-6828
South West Communities Chamber of Commerce www.swccoc.org Wendy Kingsland, President................................. 412-221-4100 info@swccoc.org Town Hall South Maureen Ludwig, Chairman.................................. 412-429-7202 www.townhallsouth.org Trotwood Manor West Association Tyson Swigart........................................................ 412-595-7600 United Senior Citizens of USC Chaz McCrommon....................................... 412-221-1099, x603 USC Athletic Association (www.uscaasports.org) Erik Lund, President, USCAA.................................... 412-736-3251 Rec Baseball (Spring)................Ed Albert.............. 412-977-1000 Travel Baseball (Summer)..........Erik Lund............. 412-736-3251 Boys’ Basketball (Winter)...........Jay Sukernek....... 412-334-0975 Girls’ Basketball (Winter)............John Tarcson....... 412-584-9990 Football (Fall).............................Rob Stevenson.... 412-833-8671 Softball (Spring)..........................Don Angel............ 412-303-8045 Rec Soccer (Fall)........................Bill Friday............. 412-398-0104 Traveling Soccer (Fall/Spring)....Rob York.............. 412-523-8688 Wrestling (Winter).......................Matt Pollock......... 412-221-7383 USC Band Parents (www.uscbpa.org) Alison Hess............................................................. 412-498-2840 uscbpaofficers@gmail.com USC-Bethel Park Breakfast Rotary Club Brian Schill............................................................ 412-833-6229 USC Citizens for Land Stewardship (www.usccls.org) Preston Shimer...................................................... 412-221-5163 USC Democratic Committee Brien Wall, Chair..................................... uscdems01@gmail.com Mary McIntyre, Vice Chair USC Hockey Club Pete Gialames....................................................... 724-213-2990 pkhockey@gmail.com USC League for the Arts (USCLA) Joan Newman ....................................................... 412-835-8127 USC Library Helen Palascak, Director....................................... 412-835-5540 USC Newcomer’s Club (www.uscnewcomers.org) Eva Yager, President................. uscnewcomersexec@gmail.com USC Parent Teacher Council Daphna Gans, President........................................ 310-430-9664 daphnagans@gmail.com USC Republican Committee Barbara Lloyd, Chairman ..................................... 412-831-8918 blloyd470@yahoo.com USC Volunteer Firefighters Daniel Barr, President ................................. 412-835-0660, x100 president@uscvfd.org Woman’s Club of Upper St. Clair Shirley Tadda, President......................................... 412-854-4955 YMCA South Hills Area Ken Soliday, Executive Director............................ 412-833-5600
Call the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY office at 412-833-1600, extension 2284, if your club or organization’s information needs to be updated, added to, or deleted from our list. Thank you. For an online version of this directory, visit www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home and find the “Features” section under the “Past Issues” sub-directory.
Winter 2017
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KRISTY | SPINE SURGERY
COOKING A FAMILY DINNER. PAIN FREE. As a critical care nurse, wife and mother, Kristy Jericho loved her active life. But excruciating back pain gradually made it impossible for her to walk, prepare a family meal, or even sit. Orthopedic surgeon Thomas D. Kramer, M.D. took time to listen closely to her symptoms and found the source of her pain: exposed nerves caused by a tear in one of her lumbar discs. After surgery, she is back on her feet, enjoying her favorite things again. Dr. Kramer is one of nearly 40 leading orthopedic specialists who practice at St. Clair, where advanced technology, skill, and compassion make a difference in the quality of people’s lives every day.
Kristy Jericho, Belle Vernon, Lumbar Disc Repair
1000 BOWER HILL ROAD
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M T. L E B A N O N , P A 1 5 2 4 3
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412.942.4000
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STCLAIR.ORG
Thomas D. Kramer, M.D. specializes in orthopedic surgery. He earned his medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh, and completed residencies at the University of Alabama Hospitals and Healthsouth Medical Center, Birmingham, Ala. He later completed a fellowship in spine surgery at the University of Maryland Hospitals. Dr. Kramer is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He practices with Greater Pittsburgh Orthopaedic Associates. To contact Dr. Kramer, please call 412.262.7800.
Happy Birthday
YEARS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Winter 2017
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
39
40
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Winter 2017
Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair
on Road 2585 Washingt PA 15241 Upper St. Clair, (412) 831-1107 www.cfusc.org info@cfusc.org
Fall, 2017
r, Dear Neighbo ector Executive Dir Angela B. Petersen
s Board of Trustee
James Bennett ing Arts Fine & Perform Chair Beth K. Ellis r Beth L. Erlange ure Recreation & Leis Paul K. Fox Communications Daphna Gans Science Chair Alison Hess Webmaster Jahn Ponny Conomos Board Secretary Rachel Lowden Steven D. Stockton Board Chairperson John Tarcson Technology Chair Tim Wagner erson Board Vice-Chairp Wendy Vespa li Gregg R. Zegarel
give to the undation can Community Fo e th at th so day, Please give to rrow. community tomo be wisely spent. iated, and will is greatly apprec least $25, which represents nt ou am y an in at Your donation behalf of the ested amount of r giving the sugg has been doing good work on Please conside n tio da un Fo e th ar $1 for every ye mmunity. co r Upper St. Clair used to sponso ons have been ssion of the mi , all contributi e 93 th 19 in ted n or tio that have supp Since its incep s, and projects events, activitie dation of Upper St. Clair. un e Community Fo signed envelop the specially-de nation to the tion section of do ma ur or yo il inf e ma th to e it ase Please complet ue of the magazine and use electronically, ple iss dit your donation included in this prefer to make nate to submit a PayPal or cre uld wo u yo If Foundation. and click on Do owledged. kn rg ac c.o be us ll .cf wi ww on visit https://w ur tax-deductible contributi Yo e card payment. rpose! This is th ed with local pu dollars are invest r St. Clair. ted na do ur yo Remember, dation of Uppe mmunity Foun goal of the Co
Thank you, sen Angela B. Peter r to Executive Direc
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GRANTS
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Do you have an innovative idea about how to enrich our community?
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Could you use $1,500 to make it happen?
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The Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair is sponsoring a mini-grant opportunity for three (3) proposals that support its mission: growing a sense of community to enhance living in Upper St. Clair.
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A more detailed document outlining the criteria and selection guidelines for a mini-grant will be available on our website (www.cfusc.org) beginning on November 17, 2017.
REFLECTING ON 2017
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Proposals will be accepted by email to grants@cfusc.org beginning December 8, 2017, through midnight on January 12, 2018. Awarded grants will be announced after February 13, 2018.
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Questions may be directed to Dr. Tim Wagner, Board Vice Chairperson (twagner@cfusc.org).
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Sponsored annual “Becoming a Competitive College Applicant” forum Established the John Small Memorial “Spirit of the Community” Award Awarded grant to Jr. Robotics Camp for Girls Facelifted the CFUSC website, and established e-commerce via PayPal, launched Constant Contact communications Funded Year One of a three-year grant for Little Lake Theatre, in partnership with USCHS English Department for the study of Our Town Held Annual Duck Race at Community Day Sponsored the 8th Annual Family Movie Night showing of Zootopia Held 2nd Annual Golf Invitational at St. Clair Country Club Held the 5th Annual Oktoberfest at St. Thomas More Family Center Continued to support school activities with ads in their event programs and in the School Directory Held a Book Club, which read five books this year
Winter 2017 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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SD Upper St. Clair School District Board of School Directors
Angela B. Petersen President 412-831-7182 2019*
Patrick A. Hewitt 412-831-0178 2019*
Amy L. Billerbeck Vice President 412-833-2712 2019*
Frank J. Kerber 412-833-4873 2017*
Barbara L. Bolas 412-833-9841 2019*
Harry F. Kunselman 412-851-1115 2017*
School District Central Office Administration
Phillip J. Elias 412-257-1198 2019*
Scott Burchill Director of Business and Finance
Dr. John Rozzo Assistant Superintendent
Dr. Sharon Suritsky Assistant/Deputy Superintendent
Dr. Judy Bulazo Director of Curriculum and Professional Development
Ray Berrott Director of Technology
Amy Pfender Director of Student Support Services
Buffy Z. Hasco 412-833-5712 2017*
The 2017–2018 regular meetings of the Upper St. Clair Township Board of School Directors are held at 7 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month at the Central Office Board Room, unless otherwise noted. No regular meeting is scheduled for July.
Louis P. Mafrice, Jr. 412-851-0622 *Date indicates expiration of term. 2017* To reach personnel, call 412-833-1600, and follow the automated directions.
Administrator
Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole Superintendent of Schools
http://www.uscsd.k12.pa.us
Secretary/Email Address Extension
Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole................................ Mary Ann Stabile.............................2201 Superintendent of Schools mstabile@uscsd.k12.pa.us Dr. Sharon Suritsky................................... Donna Faccenda..............................2218 Assistant/Deputy Superintendent dfaccenda@uscsd.k12.pa.us Dr. John Rozzo............................................ Mary Ann Stabile.............................2201 Assistant Superintendent mstabile@uscsd.k12.pa.us Scott Burchill.............................................. Dawn Machi.....................................2220 Director of Business and Finance dmachi@uscsd.k12.pa.us Dr. Judy Bulazo.......................................... Donna Faccenda..............................2218 Director of Curriculum dfaccenda@uscsd.k12.pa.us and Professional Development Ray Berrott.............................................................................................................2059 Director of Technology rberrott@uscsd.k12.pa.us Amy Pfender............................................... Terri Lott...........................................2283 Director of Student Support Services tlott@uscsd.k12.pa.us Melissa Garvin............................................ Cheryl Ellison...................................2116 Asst. Director of Student Support Services cellison@uscsd.k12.pa.us Bradley Wilson .....................................................................................................3318 Supervisor of Customized and Online Learning Sheila Gorgonio.....................................................................................................2826 Director of Advancement sgornonio@uscsd.k12.pa.us Joseph Conners......................................................................................................2560 Chief of School Police Jonn Mansfield........................................................................................................ 3450 Director of Transportation Tina Vojtko............................................................................................................2215 Communications Specialist tvojtko@uscsd.k12.pa.us School District Building Administration
Melissa Garvin Asst. Director of Student Support Services
Bradley Wilson Supervisor of Customized and Online Learning
Sheila Gorgonio Director of Advancement
Dr. Lou Angelo............................... High School Principal Dr. Timothy Wagner ..................... High School Associate Principal for Program Planning and Innovation Daniel Beck.................................... High School Assistant Principal Dan Zelenski.................................. High School Assistant Principal Joseph DeMar ................................ Fort Couch Middle School Principal Erin Peterson.................................. Fort Couch Assistant Principal Daniel O’Rourke............................ Boyce Middle School Principal Christine Mussomeli...................... Boyce Middle School Assistant Principal Dr. Patrick McClintock-Comeaux... Baker Elementary School Principal Mark Miller.......................................Eisenhower Elementary School Principal/ Supervisor of Elementary Education Dr. Claire Miller............................. Streams Elementary School Principal
Upper St. Clair School District Notices Online
The required annual notices to parents of children who reside in the Upper St. Clair School District are available online. Visit the District website at www.uscsd.k12.pa.us. Click on Notifications and Compliance Notifications to view the District notices and immunization regulations for the 2017–18 school year. 44
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Attendees at USC PLC at Work Institute
USC Hosts Professional Learning Communities at Work Institute More than 300 teachers from across the nation descended upon Upper St. Clair High School this past July as the District hosted Pennsylvania’s first Professional Learning Communities (PLC) at Work Institute. “This was an amazing opportunity—not just for Upper St. Clair—but for education in our region,” said Dr. Sharon Suritsky, USC assistant/deputy superintendent. “Never before has this professional development been offered in such close proximity.” Dozens of Upper St. Clair teachers, principals, and administrators participated in the PLC Institute thanks to a $42,320 contribution from a local donor. The donor’s contribution underwrote the registration cost for Upper St. Clair School District attendees. “This opportunity significantly advanced one of the District’s five goals within the 2015-20 Strategic Plan as well as a goal of our school board,” said Dr. O’Toole, USC superintendent of schools. “The PLC Institute at Work conference was an intensive and expensive staff development experience that we would never have been able to provide at this magnitude. Undoubtedly, this initiative will have a transformational and lasting impact on our educational program.” For Kristy Berrott, an elementary curriculum leader and fourth grade teacher at Baker Elementary, the four essential questions of the PLC model were most impactful: 1. What do we expect our students to learn? 2. How will we know they are learning? 3. How will we respond when they don’t learn? 4. How will we respond if they already know it? “My most valuable take-away was knowing the four questions to continue to guide our practices and focus our purpose,” she said. “At times, there are so many initiatives and new things that USC is implementing (for good reason) that we tend to forget why we are here. It is all about the kids and their learning. That
is our sole responsibility at the end of the day.” Upper St. Clair School District first began implementing the Professional Learning Conference attendees had the opportunity Community to purchase books at the conference. model at the elementary level in 2004 and later expanded to the middle school level. Within a PLC, teachers meet regularly by grade level, team, and/or discipline to discuss student needs, share expertise, and work collaboratively to improve student learning. The recent PLC Institute supports the expansion of the model at the high school level and recharged efforts at the District’s elementary and middle schools. “It was neat to experience a mindset shift about PLCs from an added burden on the day to more of a systematic way of thinking,” said Russ Hoburg, high school science teacher. “We already do a lot of the work that is representative of PLCs, but it provides a framework for doing that work more efficiently and, hopefully, will also help us identify areas for growth and strategies to make that growth occur.” Additional professional development opportunities are being planned to continue the implementation of the PLC model throughout the District. n
Hail and Farewell! USC welcomes the following new hires to Upper St. Clair School District: Elizabeth Barnes (USCHS), Amy Homer (Boyce), Lisa Hendriks (USCHS), Jessica Hudik (Eisenhower), Molly Humphreys (USCHS), Mike Junko (USCHS), Teresa Peluso (Eisenhower), Emily Robbibaro (USCHS), Jennifer Shuback (USCHS), Rhoda Smith (USCHS), and Michael Sterba (Bus Garage).
Thank you to the following School District employees (listed alphabetically) who retired during the 2016–17 school year: Kathleen Billak, Richard Colbert, Frosina Cordisco, Raymond Cursi, Genevieve Gratchick, James Graulty, Beth Ann Harris, Richard Healy, Kathleen LeClaire, Sheila Lloyd, Lois Mulholland, Beverly Nemeth, Nanci Noon, Patricia Otis, Margaret Skiba, and Cheryl Todaro. n
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Upper St. Clair Halls of Fame 2017 Eleven individuals—nine alumni and two former staff members—were inducted into the Upper St. Clair High School Halls of Fame. Members of the 2017 class, along with family and friends, attended a reception in their honor prior to the induction ceremony, which was held on Friday, October 20. Afterward, the inductees celebrated at a special dinner, then proceeded to Panther Stadium for the “Parade of Honor” prior to the USC vs. Hampton football game. Inducted into the 2017 Halls of Fame were (USCHS graduation year shown in parentheses, photos shown alphabetically):
Academics
Arts
Athletics
Lindsay Orchowski
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Deanna Baird
Susan Matteson Carringer
Kristen Clendaniel Clark
Richard D. Crowley
Duppy Demetrius
Academics Deanna Baird (USC staff) Kristen Clendaniel Clark (1986) Richard D. Crowley (1975) Lindsay Orchowski (1999) Arts Susan (Matteson) Carringer (1979) Duppy Demetrius (1989) Leanne Ford (1999) Eleni Romanias (2010) Athletics Dean Astorino (1992) Ernie Koontz (USC staff) Mack McGuire (2010)
Established in 2000, the Upper St. Clair High School Halls of Fame annually identifies and honors those who have distinguished themselves in academics, the arts, or athletics at USCHS and at the collegiate or professional levels and who, in so doing, have contributed to the pride and prestige of Upper St. Clair High School. n
Leanne Ford
Dean Astorino
Ernie Koontz
Mack McGuire
Eleni Romanias
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SD Dr. Suritsky Finalist for National Award
Dr. Sharon Suritsky
Dr. Sharon Suritsky, assistant/deputy superintendent, is one of two finalists in the Women in School Leadership Award in the Central Office/ Principal category, sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and AASA, the School Superintendents Association. Dr. Suritsky will attend the AASA National Conference on Education in February in Nashville, Tennessee, for the final round of the selection process. The national winner will be chosen and announced during the conference. “Fewer than 25% of school district leaders are female, which means it’s essential to create opportunities that will bring more women into the field of education administration,” said Daniel A. Domenech, executive director of AASA. “The Women in School Leadership Awards program serves as a vehicle for women educators to develop their leadership skills and advance their careers. We congratulate our finalists who have worked exceptionally hard in serving the students in their respective communities.” The awards are designed to recognize exceptional leadership of active, front-line female administrators who are making a
difference in the lives of students every day and to pay tribute to the talent, creativity, and vision of outstanding women educational administrators in the nation’s public schools. Three awards—the Superintendent Award, the Central Office/ Principal Award, and the School-Based Award—are presented annually at the AASA National Conference on Education. Candidates are judged based on leadership in meeting the learning needs of students, personal and organizational communication strength, constant professional improvement of knowledge and skills, and active community involvement. Nominated by Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole, superintendent of schools, Dr. Suritsky was praised for her mentorship of others, particularly female educational leaders. “Throughout Dr. Suritsky’s tenure with Upper St. Clair School District, she has mentored many individuals to become effective leaders, especially our female staff members,” said Dr. O’Toole. “She communicates well by sharing her thoughts and ideas and lets others’ strength and personal character show through, empowering them to strive to give 100% to the organization.” In addition, Dr. O’Toole noted her effectiveness in working with and leading teams to successfully develop and implement a variety of programs and initiatives. “Dr. Suritsky is known for being the one who silently drives several major District initiatives and projects,” he said. “She is highly skilled at maximizing the strengths of District leaders so that they collectively meet the goals of these initiatives and projects. She is often the one who is behind the scenes putting people in positions so that both they and the District are successful.” Dr. Suritsky, who currently oversees Upper St. Clair’s K-12 instructional program, joined the District’s administrative
staff in 1996 as supervisor of special education. In 2009, acting assistant to the superintendent for curriculum and instruction was added to her responsibilities, and in 2012 she was elevated to assistant superintendent. Dr. Suritsky has served in her current capacity as assistant/ deputy superintendent since July 2014. In addition to providing leadership in the areas of curriculum, instruction, and assessment, Dr. Suritsky has been instrumental in the acquisition of grants totaling more than $185,000 to support academic programs and school safety initiatives. Dr. Suritsky began her career in education as a special education teacher at the secondary level. In addition, she previously taught special education courses at Duquesne University and Pennsylvania State University. She completed her undergraduate and doctoral studies in special education at Penn State University and earned her master’s degree in special education from Bloomsburg University. Her alma mater honored her with two awards, including the Leadership and Service Award from the Penn State College of Education Alumni Society as well as the Excellence Award for Outstanding Professional Service and Teaching from the Penn State College of Education. Dr. Suritsky has served on the program committee for the Dr. Jean E. Winsand Institute for Women in Leadership for the past four years. In 2016, she received the Jean Winsand Distinguished Female Educator Award from the Tri-State Area School Study Council. For more information on the Women in School Leadership Awards, visit the AASA website or contact Jennifer Rooney, AASA assistant director, meetings and awards, at jrooney@aasa.org or 703-875-0778. n
Kindergarten Registration 2018–2019 The dates for kindergarten registration for the 2018–19 school year are: • Baker: Tuesday, March 13 and Friday, March 23 • Eisenhower: Wednesday, March 14 and Tuesday, March 20 • Streams: Thursday, March 15 and Wednesday, March 21
Parents will be able to sign up for a time frame closer to the date for registration. Additional information about Kindergarten registration will be available on the Upper St. Clair School District website (www.uscsd.k12.pa.us) in early 2018. n
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USC Community Pep Rally
It was an evening of fun,
games, and back-to-school excitement as the Upper St. Clair School District hosted its first-ever community pep rally on August 31. Held in the evening hours at the high school stadium, the free event showcased a variety of competitions among the high school fall varsity sports teams, including girls’ and boys’ cross country, golf, and soccer; football; girls’ volleyball; girls’ tennis; field hockey; cheerleading; and rowing. Contests included limbo, pie eating, tug-of-war, field goal kicking, and more. In addition to friendly team competitions, the event featured performances by the marching band, dance and hip-hop teams, and cheerleaders, as well as an appearance by the Panther mascot. Attendees were asked to drop off donations of back-to-school supplies for The Education Partnership, a local nonprofit that provides school supplies to students and classrooms in need. n
To see all photos taken by UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY staff during the pep rally, visit TODAY’s Facebook page. Photography by Terry Kish. 48
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Schools Welcome Assistant Principals S t u d e n t s a t Boyce Middle School and Upper St. Clair High School welcomed new assistant principals at the start of the 2017–18 school year. Christine Mussomeli, who previously served as an assistant principal at Upper St. Clair High School, was named Boyce Middle School’s new assistant principal. She joined the Upper St. Clair administrative staff in 2012. During her five years at the Christine Mussomeli high school, Christine served as school assessment coordinator and was an active member of the Upper St. Clair School District Safety & Security Committee, Student Support Services Team, and the National Institute for School Leadership. In addition, she served as the administrator for the high school’s Summer STEAM Academy and summer school. A graduate of Duquesne University, Christine holds a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in educational administration. In addition, she is a certified supervisor of curriculum and instruction. Christine previously served as director of STEM at the Science and Technology Academy and high school English teacher, both in the Pittsburgh Public Schools.
Filling the assistant principal vacancy at the high school is Dan Zelenski, who has been an Upper St. Clair High School social studies teacher since 2009. During Dan’s tenure, he served as an assistant football coach, facilitator of the school’s Student Leadership Academy, case manager for the Student Support Services Team and vice president of the Upper St. Clair Education Association. In addition, Dan Dan Zelenski has led several clubs and events, including the annual Veterans Day assembly. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Dan holds a bachelor’s degree in history and political science as well as a master’s degree in teaching. He has been nominated for several awards related to teaching and leadership, including the Pennsylvania Teacher of Excellence Award, Nobel Educator of Distinction Award, and the Consortium for Public Education Leadership Award. Prior to Upper St. Clair, Dan served as a high school social studies teacher in the Hempfield Area School District for three years. n Winter 2017
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SD Strike Up the Band! USC Band Festival Hits the Right Notes Alison Hess, USCBPA President If you were anywhere near Upper St. Clair High School on Saturday, September 16, you may have seen the crowd or heard the drums and wondered what was happening that evening. It was a perfect night for the 42nd annual Marching Band Festival, a tradition that fills the air with music and fun every fall. But before a single instrument made a sound, the schedule of events that was planned exactly a year ago began. Alumni marching band members were greeted and dined in our school, reminiscing about songs and students they knew from their days in uniform. Neighboring bands from Baldwin, Brashear, Carlynton, Montour, South Fayette, and Steel Valley were welcomed as their hosts directed the students to the stands and the staff to our hospitality buffet with a place Jim Bennett, directing the USC alumni band to relax, recharge, and refresh. And our audience of family and friends were treated to a fully-stocked concession stand. A warm welcome by USC High School Principal Dr. Louis Angelo opened the festivities. Hosted by the Upper St. Clair Band Parents Association (USCBPA), this annual celebration of music in motion on the field draws crowds both young and old. As the sun set this year in a brilliant pink and purple sky, the beat of the drums echoed through the air, and all who could hear them felt the joy of the musicians. One hundred and forty-two USC marching band students took to the field to open the show with their signature march, Emperata, directed by special guest and former USC band director James Bennett (1971–2003). Alongside the marching band were 25 alumni marching band members. Also joining in were 67 Fort Couch Middle School students who got a taste of high school marching, as this was the first time these young musicians have participated in the festival. Drum majors Amanda Ross, Meghan Johnson, and Nick Ravasio led the students as they continued with The Star Spangled Banner and the USC alma mater. They then cleared the field for Carlynton High School, and the festival was officially underway! Each band took to the field and gave performances that showcased their style and strengths. To close out the show, USC students performed their Hard Corps Latin show featuring Topaz, Tiger of San Pedro, and Malaguena. Directed by Don Pickell and assisted by John Seybert (director of district bands), Kierah Hanna (auxiliary coach), and Patrick Jones (drumline coach), the students worked very hard since band camp in August and were excited to show their skills to family, friends, and neighbors. The band festival is sponsored by the USCBPA, the booster organizaFort Couch students get ready to take the field tion responsible for providing support to all the instrumental groups at the high school. The primary function of the USCBPA is to serve as an advocate and encourage participation in the many instrumental programs at Upcoming Performances the school, including marching band, jazz band, concert band, wind ensemble, and orchestra. District-wide, more than 200 students participate in these ensembles, keeping the music program vibrant and enriching the lives of those who attend concerts USCHS Jazz Ensemble Concert and programs. Throughout each school year, the instrumental ensembles presTuesday, November 21, 7 p.m. ent more than ten concerts, all of which are free and open to the public. March, Boyce Middle School Theater which is nationally recognized as “Music in our Schools Month,” offers three concerts as well as six performances of the USC High School musical, which is USCHS Bands and Orchestra a collaborative effort between instrumentalists and vocalists. Winter Concert Extending beyond our local community, the student instrumentalists at Thursday, December 21, 7 p.m. USC also have an opportunity to showcase their talents on a bigger stage. Each USCHS Theater spring, students in various ensembles participate in a music department trip, and those experiences are meaningful and exciting for the students. Last year, Visit www.uscbpa.org for complete information the Panther Marching Band, in conjunction with the Pantheon Choir traveled about the Upper St. Clair Band Parents Association, to Norfolk, Virginia, to participate in the 63rd annual Parade of Nations at The its activities, and fundraising initiatives. For a Norfolk NATO Festival. And this year, they will be flying to Walt Disney World complete list of performing arts events, visit the Upper St. Clair School District calendar at for workshops, performances, a parade, and fun in the parks! n
What – When – Where
www.uscsd.k12.pa.us.
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SD PTC
Baker
Pawprints... Eisenhower
Council Daphna Gans, PTC President It was our first PTC meeting of the year and I was sitting at the table with Dr. O’Toole, USCSD superintendent, Barbara Bolas, USCSD board director, and my fellow PTC executive board members when parents started filling up the room. As I greeted parents, some familiar and some new, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude to Dr. O’Toole and the entire administration team for their exceptional leadership, and to our teachers’ and staff’s unmatched talent and commitment, thankfulness to the serving school board directors for providing exemplary leadership, and a deep appreciation for my fellow PTA, PTOs, PTSOs presidents and volunteers and all parents. I also felt grateful that our students could look forward to yet another year in our beautiful school buildings. But, along with this sense of appreciation came an acute sense of recognition that not all students are as fortunate. This year, so many students and families were affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. USC schools have a long history and tradition of giving to many causes, both local and national, and the PTC Council has led many District-wide charitable efforts, including, most recently, monetary and school supply donations to The Education Partnership. It was not surprising that when I asked the schools to work together on a Districtwide effort to support children and families in the areas affected by the hurricanes, the schools’ PTA, PTOs, and PTSOs were already hard at work planning and implementing exceptional age-appropriate charitable activities. In addition to our commitment to supporting others, the PTC sponsors and coordinates programs that enhance the education environment of our students, including the Scripps spelling bee, and the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) and Partners in Education (PIE) committee meetings, sharing valuable information with parents. We host an Open Mic with 52
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Dr. O’Toole twice a year, with our fall Open Mic taking place in the evening (if you missed it, please come to our morning Open Mic this coming spring), and we publish the very popular District-wide student directory, both in print format and mobile-app. Last year, our new STEAM committee successfully launched coding classes in all elementary schools in coordination with the District’s growing STEAM curriculum implementation. Collaborating with the high school, classes were taught by parent volunteers and high school students and resulted in a win-win for all. We look forward to the start of these classes again this spring. We provide ongoing leadership and support to the parent association or organizations at each school and liaise between the District and parents. We are always open to new ideas and suggestions, so please contact me any time with any questions or suggestions. We are here to serve you! I deeply appreciate the gift you all give through sharing your time, your talents and skills, and even just your presence and attention. Please continue to come to our meetings, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, check our website, volunteer, and stay informed and engaged. USC High School Tracy Barnett, PTSO President I asked several students what they are most excited about for the 2017–18 school year. Their answers reflect the variety of activities that the high school offers our students. One freshman athlete plays on two sports teams and is looking forward to playing in games. Several sophomores enjoy the Partners in PE Class, as well as working with the Shop@USC class. Another sophomore is looking forward to getting back in the art room for class and working on her IB project. One junior enjoys playing in the end-of-year pickleball tournament with friends. Other kids enjoy watching their teachers play in that tournament. Finally, several seniors are Winter 2017
Fort Couch
USCHS
looking forward to hearing from colleges and attending graduation! Fort Couch Middle School Hemina KrishnaBachia, PTSO President Fort Couch is bustling with happy, enthusiastic children ready to explore the school’s new Innovation Hub and jump into new PTSO-sponsored STEAM initiatives. The PTSO executive board unanimously agreed to invest in the school’s Innovation Hub. Initial brainstorming generated ideas, including 3D printers, robotics, and portable STEAM carts for teachers. PTSO is trailblazing STEAM programs, including: • BuzzMath, a middle-school math application, is a collaborative effort between parents and Andrew Lucas, math curriculum leader. • Science Enrichment is a new initiative between PTSO and Caren Falascino, science curriculum leader. This is an exciting partnership with two other schools in the District. Our eighth graders are working with the high school forensics science team to solve science clues. Our seventh graders stepped up to mentoring roles, leading science experiments for students at Eisenhower Elementary. • Python Programming is an initiative led by high school senior Steven Cheung who developed a six-hour curriculum to teach this course to Fort Couch students. • Canvas Painting. Art is just as important as science. PTSO has partnered with an art studio in Mt. Lebanon to provide Fort Couch students an opportunity to paint a beautiful landscape canvas. Fort Couch students are receiving the benefit of an outstanding academic program coupled with hands-on PTSOsponsored STEAM activities!
... a USC Parent Teacher Council Feature Boyce Middle School Stacey Cobb, PTO President Boyce got off to a great start for the 2017–18 school year! Students were welcomed back by staff and the USC Panther mascot and greeted by the school’s new assistant principal, Christine Mussomeli. “We are extremely excited to welcome Ms. Mussomeli to the Boyce Team. She is a knowledgeable and experienced administrator who has really hit the ground running at Boyce. She is passionate about education, doing what’s best for students. We are thrilled to welcome her. She is a major asset to Boyce and someone who will play a prominent role in supporting the students and staff,” said Boyce principal Daniel O’Rourke. Each year, Boyce employs a different theme. The theme this year is “Embracing a Growth Mindset,” which comes from the work of Dr. Carol Dweck from Stanford University. “At Boyce we are committed to the philosophy that staff and students can benefit in all aspects of life by believing they can achieve, improve, and develop their intelligence and skills through hard work, resilience, and persistence through adversity. Dr. Dweck’s work is predicated on the belief that intelligence and skills are not fixed; rather, people can grow these attributes, and that mindsets can be changed. The staff and students have been introduced to the Growth Mindset theme for this year and will continue to participate in additional trainings and activities,” explained Principal O’Rourke. One of the many exciting new things at Boyce is the SHOP-Boyce@USC. SHOP is an acronym for Showing How Opportunity Pays. “We are elated to open the SHOP-Boyce@USC this school year. Modeled after the high school’s SHOP@ USC, we feel fortunate to offer similar opportunities to the students of Boyce,” said Principal O’Rourke. SHOP-Boyce@ USC is a great opportunity for students to use skills and make items that can be sold. The students are making magnets, buttons, and stickers, with the goal of becoming a self-sustained shop. Boyce wanted to show its support with the hurricane relief efforts. We were all saddened by the events that took place in Texas, Florida, and along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. As a school, we decided to adopt not just a classroom but an entire
school in Liberty, Texas. They needed all types of school supplies for their students and additionally needed basic hygiene products and sock, belts, and sweatshirts. The families of Boyce were very generous with their donations! We have a lot to look forward to this school year. The PTO looks forward to working with Principal O’Rourke and the Boyce staff to make the school a wonderful place for our students. Baker Elementary Michelle Urban, PTA President This is an exciting year for everyone at Baker! We have kicked off our main fundraiser for the school’s playground renovation. I asked a few of our Baker students “What are they most looking forward to this year or about the new playground?” Here’s what they said: Max Urban: Having fun with my friends. Making a tile for the tile wall at school, and helping my uncle install it. Ty Cimarolli: Having a great fourth grade year and enjoying my last year at Baker. Jake Cimarolli: Spending time with my friends. Ryan Cimarolli: Having a great first year at Baker with my brothers and friends. Morgan and Andrew Proud on the playground: Not having to wait for a swing, and being able to play with friends at the same time at recess. Ethan Beck: All the fun events at school, like Boo Bash and Baker Bedtime Stories. So, that’s what the students are most excited about; but if you ask the parents what they are looking forward to… it’s the adult-only Monkey Bars & Memories event at the Crowne Plaza for the playground renovation (see event invitation on page 76). Eisenhower Elementary Jessica Strub, PTO President The recent colder weather has me reflecting and thinking about gratitude. For this submission, I took time to speak with members of our community about their experiences in the District and what they are thankful for. Tyler, an eight-year-old, third grader who moved to the District from Bethel Park answered these questions: What do you like best about Eisenhower? We have really nice teachers! Winter 2017
SD PTC
What do you want to be when you grow up? I will be a professional soccer player. What is your favorite meal at Café Ike? Without a doubt, pizza sticks! What are you most thankful for at home? My family. What are you most thankful for at school? I have lots of friends at school. Evelyn, an 11-year-old, sixth grader, Eisenhower alumna, shared: What do like best about growing up in Upper St. Clair? There are so many nice people. Did you have a favorite Eisenhower teacher? No, I loved all my teachers, they were all so nice. What do you want your Eisenhower teachers to know? They did an amazing job, I felt really prepared for Boyce. What do you miss about Eisenhower? Recess was way more fun. What are you most thankful for at home? I am most thankful for my family and my pets. What are you most thankful for at school? I am thankful for my teachers and all the wonderful opportunities I am given. I am able to participate in musicals, orchestra, and special projects like Eagle Sweets with my teachers and classmates. Cecilia, a five-year-old, Kindergarten student said: What do you like best about Eisenhower? The principal. What do you want to be when you grow up? A veterinarian. What is your favorite meal at Café Ike? I am thinking popcorn chicken. I’ve never tried it, though. What are you most thankful for at home? My momma. What are you most thankful for at school? My teacher. Jessica Hudik, Kindergarten teacher Are you new to USC? I am. I moved to the District this past July. So far, what has impressed you about the District? I have been so impressed by the passion for education. I really feel like I am somewhere special. What are you most excited about as a new employee to the District? I am most excited to watch my very first class Cont. on page 54
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SD Capital Projects on Schedule
Construction Could Begin This Spring The Upper St. Clair School District’s capital projects are progressing as planned. The District anticipates going out to bid in December and awarding contracts in early spring. Construction will likely begin later this spring with an estimated completion in August 2019. “With some construction likely beginning before the end of the school year, a lot of careful planning will be required to limit the disruption to students,” said Dr. Patrick O’Toole, superintendent of schools. In June, the School Board approved a contract with PJ Dick to serve as construction manager for the projects. Board members cited PJ Dick’s previous experience with the District as well as its successful involvement with several swimming facilities as rationale for their support. The company served as project manager for the duration of the renovation projects at Boyce and Fort Couch middle schools as well as the high school. As construction manager, officials from PJ Dick will work cooperatively with the District’s architects at McLean Architects LLC to develop and review construction documents and bidding specifications, review responsive bids, and provide day-to-day, on-site supervision of the projects. In March 2017, the School Board approved its ad hoc committee’s final report and authorized McLean Architects to continue the design development, construction documents, and construction phase administration for capital projects that include: • Construction of a new eight-lane pool at the high school Pawprints Cont. from page 53
grow up. That is what’s special about Kindergarten; I will be able to watch them grow. I think it will be amazing! What would you like your students to know? I want them to know that I believe in them and I truly care for them. What are you most thankful for at home? Personally, for my supportive, close family. I am blessed. What are you most thankful for at school? The entire USC community! As I listened to these community members speak so proudly of their experiences and excitement for USC, I am reminded of a quote from John F Kennedy: We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives. I would like to take this opportunity to say “thank you” to my family, my friends, and to this amazing community we all call home.
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Consideration of a separate diving well/special use pool, to be bid as an add alternate or delete to the project • Construction of a multi-use complex at the high school stadium, to include: Home and visitor-side bleacher repair/renovation ADA-compliant restroom facilities, ticket booth, concession area, announcing facilities Multi-use space available for School District and community use District administrative office space within the complex • Completion of Boyce athletic field facilities A single structure to include rest rooms/changing area, concession area and announcing booth The ad hoc committee’s recommendation also includes the removal of a pedestrian bridge at the high school and repaving of the high school’s parking lot at the conclusion of the project. The estimated cost for all of the projects totals $16 million. The potential effect on property taxpayers is spread out over two years with a tentative 0.15 mill tax increase in 2018–19 and a tentative 0.16 mill tax increase in 2019–20. Anticipated additional revenue from new commercial and residential developments could mitigate some of the anticipated increase. In addition, the School District is seeking private contributions through a legacy campaign. Director of Advancement Sheila Gorgonio has worked with several Upper St. Clair families who have privately funded various initiatives. n
Streams Elementary Veronica Davis, PTO President The new school year brought with it many things: the nervous energy of the students and teachers alike, cheerful greetings from friends and staff, and the anticipation of what this year will hold. Students are excited to learn about cultures from around the world and being exposed to new vocabulary and new styles of music and art. Between the incoming Kindergarten students who are just learning their way around the school to the fourth graders and their final year at Streams, a new school year is always full of promise and excitement! For all the students and faculty, there are the annual events that make Streams such a special place, like Stravaganza, the school’s annual carnival and the biggest fundraiser event. “I’m really excited for science class because we get to do fun experiments. And I’m also excited for Stravaganza!” said Fionn Moriarty, a fourth grader. Winter 2017
PTC For other students, the excitement is for new lessons and knowledge. Kennedy Geyer, a third grader is “excited to learn new words and vocabulary. I also can’t wait to learn more cursive and learn about France,” she said. Other students look forward to increased responsibility in the classroom and to show what they’ve learned. Matilda Lancaster, a first grader, is “excited for the spelling test!” Blake and Conrad Davis, second graders, are eager to “learn about Japan,” which has become a very exciting activity for the second-grade classrooms, and reflects the IB curriculum focus at Streams. There are also activities that take place beyond the standard classroom and expose the students to the sights and sounds of our world. Grady Davis, a fourth grader, is anxious to begin his violin lessons to prepare for the upcoming spring concert and he’s “curious to use the pottery wheel in art class and to be part of the fourth grade art club.” n
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USCHS Earns National Debate School of Excellence Award The Upper St. Clair High School Speech & Debate team recently earned the school’s first ever Debate School of Excellence Award from the National Speech & Debate Association. The award recognizes the top 20 schools in total debate points from the 2017 national tournament, which was held this past June in Birmingham, Alabama. In addition to the team’s achievement, several students earned high honors. The team of Macey Kaplan and Arushi Kewalramani finished tenth in Public Forum Debate. They were one of four teams in the nation that went undefeated, 12–0, in six preliminary rounds. “Macey and Arushi achieved the highest finish by any Upper St. Clair competitors at the NSDA Nationals,” said Ben Edwards, the team’s coach. Other top finishers in the national competition included Yash Lahoti, who placed 14th among 1300 participants in Extemporaneous Debate, and Caleb Troughtzmantz, who finished among the top 50 in Lincoln Douglas Debate. In total, 14 USCHS students competed in various disciplines at the 2017 National Speech & Debate Association tournament. World Debate Team: Raahema Durrani, Yash Lahoti, Jacob Lantzman, Neale Misquitta, Vicki Wang Public Forum Debate: Macey Kaplan, Arushi Kewalramani Program Oral Interpretation: Hashim Durrani, Charlize Goff Informative Oratory: Tana Mahajan Humorous Interpretation: Shebl Rosati
Lincoln-Douglas Debate: Amna Amin, Caleb Troughtzmantz Congress–House of Representatives: Tyler Besselman n
Debate champs! Winter 2017
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High School Math Teacher Finalist for National Award Steve Miller, Upper St. Clair High School mathematics teacher and curriculum leader, was recently named one of four Pennsylvania finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Steve’s application advanced to the National Science Foundation to be evaluated by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators for Steve Miller the national award. Up to 108 teachers, representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, US Territories, and the Department of Defense Education Activity schools, are recognized with a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching each year. Awardees receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States, a trip to Washington DC to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation. “Mr. Miller is to be commended for his unwavering dedication to and relationship with our students. It is clear, based upon his instructional practices alone, that he places the needs of his students above his own,” said Dr. Louis Angelo, Upper St. Clair High School principal. “Only the most committed educators are willing and able to customize learning, and our students recognize his commitment.”
According to the organization’s website, “the award recognizes those teachers who develop and implement a high-quality instructional program that is informed by content knowledge and enhances student learning. Since the program’s inception, more than 4700 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession.” The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Anyone—principals, teachers, parents, students, or members of the public—can nominate teachers for the award. Michael Nastac, a 2016 USCHS graduate, nominated Steve for the award. “I was deeply honored to be nominated by Michael,” said Steve. “I try hard to provide meaningful learning experiences to all my students, and to know that a student of Michael’s caliber found value in my classes to consider me worthy of this nomination is very gratifying and humbling.” Steve joined the USCHS faculty in 2004 after a successful career as a senior software developer where he designed, developed, and tested software for Carnegie Learning’s Cognitive Tutor program, a nationally-recognized mathematics curriculum. “Prior to teaching I was a software developer for about five years. I enjoyed my work, but I did not find it fulfilling,” Steve said. “I was drawn to teaching after doing volunteer work with high schoolers at my church. Teaching high school math enables me to use my abilities to help kids grow in a subject for which I have passion.” Steve earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree in teaching secondary mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh. n
USC Athlete Named to U.S. National Development Team Upper St. Clair High School sophomore Harrison Burgess was selected to the 17-member 2017–18 U.S. National Development Sled Hockey Team. During that time, he will compete in various national and international events as well as train with the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team. Harrison, 15, is the youngest member of the development team that includes 11 returnees from the 2017 team that swept Canada in its three-game series at the Defi Sportif AlterGo event in Montreal this past April. In total, 14 of the 17 players have previously skated with the team. Harrison is one of only three new players on the team this year. Elite athletes, nominated by their local coaches, had the opportunity to attend a six-day 2017 USA Hockey Sled player development camp this past July in Williamsville, New York. The purpose of the camp was to identify, train, and educate the top sled hockey athletes in the United States. Throughout the camp,
players were evaluated for possible selection to the U.S. National Development Sled Hockey Team. Born with spina bifida, a disability that involves muscle weakness in the legs, Harrison began competing in sled hockey in 2010 after discovering the sport during an intermission at a Pittsburgh Penguins hockey game. Locally, he is a member of the Pittsburgh Mighty Penguins sled hockey team, which trains at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry. The U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team represents the United States at the Paralympic Winter Games. The event is held every four years directly following the Winter Olympic Games in the same city that hosts the Winter Olympics. “Harrison is hoping to grow as a player during his time on the development team and potentially make a run for competing on the 2022 Paralympic team,” said Michele Burgess, Harrison’s mom. In addition to sled hockey, Harrison has participated in musical theater, including
portraying Beast in Fort Couch Middle School’s production of “Beauty and the Beast” in eighth grade. During his high school freshman year, his sled hockey schedule prevented him from auditioning for the high school musical, although he enjoys attending the Center for Theater Arts, where he played the role of Willard in “Footloose.” Harrison is the son of Michele and Kyle Burgess and big brother to Scarlett, a first grader at Streams Elementary. n
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THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? SD THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT ? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEY DID WHAT?THEY DID WHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEY DID WHAT?THEY DID WHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEY THEY DIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDID DIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? WHAT THEY DIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? ?IDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYD THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? THEYDIDWHAT?THEYDIDWHAT? USC Launches Athletic Website The District recently launched a new athletics website—upperstclairathletics. com—offering the latest in sports news as well as photo galleries, schedules, and other information for the school’s athletic teams. The website enables Panther fans to sign up to receive email and/or text alerts for one or more teams. Parents, athletes, and fans can now receive schedule changes, games results, and features delivered directly to their inboxes. For this service, visit the website and click on the “Sign Up for Alerts” link at the top of the page. Currently, website additions and updates are managed by Dr. Kevin Deitrick, director of athletics. The longterm goal is for school coaches to upload their team’s results in real time. The USC athletics website is made possible through a partnership with Varsity News Network (VNN). VNN provides the technology platform as well as manages advertising sales on the site. A percentage of all advertising revenue is returned to the District, more than covering the one-time $1600 cost to create the site. More than 2000 schools nationwide are using VNN to manage their athletic programs, including nine other Allegheny County public schools—Avonworth, Baldwin, Carlynton, Hampton Area, Keystone Oaks, North Hills, Northgate, Riverview, Shaler, and Woodland Hills.
Silver Medalist USC sixth grader Keshav Narasimhan earned a silver medal for reaching the semifinals at the statewide 24 Challenge tournament held this past June in Harrisburg. The 24 Challenge is a math card game; the objective is to find a way to manipulate four integers so that the result is 24. More than 145 students in grades four through eight representing 29 intermediate units from throughout Pennsylvania competed in the event, which was organized into three grade level divisions: fourth and fifth graders, six graders, and seventh and eighth graders. In the sixth-grade division, nearly 50 participants competed in two preliminary rounds. The top 16 scorers, including Keshav, qualified for the semifinals and faced off in groups of four to determine the four finalists. Each of the four finalists received a gold medal, while the state champion earned a trophy. Daniel Wang, a Fort Couch seventh grader, also qualified to participate at the state tournament. Keshav and Daniel advanced to the statewide 24 Challenge competition after finishing first in their respective divisions at the regional competition in May at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU). More than 100 Allegheny County students in grades four through eight competed at the regional competition. The top three in each grade division advanced to the state-level competition. Students at the state competition had the opportunity to meet Keshav Narasimhan, 24 Challenge silver medalist and interact with Robert Sun, the creator of the 24 card game.
National Merit Semifinalists Eleven USCHS seniors—Kevin Chen, Steven Cheung, Ariana Chiu, Nadith Dharmasena, Sahil Doshi, Jagadeesh Gummadi, Michael Hrehocik, Caroline LeKachman, Spencer Miller, Daniel Speer, and Abigail Wagner—were named semifinalists in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program. Each student scored in the top one percent of all juniors who completed the PSAT in October 2016. Founded in 1955, the National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships. Students enter the program by taking the Preliminary SAT (PSAT)—the National Merit Scholarship qualifying test—during the fall of their junior year. Of the nearly 1.6 million entrants, the top one percent (approximately 16,000 students) qualify as semifinalists. Semifinalists can continue in the competition for some 7400 Merit Scholarships that will be offered in the spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. National Merit Finalists will be named in February 2018, followed by naming the National Merit Scholars in the spring.
National Merit Commended Students Fifteen USCHS seniors—Taim Aizooky, Lily Bonasso, Sydney Closser, Thejaswi Duvvuru, John Gordley, Andrew Hobart, Wyatt Keating, Emily Molitoris, Aritro Nandi, Elizabeth Petley, Andrew Rocks, Shebl Rosati, Kriti Shah, Mythri Sundar, and Mary Wilding—were recognized as Commended Students in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program, scoring in the top three percent of more than 1.6 million students who completed the 2016 PSAT.
Color Me Candles Nathan Powell, a third grader at Streams Elementary, wanted to help people affected by recent natural disasters, and thought he could make a difference by collecting broken or used crayons, melting them into candles, and then selling the candles. He named his project “Color Me Candles” and the entire school has been helping Nathan by donating crayons. Nathan’s goal is to raise $1000. To assist Nathan’s efforts, community members have donated appliances, supplies, and money for the cause.
Nathan Powell
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Life Planning
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Study Shows Ladies Enjoy Retirement More Than Men Rachael Rennebeck
Studies have shown that women fret more about retiring than men do, but once their career is over, women enjoy retired life more than men. Several women at Providence Point were recently surveyed to see if these findings were true. Though it was not determined whether women were enjoying themselves more, it was obvious the ladies are experiencing fulfilling, fun lifestyles. On this day, the ladies gathered for a 9 a.m. check-in to deliver flowers to those living in the memory support residence at Providence Point, followed by a 10 a.m. exercise class. There was just enough time to freshen up before grabbing lunch around noon to assure prompt arrival at the resident planning committee meeting at 1 p.m. An early afternoon bridge game preceded the almost sold-out iPad tutorial, and then it was off to meet more women for the monthly ladies’ night out dinner. This is an example of just one day in the life of a resident at Providence Point. A majority of the volunteers, and some of the busiest socialites, are women. These leading ladies hail from all over the country, including New England and Florida. 58
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There are also quite a few from within the city limits, including Squirrel Hill. Many have been South Hills dwellers who left their Mt. Lebanon and Upper St. Clair addresses to call Providence Point home. Among them are retired school teachers, healthcare workers, and business women who balanced raising their children and working, or made names for themselves as distinguished and strong corporate females. They know how to multi-task, they are interested in culture and lectures, and, most importantly, they value the importance of friendship; specifically, the sisterhood they have built and continue to nurture at their new home, Providence Point. In fact, Coralie Frame and Mary Ann Wucher took over organizing the monthly ladies’ nights, which usually entail a night out at a nearby restaurant. This offcampus dinner outing, normally the fourth Tuesday of each month, starts with inviting 60 ladies through email and printed invites. Coralie and Mary Ann typically lunch at the location prior to the event for a trial run, and choose places that have a private room and that are within a few mile Winter 2017
Enjoying Ladies’ Night Out are, left to right, Nancy McSteen, Mary Ann Wucher, Pat Evey, Jean Barker, Doris Shepherd, Amy Cohen, Frances Aloe, Ruthe Fleming, Coralie Frame, Callie Christner, and Janice Strickler
radius. “It is the best way to get to know the other ladies who live at Providence Point. After you’ve sat next to each other, talked, and eaten, you tend to better remember others’ names,” said Mary Ann. While many of the women participate in the physical fitness options, like water aerobics, card club and wine sampling are also among the ladies’ choices for favorite things to do. Fortunately, getting to know new people is always on their agenda. “With more than 330 people in two towers and patio homes, there are many ways in which to create warm circles of friendships,” said Mary Ann. “It’s a great place to be!” n See ad for Providence Point, a Baptist Homes Society community, on this page.
Life Planning
Plan to Winterize Your Home Lynn Dempsey
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Life planning means many things to many people. While it’s great to live in an area that experiences all four seasons, living here requires that you plan ahead for your home’s maintenance. As a suggestion and to save money later on, it’s a good idea to prepare your house in the fall months for the inevitable winter season that lies ahead. Whether you are undertaking maintenance projects yourself or hiring professionals to do the job, here are some ways to prepare your home for the coming winter chill: • Heating Systems Check Up. To make sure that your furnace is running efficiently and safely, hire a professional to do a routine check on your heating system. Replace disposable air filters or clean permanent filters, making sure to keep them clean during the heating season. A professional will know how often air filters should be replaced or cleaned. • Chimney and Fireplace. Make sure your chimney is free of leaves, nests, birds, squirrels, or any other small animal. To keep outside debris from getting inside, make sure your chimney cap is in working order and securely fastened to the chimney. Check the flu damper to make sure it opens and closes easily. To assure that the chimney is drawing up the fire and smoke, check the draft. To test this, rollup some newspaper and light one end while it is placed in the fireplace with the flu open. If it is working properly, the smoke should rise. If it doesn’t, you may have an obstruction in the chimney or a crack in the lining. Call a professional chimney sweep to check and clean the chimney and, possibly, to evaluate your chimney’s inside walls using a camera. • Windows. Make sure your windows are caulked, both inside and outside. Install weather stripping if you feel outside air coming in around your windows. For proper curing, caulking should be applied when the temperature is at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit and when it is not humid or raining. • Yard and Garden. Drain all hoses and sprinklers so they do not freeze or break in cold temperatures. Protect your plants by trimming them back close to ground level. Remove dead or dying limbs from trees that surround your house to avoid snow and ice buildup. The weight of the buildup or heavy winds could cause branches to break off and fall, creating potential damage to your home.
I hope this has been beneficial to you as you plan for our winter ahead. For names of home repair professionals to complete these jobs, feel free to give me a call. n Lynn Dempsey, Realtor®, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services, can be reached at lynn.dempsey@pittsburghmoves.com or 412-445-6264. See ad on page 69.
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Life Planning
Retirement Planning Continues Through Retirement
Retirement planning doesn’t end when you retire. You’ve worked hard, and now it’s time to enjoy the benefits. But you may still have questions about your savings and spending or other to-do items on your planning list. Review your income sources. When you’re retired, one of your goals should be to maximize and protect your income sources so you can live comfortably and confidently. You might leave a portion of your investments in a higher-risk, or aggressive, allocation adjusted for a longer timeline. In addition, you might consider placing two to three years of expenses in a liquid account—such as an interest-bearing savings, checking, or money market account—to safeguard against market downturns. If you haven’t already, you should also decide when you want to begin receiving Social Security benefits. You can start drawing benefits as early as age 62, but you’ll receive more money each month if you wait until you’re U.S. governmentdeemed full retirement age. Your benefits continue to increase until age 70. Knowing your approximate Social Security benefit amount is essential if you’re planning to rely on it for retirement income. Regardless of when you plan to begin drawing Social Security benefits, or what your full retirement age is, you must apply for Medicare during the three months before your 65th birthday to avoid delay in the start of your Medicare Part B coverage. You may also need a supplement plan to cover the gaps where Medicare falls short, as well as a prescription drug plan. How much money should I spend? Now is the time to start enjoying your retirement, but be careful not to withdraw too much money during the first few years of retirement. Even if you think you’ve saved enough to generate the suggested 70 to 80% of your previous yearly income, you certainly don’t want to overspend and risk running out of cash. A 2015 study by the Employee Benefit Research Institute found that 31.5% of Gen Xers are at risk of running out of money in retirement. Single females are by far the demographic most likely to have a retirement shortfall. Individuals younger than Baby Boomers are also facing a larger deficit due to the lack of pensions available and other factors. Don’t make that mistake! Find other income sources. Retirement can be expensive. These days, more and more retirees are seeking jobs, either because they need the money to make ends meet or miss the structure a job provides. You might want to consult or find a part-time position in a new field to generate additional income. If you start collecting Social Security early, your benefits will be reduced $1 for every $2 you earn over the current earning limit until you
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Around the Township USC’s First Four Reunion Ray Conaway, USCHS Class of 1961 Members of the USCHS Class of 1962
Members of the classes of 1960, 1961, 1962, and 1963—the first four graduating classes from Upper St. Clair High School—gathered for a combined reunion this past August. The idea for the joint reunion was Diane Sutton Tracy’s, ’60, who was instrumental in assisting the planning committee made up of local alumni Ken Baxter and Carolyn Bruschi, ’60; Toni and Ray Conaway, Lou Delach, Milt Hamel, Margie Dolanch Stein, ’61; and Larry and Karen Godwin, ’62. More than 80 alumni and their spouses from around the country came together to reminisce and enjoy four wonderful days of activities. The event kicked off with a visit (a first for many) to beautiful PNC Park for a Pirates game. Lunch the next day gave out-of-towners a chance to see today’s
Left to right (USCHS Class of 1961): Ray Conaway, Carol Fischer Hannigan, Margie Dolanch Stein 62
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University of Arizona in Tucson, and a 2002 inductee into USC’s Academic Hall of Fame, gave a fascinating account of his field work and discoveries as a member of a joint geological and anthropological project in Greece, searching for the birthplace of Zeus. That evening, and to culminate the reunion activities, the four classes attended a banquet dinner at Bella Sera in Canonsburg. The master of ceremonies was Robert Glenn, ’60, author of the lyrics to USC’s alma mater. Memories of life in USC Township in the ’50s and ’60s were fondly shared as was, of course, the singing of the alma mater, led by Robert. Prior to 1957, the Upper St. Clair school system ended at the ninth grade. Most of the students then went on to Mt. Lebanon or Bridgeville to complete high school. When the decision was made to erect a high school in USC, the class of 1960 completed ninth grade in 1957 and was deemed the “senior” class for the next three years. The high school, which began with ninth and tenth grade classes in the 1957–58 school year, was situated in Fort Couch School, which initially housed grades K through 10, (most of the elementary grade students eventually moved to the new Johnson Road School when it opened) then 11, and finally 12 in the 1959–60 school year. The three years that USC had no graduating class resulted in many inter-class friendships, which bonded members in those Left to right (USCHS Class of 1960): Alan Colussy and his wife; classes in a very special way. standing Carolyn Bruschi, Diane Sutton Tracy; seated at right, The classes of 1960 and 1961 downtown Pittsburgh from the spectacular vantage point of Grandview Avenue atop Mt. Washington. That evening, the classes of ’60 and ’61 gathered for dinner at Diamond Run Golf Club, while the classes of ’62 and ’63 enjoyed dinner at Fiori’s Pizza in Peters Township. The following day, all four classes enjoyed presentations by two alumni: Margie Dolanch Stein, ’61, a descendant of two of Upper St. Clair’s oldest families—the Fifes and the McMillans, who’ve lived in USC Township continuously since before the Civil War—shared her family history and old family photos and maps, while telling about life in early Upper St. Clair. Her interesting talk was supplemented by anecdotes from other generational alumni, including Larry Godwin, ’62, the author of Upper St. Clair, a Pictorial USC Township History, available at Barnes and Noble and other bookstores. Dr. George Davis, ’60, an eminent, internationally-known geology professor, text book author, Provost Emeritus at the
Robert Sasser and his wife
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graduated from Fort Couch. The class of 1962 attended classes at Fort Couch but held their graduation ceremony at the newly constructed high school on McLaughlin Run Road, its present location. The class of 1963 was the first senior class to attend classes at the new high school. Members of the first four classes realized they were participating in something new, playing a pivotal and pioneering role in creating history and traditions of the school. The student body voted to select black and white as the school’s colors (red was added later as an accent color) and “Panthers” as its nickname. Students of the first four classes were the members of the Panthers’ first interscholastic teams in football, basketball, baseball, golf, and track and field. (The 1959–60 basketball team and the 1960 football team posted winning records, the first of many winning seasons in all of USCHS sports.) This student group made up the first cheerleaders, majorettes, and the first members of the marching band, orchestra, choir, and choral groups. They created and adopted the alma mater. They created the St. Clarion, the student newspaper, and the Clairvoyant, the yearbook. They staged and produced the first high school plays, elected the first student council, and created the first clubs and organizations, including Future Teachers and Future Nurses of America. A very high percentage of these students went on to and graduated from various colleges and helped establish USC High School’s prominent standing as a leader in academic excellence. While the members of the first four classes of USC High School take pride in their own experiences and roles in the school’s history, they are equally proud of the continual evolution of Upper St. Clair as one of the premier high schools in Pennsylvania, perennially excelling in academics, the arts, and athletics. n
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Left to right (men are USCHS alumni): Milt Hamel (1961); George Davis, Jerry Gorby, Ken Baxter (1960); and wives
Errata: “Our Panther Colors,” fall 2017 edition of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, pages 54–55, credited Angelo Ruzzini for originating the USCHS alma mater. While Angelo wrote the music, Robert Glenn (USCHS Class of 1960) wrote the lyrics. Years later, Robert also wrote lyrics for an anniversary verse of the alma mater, which was presented at an assembly and USCHS football game in 2010. Should you have school reunion information to share, email usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us. Our readers would love to learn about your event!
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The Angels Angels of of Polish Polish Hill— Hill— The Heavenly Daytrip Daytrip aa Heavenly Mary Lynne Spazok Overwhelmed each holiday season by “Christmas Creep?” The displays of holiday-themed merchandise and decorations that appear just after Halloween can leave one exhausted! Each of us is expected to feel joy in our hearts, but sadly, some are lonely because they’ve suffered the loss of loved ones. Unforeseen career separation is unnerving. Excessive commercialization, the pressure to splurge, and inane debt all trigger melancholy. Dread the strained social encounters with family, friends, and co-workers? You are not alone! But whether spiritual or secular, your heart can be filled with joy and peacefulness. If the celebrated Austrian Advent markets do not fit your timetable or budget, but if you appreciate art history, museums, or European-style statuary, then a visit to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church is perfect. Here you will find the “Angels of Polish Hill.” One hundred and thirty-two years ago, waves of Eastern European immigrants chose these steep hills—located east of downtown Pittsburgh and surrounded by Lawrenceville, the Strip District, and Bloomfield—to be their home. Families
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settled door-to-door to help preserve their ethnicity, Polish language, and, above all else, their faith. From 1885 until 1895, the number of newcomer residents rose exponentially. With a steady stream of traffic and nonstop development, walking to the Strip District for religious fulfillment was difficult. And so, under the patronage of the Catholic Diocese, the Immaculate Heart Rectory was built on Brereton Avenue in 1901. Built with the pennies of heavy industry’s manual laborers, miners, and steelworkers, the church cornerstone was blessed on July 31, 1904. Immaculate Heart’s cultural anthology is amazing. Validated by The Pittsburgh Historic and Landmark Foundation, this church embodies architectural character, deeply-rooted folkloric tradition, and a spiritual environment. From the original wood flooring, exemplary mosaics, radiant stained glass, and gilded stenciling, every inch of the interior is a glorious feast for the eyes. The life-size Seraphim (winged angel) statues are magnificent! Both upright and kneeling, they can weigh up to several hundred pounds each. Their articulated wings are extraordinary. Explore the many object d’art alcoves,
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as well. On display is a first class relic (object of reverence) of Pope St. John Paul II, presented “on site” by Krakow Poland’s Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwsz (John Paul’s personal secretary). IHM is showcased at the Heinz History Center photo exhibit and featured in several Pittsburgh documentaries by WQED’s Rich Sebak. For the Easter season and Mother’s Day, the awakening of springtime’s flora is showcased. While special interest, social and church groups offer tours at various seasons of the year, Saturdays at 3 p.m. or Sundays between 10 and 11 a.m. is always ideal. A handicap drop-off is located at the rear of the building that has an adjacent parking lot. Of course, on-street parking is available. After your visit, search out the neighborhood stores that offer homemade ethnic foods, including scrumptious pierogis. Just across the street, the Pope’s Place Sports Bar’s catchphrase is “Where sinners and saints come to have fun.” The casual dress code “civility is enforced!” should be respected. Keeping with the theme of this daytrip, delight in divine family fare at the Church Brew Works, located in Lower Lawrenceville at 3525 Liberty Avenue. If you enjoy this daytrip in the
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summer months, along the way you may see the Steel City Grazing Goats at West Penn Park. These “grass powered mowers” insatiably devour invasive vines and knotweed. Student volunteers from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh clear woodier growth from the site, thus better prepping for tree planting. Tree Pittsburgh first brought goats to this site in July 2014 as part of a green effort pilot project to clear ultra-steep hillsides for restoration. Needless to say, these eco-goats are a hit, no “kid”ding! Europeans have a reverence for historic buildings and tourists flock to them. Why then, in the name of progress, does historic site demolition occur all too often in the U.S.? Be proactive and take the time to Sidenote: Hundreds of local and international visitors have passed through the Brereton doors; please add your name to the guest comment register at the foyer. To sustain IHM (Kościół Matki Boskiej) contributions of time, effort, and like most preservation efforts, monetary donations, while not necessary, are appreciated.
visit worthy points of discovery: historical monuments, museums, art galleries, botanical gardens, and the like. Revel in the opulent Victorian splendor of the Henry Clay Frick Estate, East End. Travel I-79 north to Grove City for an illuminating tour of America’s oldest and largest foundry, August Wendell Forge, founded in 1923. Here, mementos of hand forged metal exhibit artistry with every strike of a hammer amid a chorus of crackling forge fires.
Holidays are blissful, but that euphoria can be short-lived. If unending errands, juggling schedules, and your nearest and dearest leave you frazzled, banish Christmas Creep. Take positive steps this year to simplify, reduce pressures, and increase enjoyment of what ought to be a fulfilling, enjoyable season. Let the Angels of Polish Hill inspire serenity. Appreciate that in our daily lives angels come in many forms—from loving pets, to helpful strangers, to our own acts of kindness. Make time to engage in the merriment of traditional holiday carols and relish freshly fallen snow. Striving for excellence is admirable, but peace of mind and a joyful heart are priceless! Wesołych świąt! (Happy holidays!) n
Directions from USC to Immaculate Heart of Mary, 3058 Brereton Avenue: From downtown Pittsburgh, travel north on Liberty Avenue, passing the bus station on your left and Amtrak Station on your right. Arriving at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 28th Street, turn a slight quirky right up the hill, across the bridge to Brereton Avenue. You will see the “WITAMY DO” welcome sign. For further information, photos, and events, visit www.immaculateheartpolishhill.com. Email Mary Lynne Spazok at MLSUSC@aol.com with questions or comments. Winter 2017
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Engage Your Senses with a Daytrip to Fallingwater Any time of year is the “Wright” time to take a daytrip to the Laurel Highlands and Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright’s signature architectural design property. Approximately 90 miles south of Pittsburgh following Route 40 then east on Route 381, this daytrip will not disappoint. Designed by Wright and built of concrete, steel, and stone in the mid-1930s as a summer home for Edgar Kaufmann (founder and owner of Kaufmann’s Department Store) and his wife, Liliane, and their son, Edgar Jr., this three-level structure magnificently cantilevers over Bear Run, an active spring whose soothing sounds permeate throughout the grounds and eventually filter into the Youghiogheny River. The intended architecFallingwater, side view tural design of the small bedrooms and low narrow hallways forces guests out of these spaces and into common living areas, including the multi-level outdoor patios and spring-fed pool, to enjoy the company of others and nature’s beauty. The less-than-grand kitchen in the back of the house was designed not for a place to gather, but for use by the hired help. Connected to Fallingwater by an overhung walkway, one-level guest quarters (sleeping and living areas) were built into the side of a hill above the main house, sharing similar stunning views and sounds of the surrounding nature. The numerous windows showcase unobstructed views of the brilliant foliage—evergreens and many white, pink, and purple rhododendrons surrounding the quarters. Inside, the art choices of the Kaufmanns are dominated by warm, inviting hues and represent countries, including Mexico, Morocco, and Japan. The furniture is unassuming, understated, and especially low so as not to interfere with the view of the outside. The year 2017 marks what would have been Frank Lloyd Wright 150th birthday (1867–1959). Wright, one of America’s most visionary architects, also spent time as an interior designer, writer, and educator throughout the different stages in his career. There are more than 500 buildings credited to his name—Fallingwater being the most noteworthy, according to many. After the deaths of Edgar Sr. and Liliane, Edgar Jr. deeded the property in 1963 to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, an organization that continues to operate it as a museum and National Historic Landmark, providing daily scheduled tours. Need more to fill your day before returning home? Why not visit nearby Ohiopyle State Park (get information and maps from the visitor center located on Route 381). Known for outdoor 66
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everything—whitewater rafting, fishing, camping, and mountain biking through the Great Allegheny Passage—enjoy a picnic lunch on a blanket near the Youghiogheny for calming sounds and scenery, or grab a bite at the local general store and enjoy some homemade soups and great sandwiches. Don’t forget to get a scoop of the delicious ice cream while there! If you want to turn your daytrip into an overnight, roll the dice and try nearby Nemacolin Woodlands, the exclusive resort on Route 40 south of the Route 381 turnoff, with many amenities and an attached casino. There are lots of camping choices and some bed and breakfast venues in the Ohiopyle area, if that’s more your style. Why is it that historic sites and items of interest in our own backyard are generally investigated and Fallingwater, front view enjoyed more by those who excitedly travel from hundreds of miles away to visit? Take Fallingwater (and its parking lot), for example. On this late summer day, it was filled with people from all over the U.S. and Canada, as evidenced by the cars’ license plates. So, whether the season is spring, summer, fall, or winter, anytime is the “Wright” time to take this homegrown daytrip! n
For information or to purchase guided house tour tickets for Fallingwater (1491 Mills Run Road, Mill Run, PA, 15464), visit www.fallingwater.org. For information about Ohiopyle State Park, phone 724-329-8591, email ohiopylesp@pa.gov, or visit www.visitPAparks.com (GPS DD: Latitude 39.867492, Longitude 79.493921). If you have a daytrip that you’d like to share with our readers, write to usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us.
Preferred Drapery and Blinds Celebrates 20 Years in the Community Preferred Drapery and Blinds is owned and operated by longtime USC resident Terry Gensler. Born and raised here, Terry leads the company, along with the help of his family, to serve the USC community and surrounding areas. For the past two decades, Preferred Drapery and Blinds has taken its longterm community commitment very seriously and is proud of the professional products and exceptional services that it offers. As the only showcase showroom for Hunter Douglas in the South Hills, Preferred Drapery offers a wide variety of custom products in hundreds of choices for color, texture, fabric, and function. Its experienced design professionals provide service from measuring, selection, and installation to finding a solution that not only looks great but provides privacy and light control, as well. Elegant Custom Drapery Drapery and valances can add the perfect finishing touch to your window. Preferred Drapery and Blinds and their design professionals create a beautiful soft window solution in a variety of styles from a basic pinch to a sophisticated top treatment. The wide selection of fabrics and are made locally in the store’s Pittsburgh workroom, located in the West End. Home Automation and Energy Conservation Today’s homeowners are in a never ending battle to reduce rising energy costs and they continually look for methods to better insulate their homes and use energy more efficiently. As Terry says, “Invite the light in, not the heat or cold.” As a motorized shading system specialist, Terry and his staff will design a stylish look, coupled with innovative technology, to help you save
energy and create a look you want with the convenience of wireless, remote/key pad, or wireless tabletop controls. You can schedule your shades to automatically adjust throughout the day to create the perfect lighting effects. Terry and Trish Gensler Did You Know? Preferred Drapery and Blinds’ gallery of fabrics can be used for designing a variety of upholstered products, including pillows, bedding, cushions, headboards, window seats, table pads, tablecloths, napkins, shower curtains, and awnings. The one-of-a-kind custom designs are fabricated locally in the store’s workroom. Safety is a Priority While helping a customer choose the perfect product and style, concern for safety is priority. Preferred Drapery and Blinds’ products meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s required new standards to help protect infants, young children, and pets. From cordless and motorized operating systems to retractable lift cords, cord tensioners, and wand controls, the company offers many innovative lift systems designed with safety, convenience, and beauty in mind. Get your home holiday-ready! Designing the perfect window treatment should be creative and innovative for all the favorite places in your home. Preferred Drapery and Blinds is here to help! n See ad for Preferred Drapery and Blinds on this page. Winter 2017
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Nature’s Engineers
Julie Travaglini, Allegheny Land Trust Education Program Director Long before Louis Henri Sullivan built a skyscraper, before Mimar Sinan built 300 structures during the age of the Ottoman Empire, and before the ancient Egyptians built the pyramids, the world’s first architects were already hard at work building and changing their landscapes. Animals were building their homes and changing their surroundings long before humans ever got the idea for brick and mortar homes. From bees to birds and beavers, nature has long been providing us with the perfect example architects for teaching STEAM topics to young children. Birds can provide us with ample hands-on STEAM activities that can lead to excellent questions. Focusing on birds as nest architects is a simple and fun way to discover engineering concepts. Using spools of garden wire purchased inexpensively from a dollar store, bend the wire into a cloverleaf and use masking tape to secure the ends (one spool of wire will make about three nests). This will serve as a frame for a child to build his own bird nest. Provide a bin of natural materials and have him use the frame to recreate a nest by weaving or stacking materials in the frame. Since birds use many different types of nesting materials, you can provide just about anything you can find in your yard. Sticks, long and short grasses, weed stems, cattail down, leaves, and even mud are all nesting materials that birds love to use and are easy to locate and collect. You can also swap the materials out Use a frame and natural materials every few days to allow your child to build with different materials to compare his building to recreate a bird’s nest. techniques and results. This activity generates inquiry-based thinking to get kids focused on comparative anatomy, habitats, and many more complex topics made simple with the right-guided questioning. Was it easy or hard to be a bird architect? We used a frame and our hands, but what do birds use to build with? Do all birds build the same nest? Is a nest in the desert the same as a nest in the rainforest? How do nesting materials compare to the materials humans use to build? Are all bird nests the same size? How does a Bald Eagle nest compare to a hummingbird nest? To incorporate math, students can count the number of materials they used for the nest. Did they need more materials if they used small sticks instead of big sticks? Why? Beavers are another prime example of architects and landscape changers. Aside from humans, beavers are the creatures that alter their surroundings the most. Beavers use their continually growing teeth to gnaw down trees to create their lodges. In this process, beavers often divert the flow of water, create wetlands, and even change a terrestrial habitat by removing trees. Beaver lodges often look like large piles of logs and branches, but they are actually quite complex. The inside contains multiple rooms, including a nursery for young and a chamber for eating and winter food storage. It also has at least two underwater openings to allow for quick entry and exit from the lodge. Engineering of a beaver lodge is easily replicated with inexpensive materials and supplies. Use an aluminum pan to build a beaver lodge. Using an aluminum baking pan from a dollar store (they usually come in packs of two or three pans), use construction paper or printouts of grass, water, trees, fish, and beavers to create a replica mini river system in the pan. Your child can even decorate his or her own pan. Using sticks, have your child try to create a beaver lodge in their pan. Remember, the beavers need an entrance and exit from their lodge, but it can’t be so big that it allows predators inside. Add a dramatic play element by using plastic animals. Safari Ltd’s river-themed TOOB is recommended. Safari Ltd TOOBs come in a large variety of themes and include eight to 12 plastic toys in each TOOB. They cost about $10 and can be purchased on Safari Ltd's or Amazon's websites or at Michaels. Most kids think of stings and ouchies when they think of bees, but bees are ingenious builders that have mastered spatial skills. Bee brains are truly engineering minded. Have you ever wondered why a bee builds a honeycomb with hexagons instead of circles? Hexagons fit together perfectly while circles leave negative, unusable space when they come together. By building honeycombs in hexagons instead of circles, bees are maximizing their honeycomb potential. Building a honeycomb out of different-shaped blocks helps your child to visualize and comprehend spatial relationships. Kids can use hexagon blocks to create a replica honeycomb. Can they make a wide honeycomb? A long, skinny honeycomb? Blocks that are triangular, rectangular, or irregular can be used to create hexagonal shapes and then pieced Use hexagonal blocks to design a honeycomb. together into a honeycomb. How do two or more shapes come together to create a new shape? Many different types of blocks work well for this activity. Wingfield Pines Conservation Area Programs Fat Brain Toys Hexactly Blocks ($25 on Amazon) or Learning Sat, Dec 16 8–10 a.m. Twitter in the Trees Resources Plastic Patterned Blocks ($16 on Amazon) are just two Sat, Dec 16 All day Christmas Bird Count with purchase ideas that can be used for this activity. USC Citizens for Land Stewardship These are just a few examples of how animal engineers or Sat, Feb 3 10 a.m.–noon Bountiful Botany Hike architects can provide us with oodles of inspiration for new and cost-effective STEAM activities during early childhood. With a Upcoming Adults Only Workshops little creativity and ingenuity, we can provide our children with Wed, Mar 21 6–8 p.m. PA Master Naturalist Training Begins meaningful STEAM experiences that inspire wonder and love for For additional programs, visit bit.ly/altlearn. both STEAM and the natural world. n
Photos courtesy of Lindsay Dill. 68
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DELIVERING RESULTS Selling or purchasing a home is a major life investment... Choose wisely.
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A Healthier U(SC)
USC Kids: Setting Limits Heather Holtschlag
Upper St. Clair resident Julie Bowden knows firsthand the benefits of setting limits on her kids’ activities. And this mom of two boys has the family’s schedules down to a science, which makes the household run smoother, particularly with school activities underway. “If my son, Tyler, gets home from school at 3 p.m., and he goes to bed at 8 p.m., he has five hours of extra time," says Julie, a clinical psychologist at Relationship Resolutions in Canonsburg. “If homework takes an hour, that leaves him with four hours of extra time. Then, I factor dinner time and a bit of free time for himself. That takes him down to perhaps two and a half to three hours for his after-school and extracurricular activities.” For many kids and parents alike, the school year not only means more regimented schedules, but more activities to add to those schedules. But how much is too much? “There are really no set guidelines and little, if any, research has been done on the specific subject of ‘How much is too much?’,” Dr. Bowden says. “However, I offer my patients the same suggestions that I adhere to in my own home. If your child seems consistently tired or is having a really hard time waking up in the morning, or if he is not able to go to bed on time due to involvement in activities combined with homework, those may be signs that he is doing too much. In addition, a child who doesn’t appear happy or who doesn’t enjoy doing the activities may be overwhelmed with doing too much. They also might begin to withdraw from social activities and refuse playdates, sleepovers, or connecting with friends in general.”
Dr. Bowden advises that parents not only pay attention to what is going on with the child, but also what is going on with themselves. Specifically, if parents are spending all of their free time in cars driving between activities, thus limiting their own personal downtime and getting burned out, it may Dr. Julie Bowden be time to re-evaluate the child’s schedule. “I don’t think there is necessarily any direct correlation between the school year and the overextension of activities, but there’s something to be said for a child having to readjust to the school year’s academic schedule after a long summer break and also getting used to newly introduced after-school activities,” Dr. Bowden notes. “For many kids, this can mean transitioning from a great deal of extra free time to sleep and relax to having very little or none. It can definitely be somewhat exhausting for everyone involved.” To combat feelings of fatigue and low energy, Dr. Bowden suggests making priorities. “Sleep and school should come first, and in that order. A great deal of research has been shared regarding the importance of quality and consistent sleep for children. I talk to both parents and kids on this issue. So, regardless of activities, I advise that parents make sure their child is home in time for their bedtime routine. They can then work backward from that point. School work should be done on a consistent basis, so it also becomes a priority to be added to the schedule that you need to work around.” For parents who suspect that their child may be over-extended with his or her schedule, Dr. Bowden suggests that limits be set. “Recognize when your child is doing too much, and set conditional limits if the child continues to ask to participate in more and more activities. Encourage a good routine and proper schedule where every family member knows what to expect each day. Don’t forget to encourage your child to take breaks and teach him how to take time to just relax.” n Winter 2017
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Traveling with TODAY Nashvillle, Tennesee, was a great place to be on Monday, August 21, 2017, at 1:28 p.m. CT, to view a total solar eclipse. Kathy Parry Gillen and Bryan Shellenberger took to the streets in downtown Nashville and gathered with thousands of other people near the state capital building for this much anticipated, spectacular event. A solar eclipse—when the moon passes between the earth and the sun on the same plane—is a rare occasion Solar eclipse image reflecting and even rarer when it is a total solar eclipse (when the off a glass building in NYC. moon’s apparent diameter is larger than the sun’s, turning Photo taken by Tony DeMarco. daylight into darkness for views from earth). The band of totality during this eclipse reached across the entire contiguous United States, which included 14 states and started at the Pacific Coast in Oregon and ended at the Atlantic Coast in South Carolina. It lasted 93 minutes. Being north of the band of totality, Pittsburgh was treated to an 85% eclipse and also held some great viewing opportunities. The scant clouds that passed through during the event in Nashville provided the accompanying partial eclipse photo at 1:15 p.m.. The photo with the image of the eclipse reflected on a building’s glass window was taken by Tony DeMarco in New York City that same afternoon. While totality lasted approximately two minutes from beginning to end at any total eclipse location, showing only the sun’s corona, the whole event (partial to full to partial) lasted about two hours. TODAY was happy to partake in this historic Look closely for the partial solor eclipse (and fun) light show of a taken at 1:15 p.m. lifetime! While some form of an eclipse occurs somewhere on earth about every 18 months, for those interested, future total solar eclipses will cross the United States in April 2024 (12 states) Kathy Parry Gillen and Bryan Shellenberger and August 2045 (ten states), and annular solar eclipses—where the moon appears smaller than the sun—will occur in October Eclipse t-shirt sample from pose with TODAY to view the total solar eclipse the many vendors along in Nashville. 2023 (nine states) and June 2048 (nine states). n Nashville’s famous Broadway Avenue
Landing in Arizona, Friendship Village residents took time out to take a photo with our community magazine. 70
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Residents of USC’s retirement community of Friendship Village of South Hills sure do travel! Taking a trip to Niagara on the Lake in Ontario, Canada, this past July and crossing the border with our community magazine, this lively group took in the Shaw Festival, enjoyed fine dining, and stayed at the beautiful Prince of Wales hotel. Side trips included Niagara Falls and a winery in Niagara on the Lake. Traveling from Pittsburgh to Arizona this past summer, a similar group from Friendship Village flew into Phoenix, ventured north to Sedona for a week of fun, camaraderie, and relaxation, and experienced a wonderful excursion to the Grand Canyon. TODAY enjoyed “going west” with this great group! n
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Traveling with TODAY
Read the following criteria to find out how to submit information. • Clear, close-up photo of USC resident(s) holding his or her TODAY magazine. • Digital photo or hard copy 35mm accepted. ‣‣ For digital, attach jpg (at least 300 dpi) and send via email, including required information (see below) in the body of the email. ‣‣ For 35 mm, attach post-it to back of hard copy photo, listing the required information (see below). • List name(s) of resident(s), group, and specific photo location. • List objective of visit—leisure, volunteer, career, etc. • Include email address or phone number should further contact be necessary. • Deliver one 35 mm photo with details to the USC Township receptionist in an envelope marked “USC TODAY,” or • Email one digital photo with details to usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us, with “TODAY” listed in subject line. Note: Submitted photos and information for this feature section will remain on file for upcoming editions until published.
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A person with a great sense of humor sent TODAY a photo of his view of the eclipse (carpeting in a Nashville hotel lobby)
Friendship Village residents hold TODAY and pose for a picture during their Canadian excursion.
Two centuries ago, girls in Western Pennsylvania would have been taught music, art, “reading, English, and knitting, if required” in addition to many decorative sewing techniques. Their instruction in cross stitching and embroidery honed their sewing skills. It also taught them how to add decorative touches to household linens for family identification, such as monograms. A needlework sampler was a girl’s practice piece that demonstrated these accomplishments and served as a pattern for future needlework. Common motifs were houses, flowers, alphabets, and religious verses. Since organized schools for girls were not common yet in the area, families proudly displayed the finished samplers as examples of the fine education their daughters had received. The Historical Society of Upper St. Clair’s collections contain a sampler created by Mary Ann Greer in the 1820s done on linen with silk threads. Based on the designs and themes in the piece, the work has been attributed to the Jemima Hartzell Dumars School. Viewing the fine detail in the work brings to mind the many hours Greer must have spent stitching and gives a new respect for this genre of decorative arts. n Winter 2017
The Sampler
Sampler by Mary Ann Greer, (circa1820) from the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair’s collections
Photo courtesy of the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair. If you have genealogy questions or old photos that you would like to share, email president@hsusc.org.
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Block Parties Are Neighborly Fun! Upper St. Clair Township surely does epitomize “community spirit� and many of our neighborhoods gather at least annually for block parties, held normally in the summer months of each year. Filled with camaraderie, food and beverages, face painting, music, bounce houses, bike parades, visits by USC Fire Department, and movie night complete with freshly popped popcorn, there is nothing about these family-friendly events that leave you wanting for more! Deerfield Manor Association, a neighborhood in the southern section of USC, held its annual block party on the last Saturday in August, just before the start of the school year. A great weather day, kids and adults alike shared laughs, fun, and memories during the event that went well into the evening hours. Photos shown are those of the party. n If you have neighborhood block party memories to share, email photos (high resolution photos of at least 1 MB each) and text describing the event to usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us. Share your neighborly day with other residents of USC!
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Some Changes in Life Jim Meston
In life, certain things happen to all of us. We get older and
experience physical and mental changes. Some of these changes require minor adjustment to lifestyles, others are major life alternatives. One thing is certain: everyone’s closets are too full with clothes that are being saved for when it comes back in style or when it will fit us again as we strive to successfully lose those few pounds. We also add to our clutter by saving mementos that we tuck away in special spaces… OK, any space… because it’s a family treasure made while in grade school, an award earned years ago, or just about anything that has a special personal meaning. You might remain in the same house for your entire adult life, where the accumulation of stuff continues to pile up, clothes aging with quiet expectation, all of which rarely see the light of day. Or, you might have to downsize and move to a care facility or different surroundings. I recently experienced a difficult time in my life. Call it what you like, but it’s when you’ve decided you’ve had enough of living alone and taking sole care of your own needs. To me, downsizing seemed to fit the bill. I looked at numerous facilities that specialize in providing “individual care.” Most also provide assisted living if you’re unable to care for yourself. My kids helped me identify numerous possible sites, none of which appealed to me, until one did. I spent time listening to the presentations about their facility’s operations and filled out an application. Surely, I was in no hurry, but I preferred a specific apartment configuration. They accepted my modest consideration payment and put me on their waiting list. A few short days later, they called to say that the size of the apartment I wanted was available and that I had 30 days to make up my mind and provide a down payment or I would lose it. I decided to commit to the move. The Scramble Was On I contacted a realtor I knew who informed me that for a good showing, my house needed to be emptied and spotlessly clean, carpets included. My three sons and their wives, plus a daughter who came in from out of town, all pitched in to dispose of what needed to be thrown out and identify what I’d take with me. There are many charitable organizations that will take clothes, but many are selective about what else they will take. Most wanted no dealings with kitchen wear—glasses and dishes and the like—of which my wife and I had accumulated a considerable inventory throughout our years. So much of what I had were things that I should’ve tossed long ago. The kids decided to give a weekend estate sale a try. They did a great job tagging and displaying all the little treasures that I had tucked away for years. While we had a good turnout, books were not a hot seller and neither were most of my dishes and glassware. Many people went through my house, most of whom were just lookers. My kids had already taken what they wanted. My sons were the decision-makers when it came to what we’d put out for sale and what should go to trash. Quite ruthless, they tossed some of my scrapbooks and other cherished material. The increasingly large pile of trash quickly outpaced my keeper pile. For three straight weeks, I set the record for the highest pile of trash in my neighborhood! But, every week the trash haulers would come and haul another load away. After my “trash” was gone, I still had a good number of items that I would not be taking with me. As a last option, I called an auction house. They came and got a great deal on what was left. We then placed what they did not want on a new throw away pile. I hired a professional house cleaner and carpet company to do their cleaning thing. My realtor had a buyer. The next step in the process was to experience a home inspection to see if anything was in need of repair. All good! Lessons to Learn From Downsizing You may never go through a downsizing experience, but realize that much of what we warehouse are things that we really don’t need but underprivileged people could truly benefit from, particularly clothing. I feel bad that I held on to so many things I didn’t need or would never use again that were stored in my drawers and closets. There are many organizations that will gladly come and take much of what you’re hanging onto. Get rid of it and make someone’s day! If you do have to downsize, I hope that you have great help like I did! I don’t think any of my kids would want to help me do it all over again, but at least when my time is up there will not be anywhere near the amount of things to sort through and eventually dispose of. They did the hard part; I just watched it happen. Regardless of where your next move in life takes you, my hope is that we all age gracefully and enjoy the good things in life that we’ve earned. n
Performance Exceeds Promises! Go for THE GOLD TEAM with more than 30 Years of real estate experience
Sandy Goldstein
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Tel: 724-941-9400 x 215 Cell: 412-721-0306 sandy@sandygoldstein.com sandygoldstein.com PA license RS162211A
To read Jim’s blogs on a variety of subjects, visit http://curbstonepulpit.wordpress.com.
Winter 2017
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Prof iles
on People with a USC Connection
Know of a resident to profile?
Send information to: Editor,
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 or usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us. USC resident Samuel Hazo is a well-known author of books of poe t r y, f i c t i o n , e s s a y s , and plays and is the founder and director of International Poetry Forum in Pittsburgh. He is a Distinguished Professor of English Emeritus at Duquesne University, where he taught for 43 years. He served in the United States Marine Samuel Hazo Corps from 1950–1957, and earned a bachelor of science degree from Notre Dame, a masters degree from Duquesne, and his doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh. Sam’s recent undertaking—his book, Outspokenly Yours, published in 2017—shares his commentaries written from 1993 to 2016 on a wide variety of topics. Be sure to check it out! Another one of Sam’s books, just recently published, is a new, updated fifth edition of The Pittsburgh that Stays Within You, which tells the unique biography of Pittsburgh and designed to provoke memories as it delves into the city’s soul. Sam’s words will be paired with full color photographs by emerging Pittsburgh photographer 16-year-old Paige Crawley (of Baldwin). Sam’s books can be found at Amazon.com and from Word Association Publishers by calling 724-226-4526.
Left to right: Bette Cunningham, Pam Olivio, Tamara Artnak, Paula Simmons, and Samantha Loshelder
Megan Jones, USCHS Class of 2015, is a junior at Ithaca College studying vocal performance. In high school, she found joy in participating in choir, musicals, and PMEA festivals. She’s always believed that music is the best way to express oneself, bring people together, and send a message. In April 2017 and after a few semesters in college, she was inspired to put together a benefit concert as a result of a terrifying personal experience. Fortunately, Megan was in the Megan Jones building when a floor-mate needed a call to public safety due to self-harm and attempted suicide. Significantly impacted by the incident, Megan worked with the school’s president, faculty members, students, coordinators, counselors, and other organizations to put together a concert that raised awareness for mental health. She linked up with an Ithaca local mental health organization, “The Sophie Fund,” from which all proceeds will be dispersed into the community. Megan’s biggest goals for the evening event were to raise awareness, offer support, and present a number of resources in the school and in the community that are available to anyone. “Having so many groups of people actively and positively working with mental health sends the desired message of hope and inspiration,” said Megan. The concert, titled “Music for the Mind: Mental Health Awareness Concert,” was held mid-November at Ithaca College and was video live-streamed on college’s website. The event also included a panel discussion on mental health led by a variety of Ithaca’s faculty members, organization representatives, and counselors. For more information, contact Megan Jones at mjones17@ithaca.edu.
Tamara Artnak, an Upper St. Clair resident and mother of five, is the owner of Luxe Hair Salon in Bridgeville. Recently, Tamara and her make-up artist, Bette, styled a promotional bridal shoot. Many Pittsburgh business women became involved. “What inspired me for the project were bridal magazines, Pinterest, and social media,” said Tamara. “I pondered the notion of having our own work to show clients, instead of pictures brought in from other people’s work. As I gained additional knowledge from my experience, I began to realize that there is a need for women in business to come together and promote one another,” she said. A lot of planning and organizing went into creating the desired Romantic/Classic and Vintage/Bohemian look. “My first thought for a model was Paula, my future sister-in-law who plans to marry next September,” said Tamara. Paula visited New York City this past March and experienced Kleinfeld Bridal. “Hearing her talk about that experience excited me more about the bridal industry. What was truly exciting is that we used an exclusive dress on loan by Bridal Beginnings, a Randy Fenoli dress as seen in “Say Yes to the Dress” for the promotional shoot. On the day of the shoot, everyone arrived excited and the model’s hair and make-up were ready to go. A beautiful day in Pittsburgh, the light emanated through the windows at the union hall at Bar Marco to further illuminate the existing romantic environ of the event.
Contributors to the promotional bridal shoot included: Leeann Marie Photography (photos), Carolyn Klasnick-Brooks Post Script Productions (film), Trish Vintage Alley Rentals (props), Melissa Sacco The Blooming Dahlia, (floral), Pam Bridal Beginnings (dresses), Samantha Loshelder and Ali Giglio of Wanderlust Weddings and Events (wedding planners), Andrew Heffner Union Hall at Bar Marco (venue), Tamara Artnak and Bette Cunningham for Luxe Hair Salon (hair and makeup). 74
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Crossing a Bridge We leave many things behind when we cross a bridge. On the other side, people look at us and wonder how we see them. We wonder, too, how they see us. But once we’re there We see that we are the same. If we look back, we see the deep river that divided us, and the bridge that made us one. —John B. Hayes John Hayes, a 40-year resident of USC, is member of Writers of Westminster. He is a parent advocate attorney at the Juvenile Court Project and also teaches civil litigation as an adjunct instructor at Duquesne University School of Law’s Paralegal Institute.
St. Clair Welcomes Orthopedic Nurse Navigator
Joint replacement surgery is increasingly common, but it remains one of the most complex surgical procedures. The experience can be overwhelming, as it involves pre-operative preparation, hospitalization, and extensive post-operative rehabilitation. At St. Clair Hospital, joint replacement surgery is a comprehensive and seamless program, meticulously crafted to provide clinically-excellent, patient-focused care at every step. St. Clair’s expert orthopedic surgeons are joint replacement specialists, supported by a multidisciplinary team of experienced and dedicated nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, physician assistants, and operating room technicians. The newest member of that team is Orthopedic Nurse Navigator Brigitte L. Easterday, BSN, BSEd, RN, CRRN. Nurse navigators are registered nurses with in-depth clinical experience and strong teaching and communication skills who guide and support the patient through their entire joint replacement journey. The nurse navigator concept, which originated in oncology, has been very successful as an added resource for patients and their families. For each patient, Easterday becomes a familiar face, a liaison, a teacher, and an advocate. “The key to the nurse navigator program is the relationship with the patient,” she says. “I’m able to have one-on-one relationships with them. I can help ease their pain, give them emotional support, and help them obtain the resources they need. This kind of consistency is important but it can be hard to come by in hospital settings; patients are discharged so quickly and they
encounter many professionals. When they know there is one person who knows them and is familiar with their needs, they feel less stress.” With seven years of orthopedic nursing experience and degrees in both nursing and education, Easterday is ideally suited for the position. “For me, it’s satisfying to be able to give patients this degree of care and attention, and the feedback from the patients and the physicians has been great.” n
Brigitte Easterday
To contact Brigitte, call 412-942-5439. See St. Clair Hospital ads on pages 2 and 38. Winter 2017
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Happenings! DeMarillac Guild Craft Show On Saturday, November 18, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m., the DeMarillac Guild of St. Louise de Marillac Parish in Upper St. Clair will sponsor its annual “Joy of Christmas” craft show. Located throughout the school and LeGras Parish Center, the show will present 121 artists and crafters and also feature a bake sale, a candy sale, and a Chinese auction. Lunch and snacks are available for purchase. Admission is $2 and includes a ticket for the Chinese auction. Due to the order of the USC Fire Marshall, strollers are not permitted.
Welcome to the South Hills Senior Softball League Serving the Pittsburgh PA metropolitan area!
“You’ll feel like a kid again when you play” —Doug Houston, Commissioner
League Runs April thru August Eight Teams Join if you turn 55 in 2018 Average player age is 66 28 game Schedule Games start at 6:30 pm A player draft is held every spring so the talent is spread fairly on each team. Players come from all over the south Pittsburgh area.
SAVE THE DATE
Monkey Bars
and Memories
Baker Playground Fundraising Event Thursday, November 30 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm Crowne Plaza Hotel – Upper St. Clair Adults Only Visit the following website for sponsorship information: https://www.uscsd.k12.pa.us/Page/10636 For ticket information, contact Libby Mascaro, libby.mascaro@gmail.com or Christina Casciani, christina.casciani@yahoo.com.
A Successful Giving Gala
Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, Open your hand, to the poor and the needy neighbor in your land.—Deuteronomy 15:11 This year’s Westminster Presbyterian Church
annual fundraiser, sponsored by the church’s deacons, was held in October at St. Clair Country Club. A grand affair enjoyed by guests, the proceeds benefitted City Mission. Located in Washington, Pennsylvania, City Mission has served the homeless and needy in southwestern Pennsylvania for 75 years. Last year, the mission provided more than 113,000 meals, 33,000 nights of shelter, 3500 medical interventions, residential programming, job training, and education services to men, women, and children. Its primary focus is Life Recovery, a program assisting the homeless to move to independence through a Christ-centered emphasis on addiction recovery, relationship repair, and character development. n
If you are 55 years of age and older come join us for the 2018 season. For more information, visit our website at www.seniorsoftballleague.com or contact Doug Houston at 412-522-9887 dohouston@gmail.com.
Left to right are Steve Schmitt, Kathie O’Brien, Racquel Krikorian, Hedy Pitcairn, Randy Langlois, Carole Strope, Andree Jeffrey, Amy Walker, John Van Cleve, Lois Franks, and Steve Daniele
Give the gift of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY to an out-of-town friend or relative. Many people who have moved away love to stay in touch with what’s going on in our Township, including your college student. Help them keep tabs on us by receiving our community’s quarterly magazine! Send $12 check, payable to USC TODAY, for the next four issues (one year) to cover mailing and handling to: UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, USC, PA 15241. 76
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Susan Highley,
ABR, CRS, SRES
412-561-5405
info@outreachteen.org
Developing Schools as Systems of Care Dr. Tracy Scanlon, LPC, Outreach Teen and Family Services
As the school year continues, it is important to be reminded that adolescence is a critical period for the development of psychological, social, and emotional well-being. During adolescence, the brain undergoes significant changes that effect cognitive perception, neuronal processing, and emerging behavior patterns that will last into adulthood. Because their brains are still developing, adolescents are particularly vulnerable to influences that affect development strategies, social and emotional learning, and behavioral modeling. Coupled with hormonal changes, they are also more prone to depression and more likely to engage in risky behaviors, even more so than younger children or adults. Building capacity for school districts and teachers to have ready access to a method that strengthens social and emotional well-being that is adjunctive to academic success is vital. A viable response system—schools that act as systems of care and harbors of safety—serves to create opportunities for regular, not just critical, response and on-going maintenance and attention to what serves the mental and behavioral health needs of all students on a daily basis. This kind of system promotes a caring school environment that includes high expectations related to test scores, conduct, and citizenship, and also provides supportive resources for students and teachers who, like all humans, struggle daily to cope with life’s demands. According to The National Children in Poverty (NCCP, 2007), approximately 20% of adolescents have a diagnosable mental health disorder. Many of these disorders present during adolescence. Between 20 and 30% have a least one major depressive episode before adulthood with 25% of adolescents experiencing the emergence during adolescence. Between 50 and 75% of adolescents with anxiety disorders and impulse control disorders (such as conduct disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) develop these during adolescence. The National Association for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) reports that “Four million children and adolescents in this country struggle with a serious mental disorder that causes significant functional impairments at home, at school, and with peers.” Moreover, 21% of American children ages nine to 17 have a diagnosable disorder that causes at least negligible levels of impairment that infringe on day-to-day functioning. Fifty percent of every lifetime case of mental disability begins by adolescence, or age 14. The NAMI report goes on to claim that in any given year, only 20% of children with mental illnesses are identified and receive mental health services (The National Institute of Mental Health, 2013). The statistics about mental wellness and American adolescents are startling. Prevalent estimates from a recent comprehensive review of the field of child psychiatric epidemiology by Kessler, Amminger, Aguilar-Gaxiola, Alonso & Lee (2007) noted that the number of observations in community surveys of children and adolescents has risen from 10,000 in studies published between 1980 and 1993 to nearly 40,000 from 21 studies published between 1993 and 2002. Kessler, et al. (2007) indicate that about one in every three to four youth is estimated to meet lifetime criteria for a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) mental disorder. However, only a small proportion of these youth have sufficiently severe distress or impairment to warrant intervention. School-based and curriculum-embedded mental health prevention and intervention practices are essential and proven for reducing the incidence of mental health problems that interfere with learning and social development (Dwyer, 2004). Recent research indicates that schools are the majority provider of mental health support for school-aged children. Data collected in a study by School Mental Health Services in the United States, 2002–03, shows the first national survey of mental health services was done with a representative sample of approximately 83,000 public elementary, middle, and high schools and their respective districts in the United States (Foster, Rollefson, Doksum, Noonan, Robinson & Teich, 2005). Rones & Hoagwoods (2000) confirm that the majority of children who acquire any type of mental health support do so from within the school system. As the school year continues into the winter months, be mindful about the growing demands placed on our adolescents. Let us, together, as a community built around our school systems, have in place resources to aid and grow emotionally, high-functioning adolescents. n
Dedicated Accessible Dependable Knowledgeable
Highley
$240 Million Sales in 27 Years “Your Real Estate Needs Are My #1 Priority”
c) 412.889.1214 o) 412.833.3600 ext 268
www.shighley.howardhanna.com
For more information about local resources available to you, contact Outreach Teen and Family Services in Mt. Lebanon at 412-561-5405 or www.outreachteen.org.
Winter 2017
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The YOUTH The Youth Steering Committee of
Upper St. Clair is a community action group whose objectives are to inform and educate the community, to reduce the incidence of drug and alcohol abuse among the youth of the community, and to affect the positive well-being of our youth. Jointly appointed by and working with the Township of Upper St. Clair and the Upper St. Clair School District, the committee partners with many impactful groups, including Township and School District administrators, school guidance counselors, the Township Police Department, Parent Teacher Council, USC students, and other community leaders to bring meaningful, relevant programming to the community.
S EERING COMMITTEE of Upper St. Clair Meetings are held at the Community & Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month: • December 13: General Committee meeting • January 10: Vape and Marijuana presentation • February 14: General Committee meeting • March 14: Drinking and Driving presentation • April 11: Student Survey Results (tentative) • May 9: Presentation with Assistant United States Attorney Conor Lamb • June 13: General Committee meeting n For more information or to join the Youth Steering Committee, contact the Township offices at 412-831-9000 or the School District offices at 412-833-1600. Complete a Talent Bank Survey to apply for membership. Forms can be found at http://www.twpusc.org/services/pdf/talent-bank-form.pdf.
Live Long and Prosper Real Estate Round Up Emanuel Romanias
There is an old axiom with regard to real estate of which you may be familiar: location, location, location. There is a direct correlation between real estate location and market value. Contributing factors include safety, convenience to services, and access to transportation, to name a few. Followers of this column no doubt remember some of my previous articles which have addressed a range of topics related to real estate location from global human migration patterns to the impact school districts have on the decision-making process of someone looking to purchase a new house. Apparently, there seems to also be a direct correlation between real estate location and human longevity. Where you live can influence how long you live. A recently concluded study from 2011 through 2015 by the Pennsylvania Department of Health compared two similarly-sized Pittsburgh communities—Upper St. Clair and McKeesport. Though comparing these two extremes may seem unfair, it does provide a valid snapshot of the continual tug-of-war experienced throughout the country: opportunity and progress pitted against poverty and unemployment. The findings show that, on average, residents of Upper St. Clair live nine years longer than the residents of McKeesport. Income and education levels, access to healthcare and upscale housing, and community safety were some of the primary factors responsible for this gap in longevity. Here are some key statistics of the study:
Area of Investigation Population (2016 est.) Median Age (years) Median Household Income Median Home Value Poverty Level Education (bachelor degree or higher) Median Age of Death Homicide Deaths Heart Disease Deaths (2010–2014) (Source: Pennsylvania Department of Health) 78
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
USC 19,813 43.6 $112,929 $264,900 2.8% 69.1% 85.9 0 199
Winter 2017
McKeesport 19,273 41.9 $25,697 $47,100 34% 12.6% 76.5 34 524
Another important factor which appears to contribute to the mortality gap is stress. However, as Pitt University’s professor of psychology Karen Matthews, Ph.D. points out, there is a difference between stress causing factors which can be controlled and factors which cannot be controlled. “We all live with stress,” cites Dr. Matthews, “yet much of the stress prevalent in more affluent communities is more focused on personal goals and family expectations which, in large part, can be controlled. Stress as a result of poverty is usually beyond one’s control and can affect mortality.” She continues, “This problem is not racial, but economic, as evidenced by the growing number of less-educated white males with access to ever fewer jobs offering a living wage. Their life spans are, too, in decline.” One of my old poker buddies, whom I would categorize as a “happy drunkard” used to say, “No problem is so big that it can’t be solved with a bottle of bourbon.” He died at the age of 89. Perhaps he was on to something? n Emanuel is a Realtor® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty and can be reached at eromanias@thepreferredrealty.com. See ad on page 79.
Sabika—A Company By Women For Women Karin Mayr
This is my personal story and how it led me to found
BUSINESSES AT YOUR SERVICE Custom Made Window Treatments Roman shades, pillows, bedding and more.
Sabika, a home party jewelry company by women for women. It was 16 years ago, at my kitchen table in Upper St. Clair. My story started in post-war Germany and by the time I turned 17, I had lived in seven cities and visited nine schools. All the while, with an unstable mother and a dad draperies valances fabrics trims and more who had made it from jobless immigrant to president in Europe’s largest retail chain, my life was a never-ending Vivian C. Dibrell Karin Mayr rolling coaster. (412) 344.3308 chasecustomcreations@gmail.com What I learned growing up was: • No one is waiting for Karin to show up. www.chasecustom.com • The only constant in life is change—and there is hope in that. • I better act now if I want to make an impact. • Fear is always there, but still do what needs done. • My mother does not think I will amount to anything… and yet… • My family is all I have. Very early on, I decided that when I grow up, no one needs to love me, We CARE! but I will demand respect. Not because I am special, but because every Communication: Open, honest, and often. No surprises. human being deserves that right. Respect brings peace and puts a smile Access: A team of Realtors® at your fingertips. on your face. Resolute: We take our fiduciary duty to our clients very seriously. In 1985, when my husband moved our family to Pittsburgh, I was Experienced: Serving western PA since 2002. Residential & Commercial. insecure and shy. I was afraid. I had three daughters who did not speak Simply Put, We Get Results! English. For Kerstin, who had just turned seven, it was the third language Stacy & Emanuel Romanias 412.370.3447 mobile she would learn. The Preferred Realty 724.941.3000 x77 office But it turned out that moving to Pittsburgh was the best opportunity STACYROMANIAS.COM that had ever been given to me and my family. It was the first time in my life that I was accepted for who I was. Everyone reached out to us and helped us. It took a few years to get used to the help and kindness. I loved the way teachers and classmates reached out to my children, who were only beginning to learn the language. My real estate agent became my best friend and she immediately turned me into an entrepreneur by convincing me that there is a need for image consulting and that I would be the person to “fill the blank.” catbert14@hotmail.com After a few years and lasting for about ten years, an opportunity arose to become a successful trend forecaster, linking European fabric mills and U.S. designers. My business failure In the late 90s, I changed paths and became a minority partner in a gretchensabika@live.com European-American joint venture with the goal to build a direct selling company for men in the U.S. I had sold some women’s clothing for two different direct sales companies for a few seasons and had fallen in love ENJOY SKI SEASON in this spacious 3BR, 2.5 Bath townhouse with the concept of direct sales. There are many women who love to get in Swiss Mountain at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. honest feedback and styling advice from someone they trust. To make a long story short, the men’s wear project was a disaster. I was Utilities included. Start and end dates negotiable. Call 412-889-4720. the only woman amongst a male leadership team. I felt disrespected. One day, I decided to step away before it was too late. As bad as this experience was, it was the most fertile learning ground for what I wanted in the future—Sabika, a company by women for women. I wanted women to be respected, to set their own goals, to always have the flexibility to put their families first. I wanted a world that I could personally touch to become a better place. I wanted to connect, put smiles on faces, and give opportunities to grow and give, no matter where. Through Sabika, I have accomplished what I have set out to do. n See ad for Sabika independent consultants on this page.
What Sets Us Apart?
Sabika Party with Consultants:
Cathy Neubert #3583
Gretchen Warmbein #1253
Retirement Planning Cont. from page 61
reach your full retirement age. Fortunately, though, once you reach that age, your benefits are recalculated, taking into account the months that benefits were withheld. After that, you can work as much as you want without earning limits. Keep planning. Your future doesn’t end at retirement. Estate planning will help ensure you’ve protected your family’s interests as well as your own. An estate plan involves the creation, conservation, and distribution of your assets. Your estate plan may be a last will and testament, or it might also include life insurance, trusts, business continuation plans, or charitable
arrangements. Regardless, you should create an estate plan that provides your dependent family members with income after you’re gone, distributes your assets to heirs with the least amount of loss possible, and pays estate expenses, if necessary (including federal estate tax). Estate planning is an ongoing process. Review your estate planning documents once a year or when life changes necessitate it. To avoid confusion, remove outdated and irrelevant documents as you go. Relax and enjoy; you’ve earned your retirement through years of hard work and savings. Enjoy this time in your life! n Article provided by Cindy Brophy, State Farm® agent. See ad on page 60. Winter 2017
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e c i v r e S in ’17 Advertiser Index
www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home
Advertiser
Page
Winter 2017
Advertiser
Page
Affordable Decks and Additions .............................................................. 75
* Keller Williams–Sandy and Marshall Goldstein ...................................... 73
Asbury Heights ....................................................................................... 61
* Manalo, Larry E., D.M.D. .......................................................................... 43
Arbor Tree Specialist, Inc. ........................................................................ 51 Benjamin Marcus Homes/Siena at St. Clair ...............................................3 * Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, The Preferred Realty, Rt. 19 South.....7 BISTECCA – STEAKHOUSE – WINE BAR .................................................... 11 Brookside Lumber ................................................................................... 69 * Calabro Tire & Auto Service ..................................................................... 65 Charles Schwab, Mt. Lebanon Independent Branch ............................... 59 Chase Custom Creations ......................................................................... 79 Chinese Acupuncture & Herbs Center, LLC .............................................. 60
* Coldwell Banker–The South Hills Office ......................... Back outside cover
* Kerr Family and Cosmetic Dentistry ........................................................ 43 Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center .............................................................. 27 Mount Lebanon Montessori ................................................................... 29 * Pinebridge Commons Associates ............................................................ 43 Plastic Surgical Assoc. of Pittsburgh, Robert W. Bragdon, MD, FACS ....... 61 Preferred Drapery & Blinds ..................................................................... 67 Providence Point, a Baptist Homes Society community .......................... 58
* Rusmur Floors .................................................................. Back inside cover Sabika Independent Consultants–
Cathy Neubert, Gretchen Warmbein ....................................................... 79
Coldwell Banker–Lynn Dempsey ............................................................. 69
* St. Clair Hospital ..................................................................................2, 38
* Cupelli & Cupelli, Drs. ............................................................................. 77
* Sesame Inn ............................................................................................. 21
Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair ......... Front cover, 39, 40, 41, 42
Davey Tree and Lawn Care ....................................................................... 63
* Scott Bros. Windows and Doors .............................................................. 27 South Hills Endoscopy Center ....................................................................1
What They Said
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is an award-winning, outstanding community magazine that promotes
the School District and the Township of Upper St. Clair and its residents. Being at the grassroots of this community project, I am honored to have worked with such a dedicated staff throughout my 21 years, all who produce a publication that is enjoyed by many… not only USC residents, but also the South Hills community and those who have moved away. I wish the staff and magazine continued success. As a Realtor®, I advertise in TODAY as it is “the place to be seen!”—Lynn Dempsey
EQT Bridge Theater Series ....................................................................... 49
Southwest Gastroenterology Associates ....................................................9
Eichenlaub Landscapes for Living ..............................................................5
* State Farm Insurance–Cindy Brophy ....................................................... 60
G’s Landscaping ...................................................................................... 65
The Romanias Group at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices .................. 79
Extended Day Services ............................................................................ 49 * Howard Hanna USC Office .............................................. Front inside cover * Howard Hanna–Susan Highley ............................................................... 77 * Howard Hanna–Diane Horvath ............................................................... 55 Howard Hanna–Mary Hardy Ketchum .................................................... 63 Jacksons Restaurant + Bar ..................................................................... 73
The Dance Conservatory of Pittsburgh .................................................... 55 Torrente at Upper St. Clair–Luxury Apartments ....................................... 51 Troy Orthodontics .................................................................................... 43 U.S. Heart and Vascular, P.C. .................................................................... 71 Washington Health System .................................................................... 60 * Wellington Real Estate–Patty Thomas & Rebecca Lutz ............................ 13
The winter 2017 edition of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a great opportunity to advertise in USC’s community magazine! Our advertisers know this and have responded wonderfully by placing their ads in our publication! *The above advertisers, who are advertising in this issue, have contributed their financial support for a minimum of 46 issues. Thank you.
Upcoming guides for the Spring 2018 issue include Celebrations and Home Improvement. 80
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Winter 2017
Advertise in
the official publication of the School District and Township of USC ... and your local connection!
Be Comfortable
Bridgeville n Moon n Murrysville n North Hills n Whitehall PA Contractor’s License #1961
Relax. It’s Rusmur. 1-800-2-RUSMUR n www.rusmurfloors.com 1-800-278-7687
Presorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid Pittsburgh PA Permit No. 206
1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241
This magazine was printed on recycled paper.
We Move Upper St. Clair! Happy Thanksgiving! From our house to yours. Hope Bassichis
Noel Bliman
Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services would like to wish you and your family all the best during this thankful season.
Anita Crago
Barbara Cusick
Lynn Dempsey
John Geisler
ColdwellBankerHomes.com
Lisa Davis
Janine Dillon
Elaine Goldblum
Genie Gooding
Leigh Harkreader Nancy Heffernan
Judy Hlister
Kathi Kernan
Jane Krauth
Sandi Lamar
Maria & Joe Lane
Kim Lanphear
Julie Leslie
Ron Loncharich
Ruth Moore
Julie Puzausky
Kathy Sekeras
Laura Simon
Diane Snyder
Mary Torchia
Carmela Viviano
Jim Walsh
Mary Ann Wellener
Faith Williard
Naomi Witzel
Jane York
Milo Hindman Manager
The South Hills Office 412.833.5405 • 1630 Washington Road • Pittsburgh, PA 15241
ColdwellBankerHomes.com Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2017 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. 82134PIT_9/17