The award-winning, official publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair
Upcoming Spring 2025 edition includes Celebration and Home Improvement guides.
Deadlines: Articles – January 9 Advertising – January 13
Website: twpusc.org/usctoday
Email: usctoday@usctoday.org @usctoday
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a non-partisan Township, School District and community magazine. Political advertising and political commentary are not accepted. The publishers of this magazine reserve the right to reject advertising or articles inconsistent with the objectives, image and aesthetic standards of the magazine.
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is published and mailed quarterly to residents and businesses in Upper St. Clair Township. Extra copies of the magazine are available at the Township of Upper St. Clair Municipal Building and Township Library. If you did not receive a copy in the mail, call 412-851-2851.
Subscription Information
If you know someone living outside the Township who would enjoy receiving our community’s official magazine, please send a $12 check payable to UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, to cover mailing and handling for the next four issues, with their name and address, including zip code, to UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, USC, PA 15241. Add $10 to cover international mailing.
Board of School Directors
Jennifer A. Schnore, President
Dr. Danielle Wetzel, Vice President
Barbara L. Bolas
Dr. Daphna Gans
Kelly P. Hanna
Justin Lamber
Michael R. Mascaro
Angela B. Petersen
Hallie H. Snyder
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 30 years of our publication.
The 120th 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.
The next issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY will be the spring 2025 issue and will be published in March 2025. Articles that were submitted but not published in this issue are on file for consideration in upcoming issues.
Articles and announcements may be sent to:
Editor
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 or email UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY at usctoday@usctoday.org
Article Information
Editor-in-Chief Terry Kish phone: 412-286-1214
Advertising Information
Office Manager Sarah Beitler phone: 412-286-1363 fax: 412-851-2592
Ad file submission: dclark@usctoday.org
Township Board of Commissioners
Daniel R. Paoly, President, At Large
Dante R. Plutko, Jr., Vice President, Ward 1
Pamela L. Enck, Ward 2
Jason H. Graves, Ward 3
Todd D. Burlingame, Ward 4
Ronald J. Pardini, Ward 5
Richard I. Thomas, At Large
Publishers
Matthew R. Serakowski, Township Manager
Dr. John T. Rozzo, Superintendent of Schools
Steering Committee
Mark S. Mansfield, Assistant Township Manager
Paul K. Fox, School District Representative
Editors and Staff
Terry Kish, Editor-in-Chief
Alex Pepke, Township Associate Editor
AnneMarie Kopach, School District
Associate Editor
Sarah Beitler, Office Manager, Marketing & Advertising Executive
Colleen DeMarco, Advertising Executive
Kerry Turner, Advertising Executive
Dorothy Clark, Graphic Designer
Student Interns
Caleb Guarino
Isabel Vilensky
Thank you to our volunteer contributors this issue: Judge Ronald Arnoni, Lily Ayers, Kristen Culp, Lindsay Dill, Carolyn Jones Friedrich, Laura Gainor, Shannon Gallagher, Chris Gmiter, Caleb Guarino (intern & YWG), Ted Hale, Wayne Herrod, Charissa Lauren, Jay Lynch, Connor McLean, Geoff and Christine McQueen, Rep. Natalie Mihalek, Rep. Dan Miller, Kristin Nicklas, Jim Render, Robert Ross Jr., Tim Russell, Joyce Soung, Mary Lynne Spazok, Isabel Vilensky (intern & YWG), Tina Vojtko and Tom Yochum.
Young Writers Guild (YWG) promotes and encourages young writers in the Upper St. Clair School District, grades 8–12, to provide articles and artwork of interest for our community magazine. Email usctoday@usctoday.org to find out how your student can contribute.
The 120th issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a joint publication of the Township and School District of Upper St. Clair.
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: 412-851-2851
Fax: 412-851-2592
Email: usctoday@usctoday.org
Township: 412-831-9000
School District: 412-833-1600
Printed by Freeport Press
2127 Reiser Ave. SE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663
Design by DMC Design, 412-824-7844
Mark Mansfield Paul Fox Terry Kish Alex Pepke AnneMarie Kopach Sarah Beitler Colleen DeMarco Kerry Turner Dorothy Clark
Sincerely,
A Winter Note From the Publishers
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, it’s natural to reflect on the beauty of winter. When the world outside is wrapped in a soft blanket of snow, there’s a certain magic that can be found in the stillness of the season. It’s a wonderful time to curl up and enjoy this latest issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY.
In addition to news about the Township on pages 30–52 and the School District on pages 56–70, this issue includes our bi-annual resident’s guide, found at the beginning of each section. This guide includes valuable information about our schools and local government, including contact phone numbers and email addresses. Keep it handy as a resource when you need information about our community!
Also included in this issue is information about popular end-of-the-year activities, including USC’s Light Up for Unity Night, scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 8 (page 12) and Santa’s visit around the Township on Saturday, Dec. 14 with members of the USC Volunteer Fire Department (page 13).
Take time to read the stories by our talented volunteer writers and be sure to turn to our Winter Festivities (pages 10–17) and Life Planning (pages 72–75) guides for great ideas and interesting articles from our advertisers.
TODAY hopes that you find warmth in the little moments this winter — sipping hot cocoa by the fire, enjoying the festive lights and cherishing time with loved ones. This season is a reminder to slow down and appreciate the simple joys around us.
Stepping into the New Year, let’s welcome the changes that lie ahead. Every new beginning brings fresh opportunities and lessons waiting to be discovered. TODAY wishes you peace, joy and warmth this winter. May your days be filled with laughter and love!
Township Manager
Sincerely,
Dr. John T. Rozzo Superintendent of Schools
Dr. John T. Rozzo
Matthew R. Serakowski
SKATE—PLAY—WIN
Learn to Play Hockey (LTPH)
8 weeks. 40-minute classes beginning 1/9/25.
5 STEP PROGRESSIVE FORMAT. Classes meet once a week on the studio rink for 40 minutes. LTPH 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. Registration beginning in December.
DEVELOPMENTAL LEAGUE
5–8 year old & 9–12 year old divisions. The Mt. Lebanon Ice Center’s Developmental League begins 1/3/25, ON THE STUDIO RINK. The 6 game season 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 includes referee’s fee and game jersey.
LEARN TO SKATE
6 weeks. The Mt. Lebanon Ice Center’s Learn to Skate program registration will begin 12/16/24.
PLAY DATE ON ICE
Every Tuesday, 9–11am. Preschool children with an adult. Light refreshments and more!
Parties are available on weekends using the main and studio rinks. Call 412-561-4363 or visit our website @ www.mtlebanon. org/330/ice-rink-birthday-parties to see all our options.
STICK TIME
The Center will offer Stick Time on Tuesdays from Noon to 1:50 pm. Full equipment is required (including helmet)
KSG Orthodontics Grows with the Community
There’s no wrong time to visit the orthodontist, but the sooner you visit KSG Orthodontics in Upper St. Clair, the better — as early as age seven according to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).
In the past, the “best” time was to wait until a person lost all of their baby teeth to visit the orthodontist. However, at KSG Orthodontics, they love getting to meet people sooner! The earlier they get to know and see a person, the better they can track a persons growth and development. Additionally, familiarizing patients with the office makes future visits comfortable and more fun.
“Dr. Kulkarni likes to use a tree analogy,” says KSG Orthodontics practice manager David Spielvogel II. “Like a sapling that’s easily bent without breaking, we can make profound changes to patients when they are younger. When a patient comes to us when they are older or when all of their permanent teeth have erupted, it’s like trying to move an oak tree. We can still do it, but it often makes for a longer time in orthodontic treatment due to increased complexity.”
This doesn’t mean orthodontics is only for children. KSG Orthodontics sees people of all ages, and they mean all ages! It’s never too late to get the smile you’ve always dreamed of! KSG offers early treatment, fixed appliances such as braces and clear aligner therapy, as well as treatment for complex surgical cases. KSG Orthodontics History
Dr. Kulkarni and David Spielvogel opened KSG Orthodontics in 2018 — a digital state-of-the-art office utilizing top-of-the-line technology with a focus on the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities. “When we started, it was just Dr. Kulkarni and myself. Today, we see patients Monday through Friday and have 20 employees with over 168 years of combined experience!” says David Spielvogel.
“Dr. Kulkarni is a native of Upper St. Clair and loves providing orthodontic care to the community where she grew up, and currently lives and makes connections.”
After graduating from Upper St. Clair High School, Dr. Kulkarni attended Washington University in St. Louis where she graduated with honors with a double degree in biology and ethnic studies. She then came home to the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine where she obtained her Doctorate of Dental Medicine. She graduated with Omicron Kappa Upsilon honors, which is the highest honor awarded. She was then selected to attend the highly esteemed Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at the University of Pittsburgh to achieve her Masters of Orthodontics. Dr. Kulkarni also served as faculty at Pitt as an associate professor for several years in the Orthodontics Department to share her experience with future orthodontists.
Dr. Kulkarni loves connecting with her patients and their families. Coming into the office, you may find her conversing with a high schooler about electives or sports, or a younger child about books or pets. She often shares with people that some of the classes she took as a USC student, particularly biology, physics and elective metal jewelry making, are what inspired her to seriously explore being an orthodontist, a dream since she was 11 years old.
But her biggest inspiration toward this goal was her parents, who instilled in her how transformational a beautiful smile can be. When her parents were recent immigrants from India in the late 1960s, her father invested four months of his engineer’s salary for her mother to get braces because he understood the long-term importance of a beautiful smile. He encouraged his daughter to pursue orthodontics as a future career and to really make a difference in people’s lives.
Dr. Kulkarni shares, “The best part of my job is thinking about the potential that each of my patients has, what doors will open and what chances they will boldly take. It’s all achieved with the confidence that comes with a beautiful smile. It’s such a fortunate way to spend my days. I love it and am so blessed!”
KSG Orthodontics continues to grow to better serve the community. Dr. Kulkarni and David Spielvogel realized that there is a real need for quality compassionate care in the community — one that not only provides the best care, but the best customer service, too. After a long search to find the right person that fits the culture and standards at KSG Orthodontics, the team recently brought on an additional orthodontist, Dr. Katie Alexander. Dr. Alexander, who also graduated with honors from the University of Pittsburgh Dental School, will work alongside Dr. Kulkarni treating KSG patients with the same integrity, high quality and thoughtful care.
Dr. Alexander grew up in Beaver County and graduated from Central Valley High School. Following high school, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Miami University with a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology and health, where she also played soccer. She attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine where she earned her Doctorate of Dental Medicine, also earning Omicron Kappa Upsilon honors. After earning her doctorate, she moved to Philadelphia to attend Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry Department of Orthodontics where she received her Certificate in Orthodontics. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Alexander to the KSG Orthodontics team and back to Pittsburgh.
In addition to providing expert services to local area families, KSG Orthodontics also sponsors sports teams, cheer and dance studios, theater departments, school functions, fundraisers and STEM programs, including the Upper St. Clair Robotics Program. KSG
Dr. Katie Alexander
Dr. Manjari Kulkarni
also sponsors a Candy Buy Back program after Halloween where a younger patient’s candy can be “sold for KSG points” and then sent to hard working members of the US Military serving overseas.
“We go into schools during National Children’s Dental Health Month in February and National Orthodontic Health Month in October to talk to second and third graders about the importance of dental health.”
KSG Orthodontics also contributes to the local dental community by sponsoring several continuing education courses throughout the year to dental professionals throughout Allegheny County, particularly in the South Hills. Educating the dental community helps the community as a whole. During these meetings, over 180 dental professionals gather to learn dental techniques and stay up to date on dental licensure needs. How KSG Orthodontics Works for You and Your Family
Modern orthodontics are often split into phases of treatment. The first phase of treatment, a short six- to nine-month period, is when KSG professionals create space for the eruption of permanent teeth. This typically takes place between the ages of six and nine. By utilizing an expander, limited braces or clear aligners in the first phase of treatment, results are effective. This first phase is also important because it can help avoid the need to have teeth removed in the future due to severe crowding or other lengthy complex procedures, such as tooth impactions. In many ways, early intervention orthodontics puts children on the path for a healthier adulthood. A second phase of treatment typically takes place once all permanent teeth have come in. Different treatment options are available, but typically consist of full upper and lower braces or clear aligners. Doing a first phase often makes the second phase of treatment shorter, less complex and more stable.
Snoring, thumb and finger sucking and frequent lingering colds may be a reason to consider early orthodontics. Typically, this would involve using an expander. Many young people who are treated with expanders not only create space for tooth eruption, but also possibly improve nasal airway resistance. Doing early expansion may potentially lessen the need for patients to undergo surgeries for tonsillectomies and adenoidectomies in some cases, or can supplement these procedures for better outcomes.
Goopy, sticky impressions are a thing of the past at KSG
Orthodontics, where digital scanning is the standard of care. In addition to 3-D scanning technology, KSG Orthodontics incorporates 3-D printing to ensure the best fitting appliances with the best customer service. The days of painful orthodontic doctor visits are a thing of the past! When people come to KSG, there are no injections, so the office is always full of laughter and smiling faces.
KSG Orthodontics:
A Family Affair
Since orthodontic treatment involves visiting the office approximately every six to eight weeks, KSG Orthodontics builds very close relationships with patients and their families.
It’s very exciting when parents and their children go through orthodontic treatment at the same time. There are a lot of families that come to the office for their appointments all together! The open clinic concept allows families to sit near each other and connect with one another during the appointments. Sometimes siblings pick out colors for each other’s appliances. For people who require a more subtle experience, private rooms are also available.
David Spielvogel says that while many offices have a mission statement strictly for their business, at KSG Orthodontics, “creating a smile is more than managing operations — it’s how we live our purpose.”
KSG Orthodontics’ mission statement is a promise to their patients that they are, first and foremost, loving people who are committed to building up every single person with whom they come in contact. Straightening teeth is their job; but elevating others will be their livelihood. They are the biggest cheerleaders to those who need their encouragement and the most tolerant professionals to those who need their patience. They will meet coldness with warmth, selfishness with generosity and misunderstanding with understanding. KSG Orthodontics will treat others how they want to be treated: with respect, always!
“When you come to our office for treatment, we don’t just spend time ‘working on your teeth’ — we will work together to achieve the smile you have always dreamed of!”
And don’t forget to “Smile, yinz!” n
Interested in improving your smile? Visit ksgortho.com or call (412) 409-4444 to set up an initial consultation appointment to receive a thorough comprehensive plan to achieve the best smile!
WINTER FESTIVITIES
LevelUp Pickleball Club: A Game-Changer for Pittsburgh
Laura Gainor
While pickleball has been around since the 1960s, its popularity has exploded over the last 10 years!
Part of the reason for the sport’s dramatic increase is that almost anyone can play. It’s not uncommon to see players on the court ranging in age from young children to senior citizens.
A great, low-impact sport, pickleball provides a low risk of injury with a low cost of entry into the sport. It is good exercise for any level and ability, and the smaller dimensions of the court bring players physically closer together, giving them the opportunity to socialize while working out.
Pickleball is easy to learn, but the obsession to continually get better at the sport means that pickleball players need to play regularly. Because of the sport’s popularity, court time can be at a premium. Here in the South Hills, players are constantly searching for places to play.
Wayne and Lisa Dollard of Peters Township, avid pickleball players since 2015, experienced firsthand the sport’s
meteoric rise and the accompanying challenges. They bounced between overcrowded venues, sharing courts with other sports and longing for a dedicated space for pickleball enthusiasts.
“Speaking with many other pickleballers, we felt we had a large-enough group to build our own club,” Wayne explains. The initial plan for a modest four-court facility evolved into LevelUp Pickleball Club, a mega-structure with 16 indoor pickleball courts.
LevelUp Pickleball Club will host national and local tournaments, provide top-tier instruction and foster a vibrant social atmosphere. Beyond pickleball, the club will offer badminton, table tennis, cornhole, darts, a golf simulator, a banquet room, a pizza shop and a full-service bar. It’s a space designed for everyone, from families to corporate groups.
Future plans for the facility include the addition of outdoor courts in 2025 and expanding the club’s offerings to include fitness classes, dancing and other community activities. Their goal is to create a vibrant hub that fosters social connections, promotes physical activity and celebrates the joy of pickleball.
Residents are now eagerly awaiting the opening of LevelUp Pickleball Club on Mayview Road in Cecil Township. The 60,000-square-foot sports facility is projected to open on Dec. 31, with a New Year’s Eve party to kick off the festivities.
Memberships at LevelUp Pickleball Club start at just $19 per month, making it a wonderful gift for all the pickleball players on your list this holiday season! n
Groundbreaking for LevelUp Pickleball Club
WINTER FESTIVITIES
Upper St. Clair to Host Light Up for Unity Night
A Community Luminaria Tradition to Embrace All
Join your neighbors and other USC residents at dusk on Sunday, Dec. 8, for Upper St. Clair’s annual Light Up for Unity Night!
The Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair and the Upper St. Clair Band & Orchestra Parents Association come together to host Light Up for Unity Night to celebrate our community and its differences. For many years, the Upper St. Clair community has participated in lighting luminaria on the second Sunday in December. Community members are further encouraged to turn on their assembled holiday outdoor light displays to fully engage in this community-inspired opportunity. Regardless of what holiday we celebrate, there are two things we have in common: our hope for a more peaceful world and light to show us the way.
Regardless of what holiday we celebrate, there are two things we have in common: our hope for a more peaceful world and light to show us the way.
To participate, USC residents should set out luminaria kits
at dusk on Sunday, Dec. 8. Luminaria kits can be ordered by scanning the QR code above, going to uscbpa.org or by using the form below. One kit contains 12 candles, sand and bags. The cost is one kit for $18 or two kits for $30. In addition to selling single kits, they are also being sold in bundles of two at a discounted price so that USC community members can participate in the community’s Light Up for Unity Night and also set out luminaria on another evening to celebrate their event or holiday of choice.
Love luminaria but don’t want to do the work of setup? USCHS band and orchestra students can also assemble kits for you! You can purchase two luminaria kits with assembly for $65.
The deadline for ordering and having it delivered is Wednesday, Dec. 4. Kits will be delivered to your house on Saturday, Dec. 7. If you pay for assembly, you will receive your assembled kit(s) Sunday, Dec. 8.
For questions or more information, visit uscpba.org or email fundraising@uscbpa.org.
Each Luminaria kit includes 12 candles, bags and sand. To order your Luminaria kit, which will be delivered to your door on Dec. 7, use the QR code or visit the USC BOPA website at www.uscbpa.org and click the “Order Luminaria” link to order online. PayPal or credit cards are accepted for payment. Alternatively, complete and mail the order form below with your payment. For more information or if your business is interested in being a sponsor, contact fundraising@uscbpa.org.
2024 Luminaria Kit Order Form
(Order form and payment must be received no later than Wednesday, Dec. 4.)
Name:
Address: City:
State:___________________Zip:
Phone:
Total enclosed: $
Price of Kit: $18/kit; or 2 kits/$30.
Many USC neighborhood associations are coordinating the sale of luminaria for their neighborhoods. If your association is interested in participating, email fundraising@uscbpa.org for assistance.
Proceeds from the luminaria sale help support the music programs in our schools and benefit all instrumentalist and orchestra students at Upper St. Clair High School. n
Santa Claus is Coming to USC
On Saturday, Dec. 14, Santa Claus will be making his special annual trip to Upper St. Clair, escorted by the members of the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department. Check the USCVFD website at uscvfd.com for a schedule of the approximate time Santa and his sleigh will be in your neighborhood.
Listen for the sound of the sirens and wait at one of the street corners listed on the schedule. As always, Santa will have helpers from the fire department to answer any questions or concerns that you may have.
Take pictures of your friendly neighborhood
Santa visit and send them to the fire department’s Facebook page.
We encourage you to also email your photos (high resolution of at least 1MB each) to TODAY at usctoday@usctoday.org, listing “Santa visit” and your name in the subject line to help us identify who sent them. Your photos might appear in a future edition of our community’s magazine! n
Contact Santa Command at 412-835-3339 if you need further information about Santa’s route after visiting the website (uscsvd.com) for scheduled times.
Slowing Down the Holidays: Finding Meaning in Family Moments and Timeless Gifts
Lily Ayers, JAB Marketing
It’s a familiar story. Each year, the holidays seem to come quickly and go even quicker. More and more, the season becomes consumed by never-ending shopping lists and full agendas. And each year the same question arises: Is there any way to slow down the hustle and bustle of the holidays?
There is no magic fix. To truly slow down the holiday season, it has to become more about the moments and memories that last, and less about the trends and pressures that don’t. It’s a shift in focus that’s easier said than done. It starts in the moments shared with family — the heart of holiday joy.
Moments like these are fleeting, but the memories of them last a lifetime. Often, we capture these memories in tangible items that bring them to life. Items like photographs, keepsake ornaments and heirloom jewelry are passed down for future generations, keeping the stories they carry alive.
Your grandmother’s diamond ring is more than a brilliant accessory. It carries the story of one of her life’s most precious memories, the meticulous work of a dedicated craftsman, a stone that existed before she did and will last beyond her lifetime. The value of such a piece lies not in its gemstones or precious metals, but in the memories it has captured. It encourages us to slow down and reflect on the stories it holds.
The holidays are a time for fond reminiscing over old photographs, and like those photographs, jewelry has long played a role in preserving family memory and tradition. The care taken
in creating these items reflects the same slowness we crave in those most special moments. They are symbols of connection that transcend time and help us bring the same timelessness into our own holidays.
Often, family heirlooms resurface, or are introduced, during the most meaningful holiday moments. A red ruby necklace is displayed at a holiday dinner. A diamond ring inherited from a grandmother is revealed for a Christmas Eve proposal. A mother turns her own mother’s fine jewelry into three matching pendants gifted to her daughters.
Giving is a central part of the holidays. Along with family time, giving is one of the great joys of the season. By giving intentionally — choosing gifts that represent meaningful family connections and that will last beyond a lifetime — we create space for reflection each time we see them. This type of giving offers more than fleeting excitement, it offers the opportunity for storytelling that will continue for generations.
This holiday season can be different. It can be the first step toward slower, more meaningful time spent with friends and family. A season for intentional gift-giving over rushed trend-chasing. A space for tradition, reflection and togetherness. Start by asking a loved one at the next family gathering about the gem sparkling on their collarbone or finger. You may be surprised by the vivid and precious stories you’ll uncover. n
See ad on this page.
WINTER FESTIVITIES
Maggie’s Farm Rum Distillery — At Home in Upper St. Clair
When Tim Russell and his now wife, Layla, opened and began working at the original Maggie’s Farm rum distillery over 10 years ago in the Strip District, they had no idea where their journey would eventually take them. Now they call Upper St. Clair home to their business and the family they started.
As the company grew, with Maggie’s Farm eventually becoming what is likely North America’s most-awarded brand of rum, including Best-of-Show accolades from some of the world’s most prestigious spirits competitions, Tim and Layla realized they needed more room to continue their success. They began what became an extensive search around Pittsburgh for the ideal space to build a new state-of-the-art distillery. Further complicating matters, their first daughter also came along in the summer of 2021.
“When Alaina was born, we realized we needed more room at home, as well. Being in a good school district was important to us. So, now we’re looking at industrial space for a new distillery and a new home, both in probably the toughest real estate market in the region’s history,” says Russell. “But we really lucked out.”
under contract in Upper St. Clair, a former wig distribution warehouse, only a few minutes away at 1387 McLaughlin Run Road, came on the market. The property was put under contract and, after navigating the zoning process, the project for a production distillery with bar and restaurant was welcomed by township officials. The Russells were not only bringing their own family to the neighborhood, but also their distilling family. The new facility and restaurant opened in late 2023, just before Christmas.
In addition to distilling operations on the building’s ground floor, Maggie’s Farm distillery also features a full-service restaurant and bar on the second floor with a unique viewing area into the distillery below. Cocktails not only feature classic and custom rum cocktails, but also an array of options from distilleries across Pennsylvania, including whiskey, vodka, gin and more. Pennsylvania-made craft beer and wine are also available. The bar, restaurant and takeout bottle shop are open to the public Wednesday through Friday 4–10 p.m., Saturdays 12–10 p.m., and Sundays 9 a.m.–4 p.m. for brunch service followed by lunch. Families are welcome and a kid’s menu in the dining room is also available.
Distillery tours are hosted Saturday and Sundays at 1 p.m. with online reservations, including a lesson about what rum is, the history of rum and how Maggie’s Farm makes their rum. Tours include a complimentary cocktail for attendees, a guided tasting and a souvenir tasting glass. n
See ad on page 16
With over a decade of experience producing some of the world’s most-awarded rums and perfecting their use in cocktails for people across Pittsburgh, consider the following recipe from Maggie’s Farm as an alternative on the classic Revolver cocktail for entertaining at home this holiday season:
Maggie’s Farm Pumpkin Revolver
1.5oz Maggie’s Farm 50/50 Dark Rum
Shortly after getting a new home
1 oz Maggie’s Farm Pumpkin Spiced Coffee Liqueur 2 dashes Black Walnut Bitters (Angostura bitters will also suffice)
Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, shake vigorously, strain into a coupe glass and garnish with powered nutmeg.
Tim and Layla Russell with their daughter Alaina
Dazzling December
Mary Lynne Spazok
From whimsical to elegant, Upper St. Clair’s dazzling December décor is awesome. Sparkling lights convey warmth and cheer, a cherished tradition of “Welcome!” Festive illumination spikes chromotherapy, an increase in happiness and energy. Some say it is quackery, but doesn’t magical ambience magnify joyfulness? However, move over blow-up snowmen! Displaying blow molds is a bit kitschy, a bit whimsical and a nostalgic blast from the past.
In 1957, the fun, funky and fabulously flamboyant pink flamingo energized the lawn ornament craze. Cutting-edge, the faux avians were first sold in the Sears Roebuck Wish book for $2.76 a pair. Esteemed, a set autographed by creator American artist Donald Featherstone is a celebrated national icon within the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. The 1996 Ig Nobel Prize, co-sponsored by the Harvard-Radcliffe Society of Physics Students and Science Fiction Association, honored Featherstone’s “flight” of imagination.
Handcrafted, a blow mold is filled with liquid plastic, then air pressure forms fanciful figures. New-age three-dimensional molds contain a light source for added visibility and charm. Enthusiasts prospect yearround for prized vintage pieces. While neighborhood hardware and big-box stores offer classic reproductions and contemporary options, epoch treasures are discovered in basements and attics, at flea markets and estate sales, and on eBay. Springtime bunnies, chicks, ducks and rare bejeweled eggs are highly sought after. Scare up cute and creepy Halloween décor with wicked vintage. Are blow molds just for the holidays? Are blow molds just for outdoors? Absolutely not! Embellish a super celebration with the rarest characters: parrots, gnomes or Penguin Chilly Willy, just to name a few. Whether creating new memories or resurrecting treasures, whimsical blow molds deliver megawatts of celebratory amusement.
Merry and bright, Chris displays a themed outdoor display come December. Planning begins in August. This year “An Old Fashion Christmas” employs classic C9 size color lights and ‘50s and ‘60s retro décor, including vintage bells that adorned municipal neighborhood streets and a stately ornament from a downtown Pittsburgh department store display.
Within a current collection of 40-plus, Scott Copley asserts “through purchases made via eBay, Facebook, Craigslist and at times estate sales and re-sale retailers, the ever-expanding collection dominates our home basement and storage space. Two 1950 Santas are prized.” Due to a competing artist claiming piracy, the manufacturer was forced to destroy their mold. Although sued, a few of the end products secretly escaped, thus the rarity. Chris and Scott concur that awesome holiday décor celebrates countless magical childhood celebrations and initiates a sprinkling of new memories, too!
Via the Internet, anyone can learn about blow mold history, including procuring, collecting and repair. Kitschy is picture perfect! Enjoy this USC photomontage and best wishes for a healthy, prosperous and dazzling new year. n
Note: A pun on the Nobel Prize, the satiric Ivy League “Ig” Nobel Prize applauds humor. It celebrates unusual or trivial curiosities: to “honor achievements that first make people laugh, and then make them think.”
Passionate collector and USC resident Chris Barbarita states, “My parents claim I was born with a plug and light in my hand! Cherished memories include me and my father working together outside. In time, I took over for dad. Today, as a homeowner, celebratory lights and blow molds are equal parts festive and nostalgic.”
Scott and Chris with their holiday collection
Scott Copley (left) and Chris Barbarita with Santa
From Aug. 23-25, 2024, Sean Casey’s Miracle League of the South Hills welcomed athletes from the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League of Cincinnati for a baseball event that included playing ball at Boyce Mayview Park and attending a Reds–Pirates game at PNC Park.
In July 2022, a group from the South Hills made the trip to Cincy in their first travel venture, one that created unbelievable memories for everyone there.
“When we showed up on the buses (in Cincinnati), they had 2000 fans welcoming the buses. It was an unbelievable experience,” said Casey, the man who worked tirelessly to bring a Miracle League field to the South Hills. “I decided that we were going to have the Joe Nuxhall League come here, and we were going to give them a bigger reception.”
That mission was accomplished on Aug. 24. At 9 a.m., three Upper St. Clair police vehicles, followed by the USCHS marching band and the USC cheerleaders, led four tour buses up the road to the field to a reception of hundreds of cheering fans. When Sean stepped off the first bus, he looked around in awe, stating, “This is so wonderful.”
As the buses unloaded, the participants were led through an arch of baseball bats and then to a tunnel of coaches and buddies onto the field. Miles of smiles and happiness is the best way to describe what was happening.
for so many things in my life and being able to give back, especially in the community I grew up in. I’m grateful that this township made it possible to create this facility. This is the greatest thing I’ve ever done. When we started, I never envisioned it becoming what it is today. It’s just incredible. All the people, all the volunteers, all the participants. We started the first year with 180 volunteers. We are now up to 450. How have we done it? We just raise money for what we need to make it happen.”
“And the township. From township manager Matt Serakowski, who had a video in his office and a dream, to public works and every part of the township that has made this a reality and wanted it to happen, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. This is incredible. It’s well beyond what I thought it would be. I don’t have words to describe what this place is. This program is a true miracle.”
Sean Casey, nicknamed “The Mayor,” is a former Major League Baseball first baseman who played for the Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, Pittsburgh Pirates, Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox. He is currently a broadcaster and commentator for the MLB Network. For more information on the Miracle League of the South Hills, visit miracleleaguesouthhills.org.
Kim Nuxhall, son of Joe Nuxhall and president and board chairman of The Nuxhall Foundation, was trying to hold back tears. When asked what he thought, he answered, “I’m still looking for words. Unbelievable is used too many times and I’m looking for another one. I guess the best explanation is that this has Sean Casey written all over it. We are all so very fortunate to have him in our lives. I’ve been in tears since we arrived.”
Why travel and play teams from other areas? Tim Gebhart, executive director of the Miracle League of the South Hills since 2016 explained, “Sean wanted to give the players a major league experience in everything they did. And major leagues travel. So, we travel to various tournaments and it has become a true fit.” Sean Casey and Mandi Casey raised the funds to build the complex, and Sean continues to work endlessly to provide what is needed to make it succeed. Sean said, “This is our 13th year. I’m so blessed and so grateful
DOROTHY’S Jay Lynch SURPRISE
You’ve heard from Smokey the Bear about fire prevention and from McGruff the Dog about protecting your family from crime. Here’s a public service message that features another animal — USC’s own Dorothy the Cat.
I grew up in the 1960s on Mitchell Drive with my sister Bonnie Anne and lots of friends in the “Wonder years”-style Washington Terrace neighborhood. Like many of our neighbors, we had lots of pets. Over time, our menagerie included dogs, Easter peeps, turtles, hamsters, goldfish from Kennywood, jars of lightning bugs, a parakeet, Sea-Monkeys and escapees from ant farm jailbreaks.
Since my mother loved kittens, we always had at least one cat and sometimes litters, for a whopping multi-year total of 36. My sister and I became familiar with their wide variety of attitudes toward humans, from total disinterest to delightful affection. My mother truly believed that a cat’s personality could be impacted by human intervention … by developing trust. So, in addition to feeding and brushing them, she taught us to win them over by protecting them from dangers like severe weather, angry dogs and our barely-cat-tolerant father. She said, “If they trust you, they’ll come when you call and even curl up in your lap and purr when you need a friend.”
As a kindergarten teacher at St. Paul’s School in Mt. Lebanon, my mom routinely scheduled “show and tell” days for students. When a child brought a box of newborn kittens to the event, she fell in love with a cute black and white one the student had named Dorothy, and brought the kitten home.
We were delighted when Dorothy arrived, but surprised when, after inspection, my mother announced that she was a he. With a family vote, we decided to continue to use his child-given name to respect the student’s wishes. Of course, we didn’t consider the kitten’s wishes or the endless corrections we would have to make when people logically assumed he was a she. Dorothy became my mother’s all-time favorite cat. He was exceptionally playful and affectionate, and spent most evenings snuggled in her lap. They clearly had mutual trust.
In 1970, we found out the hard way that all USC homes lie above abandoned coal mines. Cracks in the concrete blocks of the underground portion of our basement never seemed alarming, as we assumed they were from normal settling. However, one morning, our faucets ran dry and the floor of the basement was flooded by water flowing from the cracks. Emergency responders and USC Public Works experts said the house had shifted suddenly due to an abandoned mine wall collapse. The movement had severed the water supply line and flooded the basement through the expanding cracks.
It was a homeowner’s nightmare. The house had to be supported by poles and wooden stacks while the foundation was removed and replaced. We entered and exited the house through the basement stairs. The cost of the project was overwhelming for a probation officer and teacher, as mine subsidence damage wasn’t (and isn’t) covered by homeowner’s insurance. In addition, my parents weren’t aware that the state of Pennsylvania offered (and offers) mine subsidence insurance. The only way to afford the work was to spread the cost over time, so the project took more than a year. We relied on the good graces of neighbor Bob Fornear, a skilled contractor, who donated evening and weekend time to the project. Unskilled labor was provided by me and my teenage buddies. Our role was mostly digging dirt, shoveling sand and hauling concrete blocks for Mr. Fornear. We learned why smart laborers wear steel-toed boots after dropping a few concrete blocks on our PF Flyers.
During the project, we entered and exited the house from the basement staircase that was exposed to the elements at the bottom. The staircase was also Dorothy’s entry point to the house. When the foundation was nearly complete, the basement door was installed, but a cavity remained for a future widow. The opening became Dorothy’s unique way to access the staircase. When
it was time for a meal, our mother would summon him from her kitchen window by yelling, in a sing-songy manner, “Door-thee, oh, Door-thee, come for dinner,” while tapping a can of cat food with a spoon. He would run full speed across the yard, dramatically leap through the window opening and climb the basement stairs to the kitchen for his meal. This routine lasted for months, until the day Mr. Fornear placed a new window in the foundation opening.
Forgetting that the window had been installed, my mother called Dorothy to dinner in her usual manner. Then, she heard a loud thud. She ran down the basement stairs and outside to find Dorothy dazed and leaning against the foundation blocks below the new window. When she approached to apologize and comfort him, he hobbled away.
She ran up the stairs into the living room and grabbed the Mad magazine out of my hands to get my teenage attention. Tears flowed as she explained that she had injured her favorite cat and lost his trust forever with a single forgetful moment. She sent me
to find him and take him to the emergency animal hospital. He was hiding in a neighbor’s shrubbery, traumatized. After many calming words, he let me put him in the family car for a speedy trip to the animal hospital.
The vet informed me that Dorothy was male (in a smart-aleck tone) and said he was largely uninjured, but had quite a bump on his head. When I asked if he might be emotionally scarred by the event, the vet said, “He’s probably scarred for life by his name. But, from what you told me, I’d say your mother’s the one who may need time to recover.”
I brought him home and carried him to the living room, where my mother was waiting in her favorite chair. Still tearful, she quietly called, “Dorothy.” He hopped into her lap, and she hugged him like she’d never let him go.
What’s the moral of this story? Protect yourself with mine subsidence insurance and you’ll have plenty of money to make repairs quickly, eliminating the possibility that a family member might develop a risky routine that results in remorseful tears. Policies are inexpensive, cover up to $1 million in damages and can be purchased at pa.gov/MSI or by calling 1-800-922-1678. Tell ‘em Dorothy the Cat sent you and you’d like a discount. Expect dead silence followed by a click and a dial tone. n
Unskilled laborers Jay Lynch (right) and friend, Steve McNish, 1970
Drawing of Dorothy by Jay’s sister. Bonnie Anne Lynch (1951-2022)
Back to the Future
Tom Yochum
Want to feel old? Well, Gen Z just hit its silver jubilee. Children born on the day I graduated from high school are now old enough serve in the House of Representatives. They’ve been driving for nearly a decade and are able to rent a car in every state. The Zoomers are taking over the roads and the halls of Congress. A generation in the blink of an eye. As noted philosopher, and my fellow Gen-Xer, Ferris Bueller once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
Twenty-five years can be a jarring number when it appears on your high school reunion invite. And these reminders of our brief time here reach us in various seasons of life. A few of my friends have already watched their own children graduate high school and many more have teenagers set to mark the occasion soon. This crew seems less concerned with mortality and the passage of time than the exponential rise in college tuition. Age is just a number; FAFSA is survival. Maybe they could ask their kids to choose between room OR board?
When the organizing committee sent notice earlier this fall about our upcoming reunion, I found myself in a different stage of parenthood. I got word via a text message, just as I was dropping off my youngest at preschool. College feels like a far cry for us and certainly isn’t on her radar. She’s more concerned with room and boredom: being sent to one and staving off the other. However, us “geriatric” parents were no less amazed that a quarter-century had passed, even mired in our own sort of tuition angst. Ironically, though, the next graduation in our house will be a financial windfall. T-minus two years until the pre-K cap and gown ceremony. Freed from the golden shackles of daycare. I anticipate tears of joy running down my wife’s face, bubbling over like uncorked champagne. And not the bottom-shelf stuff she’s been resigned to for the past decade, as we dutifully paid a second mortgage in childcare each month. Goodbye Korbel, hello kindergarten!
Life, of course, is much more than “this business of nickels and dimes,” as George Bailey once cautioned. The idea of a bignumber reunion had made me somewhat reflective. Not merely about my own life, but how our world has changed since the dawn of a new millennium and what that meant for my own children. Ripped jeans and vinyl records might be back, but many aspects of life in the previous century seem relegated to history.
tors. My list of contacts was the phone numbers I had memorized. In many ways, it’s a world that makes more sense to those of a certain age. In fact, our class was composed of such old souls that we didn’t go with the obvious layup for our senior song, Prince’s upbeat, future-oriented “1999,” but instead picked Billy Joel’s “Piano Man,” an ode to loneliness and regret that resonated more strongly with teens using dial-up internet to send AOL Instant Messages.
There’s a term for those of us who are eligible to attend a 25th (or 40th or 50th) high school reunion: digital immigrants. We grew up in an age before WiFi and smart phones and now live in a world where tonight’s dinner conversations are tomorrow’s targeted ads. The kids in my class loved Billy Joel and whatever else their parents liked, because those were the cassettes we heard for 13-straight hours on the way to vacation. We didn’t have handheld computers or noise-cancelling AirPods, so there was nothing to block out Dad screaming “you may be right, I may be crazy” as we crawled along I-95.
I graduated high school in the 1990s Our personal devices were Trapper Keepers and TI-81 calcula-
Before I start yelling at clouds or screaming in traffic, I’ll admit that, even among my age group, I’m a pretty confirmed Luddite. As a teacher, I used an overhead projector, in favor of a SmartBoard, until the Tech Dept. pried it from my Dry-Erase-stained hands. At night, I still read physical books before bed, like a monk hunched over parchment. My dad, who was the same age I am now when I graduated high school, is more apt to show me a new trick on the iPhone than vice versa. I’ve tried to adapt to modern life, but somehow can’t escape the past. I joined a fantasy football league this fall, only about 20 years later than most. However, I had trouble paying the entrance fee because I don’t have Venmo. They didn’t accept personal checks!
More than anything else — outside of gambling on football — having young kids is helping me dip my toes in the 21st century. The Miniver Cheevy lifestyle is difficult to maintain when you have to help your first-grader navigate her Chromebook. Kids may keep you poor, but they also keep you young. I am thankful, however begrudgingly, that she’s gaining the skills necessary to function as a digital native in this brave new world. We’re learning together. I just want her to unplug occasionally and listen to my cassettes!
Each night is a give and take. We put the screens down at meals and try to make time for human conversation (eye contact encouraged). They, in turn, have convinced me to let Alexa chime in if it has anything interesting to add. My daughters keep me up to speed on the latest in robotics and Tang Math and then I ask them to give me ten minutes after dinner so we can read from the pages of the dead trees. We all have a good laugh when our youngest tries to zoom in with her fingers to get a closer look at the picture books. Sometimes we’ll cap our night off with another compromise by streaming a movie. Dad gets an ‘80s classic
Tom’s Graduation Photo
one night and then they show me the latest “CGI Superhero Unicorns IV” the next. They can have their AI time or take a spin in their self-driving Power Wheels, but first we’ve got to go “Back to the Future!”
It’s the spoonful of sugar logic and seems to be a good middle ground for us. Honestly, they’ve exposed me to some pretty neat, and occasionally educational, game on their tablets. I just can’t help but feeling that puzzles don’t hit as hard when you’re not physically forcing wrong pieces together or realizing the last few pieces are missing. And virtual worlds simply can’t replicate the sibling in-fighting from a rules infraction while playing a physical board game. Overcoming adversity and partially-chewed playing cards — these are the soft skills that will take them places.
STEM is great, but technology is only beneficial when it underscores humanity. Some might be exclusively preparing their kids for our robot overlords, but in our house, we’re also trying to raise them with an appreciation for HATE. Admittedly, that doesn’t sound great, and we might need to workshop the name, but it’s about supplementing their love for computers with good, old fashioned H.A.T.E.: Humanities, Arts, Theater and English.
Mindfully Grateful Outreach Teen & Family Services
Mindfulness is defined as being aware of your thoughts, emotions and sensations in the present moment. It brings into focus the “here-and-now,” rather than worrying about the past or the future. But what is the value of this practice?
That’s the question Ellen*, a junior at Upper St. Clair High School, asked her counselor at Outreach Teen & Family Services. Overwhelmed with schoolwork, extracurricular activities and college applications, Ellen was unable to focus and felt the pressure building from her parents, friends and teachers. Her efforts to remain mindful, a practice she had worked hard to develop, were becoming less and less effective due to her elevated stress.
At one of their sessions, Ellen’s therapist introduced her to the idea of ‘mindful gratitude.’ Research has linked a daily gratitude practice to a wide range of mental and physical benefits, including strengthening your immune system, improving sleep patterns, feeling optimistic, experiencing more joy and being more helpful and generous. Grateful individuals also tend to feel less lonely and isolated.
At first, Ellen struggled with incorporating this practice into her daily routine and understanding how it could complement her established mindfulness work. With help from her counselor, she decided her first step needed to be observing the “thank you’s” she said every day. We say “Thanks!” dozens of times a day for any number of reasons, but has the phrase become a habitual afterthought for us? Are we truly taking the time to acknowledge the person and the act we’re thanking them for?
You know, just some of the ideas and forms of expression that have sustained civilizations.
Despite our clunky acronym and lack of support from tech billionaires, maybe these subjects will be placed alongside STEM in schools everywhere, even expensive preschools. Even if cursive becomes the new calligraphy, I have a dream that one day my kids will draft their own papers and emails, without auto-suggestions or ChatGPT. Imagine how we can empower the next generation, not merely through science and engineering, but also through love and HATE.
Mr. Rogers once said, “I don’t think the basics that kids need have changed in 10,000 years.” Surely then we can keep around a few of the old standbys, while making room for what’s next. Children need us to remind them that life goes on, even when the power goes out. No matter how many years it’s been since you graduated from high school, everything and nothing has changed about life and what it means to be a kid. They’ve got the digital world at their fingertips; we just need to occasionally hand them a bit of the analog.
If nothing else, who’s going to tell them about Billy Joel? n
By observing her own behavior, Ellen was motivated to think about how she felt when expressing thanks. She would even do a quick scan of her body to determine if she was already mentally moving onto the next thing, or if she was fully present in the moment.
Her next step was to choose one interaction each day to name what she felt grateful about before automatically saying “thank you.” As Ellen continued this practice, it eventually became a natural part of her daily life. She regained focus and her mindfulness practice returned to its previous strength. She was not only more mindful and present in the moment, but also managed her time more efficiently and was less stressed. In the end, Ellen found she had the power to take control of her thoughts and feelings.
If you are interested in starting a mindful gratitude practice, here are a few ideas to get you going:
1) Find a quiet place to practice and get comfortable.
2) Commit 10 minutes each morning to the practice.
3) Begin by closing your eyes to bring your attention to the present moment.
4) It’s natural for your mind to wander. When that happens, be gentle with yourself and bring your thoughts back to the present moment.
5) End each mindfulness practice with a positive affirmation.
As the holiday season approaches, we at Outreach encourage you to take time away from the noise and the news and focus on gratitude. Happy holidays from our family to yours! n
If anyone in your family is experiencing a decline in their mental health, Outreach can help. We offer a variety of services for children and young adults ages 5–21, along with their parents and families, including individual, group, family and parenting sessions. Please note that Outreach does not offer crisis services or response and does not have evening and weekend on-call coverage. In an emergency, please go to your local emergency room or call RESOLVE at 1-888-796-8226. *Name has been changed for privacy.
Coach’s Corner
Legendary Reflections
Coach Jim Render
The football coaching profession still provides me with a variety of emotions, although not quite as intense as when we used to think about ripping the opposing coach’s feet out of his shoes. During the season, we only worked seven days a week to be successful against our next opponent. Ara Parseghian, the Hall of Fame coach at Notre Dame, used to say that success, and luck, comes when “preparation meets with opportunity.” I soon learned that the harder I worked, the luckier I got.
On another note, when I first moved to Western Pennsylvania, I was told that I would not be successful because I was not Italian. The coaches who were winning many games and championships were Larry Bruno, Joe Namath’s coach at Beaver Falls, Lindy Laurel at New Castle, Art Bernardi at Butler, Pat Tarquinio at Beaver, Pete Anamarino at Gateway, Pete Dimperio at Westinghouse and, of course, Don Yannessa in Aliquippa. (Only Coach Yannessa remains alive and well from that group of legends). I met the problem head on. I asked an Italian girl by the name of Pamela Jo Churico if she wanted to move to Western Pennsylvania and be my wife. Fifty-two years later, I still get to enjoy her spaghetti and meatballs. And we won a few games along the way!
For the record, my Upper St. Clair teams had huge victories at Gateway in the 1988 playoffs, at New Castle in 1982 in front of one of the biggest crowds ever for a high school game and in 1984 at “the Pit” in Aliquippa. Great memories! One thought about the past and my good fortune: I coached a lot of great players who were outstanding young men. I have written on these pages about some of their achievements on and off the field. Many of them still keep in touch and it makes my life very rewarding. In many cases, they have no idea of how much I enjoy seeing them or hearing from them. My good luck continues going forward.
Because of football coaching, I have had the good fortune of meeting and interacting with many players, coaches, media personalities and administrators of the game and at all levels of the sport. My dear friend, Bill Priatko, has been all of the above. I could easily argue that there isn’t a nicer, more loyal man walking on this earth. At 93 years old, he is the oldest living former player of the Pittsburgh Steelers … and he always calls me “Jimmy.”
Bill originally signed with the Green Bay Packers as a free agent when he got out of the Air Force. They had to release him because of former players coming back after their military obligations were met. It was at this point in time (1957) that he signed with the Steelers. As the season had already begun, his prorated salary called for him to earn $458 per game. Bill has only good things to say about Art Rooney Sr. (the Chief) and his treatment of the players. He recalled that Mr. Rooney paid players’ medical expenses when they were cut from the team, long before the NFL and the players union negotiated such salary settlements. Bill’s final team was the Cleveland Browns (1959-60). He was paid $7500 and given a $500 signing bonus. While with the Browns, he met and became a roommate of a future Hall of Fame player and coach, Dick LeBeau. They became lifelong friends and communicate every week to this day. Also playing for the Browns in those days was the great running back Jim Brown and the Steelers future head coach Chuck Noll. The Browns were coached by the legendary Paul Brown.
Bill Priatko holding his Cleveland Browns playbook
Bill Priatko has had a very interesting and sometimes stressful life outside of his time in the National Football League. While in the Air Force in 1955, Bill served in President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Honor Guard. After he won re-election in 1956, the President requested that Bill serve as the lead officer of the 44 men who guarded the presidential ball. He also was given the command of the Air Force funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. Bill commented that it was “the greatest experience of my life to be in President Eisenhower’s Honor Guard.”
Life after football can be tough, even if you have a degree from Pitt. Bill had jobs with Wrigley (the chewing gum company), coaching and teaching at Swissvale High School and General Braddock High School before they merged into Woodland Hills, and was a recruiting director at the former Volkswagen manufacturing plant in New Stanton. Several job opportunities required him to uproot his family and move out of North Braddock. He turned them down.
In 1982, Bill applied for an assistant athletic director position at Robert Morris University. This was the kind of job that he coveted. Coach Paul Brown made a glowing recommendation to the Robert Morris president, Charles Sewell, and Bill was subsequently hired immediately. “He pulled me out of economic chaos in my life,” Bill said of Coach Brown. “I was so grateful for him being so good to me.” Bill is now in the Robert Morris Hall of Fame. I guess it was a great partnership.
Bill and Helen Priatko had four children: boys David and Dan and girls Debbie and Kathy. The boys both graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point. Dan graduated (1984) with high honors, and as a senior, was one of 12 battalion commanders for the 4000-plus cadets at Army. That put him among the elite of the elite. He also completed Army Ranger School and was to be deployed to the Third Armored Division in Germany. Everything changed on March 4, 1985. Dan was severely injured in a car accident and in a coma for almost a year. Once again, Bill was given the task of being a strong father and positive leader for his family. The good news is that Dan survived and shares a life with Bill. The bad news is the
Jim and Dick LeBeau
Army lost a man destined to be a general.
I recommend Dan’s book for you to read. It is entitled “A Nobel Knight” and is his story of faith and courage. The foreword of the book is written by his friend and fellow Army graduate, the great Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski. A second foreword is written by the aforementioned NFL Hall of Fame coach Dick LeBeau. Speaking of books, Coach LeBeau published a book that came out this past July. It is entitled “Legendary” and features the great Steeler defense of 2008 and Dick’s six decades of playing and coaching in the National Football League. I would only read these books if you care about family, including life’s trials and tribulations, success and team bonding, the Pittsburgh Steelers and loyalty. Otherwise, you could be disappointed. You will also learn the background story of Coach LeBeau reciting the “The Night Before Christmas,” to his family, which includes his football players.
Like so many of his teammates and players that he has coached, I very much enjoyed the time I have spent with Coach LeBeau. Although his playing and coaching career was at a much higher level than mine, we have discovered some commonalities in our history. We are both from small towns in Ohio, and our playing and coaching careers have spanned over six decades in Ohio and Pennsylvania. He was a part of championship teams while playing for Woody Hayes at Ohio State and I was on a Division 3 national championship team at nearby Wittenberg. In high school, he was known as White Lightning. As the story goes, kickoff was at 8 p.m. and he would be in your end zone by 8:05. I, on the other hand, was never known as White Lighting.
If you have met Dick, or were a teammate or were coached by him, you will have a positive story to relate about your experience. His players from the NFL, without hesitation, say that they love Dick LeBeau. His hand-written letter to me when I retired says volumes about him and why he is revered by those who are his friends and colleagues.
Jan 11, 2018
Dear Coach Jim,
I’ve just learned of your retirement from coaching from my friend, Bill Priatko. As I read some of your career story, I was struck with the similarity in our experience, thought and time frames. I played 14 years and coached 35 in the NFL, for a total of 49 — a number that showed up in your life also. Moreover, many of the reasons you alluded to for retiring are thoughts that I had had. Our last year in Tennessee, we gave them their best season in 15 years and won a playoff game. I considered that a successful season and a good time to leave the sideline. I suppose one might say there is no “good” time to retire — only that some are better than others.
I think you will enjoy having more “self” time to do a lot of things you could never do because of the time demands of coaching. Conversely, you will miss the games and the players and the competition. It is quite remarkable what you have accomplished, Jim. The wins over the losses, and the championships; but I can’t help but believe your greatest life’s impact will come from all of the young men you have guided and started down life’s road.
I have always believed that a man has to learn that “it really doesn’t hurt that much” to prepare him for life’s journey. I know of no other venue that is equal to the sport of football for teaching that lesson. You Jim, and men like you, have left this world a better place than you found it. It should be a great victory for you — in fact, your best one!!
Enjoy the rest of your life, my friend. No one will be second guessing your calls anymore!!
All the best, Your Friend — Dick LeBeau
For the past several years, Bill Priatko has hosted a luncheon at the Grandview Golf Course in his hometown of North Braddock. It is a gathering of current and former football coaches who have won mostly multiple WPIAL championships. There is a lot of reminiscing and laughter about the previous years of competition. Speakers in years past include Charles “Ace” Heberling, a retired WPIAL CEO and NFL
referee, Tim O’Malley, also a past executive director of the WPIAL, Kevin Colbert, the retired general manager of the Steelers and John Banaszak, a three-time Super Bowl champion defensive lineman for the Steelers. Shortly before his untimely death, Franco Harris spoke to us and gave us t-shirts that commemorated his famous immaculate reception touchdown catch against the Oakland Raiders. What great memories! Mike White of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, George Von Benko, author and radio broadcaster in the Connellsville and Uniontown area and Paul Schofield of the Tribune Review and TribLive network have also been in attendance.
This year we were fortunate to have Dick LeBeau speak to us the same week his book was released in Pittsburgh and beyond. The retired 86-year-old coach gave up a day of golf to be with us in North Braddock. (He only plays six days a week.)
Until we meet again on these pages — or in person — my hope for you is that you have friends and colleagues like Bill Priatko and Dick LeBeau. They will make your life better and your memories long lasting. n
Front (l/r): Gene Matsook (Rochester), Tom Nola (Clairton), George Smith (McKeesport), Jim Render (Upper St. Clair), Dick LeBeau (legendary NFL HOF coach), Don Yannessa (Aliquippa), Jack McCurry (North Hills), Joe Hamilton (Blackhawk) Back (l/r): Bill Cherpak (Thomas Jefferson), Dan Matsook (Rochester), Pat Monroe (South Allegheny/Duquesne), George Novak (Woodland Hills), Kevin Colbert (GM Pittsburgh Steelers), John Banaszak (Pittsburgh Steelers), Mike Zmijanac (Aliquippa), Eric Kasperowicz (Pine Richland/Mars)
Jim with Bill Priatko and Kevin Colbert
A Creative Gem Right Around the Corner
Hidden on the corner of the McDowell Shops in McMurray is a creative gem of the area: the McMurray Art League and Gallery. With its historical legacy of creative expression, The McMurray Art League is a Pennsylvania nonprofit community organization with a membership of more than 100 local artists. Combining their artistic and administrative talents, they offer monthly meetings with speakers, opportunities to exhibit, lectures and art classes, most of which are available to the public. Their original mission was and still remains “To foster, expand, and perpetuate an interest and value in the creative arts, thereby promoting mutual stimulation of the arts within the league and community.”
In addition to the McDowell Shops, the group’s work can be found on display at the Peters Township Library, Arc Human Services in Canonsburg and in the spring and fall shows at the Galleria of Mt. Lebanon, along with other local art leagues.
Founded in 1965 by high school art teachers Carolyn Johnson and Phil Joyce, the McMurray Art League is currently celebrating its 60th year. The founders recognized the amount of creative talent in the surrounding area and concluded that their art needed to be shared and supported. Within the first year, League membership grew to over 70. In those early years, the group would meet just about anywhere to share creative input, hone their skills or just have a cup of tea or coffee: Carolyn’s dining room, Center Presbyterian Church, Peters Township High School or the VFW on Valleybrook Road — just about anywhere they could find to accommodate them.
The McMurray Art League Studio and Gallery not only displays some of the most beautiful decorative examples of fine art in the tradition of landscapes, still life and abstract art; but also as in the case with a recent exhibition by notable local artist and art professor Ron Jesiolowski, the works can speak to sociopolitical commentary, economic disparity or deep personal reflections.
“It’s a well-known fact that providing access to the arts is essential to community health, well-being and even fiscal equity,” Jesiolowski expressed in a recent lecture of his work from the exhibit “Visual Stories and Allegories” at the League gallery. “It fosters a sense of belonging and community connection and provides a venue for creative and cultural expression while promoting the story of our shared humanity.”
Many of the current local artists are award winners, professionals, nationwide exhibitors and are, or have been, professors in a number of the tri-state universities. The League provides “Art Talks,” a series of lectures presented monthly at the gallery by artists, about artists or art techniques and are available to both League members and the general public. Many classes, exhibits and workshops are offered throughout the year, ranging from acrylics, watercolors, pastels, oils and even cupcake decorating!
You don’t need to be an artist to join — just have a passion or sincere interest in the arts to have fun and learn from some of the most talented members of our art community. Annual dues
are $35. There is no longer a need to travel to experience highquality art exhibits and lectures.
On Nov. 16, local artist and League co-president, Sandra Conley, will have a solo exhibition at the studio titled “The Cookie Dough Series,” featuring 20 different nations that have been, or are, currently in conflict. The project was inspired by the Russia-Ukraine conflict when she created a piece called Ukrainian Snowball Cookies featuring a young girl in traditional dress with sunflowers in her hair, solemnly yet hopefully offering a plate of cookies. The series features portraits of young persons, renderings of traditional cookies and iconic symbols from each of 20 countries. In addition to viewing the paintings, there will be brief explanations about each country’s situation, as well as delicious cookies to sample. n
Learn more about the McMurray Art League at mcmurrayartleague.com, located at McMurray Art League 4069 Washington Road | McMurray, Pa. 15317
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Making a SPLASH: Now in the South Hills
Kristin Nicklas
This August, SPLASH, a division of Nicklas Supply, opened its fourth showroom in Collier Township. This newest SPLASH showroom permits clients to touch, feel and experience water technology in a way that hasn’t been done before in the Pittsburgh market.
There are many ways to take a shower — some like a relaxing rain-like droplet flowing over their head, others have thick hair and might prefer a shower head that has more pressure behind it to rinse out shampoo quickly. In order to touch and feel the difference in this spray technology and choose accordingly, SPLASH provides clients with a Water Garden. The Water Garden is a stateof-the-art shower of sorts, featuring 10 shower heads, five touch controls, hand showers and a wall mounted body spray. SPLASH supplies options from more than 15 faucet manufacturers alone. Each vendor has its own claim to fame, from the latest air-infused rain head from Hans Grohe to 30-plus specialty finishes from Jaclo. If there is a technology utilizing water, clients can try it and compare the differences between 10 different flushing toilets, six working lavatory faucets, 10 working kitchen faucets, two therapeutic tubs and a steam shower.
In addition to plumbing, SPLASH offers fully custom, locally-made cabinetry, as well as six other brands of cabinetry to match any budget. A fully custom kitchen in the showroom features hand-finished dove tail drawers, coated with special lacquers and stains formulated with current trends in mind. The SPLASH brand cabinetry line provides options like a hidden trashcan with an additional option to automatically open by pressing an elbow or knee against the cabinet — no need to touch with dirty hands!
Clients can add layered silverware trays, utensil caddies and knife blocks inside the drawers. Door panels and drawers can be designed to hide mixers, refrigerators and dishwashers. An ontrend, newer-to-the-line-up insert is an integrated electrical outlet and docking station for charging cellphones and other electronics, helping to keep the counter clutter free. Corner cabinets and Lazy-Susan turntables utilize the entire corner space, with pull out drawers that can be set at specific heights to allow for various sized pots to fit seamlessly. These add-ons help achieve two main goals: higher levels of organization and less clutter on countertops.
Many kitchens don’t require fully custom cabinets. Semi-custom lines can help to pare down the cost, and look just as lovely. Semicustom options can work for vanities for master and second baths, when organizing a mud room and as a way to take a laundry room to the next level. n
SPLASH’s new Collier Township showroom is located at 533 Mayer Street in Bridgeville, Pa. The three other showrooms are located at 1237 Freedom Road in Cranberry; 4807 William Penn Hwy. in Murrysville and 1400 William Penn Hwy. in Glenshaw. For more information, see ad on previous page.
Township Commissioners
Daniel R. Paoly President At Large
Day 412-831-9000
Evening 412-862-5995 2025*
Dante R. Plutko Jr. Vice President Ward 1
Day 412-831-9000
Evening 412-389-5187 2027*
Pamela L. Enck Ward 2
Day 412-831-9000 2025*
Jason H. Graves Ward 3
Day 412-831-9000 2027*
Todd D. Burlingame Ward 4
Day 412-831-9000 2025*
Ronald J. Pardini Ward 5
Day 412-831-9000
Evening 724-941-1199 2027*
Richard I. Thomas At Large
Day 412-831-9000 2027*
*Date indicates expiration of term.
Township Administration
R.
Public Safety
To reach Township personnel, call 412-831-9000 and follow the automated directions.
Administrator Extension
Matthew R. Serakowski 2160
Township Manager
Mark S. Mansfield 2190
Asst. Township Manager & Director of Administration
Jonathan Wharton 2380 Chief of Police
Mark P. Romito 2180
Director of Finance
Adam A. Benigni 5010
Director of Planning & Community Development
Ed Poljak
Director of Information Technology
George Kostelich Jr. 2710
Director of Public Works
Christian Gmiter 2470
Director of Library
Paul Besterman 6250
Director of Recreation & Leisure Services
Volunteer Fire Department
&
Fire, EMS
• The Board of Commissioners meets at 7:30 p.m. The regular public meeting is held the first Monday of the month. The informational and general affairs meeting is held the last Monday of the month.
• The Planning Commission meets the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m.
• The Parks and Recreation Board meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the C&RC; 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.
Mark P. Romito Director of Finance
Adam A. Benigni Director of Planning & Community Development
Ed Poljak Director of Information Technology
George Kostelich Jr. Director of Public Works
Christian Gmiter Director of Library
Paul Besterman Director of Recreation & Leisure Services
Jonathan Wharton Chief of Police
Ted Hale Fire Chief Keith Morse Chief of Tri-Community South EMS
The Township of Upper St. Clair
The Township of Upper St. Clair became a Home Rule Community on Jan. 1, 1976. As a Home Rule Community, the Township is governed by a locally drafted charter adopted by the voters of the Township. The Home Rule Charter provides for a Board of Commissioners comprising seven members. Two commissioners are elected at-large by all voters of the Township and five are elected by ward. In a commissioner/manager form of government, the charter provides a clear distinction between policy-making functions and administrative functions. The Board of Commissioners is responsible for the policy-making functions.
Township Manager
Matthew R. Serakowski, Township Manager
412-831-9000, ext. 2160
The Township Manager is appointed by the Board of Commissioners and is directly responsible and accountable to the Board. He serves as Chief Administrative Officer and is responsible for the administrative functions of the Township. The Township Manager and his designated representatives, including Assistant Township Manager Mark S. Mansfield, are responsible for directing and supervising the operation of all Township departments; preparing an annual budget and financial report; signing papers, contracts, obligations and documents on behalf of the Township as required by law; preserving order in the Township; representing the Township to other governmental organizations and agencies; and providing staff assistance to the elected Board of Commissioners. The Township Manager oversees the activities of the following eight departments:
Department of Administration
Mark S. Mansfield, Assistant Township Manager and Director of Administration
412-831-9000, ext. 2190
The Department of Administration is responsible for personnel administration, purchasing, labor relations and negotiations, public relations, community communications and cable television franchising matters, office management, records maintenance and retrieval, in-service training programs and coordination of grant applications.
Department of Planning and Community Development
Adam A. Benigni, Director of Planning and Community Development
412-831-9000, ext. 5010
The goal of the Department of Planning and Community Development is to protect the property values and residential character of the Township. Development of the community is guided by the Township Comprehensive Plan, which is prepared every ten years, most recently in 2015. This department administers and enforces land use codes and issues permits for zoning, building, electrical, fire protection, driveways, sewers, alarms, grading and street openings. Additionally, the staff provides assistance to the Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board and Building and Fire Codes Appeals and Advisory Board.
The Department of Finance is responsible for all fiscal concerns of the Township, including budget development and management, financial reporting, accounting, audit, treasury, investment, debt management, strategic financial planning, payroll, accounts payable, pension administration and operation of the Tax Office. The Township Tax Office collects taxes for both the Township and the School District. The Township budget is prepared each fall for the subsequent fiscal year, which runs from January 1 to December 31.
Department of Police
Jonathan Wharton, Chief of Police Emergency: 412-833-7500 or 911 Administration (non-emergency): 412-833-1113
The Police Department is responsible for ensuring public safety and for the enforcement of the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the laws and ordinances of the Township. The 24-hour dispatch center coordinates all emergency services, including police and fire. The Police Department provides patrol squads dedicated to neighborhood and business patrols, vacation home checks, criminal investigations, fingerprint services and more. The Police Department also sponsors a Citizens’ Police Academy each spring.
Department of Information Technology
Ed Poljak, Director of Information Technology 412-831-9000
The Department of Information Technology is responsible for the computer needs of all Township departments. The Township’s website (twpusc.org) provides residents with agendas and meeting minutes; downloadable applications and permits; trash and recycling information; calendars providing Township, school and community events; bi-annual recreation booklets; UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine; board and commission information; and public access television broadcasting.
Municipal Building
Public Access Television
412-831-1030
The Upper St. Clair Public Access Television, under the Department of Information Technology, provides an opportunity to share information and events with Township residents. Programs are produced by volunteers using equipment that can be provided by the channel. Programming is shown on Comcast channel 21 and Verizon channel 42. Videos are also available on the public access YouTube channel, Upper St. Clair TV.
There is also the community bulletin board “Video Newspaper.” It displays information and meeting announcements for a variety of Township activities, community groups and churches. Announcements should be submitted by email to USCCABLE@twpusc.org.
Training and access to production equipment can be provided to those interested in producing a program for the community. Call the Public Access Television number to promote an event or organization and its activities.
Department of Recreation and Leisure Services
Paul Besterman, Director of Recreation and Leisure Services
412-221-1099, ext. 6560
The Department of Recreation and Leisure Services is responsible for recreation programming and activities for residents of all ages. Residents can also contact the Recreation office to reserve Township facilities, including the McLaughlin Run Activity Center (MAC) and the Community and Recreation Center (C&RC) for parties, special events, meetings or to check on the availability of Township fields. The Department of Recreation and Leisure Services is located at the C&RC at Boyce Mayview Park, 1551 Mayview Road.
The Department of Recreation and Leisure Services also offers a senior citizens program (United Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair), which provides Wednesday luncheons and programs for all residents 55 years of age and older.
Department of Library
Chris Gmiter, Director of Library 412-835-5540, ext. 2240
The Upper St. Clair Township Library is located in the Township Municipal Building. The library’s collection of approximately 70,000 circulating items includes books, magazines, DVDs, audio books, games and music.The library was fully renovated in 2022, and all spaces have been revamped and updated. The Adult section of the library contains the adult fiction and non-fiction sections, as well as computer workstations. The Kids and Teens Library, which houses collections for ages birth to age 17, was expanded in the renovation and features a multipurpose room, a family play area, a family restroom and its own accessible entrance. The third floor features a roof-top terrace, contains five quiet study rooms, a conference room and is set among the Township’s Flex Space, which is ideal for independent and group work.
Online resources include e-books, downloadable content and databases. As a member of the Allegheny County eiNetwork consortium, the library participates in the shared County Catalog, which library patrons can access from the library’s website. Requested materials can be sent from and picked up at any public library in Allegheny County. The library also provides free high-speed wireless access for laptop users. Users can browse all program offerings on the library’s website.
The Upper St. Clair Library prides itself on being your community resources center. Visit the library’s website at twpusc.org/departments/ library/for hours of operation and general information. Check out the library on Facebook, Instagram and X. For more information, see pages 44-47.
Department of Public Works
George Kostelich Jr., Director of Public Works 412-831-9000, ext. 2710
The Public Works Department is responsible for the management of all activities relating to streets, storm sewers, sanitary sewers, trash collections, recycling, leaf and yard waste collections, parks and recreation facility maintenance, building and grounds maintenance and forestry. An annual trash and recycling schedule is mailed to residents at the end of each calendar year for the coming year. The schedule is also available on the Township’s website (twpusc.org).
USC’s Recreational Facility
Community & Recreation Center (C&RC)
1551 Mayview Road • 412-221-1099
Located in the active area of Boyce Mayview Park, the Community & Recreation Center (C&RC) offers indoor/outdoor aquatics, state-of-the-art fitness equipment, group fitness rooms, 1/8 mile running/walking track, two full-size basketball courts and rentable community rooms. In addition, throughout the year the Department of Recreation and Leisure Services offers programs to improve the quality of life for residents of all ages — pre-schoolers to seniors and all ages in between. (See program and offerings information on pages 48-49).
Public Works
Other Services in the Township
Animal Control
412-833-7500
The Township participates in a joint animal control program with neighboring communities. Officers are on duty seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., with 24-hour emergency service. Clair’s Kennel, along McLaughlin Run Road, provides a temporary home for wandering pets. Residents should call the police department for animal control services, including animals running at large, injured or killed animalsand animal nuisance calls.
Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department
Emergency: 412-833-7500 or 911 Office (non-emergency):
412-831-9000, ext. 7010
The Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department (USCVFD) is responsible for providing the following services: the protection of life and property, fire suppression, hazardous materials response, emergency rescue services, non-emergency and public service responses, mutual aid to neighboring communities and fire prevention education and programming. The USCVFD is made up of an all-volunteer membership providing service 24-hours a day. If interested in volunteering at the fire department, visit uscvfd.com. Each fall the fire department holds a Citizens Fire Academy. Each May, the Upper St. Clair Fire Department sends donation letters to all residents and businesses in the Township. The USCVFD does not solicit funds by telephone.
Tri-Community South Emergency Medical Services
Emergency: 412-833-7500 or 911 Office (non-emergency): 412-831-3710
Upper St. Clair Township participates in a jointly-operated emergency medical services program with the Township of South Park and the Municipality of Bethel Park. This program provides emergency ambulance transport by highly trained and state-licensed medical personnel. Each fall, an annual subscription drive is held. For a nominal fee, the entire household and household visitors are provided with emergency ambulance coverage when emergency transport is needed.
Tri-Community South does not receive direct subsidies from the Township, nor does it receive any revenue from the Local Services Tax, formerly the Emergency and Municipal Services Tax.
Appointed Boards and Commissions of Upper St. Clair
In addition to the elected Board of Commissioners, Upper St. Clair residents comprise appointed boards and commissions. Residents wishing to serve on a board or commission should submit a Talent Bank form that is available from the Township Manager’s Office or download the form from the Township’s website (www.twpusc.org). In the event of a vacancy, the Talent Bank forms identify residents interested in volunteering their time and expertise. The following persons, listed alphabetically and with their respective December 31 year of expiration, are citizens who currently serve on Township boards or commissions.
Building and Fire Codes Appeals and Advisory Board
Glenn Avick 2025
Denis C. Flaherty 2025
Michael P. McDonnell, Chair .............. 2025
Anthony L. Pitassi 2024
Robert T. Stevens Jr. 2026
David J. McClean, Vice Chair 2026
Civil Service Board
Neal Holmes, Secretary 2024
P.J. Murray, Chair 2025
Shon Worner 2026
Library Board
Joann Hockenberry 2024
Robert G. Ontolchik 2025
Barbara Zimmt 2026
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Kelly B. Bakayza 2026
Ryan Buries 2024
William O. Barnard 2026
Roger Hartung, Chair 2026
Diane Morris 2026
Matthew Weaver 2024
Planning Commission
Jeffrey Krantz 2025
Yvonne Piecknick, Secretary 2027
Jake Polochak 2026
David Sirota, Vice Chair 2024
Robin Weissert, Chair 2025
David Wade 2026
Adam McGurk 2026
Zoning Hearing Board
Anderson T. Bailey 2024
Dwight D. Ferguson, Chair 2025
Steven Gibbs 2025
Gregg R. Zegarelli, Vice Chair 2026
Clair’s Kennel
Tri-Community South EMS
USC Volunteer Fire Department
Highlights of the Board of Commissioners’ Meetings
July 1, 2024
Approximately one person attended. The Board
• Rejected Bids for Old Farm Road Trail Renovation.
• Adopted Resolution No. 1762 Recommending the Township Staff Continue the Process with ALCOSAN Re. Brush Run Pump Station Transfer.
• Affirmed the Planning Priorities for 2024–2025.
Aug. 5, 2024
Approximately four people attended. The Board
•Adopted Resolution No. 1763 Re. 2025–2029 Capital Improvement Program.
• Accepted the Upper St. Clair Community & Recreation Center Post COVID Facility Assessment.
Approval of Contracts
• Musco Sports Lighting, LLC.
$90,740.00 Baker Park Lighting Project
• G&G Fitness
$59,457.50
C&RC Fitness Equipment Replacement – Three (3) Life Fitness Integrity Treadmills, two (2) Life Fitness Integrity Ellipticals, and three (3) Keiser Indoor Cycles
• John T. Subrick, Inc.
$208,000.00 Old Farm Road Trail Renovation Project Phase I,
Accessibility Coordinators
a RAD funded project Tri-Community South (TCS) Facility Renovations
• MacBracey Corporation. $384,000.00
Contract-1 General Construction Work
• Hranec Sheet Metal, Inc..
$75,500.00 Contract-2 Plumbing & HVAC Work
• Allegheny City Electric, Inc..
$190,000.00 Contract-3 Electrical Work
Sept. 3, 2024
Approximately two people attended. The Board
• Adopted Resolution No. 1764 Re. Approval for a Grant Application Through the Statewide Local Share Account Program of the Commonwealth Financing Authority for the Upper St. Clair Library Shelving Project.
• Adopted Resolution No. 1765 Re. Approval for an Allegheny County Blight Removal Program (ACBRP) Grant Application through the Allegheny County Economic Development (ACED) Division for the Demolition of 1630 McLaughlin Run Road.
• Adopted Resolution No. 1766 Re. Approval of a Resolution Identifying Vacant and Dilapidated Structures within the Township.
• Authorized the Bid Rejection for Pedestrian Improvements.
The Township of Upper St. Clair has five accessibility coordinators to further enhance all visitors’ access to Township facilities, parks, trails and programs. For more information on accessibility, visit twpusc.org/accessibility.
The Township of Upper St. Clair’s accessibility coordinators are
• Jeremy Lemley, Buildings/Grounds Administrator (for all Township buildings): 412-831-9000, ext. 2710
• Ed Poljak, Director of Information Technology (for Township website and phone system): 412-831-9000
• Christian Gmiter, Director of Library: 412-831-9000, ext. 2240
• Gary Schafer, Parks and Forestry Administrator: 412-831-9000, ext. 2710
• Paul Besterman, Director of Recreation and Leisure Services (for all recreation activities): 412-831-9000, ext. 6560
Clear a Path to the Hydrant
As winter inevitability approaches and snow starts becoming a daily part of the forecast, take note if you or your neighbor have a fire hydrant on your property. After a large snow fall, or after continuous snow accumulation, fire hydrants can become partially or even completely covered with snow and ice. Snowplows can often drift snow over a fire hydrant, causing additional time on the fire scene to find the hydrant and clear away the snow. In an emergency, every minute matters. Being able to clearly identify and operate a fire hydrant is key to being able to deliver a fast and effective water supply.
After clearing off your driveway and sidewalk, take a moment to clear the area around your fire hydrant, too. The USC Volunteer Fire Department relies upon good Samaritans to keep the hundreds of fire hydrants in the community free of snow. The USCVFD requests that snow and ice be removed in a three-foot diameter around the fire hydrant. This allows responding units quick and easy access to the fire hydrant and to have room to properly work. Firefighters need to access the hydrant to attach both the large diameter hose to supply the engine with water and also have enough room to open the fire hydrant. All snow and ice should be removed in a clear path to the road, as well. n
If you are unable to physically clear the snow, contact the USCVFD at 412–835–0660 and they will send a volunteer to clear the area around the fire hydrant.
WE ARE HIRING
COMMUNITY & RECREATION CENTER
Apply Today
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE | TEAM ENVIRONMENT | COMPETITIVE WAGES | ACCESS TO C&RC AMENITIES
Lifeguard
Supervise swimming activities and ensure that policies, guidelines and safety procedures are followed.
Not yet certified? Take the American Red Cross Blended Learning Course:
Location: USC Community & Recreation Center
Dates: Friday, Dec. 20, 2024 / 4-9 p.m.
Saturday, Dec 21, 2024 / 1-8 p m
Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024 / 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Fee: C&RC Members - $215
Non-Members - $250
Ask about our Certification Reimbursement Program
Swim Lesson Instructor
Teach swimming techniques, swimming strokes and water safety rules to students with varying swimming abilities.
Playroom Associate
Responsible for supervising and creating activities for children ages 6 weeks to 10 years while parents/guardians access center amenities.
Personal Trainer
Responsible for creating personalized fitness routines and adapting to all levels of fitness capabilities for each individual client
Spring & Summer 2025 Part-Time Positions
Summer Laborer - Dept. of Public Works
Camp Counselor & Camp Director
Tennis/Golf Attendant
Guest Relations Associate
Event Attendant
TOWNSHIP REMINDERS
2024—2025 Trash-Recycling Holiday Collection
Holiday Collection Date
Thanksgiving Friday, Nov. 29 for regular Thursday collection.
Christmas .......... Thursday, Dec. 26 for regular Wednesday collection and Friday, Dec. 27 for regular Thursday collection.
New Year Thursday, Jan. 2 for regular Wednesday collection and Friday, Jan. 3 for regular Thursday collection.
Township of Upper St. Clair’s Christmas Tree Recycling Project
Dec. 26, 2024–Jan. 31, 2025
Discarded live trees will be ground for mulch for residents’ use. Please remove all lights, decorations and 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 twpusc.org, or call 412831-9000, ext. 2710, if you need more information.
2024 Fall Yard Debris/Leaf Waste Collection—Saturdays
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 on Saturday, Nov. 23 and Saturday, Dec. 7.
Attention Dog Owners
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 Jan. 1 of each year. The Allegheny County application is available at:
• The Upper St. Clair Police Department
• The Upper St. Clair Township Reception Desk
• Online at 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 Township reception desk
• Online (PDF) at twpusc.org
There is no charge for the Upper St. Clair license, but proof of rabies vaccination is required.
Deer Management Update
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 62. 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 Township personnel at 412-831-9000.
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 are to have the streets cleared quickly. Major roads, including 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, Township owned 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. 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 USC Cable or the Township’s website at twpusc.org for information on garbage collection.
6. The Township cannot recommend contractors or companies that provide private snow removal. 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.
9. Cars can be towed if they restrict access for snow removal vehicles, per Chapter 120A of the Township Code, which states: Whenever any vehicle shall be found wrecked, abandoned, restricting access of emergency or snow removal vehicles or parked or used in violation of laws and ordinances now or hereafter in force, such vehicles shall be removed by authorized Township employees or by a contract tower upon authorization of the Township Manager or his designated representative to the Township pound, garage or lot. The Township Manager or his designated representative may direct the towing of a vehicle to any Township designated pound, garage or lot for the purpose of police investigation.
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:
1. The Public Works Department must be alert to air temperatures and road 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. The Township contracts with a weather consulting company, which provides advanced 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 temperature.
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 one another other up to ensure effective roadway salting and plowing.
6. Walks will be cleared at the Township building (including the library entrance) C&RC, MAC and tennis bubbles as soon as possible. The Recreation Department’s 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 rightof-way needed.
Q&A About Trash and Recycling
Will trash outside the cart be collected?
Normal refuse collection is fully automated and trash outside of the cart will not be collected.
How many trash and recycling carts can I use?
Only one Township-issued refuse cart and one recycling cart are included in the regular contracted service. Residents may, however, obtain a second refuse cart for an annually adjusted fee ($117.70 for 2025) directly through Waste Management. You must register your additional refuse or recycling cart with the Township by calling 412-831-9000 ext. 2710 or emailing fox@twpusc.org, and include the type of extra cart your household is registering.
How do I get an extra trash or recycling cart?
You can order a second trash cart by calling Waste Management at 1-800-866-4460. You can get a second recycling cart by calling Upper St. Clair’s Public Works Department at 412-831-9000 ext. 2710.
How often is my trash and recycling collected?
Trash is collected once per week and recycling is collected once every other week. Residential trash, recycling and yard waste/leaf material is to be placed at the curb by 6 a.m. on your scheduled collection day. Trash and recycling may be placed out the night before after 6 p.m. (5 p.m. winter months). Remove empty containers no later than midnight on the day of collection.
Can I use any trash and recycling carts?
No, you must use the trash and recycling carts provided to you by Waste Management. In the photo with this article, the USC recycling cart (maroon lid) is on the left, and on the right, is the USC refuse cart (black lid) issued to each household.
When can I put out my large items that won’t fit in my trash cart?
Up to two bulk items will be collected once per month on USC’s designated week for bulk item collection, which is the second full week of each month. Bulk items include, but are not limited to mattresses, chairs, bicycles and other items too large to fit into your regular cart.
Summer Fun with Snowplows
Can I recycle glass?
Glass will again be included in recycling, but the Township recommends taking advantage of the successful drop-off program at Village Square Mall as well, which is available seven days a week in the blue recycling dumpster located at 5000 Oxford Drive. You can deposit glass bottles, jars and jugs of all colors (no sorting required).
How do I get rid of my leaves and yard waste?
There will be six yard waste curbside collections per year, once in the spring and five times in the fall. Leaf and yard debris should be placed at the curb in compostable paper bags during the scheduled curbside yard waste pickups. The Township will also continue to accept leaf and yard waste at the Boyce Compost Site on Boyce Road (next to Ardolino’s), with new hours of 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., from April to December.
Who do I contact if I have a question or issue?
Trash and Recycling Collection Important Contacts:
• Ordering an extra trash cart: Waste Management at 1-800 866-4460
• General questions, missed pickups and ordering an extra recycling cart: USC Public Works Department at 412-831 9000 ext. 2710
Information regarding the new refuse and recycling service, including the 2025 trash and recycling pickup schedule, will be posted on the township’s website and mailed out before the end of the year. n
For a look at the 2025 trash and recycling brochure, which includes the monthly schedule, scan the QR code shown above, or visit twpusc.org/departments/public_works/trash_recycling/index.php.
This past June, the Upper St. Clair Township Library and Public Works Department teamed up to give local children a chance at leaving their mark on some snowplows — literally. The library provided the paint, the public works team provided the snowplows and the kids got to put their handprints on the vehicles. The kids also got to take a look around the inside of the snowplows and honking the horns.
This is an activity the Township tries to implement each year as an entertaining way to let kids get an up-close and personal look at vehicles they would otherwise only see through a window on snowy days. The kids’ handprints remain on the snowplows until the trucks need to be cleaned and prepared for the snowy winter ahead. n
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAMS
A few years ago, there were many flood victims throughout Allegheny County. Many of these victims sought help, but most homeowners, business owners and renters did not have flood insurance. Private coverage can be unreliable and expensive. A great option for flood victims seeking help is the National Flood Insurance Programs (NFIP).
The federal government offers the NFIP, which is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). NFIP aims to reduce the impact of flooding on private and public structures. This program enables homeowners, business owners and renters in participating communities who are in both high-risk and moderate-to-low risk areas to purchase federally-backed flood insurance. The program reduces the socioeconomic impact of disasters by promoting the purchase and retention of general risk insurance, but, more specifically, flood insurance. Upper St. Clair participates in this program. For a list of other participating communities, visit fema.gov/cis/PA.html.
The NFIP covers direct physical damage by flood to your building and/or personal property. The following is a summary of what is covered and not covered under these programs (view the FEMA website or contact your insurance company for complete policy information).
Covered Building Property:
• Plumbing systems
• Furnaces and water heaters
• Refrigerators, cooking stoves and built-in appliances, such as dishwashers
• Permanently installed carpeting over an unfinished floor
• Permanently installed paneling, wallboard, bookcases and cabinets. The damage must be directly caused by flood water. Cabinets that were not damaged by flood water are not covered, even if they match cabinets that were damaged by flood water.
• Window blinds
• A detached garage, used for limited storage or parking. Up to 10% of the building coverage limit can be used, but will reduce the total amount of building coverage available.
Covered Personal Property Contents:
• Personal belongings, including clothing, furniture and electronic equipment
• Curtains
• Portable and window air conditioners (easily moved or relocated)
• Portable microwave ovens and portable dishwashers
• Carpets not included in building coverage (carpet installed over wood floors, etc.)
• Clothing washers and dryers
• Certain valuable items, including original artwork and furs (up to $2500)
• Food freezers (other than walk-ins), including the food in them
Not Covered for Building or Personal Property:
• Damage caused by moisture, mildew or mold that could have been avoided by the property owner or which is not attributable to the flood
• Damage caused by earth movement, even if the earth movement is caused by the flood
• Additional living expenses, including temporary housing, while the building is being repaired or is unable to be occupied
• Loss of use or access of the insured property
• Financial losses caused by business interruption
• Property and belongings outside of an insured building, including trees, plants, wells, septic systems, walks, decks, patios, fences, seawalls, hot tubs and swimming pools
• Currency, precious metals and valuable papers, such as stock certificates
• Most self-propelled vehicles, including cars and their parts
Basements and Areas
Below the Lowest Elevated Floor:
Flood insurance coverage is limited to areas below the lowest elevated floor, including crawlspaces, depending on the flood zone and date of construction and in basements regardless of zone or date of construction. This includes:
• Basements
• Crawlspaces under an elevated building
• Enclosed areas beneath buildings elevated on full-store foundation walls (sometimes referred to as “walkout basements”)
• Enclosed areas under other types of elevated buildings
Basements and Areas Below the Lowest Elevated Floor—Covered Building Property:
• Foundation walls, anchorage systems, and staircases attached to the building
• Central air conditioners
• Cisterns and the water in them
• Drywall for walls and ceilings (in basement only)
• Non-flammable insulation (in basement only)
• Electrical outlets, switches and circuit-breaker boxes
• Fuel tanks and the fuel in them, solar energy equipment and well water tanks and pumps
• Furnaces, water heaters, heat pumps and sump pumps
Basements and Areas Below the Lowest Elevated Floor—Covered Personal Property:
• Washers and dryers
• Food freezers and the food in them, but not refrigerators
• Portable and window air conditioners
Basements and Areas Below the Lowest Elevated Floor—Not Covered Under Building or Personal Property:
• Paneling, bookcases and window treatments, including curtains and blinds
• Carpeting, area carpets and other floor coverings, such as tile
• Drywall for walls and ceilings (below the lowest elevated floor)
• Walls and ceilings not made of drywall
• In certain cases, staircases and elevators
• Most personal property, such as clothing, electronic equipment, kitchen supplies and furniture
NFIP Contact Information
Website: fema.gov/flood-insurance
Phone: 800-621-FEMA / 800-427-4661
Email: floodsmart@fema.dhs.gov
This summary is intended for informational purposes only and is not a complete description of the NFIP. Visit the FEMA website and contact your insurance company for complete information before purchasing a policy. A list of private insurance companies that sell the NFIP can be found at agents. floodsmart.gov/write-policy/resources. If your agent does not sell NFIP, contact the NFIP Help Center at 800-427-4661. n
DEPARTMENT OF FIRE PROTECTION
Holiday Safety Tips
Thanksgiving, the day Americans gather with family and friends to celebrate, cook and eat, is the nation’s leading day for cooking fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the number of cooking fires on Thanksgiving is three times as high as on any other day of the year.
In addition to the hazards posed by jammed stovetops and crowded kitchens, turkey fryers contribute to the elevated fire risk on Turkey Day. Preventing fires is simple when following some basic precautions. Remember, while you should always have a fire-extinguisher nearby and know how to use it, don’t delay calling 911.
Stovetops and ovens
Busy cooks can become distracted preparing several dishes at once while also trying to entertain guests. Cooking fires can easily be prevented by following a few simple precautions:
• Start the holiday cooking with a clean stove and oven. Remove food and grease buildup from burners, stovetop and oven.
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking and don’t become distracted by guests.
• Keep children away from the stove. Preferably use the back burners.
• Keep a flame-resistant oven mitt, potholder or lid nearby to smother any flames.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
• Have working smoke alarms in the home and have an escape plan that the entire family knows if there is a fire.
Turkey fryers
Using an oil fryer to cook turkeys over the holidays has become increasingly popular. However, there are many hazards associated with using turkey fryers, and safety factors should be considered before deciding to use a turkey fryer. For those who choose to use a turkey fryer, we offer the following safety tips:
• Never use a turkey fryer indoors, in the garage, on a covered patio or on a wooden deck because of the fire hazard.
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Never overfill the oil in a turkey fryer. If the fryer is overfilled, spillover may hit the burner or flames, causing a fire. Before putting oil into the fryer, test it out with water. Place the turkey inside and then fill it with water until the turkey is submerged. Remove the turkey and mark the water line on the fryer so you will know how much oil to put in the fryer.
• Only use the oil recommended by the manufacturer. Different types of oil have different ignition temperatures.
• Make sure you thaw the turkey completely.
• Never leave the fryer unattended.
• Fryers can easily tip over, spilling hot, scalding oil onto anyone or anything nearby, leading to fires, burns or other injuries. Make sure the fryer is on a flat service.
• Remember the oil will remain dangerously hot for hours.
• Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts; consider wearing
safety goggles to protect eyes from oil splatters.
• If oil begins to smoke, immediately turn OFF the gas supply.
• When using a fryer, keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. Always remember to call 911.
As families and friends come together to celebrate the holidays in December and January, it is important that they consider fire safety. The holiday season brings decorations, celebrations and an increase in indoor cooking, all of which increase the risk of residential fires.
Each year, residential fires generally increase across the U.S. in December. According to NFPA, U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 240 residential fires a year caused by Christmas trees alone. Once ignited, a dry Fraser fir bursts into flames in seven seconds and is consumed by fire in slightly more than a minute. The referenced video below provides a stunning lesson about why keeping a Christmas tree moist can be a matter of lifeand-death importance: travelers.com/resources/home/fire-safety/ the-science-behind-Christmas-tree-fires.
• Candles are another potential fire hazard that are widely used during the holidays and other special occasions. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), candles are responsible for an estimated 15,600 residential fires a year, causing 150 deaths, 1270 injuries and $539 million in property damage. USFA adds that December is the peak month for home candle fires, with 24% of all candle fires occurring in December or January. According to USFA, more than half of these fires are a result of a candle being placed too close to flammable holiday decorations, including Christmas trees.
The NFPA recommends these precautions around the holidays:
• Don’t use real candles as part of decorations and remember to always exercise basic safety when using candles throughout the home.
• Never leave a lighted Christmas tree or other decorative lighting display unattended. Inspect lights for exposed or frayed wires, loose connections and broken sockets.
• Do not overload extension cords or outlets, and do not place an electrical cord under a rug.
• Natural cut Christmas trees always involve some risk of fire. To minimize the risk, get a fresh tree and keep it watered at all times. Do not put the tree within three feet of a fireplace, space heater, radiator or heat vent.
• Decorate with children in mind. Do not put ornaments that have small parts or metal hooks or look like food or candy on the lower branches where small children can reach them.
• Trim protruding branches at or below a child’s eye level and keep lights out of reach.
• Do not burn Christmas tree branches, treated wood or wrapping paper in a home fireplace.
Finally, the best way to protect loved ones in the event of a fire is to discuss fire safety and home escape plans ahead of time. n
DEPARTMENT OF FIRE PROTECTION
Lithium-Ion Battery Safety
Lithium-ion batteries supply power to many kinds of devices, including smart phones, laptops, e-scooters and e-bikes, e-cigarettes, smoke alarms, toys and even cars. If not used correctly, or if damaged, these batteries can catch on fire or explode.
The Problem
• These batteries store a large amount of energy in a small amount of space.
• Sometimes batteries are not used the right way; batteries not designed for a specific use can be dangerous.
• Like any product, a small number of these batteries are defective. They can overheat, catch fire or explode.
Safety Tips
• Purchase and use devices that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Only use the battery that is designed for the device.
• Put batteries in the device the correct way.
• Only use the charging cord that came with the device.
• Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed or on a couch.
• Do not keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged.
• Keep batteries at room temperature when possible. Do not charge them at temperatures below 32°F (0°C) or above 105°F (40°C).
• Store batteries away from anything that can catch fire.
Signs of a Problem
Stop using the battery if you notice these problems: odor, change in color, too much heat, change in shape, leaking or odd noises. If it is safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire. Call 911.
Battery Disposal
• Do not put lithium-ion batteries in the trash.
• Recycling is always the best option. Take them to a battery recycling location or contact your community for disposal instructions.
• Do not put discarded batteries in piles.
Battle of the Barrel
With friends and family members cheering, USCVFD members had fun during their Battle of the Barrel drill this July. Using a stream of water from a fire hose, in teams of two, firefighters “battled” each other to determine who had the skill to move a barrel to the end of the cable behind the opposing team. After challenging their fellow firefighters, family members had a chance to try their hand on the hose line! n
USC Police Welcome New Officers
This past July, Upper St. Clair police officers Connor McCaffrey, Isaac Ankrom and Nick Benincasa were officially sworn in by District Judge Ronald Arnoni. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by members of the USCPD, Township officials and the families of the officers.
McCaffrey comes to Upper St. Clair after serving with the Pittsburgh Police for five years. He attended Penn State University and has a bachelor’s degree in recreation, parks and tourism management with a specialization in golf management.
Ankrom joins the USCPD after spending more than four years as an officer with the Virginia Beach Police Department. Isaac attended Slippery Rock University and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
Benincasa is an Ohio University graduate and has a bachelor’s degree in global studies war and peace and political science. Nick joins the USCPD from the police academy. n
Tri-Community South EMS Subscription Program
Tri-Community South EMS will once again offer a subscription program for 2025. A subscription to Tri-Community South EMS provides an added layer of protection for you and your family in the event of an emergency. When you subscribe, you will receive a 50% discount on any portion of your bill your insurance does not cover.
Lift assists have been discounted to $200 and there is no limit on the number of times you can call for assistance.
Tri-Community South EMS still remains a self-supporting organization and receives no tax revenue from Bethel Park, South Park or Upper St. Clair. Your subscription helps fund the quality care TCS has provided for more than 40 years. Tri-Community appreciates your generous donations all year long.
Residents should have a received a mailing in October, but if you missed it, you can subscribe at tcsems.org or by phoning 412-831-3710. n
John M. Lekse Scholarship
Congratulations to Olivia Gerlach, the 2024 John M. Lekse Scholarship awardee.
The John M. Lekse Scholarship Fund, administered by the Pittsburgh Foundation, was established by John’s family in 2019 after his death. The fund provides scholarships to USC Volunteer Fire Department members or their immediate family members wanting to further their education.
Olivia, the daughter of firefighter Greg Gerlach, graduated from John Carroll University in May 2023 with a degree in exercise science and is working toward her master’s in nursing (MSN) at Case Western Reserve University. Her goal is to become a registered nurse and advance her career by becoming a nurse practitioner.. n
l/r – Upper St. Clair Police Chief Jon Wharton with new USC police officers Nick Benincasa, Isaac Ankrom and Connor McCaffrey and District Judge Ronald Arnoni
Olivia Gerlach
Block Party Fun
It’s never too early to start planning a block party for 2025! We hope you enjoy these photos and that they inspire you and your neighbors to get together for a party in your neighborhood. A block party request form should be sent to the planning and community development department at least two weeks in advance with the date and location of the block party, along with a contact person’s name, address and phone number. The director of planning and community development will grant a letter of permission to the contact person and have any requested barricades delivered. n
From the Director’s Desk
Library By the Numbers
Chris Gmiter
The focal point of this issue’s library section is the “Library by the Numbers” piece that puts a spotlight on the Upper St. Clair Township Library’s statistical achievements that took place between January and August of 2024. I hope that you all find value in this data, as it depicts community involvement, which we, as a staff, are vested in and committed to.
I’d like to take this time to also
highlight some January–September averages from other “behind the scenes” statistical figures that may not immediately come to mind when you think of the Township Library.
Study Room usage: Between Feb. 1 and Sept. 1, 2157 sessions were booked by users, accounting for 2294 hours of use. Clearly, the new study rooms and flex space are some of the most popular attractions at the library.
• Wi-Fi Data: For the first eight months of 2024, the library’s public Wi-Fi was accessed 6815 times for a whopping 1,357,482 total combined minutes.
• Public computers: The library has eight public computers on-site. Computers may be accessed with a valid library card barcode. In the run up to September, our public computers had
Monday through Thursday: 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Thanksgiving Closures:
Closed at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27.
Closed Thursday, Nov. 28, and Friday, Nov. 29.
Christmas Closures:
Closed Tuesday, Dec. 24, and Wednesday, Dec. 25.
New Year’s Closures:
Closed Tuesday, Dec. 31, and Wednesday, Jan. 1.
Outside book and video return available 24/7
Library hours are subject to change; please call or visit the library’s website for hours of operation.
1147 sign-ins for a total of 40,240 total minutes.*
Although we take pride in our collections and programing, the above numbers are a depiction of the fact that the library itself is continuing to evolve. Not only are we a place for recreation and scholarly pursuits, but we offer users that “third space” to work on a project, get out of the office for a bit as a change of scenery or to research a topic on a public computer. Let us, however, not forget that our capable and amazing staff are always here to help you with any of your Library needs. n
*Special thanks to Head of Technical Services Maureen Case for compiling these figures.
Adult Programs
Unless otherwise noted, all events are in-person and take place in the library multi-purpose room.
The History of Kaufmann’s Department Store: Everything Under the Sun Wednesday, Dec. 4 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Join the library for a program exploring Kaufmann’s department store and its impact on Western Pennsylvania. Discover its business and philanthropic legacy, share your Kaufmann’s stories and bring mementos for a “show & tell” session. The event will take place on the third floor of the library. Registration required.
Holiday Felting with Judé Ernest Friday, Dec. 6
11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 12
Session 1: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Session 2: 2–4 p.m.
Join Upper St. Clair’s Library Specialist Anne Marie for a fun-filled holiday cookie decorating demo. Spend a morning learning how to decorate fancy holiday cookies with royal icing. Each participant will receive a half-dozen cookies, decorating supplies and step-by-step instructions along the way! Grab a friend, significant other, family member or just come by yourself to this fun hands-on event. Limited to 12 participants.
What Made George Washington Great? with Todd DePastino Wednesday, Feb. 12 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Learn to hand needle felt wool fiber and other materials into a 3D art piece. Local artist Judé Ernest will teach you how to safely use felting needles to sculpt unspun fiber into a one-of-a-kind Polar Bear figurine suitable for display or hanging. All materials and tools will be provided. Limited to 15 registered participants. A $10 donation is suggested. No experience is required. If you are registered, but unable to attend, please cancel your reservation ahead of time.
Try-It Tuesday
Try It Tuesday with local artist Judé Ernest is a regular monthly USC Library in-person, adult art program, limited to 15 registered participants. If you are unable to attend, please cancel your reservation ahead of time. A $5 donation is suggested. These events take place in the library multi-purpose room.
Try-It Tuesday Fabric Gnome Ornaments
Tuesday, Dec. 10 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
This month you will make Gnome ornaments with fabric scraps. These handmade creations are fun to make with others and give as gifts. All tools and supplies will be provided.
There is a $5 supply fee to be paid at the library before you are considered fully registered for this class. This event takes place in the Kids and Teens Activity Room.
Native Bees: Overlooked and Important Wednesday, Jan. 15; Feb. 19; March 19; April 16 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Join the Allegheny County Master Gardners for a series of monthly programs covering a variety of gardening topics. In January, the focus will be on native bees, followed by a session on heirloom vegetables in February, while March will encompass the topic of gardening from seed. In April, we extend our invitation to an interactive plant clinic to be held at the library premises. These events will take place on the third floor of the library.
Guitar Class with Brannon Lyons Thursdays, Jan. 16-Feb. 20 1–2 p.m.
Come out and learn the basics of playing the guitar with local guitarist and teacher Brannon Lyons. Adults with little to no playing experience are welcome. Bring your own guitars. Limited to 20 people. It is $5 per class.
What made George Washington great? Todd DePastino will talk about our greatest and most indispensable founder, George Washington. It’s not easy to talk about Washington. He didn’t like his private life to be revealed, and he preferred to be remembered as the white marble “Father of the Country,” the man on the dollar bill. But Washington was as fascinating as the other founders and, unlike the others, his greatness relied not on special talents or abilities, but rather his character. This event takes place on the third floor of the library.
Bison with the Allegheny County Parks @ The South Park Game Preserve Friday, Feb. 28 11–11:45 a.m.
Learn all about bison with the Allegheny County Park Rangers. North America’s largest mammal is important both culturally and ecologically. Discover more about these giant animals and how they benefit the environment. This is a great chance to see the bison up close at each feeding station. This event takes place at the South Park Game Preserve. Note: there is an optional public feeding that takes place at 9:30 a.m.
Orchids 101
Wednesday, March 5 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join Upper St. Clair Township Library and Charles Oldenburg for a talk about orchids. This presentation will cover the background of what an orchid is, the keys to growing orchids and common problems that are encountered. Come and see his numerous blooming orchids in person. This event will take place on the third floor of the library.
Holiday Cookie Decorating
Adult Programs
Adult Programs
Upper St. Clair United Senior Citizens
The Upper St. Clair United Senior Citizens had a great summer with a variety of fun and informative events! The group learned about the American Red Cross guidelines on choking, the use of drones by Pittsburgh Drone Pet Search and Rescue and how Victoria Grace became a Jeopardy champion. Among other activities, they also enjoyed an outing to a Washington Wild Things game and a daytrip to Ohio!
If you’re age 55 or older and retired, consider joining the group, which meets most Wednesdays at the McLaughlin Run Activity Center (MAC), located at 1770 McLaughlin Run Rd. (Spouses of eligible members may also join, even if under the age of 55). Informal activities begin at 10 a.m., with members holding a brief business meeting at noon, followed by lunch. In addition, there are various outings throughout the year. n
USC Recreation and
a visit to the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio, where the 1994 movie The
USC Township Silver Card
The Township Silver Card is free and available to residents ages 62 and older. To obtain a Silver Card and receive access to a select number of group exercise classes, USC’s three-hole golf course, as well as a complimentary summer tennis permit, visit the Community and Recreation Center, 1551 Mayview Road.
Silver card applications are available 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday–Friday. A valid photo ID showing USC residency is required upon application. Residents who acquired their Silver Card prior to 2019 are encouraged to re-apply for and receive a new, updated card.
USCSD Gold Card
Upper St. Clair residents who are age 62 or older are eligible to receive a Gold Card, entitling them to free admission to plays and musicals, as well as regular season home athletic events and activities sponsored by the USC School District. WPIAL and PIAA playoff games are not eligible for free or discounted admission.
To obtain a Gold Card, visit the high school main office at 1825 McLaughlin Run Road. For more information, contact Nancy Dunn at 412-833-1600, ext. 2236, or email ndunn@uscsd.k12.pa.us.
ACCESS Paratransit
Applications for the Pittsburgh Regional Transit Senior Citizen Connect Card and the ACCESS 65 Plus Coordinated, Shared-Ride Paratransit Service are available at the C&RC. Applications must be made in person at the C&RC during business hours, Monday–Friday. Proof of age (65) is required at the time of application.
For additional information about any older adult programming, contact the community programs department at 412-221-1099.
The group made
Shawshank Redemption was primarily filmed.
On the same trip, they fed birds at Songbird Aviary …
Denis Burlovic teaches what to do if someone is choking.
Victoria Grace gave a great Q & A session on how she became a Jeopardy champion.
Amelia Breitenbach explains how drones are used at Pittsburgh Drone Pet Search and Rescue.
… and stopped at Blueberry Patch 1285 Winery for lunch.
Senior outing at the Washington Wild Things
Angie’s having fun turning 85!
Celebrating the 4th of July
Leisure Services
Senior Spotlight: Richard and Joan Toth
Richard and Joan Toth met in 1978 at a meeting for single men and women exploring their new lives as divorced people. Three years later, on the very wintry morning of Jan. 3, 1981, the couple was married. Joan’s mother and Richard’s dad stood for them at their wedding, an extra special blessing.
Since Richard spent most of his career dealing with finances, he wanted to make sure that, since they had to pay taxes on the length of time they were married, they chose the earliest date in 1981 to be married! Even though the weather was iffy, Richard’s sister and her family made it in from Akron. Joan was concerned that her family from Mt. Pleasant, Pa., might want to reconsider making it to Pittsburgh’s South Hills, but all of the families arrived safely, and the wedding went off without a hitch!
Joan was born on Dec. 26, 1940, and her two older sisters, Dot and Irene, were hoping for a two-wheel bike for Christmas. When that didn’t happen on Christmas day, their dad told them he had a surprise for them on the 26th. They were so excited because they just knew the bikes probably went on sale, and they were getting bikes after all. Well, their dad told them very quickly that, no, it wasn’t a bike, but they now had a baby sister. They were very shocked and disappointed! Joan says that she spent most of her life hearing that story over and over. And when Joan was nine and her two teenage sisters were past the age of wanting a bike, Joan enjoyed her new bike very much!
Joan graduated from Ramsay High School in 1958 and earned her B.S. in Education in 1962. She took a job teaching English at Hurst High School in Mt. Pleasant for three years. During that time, she lived at home and drove to Indiana, Pa., every weekend for a few years to acquire a M.S. in Education.
In 1965, Joan left her hometown to take a teaching job at Mt. Lebanon High School, and spent her years working there from 1965 until she retired in 1994. While teaching English at Mt. Lebanon, Joan earned a Master’s in Library Science from the University of Pittsburgh and worked in the high school library until she retired. Joan was always pleased that so many of the high school graduates would come back to use the library during their college vacations or off-days because they were appreciative that the high school library had what they needed to use. And Joan, for the most part, was also pleased with the high school students who used the library as they were serious about why they were there.
Richard spent his high school years at Central Catholic in Pittsburgh. After graduating in 1952, he started college at St. Vincent College
in Latrobe, Pa. After two years, Richard wasn’t sure about what type of life he wanted to pursue, so he left school and served in the Army for a few years. When he left the Army, he finished his degree in accounting at Duquesne University before working for Joy Manufacturing, US Steel’s Credit Union and the Pittsburgh Teachers’ Credit Union.
Joan and Richard bought their house in Upper St. Clair in 1983, a ranch which they have really enjoyed. Richard has had a series of surgeries for a “bum” ankle, and living in a ranch home has turned out to be quite a good answer.
Joan and Richard have enjoyed trips all over the country to achieve their goal of visiting all 50 states. With a visit to Alaska and a few trips to Hawaii, this goal was accomplished. They have been on more than 20 cruises in the Caribbean, the South Pacific and Europe. These intrepid travelers have done serious five-week trips across the U.S. a few times, five weeks in South America, several land tours in Europe and visits to Russia, China and Australia. They are very grateful for all of the safe experiences and memories! Two trips they had hoped to do, Southern Africa and the Holy Land, were cancelled because of family illnesses and the terrorist attack in New York City. Joan always insisted that once a trip had to be cancelled, it was a definite omen not to plan that one again.
Joan and Richard are very thankful and blessed for the wonderful parents they both had, who lived well into their 90s, and for their sisters and brothers, who are the kind one dreams about having. They are also very thankful for the USC United Senior Citizens and its members who have become such good friends! n
Richard and Joan Toth
Township and School District Partner for Community-Based Work Program
Earlier this year, the Township and School District of Upper St. Clair began partnering on a community-based work program for adult students with intellectual disabilities. Brian Lund, a student at the high school, began working at the Township library in May, and by the end of the summer, he was the library’s new favorite worker.
Even though his disability presents challenges, nothing stops Brian from being a productive worker. During his time at the library, Brian has taken charge of a variety of tasks, including maintaining the appearance of the shelves, shredding items, emptying the book returns and checking shelves to see if any book labels are out of order. But most importantly, Brian’s social skills and independence have improved dramatically. From his first day to the present, Brian’s growth has been extraordinary.
Chris Gmiter, the director of the library, helps get Brian settled each time he comes in and has watched him become more comfortable each week.
“Brian has been a breath of fresh air since beginning his work at the library,” said Gmiter. “We all consider Brian to be part of the staff, and we all look forward to the days that he works. Brian has made a lot of positive progress since he began his work here in the spring, and he has taken on additional responsibilities of his choosing. He has the drive to continue to take on more tasks
After the Storm
Beth Langkamp captured this spectacular double rainbow from her deck on Blairmont Drive and wanted to share it with TODAY’s readers.
If you have a favorite photo of life in Upper St. Clair, please email it, along with a brief description to usctoday@usctoday. org with “Photos” listed in the subject line.
and has been absolutely amazing to work with.”
Each time Brian came in for a shift, which was once or twice a week for a couple hours, he was accompanied by his job coach and aide, Colby. His aide was there with him every step of the way and encouraged him to take on new tasks and try new things. His aide plays a vital role in Brian’s social development.
This community-based work program wouldn’t have started if not for Katie Poniatowski, the life skills teacher at the high school. Poniatowski worked hard to get this program going and thought the library would be the perfect place for Brian. She was looking for a place that was safe, welcoming, in the community and would provide him with a chance to interact with community members. After speaking with the township, she was confident that this was the right fit for him.
“Brian has benefited greatly from this partnership,” said Poniatowski. “He has been working on employment skills at the high school and was ready to transfer these skills into the community setting. He has grown so much throughout this time, not only in the area of employment, but also in his independence. He loves his work at the library and is proud of what he can do for his community.”
Poniatowski works with 10 students at the high school ranging in age from 14 to 22 years old. Although needs and goals vary with each student, she mainly focuses on developing their transitional skills, which include independent living, employment and preparing them for adulthood.
Poniatowski is always looking for more places in Upper St. Clair where her students can develop their transitional skills. She is hoping for more opportunities, not just with the Township, but with the rest of the community, as well. Brian’s experience is one she’d like to replicate with more of her students.
Finding community-based work experiences for the students is critical to their development, and in this situation, Brian and the library were a perfect match. Poniatowski says she has noticed a dramatic difference in Brian since he began working at the library.
“He is a happy kid and brings happiness everywhere he goes,” she said. “When he comes back from his shift at the library, you can tell he enjoyed it. This experience would not have been possible without the support of the school district, the wonderful staff at the library, township administration and his job coach.” n
Brian and his job coach, Colby
Beth Langkamp view from deck
Beth Langkamp view from her deck
Get Ready for Geminids!
Isabel Vilensky, TODAY Intern
We sure have had a loco lunar experience this year. If you haven’t heard, Earth has had its very own mini-moon for the past month and a half, called 2024 PT5.
This phenomenon is more common than it seems, as Earth pulls these asteroids into its gravitational field a few times a decade. Nonetheless, having a guest moon is still fairly spectacular.
Unfortunately, a quick Google search will disappoint you with the fact that you can only see this 11-meter-wide rock with a professional telescope — and Allegheny Observatory is all booked up. Furthermore, PT5 will be leaving in a couple of weeks.
Luckily, the astronomical fun is not over! Here’s some information on a special holiday gift from outer space that you can actually see right from your front porch.
The Geminids meteor shower — widely regarded as one of the most intense and impressive space shows, is starting in a few days!
On November 19, a bunch of rocks originating from an extinct comet known as 3200 Phaethon will make their way close to Earth once again. Although the comet may have gone dormant, the Geminids are extremely active. Indeed, they typically fly at 79,000 miles per hour — that’s 22 miles per second! We’re gonna have a lot of fun racing them on Route 19 soon (for legal purposes, this is a joke)!
Geminid meteors appear to radiate from near the bright star Castor in the constellation of Gemini. Following the 3200 Phaethon orbit, these rocks cross Earth’s orbit inwardly and slightly to the north. They’re hard to miss — even if you’re standing with your back to the Geminids, you’ll still catch at least one!
This meteor shower is expected to peak on December 13. Unfortunately, we’ll likely have an almost-full moon competing for the light that night. However, professionals have expressed that the Geminids are so bright that they’ll likely still be very visible. Here are a few tips for those interested in watching.
1. Try to make a dark, open sky. Turn off all your lights, and try to get the surrounding houses dim, as well.
2. The Geminids peak around 2 a.m. everywhere around the planet — and they’re best right here in the Northern Hemisphere. Since we have a bright waxing gibbous moon, try to block out the moonlight from your view.
3. Don’t give up immediately if you don’t see anything! Make sure you’re out for at least an hour, as it takes approximately 20 minutes for your eyes to adapt to the dark.
4. Know that meteors are often irregular. They can come wildly streaking across the sky out at any time, or leave you in the dark for a bit.
5. Remember that it’s going to be cold outside, so don’t hesitate to grab a jacket or sleeping bag!
If you’re lucky, you might get to see 120 meteors per hour! This is an amazing opportunity to enjoy an awesome phenomenon with your friends and family. Make snacks, start smiling — you know the drill!
Ultimately, the Geminids are a gorgeous display, but the real holiday beauty lies in spending time with those you love. Celebrate the good times with them, and keep an eye out for a shooting star while you’re at it! n
Small Space, Big Impact: Achieve a Perfect Mudroom Anywhere
Geoff and Christine McQueen
Mudrooms are having a moment, with everyone from Houzz to HGTV discussing the best ways to create functional and beautiful spaces. At McQueen Building Co., conversations about mudrooms happen practically every day. Even clients who contact us about other kinds of renovations bring up the subject.
Whether they need a place for kids to drop sports equipment, they’ve got a dog to bathe or just need to wrangle coats and snowy boots, people are realizing that every house runs better when there’s a dedicated mudroom space.
But what if your house wasn’t built with a mudroom and you don’t want to put on an addition to create one?
That’s our favorite question.
One of the biggest evolutions in mudrooms is that you don’t need an entire room, as long as you work with a design/ build company that really listens, offers you expert planning and delivers the elements that serve you best. With proper planning and expertly designed cabinetry, it’s simple for any homeowner to have a great mudroom space.
Even if you’re working with a small area, the right design build partner can find an innovative solution — perhaps taking the doors off a closet and putting in carefully designed cabinetry and the perfect bench to meet your needs.
Flex Spaces and Fabulous Details
The modern mudroom is a hardworking space. We help many clients flex multiple uses out of just one area.
At our own home, the mudroom is a kids’ drop zone where bookbags and sports equipment land (and get stashed in durable, attractive storage, so nothing gets misplaced). It’s also a laundry room and a butler’s pantry, complete with overflow storage for things like big packages of paper towels.
For some clients, we build dog washing stations and custom spaces for big items like huge bags of dog food that need to be stored conveniently and out of sight.
If they’re planned well, these flexible spaces can grow and evolve with your family’s needs. Whether your space is big or small, you’re looking for a design-build team that offers two key things:
1.The ability to listen and collaborate with you to ensure this space serves you and your family in the best possible way.
2.The ability and experience to really deliver, showing you samples of work that they’ve done that excites you.
So, start dreaming about what your perfect mudroom or smaller “mud bench” area could look like. As you think about it, let your personal style come through. Like a powder room, a mudroom is a great canvas to have fun with bold colors, unex-
pected patterns and creative touches that make this practical, workhorse space just as exceptional as the rest of your home. n
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Upper St. Clair School District
Board of School Directors
Jennifer A. Schnore President jschnore@uscsd.k12.pa.us 2025*
Barbara L. Bolas bbolas@uscsd.k12.pa.us 2027*
Kelly P. Hanna khanna01@uscsd.k12.pa.us 2027*
Michael R. Mascaro mmascaro@uscsd.k12.pa.us 2025*
Hallie H. Snyder hsnyder@uscsd.k12.pa.us 2027*
Dr. Danielle Z. Wetzel Vice President dwetzel@uscsd.k12.pa.us 2025*
Justin Lamber jlamber@uscsd.k12.pa.us 2027*
Angela B. Petersen apetersen@uscsd.k12.pa.us 2027*
The list of the Upper St. Clair Board of School Directors 2024-2025 meeting dates is available on the District’s website: uscsd.k12.pa.us/schoolboard. Meetings typically begin at 7 p.m. in the district administration building.
*Date indicates expiration of term.
Administrator Secretary/Email Address
Dr. John Rozzo
Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Amy Pfender
Extension
Sarah MacDonald 2218
smacdonald@uscsd.k12.pa.us
Mary Beth Harkleroad 2214
Deputy Superintendent mharkleroad@uscsd.k12.pa.us
Dr. Lou Angelo langelo@uscsd.k12.pa.us 2272
Director of Operations and Facilities
Ray Berrott
Director of Technology
Sean Bryson
Chief of School Police
Dr. Judy Bulazo
rberrott@uscsd.k12.pa.us
2059
sbryson@uscsd.k12.pa.us 2560
Mary Beth Harkleroad 2214
Director of Curriculum and Professional Development mharkleroad@uscsd.k12.pa.us
Scott Burchill
Dawn Machi 2220
Director of Business and Finance dmachi@uscsd.k12.pa.us
Dr. Sharon Suritsky
Julie Karabinos 2116
Substitute Director of Special Education jkarabinos@uscsd.k12.pa.us
Danny Holzer
Kimberly Valeriano 2260
Director of Athletics kvaleriano@uscsd.k12.pa.us
Dr. Lauren Madia Terri Lott 2283
Director of Pupil Services tlott@uscsd.k12.pa.us
Jonn Mansfield jmansfield@uscsd.k12.pa.us
Director of Transportation
Tina Vojtko tvojtko@uscsd.k12.pa.us
Dr.
School District Central Office Administration
Upper St. Clair School District
Elementary Schools (grades K–4)
Albert Baker
Dr. Patrick McClintock-Comeaux, principal 2300 Morton Road–412-833-1600, ext. 4000
Erected: 1968, enrollment: 474* School day: 8:35 a.m.–3:05 p.m.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Mark Miller, principal
100 Warwick Drive–412-833-1600, ext. 8000
Erected: 1960, enrollment: 523*
School day: 8:35 a.m.–3:05 p.m.
Carl R. Streams
Dr. Lindsay Klousnitzer, principal 1560 Ashlawn Drive–412-833-1600, ext. 6000
Erected: 1966, enrollment: 459*
School day: 8:35 a.m.–3:05 p.m.
Middle Schools (grades 5–8)
Boyce (grades 5–6)
Dr. Daniel O’Rourke, principal 1500 Boyce Road–412-833-1600, ext. 5000
Erected: 1960, enrollment: 620*
School day: 8:55 a.m.– 3:35 p.m.
Fort Couch (grades 7–8)
Erin Stehle, principal 515 Fort Couch Road–412-833-1600, ext. 3000
Erected: 1951, enrollment: 657*
School day: 8:55 a.m.–3:35 p.m.
High School (grades 9–12)
Upper St. Clair High School
Dr. Timothy Wagner, principal 1825 McLaughlin Run Road 412-833-1600, ext. 2236
Erected: 1960, enrollment: 1288*
School day: 8 a.m.–2:45 p.m.
* Enrollment figures for each school are as of Aug. 1, 2024. Total District enrollment is 4019.
Board of School Directors
Jennifer A. Schnore, President
Dr. Danielle Z. Wetzel, Vice-President
Barbara L. Bolas
Dr. Daphna Gans
Kelly P. Hanna
Justin Lamber
Michael R. Mascaro
Angela B. Petersen
Hallie H. Snyder
Student Representatives
Jack Yurcich, grade 12
Isabella Donnelly, grade 11
Board of School Directors
The Upper St. Clair Board of School Directors consists of nine elected directors. Board minutes, meeting videos and the list of upcoming meeting dates are available on the District’s website. Meetings typically begin at 7 p.m. in the District administration building. For more information regarding meetings, call 412-833-1600, ext. 2218.
Central Office
Dr. John T. Rozzo, Superintendent
The Upper St. Clair School District's administrative offices are located on the Upper St. Clair High School campus, adjacent to the stadium. The mailing address is 1775 McLaughlin Run Road, and phone is 412-833-1600.
Buses/Transportation
The primary responsibility of the Upper St. Clair School District’s Department of Transportation, located in Cecil Township, is to provide safe, efficient transportation for the 4300 public, private and special needs students who attend approximately 30 schools within a ten-mile radius of Upper St. Clair.
For more information, contact Jonn Mansfield, Director of Transportation at 412-833-1600, ext. 3450, or jmansfield@uscsd.k12.pa.us.
Cont. from page 57
Food Services
The School District’s six nutrition centers serve thousands of healthy meals each day.
For information, contact Ashley Lindhurst, Food Service Director at 412-833-1600, ext. 2287, or alindhurst@uscsd.k12.pa.us.
Technology
The role of the Upper St. Clair School District’s Technology Department is to provide and support the use of resources that enhance the teaching and learning processes, strengthen communication and improve efficiency of operations.
For more information, contact Ray Berrott, Director of Technology at 412-833-1600, ext. 2059, or rberrott@uscsd.k12.pa.us.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Program
The Upper St. Clair School District initiated an International Baccalaureate Program in 1998 and now offers this program in grades one through 12.
• Primary Years Program: Streams (grades 1–4): Lauren Bogus, 412-833-1600, ext. 6040 or lbogus@uscsd.k12.pa.us
• Middle Years Program: Boyce (grades 5–6): Chrissy Caragein, 412-833-1600, ext. 5067, or ccaragein@uscsd.k12.pa.us Fort Couch (grades 7–8): TBD
High School (grades 9–10): Laura Carlino, 412-833-1600, ext. 2387, or lcarlino@uscsd.k12.pa.us
• Diploma Program: Joanna Darakos, 412-833-1600, ext. 2523, or jdarakos@uscsd.k12.pa.us
School-Wide Enrichment Program (SWEP) for
grades 1–4
Many opportunities are available for elementary level students to explore topics that interest them through SWEP. Mini-assemblies, mentorships and independent study projects are all part of SWEP.
For more information, contact Mark Miller, supervisor of elementary education, at 412-833-1600, ext. 8000, or mmiller@uscsd.k12.pa.us.
Boosters (Parent Support Groups)
Boosters and parent groups are formed to support various activities and sports teams. For information, call Upper St. Clair High School at 412-833-1600, ext. 2260 (athletics) or ext. 2264 (activities).
Parent Teacher Council Members 2024–2025
Upper St. Clair’s Parent Teacher Council (PTC) for the 2024–2025 school year include Donny Hamilton, president; John A. Biedrzycki III, first vice president; Dr. John Rozzo, second vice president; Karen Osborn, secretary; Sarah Cranganu, treasurer; and Pamela Scureman, board advisor. We wish them continued success in providing our District with their help and guidance as they enhance the academic and social experiences for our children.
Fine and Performing Arts
The Upper St. Clair Band Parents Association is a parent group formed to support the band and orchestra. The Upper St. Clair Choral Boosters is a parent group formed to support the choral groups. For information, call Upper St. Clair High School Fine and Performing Arts Department at 412-833-1600, ext. 2627. Theatre Angels support the USCHS spring musical. Call 412-833-1600, ext. 2530 or ext. 3325 for more information.
Extracurriculars
Programs are available at all levels. For information regarding middle school or high school sports, contact athletic director Danny Holzer via email at dholzer@uscsd.k12.pa.us or phone the athletic office at 412-833-1600, ext. 2260. Music programs, including chorus, theater, orchestra and band, as well as cheerleading and dance, are available at various grade levels. For information regarding high school activities, call activities coordinator Brooke Tarcson at 412-833-1600, ext. 2264, or email at btarcson@uscsd.k12.pa.us. For information regarding elementary and middle school activities, call the respective building’s school principal.
Kennywood Day (a Community-Wide Tradition)
Kennywood Day is a community-wide tradition of fun. Each year all Upper St. Clair residents are invited to participate in a day at Kennywood Park (typically in June). Discounted tickets are available for purchase online prior to the event. Details are posted on the District’s website each spring.
District Calendar
The USC School District detailed monthly calendar is available online, providing residents with the most up-to-date information about events in our Township’s schools. To access the calendar, visit the District website at uscsd. k12.pa.us and click on the “Calendar” tab. In addition to viewing events for the entire District, there is an option to filter by specific school building. See the abbreviated calendar on page 59.
Volunteers in Our Schools (grades K–12)
We are grateful for each parent and community member who contributes to the success of our students. The Child Protective Services Law requires background checks for volunteers in schools. The Upper St. Clair School District safety team manages the volunteer clearance process for the District. Clearances are processed by outside agencies, and it takes time for them to be completed. Prospective volunteers are encouraged to complete the process as soon as possible. Detailed information — including step-by-step directions — is available on the District’s website. If you have questions or concerns about volunteer clearances, call 412-833-1600, ext. 2286, or email Ron Good, safety & security coordinator, at rgood@uscsd.k12.pa.us.
Upper St. Clair School District
Remaining 2024–2025 Calendar Revised
Nov 27–29 No School–Thanksgiving Recess
Dec 20 Half Day/Early Dismissal
Dec 23–31 No School–Winter Recess
Jan 1 No School–Winter Recess
Jan 20 No School–Teacher In-service
Feb 17 No School–Teacher In-service
Mar 28 No School–Teacher In-service
Apr 14–18 No School–Spring Recess
May 20 No School–Teacher In-service
May 26 No School–Memorial Day
Jun 5 High School Commencement
Jun 6 Last Day of School for Students–Half Day/Early Dismissal
Jun 9 Teacher In-service (Early dismissals shown in the calendar above are school specific for the listed event.)
USC Kindergarten Registration 2025–2026
Information regarding Kindergarten registration for the 2025–2026 school year will be posted on Upper St. Clair School District’s website (uscsd.k12. pa.us) in early 2025. The District operates a half-day Kindergarten program, with the morning program held 8:35–11:15 a.m. and the afternoon program 12:25–3:05 p.m.
Students registering for Kindergarten must be five years of age by Sept. 1, 2025, to be enrolled for the 2025–2026 school year. Proof of residency within the USC School District is required for enrollment.
Questions? Contact Terri Lott, registration coordinator, at 412-833-1600, ext. 2283, or via email at tlott@uscsd.k12.pa.us. n
Parent Teacher Council (PTC)
Parent Teacher Council (PTC) is the “umbrella” organization in Upper St. Clair (USC) that provides leadership and coordination for the six parent/teacher organizations in USC.
If you would like to be involved with your child’s parent/teacher organization and get the “big picture,” you are welcome to join! For more information, contact Donny Hamilton, president, at uscptcpresident@gmail.com.
Building Level Parent/Teacher Organizations
Each school building has an organization of parents, who together with their teachers, work within the schools to provide extra help, additional programs, and educational and social activities for the children. For information, call your building’s school representative:
USC High School PTSO: PTSOpresident.uschs@gmail.com
Fort Couch Middle School PTSO: ftcouchptso@gmail.com
Boyce Middle School PTO: BoycePTOPresident@gmail.com
GATE is a committee of the PTC Council whose objective is to provide information and support to parents of gifted and academically talented students in the District.
Partners in Education (PIE)
PIE is a group of parents, administrators and staff formed as a branch of the PTC Council to foster the best educational environment for all exceptional children and to educate and assist parents of exceptional children.
Spelling Bee
The Spelling Bee committee funds and manages the District’s elementary and middle schools Scripps spelling competitions.
Wellness
The Wellness committee is a group of parents and staff that promote and support initiatives to raise awareness about the impact of having a healthy mind and body, and encourage the development of both.
Teacher Named Educator of Distinction
Upper St. Clair High School world language teacher Cephus Moore was selected as a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction by The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). Mr. Moore, who teaches French and Spanish, was nominated by Upper St. Clair senior Maya Hamade.
A student in his International Baccalaureate Spanish 5 class, Maya, described Mr. Moore as one of the most culturally diverse and impactful teachers that she has ever had. In addition to his knowledge of language and culture, Mr. Moore is intentional about getting to know his students.
“Not only does he teach our IB Spanish class, but he also teaches French and speaks Greek,” Maya said. “While Mr. Moore teaches the Spanish language, he also teaches the cultures of several Spanish-speaking countries.”
“What stands out about Mr. Moore’s class is that he also is eager to learn about the cultures and heritages of all of the students he teaches, and makes a point to learn things from all of his students,” Maya said. “Mr. Moore knows all of his students and many things about all of us, he always makes everyone feel a part of the class and has fun activities, games and lessons that not only make us want to learn the language but also to participate in the class.”
Each year, student members of NSHSS are invited to nominate the educator who has made the most significant contribution to their academic career for the Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction award. This honor recognizes exemplary educators whose passion and devotion inspire their students to grow and develop as scholars, leaders and citizens.
Cephus finds it both touching and humbling to be nominated for the award.
“It’s a pleasant surprise to be nominated for a recognition such as this,” he said. “It’s humbling because you don’t always realize the impact you are having on students and it’s touching that someone would take the time to recognize me in such a kind way.”
Cephus’s childhood allowed him to experience much of the world.
“I am an Air Force ‘brat,’ so I grew up all over,” he said. “My dad’s Air Force career took us to Okinawa, Germany, Greece and Spain. Also, we lived stateside in Illinois and Virginia.”
After his father’s retirement from the U.S. Air Force, his parents ultimately settled in Carlisle, Pa., where they have lived for more than 25 years.
Cephus completed his undergraduate degree at California University of Pennsylvania and his graduate degree in French and Spanish from West Virginia University. He earned his Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Pittsburgh and joined the Upper St. Clair faculty in August 2001.
In addition to teaching world language courses, Cephus serves as the co-sponsor of the Upper St. Clair Black Student Union and the Spanish Club and serves as an executive board member on the school’s No Place For Hate committee. In addition, he has helped to organize student exchanges to Spain and France.
The National Society of High School Scholars is continually seeking new ways to provide lifetime learning and growth opportunities for academically talented and accomplished student leaders, and the educators who support them. Formed in 2002 by James W. Lewis and Claes Nobel, senior member of the family that established the Nobel Prizes, The National Society of High School Scholars recognizes academic excellence at the high school level and helps to advance the goals and aspirations of high-achieving students through unique learning experiences, scholarships, internships, international study and peer networks. For more information about NSHSS, visit nshss.org. n
This August, the District welcomed newly contracted teachers Erin Succar, ESL, English at USCHS and Fort Couch; Laurie Gallo, health and physical education, USCHS; Jeremiah Beaver, social studies, Fort Couch; Zora Mosley, English language arts, Boyce; Karleen Bileck, grade 3, Baker; Amy Baumgart-Eiben, special education, Boyce; Nick Deutsch, music/band, USCHS; Jessica Peconi, health and physical education and FACS, USCHS; Kristen Wilson, math, Boyce; and Gianna Zemet, special education/math, Fort Couch.
In addition, 13 staff members who reached 25 years of service to the District were honored, including Greg Calvetti, science teacher,
Fort Couch; Christina Caragein, social studies and science teacher, Boyce; Tanya Chothani, social studies teacher, USCHS; Janine Despines, librarian, USCHS; Shannon Dominick, math enrichment resource teacher, Eisenhower; Monica Erwin, biology teacher, USCHS; Lynne Kopaz, Spanish teacher, USCHS; Cheryl Leonard, communication arts teacher, Fort Couch; Valerie Ober, Spanish teacher, Streams and Baker; Fred Peskorski, technology education teacher, USCHS; Mary Quinn, gifted/enrichment resource teacher, Streams; Nancy Scola, custodian, Fort Couch; and Ron Sivillo, social studies teacher, USCHS. n
Cephus Moore
Staff Recognized
Celebrating 25 years at USC
Six Named National Merit Semifinalists
For more information regarding the National Merit Scholarship Program, visit nationalmerit.org.
The following students scored in the top one percent of all juniors completing the PSAT in October 2023, and were named semifinalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Competition: Jamie Barrett, Roshan Mishra, Shriya Narasimhan, Ishaan Sharma, Isabel Vilensky and Sophia Whitman.
“These six remarkable students shine within and beyond our classrooms and school,” said Dr. Timothy Wagner, Upper St. Clair High School principal. “We are excited to see what senior year and the future holds for each of them.”
Founded in 1955, the National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships. More than 1.3 million students entered the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the PSAT — the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test — last fall during their junior year. The nationwide
Junior Conducts Research on Sickle Cell Disease
Upper St. Clair High School junior Medha Misra spent part of this past summer participating in a program experience that greatly impacted her passion for science and technology. The program, offered through the University of Pittsburgh’s Office of Science Education Outreach, provides educational experiences to benefit medical students, health professional students, undergraduate and high school students to inspire students to seek careers in science, technology and healthcare.
For two weeks in July, Medha worked on a research program involving computational neuroscience at the Vascular Medicine Institute at the University of Pittsburgh.
“I focused on immunofluorescent staining of brain tissues from mice affected by sickle cell disease,” Medha said. “This technique aims to identify any proteins within the tissues, furthering our understanding of how sickle cell disease impacts mice brains and its potential correlation to human neurological and behavioral conditions. Staining will also help us use imaging software to analyze the imagery of the brain tissue scans under the microscope.”
pool of semifinalists, more than 16,000 students, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. The number of semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.
According to the program’s website, “The National Merit Scholarship Program honors individual students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies.”
Semifinalists have the opportunity to continue in the competition for some 6870 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million that will be offered this coming spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must submit a detailed scholarship application that highlights academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment and honors and awards received. n
“I saw this intersection when I used software tools like imaging software and Excel in conjunction with microbiological lab equipment such as pipettes and a microscope,” she said. “This combination allowed me to contribute to research and focus on data analysis aimed at uncovering correlations between brain activity and sickle cell disease.”
Medha credits the program with furthering her interest in science and technology.
“The program helped me gain more understanding in a field of medicine that is still being researched and is largely unknown compared to other diseases in medicine,” she said. “It also showed me the importance of science, research and lab work and the realization of how software engineering and biomedical engineering are related.”
The experience provided Medha with the opportunity to work with lab materials and equipment within the fields of science and technology.
These types of experiential programs can influence the future educational and career paths for high school students.
“They can spark interest in specific areas, particularly those where more individuals are needed to advance the greater good,” Medha said. “By providing hands-on experience and exposure, these programs help guide career paths and promote students to pursue fields with an impact.”
For Medha, she may have found the perfect intersection of her passion and aptitude.
“The program made me consider majoring in computational biology, as it aligns perfectly with my passion for both software and science,” Medha said. “The hands-on research experience was incredibly inspiring and motivating and there’s something deeply rewarding about contributing to a field that is still actively being explored, knowing that your work might help advance important research.”
To share the results of the research study, Medha plans to write a research paper regarding sickle cell disease vs. human neurological effects.
At the high school Medha is actively involved in several clubs and activities. She is the founder and leader of the Technology Student Association, a two-time state qualifier on the Speech & Debate Team, the outreach coordinator and programmer for the FTC Competitive Robotics Team BotsBurgh 11792 and a member of the Pantheon Choir. n
Medha Misra conducted research on sickle cell disease at the Vascular Medicine Institute at the University of Pittsburgh.
Jamie Barrett Roshan Mishra Shriya Narasimhan
Ishaan Sharma Isabel Vilensky Sophia Whitman
USCHS Leadership Academy
More than 100 Upper St. Clair High School students enhanced their leadership skills during the school’s summer Leadership Academy, hosted in July. The program offers four sequential phases that can be completed over the course of a student’s high school experience.
As incoming freshmen, Upper St. Clair students have the opportunity to participate in Phase I and can progress through to Phase IV as rising seniors. New this year, Phase III was offered as a College in High School course that offers college credit through a partnership with the University of Pittsburgh.
“By integrating interactive activities, real-world insights and advanced theories from collegiate-level courses, the program ensures that students not only learn about leadership but also apply these principles effectively in real-world scenarios,” said assistant principal Dr. Dan Beck, who provides oversight for the program.
“This comprehensive approach emphasizes practical application alongside theoretical learning, fostering meaningful development in leadership capabilities.”
In Phase I, students engaged in interactive activities, self-reflection and practical leadership scenarios, embodying the program’s principle — Who you are is how you lead.
Rooms and North Park, students had the opportunity to practice the leadership skills discussed in class. As a culminating activity, Phase II students partnered with the Upper St. Clair Township Library and Gilfillan Farms to host its second community fair.
“Each pair of students was tasked with creating, planning and running an activity for children,” Beck said. “The event was a success, drawing support from more than 100 community members.”
Phases I and II were week-long experiences. Phase III–Theories of Leadership College in High School (CHS) course spanned six weeks. Designed by Upper St. Clair faculty members in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh, Phase III acquainted students with the multiple theories and practices associated with effective leadership.
“Phase I proved to be a success,” Beck said. “Throughout the week, students developed S.M.A.R.T. goals that aligned with their personal visions and honed their teamwork and communication skills at the Camp Guyasuta Ropes Course. Moreover, they deepened their understanding of 10 core values, which are essential for thriving in any leadership role.”
In Phase II, students began by exploring servant, visionary and relational leadership styles.
“It was a week dedicated to learning and applying leadership skills,” said Beck. “We invited speakers from the state police and other local leaders to discuss practical leadership skills and address challenging topics, such as how to respectfully disagree.”
Through field trips to The Education Partnership, Breakout Escape
Academic All Americans
“Addressing the question ‘What is leadership?’ students explored topics such as historical and modern definitions of leadership, ethics and various leadership theories,” Beck said. “The goal was for students to apply their lessons in this engaging and educational six-week course.”
Established in 2010, the Upper St. Clair’s Leadership Academy was nationally recognized with a Magna Award from the National School Boards Association’s magazine, American School Board Journal, in 2013.
“The Leadership Academy represents a dynamic and progressive approach to leadership education, adapting and expanding to meet the evolving needs of its students,” said Beck. “Through a balanced blend of practical exercises, exposure to real-life leadership challenges and theoretical insights from advanced studies, the academy equips students to apply their knowledge effectively beyond the classroom. This holistic educational model not only cultivates deep understanding, but also prepares students to execute leadership roles with competence and confidence, truly embodying the principles they have learned.”
Students in this year’s Leadership Academy were led by Chad Ebrecht, Ben Edwards, Laura Carlino, Chris Watkinson, Jake Reis, Nikki Coellea, Miranda Jasper, Erika Valentine and Steve Torquato. n
Seven members of the Upper St. Clair High School Speech & Debate team earned Academic All American awards from the National Speech & Debate Association. Seniors Aaryan Kumar, Manav Patel, Ishaan Sharma, Nikhita Thakuria and Isabel Vilensky and 2024 graduates Arnav Kumar and Theeya Chen were honored for their academic rigor, competitive speech and debate success and personal excellence. The Academic All American award recognizes high school
students who have earned the degree of Superior Distinction (750 points), completed at least five semesters of high school, demonstrated outstanding character and leadership and earned a GPA of 3.7 or higher.
The Upper St. Clair High School Speech & Debate Team is coached by teachers Ben Edwards, social studies, and Dave Watson, English. n
Now in its 25th year , the Upper St. Clair High School Halls of Fame inducted eight alumni and two retired staff members on Oct. 17, 2024. The new inductees were recognized at the Upper St. Clair High School football game the following evening.
The 2024 Halls of Fame inductees included:
Academic Hall of Fame:
David Carson (1975)
Vijay Kapoor (1995)
Dr. Sara (Twerdok) Wells (2006)
Arts Hall of Fame:
Jun Iida (2009)
Ben Reicher (2012)
Paul & Nancy Page (Retired Staff Members, Posthumous)
Athletic Hall of Fame:
Josh Helmrich (2005)
Landy Mertz (2019)
Mike Quealy (1990)
Academics Athletics Arts
For 25 years, Upper St. Clair High School has annually honored and celebrated alumni, staff and volunteers who have distinguished themselves in academics, the arts or athletics at the high school, collegiate or professional level and who, in so doing, have contributed to the pride and prestige of Upper St. Clair High School. Since its inception in 2000, 347 individuals have been inducted into the Academic, Arts and Athletic Halls of Fame. n
David Carson
Dr. Sara (Twerdok) Wells
Vijay Kapoor
Josh Helmrich
Landy Mertz
Mike Quealy
Jun Iida
Ben Reicher
Nancy & Paul Page
Homecoming 2024
Upper St. Clair High School celebrated its annual Homecoming Week this Sept. 23–28 with the theme Cirque du St. Clair. Among other events, the celebratory week included a Homecoming tour where the marching band, cheerleaders, football players, dance team and the Panther mascot visited and performed for the elementary and middle schools.
Seniors Danny Shanholtzer and Valentina Sobarzo were crowned Homecoming King and Queen during halftime of Friday’s football game against Peters Township. Homecoming Week concluded with the Homecoming Dance on Saturday in the USCHS gymnasium.
Homecoming Week is led by USCHS Student Council members in coordination with Brooke Tarcson and Dr. Steve Torquato, in the activities office, and building principals. Students select the themes/ activities, promote the events and decorate the school. n
17 Earn National Merit Commended Status
Seventeen Upper St. Clair High School seniors were named commended students in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. Owen Bell, Samuel Cuba, Frankie Dubreil, Ian Dvorin, Luke Fisher, Jacob Higgs, Aaryan Kumar, Chengran Li, Opal Miller, Grace Myers, Armen Pettit, Dominic Rocco, Eitan Schwartz, Yuhong Shi, Thomas Slowey, Darcy Vilkner and Ezra Zahalsky are among the 34,000 commended students throughout the nation who are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise.
Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2025 competition by taking the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) last October. n
Kudos to Camping
Caleb Guarino, TODAY Student Intern
At Upper St. Clair, the vast majority of students participate in at least one activity, whether it be a club, sport or group. Over the summer, a variety of options are available for students to either further develop their skills and passions or to simply socialize. Specifically, summer camps can help athletes and students alike create new bonds and friendships, while simultaneously teaching them new ideas.
As a cross country athlete, I have found that the annual trip to camp has helped me create lasting friendships and connections with other high school runners, college students and even high school and college coaches. From an athletic standpoint, camp provides a different perspective, giving the participant an opportunity to develop new strategies and skills to improve. While I personally have only ever experienced cross country camps, I know there are a variety of great camps for other sports, as well. So, whether you are a basketball, soccer, football or baseball player, or you enjoy knitting, cooking, baking or sewing, there’s likely a camp out there for you.
Unique aspects of camp — like sharing a cabin with roommates or eating meals with others at a set time — teach respect, discipline and time-management, as well as cooperation, communication and understanding. For younger campers, being away from family for an extended period of time can help promote independence and responsibility, as well. Camp also offers an
Holiday Humor for a Great Cause
THIRD EDITION THIRD
This holiday season, treat yourself and those on your gift list to humor from local resident Jay Lynch. The fun anthology benefits The Miracle League of the South Hills, where every child deserves the chance to play baseball.
Order The Lighter Side of Upper St. Clair on .
“Wonderful reflections on our community and some really funny baseball stories.”
Sean Casey, three-time Major League baseball All-Star, MLB Network TV broadcaster and USC resident
“Having enjoyed Jay’s stories for years, I can’t wait to revisit them in the book. Jay is USC’s humor historian and we’re lucky to have him.”
Steve Blass, Pittsburgh Pirates All-Star, World Series winner, broadcaster and long-time USC resident
“Jay’s fun stories remind me of the wonderful years we enjoyed in Upper St Clair.”
–Kent Tekulve, Pirates Hall of Fame pitcher, All-Star, World Series winner and former USC resident
opportunity to meet new people and learn new things. I had the privilege of meeting Olympic silver medalist and former worldrecord holder in the 1500m run, Jim Ryun, at camp this year. Jim was also the first high school boy to ever break four minutes in the mile. He provided an abundance of information regarding the sport of track and cross country to help the athletes in attendance understand how to bring their game to the next level. In addition, I met college coaches from D1 and D2 schools, like Duquesne and Gannon University, who were able to give useful advice and insight into what they may be looking for while recruiting young athletes. The experience itself was certainly unforgettable, and will assist me throughout the remainder of my high school career. Bringing new friends, experiences and expertise, camp can help make your summer the best yet. Next year, whatever your interests, try to find a camp for you to experience a week or more of fun and memories. n
Running Ahrens Cross Country and Bible Camp with American track mid-distance legend, Jim Ryun, and his wife, Anne
USCHS Junior National Essay Contest Winner
Upper St. Clair High School junior Arth Italiya was one of three student winners in the national essay contest sponsored by IndustryWeek and the Subortus Project. Arth’s article titled, “Manufacturing Makes Us Who We Are,” was published by IndustryWeek, a renowned manufacturing-focused publication, on Sept. 3, 2024.
The essay contest was coordinated by the Subortus Project, a group of 11 enterprising high school students who believe that youth will drive the revival of manufacturing. The contest invited high school students to reflect on “How is manufacturing a part of your life?” through writing, film or visual art.
At the high school, Arth is a member of the Speech & Debate Team and Future Business Leaders of America.
#HaveYou Heard? eYou
AP Scholar Recognition
The College Board named 158 Upper St. Clair High School students and recent graduates AP Scholars for their exceptional achievement in the college-level Advanced Placement Program during the 2023–24 school year.
In May 2024, 428 Upper St. Clair students completed 884 AP exams in 29 subjects — earning an 83% pass rate. AP tests are scored 1–5; students must earn a 3 or higher to pass and possibly qualify for college credit.
Fifty-seven students achieved the program’s highest honor, AP Scholar with Distinction. To qualify, students must earn an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.
Thirty-three Upper St. Clair students were recognized as AP Scholars with Honor by earning an average score of 3.25 or higher on all AP Exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.
Sixty-eight Upper St. Clair students were named AP Scholars by earning scores of 3 or higher on three or more exams.
The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program offers students the opportunity to take challenging college-level courses while in high school, and to receive college credit, advanced placement or both for successful performance on AP Exams.
Upper St. Clair High School currently offers 24 AP courses, including AP Art & Design, AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Comparative Government & Politics, AP Computer Science A, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP French Language, AP German Language, AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics, AP Music Theory, AP Physics 1, AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism, AP Psychology, AP Spanish Language, AP Statistics, AP U.S. Government & Politics, AP U.S. History and AP World History.
According to the College Board, AP students are more likely than their peers to complete college within four years and students who take AP exams say it makes them feel more confident and prepared for college.
National Junior Olympics
Competing in the 15–16 age group at the 2024 USA Track and Field (USATF) National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships, USCHS sophomore Andrew Nowak earned 48th in javelin, 34th in shot put and 32nd in discus, where he recorded a new personal record. The national event was held this past July at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.
A member of the USCHS track and field team, Andrew also participates in the Speech & Debate Team and is a violinist in the high school orchestra.
Andrew Nowak
Arth Italiya
STEAM STEM
Robotics Team Hosts Outreach Program in Pakistan
An Upper St. Clair High School robotics team — BotsBurgh 11792 — hosted a summer outreach event 7456 miles away at Hakimi School in Karachi, Pakistan.
“We hosted a robotics petting zoo for 15 kids in grades three through five,” said senior Cadence Forney, robotics team captain. “Using hummingbird kits, we introduced these students to the world of robotics.”
Following the event, BotsBurgh donated five hummingbird kits to Hakimi School to support the creation of a robotics curriculum in the school.
Senior Komel Nulwala was the lone representative from BotsBurgh who attended the Pakistan outreach in-person. Team members who participated with the planning included seniors Cadence Forney, Bryan Deep, Ben Ross, Liam Moriarty and Medha Misra, junior Zahra Hossain, and sophomores Siddharth Kumar, Harish Rajaganapathy and Josh Mukherjee.
“Although our whole team could not physically be there, all helped to support the outreach experience,” Cadence said.
The primary objective of the outreach initiative was to inspire and ignite a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) disciplines among the Hakimi School community.
“We sought to bridge the gap and provide access to robotics and technology, knowing that many children and adults in the region have limited exposure to such innovative experiences in their day-to-day lives,” said Medha Misra, BotsBurgh outreach coordinator. “Through our outreach efforts, we aimed to foster a sense of curiosity, creativity and enthusiasm for learning within the community, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future in the field of STEM.”
BotsBurgh robotics team members were thrilled with the re-
sponse from the Hakimi School students.
“The students enthusiastically participated in the innovative robotic petting zoo activity, showcasing their excitement and creative ideas,” Komel Nulwala said. “The captivating experience not only provided a valuable learning opportunity, but also nurtured their creativity and was thoroughly enjoyable for students and teachers alike.”
Cadence hopes that exposure to STEM opportunities will help prepare the Pakistani students in years to come.
“In regions where access to technology is limited, it is vital to establish programs that introduce young children to the concepts of robotics and programming,” Cadence said. “By providing these opportunities, we can ensure that children gain a comprehensive understanding of these subjects, preparing them for the increasing technological demands of the future.”
The BotsBurgh team has planned outreach events closer to home, including events at the Upper St. Clair Township and Bridgeville libraries. In addition, the team is in the planning phase with the South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM) to host the robotics petting zoo program. n
The team is actively seeking to host events in the Pittsburgh community. For information, email botsburgh11792@gmail.com.
Student Earns Honorable Mention in Rube Goldberg Contest
Fort Couch seventh grader Tyler Marsh earned Honorable Mention in the Rube Goldberg Crazy Contraption Cartoon Contest. Tyler competed in the 18 and under Animation Division.
The contest, open to students worldwide, asks participants to imagine, draw and submit a cartoon that solves any problem. At the heart of any Rube Goldberg Machine is taking a common, everyday task that can be accomplished quite easily, and making it far more complicated. Inventions were required to have between seven and 26 steps. A step is defined as the transfer of energy in the chain reaction.
Tyler’s invention provided a “simple” way to reveal a statue.
“The ball rolls down the track to hit the boot. The boot swings forward to knock the sandwich over, which falls on the dog’s plate. The dog moves forward to eat, making the scissors cut the string connected to the weight, which is holding back the bowling ball. The string falls down with the weight and the bowling ball is released. Then the bowling ball rolls into the basket, which then makes the basket go down, lifting the tarp to reveal the statue,” Tyler explained.
Sherri Garvey, gifted/enrichment resource teacher, had shared information about the Rube Goldberg contest with students over the summer.
Tyler’s drawing depicts a “simple” way to unveil a statue for the Rube Goldberg Crazy Contraption Cartoon Contest.
“I was cartooning after I watched a documentary about Mickey Mouse, and thought it would look cool to animate a Rube Goldberg drawing,” Tyler said. “I think it’s fun watching something overcomplicate a simple task. Then I heard about the contest from Mrs. Garvey.”
The top 20 invention cartoons were recognized at the Reuben Awards, the highest honor for a cartoonist, and on the organization’s website: rubegoldberg.org. n
Council
Donny Hamilton Jr., President
Since assuming the role of president of the Parent Teacher Council (PTC) this past July, I have been deeply moved by our collective dedication to enhancing the educational experience in our schools. Our traditional focus has been on supporting activities through funding, but I believe it’s time to elevate our efforts with a renewed focus on meaningful engagement and presence.
Effective outreach is not merely about visibility; it’s about forging genuine connections within our Upper St. Clair schools. We need active participation from students, teachers, administration and especially parents. I am particularly keen on expanding our involvement by encouraging parents to step into local parent-teacher organizations, volunteering their time, lending their unique talents and introducing innovative ideas to further enrich our inclusive, forward-thinking culture.
While we are fortunate to have countless dedicated mothers leading the charge, I am issuing a specific call to action for fathers. Your consistent presence and engagement in school activities — not just athletics — are crucial. Fathers bring valuable perspectives that contribute significantly to shaping our children’s confidence, character and resilience in today’s complex world.
I challenge every father in our district to embrace this opportunity to impact our schools profoundly. Let’s collaborate to shape the future of our parent-teacher organizations and ensure our collective imprint remains a vibrant part of our district’s legacy. By reaching out, engaging one another and working together, we will all take Upper St. Clair Schools to new
Pawprints...
heights. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and enthusiasm to USC schools.
High School PTSO
Bharath Bangalore, President
Upper St. Clair High School (USCHS) is home to numerous service-oriented clubs that enable students to contribute meaningfully, both locally and globally. Students often begin their involvement in service through fulfilling academic requirements such as the International Baccalaureate Programme or National Honor Society, but many continue long after these requirements are met. These clubs not only foster community and global connections, but also inspire students to find personal fulfillment through helping others.
USCHS clubs like the annual service trip to the Dominican Republic, which provides hands-on international outreach, and Bright Kids Uganda, which helps provide books to Ugandan orphans, exemplify global impact. Locally, clubs such as the Interact Club work with the Upper St. Clair-Bethel Park Rotary Club to support community events like the Easter Egg Hunt. Meanwhile, the Environmental Club focuses on sustainability and addressing climate change. Other clubs like Make-aWish, Toys for Tots and Kids Helping Kids focus on providing support to children and families in need.
Each club brings unique energy and creativity to its service work, with new projects emerging each year alongside annual traditions. These service efforts help students build a lasting sense of social responsibility, turning a requirement into a lifelong commitment to giving back.
Fort Couch PTSO
Justine Walker, President
In this season of giving back, Fort Couch students, staff and administrators are excited to participate in outreach benefiting the USC community. One activity the students embrace and look forward to each year is collecting money to donate to organizations that are meaningful
to the Fort Couch family.
From Dec. 9–20, each team (comprised of three homerooms) attempts to raise the most money. The fundraiser culminates in a school-wide assembly at the end of the collection period. In 2023, Fort Couch raised more than $20,000. To donate, students and families may bring money into school; it does not have to be a significant amount. Students are asked to do chores, go door-to-door or reach out to extended family. The winning team earns a field trip in the spring.
This year, Fort Couch fundraising efforts will go directly to fighting DIPG (diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, an aggressive childhood cancer that forms in the brain stem) and other childhood cancers.
Boyce PTO
Shelly Patel, President
Transitioning from elementary to middle school is a significant milestone in a student’s academic journey, marking the start of a new chapter with increased responsibilities, new social dynamics and an evolving academic environment. At Boyce PTO, we aim to support students during this transition by assisting teachers and sponsoring events like Author’s Day, providing binder reminders to each student and offering monthly Pride rewards.
Boyce provides its students with a dynamic and engaging two-year experience filled with unique adventures and educational opportunities. Fifthgrade students explore the Fort Pitt Museum, which brings their study of the French and Indian War to life. Sixthgrade students participate in the Deer Valley Earthwarden program, which offers immersive experiences in nature through activities like nature walks, orienteering and climbing Mount Davis. The Boyce PTO, in collaboration with the PTC, will be sponsoring Arts in USC this year. The PTO also hosts the annual Boyce Spelling Bee. PTO volunteers will staff Field Day, and we will wrap up the year with a sixth grade graduation party to celebrate the students’ transition to the next phase of their USC
education. None of this would be possible without the coordination of Boyce staff and teachers, and, most importantly, the dedication of our volunteer parents who help make these events successful.
Baker PTA
Amanda Palermo, President
Baker takes pride in being a caring member of the community. The Baker Gives Back (BGB) club consists of Baker third and fourth graders, and has collected socks and stuffed animals for the Foster Love project, pajamas for the Casey Cares Foundation and supplies to create care packages for homeless neighbors via Light in My City (founded by Baker Kindergarten teacher Erik Weisemann). Club members make thank you cards for veterans and ask fellow Baker students to create art and holiday cards for the residents of Friendship Village (FV), in addition to creating festive holiday banners that are hung to decorate the common areas of FV. BGB also held a food drive for SHIM and collected school supplies for The Education Partnership.
Another club at Baker that works to improve our global community is the All Wound Up Yo-Yo Club. All Wound Up holds an annual coin drive at Baker where students bring in a different denomination of coin for each day of the week (Monday: pennies, Tuesday: nickels, etc.). The club counts each day’s collection and classes “compete” with each other to see who can donate the most. At the end of the week, the class that collects the most wins a prize, and all of the funds collected from Baker are donated to Cutting Edge Relief and Life’s Work in Pittsburgh.
Opportunities such as these allow Baker students to continue to grow in and out of the classroom,
Eisenhower PTO
Rebecca Thornsberry, President
At Eisenhower, outreach and community service are integral to our school culture. Our Outreach Committee designs student-focused initiatives that not only highlight the importance of helping
others, but also involve hands-on activities, helping students grasp the tangible impact they can make. Each year, Eisenhower participates in three key outreach activities. As winter approaches, we conduct an Annual Hat and Mitten Drive for Kelly Primary School, where many of its students walk to school and benefit greatly from these items. Collected hats and mittens are displayed on the Hat and Mitten Tree in our main office before being delivered. Additionally, we collaborate with The Education Partnership to provide Power Tools Homework Kits to Kelly Primary students as a part of the Adopt a School Program. In February, our Food Drive supports South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM) by gathering non-perishable food and personal care items. Last year, our students donated 1327 pounds of goods, helping to stock SHIM’s shelves and support local families. In the spring, our Walk-A-Thon raises funds for The Trucks for Maddox Optical Assistance Fund, which provides eyeglasses to children who are underinsured or cannot afford them. In 2024, our students raised over $11,000, enough to provide nearly 100 pairs of glasses, ensuring more children can see clearly and succeed in their education. We are continually inspired by the generosity of our Eisenhower families and look forward to further successes in the coming school year.
... a USC Parent Teacher Council Feature
Streams PTO
Sarah Tannenbaum, President
The Streams PTO is dedicated a strong partnership among parents, teachers and students, creating enriching opportunities within our home, school and community. Our mission includes providing vital support to teachers, raising funds for educational resources, promoting family engagement and offering a platform for open discussions on issues affecting our children.
We take great pride in celebrating our amazing faculty throughout the year with various staff appreciation events, allocating a significant portion of our resources to show our gratitude. Additionally, we organize special grade-level nights to create memorable experiences for our students, allowing them to connect and celebrate with their peers. Together, we are committed to building a supportive and vibrant school community.
First Day Of School 2024
There was excitement in the air on August 20, as students in the District returned for the first day of the new academic year. Each photo tells a story of the anticipation and enthusiasm that comes with fresh beginnings. We hope these photos stir fond memories for you and your family! n
South Hills Village: 59 Years of Shopping
With the holiday shopping season in full swing, here is a look back at South Hills Village. Designed by the architectural firm of Welton Becket and Associates, South Hills Village opened to the public on Wednesday, July 28, 1965. At the time, it was billed as “the largest enclosed regional shopping community between New York and Chicago,” boasting a footprint of one million square feet and housing over 80 retail stores.
Original stores included Horne’s, Gimbels, Sears and Woolworth’s. An advertisement from Horne’s announced that their new store featured a sculpture, “The New Horizon,” by Virgil Cantini as part of the luxurious accommodations for shoppers. Not to be outdone, Gimbels featured a fountain, snack bar and “modern vinyl asbestos tile floors.” When it opened, the Woolworth’s in South Hills Village was the largest one floor Woolworth’s in the world, complete with a music department, pet center and art gallery. Sears, on the other hand, spread its 51 departments across three floors.
South Hills Village was built on land that straddles Upper St. Clair and Bethel Park, a portion of which once belonged to a branch of the Gilfillan family. The photographs show the mall under construction, and a map from October 1965 shows not only the shopping center, but also People’s First National Bank and Gammons restaurant near the intersection of Fort Couch Road and Washington Road. n
Article courtesy of Caroline Jones-Friedrich, historian, Historical Society of Upper St. Clair.
Specialized Care in A Special Place: Choosing a Memory Support Community
Robert L. Ross Jr, Director of Personal Care and Memory Support at Providence Point
When your loved one is living with dementia, caring for them can be a full-time job. This entails spending countless hours worrying about your loved one’s safety, ability to engage, overall well-being and happiness and how to access the very best support for their needs.
When the time is right, finding the best memory support community for your loved one is crucial for their well-being and for your peace of mind. Safety is of the highest importance, so finding a memory support neighborhood that is fully secure, while allowing residents the freedom to move around, enjoy the outdoors and make choices is ideal.
Another consideration should be finding a community with staff that is specially trained to provide social and therapeutic group programs to enhance life for individuals with cognitive impairment. Residents should be offered engaging, purposeful activities and be encouraged to embrace these opportunities with enthusiasm. When caring for someone living with dementia, it is valuable to provide them with opportunities to become involved in activities that are engaging and interesting to them. Art and music programs are very popular and appealing, and art and music therapy are key components of memory support programs.
The physical environment should also be evaluated carefully when choosing a memory support community, and should be designed to alleviate anxiety and help residents feel empowered
in their own space. Private rooms, which can be decorated with touches from home, with private baths are recommended to allow residents to feel secure. Outdoor access is another serious consideration. Experiencing the outdoors can be very stimulating and lead to positive emotions in everyone, especially those living with dementia.
There are over 100 different diseases that have dementia as a symptom — and those conditions lead to physical symptoms, as well. It is wise to consider ordering a therapy assessment when a loved one living with dementia moves into a new environment. Physical, occupational and speech therapy work together to make the transition as safe as possible. Additionally, those living with dementia should be assessed regularly for different therapy modalities to help them retain their physical abilities for as long as possible.
Finding the right fit for your loved one in a memory support community is an important process. Touring communities and finding a good fit should occur before a situation that may lead to a quick decision. Having your loved one on a list and knowing where the right place is before you need it can offer you peace of mind as you look toward the future. n
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Year-End Financial Planning Tips
Connor McLean, United Capital Advisors
It might be difficult to set aside time and energy to think about finances — and even harder if it is not your favorite topic to begin with! However, year-end can be a great time to see where you stand, and below are some tips on how to do just that to start 2025 on solid ground.
Assess your spending. Look back and see what your monthly expenses have been on average, then identify any expenses that could be reduced or eliminated. Banks and credit card companies have year-end summaries in December to make this easier. If in your earning years, this practice can help identify automated savings opportunities. If retired, it is critical to get a handle on this figure to help ensure your retirement income and portfolio withdrawals are keeping pace with your expenses and inflation into the future.
Revisit your retirement savings goals. Retirement accounts like 401ks, IRAs and Roth IRAs have limits on how much you can invest in them each year. These accounts offer great long-term tax advantages, so it is generally a good idea to make sure you are putting as much into them as your situation allows. It might help to run a projection that compounds the investment growth on these accounts and contributions into the future.
Get a head start on taxes. Think about significant changes to your income, family status, charitable contributions or investment accounts this year that may require additional tax liability or forms. A tax professional or advisor can even run a more complex projection to estimate your tax bill before April. Year-end is also
a popular time to harvest capital losses or realize capital gains on investments while reviewing your projected tax bill as a whole. Perform an investment health check. It is a good idea to check your allocation, your investment costs and how your investments have done compared to overall markets. Also consider your tolerance for risk as part of this review. Ultimately, finding a balance between risk and stability is key to portfolio success, so think about your long-term goals and how your reaction to markets may impact them.
Bonus tip. If you received a year-end bonus, consider paying yourself first for all the work you put in this year. Putting a bit more into retirement accounts, a college savings plan or an investment brokerage account can make a big long-term difference. If your extra cash is earmarked for something in the near future, there are still ways to earn a decent interest rate in the meantime. High-yield savings accounts are a popular way to do this, but a portfolio of bonds may help to extend those rates longer.
If you need help identifying which of these planning steps to focus on or how to navigate the many variables and tradeoffs involved, we can help. Contact us for our thoughts on how we can make your 2025 financial goals a reality. n
This commentary contained herein is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as tax, legal or investment advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Clients should obtain their own tax, legal or investment advice based on their circumstances. The material is based on sources deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed. For more information, see ad on this page.
New Levels of Luxury; Same Close-knit Community
Brand new apartment designs, revamped community spaces, a refreshed health center — these are just a few of the renovations to Friendship Village of South Hills that make our senior living community the ultimate living experience. But a brighter future is not measured in the number of amenities. It is the opportunities to create lasting friendships, discover new passions and make memories amongst family old and new. With our recent updates, those opportunities are more plentiful than ever.
Changing Lives: Friendship Village of South Hills Team Member Scholarship Program
The close-knit environment at Friendship Village of South Hills inspires residents to give and provide opportunities to the team members serving their community through their Foundation. By investing in education through the team member
scholarship program, residents help their diverse team members achieve their academic goals, with many recipients choosing to advance their careers within the community. Residents’ generosity provides grants of $2500 per year for each recipient and are renewable for eligible team members at Friendship Village.
One recipient and aspiring physician, Khalaya Knowell says, “Working at Friendship Village has advanced my passion for medicine, especially when hearing the career stories of residents: nurses, doctors, surgeons and business owners. The residents love me as their own and instill their hopes for my success.”
Residents host an annual Golf Classic led by Don McCaig and Bill Engel, which includes a cocktail party and auction the evening before, involving non-golfers in the fun, too. Says McCaig, “Why wouldn’t we want to help our team members who mean so much to us?” The event raises funds for the program, attracting sponsorships, donated prizes and auction items from local businesses and brings residents and friends together to enjoy a day of camaraderie and fundraising. For 2024, the community is awarding an astounding 12 scholarships.
Through the program, Friendship Village engages its residents, supports its team and fosters educational achievement. n
For more information about next year’s event, contact Holly Murr at holly.murr@lifespacecommunities.com or 724.941.3100. See ad on this page.
Row 1 (l/r) Khalaya Knowell, Hannah DePra, Julianna Fiori, Jack DePra, Joey Michel, Jessica Mueller, Allyson Yantek, Don McCaig (FVSH Foundation President), Heba Nemmas. Row 2: Jim MacFarlane. Not pictured: Cadence Golden, Kristy Kolodziej, Leigha Cowden.
Retirement Planning and Real Estate: How to Downsize Smartly
Shannon Gallagher, Associate Broker
As retirement approaches, downsizing your home can be a smart move, offering financial benefits and simplifying your lifestyle. Here’s how to approach this transition wisely.
Start by evaluating your needs. Consider what features are essential in your retirement home. Smaller space, lower maintenance and proximity to amenities or family might top your list. Assess how much space you truly need and envision how you want to
live in retirement — whether it’s in a cozy cottage, a modern apartment or a retirement community.
Next, analyze your financial situation. Downsizing can free up home equity, which can be used to bolster your retirement savings or cover other expenses. Consult a financial advisor to understand how selling your current home and purchasing a smaller one will impact your financial plans.
When it comes to selling your home, make sure it’s marketready. This involves decluttering, making minor repairs and possibly staging to enhance appeal. A well-presented home can attract buyers and potentially increase the sale price.
Research the real estate market in your desired area. Look for neighborhoods or communities that align with your retirement lifestyle preferences. Consider factors such as proximity to healthcare, public transportation and recreational facilities.
Finally, plan the logistics of your move. Organize your belongings, hire professional movers if necessary and set a realistic timeline for selling and moving.
By thoughtfully evaluating your needs, analyzing financial implications and preparing both your current home and new space, you can make a smooth and beneficial transition into retirement. Downsizing smartly can enhance your retirement experience and provide peace of mind for the years ahead. n See ad on this page.
The Importance of Annual Exams with a Primary Care Provider
No matter your age or stage of life, an annual physical exam with your primary care provider (PCP) is an important part of maintaining good health. That’s because the focus of this routine appointment is on preventive care and your overall wellness.
From ensuring you are up-to-date with recommended vaccinations and screenings, to referring you to a specialist for additional care and more, this yearly visit enables your PCP to learn how you’re doing and what’s new so they can better diagnose, treat, counsel and coordinate your health care.
To make the most of your annual physcal exam, consider bringing written lists of your current medications and supplements, other healthcare providers and any health questions or concerns you may have. The more information your PCP knows, the better equipped they will be to: Be Your Health Partner
Your annual physical exam is a great opportunity to get faceto-face time with your provider. You can foster your relationship, share with them what is or is not working and find an agreeable plan going forward.
Update Your Medical Record
A lot can change in a year! Your annual physical exam is the perfect time to let your PCP know about any changes that could affect your health — including medication changes, allergies, family history and more — to ensure your medical record is up to date.
Catch Health Problems Early
Your provider may order laboratory tests or preventive health screenings based on your age, gender, medical history and family history. Depending on the results, your PCP may recommend follow-up testing and lifestyle, exercise or diet changes to help you improve or maintain your health.
Prevent Illness
Seeing your PCP once a year for a physical exam, even when healthy, may decrease the risk of disease. Catching health issues you didn’t know were there or know were coming can help to prevent bigger problems later.
You may think you don’t need a PCP if you don’t get sick often
or have a chronic health condition. But, they can help you stay on top of your health in so many ways! In addition to routine appointments like your annual physical exam, a PCP can also treat minor illnesses and injuries, as well as provide women’s health care and mental health care.
If you’re in search of a new PCP, several experienced, boardcertified primary care providers within the St. Clair Health network are currently accepting new patients. Whether they specialize in family medicine (for patients of all ages) or internal medicine (for patients 18 and older), they all believe in building lasting relationships so they can offer support at every stage of a patient’s health journey. With nine different office locations across the region, you never have to go far to get the primary care you deserve. Plus, several of these offices reside within St. Clair Health facilities that offer both primary and specialty care, along with diagnostic and imaging services — all in one convenient location, close to home. n
At St. Clair Health, your care is now the main line. You call, we get you dialed in. Please call the physician referral line at 412.942.DOCS or visit stclair.org/primarycare to find a PCP within the St. Clair Health network. As a leader in high value healthcare, St. Clair Health accepts all major insurances. See ad on the previous page.
25th Annual Summer Swing Benefitting St. Clair Health
The St. Clair Health Foundation hosted nearly 500 guests for a night of French cuisine, art, entertainment and more at the “Meet Me in Paris” -themed fundraiser held on July 19 at St. Clair Country Club. St. Clair Health’s largest annual fundraiser was a celebration of both its rich 70-year history and investment in its bright future.
The Summer Swing Event Committee, led by co-chairs Beth Evron and Tricia Hammel, and the St. Clair Health Foundation team altogether raised approximately $370,000 to support education and learning programs at St. Clair Health as part of its ongoing transformation into a teaching hospital. This exciting new chapter will ensure St. Clair Health can continue to deliver “Expert care from people who care” now and for years to come. n
Event Committee Co-Chair and member of the St. Clair Health Foundation Board of Directors
Pictured from left to right are Beth Evron, Summer Swing Event committee Co-Chair; Erica Koenig, Coordinator at the St. Clair Health Foundation; Lindsay Meucci, Vice President of Marketing, Communications and Advocacy at St. Clair Health; G. Alan Yeasted MD, Senior Vice President & Chief Medical Officer Emeritus at St. Clair Health and Chair of the St. Clair Health Foundation Board of Directors; Melissa Marion, Director of Development and Government Relations at St. Clair Health; and Tricia Hammel, Summer Swing
Photo courtesy of Chandler Crowell Photography
Board of Trustees
Dan Bellay
Anthony Costulas
Paul Fox – Director of Communications and Arts Focus Chair.
Elize Giese
Sam Guarino
Justin Hammett
Joseph Ligier
Gordon Mathews – Director of Events & Programs
Lauren Mathews – Secretary
Bruce Nelson – Vice-President
Navin Parmar – Treasurer and STEM Focus Chair
Justin Schmidt – President
Ryan Scureman
Thomas Yochum – Director of Grants
Focus on Health, Wellness and Safety
Safety is everyone’s responsibility! In fact, it should be a top priority for everyone. We are fortunate to live in a country, state, county and township where we have freedom and safety, and yet we continuously hear about accidents, break-ins, fires, children being hit while riding bicycles and other alarming incidents. Since modern life is full of conveniences like technologies with beeping distractors, automobiles, television, internet, cellphones, computers, video games, social media and so on, we are so busy keeping up with rapidly changing “improvements” to modern existence that we overlook important responses to environmental and interactive real-time stimuli that are all about keeping everyone and everything safe.
If you take some time to look around and study the impact of the daily conveniences we all enjoy, you may notice that many of these “commanding distractions” are causing basic safety to be overlooked and possibly compromised by such things as speeding, sliding through stop signs, people walking and running with headphones — and not facing oncoming trafiic, failing to trim trees and properly dispose of downed branches and forgetting to cut-up cardboard to fit into the recycle bin, to name just a few examples.
Even more concerning, adults may not realize what they are teaching to youthful observers. Adults are the role models for young learners and they should be setting good examples with safety as the number one priority.
Heighten your awareness when driving, walking, running, using your electric scooter and when and where you are using your phone to text or talk, and remember that there may be a consequence that could hurt someone else.
The Community Foundation Appreciates Your Support
Now in our fourth decade of community engagement, education, celebration, support and innovation, the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair (CFUSC) has had another productive year. Since 1993, we have been able to provide funding for residents to develop ideas and launch projects that are not necessarily funded by tax dollars because of the generostiy of our donors.
Investing in residents and their ideas to continually strengthen our community is our vision, and it is our mission to ENRICH our community by supporting activities and programs, to DEVELOP partnerships and to AWARD grants in defined focus areas of Art, Health and STEM.
With the annual earnings on the small endowment we hold, we award grants for projects that meet the mission of the organization, bring vitality to our community and have a lasting effect. We recently approved a safety grant for the Volunteer Fire Department, a STEM grant for Boyce Middle School and a Health/Wellness grant to Fort Couch Middle School. If you are interested in applying for a grant, visit cfusc.org/grants.
In May, we joined with our longtime partner Upper St. Clair TODAY magazine, to celebrate its 30th anniversary. We continue to support the Petting Zoo at Community Day and we also introduced “Coach Artie” as the official CFUSC mascot for the Great Duck Race. We maintain our ties with The Historical Society, and participate in the annual the Halloween Extravaganza at the Miracle League Field. We are extremely proud of our ongoing partnership with SHOP@USC, where we continuously see students engaged in opportunities that promote growth and skill. We also keep the community in-the-know with eUpdates. Visit cfusc.org/contact to sign up for these regularly issued newsletters.
On page 78, you will see the faces of the members of the CFUSC Board of Trustees. These individuals and more than 110 others have served on the Board in the last 31 years, meeting monthly to create the synergy that has supported opportunities in the township that are not necessarily funded with tax revenue, and donating more than one million dollars in grants. If you are interested in becoming a trustee, volunteering to assist with projects or creating a partnership with the Foundation, please visit cfusc.org/about to learn more about CFUSC or to contact a Board member.
CFUSC is also the steward of funding for scholarships and this year awarded $6750 to seven deserving seniors at the High School. For friends and families who wish to honor an individual, turn to the Foundation to assist in setting up and awarding a scholarship fund in coordination with the High School Counseling Office.
CFUSC operates on a barebones budget to conduct the daily business of our 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We depend on the generosity of our donors to help us to meet basic operating costs such as rent, insurance and office materials to promote our vision and carry out our mission for the benefit of all ages throughout the community. We hope you will consider donating this year.
Your support is essential to the mission of the Community Foundation. Please consider making a donation today. Use this QR code to reach our website to make an online donation or to set up a subscription donation.
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RONALD A. ARNONI, DISTRICT JUDGE
District Court 05-2-20
Office: 412-835-1661
Fax: 412-835-4060
Hiras Professional Building
2414 Lytle Rd #200
Bethel Park, Pa. 15102
Empowering All of Us to Make Better Decisions
The negative impact of poor decision-making is all too familiar in my courtroom. Every year, I see thousands of cases of crime and bad decisions with both adults and youth. These experiences fuel my passion for educating others — particularly our youth — about the importance of critical thinking. By engaging in proactive strategies such as parental and family guidance, support from community leaders like coaches and teachers, and educational programs, we can equip young people to make more informed decisions and become successful members of our society. I really care about the people in our community and hope that this article will provide the groundwork for not just teaching, but learning to think more critically, which will guide us all in making better decisions.
Pause to consider this simple yet profound concept: the choices our youth make today impact not only their present self, but also help to shape their future.
Critical thinking, which involves objectively analyzing and evaluating an issue to form a judgment, is a key skill for young people to master.
One of the challenges our youth face is that their brains are still developing, often causing them to make more impulsive decisions, which might result in your child saying, “I am sorry, I just wasn’t thinking.” Additionally, there are concerns that social media and other influences have diminished our youth’s ability to think independently. This highlights the importance of cultivating critical thinking skills. By learning to consider their choices deeply, young people can make better decisions, resulting in improved outcomes.
Practical Advice for Teens
Developing critical thinking skills doesn’t happen overnight. It requires practice and guidance. Here are some practical steps to take:
• Make a Pro-Con List: When faced with a decision, list the possible positive and negative outcomes. This simple exercise forces you to think through the consequences of your choice.
• Seek Advice: Consult with experienced adults, such as parents, family members, teachers and coaches. They can offer valuable insights that you might not have considered.
• Practice What-If Scenarios: Parents and families should consider practicing challenging scenarios with their children. This helps them prepare for situations that test their impulse control and is an opportunity to teach them techniques to use in case they find themselves in a compromising situation.
Teaching our youth to think critically will set them up for success in many aspects of life.
Brad Killmeyer and I are excited to release our book, “Navigate Your Path to Success,” in the coming months. It delves into this topic and more, offering insights to uplift and enrich your journey.
Take charge of your life — don’t let others make your decisions! Think critically about your actions and the ripple effects they could have, both positive and negative. n
Use Judge Arnoni’s three-second rule; take a few seconds to think about your actions before making a decision. This can prevent you from doing or sending something on social media that could have negative consequences.
Did you know:
Multiple Approaches to Address Domestic Violence
• In the last 10 years, more than 1600 people died as a result of domestic violence in Pennsylvania. Though abused women made up most of those deaths, some were men, children and law enforcement agents.
• In Pennsylvania, 119 victims died from a domestic violence incident last year.
• One in three women and one in four men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.
• The estimated lifetime economic burden of domestic violence in Pennsylvania is $156 billion.
For me, the severity of domestic violence is highlighted when discussing the matter with law enforcement officials who are quick to agree that domestic dispute calls can be the most unpredictable, and therefore, the most dangerous calls.
There are several root causes of domestic abuse and likely just as many strategies on how to address them. But what I have learned about most of the problems in Pennsylvania’s criminal courts is that we didn’t get to where we are overnight. As such, our problems won’t be fixed overnight. However, I believe solutions will come through a variety of different proposals.
The United States Department of Justice defines domestic violence as “a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain control over another intimate partner.” That control is generally gained over their partner through physical, sexual or emotional abuse.
While there are many ways a victim can seek help and report their abuser, bringing themselves to do so is a complex task. Many victims cite fears of being judged or not believed when asked why they didn’t report sooner. For others, it’s the fear of retaliation and perhaps being withheld from their children, or even being financially punished.
I have partnered with other legislators on bipartisan, commonsense solutions that, if enacted, will make impacts in safety and curb the amount of domestic violence calls across Pennsylvania.
When a domestic abuse case is ongoing, judges can grant a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order as an immediate response to bring safety for an alleged victim. But within current law, a judge does not have the discretion to order a PFA defendant to wear an electronic monitor, even if the judge believes the defendant is likely to violate the terms of the PFA.
To give a judge that discretion, I serve as a co-prime sponsor of House Bill 1150. If enacted, it would be called Alina’s Law, named after University of Pittsburgh student Alina Sheykhet. She was murdered by her ex-boyfriend after he was previously served a PFA. The bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
Did you know that abuse victims often choose to stay with their abuser out of concern for their pets? As a former county
prosecutor, I lost count of how many cases I have seen where a pet was used to manipulate and coerce victims to stay and continue enduring the abuse.
House Bill 1210 allows judges to provide for temporary ownership of a pet when considering a PFA. The court may also direct the defendant to refrain from possessing, contacting, transferring or relocating the pet or contacting or entering the property of any person sheltering the pet.
Of course, the first objective of a PFA is to prevent an individual from having contact with an alleged victim. But extensive research has shown that when some abusers can no longer harm an individual due to a PFA, they often turn their attention to vulnerable family pets, subjecting them to continued abuse and further traumatizing the victim.
What we also know about the criminal justice system is that crimes do not occur in a vacuum. In fact, all too often, crimes are committed by someone who has been found guilty of a crime previously. No longer can we continue the process of incarcerating someone and then allowing them to return to their community without having positioned them to be successful.
Studies consistently show that vocational training will reduce recidivism. In fact, people who participated in correctional education programs had 43% lower odds of returning to prison. For participants in vocational training, the odds of employment were 28% higher than those who did not.
House Bill 1678, if enacted, would allow inmates in Pennsylvania State Correctional Institutions to reduce their sentences for earning vocational and education credits. However, inmates may not reduce their sentences by any more than 25%.
When someone returns home from prison better prepared to earn a wage and achieve self-reliance, our communities will be safer. In addition, taxpayers are better off because every $1 invested in prison education saves $4 to $5 in the three years post-release alone.
Both House Bills 1210 and 1678 were passed by the House with bipartisan support and have been referred to the state Senate.
Love and compassion for our neighbors obligates us to take a hard look at what is working in our communities and what is not. Domestic violence is certainly a demonstration of something that we must address.
If you or someone you know needs assistance in dealing with a domestic violence situation, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). n
Bipartisan Work Sets the Stage for Economic Success
We all know the Pittsburgh region has a rich industrial past — the steel mills and manufacturing industries that helped build our nation had their home here and continue to have impact on our regional economy. While some of those industrial complexes have closed over the years, a new state program that was created as part of this year’s state budget could help turn some of those locations from brownfields into job-creating economic engines once again.
This program is the Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites Program, or PA SITES.
Included as part of this year’s bipartisan budget, the PA SITES program looks to leverage $500 million to help create shovel-ready economic development opportunities by redeveloping old industrial sites into plots of land that have water, sewer, roads, utilities and even broadband infrastructure already available and connected.
Along with pro-growth tax reform and work being done at the state level to improve the permitting process, these changes are setting up our commonwealth for future success and letting companies know that we’re open and ready to do business!
How do we know the need is there? A pilot test of the SITES program last year made $10 million available for these types of projects — and received more than $200 million in requests. Locally, that included $2.3
million for the Carrie Furnace site in Rankin, which is being redeveloped for light industrial uses, including manufacturing, workforce development and the continued expansion of Pittsburgh-based film production. Each year, I host an economic development forum where I invite local leaders from all of the communities in our legislative district, state officials, people from the business community and local redevelopment agencies to participate. One of the recurring themes of these forums over the years is the desire for enhanced partnerships between state and regional agencies and the businesses that are looking to expand or grow in our area.
PA SITES is a major investment in these kinds of partnerships, helping take some of the risk out of site development, especially in former industrial centers like Allegheny County. These are the kinds of investments — along with the reduction in the state’s Corporate Net Income Tax rate and permitting reform — that we need to make our region and commonwealth more business-friendly and competitive with surrounding states and to open our doors to new economic activity and job growth. More information about the PA SITES program is available at dced. pa.gov
Please remember, if you have any questions or need assistance with this or any other state program, service or resource, you are welcome to call my district office at 412-343-3870. n
Staying Safe at Home
Sandy Goldstein ABR, e-Pro | Keller Williams Real Estate Professionals
We all want our homes to be places of comfort and safety. Here are some tips to keep your house safe this winter.
External doors and screen doors should have quality keyed locks. Deadbolts and three-point (triple) locks engage deeper into the door jam, making them less likely with which to be tampered. Electronic or keyless door locks are perfect for the tech-savvy homeowner and give greater control over access to the home. Fitting a tough, key-lockable bolt to your sliding door makes it difficult for a thief to lift the door frame.
Your windows should be closed and locked, and shades or blinds should be drawn so intruders cannot see inside.
Most burglars look for the easiest way to break in, usually through an unlocked door or window. Remove keys from locks to control who has access to your home. If you have deadbolts, leave a key in the lock when at home to enable a quick escape in case of emergency.
Installing sensors or timed lighting creates an illusion that someone is home, as is leaving on a radio or TV. A noisy dog is also a great deterrent.
Insure your valuables, and keep digital receipts and photos of them. List the make and model of your valuables, including serial numbers, so you can report to police and your insurance company if needed.
A ladder can be used to gain entry to balconies, second story windows or the roof, so store them in a garage or storage shed when not in use.
The safest place for your car is in the garage. If you do not have one, parking the car in your driveway or carport behind a locked gate is a safe option. Always close car windows, remove valuables, lock the doors and keep the key fob or garage remote inside your locked home.
Fire pits are popular, but there are risks associated with them. A fire pit placed on a deck could ignite combustible decking material beneath the fire pit or reach the rails and spread to the house’s siding. Overhanging leaves or branches can ignite and spread to other trees. Sparks or flames may ignite nearby furniture, structures or other combustible materials.
It is reassuring when you have neighbors you can trust, who keep an eye out on your house when you are away and with whom you can leave a spare key.
Be aware and stay safe! n See ad for Sandy Goldstein on this page.
Local Business Owners Balancing Business and Family Life
Charissa Lauren
“When you buy from a small business, you’re not helping a CEO buy a third vacation home. You are helping a little girl get dance lessons, a little boy his team jersey, a mom put food on the table, a dad pay a mortgage or a student pay for college.”
It’s 8 a.m. and my son and I are walking together to the bus stop. “How long will you be gone, mommy?” he asks sweetly. While entrepreneurship has given me the opportunity and flexibility to be with my children full time, it always aches when the trips come up. It is somewhere between guilt and pride that we remember owning a business is an incredible reward for our children.
The first two weeks in September hit with school-year anticipation with freshly lined notebooks, perfect-tip Crayola crayons and new backpacks. For me, I put on my “mompreneur” cape and master the art of juggling. This is the beautiful balance that is my life as both a fashion/entertainment publicist and a mom of four. When the going gets tough, I remind myself that I work as an example for my children. In following my big, crazy dreams, I hope that I am instilling that same mindset so that my children will have the courage to follow their own.
Like myself, there are many local entrepreneurs instilling the business mindset and exemplifying what it means to dream big. Becca Ward, a local mom of three, just opened her art studio on Donati Road. ART by Becca Ward was named after her children: Asher, Roman and Theo (ART). The multi-purposed space doubles as a creative art studio and party venue offering art camps, art classes and party space rentals.
“Since my business was influenced by my boys, they have helped me every step of the way. I am constantly bouncing ideas off them about future classes, and they are always trying to attend my classes, if there’s room! They have been the biggest part of my creative journey,” says Becca.
With growing popularity in the party scene, Annelise Marie Herring launched her event and party design business in 2023, Navy & Pearls Events. She is well-admired as a mother of four, and the one who seems to be able to do, make or design just about anything! Her business offers everything from party-theme curation and balloon design to custom gifts for children.
Annelise says, “I love having my children see firsthand what hard work looks like! Our finished product might be beautiful, but
they see the heavy lifting, the messy saw dust and splattered paint. No matter what we are creating, we can push ourselves to perform at the highest level. I want them to know that we have the ability to create something out of nothing. Owning Navy & Pearls Events gives us the opportunity to serve, celebrate and bring together people in our community!”
If you’re near North Highland Road, who can resist stopping into The Pie Place? And yes, they offer much more than pies. I have ordered my desserts for my own birthday parties from there for years, and they can really do anything from custom cookies to custom-designed cakes. Two friends who shared a love for baking and high-quality desserts opened our community-favored bake shop in 2008. Co-owner Jessica Culicerto Gombar is also a twin mom, like myself, with a total of four kids who grew up in the small business.
“I love watching my kids involved in a small business. We have always kept them involved in The Pie Place in some capacity, from stickering boxes as toddlers to now working local farmers’ markets,” Jessica tells me.
Bombash Botanical owner Tim Bombash is the mad scientist of the soap scene with handcrafted artisan soaps, bath bombs, lip balms, moisturizers, scrubs, body washes and CBD products. Recently, he supported The Watchful Shepherd USA with his dance fundraiser for child abuse. He is a creative dad setting a great example for his son. “I’ll admit, I gave up working 50-plus hour weeks for 80-plus hour weeks. However, if you’re motivated enough, you can accomplish some serious business development and strategy in between some serious cuddles and playtime. If you tackle parenting tasks like you tackle your business tasks, the pieces will always fall into place. So far, I’ve found it to be a challenging, yet rewarding, experience for both my little and myself,” Tim says.
Happy holidays from
Businesses mentioned in the article can be found at: The Pie Place, 1775 N Highland Rd #1219, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15241
Navy & Pearls, facebook.com/navyandpearlsevents Bombash Botanical, 628 E McMurray Rd, McMurray, Pa. 15317
With the holidays just around the corner, we have plenty of local businesses to shop at and support — Lullaby Landing, My Pop Up Party, Dance by Cami — too many to name! I know one thing always stands to be true in Upper St. Clair: we support our own. n
ART by Becca Ward, 24 Donati Rd, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15241
Charissa and Vannah (photo courtesy of Navy & Pearls Events)
European Holiday
TODAY joined former Township Commissioner Bob Orchowski and his wife, Rose, on their 50th wedding anniversary trip to Europe, where the couple traveled to France, Luxembourg, Germany, Czech Republic and Poland.
Big Ben and Beyond!
The DeMarco Family — Joe, Colleen, Tony, Emily and James — took TODAY on their trip to London, England to see the sights, including Big Ben, London Bridge, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. The family also traveled to Ireland, visiting Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Mohr, Galway and Dublin.
Alaskan Adventure
TODAY spent two weeks in Alaska with Terry and Dave Kish, Anne and Jerry Kopach, Denice and Ken McDonough and former USC residents Anita and Chuck Falce, visiting Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage, Seward, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Point Straight and Ketchikan. From the majestic glaciers and incredible wildlife to Native American history and stories about the Alaskan gold rush, every day brought a new adventure!
Instructions for Traveling with TODAY
Read the following criteria to find out how to submit information.
• Clear, close-up digital photo of USC resident(s) holding his or her TODAY magazine.
• Attach jpg (at least 300 dpi) and send via email, including required information (see below) in the body of the email.
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Note: Submitted photos and information for this feature section will remain on file for upcoming editions until published.
Updates From Wingfield Pines and Beyond
Lindsay Dill,Allegheny Land Trust
As Allegheny Land Trust (ALT) heads into fall, we are reflecting on a season of activity, continuing to work hard on saving another plot of land near you and looking forward to sharing nature knowledge with attendees of our upcoming environmental education events.
At Wingfield Pines, we had a great 2024 John Hamm Conservation Intern, Luke Haury, who worked with ALT staff, partners and volunteers to maintain and improve the land’s ecological health. We were also able to enjoy time out on the land with attendees of all ages at various, nature-based education programs. Thank you to all who attended, volunteered with Luke or otherwise enjoyed the land this summer.
Beyond the borders of Wingfield and Upper St. Clair, ALT is forging ahead in its efforts to conserve green space in nearby South Fayette Township. Our “Panhandle Greenway Conservation Project” is a years-long, landscape-scale effort to proactively conserve high-quality green space and add to locally conserved lands like Settler’s Cabin Park, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, Collier Township Park, South Fayette’s Preservation Park, other public and privately conserved lands, and the Panhandle and Montour Trails.
Together, we can save this local land. We are in the final months of raising the necessary awareness, support and funds to permanently protect 140 acres in South Fayette Township. These woodlands are in the rapidly developing and floodvulnerable Robinson Run Watershed along the scenic corridor of the popular Panhandle Trail.
Conserving this land will contribute to the health and well-being of our communities by protecting scenic beauty and wildlife habitat, absorbing stormwater to
prevent flooding and sustain water quality, filtering pollutants to create cleaner air and conserving opportunities for close-to-home outdoor recreation.
We need your help! ALT has a multi-pronged funding plan in place to raise the necessary funds by this year’s end that includes state, foundation, township and corporate dollars. In order to unlock the state level grants by demonstrating local support and to fulfill its funding plan, we need to raise $75,000 from the community to make this project happen, and thanks to your community, it is already halfway there.
We hope you’ll join in supporting this effort by donating to the Panhandle Greenway Conservation Project and sharing information with neighbors and friends who enjoy clean air and water, regional trails and the high quality of life that close-to-home green space helps to provide.
Thank you, and we hope to see you on the land soon. n
Keep up to date with all the latest news from the Allegheny Land Trust!
• Event Calendar for Details & Registration: alleghenylandtrust.org/events/
In-Person Events
Science Stroll: Winter Solstice Celebration Dec. 21 from 8–9:30 a.m. @ Wingfield Pines Conservation Area Come out and join an ALT Educator in celebrating the first day of winter! Learn the difference between astrological and meteorological winter and learn how the solstice is celebrated around the world.
Webinar Series
Learn more about the outdoors from anywhere with an internet connection! ALT’s Senior Director of Education and Curriculum Julie Travaglini will take learners of all ages on a deep dive into various nature-based topics so we can all learn more about the environment around us. Attendance is free.
Find these events and more at alleghenylandtrust.org/events
Navigating Neurodiversity in Upper St. Clair: My Child’s Diagnosis Led Me to My Own
Charissa Lauren
To the little girl who hated sitting in a classroom, the 16-year-old girl who would rather skip school to work, the girl who never felt like she fit in, the inspired teenager who used to stay up late designing clothes and clipping magazines with big dreams of working at one, one day, the twenty-something who knew she didn’t belong in a cubicle from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. I wish I could tell my younger self that there is nothing wrong with you. You’re just neurodivergent and you will turn out just fine.
“Happy hands,” I’ve always called them. My baby had them since she was six-months-old, before I even knew what stimming was. I just thought, “Well, is this not the most excited child in the world?” Pediatricians told me countless times not to be concerned, that my child would “outgrow the happy hands in no time.” It was our Pre-K teacher at Westminster who pointed it out and directed us.
Shortly after our twins were born, I was in the hospital recovering from postpartum preeclampsia when my child received a diagnosis: Level 1 autism spectrum disorder (ASD), previously known as Aspergers. As you can imagine, this was a lot to take in at that time. As any mom would understand, my very naïve and uneducated mind at the time thought, “What did I do wrong?” I didn’t even take Tylenol with any of my pregnancies. ASD is genetic folks; Tylenol isn’t to blame. So, I began to educate myself in what this meant for us.
What I want the world to understand is that neurodivergent does not mean “slow” or “special,” nor are these terms acceptable anymore. Neurodivergent simply means that your brain processes things in a different way. In understanding the spectrum, I’ve learned that autism also does not necessarily mean anti-social or non-verbal. I have the opposite — an extremely social child that loves to talk, and talk and talk. I love it, but the shoppers at Target probably get a little TMI with our little one!
believe that my immensely patient husband isn’t exhausted of me at this point, but instead embraces me, supports me, protects me and loves me limitlessly.
In my teens, it took a lot of trial and error for me to channel my excessive energy into something productive like theater, modeling and the entertainment business. Because of said energy, learning in a structured classroom was tremendously difficult for me. Instead, I chose to keep busy with work, and the talent industry was the only place I felt like my quirky-self fit in. Since I maintained excellent grades, my teachers let me slide with attendance. Still, I wish I had the same guidance when I was a child that my own will receive through the Upper St. Clair School District.
Why didn’t anyone point it out to me then? I suppose it was often missed back in the ancient times of the ‘90s. I’m grateful that our school district is able to recognize and cater to neurodiversity with intentional direction. It is because of the school’s assistance with my child that my eyes were opened to my own neurodivergence, and I began to seek testing and treatment.
As I begin my testing, I realize that that the possibility that I am also slightly on the spectrum in addition to having ADHD is high, and I’m in full acceptance. More than having acceptance, I am confident with who I am. The things that made me different have also made me tremendously successful. As a publicist and writer, I’m able to empathize and relate to others on a deeper level. As a business owner, my hyperactivity leaves my hustle unmatched. I want neurodivergent kids to have this confidence, too, and this confidence will be gained through adjusted learning strategy.
While researching neurodiversity, I was taken back to my own childhood. Only in receiving my child’s diagnosis did I begin to piece together my own “differences.” We’ve always assumed I had undiagnosed ADHD, another neurodiversity. Those who know me know I literally do not stop, ever. My grandmother always says, “The grass sure doesn’t grow under your feet, does it?” The friends who follow along with our little family know that we are constantly adventuring, traveling and museum-hopping, toting all four kids — including the twins — everywhere! I find it hard to
For the parent who received a neurodivergent diagnosis for their child and is completely overwhelmed just as I was, the school will direct you in establishing an IEP (Individualized Education Plan). Positive Steps or Ivy Rehab are amazing and well-credited facilities for both occupational therapy and physical therapy. For the parent who may have received a diagnosis and is wondering if their child will be okay, they will be. I turned out okay, and my baby will be more than okay, too.
I was undiagnosed with ADHD for 34 years, but in that time, I was also published with magazines in bookstores nationwide. I’ve published work in Harper’s Bazaar, I sat front row at New York Fashion Week and Miami Swim Week, I climbed the Eiffel Tower, I got to interview celebrities like Mario Lopez, Emma Watson, Lauren Conrad, Austin Butler and Betty White, among dozens of
Charissa Lauren with her daughter (Photo courtesy of Navy & Pearls Events)
Happenings!
others. I just signed a contract with an Emmy’s event in LA. These accomplishments can probably be credited to my hyperactivity. I know that our children will be able to achieve even more; they just need to be taught in a way that caters to their unique learning style, and Upper St. Clair is the place for it.
As a mom of four — three daughters and a son, I really want my kids to know that their career options are limitless, that they themselves are limitless. I want my children to know that there is no right way to learn and to never let the world put you into a box. Especially to my baby with ASD: we may view, see and experience the world differently, but our differences are given to us to create new things. I will advocate for us for the rest of our lives.
Oh, and by the way, I love your happy hands. They are a visual representation of the excitement and pure joy you hold in your soul. n
Article Disclaimer: I want to acknowledge the many different levels of autism and acknowledge that some are more severe than others. My story does not compare to those who may be dealing with a Level 3 diagnosis. I do, however, want to shed light on the school district’s ability to address and cater to neurodiversity in its entirety.
Charissa Lauren is a national writer and owner of the FAME PR agency. Her husband Joel, heads a cyber security practice, and they live with their four children in Upper St. Clair. Among her parenting and lifestyle writing interests, Charissa advocates for domestic and narcissistic abuse, underprivileged youth and recently, neurodivergence. During the holidays, she fundraises and collects for Foster Love Project.
Thank you to the Upper St. Clair community, our dedicated Horses with Hope volunteers and generous supporters for another year of equine-assisted service offerings at Gilfillan Farm.
Exciting plans are underway for next year! Mark your calendars for the annual bowling fundraiser in mid-November and get ready to kick off the holiday season with Giving Tuesday on Dec. 3. Every donation counts and your contribution could be doubled if your employer offers a company match.
Also, save the date for the 2025 Belmont Jewel event on Saturday, June 7, 2025 — an evening of dinner, games, raffles and festive fun!
If you’ve walked the Gilfillan Park trail recently, you may have noticed new signs highlighting our Horses with Hope herd and the therapeutic riding program. We’re always looking for volunteers to join the team — no horse experience is necessary! Training for new volunteers age 14 and older will take place in early spring. We also welcome Eagle Scouts, students seeking volunteer hours and community or corporate service groups. Visit horseswithhope.org/volunteer to learn more. n
Best Seat for Light Up Night
Join Keynotes of South Hills for Pittsburgh’s 2024 Light Up Night on Saturday, Nov. 23, at the Le Mont restaurant on Grandview Avenue. The evening starts with cocktails at 6 p.m., followed by a sit-down dinner in a private dining room. See Zambelli’s Rooftop Fireworks after the 7 p.m. lighting of the Highmark Christmas Tree, followed by the main fireworks display, scheduled for 9:38 p.m.
Cost for the evening is $100 per person, with proceeds supporting Keynotes of South Hills’ mission of awarding music scholarships to Allegheny County students of exceptional talent. Each year $16,000 is awarded, with over $445,000 awarded since 1970.
For more information on this event or the annual music scholarships, contact Rose Liptak (Rose.H.Liptak@gmail.com), Marlene Wohleber (MWohleber@gmail.com) or visit Keynotes website at keynotesmusicscholarship.com.
Social Group for College Grads Singles Over 50
The Association of University People (AUP) invites singles age 50 and older who are four-year college graduates to join them for activities and to meet new people. Activities include monthly dinners, social gatherings, concerts, meeting up at local wineries, day trips and Scrabble. Those interested can attend three activities as guests before joining.
To obtain more information about AUP or become an AUP member, call and leave a message at 412-353-9088 or email Aupsingles@gmail.com.
Horses with Hope at Gilfillan Farm
We look forward to making a difference with you! For more information about our Discovery, Growth & Learning
