Fall 2013 A second home in USC for the Wells family and Single Source Benefits www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home
The official publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Fall 2013
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The new St. Clair Hospital Outpatient Center in Peters Township makes healthcare even more convenient and efficient for patients. Here, patients will find easy access to a comprehensive array of diagnostic services, including lab, x-ray, CT, and MRI, as well as cardiac diagnostics and women’s imaging. Physicians at the Center include primary care and OB/GYN, as well as a wide range of specialties, including cardiology, endocrinology, ear/nose/throat, breast surgery, colorectal surgery, general surgery, orthopedics, ophthalmology, and more. Patients can see multiple physicians and access the services they need in one day, all under one roof. Comprehensive healthcare in an accessible, comfortable setting. You’ll find it all at the New Center of Healthcare in Peters Township.
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TODAY Fall issue
Features & Around the Township 14 A Doggity-Dog World Pittsburgh’s Aviation Animal Rescue Team is making a difference.
16 A Trip to Remember Jim Meston joins his grandson for a 6700-mile adventure.
School District 29 Excellence in Education USCSD awarded several noteworthy distinctions.
USC recognized as a leading municipality.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Explorers
Chief of Police Ron Pardini retires.
Scientists shed light on space and the Webb telescope.
Rowing team stakes its claim on the Allegheny… and medals.
Shine the spotlight on our volunteer writers.
USC Township Named Banner Community
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Veterans Monument Giving Campaign
MEET… Our Writers
usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us
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Township 50
20 See TODAY’s fundraiser update.
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Fall 2013 • Volume 19 • Issue 3 www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home
End of an Era
59 Fall Checklist… and More Stay on track with fall chores.
USC Crew
38
Guides/ Directories 24 Educational Resource
27 Local Clubs and Organizations
48 Pinebridge Commons
68
60
Health & Wellness
@ Your Library
Photo Ops 52
There’s something for learners of all ages.
Artistically Speaking
Community Day 2013
Art projects involve students in the environment and in the community.
82 of USC... for USC!
76 Community Celebrations Events and celebrations of all kinds take front and center stage.
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Cover
Profiles
This edition of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is sponsored by the Wells family and Single Source Benefits, an insurance and financial services company that is celebrating ten years in the USC community. See pages 10-11 for article. Cover photo by Terry Kish.
Highlights people with a USC connection.
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Gilfillan Farm
USCHS graduation
USCSD’s PYP
Library activities
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Fall 2013
Publishers Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole Superintendent of Schools
The award-winning, official publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a not-for-profit community magazine that is dedicated to promoting
the Township and School District of Upper St. Clair by recognizing the gifts and contributions of the people who live and work here. This year, we celebrate 19 years of publication.
The 75th 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.
Winter 2013 edition deadlines: Articles—September 19 Advertising—September 23
Steering Committee Mark S. Mansfield, Assistant Township Manager Paul K. Fox, School District Representative Editors and Staff Linda M. Dudzinski, Editor-in-Chief Terry Kish, Associate Editor Colleen DeMarco, Office Manager Dorothy Clark, Graphic Designer Alison Hess, Marketing Executive Lynn Dempsey, Advertising Executive Cherie Dixon, Advertising Executive Neena Jacob-John, Advertising Executive Tina Montgomery, Advertising Executive Nicole Lund, Student Intern
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY steering committee and staff members celebrate 19 years of publication. Mark Mansfield, Paul Fox, Linda Dudzinski, Terry Kish, Colleen DeMarco,
Dorothy Clark, Alison Hess, Lynn Dempsey, Cherie Dixon, Neena Jacob-John, Tina Montgomery, Nicole Lund
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a non-partisan Township, School District, and community magazine. Political advertising and political commentary are not accepted. The publishers of this magazine reserve the right to reject advertising or articles inconsistent with the objectives, image, and aesthetic standards of the magazine.
The next issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY will be the winter 2013 issue and will be published in November 2013. Articles that were submitted but not published in this issue are on file for consideration in upcoming issues. Articles and announcements may be sent to:
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine is published
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
and mailed quarterly to residents and businesses in Upper St. Clair. Extra copies of the magazine are available at the Township of Upper St. Clair Municipal Building and Township Library. If you did not receive a copy in the mail, please call 412-833-1600, extension 2284. Subscription Information If you know someone living outside the Township who would enjoy receiving UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, please send $12 to cover mailing and handling for the next four issues with name and address, including zip code, to our address listed above. Add $10 to cover international mailings.
Editor
1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 or email UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY at usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us.
Article Information
Editor-in-Chief Linda Dudzinski phone: 412-833-1600, extension 2681
Advertising Information
Office Manager Colleen DeMarco phone: 412-833-1600, extension 2284 fax: 412-851-2592 Ad file submission: dclark@uscsd.k12.pa.us
Website www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home Email usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us Board of School Directors
Barbara L. Bolas, President Louis P. Mafrice, Jr., Vice President Amy L. Billerbeck Buffy Z. Hasco Frank J. Kerber Harry F. Kunselman Louis M. Oliverio Angela B. Petersen Rebecca A. Stern 6
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Township Board of Commissioners Robert W. Orchowski, President, Ward 3 Russell R. Del Re, Vice President, Ward 5 Nicholas J. Seitanakis, Ward 1 Donald P. Rectenwald, Jr., Ward 2 Mark D. Christie, Ward 4 Glenn R. Dandoy, At Large Daniel R. Paoly, At Large
Fall 2013
Thank you to our volunteer contributors this issue: John Benhart (YWG), Barbara Bolas, Cindy Brophy, Dina Fulmer, Michael Gallagher (YWG), Ashley Hazlett, Heather Holtschlag, Wyatt Keating (YWG), Jessica Kester, Dr. David Limauro, Maggie Liu, Jim Meston, Dr. Patrick O’Toole, Dr. Eric Reitz, Joseph Rongaus, Susan Rosati, Ron Sarrick, Gary Schafer, Mary Lynne Spazok, Hanna Stolzer (YWG), Dr. Beth Troy, Maribeth Twerdok, and Marilyn Walsh. Young Writers Guild (YWG) promotes and encourages young writers in the Upper St. Clair School District to provide articles of interest for this community magazine. Email usctoday@uscsc.k12.pa.us to find out how your student can contribute. The 75th issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a joint publication of the Township and School District of Upper St. Clair. © Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this magazine, in print or web version, in whole or in part, without the express written consent of the Editor is strictly prohibited. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Phone: 412-833-1600, extension 2284 Fax: 412-851-2592 Email: usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us Township: 412-831-9000 School District: 412-833-1600 Printed by Herrmann Printing & Litho, Inc. 1709 Douglass Drive • Pittsburgh, PA 15221 412-243-4100 • Fax: 412-731-2268 Design by DMC Design 412-824-7844 • www.dmcdesign.com
... meeting your needs TODAY, Tomorrow, and into the Future.
Join us for an upcoming event or stop in any Tuesday at 2:00 pm for “Tuesday Tours at Two.” Call 412-489-3550 or visit www.providencepoint.org.
You’ve reached the best point in your life! “The place is beautiful, sure...but the peace of mind knowing our future needs are taken care of...that is the real beauty.” Leroy Snyder, Providence Point resident
Pittsburgh’s premier retirement community is at 500 Providence Point Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15243 A Baptist Homes Society Community
A Fall Note from the Publishers Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole
Matthew R. Serakowski
A Lot to Share
Welcome to the fall issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. Producing a magazine can be demanding, but not always for reasons that you might think. While we rely on advertising dollars to fund our complimentary publication and depend on volunteers to staff many aspects of the magazine, a challenging part of producing our publication is finding enough room to fit all of the interesting stories that flow from our award-winning Township and School District, as well as from citizens of Upper St. Clair. It’s great to know that TODAY is truly a community effort, and we thank you for your continued support! The layout of the magazine is designed to help you easily find topics of interest. For your convenience, corner tabs and page headers identify each of the magazine’s sections. We share information about our School District (pages 2847) and Township (pages 50-66), peppered with community news throughout. Featured advertising guides and related articles change with each issue; in our fall edition, we focus on Educational Resource (pages 24-26) and Health & Wellness (page 68-75). Thumb through the magazine, choosing articles that you find appealing; they’re all written with Upper St. Clair in mind!
TODAY’s New eHome
And while we’re happy to mail our print publication directly to your home, we are also pleased to provide an online version for you to access anytime, anywhere. TODAY’s website has received a facelift and now better aligns with the Township’s new site. Have you seen it? Check it out! We think it’s “homier” and easier to navigate. Getting to our online magazine is simple. Visit TODAY at www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home or click on either the “Life in USC” or “Township Services” link from the Township’s home page (www.twpusc.org). Smart phone users can also zoom in on our QR code and download the magazine right to your phone. It’s a wonderful go-to source for community-related information while you are on the go! Maybe you’ve been wanting to reread an article from a past issue. Download the magazine from our website or request a hard copy by emailing usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us or stopping by the Township building.
It’s a Wrap While we’re currently enjoying the last dog days of summer and anticipating the refreshing temperatures and colors of autumn, when snowflakes begin to fly, we remind you to search your mailbox for TODAY’s next quarterly issue, the winter 2013 edition. Between now and then, please touch base with us at usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us to let us know what you think about our publication and if you feel at home at our new eHome. Just like you, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is “of USC… for USC.” (Enjoy our featured community photo collages on pages 52 and 82.) Happy autumn!
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager
Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole Superintendent of Schools
Township of Upper St. Clair 412-831-9000 • Fax: 412-831-9882 Website: www.twpusc.org Email: uscadmin@twpusc.org
Upper St. Clair School District 412-833-1600 • Fax: 412-833-5535 Website: www.uscsd.k12.pa.us Email: info@uscsd.k12.pa.us
TODAY, the award-winning, official publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair 8
www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Fall 2013
usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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Milestone Anniversary in the USC Community Single Source Benefits has been in USC for ten years. …Can you believe it? The Single Source team–Debbie, Pam, Lynette, Glenn, Susan, Lorie, Cindy
How time flies. It has been ten years since Single Source Benefits purchased and moved into the building that was once a residence at 1220 Mayview Road in Upper St. Clair. When Glenn and Susan Wells purchased the building, one of their children was an infant, the other a toddler. When the building underwent renovations and they eventually opened the doors of Single Source in Upper St. Clair, the children, still quite young, were two and four. This fall, Reese, age 14, begins high school at Upper St. Clair, Charlie, 12, will enter seventh grade at Fort Couch Middle School, and Single Source Benefits celebrates a milestone anniversary in the community. How time flies! Single Source, a full service insurance company and broker, works with many carriers in the insurance industry and can help you find the insurance that fits your needs, whether personal, business, or Medicare. Single Source writes insurance for auto, home, business, life, and health, with companies including Highmark, UPMC, Allied, Penn National, and Travelers. You name it, Single Source Benefits has a market for it! Single Source Benefits originated in 1991, while Glenn and Susan were renting an apartment in neighboring Mt. Lebanon.
The lovely entryway and staircase is a welcoming area for clients. 10
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Glenn, a recent graduate of Washington and Jefferson, was for a short time working at a moving company in sales. Needing something more in the way of a career, he began studying for his insurance and financial licenses. At that time, the insurance industry had programs that allowed sales people to work on a draw. Glenn went to work for Paul Revere Insurance in the company’s training and sales program. While Glenn was studying and working, Susan followed a similar path. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Chatham College and earned her masters degree from Duquesne University. Susan first worked as a public relations director for the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce and then moved on to the Port of Pittsburgh Commission, where she worked on riverfront development around Pittsburgh. She finally settled at a large CPA firm in Pittsburgh, in charge of marketing. After years of working and living in the city, the couple decided to move to the suburbs when Susan became pregnant with their first child. Glenn was developing a successful insurance business and was eagerly looking for opportunities to purchase his own company and continue to grow his existing business. He found the perfect match in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. With a child on the way, they decided to combine resources and work together, using Susan’s background in marketing and business planning to grow Glenn’s business. Working with your spouse can be daunting for many couples; but Glenn, as the sales person who is out of the office a lot, and Susan, who takes care of the marketing, office managing, and financials, have just the right amount of interaction at work.
The glass block wall in Glenn’s office allows for lots of natural light.
Fall 2013
Renting office space near Outback Steakhouse in Upper St. Clair, they began looking at houses in the surrounding South Hills areas of Upper St. Clair, Mt. Lebanon, and Peters. They found a house in Upper St. Clair in the Trotwood Hills neighborhood, more familiar to some as the “T” streets. Then, literally, they went to work! After a short few months, they hired more employees for their business and were quickly outgrowing their office location. While looking for more space, they found a house for sale on the corner of Mayview and Lesnett Roads. Very nice, it was less expensive than renting, a decent size, a good location, and had plenty of potential for office space and parking. They purchased the house and entered the phase they refer to as the “big project.” Taking approximately six months to complete the renovations, it also took time to get Township zoning approval to change it from a residence to a business. Simultaneously, zoning approval was obtained for the main project: a contemplated separate 3000-square-foot building in the back of the parking lot for future use or rental. Susan acted as the general contractor for the remodel, and she and Glenn spent many a weekend knee deep in drywall dust to keep the project on track. Susan says, “When Charlie was two years old, I remember a time when he spent three hours sitting on the front seat of an asphalt dump truck, watching the crew pour the parking lot. He was thrilled when the crew cooked him a grilled cheese sandwich on the asphalt spreader. He ate that grilled cheese with the biggest smile ever! I also remember Reese, at age four, riding around in a skid loader with Eli Brenlove from Fairfield Landscaping as he was determining the best locations for the building’s landscaping. I still get people who stop by to request the name of my landscape company because of the marvelous job they did and still do for me,” continued Susan. While most people would not envision owning this building as their second home, Glenn and Susan Wells love it and appreciate that it’s a place to offer their services to the community and a comfortable, homey place to conduct their business. The owners and employees of Single Source thank the Upper St. Clair community for being such a great place to have both a home and business as they celebrate their ten-year anniversary of being here!
Susan Wells often gets questioned about the meticulous landscaping around their business.
As Single Source Benefits celebrates its ten-year anniversary, please meet their staff. Lynette Shadish As Property & Casualty Department manager, Lynette has more than 30 years of insurance-related experience. She helps to produce new business, delivers quotes for prospective clients, and manages the existing client base. Debbie Sim, CISR Debbie, a Certified Insurance Service Representative, works with personal lines of insurance, including home and auto, and assists in the commercial lines of insurance. Debbie quotes policies, answers questions, and matches the needs of the client to the best policy. Debbie has more than 35 years of insurance industry experience. Pam Michaelson Pam has worked on the industry’s health insurance side for more than ten years. An excellent sales person, she manages the company’s individual clients as well as the large groups. Pam is on the cutting edge of the ever-changing health insurance industry. Lorie Shinsky Lorie, a sales producer for Single Source, has been in the insurance industry for 13 years and has worked for a number of national insurance carriers. Cindy Vranish A graduate of California University, Cindy works as the company’s administrative employee. With many years experience in the health insurance industry, she prepares quotes and presentations, and keeps everything moving along! Glenn Wells, ChFC A graduate of Washington & Jefferson College, Glenn, owner of Single Source Benefits, has been in the insurance industry for more than 20 years. Susan Wells With degrees from Chatham College and Duquesne University and 15 years of business experience in addition to more than 20 years of public relations and marketing experience, Susan runs the business side of Single Source. Sammy and Jasmine The office mascots, these guys come to the office every day. Sammy, a seven-year-old American Labrador, and Jasmine, a two-yearold Chihuahua, love to run in the woods behind the building and visit with the employees, who store treats for the dogs in Sammy and Jasmine their desks! n Fall 2013
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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A Sampling of Recent A Sampling of Recent COMMUNITY FOUNDATION of USC Activities & Events COMMUNITY FOUNDATION of USC Activities & Events USC Library receives a $10,000 Grant for USCUse, Library receives a $10,000 Grant for Share, Connect Technology Use, Share, Connect Technology @ USC Library @source USC of Library CF is the major funds for the purchase CF is theiPads, major source of funds the purchase of eight an Apple TV & for mobile TV cart, of iPads, anlaptop Apple for TV residents & mobile TV cart, andeight a MacBook to U se, and MacBook laptop residents S harea and Connect to thefor digital world. to Use, Share and C2013 onnect to the digital world. pilot programs: 2013 pilotand programs: • Digital literacy training information on digital • literacy training andthe information on digital Digital productivity tools will be focus of small group productivity tools will be the focus of small group sessions for adults. • sessions for adults. Teens and tweens will use the iPads for creative • Teens and tweens projects. will use the iPads for creative and collaborative • and collaborative projects. Parents will be provided with information on • will apps, be provided on Parents educational websites,with andinformation digital books, educational apps, websites, and digital books, and the opportunity to use the iPads in the library and opportunity withthe their children. to use the iPads in the library with their children. For more information on future plans, to www.cfusc.org. For morego information on future plans, go to www.cfusc.org.
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Fall 2013
Upper St. Clair High School Upper St. ClairScholarship High School 2013 College 2013 College Scholarship Recipients Recipients Ted Barnett Scholarship ~ Anastasia Novodran Ted ~ Anastasia MaryBarnett Elena Scholarship Batz Scholarship ~ AnnaNovodran Azizzy Rosati Mary Elena Batz Scholarship ~ Anna Azizzy Rosati William A. Pope Scholarship ~ Lily Olsakovsky Joanne WilliamSzymanski A. Pope Scholarship ~ Lily Olsakovsky Memorial Scholarship Joanne Scholarship Szymanski Memorial ~Grace Ellen Trocano T.J. White Scholarship ~Grace Ellen Trocano ~ John Rutkowski T.J. White Scholarship ~ John Rutkowski Patrick O’Brien Memorial Scholarship ~ In O’Brien Memorial ~ In Patrick memory of Baker School Scholarship Third Grader, Patrick memory SchooltoThird Grader, O’Brien,oftoBaker be awarded a member of Patrick his O’Brien, to class be awarded to a member of his graduating in 2020. graduating class in 2020. The Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair The Community Foundation of Upper is currently the depository forSt. Clair is six currently collegethe scholarships. depository for college scholarships. For moresix information on the scholarship For more program, information go to www.cfusc.org. on the scholarship program, go to www.cfusc.org.
CF USC Panthers Stadium Blanket CF USC Panthers Stadium Blanket plush, warm, attractive and machine washable! CFSilky, USC Panthers Stadium Blanket Silky, plush, warm, attractive and machine washable! Silky, plush, warm, attractive and machine washable!
USC Panthers Stadium Blanket a memorable forUSC your USC The CFThe USCCFPanthers Stadium Blanket makes makes a memorable gift forgift your The CF USC Panthers Stadium Blanket makes a memorable gift for your USC student. It’s great for lounging, and will be especially welcome at the USC student. It’s great for lounging, and will be especially welcome at the USC student. It’s great for lounging, and will be especially welcome at the USC football games this fall. football games this fall. football games this fall. BLANKET SIZE: X-LARGE (60" -XPRICE: 80") - PRICE: $60 BLANKET SIZE: X-LARGE (60" X 80") $60 BLANKET SIZE: X-LARGE (60" X 80") PRICE: $60 Go to the CF website to place an order, or print an order form: Go to the CF website to place an order, or print an order form: Go to the CF website to www.cfusc.org place www.cfusc.org an order, or print an order form: www.cfusc.org
Mark your calendars Mark your calendars now! now! Mark your calendars now! The 3rd Annual The The 3rd 3rd Annual Annual “Celebrate Our Schools” Gala “Celebrate “Celebrate Our Our Schools” Schools” Gala Gala is scheduled for February 22, 2014 is is scheduled scheduled for for February February 22, 22, 2014 2014
A CF grant was provided to theSt.Upper A CF grant was provided to the Upper Clair St. Clair A CF grant was provided to the Upper St. Clair High School Environmental Club High School Environmental Club High School Environmental tothe recycle theOutdoor BoyceClub Outdoor to recycle Boyce to recycle the Boyce Outdoor Classroom benches to Classroom Classroom benches benches to to
line the Arts & Academic entrances to line line the the Arts Arts & & Academic Academic entrances entrances to to the USC High School. the the USC USC High High School. School.
THANK A to who A THANK THANKAYOU YOU to all allYOU whoto all who participated in the participated participated in in the the COMMUNITY DAY DUCK COMMUNITY DAY DUCK RACE! RACE! Go to www.cfusc.org Go to www.cfusc.org
to list seeof the list of winners. to see the winners.
Valley Valley Brook Brook Country Country Club Club
Watch more information after Watch for more information Watch for for more information after after the first of the year. the first of the year. the first of the year.
Annual FourthFourth Annual Free Free Outdoor FamilyFamily Outdoor MovieMovie HOTEL HOTEL HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA TRANSYLVANIA TRANSYLVANIA August 22, AugustAugust 22, 2013 201322, 2013
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF UPPEROF ST.UPPER CLAIRST. CLAIR COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
FOUNDATION UPPER ST. CLAIR 2585 COMMUNITY Washington Rd, SuiteRd, 131 • OF Upper Clair, PA 2585 Washington 131 St. • Upper St. 15241 Clair, PA 15241 2585(412) Washington Suite 131 Suite • Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 831-1107Rd, ~ info@cfusc.org ~ www.cfusc.org (412) 831-1107 ~ info@cfusc.org ~ www.cfusc.org (412) 831-1107 ~ info@cfusc.org ~ www.cfusc.org Fall 2013
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
13
Rob, Brad, and Charlie
Brad, Rob, and Bailey
A Doggity-Dog World… (PAART I) Heather Holtschlag
Upper St. Clair volunteer firefighter Brad Childs will be the first to admit that he does not have a very good memory. “I have even forgotten chores that my wife has asked me to do,” he acknowledged. “But I have never forgotten a fire call that we responded to. Or a dog I saved.” In 2006, Childs, a pilot and owner of a local eyeglass business, Eyetique, was flying eyewear back to Pittsburgh when his business partner asked him if he could transport, via plane, a deaf, 90-pound bulldog, Monty, to meet his new family. “When I initially was asked to transport Monty, I was hesitant,” he said. “Dogs are dirty, they take up a lot of room, and I did not think it was a good idea. But I did it, not realizing how much my life would change because of it.” Among other things, Monty got loose during the flight and pushed the yoke
forward, sending the plane into a downward dive. “But when we landed and I looked to the terminal window and saw the family excitedly waiting for Monty, it changed my attitude about what I had just done.” Since then, Childs has flown hundreds of missions, saving dogs in imminent danger from abuse or a natural disaster, including Hurricane Sandy. In addition to transporting dogs to safer locations, however, there are several other components to the volunteer work that he does to help dogs in need. “We have a teacher who instructs young kids about why some animals are in need of help,” Childs explained. “We also collect dog food for people who cannot afford to feed their animals.” In fact, a joint effort between Child’s Eyetique and Jonathan Plesset’s Shadyside Inn and Mansion Suites secured about 50,000 pounds of dog food, which Childs took to three shelters in Atlanta, where he also helped rescue 216 dogs before returning to Pittsburgh. The passion that Childs has for his work as part of an animal rescue team is apparent, though it may have been the day that Upper St. Clair police officer Robert (Bob) McMaster first met Childs at the USC fire station that took Childs’ passion to a whole new level. “A co-worker knew that I was a licensed pilot. He told me about Brad and that he also was a pilot and owned a plane. He said that Brad offered to fly with me sometime,” Bob said. “I had been away from flying for a few years, but I jumped at the chance to get back into it. I called Brad, and as we discussed flying he told me about the few
For more information about the Pittsburgh Aviation Animal Rescue Team, visit the organization’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pittanimals or the website at www.pittrescue.org. They can also be reached by email at info@pittrescue.org. Stay tuned for PAART II in the winter 2013 issue of TODAY.
A rescue dog looks out the plane’s window. 14
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
animal rescue flights he made. I thought the idea of combining flying and saving animals was just about the most awesome combination since peanut butter and jelly!” The two flew together a few times and as Bob got back into flying he realized how much he and Brad both enjoyed flying and rescuing animals. “As a team, it is much easier to plan and fly longer distances.” Although the plans of creating an animal rescue team were set in motion in 2010, it was not until 2012 that the team was formalized to become the Pittsburgh Aviation Animal Rescue Team, or PAART, an organization formed to help animals in need. The team, which consists of five trained pilots who travel in smaller groups of two, travels to locations within about 200 miles. “The organization is becoming its own brand,” said Childs. “It is going where it wants to go, and it is unbelievable what is happening with the growth!” As of this writing, the group, which includes Childs’ wife, Linda, who provides an extraordinary amount of support, his older brother, Norman, Bob’s wife, Anne, who serves as the community outreach coordinator, and Jonathan Plesset, is seeking 501(c)(3) status, which will enable it to hold fundraising campaigns to raise money for a new plane with enhanced features that could help the team fly in all types of weather conditions. They also hope to expand the flight distances to cover more areas and fly more animals, especially in times of natural disasters, when there is always an immediate need to shelter and foster a large number of animals. n
Fall 2013
Tim Murphy U.S. Congressman for the 18th District of Pennsylvania 2332 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515 Phone: 202-225-2301 • Fax: 202-225-1844 504 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15228 Phone: 412-344-5583 • Fax: 412-429-5092 2040 Frederickson Place, Route 136, Greensburg, PA 15601 Phone: 724-850-7312 • Fax: 724-850-7315 Website: http://murphy.house.gov
Wanted: A Federal Education Policy That Supports Local Students Tomorrow’s leaders deserve
an education model that works for them today. This policy would be more flexible than the current, one-size-fits-all approach, bringing together students, parents, and communities and truly preparing a 21st century workforce to compete on the global stage. At some point, however, Washington began micro-managing according to a system that diminished real achievement and encouraged “teaching to the test.” Embodied in the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law, Washington lost sight of its goals. We can do better. In place of NCLB’s top-down mandates, I am working on reforms that involve more local school districts and communities in the lives of their students, and return greater authority to parents when it comes to the choice of their child’s education. This has been a busy 113th Congress for those of us committed to the oversight and reform of education policy, and I am pleased to share some of those updates with you. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) provides the primary source of federal aid to K-12 education, but was last voted on in 2007. Congress is working to reauthorize ESEA this year. The patchwork of initiatives, testing models, and stopgap funding that has been undertaken in the years since has made it difficult for school districts to plan for the future. And broken accountability standards, such as the Adequate Yearly Progress measurement set by states for math and reading proficiency, are reducing rather than raising educational expectations. On May 24, I weighed in with the Chairman of the House Education and Workforce Committee, Congressman John Kline of Minnesota, urging him to move quickly to reauthorize the law so that funding and curricula at Upper St. Clair
School District and elsewhere would not be negatively impacted. This year, I voted to create a “STEM” competition for students in the 18th congressional district. STEM refers to the science, technology, engineering, and math fields that have become so crucial to understanding and competing in a 21 st century economy. The Academic Competition Resolution of 2013 will sponsor an annual STEM competition here in southwestern Pennsylvania, with the first focused on student-developed apps. The competition will be open to high school students and details will be developed by the House Committee on Administration. Having trouble deciding what college is the best fit for you? I also supported the Improving Postsecondary Education Data for Students Act. This legislation would empower parents and high school seniors to make better decisions about where they go to college and how to pay for their education. First, the measure would require the Secretary of Education to convene an advisory committee comprised of stakeholders such as policy experts and state officials. Next, the committee would consult with parents and students to understand what information they look at when making a choice about higher education. Third, this information would be developed into a report for the Education Secretary to better guide states and local districts. As Congress continues to work on education reform, I want to hear from you. Visit my website at murphy.house.gov and send me your input. And don’t forget to sign up for my weekly newsletter to learn more about my ongoing commitment to improving federal education policy for students, parents, and local school districts. n Fall 2013
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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A Trip to Remember Jim Meston
Imagine being 84 years old, living a quiet life getting through another day without gas or other sentences imposed on the elderly, when my 22-year-old grandson, Nick (son of son Bob, USCHS class of ‘76) says, “Grandpa I’ve never been west of Wheeling.” That began a discussion of when and how we might confront this situation. I began planning and identifying places we should see and routes we should take. The idea was exciting; whether I could do it rumbled around a bit in my aging brain, but my old competitive juices began to flow and we embarked on the route I’d created. We left Pittsburgh early on a Sunday morning and got to Nashville in the early afternoon. Nick is a country western fan and we enjoyed a nice block of time at The Country Music Hall of Fame. Listening to country music, I recognized many of the older performers from my days growing up in Iowa when I often went, on a Saturday night, to The Iowa Barn Dance Frolic. But the newer stars were just names to me. However, Nick and I struck a deal: whoever was driving got to play whatever music he wanted. When he was driving, I was swamped with songs from current country stars on his iPod, and I wore him out with “golden oldies.” By the end of the trip, we both appreciated each other’s music. When he was driving I amused myself by creating possible names for country songs that were playing. Everything was fair game and the more ridiculous, the better the fit! We had a long drive the next day to Oklahoma City and were grateful we passed through before the horrible tornado. We got early starts in the mornings and knocked off a lot of miles before lunch. After the next night in Albuquerque, we started early for Tucson. My wife and I had spent several winters there, so I knew of many interesting things to do. The first afternoon we took the tram ride nearly four miles up the Sabino Canyon, a stunning mountain of rocks and valleys. It took Nick’s breath away. That night, I took him to a local cowboy rib restaurant called “Bubs Grub.” Nick said it was the best ribs he’d ever eaten! We stayed longer in Tucson than in our previous stops because there was so much to see. The hills are loaded with Saguaro cactus, and we spent the next morning at the Desert Museum, located high up in the mountains. The ride itself was worth the trip, but the museum was also very interesting. The rest of the day we spent at the Air Force Museum, where, on hundreds of acres, are some 300 vintage airplanes, among others.
Nick Meston at Lake Tahoe
Another museum, The DeGrazia, houses the paintings of this prolific and talented artist. I can’t go there Jim and Nick Meston, in John Muir Woods, without buying someCalifornia, one of their stops during their thing, and Nick got his three-week, cross-country, 6700-mile adventure mother some art work. It was a full day of walking, and while I’m accustomed to walking, I admit the young guy wore me out that day. We topped off our Tucson visit with an expensive dinner at the Arizona Inn, which was several cuts above “Bubs Grub.” Bright and early the next morning we headed to San Diego. I have a friend who lives there and he offered to be our guide. I’d been there on work-related meetings but never did much sightseeing. We explored the air craft carrier Midway, a 1000-foot-long vessel used mainly during the Vietnam War. We visited beaches and saw the beautiful community of La Jolla. We visited the prestigious Hotel Coranado, and while I once stayed there for a meeting, we wondered what a night would cost. I did note that Sunday brunch for one is $77. We passed on that, but left San Diego thoroughly convinced of its beauty, thanks to my friend, Jim Vaughan. My daughter, Carol Weigner (USCHS Class of ’72), has twin sons who live in California: Ryan in Los Angeles and Ian in Santa Cruz. We headed for Los Angeles to meet up with Ryan. During our two-day stay, we saw the beaches and sights of Los Angeles, including Hollywood and a night at The Improv, a famous comedy club. We saw several piers and walked out on the famous Santa Monica Pier. Once again, I got in my walking. There were carnival rides, and I took my first roller coaster ride in years with my two grandsons. In fact, we went twice! Leaving Los Angeles and heading for Santa Cruz to see Ian, we traveled the scenic route along the ocean and ended up in Monterey. We took the gorgeous 17-mile drive around Pebble Beach golf course, which abuts the sea. A breathtaking view! Nick has a phone that includes a camera, and he was snapping pictures quite frequently along our drive. I’m sure by the end of the trip he’d taken several hundred pictures. We spent two days with Ian and enjoyed the seaside town of Santa Cruz—a surfer’s paradise. Both Ryan and Ian, from very young ages, have been serious snow and surf boarders. Ian lives just a few blocks from the ocean and if the surf is right, he’s out there bright and early. Next, we headed for the “city by the bay” to visit my sister, Joyce, who lives in the San Francisco area. She had just arrived home from a stay in the hospital and was doing well. The next day, Nick and I used our GPS, which came in handy for finding motels and other destinations, to guide us to the wharf area. We took a boat ride in the bay, seeing Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and other landmarks. Again, using our GPS, we found our way across the Golden Gate Bridge and
San Fransisco’s Golden Gate Bridge 16
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Fall 2013
headed to John Muir Woods, famous for its redwood forest. It’s hard to imagine or describe the size and beauty of these redwoods if you’ve not seen them. Another big photo opportunity! Saying goodbye to my sister and her husband, Jim, we left the next morning for Lake Tahoe, another wonder of Mother Nature. Once again, I’d been there for meetings, but had never driven up to Emerald Point, way up above beautiful Lake Tahoe. We were told that Emerald Point was the second most photographed site (according to Kodak), second to the Grand Canyon. Again, Nick snapped away. While in Tahoe, we went to a casino. I’d never gambled and was only in Pittsburgh’s casino once. I was amazed at the number of people who sat at the slot machines, punching a button and staring at the machine as images rolled around. I decided to try my luck. I put in a dollar and Nick told me what to punch. After some ups and downs, Nick hit something that doubled the small amount I’d accumulated and we won $77. We did what most players don’t do—quit right then with our winnings in hand. We had enough to pay our way into the hotel and casino’s comedy club. At this point in our trip, we were on course to start heading back east. We left Lake Tahoe for Salt Lake City and got there early enough in the afternoon to visit the massive and beautiful Mormon buildings. With a guide, we toured their conference center. A huge building with numerous, gorgeous paintings, the building contains an auditorium that seats twenty-one thousand. Our guide said it fills up when the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir sings. I was tired when we checked into our motel in Salt Lake City and would have skipped going sightseeing, but my young companion said we should look around and I’m glad that we did. We old folks can sometimes find some extra pep in our tanks. I did not want to be left out. Our next stop eastbound was Cheyenne. I was impressed as we drove through Utah and Wyoming at how many snow-capped mountains remained. I thought that Tahoe would have been the last snow-capped mountain sightings, but we saw them even into western Nebraska, enhancing the beauty of the drive. The big event for us in Cheyenne was that Nick spent several hours hunting for the right pair of cowboy boots. His mother, Patti, told me he had always wanted a pair. The store we found had so many choices that Nick was challenged to find the perfect pair, which he finally did. We walked around the downtown area and saw artifacts of the old west in a museum that also housed old railroad pictures and parts. We moseyed out of cowboy country and headed for Omaha, with the primary objective of finding a good steak house. I’m sure it’s hard to find a bad one, and we fulfilled our objective with a steak so big we couldn’t eat it all. I knew I’d gain weight on this trip, but it turned out not as bad as I’d thought, probably because I didn’t often eat everything offered and we walked a lot!
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Salt Lake City’s Mormon Temple
Continued on page 67
Fall 2013
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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Gilfillan— Not One Thin Dime Mary Lynne Spazok
What people do not understand, they do not value; what they do not value, they will not protect; and what they do not protect, they will lose.—Charles Jordan, environmentalist and master horticulturist (Gonzaga University, chairman of the board, The Conservation Fund) From Carnegie to Chattanooga, Brazil to Bethel Park, South Africa to South Park, more than 400 visitors from across the globe toured the Gilfillan Homestead on USC’s Community Day this past May. Under the guidance of the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair, carefree children romped about while mom and dad experienced the Victorian lifestyle of Margaret Gilfillan’s residence. Exploring this farmstead is one of the most tangible ways to link children and their families with agriculture, thus encouraging a new generation’s interactions with the food system. Often, children have little or no knowledge about where their food comes from. This opportunity inspires youngsters to make healthier food choices that support local farm communities and farmers’ markets. Community Day guests learn about the value of farming and experience first-hand the production of food from seed to table, thus bringing to life school subjects, including science, math, language, arts, and nutrition through engaging hands-on activities. It is exciting to see what is being done to sustain and share the history of our community, while not one thin dime of your USC taxpayer dollars contribute to this effort. The Historical Society is proud of its two major achievements: the first is as obvious as its mission—to educate the community about the importance of agriculture and to help everyone recognize modern agriculture practices; and, second, to educate the greater community—urban or rural—about the consequences of regional agriculture.
Jean Brown, chairman emeritus, Historical Society of USC, at Gilfillan on Community Day
The Gilfillan farm, buildings, and cattle are owned and operated by the Historical Society, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization of public charity. The farm is designated by the U.S. Department of Interior as a “national historic place.” At its perimeter, Gilfillan’s 1.25-mile wood-chipped trail and natural park are maintained by the USC Public Works Department. Farming is hard work, but USC Community Day shows off a few seeds of fun at Gilfillan! Educational, this “hands-on” learning experience presents a glimpse into life on a working farm, including hand milking a cow, bottle feeding a calf, sheep shearing, and the ever-popular horse-drawn wagon ride reminiscent of days gone by. Creative crafts and interactive exhibits keep children busy. The Upper St. Clair community has pledged to protect its history and offers the opportunity to step back in time through Gilfillan.
New front stairs and balustrades meet USC’s safety building code upgrade requirements
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Fall 2013
At the granary are farmer Brendan Brown and Libby and Maddie Phillips
Behind the scenes, upgrades at the homestead are ongoing to meet guideline requirements of the 2013 USC building codes. A building code, or building control, is a set of rules that specify the minimum acceptable level of safety for constructed objects such as buildings and non-building structures. The main purpose is to protect public health, safety, and general welfare as they relate to the construction and occupancy of buildings and structures. Over several years, home improvements have included plumbing upgrades, a fireproof roof, modern rain gutters, and the installation of an energy efficient furnace. Subtle exterior modifications have included a streamlined front stairway with proper railings and balustrades, wide-entry steps at the big barn, upgraded stair treads at the granary, back porch floorboard replacement, and ongoing pest control for carpenter ants and invasive vermin. Secured wood benches crafted from hardwoods and finished with weather-resistant treatments are scattered throughout the property to encourage leisure observation of the environment. A state-of-the-art owl nesting box adjacent to the big barn is the natural way to control mice, rats, and moles. Barn owls, generally found in or near open fields and meadows, sometimes nest quite close to homes in backyards or parks. The farmstead is the perfect habitat for barn owls. This year’s Community Day side porch craft highlighted the owl and showcased an illustrated encyclopedia of birds, which explained the owl’s ecological usefulness. This book is available at the Gilfillan library. Your contributions to the Gilfillan homestead on USC Community Day are welcomed, as they subsidize the mission of the Margaret B. Gilfillan charitable trust and Historical Society. Margaret’s vision was to provide area residents with an opportunity to see and appreciate the cultural, historical, and educational aspects of rural farming. While the principal source of financial support is from an established financial trust, the Society must raise a minimum of ten percent of its financial support from other sources on an annual basis. For every $1 donation, the trust contributes $9. A donation of $100 earns a total of $1000, or a $900 trust return. Gifts are 100% tax-deductible. Please consider the following endowment option for 2013 or budget into your 2014 charitable contributions. The Pittsburgh Day of Giving will be held Thursday, October 3, 2013, 12:00 a.m. EST to 11:59:59 p.m. EST. Donations during this 24-hour period will receive a prorated portion of the match pool. (As an example: if the match pool is $500,000 and the total amount raised that day is $2,000,000, then the match may be .25 cents for each contributed dollar.) Each nonprofit will receive one check totaling all donation(s), net of the credit card fee plus the match portion, along with donor data within 30 days of the event’s end.
Mastercard or Visa donations received through www.pittsburghgives.org are valid, while donations of check, cash, or stock are not accepted. The credit card charge will show as a donation to the Pittsburgh Foundation on the d o n o r ’s c re d i t c a rd statement. The minimum donation per organization is $25. The individual maximum matching gift per organization is $10,000. Visit the Pittsburgh Day of Giving website, locate the “Historical Society of Upper St. Clair” under “non-profit” search, and contribute. Sitting at the big barn are Megan and A minute of your Madison Geraud time and a few dollars out of your pocket on October 3 will enable the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair to continue serving Western Pennsylvania and its residents. Speakers, including Mark Browning of the barn owl box company and quilters Brenda Applegate (executive director of the Beaver County historical research) and Jan Rodgers (independent quilt researcher) energize the Historical Society’s vocation. Remember that not one thin dime of your taxpayer dollars goes toward the Gilfillan homestead and grounds. Thank you for your continued civic patronage. n
Owl crafters, Roan and Jemma Primus
Enjoying the bench are Daniela Gibbons, Dr. Romana Kerr, and Celena Kerr
Questions, comments, and new members are welcome. Contact www.hsusc.org, historicalsocietyusc@gmail.com, or www.facebook.com/hsusc. Fall 2013
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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Veterans Monument Giving Campaign This year, UPPER ST CLAIR TODAY initiated a giving campaign for the USC Veterans Monument Park in recognition of the need for the park’s perpetual maintenance to allow future generations to enjoy it as we enjoy it today. This yearlong campaign will continue through December 31. Donors will continually be recognized in upcoming editions of TODAY and a culminating list of all donors will be presented to the Township’s Board of Commissioners in 2014 for Township preservation. Listed below are contributors through June 30, 2013. The donation form follows.
Give . They Already Did. Upper St. Clair Veterans Park Donation Form
(Clip… Complete… Contribute… Mail… TODAY!) In appreciation for—name of veteran(s) and branch of military: ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ My Name(s): ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ Attach separate sheet of paper, if needed. Minimum requested donation—$7/veteran. My contribution (check payable to USCVP): $____________ Mail form and check to: USCVP/TODAY 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Upper St. Clair Veterans Park, Inc. is a charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are deductible to the extent permitted by law. 20
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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If you’ve not yet visited the park, spend some time reading the inscribed monuments dedicated to the seven branches of the U. S. military. Benches, for your relaxation, are installed throughout the park. Stay a while and soak up some history and sunshine, while appreciating the natural beauty of the hillside and creek behind the monument area. For more information about the monument, read the article dedicated to the USC Veterans Monument Park in the summer 2013 issue of TODAY (pages 17-21) or online at www.twpusc. org/magazine/usc-today-home. n
Donor in Recognition of Aspiotes families George Aspiotes, Army Boyd, Carolyn Nick Sanders Digby, Anna David Lee Digby Anna Robertson Digby Dudzinski, Chet & Chester J. Dudzinski, Airforce Linda and family Larry Morosky, Army Dr. William Morosky, Navy Eagle, Bryan G. Tara R. Eagle Etling, Charles Wayne All military personnel Furst, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Robert I. Furst Milton Furst Gallo, John & Sandy John M. Gallo, Air Force James Gallo, Air Force John Mario Gallo, Army Guy Gallo, Army Peter Bukk, Army Louis Bukk, Army Joseph Fox, Army Philip Fox, Army Harold Markovitz, Navy Donald Fortwangler, Navy Frank Sacco, Army Hale, C. Roxanne Kenneth O. Hale Kenneth O. Hale, Jr. Madeline J. Hale Wayne B. Gottreu Harmon, F.E. & family F. Edwing Harmon, USAF Mary Reid, Kathleen James H. Mary, Navy O’Neill, Carrie Louis W. Rusiski, Jr., USMC Patriot Guard Riders All military personnel—active, retired, deceased Pattison, Tom & Wendy All military personnel Pazar family John A. Pazar, Navy Petito, Marguerite E. Donald N. Petito, Army Plavetich, Virginia George Plavetich, Army Air Corp Prendergast, Michael & Shirley All military personnel Prokopovitch Family Michael Prokopovitch, Army Simmons, Reid G. Noel Simmons Sobocinski, Robert Robert E. Sobocinski Stuebgen, William F. William F. Stuebgen, Navy Thornburg, Vera George Thornburg Robert Norman Shogry Williard, Mr. & Mrs. Terry Lt. Andrew S. McGovern, Navy
A program fo r a tto
ofession l pr ga le e
oking to re-en ter s lo th ey rn
Back to the Bar
BACK TO THE BAR
USC women create program for re-entering attorneys from the
Allegheny County Bar Association
Over the past year, two Upper St. Clair attorneys, Alysia Keating and Erin Gibson Allen, worked to create a formal program to help attorneys like themselves who sought to return to a legal career after taking time away from the profession. The program, being offered by the Allegheny County Bar Association (ACBA), is called “Back to the Bar” and is believed to be among the first of its type in the country. “Both men and women leave the legal profession for a variety of reasons—a career change, relocation, layoff, child or elder care responsibilities, health issues, or for other reasons,” said Keating, who serves as the ACBA’s director of diversity and gender equality. The program is designed for law school graduates who previously practiced law or otherwise used their degree in a professional capacity, took a leave from their career for a year or longer, and wish to return to the practice of law or find an alternative use for their law degree. The six-day program is geared toward helping participants refresh their skills and prepare for a job search. “Back to the Bar” will feature instruction regarding resume and writing sample creation, online research and electronic filing, networking, mentoring and pro bono opportunities, interview skills, and social media. At least ten continuing legal education credits will be available. Those who finish the entire program will receive a certificate of completion and a oneyear membership to the ACBA. They will also be paired with an active member of the legal community who will serve as a mentor for a period of time following the conclusion of the program. Allen, who recently returned to the legal profession as a staff attorney at Reed Smith, said she wished a program like this existed when she sought to re-enter the profession after a long break. “I heard about programs like these in New York City and Washington, D.C., and decided to see if there would be interest in creating a similar program in the Pittsburgh area. I was fortunate that my efforts led me to Alysia, who, it turns out, is also my neighbor. We pulled together a committee of representatives from the legal community and are excited that the ACBA will be piloting the program this fall.” Special Counsel is a corporate sponsor for the program. The six-day pilot program will be held two days a week over three consecutive weeks in September and October, allowing time for homework completion between sessions. Program activities, which will be held at various downtown venues generally between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., will be held on September 24 and 26, and October 1, 3, 8, and 10, 2013. n Visit www.acba.org and click on the Diversity/IGE pull-down menu and select “Back to the Bar” program.
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
21
Meet…
Mary Lynne Spazok (left), with Theodore and Jessica
In this issue, TODAY would like you to meet a few of our regular volunteer writers. Mary Lynne Spazok has been writing for TODAY since the inaugural issue. Her charming writing style about “all things Upper St. Clair” is eagerly anticipated by many of our residents. But no matter what topic she is covering, hours and hours of work are behind those delightful descriptions. She says, “Every article must be accurate, as our readers are very discriminating.” Mary Lynne noted that an article may take up to 50 hours when the time for research, interviews, composition, and photos is considered. She also said that most readers don’t realize how far in advance some stories are planned and created. For example, 2012’s “The Holiday Doors of USC” article was written on a sunny summer day, with photos taken during the 2011 holiday season. A lifelong resident of Pittsburgh, Mary Lynne holds a BS in education from the University of Pittsburgh and has been employed by CCAC for 35 years. She and her husband, Theodore, have called USC’s Aljo Drive home for 31 years. Their daughter, Jessica, director of bridal for Nicole Miller in New York City, is a graduate of USC (Class of 1998) and Penn State University. Ed, the family’s cocker spaniel, is 16 and going strong. After writing many articles over the years, it is hard for Mary Lynne to pick a favorite. She says, “Every article has its merits and is a genuine learning experience. The goal is to not only entertain, but also to educate the reader about Upper St. Clair, its outstanding residents, and exemplary attributes.” 22
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Our Writers But Mary Lynne did admit a special fondness for “Traveling with TODAY.” “As an educator and, more importantly, a parent, I feel that travel is one of the best gifts a parent can give a child.” She said that during recent island adventures to Lucaya Bahama, the Caymans, and St. Barth’s, residents there were thrilled to receive periodicals, including USC TODAY. “An island is only so big,” said Mary Lynne, “and magazine subscriptions are pricey. Novel reading material is greatly appreciated.” She encourages readers to take and submit a photo for the magazine’s travel segment (see page 23), and recycle their USC TODAY to a coffee shop, hotel, or library while on their adventure. A volunteer for the Historical Society of USC, Mary Lynne also enjoys photography and reading “real” (not electronic) magazines and newspapers.
Erin Gibson Allen (center), with sons, Brendan and Ryan
Since 2007, regular contributor Erin Gibson Allen has been reaching TODAY readers through her “From Here” feature articles. Erin moved to USC when she was four years old, graduating from the high school in 1988. She grew up in Montclair and remains friends with many of the girls who roamed the neighborhood with her, mastering bikes with banana seats, roller skates, pogo sticks, and, eventually, downhill skis. Erin returned to USC about nine years ago with her husband, Kevin, to raise their sons, Brendan and Ryan. Erin said, “I taught them how to pogo stick and ski, so I feel good about that.” Erin remembers moving back to the Township and receiving a copy of the TODAY magazine in the mail and reading it from cover to cover. She had recently left a professional career downtown to stay at Fall 2013
home with her kids, and did some writing for the Post Gazette, covering stories in the South Hills. “I always enjoyed writing, so I reached out to the editor, Linda Dudzinski, and offered to do some volunteer writing. She graciously accepted my offer and I have been privileged to be associated with the magazine ever since. I think it’s a great publication!” Erin said she heard once that you should write what you know, and since she spent so much of her life in Upper St. Clair, it seemed logical to write a column about life in the Township. One of her favorite articles was an early one called “Moms who Tri” about her experience doing a sprint triathlon with a group of mothers from the South Hills. Erin said, “I think when you engage in an experience outside of your comfort zone, it is easy to write or talk about the insight you gain, even while acknowledging the absurdity of your situation,” commenting that she can still feel the mud up past her ankles while standing in the lake getting ready for the start gun to fire. With Brendan entering high school this fall and Ryan entering Fort Couch, Erin finds it a little strange to see her boys in the schools that she once attended, wearing USC sweatshirts and cheering for the football team to beat Mt. Lebanon. (Even though she barely recognizes the schools since the remodeling, some things stay the same.) Although Erin has recently returned to practicing law, she plans to continue her column in TODAY. She went to law school at Pitt, where she and Kevin met. While Kevin grew up in Philadelphia, he has grown to love Pittsburgh, including its sports teams and history, and is involved with the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation. The couple enjoys going to the Pittsburgh Symphony. Erin said, “The PSO is truly an amazing asset of the city and Heinz Hall is a gorgeous venue!” In her free time, Erin plays the piano (she used to study with Rachel Mertz), and reads both fiction and non-fiction. She loves the Boyce Mayview Park trails and nags her family to go on hikes with her around the Township. She also loves the Laurel Highlands and is always up for a weekend of skiing or other adventure.
Traveling with TODAY
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is proud to
travel with you, too! Read the following criteria to find out how. • Clear, close-up photo of USC resident(s) holding his or her TODAY magazine. • Digital photo or hard copy 35mm accepted. ‣‣ For digital, attach jpg (at least 300 dpi) and send via email, including required information (see below) in the body of the email. ‣‣ For 35 mm, attach post-it to back of hard copy photo, listing the required information (see below). • List name(s) of resident(s), group, and specific photo location. • List objective of visit—leisure, volunteer, career, etc. • Include email address or phone number should further contact be necessary. • Deliver one 35 mm photo with details to the USC Township receptionist in an envelope marked “USC TODAY,” or • Email one digital photo with details to usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us, with “TODAY” listed in subject line. Note: Submitted photos and information for this feature section will remain on file for upcoming editions until published.
Enjoying southwest Florida and the Gulf of Mexico this past spring are members of the Bocchini, McMinn, and DeMarco families of Upper St. Clair. The TODAY magazine enjoyed a leisurely afternoon among friends, lapping in the sunshine on this double-decker pontoon boat, surrounded by the mild 77-degree temperature of the Gulf waters. What a relaxing trip it was! TODAY remained in Florida, waiting for southerners to enjoy reading about USC.
Left to right, front row, are Jan Bocchini, Mary Ann Spanovich, Teri McMinn, Missy McMinn, and Colleen DeMarco; back row are “Florida Dave” Bocchini, Joe DeMarco, Bryan McMinn, and Bill McMinn
The Repischak family cruised to the Bahamas for a summertime getaway and to celebrate a milestone birthday. Enjoying many of the ship’s activities and a stop in Nassau for some shopping and cuisine at the local hotspot, they also spent time at the cruise line’s private island. Bringing home wonderful memories, they complemented the ship’s library and left behind the summer issue of TODAY for all to enjoy. n Left to right are Holly, Val, Dan, Mary and Joe Repischak
Heather Holtschlag
TODAY’s most recent addition to its group of volunteer writers, Heather Holtschlag discovered her passion for public relations as a journalism major at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She operates a freelance writing and public relations business, Heather Holtschlag Public Relations, working with several clients, mainly in the health and fitness industries, to build their external presence through the development of marketing
materials, including website content, brochures, and newsletters. She also manages their media relations campaigns consisting of press release development and distribution and pitching stories to media outlets. Heather does volunteer PR work for Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania, helping them to spread the word about the services they offer to victims of domestic violence and the educational resources they provide to nearby communities. A resident of Upper St. Clair for seven years, Heather inquired about writing opportunities at TODAY about a year ago and has been a regular contributor ever since. Her new column, “A Healthier U(SC),” debuts in this issue on page 74. Heather says, “I enjoy the magazine’s content, the amount of material it contains, and the massive amount of news it covers in each issue. But, I also enjoy talking to the people in the community—the newsmakers—and spreading their good news.” Heather said it sounds cliché, but Fall 2013
she can’t pick a favorite article that she’s submitted to TODAY. She’s enjoyed writing all of them, and it’s given her the opportunity to meet some really neat people in the community and learn the inside scoop on who’s doing what along the way. Like so many USC residents, Heather is an excellent juggler! She and her husband, Jim, who owns and operates a Grease Monkey in Canonsburg, have been married for eight years and have two children: Matthew, four, and Luke, two. Heather admits: “I’m sure it would be much easier if I could formulate a schedule and stick to it! But that’s not always possible with two little ones at home. I have learned to take each day as it comes and tackle each challenge as I encounter it. I have to constantly remind myself to remain flexible. If I can do that, everything becomes easier to manage.” Look for TODAY ’s next “MEET…” feature article in our winter issue and be introduced to other new and familiar people in our community! n UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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College Funding 31.20_Ad_7.5x4.375_PR0319_RonJ.indd 1
Start early and keep saving
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Joseph Rongaus, UBS Financial Services Inc. Every client has different goals, but nearly all say that funding college for their children and grandchildren is a top priority. With college more expensive each passing year, one thing is certain: the sooner your funding strategy begins, the better. Below are some funding options. 529 Plans—more flexibility to invest and contribute A 529 College Savings Plan is a popular way for parents and grandparents of younger children to save for college. A 529 account allows tax-free accumulation and withdrawal of assets for qualified expenses at most U.S. colleges and universities. Earnings on nonqualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a ten percent federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes. Offered and administered by individual states, 529 plans provide a variety of professionally-managed investment options, typically mutual funds, from which to choose. And many 529 plans offer special state income tax deductions to investors. Check with your financial advisor for which states offer these benefits. These plans are especially versatile when it comes to contributions and gifting. Anyone, including grandparents, relatives, and family friends, can make tax-free contributions up to their individual gift exemption of $14,000 or $28,000 for married couples. Consider asking grandparents or extended family members to serve as owners of 529 plans, because assets held this way do not factor in to your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) which affects financial aid eligibility. 24
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In addition, 529 plans allow you to make a one-time accelerated contribution without incurring gift tax. The contribution may be equal to as much as five years’ worth of annual contributions, up to the combined annual gift tax exemption. Based on the 2013 gift tax exemption of $14,000 per person, you and your spouse could contribute $140,000 ($28,000 x 5) to a 529 plan at once, putting more money to work faster and removing assets from your taxable estate more quickly. Tax law allows the couple to spread the gift over five years in order to avoid federal gift tax, provided no other gifts are made to the same beneficiary during that time period. Coverdell Education Savings Account Beyond 529 plans, you might consider establishing a Coverdell Education Savings Account, which is similar to an IRA. A Coverdell allows for contributions of up to $2,000 per year per child, provided the contributor meets certain income guidelines. Unlike 529 plans, proceeds from a Coverdell ESA can be used for all levels of education, including K-12. However, only individuals with adjusted gross income of less than $110,000 ($220,000 for married couples) may contribute to a Coverdell ESA. Starting early is key to building up the financial reserves you’ll need for your children’s college fund and these options are some of the best strategies available to help you do just that! n This article was written and provided by UBS Financial Services Inc. This information is provided for informational purposes only. See ad on this page.
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Educational Resource Guide Sharing Life Lessons Marilyn Walsh
Carnegie • Bloomfield Upper St. Clair
412-429-2122 www.pghma.com
Sharing laughter as well as life stories, left to right, are Dorothy Kelly, Bea Irminger, Frederick Beerel, Lota Mitchell, Roz Kent, Paul Emery, Sally Ford, Evalyn Brendel, and Helen Boal.
Lessons now available at Summerfield Commons in Upper St. Clair for piano, violin, viola, cello, bass, flute and guitar. Pre-Twinkle Camp on Saturday, August 24th at 2:30 - 5:00 p.m.
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On the second Wednesday of each month, memories of days-gone-by come to life at Providence Point. A project that encourages seniors to share, write, and compare their personal stories is providing an educational, social, and spiritual journey for a growing number of participants. Started as an informal opportunity to record memoirs for future generations, it has grown into so much more! During meetings, individuals share memories. Once shared, group members are encouraged to commit their memories to writing. Some use computers; others jot down their memories using paper, adding photos in a scrapbook format. Then, other group members have the opportunity to consider the memory and compare their own experiences during the same time period. For example, most members have vivid memories of World War II, yet their individual stories vary depending on where they lived, how old they were, and what their family was doing during the war. Early on, the group realized that this was an opportunity to expand their knowledge of history and broaden their perspective. They often refer to historical documents to reinforce the accuracy of their memories and information relayed. Stories range from silly to amazing. During a recent meeting, a group member told a horrific childhood memory of Krystallnacht, when, in the dark of night, many homes, hospitals, and schools throughout Nazi Germany were ransacked. Others remembered hearing these tales of horror or seeing news reels while at the movie theater. One person remembered a family trip abroad being cut short due to Fall 2013
the unrest. Each person’s memory dovetailed into the next. Baptist Homes Society’s wellness director, Fabiana Cheistwer, helped facilitate the group’s start-up, but the rest has been up to the group. Fabiana explained, “There is substantial evidence that shows these sorts of programs help seniors stay connected and oriented with family and friends. The process of sharing helps bring residents together in a more intimate way. By recollecting and recording, they are supporting their cognitive function and problem solving skills. Through reminiscence, they reinforce their identity and purpose of a life well-lived.” At Providence Point, the conversations often continue outside of the group setting and spread to others throughout the senior community. Therefore, the interaction extends far beyond the walls of the pleasant card room where the group meets. Noted psychologist Erik Erickson conducted studies on life stages and noted that in late adulthood—as adults think about the end of life and loss of self-sufficiency— they tend to look inward to examine and decide if their lives were meaningful and fulfilled. While our elders can inform and teach us—a beneficial source of information for future generations—these stories and recollections also reinforce our elders’ own sense of self-worth. By sharing life stories and memories in a lively and fun social setting, these seniors find entertainment, education, wisdom, and meaning through their storytelling. n Marilyn Walsh is the director of marketing and public relations for Providence Point, a Baptist Home Community. See ad on page 7.
Local Clubs and Organizations Directory 1830 Log House Association Kimberly Guzzi, President .....................................412-851-0570 American Assoc. of University Women Helpline............................................................ 1-800-326-AAUW Bethel-St. Clair Evening Rotary Club (www.clubrunner.ca/Portal/Home.aspx?cid=3664) Tom Atkins.............................................................. 412-901-0987 Boy Scouts of America..........................................412-325-7965 Boyce Road Gardeners Phyllis Kender, Registrar....................................... 412-221-3118 Brookside Woman’s Club http://brooksidewomansclub.webs.com Gretchen Herror................................................... 412-833-8427 Civil Air Patrol Glenn Ward.......................................................... 412-221-0846 Cub Scout Pack 228 (Boy Scouts of America) Ed Zack (www.thundercubs.com)..................... 412-443-7340 Community Foundation of USC Angela Petersen, Executive Director................. 412-831-1107 Different Strokes Tennis League Gina Braun ............................................................412-221-5717 Friends of the Library Walter Jeffery, President ......................................412-854-3669 Friends of the Montour Trail in Bethel Park Peter Kohnke, President...................................... 412-854-1835 Girl Scouts of USC Jim Corona............................................................724-941-1193 jim.corona@verizon.net Historical Society of USC Jean Brown........................................................... 412-833-2323 Roger Heins............................................................412-953-2364 historicalsocietyusc@gmail.com League of Women Voters Laryn Finder........................................................... 412-835-4097 Lifespan Jim Marnell.................................................. 412-464-1300 x 127 Mothers and More Membership.......................................................... 412-774-2138 Odyssey of the Mind (www.uscootm.com) Susan Rosati...........................................................412-257-8578 PTA Council Susan Speer, President.........................................412-851-4111 speerfamily@gmail.com Parent/Teacher/Student Organization (PTSO) Karen Austin...........................................................412-595-7513 bop_pie@yahoo.com South Hills Chamber of Commerce www.shchamber.org ...........................................412-306-8090 South Hills College Club Julie Agar, President............................................ 412-833-1906 South Hills Interfaith Ministries (SHIM) James Guffey, Executive Director...................... 412-854-9120 South Hills Junior Orchestra Janet Vukotich .....................................................412-341-5160 South Hills Kennel Club Thomas Oelschlager............................................ 724-941-6973
South West Communities Chamber of Commerce www.swccoc.org Emerald VanBuskirk, Executive Director............ 412-221-4100 info@swccoc.org The Outdoor Classroom (www.theoutdoorclassroompa.org) Jessica Kester, Program Manager......................412-838-0064 Town Hall South Maureen Ludwig.................................................. 412-491-2581 Trotwood Manor West Association Tyson Swigart........................................................ 412-595-7600 United Senior Citizens of USC Amy Kerman, Older Adult Coordinator... 412-221-1099, x603 USC Athletic Association (www.uscaasports.org) Jim Wilding, President...........................................412-835-4270 Baseball.......................Joe Krolczyk.................. 412-835-5439 Boys’ Basketball..........Jeff Conn...................... 412-257-3239 Girls’ Basketball..........Glenn Groninger ......... 412-854-5345 Football.......................Dave Conn....................412-854-0389 Softball.........................Randy LaRocco........... 724-941-3959 Fall Soccer...................Bill Friday....................... 412-595-7097 Traveling Soccer.........Brett Russell................... 412-979-8150 Wrestling......................Matt Pollock................. 412-221-7383 USC Band Parents (www.uscbpa.org) Jeanne Boehmer, President ...............................412-443-8800 USC-Bethel Park Breakfast Rotary Club Brian Schill............................................................. 412-833-6229 USC Citizens for Land Stewardship (www.usccls.org) Annette Shimer..................................................... 412-831-3289 USC Fly Fishing Club Ed DiGangi.............................................................412-805-1593 USC Hockey Club Pete Gialames...................................................... 412-257-9793 USC League for the Arts (USCLA) Ned Garnhart .......................................................412-951-2389 USC Library Helen Palascak, Director..................................... 412-835-5540 USC Lions Club Paul Rebholz..........................................................412-257-2731 USC Lions Club Plastic Trash Bag Sales Paul Rebholz..........................................................412-257-2731 USC Newcomer’s Club (www.uscnewcomers.org) Ann Marie Dingmann, President.........................412-308-6862 USC Republican Committee Barbara Lloyd, Chairman ................................... 412-831-8918 blloyd470@yahoo.com USC Swim Club Doug Shaffer, President........................................412-220-4233 USC Volunteer Firefighters Jerry Kopach, Jr., President ................................ 412-835-0660 USC Woman’s Club Joni Bogut, President........................................... 412-854-4223 YMCA South Hills Area Jeff Campbell, Executive Director..................... 412-833-5600
Call the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY office at 412-833-1600, extension 2284, by January 7, 2014, if your club or organization’s information needs to be updated, added to, or deleted from our list. Thank you. For an online version of this directory, visit www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home and find the “Features” section under the “Past Issues” sub-directory. Fall 2013
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Upper St. Clair School District Board of School Directors
Barbara L. Bolas President 412-833-9841 2015*
Harry F. Kunselman 412-851-1115 2013*
Louis P. Mafrice, Jr. Vice President 412-851-0622 2013*
Louis M. Oliverio 724-941-4584 2015*
Amy L. Billerbeck 412-833-2712 2015*
Angela B. Petersen 412-831-7182 2015*
*Date indicates expiration of term.
Buffy Z. Hasco 412-833-5712 2013*
Frank J. Kerber 412-833-4873 2013*
The 2013 regular meetings of the Upper St. Clair Township Board of School Directors are held at 7 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month at the Central Office Board Room, unless otherwise noted. No regular meeting is scheduled for July.
Rebecca A. Stern 412-220-0745 *Date indicates expiration of term. 2015*
School District Detailed Monthly Calendar—Visit www.uscsd.k12.pa.us. School District Central Office Administration
To reach personnel, call 412-833-1600, and follow the automated directions. Administrator
Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Sharon Suritsky Assistant Superintendent of Schools
Frosina Cordisco Director of Finance and Business
Dr. Judy Bulazo Director of Curriculum and Professional Development
Ray Berrott Director of Technology
Secretary/Email Address Extension
Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole................................ Mary Ann Stabile............................. 2201 Superintendent of Schools mstabile@uscsd.k12.pa.us Dr. Sharon Suritsky................................... Donna Faccenda..............................2218 Assistant Superintendent of Schools dfaccenda@uscsd.k12.pa.us Dr. Judy Bulazo.......................................... Donna Faccenda..............................2218 Director of Curriculum dfaccenda@uscsd.k12.pa.us and Professional Development Frosina Cordisco........................................ Dawn Machi.....................................2220 Director of Business and Finance dmachi@uscsd.k12.pa.us Ray Berrott.................................................. Doreen Leech....................................2211 Director of Technology dleech@uscsd.k12.pa.us To Be Named............................................... Dawn Machi................................... 2220 Director of Advancement dmachi@uscsd.k12.pa.us Eloise Stoehr............................................... Terri Lott...........................................2283 Supervisor of Pupil Personnel tlott@uscsd.k12.pa.us Melissa Garvin............................................ Cheryl Ellison...................................2116 Supervisor of Special Education cellison@uscsd.k12.pa.us John Rozzo............................................... Teresa Bryson................................. 3003 Supervisor of Middle Level Education tbryson@uscsd.k12.pa.us Jonn Mansfield, Matthews Bus Company.... Karen Powers...................................3450 Transportation Director kpowers@uscsd.k12.pa.us School District Building Administration
Eloise Stoehr Supervisor of Pupil Personnel
Melissa Garvin Supervisor of Special Education
John Rozzo Supervisor of Middle
Level Education
Dr. Michael Ghilani..................High School Principal Lou Angelo.................................High School Associate Principal To Be Named.............................High School Assistant Principal Christine Mussomeli.................High School Assistant Principal Joseph DeMar ...........................Fort Couch Middle School Principal Amy Pfender..............................Boyce Middle School Principal Erin Petersen.............................Middle School Assistant Principal (Grades 5-8) Patrick McClintock-Comeaux....Baker Elementary School Principal Mark Miller...............................Eisenhower Elementary School Principal Dr. Claire Miller........................Streams Elementary School Principal
USC School District website: www.uscsd.k12.pa.us
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Excellence in Education Upper St. Clair schools have a history of educational excellence, and this spring, the District garnered several awards confirming the hard work, dedication, and commitment to learning synonymous with our community.
Pittsburgh Business Times Names USC No. 1 for Eighth Consecutive Year The District was recognized in the Pittsburgh Business Times’ “2013 Guide to Western Pennsylvania Schools” as the highest performing school district in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the eighth consecutive year as measured by the Pennsylvania System of Student Assessments (PSSAs); and our seventh, eighth, and 11th grade students were all top scorers in the state. The Pittsburgh Business Times’ rankings involve three years of PSSA test scores in the subject areas of math, reading, writing, and science. For the ninth straight year, USC High School is the highestscoring high school, based on three years of PSSA scores by juniors. Fort Couch Middle School, for the sixth straight year, can boast it has the highest-scoring eighth graders. In the four years that seventh graders have been ranked in the guide, Fort Couch Middle School has landed as the number one position three times. “As Upper St. Clair superintendent, I foremost congratulate our students for their outstanding performance,” stated Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole, Superintendent of Schools. “Our parents, teachers, administrators, staff, board of school directors, and community have dedicated themselves to excellence in education and a commitment to child advocacy. As a result, our students continue to perform at a very high level when assessed on the state’s academic standards. In addition to this important recognition, our District’s Strategic Plan demonstrates our commitment beyond test scores to the whole child, technology integration, and preparing students for an interconnected world.” U.S. News and World Report Ranks USC as One of Best Public High Schools in America U.S. News and World Report has ranked Upper St. Clair High School as one of the best public high schools in America. USCHS ranked seventh among Pennsylvania’s 687 public, magnet, and charter high schools and number 440 of more than 21,000 high schools nationwide. Schools are evaluated based on overall student performance on state tests, Advanced Placement tests, and International Baccalaureate exams. The rankings are designed to capture how well high schools educate students across a range of performance indicators, including college readiness, math and reading proficiency, and student-to-teacher ratio. USC Ranked as One of America’s Best High Schools by Newsweek Newsweek and The Daily Beast analyzed data from thousands of high schools to find the country’s high schools that best prepare students for college. Upper St. Clair High School ranked 189 out of 2000 high schools. The factors used by Newsweek as the best indicators for college readiness are graduation rates, participation in collegelevel classes through Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, and acceptance into a two- or four-year college program. According to the data compiled, Upper St. Clair
Mary Ann Stabile, Paul Fox, and Dr. Patrick O’Toole review information for inclusion in an upcoming edition of eBlast, which recently won an Award of Excellence from the Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association (PenSPRA).
High School has a 100% graduation rate and 98% of its students go on to colleges. The school averages a SAT score of 1726 and an AP score of 4.1. USC Takes First Place in Magna Awards The School District was selected as a first place winner in the 19th annual Magna Awards program sponsored by the National School Boards Association’s (NSBA) American School Board Journal (ASBJ). The District is being honored in the “Under 5000 Enrollment” category for its Student Leadership Academy, which helps students understand how they can change the world through their leadership. Academy students have shown marked improvement in personal goal attainment, leadership development, and an increased sense of responsibility to the global society. The Magna Awards recognize districts across the country for outstanding programs that advance student learning and encourage community involvement in schools. An independent panel of school board members, administrators, and other educators selected the winners from nearly 300 submissions. Upper St. Clair was one of 15 schools to receive a first place award. “I commend Dr. Sharon Suritsky, assistant superintendent, and Lou Angelo, USCHS associate principal, who developed the student leadership program, as well as all of our leaders and trainers of the high school, middle school, and elementary school leadership programs,” stated Dr. O’Toole. In July, approximately 350 USC students participated in the leadership academies. “The Magna Awards showcase the great work going on in local school districts across the country to increase student achievement and success,” said Thomas J. Gentzel, executive director of NSBA. “This year’s Magna Awards recipients are national models that school leaders can learn from,” he said. PenSPRA Awards USC School District’s e-BLAST and Website The School District’s electronic newsletter, eBLAST, is one of three publications in the state to receive an Award of Excellence in the Electronic Newsletter category of the 2012 Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association’s (PenSPRA) “Excellence in Education Communication” contest. In addition, the District’s website was one of eight districts to receive an Award of Honor in the Website category. PenSPRA is an organization of school public relations professionals whose goal is to improve educational communication and support student achievement through systematic, proactive, and responsible public relations programs. n Fall 2013
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USCHS 2013 Commencement Opening Remarks
Barbara Bolas, President, Upper St. Clair School Board of Directors Today we gather as a community to celebrate commencement. You are fortunate that your parents have provided an opportunity for you to receive a top notch education, ranked number one in the Commonwealth and among the best in the nation. This education came about from collaborative efforts from those present today: your family (mom, dad, brothers, sisters, grandparents, aunts, and uncles), the school district family, and the community of Upper St. Clair. This collaberation has enabled us to establish the mission of a school district that underpins every educational decision, from what is taught in the classroom to those made District-wide. Today we celebrate the completion of your public education. We sincerely hope you will endeavor to live life as lifelong learners and responsible citizens in a global society. As a member of your school board, I would like to use the letters from the word “board” to share some thoughts. Hopefully, one or more will stay with you as you journey forth. For the letter “B,” I choose brave. Be brave when you are challenged and face adversity. Many times you will hear the word “No” and doors will close. Facing obstacles and disappointments and overcoming them will make you stronger. Therefore, be brave. The next letter “O” is for opportunity. While there will be times when doors close, there will be other times when doors open. Take advantage of the opportunities that are afforded you. Some opportunities may seem inconsequential, but one might just be the opportunity that leads to a significant life-changing development.
The letter “A” is for appreciate. Appreciate what you have and remind yourself that you are part of a community. It is important to show appreciation for your community Barbara Bolas and give back. Make a difference in your community and in the world in which you live. The letter “R” is for reflect. It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and lose sight of where you are going and of your goals. Take the time to reflect; it calms the mind and nourishes the spirit. Lastly, for the letter “D,” I choose dedication. It is through dedication to your goals and purpose that success is accomplished. Remember, as Thomas Edison said, “Genius is one percent inspiration, 99% perspiration.” Through collaboration you have been given the opportunity for a strong educational foundation to enable you to achieve success in your future. Carry the concept of collaboration with you as you pursue your endeavors. Go forward with God’s blessing, and make us proud that you are graduates of Upper St. Clair High School. n
Superintendent’s Remarks
Dr. Patrick O’Toole, USC Superintendent of Schools Good evening Class of 2013, family and friends, members of the Upper St. Clair board of school directors, administration, faculty, staff, and community. In my file of commencement speeches, I wrote a note to myself that read “Lighten up!” My past speech themes of democracy, immigration, great Americans, history, government, and ancestry had, perhaps, been too serious. So, to lighten things up this year, I’ll start with a humorous story relayed to me by my father. A salesman came to my father’s office and upon entering presented his business card. It read, Joe Smith, HSG. My father was familiar with letters such as PhD and MD following a name, but he’d never seen HSG. So, he asked Joe Smith, “What does HSG stand for?” Smith replied, “High School Graduate.” My father chuckled. Smith responded, “Don’t laugh. It took me 13 years to earn it!” Class of 2013, you are what educators call “digital natives”— students who grew up using technology. My message tonight uses the language of technology. As digital natives, you are familiar with the process that software developers call a “beta release.” According to PC Magazine, “A beta version is a pre-release of software given to a large group of users for trial use under real conditions. Beta versions have gone through alpha testing in-house and are… fairly close in look, feel, and function to the final product…” 30
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The beta stage of a software release allows product managers to learn f ro m e n d u s e r s about functions and make decisions about the product’s Superintendent Dr. Patrick O’Toole final release. In beta stage, through user feedback, bugs are eliminated, functions are improved, and designs are enhanced. However, some technology experts say that there is no such thing as a final release, and that all software programs are in a state of perpetual beta. In other words, the developers of a product are continually engaged in a process of receiving feedback from endusers, then making upgrades and enhancements to the products. Consider tonight as the end of your alpha stage. Starting tomorrow, think of yourself as not only “going beta,” but going “perpetual beta” because there will be no such thing as a “final product release” in your lives. Being successful in today’s world will require you to be in a state of perpetual beta. While it is important to satisfy your end users, including college admissions officials, your professors, your bosses, and,
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Student Speeches at Their Very Best Excerpts from the Class of 2013 student commencement speeches
Megan Adamo
Megan Adamo—Upper St. Clair has taught me that the quality of an experience is directly proportional to the amount of yourself that you invest in it. In the words of our esteemed math teacher, Mr. Coffman, “Maybe it’s not just about learning math. Maybe it’s something more.” What we will remember are the life lessons that were subconsciously instilled in us as we developed from awkward freshmen to confident seniors.
Jillian Vlah
Chenhao Yang—Although our journey through life has only started, we must make the most of it, so when that Day of Judgment comes, we can smile and say that we have reached our fullest potential as human beings. No regrets.
Becca Degregorio—Contrary to what I first believed to be true, failed attempts bring us closer to the answers we seek simply by logically narrowing down our search. Failed attempts and fallen plans are some of the greatest tools on our bench. Sometimes in order to find what we want, the best we can do is point out what we don’t, because plans change and so do we. Becca Degregorio
Jillian Vlah—Whether we excel in the classroom or on the soccer field, on the stage or in the studio, this class certainly has a knack for achieving success. With this in mind, we realize that we should not fear the future, but rather embrace it as a further means by which we might express our talents. A very special congratulations to our amazing seniors! I am extremely confident that each and every one of you will leave a distinct “paw print” upon the world.
Chenhao Yang
To view the video of the USCHS 2013 commencement through September 30, visit the USC School District website at www.uscsd.k12.pa.us and click on “2013 High School Graduation Video” under Headlines.
USCHS Class of 2013 Academic Achievers I dare say at this point, your parents, there will be times when you will create your own software, your own path that satisfies the person you know best—you. The challenge, of course, is in the knowing—knowing when to listen to others and knowing when to design your own path. If Robert Frost were to have today composed “The Road Not Taken,” he may have written, “if two roads diverge during the beta release phase, don’t always listen to the feedback from the end users. Sometimes it is best to create your own software version, and that will make all the difference.” You will benefit greatly from thinking of yourselves as being in a state of perpetual beta, always learning and improving as you move toward your final product design. But never be afraid of going your own way, of taking the road less-recommended by the end users. As you begin your perpetual beta journey, I offer you good fortune, Godspeed, and the best wishes from your alma mater, now and forever. n
Valedictorians (pictured above, listed alphabetically): Alexander Abraham, Megan Adamo, Maura Boston, Kelly Burdette, Carolina Cappetta, Kathleen Chen, Qinglan Huang, Hana Hueser, Adam Lucas, Alexa Schlein, Michael Seitanakis, Katherine Subosits, Jillian Vlah, Chenhao Yang
Superintendent’s Award winners: Andrew Betzold, Alaina D’Aloiso, Eric Krolczyk IB Diploma graduates: Hyunju Bin, Maura Boston, Hana Hueser, Tanner Murray, Alexa Schlein, Constantijn van der Poel, Ryan Zalla, Helena Zatawski, Jenna Zommick
Photos of graduation courtesy of M&M Photography Fall 2013
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Amy Pfender Appointed as Boyce Middle School Principal
Students at Boyce Middle School will be welcomed this fall by their new principal, Amy Pfender. Mrs. Pfender’s employment with the School District began in August 2005 when she was selected as a special education teacher at Boyce. She assumed the position of Elementary Special Education Department chairperson in the 2009-10 school year, followed by her selection as Special Education curriculum leader in the 2010-11 school year. Amy holds a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a bachelor’s degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. In addition to her administrative principal certification, she also holds certifications in K-12 supervisor of curriculum and instruction and K-12 supervisor of special education, as well as five Instructional II certifications (K-12 mentally and/or physically handicapped, early childhood, elementary, mid-level English, and mid-level mathematics). “We are very happy to recommend Mrs. Pfender as our Boyce Middle School principal. She is very prepared to lead our outstanding middle school,” stated Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole, Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Sharon Suritsky, USC School District assistant superintendent,
commented, “Amy has a strong connection with our students, parents, and staff. It has been a privilege to mentor her, and I am confident about her future as the principal at Boyce Middle School.” “For my career, I chose education because of my love of working with children,” said Amy. “I am looking forward to Amy Pfender continuing to work with children and to be a part of their successes from a different perspective. In addition, I look forward to the continued development of the already successful middle school program in the USC School District.” Amy and her husband, Keith, make their home in Bulger, Washington County, which is part of the Fort Cherry School District. The couple has two children, Jonah (six and in first grade) and Emily (four), and two dogs and two cats. A University of Pittsburgh fan, Amy loves to watch Pitt basketball. While Amy said she has always been an avid reader, she mentioned that her personal reading time has dropped over the last few years. “Obviously, spending time with my children is key in my free time.” n
Dr. Ghilani Named Principal of the Year Organizations that excel do so because of great leadership. Recently, one of the School District’s outstanding leaders was recognized for his efforts. Upper St. Clair High School principal Dr. Michael P. Ghilani was selected as the 2013 Pennsylvania Association of Elementary and Secondary School Principal (PAESSP) of the Year. Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole, Superintendent of Schools, commented, “Dr. Ghilani’s vision for student success has established Upper St.
Upper St. Clair
School District Calendar 2013–14 August 26–First Day of School for Students September 2–No School (Labor Day) October 11–Half Day Early Dismissal for Students (Teachers’ Professional Development) October 28–Teacher Inservice. No School. October 29, November 5–Parent/Teacher Conferences November 28-29–No School (Thanksgiving Recess) December 23-January 1–No School (Winter Recess) January 20–Teacher Inservice. No School February 14–Teacher Inservice. No School February 17–No School. (Presidents’ Day) March 7–Half day Early Dismissal for Students (Teachers’ Professional Development) March 31–Teacher Inservice. No School April 14-18–No School (Spring Recess) April 21–Teacher Inservice. No School May 23–No School (Snow Make-Up Day) May 26–No School (Memorial Day) June 12–Last Day of School for Students (Pending Snow Make-Up Days) June 16–Kennywood Day 32
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Clair High School as a nationally-recognized, dynamic learning community.” As principal at the high school since August 2006, Dr. Ghilani’s “open-door” policy has allowed for approachable and straightforward communication between teachers, students, staff, and parents. “I believe in a strong communicative process and structure that involves teach- Dr. Michael Ghilani, speaking ers, staff, students and parents,” said Dr. at USCHS’s 2013 graduation ceremony Ghilani. “It is important to know and understand the pulse of the building and community when planning for new programs and initiatives. Our school is truly student-centered, and feedback from teachers, students, and parents is key.” Because of this effective feedback system, programs like the Asian Studies program, which now includes Chinese and Thai exchange programs, the Student Leadership Academy, the student mentoring program, and the Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) program and STEM center have been established under Dr. Ghilani’s leadership. “My strengths as a relational and visionary leader have flourished at Upper St. Clair because of the great people I work with and the supportive superintendent and the board of school directors who make children our priority,” stated Dr. Ghilani. Dr. Ghilani earned his BS in psychology and his teacher certification from Washington and Jefferson College and his master of education degree in school counseling from the University of Pittsburgh. He received his Ed.D. in counseling and supervision from Duquesne University and he completed the principal certification program at Carnegie Mellon University. He received his superintendent’s letter of eligibility from Gannon University. He began his tenure with USC School District in August 2001 as the high school’s assistant principal and dean of students. A member of PAESSP/NASSP for 12 years, Dr. Ghilani is also a board member for the South Hills Area School Districts Principals’ Association and the Carnegie Science Center’s Chevron STEM Advisory Board. n
SD
Inspiring the Next Generation of Explorers If you haven’t heard of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), you might want to find a sixth grade student from Upper St. Clair’s Boyce Middle School and ask him or her about it. This past April, fifth grade students heard about the telescope and the science behind it from Geoff Yoder, JWST program director. Geoff’s visit was arranged by Boyce teacher Dawn Yoder. To get the most out of the visit, before Geoff came to the school each fifth grade team explored the topics they would be covering, including infrared imaging, Kelvin temperature and Libration (Lagrange) points though centers, videos, discussions, math problems, and iPad books and apps during class. Geoff showed the students a small optical telescope and photos of various telescopes on Earth and of the Hubble telescope in space. Displaying Hubble images, Geoff pointed out cosmic dust, telling the students that scientists want to see what’s behind the dust cloud, something that infrared technology can help penetrate. He explained that the Webb telescope uses infrared wavelengths, which should help scientists look further back in time at distant universes and learn about the birth of stars and planets. Since Webb is designed to look deeper into space, its primary mirror is six times larger than Hubble, giving it more light gathering power. Because Webb will observe primarily the infrared light from faint and very distant objects, it will operate much farther from the Earth than Hubble. Infrared is heat radiation, so all warm things, including telescopes, emit infrared light. To block the light from the sun, Earth, and moon, which would heat up the telescope and interfere with observations, Webb has a large shield that allows it to stay very cold. Geoff explained Webb’s sunshield by comparing it to using an “SPF 1.2 million,” with a 500-degree temperature difference between the bottom of the shield and the top. Webb is going to the L2 or second Libration (Lagrange) point, which is one million miles (1.5 million km) away from Earth. According
Boyce teacher Dawn Yoder presents Geoff Yoder with a Boyce backpack.
Geoff Yoder, with a slide of the Webb telescope
to the JWST website, L2 is a semi-stable point in the gravitational potential around the sun and Earth. The L2 point lies outside Earth’s orbit while it is going around the sun, keeping all three in a line at all times. The combined gravitational forces of the sun and Earth can almost hold a spacecraft at this point, and it takes relatively little fuel to keep the spacecraft near L2. The cold and stable temperature environment of the L2 point will allow Webb to make the very sensitive infrared observations needed. After showing the students a photo of a full scale model of the Webb telescope, Geoff said they needed to figure out how to launch it. Asking the students if they were familiar with transformers, Geoff said that the transformer toy was “enabling science.” He explained that Webb will be folded up “like an umbrella” so it fits inside a rocket for launch. Once Webb is in orbit, it will gradually unfold into its final configuration. JWST is scheduled to launch in 2018 in French Guiana. The students Skype-called Dr. Eric Smith, JWST deputy program director and program scientist. During the conversation, they learned that there are two main goals for Webb—looking into the past to observe the formation of galaxies and looking at our own galaxy for planetary systems capable of supporting life. After discussing how it takes time for light to travel, Eric told the students that Hubble showed scientists “young” galaxies. With Webb, he said scientists hope to see “baby” galaxies and learn how they turn into young galaxies. The assembly concluded with a Skype call to NASA astronaut Leland Melvin. A NASA engineer with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a master’s degree in material science, Leland played professional football with the Detroit Lions. He told the students, “Whatever you want to do, start now. Work hard, and listen to your parents and teachers.” When describing his training to be an astronaut, Leland explained that for a launch to go flawlessly, astronauts train together as a team for more than a year. “You have to work as a team when flying in space,” he said. While working on the international space station, Leland’s job was to use the robotic arm. He told the students that video gaming is a great form of robotic arm operator training. Geoff’s visit tied in well with the fifth grade unit on space, which culminated in a visit to the Challenger Center in Wheeling, West Virginia, towards the end of the school year. n Fall 2013
Five Star Realtor 2011, 2012 & 2013
www.sandygoldstein.com Sandy@Sandygoldstein.com GoldsteinMarsh@aol.com
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SD UPPER ST. CLAIR HIGH SCHOOL
APPLICATION FOR ATHLETIC PASSES FOR THE 2013-14 SCHOOL YEAR
The Ultimate Panther Pass includes general admission for regular season home events: football, soccer, basketball, swimming, wrestling, lacrosse, and volleyball (approximately 75 paid events). ADULT PASSES ULTIMATE PANTHER PASS (All Events Pass to 75 events) (General Admission to all sports events: Fall, Winter, and Spring Sports for $70).... #____ of passes @ $70 = $____ GENERAL ADMISSION FOOTBALL ONLY PASS (4 Home Games @ $6 each) ................... #____ of passes @ $24 = $____ PANTHER (STUDENT) PASSES ULTIMATE PANTHER PASS–STUDENT (Student All Events Pass to 75 events) (General Admission to all sports events: Fall, Winter, and Spring Sports for $40).... #____ of passes @ $40 = $____ JR. PANTHER–Elementary/Middle School Student (Football Only Pass = 4 games)............. #____ of passes @ $10 = $____
USCHS Varsity Sports Scorecard 2012-13 Sport
Win-Loss-Tie
FALL Cross-Country (Boys)
4-4-0
Cross-Country (Girls)
7-1-0
Field Hockey
8-8-0
Football
10-2-0
Conference Champion Golf (Boys)
16-0-0
Section Champion Golf (Girls)
10-3-0
Soccer (Boys)
22-2-1
PIAA Champion Soccer (Girls)
11-6-2
Tennis (Girls)
15-3-0
Your Address_________________________________________________
Volleyball (Girls)
10-8-0
Upper St. Clair, PA. 1524___
WINTER
Your Name___________________________________________________
TOTAL REMITTANCE $___________
Mail completed application and check payable to USC High School Athletics to:
Athletic Office Upper St. Clair High School 1825 McLaughlin Run Rd. Upper St. Clair, PA 15241
Passes will be mailed when processed. For the complete football schedule, see below. For more information on athletics, visit www.uscsd.k12.pa.us. Lost or stolen passes will not be replaced.
Basketball (Boys)
20-4-0
Section Champion Basketball (Girls)
12-12-0
Wrestling
2-4-0
Swimming (Boys)
11-0-0
Section Champion Swimming (Girls)
10-1-0
Section Champion
2013 USCHS Varsity Football Schedule
Rifle
0-13-0
Ice Hockey
11-8-2
SPRING
Fridays, 7:30 p.m. kickoff
Baseball
8-11-0
Date
Opponent Location
Softball
2-14-0
August 30 September 6 September 13 September 20 September 27 October 4 October 11 October 18 October 25
Woodland Hills Canon McMillan Peters Penn Hills Baldwin Butler Bethel Park Plum Mt. Lebanon
Tennis (Boys)
13-2-0
34
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Away Home (Youth Night) Home (Halls of Fame) Away Away Home (Homecoming) Home (Senior Recognition) Away Away Fall 2013
Section Co-Champion Volleyball (Boys)
14-6-0
Track (Girls)
1-5-0
Track (Boys)
2-4-0
Lacrosse (Girls)
5-10-0
Lacrosse (Boys)
6-9-0
SD USC Crew Stakes Its Claim on the Allegheny John Benhart, Member, USCHS Crew
In a small channel on the Allegheny River, a gentle splash, a straight and smooth glide through the water, and the steady symmetry and synchronization of movement are all that can be seen and heard. On a Saturday morning in early October, this gentle scene envelops the channel off Washington’s Landing, just north of downtown Pittsburgh. However, despite instinct, the creature maneuvering the waters is not a fish or a water fowl, but something much larger and more impressive: a USC Crew rowing shell! USC Crew is one of the many organizations inhabiting the Three Rivers Rowing Association (TRRA) facilities fall and spring of each year on Saturdays and Mondays through Thursdays, as well. However, USC Crew separates itself from the rest of TRRA’s clients with tremendous student dedication and success on the water. With the leadership of head coach RJ Pisani and assistant coach Sierra Pastel, USC Crew excelled in its endeavors with success in races (regattas) and at locations from Pittsburgh to Toledo and Columbus (Ohio) to the team’s culminating regatta at Midwest Championships held this year in Zanesville, Ohio. Midwest Championships serve as one of several national qualifying regattas to gain entry to the Scholastic Rowing Association of America Nationals. In recent years, a few of the team’s men boats have qualified to attend Nationals, including a men’s varsity 4+boat in 2010 and men’s varsity 4+boat and men’s JV 4+boat in 2011. This year, a USC girls’ double—a boat with two rowers with an oar in each hand— triumphed over stiff competition at Midwests and earned a spot at Nationals. Helena Zatawski and Lorrie Pollock finished with an impressive sixth in the nation. At this year’s season-ending regatta at Mercyhurst Prep in Erie, each USC rower received at least two medals, which awarded a team total of 50 medals for that regatta alone. In addition to high school success, USC rowers have moved on to the collegiate level with formidable achievements. Alumni of USC Crew have or are currently attending (and rowing) at various prestigious universities, including Temple University, Ohio State University, and the University of Pittsburgh. This year’s
Indoor ergs keep USC Crew members in shape between seasons and provide competition out of the water.
USCHS Crew is accepting new members. For those interested, contact club president Dana Vitcavage or club vice president Andre Boettger for more information @ www.usccrew.org.
USC Crew gathers at the Mercyhurst Regatta medal ceremony.
girls’ Crew captain, Helena Zatawski, will add to the list with an athletic scholarship to Bucknell University. USC Crew graduate Victoria Lazur (Class of 2011) contributed to Ohio State’s rowing team’s first NCAA National Championship win as the Women’s 1st Varsity Eight coxswain (the member of the boat who steers and directs the rowers). Even though medals and on the water on-the-water successes are important elements of the organization, USC Crew also boasts some of the high school’s most dedicated student-athletes. With practices from 4-8 p.m. during the weekdays and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays during the fall and spring seasons, team members must also achieve top academic standards in order to succeed simultaneously on the water and in school. Additionally, the team has a winter season, training from 5-7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and Saturday mornings. The team owns 13 rowing machines, known as ergs, which simulate rowing, using fan technology. Despite the unintimidating nature of rowing, it is actually one of the most difficult and strenuous sports at the high school, with intense cardio and heightened emphasis on legs and core, rather than the naïve expectation of arms alone. The sport requires perfect synchronization of its rowers and, thus, also proves to be the ultimate team sport. Crew annually recruits incoming freshmen as well as the high school’s upper classmen. An orientation day is offered where interested students travel down to the Allegheny River to give rowing a try. Two summer camps help train incoming novices with relaxed, fun rowing so novice rowers can take their first guided strokes with the team. Those interested in rowing can also join at the break between the fall and spring seasons. To help with the expenses of the organization, USCHS Crew conducts fundraisers and holds the ever-popular, semi-annual Crew pie sale—delicious frozen fruit pies with delivery dates immediately preceding Thanksgiving and spring break. Be on the lookout for notices and make room in your freezer and oven! n
John Benhardt, an 11th grader at USCHS and son of Coralyn Benhart, is an avid member of USC Crew.
Fall 2013
Young Writers Guide (YWG) promotes student writing for UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. Email usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us to find out how your student can contribute. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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SD
Thai Exchange
Thai students practice for the Thai Night gala.
Upper St. Clair High School welcomed students and teachers from Thailand this past school year for its Thai-USA Student Cultural Exchange program, which ran from April 11 through May 14. In addition to the Thai students’ stay in Upper St. Clair, they also visited Lancaster, Harrisburg, and Washington, DC. Before their visit, the Thai students practiced stage performances and demonstrations for the Thai Night gala, an evening for the community to learn more about Thai culture. Luck Groves, who coordinates the exchange program, said that since the program’s inception in 2005, over 300 students from both Thailand and Upper St. Clair have participated, learning more about Asia, especially Thailand. More than 450 students from USC have been involved as student ambassadors. n
USC School Directory Gets “Smart”
The Upper St. Clair PTA Council/PTSO Student Directory, which has been a great benefit to our community for several years as a print version, is transitioning to a new smartphone app-based directory. After much discussion and feedback from the USC School District families, USC PTA Council announced that it would no longer publish a print directory. However, the new online and smartphone app directory allows families who prefer a print version to obtain a copy in PDF format using the website. The smartphone app allows parents to reach any family in the database with a few taps. Parents can consult this online school directory to set-up play dates, arrange carpools, contact their child’s school building, and more. It will automatically call numbers and send emails. Not sure where your child’s scout meeting is located? Driving directions will pop up with just a click. Another benefit is that each family can update their own information using the website, changing numbers and adding emails, if they wish. Access is only granted to those with a log-in, and the process must be verified by each head of household so our families need not worry about security.
The USC PTA Council/PTSO directory committee is working with A to Z Directories, an online directory resource based in Rockville, Maryland. USC is the first in the Pittsburgh market to use this resource and is pleased to lead the way to a “smart” and easy means of communication. Local advertisers have expressed great interest in participating in the smartphone app and web-based directory. Advertising support will allow the directory to remain a valued asset for our families now and in the future. The District plans to go live with this online resource during the middle of October, making it available to over 3000 families, faculty, staff, and administrators of the USC School District. Several tutorial meetings will be held during back to school nights to introduce the new directory to the families. As our parents transition to USC’s PTA Council/PTSO student directory app, it will become clear that this is a “smart” choice. n
USCHS Clubs and Activities 2013-14 Android Development Anime/Manga Club Art Club Athletes Taking Action Badminton Club Biology Club Campus News Video Club Cause for Paws CHANGES (Community Helping Alliance for Neighborhood Goals in Education & Service) Cheerleading Choral Groups Clairvoyant (yearbook) Classic Rock Club Color Guard Computer Programming Club
Crew (Rowing) Dairies for Charity Dance Club Dance Team Dead Poets Society Elias Fund Environmental Awareness & Recycling Fall Play FBLA (Future Business Leaders) Film Production Club Fishing Club Forensics (Speech & Debate) French Club FRIENDS (Finding Relationships in Every New Direction) Future Med German Club
Girl Childhood Network GIFTS (Giving Individuals a Future to Succeed) Golf Club Hip Hop Dance Team ICE (Inter Community Excellence) Ice Hockey Improv Club Interact Investment Club Invisible Children Italian Club Japanese Club Jewish Student Union Junior Classical League Kids Helping Kids Lacrosse Club
Latin Club Law Club Library Media Assistants LINK (Leisure Interaction Networking Kids) Majorettes–Marching Band Magic Club Make-A-Wish Marching Band Martial Arts Club Mathematics League MENC Tri-M Music Honor Society Model U.N. Montage (literary publication) Multi-Cultural Club Music Production Club National Honor Society Natural Helpers
Nothing But Nets Orchestra Outreach Club Paintball Club Pantherettes–Marching Band Pep Club Photography Ping Pong Club Pink Ribbon Club Quidditch Club Random Acts of Kindness Reading Club Robotics SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving) Save the Music Science Club Science Fiction/Fantasy
Ski Club Spanish Club Spring Musical St. Clarion (school newspaper) Stage Crew Student Council TCG Club Teens for Casey’s Clubhouse Thai Club Thespian Society Third USC Book Club USC Serves Ultimate Frisbee UNICEF Club World Affairs Club Zombie Survival Club
For information, call USCHS at 412-833-1600 or visit www.uscsd.pa.us. 36
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SD
Girls on
Highley
Track
Dedicated Knowledgeable Accessible Dependable
Participants at the start of the Hartwood Acres 5K event.
Awesome! Super fun! Amazing! Inspiring! These are just four words that the participants of Fort Couch’s Girls on Track program used to describe their experiences. From the end of February through May of this year, 13 seventh and eighth grade girls participated in Girls on Track®, a national wellness program and a subset of the more widely-known program Girls on the Run®. Molly Barker, MSW and four-time Hawaii Ironman triathlete, founded Girls on the Run® in 1996. Combining her counseling and teaching expertise with research on adolescent issues, she developed and delivered the first curriculum to 13 girls in Charlotte, North Carolina. This innovative and experiential program combines training for a 5K event (3.1 miles) with life changing and confidence building lessons that enhance both the physical and mental health of eight- to 12-year-old girls. The Girls on the Run® program is designed for girls in grades three to five, while the Girls on Track® program is slightly modified for a more mature audience: girls in grades six to eight. The goal of both programs is to “inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.” Coached by Jayna Rubin, Fort Couch guidance counselor, and Michelle Senneway, Fort Couch special education teacher, girl students at Fort Couch were provided the opportunity to sign up for Girls on Track®. Those who joined attended 20 after-school sessions that combined training for a 5K running event with healthy living education. Through these bi-weekly sessions, the coaches worked to instill self-esteem and strong values in the participants through health education, life skills development, mentoring relationships, and physical training. The program’s goals are accomplished through an active collaboration with the girls and their parent(s)/guardian(s), the school, and the community. On Saturday, May 19 the Fort Couch participants successfully crossed the finish line of the culminating 5K event at Hartwood Acres. A hilly course and a humid day for the event, the girls immediately felt the pay off for their months of hard work as they crossed the finish line. The experiences realized from Girls on Track® prove to be life changing for some, and the coaches hope that the girls will remember their own experiences and translate them into future goal setting opportunities. n
Susan Highley ABR, CRS, SRES
$130 Million Sales in 22 Years
“Your Real Estate Needs Are My #1 Priority”
412.833.3600 ext 268 Cell: 412.889.1214
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Managed Services, Managed Better
Kimberly Cooper, Food Services Director Joe Wightkin, Support Services Director
Fall 2013
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SD Artistically Speaking
Streams Elementary’s art room started 2013 with two exciting projects! Under Our Noses was a personal, sensory exploration of the natural world in Streams’ schoolyard. For this project, resident artist Wendy Osher guided second grade students through a series of activities in which they closely examined a small section of the school grounds three times between March and May. Art activities based on sensory findings generated patterning that resulted in a collaborative mandala collage mural. Students learned about mandalas and created personal field journals with photos, drawings, and notes. They made oil pastels from soil samples in the school yard, connecting their findings to national Internet data base collections, including Project Budburst. The Western Pennsylvania Writing Project provided concurrent opportunities for students to develop related scientific and imaginative writing, and classroom teachers created related school-wide activities to broaden the benefits and emphasize curriculum connections. The goal of this residency was, through art, to empower students to encourage authentic, responsible relationships with the natural world in their own backyards. Through repeated and close observation, Under Our Noses sought to build a lifelong sense of wonder.
The completed mandala collage mural
Brady Lisak, observing nature
Sara Hess shows off a panel for the Knit the Bridge project. Resident artist Wendy Osher engages learning among second grade students.
The second project involved fourth grade students who participated in the Knit the Bridge project, a community-led arts project that brought many diverse communities of Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania together to create a large-scale, aesthetically stunning, fiberarts installation on the Andy Warhol bridge in downtown Pittsburgh. Held in conjunction with Fiberart Kelsie O’Leary is all smiles at International 2013, “the Streams’ Creation Station. intention of Knit the Bridge was to celebrate the history of Pittsburgh as a city of bridges and steel, as well as to celebrate the region’s thriving, contemporary arts scene.” Streams students created weavings that were combined to form two panels and a segment of hundreds of panels that filled the bridge. Streams art teacher Angela Stevenson said, “This is a great way to have our students take action by fostering a creative connection with our neighboring communities and artists.” n
The artwork is currently on display on the Andy Warhol Bridge through the beginning of September. For more information on Knit the Bridge, visit http://knitthebridge.wordpress.com. 38
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Raptor Offers High Tech Security If you’re planning to visit one of the School District’s buildings during school hours, don’t forget to bring your driver’s license! For the past year, Upper St. Clair schools have used Raptor, a high-tech software technology system, to monitor visitors and vendors in the District’s buildings. For example, at the high school, where Raptor has been in use since October 2011, upon being buzzed in, visitors walk in the main entrance and are sent to a second door where each person’s driver’s license is scanned. Using the scanned information from the driver’s license, Raptor searches the national database for known sex offenders. Corrin Lowry, school police officer, said that no known sex offender has tried to enter Upper St. Clair since Raptor has been in use. The District purchased the Raptor system for all USC school buildings and the District’s central office at a total cost of $11,245. The annual operating cost at each building is about $450 and includes the license fee. n
Immunization Regulations 2013-14 School Year
All Grades K-12 • 4 doses of tetanus (1 dose after the 4th birthday); 3 doses if series started after age 7 • 4 doses of diphtheria (1 dose after the 4th birthday); 3 doses if series started after age 7 • 3 doses of polio • 1 dose of rubella • 2 doses of measles • 2 doses of mumps • 3 doses of hepatitis B • 2 doses of varicella or written statement from physician/designee indicating month and year of disease or serologic proof of immunity Grades 7-12 • 1 dose of tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Tdap) • 1 dose of meningitis vaccine (MCV4) The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) wants parents to know that students enrolled in school in 2013-14 must have all of their immunizations up to date in order to attend. Failure to
comply by August 26, 2013, will result in your child being excluded from school until the requirements are met. Families are encouraged to obtain the needed immunizations from their physicians. However, the ACHD does offer the required immunizations. For more information, including clinic locations and times, call the ACHD at 412-687-ACHD. Provisions for this regulation do not apply in cases where extenuating medical or religious factors are involved. If there is a medical reason why a child should not be fully immunized, parents must submit a physician’s certificate explaining the circumstances. Parents are also required to provide written documentation if they disapprove of immunizations for religious reasons. These documents will be accepted in lieu of a certificate of immunization. If a child is exempt from immunizations, he or she may be removed from school during an outbreak. n
SD Professional Reliable Hardworking Experienced Knowledgeable
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SD
Pawprints... Baker
Eisenhower
Streams
PTA Council
Susan Speer, PTA Council President
A new school year is starting, and with it come big changes for the student directory! PTA Council is excited to launch the new online version and we hope that you enjoy the anticipated easy access to the information your family needs. Thanks to the committee members and the School District staff who worked hard to get this started (see “USC School Directory Gets Smart” article on page 36). I welcome the new unit presidents who are gearing up for another fun year filled with activities to benefit our kids. Please get involved! It’s a great way to connect with other parents and it means a lot to the children (even if they tell you otherwise). Read on for what activities are planned this fall in each of the school buildings.
2013-14 PTA Council members, left to right, are board advisor Kristin Matheny, treasurer Kristen Buonomo, secretary Haneet Laffin, president Susan Speer, first vice-president Brooke Tarcson, and second vice-president Dr. Patrick O’Toole, Superintendent of Schools
Baker Elementary (Grades K-4) Kim Megonnell, President
Back to school is a fun and exciting time for the Baker family, with the first PTA meeting of the year scheduled for September 4 at 10:30 a.m. in the Baker LGI and 7 p.m. in the Baker library. The same content will be presented at both meetings, so attend whichever meeting fits your schedule best! Stop by the PTA information table at Open House on September 12 to get answers about the Baker PTA and its programs. On October 8, Baker welcomes author Michael Patrick O’Neill, whose books are designed to encourage school children to read and become involved in science and conservation. Look for the return of Baker fall favorites—spiritwear, Baker Caper Boo Bash, KidsStuff coupon book sale, and the new Yankee Candle sale.
Eisenhower Elementary (Grades K-4) Jeanne McNamara, President
This fall, Eisenhower Elementary welcomed new incoming students with its PTA welcome breakfast mid-August, and later in the month the PTA honored the staff with its annual welcome 40
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Boyce
Fort Couch
USCHS
back luncheon. Upcoming activities include the Eisenhower book fair (September 10-12), Open House (September 12), and the fourth grade breakfast (September 24). Outreach efforts continue this fall and will coordinate with the Education Partnership and the Doubletree Hotel to help children in need. The school’s only fundraiser, the Eisenhowler (AKA “the Howler”) is set for October 18, with dinner served beginning at 5 p.m. Lots of fun for all, stop by for this carnival-style event and also enjoy the silent auction where you can get some great prizes! The Eisenhower PTA and its wonderful volunteer staff look forward to this school year and to carry out the school’s mission: Approach all activities in a “kid centered” way. Streams Elementary (Grades K-4) Christine Vinay, President
Exciting activities are planned for the 2013-14 school year at Streams, so if you’re a Streams family (or if you’d just like to pretend you are), mark your calendar now! The first event— Stravaganza— which is also the largest fundraiser of the year is scheduled for October 11. Enjoy this year’s surfing theme and get ready to “make waves” and “hang ten” while playing games and participating in the adult and children’s raffle. In early November, Streams will hold its annual book fair in the Streams LGI. On the evening of November 7, take a break from book shopping to enjoy an ice cream sundae in the cafeteria. Finally, the “Open Mikes” are scheduled this fall for kindergarten and grades 1 and 4. These informal gatherings are held at the home of a Streams family and all parents of a specific grade are invited to attend to ask questions and address specific concerns in a relaxed, informal setting. Boyce Middle School (Grades 5-6) Kathy Teresi, President
With the end of summer upon us and students soon heading back to school, Boyce Middle School is in high gear with lots of changes and excitement! Boyce was proud to host many of the District’s Magna Award-winning summer leadership academies. Boyce was also host to Camp Invention, a science and hands-on investigation-themed program for first through fifth graders. Fall begins with new leadership as Amy Pfender takes the helm as Boyce principal (see article on page 32). Boyce welcomes a very large and enthusiastic fifth grade class. Fifth grade parents will begin to learn all sorts of new middle school language, including FACS and EA, Deer Valley and NASA, and IB MYP. The sixth graders, who a year ago were the new kids at Boyce, are now the seasoned students. Boyce student council launches its efforts with the fall school supply kit campaign even before the first bell rings! Boyce kicks off its year of great activities in September with Breakfast with Teachers, the Deer Valley fundraiser, the fall book fair, and Boyce Open House.
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... a USC PTA Council Feature Fort Couch Middle School (Grades 7-8)
USCHS (Grades 9-12)
Fall is an exciting time of year in our schools, and fall at Fort Couch is no exception! In addition to getting adjusted to a new environment or just new teachers and classmates, the kids are busy with lots of awesome activities, like the fall sports of football, swimming, and cross country. Our resident artists, musicians, dancers, writers, and photographers are asked to submit original pieces of work for the PTA’s art contest, Reflections. This year’s theme is “Dream, Believe and Inspire.” Last year, three students from Fort Couch placed at the national level! Fort Couch PTA sponsors the week-long drug and alcohol awareness program “Red Ribbon Week.” There are activities throughout the week to teach kids the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse and strategies on how to “just say no” and stay drug- and alcohol-free. Student socials begin soon. The seventh graders are excited to learn what they are all about, while the eighth graders are excited to be back with their friends, dancing the night away to the everpopular DJ Steve Maffei. There is always something happening at the Fort and good times in store for all the students.
The PTSO at USCHS provides a liaison between the teachers, parents, and students and strives to enhance the students’ educational development. The PTSO holds no fundraising activities, relying instead on membership dues for its operation. Please join the PTSO to ensure that this organization is consistently able to provide continuing support to the students, teachers, and parents of USCHS. PTSO meetings are generally the third Wednesday of each month (except December and June) and are typically held in rooms 148/149 at the high school. Everyone is welcome to attend. Upcoming fall events include the band festival on Saturday, September 7, the homecoming dance on Saturday, October 5, and the fall play, with performances scheduled October 29-30 and November 2-3. n
Chrissy Sileo, President
Shelly Snyder, PTSO President
Inquiry Exhibition The IB Primary Years Program (PYP) exhibition represents a significant event in the life of a PYP school and student, combining the essential elements of the PYP and sharing them with the entire school community. As a culminating experience, it is an opportunity for students to exhibit the attributes of the student profile that they have been developing throughout their years in the program. Fourth grade PYP students at Streams Elementary worked diligently for several months to prepare for the Inquiry Exhibition event held this past May. The students participated in a required collaborative, transdisciplinary inquiry process where they identified, investigated, and offered solutions to real-life issues and problems. Students researched organizations focused on helping others, the environment, and animals, to name a few. The final step of the process enabled the students to share their work with their families, peers, and members of the USC community. n
Averi Elsbury, Kendall Green, and Emily Rocco
Christopher Blass, Aidan Gaussa, and Drew Conwell
Noah Karrow and Logan Fennell
Liam Holleran and Drew Conwell in the foreground
Spencer Allen-Johnson and Collin McCarthy
Fall 2013
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Creativity Abounds at World Finals Susan Rosati
Upper St. Clair’s Odyssey of the Mind (OM) teams competed this spring at the OM World Finals held at Michigan State University. Highlights of the event included building friendships with a “Buddy Team” from Seoul, South Korea; working at the Creativity Festival; pin trading; watching other teams compete; and, of course, the opening and closing ceremonies, which welcomed 827 teams from the U.S. and 13 other countries, including Singapore, China, Poland, Mexico, Korea, India, Germany, and Switzerland. Pennsylvania is a very competitive OM state and, this year, it can boast having more teams (12) in the top six than any other U.S. state or country. Competing against more than 50 teams in their problems, the three USC teams were top six winners. The High School Classics Team took third place and an OMer award for Exceptional Skill. This team placed first in long term and style combined, wowing the judges with their set pieces and props. They were one of only six teams, out of 827, to be recognized for extreme creativity or risk taking, and received an Omer, or Ranatra Fusca, award. The High School Classics Team started out the year with a notion to create an “anti-gravity” experience in their performance, and they developed set pieces to give the illusion of two teammates swimming and diving under water. Coached by Susan Rosati and Geralyn Austin, team members included Kyle Austin, Nicole Churbock, Mary Kate Kauffelt, Maddie Oppelt, Anna Rosati, and Alexa Schlein.
Fort Couch Technical Team A placed third and was very excited to do well at the team’s first World Finals. Although their machine performed less reliably than usual, the team got high marks for the originality of its design. Other high scores included a ten out of ten for creativity of their offbeat location, overall creativity of their performance, artistic quality of a prop (which was mosaicked using rat food), and creative and artistic use of a trash item and chewed gum on their sign. Coached by Susan Rosati and Jim Walsh, team members included Ethan Bowman, Jagadeesh Gummadi, Laura Lapham, Neale Misquitta, Sheb Rosati, and Emily Walsh. Fort Couch Technical Team B received a fourth place honorable mention. This mixed team of experienced and new Worlds competitors just missed a tie with their Fort Couch classmates by 0.18 points. The team’s strength was in Style, where they received the third highest score. Their artistic design of an email—multilayered clay shaped into a ball with intricate carvings—received nine out of ten points. An elaborate tree costume—with “branch” head dress, avant-garde make-up, and henna tattoos—got 9.67 out of ten points. Their Father Time costume, which used broken CD shards to make a beard, staff, huge clock medallion, cape, bracelets, and toga embellishments, scored high, as did the overall creativity of their performance. Coached by Debbie Carse, team members included Chase Banton, Liam Carse, Tyler Clark, Arushi Kewalramani, Allie Ryave, CJ Stott, and Vicki Wang. n To view these and other OM performances, go to www.uscootm.com.
The Fort Couch Team A members, left to right, are Neale Misquitta, Ethan Bowman, Sheb Rosati, coach Susan Rosati, coach Jim Walsh, Emily Walsh, Laura Lapham, and Jag Gummadi
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The Fort Couch Technical Team B with Coach Debbie Carse and its “buddy team” from Korea.
Fall 2013
The USCHS Classics team members, left to right, are Mary Kate Kauffelt, Anna Rosati, Nicole Churbock, Alexa Schlein, Kyle Austin, and Maddie Oppelt
SD FABULOUS FALL PLAYS IS HE DEAD? 9/5-9/21
A new comedy by Mark Twain
ACCOMPLICE 9/26-10/12
Such a clever mystery!
GOD OF CARNAGE 10/17-11/2
Unbridled comic chaos.
THE CURIOUS SAVAGE 11/7-23
Generosity of spirit triumphs!
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Cupcakes for Cancer Hanna Stolzer
Selling cupcakes may not seem like a major moneymaker, but you’d be surprised by what people are willing to give for a good cause and a tasty treat! My name is Hanna Stolzer and I started the nonprofit organization Cupcakes for Cancer. I have been affected by cancer in many ways; the awful disease has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. One day, I just thought that allowing a disease to get the best of us is ridiculous, especially if it’s because of a lack of money. Though we can’t yet cure cancer, I can help fund the people who are searching for a cure.
Cupcake Queens (left to right) Hanna Stolzer, Allie Ryave, Shelby Zahren, and Vicki Wang gather for a photo.
I started a lemonade stand with a neighbor, but quickly realized that a 25-cent lemonade wouldn’t do the trick. I thought about how baking is my absolute favorite thing to do and considered ways that I could use my favorite activity to cure my least favorite disease, and thus Cupcakes for Cancer was born. Cupcakes for Cancer is a bake sale that occurs at school events, including open house and spring exhibit at Fort Couch Middle School. For the past two years and with help from my friends, the “Cupcake Queens,” we pulled together an array of homemade and donated baked goods, ranging from pink ribbon cupcakes to brownies and even chocolate strawberries. Sporting cupcake hair ribbons, my friends and I sold, sold, sold! In just two hours, we raised about $500 at each event and completely sold out of treats—all 1700 of them! Since beginning Cupcakes for Cancer, we have held four events and raised over $2000. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to cancer research at the Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital. Fall 2013
Food donations from Eat ’n Park and The Pie Place have contributed to my “for sale” inventory. Jayna Rubin, my guidance counselor at Fort Couch and mentor, and, of course, my “Cupcake Queens” Allie Ryave, Hannah Sanner, Victoria Wang, Shelby Zahren, Claire Zahla, Maddie Yoos, Adrienne Godish, Macy Kaplan, and Kristen Buckholt have helped me tremendously! Through my work with Cupcakes for Cancer, I’ve learned that if you feel strongly about something and have the motivation, you can make a difference in the world, no matter what the subject or your age. As I enter high school, I plan to keep Cupcakes for Cancer going at Fort Couch with my oversight. I also hope to extend the organization to the high school and I am considering Cupcakes for Cancer as my tenth grade International Baccalaureate project. Thank you to everyone who has purchased or donated to this cause. We’re baking a difference, one cupcake at a time! n
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Did You Know? Did You Know?
SD Did You Know? Did You Know? “24” Competition Representing Fort Couch and Boyce Middle Schools at the Regional “24” Competition this April were fifth graders Braden Yates, Devan Ekbote, and Zachary Smith; sixth graders Brooke Christiansen, Meghan Joon, and Vikram Reddy; seventh graders Sahil Doshi and Theja Duvvuru; and eighth graders Arushi Kewalramani, Amna Amin, and Siddarth Aduri. Devan earned a silver medal in the fifth grade bracket. For sixth grade, Brooke earned a silver medal and Meghan landed the gold. In the seventh and eighth grade brackets, Theja and Arushi each earned a silver medal and Sahil the gold medal in the final four. Siddarth competed in the platinum round, where 24 patterns can include exponent operations in addition to the four main operations, and earned a silver medal.
Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Front row, left to right: Zachary Smith, Vikram Reddy, Devan Ekbote, Braden Yates, Brooke Christiansen, Meghan Joon; back row: Theja Duvvuru, Amna Amin, Arushi Kewalramani, Siddarth Aduri, Sahil Doshi
Solve for X… This April, when Allegheny County’s top 25 finalists in the 2013 Mathematics Council of Western Pennsylvania First Year Algebra/Integrated Math II contest were announced, 15 of them were from Upper St. Clair. Sam Ding, a sixth grader from Boyce placed first, Raahema Durrani, an eighth grader from Fort Couch placed second, and Abbie Wagner, a seventh grader, placed third. Also included in the top 25 were Vashisth Parekh, Spencer Miller, James Khor, Ariana Chiu, Taim Aizooky, Jack de la Parra, Dina Leyzarovich, Amna Amin, Andrew Rocks, Abby Matheny, Vedant Parekh, Sam Ding and Dina Leyzarovich and Suneel Banerjee. All 25 of these students were eligible for the finals in May. The Helen B. Malter Memorial prize, a plaque, and $100 were awarded to Dina Leyzarovich, a sixth grader from Boyce, who earned first place overall. Eighth grader Raahema Durrani took second place and a $75 prize. Placing third was sixth grader Sam Ding who was awarded $50.
Fort Couch Students Win Iron Crafter Competition This past April, a group of students from Fort Couch Middle School, led by art teacher Josh Criswell, competed in the ninth annual Iron Crafters competition sponsored by Pat Catan’s Craft Center. The competition consists of teams of middle school students from across the region that compete against each other and the clock, challenging their crafting skills and creativity. The Fort Couch team of Allison Epler, Jessica Luberto, Callie Card, and Claire Zalla2013 placed first,team with this year’s theme: video games. Iron Crafter winning Economics Challenge In an economics competition, USC claimed both regional championships for the Adam Smith (AP) and David Ricardo (semester elective) divisions and advanced to the state tournament. At states, the top two places in the Adam Smith division were occupied by Upper St. Clair, guaranteeing a state championship. The top Ricardo team also won the state championship, and USC advanced to the National semi-final round, where the Ricardo team placed 14th in the country and the Smith team claimed ninth. USC was one of only two schools from the nearly 500 schools and 10,000 students who competed to have National semi-finalists in both divisions. The National semi-finalists for the Adam Smith team were Qinglan Huang, Pat Myron, Sam Tan, and Gaibo Yan, while the David Ricardo team consisted of Rebecca Kerman, Adam Lucas, Katie Miller, and Ben Stalnaker.
Joseph Lapham
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Westinghouse Science Honors Institute Winner Christian Heil, a senior at USCHS, won the Westinghouse Science Honors Institute Competitive Exam this past school year, earning the top prize of $1000. Fellow student Matt Becker placed in the top 20 and received a $50 gift card.
Winning Poets Boyce students entered the Creative Communications poetry contest. Winning students Angela Belack, Olivia Debski, Lauren DeShields, Trey Getner, Sammy Koller, Jessie Kuhar, Erin Lang, Ethan Mann, Lindsay Moskal, Nick Mudry, Duy Nguyen, Collin Poerstel, Alec Saluga, and Jessie Werha will be published for the first time, while this is the second year that Reilly Ford, Abby McCardle, and Cam Scott will have their poems published in “A Celebration of Poets.” PRSEF USCHS students, sponsored by Dr. Colin Syme, USCHS biology teacher, recently attended the Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair (PRSEF) at Heinz Field this past April. Brinda Doshi’s Gender Behavior Analysis using FRS won the American Psychological Association Affiliate award, the Chatham University Scholarship award, the Clarion University Scholarship award, the Perseverance Award–Honorary Scientist Perseverance award, and the Waynesburg University Scholarship award. Gaurav Bhushan’s Surface Tension of Water and Lipid Hydrophobic Behavior won the Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh’s Sponsor award. Dilanka Dharmasena’s Ram Jet Power won the Aviation Foundation’s Sponsor award. Eva Roy’s Epigenetic Difference in Lung Cancers won the Society for In Vitro Biology’s Affiliate award. Brendan Campbell’s Focusing Wireless Signals won the Associate Scientist’s Perseverance award.
Reflections Winners Three Fort Couch students placed in the top spots at the state level of competition in the PTA’s Reflections program. In the Photography, Special Artist category, Joseph Lapham placed first in the state for his entry “I Am Sunshine;” in Musical Composition, Robbie Halpner placed first for “Full Circle;” and in Literature, Mahima Reddy placed second for “Rags to Riches in a New Light.” Advancing to the national round of competition, Joseph received the Photography Special Artist, National Award of Excellence, for his entry “I Am Sunshine.” Joseph was the only national winner from Pennsylvania.
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Fall 2013
Raahema Durrani
Left to right are Robbie Halpner, Joseph Lapham, and Mahima Reddy
Did You Know? Did You Know? SD Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Computer Fair Winners Maggie Bryant, Julia Fennell, and Caroline McDonough won first place in the Animation category at the regional Middle School Computer Fair. Alex Brufsky and Kevin Chen were first place winners in the category of Programming, with Connor Byrnes taking second place in Programming category. Tyler Besselman, Aditi Chattopadhyay, and Mahima Reddy came in third in the Web Page Design category. At the regional High School Computer Fair, USCHS students Brian Tsui and Tony Wang placed first in the Animation category. Constantijn van der Poel, Devan Zalla, and Sam Zelik captured third place in the Digital Movie category. Students were accompanied by teachers Sue Fleckenstein, Connie Gibson, and Tim Wagner.
Tony Wang and Brian Tsui
Alex Brufsky and Kevin Chen
Left to right are Julia Fennell, Caroline McDonough, and Maggie Bryant
Corey Wilding Receives Award Corey Wilding was named the Most Positive High School Athlete in the sport of boys golf through the Positive Athlete Pittsburgh Facebook page. Corey was presented the award by former Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward who created the Positive Athlete organization, a movement by high-character athletes in Western Pennsylvania to promote the benefits of “positivity” to young athletes.
Environmental Awareness Winners Monica Erwin and Laura Carlino’s academic biology classes at USCHS participated in the Fairchild Challenge through Phipps Conservatory this year, an environmental awareness contest consisting of seven different challenges. Leah Day placed third for her colored pencil drawing of a flower and its pollinator, Jula Herold placed second for the Frisbee logo contest, and Thea Contis placed third for the Frisbee logo contest. Ben Rieker placed third for his movie review of Dirt: The Movie. Not only did these students place individually as top finishers, but the classes earned the Fairchild Challenge Award for earning more than 900 points. The classes also were awarded third place overall in the challenge and received $250 to support an environmental project of their choice.
Front row, left to right: Lauren Schoeppner, Luke Walker, Hannah Harris, Krupa Golakiya, Jasma Mody, Gabby Granato; back row: Joe Ardolino, Robbie Mertz, Dom D’Amico, JP Schrott, Connor Mielcusny, Luke Gaetano, Akash Monpara, Brian Tsui, Seshu Kamineni, Kevin Monpara
Forensics Over Memorial Day weekend, the forensics team traveled to Philadelphia for CFL Grand Nationals, a competition which included thousands of students from around the country. Qualifying, but non-advancing Panthers included seniors Catherine Wertz, Madison Chafin, Kylee Banton, and Qinglan Huang; juniors JP Miller, Jordan Ryan, Brenna Carse, George Sun, Mandy Seiner, and Mary Gen Sanner, who won a ballot from the national champion; and freshman Saraj Quinto. Senior Trudel Pare and junior Eva Roy advanced to the top 48 in the nation in Oratory and Oral Interpretation, respectively. Junior Younos Manfoud achieved the highest national place ever of any USC student, with sixth place in Lincoln Douglas Debate.
PML Contest This April, 71 fifth graders from Boyce registered for the 2012-13 annual fifth grade Mathematics League Contest, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Mathematics League, attempting to solve 30 problems in 30 minutes. Among students studying fifth grade math, there was a four-way tie for third place between Julia Brubach, AJ Daley, Basir Khan, and Lily Shi. Nick Kalra took second place and Aleksa Rodic took first. From the students studying sixth grade math, Avaneesh Rade placed third, Chand Vadalia placed second, and there was a two-way tie for first place between Jason Choi and Jack Clark. Video Awards This past spring, the video media department attended the 20th annual TVT (Teacher of Video and Television) awards at Robert Morris University. More than 30 schools across Western Pennsylvania entered videos in the ceremony. USC students won awards in the categories of Commercials, Broadcast News, and Stop Motion/Animation.
Left to right are Taylor Johnston, Jared Houy, John Buckholt, Connor Pyles, Sam Connors, Chad Beisner, Ryan Harding, and Lexi Kennell
FBLA This past April, 16 USCHS students traveled to Hershey to participate in the 62nd annual Pennsylvania Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) state leadership conference. At the conference, students competed in objective and performance events, attended seminars and workshops, and networked with more than 3500 students, advisers, and professionals. Participants Kevin Monpara and Brian Tsui competed in Global Business and placed fourth; Dom D’Amico and JP Schrott competed in Network Design and placed sixth; Joe Ardolino, Seshu Kamineni, and Akash Monpara competed in Business and place eighth; Krupa Golakiya and Jasma Mody competed in Business Plan and placed ninth; Hannah Harris, Gabby Granato, Connor Mielcusny, and Luke Walker competed in Parliamentary Procedure and placed ninth; and Luke Gaetano, Robbie Mertz, and Lauren Schoeppner competed in Management Decision Making. Fall 2013
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School District Notices
Annual Notices to Parents of Children Who Reside in the Upper St. Clair School District Notification of Rights for Elementary and Secondary Schools The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. These rights include: 1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the school receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to their child’s building principal or Supervisor of Pupil Services, Ms. Eloise Stoehr, Upper St. Clair School District, at the address listed on page 85, a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The building principal or Supervisor of Pupil Services will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. 2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. Parents who wish to ask the school to amend a record should write to their child’s building principal or the Supervisor of Pupil Services, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it should be changed. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when the parent or eligible student is notified of the right to a hearing. 3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate education interests. A school official is a person employed by the school as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); members of the School Board as a whole; a person or company with whom the school has contracted to perform a special task (e.g. attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his/her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the school official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his/her professional responsibility. Upon request, the School discloses education records without 46
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consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. 4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the school system to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20202-4605
Disclosure of Personal Information FERPA requires that the Upper St. Clair School District (District), with certain exceptions, obtain written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child’s education record. However, the District may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless you have advised the District to the contrary in accordance with District procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the District to include this type of information from your child’s education records in certain school publications. Examples include the annual yearbook, honor roll or other recognition lists, graduation programs, sports activity sheets, a playbill showing your student’s role in a drama production and the like. Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws required local education agencies (LEA) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories (names, addresses, and telephone listings) unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent. If you do not want the District to disclose directory information without your prior written consent, you must notify the District in writing. The parent or eligible student may refuse to permit the designation of any or all of these categories, with respect to that student, by notifying the child’s building principal within 30 days of the publication of this notice. The following information is designated as directory information: Fall 2013
Directory Information Categories • Student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth. • Awards won and offices held. • Major areas of study. • Participation in officially recognized activities and sports. • Post-high school endeavors. • Recognition of achievements in academic and non-academic areas. • Recognition of graduating seniors. • Weight and height of athletes.
Confidentiality All information gathered about your child is subject to the confidentiality provisions contained in federal and state law. The District has policies and procedures in effect governing the collection, maintenance, destruction, and disclosure to third parties of this information. For information about these policies and procedures, as well as rights of confidentiality and access to educational records, you may contact in writing your child’s building principal or the Supervisor of Pupil Services.
Annual Notice To Parents Regarding School Records
School records are an inherent part of a student’s formal education in the public school setting. They are used to collect, maintain, and disseminate pertinent information. The District has adopted a policy and administrative regulations in accordance with both the regulations of the State Board of Education on Pupil Records, adopted July 12, 1974, amended July 15, 1977, and the FERPA. Parents and eligible students (students who have reached the age of 18 or are emancipated minors) are accorded the following rights: 1. To inspect, review, and be given a copy of school records. 2. To obtain a copy of the District’s policy and regulations regarding the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of school records upon written request to: Supervisor of Pupil Services–addresses listed on page 85. 3. To file complaints with the FERPA Office. (See FERPA compliance address listed above.) 4. To be informed of the transfer of records to officials of another school or school system upon notification of the student’s enrollment. 5. To challenge the contents of the records. 6. To refuse individual consent where it is required for release of information from the record. 7. To be informed of the data collected and maintained by representational consent. If you wish to examine school records, you may make arrangements to do so by contacting the principal or counselor at the school your child attends. Continued on page 84
SD
TARC rocket lift off
USC Students Have a Blast!
As a USCHS freshman, Michael Nastac had a dream. He wanted to build a rocket and launch it successfully in the Team America Rocketry Challenge (TARC). Undeterred by Upper St. Clair’s lack of a model rocket club, he gathered a group of friends to work with him and chip in on the expenses. Michael received a little advice from his older brother, Gabriel, who is studying aerospace and mechanical engineering at Case Western Reserve University. He also contacted Upper St. Clair grad Matt Vernacchia, who is majoring in aerospace engineering at MIT and worked this summer for SpaceEx. But mostly, Michael and his team learned, designed, and experimented on their own. Michael spent quite a bit of time writing letters to various public officials, looking to locate a place that would allow a launch intended to go to an altitude of 750 feet. (The competition he entered asked students to design a rocket that would carry an altimeter and an egg to a height of 750 feet, deploy a parachute, and return that egg safely to earth inside the rocket—all in precisely 48 seconds.)
So Michael and fellow rocket scientists Guarav Bhushan, Zach Christiansen, Steve Wagner, and Andrew Berlin, along with Michael’s mother, Mihaela Nastac, Steve’s dad, Steven Wagner, and USCHS’s gifted education coordinator Pat Palazzolo spent St. Patrick’s Day in the snow on a field at the Weber Farm, north of Grove City. Despite frozen toes and fingers so cold the boys could barely set the igniter, it was well worth it when their rocket lifted off quickly, flew straight and high, and deployed its parachute perfectly. The students learned a great deal and are already talking about design improvements for next year’s contest. n
TOP PRODUCER
Maureen Cavanaugh
Year after year, home after home, Top Producer, National Sales Excellence, Listing and Sales Leader, Residential Relocation Specialist 30 year USC Resident — I live here and work here... There is no better place!! Just look at my sold listings, the proof is in the performance! Let me put my experience to work for you in getting your most valuable asset sold in the shortest period of time at a price that will be competitive and aggressive. Our award winning schools, state of the art recreation center, access to major highways and a vibrant downtown make Upper St. Clair a great place to call HOME!!
• Top Producer • National Sales Excellence Awardee • Residential Relocation Specialist • Listing Leader and Sales Leader
412-833-3600 ext. 226 Left to right are TARC students Zach Christiansen, Andrew Berlin, Guarav Bhushan, Michael Nastac, Steve Wagner, and teacher Pat Palazzolo
mcavanaugh@howardhanna.com
Spanish Pen Pals
Wyatt Keating and Michael Gallagher
Left to right are pen pals Emma Bisch, Melanie Mantel, Kate Groninger, and Jack de la Parra
At Fort Couch Middle School,
Teams 2 and 3 Spanish students have been given an opportunity to have a pen pal. These pen pals are in third grade and go to a private school in Salinas, a coastal town in Asturias, Spain. This is the first year the pen pal program has taken place at Fort Couch. When Señora Leskovich retired from Baker Elementary School, she transferred the pen pal program to Fort Couch and Señora Montgomery received it with much enthusiasm. “The students were so excited to
open their letters and presents,” said Señora. “They learned so much about the Spanish culture from the letters, postcards, soccer cards, books, and games that they received.” A Fort Couch student agreed with Señora. “It was really fun getting the presents and letters from little kids in Spain,” said the student. “It taught us how life is different in Spain.” Fort Couch students wrote letters telling their pen pal about life in Pittsburgh. The students sent little gifts with their letters to the Manuel Alvarez Iglesias School in Salinas. A few weeks later, Señora gave everyone their gifts and return letters. The process repeated itself throughout the school year. This program reinforces the School District’s World Language goal of promoting global learning and cultural awareness. “I think that the pen pal exchange supports the students’ need to be culturally aware,” said one student. “I now know about student life in Salinas, Spain, and I would like to visit there one day.” n Fall 2013
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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Fall 2013
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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T Township Commissioners Robert W. Orchowski
President, Ward 3 Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-854-1868 2015*
Russell R. Del Re
Vice President, Ward 5 Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-287-9076 2015*
Nicholas J. Seitanakis Ward 1
Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-220-4434 2015*
Donald P. Rectenwald, Jr. Ward 2
Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-833-3328 2013*
Mark D. Christie Ward 4
Day 412-831-9000 2013*
Glenn R. Dandoy At-Large
Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-944-3957 2015*
Daniel R. Paoly At-Large
Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-862-5995 2013*
*Date indicates expiration of term.
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Upper St. Clair Township Named Banner Community In addition to the numerous awards recognizing the School District (see page 29), Upper St. Clair Township has been selected as one of 21 local municipalities named a 2013 Banner Community. The honor from the Allegheny League of Municipalities (ALOM) officials and Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald indicates that a banner community implements best practices in all aspects of its operations and governs in an inclusive, collaborative manner. “These 21 municipalities have set a standard of how local government should function, and should be commended for the work that they do for their residents,” Fitzgerald said. Upper St. Clair Township Manager Matthew Serakowski said, “On behalf of the entire Township staff, elected officials, and volunteer boards, we were pleased to learn that Allegheny County and the County Executive have recognized our municipality’s efforts to provide effective, efficient, and accountable services to the residents and businesses within the community. This recognition demonstrates our commitment to continual training and education of our elected and appointed officials, active participation in many of the professional organizations throughout the region and the Commonwealth, sponsorship of various community events and programs, and ongoing communication with our residents,” he said. To be eligible for consideration for the Banner Communities program, a municipality’s elected and appointed officials must: • Participate in educational or training programs through ALOM, the
Local Government Academy, or the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development or participate in a governing mentoring program. • Be active members in good standing with ALOM and the county municipal associations, and have a representative attending at least 50% of county association meetings. • Be active members in good standing in a COG (Council of Government) and attend COG meetings, participate in a COG cooperative purchasing program, and participate in at least one shared municipal service. • Conduct a Local Government Week activity by conducting a local activity promoting local government or communicating with the community about delivery of services. • Conduct an effective citizen communication program by offering a municipal newsletter or web-based communication effort, and participate in a class discussion on local government or conducting a shadowing program for junior or senior high school students. Other 2013 banner communities are Collier Township, Etna Borough, Fawn Township, Hampton Township, Indiana Township, Leetsdale Borough, Township of McCandless, Moon Township, Munhall Borough, North Fayette Township, Ohio Township, Reserve Township, Richland Township, Ross Township, Sewickley Borough, Tarentum Borough, Whitehall Borough, and Wilkins Township in Allegheny County; and Butler Township and Cranberry Township in Butler County. n
2013 Township of Upper St. Clair Meeting Dates • The Board of Commissioners meets at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building. The regular public meeting is held the first Monday of the month in the Board Meeting Room. The informational and general affairs meeting is held the last Monday of the month in the Board Meeting Room. • The Planning Commission meets the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m.
www.twpusc.org
• The Parks and Recreation Board meets at the C&RC the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m., no meeting in December. • The Zoning Hearing Board meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 8 p.m. • The Civil Service Board meets as needed. • The Building/Fire Codes Appeals and Advisory Board meets as needed. • The Library Board meets as needed.
All business regarding the operation of the Township is conducted at the regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Citizens are invited to comment on any Township matter. Complete Board minutes can be found at the Upper St. Clair Township Library or on the website at www.twpusc.org. For more information, call 412-831-9000. Fall 2013
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Highlights of the Board of Commissioners’ Meetings March 4, 2013 Approximately 15 people attended
The Board • Welcomed Senator Matt Smith. Senator Smith thanked the Board members for their service to the community and offered his and his staff’s services to the Board regarding the Board’s needs. • Continued Public Hearing Re. PLC12-1302–Amendment to Chapter 130 of the Township Code entitled “Zoning” to incorporate provisions for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems. • Adopted Bill No. 3-13 Re. PLC13-0003–Fair Acres PRD Plan–Phases 1 & 2–Amended Final Approval subject to certain conditions. • Adopted Bill No. 4-13 to amend the Real Estate Millage Tax Rate for 2013 from 3.90 mills to 3.83 mills. • Adopted Resolution No. 1558 authorizing the disposal of Township records in accordance with the Pennsylvania Records Retention Act and the Township Code. Approval of Contracts Approved the following contracts in accordance with the Township Code: 2013 Street Improvement Program • Matcon Diamond, Inc.........................................$21,000 2013 Crack Sealing • El Grande Industries, Inc..........................$1,022,096.45 2013 Annual Street Resurfacing w/Alternates Fleet Vehicles • Allegheny Ford Truck Sales, Inc.........................$29,109 (1) 2013 Ford F-350 Cab & Chassis XL 4x4 Truck • Allegheny Ford Truck Sales, Inc.........................$36,782 (1) 2013 Ford F-550 Cab & Chassis XL 4x4 Truck • Sabre Equipment, Inc..........................................$19,180 (1) Reading Classic II Service Body Upfit w/Western 8’ Pro Plow • Sabre Equipment, Inc..........................................$15,059 (1) Flatbed Body Upfit • Hunter Truck Sales & Service........................$84,376.04 (1) 2014 International Cab & Chassis Model 7400 SFA 4x2 • Woltz & Wind Ford, Inc.....................................$53,962 (2) 2013 Ford Utility Interceptors (SUV) • Woltz & Wind Ford, Inc.....................................$24,594 (1) 2013 Ford Sedan Interceptor Public Works Equipment • Cleveland Brothers Construction......................$140,733 (1) 2013 Caterpillar 924K Wheel Loader (Less trade-in) - $28,000 $112,733 • E. H. Griffith, Inc...........................................$29,941.03 (1) 2013 Toro Groundsmaster 3280-D w/Snowblower (Less trade-in) -$3,400 $26,541.03
April 1, 2013
Approximately 50 people attended
Recognition • Commissioner Paoly presented a Proclamation to Helen Palascak, Library Director, in recognition of National Library Week, April 14-20, 2013. The Board • Adopted Resolution No. 1559 Re. PLC12-0006–Deerfield Manor Plan No. 9–Revised Preliminary Plan. • Adopted Bill No. 5-13 Re. PLC12-1302–Amendment to Chapter 130 of the Township Code entitled “Zoning” to incorporate provisions for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems. • Continued Public Hearing Re. PLC11-1301–Amendment to Chapter 130 of the Township Code entitled “Zoning” to revise the definition of Day Care. • Continued Public Hearing Re. PLC13-0005–Willowbrooke Estates–Amended Tentative Approval. • Adopted Bill No. 6-13 Re. PLC13-0001–Bedner Estates 1A PRD–Final Subdivision Approval.
The Township of Upper St. Clair
• Adopted Bill No. 7-13 Re. PLC13-0004–Bedner Estates PRD Phase 1–Final Approval. • Approved a contract with Environmental Planning & Design, LLC for the 2015-2025 Comprehensive Plan in the amount not to exceed $65,000. • Adopted Bill No. 8-13 Re. Conveyance of Lot 1 of the Marmion Field Subdivision Plan from The Township of Upper St. Clair to Gabriel and Gloria Hudock. • Adopted Bill No. 9-13 Re. Supplemental Ordinance to replace PNC Bank with the Bank of New York Mellon on the current Standby Letter of Credit for 2008 Bond Issue and to allow for new adjustable rate bonds to be tendered without bond insurance on May 1, 2013. • Adopted Resolution No. 1560 to provide procedures for the procurement of Professional Services and a Conflict of Interest Policy. • Adopted Bill No. 10-13 Re. Amendment to the Upper St. Clair Police Pension Plan Ordinance to correct the definition of “Accrued Benefit.” Approval of Contract • Plavchak Construction Company, Inc..............$187,400 Township Municipal Building Renovations
May 6, 2013 Approximately 70 people attended.
Recognitions • Commissioner Paoly presented a Proclamation to Nora Helfrich, director of Tri-Community South Emergency Medical Services, designating May 19-25, 2013, as National Emergency Medical Services Week in Upper St. Clair. • Commissioner Seitanakis presented a Certificate of Achievement to Ryan Dudzinski for capturing the Boys’ WPIAL AAA Swimming championship in the 100-yard butterfly with a finish time of 49.34 seconds; on winning the 100-yard backstroke with a finish time of 50.63 seconds; and for capturing second place in the 100-yard butterfly and fourth place in the 100-yard backstroke at the 2012-13 PIAA Boys’ Swimming AAA Championship finals. • Commissioner Seitanakis presented a Certificate of Achievement to Alex Hardwick for capturing the Boys’ WPIAL AAA Swimming championship in the 100-yard freestyle with a finish time of 46.44 seconds; on winning the 200-yard freestyle with a finish time of 1:41.86; and for capturing third place in the 200-yard freestyle and seventh place in the 100-yard freestyle at the 2012-13 PIAA Boys’ Swimming AAA Championship finals. The Board • Moved to Approve Bill No. 11-13 Re. PLC11-1301– Amendment to Chapter 130 entitled “Zoning” to revise the definition of Day Care Center. The motion was not seconded. • Approved Decision USC-PRD2-2013 Re. PLC13-0005– Willowbrooke Estates–Amended Tentative Approval. • Continued Public Hearing Re. PLC12-0026–Torrente at Upper St. Clair PRD–Tentative Approval. • Adopted Bill No. 12-13 Re. PLC13-0007–Hudock residence–single family dwelling–Conditional Use. • Adopted Resolution No. 1561 Re. PLC13-0008–Zahalsky Plan of Lots–Revised Preliminary Subdivision Approval. • Adopted Bill No. 13-13 Re. PLC 13-0009–Deerfield Manor Plan No. 9–Revised Final Subdivision Approval. • Adopted Resolution No. 1562 for plan revision for new land development (Planning Module) for PLC130009–Deerfield Manor Plan No. 9–Revised Subdivision Approval. Approval of Contract • Walsh Equipment................................................$58,127 10’6” Aluminum Body Upfit w/Stainless Steel Salt Spreader and Muncie MP2 Dispensing System
Federal and State Elected Officials Federal Government
Elected Executive Officials President Barack H. Obama Vice President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Comments Line: 202-456-1111 Fax: 202-456-2461 Elected Legislative Officials U.S. Senators Website: www.senate.gov Patrick J. Toomey – 412-803-3501 Fax: 412-803-3504 Robert P. Casey, Jr. – 412-803-7370 Fax: 412-803-7379 U.S. House of Representatives Tim Murphy – 18th District 412-344-5583 • Fax 412-429-5092
Pennsylvania State Government Elected Executive Officials
800-932-0784 www.state.pa.us Governor Tom Corbett Lieutenant Governor Jim Cawley Auditor General Jack Wagner State Treasurer Robert McCord Attorney General Linda L. Kelly Elected Legislative Officials State Senator Matt Smith 412-571-2169 • Fax: 412-571-2000 37th District State Representative John Maher 412-831-8080 • Fax: 412-831-8083 40th District District Justice Robert C. Wyda 412-835-1661 Information from Facts for Citizens published by the League of Women Voters – 412-261-4284 www.palwv.org
VOTER REGISTRATION 412-350-4500
Registration closes October 7, 2013 Fall 2013
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USC Community Day
Hot, Hot, Hottest Dog!
Congratulations to the 2013 winners of Community Day’s Hottest Dog contest sponsored by Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. Winners were: Best Dressed–Sport (Golden Doodle) and owner, Laura Dog/Owner Look Alike–Penny Lane (mixed breed) and owner, Angie Cutest Dog–Julie (Cavalier King Charles) and owner, Dawn Most Talented–Shylo (American Eskimo) and owner, Christian Cutest Puppy–Peddy (Maltese) and owner, Danny
Bake-Off Winners
Congratulations to the winners of the tenth annual Community Day Bake-Off sponsored by Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services, South Hills office. This year’s top winners were: Best of Show–Kayla Seeneway and Zoe Karidis Most Patriotic–Cole Jooste Most Original–Claire Zalla Favorite TV Show, Movie, or Book–Ella Neal
Special Thanks to Our Community Day Patrons
The community thanks all the great volunteers and especially our most generous patrons (listed alphabetically) for helping to make Community Day 2013 such a success: Ardolino’s Pizza, Aramark, Bruegger’s, Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair, Giant Eagle, Lorenzato
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Fall 2013
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USC Community Day
Run for Fun Race Results
Community Day began with a bang and the shrilling sound of a horn to mark the 9 a.m. start of the 2013 Run for Fun 5K. With 245 participants completing the event by running or walking on a morning that invited athletes of all abilities, Ryan Lott (18:34.60) and Sarah Martin (19:01.50) were top winners in the overall men’s and women’s categories, respectively. For a complete list of race finishers, and their respective times, visit www.twpusc. org/magazine-usc-today-home and click on “Past Issues” where a “Community Races” subhead can be found and a race results pdf file can be downloaded. Listed below are winners in each age category. Start your Community Day off with a bang next year and be sure to register for the Run for Fun, using a mail-in registration form found in TODAY’s spring and summer issues.
Age Group Male (Time)
Female (Time)
Overall 8 & Under 9-11 12-14 15-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50 & Over
Sarah Martin (19:01.50) Kate Pyckowski (35:41.20) Morgan Meddings (23:24.80) Abby Matheny (23:03.20) Angelica Lucas (21:34.60) Rebecca Carlson (22:52.70) Annie Huber (22:28.90) Kelly Tanner (25:37.30) Linda Dudzinski (26:39.10)
Ryan Lott (18:34.60) Phillip Markovitz (25:00.50) Cole Jooste (22:47.30) Ethan Mann (21:25.10) Chris Adamo (18:35.20) Andrew Dill (19:51.50) Ron Mauro (19:10.00) Rob Lukondi (20:43.50) Jim Wilding (23:06.80)
Automotive Service, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Pittsburgh Fleet Feet Sports, Restorations Physical Therapy, Rex Glass & Mirror Co., Inc., Rusmur Floors Carpet One, South Fayette Shop ’n Save, South Hills Financial Group, The Gateway Engineers, Inc., and Traffic Control Equipment & Supplies Co, Inc.
Photos by Terry Kish Fall 2013
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Upper St. Clair Citizens’ Police Academy
Members of Upper St. Clair Citizens’ Police Academy, Class of 2012 Front row, seated, left to right: Kristine Borra, Ann Dixon, Jeanne Meyer, Janice Kincaid; middle row: Deputy Chief Douglas Burkholder, Mel Tsikitas, Bonnie Engel, Margaret Gaul, Rhonda Walker, Police Chief Ronald Pardini, Prudence Cooper, Thomas Pattison, Rick Wehan, James Rieland, Jackie Cozma, Wendy Pattison; back row: Monica Molino, William Forester, William Henderson, George Bockosh, Konrad Trieble, Kelly Orient, Matthew Orient, Elba Garcia, Lieutenant John Sakoian, and Raymond Gombar
An Opportunity for People who Live or Work in Upper St. Clair The Upper St. Clair Police Department is hosting its 2013 Citizens’ Police Academy, with classes beginning October 8 and ending November 12. The academy classes are conducted at the USC Volunteer Fire Department on Route 19 on Tuesday evenings, 7-9:30 p.m. for six weeks. The course syllabus includes instruction and scenario-based training on various aspects of law enforcement and public safety. It is open to adults of all ages. There is no charge for the academy.
Objectives include: • An overview of the criminal justice system • Local ordinances, crimes, and vehicle code issues • The United States Constitution and citizens’ rights • Firearms safety, use of force, and defensive tactics • Patrol procedures, traffic stops, speed enforcement, and officer safety • Criminal, drug, and gang investigations • Domestic crimes, custody disputes, and missing children • The role of the District Attorney and the District Court • Local crimes, current investigations, programs, and public issues If you are interested in this free program available to all adults who live, work, or do business in Upper St. Clair, please complete and mail or deliver the following application to the Upper St. Clair Police Department, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241. If you have questions or need further information, contact the Police Administration office, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at 412-833-1113. n
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Fall 2013
Sign up now for the 2013 Citizens’ Police Academy beginning in October.
Upper St. Clair Police Department 2013 Citizens’ Police Academy Application Name: (last, first, middle) _____________________________________________________________ Address:______________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Home Phone: ______________________ Cell Phone #:________________ Employer and Phone Number:_____________________________________ Social Security Number:__________________________________________ Date of Birth: __________________________________________________ Email Address:_________________________________________________ Have you ever been arrested?_____________________________________ If yes, please explain:____________________________________________ Signature:_____________________________________________________ The final decision on class participants is at the sole discretion of the Upper St. Clair Police Department. Please mail or deliver to:
Upper St. Clair Police Department 1820 McLaughlin Run Road • Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Emergency 412-833-7500 or 724-941-7500 • Administration 412-833-1113
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End of an Era All good things
must eventually come to an end, and 2013 marks a special milestone in the life of Upper St. Clair’s Chief of Police Ron Pardini. After almost 45 years of serving and Retired Upper St. Clair protecting the citizens Chief of Police Ron Pardini of our township, Chief Pardini retired to see what other adventures life may have in store for him. Chief Pardini started his career with the USC Police Department in 1969 as a patrolman. He rose through the ranks, serving as sergeant, lieutenant, and deputy chief, until he was named chief in January 1986. Looking back, Chief Pardini said that Upper St. Clair was a young community when he was hired as a patrolman. “There were less calls and less people,” he said. Over the years, the community grew and the police department grew along with it, as did Chief Pardini. “I was hired as a patrolman with a high school degree, so I went to night school.” He also read everything he could to learn more about law enforcement and leadership. Chief Pardini said he took to heart a quote on leadership from August Vollmer, a leading figure in the development of the field of criminal justice in the United States in the early 20th century: “Surround yourself with people smarter than you.” Chief Pardini recognized that training was a key to success, so while police chief, he made sure that all of the officers got the training necessary to do the job right. He said watching his staff grow into true professionals was especially gratifying. Upper St. Clair Township Manager Matthew Serakowski commented, “I am proud to say I had the opportunity to work with Ron for the past 20 years. Ron Pardini has had an exemplary career. He established standards for policing, setting the bar high for his officers in Upper St. Clair, and providing the blueprint for other police departments to emulate throughout the region. With almost 45 years of service, he has dedicated his life to his profession and to the Township of Upper St. Clair.” While Chief Pardini has responded to many calls through the years, he fondly remembers one when he and now retired Lt. Don Daugherty, both patrolmen at the time, delivered a baby girl. The Chief said, “Helping people and knowing I made a difference in positive ways was very, very rewarding.” Chief Pardini doesn’t plan on slowing down after his June retirement. In addition to overseeing his rental property, Ron is looking forward to fly fishing, continuing with Judo every Tuesday evening, and “playing as much golf as I can.” Ron also likes music and plans to watch some of the movies that he missed over the years, and occasionally take some time to relax, smoke a cigar, and enjoy a good glass of wine. But the thing that Chief Pardini is most anticipating is spending more time with family—especially his wife, Nancy, and his children Ron, John, David, and Dana who are local, and Brian who lives in Maryland. “Nancy supported me in everything I wanted to do,” said Chief Pardini, “and I think she’s the greatest gal on the planet!” n Fall 2013
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USC Recreation and Leisure Services
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Bounty at Boyce Mayview Park Fall Fest Come and celebrate the splendor of autumn at the fifth annual Bounty at Boyce Mayview Park Fall Fest on Saturday, November 9, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities will take place throughout Boyce Mayview Park, including at the
C&RC and The Outdoor Classroom. There is a bounty of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages! Festivities begin at 11 a.m. with the Plunge with the Pumpkins event held in the C&RC’s indoor aquatics center. While at the C&RC, attendees can also make some decorative crafts, maneuver through an obstacle course, sip cider, have their faces painted, and drop off their entries for the baking contest. Don’t forget to head outdoors to purchase lunch from one of many food vendors, take a family hike through the park, try your hand at the apple sling shot station, and enjoy some tasty treats around the campfire.
Arts & Chocolate Spectacular The Community & Recreation Center (C&RC) at Boyce Mayview Park celebrated its second annual Arts & Chocolate Spectacular this past April. Patrons were treated to a variety of sweet treats from bakers and chocolatiers. People’s Choice awards went to The Pie Place for best chocolate dessert and best dessert presentation, Joyce’s Copper Kettle Fudge for best chocolate candy, and The Sweet Shoppe & Nut House for best candy presentation. An abundant array of art by young artists was on display, as the event showcased nearly 200 pieces of artwork from students of USC and surrounding community school districts. Best in Show winners were Heather DeMarino (Canon Mac HS), Riley McGrady (Canon Mac MS), and Emma Skeel (USC’s Eisenhower Elementary). Performing artists, including multiple dance companies, a choral group, individual artists, and a jazz combo, entertained the crowd from the main stage in the lobby. Families visited the craft room and community rooms, where children painted with chocolate, made tissue paper flower lollipops, decorated river rocks to place in the community rock garden near the C&RC parking lot, had their faces painted, and created artwork at the Zentangle® table. More information on the third annual Arts & Chocolate Spectacular will be provided in the 2014 Spring/Summer Recreation Guide, online under the C&RC section of the Township website (www.twpusc.org), and in TODAY’s 2014 spring edition. n
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Fall 2013
Beginning in September, visit the Township website at www.twpusc.org for a complete list of planned activities and a registration form for the baking contest. n
Interested in volunteering? Contact Lynn Walcoff at 412-221-1099, extension 655, or email Lynn at walcoff@twpusc.org.
www.twpusc.org 412-221-1099
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C&RC Swim Lessons— “Best Swim Classes in Pittsburgh” Located in our own backyard,
KDKA recently chose the Community & Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park as one of the 2013 Top Six Best Swim Classes in Pittsburgh. The C&RC is pleased to offer the American Red Cross Learn to Swim Program for swimmers ages six months through 13 years old. Group swim lessons are taught by seasoned, WSI certified instructors who have many years of experience. Offering low swimmer to instructor ratios, there are various pool areas to accommodate each age level.
In addition to group lessons, private swim lessons are available to fit your personal schedule and individual goals. Swimmers can schedule private lessons at a variety of times, including mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends. These lessons offer one-on-one instruction and are tailored to your personal needs and swimming goals. Both group and private lessons are available year-round and can be registered for at www.twpusc.org (group lessons only) or in person at the C&RC.
Registration for the fall/winter sessions opens this month. Spots fill quickly. Sign up today! n
United Senior Citizens of USC Senior Highlight—Frank A. Kohler, Jr. Born
in
P i t t s b u rg h ’s Lawrenceville area, Frank A. Kohler, Jr. graduated from Central Catholic High School, earned a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh in 1952, Frank Kohler, Jr. and did graduate studies in sanitary engineering at Penn State. In 1955, he married Dottie Koenig of Millvale, and they eventually settled in Upper St. Clair. They raised six children, two of whom live in USC, and have 13 grandchildren. Life with six children was busy and active. The family has been longtime members at Our Lady of Grace Church, camped at Deer Valley YMCA Camp for 15 years, and had a cottage and boat at Conneaut Lake, near Meadville. Vacations were spent traveling around the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Britain, and Frank and Dottie took nine cruises! Frank worked with two Boy Scout troops as a committeeman and merit badge counselor, and enjoyed touch football, softball, volleyball, swimming, tennis, and boating. Frank had an active professional life as an engineer. He worked as a surveyor and sanitation engineer in Pennsylvania and
Colorado, and was awarded the George Warren Fuller (the founder of modern water sanitation) award in 1994 for outstanding service to the waterworks industry. But of all the jobs that Frank has held, his favorite one was one of his earliest—working at Kennywood, taking care of the horses and ponies at the pony track. “WWII had ended that summer and everyone was very happy,” said Frank. Fifteen years ago Frank and Dottie joined the United Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair. Dottie, who actually joined the group first, passed away in January 2010. Frank has remained an active member, coming weekly for lunch and the program. He serves on the group’s board of directors and is involved in programming for the group. “The group offers a broad crosssection of people in my age group. We have weekly programs and trips, which I enjoy very much. Because of the United Senior Citizens, I have a larger circle of friends in the Township,” said Frank. n
Senior Social at the C&RC
When: Saturday, November 2, 2-4 p.m. Where: Community & Recreation Center Who: Ages 50 and up Co-sponsor: Yes, You Can Dance! Fall 2013
Resources for Seniors Gold Card
Offered by the USC School District to residents age 62 and older. Card admits holder to School District drama and musical performances, athletic events, and other events free of charge. Applications at School District reception desk at 1820 McLaughlin Run Road.
Silver Card
Offered by USC Township to residents age 62 or older. Card admits holder to the Municipal three-hole golf course, outdoor tennis facilities, Community & Recreation Center specified programs, and other activities designated and sponsored by the Township of Upper St. Clair. Applications are available at the Community & Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park. ACCESS 65 PLUS is a shared-ride transportation service program for senior citizens age 65 and older. Contact Amy Kerman, Upper St. Clair Township older adult coordinator, at 412-221-1099, ext. 603, for information about this program and for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Senior Citizen identification card for the Port Authority Transit (PAT) system. Contact Older Adult Coordinator Amy Kerman 412-221-1099, extension 603 kerman@twpusc.org UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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Watching an equipment demonstration
Public Works Day Upper St. Clair’s Public Works Department celebrated Public Works
Day again this year by hosting an open house on May 21. In addition to opening the event to the public, over 300 USC elementary students came to the Public Works building located on Truxton Drive and spent time learning about what these valuable employees do each day to make our community such a wonderful place to live. n
Personalizing the snow plow Planting flowers
Recycling Update
Each student got to decorate their own hard hat.
Ron Sarrick, USC Township Buildings/Grounds and Sustainability Administrator While enjoying the remaining days of summer, make note of the following fall dates and information regarding recycling. Personal Document Destruction: Break away from the house and have all of your old personal documents safely destroyed onsite at the Township municipal building’s parking lot. USC’s next document destruction event will coordinate with the E-cycling program on Saturday, October 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The cost of document destruction is $5 per banker’s box, $8 for a double-size box, and $0.16 per pound bulk. (We apologize to those of you who may have experienced problems with the bulk pricing. This has since been corrected with the service provider.) The program continues to grow, and our residents recycled 3250 pounds of paper, or 1.65 tons. This translates into 27 trees saved, 11,350 gallons of water saved, and 8.25 cubic yards of landfill saved! Community Day: What a great day to celebrate our USC community. Thanks to everyone who stopped at booth #3, the Township’s booth for recycling and trash information. Winners of the recycling game won a USC “We Recycle” shopping tote provided by our recycling hauler, Waste Management. Many of you were very knowledgeable about recycling, and folks learned more about single stream recycling. Two of the
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most common myths are that 1) containers need to be washed and 2) materials need to be separated. Save the water! Containers need not be thoroughly cleaned or completely emptied. Being a “single stream” recycling community means that all recyclable items can be placed in one container. Spoiled contents should be separated and placed in the trash. To keep disposable food item odors confined, use an old bread bag or similar type bag. The Township provides a “Trash and Recycling Information” guide to help answer your questions on this topic. America Recycles Day: Friday, November 15 is a day of information exchange about the effects of recycling within our community, region, and nation, and the changes it has made for a sustainable lifestyle. Last year, I asked several folks from various Township groups and a few recycling enthusiasts to help distribute information during the E-cycling and Bounty at Boyce Mayview Park Fall Fest events. Plenty of feedback came from several longtime residents and some transplanted west coast folks, as well. Apparently, the west coast has established its recycling dominance, at least according to the families with whom we spoke. Rechargeable Battery Collection: Bring your spent rechargeable batteries to the USC Township Library anytime during hours of operation. Look for the “Call 2 Recycle” box in the entry lobby and place your batteries in the plastic bags that are provided on the box. The batteries will be sent to a collection point for recycling. There are also “Call 2 Recycle” boxes in retail stores around the community to meet your battery disposal needs. E-Cycling: Taking place every second Saturday of the month at the Township municipal building’s parking lot adjacent to the Veterans Monument Park is our community’s E-cycling. The service has expanded to include dorm-size refrigerators, window air conditioners, and dehumidifiers. A $15 fee applies for refrigerant removal of these items. n
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Fall Checklist… and More
Gary Schafer, USC Township Parks and Forestry Administrator Summer days are winding down and the fall festivals are starting to gear up. It is time to mark the calendar with all of the home and yard chores so you can be well prepared to have some fun this fall. Here is a list of dates to keep you on track and ready for the fall rewards. • September 2–Labor Day. Labor Day became a national holiday due to the labor movement dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. This day of recognition pays tribute to the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. If you have a chance to celebrate this special day with family and friends or possibly at a parade, also recognize those who provide the necessary daily services in your lives. • September 14–every second Saturday of the month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., you can participate in the E-cycling of your old electronics, located at the Township’s administrative building parking lot (1820 McLaughlin Run Road) near Clair’s Kennel. • September 14–Fertilize and make all of your lawn repairs. Aerate, overseed, and/or top-dress with compost now to have a thick lush green lawn next summer. • September 21–Oktoberfest begins! Need I say more? Actually, I do. Oktoberfest runs the next 16 days, so pace yourself with fun-filled food and good times. • September 28–Flower rotation time. The summer annual flowers are fading fast and the threat of a frost can happen at any time. With the weather we experienced this year, you just never know what Mother Nature will throw our way. Choose some nice mums, ornamental kale and cabbage, or pansies to complement the changing colors of the leaves in your yard. • October 12–E-cycling and documents shredding, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., located at the Township’s administrative building parking lot near Clair’s Kennel. Time to lighten the load around your house. Fees apply for the document shredding. Check the Township website at www.twpusc.org for complete information. • October 19–Leaf and yard debris pick
up begins every Saturday from now until November 23. Remember that this debris is composted to make the very beneficial leaf compost available to all residents, so please only place your yard waste in the paper bags. Plastic bags and other garbage do not break down and cause litter problems at the Township facility and to the end users of the compost. • October 26–Hopefully this will be the last time the grass will need to be mowed. If so, time to wash off the mower, drain the gas, and put it to rest for the winter. Oh, and don’t forget to pick up some treats for the coming holiday. • October 31–Halloween and trick or treating throughout the Township from 6-8 p.m. • November 3–Daylight Savings Time begins. Fall back and take advantage of an extra hour of sleep or relaxation on Sunday morning. • November 5–Election Day. • November 9–Bounty at Boyce Mayview Park Fall Fest is a great festival for the kids and adults featuring good food, crafts, and other activities. Last year the apple sling shot was a sure pleaser! • November 11–Pay respect to all veterans and current military personnel who have served our country. • November 16–Fertilize your lawn. A good fertilizer with nitrogen and phosphorous will provide your grass the necessary root development for a great looking lawn in the spring. In case you haven’t had the chance, aerate and overseed the lawn now. Hurry, though; time is running out! • November 28–Thanksgiving. If you choose to try the deep fried turkey, make sure the turkey is thawed and patted dry. The excess water can cause the fryer to boil over and burst into flames. Not too many guests prefer extra crispy turkey! • November 30–Plant your fall bulbs. Although you might have already planted them, this is about the last chance that the ground will not be frozen. Besides, the many fun-filled December activities will keep you busy with other things! • December 31–Have a very happy and safe New Year’s Eve! n Fall 2013
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T What’s Up @ Your Library?
Author Luncheon
September 16: Awakening the Dreamer with Rose Lord October 7: Tai Chi for Health with Gurney Bolster, certified Tai Chi Instructor October 10: Walk in the Woods at Boyce Mayview Park, 1:30-3 p.m. October 10: Pittsburgh’s Role in the Civil War with Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Len Barcousky October 28: Consciousness After Death: Reality or Fantasy with Ed Ozosky of Hauntings Research Group Programs begin at 7 p.m., unless otherwise stated. For more information and to register, call the library.
Dr. Laura Engel
St. Clair Country Club was the location of the 2013 spring Author Luncheon “Lunch with Jane.” Dr. Laura Engel of Duquesne University did a great job channeling the spirit of Jane Austen and gave the group a look into her life and the fashions of the time. Vintage tea cups served as centerpieces and door prizes. Watch for information for the 2014 luncheon in the next issue of TODAY.
Are You a Library Friend?
Help celebrate the many years that Friends have supported the library during National Friends of the Library Week, October 20-26. Since 1974 when the first Friends of the Library book sale netted $870, the Friends have contributed over $344,000 to USC Township Library operations. Friends have purchased furniture and books, covered program fees, funded the kids’ summer reading program, and, most recently, contributed to the new technology programs. You can help. Friend your library today!
Friends of the Library of Upper St. Clair Membership Form Enjoying the Author Luncheon
Yes, I agree that Upper St. Clair Township Library is a valuable resource in my community. I would like to help support its programs and services. Please accept my taxdeductible donation. (Check payable to Friends of the Library of Upper St. Clair.) $__________ $5 per household + $__________ (additional donation) = __________ Total
USC Connect
Let us bring the library to you! If you are unable to get to the library on your own, library staff can set up a regular monthly delivery to your door, providing you with regular and large print books, audiobooks, and DVDs. You are eligible if you have: • a short- or long-term illness • a senior non-driver status • a physical challenge • a visual disability Examples of people who might use this service are a pregnant woman on bed rest, a person with a broken leg, or persons undergoing treatment for cancer or other serious illnesses. Registration is easy! Simply call the library at 412-835-5540 and ask for Diane or Helen. 60
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Date: ______________________________________________ Name: _____________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________________ Email: _____________________________________________
Your email address will only be used to notify you about upcoming Friends sales and activities
_____Yes, you can call me for occasional volunteer opportunities. Friends of the Library of Upper St. Clair 1820 McLaughlin Run Road USC, PA 15241 uscfriends@gmail.com
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New Book Alerts
Even better than browsing the new book area at the library, this is the absolute best way to see what’s new at your library! Online, you can view items that are checked out or on hold 24/7, anytime, anywhere.
Everyone’s Online @ the Library From the Director’s Desk
Technology has transformed how almost everything in our world functions. The following statistics are enlightening: • 80% of job openings are now listed only online. • 80% of teachers now deliver homework online. • 90% of questions asked at the library are answered with online sources. • 92% of people online use email and 294 billion emails are sent every day; unfortunately, four out of five of those emails are spam—i.e., junk mail. • In 2012, the average U.S. household saved $8870 by purchasing online. A new type of literacy, one more specific than the ability to read and write, is necessary to function effectively in our 21st century digital society. Businesses expect their workers to have basic computer and Internet literacy skills. Doctors expect their
Bridging Cultures: Muslim Journeys
Have you ever wondered what a hajib is, or what is involved with the Islamic Sharia law? During the month of September, you can find some anwers in a special display of books and videos at the library provided through a National Endownment for the Humanities (NEH) grant. These materials, according to the NEH, are “intended to address the American public’s need and desire for trustworthy and accessible resources about Muslim beliefs and practices and the cultural heritage associated with Islamic civilizations.” USC Township Library is one of 840 libraries and state humanities councils nationwide receiving this special collection of materials. Library programs to help inform you about the people, places, history, faith, and cultures of Muslims in the U.S. and around the world are scheduled. A selection of Islamic artifacts to see and explore will be available at all programs. All library patrons are welcome to attend. Events take place at 7 p.m. at the library, unless otherwise noted.
Weekly, New Book Alerts lists each item added to the library collection. From the library’s homepage, click on the New Book Alerts image and you’ll see a list of all new items. You can select to view a specific category—new DVDs, the new kids’ books, or new science books—to narrow your search. Find something you want? Click the “Check Catalog” button and you’ll be taken to the library catalog to place a hold. There is a link to sign up for a weekly email, alerting you that the new weekly list has been posted. Don’t worry if you miss an alert, from the webpage you can select to view a month’s worth of new additions. Try it out today! patients to track their healthcare online. Being cut off from the Internet today means being cut off from educational resources, employment opportunities, health care information, social networks, and government services. For those of us who grew up in a non-digital world, learning the technology of the Internet, iPhones, cameras, and other digital devices is like learning a foreign language. Skype? Tumblr? Web Apps? Wordles? Swipe bars? Pinching? Cloud Computing? Vine? We need new skills, a new vocabulary, and the ability to think digitally to effectively navigate the multidimensional and fast-paced cyberspace environment. Don’t be left out of a world of limitless opportunities, information, and entertainment. Individual and small group sessions at the library are focused specifically on helping you become digitally literate. Sign up for a session today. Everyone can be online @ the library!
September 4: The Cooks Book Group will discuss Arabesque: A Taste of Morocco, Turkey & Lebanon, by Claudia Roden. September 5: Imam AbduSemi’h Tadese, from the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh, will speak on Living Muslim in Pennsylvania. September 6: Conversation Salon will discuss the topic of Islam. September 13: The Islamic Center of Pittsburgh. Arrival time is 12:30 p.m. Call the library for details. September 16: Thrills & Chills Book Group will discuss Finding Nouf (a mystery set in Saudi Arabia) by Zoe Ferraris. September 24: The Library Ladies Book Group will discuss The Butterfly Mosque by G. Willow Wilson. October 1: The Men’s Book Group will discuss House of Stone by Anthony Shadid.
The Bridging Cultures Bookshelf: Muslim Journeys is a project of the National Endowment for the Humanities, conducted in cooperation with the American Library Association, the Ali Vural Ak Center for Global Islamic Studies at George Mason University, Oxford University Press, and Twin Cities Public Television. Support was provided by a grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York; additional support for the arts and media components was provided by the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art. Fall 2013
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T Kids & Teens Weekend Fun @ the Library
Dear Parents,
ck to school and the kids will be going ba Summer’s ending, and ts of school-age ren icular activities. Busy pa back to lots of extracurr y. rar lib squeeze in a visit to the kids often find it hard to year and to ool sch the library during the I encourage you to use ld. chi r continue to enrich you share ways the library can homework. place for kids to do their • The library is a great the novelty ps ha per two quiet study rooms, ework With lots of tables and hom d goo library will encourage of doing homework at the habits. to the collections ion collection and access • The library’s non-fict research for th Libraries can help wi of all Allegheny County rary when lib the ’s important to come to projects and reports. It the library if y, an assignment. That wa e to request your child is first given tim ve ha rary staff will lib , ded nee ks boo the ve doesn’t ha y. them from another librar re than one d two printers allow mo an s ter pu com • Seven ’ll see your kids you time. Possibly, e sam the at m the use student to assignments. d more time completing an g uin arg e tim s les spending who have books can help students • The collection of audio ks to read reading disabilities. rly and checking out boo ula reg y rar lib the ing • Visit g. Reading is like spend more time readin encourages your kids to ficient you you practice, the more pro any other skill: the more become. rary staff is at the library and the lib You’re always welcome Come visit real soon. always available to help! Sincerely, arian Debra Conn, Your Libr
Come to the library on the weekends and experience great programs! As always, consult the library website or visit the library for complete program information. Weekend programs are for kids of all ages, but please bring a grown-up with you! Story Weekend—Dates to be announced Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sundays, 1-4:30 p.m. Make It Weekend—Dates to be announced Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sundays, 1-4:30 p.m. Celebrate Halloween—October 26-27 Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sunday, 1-4:30 p.m. Celebrate Thanksgiving—November 22-27 Monday–Thursday, 9:30 a.m.- 8:30 p.m. Friday–Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sunday, 1-4:30 p.m. Celebrate the Winter Holidays—December 16-23 Monday–Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Friday–Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sunday, 1-4:30 p.m.
Summer Reading Wrap Up
It was a great summer at the library and the summer reading program was off the charts thanks to the many supporters of the library’s summer program who, collectively, donated a combination of money, prizes, and time: Friends of the Library of Upper St. Clair, AMF Mt. Lebanon Lanes, Allegheny County Parks Department, Applebee’s, Ardolino’s Pizza, Build-A-Bear Workshop®, Carnegie Museum of Art and Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Science Center, Chick-fil-A, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, Community & Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park, Cool Springs Golf and Family Recreation Center, Dari Delite, Donut Connection, Fired Up Pottery Studio LLC, Iceoplex@Southpointe, Learning Express Toys, Little Lake Theatre Company, McDonald’s, Olive Garden, Pati Petite Cookies Inc. LLC, Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, Pepperoni’s, Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, Inc., Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, Primanti Bros., Snapology, StonePepper’s Grill, Target North Fayette, Target South Hills Village, Texas Roadhouse, TGI Friday’s, Trader Joe’s, Washington Wild Things. Activities help to get kids involved in reading. 62
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First child reporting for the Summer Reading program
Hours @ Your Library
Monday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Outside book and video return available 24/7 Items collected daily at 9 a.m. The library is closed Sunday, September 1 and Monday, September 2 for Labor Day. The library is closed summer Sundays through September 1.
www.twpusc.org
412-835-5540
T Kids & Teens Use, Share, Connect Technology @ USC Library
While thinking about engaging teens at the library during the summer, teen librarian Colleen Miles had an interesting idea. Why not give teens the opportunity to make short films using a stop motion animation app on iPads? If they used nursery rhymes and fairy tales for inspiration, the resulting movies could be shown during younger kids’ programs. It was an idea that fit perfectly with the library’s vision. Teens would Use technology, Share with younger kids, and Connect with their inner artists. In further discussions, the topic turned to other ways community needs could be fulfilled with library iPads. What other programs could provide access to evolving technology for all residents, helping everyone to Use, Share, and Connect to the digital world? Three primary goals evolved. • Digital literacy training and information on digital productivity tools will be the focus of small group sessions for adults. • Teens and tweens will use the iPads for creative and collaborative projects. • Parents will be provided with information on educational apps, websites, and digital books, and the opportunity to use the iPads in the library with their children. How could the library fund these programs? The library budget for e-resources was a starting point, but was not enough for all the new devices needed. Library trustee Paula Holmes, who had been involved in the initial stop motion animation discussions, pledged initial seed money to get the teen project started. After explaining the expanded projects to the Friends of the Library board of directors, a portion of their annual contribution to the library was
Small group workshops for adults focused on how to use an iPad and information about apps, particularly the Overdrive app through which library ebooks can be downloaded for free.
designated for the technology programs. The final and most important piece of the funding puzzle fell into place with the enthusiastic support of the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair, who considered the library’s proposal, and agreed to be the major funder of these new digital initiatives. With the combined grant monies, the library purchased eight iPads, an Apple TV, a television on a mobile cart, and a MacBook laptop. The library continues to offer workshops and programs to help residents of all ages with digital skills and, in particular, help them to use iPads effectively, creatively, and innovatively. As an example of the innovative use during the summer, teens and tweens used stop motion animation apps to create original videos of fairy tales and nursery rhymes. These videos will be shown and narrated by their creators at a special program for children and can also be seen on Cable 7. A g re a t b i g t h a n k y o u t o t h e Community Foundation and the Friends for their support of Use, Share, Connect, technology @ USC Library!
Upcoming Classes
This fall, the library will offer a wide variety of classes for children of all ages. Its popular storytime sessions begin Monday, September 30 and run through Friday, November 8. This six-week series offers children, parents, grandparents, and caregivers many opportunities to visit the library, hear stories, and have a good time. Registration for fall classes begins Wednesday, September 18. A complete list and all program information can be found at the library or at its website: http://www. twpusc.org/library/library-home. Babies & Toddlers Children ages 4 to 24 months with a parent, grandparent, or caregiver Mondays or Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Twos & Threes Children 2 to 3 ½ years of age with a parent, grandparent, or caregiver Tuesdays at 11 a.m. Wednesdays at 10 or 11 a.m. Thursdays at 10 a.m. Pre-School Storytime Children 3 ½, 4, or 5 years of age who are ready to spend a half hour on their own Thursdays at 1:45 p.m. Fridays at 10 a.m. or 1:45 p.m. Math Mites Children 4 and 5 years of age who are not yet attending kindergarten Wednesdays at 1:15 or 2:15 p.m. Library Explorers: Explore the Animal Kingdom Children who are currently in kindergarten Tuesdays at 10 a.m. or 1:45 p.m. BookTrek: Animal Antics Children in 1st to 4th grades Tuesdays or Wednesdays at 4 p.m.
Cat Invasion
Next time you’re at the library, check out the new cat chairs. They’re made for young kids, and are quite sturdy and cute! Adults see right away that the chairs are cats, but our young visitors are not so sure. Library staff has been told numerous times by our young visitors that these great chairs, purchased with funds provided by the Friends of the Library of Upper St. Clair, are dinosaurs. We’ll leave it to you to decide.
Education apps, which focused on literacy and math and science, were shared with kids and their parents as a part of summer activity programs. Teen volunteers served as mentors for these hands-on activities. Fall 2013
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T General Election—Tuesday, November 5, 2013 Polls Open 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
Tuesday, October 7, 2013, is Voter Registration Deadline Date. (Date subject to change pending Pennsylvania legislative action.)
If you have questions regarding the election, registration, or absentee ballots, please call the Allegheny County Elections Department at 412-350-4500 or visit www.twpusc.org. The Township Library and the post office have voter registration forms. Check the Township website to verify the location of the polling place closer to the General Election date. Ward District Polling Place 1
1
Township Building, Library Multi-purpose Room, Ground Floor–McLaughlin Run Road
1
2
Baker Elementary School, Gymnasium–Morton Road
1
3
Fort Couch Middle School–Gymnasium Miranda Drive entrance
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Fort Couch Middle School–Gymnasium Miranda Drive entrance
2
1
Fort Couch Middle School–Gymnasium Miranda Drive entrance
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Westminster Presbyterian Church–Washington Road
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Fort Couch Middle School–Gymnasium Miranda Drive entrance
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Fort Couch Middle School–Gymnasium Miranda Drive entrance
Ward District Polling Place 3 1 Recreation Center–McLaughlin Run Road 3
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St. Louise de Marillac Business Office (rear)–McMurray Road
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Recreation Center–McLaughlin Run Road
4
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Baker Elementary School, Gymnasium–Morton Road
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Boyce Middle School, Gymnasium–Boyce Road
4
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Boyce Middle School, Gymnasium–Boyce Road
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4
Boyce Middle School, Gymnasium–Boyce Road
5
1
Wesley Spectrum Services, Gymnasium–Johnston Road
5
2
Wesley Spectrum Services, Gymnasium–Johnston Road
5
3
Boyce Middle School, Gymnasium–Boyce Road
Sanitary Sewer Backups AND your homeowner’s coverage The Township maintains over 158 miles of underground sewer lines. There is no way to predict when the next sanitary sewer backup will occur. And while only a handful of our residents experience a significant sanitary sewer backup each year, we know that when it does occur, it is a distressing situation. It can be even more devastating if a resident is not insured for losses—losses that can easily run into tens of thousands of dollars. Sewer Backup Insurance Homeowners can alleviate possible sewer-related damage expenses by contacting their property insurance provider to verify that they have sewer backup coverage. Most homeowners’ insurance policies do not automatically include coverage for these occurrences. Given the potential for significant loss, it would be advisable for homeowners served by a public sewer system, particularly those with finished basements, to obtain some level of coverage. Lastly, if you experience a floor drain backup or otherwise suspect a sanitary sewer problem, contact the Township’s Public Works Department immediately at 412-831-9000, extension 271.
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2013-14 Trash-Recycling Holiday Collection Week of Labor Day................. Thursday, September 5 and Friday, September 6 Week of Thanksgiving Day.... Friday, November 29 Week of Christmas................. Thursday, December 26 and Friday, December 27 Week of New Year’s................ Thursday, January 2 and Friday, January 3
2013 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 the following six Saturdays: October 19, 26; November 2, 9, 16 and 23.
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Growing with Leaps and Wiggles! Jessica Kester, Program Manager, The Outdoor Classroom
www.TheOutdoorClassroomPA.org
We’re growing at The Outdoor Classroom! Our senior staff is now up to three, yes three, amazing educators: myself, John Masilunas, our program administrator, and Ashley Hazlett, our new senior program facilitator. Our programs are growing, too! Team Tadpole is a brand new program at The Outdoor Classroom funded by PNC’s Grow Up Great program. The Classroom will visit up to 50 different pre-school centers around the Pittsburgh region to provide fun, hands-on activities, introducing students ages two through six to the wonders of the natural world around them. Working beside PNC volunteers, Ashley and The Outdoor Classroom staff will excite, engage, and encourage underserved youth and their educators through 2013 and Looking for rattle snakes with the family beyond. We will still offer our wide range of on-site programs to children and adults. So whether you’re young at heart or have a youngster, be sure to check out our upcoming programs. n
August 2013 September 2013 3
Garden Gang–free
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Amphibians & Reptiles of Pennsylvania Live Animal Presentation
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Invasive Pull–free
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“Fairy” Homes & Gardens
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Fall Wild Edibles with Faith Starr
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Garden Gang–free
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Moonstruck Full Moon Hike
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Cozy Campfire
Look, a rattle snake!
A Note from Ashley and Team Tadpole
Ashley Hazlett, Senior Program Facilitator, The Outdoor Classroom
I’ve always had a great love for the outdoors, which naturally led me to the path I’m Miss Ashley, at the creek on today. My parents played a big role in my development as we spent countless hours outside hiking, watching wildlife, and just enjoying the fresh air while I grew up. Following my passion for the outdoors, I attended Slippery Rock University and graduated in the spring of 2013 with a master’s degree in park and resource management. I then hopped on board at The Outdoor Classroom as the senior program facilitator in charge of the new Team Tadpole program. Working in a setting like The Outdoor Classroom is exactly what I’ve always wanted. What better office than the outdoors? I’m excited to begin working with the pre-school students who are participating in the Team Tadpole program. I’m thrilled that I get to be a part of the introduction to nature that many of these children have yet to experience. While I am eager to teach these kids a thing or two about nature, I’m also excited to see what they can teach me. Supported by PNC’s Grow Up Great program, Team Tadpole is taking leaps and bounds in the right direction, introducing children to nature and showing them they can enjoy the outdoors at any age and make a difference. Promoting stewardship of the land is something that we at The Outdoor Classroom truly cherish. I look forward to watching the program unfold and to seeing lots of smiling faces in the process. n Fall 2013
Cozy Campfire
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October 2013 3
Pittsburgh Foundation’s Day of Giving!
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RADical Day in the Park–free
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Flashlight Hike
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Leaf Day and ASWP Presents Project Feeder Watch–free
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Pioneers in the Park
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Moonstruck Full Moon Hike
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Gardening Trimming–free
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Cub Scouts: Geology Adventure
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Geocaching 101
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Geocaching Autumn Adventure–free
November 2013 1
Fantasy Forest Night–new!
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Bounty at Boyce Mayview Park Fall Fest–free
10
Orienteering
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S.O.D. Hike–Fall Birding
17
Moonstruck Full Moon Hike
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Members of the fire department will hook up to a nearby fire hydrant, aim the nozzle high in the air, and spray water for everyone to run under… and yes, that includes adults! Who doesn’t like the “stay cool” feeling of a spray on a hot summer afternoon? A visit from the USCVFD is great way to turn your block party from a “same as last year” event into one that everyone will remember. And, better yet, it’s free! Derek Nicodemus, Vice President, USCVFD While we are at your block party, stop by the truck and introIn addition to volunteer firefighters who wake up in duce yourself. We enjoy the opportunity to meet residents and the middle of the night to respond to a house fire, false fire alarm, interact in a casual, fun setting rather than the task of gathering car accident, smell of natural gas, or any other emergency, mem- information about an emergency or fire. Contact the fire departbers of the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department (USCVFD) ment next year for your planned block party or other event. are also involved in activities that do not necessarily involve risk. These visits can be scheduled by calling the fire department and Some of these more enjoyable and relaxed activities include fire speaking with the fire prevention coordinator. As you may or may not know, the USCVFD is fully staffed prevention programs, parades, birthday parties, school functions, community events, and career days. Another common activity, by volunteers. Every event—emergency or planned—is manned with volunteer firefighters who take the time out of their day to occurring all summer long, are neighborhood block parties. Imagine a hot summer day, enjoying great food and games with make yours better and safer. As always, the USCVFD thanks you for your donations and your neighbors. You suddenly hear the sound of a siren and look up to see a fire engine making the turn onto your street. Only support and wishes you a fun end to your summer as we get ready this time it’s not to attend to an emergency or house fire, but to for fall. Don’t forget to LIKE us on Facebook! n provide a cool response. The cool spray from the fire truck at a summer block party
Cool Response
King Picks TCS for Eagle Scout Project Erecting a memorial with the Star of Life emblem in front of TriCommunity South EMS headquarters in Bethel Park, Will King, a 17-year-old Upper St. Clair High School student, successfully completed his Eagle Scout project. The
To each side of the newly erected memorial are, left to right, John Bower, EMT-P and paramedic supervisor Tri-Community South EMS, and Will King 66
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
project, which took months of planning, was completed this past May. Will said he chose this project to honor the work that Tri-Community South EMS personnel do every day in the communities it serves: Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park, and South Park. Spanning three weekends, Will, along with other local scouts and their parents, excavated dirt, poured a foundation, erected a stone wall featuring a Star of Life plaque, and landscaped the area with flowers. Will used the Star of Life for the plaque because it symbolizes EMS. The Star of Life is a blue, six-pointed star outlined with a white border and features the Rod of Asclepius in its center. The rod, a snake emblem, is widely used as the symbol for medical care. The star’s six points signify the six main tasks executed by rescuers in the emergency chain: 1. Detection: The first rescuers on the scene, usually untrained civilians or those involved in the incident, observe the scene, understand the
problem, identify the dangers to themselves and others, and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety on the scene (environment, electricity, chemicals, radiation, etc.). 2. Reporting: The call for professional help is made and dispatch is connected with the victims. 3. Response: The first rescuers provide first aid and immediate care to the extent of their capabilities. 4. On Scene Care: EMS personnel arrive and provide immediate care to the extent of their capabilities on-scene. 5. Care in Transit: EMS personnel proceed to transfer the patient to a hospital using an ambulance or helicopter as necessary, providing medical care during transportation. 6. Transfer to Definitive Care: Appropriate specialized care is provided at the hospital. n
For information about medical emergency services, call Tri-Community South at 412-831-3710, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. or visit TCS’s website at www.tscms.org. Fall 2013
Get back to it. Enjoy life again pain-free. 1145 Bower Hill Road, Suite 301 412-276-7022 theorthopedicgroup.com MM/CL-USCT/7-13
A Trip to Remember Continued from page 17
The next day we headed for Des Moines, a short drive from Omaha. Des Moines is where I grew up, and I wanted to show Nick some of my earlier homes, my old high school, and my college alma mater, Drake University. The old hometown had changed quite a bit. Expressways now go everywhere, so at times I was lost in my hometown, but we did find the places I wanted to show Nick and I enjoyed the nostalgia. I called Kirk Ferentz, the University of Iowa’s head football coach. As most Upper St. Clair people know, Kirk is a graduate of USC High School and has been a highly successful college coach. I was friends with his parents and have known Kirk since he was a young boy. He and my son, Jim (USCHS Class of ’74), played on some of the same little league teams. Over the years, I’ve stayed in touch with Kirk. I called him from Des Moines and found he had time for us, so we enjoyed a couple of hours visiting with him. Nick got to see the facilities at Iowa and we left with autographs and Iowa football hats and shirts in hand. Nick is now an Iowa fan; I always have been. Chicago was our last stop before
I’m now back in my comfortable chair heading home. We had dinner with my brother-in-law, Bill Roberts, as we planned watching TV and wondering what to do the next day. Bill was our guide, although next. I have plans to join two friends in we had lived in the suburbs of Chicago Minnesota to go fishing soon, but that’s just for nine years before moving to Upper St. a short drive on the heels of my recent trip. Clair in 1964. I showed Nick the house I hope to borrow some of Nick’s country we lived in when his father was born and music to entertain me along the way. I’ll other sites in Northbrook, our town while miss Nick. Recently, he informed me that he’s never there. We drove along the north shore and onto the outer drive along Lake Michigan, been east of Monroeville. Something else a most impressive sight. We walked along to think about and plan, the good Lord Navy Pier and endured monster lines to willing. n go up the Sears Tower, a view worth the wait. We had our last dinner “on the road” and made it a good one. We left Chicago early the next morning and at this point, we were both ready to get home. We managed to wash some clothes during our trip, but living out of a suitcase for three weeks did make your own closet and bed look quite good. During our adAir Force Museum in Tucson venture, we logged 6700 miles. It was a memorable trip and to say Jim shares his excursion to encourage other people his age to “do some things they’ve been putting off, thinking we had a great time being together they are too old.” is an understatement. Fall 2013
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Health and Wellness
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Health and Wellness What’s the True State of Your Health? Maribeth Twerdok
You’ve tried dieting, you’ve tried including calories burned, sleep, exercise, counting calories, you’ve tried working out. activity level, resting metabolism, body meaYou’ve tried everything, but you still can’t reach surements, eating patterns, meal composition, your health goals! Does this sound familiar? body fat, and nutritional needs. It provides a When the only advice you get from your doctor clear picture of what is behind your inability or dietician is to “eat right and exercise,” it can to lose weight or lower your blood pressure. be confusing and difficult to choose the right Most importantly, LDT is administered and plan to help you succeed; it becomes tempting interpreted by a licensed healthcare profesto just give up. Maybe you’ve tried one type of sional who can effectively pinpoint areas of health or weight loss program simply because concern and provide thorough explanations it sounded good, or perhaps you’ve attempted and a customized health plan. That detailed multiple programs to find one that works. plan, along with the doctor’s guidance and Either approach can be both expensive and det- follow-up, makes it easy to understand exactly rimental to your health. In addition, when you what changes need to be made and how to make discontinue the program, your health problems them. Anita Paris, who has been following her often return. What you may not realize is that LDT recommendations, comments, “Lifestyle unless a plan is designed to take into account Diagnostic Testing showed me what I was doing your specific metabolism and lifestyle, it will to my metabolism. After just seven weeks in the probably not be effective for you. Recently, an program I lost enough weight that my doctor innovative testing program has been developed took me off my blood pressure medication.” to address these issues and give you the critical Dr. Marc Micucci of D&M Chiropractic and information you need to make permanent im- Therapeutic Rehab in Upper St. Clair states, provements in your health; whether you need “This is the first time Lifestyle Diagnostic to lose weight, lower your cholesterol numbers, Testing has been available for patients, and or maintain a healthy blood pressure. It is called we’re the first provider offering the program Lifestyle Diagnostic Testing (LDT). in the Pittsburgh area. Often, PCPs and other LDT was developed by Metafit Solutions, physicians focus on the treatment of symptoms a Pittsburgh-based health and wellness soft- (primarily with medications), instead of deterware company. Established after five years of mining the root causes of chronic conditions. intensive research, it is the most advanced We’ve always stressed the importance of evaluand comprehensive system for measuring and ating the body’s systems as a whole to detect analyzing your body’s metabolism and lifestyle. underlying factors that may be compromising Clinical studies show that 70% of your health health, and LDT will enable us to do that. The is determined by lifestyle, 25% is influenced testing is precise and accurate in determining by genetics, and 5% can be attributed to envi- areas of concern, and we’ve been impressed ronmental factors. Therefore, it is important with the success our patients are having with to carefully monitor your lifestyle to find the the program.” imbalances that may be harming your health. Dr. Deana Micucci concurs, adding, ‘We’re For example, eating the wrong foods or con- proactively involved in our patients’ overall suming the incorrect amount of calories can state of wellness and in removing obstacles disrupt your metabolism. Processed foods can to reaching their health goals. We’re pleased be harmful since those foods offer little or no to be able to provide them with a structured nutritional value and can cause damage to your and personalized system such as Lifestyle body’s metabolic system, resulting in vitamin Diagnostic Testing to resolve medical conditions and mineral deficiencies. When your metabo- like excessive weight gain and hypertension. lism is not functioning properly, it becomes When a patient is enrolled in the program we almost impossible to control conditions such provide a customized solution for them. Weekly as obesity and hypertension. sessions allow us to personally assist them in LDT consists of a series of simple, non- implementing the necessary lifestyle changes invasive, and objective tests. It incorporates that have been determined by their tests. We state-of-the-art metabolic and sensor technol- want to help patients make positive improveogy into specialized software that analyzes ments in their health and to help them sustain over 70 lifestyle factors to detect metabolic those improvements for life.” n imbalances. LDT tracks specific daily factors, For more information or to schedule an appointment with Drs. Marc and Deana Micucci, see ad and contact information on page 68. Fall 2013
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Health and Wellness
Visit us at our new location Diagnostic Services Available Include: Bone Density Testing Ultrasound CT Scan Walk-in X-Ray Echocardiogram Walk-in Electrocardiogram (EKG)* Mammography* Walk-in Laboratory Services Open MRI (blood and urine testing)* *Services with asterisks will be available mid August.
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4198 Washington Road, McMurray PA 15317 724.250.4300
www.whs.org
At What Age Should My Child See the Orthodontist? Seven! Dr. Eric Reitz and Dr. Beth Troy
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist at age seven. Children who are still growing can have positive orthodontic results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have completed their growth. Because children grow rapidly, they can benefit enormously from an early phase of orthodontic treatment, using appliances that direct the growth relationship of the upper and lower jaws. A good dental foundation can be established, providing room for eruption of permanent teeth. This early correction may prevent later removal of permanent teeth to correct overcrowding and/or surgical procedures to align the upper and lower jaws. Leaving such a condition untreated until all permanent teeth erupt could result in a jaw discrepancy too severe to achieve an ideal result with braces alone. The disadvantage of waiting for complete eruption of permanent teeth and having only one phase of treatment for someone with a jaw discrepancy or severe crowding is the possibility of a compromised result that may not be stable. A two-phased orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that encompasses tooth straightening and physical, facial changes. A two-phased treatment maximizes the opportunity to accomplish an ideal healthy, functional, and aesthetically-pleasing result that will remain stable. The goal of the first phase of treatment is to develop the jaw size in order to accommodate the permanent teeth and to relate the upper and lower jaws to one another. Children sometimes 70
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exhibit early signs of jaw problems as they grow and develop. An upper and lower jaw that is growing too much or not enough can be recognized at an early age. If children after age six are found to have this jaw discrepancy, they may be candidates for early orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic records will be necessary to determine what type of appliances should be used, the duration of treatment time, and the frequency of visits. At the end of the first phase of treatment, teeth may not be in their final positions. This will be determined and accomplished in the second phase of treatment. Selective removal of certain primary (“baby�) teeth may be in the best interest of enhancing eruption during this resting phase. Periodic recall appointments for observation are necessary, usually on a three- to six-month basis. The goal of the second phase is to make sure each tooth has an exact location in the mouth and is in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth. With this equilibrium, the teeth will function together properly. The second phase of orthodontics often involves wearing a full set of braces, commonly for two years. We strongly recommend that children see an orthodontist by age seven. Although treatment is not always necessary at this age, it is important to evaluate current tooth positions and jaw relationships and develop a plan for possible future treatment. n Call today for a complimentary consultation. See contact information and ad for Orthodontics by Drs. Reitz and Troy on page 49.
Health and Wellness SOUTH HILLS ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES, P.C.
Derrick J. Fluhme, M.D. Christopher M. Manning, M.D. Eric D. Nabors, M.D. Brett Perricelli, M.D. Damon Combs, DPM
South Hills Orthopaedic Surgery Associates’ team of highly
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Acupuncture and Menopause Maggie Liu, Licensed Acupuncturist Menopause is natural in the lifecycle of women. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), aging can be understood as a draining of life source energy, called Jing Qi. This brings a decline in the body’s own energy, called Qi (pronounced “chee”), which can exaggerate imbalances. As women age, the balance of Yin and Yang energies may result in “overheating” or “over-cooling” of the body system. Symptoms may include: Decline of Yin • Hot flashes • Night sweats • Insomnia • Heart palpitations Decline of Yang • Hypertension • Edema • Weight gain • Water retention In Western medicine, acupuncture is being used more frequently as a complementary treatment for menopausal women. For example, at the Beth Israel Medical
Center Department of Integrative Medicine and the Mayo Clinic in New York City, acupuncture is being used as a complementary treatment for hot flashes in women. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine offer a safe, natural, drug-free and effective way to address menopause. Treatment supports the healing energies of Yin and Yang, providing the body with the building blocks it needs to nourish, heal, and regain balance. At Chinese Acupuncture and Herb Center, Maggie treats each woman individually based on the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and imbalances. By understanding menopausal symptoms from the point of view of a woman’s own Jing Qi and Qi energies, Maggie gets to the root cause, treating with acupuncture and healing herbs. Start today to recharge your body’s natural energy, health, and well-being. n Have questions? See ad on this page for contact information. Fall 2013
CHINESE ACUPUNCTURE & HERBS CENTER
Xuan Maggie Liu, L. Ac, Cheng Charlie Yang, L. Ac
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Mt. Lebanon Professional Building 20 Cedar Blvd., Suite 301 Mt. Lebanon, PA 15228
www.pittsburghacupuncture.com UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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Health and Wellness Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center
Pittsburgh Youth Ballet
ATTENTION UPPER ST. CLAIR RESIDENTS
Skate With Us at the MT. LEBANON RECREATION CENTER Open Year Round with Something for Everyone Learn-to-Skate Classes/ Beginner & Advanced Hockey Clinics Youth Developmental & Adult Hockey Leagues Public Skating Figure Skating Sessions Daily Adult Skating & Instructional Programs Speed Skating * Broomball Birthday Party Packages Call the Recreation Center at 412-561-4363 for times and rates Or visit us online at www.mtlebanon.org
Gluten-Free Diet Fad Dr. David Limauro
Drew Brees, Jennifer Esposito,
Mariel Hemingway, Scarlett Johansson, Novak Djokovic, Justin Morneau, and Lady Gaga. Add to that list, me, Dr. David Limauro. What do I have in common with these “Type A” listers? Actually, the same diet is about the only thing I have in common with these famously gluten-free people. Everywhere you look these days, it seems as if people are following a wheat/barley/rye Dr. David Limauro free diet. In fact, according to one market research group, the sale of gluten-free foods reached $2.64 billion in 2010 and is climbing steadily each year. Celiac disease, wheat allergy, and gluten sensitivity or gluten intolerance are all reasons that a person might follow a gluten-free diet. Approximately one in 133 people in the U.S. have celiac disease, and some resources state the non-celiac gluten sensitivity or gluten intolerance may affect as many as five percent of the population. Many refer to celiac disease as a wheat allergy; however, this is not the case. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease. The gluten (complex of proteins found in wheat, rye, and barley) binds with intestinal proteins and provokes a powerful, misdirected overreaction from the patient’s own immune system toward their own intestine. This immune response is directed against the microscopic fingers called villi that line the small intestine and are responsible for normal absorption of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. In a patient 72
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with celiac disease, when the villi are damaged by the overactive immune response to gluten, symptoms occur such as abdominal pain, gas, bloating, and diarrhea. True wheat allergy, on the other hand, is a very rare condition caused by a wheat specific antibody, called an IgE type antibody. This antibody, when it binds with wheat, can cause immediate symptoms including hives, sneezing, wheezing, and anaphylaxis. Also called baker’s asthma, it can be difficult to diagnose due to unreliable blood tests for IgE (called RAST tests). A wheat allergy is much more common in children than adults and, fortunately, very rare. The last group of people who follow the gluten-free diet are those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity (or gluten intolerance). Gluten sensitivity is a very-hard-to-define condition, as there are absolutely no reliable blood tests or other medical tests to make this diagnosis. Frequently, these are simply people who are self diagnosed because they feel better or may have less headaches, GI upset, anxiety, brain fog, or other symptoms when they exclude wheat from their diets. A dietary intolerance generally means the food “doesn’t agree with me.” At one time, finding gluten-free food was challenging. Crumbling bread, cookies that tasted like rocks, and foul tasting pasta were the norm. I found that eating out at restaurants could be especially challenging and confusing. It was very unusual to get a food server who was at all familiar with the term “gluten-free diet.” Awkwardness in social situations (parties or other special occasions) when everyone else is eating cake or other gluten-containing goodies
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was all too common. I gave up taking communion at my church, wondering if people who saw me only taking the wine were thinking that I might have a drinking problem! In addition to the person eating the gluten-free diet, the food preparer is the critical person who also has to understand the intricacies of the gluten-free diet. In my case, this falls on a very understanding and thoughtful wife. I am lucky that I have someone who has learned to cook without gluten, both by reading and experimenting through the years. Not only does the cook have to work with different and sometimes very brittle ingredients, but he or she must also avoid cross contamination. This can occur when gluten containing foods that other family members may be eating come into contact with gluten-free foods. The cook must read labels and ingredients diligently to avoid serving hidden gluten. It’s been about ten years from the time I was diagnosed with celiac disease and the changes in gluten-free food preparation have been extraordinary. Many restaurants now have dedicated gluten-free menus. Large food manufacturers are offering products including cereals, special mix non-wheat flours, and even beers which are gluten free. Many smaller bakeries and food vendors have their own varieties of gluten-free products which have become popular. Gluten-free foods can easily be purchased online, in smaller food stores, and increasingly in larger grocery stores, as well. This has been a tremendous boon for me and most people who follow the gluten-free diet. Nevertheless, I have conflicting feelings about the popularization of the gluten-free diet. I do believe that true celiac disease is under diagnosed and the publicity of the diet has raised awareness
of celiac disease. The popular press attention has likely led to proper diagnosis in patients who may not have otherwise been found to have true celiac disease. On the other hand, I think that non-celiac gluten intolerance is likely over diagnosed, frequently by the patients themselves after browsing the Internet and possibly questionable websites. I worry that the gluten-free diet has become a fad diet for people with unrealistic expectations for its effects. The gluten-free diet is expensive and generally best undertaken with the instruction of a dietician or nutritionist with experience in counseling the gluten-free diet. The fiber content of the gluten-free diet can also be low and the fat content high, which can contribute to other medical and gastrointestinal issues. There can be deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients that may not be present in gluten-free foods, but are found in fortified whole grain breads and other products that are no longer being eaten by those on a strict gluten-free diet. Although being diagnosed with celiac disease can be a shock, it is a disease that can be successfully treated by a strict gluten-free diet. Those of us with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance can’t understand why anyone else would voluntarily take this challenging diet. Though I suspect the attraction to this diet may fade, I’m appreciative that it has raised awareness and created a lot of improved food choices. n Dr. David Limauro is a Board Certified Gastroenterologist in private practice serving patients in the South Hills and city of Pittsburgh, including St. Clair and UPMC Mercy Hospitals and South Hills Endoscopy Center in Upper St. Clair. See ad for South Hills Endoscopy on page 1. Fall 2013
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Health and Wellness Give Your Insurance Policies a Check Up When was the last time you reviewed your insurance coverage? Just as getting an annual medical check-up is a sensible way to maintain your health, reviewing your insurance policies annually can provide peace of mind and may save you money, as well. As you review your policies, below are some questions to keep in mind. Homeowners Insurance • Does my coverage keep up with current rebuilding costs? If your home sustains serious damage due to a fire or a severe storm, does your policy cover rebuilding costs? If not, consider increasing your coverage. • Does my recent home renovation affect my coverage? If you have added square footage to your home recently, its value may have increased. Check with your insurance agent about your coverage. • Does my policy cover new purchases? If you bought a new appliance or computer over the last year, make sure your policy covers replacement costs due to a fire or theft. • When was the last time I had my luxury items appraised? If you have expensive items, including jewelry, furs, coins, artwork, and antiques that have not recently been appraised, consider reappraising. Having up-to-date insurance can help take some of the sting out of replacement costs in case of theft or damage. • How can I lower my premiums? If your premiums are too high,
consider raising your deductible. A higher deductible could lower your premiums, but will also make you more responsible for a greater portion of each covered loss. Auto Insurance • My teen recently got a driver’s license. How does that affect my auto insurance? If your teen is now driving, inform your agent and be prepared for your family auto insurance premiums to rise. If your teen remains on your insurance, it is still cheaper than purchasing a separate policy. Keep in mind that insurers may offer discounts to high school and college students who maintain a B average and complete a driver-safety program. Students who complete a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program may get a lower rate. • Can joining a carpool help lower my rates? By driving less, you can lower your auto premiums because you are putting fewer miles on your vehicle per year. • Does my car’s value affect my insurance? If you have a much older vehicle, look up its value online to see if carrying collision and comprehensive coverage remains cost effective. If the car’s book value is low, it might not make sense to maintain comprehensive and collision coverage. • What else can I do to lower my rates? If you increase your deductible, you can substantially reduce your monthly premiums.
A Healthier U(SC)
Passing a (Workout) Plateau and Other Tips for Healthy Workouts Heather Holtschlag Welcome to A Healthier U(SC), UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY’s newest column that will be your source for tips, advice, and the knowledge you need to make wholesome, good-for-you lifestyle choices. Whether you are an exercise beginner wanting to take your program to the next level or an advanced athlete ready to set some new personal records, this is the column for you. Search it out in every issue and get ready to embark on a new, healthier you! Whether you have recently started an exercise program or are a regular at the gym, you likely are aware of the term “plateau.” Simply put, it’s the phase that your body goes through when it stops responding well to the exercise you do. A likely cause could be that you are doing the same thing each time you workout, causing your body to adapt, rather than respond, to the physical activity. Your body has become comfortable with the activity you are doing, and therefore, limits the results you may be seeing. But, there are plenty of ways to change that and get your body and metabolism going again. “When someone first starts with an activity such as walking, the duration of the activity should always be changed or manipulated before anything else,” said USC resident Brittney Russell, a senior at the University of Pittsburgh who is pursuing a degree in movement science/ wellness and a minor in fitness. “Once you do that, it may be time to change the intensity, such as the speed or the resistance. You may also want to implement a full body weight training program that can be performed twice a week.” 74
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But how would someone know when they have hit a plateau? According to Brittney (who is also a powerlifter, a strongwoman competitor, figure competitor, and Renee and Brittney Russell obstacle racer) and Renee Russell (Brittney’s mother and a Division I tennis athlete, 25-year tennis pro instructor, and USC girls tennis coach for about 11 years) who share enthusiasm for daily workouts, the answer is simple. “People will know when they hit a plateau when they stop seeing results,” Brittney explained. “As soon as they begin not feeling as tired or have stopped losing weight (if they are on a weight reduction program) they should change up their workout. The same goes for more experienced athletes. Changing a workout can always be beneficial because it keeps the body guessing.” In addition to changing a workout routine, it is crucial to maintain proper nutrition, because, as Brittney says, “You will not see much weight or fat loss until you maintain a healthy diet. How your body looks depends on three things—what you fuel it with, how you train, and the consistency of your training. Try to eat clean, healthy meals 80% of the time, allowing yourself the opportunity to eat other foods 20% of the time.” Eating good foods before and after a workout is essential. According to Brittney, eating protein and carbohydrates are particularly important if someone is weight training. “Carbohydrates are a good post-workout food, especially because the body is craving the insulin spike. This will
Health and Wellness Life Insurance • We’ve just had a baby. Should I increase my life insurance coverage? Purchasing more life insurance can help cover costs while your child ages should something unexpected happen to you. • Does my recent marriage affect my life insurance? If you have recently married, you might want to increase your life insurance coverage or change the beneficiaries on your policy. Having more life insurance could make your family’s future more secure. • How does my new job or a layoff affect my coverage? If you recently got a better paying job and are planning to expand your lifestyle (a new home, a bigger car, etc.), then getting more life insurance might be a good idea. If your life insurance policy was tied to your old job, you might want to consider starting a new policy that suits your current needs and job change. • How much life insurance do I currently need? To find out how much life insurance you might need, contact your insurance agent. n Article provided by Cindy Brophy, State Farm® agent. See ad on page 48.
literally feed your muscles, helping you to create a lean body.” For a person whose goal is to lose weight, Brittney suggests that they should opt to lose a pound a week, maybe two, but no more than that. Just as important as maintaining proper nutrition is finding the right pair of exercise shoes, which come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, depending on the activity. “Running shoes should feel comfortable,” Brittney said. “Don’t just choose the cheapest shoes on the rack. Try them on and pick the pair that feels right. If you are lifting weights, consider flat-soled shoes, like Converse. Wearing flat shoes will help when you perform squats or deadlifts.” With all that Brittney and Renee do for their own bodies and for others in the world of exercise, how do they maintain and convey their positive attitudes? “I try to make everyone around me feel like they are able to do what I do and that they can reach whatever goals they have by putting their minds to it,” Brittney said. “I’m all about tough love. When I am training someone, I will push them further than they ever thought possible, but I will always do it with a smile!” n To reach Heather with your comments about this article or if you have an article suggestion for our feature “A Healthier U(SC),” email Heather at holtschlag@verizon.net.
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T Oktoberfest
Craft beers and tasty bites are on the menu for the Community Foundation’s Oktoberfest evening event on Saturday, September 28 at St. Thomas More Family Life Center on Fort Couch Road. See announcement on page 12 for more information.
Roll for a Reason Bunco
An afternoon out, with a mission Have fun with friends, roll some dice, and raise money to help find a cure for breast and ovarian cancer. How? Bunco— the game is easy and you don’t have to know how to play to join in. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 19 at Westminster Presbyterian Church. The game starts promptly at 1:30 p.m. A registration fee of $20 reserves a spot at a Bunco table and includes table snacks, a dessert bar, a goody bag, and chances for door prizes. Prizes will be awarded for “most wins” and “most Buncos,” as well as table and door prizes and a 50/50 drawing. Proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. For more information, email rollforareasonbunco@gmail.com, contact Karen at 412-212-8283 or visit the website www.rollforareason.org.
Hole in One!
On Sunday, May 19, Joey Lang, USC resident and avid golfer, celebrated a life-time achievement that very Joey Lang few others will ever accomplish. While playing golf at Scenic Valley golf course in Finleyville, Joey scored not only one hole-in-one while playing a round of golf, but two! Joey’s first hole-in-one was on the sixth hole at 145 yards where he used a nine-iron. His second was on the eighth hole at 143 yards where he used an eight-iron. According to a study conducted by Golf Digest in 2000, the chances of getting two holes-in-one while playing 18 holes of golf are one in 67 million. A person has a better chance of winning the lottery! Joey, USCHS Class of 1999, was a member of the high school’s golf team and is currently a fourth grade teacher in Washington County’s Trinity School District. Joey and his wife, Samantha, have a daughter, Eleni, who is almost one. Don’t forget to share your congratulations with Joey the next time you see him!
Fish Out of Water
Woman’s Club Scholarship Winners
Congratulations to Landon Bechdel, Darby Gallo, and Rebecca Kerman. Each was a winner of a $5000 scholarship from the Woman’s Club of USC, awarded annually to deserving USCHS graduating seniors and based on grade point average, community service, and financial consideration.
Members of the Woman’s Club celebrated and joined with the scholarship recipients this past June. Left to right are Joan Oliver, Natalie Walters, Rebecca Kerman, Jean O’Connor, Dorothy Holden, Darby Gallo, Landon Bechdel, Joan Bogut, Mary Ann Cunningham, and Shirley Tadda. 76
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Fish Out of Water relay members, left to right, are Sarah Martin, Maeve Lersch, Meghan Matheny, Abby Matheny, and Lindsey Choate
This past May, a group of USC girls ran Pittsburgh’s FedEx Ground Marathon Relay and were amazing! The five girls who attend USC schools and are also swimmers with Upper St. Clair Swim Club—Maeve Lersch, Lindsey Choate, Sarah Martin, Abby Matheny, and Meghan Matheny (in order of relay leg)—proved they could perform on land as well as in the pool. Their team, “Fish Out of Water,” placed seventh out of the 234 female relay teams competing in the event. Congratulations to these five girls who take competition by storm in and out of the water! Fall 2013
Row, Row, Row Your Boat Victoria (Tori) Lazur (USCHS Class of 2011) helped The Ohio State University women’s rowing team (a member of the Big Ten Conference) win Tori Lazur, the 2013 Big Ten Cham- holding OSU’s pionship and the 2013 NCAA trophy NCAA national title. This is the first time that any OSU women’s sports team won a national title and also the first time a Big Ten school took a national rowing title. A coxswain for the OSU rowing team, Tori took the second varsity 8 boat (2V8) to two undefeated seasons (2012 and 2013) before being moved to the first varsity 8 (1V8) as their coxswain just before the Big Ten Conference. Tori is returning to OSU this fall after studying in Quebec during the summer. She is enrolled in the John Glenn School of Public Affairs, where she is majoring in economics and French. While at USCHS, Tori was the coxswain for the high school’s crew team. Congratulations to Tori for her successes and to her parents, Mark and Maria Lazur!
Spelling Bee Finalists
This past spring, students from Upper St. Clair participated in the 63rd Western Pennsylvania Regional Spelling Bee that took place at Children’s Hospital. Students from Eisenhower and Streams Elementary Schools and Boyce and Fort Couch Middle Schools tested their spelling knowledge along with approximately one hundred other regional spelling bee contestants. Thirty-four students made it to the final round, including three students from USC, two of whom placed in the top ten of the regional spelling bee finals. Congratulations to Richa Mahajan from Streams who placed seventh and Christian Chiu from Eisenhower who placed eighth at the Shown is Christian at the podium during his spelling bee contest! final round
T TODAY Awards Scholarship UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, our community’s magazine and the official publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair, is proud to announce that Cooper Irons, Class of 2013 and son of Tim and Dedie Irons, is the recipient of the 2013 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Journalism/Communications book scholarship, given each year to a deserving USCHS graduate. “Cooper applied for this scholarship with wonderful credentials, bringing attention to many of his school and community activities during his four years at USC High School. His accomplishments distinguished him among a number of worthy candidates for scholarship consideration,” said Linda Dudzinski, editor of TODAY and a member of the selection committee. In addition to his work with USCHS’s St. Clairion (the school’s newspaper), Cooper actively participated in the school’s morning announcements. Beginning with his sophomore year, Cooper developed a blog “The Morning After,” a movie review that continues to attract an international following. His blog and its active acceptance are Cooper’s primary motivations for pursuing journalism and communication in college. Cooper attends Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts.
Left to right are Dr. Patrick O’Toole, USCSD superintendent; Cooper Irons, award recipient; Paul Fox, award presenter and TODAY steering committee member; and Dr. Michael Ghilani, USCHS principal
Visit www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home and click on the Past Issues link where TODAY scholarship information will display under the “Features” section.
South Hills College Club Turns 90
This year, the South Hills College Club will celebrate 90 years of promoting education in the South Hills. In the early 1900s, education was limited, especially for women. Three women who hailed from Mt. Lebanon and earned four-year degrees understood the importance of a higher education for women. They envisioned an organization dedicated to education as a way to provide assistance to women who desired a college degree. In 1923, the South Hills College Club was founded and held its Floral bouquets and delicious desserts first meeting. Presiding remain the standard over the meeting and esat meetings, while tablishing the standards fashionable hats are of the club were Mary a thing of the past. Jones Grove (Mrs. E. M.), Mrs. C. C. Bigelow, and Mrs. R. E. Taggert. Since then, there have been some changes to the club’s procedures, from attending meetings in dress hats and white gloves to dressing in pant suits and slacks. But certain standards remain, including using sterling silver service during tea and complementing a lovely dessert table with fresh flowers at club meetings. The requirements for membership have also stayed the same: members must be graduates of an accredited college or university. The club holds monthly meetings that highlight speakers and offers interesting group activities, including bridge, antiquing, gourmet cooking, travel, reading, and a newly formed cultural group. In addition to undertaking annual charitable projects, the objective of the club is to advance the cause of education, to foster fraternal spirit and fellowship among alumni of various colleges and universities, and to cooperate with other organizations for the betterment of the community. Scholarships are awarded twice a year. Over the years, two scholarships have been given annually to two deserving high school students. About ten years ago, the membership voted to also grant a Returning Woman’s Scholarship to a woman returning to school to complete her college requirements for a degree. A member of the club, Grace Ferraro, was a past recipient of this award when she was a senior in high school. Scholarship money comes from dues and donations from the membership. This year and in celebration of the In honor of the 90th anniversary of the club, club’s 90-year anniversary of promoting a celebratory dinner will be held at St. Clair education, the club will award two additional $900 scholarships to two high Country Club on October 12. Roberta Campbell and Nancy Laitta are co-chairs of the event. school seniors whose parents or grandFor more information about South Hills College parents are members of the club. Club, contact Nancy Laitta at 412-489-3778. If you have a celebration announcement that you would like to share with others in our community magazine, email information and a digital photo to usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us. Submissions will be inventoried until printed. Fall 2013
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s e l i Prof
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USC resident Mary Bates was recently honored with the Louis J. Goffman Award for her selfless pro-bono work. Attending the Washington City Mission, a homeless shelter, as a chaperone with her daughter’s youth group almost ten years ago, Mary noticed the needs of the homeless and their appreciative nature. It became her mission to serve society and the needs of these people. She founded The Legal Clinic, a pro-bono service for the underprivileged. Mary Bates The Louis J. Goffman award is presented annually by the Pennsylvania Bar Foundation to honor an individual and an organization whose commitments to pro bono have enhanced the delivery of legal services to Pennsylvania’s disadvantaged. Contact Mary at mbates@citymission.org for more information.
Elizabeth Kopach, USCHS Class of 2009, had the opportunity to listen to Dr. Patrick O’Toole not only during her high school graduation four years ago, but during her college matriculation, as well. Dr. O’Toole was this year’s speaker at Clarion University’s commencement.
Brad Childs, executive vice president of Eyetique, was named a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. Childs was selected as one of 27 finalists from the Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia areas based on strategic direction; product or service innovation; financial performance; company leadership, including personal integrity, risk-taking, values, and key employee initiatives; and community involvement. Ernst & Young has been offering Brad Childs the EOY awards since 1987 and the regional winners will be considered for the U.S. EOY awards in November. The U.S. winner will compete in Monte Carlo for the World EOY. Brad has been with Eyetique, a family-owned and operated business founded in 1979, for 16 years and is responsible for the daily operation of 14 optical locations as well as opening new stores, creating a more user-friendly e-commerce site, and launching the company’s own new line of eyewear. Brad is the co-founder of the Pittsburgh Aviation Animal Rescue Team, a non-profit organization that transports rescued animals across the tri-state area to their new homes and delivers donated food and supplies to shelters (see Doggity-Dog World article on page 14). He is an Upper St. Clair volunteer fireman and currently serves on USCVFD’s board of directors.
Dr. Patrick O’Toole and Elizabeth Kopach
Laura Rosenberger (USCHS Class of 1998) was named director for China and Korea on the National Security staff at the White House. After a rapid rise with the U.S. Department of State, Laura was asked in 2012 to join the National Security staff, where she provides analysis and recommendations to the President and senior national security officials regarding U.S. policy on China and the Korean Peninsula Laura Rosenberger and coordinates these policies across the U.S. government. After earning her undergraduate degree from Penn State (where she is currently an active alumna) and her master’s degree from American University, Laura joined the State Department in 2004, holding numerous positions. Laura currently lives in Washington, DC. 78
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Don Groves receives his Class of 2016 pin from Dean Goldschmidt of the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine.
Donald Groves, USCHS Class of 2007, was accepted into the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine as a member of the Class of 2016. A graduate of the University of South Carolina’s Honors College with a BS in biomedical engineering, Don was a research assistant at the University of South Carolina’s medical school during the 2011-12 academic year. He completed his MS in biomedical engineering with a specialty in tissue engineering. Don is the son of Dr. Gerald Groves and Luck Kosoladolkitt Groves.
T Heather Page, USCHS Class of 1981 and 2003 USC Halls of Fame recipient, was named as director of Film Commission by Texas Governor Rick Perry in September 2012. Heather earned a bachelor’s degree in cinema from Denison University, a master’s degree in cinema studies from Governor Rick Perry New York University, and a and Heather Page certificate in graduate studies from American Film Institute. Heather is an accomplished motion picture camerawoman, having worked on major feature films and television shows including “Revenge,” “Friday Night Lights,” “Armageddon,” and “The Green Mile.” She is a former workforce training administrator for the Texas Film commission, where she helped implement the Workforce Training program created by the 2007 Texas legislature. She is a board member of the Society of Camera Operators, chair of the International Cinematographers Guild Scholarship Fund, and co founder of Beyond the Lights Celebrity Golf Classic. Heather’s parents, Nancy and Paul Page, live in USC.
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Holly Dayton-Kirby, a Pittsburgh native and USC resident, is a professional ballroom dancer and owner of Pittsburgh Dance Center (www.pittsburghdancecenter.com), a dance studio in Bloomfield. Founder of Embrace Dance Project, a non-profit amputee dance program (www. The Kirby family embracedanceproject.org) and a volunteer sports coach in soccer and wrestling for the youth of USC, Holly was selected as a professional dancer in the Dancing with the Pittsburgh Celebrities ballroom competition three years in a row. She is a seconddegree black belt, an avid musician and actress, and a decorated competitive body builder from 1995-2000. Her husband, Dr. Anthony Kirby, is a physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor at Jefferson Hospital and the co-founder and medical director of Embrace Dance Project. Volunteering 15 years as a wrestling coach in high school and for the youth of USC, Dr. Kirby also provides medical help at a variety of youth and adult sporting events in the local area. Holly and Anthony met in Cleveland, while working night shift at a local hospital when she was a respiratory therapist and he was a registered nurse. The Kirby’s three children—Ian, Eden, and Liam—attend schools in USC Township and are involved in sports, music, science groups, and chess club.
Fall 2013
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Newly renovated interior of St. Louise de Marillac Church
Bishop David A. Zubik, Bishop of Pittsburgh, was at St. Louise de Marillac Church on April 7 as the principal celebrant of a mass of blessing and dedication of the parish’s newly renovated church. Father Michael A. Caridi, pastor at St. Louise de Marillac during the renovation, said, “The idea to renovate the church interior grew out of the Jubilee Capital campaign that was initiated in 2008 in preparation for the parish’s 50th anniversary. The goal of the campaign was to update several of our facilities, and it was only natural that the church be included.”
Since a church dedication is not something most Catholics have the chance to observe, prior to mass Bishop Zubik explained the symbolism behind the various elements of the dedication—from the blessing of water and the sprinkling of it on the congregation as a sign of repentance and a reminder of baptism, to the pouring of Sacred Chrism, a holy oil, on the altar to consecrate it. After the anointing, the approximately 1000 people in attendance venerated the altar—with a kiss or a touch—as a symbol of their relationship with God.
Transitions
Dear Outreach, My daughter seems very scared about starting middle school. How can I help her feel more comfortable about her new school? Worried Parent
Dear Worried Parent, Some apprehension about starting a new school is typical. However, some children experience excessive physical and mental symptoms that are not typical, such as severe sleep disturbance, stomach aches, and worrying. Having a good transition to middle school is the first step toward a successful experience. There are a lot of differences between elementary and middle school, including changes in academic, social, and physical aspects of school. Surprisingly, children are often most concerned about the logistics of the new school and how things work. Visit the school and talk about her impressions and concerns. Together, visit the middle school’s website to find answers to many of her questions and concerns. She may even get excited about some new opportunities after viewing a list of student activities. Make a plan to get back on a school sleep schedule and discuss ways she can get school supplies and her calendar organized. It is important to allow your daughter to discuss her hopes and worries about entering middle school; listen without judgment and show empathy. Middle school children can often be irritable and take the pressures of adolescence out on their families. Parents should try to remain calm and frequently show their child that he or she is a loved and valued member of the family. Highlight your child’s strengths to help him or her face the struggles of a new school environment. Outreach Teen & Family Services, a nonprofit, confidential counseling service, offers counseling and educational programs to teens and parents. For more information concerning support opportunities, contact Outreach at 412-561-5405 or info@outreachteen.org. 80
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Fr. Michael Caridi blesses Bishop David Zubik.
Bishop Zubik consecrates the altar with Holy Chrism
According to Fr. Caridi, the project involved retaining an architect who would develop a design that respected the beauty of the church and, yet, at the same time would enhance the worship experience. Once Astorino was retained as architect, they brought on a liturgical design firm, Rohn and Associates, who was instrumental in creating the sanctuary design. The Mosites Construction Corporation was chosen by the St. Louise finance council to complete the project, which cost approximately $1.5 million. Work on the project began on January 2, 2013. During construction, weekday masses were offered in a temporary chapel created in the parish center and weekend masses were held in the school gymnasium, which was the site of the parish’s first church. While the renovation project has preserved the architectural features of the church, design elements have been incorporated to assist worshippers in focusing on the altar, crucifix, and tabernacle. A hand-painted, carved wooden relief now surrounds the tabernacle and on either side of the tabernacle are statues of the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, which were moved from the former chapel area. A new Holy Spirit relief designed by Lou Astorino, the architect for the Chapel of the Holy Spirit in the Casa Santa Marta, where Pope Francis resides and worships, is the same one the Pope sees every day. As far as Fr. Caridi knows, St. Louise is the only other church outside the Vatican with that particular image of the Holy Spirit. “Overall, I knew from the start that the renovated church would be beautiful, but the final result far exceeds what I expected,” commented Fr. Caridi. “My favorite part of the renovation is the beautiful new altar and tabernacle, and that the overall design seems to pull people closer together around the altar.” Continued on page 83
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New Outpatient Center in the South Hills
St. Clair Hospital offers USC residents a second outpatient center with “one stop” medical services in Peters Township. Upper St. Clair residents now have a second option for comprehensive outpatient medical services from St. Clair Hospital physicians and technologists with the recent opening of the hospital’s new $20 million Outpatient Center in neighboring Peters Township. For years, Upper St. Clair residents have used the hospital’s Outpatient Center at Village Square (which recently underwent extensive renovations and added multiple new medical services and specialists) in nearby Bethel Park, as well as the St. Clair Hospital MRI Center on Broughton Road in Bethel Park and the St. Clair Hospital Outpatient Lab in the Chartiers Valley Shopping Center in Bridgeville, and, of course, the hospital’s main campus in Mt. Lebanon, for selected diagnostic and physician services. Now Upper St. Clair residents in need of comprehensive outpatient services will be able to choose between the Village Square and Peters Township locations, both of which allow patients to see a number of physicians and obtain health care services in one day, all under the same roof—a response to patient desire to access health care services in a convenient and efficient way. Both locations are just minutes away from Upper St. Clair. The Peters Township location, which was constructed from the ground up, is located along Route 19 South, directly across from the main entrance to Donaldson’s
Crossroads. The two-story, 40,000-squarefoot center offers easy access to an array of diagnostic services, including lab, X-ray, CT, and MRI, as well as cardiac diagnostics and women’s imaging. Physicians at the center include primary care and OB/GYN, as well as a wide range of specialties, including cardiology, endocrinology, ear/nose/throat, breast surgery, colorectal surgery, general surgery, urology, orthopedics, ophthalmology, and more. The new center was built to better serve the large concentration of the hospital’s physicians and patients in the greater Upper St. Clair and Peters Township areas. (St. Clair Hospital has experienced a 40% increase in the number of patients from these areas in the last five years.) The center is open 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 7 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and features parking for 180 vehicles. The center’s café on the first floor is open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and serves gourmet coffee and pastries, as well as sandwiches, fresh fruit, bottled beverages, and more. Patients and visitors can sit and enjoy their food and drinks in a large adjacent seating area that features lots of glass to allow natural light to fill the warm, inviting space. The telephone number for patient registration at the new center in Peters is 412-942-8400.
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St. Clair Hospital Outpatient Center, Peters Township
Interior of the new center
Fast Facts: St. Clair Hospital Outpatient Center in Peters Township • Two-story, 40,000-square-foot Class A building and office space. Floors are evenly divided at 20,000-square-foot each. • First floor: Full-service diagnostic capabilities, including MRI, CT, X-ray, mammography, bone density, ultrasound, echo/EKG, and lab. Plus, café and seating area. • Second floor: Four physician suites with specialties, including primary care, orthopedics, endocrinology, ear/nose/throat, and OB/GYN. • Property includes parking for 180 vehicles, with easy access from and to Route 19. • Building is green, using sustainable principles and materials in an eco-conscious way. No mechanical equipment is placed on the roof. All equipment is ground-mounted behind the building in a “service zone” featuring acoustical screening to dampen noise. n Fall 2013
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of USC... for USC!
... is a dedicated photo feature that captures our residents enjoying activities and events in and around Upper St. Clair.
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St. Louise Celebrates... Continued from page 80
Founded on May 25, 1961, by Bishop (and later Cardinal) John Wright, and with no facilities available, St. Louise de Marillac Parish celebrated its first Sunday mass at the Upper St. Clair Township municipal building on June 3, 1961. After the Diocese of Pittsburgh acquired five acres of land on McMurray Road from the Baldesberger family and St. Louise’s first pastor, Father John Schonhardt, purchased five additional acres, construction of a new church and school began. The school was completed
and opened to students in September 1963 and the first mass was celebrated in the church on Christmas 1963. Groundbreaking for the current church took place on March 15, 1980, the feast day of St. Louise de Marillac. Designed as a “pilgrim church welcoming earthly travelers on a spiritual journey,” the new church was dedicated on August 23, 1981, with Bishop Vincent M. Leonard and the pastor, Father Robert Reardon, presiding. n
Holy Spirit relief
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SD
School District Notices Continued from page 46
Planned Program of Standardized Testing
The planned program of standardized testing by the District is collected and maintained by representational consent and is shown below. The results of these tests, as well as the results of aptitude and achievement tests taken by the individual student on a voluntary basis and required for admission into post-secondary education institutions, are maintained and made a part of the record. Should you wish to examine the record, you may arrange to do so by making an appointment with your child’s principal or counselor. Test Grade Terra Nova achievement tests/Otis-Lennon School Ability Test Grade 1 Terra Nova achievement tests/ Inview ability screener Grade 2
Date of Administration March March
In addition, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requires that all school districts participate in the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA). Listed below is the schedule for the administration of the PSSA for the 2013-14 school year. PSSA Area of Assessment Grade PSSA Writing Field Test Grades 6-8
Date of Administration
Writing
March 31-April 4, 2014
Grades 5 & 8
February 3-14, 2014
Math and Reading Grades 3-8
March 17-28, 2014
Science
April 28-May 2, 2014
Grades 4 & 8
Keystone Exams
Students at the secondary level are required by PDE to participate in the Keystone Exams for accountability purposes. Students will typically take these exams at the end of the corresponding course. They must be taken by the time a student completes grade 11. The exams will be given in the spring. Under certain circumstances, the exams may also be administered in the winter or summer. The exams schedule follows: Retest/Special Content Area Dates Circumstances Dates Keystone Algebra 1 May 12-23 Jul. 28-Aug 1 / Dec. 2-13 Keystone English Literacy May 12-23 Jul. 28-Aug 1 / Dec. 2-13 Keystone Biology May 12-23 Jul. 28-Aug 1 / Dec. 2-13
Programs for Eligible or Protected Handicapped, Preschool Age, or Gifted Students
In compliance with the state and federal law, notice is hereby given by the District that it conducts on-going identification activities as a part of its school program for the purpose of identifying disabled students who may be in need of special education and related services (eligible students). Individualized services and programs are available for children who are determined to need specially designed instruction due to the following conditions: autism, blindness or visual impairment, deafness or hearing impairment, deafness and blindness, emotional disturbance, mental retardation, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairments, specific learning disability, speech and language impairment, and traumatic brain injury. If you believe that your school-age child may be in need of special education services or related services, screening, and evaluations designed to assess the needs of the child and his/her eligibility are available to you at no cost, upon written request. You may request screening at any time, whether or not your child is enrolled in the District’s public school program. In compliance with state and federal law, the District will provide to each protected handicapped student without discrimination or cost to the student or family, those related aides, services, or accommodations 84
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which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the student’s abilities. In order to qualify as a protected handicapped student, the child must be school age with a physical or mental disability which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program. These services and protections for “protected handicapped students” are distinct from those applicable to all eligible students enrolled (or seeking enrollment) in special education programs. In compliance with state law, the District provides services designed to meet the unique needs of gifted students. The District identifies “gifted” students on a case-by-case basis based on state law and District procedures. Such students may possess superior IQ scores and meet multiple criteria indicating gifted ability. Act 212, the Early Intervention Systems Act, entitles all preschool age children with disabilities to appropriate intervention services. Young children experiencing developmental delay or physical or mental disabilities are eligible for early intervention services if it is determined that they meet eligibility requirements. Depending on the child’s age, these services are provided by the Pa. Department of Public Welfare or the Allegheny Intermediate Unit Project DART. If you believe that your child may be eligible for the services listed above, or for further information on the rights of parents and children, provision of services, evaluation and screening, and rights to due process procedures, contact in writing, your child’s principal; Eloise Stoehr, Supervisor of Pupil Services; or Melissa Garvin, Supervisor of Special Education at the addresses listed on page 85.
Child Identification Activities
The District provides a free appropriate public education to exceptional students. To be eligible, the student must be of school age, in need of specially designed instruction and meet eligibility criteria for mentally gifted and/or one or more of the following physical or mental disabilities as defined by Pennsylvania state standards: autism, blindness or visual impairment, deafness or hearing impairment, deafness and blindness, emotional disturbance, mental retardation, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairments, specific learning disability, speech and language impairment, and traumatic brain injury. The District makes use of the following procedures for locating, identifying, and evaluating needs of school-aged students requiring special programs or services. As prescribed by Section 1402 of the School Code, the District routinely conducts screenings of a child’s hearing acuity, visual acuity, and speech and language ability. Gross motor and fine motor skills, academic skills, and social/emotional skills are assessed by classroom teachers on an on-going basis. Specified needs from all of these screening sources are noted in the student’s records. Such school records are open and available to parents. Information from the records is released to other persons or agencies only with appropriate authorization, which involves written permission by parents. Parents with concerns regarding their child may contact the school principal at any time to request screening or evaluation of their child. Communication with parents and exceptional students shall be in English or the native language of the parents. Screening information will be used by the student support team within the student’s school to meet his/her specific needs or to document the need for further evaluation. If it is determined that a child needs additional services, the student support team will make recommendations for adjustments relative to such things as the child’s learning style, behavior, physical inabilities, and speech problems to assist the student in reaching appropriate gains based on his/her rate of learning. Multidisciplinary evaluations of students thought to be exceptional can be initiated by parents/guardians or school personnel. Parents/guardians are part of the multidisciplinary team (MDT). Permission of the parent/ guardian is needed to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation.
SD The purpose of a multidisciplinary evaluation is to develop conclusions and recommendations regarding eligibility and programming appropriate for the student. Multidisciplinary evaluations use multiple sources of information in assessing a student, such as District-wide testing results, input from school personnel, team interventions, classroom observation, parent input, and formal educational and psychological testing. After the evaluations are completed, an evaluation report is compiled and includes specific recommendations for the types of interventions necessary to deal with the student’s needs. Parents are then invited to participate in a meeting where the results of the evaluation are discussed. If the child is determined to be exceptional and in need of specially designed instruction, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is developed. The extent of special education services and the location of the delivery of these services are determined by the IEP team and are based on the student’s identified needs and abilities, chronological age, and level of intensity of the specified intervention. The District also provides related services that are necessary for an exceptional student to benefit from special education. When the IEP is complete, the parents are presented with a Notice of Recommended Educational Placement (NOREP) with which they may agree or disagree. If parents disagree with the program being recommended, the issue may be taken to mediation or a due process hearing. The District provides a continuum of options ranging from supportive intervention in the regular classroom to supplemental intervention in the regular class or in a resource room, to a part time or full time special education class in or outside the regular school. Students receive services in the least restrictive environment as determined by the IEP team. The District provides learning support for students whose primary identified need is academic support. Life skills support is provided for students whose focus is on independent living skills. Additionally, the District provides hearing support, speech/language support, emotional support, vision support, and physical support to meet students’ individual needs. Students who are mentally gifted receive gifted support. Based upon students’ individual needs, the District provides extended school year services, adaptive physical education for students who cannot benefit from regular physical education with modifications, behavior management programs for students whose behavior interferes with learning, vocational assessment, assistive devices, and enrichment/advancement. Information about parental rights, mediation or due process procedures, special education services, programs offered by the District, and the District’s Educational Records policy is available upon request from the student’s school principal.
The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment Notice
The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) affords parents and students who are 18 years of age or emancipated minors (eligible students) certain rights regarding the conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. These include the right to: • Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (protected information survey) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED): 1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parents. 2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family. 3. Sexual behavior or attitudes. 4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior. 5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships. 6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers. 7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents. 8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility. • Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of: 1. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding. 2. Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under State law. 3. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or to otherwise distribute the information to others. • Inspect, upon request and before administration or use: 1. Protected information surveys of students. 2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes. 3. Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum. The District will develop and adopt policies, in consultation with parents, regarding these rights, as well as arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes. The District will notify parents and eligible students of these policies at least annually at the start of each school year and after any substantive changes. The District will notify parents at the beginning of the school year if the District has identified the specific or approximate dates of the activities or surveys at that time and will provide an opportunity for the parent to opt his or her child out of participation of the specific activity or survey. For surveys and activities scheduled after the school year starts, parents will be provided reasonable notification of the planned activities and surveys (listed below) and be provided with an opportunity to opt their child out of such activities and surveys. Following is a list of the specific activities and surveys covered under this requirement: • Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution. • Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by ED. • Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination, or screening as described above. Parents/eligible students who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with:
Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20202-4605 n
Correspondence addresses referenced in this article Eloise Stoehr Supervisor of Pupil Services Upper St. Clair School District 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Fall 2013
Melissa Garvin Supervisor of Special Education Upper St. Clair School District 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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TODAY Fall issue
www.twpusc.org/magazine/usc-today-home
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Advertiser Index
Fall 2013
Advertiser Page
Advertiser Page
Academy of Dance ................................................................................... 2 Angelo Associates, Inc. ......................................................................... 55 * ARAMARK ............................................................................................. 37 Arbor Tree Specialist, Inc. ........................................................................ 9 BISTECCA - STEAKHOUSE - WINE BAR ............................................... 75 Brookside Lumber ................................................................................. 39 C.W. Carlson Contractors, Inc. .............................................................. 47 * Calabro Tire & Auto Service .................................................................. 55 Chinese Acupuncture & Herbs Center, LLC ........................................... 71 * Coffey Contracting Company ................................................................ 59 * Coldwell Banker Real Estate, Inc. Corporate .................Back outside cover * Coldwell Banker–The South Hills Office..........................Back inside cover Coldwell Banker–Lynn Dempsey ........................................................... 39 Community & Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park ...................... 83 * Cupelli & Cupelli, Drs. .......................................................................... 33
Little Lake Theatre Company ................................................................. 43 * Louis Anthony Jewelers .......................................................................... 5 * Manalo, Larry E., D.M.D. ....................................................................... 49 Modern Piano ........................................................................................ 21 Mt. Lebanon Montessori School and Academy ..................................... 26 Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center ............................................................. 72 On Deck Bar & Grill ............................................................................... 75 Orthodontics by Dr. Reitz & Dr. Troy ...................................................... 49 Pediatric Dentistry South ....................................................................... 48 * Piccolina’s Restaurant ........................................................................... 49 * Pinebridge Commons Associates .......................................................... 48 Pittsburgh Music Academy .................................................................... 26 Pittsburgh Shoulder to Hand Center ...................................................... 81 Pittsburgh Stone & Waterscapes, LLC ................................................... 49 Pittsburgh Youth Ballet Company........................................................... 72
What They Said The Gold Team has been advertising in the TODAY magazine since its first issue in 1994. Living and working in Upper St. Clair has had many rewards! Thank you USC and TODAY! —Sandy& Marshall Goldstein, Keller Williams Real Estate Professionals D&M Chiropractic & Therapeutic Rehab, Inc. ....................................... 68 * Deckmasters Technologies Incorporated ............................................... 83 “Dirt” Dugan Landscaping, Inc. ............................................................. 59 Don’s Appliances ...........................................................Front inside cover Extended Day Services .......................................................................... 25 * Hefren-Tillotson, Inc. ............................................................................. 25 * Howard Hanna–Maureen Cavanaugh .................................................... 47 Howard Hanna–Jen Dahlem .................................................................. 83 Howard Hanna–Bob Ellison ................................................................... 81 * Howard Hanna–Susan Highley .............................................................. 37 * Howard Hanna–Diane Horvath .............................................................. 43 Howard Hanna–Frankie J. Kunselman ................................................... 17 IAOMO Salon ........................................................................................ 21 Johnny’s Tire and Auto .......................................................................... 79 * Keller Williams–Sandy and Marshall Goldstein .................................... 33 * Kerr Family and Cosmetic Dentistry ...................................................... 48 Learning Express Toys ........................................................................... 25
Preferred Drapery and Blinds ................................................................ 79 Premier Home Design Center .................................................................. 2 Providence Point, a Baptist Homes Society Community .......................... 7 * Rusmur Floors ...................................................................................... 87 * St. Clair Hospital ............................................................................... 3, 88 * Scott Bros. Windows and Doors .............................................................. 7 * Sesame Inn ........................................................................................... 69 Single Source Benefits, Inc. ....................................Front cover, 10, 11, 17 South Hills Endoscopy Center ................................................................. 1 South Hills Orthopaedic ........................................................................ 71 * State Farm Insurance–Cindy Brophy ..................................................... 48 StonePepper’s Grill ................................................................................ 73 The Orthopedic Group ....................................................................... 9, 67 * The Thomas Studio of Performing Arts .................................................. 73 UBS Financial Services, Inc. ................................................................. 24 Washington Health System .................................................................... 70 * Wellington Real Estate–Patty Thomas & Rebecca Lutz .......................... 15
*The above advertisers, who are advertising in this issue, have contributed their support for a minimum of 37 issues. Thank you.
Upcoming guides for the Winter 2013 issue include Dining, Gift, and Life Planning. 86
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Fall 2013
Advertise in
the official publication of the School District and Township of USC ... and your local connection! ... meeting your needs TODAY, Tomorrow, and into the Future
You Stand on Our Good Name Every Day. For more than 50 years, Rusmur Floors has been providing the South Hills and Pittsburgh area with the finest in residential and commercial floor coverings. Our vast inventory of carpeting, area rugs, hardwoods, laminates, vinyls and ceramics assures satisfaction with every application, style and budget.
Rusmur Floors is your one-stop, complete-service, floor covering provider featuring free in-home shopping and estimating, an in-store design staff and superior, expert installation. Plus, Rusmur refinishes hardwood floors and binds remnant carpets! Rusmur Floors, with five beautifully stocked locations, invites you to call or visit the one nearest you – or simply click on www.rusmurfloors.com today. 500 Station Street ■ Bridgeville (51 years of quality) ■ 412.221.6366 Hours: M, W, Th 9:00 am - 9:00 pm ■ T, F, Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm ■ Closed Sunday Live here? So do we! Moon ■ Murrysville ■ North Hills ■ Whitehall
THE NEW CENTER OF EALTHCARE AT VILLAGE SQUARE
The newly expanded St. Clair Hospital Outpatient Center at Village Square makes healthcare even more convenient and efficient for patients. You’ll find easy access to a wide range of healthcare services, including lab, imaging and other diagnostic services, occupational medicine, physical therapy, breast care, pain management, diabetes care, and cardiac testing. Physicians at the Center specialize in primary care, endocrinology, ear/nose/throat, orthopedics, cardiology, and more. Patients can see multiple physicians and access the services they need in one day, all under one roof, with free valet parking. Comprehensive healthcare in an easily accessible, comfortable setting. You’ll find it all at the New Center of Healthcare at Village Square.
ST. CLAIR HOSPITAL OUTPATIENT CENTER–VILLAGE SQUARE
. 2000 OXFORD DRIVE . BETHEL PARK, PA 15102 . 412.942.7100 . WWW.STCLAIR.ORG
Coldwell Banker real estate serviCes
Hope Bassichis
Jack & Joanne Benson
Noel Bliman
Anita Crago
Barbara Cusick
Lynn Dempsey
Kathy Enick
Bonnie Frear
John Geisler
Genie Gooding
Janine Guthrie
Leigh Harkreader
Nancy Heffernan
Judy Hlister
Sydnie Jones
Sue Kelso
Kathi Kernan
Jane Krauth
Maria & Joe Lane
Julie Leslie
Arlene Murray
Heather Orstein
Tulla Rakoczy
Kathy Sekeras
Diane Snyder
Mary Torchia
Carmela Viviano
Jim Walsh
Mary Ann Wellener
Marian McGinley Manager
Global Connections. Local Traditions. The South Hills Office 412-833-5405 • 1630 Washington Rd, Pittsburgh PA 15241
©2013 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned and Operated by NRT LLC.
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Seven year young outstanding Provincial! Two story foyer, archway & columns grace the living and dining rooms. Chefs delight kitchen, 4BR, 2+2 BA, family room & den.
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Maria & Joe Lane 412-833-5405
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HO OUT
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It wasn’t just the weather that was hot in May & June! The South Hills office of Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services has been heating up too!
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Custom built & updated throughout! Huge living room with stone fireplace, 3BR, 3BA, family room wet bar, built-ins & fireplace opening to four season heated room.
Noel Bliman 412-833-5405
Peters Township Office 412-831-5555 • 3244 Washington Rd,
McMurray PA 15317 Wonderful home for entertaining! Large rooms, sun room/family room with cathedral ceiling, windows with built-in blinds, beautiful kitchen cabinets, 5BR & 3.5BA.
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Spacious brick ranch, open floor plan great for entertaining, 3BR, 2.5BA, nice eat in kitchen with walk- in pantry, hardwood, ceramic, 2 fireplaces, game room & patio.
South Hills Office 412-833-5405 • 1630 Washington Rd,
Pittsburgh PA 15241
Sharon Ritchey 412-831-5555
©2013 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned and Operated by NRT LLC.