Upper St. Clair Community Day Issue
SUMMER 2012
0 tes 4 a r b cele USC y l i n i m a ” f L d The Hillebran IT AL Z U D “ of Don’s www.twpusc.org/magazine
years
The official publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair
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EART STRONG
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Mary Jane Mericli Kurt Mericli
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P a t i e n t p ro f i l e s : T h e M e r i c l i Fa m i ly For the Mericli Family, heart disease is a serious matter that hit close to home. Over the last several years these family members have all suffered from the effects of coronary heart disease. A family history of heart disease led them to recognize the early warning signs and seek help. They all sought treatment from St. Clair Hospital and its team of cardiologists. Today, the Mericilis are living healthy, active lives. At St. Clair, we treat more heart attack victims with interventional procedures than any other single hospital in southwestern Pennsylvania, with positive outcomes exceeding national averages. That’s because we continually invest in people, technology, and processes that make our cardiovascular service second to none. 1000 BOWER HILL ROAD
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M T. L E B A N O N , P E N N SY LVA N I A 1 5 2 4 3
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412.942.4000
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There’s a local hospital that’s pioneering new ways to help heal the brain.
Khaled Aziz, MD Neurosurgeon
Allegheny General Hospital’s Neuroscience Institute is using the latest techniques and technologies to help repair the most complex diseases of the brain. For example, AGH is one of only four hospitals in the country exploring a new drug that illuminates brain tumor cells to improve the success rate of tumor removal surgery. Our surgeons also helped pioneer a new minimally invasive procedure that enables them to remove tumors and repair aneurysms through a small incision in the eyelid. The result is a shorter recovery time and the most favorable cosmetic outcomes available. When doctors lead, better care follows – call 412.DOCTORS (362.8677).
wpahs.org
The award-winning, official publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair Summer 2012
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Volume 18
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Issue 2
Features and Around the Township 10 Panthers in Paradise—Don’t Miss It!
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USC’s Community Day warms up to the weather and offers a day of fun.
From Here—Thunderbird
A black diamond ski run provides a sports cliché to ponder.
Ready to greet you at Gilfillan, this bloodhound is a loveable pooch!
The Palmer-Nicklaus showdown—many remember, one was up close.
The five-speaker lecture series is always a sellout. This year is no exception!
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Mathletes
62
Kettle Bells—
63
Family Pro
Tucker, the Tender Heart Remembering a Weekend at Oakmont Town Hall South Dazzles
School District 26 Baker Gets New Principal
TODAY interviews Patrick McClintock-Comeaux.
An academic view of K-12 social studies curriculum that prepares our students for 21st century civic life.
A recurring feature, this issue focuses on USC as a caring school community.
Read quick information about accomplishments at our schools.
Thinking of summer school? New additions include online learning.
30 34 38 42
USC Social Studies—Connecting Past, Present, and Future Pawprints—a USC PTA Council Highlight
Its History,
Its Benefits
Did You Know? Summer School
Township 56 Full STEAM Ahead!
The Outdoor Classroom helps future generations of scientists.
Warmer weather is upon us. Check out the new programs this season at the C&RC.
The United Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair say, “Yes!”
Do words like “Blue-ray,” “Bookpage,” and “Overdrive” make sense? Come to the library and they will!
USC Volunteer Fire Department shares “how to be safe” while grilling this summer.
60 64 66 71
USC’s Recreation & Leisure Services Department Did You Say “Free Lunch?” @ Your Library
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Chillin’ While Grillin’
Guides 44 Pinebridge Commons 46 Home & Garden 72 Summer Activities USC Photo Ops 13 2011 USC Community Day Remembered 40 “South Pacific” On and Off Stage cks 77 Around the Township 79 Flippin’ Ja Cover 16 The cover of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY introduces the Hillebrand family, owners of Don’s Appliances, including Jason, Matt, Jill, Terry, Don, Nick, and Tim. Don’s Appliances recently celebrated 40 years in the business, and shares the story of “Don’s Duz It All”—the family, the store. Read the feature article on pages 16 and 17. Summer 2012
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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of
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Community Service
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 18 years of publication.
The award-winning, official publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair Publishers Matthew R. Serakowski Township Manager Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole Superintendent of Schools Steering Committee Mark S. Mansfield, Assistant Township Manager Paul K. Fox, School District Representative Editors and Staff Linda M. Dudzinski, Editor-in-Chief Terry Kish, Associate Editor Colleen DeMarco, Office Manager Lynn Dempsey, Advertising Associate Erin Gibson Allen, Advertising Associate Alison Hess, Advertising Associate Dorothy Clark, Graphic Designer
Thank you to our volunteer contributors this issue: Erin Allen, Joan Ames, Nancy Beaulieu, Karen Boston, Cindy Brophy, Sue Clark, Cathy Davin, William Dugan, Sunny Disney Fitchett, Dina Fulmer, Manjri Gupta, Liz Hall, Scott Holtkamp, Dr. Natalie Furgiuele-Iracki, Jessica Kester, Doug Kirshner, Dr. Mary Lamb, Steve Levine, Jim O’Brien, Jennifer Roberts, Mike Russell, Laura Reid Riggin, Mike Scarpino, Gary Schafer, Rebecca Smith, and Mary Lynne Spazok. 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 70th issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a joint publication of the Township and School District of Upper St. Clair. © Copyright 2012. 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 6
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
members are, left to right, front row: Lynn Dempsey, Erin Allen, Alison Hess, Colleen DeMarco, and Dorothy Clark; back row: Mark Mansfield, Terry Kish, Paul Fox, and Linda Dudzinski.
The 70 th 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. (See “Award” article on page 81.)
Board of School Directors
Township Board of Commissioners
Rebecca A. Stern, President Barbara L. Bolas, Vice President Amy L. Billerbeck Buffy Z. Hasco Frank J. Kerber Harry F. Kunselman Louis P. Mafrice, Jr. Louis M. Oliverio Angela B. Petersen
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
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY steering committee and staff
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a non-partisan Township, School District, and community magazine. Political advertising and political commentary are not accepted. The publishers of this magazine reserve the right to reject advertising or articles inconsistent with the objectives, image, and aesthetic standards of the magazine. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine is published 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.
The next issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY will be the fall 2012 issue and will be published in August 2012. Articles that were submitted but not published in this issue are on file for consideration in upcoming issues. Articles and announcements may be sent to: Editor, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 or email UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY at usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us. 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 to the left. Add $10 to cover international mailings.
Fall 2012 edition deadlines: Articles—June 21, Advertising—June 25 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
Website www.twpusc.org/magazine
Email usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us
For the convenience of smart phone users, visit our website by using TODAY’s QR code shown above. Summer 2012
... meeting your needs TODAY, Tomorrow, and into the Future.
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Summer 2012
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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The award-winning, official publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair
Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole
Matthew R. Serakowski
Hello, and welcome to UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, the 70th issue of our community publication. For the past 18 years, TODAY has been a storehouse of our Township’s history, a living archive that holds the treasures of what Upper St. Clair is all about. It speaks volumes of where we’ve been, who we are, and what we expect from and know about the people who live and work here. Many articles throughout this issue portray Upper St. Clair as a giving, sharing community. See our three highlighted sections—School District, pages 26-42; Township, pages 54-71; and Around the Township, pages 77-89—and read interesting, engaging stories about USC students and citizens who are making a difference at home and beyond. An article about the School District’s social studies curriculum, pages 30-31, gives insight into how our schools are helping our K-12 students become 21st century civic leaders as they study and learn from the past, and then apply that knowledge to the present and to the future. When you have time, take a look at past issues of TODAY to catch a glimpse of our local history and its benevolent nature. A resident recently contacted our editing staff, mentioning that she’s retained each and every issue of TODAY since inception. We hear that a lot! And while you may or may not also keep past editions of our community magazine, you can always view any of them online beginning with the year 2000 at www.twpusc.org/magazine or contact the magazine office at 412-833-1600, extension 2284, to request information back through 1994, the initial launch of this publication. Retrieving information and stories about our Township’s past is, literally, at your finger tips! Don’t forget to review our annual Home & Garden guide (pages 46-52) and Summer Activities guide (pages 72-76), peppered with useful articles and advertising information for your upcoming summer months’ activities. For a complete list of advertisers in this issue, including our long-standing VIPs and cover sponsor Don’s Appliances, see the advertiser index found on page 90. As always, we thank them for their continued support of our not-for-profit, collaborative School District and Township publication provided free to citizens of Upper St. Clair. For your reading pleasure, please enjoy this issue of TODAY, paying special attention to pages 10-13 that share activity information and a time line for USC’s 2012 Community Day to be held on Saturday, May 19. We encourage you to make history this year and be a part of our community’s annual day of fun, sharing it with family, friends, and neighbors. Our theme, “Panthers in Paradise,” invites all residents to come out for an entertaining sampling of paradise right here in Upper St. Clair! Please let us also share our good news and announce that the Upper St. Clair School District, for the seventh consecutive year, was recognized in April by the Pittsburgh Business Times as the highest performing school district in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as measured by the Pennsylvania System of Student Assessments. We extend our congratulations to the entire school community and all the citizens of Upper St. Clair who support these efforts.
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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
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Summer 2012
Hef-Till_USCToday-REVFINAL_Layout 1 1/23/12 8:20 AM Page 1
retired from work, not from life.
creators of masterplan
in the south hills, 888-833-5777 / hefren.com
member SIPC
Summer 2012
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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Activities Annual Community Day
Schedule Saturday, May 19, 2012
7:30-9:30 a.m. ............................................... Fair Booth Setup Recreation Center Parking Lot 7:45-8:30 a.m. ..................................Run for Fun Registration High School Stadium—Registration form on page 11 9 a.m. . ................................................................... Run for Fun High School Stadium Entrance (Truxton Drive) 9:30-10:30 a.m. .................................... “Hottest Dog” Contest Stage Area—Registration form on page 11 10:30 a.m. . .................................................................. Bake Off Stage Area (See page 12) 11 a.m.-3 p.m. ...............................Clair’s Kennel Open House 11:30 a.m......................................................................... Parade Noon-3 p.m....................................A Day at the Beach Station Library Parking Lot Log House Open House and Herb Sale Noon-4 p.m.................................................. Gilfillan Farm and Homestead Tours Inflatable Attraction and Trackless Train Petting Zoo Library Parking Lot Pony Rides Behind Recreation Center Noon-5 p.m............................................................. Fair Booths Entertainment Stage Area Treasure Hunt Booth #1 12:30-2:15 p.m...........................................Tournament Games 1:30 p.m....................................................Run for Fun Awards 2 p.m......................................................................Toddler Trot Founders’ Field 2:30 p.m..................................................... Water Balloon Toss Founders’ Field 3:30 p.m.................................................................... Duck Race McLaughlin Run Creek
Shuttle Bus Parking
Shuttle bus service will be available to the Municipal Building and C&RC at Boyce Mayview Park every half-hour starting at 10 a.m. from the following locations: • Boyce Middle School • Fort Couch Middle School • Gilfillan Farm • USC High School • Westminster Presbyterian Church Please be advised that permit parking only will be allowed in the Public Works parking lot on Truxton Drive. 10
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See USC Community Day 2011 photo collage on page 13.
The Run for Fun will begin at 9 a.m. sharp! Complete the registration form found on page 11 to make your “day of” registration quick and easy. The 3.1 mile non-sanctioned race will begin in the lower parking lot at the Upper St. Clair High School stadium. The race is open to runners of all ages. Race day registration is between 7:45 and 8:30 a.m. Awards will be presented at 1:30 p.m. Clair’s Kennel will be open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Get information regarding your pet’s care and licensing. See where runaway pets are temporarily held. Talk with an animal control officer. Animals will be available for adoption. The Log House will be open for tours after the parade. Baked goods will be available for purchase before and during the parade. In addition to the tours, there will be an herb sale, pioneer games, Knapp’s Battery E re-enactor, and Wild Willy Frankfort. The annual Community Day Parade will begin at 11:30 a.m. The parade will follow the route from Truxton Drive, along McLaughlin Run Road to Panther Pass, and up to the high school. A Day at the Beach Station will be located in the library parking lot. All ages are welcome to stop by and engage in creative art and science activities, noon-3 p.m. The 1857 Gilfillan Farm House, a work of restoration in progress, and the surrounding buildings will be open on Community Day, noon-4 p.m. Visit the farm for house tours, to see the farm animals, and organic gardening information. The Inflatable Attraction and Trackless Train will be operating in the library parking lot, noon-4 p.m. Thanks to patron donations, these activities will be offered free of charge. The Petting Zoo will be located behind the library and will be open noon-4 p.m. Children can visit the animals at no cost. There is a minimal fee for food and milk for the animals. A water balloon toss will take place at 2:30 p.m. The Duck Race, sponsored by the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair, will start at 3:30 p.m. Watch for information on pre-adopting your duck or buy your duck at the Community Foundation booth on Community Day. For more information, see page 14.
Time to Kick Back PANTHERS IN Paradise...!
D a y y t i n u m USC Com
Community Day Run for Fun
When: Saturday, May 19, 2012. Race begins at 9 a.m. sharp! Where: Upper St. Clair High School. A 3.1-mile, moderately
hilly course, starting and finishing at Panther Stadium.
Advance Registration (by May 5):
Pre-registered runners should pick up their race packets between 8:15 and 8:30 a.m. on the day of the race at the high school track parking lot on Truxton Drive. Day of Registration: $10 the day of the race. Registration will be
held at the high school parking lot on Truxton Drive the morning of the race from 7:45 to 8:30 a.m. Please arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. to allow sufficient time for registration and bring your completed “Day Of” registration form found below for a quicker registration process.
Awards will be presented at 1:30 p.m. at a location to be an-
Toddler Trot Paradise Style Ages: Twelve months to four years (races grouped by age) Location: Founders’ Field (grassy area–look for the balloons) Race Course: (age-appropriate, short distances) Race time begins: 2 p.m. Register by: 1 p.m.
nounced. First, second, and third place finishers will have times posted at Community Day. Full results and times will be available. Please check the Township website for future posting.
Pre-registration/Waiver forms available at Information Booth #1 on Community Day (near the Recreation Center on McLaughlin Run Road).
Come run for fun and exercise. Bring the whole family! No pets please! Awards for first, second, and third places will be given in the following age groups. (Please note, this is not a sanctioned race.)
This activity is free, but pre-registration is required.
MALE • 8 & under • 20 to 29 • 9 to 11 • 30 to 39 • 12 to 14 • 40 to 49 • 15 to 19 • 50 & over
FEMALE • 8 & under • 20 to 29 • 9 to 11 • 30 to 39 • 12 to 14 • 40 to 49 • 15 to 19 • 50 & over
Register, then come cheer on your favorite toddler! A USCHS Student Council-sponsored event
USC Community Day Run For Fun “Day Of” Registration Form Name_____________________________________________ Age as of May 19, 2012_____________
Sex____________
Address___________________________________________ Telephone Number_________________________________ Email (optional)____________________________________ $10—Day of Registration Make checks payable to:
Upper St. Clair Community Day Bring this completed form with you to “Day Of” registration.
CONSENT RELEASE FORM: I agree to hold the Township of Upper St. Clair, the Community Day committee and volunteers, and/or any employees thereof harmless and blameless for any accident or injury which may occur while participating in the Run for Fun.
_________________________________ _ ______ Signature
(Parent/Guardian if Under 18 Years of Age)
Date
Summer 2012
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Congratulates and Supports the Township of Upper St. Clair and Upper St. Clair School District In Their Combined Efforts to Provide Township Residents A Fun & Enjoyable
“Panthers in Paradise” Community Day 2012! For advertising opportunities and article ideas: visit: www.twpusc.org/magazine contact: usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us
Community Day 2012 Volunteers Upper St. Clair School District Danny Holzer, Director of Student Activities Sheila Bartlett Lloyd, Assistant Director of Student Activities Student Volunteer Chairs: Overall–Laura Rubino, Shane Heil Auxiliary–Laura Rubino, Evan McElhinny Booths– Alicia English, Megan Hindman Toddler Trot–Carly Olsakovsky, Victoria Shaffer Entertainment–Lily Olsakovsky, Nina Brajovic Tournament Games–Ricky Alfera, A.J. Gross, Harrison Teel Parking Lots–Alivia Fink, Jordan Serio Run for Fun–Parker Cahn, Liz Vargo Parade–Taylor Manalo, Michele Mellick, Paige Gillen Publicity–Zack Tobias, Shane Heil T-Shirts–Lisa Smith, Taylor Rongaus, Brent Hopkins
Township of Upper St. Clair Paul Besterman, Director of Recreation and Leisure Services Ryan McCleaster, Assistant Director of Recreation and Leisure Services Lynn Walcoff, Community Programs Coordinator George Kostelich, Director of Public Works Rich Botz, Superintendent of Operations Dave Kutschbach, Superintendent of Projects Ronald J. Pardini, Chief of Police Amy Kerman, Older Adult Coordinator Glenn Ward, Upper St. Clair Public Access Television Other USC Groups Upper St. Clair Historical Society, Gilfillan Homestead and Farm– Jean Brown 1830 Log House Association–Kim Guzzi Community-at-Large–Bill Findle, Shari Leckenby, Larry Lehman, Heather Slinger, Kelli Sharkey Winseck, and others.
Fair Booths open noon-5 p.m.—Plan to spend the day. A Community Day wrap-up, including a complete list of all patrons will appear in the Fall 2012 issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY. We thank our kind and generous patrons for their financial and in-kind support of Community Day 2012! 12
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We Are a Community of Friends Memories of 2011 USC Community Day
Photos courtesy of Karen Boston Summer 2012
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Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair 2012 Board of Trustees
Seated, l-r: Stacie de la Parra, (Treasurer), Leanne Adamo (Secretary), Jim Bennett (Board Chair), Becky Stern (Board ViceChair), Angela Petersen (Executive Director), Buffy Hasco Standing: Lynn Dempsey, Paul Fox, Gregg Zegarelli, Vicki McKenna, Steven Stockton, Linda Serene, Ray Berrott, Celeste Acinapura, Sandy Boring, Terrie Piatt, John Barsotti; Missing from picture: Beth Erlanger
The Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair will once again sponsor the
Community Day Duck Race MANY, MANY GREAT PRIZES!
May 19th, 2012 ~ This is the 14th Annual Race ~ • Single duck ~ $5 • Quack Pack ~ 6 for $25 • Pack of Quakers ~ 15 for $50 ADOPT YOUR DUCK AT THE CFUSC BOOTH
The Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair &
The Upper St. Clair School District proudly announce the
2nd Annual
“Celebrate Our Schools” Gala St. Clair Country Club Saturday, October 20, 2012 ~ 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
SAVE THE DATE! COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF UPPER ST. CLAIR
2585 Washington Rd, Suite 131 • Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 (412) 831-1107 ~ mainstreetusc@gmail.com ~ www.cfusc.org 14
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RACE START TIME: 3:30 PM
Summer 2012
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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Don’s “DUZ IT ALL” D is for Don’s Appliances and Dishwashers! Just before the holidays, Upper St. Clair resident Sharon Reed suffered a dishwasher dilemma. A dynamic lady with an ailing machine—ancient by today’s standards—Sharon tackled the challenge with gusto. First, there was the instruction manual, and, after that, bailing out buckets of water. Lastly, there was the toll free help line. When spinning the knobs and depressing the buttons failed, Sharon proclaimed, in her witty way, “R.I.P.” And, at 9 a.m. sharp, Sharon burst through the doors at Don’s Appliances’ North Highland Road, Upper St. Clair location and exclaimed, “Please, I need a new dishwasher ASAP!” With a vast selection of dishwashers to choose from and knowledgeable sales associates to explain each one, the decision for Sharon was stress-free. Add an “e” to Don and the job gets done! Sharon asserts, “When it came to purchasing my new dishwasher, the professional staff at Don’s Appliances was first-class. They helped me in my selection process, provided timely delivery, and installed my dishwasher in a professional manner, making it worry-free for me. A great product at a great price and with great service—what better winning combination for a five-star appliance store in anyone’s book!” The Hillebrand Family Entrepreneur Donald (Don) Lee Hillebrand has embraced clients like Sharon for the past 40 years, offering exceptional brands and exceptional service since 1971. Truly a self-made man, at age 18 he began his career as a Maytag repairman. In 1964, wedding bells chimed for Don and his sweetheart, Jill. From that moment, 12-hour work days that included sales, delivery, and repairs paid the bills. When Don was 27, he launched Don’s Appliances in Upper St. Clair. Forty years later and now that Don is semi-retired, his previous 80-hour work week has been cut in half. Remaining PC savvy, product research and fiscal analysis are important daily quests for Don. As Don looks back on his life, he is extremely proud of his family, his 45 employees, and his trusted, community-based enterprise. Aspiring to Meryll Frost’s 1945 quote “Behind every great man there is a great woman,” Jill Hillebrand is just
The original location and vintage North Highland Road storefront of Don’s Appliances
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that—a mother, a loving spouse, and a pillar of strength. Jill states, “Don is a good man and his family is very important to him. Though at times when Don was growing the business spending many long work days, I felt very much like a single parent. Today, my life is complete with five loving sons, five caring daughters-in-law, and 12 rambunctious grandkids.” Vacations and holidays are the highlight for this proud matriarch. When family laughter fills the air, Jill relishes her life. Don confirms Jill as his high school sweetheart. “It was love at first sight with Jill. Forty-seven years later… and I still feel the same,” shared Don. The five Hillebrand sons—Jason, Matt, Nick, Terry, and Tim— know that successful entrepreneurs take time to study and learn all that is necessary to keep their business on the cutting edge. They are open to suggestions, solutions, new information, and change rather than thinking that they know everything that’s out there, that there’s no room to learn, and that everything should be as it has always been. They agree that “our parents are the two most giving people we know. Dad gave his life to working to make our lives better, while Mom was always dedicated to rearing five carefree boys with a loving, yet firm hand.” Tim states, “Our parents exemplify what it means to be a family and they taught each of us what we needed to do to provide for our own family.” Terry confirms that “our parents have always been terrific role models for us.” Jason’s life lesson is that “Mom and Dad taught us to stick together.” Matt’s favorite childhood experiences are simple—family, friends, and playing in the leaves! Nick proclaims that “holidays and vacations are so much fun when you are with family to celebrate.” For all the boys, family is paramount. They truly feel their families make them happier and decidedly more successful. Unlike many of today’s big box Don Hillebrand and actor Jessie White, the “original” Maytag Man
stores, the Hillebrand’s legacy of personal commitment and a dedicated way of doing business benefit the customer. • Values about sales and service and how each should be accomplished—with purpose and pride. • Stability in knowing that future family generations will be there to serve the client’s needs for the long term. • Compelling commitment for that “extra” effort to make each sale a success. • Loyalty developed through strong personal bonds between the Hillebrands and the surrounding community. Public-spirited business owners, like Don, invest time and money in their community and become positive role models. With Don’s help and blessings, his employees voluntarily provide community outreach for many organizations, including Make-a-Wish, Toys for Tots, Washington County Food Drive, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, and Centre for Theatre Arts. Recognizing that education is the cornerstone of success for children, Don’s Appliances is a patron of St. Patrick’s School of Canonsburg and Westminster Nursery School in Upper St. Clair.
approach is determined and committed to developing, a gratifying and lasting customer connection. Informed purchases sustain the environment for future generations, hence Energy Star®. Developed in 1992, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency introduced Energy Star® as a voluntary labeling program intended to identify and promote energy efficient products that help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While energy costs have escalated, today’s products deliver enhanced performance, affording consumers long term monetary savings. Little comes close to the Don’s Appliances experience. If you are not available Monday through Saturday during regularlyscheduled showroom hours, private appointments are welcome. Professional consultants will answer your questions with individualized attention and “hands on” presentations. Contact Nicholas Hillebrand at the North Highland Road location. Planning a project for next year? In 2013, Don’s will exhibit at the 32nd annual Pittsburgh Home & Garden Show with an interior gallery of contemporary concepts. Put it on your 2013 calendar! In addition to opening Don’s Don’s Appliances North Highland Road employees are, The Store Appliances, 1971 left to right, Ryan Way, Jase Garrity, Upper St. Clair resident and More than ever, was also an exciting Samantha Gatti, Don Hillebrand, and Nick Hillebrand Don’s client, Sharon Reed year for electronic today’s home ininnovations. Intel cludes the backyard, which has become an extension of the living space. Outdoor kitch- developed the 4004 microprocessor and, that same year, Texas ens can be small and simple or as elaborate as any indoor kitchen. Instruments released its first pocket calculator. Electronic innovaIf you are planning a new build or kitchen remodel, consider that tions have continued, and today there are microprocessor-controlled Don’s delivery and install teams are employees, not third party machines of all sorts, including refrigerators, microwaves, washers, contractors. They understand that an efficient, modern workspace and even coffee cappuccino makers. As a committed member of BrandSource, the store’s seminars feature advanced electronic techis one of the best homeowner investments. Considering style, everything old is new again, and eclectic nologies and state-of-the-art product promotions. Browse anyone and vintage have merged. Blending includes color, texture, and the of Don’s four western Pennsylvania showrooms or visit online at ever-popular stainless steel! Whether colonial or contemporary, www.donsappliances.com for photos of innovative products. And after 40 years, Donald Lee Hillebrand continues to move modern or traditional, any kitchen will benefit from the sleek, forward with the industry, while remembering to fulfill his lifelong up-to-date appeal of stainless steel. Don’s showroom presents energy efficient appliances together aspiration of dedicated sales and service with pride and passion. with eye-catching kitchen treatments and is a great place to gener- His resolve: time-honored values of honesty, courtesy, affordable ate ideas about purchases, original installations, or modernization. pricing, and superior service. Just like the saying “offering 40 Respecting your style and budget, knowledgeable sales associates years of exceptional brands and exceptional service since 1971,” appreciate that a welcoming kitchen, whether indoors or out, Don’s really “DUZ IT ALL!” n is at the heart of home entertaining. More than just a space for Don’s Appliances: 1759 North Highland Road, USC preparing meals, the kitchen is a gathering place for family and 412-835-2300 – www.donsappliances.com friends. With decades of experience, Don’s low key, but positive, With the completion of our kitchen renovation, we express sincere gratitude for all that Don’s did to ensure our happiness with our appliances. The advice and counsel we received were paramount. And due to our busy work schedules, the patience, personal care, and sharing of information was indispensable.—Mary Lynne and Ted Spazok, Upper St. Clair
Summer 2012
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
The last thing the world needs is another and went whenever I sports cliché. Yet I find myself on the precipice could. I made friendof creating one that has been decades in the ships on the slopes like making. none other in my life. When I was growing up, the family next In high school, I door had three daughters about my age. One went through a certifilucky weekend, their family packed up and cation program so that I headed to Somerset for a weekend ski camp. I could be a ski instructor. And for a few years, I was invited to join. taught mostly young kids how to make a pizza My memories of the weekend are sparse, slice with their skis and keep their knees bent but I recall being agreeable and even excited. and to fall down safely when all else failed. But, I remember beat-up rental skis strapped to my as will happen, I left the slopes and went off to feet and an encouraging, smiling, brown-haired do the things that young adults do. instructor named Nancy in front of me. Now a middle-aged woman, I strapped skis In her ocean blue ski coat, Nancy was confi- to my feet well over a decade later. So when dent and fearless, all the while barking the finer my family set about having a ski weekend this points of a snowplow (make a pizza slice!), the year, I was apprehensive about my return to art of turning (keep your knees bent!), how to the snow. traverse the slope and fall safely (sit down!), I called a few skiing friends. What’s up with then get back up and keep going. I remember these shorter skis? They were easier, I was asgoing to bed that first night, experiencing a sured. And the helmets? Just get one, I was told. combination of physical exhaustion, fear, and Skiing was like riding a bike, and it would all dread. come back my friends promised. I rented skis Politeness may have been the only character and prepared to teach a few more lessons. trait that had not been bruised out of me, so I took my boys on the steeper slopes within when the second day of skiing came around I the first few days. When they panicked at the was hesitant to tell my friends’ mom, “Hey, no view in front of them, I assured them that they thanks. I am going to sit on the couch today already had the skills they needed and could and do the hot chocolate thing.” handle the challenge. Face downhill. Lean So I buckled my boots and went back out, forward. Remember what you’ve been taught. with heavy feet and wet snow pants. Nancy Take it slow. Be safe, but go. was up and ready. She cheered us on as we Coaching my sons down the steeper slopes went back at it, telling us that yesterday we was one of those powerful moments where had learned all the basic skills we would need life comes full circle. I said the same things to tackle any slope we found ourselves on. To that Nancy said, with a loud voice of cheer prove this point, she took our little group to the and support. Soon my sons were off and at the top of the toughest black diamond slope at the bottom of the hill, waiting in the lift line to go resort—Thunderbird. at it again. To those lucky readers who are not familiar Skiing well is about facing forward, picking with this slope, it is short. And steep. The view a line and sticking with it, but being willing to from the precipice of the slope is intimidating, adjust on the fly. Skiing safely is about using the since you cannot see anything but the distant knowledge that you have in your head rather bottom of the slope below. The view caused than listening to the voice of fear that forcefully my heart to accelerate to a pulse like that of a moves to the front of your thoughts. startled sparrow. But I learned something else about skiing. One has very few choices in a moment like If you’re feeling strong enough, stop every once this. Take one’s skis off and walk down? It’s been in a while and look back to see where you’ve done, but it’s humiliating and dangerous in its been. After covering some distance and with a own way. Walk back up the slope? Drudgery conquering spirit, the view looking back can be and also humiliating. as sweet as the steep-terrained view ahead. I timidly followed my peers into the face of While others will seek to inspire with clitotal and absolute fear. I went across the hill, chéd words like “hit a homerun,” “run with taming it a bit. I turned. I was like a granny giv- the ball,” and “there’s no ‘I’ in team,” I’ll be ing the track at the Indy 500 a go in a golf cart. inspiring myself and my family with words of Slow and safe and attentive of every obstacle. leaning into the challenge, facing forward, eyes I can’t say I got my terror under control, but I wide open, with a willingness to give it a go. persevered in spite of it. Skiing, in essence, is about deciding to go, and Eventually I grew to love downhill skiing then going. n I’d like to hear your thoughts on contemporary parenting in Upper St. Clair. Please share your ideas about my column with me in person, or email your thoughts to me at eallen@uscsd.k12.pa.us. Let me know if, like me, you’re from here. Summer 2012
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Summer 2012
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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Tucker, the Tender Heart at Gilfillan
Mary Lynne Spazok
Most farms have at least one romping about, but the Gilfillan Homestead is blessed with two energetic, adorable dogs. Penny was featured in a past UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY article where Shannon Thompson cultivated the Gilfillan Trail vegetable patch. The other noble rascal is Tucker, the tender-hearted bloodhound, a mild-mannered, endearing pooch. Approachable, he is a hit at USC Community Day and can be found tethered at the pine grove next to the craft porch. Good-natured, he lies quietly, letting youngsters clamber over him. Standing about 24 inches at the shoulder, he weighs around 100 pounds. Born May 18, 2005, seven-year-old Tucker parades the characteristic black and tan wrinkly coat. “Tucker has the softest ears, but has some bad habits, including gnawing on plastic containers and dumping any trashcan in sight,” says owner Rachel Heins Carlson. Tucker, a farmer’s companion, is blessed to be able to roam not only the farmstead, but also his holiday retreat north of Pittsburgh, Falls Creek Farm. Rachel asserts, “For man, a good dog is as valuable an asset as anything else at the homestead, with the bonus of being a loving, dedicated companion.” Since dog species come in many sizes and silhouettes, hounds are a natural for specialization. It’s a fact—farms as well as suburban neighborhoods harbor vermin. You can deny it or ignore it, but they are out there— mice and rats thrive wherever a food source can be found. Many terriers dig for vermin. The name “terrier” comes from the Latin word “terra” or earth, so terriers are dogs that are bred to literally “go to earth.” In October 1979, Alexander Gilfillan was keen on beagles. Hunting dogs—pointers, hounds, spaniels, and retrievers—are all reliable choices for farms where hunting is routine. Tucker’s ancestors are scent hounds that date back to Roman times and brought to England by William the Conqueror in 1066. Used as a private eye to detect fugitives and lost individuals, this breed of dog boasts a superior sense of smell. Tucker howls, barks, and stomps his paws until he becomes the center of everyone’s attention. He is nothing short of a big baby as tots to teens hover over him excitedly. While Tucker commands
Reese Pirain, son of Elizabeth Reed Pirain, shows off his “Tucker” craft.
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Summer 2012
Tucker is ready for visitors.
attention, he repays affection without aggression. That being said, choosing a bloodhound as a family pet compares with driving a bulldozer to driving a kiddie car. Although most bloodhounds have even temperaments, they are relentless and determined, with a non-thinking mind-set. Some people mistake this as positive aggression. But, bloodhounds do need obedience training and socialization early in life. Bloodhounds do well with hunters, trackers, police departments, and search and rescue teams. If you choose this breed as a pet, make note that this type of dog needs a country environment, fenced yard or kennel, and plenty of exercise for health and happiness. A bloodhound is devoted to its master and, if trained well, can live harmoniously with other household pets. Don’t forget that bloodhounds drool and are predisposed to snoring and howling. Their noses are so exceptional that ignoring a curious scent is just out of the question! During farm visits, Tucker is subject to some “on the job” hazards. Risks include being trampled by livestock, sparring with wild animals, snake bites, and disease. Now, your hound dog may only be conquering the neighborhood, but all hounds must be vaccinated, examined, and treated for fleas and ticks. A hound’s job is not over when the family turns in for the night. A good hound is ready to sound the alert if something or someone should trespasses where they shouldn’t. Innate problem solving and intuitive skills along with familial dedication is their work ethic, assuring a reliable guardian of all your treasures. Did you know that 2012 brings with it the waning of the popularity of specific dog breeds and purebreds? Adults reminisce back fondly to childhood and think of a working farm and country dogs (like movie star Lassie) or loving and loyal city pets (Digger, the Dog) that aren’t too fussy or delicate. Visit the local animal rescue shelter, usually a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing domesticated animals and wildlife from suffering, cruelty, abandonment, and neglect. It is a great place to begin the adoption process. USC Historic Society member Pat Sphar is an awarded rescue trailblazer at the Humane Society of Washington. On USC Community Day, Pat can be found in Gilfillan’s large barn. Other days, she volunteers in animal rescue. “The power and beauty of the animal-human bond is intrinsic to efforts to stop all forms of violence in our society,” asserts the Animal Rescue League of Boston. If a child is taught to be kind to animals, there is a greater likelihood that that child will mature into an adult who respects not only humanity, but all
living things. Animals, with their ability to provide unconditional forget that dogs don’t understand English. Dogs respond to sound love, are “a powerful force to bring reason, order, and a sense of and tone. Intonation is critical. Because the nose knows, dogs truth and beauty to our world.” have a very acute sense of smell, estimated to be 100 times more How does a dog perceive life? Like sensitive than humans. This definitive humans, pooches communicate through sense is due mainly to a complex, suWhat dog has money? body language. Touch is very important, perior scent organ behind the animal’s A bloodhound of course, canine teeth on the roof of its mouth and to touch a dog is to pay it the highbecause he is always est compliment, provided it’s done at a and a much larger part of its brain being non-threatening location and in a non- picking up scents (cents)! devoted to the sense of smell. threatening way. Never grab the scruff, How did Tucker earn his bloodhound Bow-wow! but do hold your hand out for sniffing as pedigree? During the seventh century, a non-combative gesture. Follow up with Frenchman, nobleman, and voracious a gentle chest rub. hunter Francois Hubert bred big game hunting hounds with Talbot hounds from the Ardennes region of France. Distraught Dogs are generally far-sighted and have enhanced night vision. after the death of his wife, he entered the monastery where he With limited color vision, they don’t have a human’s ability to continued to breed these hounds, the forerunner of today’s bloodsee objects close up with detail. On the other hand, their acute hound. Due to Francois’ dedication, monasteries advanced dog hearing affords them a much wider frequency than ours. Owners breeding as a lucrative revenue source. For locating lost persons, hounds were a prized, esteemed resource. Many saints in history are recognized for dog breeding and new breed expansion. Hubert was canonized Saint Hubert, the Patron Saint of Hunters. His feast day is November 3 and several Alexander Gilfillan and his European countries, including France, celebrate the blessing of pet beagle, October 1979 the hounds on this day. Hounds became so popular that nobility would bring their dogs to church. The King of France was given three pairs of highly-prized hounds each year. Today, Tucker is the modern representative of the oldest race of hounds that pursue by scent, the “Chien de Saint Hubert.” So, there you have it! Dogs are devoted family members who are always happy to see us! Dogs encourage happiness, exercise, and a delight for life. Man’s best friend is to be cared for and treated with respect and dignity. Whether a country or city dog, a checklist for a happy, healthy, safe canine follows: • Yearly veterinary exam with required vaccinations • Protection from and treatment for parasites, including heartworm, fleas, and ticks • Regular grooming and nail clipping • Healthy diet with fresh, purified water • Proper shelter • Identification, license, and microchip • Plenty of exercise • Obedience training • Supervision and protection from rural or urban dangers • Unlimited love and attention Tucker, the tender heart, welcomes you to Gilfillan Homestead on Saturday, May 19 from noon until 4 p.m. After a visit to the craft table at the side porch (a “Tucker” craft this year), be sure to stop and give Tucker a big hug. He appreciates the lovin’! If pet adoption is in your future, visit Pat Sphar at the big barn on Community Day. Her passion for pet adoption is infectious. Remember that parking on Orr Road is prohibited; please park at the garden lot. Handicap parking and restroom facilities are located at the Orr Road entrance. n
Summer 2012
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Remembering a Week at Oakmont
Story and photos by Jim O’Brien
Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer walk together once more on a golf course at a reunion in the mid-80s at The Masters. Photo courtesy of Arnold Palmer.
I was 19 years old when I was rooting, like so many western Pennsylvanians, for Arnold Palmer to win the U.S. Open at Oakmont June 14-17, 1962. He was the biggest name in golf at the time, and he looked like a natural to win. He would be playing in front of people who knew him, rooted openly for him, and worshipped him. He knew the course; he had played it many times as an amateur and had opportunities to practice on it as a pro. It was just 40 miles from his home in Latrobe. Palmer had been the British Open champion the previous July and had won the Masters in April for the third time in five years. He was at the top of his game. It was the first time I had set foot on a country club and I was a bit nervous about my status on those hallowed grounds. I am still nervous whenever I am invited to attend a special event at St. Clair Country Club, Valley Brook Country Club, or South Hills Country Club. When you grow up in Glenwood, next to Hazelwood in the inner-city of Pittsburgh, you are not that familiar with country clubs. One of the waitresses at Oakmont Country Club was a sister of one of my aunts. Back then, that was almost the only way anyone in my family was going to get into a country club. I was on my best behavior, but I kept thinking that at any moment I would be unmasked and have to leave the grounds. I felt as if I had the 22
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
“It’s been 50 years since I was on the edge of the greens at the U.S. Open golf tournament at Oakmont Country Club…”
words “ruffian” or “riffraff” spelled out in bold letters across my forehead. I’d forgotten that I had worked the U.S. Open at Oakmont and clearly enjoyed one of the best views of the week-long action. I sat on the edge of the greens at most of the holes, writing caption information for photographs taken by a staff photographer for The Pittsburgh Press. I never included this event in the Top Ten of the most important sports events I have personally witnessed and written about until I took a telephone call this past February from George Roy of Flagstaff Films in New York City. “When you were in high school,” he began, “did you by chance get out to the U.S. Open at Oakmont in 1962?” I said that it was the summer after my sophomore year at the University of Pittsburgh and that I had a position as a summer intern on the city-side news staff at The Press. I explained exactly what my assignment was that day and how rowdy the crowd had been while cheering for Palmer, the hometown favorite, and against the young brash upstart from Ohio, a first-year pro named Jack Nicklaus. I said the crowd cheered for Arnie and insulted Jack regularly, calling him “Ohio Fats” and “Fat Boy” and actually stomped on the ground when Nicklaus was attempting a putt. Even Steelers’ fans didn’t behave that badly back in those days. Palmer apologized to Nicklaus at one point for the way his fans were behaving. Woody Hayes, the feisty football coach at The Ohio State University, where Nicklaus had first gained attention on the golf course, was following Nicklaus and in the company of Charlie Nicklaus, the father of the young blond golfer. Charlie Nicklaus owned and operated a drug store in Columbus that Hayes frequented on a regular basis. Woody and Charlie got into a few verbal confrontations with the crowd about the way they were trying to distract Jack Nicklaus. Hayes was known for having a fiery temper and eventually lost his job at Ohio State for assaulting an opposing player in a sideline skirmish. You wouldn’t want to mess with Woody Hayes or Charlie Nicklaus. Some reports about that event, particularly one by an old friend on the Summer 2012
sports beat, Jerry Izenberg of The Newark Star-Ledger, indicated that one could actually feel the ground around the green quake when the members of Arnie’s Army started marching in step, stomping on the ground when Nicklaus was putting. I don’t know about that, but Nicklaus insisted afterward that he was unaware that the crowd was a bit unruly. He was too focused on his golf game to notice. This year, the men’s U.S. Open is being held June 14-17 at The Olympic Club in San Francisco. The event will mark the 50th anniversary of the storied event played at Oakmont and is still regarded by many as one of the greatest upsets in golf history. Once George Roy realized I had been a witness to what went on that week at Oakmont, he scheduled a visit to my home in Upper St. Clair. For anyone asking, that’s why there were two television trucks in my driveway the morning of February 28, 2012. Roy told me I was a good story-teller. His company, Flagstaff Films, produced sports documentaries for network and cable television stations. He was working on a documentary about the 1962 U.S. Open that will be shown on NBC before the final round on June 17, at 2 or 3 p.m. Roy used to run a TV documentary filming company named Black Canyon, and I was interviewed and appeared in a documentary called “Pistol Pete, The Life and Times of Pete Maravich,” and another one about Roberto Clemente. The Maravich piece won an Emmy Award. Roy’s company has won six Emmies and several other distinctions through the years. I recalled how author Shelby Foote was featured so often in a documentary about the Civil War that was done by award-winning Ken Burns. “I want to be your Shelby Foote,” I told Roy and did my homework on the 1962 U.S. Open prior to his visit to my home. Roy was interested to know how I was able to get one of the most up-close views possible at the 1962 U.S. Open. I worked that summer as an intern at The Pittsburgh Press. I had been awarded a Wall Street Journal Scholarship of $500 in addition to the pay I drew working on the city-side or news side of Pittsburgh’s leading daily at the time.
It was a wonderful internship, and that summer proved to be very important in shaping my career. Each week I would shadow a different reporter on his or her beat. One week I’d be at City Hall, the next week anywhere—the local judicial courts, the police station, the labor beat, or the real estate beat. At an assignment at the city morgue, I witnessed an autopsy of a woman who’d been found murdered in the streets. I was given an opportunity to write columns and they appeared near some nationally syndicated columnists such as Robert Ruark, Bishop Fulton J. Sheehan, and Jim Bishop and local writers, including Gilbert Love and Barbara Cloud. For a full week, I wrote a front-page story about a riot at Western Penitentiary. I hit it off well with editor John Troan and managing editor Leo Koeberlein, and they invited me to return the following summer. Instead, I chose to go to Philadelphia where I held a summer internship at The Philadelphia Bulletin. I wanted to be with the sportswriters in Philadelphia to be among the best in the country. For me, it turned out to be a big mistake. I worked the night shift, and I seldom got to write any stories. I returned home early that summer after realizing that I was wasting my time in Philly. The summer I worked at The Press was also when I started frequenting Dante’s,
a saloon/restaurant on the border of Brentwood and Whitehall where all the top sports writers and broadcasters as well as some of the outstanding Steelers and future Hall of Fame players, including Bobby Layne and Ernie Stautner, were among the regulars. I wanted to be around the writers. I wanted to hear their stories, learn from them, show them my stuff, and seek their advice and approval. Dave Kelly, who lived in Upper St. Clair, was among the regulars at Dante’s, and so was Myron Cope, who lived in Scott at the time but later moved to Upper St. Clair. That 1962 summer was great! I knew, for sure, that I wanted to be a sportswriter. I was 19, too young to be in any bars, but eager to make my mark. One day at The Press, I overheard some of the bosses discussing plans for coverage of the upcoming U.S. Open. They were talking about who was going to do what and that they were going to send some reporters from city-side as well as the usual sportswriters to cover the event. When they started talking about the photographers, I quickly stepped forward and volunteered to go to Oakmont to write the photo captions. I was assigned to tag along with Al Hermann Jr. When I came back to The Press in 1979, after working a year in Miami and nine in New York City, I again teamed up with Al Hermann Jr. to cover the Pittsburgh Steelers. John Troan and Leo Koeberlein were in charge of the paper and they were the ones who brought me back to town. They must have forgiven
Jack Nicklaus in 1962, his first season as a pro at Open
WTAE’s Ed Conway interviews Arnold Palmer at ’62 Open. Summer 2012
Arnold Palmer at the 1962 U.S. Open
me for not returning for a second summer as an intern in 1963. They told me that I was going to be the next sports editor of The Press and succeed Pat Livingston in that post. They didn’t tell me they were going to retire before that would happen. In any case, I still remember that special week at Oakmont in the summer of 1962. No sooner had I walked into the clubhouse than I ran into two fellows from my old neighborhood, Jack and Ronnie Fite. They lived in my house at 5410 Sunnyside Street just before our family moved into the row house. I wondered how the Fites got into Oakmont that day. Soon after, I ran into Sam Rende, also from Hazelwood and a life-time hustler, and someone I would see at every major sports event involving Pittsburgh for the rest of our lives. I always ran into guys from my old neighborhood wherever I traveled in sports. They knew how to crash the best parties, with or without credentials or invitations. I think it all started because we just showed up at wedding receptions in our youth if we had the slightest acquaintance with the bride and groom. Jack Nicklaus had just joined the pro tour after many successes as an amateur at The Ohio State University. I’ve watched Nicklaus on TV when he has hosted his annual golf tour outing at Muirfield in Dublin, Ohio. It turns out he liked the layout at Oakmont so much that he added some of its features, including those famous furrowed sand traps known at Oakmont as “the church pews” when he designed and later reconfigured some of the holes on Continued on page 88
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Maher Named National “Humane Legislator of the Year”
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The Humane Society of the United States honored State Representative John Maher as “Humane Legislator of the Year” for the entire United States. The Humane Society’s national president, Wayne Pacelle, traveled to the state capitol to personally present the award to Maher. According to Pacelle, Maher has distinguished himself among all legislators in the nation with his leadership on fighting animal cruelty. “We are grateful for Representative Maher’s resourcefulness on animal protection issues and for his resiliency in the face of opposition,” said Pacelle. M a h e r r e s p o n d e d , “ We h a v e accomplished a lot of common sense advances, but much important work remains.” Maher, who is chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, noted that good animal care coincides with good agricultural practices. This year’s national award by the Humane Society adds to the recognitions that Maher has received as the state’s leading advocate against animal cruelty. Last year, the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association and the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine—the state’s top animal health organizations—joined together to honor Maher as “Legislator of the Year” for his success in helping animals, food safety, and agricultural research and education. n
Call today
to schedule a personal tour or join us for an upcoming event.
412.489.3550 You’ve reached the best Point in your life.
500 PROVIDENCE POINT BOULEVARD PITTSBURGH, PA 15243 WWW.PROVIDENCEPOINT.ORG A Baptist Homes Society community • US News & World Report 5-Star Rating 24
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Summer 2012
Receiving the Humane Legislator of the Year award from Wayne Pacelle is Representative John Maher (right).
Traveling with TODAY
Performance exceeds Promises!
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY traveled with the USC High School Kids Helping Kids organization to Comedero during their annual pre-Thanksgiving mission trip to the Dominican Republic. In addition to TODAY, the group brought and distributed clothing and sporting goods to several places, including an orphanage, two rural mountain villages, and a Haitian batey. Medical and dental clinics were conducted with the students’ help in Las Lajas, Comedero, and at the ILAC center in Santiago. This picture, including USC’s Sean Gaudio, Ian Ridge, Anna Meenen, and Danielle von Waldow, was taken shortly after the annual Dominican vs. USC baseball game, in which the Panthers remain winless. In other international competition that week, the Panthers were defeated in a close soccer match with the perennial Haitian powerhouse Barefoot Batey Libertad.
Go for “THE GoLD” Let OUR Experience Work for YOU! THE GoLD TEAM
Sandy Goldstein, ABR, e-pro and Marshall Goldstein 724.941.9400 x 215 412.721.0306 cell 1190 Gallery Drive • McMurray, PA 15317 www.sandygoldstein.com Sandy@Sandygoldstein.com GoldsteinMarsh@aol.com
TODAY in the Dominican Republic
This past winter, TODAY traveled to paradise (Paradise Island, Bahamas, that is!) with the Benonis family. And even in the “lost city of Atlantis,” Reese and Vanessa and their parents were never too far from home. In front of the iconic arch of the Atlantis, which connects the hotel’s east and west towers, it was the perfect spot to display our community magazine for all to enjoy. The kids loved all the aqua activities, especially riding the rapids on the lazy river. Thanks to the Benonis family for taking TODAY along on your adventure!
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. n
Vanessa and Reese Benonis Summer 2012
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SD Upper St. Clair School District Board of School Directors
An Interview with Baker’s New Principal
*Date indicates expiration of term.
While he is the new principal at Baker Elementary School, Patrick McClintock-Comeaux is no stranger to the District. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY took the opportunity to ask Patrick a few questions before he started his new job and is pleased to share the answers about USC’s newest administrator.
Rebecca A. Stern President 412-220-0745 2015*
Barbara L. Bolas Vice President 412-833-9841 2015*
What is your educational background (college and post grad)?
I received my bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Bucknell University, and my master’s degree in public management (Educational Leadership) from Carnegie Mellon University. I am currently working on my doctoral degree at the College of William and Mary in educational policy, planning, and leadership.
What is your work experience?
I taught at Boyce Middle School in Upper St. Clair for six years, also serving as the middle school social studies curriculum leader during my final year. I then moved to Northern Virginia where I became an assistant principal with Alexandria City Public Schools at Hammond Middle School. I remained in Alexandria and became the principal of Samuel Tucker Elementary School for four years. In 2007, I decided to return to the South Hills of Pittsburgh with my family and I have been the principal of Foster Elementary School in Mt. Lebanon since that time. Amy L. Billerbeck 412-833-2712 2015*
Buffy Z. Hasco 412-833-5712 2013*
What are you most looking forward to as Baker principal? What are the challenges?
More than anything, I am looking forward to being a part of a tremendous educational team. My experiences in Upper St. Clair—as a student, teacher , and parent—have all been positive. Parents, teachers, staff, and administration truly share the same vision of providing excellent education in innovative ways. All changes present challenges. Getting to know the Baker staff and community, I will have to assess where we are and where we need to go to be an integral part of USC’s school system.
A few personal items: town where you live, are you married/name of spouse, children/ages, and any pets?
Frank J. Kerber 412-833-4873 2013*
Harry F. Kunselman 412-851-1115 2013*
My wife, Marta, and I live in Upper St. Clair with our four children: Carter (age seven) attends Eisenhower Elementary as will Tyler (five) in the fall; Trevor is three; and Kate is one. Marta, also a USCHS grad, is the director of Women’s Studies at California University of Pennsylvania. No pets in our family.
Hobbies?
Mostly spending time with my children, but I am also shamelessly devoted to the Pittsburgh Pirates, even maintaining my season tickets when we moved to Virginia.
Anything else to share with our readers?
Louis P. Mafrice, Jr. 412-851-0622 2013*
Angela B. Petersen 412-831-7182 2015*
Louis M. Oliverio 724-941-4584 2015*
The 2012 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.
School District Detailed Monthly Calendar
www.uscsd.k12.pa.us.
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I am a believer in the Upper St. Clair School District. I attended Streams for Kindergarten through fifth, then went to Boyce in sixth grade (the last year it was a six through eight building). I then moved to Fort Couch (where I met my wife) the first year it was a grades seven-eight building. I had great experiences at the high school where I played on a state championship football team, was in the symphonic band, acted in the spring musical, and really enjoyed the school’s academic rigor. When I think about the important aspects—academics, arts, athletics—of Upper St. Clair that Dr. Pope specifically articulated when the new USC High School was built, I feel honored to have experienced all three of these aspects at such a high level during my high school education. Upon graduating from college, I was fortunate to find a teaching position in the District (actually, teaching with my former kindergarten teacher Debbie Obrosky). When we moved back to this area from Northern Virginia we knew we wanted our children to attend the Upper St. Clair schools, so we relocated to USC. When the opportunity arose for me to join the USC team again as Patrick McClintock-Comeaux Baker principal, I couldn’t pass it up! n
Summer 2012
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Dr. Suritsky Appointed Assistant Superintendent
Dr. Sharon Suritsky earned a bachelor’s degree in special education from Penn State University in 1983. After graduation, she began her special education teaching career with the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit #29 and worked as the first IU district-based special education teacher at Mahanoy Area High School. During her four years of teaching, Dr. Suritsky earned her master’s degree in special education from Bloomsburg University. In 1988, she resigned her special education teaching position and enrolled in a full-time special education doctoral program at Penn State. After completing her doctoral program, Dr. Suritsky worked as an assistant professor in special education for two years. During that time, she taught graduate and undergraduate courses, published journal articles, and presented at state and national conferences. She remained at Penn State through 1992 before moving to Pittsburgh. Dr. Suritsky began working as an educational supervisor at the Pittsburgh’s Wesley Highland School in August 1992 and continued in that role before beginning her career at Upper St. Clair School District in October 1996. She was hired as Upper St. Clair’s Supervisor of Special Education by Drs. William Pope and Catherine Luke. She served in this role exclusively until 2009 when she also began to work as the acting assistant to the superintendent. Dr. Suritsky has been a staunch supporter of students with disabilities and their families. In February 2012, Dr. Suritsky became Assistant Superintendent of Schools. Dr. O’Toole stated, “During Dr. Suritsky’s tenure with the School District, she has created a dynamic special education department and has been a key member of the administrative leadership team. She has been instrumental in creating leadership
development initiatives and is well respected by the administrative staff.” Dr. Suritsky stated, “After working in the special education field that I have loved for the past 15 and a half years, I am looking forward to my new role as assistant superintendent.” Colleen Czekaj, USC’s special education curriculum leader, has worked closely with Dr. Suritsky for the past 16 years. Dr. Sharon Suritsky Czekaj describes Dr. Suritsky as an innovative leader who is able to cultivate the staff’s strengths and help each individual develop his or her talents to make the most positive contributions to students, families, and the District. She states, “I’m thrilled for Dr. Suritsky in her new position and for the opportunity it will provide for her to impact the entire District. Dr. Suritsky has been a phenomenal role model for me and has taught me the importance of having high expectations, but always approaching each person with respect, empathy, and a high regard for his or her value.” Dr. Suritsky lives with her family in Mt. Lebanon. She loves to walk and enjoys tinkering with home projects and traveling. n
Supporting Our Schools Liz Hall, USC Director of Development
The financial challenges faced by the Upper St. Clair School District require a certain degree of collaboration with community partners. Following are two opportunities for parents, residents, and local businesses to come together to support our schools. Mark Your Calendar! The second annual “Celebrate Our Schools” gala—sponsored by the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair in partnership with the Upper St. Clair School District—will be held on Saturday, October 20 at St. Clair Country Club. Proceeds from the gala will benefit Technology initiatives in the School District. The success of the gala depends on community participation and support. To become an individual or corporate sponsor, call Liz Hall at 412-833-1600, ext. 2826. To donate an item or service to the silent auction or volunteer to serve on the silent auction committee, contact one of the gala’s silent auction co-chairs: Melissa Epler at 412-427-5092 or Kathy Teresi at 412-427-5092. EITC Program Pennsylvania’s Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program encourages investments in innovative educational programs. Your company or business may be eligible to receive Pennsylvania tax credits (equal to up to 90% of your investment)
for donations made to innovative programs in the Upper St. Clair School District. Under the EITC, funding flows from businesses through an approved Educational Improvement Organization (in USC’s case the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair) to the public school district. Interested businesses can choose to support one of a list of eligible programs in Upper St. Clair, including: Leadership USC, the 21st Century Schools Initiative, the International Baccalaureate Program, the STEM Laboratory Research Partnership, the innovative science curriculum at the elementary and middle schools, and the gifted education program. Businesses can apply for Pennsylvania tax credits under the EITC program beginning this year on July 1. Visit the following website to obtain a copy of the application: www.newpa. com/find-and-apply-for-funding/funding-and-program-finder/ educational-improvement-tax-credit-program-eitc. If you have additional questions or would like to learn more about any of the programs eligible for EITC funding, contact Liz Hall at 412-833-1600, ext. 2826 and also read the article on EITC on page 28. n
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Let’s Grow EITC in USC!
Turn Your Tax Dollars into Education Contributions
One of the certainties of life is, unfortunately, taxes. As a business owner, wouldn’t you welcome an opportunity to fund education with a portion of your Pennsylvania state tax obligation?
Q: What is EITC? A: A business can fund education rather than pay a percentage of its state taxes through Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program. A business makes a contribution to an EITCregistered education improvement organization, in this case the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair, designated for an innovative educational program of the Upper St. Clair School District, and in return the state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) gives the business a tax credit equal to a percentage of the contribution.
Q: When is the deadline to apply for EITC and where to apply? A: The DCED allocates tax credits on a firstcome, first-served basis. Typically, EITC applications are due on July 1st. Businesses first in line with their applications and allocation requests will be able to contribute to their chosen educational program. Educational Improvement Tax Credits are awarded to the extent that such tax credits remain available for the fiscal year in which the application is made. A company applies to participate by completing a one-page application form. Contact the Community Foundation or the School District to obtain information about how easy it is to turn tax dollars into education contributions. Or, if you prefer, the form is available by calling the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) at (717) 787-7120 or online from the EITC page of www.newpa.com. On the EITC page, find information and an application by clicking EITC Business Guidelines.
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Q: How much of the tax obligation can be applied to EITC? A: A local business organization accrues the public relations benefits of supporting education by participating in the EITC program without incurring additional cost; participation is a reinvestment of resources that were already allocated to tax expense. A business will be approved for a tax credit equal to 75% of its contribution up to a maximum of $300,000 per taxable year. The tax credit may be increased to 90% of the contribution made, up to a maximum of $300,000 per taxable year, if the business agrees to provide the same amount of contribution for two consecutive tax years.
Q: How does EITC help USC? A: The innovative education programs of the Upper St. Clair School District that could potentially benefit from “tax credit contributions” include the Leadership Academy, the Outdoor Classroom, Gifted Education, STEM Laboratory Research Partnership, the IB Program, and the 21st Century Schools Initiative. Entities eligible to apply for EITC are operating businesses authorized to do business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that are subject to the following taxes: Corporate Net Income Tax, Capital Stock Franchise Tax, Bank and Trust Company Shares Tax, Title Insurance Companies Shares Tax, Insurance Premiums Tax, or Mutual Thrift Institutions Tax.
Q: What is the downside of EITC?
A:
- NONE -
SD
School District Leadership Reorganization
Earlier this year, USC School District’s leadership team underwent a reorganization which intentionally committed leadership resources to the School District’s building levels. Representing approximately $100,000 in salary savings for 2012-13, the plan also recognized the outstanding work of several current leaders and welcomed new leaders to the District who bring with them significant experience. The following changes took effect on or before March 1: Dr. Sharon Suritsky was officially named assistant superintendent, after serving as acting assistant to the superintendent and supervisor of special education since 2009. (See article on page 27.) Melissa Garvin was named supervisor of special education. She comes to USC from Wesley Spectrum Services where she was the director of Academics and Instruction. Patrick McClintock-Comeaux returned to USC as principal of Baker Elementary School (K-4). The past principal of Stephen C. Foster Elementary School in the Mt. Lebanon School District, Patrick was a teacher and curriculum leader at USC from 1995 to 2001. (See article on page 26.)
John Rozzo, who served as assistant principal at Fort Couch Middle School since 2005, was promoted to academic principal for both Boyce and Fort Couch Middle Schools (grades 5 to 8). Lou Angelo, who was recently named Pennsylvania Assistant Principal of the Year, was promoted to associate principal of USCHS. Lou has been the assistant principal at USCHS since 2006. Amy Pfender was named assistant principal at Boyce and Fort Couch Middle Schools. In her role as special education curriculum leader, Amy assisted principal Karen Brown at Boyce Middle School since 2009. Jonn Mansfield officially assumed the position of director of transportation. Jonn is employed by the District’s management contractor, Matthews/Petermann. As part of this reorganization, two District office positions, Director of Human Resources and Director of Operations, Community Relations & Special Projects, and one building level position, Director of High School Guidance, have been eliminated. n
Leadership Academies The Upper St. Clair School District is proud to announce the return of the Student Leadership Academies, scheduled the week of July 23-27. In its third year, the USCSD Leadership Academies will be offered to incoming fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth through twelfth grade students. For the first time, the training will be offered to incoming fifth and seventh grade students, and the high school will offer a new Phase III, Quality and Service Leadership. Applications for the Leadership Academies are now available. For more information, contact Lou Angelo, USCHS associate principal at 412-833-1600, extension 2272 or langelo@uscsd.k12.pa.us. n
Learning about service to others
Learning about trust in others
Learning about trying and succeeding Learning about group effort
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USC Social Studies— Connecting Past, Present, and Future
Doug Kirshner, Steve Levine, Rebecca Smith, Social Studies Curriculum Leaders What was your social studies experience like when you were in school? How do you think students today might answer the same question? Although modern technology is transforming our access to knowledge, the Upper St. Clair School District (USCSD) continues to provide cutting-edge social studies curriculum and instruction that help students understand the changing world around them. Through continual innovation and research, the social studies department strives to prepare students in the requisite skills and knowledge needed to become well-rounded learners and leaders in 21st century civic life.
Elementary Years
At the elementary level, the social studies curriculum is organized into five strands. At each grade level, units are designed around these five strands and analyzed to match USCSD objectives, Pennsylvania state standards, and the themes of the National Social Studies Curriculum standards that are published by the National Council for the Social Studies. Unit lessons must be grounded in state standards and Upper St. Clair objectives, correlated to the national standards, and follow these five strands. Each year, units are studied and may be further developed based on this analysis. Some units overlap in their focus and meet several strands at once as students progress through the unit lessons. Activities and experiences within each model unit of study are designed to spiral from a personal level to an increasingly global perspective. In addition, the teaching of content is balanced by the teaching of skills and processes to help students apply their knowledge to new situations and experiences. Field site experiences for the children and exciting topical presentations brought to the school complement classroom instruction. Local and regional resources, including the Upper St. Clair 1830 Log House, Gilfillan Farm, Meadowcroft Village, and the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation, offer children glimpses into the past while informing and shaping their present and future experiences. Multi-media experiences utilizing technology enable students to explore and “visit” countries and cultures as a piece of their cultural studies. Other resources students use to enhance their study include primary artifacts and literature-based model lessons. Current events are studied throughout the school year using current event magazines to give students experience with examining a current issue and relating it to their own lives and their study of the past. Interaction with these current event magazines also gives students practice with reading USC Veterans Park facilitates learning.
nonfiction texts and deciphering important information using developmentally-appropriate news stories. As students study their past and learn more about their own heritage and the world around them, they learn how these things shape their present and future experiences and how to apply skills of good citizenship in their own lives. Also, A student sends an online postcard to opportunities to appreciate a soldier overseas for their service and and be active in national obsacrifice in keeping us safe. servances throughout the year are included in curriculum experiences. Some activities implemented to honor these observances include the following: • National Day of Service and Remembrance—Students send postcards overseas to military service men and women to thank them for their service and sacrifice. Also, students write thank you letters to local community heroes, such as volunteer firefighters and police officers, for services provided in their community. Emphasis is on the students’ appreciation for the service and sacrifice of community and national heroes who keep us safe by their actions. • Constitution Day—Students learn about the U.S. Constitution and its purposes and study its parts to determine its meaning and how it affects their daily lives. • Veterans Day—Students write letters of appreciation and thanks to veterans in their families, community, and all over the world. A letter writing campaign takes place in which students write letters of thanks to veterans at the local Pittsburgh Veterans’ Hospitals to let them know of their appreciation and thanks, and to let them know their service and sacrifice is much appreciated. Students also had the opportunity to visit the new Upper St. Clair Veterans Park to take part in the ribbon cutting ceremony last fall and observe the park for further discussion in class. At this ceremony, letters were given to community veterans to show appreciation and thanks. Students also study patriotic symbols of our country and their meaning as a part of these observance activities. • Election Week—Students study the election process, determine what it means to vote, and consider how voting affects their daily lives.
Middle Years
Bridging the gap between the elementary level and the high school is the exciting and hands-on middle school social studies program. Emphasizing citizenship, the development of essential reading, writing, and comprehension skills, and developing 21st century thinkers and learners are the goals of the middle school social studies department. The curriculum is spiraled throughout the middle years, giving learners numerous opportunities to grow and develop an appreciation for all the disciplines of social studies. Each year within the curriculum, students are exposed to elements of economics, history, geography, and civics. The middle level program kicks off in fifth grade with a look at American history from early colonization up to the Industrial Revolution at the end of the 1800s. Students are provided with a
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number of special days to make the history come alive, highlighted by Civil War Day, which is held annually in May. During this day, students come face to face with real Civil War re-enactors, witness the firing of a Civil War cannon, and make and eat hardtack, a staple of the Civil War soldier’s diet. In sixth grade, the students take a step back in time to study ancient civilizations around the world. The curriculum takes the kids from the great South American cultures to China. The highlight of the year is typically the unit on Egypt, which is brought to life through interactions with the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. The seventh grade curriculum covers a lot of ground during the year. The year starts with the fall of Rome and ends with the Industrial Revolution. During this year, students experience miniunits on economics and civics as well as an opportunity to compare and contrast different governments and economic systems. One of the highlights is a trip to a historic coal mine that allows students to see the history of coal mining and imparts the impact that coal had on this region and the Industrial Revolution. The middle level program concludes with the eighth grade program and a look at the world in the 20th and 21st centuries. The unit starts with the emergence of the United States as a world power at the end of the 1800s and traces the continued economic, political, and military growth of the nation over the next century. The last nine weeks focuses entirely on life in the modern world and the current hot-spots and topics of our time.
High School Years
Upon reaching the high school, students are exposed to a rigorous, relevant, and wide-ranging social studies curriculum. Courses are designed to focus on extensive, significant themes and questions, rather than short-lived memorization of facts without context. Some of these themes include civic rights and responsibilities, continuity and change, and conflict and cooperation. As a graduation requirement, students must successfully complete three social studies courses. Although taking a social studies course is not required in 12th grade, each year between 80 and 90% of seniors take at least one social studies course, and 25% take more than one. In grades nine through 11, students can take courses at the academic, IB MYP, and honors levels. In ninth grade, students take one semester of American Civics and one semester of World Geography. In American Civics, students focus on the workings of our political system and the rights and responsibilities of good citizenship. Authentic learning is the hallmark of this course. Students participate in multiple simulations to gain firsthand knowledge of content. They investigate all levels of government, at times literally taking on the role of government officials. For instance, during the Senate Simulation, students become congressmen and women, drafting, debating, and voting on various bills. In World Geography, students are exposed to the world’s many regions, focusing on both physical and human geography while gaining a deep understanding of modern world affairs. This course can be viewed as an introduction to the social sciences at the high school, since it involves history, economics, and sociology. In tenth grade, students trace the roots of the modern world through a thematic approach to World History. This extensive course focuses on both Western and non-Western civilizations over time. Project-based learning guides many activities throughout the year. Students are expected to show what they’ve learned, not simply regurgitate information. They are also required to make connections that span across cultures and over time. The course culminates in an experiential project in which students visit the Carnegie Museum of Art to find meaningful connections between what they’ve studied in history, politically, economically, militaristically, and socially to cultural developments in art.
Students return to an intensive study of American history in 11th grade. They can choose between American History, Honors American History, AP U.S. History, or IB History of the Americas. The last is a two-year course, designed to be a comparative, hemispherical approach in which students focus on U.S., Canadian, and Latin American history. At the honors and AP levels, students take part in multiple creative endeavors, including the famed Andrew Jackson fictitious murder trial project, the Edmund Ruffin “ghost” project, and the nationally-recognized FDR Parade Float extravaganza. An array of elective offerings makes up the 12th grade social studies curriculum. These courses include American Law & Justice, AP European History, AP Government and Politics, Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Economics (one semester), AP or IB Economics (two semesters), Psychology (one semester), AP Psychology or IB Psychology (two semesters), Sociology, and Theory of Knowledge. Although students can choose courses at the academic level of difficulty, many students opt for AP or IB social studies electives. In fact, students who take these courses consistently score well above national AP and IB averages. Authentic learning experiences are again key components of the elective offerings. For instance, students in American Law & Justice travel to the Allegheny County Courthouse to watch actual trials in action. AP Psychology students interview pre-school age children to learn about cognitive development, while IB Psychology students choose a famous experiment to replicate. Students in the Economics classes have victoriously competed at the national Economics Challenge. Beyond curricular experiences, the high school social studies department provides opportunities for students in grades nine through 12 to make connections internationally. For instance, the highly successful Thai Exchange Program, now in its seventh year, truly sets USCSD apart from other districts. Each year, approximately 40 students from Thailand, accompanied by a group of teachers, live and attend school here for several weeks. About 25 USCSD famiA student writes a thank you letter lies serve as “host families,” to a community helper in observance and roughly 75 students from of National Day of Service and Remembrance. the high school serve as “student ambassadors,” assisting the Thai students while they follow a typical class schedule. Thai students complete a learning project and present their work in English near the end of their stay. The experience also includes various day and weekend trips, including those to Washington, D.C. and Harrisburg, and a Thai Club that meets weekly. The annual experience culminates with Thai Night, an evening that includes cultural food, entertainment, and history. Recently, digital connections have also been made. Students in various social studies and World Language classes took part in “Skype Day” as part of International Week, connecting with families, friends, and even authors throughout the world. Teaching students to appreciate and actively engage in the world around them through authentic learning experiences is essential to the goal of the curriculum at all levels. The addition of the USC Veterans Park provides a local venue for our students to actively connect with the past, understand the present, and consider possibilities for the future. n
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Mathletes! MATHCOUNTS
MATHCOUNTS is a national enrichment and competition program promoting middle school mathematics achievement through grassroots involvement in every U.S. state and territory. In conjunction with the National Society of Professional Engineers, the regional competition is held each year at Robert Morris University. After using MATHCOUNTS materials to prepare, two Boyce Middle School students traveled to the competition on February 4. As individuals, Kevin Chen and Sahil Doshi participated in the Sprint Round, completing 30 problems in 40 minutes. Designed to test accuracy, this round prohibits the use of calculators. Next was the Target Round, where eight problems were presented in four pairs allowing six minutes per pair. These problems were all multi-step and required advanced mathematical reasoning. The culmination of the competition was the Countdown Round, a fast-paced oral competition for the top-ten scoring individuals. In this round, pairs of “mathletes” competed against each other and the clock. The gymnasium was silent as problems were presented on a screen and students, solving problems mentally, buzzed in with their answers. Tension high, the pace is lightening quick, and the audience is often gasping at the incredible demonstration of mental math ability from the students. Boyce sixth grader Kevin Chen was one of only ten students competing in this year’s Countdown Round. Considering that
MATHCOUNTS Boyce competitors Kevin Chen and Sahil Doshi, with Kathy Hoedeman, Boyce math resource teacher (center)
over 130 students from all over the county competed, and most were seventh and eighth graders, this was quite an achievement. Needless to say, the entire audience intently followed as the top ten students competed head-to-head for the top spots. Kevin and his competitor tied and went on for a “sudden victory” question, which Kevin lost (but later reported he had the correct answer and was only a fraction of a second behind his competitor in reaching for the buzzer!). Yes, it was as exciting as any athletic contest! Kevin finished the competition as the sixth ranking individual overall, earning congratulations from the Boyce community.
Pennsylvania Math League The sum of the first 100 positive multiples of four is how many more than the sum of the first 100 positive multiples of three? A) 100 B) 400 C) 1200 D) 5050 Imagine having 35 questions like this to answer and only 30 minutes to work on them! The Pennsylvania Mathematics League (PML) exists to build confidence and enthusiasm for math by providing students with opportunities to solve worthwhile problems. Boyce Middle School recently administered the sixth grade PML to a group of more than 60 students.
The nutrition center on the day of the test
Many students attended one or more practice sessions, sharing their problem solving strategies with peers, identifying numeric patterns, and experiencing the satisfaction of “getting” it. Then, on February 21, they gathered in the school’s nutrition center for a 30minute test and a cookie celebration. Boyce honored winners in several categories, awarding medals and gift certificates for first through third places in each category as well as certificates for honorable mention. Students celebrating after completing their tests 32
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Representing Fort Couch at the competition were team competitors Hunter Lantzman, Chris Adamo, Zach Christiansen, and Chase Miller. Individual competitors were Ajinkya Rai, Aditi Chattopadhyay, Geet Punjabi, and Arushi Kewalramani. Other competitors were Christina Park and Amanda Mittelman. Fort Couch students competed in the Sprint Round and Target Round, and the team members also competed in the Team Round, which involved solving ten problems in 30 minutes. n
Highley Dedicated Knowledgeable Accessible Dependable
Susan Highley ABR, CRS, SRES
$130 Million Sales in 21 Years
“Your Real Estate Needs Are My #1 Priority� MATHCOUNTS Fort Couch competitors are, left to right, front row: Aditi Chattopadhyay, Arushi Kewalramani, Chris Adamo, Chase Miller; back row: Yasmina Hough (coach and Fort Couch teacher), Hunter Lantzman, Ajinkya Rai, Zach Christiansen, Geet Punjabi, Connie Gibson (coach and Fort Couch gifted coordinator)
412.833.3600 ext 268 Cell: 412.889.1214
www.shighley.howardhanna.com
The top six scores were submitted to the state and later in the school year Boyce will find out if any students earned regional or state honors based on these combined scores. The top six scorers (in alphabetical order) were Taim Aizooky, Kevin Chen, Sam Ding, Sahil Doshi, Jacob Lantzman, and Ian Ong. Oh, about the question posed in the first paragraph, the answer is D) 5050. n
The happy winners with their medals and certificates
Summer 2012
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Pawprints... USC... A Caring Community PTA Council
Rachel Lowden, PTA Council President
If there is one thing I can take away from the 2011-12 school year, it is that the USC PTA is number one! It is beyond compare in its commitment to children and their education. It is tireless in its volunteer effort. And the Upper St. Clair PTA is generous in its spirit and donations. This year, I have seen parents rally to support their children and children in other school districts by partnering with the Wilkinsburg School District to help set up a parent organization. Upper St. Clair PTA parents and their children have also donated to the Wilkinsburg School District by supplying used books, games, playground equipment, and hats and gloves. In our own school district, PTA volunteers have donated hundreds of hours to USC schools from helping with classroom parties to chairing committees. At the PTA Council level, volunteers have given hours of their time to our extraordinary school directory, the outstanding Arts in Education Reflections program, super Spelling Bees, marvelous membership, incredible PIE program, amazing GATE program, helpful Health and Safety, beyond compare Internet communications, thoughtful TIP/TIE programs, and outstanding Odyssey of the Mind organization. I am inspired by the works of the Upper St. Clair PTA. I am amazed by the depth of talent and overwhelmed by the level of involvement in our schools. And I am thankful to all of you who worked so hard to make this school year outstanding for the children of USC!
Eisenhower Elementary Chrissy Sileo, Eisenhower PTA President
Eisenhower Elementary is truly a remarkable place. What makes it so special are the exceptional families, staff members, and students that are a part of its strong community. At Eisenhower, we are one large family working together towards one common goal—to be the best that we can! Whether it be through academics, the 34
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caring and friendly attitudes towards each other, volunteering time at school events, or helping out those in need, our school community continually pulls together and rises to the occasion.
Streams Elementary Edie Andres, Streams PTA President
Committed teachers and staff developing successful students are only part of Streams. It is also a place where children are encouraged to care about others and to help make a difference in their community. This spirit permeates every grade level and most activities have grown to also include a component of caring for others. Streams caring community culture begins with caring for each other within the school population. Children receive a star on their Caring Starfish each time they are “caught” caring for another. Students are also learning how to include others and how to actively support students who are mistreated through the Olweus bullying program. The students show appreciation to their teachers, staff, and bus drivers with recognition, snacks, luncheons, and handmade notes from the children. Families care for each other in times of crisis, hardship, or need with the Sharing and Caring Committee. Streams caring community culture expands outside the school population to include the local community. Students share what they have—candy collected at Halloween with nursing homes and South Hills Interfaith Ministry (SHIM); stuffed animals for Stuffed Animals for Emergencies (SAFE) which provides first-responders with stuffed toys to give to children for comfort in emergency situations, collected at each of our Grade Special Level nights; and food and clothes donated for SHIM. The rope-jumping skills that students learned in gym class were put to use to raise $5012 for the American Heart Association during Jump Rope for Heart. Streams teachers and staff took an opportunity for the fourth grade chorus to perform for the United Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair, and with the Summer 2012
help of parents and students, built a rewarding learning connection within USC Township. (See article “Learning From All Generations,” page 64.) Streams caring community culture fosters in our students the spirit that they can make a difference. Streams students have raised almost $42,000 for eight different children-helping charities over the past eight years at the annual Streams Silent Auction. This event culminates with an evening of kid-generated generosity. Children themselves are encouraged to donate items for auction, like a knitted scarf, babysitting service, cookies they made, yard work, their favorite books, or a vase they’ve painted. Students also make decorations, sell tickets, and work at the various stations at the auction event with parent and staff support. Whenever students express a desire to help people who have experienced a natural disaster or a charitable organization they have heard about, teachers and staff encourage the children to think about something simple that they can do to make a difference, and they have initiated their own outreach projects with support of the parents and teachers. The committed partnership of the teachers and staff and students and their families is the key component to successfully developing the caring community culture that resides at Streams and reaches beyond.
Boyce Middle School Missy Moore, Boyce PTA President
The Boyce community consists of teachers, students, and administrators and also includes volunteers and visions. A vision of Justin Gremba, teacherleader of Boyce Student Council, is a night of fun, similar to the annual events held at the elementary schools. Known as the “tweener” school—too mature for early education kids’ activities, but not emotionally ready for the Fort Couch and High School socials and dances—Justin, with help from other facility members and input from the students, plans to host Boyce’s very own night of fun. The theme
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... a USC PTA Council Highlight What Does Belonging to Baker Community Mean?
chosen this year is a mini golf course. As all good events go, each takes time, money, planning, and lots of volunteers. Justin and his group at Boyce plan to start small and Aliceson Yates, Baker PTA President build each year thereafter. PTA is fortunate to help with the volBaker is a diverse school community filled with pride and enthusiasm, security unteers. This planned annual event will and humility, strength and compassion. When asked the question “What does belonghelp to raise money for a charity of student ing to the Baker community mean to your family?” TODAY received the following council’s choosing. responses: Boyce PTA is always looking for volun• I love that my kids feel so at home at Baker! —Kate Mayberry, mom teers and fresh ideas. Consider becoming a • When we attend Baker activities, our daughter is so animated as she interacts with teachers part of the Boyce community, which helps and kids in many grades and their parents. —Robbie Schuldt, mom to serve all aspects of the school. • It makes me proud to be a first grader at Baker. I think Baker is the best because the teachers are so nice. I mean, I don’t think they’re not nice at other schools, but they are so nice at Fort Couch Baker. —John Scherer, student Middle School • It’s a fun way to do a lot of things in the school. Baker is great and they teach you a lot of Sherri Woomer, interesting things! —Emma Musillo, student Fort Couch PTA President • Being with great friends and making new friends! —Abigail and Madeline John, Fort Couch has been buzzing with exstudents citement this spring. Grass is growing on • It’s like the song… Where everybody knows your name… and they’re always glad you came! the beautiful new field and the students —Brendan Crowley, student • A common connection with other families as we want our children to have the best experican’t wait to start using it. The school is ences they can and memories that will last a lifetime. —Angie Joint-Kweder, mom fully completed, with the new classrooms • Belonging to the Baker community for me meant getting to know and work with many terrific and gymnasium a welcomed addition this students, families, and staff members at Baker School. I will look back on my time at Baker year. The warmer weather has brought with great fondness. I also believe the experience will help to bring consistency and collabooutdoor gym classes and outdoor projects ration to the Eisenhower and Baker School communities. —Mark Miller, principal that make the weeks fly by quickly. The • The Baker community is a special partnership between Baker staff and Baker parents that outstanding teachers, first class facility, supports and collaborates for the growth of our children. We are so proud to be part of it. and Fort Couch parents have made this —The Shiry family a memorable and productive year for the • We study cool stuff and the teachers are really nice. —Steven Halpner, student students. • Belonging to the Baker community means you always have friends in your neighborhood or classroom you can count on. —Shannon Yurcich, student Upper St. Clair • The teachers are really awesome! —Lauren Glassbrenner, student High School • At school I have really nice teachers and it is a nice community; it is enjoyable and anyone Beth Erlanger can really fit in. —Braden Yates, student Upper St. Clair High School students • It is a fun community to be a part of and nice people everywhere. —Evelyn Glassbrenner, have been preparing this spring for their student role in Community Day. Student Council • Being part of the Baker community created an unexpected parenting problem: inconsolable is busy getting ready for their booth, as are kids on the last day of school who didn’t want the year to end. Proof that you are in the right students from the many sports and clubs district! —Jenn Glassbrenner, mom who also host booths during the commu• BAKER: B is for the Best, A is for Awesome families, K is for Kindness that the Baker nity celebration. Throughout the planning, staff shows, E is for Excellent students, R is for Baker Rocks! —Mrs. Dillie, third grade spring sports continue to keep student teacher athletes busy with everything from track to • I love the bus! —Michael Sabatini, student • It means that I have the great privilege of watching Baker’s students grow in their abilities and lacrosse to baseball. On a musical front, the confidence over a number of years. It means working everyday with wonderful professionals marching band and choir returned from and parents dedicated to what is best for all children! —Mrs. Helmeci, resource teacher their trip to New York which was fun for • You learn more, then you keep learning, then you keep learning, then you get to go to art! all. Prom is just around the corner and the —Dalton Yates, student seniors are excited to walk the red carpet in • It means a lot to me to go to Baker, if you don’t go to a good school you could lose knowledge all their finery. Senior banquet and graduaand forget it. Our teachers go over it every day! —Penny Yates, student tion will round out the memory-filled year • What I love about belonging to the Baker community is watching the students grow and of experiences. change from kindergarten to fourth grade and beyond. It’s wonderful getting to know them and their families and feeling connected. —Laura Goldner, school secretary n Summer 2012
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Upper St. Clair High School Halls Of Fame Mission Statement To identify and to honor those who have distinguished themselves in academics, the arts, or athletics at the high school, collegiate, or professional level and who, in so doing, have contributed to the pride and prestige of Upper St. Clair High School.
A former student must meet the following criteria to be considered for any of the three Halls of Fame. The individual must be a graduate of Upper St. Clair High School and must be away from the high school for at least five years. The individual must have made a positive contribution during high school as well as significant achievements after leaving USCHS. Students are nominated by members of the high school staff, an Upper St. Clair alumnus, or the Upper St. Clair community. Administrative staff, teachers, and coaches are also eligible. Each Hall of Fame committee will include representatives from the high school staff, alumni, and the community. Nominees must earn a 75% vote of a quorum of the committee. During and after high school, the student could have excelled in one or more of the following: Arts • School and Local Awards • District and Regional Awards • • State and National Recognition • Contributions in the Field • • Post Graduate Recognition • Collegiate Recognition • • Professional Accomplishments • • School Service and/or Leadership in Field • • Benefactor of the Arts • Contributions to Society • • Excellent Citizenship •
Athletics • High School Awards and Records • • WPIAL or PIAA Champion • Post Season Recognition • • National Recognition • Multiple Sport Consideration • • Post Graduate Recognition • • Collegiate Accomplishments • • Professional Accomplishments • • Leadership Accomplishments • • Other Hall of Fame Honors • Media Recognition • • Excellent Citizenship •
Academics • Academic Honors • National Merit Recognition • • National Honor Society • Valedictorian • • Student of the Year • Scholarship Awards • • School Service and/or Leadership • • Post Graduate Recognition • Collegiate Recognition • • Publication of Work • Professional Accomplishments • • Contributions to Society • Excellent Citizenship •
2012 Halls of Fame Inductee Nomination To nominate a candidate for the 2012 Upper St. Clair High School’s Halls of Fame, use the nomination form found on the Upper St. Clair School District website at www.uscsd.k12.pa.us. Click on the “Information” tab, and then click on “Halls of Fame.” Submit your name, address, and phone number, along with your completed nomination via email to: Lois Mulholland at lmulholland@uscsd.k12.pa.us. For more information, contact Lou Angelo at 412-833-1600, ext. 2272. All Nominations Due May 31, 2012. Nomination forms can also be mailed to: Lois Mulholland Assistant Principal’s Office Halls of Fame Committee Upper St. Clair High School 1825 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241
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Support Our 2012 High School Varsity Football Team Cheer on our Panthers in the AAAA South Conference!
Kick-offs Fridays—7:30 p.m. at Panther Stadium August 31
Youth Night USC takes on Woodland Hills
September 28 Homecoming
USC battles Baldwin
September 21 USC faces Penn Hills
October 19 Halls of Fame
USC confronts Plum
October 26 Senior Recognition Night
(band, cheerleader, football) USC challenges Mt. Lebanon For additional information regarding the schedule, call USCHS Athletic Office at 412-833-1600, extension 2260 or 2261.
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USC Sends Three to Hershey Scott Holtkamp
Upper St. Clair sent three wrestlers to the PIAA championships in Hershey this past winter. At the end of the three-day tournament, Mackenzie McGuire took first place in the 132-pound weight class and Austin Wilding finished sixth at 160 pounds. McGuire had high expectations for states this year after his second place finish in the PIAA 119-pound weight class last year. He got a return trip to Hershey when he finished first at WPIALs. Wilding (160 pounds)
Pictured are Austin Wilding (bottom), John Kyriacopoulos (top left), and Mackenzie McGuire (top right)
and John Kyriacopoulos (152 pounds) placed third in their respective weights at WPIALs. The WPIAL sends the top three place holders from each weight class to PIAA championships. With ten seconds left of the final period, Kyriacopoulos reversed Bryar Pletcher from Greater Latrobe for a third place victory. “I couldn’t believe I battled back through my WPIAL bracket,” he said. “I was so pumped to be able to go to Hershey with Austin and Mack because we have wrestled together since we’ve been nine years old. It has been my goal since my freshman year to qualify for Hershey. Making it this year with those two couldn’t have been a better end to my season.” Wilding clinched the bronze medal and entry into the PIAA championship with a 6-2 decision win over Mt. Lebanon’s Kellan Stout. Kyriacopoulos and Wilding got their first taste of states at the Wednesday night practice session in Hershey’s Giant Center. On day one, there was a crowd of nearly 7000 people. “I was excited to be wrestling in the Giant Center, but I was also making sure I stayed focused on wrestling my very best,” said Wilding. He did just that, winning his first two matches and finishing sixth place in the state. McGuire started his journey to the gold Thursday afternoon with a victory against Steve Quinn from West Chester Rustin. He knocked off some big names and landed a finals match-up versus Central Dauphins’ Shyheim Brown. McGuire won in a 3-2 decision and claimed his first PIAA state championship. He is the school’s second PIAA state champion for wrestling. “Seeing my family so happy made me appreciate everything that they have done for me,” he said. McGuire was named to the Pennsylvania All-Star team and wrestled in the Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic on March 25. The classic brought together the top seniors in the state to wrestle against the top-ranked seniors in the United States. n Summer 2012
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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? All Wound Up This year, third grade teacher Erik Wiesemann started the “All Wound Up” Yo-Yo Club at Baker Elementary. The club, which has 32 third grade members, raised $1155 for The Children’s Institute and $160 for Baker PTA. Erik contacted one of the largest yo-yo companies, YoYoFactory, which very generously donated yoyos and instructional DVDs for the kids at The Children’s Institute. Erik will be heading to The Children’s Institute to teach yo-yo tricks to the kids and present the yo-yos on the behalf of YoYoFactory and Baker.
Baker’s “All Wound Up” Yo-Yo Club members
Super Scientists Six USCHS students participated in the 78th annual Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Sciences (PJAS) Regional Meeting at Keystone Oaks High School on February 4 and received the following awards: first place: Eva Roy–tenth grade (microbiology), Deepikaa Sriram–ninth grade (physics), and Vijay Viswanathan–12th grade (mathematics); second place: Brendan Campbell–tenth grade (earth and space), Grace Chen–tenth grade (biology), and Brinda Doshi–tenth grade (behavioral science). Vijay Viswanathan was also a recipient of the Medrad Award for Excellence in Medical Research and the Duquesne University Department of Mathematics and Computer Science Award. The first place students are moving on to represent USC in the state competition at Penn State University, May 13-15. The students were sponsored by Dr. Colin Syme, USCHS anatomy and biology teacher.
Reflections—Diversity Means… Congratulations to the ten USC students whose 13 Reflections entries for this year’s theme “Diversity Means…” have won at the Region 3 level (Allegheny County) and will continue on to the state level of competition: Gaurav Bhushan, Claire Zalla, Meghan Haverlack, Michael Haverlack, Robbie Halpner, Geet Punjabi, Arushi Kewalramani, Jacqueline LeKachman, Ayush Sharma, and Olivia Gnad.
Write Stuff Two USCHS juniors, Elizabeth Faeth and Brett Mace, have been named as finalists in the Penn State Writing Contest this year. The contest is open to high school juniors statewide, and each school is permitted to submit a certain number of entries based on enrollment. USC identified several excellent writers from the junior class and invited them to write to the prompt under the conditions provided by Penn State University. Afterwards, the students read and evaluated each other’s writing, anonymously selecting the three best essays to represent the school. Two of the three entries were selected as two of the 17 finalists. Elizabeth Cecelia, USCHS English teacher, organized and facilitated the contest for the school’s English department.
PJAS members, left to right, front row: Deepikaa Sriram, Grace Chen, Brinda Doshi, Eva Roy; back row: Dr. Colin Syme (sponsor), Brendan Campbell, Vijay Viswanathan
Children for Children Silent Auction Streams eighth annual Children for Children silent auction raised $8007. The funds will be donated to Charity: Water, where 100% of the donation will directly fund clean water solutions in either Africa, Asia, Latin America, or the Caribbean.
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Summer 2012
Elizabeth Faeth and Brett Mace
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? Knowledge Masters Students from around the world, including Boyce Middle School, competed in the 45th annual Knowledge Master Open academic competition this past January. The teams used computers to answer 100 challenging questions from all curriculum areas. The Boyce fifth grade team placed first in Pennsylvania and the sixth grade team placed eighth. Fifth grade team participants were Sam Ding, Julia Fennell, Gabriella Ferenchik, Caroline McDonough, Neha Patel, Isaac Tygar, and Grace Wagner. Sixth grade team members were Taim Aizooky, Alex Brufsky, Kevin Chen, Jack de la Parra, Sahil Doshi, Wyatt Keating, Jacob Lantzman, Liv McClelland, Ian Ong, Kriti Shah, Mythri Sundar, Abigail Wagner, and Matt White.
Sixth grade members of the Knowledge Masters Open
Jumpin! Students at Streams recently participated in “Jump Rope for Heart” during their physical education classes. By practicing a variety of jump rope skills, students learned first-hand the importance of cardiovascular fitness and its relationship to overall wellness. In addition to jump roping, the Streams community donated $5012 to the American Heart Association.
Fifth grade members of the Knowledge Masters Open
National Geography Bee Boyce Middle School Challenge students participated in the National Geographic Geography Bee in January. The students had to answer oral questions based on U.S. geography, continents, topography, and world geography. Miles Friedman, a fifth grader, took first place honors. Other students making it to the final round were Brooke Christiansen, Jack de la Parra, Gabriella Ferenchik, Sean Martin, and Ian Ong.
Charlie Dougal masters the speed rope.
Geography bee participants, left to right: Brooke Christiansen, Sean Martin, Miles Friedman, Jack de la Parra, and Ian Ong. Gabriella Ferenchik not pictured.
Boehmer Selected for National Honors Orchestra Junior French Horn player Brooke Boehmer was selected to participate in the National Association for Music Education (NAfME/formerly MENC) National Honors Orchestra Festival. Based on her participation in Pennsylvania Music Educators Association All-State Orchestra last year, Brooke will be joining other outstanding student musicians from across the country to rehearse and perform under the baton of David Becker, director of Orchestral Studies and conductor of the Symphony and Opera Orchestras at the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music in Madison, Wisconsin. The concert will be held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. on Sunday, June 24. Summer 2012
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This year’s high school musical, South Pacific, with music and lyrics by Rodgers and Hammerstein, was a big hit! Enjoyed by the entire USC community, TODAY captured a few photos on stage and behind the scenes leading up to curtain call.
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Summer 2012
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USC Forensics Makes a Successful Case The USCHS Forensics Team had its most successful qualifying season since the team joined the National Forensic League in the 1970s and had 39 students advancing to many post-season tournaments, including 11 who won District championships (equivalent to WPIALs) and 21 who advanced to states competition. The team placed first in the District 3 competition for the second year in a row. In February, the team entered the National Forensics League state qualifier competition and took away significant wins: • Commentary–1 st place: Brenna Carse; 2 nd place: Vijay Viswanathan • Dramatic Interpretation–3rd place: Mandy Seiner • Humorous Interpretation–1st place: Kylee Banton; 2nd place: John Kulp • Lincoln Douglas Debate–1st place: Qinglan Huang • Parliamentary–1 st place: JP Miller, George Sun, Lauren Montgomery; 2nd place: Sydney Turnwald, Jordan Ryan, Brinda Doshi • Original Oratory–2nd place: Trudel Pare • Poetry–2nd place: Catherine Wertz • Prose–1st place: Sriparna Sen; 3rd place: Eva Roy
The team attended the National Catholic Forensics League competition, qualifying 14 students who advanced to the National level competition, including: • Extemporaneous–1st place: JP Miller; 2nd place: Vijay Viswanathan; 3rd place: Brenna Carse • Declamation–1st place: George Sun; 5th place: Brinda Doshi • Dramatic Interpretation–3rd place: Kylee Banton; 4th place: John Kulp • Interpretation–1st place: Madison Chafin; 2nd place: Mandy Seiner; 4th place: Eva Roy • Original Oratory–1st place: Trudel Pare • Lincoln Douglas Debate–1st place: Qinglan Huang • Public Forum Debate–3rd place: team of Lizzy Faeth and Sharon Gao Job well done at the NFL National tournament mid-March. Congratulations to winners JP Miller, John Kulp, and Ben Stalnaker. Later that month, the team placed sixth overall at the PHSSL state tournament at Susquehanna University. Advancing to state finals were: • Vijay Viswanathan–6th place, Commentary • Trudel Pare–6th place, Persuasive Oratory • The team of JP Miller, Lauren Montgomery, and George Sun– 5th place, Parliamentary • Ben Stalnaker–3rd place, Lincoln-Douglas • Catherine Wertz–1st place, Poetry The USCHS Forensics team is coached by Ben Edwards, Richard Platts, and David Watson. n
2012 PHSSL state forensics team, with coaches
Left to right are Zach Deitrick, Dakota Conwell, Jack Schwaba, and Jake Radziukinas
Signing Day Every child dreams of accomplishing many things. For students who are in athletics at the high school level, some may dream of signing a National Letter of Intent, enabling them to continue their sport in college and receive an athletic scholarship to compete. Congratulations and good luck to the following USCHS seniors who have already signed a National Letter of Intent for 2012-13: Dakota Conwell (Arizona, football), Zach Deitrick (Dayton, football), Natalie Johnsen (West Virginia, swimming), Steve Machi (High Point, soccer), Mackenzie McGuire (Kent State, wrestling), Ian Park (Northwestern, football), Jake Radziukinas (Duquense, football), Jack Schwaba (Northwestern, football). A reception was held earlier this year to recognize some of the football players who made their school choice and signed early. If there are more aspiring athletes out there, let us know! n Summer 2012
Cindy Storer and Sheila Lloyd prepare the dessert table for the signing day reception. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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High School Online High School English and Math Online classes in English and mathematics will be held for students who need to repeat course work. Teachers will be available on-site for assistance with the course work. Enrollment will be through the Guidance Office at USC High School. Location: Online and USCHS (as needed) Dates: June 20–July 31 Fee: $150 per semester (3 weeks) $275 for the year (6 weeks)
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Wellness Education (Grades 10-12) **All hours must be completed in one session** Level: Grades 11 and 12 (30-hour session) Location: Upper St. Clair High School Large Gym Session 1: June 18–27 (June 28, 29 are make-up days) Session 2: July 2–12 (no class July 4) (July 13 is makeup day) Session 3: July 12–23 (July 24, 25 are make-up days) Fee: $150 Level: Grade 10/Option A (30-hour session, one semester) Location: Upper St. Clair High School Large Gym Dates: July 2–12 (No class July 4) (July 13 is make-up day) Fee: $150 Level: Grade 10/Option B (60-hour session, two semesters) Location: Upper St. Clair High School Large Gym Dates: July 2–23 (No class July 4) (July 24, 25 are make-up days) Fee: $275 Note: Wellness Education sessions run 7:30-11:30 a.m. All course work and make-up work must be completed within grade level.
Registration Information
• Applications for elementary and middle school registration are available on the School District website and will be in the main offices at each school buildings and Central Office. • Applications for high school classes are available on the School District website and will be at the Guidance Office in the high school and Central Office. 42
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Middle School Middle School Math Development (Grades 5-8) This program is for middle school students who need to improve their skills in mathematics. The instruction will be remedial in nature and geared toward the needs of each student. Direct instruction will take place on-site, two days per week. An online component will also be an integral part of this program. Students will be required to complete online work at home that could include up to 2-4 hours of learning activities per week. Location: Fort Couch Middle School Dates: June 25–July 13 (No class July 4) Level: Exiting grades 7-8 Days: Monday and Wednesday Hours: 8:30-10:30 a.m. and 2- 4 hours per week using online learning activities at home Fee: $125 Level: Exiting grades 5-6 Days: Tuesday and Thursday Hours: 8:30-10:30 a.m. 2- 4 hours per week using online learning activities at home Fee: $125 Middle School Reading Development (Grades 5-8) This program is for middle school students who need to improve their skills in reading. The instruction will be remedial in nature and geared toward the needs of each student. Direct instruction will take place on-site, two days per week. An online component will also be an integral part of this program. Students will be required to complete online work at home that could include up to 2-4 hours of learning activities per week. Location: Boyce Middle School Dates: June 25–July 13 (No class July 4) Level: Exiting grades 5-6 Days: Monday and Wednesday Hours: 8:30-10:30 a.m. 2- 4 hours per week using online learning activities at home Fee: $125 Level: Exiting grades 7-8 Days: Tuesday and Thursday Hours: 8:30-10:30 a.m. 2- 4 hours per week using online learning activities at home Fee: $125
• Registration deadline dates are listed on applications; however, class size is limited. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis. • Note the early registration discount for certain elementary level classes. • All classes are subject to cancellation based on enrollment. • Student transportation to summer school is a parental responsibility. Summer 2012
Elementary School Elementary Math Lab (Grades 1-4) This lab is for students who are experiencing difficulty with mathematics. Manipulatives, learning games, and individual practice will be a part of this lab. Location: Streams Elementary School Dates: June 25–July 13 (No class July 4) Hours: 8:30-10 a.m. (exiting grades 3, 4) 10:15-11:45 a.m. (exiting grades 1, 2) Fee: $125 ($10 discount if registered by May 25) Elementary Reading Lab (Grades 1-4) This lab is for students who are experiencing difficulty with reading. Each child will experience small group instruction designed to meet individual learning needs. Independent practice will also be a part of this lab. Location: Streams Elementary School Dates: June 25–July 13 (No class July 4) Hours: 8:30-10 a.m. (exiting grades 1, 2) 10:15-11:45 a.m. (exiting grades 3, 4) Fee: $125 ($10 discount if registered by May 25) (If taking both reading and math labs, combined fee is $235 per child.) Back-to-School Reading Camp (Grades K-1) Students who have completed Kindergarten or first grade may enroll in a special workshop designed to help compensate for regression that may take place during the summer months. Phonemic awareness and phonics skills will be emphasized and time will be devoted to story comprehension. Location: Streams Elementary School Dates: August 13–17 Hours: 8:30-10 a.m. (exiting K) 10:15-11:45 a.m. (exiting grade1) Fee: $55
• Families for whom tuition presents a hardship are encouraged to contact the guidance counselor at their child’s school. • Students who do not attend the Upper St. Clair Schools will be accepted depending on the availability of space. • Make checks payable to Upper St. Clair School District. • Registration for classes began the first week of May.
Dedicated Professional Skilled Negotiator Frankie Jo Kunselman —Realtor®—
Upper St. Clair Resident
412.833.3600 ext.222 Cell: 412.551.1161 Office:
Email: frankiejokunselman@howardhanna.com
Howard Hanna - USC Office 180 Fort Couch Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241
Breast Cancer and Other Breast Imaging
Dr. Natalie Furgiuele-Iracki We have talked about breast mammography and its being the gold standard for breast cancer screening, but many times women will be asked by their doctors to get other screenings, including a sonogram or MRI of the breast. Sonography, also known as ultrasound, of the breast is an imaging modality used to help determine if an area is solid or cystic (i.e. filled with fluid). We worry more about areas that are solid and less about areas that are primarily fluid, a simple cyst for example. A sonogram is obtained to better evaluate an area that is questionable either on exam, “I feel something,” or an area seen on mammography or MRI. No radiation is associated with sonography. This imaging is more “operator dependent” and it’s preferable to have the radiologist present at the time of screening so the images can be reviewed immediately while you are still there. If you request a radiologist be present during the screening, realize this may require some flexibility on the part of the patient. The test is usually done while the patient is lying down in a comfortable position on her back. It requires that a jelly-like substance or lubricant be applied to the skin. A probe is gently passed over the skin of the breast and up into the armpit to examine the breast and the lymph nodes. Sometimes, a targeted sonogram or a “second look” sonogram is conducted to look at specific area of the breast. Breast MRI is relatively new in comparison to other common breast imaging. It is highly sensitive, but somewhat less specific. As a surgeon who reviews breast MRIs, test results can change the intended operation for a breast cancer 20% of the time. A
breast MRI is costly, averaging three thousand dollars per test. It usually requires pre-authorization from the insurance company. There is no radiation exposure and no real “open” MRI because the breasts have to be placed into cones, usually with the patient lying on her abdomen. As with any MRI, which can be noisy, the patient must keep perfectly still. Some of the current recommendations for use in screening women without symptoms are those at “higher risk” than the normal population. These include those with a known cancer gene mutation BRCA1-BRCA2, a first degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) who had breast cancer, especially premenopausal or bilateral (in both breasts), any relative with ovarian cancer history, or any patient with a history of Lobular Carcinoma In-Situ found on a previous biopsy. Anyone who has had a previous breast cancer themself can often get MRIs as a part of her regular diagnostic study yearly if the patient’s physician determines it appropriate. MRIs are also one of the best ways to evaluate problems with breast implants. There are several less commonly used breast imaging technologies, but mammography, sonography, and MRI are the most common. Remember there is no perfect X-ray and tissue sampling may still be desired, depending on the physical exam and the wishes of the patient. Next time we’ll talk about the different types of breast biopsies. n Dr. Furgiuele-Iracki operates at St. Clair and Mon Valley Hospitals, UPMC South, The Washington Hospital/Tri-State, and RADIANCE Surgery Center. She can be reached at 412-833-9722. See ad on this page. Summer 2012
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P IN EBRI DGE Pinebridge Commons
The orthodontic office of Dr. Eric Reitz and Dr. Beth Troy provides care for the communities of Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park, and the South Hills of Pittsburgh. Dr. Reitz and Dr. Troy take the time to place and adjust braces on every patient, giving individualized attention in a caring environment.
McLaughlin Run Road at Lesnett Road ••••••••••••••••• The Chief Partners
Pediatric Dentistry South
Davin Interiors
Piccolina’s Restaurant
Design Image Salon, Joe Ruffalo
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Emma’s Market & Deli, Inc.
Questa Petroleum Co.
Peter Gialames & Associates
Eric J. Reitz DMD &
Interior Designs by
• Orthodontic services for children and adults
Beth Troy, DMD
Mary Kay Chaffee
Richardson Family
Jimcor Associates, Inc.
State Farm Insurance
Timothy Kerr, DMD &
Suburban Dry Cleaners
Romana Pautler Kerr, DMD Larry E. Manalo, DMD Pediatric Alliance
Schedule your complimentary consultation today!
Travel Leaders, Kiernan Ent. Wininsky Law Offices
Xcoal Energy Resources
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Pinebridge Commons Associates Leasing (412) 220-9288
Pinebridge Commons location: 1580 McLaughlin Run Road, Suite 200 Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 412-221-0392 Bethel Park location: 2414 Lytle Road, Suite 100 Bethel Park, PA 15102 412-831-2188
• Individualized care in a friendly and patient-focused environment • Convenient appointment hours, including Saturday mornings • 24-hour emergency services • Most major insurance plans accepted
S O MU C H TO O FFE R ... LARRY E. MANALO, D.M.D. General Dentist & Prostodontic Specialist
Quality Gentle Dentistry for the entire family!
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88 DENTAL
1580 MCLAUGHLIN RUN ROAD UPPER ST. CLAIR, PA 15241
4100 LIBRARY ROAD CASTLE SHANNON, PA 15234
412-221-2221
412-343-4100
Graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. Proud resident of Upper St. Clair. Provider of most major insurance plans.
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UPPER ST. UPPER ST. CLAIR CLAIR TODAY TODAY
Summer 2012 2011
COMMONS FAMILY AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY
Let us make you smile!
Northern Italian Restaurant “Come visit with the little one”
Received the Trib Media Gold Award as the Most Romantic Restaurant in the Southwest
Private Party and Banquet Room Al Fresco Dining Expanded Dining Room Now Offering Off Site Catering Reservations suggested Gift Certificates available Holiday party reservations now being accepted
Phone (412) 257-1880 Fax (412) 257-2895
1580 McLaughlin Run Rd., Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 Visit our new website: www.piccolinas.com Piccolina's
T imothy J. K err , D.M.D. R omana P autler K err , D.M.D.
KK 412-257-4250 Pinebridge Commons Suite 207 Chairside Whitening System
kerrdmd.com
. . .O N E S TO P C O N V E N I E N C E 1580 McLaughlin Run Rd Pittsburgh PA 15241
412-257-1150 4000 Waterdam Plaza McMurray PA 15317
724-942-4840 133 West Allegheny Road Imperial PA 15126
724-695-0133
Our primary goal is to give your child positive memories that instill lifelong hygiene habits.
USC Kennywood Day Monday, June 18 Rides open at 11 a.m. ce is Bus ser vi from available er Elementar y Eisenhow
Fun Day Pass
$23
Ticket sales on Friday, May 11 at the following school buildings at the designated times: High School.........................................................7:00 a.m. Eisenhower..........................................................8:15 a.m. Fort Couch..........................................................9:00 a.m. Baker.....................................................................9:45 a.m. Boyce....................................................................9:45 a.m. Streams...............................................................10:30 a.m. St. Louise de Marillac..................................... 12:15 p.m. Final ticket sales date to be announced for sales at Municipal Building Lobby............ 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Payment by cash or money orders only.
Office hours are Monday through Friday. Evening appointments are available.
Watch for mailings or contact the School District Central Office at 412-833-1600, extension 2202.
Summer 2012 2011
UPPER UPPER ST. ST. CLAIR CLAIR TODAY TODAY
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Home & Garden
Cabinets—Not Just for the Kitchen Design Tips for Other Rooms, Too
Laura Reid Riggin, Sales Manager, Premier Home Design Center Cabinets are not just for kitchens and baths. They can carry a look throughout the home while transforming underused rooms into highly functional storage spaces. A window seat in a breakfast room or den adds both charm and storage. Bookcases, cabinets under the stairs, or a window seat with a coat rack reclaim wasted space in an entry foyer. In the laundry or mudroom, cubbies for boots, hooks for pet leashes, and bins for hats and mittens can assist in keeping the clutter out of the kitchen. Consider the family members that share your home and how your family uses the space. Does the household include children? Are there pets? Do you entertain often? Do you work from home? Do you have a dedicated space for pursuing hobbies? Your answers to these questions can reveal areas of your home that can be transformed simply by using the right cabinetry. In the laundry room for example, it is common for the room to contain a free standing laundry sink and wire shelving over the washer and dryer. This room is often cluttered with cleaning products and piles of laundry. A sink base cabinet with a countertop and drop-in sink can provide storage for cleaning products as well as an area for folding clothes or even potting plants. Consider several hamper cabinets to sort laundry prior to washing. Wall cabinets over the washer and dryer can give a much needed home for serving platters or small appliances that cannot be stored in your kitchen due to lack of space. A small hanging rod for clothes to drip-dry or to hang clothes that come out of the dryer is most useful. Cabinets in the laundry room can transform an unsightly room into an organized utility area. In the entertainment room, it is handy to have cabinetry to organize the family’s movie collection and games. When everything has its place, floor space will be cleared for the family Wii tournament. A wet bar or dry bar is
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a welcome addition for a family who likes to entertain. Wall cabinets with glass doors work well to display serving ware and stemware. A wine cooler or beverage center will provide the convenience of serving refreshments for your next cocktail party. For the home office, a custom desk can be built using cabinets to include file drawers, a waste basket, and pencil drawers. A credenza with base cabinet storage and open bookshelves is both functional and attractive. When your office is equipped with the proper storage, it will allow you to be more productive, all the while keeping your home clutter-free. For the playroom or hobby room, base cabinets and bookshelves are most helpful for organizing books, games, toys, and art supplies. Colorful bins can be placed on the shelves to add even more organization options. Paint one wall with chalkboard paint to allow the smallest members of the household the opportunity to express themselves, and practice writing or math skills. A desk or countertop provides a great place for working on art projects, crafts, or gift wrapping. Children will take pride in their space because clean up time will be easy and fun now that everything has its own place. Whatever room you decide to upgrade, use the same door style and finish throughout the home for uniformity, or mix things up for a more eclectic feel. The cabinets, hardware, and countertop materials that you select can seamlessly blend the cabinetry into your home’s personality and transform the way you live in it. Your trained kitchen and bath professional can assist you in planning your space so that you can achieve the maximum efficiency for the project you are considering. n
See ad for Premier Home Design Center on this page.
Home & Garden
Summer 2012
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Home & Garden
PA 1925
Exterior Home Makeover Using Maintenance-Free Products Sue Clark, Clark Renovations, Inc.
If the exterior of your home is dull and in need of repair to add curb appeal, you might consider some easy-to-care-for solutions. Hardi Plank fiber cement siding is quickly becoming the most requested siding product. It is engineered specifically for the climate in which you live. Climate variations create challenges for exterior products. The “HardiZone system” presents the concept that “one size does not fit all.” What works best in Pennsylvania is not what works best in Florida. Hardi siding is the highest performing fiber cement siding in the industry and has an outstanding 30-year limited transferable nonprorated warranty. The siding comes in 20 exciting ColorPlus colors and is a multi-coat, baked-on, factory applied process that ensures the finish will battle the elements just like the siding underneath. A variety of sizes, styles, and textures are available in lap siding, vertical siding, shingle siding, panels, batten boards, and more. Hardi is more attractive than vinyl and still provides a pest-resistant barrier. It is also less apt to fade, buckle, or melt. Another interesting product is EcoStar recycled synthetic slate or shake roofing tiles. Manufactured with an 80% recycled compound of post-industrial rubbers and plastics, it amazingly has the look of real wood or slate, but is maintenance-free. It is available with a 50-year transferable warranty. The “Seneca Shake” tiles have the look of hand split wood, yet no trees have been used in its creation. The “color to core” technology means color permeates the entire tile, not simply the top. EcoStar helps to provide peace of mind as well! The synthetic materials are crack resistant, meaning that you don’t have to worry about cracks in the shingles due to falling tree branches. Other popular products to wrap up your home’s exterior are Azek 48
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trim products. Unequalled combinations of durability and beauty, these products are impervious to moisture and insects, have four sealed edges, and have a look-like-new appearance despite all types of weather. Azek comes in matte white only, but can be painted if desired. Products include beadboard, crown moulding, decking, railings, and more. Engineered stone can turn a mundane front exterior into one with style, depth, pattern, and color. Some styles are stacked, chiseled stacked, ledge stack, limestone, fieldstone, and river rock. Dozens of colors are available. The warranty is a whopping 75 years! It is made of Portland cement, lightweight aggregates, and mineral oxides for color. Each stone is cast from individual molds, resulting in a realistic look that appears natural. At a fraction of the cost of real stone, it is more durable than vinyl siding. It is attached directly with mortar; wall ties, and lintels, and steel supports are not needed. Adding engineered stone to your front entry can greatly enhance that sought after curb appeal. The final elements for a care-free exterior include energy efficient windows, like Andersen and Pella, front and back doors from Therma Tru, and Mastic (formerly Alcoa) gutters and downspouts. Enjoy life by tackling the exterior of your home now for a maintenance-free future! n See ad for Clark Renovations, Inc. on this page.
Home & Garden STOUT
412-563-5600
FLOORING DESIGN CENTER of MT. LEBANON Carpet Area Rugs Vinyl Ceramic Hardwood Laminates Window Treatments Quartz Countertops Bathroom Enhancements & More!!!
490 Castle Shannon Blvd., Mt. Lebanon, PA 15234
Summer 2012
www.stoutflooring.com
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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Home & Garden
ARBOR TREE SERVING THE SOUTH HILLS
SPECIALISTS, INC. FULLY INSURED
LARGE DIFFICULT TREE REMOVAL 155 Ft / 28 Ton Crane and Bucket Services
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Residential • Commercial • Municipal Bethel Park/USC
(412) 655-8424 www.arbortreespecialists.com email:arbortree@gmail.com 1115 Wilson Road - South Park, PA 15236
Lighten Up!
Cathy Davin, Davin Interiors LLC Fabulous interiors are defined not only by what you can see, but more importantly by how you feel when you are in a space. I’ve found that beautiful lighting is a key to creating those great feelings. Here are some ideas to enhance your lighting that you can incorporate into your home. Leave some breathing room. Pare down the furniture and furnishings in a room to create a lighter feel. You’ll give your eye some resting space and make your room feel more spacious. Wash your windows! It’s uplifting to enter a room that has clean, sparkling windows, especially on a sunny day. So simple! Add a mirror. Hang it on a wall or lean it on a shelf or the floor. Mirrors expand a room and, when hung opposite a window, they double the light. In this case, bigger is usually better. Bedrooms generally require at least two points of light. The first is bedside lighting, which is needed for reading and watching TV. Try table lamps or wall-mounted fixtures on each side of the bed. Make sure the lamp is high enough and the shade is positioned so that the light falls on your book or e-tablet. Additionally, general lighting from a pair of table lamps on a dresser or the perfect ceiling fixture is needed to provide overall lighting in the bedroom. Allow for changes in the atmosphere of the room by putting this light on a dimmer switch. Add an additional switch near your bed so you don’t have to get back out of bed to turn if off! Bathrooms also call for flexible lighting options—strong 50
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enough to shave and apply make-up and, at other times, soft enough for a relaxing soak in the tub. As in the bedroom, try a ceiling fixture or recessed lights on dimmer switches to provide good overall lighting. For wall lights over the sink, be sure to place lights on each side of the mirror, rather than above the mirror, which casts shadows on your face. Put all the fixtures on dimmer switches so you can adjust light levels as needed. Or, when enjoying a peaceful bath, just light a few candles. Living rooms, family rooms, and great rooms are typically multi-purpose hang-out spaces for the whole family to enjoy. You’ll likely need at least three light sources for beauty and flexibility. Recessed ceiling light, again on dimmers, can provide a great level of general lighting. (Are you seeing a pattern here?) If ceiling height permits, feature a fabulous chandelier to show your style. Again, bigger is often better. Be generous with table and floor lamps placed around the edges of the room. Like mirrors, lamps expand a room to make it feel spacious, yet cozy. For reading, position the light behind and above one side of your chair so the light is thrown over your shoulder. Add ceiling, wall, or floor specialty fixtures to create accent lighting to highlight a favorite painting, bookshelves or plants. Lighten up! n See ad for Davin Interiors LLC on page 9.
Home & Garden e Comfort of knowing
SM
who to call
www.BoehmerHeating.com
(412) 381-4100
PA10088
Call us today!
Shade Gardens
William “Dirt” Dugan Landscaping, Inc. As the years go by and the oak, maple, and ash trees on your property grow to maturity, you may notice that you have less grass and more moss. The shrubs may start to look thin and weak. You may consider removing or thinning your large trees. Or this could be a sign that it is time to switch to plants that can handle the shade that your large trees provide. Hosta plants make a great addition, especially in the backyard where they can be appreciated during the growing season while you relax or entertain on the patio. They are fairly easy to maintain and come in a wide variety of colors and sizes. We all know about the old fashion green or green and white varieties, but now we can choose from a large section of new cultivars and hybrids. Now available are hosta plants with giant leaves that have brilliant colors of gold, blue, green, and white. They are also available from medium sizes and down to extremely small plants, some of which have leaves the size of a quarter. By mixing these colorful hostas with ferns, astible, impatiens, and a few large borders, you will have a beautiful garden from April through October. n Additional information and catalogs to order plants can be obtained by contacting the American Hosta Society or Savory’s Gardens, Inc. (http://www.savorysgardens.com/hostas). William “Dirt” Dugan Landscaping, Inc. is an advertiser with TODAY and can be reached at 724-348-4476. Summer 2012
Masonry Restoration, Chimney Rebuilds and Repointing
412-831-7074 412-561-6463 Whole House Pointing & Partial Pointing Garage Steel I-Beam & Lentil Replacement Brick Replacements High Pressure Cleaning Stone & Brick Specialize in Mortar Matching
$50 off any job over $1000 References Available • Fully Insured PHIC Registration #PA029487
www.reberrestoration.com UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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Home & Garden
Soil—What’s Just Right?
Gary Schafer, Township Parks and Forestry Administrator Let the sun shine and the fun begin!
C•W•C C.W. CARLSON CONTRACTORS, INC.
Building Our Reputation on Quality Work and Satisfied Customers DESIGN • BUILD • REMODEL ADDITIONS • KITCHENS • BATHS
412.854.8180 3571 Valley Drive • Pittsburgh, PA 15234 cwc4@aol.com
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
The weather was certainly mild this past winter and here’s hoping that spring finishes on a good note to give a good push of growth for our plants during summer. It was a rough growing year in 2011. A very wet spring pushed garden planting back a little later in the season. Turning the soil over also proved difficult due to the muddy mess. Then summer was dry, really dry! I hope this year will be a good one for my crop of homegrown veggies. My garden soil is considered “poor structure” with too many rocks for my favorite plants to grow and thrive. Even with a few setbacks, that does not stop me from trying! I have taken and analyzed my soil samples and I am ready to make the appropriate corrections. A somewhat easy first step is to adjust the pH of the soil. My test results indicate a pH level of 5.4, which is too acidic for most of my plants. A quick trip to the local nursery and a couple bags of garden lime will do the trick to raise the pH closer to the 6.5-7.0 range that I am looking for. As much as I would like to just open up the bag and dump it on the garden, I follow the directions for application. Adding too much lime, could cause me to have to add sulfur to lower the pH next year. The next step is to add organic compost and sand to the garden to get the perfect loamy soil Summer 2012
structure for my plants to thrive. A great loamy soil will not be sticky when you squeeze it in your hand; it will drain properly, yet still hold moisture for the plants. I guess I should have picked up the sand when I was at the nursery! A few 50-pound bags of play sand will do the trick. My top choice for organic compost is mushroom manure. With Pennsylvania having an extensive mushroom industry, mushroom manure is always on stock at the local nursery. Second choice, and gaining in popularity, is leaf compost or leaf mold. Good leaf mold is very rich in nutrients, potash, and potassium. It provides some nitrogen and its best punch is the ability to break up clay soils. In case you are looking for leaf mold, go no further than the Community Gardens at Boyce Mayview Park. There’s always a stock pile and it is free to residents of Upper St. Clair. The last step before planting begins is to turn the garden over and mix everything together. For my small garden, a little bit of elbow grease and a spaded shovel will do the trick. Once all of the garden lime, compost, and sand have been spread out over the garden, I take my shovel and dig down about eight to ten inches to turn the soil over. Within an hour or so, my 15-foot by 15-foot plot is ready for planting. Happy gardening and here’s to hoping for a bit of rain this summer to help my plants along. n
Comprehensive Medical Services Available Under One Roof With people more pressed for time these days than ever before, everyone is seeking convenience of services, including health care. St. Clair Hospital is responding to this new reality with the creation of a one-stop outpatient center that will allow patients to see a number of specialists, offering a variety of health care services, in one day and all under the same roof. In fact, the first phase of construction projects to expand the St. Clair Hospital Outpatient Center at Village Square is nearing completion with the recent opening of five new suites on the second floor. The new suites mark the beginning of a three-phase plan that will provide more comprehensive outpatient services and will result in the Outpatient Center tripling its size by occupying the first three floors at 2000 Oxford Drive in Bethel Park. “Today’s health care consumers want to be able to get most, if not all, of the services they need as efficiently as possible,” says Joe Thaner, director of business development at St. Clair Hospital and manager of the construction project at Village Square. “And St. Clair is answering that call by putting key services, including diabetes, occupational medicine, orthopedics, physical therapy, cardiac, and breast care in one convenient location. Patients will even be able to enjoy a specialty coffee at our new café between appointments.” The overall project is well underway. In January, the hospital’s Diabetes Center, along with Associates in Endocrinology, P.C., moved from the first floor to a newly renovated second floor suite. This change in location allowed for an increase in exam rooms and a more modern waiting room that includes a flat panel television dedicated to diabetes education programs. St. Clair’s Occupational Medicine program also moved to the second floor, netting more space and a better design. Occupational Medicine includes the treatment and management of work-related injuries, pre-employment and executive physicals, work-related drug screenings, physical therapy, and travel health services. South Hills ENT Association and primary care physician, John L. Bobby, D.O. of Preferred Primary Care Physicians also moved to new suites on the second floor. South Hills Orthopaedic Surgery will be moving to the second floor by the end of May and will bring closure to the first phase of construction projects. The second phase involves first floor construction and began in March with the creation of a new and much larger space for Rehabilitation Services. Physical Therapy moved to its new suite at the end of April. Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy will follow shortly thereafter. The remainder of the first floor project includes bigger space for Laboratory services, new locations for Echocardiography, EKG, and Ultrasound services, a registration/ waiting room area with better patient flow and new dressing and waiting room accommodations in the Imaging area. Completion of the first floor renovations is scheduled for this November. The final construction phase will occur on the third floor with the creation of a comprehensive Breast Center that will include both imaging and office surgical services. A Cardiac Diagnostic center will be built at the other end of the third floor and will include Nuclear Cardiology and Echocardiography, both of which are moving from the first floor. The breast and cardiac centers are slated to open this fall. The remaining third floor space is designed for physician practices. n
Diane Horvath, GRI, CRS Let my over 25 years of experience go to work for you.
• Top Producer • Member of Top 1% of Realtors Nationwide • Listing and Sales Leader • Relocation Specialist Office: 412-833-3600 ext. 219 Cell: 412-491-6984 Howard Hanna - USC Office 180 Fort Couch Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241
dhorvath@howardhanna.com
Physical and Occupational Therapy Specialists in Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist and Hand
This year, The Pittsburgh Shoulder to Hand Center is celebrating their 5th anniversary. We would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of the patients and physicians of the South Hills and surrounding areas who have contributed to our success!
Common Conditions Treated: SHOULDER • Rotator Cuff • Impingement • Fracture/Dislocation • Adhesive Capsulitis
HAND • Tendonitis • Fractures • Tendon Injuries • Osteo/Rheumatoid Arthritis
WRIST • Tendonitis • Distal Radius Fractures • Carpal Fractures • Ganglion Cyst • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome • TFCC Injuries ELBOW • Overuse Injury/Tendonitis • Fracture/Dislocation • Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Pittsburgh Shoulder to Hand Center • 1145 Bower Hill Road, Suite 203 • Pittsburgh, PA 15243
412.429.1980 Summer 2012
www.PGHShoulder2Hand.com 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*
Highlights of the Board of Commissioners’ Meetings January 2, 2012
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*
February 6, 2012
Approximately 48 people attended.
Approximately 100 people attended.
Reorganization of Board of Commissioners • Commissioner Robert Orchowski was re-elected president of the Board of Commissioners. • Commissioner Russell Del Re was elected vice president of the Board of Commissioners. Recognitions • Commissioner Glenn Dandoy presented Certificates of Achievement to the 2011-12 Upper St. Clair High School AAA girls’ and boys’ soccer teams for their WPIAL championships. • Commissioner Mark Christie was to present Certificates of Achievement to the 2011-12 Upper St. Clair High School boys’ golf team for their WPIAL championship and for their runner-up finish at the 2011-12 PIAA finals; however, the golf team was unable to attend the meeting. The Board • Approved the 2012 fee schedules for the Township Engineer, the Township Traffic Engineer, and the Township Attorney. • Approved the following reappointments to various boards, each with a December 31, 2014, expiring term: Board/Commission Name Building and Fire Codes Appeals and Advisory Board.....David McLean John Rizzi (from Alternate) Civil Service Board.......................Paul Battisti Parks and Recreation Board.........William Barnard Thomas Browand Diane Morris • Accepted the resignation of Commissioner Mark Hamilton effective December 31, 2011.
Recognitions • Commissioner Christie presented a Proclamation to Joseph Aaron Carson of Boy Scout Troop #366, recognizing his attainment of Eagle Scout rank. Joseph, a senior at USCHS, completed his Eagle Scout project by installing distance markers along Boyce Mayview Park’s trail to assist in times of an emergency. • Commissioner Christie presented a Proclamation to Eric Michael Horn of Boy Scout Troop #366, recognizing his attainment of Eagle Scout rank. Eric, a senior at SetonLaSalle Catholic High School, spent 190 hours organizing and assisting the Washington County Habitat for Humanity move their store inventory to a new location. • Commissioner Dandoy presented a Proclamation to David Anthony Trombetta of Scout Troop #366, recognizing his attainment of Eagle Scout rank. David, a senior at USCHS, collected supplies to make 23 care packages to send to overseas military personnel. Additionally, over $500 was donated to the sponsor of David’s project, Military Connections. Commissioner Dandoy presented an American Flag to David for his efforts in support of the military.
Special Meeting
Approval of Contracts Approved the following contracts in accordance with the Township Code: • Hunter Truck Sales & Service, Butler, PA ........................................................ $84,047.41 2013 International Cab & Chassis (Public Works) • Murphy Family, Inc., Washington, PA . ............................................. $30,098.35 2012 Kubota Tractor (Public Works)
January 21, 2012
Approximately 3 people attended.
The Board • Conducted interviews of seven candidates for the Ward 2 Commissioner vacancy.
The Board • Continued Public Hearing Re. PLC11-0008–Bedner Estates– Tentative Approval PRD to the Regular Board Meeting of March 5, 2012. • Tabled the Recommendation Re. PLC11-0013-Deerfield Manor Plan No. 9–Revised Preliminary Subdivision to the Regular Board Meeting of March 5, 2012. • Approved Bill No. 1-12 Re. Refinancing of the 2007 Bond Issue. • Approved the reappointment of Paula Holmes to the Township’s Library Board.
2012 Township of Upper St. Clair Meeting Dates Glenn R. Dandoy At-Large
Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-944-3957 2015*
• The Board of Commissioners meets at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building. The regular public meeting is held the first Monday of the month in the Board Meeting Room. The informational and general affairs meeting is held the last Monday of the month in the Board Meeting Room. • The Planning Commission meets the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. • The Parks and Recreation Board meets at the C&RC the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m., no meeting in December. • The Zoning Hearing Board meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 8 p.m. • The Civil Service Board meets as needed.
Daniel R. Paoly At-Large
Day 412-831-9000 Evening 412-862-5995 2013*
*Date indicates expiration of term.
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• The Building/Fire Codes Appeals and Advisory Board meets as needed.
Visit the Township’s website: www.twpusc.org 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. Summer 2012
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Burkholder President of the Western Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association
The 2012 president of the Western Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association is a well-known man in the Upper St. Clair community— Deputy Chief Doug Burkholder. Deputy Chief Burkholder joined the USC Police Department as a patrolman in 1976, working his way through the ranks as sergeant, lieutenant, and eventually to deputy chief, a position he’s held since 1989. Deputy Chief Burkholder earned both his bachelors of business administration and masters in regional planning from California University of Pennsylvania. Both degrees were earned while he worked fulltime as a police officer. He also earned an associate degree in criminology from Westmoreland Community College. Deputy Chief Burkholder is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, an 11-week course geared toward police administration and supervision. “It is an honor to hold this position and to represent the chiefs of western Pennsylvania,” commented Deputy Chief Burkholder. He said the Western Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association meets once every other month to cover current police-related issues of the municipalities of western Pennsylvania. The meetings are an opportunity for sharing information explained Burkholder, whether it be training issues, policy and procedure changes, grant applications, new equipment, or information from guest speakers. Chief of Police Ronald Pardini said of Burkholder, “I think so much of Doug. He’s gone far beyond my expectations as deputy chief, and one day he will be an exceptional chief.” n
Deputy Chief Doug Burkholder
We All Want Easy Living Summertime and the living is easy—or at least it should be! Most residents of Upper St. Clair welcome the return of warmer weather as a chance to catch up with neighbors after being indoors all winter. But occasionally, even the best relationships can hit a snag. When asked for advice about dealing with neighbors, USC Chief of Police Ronald Pardini said that when his children were growing up, he would tell them, “if you want a friend, you have to be a friend.” That advice applies to neighbors as well; if you want a good neighbor, you have to be a good neighbor. And in the chief’s experience, most USC residents are good neighbors. “It’s a give-and-take type of thing,” said Chief Pardini. Everyone has good and bad days. If you have a problem with your neighbor and it seems like they’re having one of those bad days, walk away and try to ignore it.
Vacation Safety Checklist
“Every issue is different,” said the chief, “but if any incident escalates to where there’s a concern, call the police.” Chief Pardini said that Upper St. Clair is a very safe community, but that even with vigilant police patrols, things can happen. “If something doesn’t sit right with you, we want you to call the police,” said Chief Pardini. “That’s why we’re here. We’re looking to stop things before they happen.” n
Summer 2012
Chief Pardini offered the following tips for keeping your home safe and secure while away on vacation: ✓✓ Stop paper and mail delivery, or arrange for a neighbor to pick them up. ✓✓ Keep the drapes and shades open so it appears like someone is at home. ✓✓ Set a timer on your indoor and outdoor lights, so they will go on automatically at night. ✓✓ If you’re away from home for an extended length of time, shut off the water inside your home to limit damage if a supply line should break. ✓✓ Ask a neighbor to watch your home when you’re away, and leave a phone number where you can be reached. ✓✓ Stop by the police department to fill out a vacation “home check” form. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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Full STEAM Ahead! Jessica Kester, Program Manager
www.TheOutdoorClassroomPA.org
Jessica Kester, Program Manager, The Outdoor Classroom
“What do you want to be when you grow up, Jessie?”
How many times over the course of our lives do we hear a similar question? Honestly, I still hear it every now and then. I guess that’s because I have such an unexpectedly cool job that people think I must not have found my career yet. Lucky me! But in today’s economic and education climates, are we asking the same questions of our children? And what are the answers that we’re hearing?
With the baby boomer generation starting to leave the workforce for the rest and enjoyment of retirement, the scientific community is seeing a gaping hole emerge. The question that pops into my head (and I’m not alone in this line of thought) is: Are we preparing the next generation of imaginative, empowered, and scientifically-minded workers for what lies ahead? The educational community and employers are thinking the same thing, and this is causing a push for STEAM education. It stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Luckily for us at The Outdoor Classroom, we can hit all of these areas through hands-on environmental education. As a child, I was inspired to go into marine science from watching a NOVA special (a series my dad insisted that I watch) on stranded whales. As most little girls who like the ocean, I wanted to save the whales and swim with the dolphins. As I grew, my focus changed from marine mammals advocacy, to research, and finally to education. But throughout my career search, I encountered those special influences that helped guide
Jessica with a flounder
Still lovin’ the animals, Jessica with an American Eel Jessica with a mallard
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Bring Music Into Your Life Pittsburgh’s Exclusive YAMAHA Dealer
Yamaha Disklavier Clavinova Hailun Baldwin Hallet, Davis & Co. Story & Clark
Piano Lessons Tremendous Savings PianoDisc & QRS Player Systems Installed on Site
412-344-5397
660 Washington Rd. Mt. Lebanon
me: my fifth grade teacher, Mr. B., who pushed me to come out of my shell and stand strong. The science teacher who believed I could do better than a “B” on my exams. Then there was Mr. Imler, my 12th grade AP Biology teacher, who gave us the opportunity to run and create labs on a college level basis. And always around was my grandfather who, as a game warden, was able to introduce me to a variety of wildlife. I was lucky to have these and countless other positive role models to guide my career choices, even if I wasn’t thinking of it at the time. With the help of a grant from The Laurel Foundation, The Outdoor Classroom will be expanding its educational programming to include new STEAM-focused courses that will help bring together multiple disciplines through the use of environmental topics. Gone are the days (if they ever truly existed) when a scientist worked alone in a lab to find the answer to a question without consulting individuals outside his realm of expertise. Today, the ecologist works alongside the chemist to analyze a water sample, which will then have an effect on the engineer developing a new piece of industrial equipment to help a socio-economically struggling village solve a human health concern. The Outdoor Classroom looks forward to acting as a role model, inspiration, and helping hand to the next generation of scientists. Bring your family to an upcoming event; you never know what or who will flip the switch of your child’s inner scientist! n
Upcoming Events at May 12–Spring Migratory Bird Count May 12–All About Birds Scout Day May 13–Talk ‘N Walk: Spring Wild Edibles May 26–Saturdays OutDoors Hike: Wildflowers June 1–Pennsylvania Amphibians & Reptiles Live Animals June 3–Boy Scout Merit Badge Workshop: Forestry June 4–Moonstruck Hike June 17–Talk ’N Walk: Amazing Spiders June 23–Great American Camp Out Family Night June 25-29–Jr. Naturalists Camp June 27–Bullfrogs & Pollywogs (five Wednesdays) June 28–Wetland Plants: Know ’Em & Grow ’Em Educator Workshop June 29–Rain Gardens as Outdoor Classrooms Educator Workshop July 3–Moonstruck Hike July 9-13–EcoKids Summer Day Camp July15–Talk ’N Walk: Creek Ecology July 23-27–SSS: 19–Wetlands Soggy Science July 28–Wild Edible Mushrooms & How to Prepare Them July 28–Cozy Campfire July 30-Aug. 1–Environmental Education Leadership Academy for Educators August 2–Moonstruck August 3–Pennsylvania Amphibians & Reptiles Live Animals August 5–Boy Scout Advancement Workshop August 11–Saturdays OutDoors Hike: Plants of Boyce Mayview Park August 12–Talk ’N Walk: Insects August 18–Girl Scout Campfire Event August 25–Cozy Campfire August 31–Once in a Blue Moon Event Summer 2012
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Park It!
The Township of Upper St. Clair can fill your summer days with fun and laughter as you and your family visit its many parks and parklets. Go for an early morning stroll or pack a lunch and stay to play. Feel the evening’s cool breeze as you enjoy the swings, climbing bars, a ball field, or a welcoming bench. You don’t have to travel far to enjoy green space and summer activity. Our Township welcomes you to come and park it!
Township
Fields/Courts
Baker Park 13.82 acres
1 small baseball field, 1 large baseball field, 2 lighted basketball courts, 1 lighted sand surface, volleyball court, 2 tennis courts, 2 lighted bocce courts
Beadling Soccer Field 3.36 acres Boyce Field 1 acre Boyce Mayview Park 475+ acres
soccer field
Wiltshire Park
Playground Equipment Play unit and swing set
Miscellaneous Bike rack, small shelter, water fountain, picnic tables, grass play area, large covered sand play area
baseball field
Dugouts, batting cage, bleachers
1 baseball field, 1 softball field, 1 football/soccer field 1 Miracle League baseball field
Natural area and wetlands, ten miles of natural surface walking trails, perimeter trail connecting Morton Complex to Baker Park to the active area of Boyce Mayview Park, including the REEC, pavilion, open space, Community & Recreation Center, with its 90,000-square-foot facility featuring indoor/outdoor aquatics, state-of-theart fitness, group fitness rooms, 1/8 mile walking track, 2 full size basketball courts, rentable community rooms Natural area
Brookside Park 3.7 acres Byrnwick Park 7.05 acres
1 lighted basketball court, 1 tennis court
Play unit and swing set
Walking track—handicapped accessible, water fountain, walkway lighting
Clair Park 2.2 acres
1 basketball court
Play unit with slide and 2 swing sets
Large grass play area, water fountain, small shelter, walkway lighting, spray pool Natural area and 1.25 mile mulched trail
Gilfillan Park 59.57 acres Hays Park 4.21 acres
1 basketball court, 1 tennis court
Play unit and swing set
Asphalt walking trail, spray pool, small shelter, water fountain, grass multi-purpose area, perimeter lighting, barbecue grill
Johnston Park 2.48 acres
1 lighted basketball court (1 full court and 6 baskets), 1 tennis court, 1 lighted hockey court
Play unit and swing set
Walking path, water fountain, walkway lighting
Marmion Field 11.32 acres
1 soccer field, 1 lighted baseball field
Morton Complex 7.5 acres
3 soccer fields, 2 lighted baseball fields
Play unit above Morton 2 area
2 batting cages, concession building, shelter, storage building, storage, dugouts, announcer’s booth
Municipal Park 29.75 acres
10 lighted tennis courts with 6 courts under air structures for winter season, 2 lighted paddle courts, 1 lighted little league baseball field with dugouts, concession stand, picnic shelter, 2 lighted basketball courts, 1 sand volleyball court
Swing set, 4 buck-a-bouts
Recreation Center building with meeting facilities, kitchen, pool table, and restrooms, outdoor horseshoe pits, large picnic shelter, 3-hole golf course, water fountain, batting cages
Shelter and bleachers, 2 water fountains
Central play structure— handicapped accessible.
Natural area
Ravine Park 10.51 acres Trotwood Park 8 acres
1 basketball court, 1 tennis court, 1 lighted multi-purpose field
Play unit and swing set
2 water fountains, small shelter, spraypool, walkway lighting
Tustin Park 6.52 acres Veterans Park
1 basketball court
Play unit and swing set
Walking trail around park
Wiltshire Park 11.2 acres
2 lighted basketball courts, 1 lighted street hockey court
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Visual presentation of military history, benches, lighting
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1 4-man totter, 1 large sand play area, 1 swing set with 2 infant swings, 1 large play structure
Track ride, merry-go-round, shelter area, Dolphin spray pool, water fountain, walkway lighting
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Winter Gardening?
Gary Schafer, USC Township Parks and Forestry Administrator Yes, winter gardening, or something along those lines. USC’s Public Works Department was busy this past winter and into spring dealing with some aftermath of winter’s harsh elements (potholes) and moving ahead with some planned ideas. Creating a fresh, new look, there has been a lot of activity at Boyce Mayview Park’s Community Gardens off Boyce and Morton Roads. With the mild weather we experienced in southwestern Pennsylvania this past winter season, Public Works got an early start and completed the first phase of improvements and renovations to the gardens well before the gardeners arrived late spring with their plantings. The first phase renovation improvements include an entry sign, driveway improvements, a new kiosk, and bins for leaf mold and wood mulch. The entry sign is a continuation of the themed limestone signs that will be seen throughout Boyce Mayview Park. Driveway improvements included widening the entry drive, top-dressing portions of the loop drive with milled asphalt, and providing a parking lot area for the gardeners and trail users. When you have the opportunity to visit the gardens, stop at the new kiosk for up-to-date information regarding Boyce Mayview Park and learn how you can grow your own vegetables at a garden plot in the Community Gardens. While you are there, take some leaf mold and The new kiosk provides information about wood chips for your at-home gardening needs. Both Boyce Mayview Park’s Community Gardens. are free! Public Works is keeping a stocked pile for all residents to take at their leisure. n
Just a Reminder!
Community Development
According to the Township of Upper St. Clair Codes: • Lawns need to be maintained at a maximum height of six inches from April through October.
• Vehicles without current inspection or registration must be stored in a completely enclosed structure.
• Waste receptacles and recycling containers should be placed at the curb line after 6 p.m. the day before collection with removal before midnight the day of collection. • Boats, trailers, campers, and other types of recreational vehicles must be stored in completely enclosed structures. • Garage sale signs are permitted, provided the following regulations are met: » Signs are located only on the lot where the sale takes place. » Signs are displayed only on the day of the sale. » Signs do not exceed nine square feet combined. » Signs are set back a minimum of ten feet from any side lot line. » Signs are to be placed outside the Township right-of-way. Typically, the right-of-way extends a minimum of 13 feet back from the edge of the street or curb. » Signs may not obstruct sidewalks.
• No structure may be placed within the Township right-of-way except for a driveway or mailbox. A structure is any object having a stationary location on or in lots. The Township right-of-way typically extends back 13 feet from the edge of the road.
• A newspaper tube is permitted provided it is attached to the existing mailbox post. The newspaper tube may not be supported by a separate structure such as a post or column.
• Realtor open house signs are permitted provided the following regulations are met: » One tent or easel type sign, not to exceed four square feet. » Sign permitted to be displayed Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. » Sign must be located a minimum of 13 feet back from the edge of the street or curb. » With permission of property owner, open house signs may be placed on a lot other than the one for sale with the same restrictions above. » No open house signs are allowed on Township-owned property.
• Building permits are required for most construction and remodeling projects. Typical projects that require a building permit include, but are not limited to, sheds, garages, swimming pools, decks, additions, retaining walls, driveway pillars, and patio enclosures. Some projects such as patios and driveways require only zoning approval. In all cases, when a building permit or zoning approval is required, a land survey of the property must be submitted as a part of the permit application process. The Township may have a copy of the property survey on file. Please check the Township website at www.twpusc.org for types of projects requiring a permit and the application process. Questions concerning permit requirements can also be directed to the Community Development Department at 412-831-9000, extension 501.
412-831-9000, ext. 501, www.twpusc.org Summer 2012
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USC Recreation
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Community & Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park Programs For the Warmer Weather
The C&RC and the USC Recreation and Leisure Services Department offers more than 100 programs throughout the warmer weather months. From kids’ day camps to sport clinics, fitness swimming to senior day trips, the C&RC is continuing to add more exciting options each year! Join in the fun and register at the C&RC or online at www.livesmarterplayharder.org.
New! Spanish Language Camp Build or build upon skills in understanding and speaking Spanish through stories, movement, music, games, playing, and acting. Campers will engage in traditional camp-style activities and a daily routine using a Graduated Immersion® instructional approach. Use of the English language will decrease each day. Lango’s engaging environment is used successfully with youth around the U.S. (www.langokids.com). Snacks and crafts included. Instructor: Presented by Lango Pittsburgh (www.langopittsburgh.com) Days: Monday–Friday Dates: August 13–17 Time: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Place: C&RC, as posted Age Requirement: Entering grades 2-5 Fee(s): $149 C&RC member $154 Resident non-member $159 Surrounding community non-member Second Annual Boyce Mayview Park Youth Triathlon Do you have a child who likes to swim, bike, and run? If so, then the annual Youth Triathlon at Boyce Mayview Park is the perfect place for them to show their spirit and ability. There is a pre-race preparation meeting at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 27 (the day before event) at the C&RC. For more information and event map, stop by the C&RC during normal business hours or visit www.livesmarterplayharder.org. To become a race day volunteer, contact Chris Biswick, C&RC aquatic supervisor, at 412-221-1099, ext. 615. Ages 7, 8, 9 Swim 75 yards (3 pool lengths) Bike 1 mile Run 0.5 mile Ages 10, 11, 12 Swim 125 yards (5 pool lengths) Bike 2 mile Run 1 mile
2011 participants Danny O’Brien, Marley McClintock, and Tommy O’Brien show off their medals.
Day/Date: Saturday, July 28 Time: 7:30-9 a.m. (Participant wave times are given at the pre-race preparation meeting) Place: C&RC Outdoor Pool (starting location) Fee: $22.50 per athlete (before April 27) $25 per athlete (April 28–June 15) $30 per athlete (June 16–25)
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New! Summer Dance Camp Enjoy learning different hip hop and jazz dance techniques in the new and exciting camp. Not only will you learn different dance techniques, but you will also have the opportunity to take a Zumbatomic® Fitness class, learn about healthy snacks for dancers from C&RC dietician Lindsay Schmitz, and decorate a tie-dyed T-shirt* to make your “costume” for the peer performance that will be held on the last day of class. Some activities will be held outside, weather permitting. Bring your water bottle and a peanut-free, tree nut-free snack each day! A drawstring backpack will be given to each participant for use during camp. (* Bring a white cotton T-shirt to tie-dye on the first day of camp.) Day(s): Tuesday–Friday Date(s): June 19–22 Time: 9 a.m.-noon Place: C&RC, as posted Age Requirement: Going into grades 1-4 Fee(s): $58 C&RC member $63 Resident non-member $68 Surrounding community non-member Fitness Swimming for Kids (Ages 6-9 and 10-13) A children’s aqua cardio-based fitness class, it includes set work, distance and sprint swimming, use of the swim clock, and development in endurance and strength. This class is not a substitute for group swim lessons or stroke clinic focused more on stroke technique. Prerequisites: children must be able to swim 4 lengths (100 yards) consecutively, know freestyle, backstroke, and breast stroke, and have successfully passed level 3 swim lesson or equivalent. Maximum participants per class: 5 Day(s): Monday/Wednesday Date(s): Session II: May 14–June 11 Session III: June 18–July 16 Session IV: July 23–August 15 Time: Ages 6-9: 4-4:40 p.m. Ages 10-13: 4:45-5:25 p.m. Fee(s): $70 C&RC member per session $84 Resident non-member per session $114 Surrounding community non-member per session Competitive Stroke Clinic for Kids (Ages 7 -13) Intended for children seeking to improve stroke technique, this clinic covers a different competitive stroke each class, as well as flip turns, open turns, and diving. The goal of this stroke clinic is to better prepare individuals interested in competitive swimming. Participants must have completed ARC Swim Lessons Level 3 or its equivalent. Maximum participants per class: 6 Day(s): Saturday Date(s): Session II: May 12–June 2 Session III: June 9–23 Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Place: Indoor aquatics lap pool Age Requirement: 7-13 years old Fee(s): $36 C&RC member per session $43 Resident non-member per session $62 Surrounding community non-member per session
and Leisure Services
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Training at the C&RC
The C&RC now offers a variety of new training options including Kettlebell Cardio, Pilates Reformer, Complete Players Basketball, activities for the family and athlete, and more. Call 412-221-1099 for more information.
Individual Kettle Bell Training The C&RC is now offering individual kettle bell training sessions. Kettlebell Cardio is the newest group exercise program to hit the scene and certified instructors are now available for personal sessions with you. You will receive the same professional instruction given in a group exercise class, but one-on-one! (See Kettlebell Cardio article on page 62.) Live Smarter—a Simple Approach to Nutrition Whether you are seeking assistance in losing weight, gaining muscle, improving athletic performance, or understanding how to adopt healthier eating behaviors, C&RC dietitian Lindsay Schmitz, MS, RD, LDN, can help you. Additional information, including details on all package options, is available at the C&RC. Three-month program: • Total of three appointments • One initial appointment to set goals and measure percentage of body fat, height, and weight • Two one-on-one nutrition consultations with a registered dietitian • Weekly follow-up emails • Individualized eating plan based on analysis of current eating behaviors and activity level as well as personal goals Fee: $225
Complete Players–Basketball Skill Instruction A comprehensive basketball developmental program for individuals and small groups geared toward creating/improving basketball specific skills and abilities. The organized program will be instructed by Chaz McCrommon, former four-year starter and two-year 1st Team All Conference player at Robert Morris University and six-year professional basketball player, including one year with the NBA D-League Erie Bayhawks. Chaz uses his knowledge gained through his collegiate and current professional basketball experiences to provide a high level of instruction to aid in developing participants into “complete players.”All sessions are 60 minutes in duration. Fee(s): $45 C&RC members per training session $50 Resident non-member per training session $55 Surrounding community non-member Ask about group training rates, maximum of four participants. Packages are sold in multiples of four; a ten percent discount is included with purchase of 12-session packages or higher. Personal Reformer Training For those new to Pilates Reformer or prefer training one-on-one, the C&RC’s certified Pilates Reformer instructors are also available for individual reformer training. All sessions are 60 minutes in duration. Packages are sold in multiples of four. A ten percent discount is included with purchase of 12-session packages or higher.
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Kettle Bells—Its History, Its Benefit Mike Russell, Certified Kettlebell Cardio Instructor Kettle bells, kettle bells,
kettle bells! The name is kettle bells, not cattle bells, cannon bells, or kettle balls. Kettle bells! Kettle bells are the latest craze amongst fitness enthusiasts all around the world. The Community & Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park (C&RC) is no exception. Kettle bell classes are being offered three days a week and Mike Russell demonstrates a “rec’ers” can be seen swinging and kettle bell exercise. hoisting these odd shaped weights in the free-weight section. Kettle bells are not brand new to the fitness world; as a matter of fact, kettle bells are one of the most ancient forms of exercise, using a weighted object to stress or tax a muscle or muscle group. I can’t cite one particular source because there are so many, but I do know that kettle bell type exercises have been around since ancient Greek and Roman times when soldiers would train using a “stone” with a handle attached. This later matured into a formalized sport. I have seen references to Chinese Shaolin Monks training and swinging weighted objects to increase fitness. In recent times, kettle bells are mostly associated with a very “hardcore” Russian form of exercise. As a matter of fact, kettle bells became the national sport of the Soviet Union in 1948. In the Russian sport, kettle bells are measured in “pood,” a unit of measurement that does not gracefully translate into kilograms or pounds. Two pood equals approximately 70 pounds, or about 32 kilograms. But for our purpose, at the C&RC we swing much more manageable weights of ten to 35 pounds. Kettle bells are often used with the training of elite military forces. Soviet military, U.S. Special Forces, and FBI Counter Assault teams all train with kettle bells because of the effectiveness and efficiency of the training. I was first introduced to kettle bells at the C&RC in 2010 where I saw a couple of these odd-shaped objects, but was unsure what to do with them. Fitness instructors Bobby Davenport and Katie Stache first showed me how to properly swing a 20-pound weight without hurting myself or anyone else in my general area. From that point on, I was hooked! Gradually, I incorporated kettle bells into my workout routine, and last summer, I became a certified instructor with Kettlebell Cardio, a nationally accredited organization based in Pittsburgh. Two entrepreneurial brothers, Anthony and Joe Vennare, created the program based on their extensive experience in the fitness industry. Incidentally, Joe and Anthony worked at the C&RC for a period of time before creating the Kettlebell Cardio program. As a Kettlebell Cardio instructor, I 62
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train individuals with the primary goals of improving their kettle bell knowledge, safety, training effectiveness, and form. I design and implement safe and effective individual and group training programs suitable for a wide range of fitness levels and participants. Kettlebell Cardio strives to eliminate the “hardcore” aspect of the training and instead focus on the combination of strength training and cardiovascular conditioning by selecting appropriate, safe movements and exercises tailored to individual needs. The biggest difference between Kettlebell Cardio training and traditional weight training is the fact that just one piece of equipment is used to achieve desired results as opposed to a whole gym full of equipment. Kettlebell Cardio combines strength, cardio, and flexibility training into a program that burns fat! The design of the kettle bell and its uneven weight distribution requires the user to recruit multiple muscle groups while engaging the core to control the weight and execute the movements. Kettlebell Cardio uses the kettle bell to build muscles for life. This program is specifically designed to promote functional fitness to benefit participants in everyday activities as well as athletic endeavors. Kettlebell Cardio moves your body in a variety of planes and movement patterns that link the body in a kinetic chain. Therefore, we train the body to integrate the muscles together rather than focusing solely on one body part at a time, hence functional fitness or muscles for life. I tell my female clients to not be afraid of muscle. Muscles are good! You won’t get bulky. To get bulky you really have to push some serious weight. “Toned and athletic” is the look we are going for with women and “fit and trim” are the operative words for men. Men will naturally build muscle more easily than women. As with any training program however, exercise is only half of the equation. Diet is the other portion that must also be addressed to achieve fitness goals. Kettlebell Cardio will definitely address the exercise portion. Music is a big part of my classroom instruction. To make it fun, I will even have themes to my music selection to appeal to all my clients. There is a full complement of kettle bell qualified instructors at the C&RC, including Bobby Davenport, Katie Stache, Emily Memo, Liz Law, Richard Butler, Alyssa Tokorochek, and Mike Russell. Each has completed the Kettlebell Cardio certification and incorporated kettle bells into their own daily workout routines. Come join us at the C&RC in the gym for a great way to build muscle, burn fat, and increase your overall level of fitness, by having fun and swinging kettle bells with Kettlebell Cardio! • One-hour classes are held Mondays at 6:30 p.m., and Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. for as little as $6 per class. • Free, introductory, instructional sessions are offered Mondays, 6-6:30 p.m. (before class), and Wednesdays and Fridays, 11:30 a.m.-noon (after class). • The C&RC has a limited number of kettle bells for participants to use during class; some bring their own. Class size can vary, generally including between eight and 30 participants. n For more information, stop by the C&RC to check it out or call the C&RC office at 412-221-1099.
and Leisure Services
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Family Prom
It was an evening of fun and excite-
ment at Upper St. Clair Community & Recreation Center’s second annual Family Prom, held on Friday, February 10. “We had some families asking about the event all year,” said Sarah Povazan, membership and marketing coordinator for the C&RC. With over 50 participants this year, several new families were in attendance. “We’re very excited about the turnout,” said Povazan. “It is a wonderful event for families with younger children.” n
Meet Rikki L.T. Walsh A graduate of the Ivy School
of Professional Art and Pittsburgh Art Academy, Rikki Walsh’s love of animals and nature and her talent as a commission artist have put her illustrations and sculptures in homes, businesses, and publications internationally. This long-time Upper St. Clair resident currently teaches all levels of drawing, painting, sculpture, and jewelry to children and adults of all abilities. Rikki’s teaching philosophy is to awaken and open her students’ minds and eyes and creativity with their hands. She helps students to build self-motivation and positive self-expression, while exploring all possible techniques and styles of artistic expression. In high quality and well-rounded classes offered through the Department of Recreation and Leisure Services, Rikki helps her students to see and feel art. Still life displays are set up and visual examples of how to use various art materials are explored and experimented with while attending to each student’s individual ability. Students continually discover new
techniques that bring success and encourage the creative journey. Rikki not only teaches classes in drawing, painting, and sculpting for youngsters of all ages, but also offers classes appropriate for home-schooled children or those with special needs and adults. Additionally, she teaches the art portion of the “Splash into Watercolors” classes, which integrate art and swimming. Rikki guides parents and children through interesting projects in classes for parents and their preschoolers. Summertime brings the opportunity for families to experience
Art in the Park at Boyce Mayview Park pavilion—a quality time for entire families to share in the creative process. Youth can participate in various week-long summer camps, including Mixed Media Studio for Teens, Cartooning, Wearable Art (fabric painting and design), and Puppet Theater. n
Cartoon campers
Art camper Summer 2012
For more information, contact the Department of Recreation and Leisure Services at 412-221-1099. UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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USC Recreation and Leisure Services
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United Senior Citizens of USC
Learning for All Generations
Did You Say “Free Lunch?”
I would like to take this opportunity to let the residents of Upper St. Clair know about the wonderful experience that the United Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair enjoyed while visiting Streams Elementary School for the Learning for all Generations program on January 18. Thanks to the efforts of Amy Kerman, the older adult coordinator for the Recreation and Leisure Services Department, Jeff Leonhardt, the music teacher who spearheaded the project, Dr. Clair Miller, Streams principal, and the teachers and students of Streams, we enjoyed a musical experience as well as a delightful lunch. Hats off to the fourth grade chorus—such enthusiasm! Their voices were beautiful, and Mr. Leonhardt certainly has instilled in them a love of music. The highlight of my experience was visiting the classrooms. Our students are very fortunate to have such knowledgeable and exciting teachers. Not only are the teachers using the latest technology available, but they make the learning experience stimulating, exciting, and challenging. It was wonderful observing the interaction between teachers and students. The delicious lunch served by the third graders while being serenaded by the third and fourth grade students playing their stringed instruments, which included songs from our generation, was an added bonus. I know we seniors and the students both benefited from this experience.
Yes, United Senior Citizens of USC serves a hot meal, free, to retired Upper St. Clair residents age 55 and older, every Wednesday. Sponsored by the Department of Recreation and Leisure Services, the lunches are prepared by volunteers from the United Senior Citizens. Along with lunch, you can expect camaraderie and the opportunity to enjoy a program of interest, including musical entertainment, informative lectures, book reviews, health and fitness instruction, game days, and more! In addition, day trips to various performances and places of interest are scheduled throughout the year. Most meetings are held at the Recreation Center located at 1770 McLaughlin Run Road. Membership information and meeting schedules can be obtained from the Township’s older adult coordinator, Amy Kerman, whose office is located in the Community & Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park. Amy can be reached by email at kerman@twpusc.org or phone at 412-221-1099, extension 603.
Thank you again, Ellen B. Whitman, member, United Senior Citizens
Senior Celebrations Coming Up
Milestone Birthdays: John Kotzuk (May 22) Eddie Zhu (July 17) Diane Atkins (July 19) Vincent deLeon (July 25) Sis Kalinoski (July 30) Special Anniversaries: Jim and Mary Ann McCabe (August 11-50th) Bob and Selma Furst (August 31-60th)
Offerings
The Department of Recreation and Leisure Services offers a variety of programs geared towards older adults. Physical Fitness: • Gentle Movement Water Aerobics • Aqua Motion • Water Walking in the Resistance Channel • Zumba Gold (free) • Senior Fit class (free) • Functional Fitness • T’ai Chi • Gentle Yoga • Yoga Flow • Walking Club (free to C&RC members, $15 per session for all others) • Certified Personal Trainer specializing in Older Adults Activities • Monthly Card & Game Club (free) • Weekly Wednesday lunches (free, see “Free Lunch” article on this page) • Monthly Movie Day (free, pizza lunch included) • Shakespeare Seminar (free, offered in the fall and spring) • Adult Knitting (Beginners and Intermediate, offered in the fall and spring) • Studio Painting • Seniors for Safe Driving Special Events • Saturday Social dances (seasonal) • Derby Night (May) • And more! If there is something you’d like to see added, contact Amy Kerman, older adult coordinator, by email at kerman@twpusc.org, by phone at 412-221-1099, extension 603, or stop in to see her at her office at the C&RC.
Resources for Seniors Silver Card
Offered by USC Township to residents age 62 and retired or age 65 with no restrictions. Card admits holder to Municipal three-hole golf course, outdoor tennis facilities, and other activities free of charge. Applications at Community & Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park. 64
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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. Summer 2012
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.
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You can
grow here.
What did you think our senior living community was? You think it’s for old people? For failing health? For sitting around? Boy, you’re missing the boat. People grow here. They get out, explore, have more experiences. Rich friendships, travel, golf, bridge, culture. They live the rest of their lives, the part in between retiring and the point where life insurance pays off. In between: That’s where the good stuff is. That’s where you grow. Friendship Village of South Hills. Call 1.800.914.8117 and start the adventure.
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1290 Boyce Road • Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 www.friendshipvillagepa.com
Friendship Village of South Hills is one of only 15% of communities nationwide accredited for quality practices in administration, finance, care and services to residents.
Hunting for Eggs
If you weren’t among the many hunting for eggs
during the Township’s annual Easter egg hunt, you missed out on a great time. Sponsored in part by the Bethel-St. Clair Evening Rotary, this morning event draws families far and wide. If rabbits or chickens could talk, we’re sure they’d say “Put it on your calendar next year for a hoppin’ good time!” n
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T Adult Department
What’s Happening @ Your Library? Blu-ray DVDs
You can now borrow popular movies in Blu-ray disc format from the Upper St. Clair Township Library. Advanced video and audio codes offer an unprecedented high definition experience. The name Blu-ray is derived from the underlying technology which utilizes a blue-violet laser to read and write data. The benefit of using a blue-violet laser is that it has a shorter wavelength than the red laser used with traditional DVDs. This makes it possible to focus the laser spot with even greater precision. This allows data to be packed more tightly and stored in less space, so it’s possible to fit more data on the disc even though it’s the same size as a CD/DVD. Blu-ray discs are a part of the library’s Walk-In Collection, meaning that the items remain in Upper St. Clair and are available to anyone visiting the library. You cannot place holds on Blu-ray discs. Look for them in a displayer near the main desk on the adult floor. Blu-ray discs and DVDs can be borrowed for one week.
Find Your Kind of Fiction
The fiction shelves on the adult floor underwent a dramatic reorganization this spring. Books are now shelved with genre labels to help you find the type of story you want to read. Categorizing each book into an appropriate genre was a labor of love for the staff and volunteers involved, and it was no simple task! Over 10,000 items were examined, re-labeled, and re-shelved. While some books were easy to categorize—yes, this is Fantasy; yes, this is Historical Fiction—others begged the questions: How is Action different from Thriller? What is Literary Fiction? A new brochure, Your Guide to Genre Fiction, is available, and new signs on the fiction shelving will help you find your way around. Library staff is always available. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Browse for some new authors in your favorite genre. Let the staff know if you find the new arrangement helpful.
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Summer 2012
BookPage—America’s Book Review
Here’s another way to learn about new books you won’t want to miss. BookPage includes reviews of new fiction and non-fiction, interviews with authors, and feature articles of current interest. This monthly magazine is available free for library patrons. Funding was provided by the Friends of the Library. Pick one up outside of the library director’s office the next time you are in.
Romantic Tea Draws Rave Reviews
The second annual Valentine’s Day Library Tea featured local author Meredith Miletti, along with lots of tea and goodies. Meredith spoke to the attendees about her childhood and the process she went through to write her first book, Aftertaste. Her novel includes recipes of some of the food mentioned in the story, and Meredith added to the event by bringing in enough of her chocolate cookies to share with all. Thank you Meredith!
USC Connect
USC Connect outreach program is currently delivering librarymaterials to ten residents of the Grand Residence. USC Connect could be delivering books to you! You are eligible to use this service if you have a short- or long-term illness or disability, or have senior non-driver status. Registration is easy. Call the library at 412-835-5540 and ask for Helen. Are you interested in volunteering for this program? The library is looking for helpers to do a monthly delivery to a USC resident who enrolls in this program. Help out if you can!
T Adult Department Download Books, Audio, and Video with Overdrive Downloadable electronic books, audios, and videos are the newest addition to the library collection and are available on the library website through Overdrive, a digital materials provider. (Click on “Downloads!” from the library’s homepage www.twpusc.org/library.) You can download library copies of
e-books to your personal digital device for loan periods of seven, 14, or 21 days. The use of library e-books, in particular, exploded at the end of 2011, and circulation across the entire system in January 2012 exceeded the circulation in all of 2011. Bring in your device and we’ll help you get started.
Upcoming Adult Programs Programs begin at 7 p.m., unless otherwise stated. Call the library to register. May 21: Afternoon Spring Tea Presented by a team of healthcare professionals (1 p.m.) Enjoy a variety of tea samplings and learn about the history, origins, and different types of tea. Raffle prizes, cookies, and favors will also be provided. May 24: Bill Maudlin: A Life Upfront Todd DePastino, author of Bill Maudlin: A Life Upfront, will provide a biographical account of Maudlin, a beloved and trusted World War II soldier and cartoonist.
June 4: Angels Among Us: Our Guides, Protectors, and Helpers Sister Bernadette Manning, a Sister of Charity and professional counselor, will explore the world of angels and the various ways they guide, help, and protect us in our daily lives. June 21: Ben Franklin Jack Puglisi will bring this historical figure to life in this upbeat presentation. June 26: By Fire, By Water Mitchell James Kaplan, author of By Fire, By Water, will discuss his award-winning book. Set in Spain during the Inquisition, this historical fiction work won a 2011 Independent Publishers Book Award. Join the library’s combined men’s and ladies’ book groups for this session.
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Summer 2012
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T Kids Department Dear Librarian, lete 30 er needs to comp My seventh grad n she do Ca . ar ye this school volunteer hours ? ry this at the libra USC Parent 1 Dear Librarian, s so time for student Why is volunteer limited? USC Parent 2
Dear USC Parents, increased for student volunteer time has In recent years, the demand l over wel 0-11 school year the library had dramatically. During the 201 worked has f staf ary nteer time. The libr rs 400 students who requested volu offe t tha m gra pro r ntee t a student volu for the last 15 years to conduc e far tim r ntee volu for and dem ay, the valuable work experiences. Tod can offer. gful opportunities the library nin mea of ber num the eds exce ad program Re n Tee mer oduced a sum During summer 2011 we intr books and r time. Students who read five which was linked to voluntee roster of our each book earned a spot on completed a questionnaire on of 2011. volunteers for the remainder ired for the Teen Read program is requ , mer sum this Beginning must ts den h through twelfth grades. Stu all student volunteers in sixt k to boo each on plete a questionnaire read at least five books and com will you er, rost the on are er. Once you nities. earn entry to our volunteer rost ortu r opp sage about upcoming voluntee ents receive a monthly email mes stud and is, bas a first-come first-served Volunteer hours will fill on a month. will be limited to two hours ary and on the Read is available at the libr n Tee ut abo n Informatio -835-5540 412 at agazine). Call the library website (www.twpusc.org/m library’s the ut abo s cern questions or con and ask for me if you have any new volunteer program. Sincerely, Debra Conn, Your Librarian must l be in fifth grade in the fall P.S. I.B. students who wil ed to our add be to ks read at least five boo participate in Kids Read and l be wil ent irem requ this s who complete volunteer roster. Fifth grader ber. eligible to volunteer in Septem
Library Summer Reading Programs
Teen Summer Read 2012
Who: Kids entering grades 6 through 12
Things to Know 1. Teen Summer Read will begin Monday, June 18 and end Thursday, August 2. Sign up begins Wednesday, June 6. 2. When you sign up, pick out a few books. If you don’t like the book as you begin reading it, put it down and start another. Choose books you have not read before. The books must be checked out from the Upper St. Clair Township Library. Participants with e-readers may use their device to read library books checked out through CLP’s Overdrive. 3. Read books you like. Read 25 to 30 pages. If you like the book, keep reading. 4. Ask the librarians for help finding books to read. Staff is there to help. 5. Teens will complete a questionnaire for each book they read. Return the questionnaire to the library to get credit for reading your book. Each book you complete gives you a chance to win a prize. 6. The Teen Summer Read prize drawing will be held Friday, August 3. 7. The Teen Read program is required for all student volunteers in sixth through 12th grades. Students must read at least five books and complete a questionnaire on each book to earn entry to the volunteer roster. Once you are on the roster, you will receive a monthly email message about upcoming volunteer opportunities. Volunteer hours will fill on a firstcome first-served basis, and students will be limited to two hours a month. 8. Summer volunteers must register for Teen Read and read at least five books and complete a questionnaire on each book to receive credit for their summer hours. If a volunteer fails to complete this requirement, his or her summer hours will not count.
Registration for all Summer Reading Programs begins Wednesday, June 6. “Check-ins” begin Monday, June 18 and end Thursday, August 2. All library programs are free! Reading Together Who: Babies, Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Kindergartners Reading Together, the library’s awardwinning early literacy program, is designed to help young children learn important language and pre-reading skills. For 2012, the library has streamlined the program and added more hands-on activities for your child. When you register you’ll receive the first of six activity sheets. Activities include reading 68
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library books, sharing rhymes, playing with a library educational kit, and age-appropriate learning activities. When you’ve completed the activity sheet, return to the library where your child can “check-in” at the summer reading desk. Your child will receive a fun reward, encouragement, and the next activity sheet.
Summer 2012
Kids Read Who: School-aged children entering grades 2 through 5 We all know that reading is important. The summer reading program is a fun way to encourage your child to spend time reading. Summer reading plays an important role in developing good readers, so make sure your child registers for Kids Read and make sure he reads! Participants will receive a reading log to track the library books they’ve read. Kids will receive one ticket for each book read to use towards a weekly prize drawing. They’ll also get weekly coupons for free stuff from local businesses.
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Summer Classes at the Library
Kids’ summer programs are fun for all! Art in the Park Friday, June 1, 10 a.m.-noon Preschoolers accompanied by an adult Registration begins Monday, May 21. Family Storytime Tuesdays: June 12, July 17, August date TBA, 7 p.m. Children ages 3 ½ and older with the entire family! Call the library for registration dates.
Library Olympics Thursday, August 2, 2-4 p.m. For all Reading Together and Kids Read participants accompanied by an adult Registration begins Monday, July 23.
Monday, June 25 through Thursday, August 2 Registration begins Wednesday, June 6. Babies & Toddlers Mondays, 10 or 11 a.m. Children ages 4-24 months with a parent, grandparent, or caregiver Twos & Threes Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 or 11 a.m. (No class Wednesday, July 4 due to library closure.) Children ages 2-3 ½ years old with a parent, grandparent, or caregiver Preschool Storytime Thursdays, 10 or 11 a.m. Children ages 3 ½, 4, and 5 years old who are ready to spend a half hour on their own
With many inviting activities throughout the year, there’s an abundance of fun things to do @ the library’s Kids Department
Kindergarten Here I Come Wednesdays, 2 or 3:45 p.m. Session I: June 20, June 27, July 11 Session II: July 18, July 25, August 1 Children entering Kindergarten this fall I’m Going to First Grade Mondays, 2 or 3:45 p.m. Session I: June 25, July 2, July 9 Session II: July 16, July 23, July 30 Children entering grade 1 this fall I Love to Read Tuesdays at 2 p.m. Children entering grades 2 or 3 this fall Readers Theater Thursdays, 3 p.m. Children entering grades 4 or 5 this fall
USC Township Library Hours Monday–Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Outside book and video return available 24/7. Items collected daily at 9 a.m. The library is closed Saturday, May 19 for USC Community Day; Monday, May 28 for Memorial Day; Wednesday, July 4 for Independence Day; and Monday, September 3 for Labor Day. The Library is closed summer Sundays May 27 -September 2.
www.twpusc.org/library Summer 2012
412-835-5540 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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Tri-Community South EMS CAAS Reaccreditation
Tri-Community South EMS has been awarded a three-year reaccreditation from the Commission for the Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) for its compliance with national standards of excellence. The CAAS board of directors voted unanimously to award the accreditation at its quarterly meeting on February 27, 2012. On February 16 and 17, CAAS evaluators inspected the system’s records, vehicles, and facilities, and interviewed personnel. CAAS inspection showed full compliance with its accreditation standards. Tri-Community South (TCS) is one of ten services in Pennsylvania, and one of very few municipally-owned services in the nation, to achieve this accreditation. TCS first achieved CAAS accreditation in April 2006 and has maintained the certification ever since. To achieve reaccreditation, TCS demonstrated that its policies, procedures, and documentation continue to meet the accreditation standard and that continuous quality improvement processes and accurate data about system performance have helped the system better meet the needs of the community. The accreditation granted to TCS is for three years. This is the longest period for which CAAS grants accreditation and shows that TCS met or exceeded the most stringent standards in all operational and administrative areas, in personnel,
equipment, policies and procedures, documentation, and community responsibility. CAAS is an independent, non-profit organization comprising EMS and health care experts established to encourage and promote quality patient care in America’s medical transportation system. The primary focus of the commission’s standards is high-quality patient care. This is accomplished by establishing national standards that not only address the delivery of patient care, but also the ambulance service’s total operation and its relationships with other agencies, the general public, and the medical community. CASA’s standards often exceed state or local licensing requirements. TCS’s director, Nora Helfrich, said accreditation “represents our firm commitment to our patients and community. We continuously strive to do our best and we view accreditation as another step toward excellence. TCS staff is key to our successful completion of the process and everyone plays a valuable role in our ability to meet the CAAS’s high standards. I believe it’s prestigious to work for an accredited ambulance service. We have achieved accreditation, but that is only a stimulus for continued improvement.” n
TCS Annual Subscription Drive
The Tri-Community South EMS annual subscription drive is continuing. As of the end of March, less than one quarter of the households in Upper St. Clair (1748 out of 7543) have joined. Upper St. Clair once again ranks last in citizen support of EMS among the communities Tri-Community South serves. A second subscription mailing was sent during the first week of February to all residents who did not respond to the original mailing for 2012 in November. Tri-Community South operates solely on income from the subscription drive, insurance reimbursements, and fees for service. Tri-Community South receives no municipal tax money. Your subscription to Tri-Community South EMS shows that you support your emergency medical service. Without the residents’ support through subscriptions and donations, the municipalities would not be able to provide this valuable service. Your $60 subscription to Tri-Community South EMS (TCS) means that should you need medically necessary ambulance transportation, TCS will accept reimbursement from your health insurance carrier as payment in full for the services rendered and you will not receive any direct bill for these services. Your subscription fees are applied to all applicable co-insurance and deductibles. Non-subscribers must pay the full fee for service, regardless of what the insurer pays. Even if your insurance company says that you have coverage for ambulance service, most insurance companies do not reimburse 100% for ambulance transports. Non-subscribers are responsible for the remaining balance of the bill. Subscribers are never billed for any remaining balances. Current fees for service range from $200 to over $1200, depending on the level of care you receive. Your subscription entitles you to medically necessary emergency ambulance service anywhere in the Municipality of Bethel Park, South Park Township and Upper St. Clair Township, and also in Mt. Lebanon Township, Dormont Borough, Castle Shannon Borough, Whitehall Borough, Green Tree Borough, Baldwin Township, Baldwin Borough, Pleasant Hills Borough, West Mifflin Borough, Brentwood Borough, Peters Township, Jefferson Hills Borough. and Scott Township. Your subscription covers all family members living at your home address
and any guests or visitors at your home. Your subscription also covers pre-scheduled non-emergency ambulance service when medically necessary, when the service meets the requirements or guidelines of your healthcare insurance provider and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Services that are not “reasonable and necessary” are not covered by your subscription. The subscription program is not an insurance plan or insurance policy. TCS agrees to keep all medical/insurance information strictly confidential and will abide by all confidentiality laws protecting the patient’s right to privacy. View the privacy statement at http://www.tcsems.org/about/privacy.html. Your subscription takes effect as soon as it is received and payment is accepted by TCS. The current subscription remains in effect through December 31, 2012, regardless of the day it is received. Subscription terms and conditions are available upon request or online at http://www.tcsems.org/docs/terms.pdf. n
National EMS Week Observed—May 20-26 Tri-Community South EMS will observe National Emergency Medical Services Week May 20-26. Sponsored by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), it was first designated in 1974 by U.S. President Gerald Ford to honor EMS providers nationwide who deliver lifesaving care all day, every day, with little fanfare and little recognition. n
Tri-Community South • Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. • 412-831-3710 • www.tcsems.org 70
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Chillin’ While Grillin’ Winter is a fading memory. Thoughts are now turning toward enjoying outdoor activities with friends and families, activities that often involve sharing a meal that has been prepared on the grill. Since these events should be fun and create fond memories, the members of the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department want to pass on a few safety tips to help keep you safe when using your grill. Let’s begin by sharing some facts from the National Fire Prevention Agency. • In 2005-09, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 8200 home fires involving grills, hibachis, or barbecues per year, including an average of 3400 structure fires and 4800 outside fires. These 8200 fires caused an annual average of 15 civilian deaths, 120 civilian injuries, and $75 million in direct property damage. • More than one-quarter (29%) of the home structure fires involving grills started on a courtyard, terrace, or patio, 28% started on an exterior balcony or open porch, and six percent started in the kitchen. • Flammable or combustible gas or liquid was the item first ignited in half of home outdoor grill fires. In 50% of the home outdoor fires in which grills were involved, 55% of the outside gas grills and 36% of gas grill structure fires, the fire started when a flammable or combustible gas or liquid caught fire. (Source: http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files//PDF/grillFactSheet.pdf) Now for some tips on how we can enjoy our grills.
Grill Safety • Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors or in any enclosed spaces such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation. • Position the grill well away from siding, deck railing, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. • Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic. • Keep children and pets away from the grill area. Declare a three-foot “safe zone” around the grill. • Use long-handled grilling tools for plenty of clearance from heat and flames when cooking. • Periodically remove grease and fat buildup in trays below the grill so they cannot be ignited by a hot grill. Charcoal Grills • Purchase the proper starter fluid and store out of reach of children and away from heat sources. • Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited, and never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going. Propane Grills • Check the propane cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A light soapy water solution applied to the hose will reveal escaping propane quickly by releasing bubbles. • If you determined your grill has a gas leak by smell or the soapy bubble test and there is no flame: 1. Turn off the propane tank and grill. 2. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. 3. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department. • If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill. • All propane cylinders manufactured after April 2002 must have overfill protection devices (OPD). OPDs shut off the flow of propane before capacity is reached, limiting the potential for release of propane gas if the cylinder heats up. OPDs are easily identified by their triangular-shaped hand wheel. • Use only equipment bearing the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions on how to set up and maintain the grill. • Never store propane cylinders in buildings or garages. If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave it outside. Members of the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department wish all our residents safe grilling and a fun, happy summer! n Summer 2012
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Summer’s Coming... Summer Season of Plays THE FEMALE OF THE SPECIES . . . . . . . 5/3-5/19 Critics call it: “Wickedly clever and deadly funny!” A season opener filled with FARCE, FEMINISM and FUN. Adult language advisory.
THE FOX ON THE FAIRWAY . . . . . . . . . . 5/24-6/9
A brand new, phenomenally funny, funny farce! A belly-laugher that takes us behind the scenes of a golf tournament for two rival country clubs. Mistaken identities and romantic shenanigans abound. You’ll want to return for seconds!
AND A NIGHTINGALE SANG. . . . . . . . 6/14-6/30 Humor through and through. The Stott family wrestles with marriage proposals, a grandpa with hilarious wanderlust and the arrival of a soldier who sets a young woman’s heart aflutter, all set against a World War II backdrop.
TALKING PICTURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7/5-21 ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST . . . . . . . . . . 7/26-8/11 THE LAST ROMANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8/16-9/1 SUMMER SERIES FOR KIDS I Can SO Be a Princess!
Gooney Bird Greene and Her Fabulous Animal Parade
Sunny Disney Fitchett
The Eleventh Hour
www.littlelake.org / 724-745-6300
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You have caught me at the eleventh hour. Are you familiar with the eleventh hour? Crunch time. Big block letters in my brain, warning: DEADLINE APPROACHING. This eleventh hour of mine comes along once every year, and it is nerve-wracking to live through. The information for Little Lake Theatre Company’s 64th season brochure is due at the printer, and I’m still waiting for the production rights to be granted on seven of 16 plays. As the artistic director, I am responsible for selecting 16 plays for our season schedule—11 mainstage plays, three for our Looking Glass summer season for young audiences, and two fall family matinee productions. The first task is to read dozens of scripts over the winter. But what do I look for to build a season? What will our audiences love? Comedies, of course! There isn’t anything wrong with an evening of great guffaws, slamming doors, and mistaken identities. Comedy is great fun, indeed, when it is big and bold, but it is also pleasing when a genuine chuckle grows out of recognizing a thing that is unexpected, small, and familiar. This is my 20th year of selecting a season. Early on, audiences seemed to want to attend plays they already knew. They would rather attend a play for the third time than take a chance on a new title. I never understood this. After all, the same people would go to brand new movies. But, happily, our audiences have grown to trust us. Now when our subscribers select five plays out of an 11-play series, they most often select the new titles. And, most surprising, our subscribers also select dramas. One of the hardest questions to answer on the box office phone is, “Is it a comedy?” Mostly, “Yes.” But are they all laughUPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
out-loud funny? Not necessarily. Consider The Sound of Music. Is it a comedy with dramatic moments, or a drama with moments that make you laugh? Life is funny; and, sometimes, it’s the turn of a phrase or a slip of the tongue that will make you laugh louder than when the goofball drops his pants to reveal silly underwear. The puzzle of selecting a season also involves an elaborate cast of characters. Which directors will best guide which actors in which plays? If we are considering an actor for more than one play, are those plays back-to-back or have I provided enough time in between for an actor to actually grill hot dogs with their families on an August night? Can I schedule an evening play that requires a baby grand piano when we need to strike the set four times a week for Theatre Arts Summer Camp the next day? Once the roadmap is finally laid out, play publishers need to be contacted for the rights to produce their plays. Sometimes, we immediately receive a license to perform a play. Other times, when the world is less than perfect (and when isn’t it?) publishers tell us no... they’re reserving a play for professional houses in the area or touring companies that might—just might—be coming through town two years from now. And this usually happens at the eleventh hour. I’m happy to report that in 20 years, we haven’t missed a deadline for the season brochure. And, even though it’s my eleventh hour as I write this, I look forward to knowing that when you read this, it will be settled and decided. n For more information about Little Lake Theatre Company, visit www.littlelake.org or call 724-745-6300. See ad on this page.
...Summer’s Here! Summer “App”titude for Kids
Jennifer Roberts Extended Day Services, Administrative Director If you’re like me, and have young children, you’re used to wading through 600 game apps on your phone to get to your email icon. To be honest, one or two of them might be mine; however the other 598 belong to my children. Sure, they’re great for unusually long restaurant waits, the never-ending grocery store line, or the car trip from you-know-where. But wouldn’t it be great to kick it up a notch and add some great educational apps to your cell phone offerings? If you choose wisely, your kids won’t even know they’re learning! Below are some of the best educational apps available for the iPhone, iPad, and the like. They range in price from free to a few dollars, but well worth the nominal investment. In just a few minutes, you can add an assortment of fun and educational apps to your iPhone. You’ll be glad you did! 1. Math BINGO–A great app for learning addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts. It has fun rewards and can be addictive—not something that’s usually said about math practice. 2. Word BINGO–Same goes for the Word version—fun and great for learning sight words. 3. Stack the States–This app makes learning about the 50 states fun and interactive. As your child learns about capitols and geographic location, they carefully build a stack of states to reach the next level. 4. Stack the Countries–After your children conquer the U.S. in Stack the States, they can take on the world! 5. Rocket Math–Build your own rocket and play one of 56 different math missions ranging in difficulty levels. Each mission has touchable objects and rewards for the winners. 6. Presidents vs. Aliens–Your child uses his knowledge of presidential facts, nicknames, and quotes to help the presidents defeat the aliens. 7. Gum Drop–A fast-paced puzzle game that requires kids to match objects and words faster and faster. This app is best for kids who read well and enjoy a challenge. The levels progress in word difficulty, including subjects like food, animals, and toys and include some unfamiliar words that kids must figure out, as well.. 8. Weet Woo–A way to view family-friendly videos from YouTube without the risk of offensive comments or anything objectionable. Kids can search without parents worrying about what they will stumble upon. 9. Word Search Kids–This app has hundreds of word search puzzles to improve letter recognition, word recognition, and early reading, which are touchable, colorful, and fun! 10. Letter School–Finally, an app that makes handwriting cool! This game allows kids to trace and write letters while they learn letter names, letter sounds, and improve their hand-eye coordination. n See ad for Extended Day Services
Enjoy our Patio for Dining & Drinks
HAPPY HOUR
Monday - Friday 5pm to 7pm 1614 Washington Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241
412-854-4264 www.stonepeppers.com Adams Shoppes, SR 228, Mars, PA Settlers Ridge Center, Robinson Twp., PA
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Summer’s Coming... More Accidents Happen When Teens Are Out Of School The odds of a teenage driver having an accident are high. According to Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) research, teens spend 44% more hours driving each week in the summer than during the school year. Furthermore, 16-year-olds have higher crash rates than drivers of any other age. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among 15- to 20year-olds. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation almost 3500 drivers in this age group died in motor vehicle crashes in 2006 and an additional 272,000 were injured. In the same year, drivers aged 15 to 20 accounted for 12.9% of all drivers involved in fatal crashes and 16% of all drivers involved in police-reported crashes. “Teens think they are indestructible and often engage in risk-taking behavior,” said Loretta Worters, vice president of the Insurance Information Institute (III). “They are distracted by things they shouldn’t do in a car like eating, talking on their cell phones, text messaging, talking to friends in the car… and they often don’t wear their seatbelts.” It’s important for families with teen drivers to educate them about driving safely and to make sure that they, along with their teen drivers, are properly insured. The III recommends taking the following steps to ensure the safety of your teen: Pick a safe car. The type of car a young person drives can dramatically affect the price of insurance. Choose a car that is easy to drive and would offer protection in the event of a crash. Avoid small cars and those with high performance images that might encourage speed and recklessness. Trucks and SUVs should also be avoided, since they are more prone to rollovers. Have your teen take a driver’s education course. A teen who has learned to drive through a driver’s education course is viewed more favorably by insurers than a teen who has been taught by his or her parents. In some states, teens must take a driver’s education course if they want to get a license at age 16; otherwise, they have to wait until they are 18. Enroll your teen in safe driver programs. Some insurers offer “safe driver” programs. Teen participants in these programs sign contracts stating that they will not, for instance, drink and drive. Check whether your insurance company has such a program. If your teenager completes the program, you may be eligible for a discount. Talk to your teen about the dangers of distractions. Teach your children about the dangers of drinking and driving and other
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distractions. Accidents occur each year because a teen driver was drinking, using a cell phone, text messaging, playing the radio, or talking to friends who are in the backseat. Also, teens should be careful not to create distractions and to exhibit safe behavior when they are passengers in their friends’ cars. Be a good role model. New drivers learn by example, so if you drive recklessly, your teenage driver may imitate you. Always wear your seatbelt and never drink and drive. Graduated driver’s license programs. New drivers are restricted from certain activities, such as driving with passengers until they have had their licenses for a set period, such as six months. A number of states have reduced teen accidents by restricting the amount of time new drivers may be on the road without supervision. If you live in one of these states, ask if any discounts are available. Insure your son or daughter on your own policy. It is generally cheaper to add your teenagers to your insurance policy than for them to purchase their own insurance. If your teen owns a car, insure it with your company so that you can get a multi-policy discount. Increase your liability insurance. State minimums for liability insurance will probably not be enough to fully protect you from lawsuits should your teen get into an accident. Many vehicles today are worth more than $15,000, and medical bills for injuries could easily exceed $20,000 for one person. If your teen is found negligent in an accident and the damages exceed your insurance limits, you will be financially responsible and can be sued in court for those amounts not covered by your insurance. Raise your deductible. Going from a $250 to $500 or $1000 deductible can save you ten to 20% on your premium. You can use that savings to increase your liability insurance. Let your insurer know if your teenager is going away to school. You may be eligible for lower premiums once your teen heads to college, providing he or she leaves the car behind. Many insurers will reduce rates for students attending a school at least 100 miles away from home and who do not have a car on campus. Encourage your teen to get good grades and to take a driver training course. Most companies will give discounts for getting at least a “B” average in school and for taking a recognized driver training course. n
This article was adapted from State Farm’s Learning Center. For more information, contact Cindy Brophy, State FarmTM insurance agent. See ad on page 44.
...Summer’s Here! Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center ATTENTION UPPER ST. CLAIR RESIDENTS SKATE & SWIM at the MT. LEBANON RECREATION CENTER Open Year Round with Something for Everyone *Learn-to-Skate Classes/ Beginner & Advanced Hockey Clinics Youth Developmental & Adult Hockey Leagues Public Skating Summer Figure Skating School and Figure Skating Sessions Daily Adult Skating & Instructional Programs Speed Skating * Broomball Birthday Party Packages *Individual & Family Season Swim Passes Available Pool Open Noon – 8 P.M. Daily (Beg. June 2)
Call the Recreation Center at 412-561-4363 for times and rates Or visit us online at www.mtlebanon.org
Play Ball! This 42-inch target can be filled with water or sand for stability, and features a 9-inch deep net for catching the included MLB softee baseball. $19.99
$
OFF
735630
your next purchase of $35 or more!
May not be combined with any other offer, discount or fundraiser. Cannot be used to purchase Gift Cards and excludes prior purchases. Valid in Mt Lebanon store only. Expires 6/30/12
Galleria of Mt. Lebanon • 1500 Washington Rd • Mt. Lebanon • 412-341-TOYS
What is Score Choice?
SAT, ACT Scores and College Admissions
Manjri Gupta, Chyten Educational Services, Owner
in SUMMER
Premier Tutoring and Test Preparation 1740 Washington Rd, Pittsburgh 15241 412-833-6060 www.chyten.com
Taking SATs or ACTs has become a rite of passage for college-bound high school students. Given the nature of these tests, most students will find themselves taking the SAT or ACT more than once in order to get their optimal score. But which test should be taken? And how do colleges look at scores from multiple tests? Do Colleges Prefer One Test Over the Other? It used to be that the SAT was predominant for undergraduate programs on the East and West coasts, while the ACT was mostly popular for schools in between. But this aspect of college admissions has significantly changed over the past few years as colleges have begun to take a more holistic view of how they evaluate students’ standardized test scores. Most colleges in the U.S. now accept the SAT and ACT equally, with the latest emerging trend of some colleges “super-scoring” across both tests. These trends present a real opportunity for students to hone in on the one test that is more suitable to their skill set. What is Score Choice™? Both the ACT and the SAT give students the flexibility to choose which scores (by test date for the SAT and by individual test for SAT Subject Tests™) they send Continued on page 89 Summer 2012
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...Summer’s Here!
• First Place, “Where the Locals Eat: The 100 Best Restaurants in the Top 50 Cities” • “City’s Best”, AOL City Guide Reader’s Vote • First Place, Post-Gazette Reader’s Poll • First Place, Tribune-Review Reader’s Survey • First Place, South Hills Record Reader’s Vote • First Place, City Paper’s Reader’s Poll
412-563-3466
30% off any dinner or lunch entree with purchase of another dinner or lunch entree of equal or greater value. Expires: June 30, 2012
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Lunch ’til 4 • Dinners • Open Late • Bar • Sandwiches • Open 7 Days
www.amelsrestaurant.net Amel’s Restaurant, McNeilly Road
Increase Your Chances For a Fun Summer Dr. Mary Lamb, Lakeside Primary Care
Even though this past winter was quite mild, we welcome the warmer weather, fresh air, and sunshine of summer as it approaches. It’s time to enjoy the outdoors, feel the warmth of the sun on our faces, and experience longer, less-stressful days. Be forewarned, however, that with the carefree days of summer come some common summer woes that could ruin your fun and relaxation. One of the worst summer problems is sunburn. Even though most of us are fully aware of the dangers of the sun, sometimes we inadvertently get too much exposure. What should you do if you get a severe sunburn? For immediate relief, apply cool compresses or soak in cool water. Aloe vera gel and moisturizing lotion have been used for years to help soothe sunburns, although very little evidence supports their effectiveness. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, naprosyn, etc.) can ease pain and inflammation when used within the first 24 hours. Topical and oral steroid medications (prednisone, hydrocortisone cream, etc.) have not been shown to be helpful. If blisters occur, do not pop them, but allow them to rupture on their own. Apply antibiotic ointment to soothe skin and prevent infection once blisters open. Avoid any further sun exposure until your skin has healed. Wear loose, soft cotton clothing on burned skin. Most sunburns will not scar, although pigment changes can occur, especially if damaged skin is exposed to more burning rays of the sun. Be sure to protect yourself and your children in the future 76
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by staying out of the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen. More daylight in the summer means more opportunity for exercise and outdoor fun. Summertime is prime time for injuries—broken arms from falling off monkey bars, sore knees from extra miles of running, strained backs from yard work, lacerations from lawnmowers, and head injuries from bicycle accidents. Make sure you review and continue to monitor safety issues with your children. Insist on helmets and other protective equipment when riding bikes and scooters or using roller blades. Advise caution while playing at crowded playgrounds. Make sure swimming skills are strong, and if they are not, enroll your children in swimming lessons. Prevention is key to childhood safety. Adults often fall victim to the “weekend warrior” syndrome— going all out on a weekend—the only available time to exercise and experience outdoor sports. Overexerting ourselves on the weekends leads to sore muscles, sprains, and strains that can persist for weeks. Make sure you warm up thoroughly, stretch tight muscles, and listen to your body when it’s telling you to stop or slow down. Keep summertime fun to a maximum this year by following sun exposure guidelines, preventing poison ivy exposure, and practicing safety and moderation in leisure activities. n See ad on page 19 for Lakeside Primary Care, a practice of the Washington Hospital.
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Around the Township is a dedicated feature section of TODAY that captures our residents enjoying activities and events in and around Upper St. Clair.
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Around the Township
A Line Up That Dazzles—Town Hall South Lecture Series 2012-13
The Town Hall South Lecture Series presents its 2012-13 line-up of speakers. The series explores topics that include DNA research into the origins of man, music, a beloved TV anchor, food, and China. Town Hall South’s 44th season offers speakers chosen for their dynamic styles, relevant topics, and wide reaching appeal. The series kicks off on October 2, with Jane Pauley. A journalist, Jane Pauley has been one of the best-known morning television personalities during the ’70s and ’80s, anchoring NBC’s Today show for 13 years and Dateline NBC for another 12. In addition to her duties on Today, she also served
November 13 brings geneticist and anthropologist Spencer Wells who is considered an “Explorer-in-Residence” at the National Geographic Society. Formerly the director of the Population Genetics Research Group at Oxford University and now a visiting professor at Cornell University, Wells is the scientific front man of the Genographic Project, which aims to create a picture of how our ancestors populated the planet by analyzing DNA samples from around the world. The project emerged from an idea Wells developed following an earlier study called the Human Diversity Project. The author of The Journey of Man: A Genetic Odyssey (2002), Wells explains how genetic data has been used
Town Hall South 44thSeason
Lecture Series 2012–2013 Jane Pauley
Mark Bittman
Tuesday, October 2 Jane Pauley
Spencer Wells Tuesday, November 13
Mark Bittman Tuesday, December 4
Marin Alsop
Marin Alsop Spencer Wells
Tuesday, February 5
as a correspondent and writer for James Fallows NBC news. A graduate of Indiana University, Pauley spent three years Tuesday, March 5 James Fallows in broadcasting in Indianapolis and then joined WMAQ-TV in Chicago, where she became the first to trace human migrations over the past 50,000 years, when woman to co-anchor a weeknight evening newscast in Chicago. modern humans first migrated outside of Africa. He also wrote In 1995, her work was recognized with an Emmy award and and presented the PBS/National Geographic documentary of the an American Women in Radio and Television award. Pauley’s same name. A native of Lubbock, Texas, Wells obtained his Ph.D. continued popularity helped keep Dateline NBC in the number in biology from Harvard University. He was also a postdoctoral one spot in the primetime news magazine slot for nine years. fellow at Stanford University and a research fellow at Oxford Partnering with AARP, Ms. Pauley is currently contributing to University. NBC’s Today show in a series called “Your Life Calling,” which On December 4, just in time for holiday eating binges, Town features people who have reinvented the way they work or live. Hall South brings Mark Bittman, one of the leading voices in In addition to her television career, Pauley authored a book the food movement. He has been called a visionary for his rallyabout her personal struggle with bipolar disorder, Skywriting: ing cry to change the way America eats. His seminal book, Food A Life Out of the Blue. Matters—a New York Times bestseller—broke new ground in For further information and a subscription form for Town Hall South, visit www.townhallsouth.org or look for a pamphlet at the Upper St. Clair Township Library.
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Flippin’ Jacks Rotary Style It was standing room only at Westminster Presbyterian Church’s Fellowship Hall for Bethel Park/ USC Evening Rotary’s 53rd annual Pancake Festival. Held annually on the first Saturday in March, this fun event raises thousands of dollars for local charities. Rotarian Tim Donovan said over 2000 people were served at this year’s food fest. Donovan thanked all the volunteers, Rotary members, and the community who come out to support this delicious charitable fundraiser year after year. n
exploring the links among food, health, and the environment while providing tangible guidance for Americans to rethink their diet. Bittman has been writing and speaking about food for 30 years, mostly through print and the web pages of The New York Times (he created “The Minimalist” for the Dining Section in 1997 and is a contributor to both “Week in Review” and “The Magazine”). He is the author of several blockbuster cookbooks, appears regularly on both commercial and public television, and is a highly sought-after speaker on food and its role in American culture and health. Internationally acclaimed for her creative approach to programming and interpretation of musical repertoire, Marin Alsop is an inspirational music director, instilling orchestras with new dynamics and deepening their interaction with audiences and the wider community. Named Musical America’s 2009 Conductor of the Year, Marin Alsop made history in 2007 when she was appointed music director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the first woman to head a major American orchestra. In 2003, she was the first artist to be named Gramophone’s Artist of the Year and to receive the Royal Philharmonic Society’s Conductor’s Award. Alsop has spearheaded educational initiatives reaching more than 60,000 school and pre-school students. A regular presence in the media, she has been profiled in Time and Newsweek, appeared on NBC’s Today Show, and as ABC News’ “person of the week.” She is a graduate of Yale University and The Julliard School. Marin Alsop appears on February 5, 2013. Rounding out the series on March 5, 2013, is James Fallows. A national correspondent for The Atlantic since the ’70s, Fallows is one of America’s most respected journalists. He has won the National Book Award, the American Book Award, and the National Magazine Award. Based in China since 2006, he is now chronicling that country’s explosive growth and its staggering ramifications for America and the world. In his presentation, James Fallows delivers a monumental and richly textured look
at everything you need to know about doing business in China. Reporting from China since 2006, Fallows lucidly explains the economic, political, social, environmental, and cultural forces that have transformed China—from poverty to world superpower— at break-neck speed. What can American companies learn from China’s growth? To what degree are the Chinese and American economies intertwined? Why have most American companies in China remained profitable, even in the economic downturn? He is the author of nine books and co-host on the Emmy award-winning documentary On the Frontlines: Doing Business in China. The Town Hall South Series’ mission is to provide quality lectures and philanthropic gifts to the community. All lectures are held at the Upper St. Clair High School Theatre on the first Tuesday of October, November (after Election Day), December, February, and March. Tickets are available by series subscription for $125 and can be purchased by visiting www.townhallsouth.org. Post-lecture luncheons are available by reservation for subscribers at St. Clair Country Club and include a question and answer session with the guest lecturer. Philanthropic in nature, monies received from Town Hall South provide for charitable grants to many organizations, including Asbury Foundation, Bethleham Haven, CASA (both Allegheny and Washington Counties), Chartiers Community Mental Health and Retardation Center, Inc., Citizens for Affordable Energy, Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern PA, Family Hospice and Palliative Care, Family Links, Family Promise of Southwestern PA, Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council, Mainstay Life Services, Outreach Teen and Family Service, Inc., Prime Time Adult Care Inc., South Hills Interfaith Ministries, South Hills YMCA, Southwinds, Inc., The Early Learning Institute, Washington City Mission, Wesley Spectrum Services, and Westminster Presbyterian Church Outreach. Since its inception in 1969, Town Hall South has given over $485,000 to these organizations. n Summer 2012
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Sure Sign That Summer’s Coming
There are two sure signs that summer is right around the corner in Upper St. Clair: the first is Community Day, this year held on Saturday, May 19, and the second is the Upper St. Clair Lions farmers market at the Westminster Church south parking lot.
This year at Community Day the Lions Club will introduce Scarlett, a black lab female Leader Dog puppy. She will make her debut at the Lions booth and also join in the parade. Scarlett will be the second Leader Dog puppy adopted by the Upper St. Clair Lions Club. She will be raised and trained by Sara and Evan Strain. After a year’s basic training, she will be returned to the Leader Dog training center in Rochester, Michigan, to
Scarlett, a Leader Dog puppy
Sarah and Evan Strain with Scarlett
Flowers and produce for sale at the farmers market Perusing the offerings
The Fine Art of Painting a Royal Ceiling Built by King Thirumalai Nayak in 1636, the Madurai Palace in South India is a blend of Italian, Islamic, and Dravidian styles of architecture. Behind a majestic exterior lies an exquisite interior whose grandeur is unparalleled in India for its captivating and equally colorful ceiling murals. That’s exactly what Jordyn Melino, exhibit coordinator at the Phipps Conservatory in Oakland, wanted to recreate for the façade of its brand new exhibit, Tropical Forest India.
One winter morning, Upper St. Clair resident and advertising creative director Francis Cleetus was invited to Phipps to share his work and see the exhibit space. Although Jordyn and her team loved his paintings, they wanted to be sure that he could recreate the elaborate motifs of the Madurai palace ceilings. So Francis and another contender were given a week to paint sample miniatures of the ceiling murals on canvas.
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Francis, retouching one of the murals after installation
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Wins Award complete the training required of a Leader Dog. The USC Lions have agreed to assist with veterinary bills and expenses while the Strains are giving Scarlett her basic training. The first dog, raised by Marielle Snyder, was Murphy who has gone back to Michigan to complete its training. “Thank you” to Marielle, Sara, and Evan for their caring and dedication. Thursday, May 31 will be the opening day of the USC Lions third annual farmers market. The hours are from four to seven every Thursday, rain or shine. There will be approximately 25 local farmers with their usual high quality produce. There will be a special banner recognizing and thanking the vendors and patrons who have supported the market. Set aside your Thursday evenings and come to the market to meet your friends and support your local farmers. n
A few days later, Francis received an email saying that he had been awarded the project. Now the challenge was to finish the complex and highly detailed 5-by-15feet ceiling mural within 60 days, well in time for the opening. Francis converted his basement into a makeshift art studio and starting working late nights on the murals. Once he had the initial drawing in place, his wife, Maneesha, and daughters, Ananya, age 15, and Antara, age nine, also pitched in to fill the colors. After two months of rigorous work, the ceiling murals were successfully completed and installed at Phipps just days before the opening of the Tropical Forest India exhibit on February 4. The murals are slated to be on display for three years. To catch a glimpse of Francis’ murals, inspired by the ceiling of a palace in India, head to Phipps for a relaxing activity. To contact Francis about creating artwork, email him at franciscleetus@gmail.com. To browse through his other creative work, visit franciscleetus.com or geek-2-me.com. n
And the winner is… UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY! The official publication of the School District and Township of Upper St. Clair and your community magazine for the past 18 years has won another award! Upper St. Clair School District and Township staff members and volunteers of TODAY are commended for earning an Award of Honor in the 2011 Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association (PenSPRA) contest. The annual “excellence in education” communications contest seeks to recognize models of school media that reflect the extensive quality and scope of public relations work often undertaken by communications professionals. TODAY received its recognition in the Special Purpose Publication segment and was presented with a certificate for its accomplishments. Over the years, TODAY has won numerous awards and received a number of proclamations for its professional, appealing, and informative nature of its content and its importance to the residents of this community. Commended are the following individuals who have provided years of commitment and dedication to this ongoing project: TODAY magazine staff under the direction of publishers Township Manager Matthew Serakowski and USC Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patrick O’Toole are Erin Allen (five years, sales), Dorothy Clark (four years, graphic design), Colleen DeMarco (nine years, office manager), Lynn Dempsey (15 years, sales), Linda Dudzinski (12 years, editor), Paul Fox (18 years, steering committee member), Alison Hess (two years, sales), Terry Kish (nine years, editor), and Mark Mansfield (18 years, steering committee member). TODAY volunteers include Dina Fulmer, Wayne Herrod, and Mary Lynne Spazok, among others. Their years of contribution, which together exceed 100, are invaluable and unmatched by any other community publication. Thanks to each of them as they continually search for new, exciting ways to promote our Township and our School District and to provide for the citizens of Upper St. Clair. To place your ad in TODAY’s award-winning magazine or for more information, visit www.twpusc.org/magazine or email usctoday@uscsd.k12.pa.us. For articles of interest, to provide volunteer service to our comUPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY steering committee and staff munity publication, or to help members are, left to right, front row: Lynn Dempsey, sell ad space, call 412-833-1600, Erin Allen, Alison Hess, Colleen DeMarco, and extension 2284. n Dorothy Clark; back row: Mark Mansfield, Terry Kish, Paul Fox, and Linda Dudzinski. Summer 2012
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Westminster Presbyterian Church Outreach
In 1946, Westminster Presbyterian Church was founded in Upper St. Clair based on finding out “where are people hurting?” That question has characterized its role in the community and across the world ever since. Each year, Westminster Church provides approximately $300,000 in assistance to over 35 separate mission outreach agencies serving many thousands of individuals locally and in Haiti, India, and Malawi. Its members directly contribute over $100,000 annually through special offerings to sponsor children in Haiti and to provide emergency aid after the Haiti earthquake, Hurricane Ivan’s flood in Carnegie in 2004, to local families burnt out of their homes, and for many other situations. “Westminster’s outreach is all about relationships,” Doug Mitchell, Westminster’s Outreach Commission chair stated. “The most common reaction heard after a member’s trip to South Hills Interfaith Ministries (SHIM), or a worship service in Homewood, or to another country is ‘how much I gained by meeting the people I came to help.’ Our commission depends on our members’ participation, becoming involved in making a difference, and then passing their experiences along to other members. These experiences change our members’ lives and encourage them to grow in personal outreach and to encourage other members, which lifts the entire church to a new level of involvement in its mission. It goes way beyond checkwriting!” I n re c e n t y e a r s , several new members have been attracted to Westminster after joining in Westminster’s outreach. Bobbie Hartman, a recently retired chemistry professor, and her husband, Tom, a retired architect, had joined a team from several churches that
In 2010, Cathy Thompson and Dave Leyden painted refurbished hurricane-damaged houses in Burmingham, Alabama.
had made medical visits to Haiti, built a grain mill to locally process corn, and dug several water wells. The Hartmans became Westminster members, and now Bobbie teaches chemistry to high school-age Haitians, and Tom has designed and built a school to serve over 1000 children and additional clinic and residential facilities with Westminster’s funding. Nancy McDaniel, a new member, recently left Pittsburgh to supervise mission workers in Mississippi, where they continue to rebuild homes damaged by hurricanes in the gulf. She keeps in touch with Westminster’s members through her Internet blog. Westminster’s outreach includes a wide variety of projects that need a wide variety of skills. House of Manna, a house of worship and street ministry in Homewood, brings over 500 people each Good Friday morning to march against violence. Produce to People periodically engages Westminster’s youth and adults to distribute food to 400 families living on Pittsburgh’s North Side. Its missions to India and Malawi employ medical and therapeutic skills, but “friendship diplomacy skills” are also much appreciated. Those who become involved quickly learn that nearly everyone has skills that are valuable in outreach to others. n
During Washington City Mission’s reconstruction, Westminster members brought food to mission clients.
Westminster members participate in a march on Good Friday held by House of Manna, a street ministry in Homewood. Produce to People serves over 400 families on Pittsburgh’s North Side. Westminster provides food three times a year for this cause. 82
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For more information about Westminster Presbyterian Church’s outreach programs or to inquire about serving in its outreach, visit www.westminster-church.org and click on the “Serving” tab or call the church office at 412-835-6630. Photos courtesy of Doug Mitchell.
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USC Bands Make Rock-Off Finals Mike Scarpino and Nancy Beaulieu
Eighteen of the best high school bands in Ohio, Michigan, and southwestern Pennsylvania put their musical talent, originality, and stage presence to the test in the 16th annual Tri-C High School Rock-Off Final Exam on February 11 at the House of Blues in Cleveland. Among the finalists were two Upper St. Clair rock bands, The Winter Brave and Abraham Lincoln. The Winter Brave is composed of singer-guitarist Jake Scarpino, drummer-singer Sam Scarpino, and bassist Chris Beaulieu. This trio of USCHS seniors has been playing and writing songs together since they were in seventh grade. In 2009, they were the first out-of-state band to reach the Rock-Off finals in the history of the competition. This was the band’s third year competing and playing their hard driving alternative rock style music. The recently formed Abraham Lincoln is composed of Scarpino, Scarpino, and Beaulieu, and also includes s i n g e r- k e y b o a rd i s t Isabelle Abrams, another USCHS senior, to round out their sound. All four members are involved in writing the The Winter Brave band members, left to band’s original songs. right are Chris Beaulieu, Sam Scarpino, This band features a and Jake Scarpino
Friends of the Library Used Book Sale
Abraham Lincoln band members, left to right, are Chris Beaulieu, Jake Scarpino, Sam Scarpino, and Isabelle Abrams
“Rusted Root-like” high energy jam band sound. The “final exam” stage of the competition was the culmination of a six-week endeavor during which 66 bands playing various styles of rock, R&B, and more and competed for prizes, including cash and an opening slot for a national act at a concert promoted by Live Nation. The bands played to a capacity crowd at The House of Blues in downtown Cleveland. The judges for the competition had significant music industry experience and included individuals from Rolling Stone Magazine, Warner Brothers Records, and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Both bands gave their best performances and were rewarded with The Winter Brave placing fourth and Abraham Lincoln coming in ninth! The band members had a great time playing and were happy to have had an amazing experience. The Winter Brave continues to play around the Pittsburgh area in venues including The Hard Rock Cafe and The Smiling Moose. n
community wide flea market SATURDAY, JULY 14, 2012 (Rain or Shine)
Bargain books for all ages and tastes will again be featured at the Friends of the Library Used Book Sale, May 9–12 at the large multi-purpose room near the main entrance of the library. With book prices starting at 50 cents, this opportunity is too good to pass up! Bring the family and stock up on good reading! All proceeds are used to assist the USC Township Library in serving the needs of the community.
Place: USCHS Stadium Parking Lot Time: 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Sale) Setup beginning at 6:30 a.m.
Space is limited, so sign-up for your space early. Sellers are responsible for providing their own table. Please complete the following form and mail to: _ Upper St. Clair Recreation, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241
Wednesday, May 9–5:30-8 p.m. (Preview night: Members free, nonmembers $5) Thursday, May 10–10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, May 11–10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 12–10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Name_________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ Telephone_____________________________________________________________ Number of spaces needed*_ _____________________________________________ *(A space is two parking spaces, 9’ x 18’ each, one for automobile and one for setup.) Fee per space is $12–resident, $17–nonresident. Check should be made payable to Upper St. Clair Recreation. Summer 2012
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Barbershop Singing in the South Hills
The Keystone Chorus is a group of men who sing barbershop music every week. One of five chapters in the Greater Pittsburgh area, its members are from several communities in the South Hills, including Upper St. Clair, Mt. Lebanon, Whitehall, Cecil Township, Bethel Park, Carnegie, and Peters. Two members drive from Washington. The 26 men in the chorus vary in age as well as background. The youngest member is a 20-year-old college student, while the oldest is a 90-year-old retired PPG employee. For the Valentine’s Day holiday, chorus members enjoyed and entertained people by singing a series of Singing Valentines. Each
“Valentine” consisted of three songs performed by a quartet in the home or workplace of a person they selected. Roaming the area in search of those lucky enough to be chosen, cities visited ranged from Carnegie to Steubenville, Ohio. The Keystone Chorus invites any man who has a passion for singing to visit a rehearsal. The ability to read music is not
A quartet sings while donning interesting hats during a Tuesday evening meeting. Members of the Keystone Chorus
Summer Classes and Awards
Joan Ames
Most aspiring dancers can only dream about being accepted to study at the most prestigious programs in the country. In the greater Pittsburgh region, however, we find a notable exception to this rule in the students and dancers of Pittsburgh Youth Ballet Company (PYBC). For these young dancers, opportunities for elite ballet training are more a matter of course. Under the direction of founder and artistic director Jean Gedeon, PYBC has turned what remains for many an unimaginable dream into an annual tradition spanning the company’s 28-year history. For more than a quarter of a century, many of the world’s great ballet companies have drawn on the local talent grown right here in the South Hills at PYBC. This summer, the tradition continues in full swing when over 15 PYBC advanced dancers were chosen by audition and accepted into the most prestigious programs, including American Ballet Theatre’s summer program NYC, School of American Ballet NYC, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Boston Ballet, Miami City Ballet, and The Rock School, Ballet West, with many on full scholarships. Jean Gedeon was a soloist at 84
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Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre for years as well as a ballet instructor at Point Park University for 18 years. Jean has an unparalleled reputation for teaching, nurturing, and encouraging young dancers. Her quote from a Dance Magazine featured article titled “Only the Best Will Do, I Never Give Up on Anyone” sums it up. She has received accolades from around the world, including Best Teacher, Dance Teacher Magazine, and a Congressional Achievement award for 25 years of Excellence in the Arts. Pointe Magazine featured an article about Jean, “Jean Gedeon—About Pointe Shoes.” Recently, PYBC was awarded “Best of Pittsburgh 2011” for dance instruction and performance by the U.S. Commerce Association. Most students that study with PYBC during the summer gain a full year of advancement. When it comes to summer ballet training, being able to dance on the stage in New York City is a dream come true. Last year, 12 children from PYBC School were selected to perform with the New York City Ballet in their production of Jerome Robbins’ “Circus Polka” at NYCB’s summer home in Saratoga Springs, New York, along with alumna and Upper St. Clair resident Faye Arthurs. PYBC’s guest teachers this summer welcome alumni Jeffrey Edwards, a former NYCB soloist, and Joe Istre, a favorite jazz teacher who taught at American Ballet Theatre NYC the past few summers, among others. Students from as far away as Singapore have attended PYBC’s summer program. n For more information about PYBC’s year-round and summer classes for ages two years to adult, visit www.pybco.org or call 724-969-6000. See ad on page 76.
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necessary. The group meets at the Hamilton Presbyterian Church, 4700 Hamilton Road, Bethel Park, on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. In addition to singing, the members have fun and tell jokes. Recently, the group instituted “hat night,” where members wear a hat of their choice to rehearsal. With a website planned in the near future, you can check them out on Facebook at South Hills Keystone Chorus. Keystone Chorus’ annual show this year will be November 10 at the Saint Thomas More Family Center on Fort Couch Road. For more information or a free ride to rehearsal, contact Keith Apelgren at 517-290-7721 or pghkeystonechorus@comcast.net. Keystone Chorus is a chapter member of the Barbershop Harmony Society, a national organization based in Nashville, Tennessee, with 26,000 members and 800 chapters. Visit www.barbershop.org for more information. n
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Hitting the Links Close to 100 golfers bundled up and hit the links for the third annual Chili Golf Classic at Upper St. Clair’s three-hole municipal golf course held this past January. Golfers were happy to hit the links and enjoyed the relatively mild weather for that time of year. StonePeppers Grill was on hand to provide delectable chili and spicy baja chicken soup for the golfers. Proceeds aided the Community & Recreation Center’s Special Needs Active Program (SNAP). n
The coveted trophy
Barb Joyce, owner of StonePepper’s Grill, serves up a mean batch of chilli.
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Prof iles
on People with a USC Connection
Know of a resident to profile?
Send information to: Editor,
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 or usctoday @ uscsd.k12.pa.us
Linda Ambroso joined Leech Tishman as a government relations professional and will also support the law firm’s partners on issues related to security, education, economic development, health, international relations, and energy. Linda has more than 20 years of experience in Washington, DC and Pittsburgh leading multi-agency initiatives that bridge business, science, and policy. Linda’s expertise will benefit clients needing assistance with issues including legislative and regulatory strategy, proposals and business plans, correspondence and reporting for decision makers, and international business development. Linda spent many years of her career in Washington, DC, serving as a legislative assistant for a member of Congress, as a budget analyst for the U.S. Navy, and as a foreign affairs specialist Linda Ambroso with the U.S. State Department. After moving to Pittsburgh in 1996, Linda began consulting for clients that have included the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for National Preparedness, UPMC, Duquesne University, the University of Miami, and private companies. Linda is a Leadership Pittsburgh graduate and a public member of the State Board of Nursing. Linda speaks Italian, Spanish, and French.
Brendan Allen, a seventh grader at Fort Couch Middle School, was invited to perform with the Washington Symphony Orchestra in February of this year. Brendan performed with his teacher, Greta Schotman. The concert included works from Beethoven, Wagner, and Williams. The WSO, founded in 2002, holds its concerts at Trinity High School, Washington, Pennsylvania. Approximately two-thirds of the orchestra members are volunteers. More information on the Washington Symphony Orchestra can be found at www.washsym.org.
Brendan Allen (middle), with his teacher, Greta Schotman(front, left)
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Diane Vater founded and launched Vater College Advising, LLC to provide a knowledgeable approach to searching for and selecting the right colleges for students. One of two professional members of the Independent Educational Consultants Association within Pittsburgh, Vater concentrates on helping high school students select a college or university that meets their individual needs academically and personally, as well as the family’s needs financially. Diane’s knowledge and expertise in the field of college admissions stems from years of visiting colleges, maintaining relationships with educational consultants and college admission officers around the country, and her own personal experience of working with students. In 1999, Vater began focusing on the college search and application process when she managed the college and scholarship resource center at Upper St. Clair High School. In 2007, she became an educational consultant specializing in college admissions. Diane recommends that students start their journey of becoming the best applicant they can be as early as their freshman or sophomore year in high school. For more information, visit www.vatercollegeadvising.com or call 412-319-7788. Diane Vater
Danielle Schultz, a senior at Seton-La Salle Catholic High School, was named as a finalist in the 2012 National Merit Scholarship Program. Danielle is the daughter of Paul Schultz and Laura Reisinger of Upper St. Clair. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) recently announced the names of approximately 14,400 finalists in the 57th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically-talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8300 national merit scholarships worth more than $34 million that will be offered next Danielle Schultz spring. The following USC High School students were also named 2012 National Merit finalists: Maya Chandrasekaran, Garret Cimina, Poorwa Godbole, Dominic Grigore, Shane Heil, Vicky Li, Ryan Miller, Daniel Ryave, Troy Schoeppner, Adam Sneath, Adam Snyder, and Vijay Viswanathan.
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The Breakfast Rotary Club of Upper St. ClairBethel Park began its 2012 year with a new venue for its morning meetings. The new location, Kings Family Restaurant on McMurray Road, can accommodate the recent growth in membership. Rotary president Brian Schill stated that “We have enjoyed a 20% growth in our membership in the past six months and show no signs of stopping. Kings’ store manager, Carla Newbegin, has been very accommodating in every aspect.” To honor the occasion, Hartley King, Kings’ founder, president and CEO, served as the inaugural speaker at the first meeting in their new location. Other recent speakers have included George Matta from Rivers Casino, Jake Sullivan from the Pittsburgh Power and Vince Gastgeb, Allegheny County Councilman. The Rotary Club of Upper St. Clair-Bethel Park meets every Tuesday morning from 7-8 a.m. The club consists of business and professional men and women who want to make a difference in our community, our nation, and our world. n
Left to right are store manager Carla Newbegin, Rotary Club president Brian Schill, and Kings president and CEO Hartley King
For more information on Rotary, contact Brian Schill at 412-833-6229 or BLSchill@aol.com, or visit www.clubrunner.ca/upperstclair.
Lending Hearts
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Do you know a youth who has cancer or is in remission from
cancer? Today’s youth have many stresses, but the additional stress of a diagnosis of cancer is one felt by many in the region. According to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh UPMC, approximately 9000 youth are seen in the hematology/ oncology division each year. Lending Hearts is a nonprofit organization created to facilitate peer support to children and teens with cancer or in remission from cancer through the use of educational and recreational activities and programs. Lending Hearts uses enriching activities in the areas of arts and culture and health and wellness to create a feeling of normalcy and includes interaction with peers who are experiencing similar changes with a focus on living and a positive future. Having the support of Lending Hearts is a positive step in assisting patients and families in dealing with their journies. When families can lean on others who understand and share their concerns, an overwhelming time becomes easier. “Lending Hearts, with the support of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, offers patients and their families the opportunity to meet others who are also facing these health challenges. As physicians, we will see the positive impact from this support in the emotional well-being of the patients we serve,” said Dr. A. Kim Ritchey, MD, Chief of Pediatric Hematology/ Oncology at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. “The process of fighting cancer needs to be a positive one. It doesn’t have to be lonely and frightening. I have learned the true meaning of ‘take it one day at a time.’ Let’s try to make each day the best day for these children and their families,” said Dr. Carma Repcheck, Ph.D., and mother of a teenager with cancer. You can learn more about Lending Hearts and stay updated on its activities and programs by visiting www.lendinghearts.org and “like” the Lending Hearts Facebook page. Lending Hearts contact information–phone: 412-849-0088, website: www.lendinghearts.org, email: vassop@lendinghearts.org. A United Way Contributor Choice #10316545.
Race for the Cure
Celebrating 20 years in 2012, the Susan G. Komen Pittsburgh Race for the Cure® will be held on Mother’s Day, May 13. Race Schedule of Events 6:30-8:15 a.m. Onsite registration and t-shirt/bib pick up 7 a.m. Survivor breakfast 7:15 a.m. Warm up 7:30 a.m. Kids’ dash 8 a.m. Survivor parade and tribute 8:35 a.m. 5K chip-timed run 8:45 a.m. 5K untimed walk/run and one-mile fun walk An awards ceremony immediately follows the race. Additional details are available at www.komenpittsburgh.org or 412-342-0500. Upcoming activities include: • Saturday, June 23–Grab your friends and family for the TGI Friday’s 5K Run/Walk for a Cause to benefit Lending Hearts and the Scott Lang Memorial Fund. This health-friendly event will take place at North Park. • Monday, July 16–Are you a golfer or have friends or family who golf? Lending Hearts will be a co-recipient of this year’s Greentree Rotary Club’s annual golf outing at Chartiers Country Club. Contact Lending Hearts to register your team, attend the dinner, and/or sponsor the event. n
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Oakmont
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his own course. He used the same rakes with the widely separated four-inch tines that he’d seen in the maintenance shacks at Oakmont. Only now they were called “Jack’s Rakes.” I thought about the first time I saw Jack at Oakmont in 1962. All the top golf writers and some of the leading sports columnists in the country were there hanging out in a media room in the basement of the club house. Several of them told stories. One of the ones who held court most often was Oscar Fraley. He authored the book The Untouchables, which was turned into a popular TV series that I watched religiously from 1959 to 1963. I introduced myself to Oscar and I shadowed him in the clubhouse that week. Bob Drum, the golf writer of The Press who lived in Bethel Park, was a close friend of Palmer’s and a favorite among the golf writers and known to be quite the character. Oakmont was regarded as a monster of a course, a true test for veterans and downright unfair and unforgiving for rookies. It holds the same status today among the world’s greatest and most challenging golf courses and is a favorite host site for U.S. Opens. Its greens were glossy and it had those famous furrowed sand bunkers—“the church pews”—that differentiated it from every other golf course in the country. They have since been eliminated from the course, along with many signature trees. “Go get ’em, Arnie!” yelled the fans from the outset. There was no question as to the hometown favorite here. They loved Palmer’s bold, attacking style and his humble low-key manner of responding to questions in the press tent. The way he waved to the gallery, grinning back at them when they shouted his name. Plus, he was from nearby Latrobe, a hometown hero, one of their own. Arnie’s Army marched across the course like troops in field movements during the Civil War. They played 36 holes on the last day of the tournament in those days. Palmer had 73 in the morning and 71 in the afternoon, and finished with a tie to Nicklaus. I positioned myself around the fringe of the greens, writing down the names of whomever Al Hermann Jr. captured with his camera. Palmer and Nicklaus had an 18-hole playoff on Sunday. Nicklaus carded a 71; Palmer a 74. The anticipated outcome never seemed to be in question. Palmer, the better golfer at the time, should have won, but he did not. He had 11 three-putt greens and Nicklaus carded just one. That was the difference in the outcome. I still have color photos I took that weekend of some of the top pros, including Palmer, Nicklaus, Billy Casper, Gene Littler, and Gary Player. Palmer lost a playoff the following year to Julius Boros in the U.S. Open and never won an Open again. Palmer won often enough, however, to retain his position as the premier player of golf. He became a multi-millionaire, the first professional golfer to fly an airplane of his own, and he led the way for other golfers to follow. He won seven Grand Slam titles and the U.S. Amateur title when that was something special. In 2011, I had an opportunity to visit with him at his workshop at the Latrobe Country Club, to dine with him in the men’s grill at that club, and to interview him at Oakmont a few times. I wasn’t one of the golf writers, but Palmer was always pleasant and generous with his time and thoughts. It helped that I knew Doc Giffin from Crafton, who succeeded 88
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Bob Drum as the golf writer at The Press, and then became Palmer’s press agent and right-hand man in 1962. Every time I talked to Palmer was special for me, a real treat. I often thought of how much my golfer friends would have liked to join us on any one of Reporter Frank Christopher and photographer those occasions. Al Herrmann Jr. led the way for summer intern I always wanted Jim O’Brien that memorable week at Oakmont. my father-in-law, Harvey Churchman, to be there, too, because he loved to play golf and was a big fan of Arnie Palmer. In his enjoyable book A Good Walk Spoiled John Feinstein wrote, “No one has ever been loved and revered and worshipped like Arnie. Palmer has been the single most important player in the history of golf.” Palmer played during a more discreet period than that of Tiger Woods, when sports figures weren’t held to the same standards as they are today. Arnie has always been one of the guys who never stopped wanting to win. When he teed up with Nicklaus and Player in special fundraisers, he wanted to win. So did Nicklaus. So did Player. Fortunately, that never ends. “That’s why we still tee it up,” Palmer often said. Palmer hopes he’s retained the respect of all players, both young and old, and that his beliefs merit their attention. “I don’t want to be some old man going on about the old days,” he said, “but I still have some strong opinions about the tour and what goes on around the players in the game today.” He could also talk about the time he played a round with President Dwight D. Eisenhower and how he and Ike popularized the game of golf in America as well as around the world. There are some things that have changed surrounding the game that Palmer doesn’t much appreciate. “Anyone who would charge for an autograph ought to be ashamed of themselves,” he said. “I believe that it’s an honor and a privilege to be asked for an autograph. I don’t know what’s wrong with these people. It seems that a lot of players just don’t understand how lucky we are to be doing what we do. I look at my life and all I can do is be thankful for everything I’ve been given. It’s just too much damn fun to ever stop.” But, in time, Arnie gave up competitive golf. It got too frustrating for him to meet his personal standards. “Well,” he said, “I guess everything has to come to an end at some point.” Talking to some special people in Pittsburgh on a recent Sunday at Oakmont made me feel as privileged as Palmer to have enjoyed the company I’ve kept all these years. And so far, I’ve not been chased from a country club. n Pittsburgh sports author Jim O’Brien has many good books in his “Pittsburgh Proud” series that would make great gifts for Father’s Day. Contact Jim by email at jimmyo64@gmail.com or visit www.jimobriensportsauthor.com.
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Pirates Charities and Casey’s Clubhouse announce the opening of the Pirates Charities Miracle League of the South Hills Field on Saturday, May 26 in Boyce Mayview Park. The field is specially designed to give children of all abilities the opportunity to participate in baseball. Equipped with various amenities, the field hosts a completely rubberized and flat surface, power outlets in the dugouts, and on-site bathrooms. The Miracle League program employs the buddy system, where players are paired with other children 12 years or older or adults in the community to help them run the bases, field the ball, and cheer them home. The Miracle League isn’t just about baseball, but more about the community that it creates. The Pirates Charities Miracle League is now accepting registration for special needs players (youth and adult leagues) and volunteers (buddies, umpires, announcers, coaches, and more). Games will be held on Saturdays, May 26 through June 30 and will return for a fall ball season. To register or volunteer, visit www.miracleleaguesouthhills.org. n
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Miracle League Opening Day
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at yourservice Jeff C Kennedy
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Office: (412) 302-3383
BenChmarK Kennedy ConstruCtion Invest in Something Lasting... BenchmarkKennedyConstruction@Yahoo.com
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Score Choice?
PRESCHOOL (AGES 2-6) THRU 6TH GRADE OPENINGS AVAILABLE FOR ALL AGES
Continued from page 75
to colleges, the main caveat being “in accordance with an institution’s stated score-use practice.” This practice is known as Score Choice. Score Choice is an option selected at the time one registers for SAT on the College Board website. If one decides not to use Score Choice, then all of a candidate’s scores will be sent. Different colleges have different policies on how they use the scores. When it comes to the SAT, Score Choice policy can look something like this: • Highest section scores across test dates (highest math + critical reading + writing)—most commonly used Score Choice policy • Single highest test date (highest math+critical reading+writing) • All SAT scores required for review Since composite scores are considered for the ACT, one can decide whether to send a specific test score or all of one’s scores based on each college’s policy. Colleges cannot “opt out of” or “reject” Score Choice. Score Choice is a feature available to all students. Colleges set their own policies and practices regarding the use of test scores. Neither College Board nor ACT will release test scores without a student’s consent. Score Choice does not allow a student to send scores from a specific test section alone. Bottom Line: Colleges are aware that most students take the SAT or ACT more than once. It does not go against an applicant if one has taken these tests many times or received a low score in either one section or the entire test, so long as one has come back and shown improvement. Chyten Tutors and Test Preparation offers a unique and powerful tool known as the ACT vs. SAT Comparison Test that allows students to answer the very important question: Which test is better for me? With the results of this diagnostic, students can take out the guess work and focus on preparing for the test the best suits their test-taking abilities. It is highly recommended that students take this test before they begin any sort of test preparation study. n See ad for Chyten Educational Services on page 75.
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Port Authority Update The North Shore Connector, Pittsburgh Port Authority’s light-rail extension, opened on March 25, 2012. The connector extends the Pittsburgh Light Rail system from its previous terminus at Gateway Center Station in the Central Business District to the new North Side Station and Allegheny Station on the North Shore by way of a tunnel under the Allegheny River. Planned since the late 1990s, it received federal funding on February 6, 2004. The new Allegheny Station is on the site of the Carnegie Science Center’s former UPMC SportsWorks building. The site will also contain the turnaround point and trolley car depot. Currently, there is no user charge from any downtown trolley stop location to the North Side location and back. n
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A. Petrelli & Sons, Inc. .......................................................................... 49 Affordable Decks and Additions ............................................................ 52 * Amel’s Restaurant .................................................................................. 76 Arbor Tree Specialist, Inc. ..................................................................... 50 Benchmark Kennedy Construction ........................................................ 89 * Boehmer Heating & Cooling Company ................................................. 51 Brookside Lumber.................................................................................. 49 C.W. Carlson Contractors, Inc. .............................................................. 52 * Calabro Tire & Auto Service .................................................................. 67 * Catalucci Painting & Restoration, Interior & Exterior . ........................... 89 Chatham University ............................................................................... 19 Chinese Acupuncture & Herbs Center, LLC . ......................................... 18 Chyten Educational Services ................................................................. 75 * Clark Renovations, Inc. ......................................................................... 48 * Coffey Contracting Company ................................................................ 52
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IAOMO Salon ........................................................................................ 85 JAB Jewelry Designs . ........................................................................... 33 Jefferson Regional Medical Center .......................................................... 7 Johnny’s Tire and Auto .......................................................................... 37 * Keller Williams–Sandy and Marshall Goldstein .................................... 25 * Kerr Family and Cosmetic Dentistry ...................................................... 45 Kletz Contracting, Inc. ........................................................................... 51 Lakeside Primary Care, a practice of The Washington Hospital.............. 19 Learning Express Toys .......................................................................... 75 Little Lake Theatre Company ................................................................. 72 Louis Anthony Jewelers .......................................................................... 3 * Manalo, Larry E., D.M.D. ...................................................................... 44 Modern Piano ....................................................................................... 57 Mt. Lebanon Montessori School and Academy ..................................... 89 Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center ............................................................. 75
Of all the community magazines out there, I think UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is the best and most pleasing to the eye. The articles are interesting, and the ads are great! I am proud to advertise in it. —Susan Highley, Howard Hanna Real Estate Services
* Coldwell Banker Real Estate, Inc. Corporate . ...............Back outside cover * Coldwell Banker–The South Hills Office . .................92, Back inside cover Coldwell Banker–Lynn Dempsey . ......................................................... 67 Community & Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park ...................... 61 * Cupelli & Cupelli, Drs. .......................................................................... 71 Davey Tree and Lawn Care .................................................................... 47 Davin Interiors, LLC ................................................................................ 9 * Deckmasters Technologies Incorporated ............................................... 47 Don’s Appliance ...........................................................Front cover, 16, 17 Extended Day Services .......................................................................... 73 First Church of Christ, Scientist ............................................................ 71 * Friendship Village of South Hills . ......................................................... 65 Furgiuele-Iracki, Natalie, MD ................................................................ 43 * Hefren-Tillotson, Inc. .............................................................................. 9 Historical Society of Upper St. Clair ...................................................... 15 Howard Hanna–Maureen Cavanaugh .................................................... 57 Howard Hanna–Bob Ellison .................................................................. 18 * Howard Hanna–Susan Highley . ............................................................ 33 * Howard Hanna–Diane Horvath .............................................................. 53 Howard Hanna–Frankie J. Kunselman . ................................................. 43
NEWBURY . ...................................................................Front inside cover Orthodontics by Dr. Reitz & Dr. Troy ...................................................... 44 Pediatric Dentistry South . ..................................................................... 45 * Piccolina’s Restaurant ........................................................................... 45 * Pinebridge Commons Associates . ........................................................ 44 Pittsburgh Shoulder to Hand Center . .................................................... 53 Pittsburgh Youth Ballet Company . ........................................................ 76 Premier Home Design Center ................................................................ 46 Providence Point, a Baptist Homes Society Community . ...................... 24 R&R Masonry Restoration . ................................................................... 51 RE\MAX Premier Group–Susanne Wagner ............................................ 37 * St. Clair Hospital ................................................................................ 2,91 * Scott Bros. Windows and Doors . .......................................................... 47 * Sesame Inn ........................................................................................... 74 South Hills Endoscopy Center . ............................................................... 1 * State Farm Insurance–Cindy Brophy ..................................................... 44 StonePepper’s Grill . .............................................................................. 73 Stout Flooring ....................................................................................... 49 The McClelland Law Group ................................................................... 15 West Penn Allegheny Health System ....................................................... 4
Classifieds To place your small business or professional ad in the classified section, send 35 words or less with a check for $75, made payable to the Township of Upper St. Clair, to: UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 90
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Physics Tutor—High School and College David L. Wallach, Retired University Professor Phone: 724-941-9696
Summer 2012
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Advertiser Index
-Winn rd i a 18 Years
*The above advertisers, who are advertising in this issue, have contributed their support for a minimum of 35 issues. Thank you. Upcoming guides for the Fall 2012 issue include Dining, Education, and Health & Wellness.
... meeting your needs TODAY, Tomorrow, and into the Future
ELPING YOU GET BACK TO EVERYDAY LIFE.
Orthopedic Patient Jim Metz
Jim Metz, a retired teacher who works as a substitute school crossing guard in Mt. Lebanon, says 60 years of playing sports, refereeing, and umpiring eventually caught up to him, leaving him with overwhelming pain in his knee. Arthropscopic knee surgery temporarily alleviated the pain, but it gradually returned, with a vengeance. That‘s when he turned to St. Clair Hospital orthopedic surgeon Derrick J. Fluhme, M.D. to repair his ailing knee
Center for Orthopedics
and allow Jim to get back to his active lifestyle. Dr. Fluhme is just one of nearly 30 leading orthopedic specialists who practice at St. Clair, where advanced technology, skill, and compassion make a difference in the quality of people‘s lives every day.
1000 BOWER HILL ROAD
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M T. L E B A N O N , P E N N S Y LV A N I A 1 5 2 4 3
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412.942.6560
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WWW.STCLAIR.ORG
Derrick J. Fluhme, M.D. was awarded his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, and a fellowship at Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic, Los Angeles. Dr. Fluhme is a former team physician with a host of Los Angeles-based professional sports teams. He is board certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.
C oldwell B anker Noel Bliman
Hope Bassichis
Nancy Beaulieu
Bonnie Byrnes
Eleanor Carpenter
Marie Carpenter
Anita Crago
Barbara Cusick
Lynn Dempsey
Janine Dillon
Kathy Enick
Bonnie Frear
John Geisler
Dal Goldstein
Jack & Joanne Benson Norma Bishop
Genie Gooding
Leigh Harkreader
Nancy Heffernan
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS The South Hills Office
1630 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15241 • (412)833-5405
Real estate seRvices Judy Hlister
Sydnie Jones
Julie Leslie
Tulla Rakoczy
Sue Kelso
Carol Marks
Kathy Sekeras
Carmela Viviano
Arlene Murray
Erica Shulsky
Jim Walsh
Kathi Kernan
Toni Petrucci
Diane Snyder
Mary Ann Wellener
Jane Krauth
Mary Torchia
David Bruckner, Manager
LOCAL TRADITIONS The South Hills Office
1630 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15241 • (412)833-5405 ©2012 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.
ECRWSS* CARRIER ROUTE
1820 McLaughlin Run Road Upper St. Clair, PA 15241
POSTAL CUSTOMER
Presorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid Pittsburgh PA Permit No. 206
Upper St. Clair, PA 15241
This magazine was printed on recycled paper.
COLDWELL BANKER www.Pittsburghmoves.com/southhills
REAL ESTATE SERVICES
Check out these fabulous Upper St. Clair area homes!
Beautiful, custom built, 5 bedroom and 3.5 bath two story colonial. Spacious rooms throughout. Lower level with wet bar, walk out to patio and café deck!
Sleek, upscale, over two story contemporary home featuring updates throughout. Wonderful gourmet kitchen, 4 bedrooms, 2/2 baths, den and family room fireplace!
Wonderful, custom built, 4 bedroom and 3.5 bath two story colonial. Island kitchen, family room, den, 3 fireplaces, 3 car garage, deck and gazebo!
Amazing, 5 bedroom, 3/2 bath colonial with a fabulous kitchen, breakfast room, walls of glass, family room, den and 3 car garage all on a landscaped lot!
Lovely provincial on a cul-de-sac with cathedral ceiling entry, den, family room fireplace, 1st floor laundry, kitchen skylights, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 3 car garage.
Trotwood Acres elegant stone colonial with beautiful detail throughout! Open floor plan, 1st floor family room, 2nd floor den, 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths. Move right in!
Lynn Dempsey 412-833-5405
Lovingly maintained 4 bedroom and 2.5 bath home! First floor den, family room, 2 fireplaces, game room, hardwood floors throughtout and yard with covered patio!
Kathy Enick 412-833-5405
Sensational and quality constructed with plaster walls, hardwood, spacious rooms, 5 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, family room French doors to patio and sprinkler system!
Spacious, level entry two story home on a cul-de-sac. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and family room with sliders to deck. Nice game room with glass block windows!
Meticulously maintained home with an amazing kitchen, a wall of windows, family room fireplace, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and deck to a beautiful yard!
Kathy Enick 412-833-5405
Great home with a spacious family room addition, fireplace, updated kitchen, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, newer windows and screened porch overlooking rear yard!
Kathi Kernan 412-833-5405
Well maintained, spacious brick cape cod with 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, living room fireplace, large kitchen, family room, game room and amazing storage space!
Mint condition. Updated 3 bedroom, 2 full bath split entry home with family room fireplace, screened porch with terra cotta tile and vaulted ceiling. Fenced back yard!
Level entry, 2 story townhouse with sunken living room, loft overlooking vaulted family room with fireplace, skylights, 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, patio, yard and 2 car garage!
Move in ready ranch featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, modern décor with many updates and finished basement game room!
One level living! 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath ranch with vaulted skylights in kitchen, living room and dining room with two sided fireplace. Game room walks out to yard!
Janine Guthrie 412-833-5405
Sharon Ritchey 412-831-5555
Suzanne Sala 412-831-5555
Leigh Harkreader 412-833-5405
Jim Walsh 412-833-5405
Kathy Enick 412-833-5405
Janine Guthrie 412-833-5405
Kim & Becky Phares 412-833-5405
Jim Walsh 412-833-5405
Bonnie Loya 412-831-5555
Monica Mahla 412-831-5555
Carol Marks 412-833-5405
©2012 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.