June 2009 - Allegheny West Magazine

Transcription

June 2009
Allegheny West Magazine
3
PUBLISHER’S
Note
Flea markets and craft shows, pancake breakfasts and marathons -- as
if coming out of hibernation, everyone is suddenly doing everything now
that warm weather is here and school is over.
With this issue, take some time to find a spot at a local park, under a
tree in a special corner of the neighborhood, or on your own front porch,
and enjoy this issue’s stories.
Our cover story is about one local man’s passion to teach the challenging game of chess to a group of young people at the Western Allegheny
Community Library. Henry Doktorski, an accomplished musician in his own
right, takes his task to heart, making sure each and every one of his
students understands a checkmate from a pawn, a queen from a rook.
Two local ladies are part of a new women’s football team. Learn how
they got involved in the Pittsburgh Force and what they hope to accomplish
during their season, which is in progress.
If you haven’t taken a ride over to the town of McDonald which
neighbors Oakdale, Sturgeon, and North Fayette, make a point to go there
on a warm summer day. Several groups of McDonald residents and the
borough are working in partnership to revive the town. You’ll be amazed
at what you can find in an afternoon there, from an historic train station to
an old-fashioned soda fountain, to stores, an art center, and a library. And
it’s all within walking distance.
North Fayette Township police officer Kevin Haggerty is working with his
department to offer a new service to the community by way of his intent to
become a police chaplain. Not so common in this region, the chaplain
concept is growing in other parts of the nation. He tells us why he is doing
it and how he hopes it can continue to bond our already strong community.
With the end of the school year, we’re pleased to share school activities
and student achievements. These pages show just a fraction of the
outstanding efforts of our teachers, students, and
parents throughout the year.
See who graduated, who received awards, and what’s
new with the high school renovation.
Warm weather means it’s time to get in shape to wear
those shorts and bathing suits. No matter what season,
however, our health and fitness is paramount. I
personally learned this about six years ago, when I
approached Marianne King, owner of Fitness for Life in
Findlay Township. I was out of shape, overweight, and
realizing that I was very close to the age my mother was
when she passed away of heart disease. I made it my
goal to get into better shape and better health than I had ever been. I am proud to say
that, due to the coaching and guidance of Marianne over the years, I have lost nearly
50 pounds and dropped three dress sizes. I am a testament to the fact that, even with
busy lifestyles, it can be done. That’s not to say it isn’t a constant struggle, because it
is. And Marianne has been that beacon keeping me on the right path to fitness. When I
start to slip, she is always there to get me back on track. Thank you, Marianne!
Since my journey to better health began, my older daughter, Andrea, has gone on to
pursue a career as a fitness trainer and Pilates instructor while she continues to
choreograph dance. So, she’s also become my inspiration!
Along those lines, and with my newfound passion for health and wellness, we’ve
pulled together businesses that share their stories and tips for health, wellness,
fitness, and beauty in a special section you’ll find within this issue.
Once again, enjoy this latest issue we’ve prepared for you!
Pat Jennette, Publisher & Editor
Order Your Extra Directories!
In April, we at Allegheny West Magazine mailed to residents, as a gift to the community during
the celebration of our 10th anniversary, our first community phone directory.
We also published similar directories for the Moon/Crescent area and the Robinson/Montour/
Kennedy/Ingram/Pennsbury/Thornburg area. Each includes the products and services available
only in those communities.
Readers wishing to have these other directories may order them for just $3.00 each by sending
a check, payable to Jennette Communications Group, to: 15 Walnut Street, Imperial, PA 15126.
These new products continue our commitment to further connect the community and help
neighbors and businesses learn about each other.
Please use this phone book to support your local neighborhood businesses. In this current and
difficult economic climate, it is more important than ever to help preserve the small businesses
that make America thrive.
PLEASE NOTE THESE CHANGES
TO YOUR COMMUNITY PHONE DIRECTORY:
Page 9 - Radovic, M. VMD, DELETE
Page 10 - Kid’s Market Resale, DELETE
Page 13 - Fout’s Greenhouse, DELETE
Page 16 - Allegheny Medical , Key services include Primary Care, Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation, Orthopedics, Chiropractic,
Nutrition, Occupational Medicine, Worker’s Compensation
Page 31 - Franchek Beauty Salon, s/b 724-695-7761
Page 31 - Lady Di’s Hair Salon, ADD, 724-695-8761
Page 31 - Mary Kay-Ginny Granke-Kimberland, s/b 724-926-2670
Page 32 - Body Balancing Massage s/b Linda Vann, NCMT
Page 32 - Body Balancing Massage Therapy s/b Jill Brandon Massage, 724-695-1646
Page 37 - Amsoil, ADD, 724-695-7676
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June 2009
Moon, Montour &
West Allegheny
Editions Available
Just $3 EACH
June 2009
5
“GOOD NEWS ALWAYS, MAILED & DELIVERED FREE, EVERY TIME”
Allegheny West Magazine - West Allegheny Edition, is an all positive, good news publication mailed free into
the homes and businesses of the West Allegheny School District communities of Findlay, North Fayette,
Oakdale, Sturgeon, and McDonald to connect communities, promote people, heighten awareness about the
richness of the airport region, and build pride in the western suburbs of Allegheny County.
FEATURES
17
Chess for Kids Program
Is a Winner!
West Allegheny Edition
VOL. 10, NO. 60, ISSUE 6
JUNE 2009
MORE INFO
TO REACH US
44
Meet the Community’s
New Police Chaplain
50
Patience Pays off at
West Allegheny High School
Allegheny West Magazine-West Allegheny Edition
is published in February, April, June, August,
October, and December, six issues a year, by
Jennette Communications Group, 15 Walnut Street,
Suite 101, Imperial PA 15126. Mailed and
distributed free to 15,000 residents and businesses
in Findlay, North Fayette, Oakdale, Sturgeon, a
portion of McDonald, and adjacent areas. Extra
copies available at municipal offices, schools,
libraries, stores, advertisers, hotels, and
businesses. Available by mail subscription for $12
annually. Story ideas welcomed. Community events
and announcements from non-profit groups must be
received by the 15th of the month prior to publishing
date. Announcements are limited to 30 words and
must include a contact phone number. Reproduction
of any artwork, photographs, or copy prepared by
Allegheny West Magazine is strictly prohibited
without written consent of Jennette Communications Group. Copyright 1999 Allegheny West
Magazine. All rights reserved. Views and opinions
expressed by contributors and/or advertisers are
the responsibility of the contributors and not those
of the publisher of Allegheny West Magazine.
15 Walnut Street, Suite 101, Imperial PA 15126
Phone: 724.695.3968 Fax: 724.695.2089
E-Mail: [email protected]
www.PghPointsWest.com/allegwestmag
PUBLISHING
TEAM
PUBLISHER AND EDITOR
Pat Jennette, APR
55
58
Local Ladies a Force
on New Football Team
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kathleen Coates, G. Paul DeBor,
Christopher Rolinson
In the Midst of Revival:
McDonald, PA
WEBMASTER
Yvonne Hervol
www.PghPointsWest.com
23
Spring 2009
Health, Wellness,
Fitness & Beauty Guide
COLUMNS
04
07
16
18
43
47
49
WRITERS
Kiley Brady, Dick Glovier,
Jessica Harman,
Heather Schiefer Murray
Publisher’s Note
On the Horizon
Library News
Around Your Town
Your House & Senate
ACTA Transportation
Chamber Business Link
52
56
62
65
66
70
Your Schools
Sidelines
Fire Watch
Youth Corner
Municipal Roundup
Personal Perspective
OUR OTHER
PUBLICATIONS
CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE
Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce
Findlay Township, North Fayette Township
Henry Doktorski
Catherine Roberts
West Allegheny School District
Western Allegheny Community Library
Joyce Jennette, Joyce’s Groom n’ Go
Erma Dodd
Jennette Communications Group also publishes the
Montour Edition of Allegheny West Magazine, the
Moon Edition of Allegheny West Magazine, and the
Airport Area Community Phone Directories for
Moon, Montour, and West Allegheny.
ABOUT THE COVER
Connor Britton was among the area
youth that took part in a series of chess
lessons held this spring at the Western
Allegheny Community Library. Lessons
will begin again in the fall.
SUMMER INTERNS
Amanda Hall, Carley Lang
Kristy Snyder
PHOTO BY HENRY DOKTORSKI
WE PR
OUDL
PROUDL
OUDLYY SPONSOR AND SUPPOR
SUPPORTT:
The Western Allegheny Community Library Capital Building Campaign
The Annual Christmas Drive-Through Light-Up Display in Clinton Park
Registered with Dun & Bradstreet
Allegheny West Magazine partners with Knepper Press, its hometown printer, to print all
three of its magazines. Knepper moved from North Fayette Township to a brand-new
facility located at the Clinton Commerce Park in Clinton, Pennsylvania last year.
We already are committed to recycling our used and leftover products by sending them
to Shared Acres, a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program in Findlay Township,
of which we are a member.
Now, we have the distinction of being printed by Knepper Press, which uses wind energy
credits to offset 100% of its electricity usage, energy which is used to print our magazines.
We encourage our readers to be responsible and dispose of this magazine when
finished enjoying it. Consider passing it along to someone else, or placing it in your
neighborhood recycling bins. Thank you in advance for doing your part for our earth.
MEMBER:
2004 & 2006
On September 2, 1962, the class of ‘66 began its high school career in the new West Allegheny High School building. This was
to be the first class to begin its freshman year in the new high school, and complete its entire four years there.
(Excerpted from “Looking Back: West Allegheny School District, 1949-1990”)
6
June 2009
2007 Winner
BBB Torch
Award for
Marketplace
Ethics
“C Me Dance” The Movie on DVD
Public Meeting Set on Coal Power Plant
In the April issue of “Allegheny West Magazine,” a story described local residents’
involvement in the movie, “C Me Dance.” The Christian-based movie had a shorter run
on local theater screens than was anticipated. However, it is now available on DVD. Visit
the Web site, http://www.christiandvdstore.com or www.cmedancethemovie.com.
A local community group called Action for Change Today (ACT) is hosting an
Information Forum for community members to learn about the proposed coal waste
power plant in Robinson Township. The power plant has the potential to directly affect
the McDonald, Oakdale, North Fayette, Findlay, Imperial, and Coraopolis areas among
others. The community forum is designed to share information about possible
benefits from and concerns about the proposed plant. The forum will be held on June
23 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Celebrations (8110 Steubenville Pike, Imperial PA 15126). For
information, contact by e-mail Jen Iriti ([email protected]).
Botanic Garden Holds Annual Garden Tour
The annual Open Gardens Day Tour to benefit the Botanic Garden will be held on
Sunday, June 14. This year’s tour features gardens in Mt. Lebanon, Regent Square,
Point Breeze, Squirrel Hill, and Shadyside. Options provide for self-guided or bus
tours. For details on the tour, call (412) 444-4464.
Lots to Do for Kids at Fern Hollow this Summer
Check out these activities for kids this summer at the Fern Hollow Nature Center in
Sewickley: Robotics 101 Camp for grades 4-9, Outdoor Adventure Camp for 9-11
year-olds; Have a Blast Rocketry Camp for grades 4-9; Bear Cub Adventure Camp for
3-4 year-olds; and more.
All programs begin June 29. For more information, visit their Web site at
www.fhnc.org or call (412) 741-6136 or (412) 741-6536.
Take Advantage of the County Parks Programs
From ethnic food days to concerts, stargazing to movies in the park, Allegheny
County offers a plethora of fun things to do this summer. A very comprehensive
schedule of programs and events is available by calling (412) 350-2478 or visiting
the Web site at www.alleghenycounty.us/parks.
McDonald Library Events on the Horizon
Heritage Public Library in McDonald is accepting
signups now for its summer reading program, “Be
Creative!” The program runs July 10 through August 14
and will be held on Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30
p.m. Call (724) 926-8400. A book discussion group also
meets the second Tuesday of each month at 1 p.m.
The library will soon be announcing its Wii Family Nights.
Weight Watchers meets at the library on Tuesdays at
5:30 p.m.
For more information, visit the Web site at
www.heritagepublib.org.
McDonald history is available at Heritage on microfilm
from the 1890s to 1982.
Send a bit of “home” to someone you know!
Subscribe to Allegheny West Magazine!
Subscription rates are just $12 per year for six issues! CALL: 724.695.3968 or
e-mail: [email protected]
June 2009
7
OUR
Advertisers
As with every issue, your community businesses are the reason for the publication of
Allegheny West Magazine. Please support these businesses. Their support allows us to
mail this magazine, free, into the households of Findlay, North Fayette, Oakdale,
Sturgeon, and portions of McDonald as a community service.
Luther, Dr., p. 28, 412.788.6300,
1/2 Off Greeting Cards, p. 68, 724.695.1964
www.pittsburghlaserdentist.com
A Cup of Ideas, p. 15, 412.264.4410
McDonald VFD McSummerfest, p. 11,
A Door to Memories, p. 19, 724.630.1212,
724.926-9190, www.mcdonaldfire.com
www.adoortomemories.com
MTO Clean, p. 45, 1.866.21MAIDS,
Allegheny Medical, p. 28, 412.494.4550
www.allegheny.mtoclean.com
Allegheny West Eye Care, p. 28,
Meyers Plumbing-Tom, p. 39, 724.693.2880
724.695.3371, www.alleghenywesteyecare.com
Mike’s Tree & Stump Service, p. 63, 724.947.2677
Aunt Mini Storage, p. 43, 724.695.8700
Montours Church, p. 39, 412.787.1050
Benchmark Financial, p. 46, 877.221.2836
Moody Funeral Home, p. 62, 724.695.0411
Bartosh HVAC, p. 12, 1.800.264.4912
Naughton’s Tree Service, p. 63, 412.331.5952
Body Matrx Fitness, p. 30, 412.787.1518
North Fayette Township, p. 5, 412.788.4888
Body Systems Fitness, p. 32,
Oakdale Foot & Ankle, p. 33, 412.787.8380
www.BodySystemsFitness.com
Oakdale U.P. Church, p. 69, 724.693.8950
Broadway Dance Studio, p. 22, 412.920.1841,
Ohio Valley General Hospital, p. 32, 412.777.6161
www.prunziksbroadwaydancestudio.com
Paragon Homes, back cover, 412.787.8807,
Buckels, Roxanne, p. 15, www.votebuckels.com
www.VisitParagonHomes.com
Business Legal, p. 45, 724.693.0588 or
Pgh. Airport Area Chmbr. of Commerce, p. 49,
412.257.2617, www.businesslegal.net
412.264.6270, www.paacc.com
Carousel Kennels, p. 45, 724.683.0794
Pittsburgh Pro Performing Arts Centre, p. 10
Carol Leone Dance & Gymnastics, p. 39,
& p. 42, 724.695.8890
412.262.1638, www.carolleones.com
Pittsburgh Points West, p. 63, 412.494.9203,
Center for Organ Recovery & Educ.
www.pghpointswest.com
(CORE), p. 63, 1.800.DONORS-7, www.core.org
Pittsburgh Technical Institute, p. 19,
Choices Pregnancy Centers, p. 63,
412.809.5100, www.pti.edu
724.457.1220 or 412.264.0200
Play Academy, p. 46, 412.299.0616,
Clearview Federal Credit Union, p. 7
www.play-academy.org
1.800.926.0003, www.clearviewfcu.org
Polidor, Dr. Tamara, p. 31, 724.695.8447
Clinton Wesleyan Church, p. 45, 724.695.7076
PPG Zoo & Aquarium, p. 63, 412.665.3640
Coldwell Banker - Micole Tucker, p. 43,
Pustover Financial Services, p. 65, 724.695.8885
412.831.5555, www.micoletucker.com
QualiCare, p. 24, 1.888.864.6909
Comfort Tech, p. 18, 412.788.8654
Quicksilver Golf, p.12, 724.796.1594,
Cool Home Improvement, p. 14, 412.262.1140,
www.quicksilvergolf.com
www.coolhomeimprovements.com
Rohm, Dr. John, p. 34, 724.695.2100
Davey Tree, p. 63, 724.746.8852
Santiago Distributing, p. 69, 724.695.7289
DiSanti, Dr. Judy, p. 24, 412.264.6229
Scrapbooking by Inches, p. 15, 724.825.9424,
Family Chiropractic, p. 8, 412.787.3320,
www.scrapbookingbyinches.com
www.familychiropracticcenters.biz
Self Storage of North Fayette, p. 20,
Fetch Pet Care, p. 42, 412.307.3892,
724.695.8875
www.fetchpetcare.com
Sleep Wellness Center, p. 26, 412.264.4611
Findlay Township, p. 20, 724.695.0500,
Stacy Jo’s, p. 68, 412.490.0940
www.findlay.pa.us
Starting Point Fitness, p. 24, 412.787.0111
First Steps Pediatrics, p. 22, 412.788.1999,
Sturgeon Volunteer Fire Department, p. 47,
www.fspkids.com
724.926.9149
Fitness for Life, p. 27, 724.695.2239,
Thomas-Little Funeral Service, p. 62,
www.mkfitness4life.com
724.926.2800
Franchek Htg. & A/C, p. 10, 724.899.3474
Thomas Studio of Performing Arts, p. 68,
Fry’s Spiffy Dog, p. 39, 724.693.9392
412.787.7686, www.thomasdance.com
Heritage Valley Healthcare-WA Health,
Today’s Hair, p. 24, 724.695.0478
p. 30, 724.695.2411
Valley Presbyterian Church, p. 63,
Heritage Valley Healthcare, inside front cover,
724.695.0300,www.valleychurchweb.com
412.787.5769 or 412.788.0901,
Vann, Linda, NCMT, Massage Therapist,
www.heritagevalley.org
p. 63, 412.809.0141
Imperial Tax & Accounting, p. 48,
Vinarski, Dr. Irina, p. 3, 412.490.2500
724.695.7354
Janoski’s, p. 68, 724.899.2344, www.janoskis.com Wade Htg. & Cooling, p. 9, 412.787.1341
West Allegheny Youth Soccer, p. 14, 724.693.2536
Judy Forbes Interiors, p. 21, 412.418.1501
Western Allegheny County Municipal Authority,
Just Dance Conservatory, p. 30, 412.787.1116
p. 35, 412.788.4337
K. Morris Landscape Design, p. 21,
724.693.8663, www.kmorrislandscapedesign.com Wharton-Herrick, p. 15, 724.695.7332
Yoga h’om, p. 32, 412.788.1660, www.yogahom.com
Kennywood Park, p. 14, www.gosandcastle.com
Kovach’s Body Shop in McDonald, p. 56,
724.926.8706
Lazarowicz, Ken - CPA, p. 12, 412.299.7390
NOTE: We list each advertiser’s Web site here,
www.accountants-cpa.com
too, where available, to provide readers with access
to additional information about each business.
LaStone Therapy, p. 33, 412.809.9809
Liechti, Attorney Fred, p. 56, 412.787.5280
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June 2009
June 2009
9
Try Something New at Raccoon Park!
Youth Outdoor Camping Adventure: Tuesday, June 16 to Wednesday,
June 17, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This overnight workshop for youth ages 9-12 will
focus on basic camping and outdoor skills. Kids will learn how to set up a camp,
cook on a fire, survival skills, games, and activities. Pre-registration is required,
(724) 899-3611. There is a $15 fee.
Primitive Skills Workshop, Saturday, June 27 to Sunday, June 28, 10 a.m.
to 3 p.m. This weekend workshop focuses on primitive survival skills and how
ancestors lived by perfecting the skills needed to live off the land. Time will be
spent practicing survival skills such as shelter building, matchless fires, edible and
medicinal plants, making cordage, tracking and learning more about nature, and
more. This is an overnight, hands-on workshop geared toward adults. Preregistration is required by June 19, (724) 899-3611, and is a free program.
Attracting Native Pollinators, Sunday, June 28, 2 to 4 p.m. Learn how to
help our native pollinators, discuss why pollinators are important and how to build
native bee houses and condos. Meet at the
Wildflower Reserve.
Civilian Conservation Corps Camp
Tour, Friday, July 3, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Meet
at the park office on Route 30. Ever
wonder when, how, or why Raccoon
Creek State Park was created? This
program and walking tour will discuss
the history and significance of the
C.C.C. in establishing the park.
Nature’s Nasties, Saturday, July 4,
2 to 3:30 p.m. There are some plants
and animals that are best to be
avoided such as ticks, chiggers,
leeches, poison ivy, stinging nettles,
and venomous snakes. Meet at the
Wildflower Reserve.
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June 2009
“All Things Egg” and More
at Sweetwater Arts Center
Let Chef Marc Alfano show you how to make
delicious appetizers, entrees, and desserts
using the egg as his primary ingredient. Marc
Alfano has been fortunate to train under some of the top chefs in the United States.
He has opened two restaurants in Washington, PA -- Alfano’s Uptown and Alfano’s at
the Quail -- that feature seasonal ingredients farm-to-table. Join him for All Things
Egg, a one-night class that will be held on Tuesday, June 23, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
and create a surprise menu featuring the egg in all its glory!
For more information, call (412) 741-4405.
Renew Dog Licenses On Line Now
Now Allegheny County dog owners can renew their dog license on-line via the
Internet. To access this special option, visit the treasurer’s website at http://
www.alleghenycounty.us/treasure and click on the icon.
“Allegheny County has partnered with a local computer processing firm EBS
(Educational Billing Systems) to offer county residents the ability to renew their dog
licenses via the Internet. This new Dog License Renewal System will save time and be
more convenient while providing residents an expedient and beneficial service from
the comfort of their own homes,” stated Treasurer Weinstein. “Not only is it a state
law, but licensing your dog protects it in the event it becomes lost. We have totally
automated the dog licensing system and networked our data base with all local
municipal police departments throughout Allegheny County,” added Treasurer
Weinstein, “so found dogs can be reunited with their owners quickly just by the
license number.”
Treasurer Weinstein, a passionate animal advocate, has substantially increased dog
license sales since taking office in 1999. Today over 100,000 dogs are licensed
throughout the county (without the City of Pittsburgh). This new on-line payment
system is completely secure and in compliance with all state and federal regulations,
as well as being PCI (Payment Card Industry) compliant.
Class Reunions
West Allegheny Class of 1959 will hold its 50th
class reunion on September 26.
The reunion organizers are looking for information to
reach these classmates: Tom Hunter, Anna Matus Campos,
Lou Mazur, Gale Redenbaugh Loberg, Dorothy Shoup
Fitch, Sandra Blackley, Sarah Lawson Johnson, Judith
McElhaney Combs, and Sandy English.
Contact Larry or Gloria Lutz with any information at
(724) 693-8195.
West Allegheny’s 40th Class Reunion will be held
at Peter’s Place in Bridgeville. Details will be announced
later.
The class is seeking contact information for the following
classmates: Jackie Reynolds Weaver, Linda Lewis, Sharon
Beaumont Snyder, Judith Brinkman, Patricia Sikorski
Plance, Candy Gray Ross, Judy Reinstadler Shriver, Bonnie
McGrogan Sowinsky, Linda Jordan, and Larry Robb.
Any questions, contact Mary Kaye Gorczyca Kropf at
(724) 695-0426, Denise Sabaton Geramita at (724) 6951757, or Tom Magdalene at (724) 695-5058. Or, contact
by e-mail Bill Thompson at [email protected], or Terri
Kirk Watson at [email protected].
West Allegheny Class of 1964 will hold its 45th
Reunion on Saturday, September 26 at the Ponderosa Golf
Course restaurant in Hookstown. The committee is trying
to reach the following classmates: Genevieve Iglar Driscoll,
Kathleen Melchiorre Curran, Steven Evanitz, Timothy
Evans, Lawrence Fodse, George Gibson, Sandra Bauder
Graner, Patricia (Patsy) Jones, Arden “Brian” Leonard,
Marilyn Lewis, Paul Paden, Daniel Podmore, Margie Polen,
Terry Tingler, and Sandra Trimber.
The committee is also seeking the following photos:
Champion first grade of 1952-53, Clinton second grade of
1953-54, Imperial third grade of 1954-55, Oakdale fourth
grade of 1955-56, and Pike fifth and sixth grades of
1957-58.
Contact John Vettorel, (412) 788-7670, Bob Bartlett,
(724) 573-9818, or Larry Seamon, (304) 723-0911.
Robinson Township High School Classes of 1956
through 1968 will hold its Annual Reunion Picnic on
Saturday, September 5 at the Rotary Shelter at Clever Park
in Robinson Township, beginning at 2 p.m. Reservations
are due by August 21. Contact J. Thomas Uranker at
(412) 937-1776.
Adult Theatre Troupe
Recruiting Members
The Better Than Ever Independents Theatre Troupe is now
seeking members. This group of performers, age 50 and
older, enjoys singing, dancing, acting, comedy, and more.
Also, volunteers are needed for behind-the-scenes help.
Previous stage experience is not required. Monthly meetings
are held in Coraopolis. To inquire, call (724) 695-0239.
Brodhead Cultural Center Presents
“How to Succeed in Business ...”
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying will
be presented Friday and Saturday, July 24 and 25 and
Friday and Saturday, July 31 and August 1 in the Beaver
campus auditorium at 7:30 p.m.
The show follows the trials, triumphs, and romances
of Finch, a brash, self-confident but endearing windowcleaner, who is determined to do what it takes to rise to
the top of the business world.
June 2009
11
TAKE NOTE: Summer Programs Abound Across the Communities
North Fayette Parks & Recreation announces upcoming summer programs:
SWIMMING: Season swim passes are still available for the Hankey Farms Pool. In
addition to the pool passes, three two-week swim lesson sessions are being offered
starting June 15. The first of two Free Family swim nights is slated for July 13.
Morning Lap Swimming, Water Walking, and evening Adult and Senior Citizen Swims
ere being held all summer. Summer Scuba Classes start Tuesday, June 23 at 6:30
p.m.
TENNIS: Youth and Adult Tennis lessons are now available to beginner and
intermediate players.
MOVIES: Summer Movies in the Park include “Kung Fu Panda,” Friday, June 19,
and “Wall-E,” to be held July 17 at the Hankey Farms Pool starting at 7 p.m. with a
free family swim.
PLAY CENTER/BASEBALL CAMP: The popular summer Play Center got
underway June 8 in the Township Park and Coach Cornell’s Summer Baseball Camp
is planned for the week of June 22.
ANNUAL COMMUNITY DAYS are August 7 and 8. Entertainment includes Joe
Grushecky, West Hill Symphonic Orchestra, Tom Watt the Buffett Man, and the Billy
12
April 2009
Price Band. Friday night will include a showing of “High School Musical” at dusk and
free swimming and games at the Hankey Farms Pool in cooperation with West
Allegheny Aquatic Club.
SENIOR CITIZENS: Attend the July 22 Pirates vs. Milwaukee baseball game at
12:30 p.m. at PNC Park. A luncheon cruise on the Gateway Clipper is being planned
for Friday, August 21 with Bo Wagner’s Frank and Dean Show as entertainment during
the cruise. For more information and to participate in these upcoming programs, call
(412) 788-4888 or (724) 693-3118 or log on to www.north-fayette.com.
Findlay Township’s Recreation Department announces its summer lineup.
BABYSITTING 101 will be held Monday, June 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the
Findlay Township Activity Center, 310 Main Street, Imperial. Cost is $35. Participants
will receive a certificate upon class completion, taught by Children’s Hospital’s
Community Education Department. Register quickly, as this program fills up. Call
(412) 692-8580.
MEDITERRANEAN LINE DANCING taught by Joanne Cain will be held on
Wednesdays, July 8 through 29, from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Findlay Township Municipal
Building, 1271 SR 30, Clinton. Cost is $10 for the four-week program and includes low
impact activity that uses the lower body to learn to dance the moves of the Greek
islands.
MANNERS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE returns on Monday and Tuesday, July 13 and 14
for boys and girls ages 5-12 years old, held at the Findlay Township Activity Center,
Main Street. Schedule is 9:30 to 11 a.m. for girls ages 5-8, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for
boys ages 5-8, 1 to 2:30 p.m. for girls ages 9-12, and 2:30 to 4 p.m. for boys ages
9-12. Cost is $10 for residents, $15 for non-residents. Gretchen Clements, project
manager for MMS, LLC, and also a Wilson Elementary mother, will teach the class. She
has taught more than 1,500 manners seminars.
SUMMER SCRAPBOOKING will be held on Fridays, June 26, July 31, and September
11 from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Findlay Activity Center on Main Street. Cost is $10
per workshop, paid the night of the workshop and includes light refreshments and
use of cropping tools, journaling pens, and other materials. Due to space,
participants must register in advance by calling (724) 307-3333.
MUSIC TIME will teach children the fundamentals of counting, colors, letters,
safety, self-esteem, manners, and more during a six-week session to be held on
Wednesdays from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at the Findlay Activity Center. Cost is $45 for
residents and $50 for non-residents. Register by contacting Debby at (412) 3416742.
JUNIOR TENNIS CLINIC taught by David Johnson, CPR-USNTA Certified, will be held
at the newly resurfaced Elm Street Park tennis courts on Mondays from June 22
though July 20 at 10 a.m. for ages seven and up. Cost is $35 for residents and $45
for non-residents. Call to register at (724) 695-0500.
SUMMER CAMP!
Experience new adventures and expand horizons at Rhema Christian School’s Summer Day Camp. This year’s theme is
“Around the World in Five Days” and will be held July 20-24 at the school campus in Moon Township.
Special hands-on activities and Bible lessons will be geared to age groups ranging from preschool through grade six. Each
day, campers will learn about other countries and cultures through music, crafts, food, stories, and much more.
A full day camp program from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. is available for children who have completed first through sixth grade. A halfday program from 9 a.m. to noon is available for preschool through kindergarten. Camp tuition is $100 for the full day and
$50 for the half-day program, plus a small supply fee.
For more information or to register, call the school at (412) 269-9555.
Summer Programs Abound Across the Communities (cont.)
A Golf Program will be offered to Findlay residents at Youthtowne through a pilot program at Youthtowne’s newly acquired golf
course in Clinton, Marada. As part of this program, there will be no greens fee. If participants need a golf cart, there is an $8
charge. To qualify for the pilot program, participants must be a Findlay Township resident, be an adult or a parent with a child
under age 18, and show proof of residency. This program is oriented to families, not adults only. For more information, call
(724) 899-2600.
Also this summer are Kids’ Creative Cooking, Sizzling Summer Cooking Classes for adults, Kids’ Scrapbooking
Classes, and an Introduction to Digital Scrapbooking. For more information, call (724) 695-0500.
Carnegie Performing Arts Offers Summer Camps
Summerdance, a new offering from the Carnegie Performing
Arts Center, will be held from June 22 until July 10. Included in
the three-week program are four dance camps. Storybook
Dance Camp for 4-7-year-olds consists of three fairytalethemed weeks, including the stories of Cinderella, Coppelia, and
Sleeping Beauty.
A Broadway Dance Camp is being offered for the beginning
actor or actress, ages 8-18.
A starter summer dance program is available for the serious
dance student, ages 8-12.
The final offering is a junior summer intensive program for
ages 12-18, including advanced classes and concentration on
total dance performance.
Student performances will be presented at the end of the
three-week camp.
Story Book Dance Camp runs from 9 a.m. to noon
weekdays. The other three camps will be conducted from 10
a.m. to 3 or 4 p.m. All classes will take place at the Carnegie
Performing Arts Center studios, 150 East Main Street, in
Carnegie. For more information, visit the Web site at
www.carnegieperformingartscenter.com or call (412) 2798887.
Open House at the Fire Department June 13
The North Fayette Township Volunteer Fire Department will hold its Annual Open House on Saturday, June 13 from 11 a.m. to
4 p.m. Be one of the first to see the newest piece of fire apparatus – the 100-foot aerial tower truck. A truck dedication
ceremony will be held during the Open House event.
Also planned during Open House activities will be a ribbon cutting ceremony to open the newly renovated social hall.
Other activities for the day include a tour of the fire equipment, vehicle extrication demonstration, fire extinguisher training,
kid’s activities, and much more.
St. Columbkille RC Church,
Clinton UP Church, “King of the Son,” Imperial Church of the Nazarene,
July 20-24, 9 a.m. to 12 noon, w/picnic “Going Bananas,” August 3-7, 9:30 a.m. - “Adventures of St. Paul,” August 3-7,
9 - 11:30 a.m., (724) 695-2146
12 noon, (724) 947-9223
Thursday evening, (724) 695-7993
Montours Presbyterian Church,
“Crockadile Dock,” June 28 - July 2, 6 8:30 p.m., (412) 787-1050
St. Patrick RC Church, “Paul and the
Underground Church,” June 22-26, 9 a.m.
- 12 noon, (724) 693-8447
Crossroads Methodist Church,
“Crockadile Dock,” July 13-18, 6 p.m.,
(412) 494-9999
Noblestown UP Church, “Power Lab:
Discovering Jesus’ Miraculous Power,”
June 15-19, 9 a.m. - 12 noon, Closing
performance, Sunday, June 21, 10 a.m.,
(724) 693-8250
Valley Church, “Summer Family Nights,”
July 27-31, 6 - 9 p.m., (724) 695-0300
Hebron UP Church, Come Play in the
DIRT (Doing the Right Thing),” June 812, 9:30 a.m. - 12 noon, Closing
performance, Sunday, June 14, 10
a.m., (724) 899-2276
Resurrection Lutheran Church,
“Discovery Canyon,” July 26-30,
(412) 788-4513
Clinton Wesleyan Church, Wildwood
Forest: Discovering the Untamed Nature
of God,” June 22-26, 9 a.m. - 12 noon,
(724) 695-7076
West Ridge Christian Church,
“Boomerang Express,” June 15-19, 6:30
p.m., (724) 695-7500
CHARITY OUTINGS
Montour Valley VFW Post 7714
Annual Golf Outing, June 13, Rolling
Green Golf Course, Eighty Four
(724) 695-8866.
Bishop Canevin Hockey Annual
Golf Outing, June 18, Lone Pine Golf
Course, Washington, (412) 496-4664.
8th Annual Paul W. LaMarca Youth
Golf Outing, June 20, Village Green
Golf Course, Hickory, 7:30 a.m.
shotgun start, (412) 787-5085.
8th Annual Robinson Township
Christian School Golf Classic, June
20, Blackhawk Golf Club, Beaver, 1 p.m.
shotgun start, (724) 843-5512.
18th Annual Bob Pompeani
Charity Golf Classic, June 22,
Chartiers Country Club, to benefit
Partners for Quality, (412) 778-2579.
5th Annual TC House Charity Golf
Outing, June 26, Quicksilver Golf
Course, benefits TC House Foundation,
e-mail: [email protected].
Parkway West Rotary 11th Annual
Gerry Dulac Golf Classic, July 20,
Diamond Run Golf Club, Sewickley,
benefits Parkway West charities,
(724) 947-1234.
RMU Colonial Athletic Club Golf
Outing, August 1, Blackhawk Golf
Course, Beaver, 8 a.m. tee off,
(412) 397-4865.
Verland’s 27th Charity Golf
Outing, August 3, The Club at
Nevillewood, shotgun start at noon,
(412) 741-2578.
Friends of AVS Golf Open, August
10, Churchill Valley Country Club,
benefits Allegheny Valley School,
(412) 299-2229.
Clearview FCU Annual Charity Golf
Outing, August 22, Blackhawk Golf
Course, Beaver Falls, 8 a.m. shotgun
start, 1-800-926-0003, ext. 6155.
June 2009
13
helping others . . .
CHARITY POKER RIDE
TO BENEFIT AVS
GREETING CARD SALE
BENEFITS LOCAL CAUSE
The 15th Annual Sunset Riders Motorcycle Charity
Poker Ride will be held on Saturday, June 20 to benefit
the Allegheny Valley School. Registration begins at
10:30 a.m. at Zanotti Motor Company, located at 170
Pittsburgh Road, Butler. For more information, contact
Amy Harvilla, (412) 299-2229 or visit www.avs.net.
A greeting card fundraiser, featuring a variety of
cards for every season, event, and holiday by a major
card manufacturer, is now ongoing. Choose from
thousands of beautiful cards that are just two for one
dollar. All proceeds benefit www.justiceformike.net to
help with legal fees. For an appointment to shop for
cards, call (724) 695-1964. Additionally, donations
can be made to “Justice for Mike” at a bank account
set up at First Commonwealth Bank in Imperial under
the name of Mary Ann Lubas. In the memo line, note,
“Justice for Mike.” To learn more, visit the Web site,
www.justiceformike.net.
RESURRECTION YARD SALE
Resurrection Lutheran Church will hold a Yard and
Bake Sale on Saturday, June 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
New this year, registered nurses will be available to
give free blood pressure screenings. Also available at
the sale will be food and drinks and a raffle for a night
at the Holiday Inn Express which includes meal
certificates and incline pass. All proceeds from the
event benefit the church building fund. For
information or to reserve a table for $10, call
(412) 788-4513.
Let us know about a project
or event that helps others.
(724) 695-3968 or e-mail:
[email protected]
West Allegheny Inline Roller Hockey League Registration
It’s not too late to register for the West Allegheny Inline Roller Hockey League. On site registration was held on June
7. However, simply contact Mark Lauff at (412) 334-2640.
West Allegheny participates in the PIRHL roller hockey league. The league consists of about 80 teams in western
Pennsylvania formed from 30 different school districts. The PIRHL has tier levels in each of the elementary, middle
school, junior varsity, and high school divisions.
FREE ADMISSION
JUNE 20 FOR:
PPMS Announces Monster Event
Two major Super Late Model worlds will collide to
form one monster event in September at Pittsburgh’s
Gir
Girll & Bo
Boyy Scouts in
Pennsylvania Motor Speedway.
Unif
or
m
Unifor
orm
With the official announcement of the closing of the
All Kids 12 & Under with Challenger Raceway, Miley Motor Sports has assumed
PPaid
aid Admission of Dad the Challenger’s star event, “The Ultimate.” The event
HJ Heinz Emplo
Employyees &
will be integrated into PPMS’ star event, “The
Childr
en
Children
Pittsburgher,” to form one mammoth event that will now
Duquesne Light
offer $30,000 possible to win for UFo Super Late
en Models.
Employyees & Childr
Children
Emplo
ning
Learning
PA Distance Lear
The Ultimate vs. The Pittsburgher will be held
Char
ter Sc
hool
Charter
School
September 17-19.
For more details, visit www.ppms.com.
14
June 2009
Sweet Jazz: Summer Series Concert
is Free at Sewickley Gazebo
Sweetwater Center for the Arts presents the “Sweet Jazz: Summer Series.”
The summer series brings live jazz outdoors to Wolcott Park. Bands will perform at the
gazebo on the corner of Beaver and Broad Streets in the center of downtown Sewickley
from 6 to 8 p.m. on three Friday nights. Bring a chair or blanket for a night of impressive
jazz performed by some of the area’s brightest musicians.
The series includes: June 19 - Gene Ludwig, a master of the B3 Hammond organ and
an outstanding member of the local jazz community; July 17 - New Orleans Riverside
Band with its gleaming brass horns and percussive sounds; August 21 - Kenya, an
exciting unique performer who reflects the pulse and intensity of Brazil through her
diversified style. For info, call (412) 741-4405 or visit the Web site at
www.sweetwaterartcenter.org.
County Pool Passes Now Available for Season
The Allegheny County Parks Department offers family, individual, and senior pool
passes at the Boyce, North, Settler’s Cabin, and South park administration offices.
Fees are $110 for a family of four, $60 for an individual, $30 for seniors age 60 and
over, and $20 to replace a lost or stolen pass. Call (412) 787-2750.
Game Time Fun for Animal Lovers
“Pup Night” games return to PNC Park, with proceeds benefiting AARF and local
shelters. A new event, “Greyhounds Only” Pup Night is on Tuesday, August 4, at 7:05
p.m., when the Pirates host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Tickets are $20, which allow
admittance for one pet and an owner. Seating and special amenities for the dogs are
provided on the Southwest Deck. Proceeds benefit Going Home Greyhounds. Gates open
at 5:30 p.m. Proof of vaccination is required for entry. Contact Martha Steckel at
(412) 784-8973 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Again this year, Pup Nights at PNC Park will be held June 30, July 21, August 25,
and September 22. All games are on Tuesday nights at 7:05 p.m. Tickets are $20 to a
single game with one dog and its owner. A portion of proceeds benefits local animal
shelters. Proof of vaccination is required upon entry. All tickets can be picked up
starting at 5 p.m. at the Pup Night table on Federal Street. All patrons will also be asked
to sign a waiver before receiving their game ticket.
For information or tickets, call Joe Kulik at (412) 787-5422 or send an e-mail to:
[email protected].
Transplant Support Group Meets in North Fayette
Anyone who has had, or is anticipating, an organ transplant, and their families, is
welcome to join the local transplant support group. This informal group meets on the
second Sunday of each month from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at King’s Restaurant in Imperial.
For information, contact Rich Koper at (412) 787-3987.
Women Invited to Networking Group
The Women’s Business Network (WBN) Robinson Chapter invites professional
women interested in networking, with the goal of expanding business, to upcoming
events. Contact Denise Carr at (412) 859–0209 or (412) 716–3961 (evening).
Fire Department Events Coming Up
The Imperial Volunteer Fire Department will host its street fair on June 11, 12, and
13 each evening beginning at 6:30 p.m. The parade will be held on Friday, June 12
beginning at 7 p.m. Sturgeon Volunteer Fire Department hosts Country Band Timothy
Earl (Buc Wyld), Saturday, September 19 from 8 p.m. to midnight. Doors open at 7
p.m. Adults only, admission is $5. For details, call (724) 926-9149.
St. Clair Offers Health Information Programs
St. Clair Hospital announces upcoming events:
- Family Birth Center Tour, Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m.
- Nutrition Education Class, June 10 at 10 a.m. & June 24 at 1:30 p.m.
- Safe Sitter Class, June 25, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Friends and Family CPR/Infant & Child CPR, April 14, 7 to 10 p.m.
- Pre-Operative Total Hip and Knee Replacement Classes, June 9 & 23
- Breast Cancer Support Group, June 16, 7 p.m.
- Hugs for Healing Hearts, pregnancy loss support group, June 29, 7 p.m.
Also available are Smoke Free for Life classes, Diabetes Center with classes and oneon-one appointments, the Coronary Club, the Second Wind Pulmonary education classes,
nutrition education classes, Siblings classes, and Teenage Sexuality classes.
For information, call (412) 942-6294.
June 2009
15
BABIES AND PRESCHOOL
Move Over Mother Goose! Thirty minutes of songs, books, and rhymes! Get you and your baby
moving and grooving! For babies 18-30 months and their parent or caregiver. Thursdays, July 2-August
6 from 10:30 -10:55 a.m. (no class July 30)
Book Babies! Thirty minutes that’ll get you and your baby on your way to a love of learning through
books, songs, and rhymes! For babies from birth through 18 months and their parent or caregiver.
Mondays, June 29-August 3 from 10:30 - 10:55 a.m. (no class July 27).
Let’s Pretend: Children ages 2 ½ through 5 are invited to join us for stories, music, and an
imagination exploration like no other! This is not your normal storytime…it’s a jungle in there. Or maybe
an ocean…or a wild ride in space. Who knows where our imaginations will take us next! Wednesdays, July
1-August 5 from 1-2:15 p.m. (no class July 29).
Imagination Station: Princesses, pirates, cowboys, more…dressing up, stories, acting galore! We’ll
put on our costumes and come for some fun! We’ll all act our silliest before we are done! It’s fun to make
faces, it’s great to have races…so come to the library…one of the most magical places! June 30: Wild,
Wild West; July 9: Once Upon A Time; and on August 12: Shiver Me Timbers; all begin at 1 p.m. Preschool
– 1st grade.
KIDS 2ND – 5TH GRADE
Sugar Stackers: Get ready to create a crazy, crafty, EDIBLE creation straight out of your imagination!
Marshmallows, gumdrops…enough sweet stuff to make your mouth water and your mind wander! How
high will it go? Or will you eat it all before you get that far? Tuesday, July 21 at 7 p.m. Kids entering 2-5
grade.
Camp Creativity: Come to Camp Creativity and beat the summer heat as we craft, sing, share stories,
and play games…there’s something new and exciting every time you come! For more information on
each days’ schedule, call or stop in the library! June 30 at 10:30 a.m., July 10 at 10:30 a.m., July 20 at
1 p.m., August 4 at 2 p.m., and August 13 at 2 p.m. Kids entering 2-5 grade.
Camp Creativity Jr.: For more detailed information on each days’ camp activity schedule for juniors,
call the children’s librarian or stop in the library for more information! July 2, July 16, and August 3, all at
1 p.m.
Exploratorium!!! Wacky, weird, and wonderful…science isn’t just for school any more! Creativity is
the key as you move through our imagination stations! Saddle up, cowboys…it’s a regular science
rodeo…and we’re gonna lasso up some fun! No labcoats are required…but a warped mind sure won’t
hurt! Tuesday, July 7 at 2 p.m. Kids entering 2-5 grades.
Click: Say Cheese! Head to the library for some real life exposure to photography. We’ll learn tips, tricks,
and head out to shoot the real deal. When we’re done, you’ll have time at home to decide which prints
you like best and enter them for a chance to win some snappy prizes! (No charge for the program, but
developing will be on you!) Friday, July 17 at 3 p.m. Kids entering 2-5 grade.
CSI: LIBRARY: Creative Science Library investigators head to the library for some crazy, creative
investigative crime solving skills! Test your powers of observation! Learn wacky ways to master
mysteries! Dust off your magnifying glasses and hit the library! June 29 and July 14 at 2 p.m.
OLDER KIDS 5TH GRADE AND UP
Get Splattered~Jackson Pollack Style: Fling it, throw it, toss it, paint it...CREATE it! Anything
goes...as long as it’s thrown, spattered, flung or splattered! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...and on
your hands, and maybe your clothes...so wear your grubbies! Register online or at the library’s
circulation desk. Thursday, June 25 at 7 p.m.
ALSO: Legomania July 6 at 6:45 p.m.; Read What You Want Book Club, July 10, 1 p.m. and more!
M-Th 10 am-8 pm Fri 10 am-4 pm Sat 9 am-4 pm
8042 Steubenville Pike, Oakdale PA 15071
(724) 695-8150
www.westernalleghenylibrary.org
Please register on the library’s Web site or at the library’s Circulation Desk
for all programs
16
June 2009
HELP US OPEN THE DOORS TO A
NEW LIBRARY BY
DONATING. VISIT OUR GIVING
CAMPAIGN ON OUR WEB PAGE!
ALL AGES
Lunchbox Tales: Pack a picnic and grab the kids for a
program filled with everyone’s favorite characters! We’ll share
favorite books, outdoor games and activities, and share neat
treats to beat the heat! When: June 29, July 3, July 17, July 6
at 12 p.m. Who: All ages.
Campfire Kids: Bug bites, s’mores, singalongs, and fun!
We’ve got it all at the library! Grab your camp chairs or your
favorite picnic blanket and sit with us around the campfire for
a fun-filled, family favorite that you won’t soon forget! We’ll
have the marshmallows!
When: June 9, July 7, August 10 Who: All ages.
Wacky Wednesdays: Head to the library for a crazy,
creative, collaboration of fabulous family fun! Every week will
bring a zany new adventure to add a little zip to your week!
So grab the kids, turn off that TV, and come make some
memories! Don’t like surprises? Call or stop into the library for
more detailed information about what’s going on EACH
week….but you WON’T be disappointed! When: July 1, 8, 15,
22, and August 5 at 7 p.m. Who: All ages.
Floats & Flicks: Grab the family for a little movie magic
and family fun @ the library. Come for the floats and stay for
the flicks! (Ice cream’s on us!) Bring your favorite bean bag
chair, comfy pillow, or blanket, and settle in for the evening!
When: July 19, August 2 at 7 p.m.
Basics of Middle Eastern Dance: Join us as we learn
the moves to one of the coolest and most mysterious dance
styles there is! Register online or at the circulation desk.
When: Monday, July 13 at 1:30 p.m.
Drum Trail: Amazing beats and the drum stylings of Bill
Pate! Register online or at the library’s circulation desk.
When: Tuesday, August 11 at 7 p.m.
Pool Party!!!!! This is it...the end of summer celebration
we’ve been waiting for! We’ll have music, games, prizes, food,
and lots more! See ya at Hankey Farms Pool! Register online
or the library’s circulation desk. When: Friday evening,
August 14.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY HENRY DOKTORSKI
Chess for Kids Program is a Winner
“The game of Chess is not merely an idle amusement. Several very valuable qualities of the mind,
useful in the course of human life, are to be acquired or strengthened by it.”
—Benjamin Franklin, “On the Morals of Chess” (1779)
“I instruct them not to gloat if
North Fayette Township
they
win or pout if they lose, but to
Department of Parks and Recreation
shake
hands with their opponent
hosted its first Chess for Kids Class
and
congratulate
them, ‘Good
& Tournament at the Western
game!’
Although
I
encourage my
Allegheny Community Library in
students
to
be
cunning
and
Imperial. Students completed the
merciless
on
the
chessboard,
they
ten-week course in April when they
must
be
kind
and
respectful
in
their
played the last round of games and
manners,”
he
said.
participated in an awards ceremony.
Battles on the chessboard can
Bob Brozovich, Director of Parks
evoke
a wide range of emotions.
and Recreation, handed out
During
the course of a game a
certificates and a trophy.
player
might
experience anxiety,
Chess instructor and North
suspense,
elation,
fear, panic, and
Fayette Township resident, Henry
even
sometimes
boredom
(if an
Doktorski, said he attempts not only
opponent
takes
too
long
to
move,
to teach his students skills to help
for
instance).
Students
are
them better battle an opponent on
encouraged to keep a cool head.
the chessboard, but also to teach
Sometimes younger students cry if
them self-discipline which, he said,
they lose a game, but they quickly
can help develop mental and moral
recover their composure, pick
strength.
themselves up, and continue on.
Henry spoke about his favorite
He said, “It gives me a thrill
game, “Chess has been recognized as
when
I see my students rebound
a valuable tool for developing the
quickly
from a loss. A defeat can be
mind and character. During the
painful,
and a victory thrilling, but
Middle Ages, all educated and
they
learn
that everyone sometimes
cultured gentlemen were expected to
wins
and
sometimes
loses.”
know how to play chess. Today,
Nine-year-old
Aidan
Meier, who
chess is one of the world’s most
won
the
first-place
trophy,
popular games; it is played
explained, “I liked Mr. Doktorski’s
competitively by millions, and it is
class because I learned strategies to
taught in many schools and military
play better chess, and I also enjoyed
academies,” he said, adding, “I
the excitement of the tournament
encourage my students to develop
and the challenge of playing against
self-discipline. For instance, when
different players.”
they touch a piece, they must move
Autumn classes for ages 7-13 at
it (USCF Tournament Rules, VIIITOP: Henry Doktorski shows his students how to use the chess
the
Western Allegheny Community
2). This teaches them to think
board correctly; BOTTOM: Bob Brozovich, North Fayette
Township
parks
and
recreation
director,
presents
the
winning
Library,
8042 Steubenville Pike in
before they act, and if they move a
trophy to Aidan Meier.
Imperial,
will start on September
piece in haste, they must suffer the
14.
To
register,
contact either
consequences of their own
Henry
Doktorski
by
e-mail
at
[email protected]
or by phone
impatience. In other words, they learn that they are
at
(724)
693-8752,
or
North
Fayette
Parks
&
Recreation
at
(724) 693responsible for their own success and failure,” he continued.
3118.
Henry
is
also
interested
in
starting
classes
in
nearby
Henry noted that good sportsmanship is also very
municipalities and schools.
important.
June 2009
17
It Was Standing Room Only for Take Your Daughter/Son to Work Day
H&K Equipment Company on Casteel Drive in Findlay Township hosted the
sons and daughters of their employees on Take Your Daughters and Sons to
Work Day April 23.
Patrick Koch of H&K Equipment said, “We had a great turnout of 27
children who enjoyed daylong activities and fun with their parents and peers.”
Two ‘special guests’ also made an appearance: K-9 Officer Neil Cridge of
the Findlay Township Police Department and his German Shepherd K-9
partner, “Axel.”
H&K Equipment has been an integral part of the lift truck market in the
Pittsburgh area since 1935. The company also sells and supports a
complete line of sweepers, scarifiers, and scrubbers for industrial and
commercial cleaning needs.
ABOVE: Left Officer Neil Cridge and Axel meet one of H&K Equipment employee’s children. Right, the entire group of children took time for a photo
before departing from their “day at work.”
Airport Doubletree Honored
St. Columbkille Remembers
The Doubletree Hotel Pittsburgh Airport has received the coveted
its College Students and Military Doubletree
Pride Award. This is the second year in a row the hotel has
On Super Bowl Sunday, volunteers at St. Columbkille Church in Imperial packed
and shipped 44 boxes of goodies to the parish’s college students and military
personnel who are away from home. The boxes were filled to the brim with
donations of cookies, candy, hot chocolate, chips, personal care products, and
more. Also included in each package was a gift from Father Dominic Mancini, the
“Pittsburgh Catholic” publication, a copy of “Allegheny West Magazine,” and “WA
Today,” the school district newsletter.
18
June 2009
received the annual award, and places the hotel among the top ten
Doubletrees nationwide designated with this prestigious award.
Recipients of the Doubletree Pride Award are selected on the basis of the
quality components of both product delivery and guest service scores as
well as participation in key brand initiatives. The award is determined by
equal excellence in brand consistency, guest loyalty, and the brand promise.
Student Takes Third in Statewide Contest
Natalie Sciulli, a fourth grade student
at Donaldson Elementary, won third
place in the state for Dance
Choreography in this year’s PTA
Reflections contest. She earlier won
first place for both local and regional
competitions.
This year’s theme was “WOW.” Natalie
choreographed a tap dance to
“Thoroughly Modern Millie.”
She is the daughter of Kris and
Eugene Sciulli.
ABOVE: Natalie Sciulli, center, with her award, surrounded
by her family and members of the Reflections award
committee, at the statewide Reflections Award breakfast
held in Allentown.
Findlay Woman Named One of
“Best 50 Women in Business” Statewide
Findlay Township resident Carol R. Hurley, owner of Hurley
Associates and president of Hurley Insurance Brokers Inc.,
was recently selected as one of Pennsylvania’s Best 50
Women in Business for 2009. The 14th annual Pennsylvania’s
Best 50 Women in Business awards program honors women
who share a commitment to business growth, professional
excellence, and their community. To be selected for this award,
recipients were self-nominated or nominated by another
person and are owners, presidents, partners, board chairs,
senior executives, or hold other management level positions
with significant decision making authority in for-profit
businesses or companies.
Hurley Associates, an insurance and financial services firm
located on Fifth Avenue in the Oakland area of Pittsburgh, was
established in 1988. Carol started her career as a general
practitioner and quickly discovered her interest for disability
income protection planning. With more than 20 years of experience, she has established herself as a
specialist in that field and has been recognized with numerous awards.
Hurley Insurance Brokers, incorporated in January 2009, is a property and casualty insurance agency
providing both personal and commercial lines of coverage.
She is a financial representative of the Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, New
York. Currently, she serves on the Guardian Life Women’s Leadership Advisory Board and is a member of
the Guardian DI Circle of Excellence. Additionally, she is the conference executive for Pittsburgh’s Guardian
Girls Going Places Entrepreneurial Conference which is held annually at Chatham University.
Carol is a past president the Greentree Rotary Club and a current member of the Oakland Rotary. She is
also a member of Women in Insurance and Financial Services, National Association of Women Business
Owners, and the Oakland Business Improvement District.
Carol and her husband, Neal, reside in Clinton in Findlay Township. They have two children, Brennan and
Andrea.
An independent panel of judges reviewed and scored the applicants to determine this year’s 50
recipients. Pennsylvania’s Best 50 Women in Business is a program of the Pennsylvania Department of
Community and Economic Development in association with the business journals of Pennsylvania. Program
sponsors included D&E Communications, Inc. and Highmark Blue Shield.
DEADLINE FOR THE
AUGUST 2009 ISSUE OF
Allegheny West
Magazine is
JULY 15th
BINGO!
In today’s economy, playing bingo may be a lot
safer than the stock market. Try your hand at this
time-honored game:
Imperial VFD:
Mondays, 7 p.m.
Findlay Activity Center, 310 Main Street, Imperial
Oakdale Hose Company:
First Saturday of each month, 7 p.m.,
Oakdale Community Center
Sturgeon VFD:
Friday Nights, 6:30 p.m. Early Bird, 7 p.m.,
regular games, Sturgeon Fire Hall
The bingos offer more than just a way to win money.
They support the local fire departments which rely
heavily on funds raised from bingos in order to buy and
maintain equipment, provide training for their
volunteer departments, and maintain the fire facilities.
Come on out and help them out!
June 2009
19
Quads, RVs,
Cycles? Store
them here!
20
June 2009
ADC Breaks Ground in Findlay Township
LEFTPictured
TO RIGHT:
from leftFrank
to right:Horrigan, Gary Klingman, Ray Chappell, Helena and Yanai Siegel, David
Never,
and
DennisGary
Davin.
Frank
Horrigan,
Klingman, Ray Chappelle, Helene Siegel, Yanai Siegel, David Neyer, Dennis Davin.
With the turn of a spade, Appliance Dealers Cooperative’s latest warehouse construction project has formally
begun. Costing an estimated $10.5 million, the new 155,000-square-foot facility will become ADC’s base for
regional operations and a tangible, concrete commitment to better servicing its members of appliance retailers in
western Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia.
Appliance Dealers Cooperative is a non-profit warehouse distribution network that purchases major home
appliances, consumer electronics, and other goods for its membership of 154 family-owned, independent appliance
retailers across eight states. ADC purchases inventory in truckload quantities direct from manufacturers to get the
best possible pricing and programs and then sells its goods to its members as needed.
Toward that end, ADC celebrated the official groundbreaking of the new warehouse on May 1, which is being built
in Findlay Township
Now In our 10th Year
Serving the Community!
We serve the airport area with
three distinct community
magazines, all mailed free into
the homes across 14 area
communities. To learn more
about our publications, call
724.695.3968
June 2009
21
First Niagara Buys
National City Branches
First Niagara Financial Group, Inc. has signed a purchase agreement to
acquire $4.2 billion of deposits and 57 Western Pennsylvania bank branches
from National City Bank, a subsidiary of the PNC Financial Services Group,
Inc., for a deposit premium of 1.3%. In addition to $3.2 billion in cash, First
Niagara will also receive approximately $839 million of performing business
and consumer loans.
This acquisition immediately provides Upstate New York-based First
Niagara with more than 400,000 customer accounts and makes it the
number three deposit market share position in the combined Pittsburgh,
Erie, and Warren regions. Divestiture of these branches was a regulatory
condition of PNC’s purchase of National City in December of 2008.
Passport Rules Changed June 1
Starting June 1, all United States citizens were required to present a
passport book, passbook card, or other travel documents as approved by
the Federal government, in order to enter the United States from Canada,
Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land borders and sea ports of entry.
Traveling this summer? Make sure to allow at least four to eight weeks for
passport documents to arrive, once they have been processed.
Locally, passport photos can be taken at a number of locations, including
the AAA office and the post office, both in Robinson Town Centre, and the
Moon Township post office on Thorn Run Road. The post office also
processes passport applications until 4 p.m. during weekday operations.
New Shuttle Service to Provide
Transportation for Airport Travelers
SuperShuttle has joined the array of services available to those needing
to travel to and from the airport.
The new service launched the first week of May, and provides access to
nearly two dozen ten-passenger vans that will serve residents and
businesses across Allegheny County. Customers can contact SuperShuttle
for a reservation, and they will subsequently be picked up at the airport
and taken to their residence, office, or hotel, or the reverse, from their
home, office, or hotel to the airport.
The concept of SuperShuttle is to group reservations into delivery areas
around the county as much as possible.
SuperShuttle presently serves customers in more than 30 cities and
airports nationwide.
The local service will be overseen by the Pittsburgh Transportation
Group.
Clearview Celebrates Youth Week
Clearview® Federal Credit Union recently celebrated National Credit Union
Youth Week at all 11 of its branches with refreshments, giveaways, and
prizes.
In conjunction with the National Youth Savings Challenge, any youth
member under the age of 18 who made a deposit into their account during
youth week was entered to win a $100 cash prize.
All youth who visited a Clearview branch during the week could also enter
to win several prizes, including Washington Wild Things baseball tickets. Each
branch also had a large jar of Hershey Kisses for visitors to guess the
amount of its contents, with the closest guess winning the jar with all the
Hershey Kisses.
The theme of this year’s Youth Week was “The Magic of Saving.”
22
June 2009
Top Ten Health Care Tips
Presented by Heritage Valley Family Practice
10. Make sure you are vaccinated! There are many
important vaccines that adults should have. Check with
your doctor to see if you are up to date.
9. Finish your antibiotics. Failing to complete antibiotic
therapy adds to the risk for resistant organisms.
8. Make sure you have a living will.
7. Don’t give up too soon when you’ve filed an insurance claim. Follow up on any claims that are denied and
make sure you have a good understanding of your health
insurance plan.
6. Don’t let your stress level get out of control. Daily
exercise and relaxation techniques can help.
5. Never share medications with other people. Sharing
medications can lead to potentially harmful interactions.
4. Get your screening tests done. It may not sound like
the most exciting thing, but having screening tests like
mammograms and colonoscopies are essential to finding
serious diseases early when they are easier to treat.
3. Stay on top of your own health record. Keep updated
copies of your medication list, immunizations, allergies, and
medical history, and take them with you to all healthcare
visits to ensure the best care.
2. Be honest with your healthcare provider.
1. Make sure you have a primary care physician!
Everyone should have a primary doctor that they trust who
is the captain of their healthcare team and can coordinate
appropriate care. If you are looking for a PCP, call our office
-- Heritage Valley Family Practice -- in Robinson Township,
at (412) 787-5769 to set up an appointment.
June 2009
23
Summer Hair Care Tips
Presented by Today’s Hair, Kelly Shankle
Summertime is a great time to get outdoors and reap
the benefits of fresh air and exercise. But, summer
moisture and sun can be damaging to your hair.
Proper preventative steps can be taken to ensure your
hair stays healthy.
- If you are going to be in the sun, use a conditioner or styling product
with UV protection in it.
- Before swimming in a pool, wet your hair so your hair will be saturated
with non-chlorinated water instead of pool water.
- Staying hydrated is necessary for healthy hair as well as overall health,
so make sure to drink enough water.
- Make sure to wash your hair immediately after swimming with a
shampoo designed to remove chlorine from your hair to avoid a buildup.
- Use a conditioner on your hair daily to avoid dry hair and split ends.
- Shower with warm water, hot water can dry out or irritate your scalp.
- Begin combing your hair gently at the ends to remove tangles and work
your way to the roots.
- Use brushes or combs with widely spaced bristles and smooth tips to
prevent breakage.
Incorporating these tips into your daily hair-care
routine will insure your hair stays hydrated and
healthy. So, get out and enjoy all that summer has to
offer.
24
June 2009
About the Sponsors
ABOVE: Ambassadors from the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce were on
hand for a ribbon cutting held at Allegheny Medical, awarded the 2008 Best of
Pittsburgh’s Healthcare Provider Award in Washington, D.C..
New Year - New You
Presented by Dr. John Rohm, DMD
LEFT: Before and
after photos of
Becky Shoup
following dental
and hair
transformations.
“Thanks to advancements in modern dental care, a variety of options are
available to help any person have a dazzling new smile,” said AACD member
dentist, Dr. John Rohm. “By combining cosmetic dental care with a training and
nutrition regiment, cosmetic surgery, and style consultations, a person can have the
appearance they’ve always desired more easily today than ever before.”
For this episode we chose one of our own, Becky Shoup, a mother of three and
expecting another later this year. It was fitting that our makeover was completed
for Mother’s Day. Becky always put her children and family before herself. So,
when we approached her to complete the transformation she was reluctant to do
so.
Becky had a nice smile, but the spacing that was present detracted from her
overall appearance. She was hesitant to smile. After a thorough cleaning and
instructions on how to keep a healthy smile, we placed Lumineer’s on her front six
teeth. This really made her smile stand out. The final touch was a new hairstyle,
which was done compliments of the Hair Rock Cafe.
We now use her as a model to demonstrate for others what we can do for their
smile. Even though these were outward changes, the inner changes to your overall
health and well being can be dramatic. Don’t wait until you can’t deal with a
problem any more. There are two things you can’t get back: 1) Time, which we
never have enough of, and 2) Health; stay on top of your health. Do things to
make your life happy and healthy.
THANK YOU for giving Allegheny Medical the 2008
Best of Pittsburgh’s Healthcare Provider Award in
Washington, D.C. We have been servicing the largest
corporations to the smallest as well as professional,
Olympic, and amateur athletes. Our integrated
healthcare system has been supporting your every
need. If you are looking for the best outcome of your
health, our healthcare providers, physicians, and
physical therapists are leaders in the industry. Working
together for your best interest we provide Acute Care,
Primary Care, Internal Medicine, Physical Therapy,
Occupational Medicine, Orthopedics, Chiropractic, and
Clinical Nutrition. Our slogan is “Better Care, Better
Health.” Dr. Neal welcomes you to meet with him for
any healthcare need or questions that you may have.
Simply send an e-mail to [email protected]
to ask a question, or call (412) 494-4550 to talk with
the doctor. As thanks to all of you there is no charge
for this call or to meet with the doctor.
Yoga H’om Celebrates 7 Years
Serving the West Allegheny and Robinson Township areas
for seven years, Yoga H’om has a class that is right for
you! Located next to the Tonidale, Yoga H’om offers a
wide variety of yoga classes. In addition to beginner,
intermediate, and advanced leveled classes, our specialty
classes include yoga for children, prenatal yoga, and
gentle yoga. For nature lovers, Yoga H’om will once again
offer Yoga in the Park on Saturdays this summer at
Settlers Cabin Park. Mention this ad to save 25% on a
class pass. For more information, visit our Web site
www.yogahom.com or call (412) 788-1660.
Since 1984, Today’s Hair has served the West
Allegheny community with the best of hair care talent,
care, products, and attention. The salon provides hair
cuts, colors, perms, special celebration styles, and more
for all ages from children through adult. Owned and
operated by Kelly Shankle, Today’s Hair is proud to
employ graduates from the Parkway West Career and
Technology Center as well as seasoned hair care
professionals. Today’s Hair celebrates its Silver
Anniversary this year. Stop in to visit them in the Essex
West Plaza at 7900 Steubenville Pike in North Fayette.
Call (724) 695-0478 for an appointment.
“We only have one body.
Take good care of it,
because we don’t get a
second chance.”
June 2009
25
Exercise at Any Age?
Presented by Fitness for Life, Marianne King
You bet! Whether you are 7 or 87, you are made to
move. There is an exercise recipe for everyone. Just
because Jane runs five miles a day or Bob lifts weights at
the gym five days a week, that doesn’t mean you have to
engage in the same activity. You have to find the right
exercise appropriate for your age and physical ability. Are
you coming off an injury, just starting a new exercise
program, training for a sport, improving your general
health, or improving a chronic health concern? A fitness
professional can develop a unique exercise recipe, so you
can and WILL succeed. Whether it’s a bicep curl for Mary,
a balance exercise for Pat, or a sprinting exercise for
Bobby, there is one and only one program right for you.
Just as you search for the right mortgage company to
refinance your home, you must search for the right
fitness professional to develop the most appropriate
program for your success! My client, Jeannette Paulson,
pictured at right with me, has two knee replacements,
and two hip replacements. She has gone from being
mostly sedentary to being able to live independently in an
apartment attached to her daughter’s home. She can go
out to eat and manage the steps, get in and out of bed, get
out of chairs, smiles all the time now, and, of course, we
solve the world’s problems in her one-hour session! Her
activities of daily living have increased two-fold. On the
other hand, I train my teen athletes to be stronger, faster,
and safer in their sports. I train them to be not only
healthy athletes but healthy for a lifetime, to avoid
injuries and heal from injuries faster. My general clients
want to increase their over-all general health. Each of
these clients has different exercises, considerations, and
program development.
If a client comes to me during their consult and their
only goal is to “look better,” we engage in lengthy
conversation about the many other reasons why exercise
should be a part of their lives. Statistics say if your only
reason for exercising is external, you are most likely to
26
June 2009
fail at your program. Say that again to yourself. We all
have to look intrinsically inside ourselves to understand
the true reasons we start and sustain our journey
through wellness programs. WE MUST look at the
exercise we engage in as enjoyable, sustainable, fun, and
progressively successful. We as humans must also have
attainable goals. Too many times we have a lofty goal
such as “I want to lose 20 pounds,” but have no idea
what small steps to take to get there. So, instead of
saying, “I will lose one pound a week,” we set a bar that
is too high to literally jump over, and we quit before we
even give ourselves a chance to succeed. Give yourself a
chance whatever age you are. It is NEVER, EVER too
late. Just ask Jeannette! Find a fun class to attend, walk
with a friend, play with your children, and consult a
personal fitness trainer. “Just Start.” Exercise doesn’t
have to be formal. You’ll have more energy. I know that sounds like
an oxymoron. But… the more energy you expend the more you
have. You’ll enjoy life more. Weekend sports enthusiasts will
improve their game and decrease their risk of injury. You’ll be able
to do things you never thought you could in the past. Just find the
right recipe for your unique you.
Need help finding that recipe? Call (724) 695-2239 to get started!
Pain-Free is In When it Comes to
Smile Makeovers Presented by Dr. Judy DiSanti
New LUMINEERS ™ BY CERINATE ® is a permanent,
pleasant, and painless alternative to traditional veneers.
Your smile is the easiest way to improve your appearance.
LUMINEERS ™ BY CERINATE ®, have taken the beauty
industry by storm as the only pain-free and permanent cosmetic
procedure available today, dramatically improving a smile with a
minimal amount of invasion. LUMINEERS can provide instant
teeth straightening and permanent whitening. In many cases they
are a convenient substitute for braces and other orthodontics,
depending on bite severity. The procedure may also be used on
worn teeth to strengthen them and prevent further wear.
LUMINEERS can even be placed over crowns to improve esthetics
and help rejuvenate a smile.
Without the need for removal of painful tooth structure,
LUMINEERS require no anesthesia because the procedure is
virtually pain-free. In just two or three visits to the dentist,
LUMINEERS provide a custom-made smile clinically proven to
last up to 20 years.
LUMINEERS are the best of both worlds –ultra-thin, yet super
strong. Since LUMINEERS are minimally invasive, they are
actually reversible – if necessary, they can be removed with the
original teeth virtually untouched.
DENTAL PRODUCTS REPORTS awarded LUMINEERS a spot
in their 2004 “Top 10 Products” list.
All LUMINEERS come with a 10-year warranty. LUMINEERS
can only be made from patented Cerinate porcelain, available only
at Cerinate Smile Design Studios.
For more information call Dr. Judy DiSanti at (412) 264-6229
for special offers and information on LUMINEERS.
About the Sponsors
Heritage Valley Family Practice consists of two
board certified family physicians that specialize in
treating the entire family. Doctors Amber Fedin and
Denise Wegrzynowicz strive to provide effective and
personal medical care for their patients. We are especially
interested in preventive medicine, women’s health and
treating the whole patient – body, mind and spirit. Our
practice is centrally located in Robinson Township at
Robinson Plaza Three, Suite 210A on the corner of Park
Manor Drive and Route 60. We provide evening,
lunchtime, and same-day appointments for your
convenience. Take the next step toward better health and
call for an appointment today! (412) 787-5769.
Fitness for Life is owned and operated by Marianne
King of Findlay Township. She specializes in corporate
and community fitness programs and personal training in
the home or workplace. Marianne is a nationally certified
Personal Fitness Trainer and Group Exercise Leader
through the American Council on Exercise. She keeps her
certification current by attending International
Conferences. She updates her knowledge on Group
Classes, Personal Training, Nutrition, Stress Management,
and many other wellness subjects. She is a member of
IDEA, an International Organization of Fitness
Professionals. Marianne has been in the fitness industry
since 1985 in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. She has taught
at many facilities in the city, and was the Fitness
Coordinator for the Western Area YMCA, where she
presented training city wide for YMCA instructors.
Marianne became owner of Fitness For Life in 1994 after
working for the company for some years. Visit
www.mkfitness4life.com or call (724) 695-2239.
Sleep Wellness Center is located in Moon Township
at 995 Beaver Grade Road. This state-of-the-art facility
is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of sleep
disorders. The specialists at The Sleep Wellness Center
diagnose sleep disorders in adults and children,
including sleep apnea, insomnia, and narcolepsy. Their
highly-regarded sleep study is a non-invasive test which
records sleep patterns by analyzing the activities of the
heart, lungs, muscle movements, air flow, and oxygen
levels in the blood. To learn more, call (412) 264-4611.
Weekend appointments are also available.
Dr. Judy DiSanti and her team are devoted to restoring
and enhancing the natural beauty of their patients’ smiles
using conservative, state-of-the-art procedures that
create beautiful, long lasting results. While her practice
recognizes that preventative care and education are the
keys to optimal dental health, Dr. DiSanti also specializes
in cosmetic dentistry. Thanks to advances in this field,
patients can improve their teeth and smiles with a variety
of treatments including porcelain veneers, composite
fillings, dental implants, porcelain inlays/onlays, tooth
whitening, Invisalign orthodontics, and an amazing
technological advancement called LUMINEERS. For more
information please visit our Web site at
www.coraopolisdentist.com.
June 2009
27
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Presented by QualiCare
You may be having difficulty sleeping, snoring loudly,
or gasping for air at night. You might feel tired during
the day, have difficulty concentrating, have morning
headaches or feel irritable or depressed. You may be
suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
During deep sleep your airway partially or
completely collapses and limits air from entering your
lungs. You stop breathing for short periods of time
which may cause your oxygen level in your blood to
drop, putting a strain on your heart and blood vessels.
When you stop breathing it repeatedly disturbs your
sleep, partially or completely waking you up.
Left untreated OSA can lead to a number of medical
conditions and lifestyle problems such as: high blood
pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat, heart
attack, stroke, depression, inattentiveness at work,
increased frequency of vehicular accidents, increased
urinary frequency at night, or impotence.
The treatment of choice for OSA is Positive Airway
Pressure (CPAP or BiPAP®).
As a CPAP or BiPAP user, supply replacement is
very important to help maintain your comfort and
compliance. Did you know that approximately 2.6
million warm, moist breaths pass through your tubing
and mask each year? Even with proper cleaning, facial
oils can impact your mask’s seal over time. Filters lose
their effectiveness and tubing can be damaged or
accumulate harmful bacteria.
Changing your supplies regularly will not only help
minimize risk of infection, but keep your mask fitting
comfortably without leaks and your therapy device
functioning well.
Most insurance plans will reimburse your homecare
provider for the regular replacement of these items.
Check with your health plan for individual
reimbursement guidelines.
28
June 2009
Dance at Any Age! Dance for Fun!
Presented by Anita Giovengo, Just Dance Conservatory
About the Sponsors
Wary about your investments during this economic
uncertainty? Invest in something for your lifetime –
Dance, dance, dance! Dance at any age! Dance at any level! Dance
invest in yourself! Let Body MatRx Fitness help you
for fun! Dance for a lifetime!
take that first step toward a healthy lifestyle. We have
Through the art of dance, the student is able to better understand
what you need to lose weight, decrease body fat and
the workings of body mechanics and forward creativity. Dance also
increase stamina and muscle tone. Every gym offers
enhances life skills providing discipline, memory retention, and self
cardio and select equipment as well as free weights and
confidence. Through dance, one can also achieve improved muscle
aerobic classes to vary your exercise routine. But we go
tone, flexibility, agility, and weight management.
More often than not, most people believe you must be young to learn the extra mile. Our staff is friendly and concerned about
your goals. With 15,000 square feet, we can provide
how to dance. But that is the beauty of this particular discipline.
three very different aerobic exercise classes at the same
Regardless of your age or ability, you can learn to dance. You may
have heard the old adage: “If you can walk, you can dance.” It is just a time. Punch Out, using boxing gloves, heavy and speed
bags, has gained popularity with both men and women.
matter of getting past your inhibitions. And dance enables you to do
Spinning classes run six days a week. The addition of
that as well. It is not necessary to master the techniques of dance to
Just Dance Conservatory enables us to be able to offer
enjoy or benefit from dance. Like exercise, dance, which is self
expression through movement, provides physical relief from stress and dance/exercise classes such as belly dancing and hip
hop. Do your body a favor – take the right step – to
tension.
Body MatRx Fitness, 183 Industry Drive in RIDC Park.
With so many different kinds of dances, there is something for
(412) 787-1518, e-mail: [email protected].
everyone. That is why Zumba (Latin dance) has become so popular.
The routines are relatively easy to pick up and because the classes are Pittsburgh’s Ohio Valley General Hospital has
been providing the Pittsburgh area with exceptional
so much fun, you don’t realize the cardiovascular workout you are
getting! The same is true for Hip Hop, Belly Dancing, Tap, and Ballet. healthcare for more than 100 years. From our wide
variety of diagnostic services, to our nursing and
All of these dance types have been very well received by adults who
radiography schools, Ohio Valley General Hospital is
have never danced before!
certainly more than your average community hospital.
At the Just Dance Conservatory, (www.justdanceconservatory.com) now
Visit www.ohiovalleyhospital.org to find out for yourself.
located at Body MatRx Fitness, 183 Industry Drive in RIDC Park, we
Take a virtual tour of our new surgery and maternity
are committed to providing our students with a personal and
professional environment regardless of their age or aspirations. If you center. Learn how we can help treat chronic wounds at
our Wound Care Center. Or, learn how our board
want excellence in the art of dance, please call for enrollment
certified pain treatment doctor can help ease most
information and our dance class schedule, (412) 787-1116, or send an
types of pain at the Institute for Pain Diagnostics and
e-mail to: [email protected].
Care. It’s all right here, at Ohio Valley General Hospital.
Eye Care’s Top Ten
Qualicare Home Medical is a full line medical
Presented by Allegheny West Eye Care
equipment supplier specializing in Respiratory Care
products. With offices in McMurray, Bridgeville, Butler,
Taking care of one’s vision is a priority, and it takes some simple
Monroeville. and North Huntingdon, we serve all of
steps to keep one’s eyes in optimum condition. Here is a run down of
southwestern Pennsylvania. We offer in home setups by
top ten vision tips:
licensed professionals of the newest CPAP, BiPAP,
1. Screen children for vision problems before they occur.
oxygen, and nebulizers. We are available during days,
2. When outdoors, wear hats and keep sunscreen on.
evenings, and weekends as requested. Our featured
3. Eat fruits and vegetables often. Their antioxidants help prevent
products include portable oxygen concentrators, home
eye diseases.
filling oxygen systems, lightweight, small CPAP/BiPAP
4. Be care when playing with or watching fireworks. They can injure
units, and battery operated nebulizers. We have a
the eyes permanently.
comprehensive CPAP followup program and facilitate
5. Playing sports? Working around chemicals? Doing yard work?
travel arrangements for oxygen patients. Medicare,
Wear eye protection to protect eyes from accidental injuries.
Medical Assistance, Highmark, and most insurances
6. Visit your eye doctor for a dilated medical exam if you have
accepted. Call 1-888-864-6909
1-888-864-6909.
diabetes. Early detection and treatment can help prevent vision loss.
7. Learn how to use contact lenses properly. Proper use and care can We also thank these sponsors of this
Health & Wellness Section:
help prevent eye infections, injuries, and even blindness.
8. Smoking is a risk factor related to retinal eye disease. If you
Dr. Robert Luther
smoke, now might be the time to try to stop.
Allegheny West Eye Care
9. Don’t use old eye makeup, especially mascara. Bacteria can grow
Dr. Tamara Polidor
in the tube over time and cause eye infections.
Starting Point Fitness
Dr. John Rohm
10. Kids’ toys should be safe. Check the labels for age appropriateBody Systems Fitness
ness. Don’t give children toys with sharp or protuding parts. Toys
Just Dance Conservatory
such as darts, pellet guns, or other projectiles are not the best choices.
Oakdale Foot and Ankle
(Information courtesy of www.visionconnection.org)
LaStone Therapy
June 2009
29
Joining Forces
for Fitness and Health
Just Dance Conservatory and Body Matrx Fitness
Combine Resources Under One Roof
In an economy where resources are being maximized and
expenses are being minimized, two local businesses have
taken to heart both the economy and their complementary
businesses and combined them under one roof.
Mary Batyko, who recently purchased the former World
Gym in the RIDC Park West, now called Body Matrx
Fitness, explains that the whole idea started when she
began taking a dance class at Just Dance Conservatory,
owned and operated by Anita Giovengo.
“I took the jazz exercise class and really enjoyed it,”
Mary says. “It really stretched my abilities and I saw the
benefits of a dance class in the fitness realm.”
Anita had been exploring other locations so she could
expand her offerings to the community. And, Mary had
extra space to spare, space she was thinking of renting.
“So often, fitness and health centers tie in with chiropractors or massage therapy, but not so much with dance,”
Mary explained.
“We both saw the potential to combine our programs and
classes,” Anita added.
The decision to complement each other’s services,
coupled with the current economy, made perfect sense.
In May, the two businesses began sharing the expansive,
wide-open facility. Just Dance will use about one-third of
30
June 2009
the space for two studios. Anita said the larger studio is
bigger than most dance studios and easily accommodates all disciplines of dance. Anita is using the smaller
space for her creative movement and combo classes.
The facility is perfectly adaptable to the needs of the
current membership at the club as well as the needs of
the young dancers. A wide entrance lobby with a
receptionist allows members to check in and go to the
fitness center, where state-of-the-art equipment,
classroom space, a tanning area, and wide-open floor
space is available to members. To the immediate right,
the dancers can go directly to their classes.
Over the summer months, Anita and Mary will
oversee the renovation of the space so that, by fall, Just
Dance Conservatory will have its own entranceway and
will be partitioned from the fitness center. There will be
direct access indoors between both facilities, too.
With parents already asking what they can do at the
fitness center while their children are taking classes,
Mary and Anita are working toward creating compatible schedules and cross-program opportunities for each
other’s services, such as Mommy and Me classes, where
parents and young children can exercise while spending
quality time together.
Already, a ballroom dance class is available through
Just Dance Conservatory. A six-week session filled
immediately, mostly with members from the fitness
facility. Just Dance is also offering belly dance classes
and soon a hula-hoop classes will be offered also.
Mary said, “Parents will have the opportunity to take
classes or use the fitness center; just walking in the
door and being here allows them to take the time for
their own fitness needs,” she stressed.
To that end, all parents are being offered one complimentary session to try it out.
ABOVE: Anita Giovengo, left, owner of Just Dance Conservatory, and Mary
Batyko, owner of Body Matrx Fitness, have joined their businesses under one
roof at Body Matrx Fitness, located in the RIDC Park West on Industry Drive
in Findlay Township.
Anita said that she is offering special memberships to the
fitness center within her tuition packages as another option
for interested parents. “I think we can successfully combine
these options into something that is beneficial for all,” she
said.
Both said that cardio workouts, stretching, fitness, and
dance all complement each other, making this the perfect
opportunity for adults to take time for themselves while
their children are benefiting from the life skills that dance
June 2009
31
provides.
“It’s an opportunity for people of all ages to come to one place for fitness,
weight training, dance, stretching, and an overall lifestyle change,” Mary
noted.
Anita said that her dance studio, which employs Pittsburgh’s top professional dance instructors, offers a high quality level of professional training in
the art of dance for young dancers. Coupled with the top-notch facilities at
Body Matrx Fitness, it’s the perfect fit to create an upscale health and
wellness facility
in one convenient location for
residents to use
and enjoy.
“We couldn’t be
happier with the
arrangement,”
Anita said.
To contact
Body Matrx
Fitness, call
(412) 787-1518,
or to reach Just
Dance Conservatory, call
(412) 787-1116.
Award Winning Care
Close to Home
Come and discover why Ohio Valley General
Hospital has been voted the best hospital in
the western suburbs by the readers of the
Tribune Review. With more than 300
physicians in 36 medical speciales and a full
range of advanced diagnosc tools and
treatments, it’s clear that one of the best
hospitals in the city isn’t in the city.
We’re also pleased to announce that our
outpaent facilies will be expanding to the
North Hills in the near future. Soon, along
Mt. Nebo Pointe Drive, Ohio Valley General
Hospital will be opening a new building
comprised of a first-rate Wound and
Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment program, The
Instute for Pain Diagnoscs and Care, a
Primary Care Physician office, and laboratory
services.
Also, our newly expanded medical office
building will feature laboratory services, a
pharmacy and new registraon programs,
helping to make paents’ visits convenient
and without long wait mes.It just keeps
geng beer. Visit our Web site to learn
more, or just give us a call at 412-777-6161.
We’ll be happy to help.
25 Heckel Road • Kennedy Township • Mckees Rocks, Pa
412-777-6161 • www.ohiovalleyhospital.org
32
June 2009
Body Systems BIGGEST LOSER
Contest Nets Big Winners
Presented by Body Systems Fitness
Who needs the televised version of The Biggest Loser
when an opportunity to actively participate in a similar
program is right in one’s back yard?
This winter, Body Systems Fitness, located in the
Penn Lincoln Plaza on Steubenville Pike, hosted the
first Biggest Loser Contest - Body Systems style.
It was the Red Team versus the Black Team -- 39
participants in all. And, while in the end it was a tie
between the two teams, the participants came out as
big winners. A total of 232.5 pounds was lost with an
additional 196.5 inches shed. Of the 39 participants, 24
finished the 13-week program that began in February
and ended in May.
Denise Sinkavich, director of sales and marketing for
Body Systems Fitness, said that two of the facility’s
personal trainers served as “Bob and Gillian” for the
contest. They were Tracy Adams and Jamey Bednez,
guiding the teams with workout plans and nutritional
information.
Tracy is a 32-year-old wife and mother, and a competitive fitness athlete from the Oakdale area. She is a
certified personal trainer and aerobics instructor. Tracy
coaches bodybuilding and figure athletes and designs
customized workouts for all levels of endurance and
strength.
Involved in the health and wellness field for 11 years,
Jamey holds a Bachelors degree in Health and Physical
Education and a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology. Jamey has trained clients from all ends of the
spectrum. He holds certifications from the American
College of Sports Medicine, is a Certificated Health
Education Specialist, and is a member of the American
Aerobics Association International and the International Sports Medicine Association.
THE STATS
Most Points: Gail Susanek - 206
Most Weight Lost: Doug Dragan - 30 lbs.
Most Inches Lost: Ellie Lyons - 29 inches
Total Participants: 39
Total Completed: 24
Total Weight Lost: 232.5 lbs.
Total Inches Lost: 196.5
Angela Green, a registered/licensed dietician and
certified nutrition support clinician, is the diabetes
education program coordinator for Riverside Medical
of Ohio in Steubenville, Ohio. She provided the
contestants with two great seminars on nutrition and
diets, Denise explained.
“We based the contest on a point system that focused not only on weight loss but on healthy lifestyle
and education that would stay with the contestants
long after the contest was over,” she added. “This
provided the foundation to continue on their own.”
The teams were given weekly questions to answer.
The questions prompted each participant to research
the answers. Sponsors, which were all listed on the
Body Systems Fitness Web site, donated weekly and
monthly prizes.
Denise added, “I am an avid fan of the television
show, so I was really excited when Body Systems
offered us the chance to be in our own Biggest Loser.
It was great fun and helped us all succeed.”
One participant, Nancy Tomko, said, “The Biggest
Loser Contest gave me the incentive to get started
and keep going.”
The program was such a hit that a second “Biggest
Loser Contest” is set to begin on September 1 for
another 13 weeks.
June 2009
33
From Corporate America to Yoga Mat
Excerpted from a story by Gina Puppo, Point Park University, on behalf of Yoga h’om
Her decision has taken her from business meetings to
a yoga mat back stage at a Steely Dan concert.
As a former assistant vice president at Mellon Financial Corporation, Donna Dyer was very passionate about
her job. She had it all.
At least so she thought.
After a serious back injury resulting in surgery, Donna
was desperate for relief and turned to yoga.
“Yoga not only aided in pain management, but pain
relief,” said Donna, owner of Yoga H’om studio in
Oakdale. “I needed to do what I loved.”
Like 30 million Americans, Donna decided to devote
herself fulltime to yoga. In 2004 she stepped down as
assistant vice president and is now one of the over 70
thousand yoga instructors estimated in the United
States.
“People just don’t understand what yoga is,” said
Kristi Rogers, a former architect and present owner of
BYS Yoga studio located in the South Side of Pittsburgh.
According to the text, “Yoga: Mind, Body & Spirit,”
yoga is a practice that began over 5,000 years ago in
India and its rich tradition is still evolving today. But
just what is it about the overall phenomenon of yoga and
why are so many people devoting their time to this
discipline?
“Yoga affects an individual psychologically and
emotionally,and that’s why it’s so popular, it’s a different
workout that focuses on breathing, relaxing, stretching,
flexibility, and strength,” said Leta Koontz who practices
yoga at Schoolhouse Yoga in Pittsburgh.
According to Donna, “The essence of yoga is to go
inward, to enjoy the moment,and be happy with the
person you are right then and there.”
Yoga has attracted over 30 million people for various
reasons.
“It seems to be a physical workout embraced by
celebrities gaining media coverage, and I think initially
people are searching for a workout regimen and give
yoga a try,” said Jim Rankin, assistant football coach at
Carnegie Mellon University. Jim began yoga because of
health concerns and continues his practice because it is
a workout that is not as hard on his body. “I would try
too hard with other workouts and injure myself.”
Adam Lucas, a yoga student at Yoga H’om, was drawn
to yoga because for him it was a way to get in shape and
physically train his body in a healthy and natural way. “I
think many people are looking for alternative ways to
improve their body...yoga allows people to work out in a
way they never thought imaginable, and in doing so they
are cleansing their mind, body, and soul.”
“People do yoga because their bodies ache, they are
mentally stressed, or they are looking for a different kind
of workout,” said Kristi. “All you need is a flexible mind.”
The Western culture is very driven and ambitious.
People are always stressed and going in different directions, and through yoga you learn to “practice being and
not doing,” said Leta. “We always want to do and not be.”
Whether yoga is a lifelong discipline or a pastime, it
brings with it the physical benefits. “The strength you
gain from the physical practice gives you the empowerment to do anything,” said Donna.
“If you have suffered, you must teach,” Donna said, “and
that’s what I needed to share with other people.
Whether backstage teaching members of the Steely Dan
band or in her yoga studio, the money is not her payment.
The practice is the reward.
Why Eating Healthy is Important
Compiled from various sources
You are what you eat. How many times have we
heard that mantra during our lifetimes? Or, follow the
food triangle, and you will get the right vitamins and
nutrients? Many of us learned that in school.
Over time, the choices of foods in the grocery store
have grown immensely. Instead of a few cereals on the
shelves, there are sometimes hundreds of choices. Even
fruit, vegetables, and dairy product choices have
proliferated over time. Do you like white milk? How
about whole milk, 2%, 1%, low-fat, or fat-free? Or, how
about soy milk, calcium-enriched milk, or any number
of flavored milks?
Do we really know what we eat in a given day? Any
food item can contain upwards of two dozen or more
ingredients, not to mention the additives, preservatives,
food colorings, and other ingredients to assure that a
product gets from its source to the shelf to your
stomach.
So, here’s an easy way to make eating and nutrition
simple, yet effective.
Write it down. You may ask, write everything I eat
down? How does one have time to do that? It is a task
that can help you determine what you eat in a given
week. Then compare your homework to food guidelines
and you will see how best to change what you put into
your body each and every day. You only have one body.
Feed it right! Remember, our health is our wealth. Take
care of it and preserve it!
“The health of one’s body is directly
tied to the wealth of one’s life.”
34
June 2009
36
June 2009
June 2009
37
38
June 2009
CCAC Extends Tuition Waiver
Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) has added more
certificate programs to its tuition waivers for dislocated workers.
Participants can choose from Emergency Medical Technician (EMT),
Paramedic (EMT), and Drug and Alcohol clinician training at the Allegheny
campus on the North Shore; Information Technology Support at the Boyce
campus in Monroeville; Nurse Aide training at the Downtown center on
Stanwix Street; Accounting at the North campus in McCandless; Medical
Assistant at the South Campus in West Mifflin; and Automotive Technology,
Heating and Air Conditioning Technology, and Welding Technology at the
West Hills Center in North Fayette.
For more information, call (412) 788-7351 or visit www.ccac.edu and
click on “Career Transition Center for Dislocated Workers.”
Publisher on Panel
“Allegheny West Magazine” publisher and editor Pat Jennette was invited to
join a panel of four regional media representatives as part of
Entrepreneurial Thursdays, held June 11 at Little E’s Jazz and Blues Club,
downtown. These networking events are a blend of business tips and jazz
interludes held weekly. For more information, call (412) 628-5048.
Dance Students Take Honors
Students of Prunzik’s Broadway Dance
Studio, owned by Karen Prunzik, recently
competed in the Access Broadway
Competition in Pittsburgh. Imperial resident
Natalie Sciulli took first place platinum for
her tap number. As a whole, the group
performed the number, “42nd Street,” and
won a platinum and a first place title. As a
result of their winning performances, all of
the dancers are now eligible to compete in
the summer finals to win the Broadway
Cup.
ABOVE: The performing team from Prunzik’s Broadway Dance Studio in
Robinson took first place for their rendition of “42nd Street.” Pictured,
front: Karly Krisovenski; center, Gabriela Zucckero, Chloe Kehm,
Natalie House, Giovanna Elo, Alina Sheykhet; back, Natalie Sciulli and
Karen Prunzik.
June 2009
39
STORY AND PHOTOS BY PAT JENNETTE
Law Day Ladies Extraordinaire
The courtrooms were packed at standing room only as Magisterial Judge Anthony Saveikis presented triple honors to three
outstanding women in the community for their service to their
hometowns.
Elsie Boustead, Erma Dodd, and Rita Melvin were honored
before family and friends, church and community acquaintances,
township and school representatives, Allegheny County Police
Superintendent Charles Moffatt, and the Honorable Gerard Bigley
of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas.
In his opening comments, Judge Saveikis said that, over the
years, a number of individuals have been named Law Day
recipients, including police officers, former West Allegheny School
District superintendent Dr. Charles Hughey, and others. But none
were women.
“It was time we honored some outstanding women in our
40
community for all they do,” he said.
Following introductions and a musical presentation by members
of the West Allegheny Eighth Grade Brass Quartet, Judge Saveikis
presented each of the three women with a copy of the book,
“Discovering Angels,” and a large hanging basket of flowers from
Janoski’s in Clinton.
He spoke of each woman’s individual talents in the community
and the impact their volunteerism, caring, and commitment has
had on those they have served.
Speaking about Elsie Boustead, he said, “She quietly does what
she does and doesn’t ask for any recognition.” He mentioned Elsie’s
other talents, which include being a self-taught pianist and a
vocalist with the Valley Church Choir. In between her volunteer
activities, Elsie enjoys gardening and canning.
He added, “Elsie is a very caring and compassionate lady who
ELSIE BOUSTEAD
ERMA DODD
RITA MELVIN
A former operator for Bell
Telephone Company, Elsie quietly
serves others in many capacities
in the community. A member of
Valley Church, Imperial for 49
years, Elsie is president of its
Women’s Association and a longtime choir member. At Valley, she
has served as both a deacon and
session member, and has taught
Sunday School. She is a member
of the Raccoon Women’s Club.
Members of the Imperial Lions
Club appreciate her cooking
talents, as she prepares meals for
their meetings. Elsie has
volunteered for Meals on Wheels
for the past 20 years. She has also
given her time to serve on the
local election board.
Erma is a quiet hero in the
community whose deeds are
numerous but are done with quiet
compassion, sincerity, and care. As
owner and operator of the Ft. Pitt
Motel, she is often known to house
those without a place to stay, help
recovering alcoholics on their path
to rehabilitation, and lend an ear
to friends and neighbors when
they need to talk. An active
member of Montours Presbyterian
Church, Erma coordinates the AlAnon support group meetings
there, and assists in many other
capacities at the church, including
the annual World Day of Prayer
program. She supports many
community and youth programs
and activities.
Known as the “pizza queen” at the
middle school dances and the
“apple lady” for the teachers and
staff, she has been the middle
school president for the past eight
years where she has assisted in
health screenings, teacher
appreciation lunches, and market
day programs. At least once
weekly she volunteers to
coordinate the school’s call-off
program. Rita has been a Meals on
Wheels volunteer for the past eight
years and has become a big part
of the Clinton Light Up DriveThrough Display, putting up lights,
sponsoring a tree, working the
gate, and taking down the lights.
She is active in her church and has
served as a CCD teacher.
June 2009
LEFT: Erma Dodd,
Rita Melvin, and
Elsie Boustead are
honored at this
year’s Law Day. In
the rear is District
Magistrate Anthony
Saveikis.
always has a smile and very seldom says ‘no’ when asked to do
something.”
As Judge Saveikis presented the award to Rita Melvin, he
spoke of her unparalleled commitment to both school and
community.
“Rita helps with any special fundraisers that the community
has whether it be to benefit needy families, shop, cook, clean
up, or sell tickets,” he said.
“Rita has poured her heart and soul into service because she is
someone who works quietly for others, never being expected to
be in the spotlight,” he read from a testimonial presented by
Debbie Mirich, president of the West Allegheny Board of
School Directors.
Lastly, Judge Saveikis presented his aunt, Erma Dodd, with
the final award.
“I know that I am not supposed to involve families in these
things, but my Aunt Erma is an angel and does so much for the
community that she just had to be remembered,” he said, giving her
a hug.
He spoke of Erma’s day to day deeds, whether it be helping a
family by providing free rooms at her hotel, the Fort Pitt, or
assisting a stranded traveler with food and fuel, or making sure
young people have a shoulder to lean on.
He spoke of Erma’s long-time commitment to coordinate AlAnon, a support program for families of alcoholics that is held at
Montours Presbyterian Church.
Erma is an active member of the church.
“She sees the good in everyone, and has this special touch to be
able to help anyone, anytime, and at the expense of her own
needs,” he said, referring to the fact that Erma has never picked up
a golf club, rarely takes a vacation, and nary takes a day off, because
she’s too busy helping others.
“These are all angels, and I am proud to recognize these wonderful ladies of the community for Law Day,” he said.
LAW DAY PRESENTATION REINFORCES LESSONS ON GOVERNMENT
During a Law Day Presentation focusing on Abraham Lincoln by
Magisterial Judge Anthony W. Saveikis on May 5, Donaldson fifth grade
students learned how the laws that abolished segregation were created
and have benefited society. The program, which included information
on the three branches of government and the Bill of Rights, reinforced
what the students were learning in a social studies unit on government.
Students had a chance to examine several historic legal documents,
including the Gettysburg Address and the Emancipation Proclamation.
Judge Saveikis also brought information on a current exhibit on Abraham
Lincoln at the Heinz History Center and photographs of Ford’s Theater.
Fifth grade teachers Tiffany Mangan, Tonya Zang, and Bonnie Nightingale
coordinated the activity.
The classroom program was followed by a presentation at Judge
Saveikis’s office of this year’s Law Day recipients, Elsie Boustead, Erma
Dodd, and Rita Melvin.
RIGHT: The West Allegheny Eighth
Grade Brass Quartet was featured
at the Law Day Program sponsored
by Magisterial Judge Anthony W.
Saveikis at his office on May 5.
Pictured are quartet members
Joseph Bandi, Alex Nolte, Melissa
Radovich, and Anthony Marucci.
The students performed a variety of
patriotic selections throughout the
awards ceremony honoring
residents Erma Dodd, Rita Melvin,
and Elsie Boustead for their
community service.
FAR RIGHT: Magisterial Judge
Anthony Saveikis talks to Donaldson
students.
June 2009
41
Heritage a Blue Distinction Center
Highmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Pittsburgh, has designated the
Beaver Campus of Heritage Valley Health System as a Blue Distinction Center
for Cardiac Care. To date, more than 400 facilities nationwide have received
a Blue Distinction Center for Cardiac Care designation.
To be designated as a Blue Distinction Center for Cardiac Care, Heritage
Valley Beaver met the selection criteria posted at www.BCBS.com.
Pittsburgh Pro Competes in Hershey
The Pittsburgh Pro Power
Competitive Dance and Cheer
teams traveled to Hershey on
May 9 for Cheer Power’s Battle of
the States All Star Cheerleading
and Dance National Competition.
The competition had over 200
entries from seven states.
In the dance division, top
dance awards for choreography
and high score went to the Pro
Power Senior Team. Team
members include Alyssa Brandy,
Kelsie Cappetta, Alexis Cuervo,
Jocelyn Curtis, Kelsi Curtis,
Brittany Dolan, Michaela Gerace,
Juli Irwin, Maria Jodikinos, Alyx
Mance, Tyler Pannell, and Kelly
Wiesner, coached by Kylie Runtas.
The Junior Team took home a
bronze medal. The Tinys danced
in the show division. In the
cheerleading division, the tiny
cheer squad and the youth cheer
squad also received awards.
Pittsburgh Pro Power is part of
the Pittsburgh Pro Performance
Centre in Imperial.
RIGHT: Top to bottom, dancers
and cheerleaders with the
Pittsburgh Pro Power receive
awards in competitions held
recently in Hershey.
42
June 2009
State Rep. Mark Mustio has been appointed by
House Republican Leader Sam Smith to serve on a
select committee to investigate the degree to which
minority, women, and disadvantaged-owned business
enterprises are receiving consideration for state
government contracting and other procurement
activities.
Unanimously enacted by the State House in March,
House Resolution 78 established this seven-member
committee in anticipation of the Federal American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, from which
Pennsylvania expects to receive significant funds for
infrastructure projects and other state government
needs.
The work of the committee is to conduct a
comprehensive review of the awarding of Commonwealth contracts and to ascertain the degree to
which minority, women, and disadvantage-owned
businesses have been awarded contracts between
January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2008; the
monetary value, geographic location, and number of
state contracts awarded to specific businesses; and
institutional, money, management, and market
barriers that may constrain participation and
recommendations to eliminate those barriers.
Information about doing business with state
government is available at www.dgs.state.pa.us.
State Senator John Pippy has been selected
chairman of the Senate Majority Policy Committee. In
that role, he will play a greater role in shaping sound
public policy.
Through hearings and meetings across the
Commonwealth, the committee is responsible for playing
a vital role in determining the impact of policy decisions
on citizens and taxpayers.
State Senator John Pippy has announced that the
following three bills have been passed and signed into
law:
Act 79 of 2008 expands programs that use tax
abatements to attract employers to Pennsylvania
communities; Act 85 of 2008 provides honor guards for
burials at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies; Act
93 of 2008 establishes a statewide Mutual Aid
Committee to assist counties and municipalities in
responding to disasters.
STATE SEN.
JOHN PIPPY
1009 Beaver Grade Road,
Suite 210
Moon Township, PA 15108
(412) 262-2260
[email protected]
STATE REP.
MARK MUSTIO
1009 Beaver Grade Road,
Suite 220
Moon Township, PA 15108
(412) 262-3780
www.repmustio.com
AUNT MINI SELF STORAGE
20 years at this location at Imperial Exit Routes 22-30
June 2009
43
STORY AND PHOTO BY PAT JENNETTE
Meet the Community’s
Officer Kevin Haggerty has been a member of North Fayette’s
police department for 16 years. Over that time, he has seen many
situations where a compassionate ear or a caring heart have been
helpful.
In particular, Kevin has seen many times right within the force,
where his fellow officers deal with the day to day stress of the job,
not wishing to take those stresses back to their families or their
personal lives, when they could have benefited from the support
of someone who could listen, advise, or pray with them.
“Over the last five to ten years a lot of police departments
nationwide are realizing the need to have someone in the capacity
of a chaplain to help deal with critical situations,” Kevin
explained.
When the shooting occurred at Settlers Place Apartments last
year, he went to Police Chief Jeff Falconer and said, “We need to
do something.”
“How do you immediately deal with such issues? We didn’t have
the capacity to provide that support to even our own
department.”
Kevin is a long-time Christian who has been involved in various
ministries since the early 1980s and throughout the 90s, particularly involving youth.
He takes his faith onto the streets, whether he’s in civilian
clothes or in uniform.
It seemed natural to Kevin to use that to benefit the police
department and the community at large.
“I reflect my Christianity in my job and the decisions I make,
so I wanted to learn how I could do that more effectively,” he
said.
His decision to seek out resources to become a police chaplain
fit right into Chief Falconer’s goal to engage the police department more actively in the community, not only to enforce the
laws, but to help the citizens get through bad situations.
Kevin said he has seen an increase is situations where people are
reacting in ways they did not react before, and he believes it has a
lot to do with the current economic situation that is occurring.
He sees people that are desperate and need help. The added
stress from losing jobs, and ultimately income, puts people under
different pressures and they react negatively.
It’s not just the adults feeling the pressure either. Kevin said
teenagers have stresses today they didn’t face in previous generations.
A father of four children with his wife, Kathy, he has a special
heart for the youth.
“At this stage in my life, I feel I can offer this service and the
youth will respond because they know me and are comfortable
with it,” he said.
Last year Kevin attended a four-day conference in Carlisle,
Pennsylvania, sponsored by the International Conference of Police
Chaplains. He asked Chief Falconer if he could go, and the chief
was more than happy to oblige.
The region of Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and
New York make up this segment of the chaplain’s organization.
What he learned while at the conference was that there were a lot of
departments in the east that had chaplains, but not much in this
part of the region.
He believes that he would be the first police chaplain on a fulltime police force in this suburban area.
In March, Kevin was invited by Erma Dodd from the community
to speak during the World Day of Prayer service at Montours
Church. He has asked that church’s board of session to consider
allowing him to be ordained as a chaplain under the police chaplain
organization.
The ordination involves becoming a police chaplain only, and
would allow Kevin to become a representative as such for North
Fayette’s department as well as the community as a whole where law
enforcement is involved.
While he does much of it already in an unofficial capacity, Kevin
hopes that he can utilize his additional training to mentor young
people through challenging times, assist at funerals, respond to
ambulance calls by speaking with
those affected by a situation
involving a victim, and simply
help individuals and families
by providing a support system
and resources to help them
through difficult times, particularly where the police department is involved.
“If it was me and someone
came knocking on the door, I
would want someone there
who could help me through a
difficult situation,” he
explained.
Through the chaplain
program, Kevin hopes the
police department will be
able to add that human
touch to an already safe
community.
The program will be
put into place in the
near future.
New Police
Chaplain
44
June 2009
PRESENTED BY
JOYCE JENNETTE
Flea and Tick Prevention Tips
Perhaps no area of veterinary
medicine has grown as rapidly as the
field of flea and tick control. Fleas have
become resistant to many products and,
with the explosion in flea numbers, there
are huge efforts aimed at controlling
them. Ticks can transmit a number of
diseases, so tick control is also
receiving more attention. Today’s
insecticides for pets have made great
advancements and a wide array of different compounds have been
made.
Attempting to control fleas on our pets is a multi-step process.
Adult fleas spend most of their time on an animal, but the flea eggs,
larvae, and pupae are found in the environment such as in carpeting,
rugs, bedding, and grass. For every flea that you see on your pet,
there are likely to be hundreds of eggs and larvae in your home and
yard. Therefore, a truly effective flea control program always
includes treating the environment as well as treating your pet.
Treat your pets with a reputable flea and tick product and make
sure it is applied on a regular schedule throughout the warm
weather season.
(Source: “www.peteducation.com”)
Joyce is the owner of Joyce’s Groom n’ Go, a mobile pet salon in North Fayette
serving the western suburbs of Allegheny County at one’s home or business. To
reach her, call (412) 225-6404 or visit www.jjgroomngo.com.
Learning Curves is provided as a service to advertisers of Allegheny West Magazine
to share educational and/or informational knowledge with the readership. To inquire
about Learning Curves, call (724) 695-3968.
Overnight boarding for dogs 50 Lbs
and under Cats welcome in our Kitty Condos
724/683-0794
Spacious Rooms, Private Patios, Heat/
AC, Automatic Water System, Nature
Walks
By Appointment Only
Whittengale Road
Oakdale, PA
June 2009
45
Community Youth Participate in National Pro Life Week
Last month community youth and young adults from Church of the Living
Christ in Imperial got together to participate in National Pro Life T-Shirt
Week. Each participant was challenged to wear their t-shirt throughout the
week and accomplish more than 100 tasks while wearing it. Each task was
worth points.
The contest was held nationwide to create awareness of the importance
of life.
The top 15 winners across the United States were recognized, and the top
five won prizes.
Out of the top 15, four of the local youths were winners. Megan Durik, 19,
took second place, and Kalli Goode, 11, placed fourth.
Additionally, Bayley Crawford placed eighth and Sara Bane placed 11th.
“This is an honor considering the thousands that participated all over,”
said Pastor Brian Henry of Church of the Living Christ.
ABOVE: Megan Durik, left, and Kalli Goode, right, placed second and fourth, respectively, across the United States in the National Pro Life T-Shirt
Week.
Resident Honored with Paul Harris Fellowship Award
ABOVE: Jim Glass, left, receives the Paul Harris
Fellowship Award from Brent Gaudio, current
president of the Parkway West Rotary, for outstanding
service.
46
June 2009
Jim Glass of North Fayette Township has been bestowed with this year’s Paul Harris Fellowship Award
by the Parkway West Rotary. The award is presented annually to either Rotary members or members of
the community who have given of their time and talents for the community.
Jim currently serves as the treasurer of the club, and has been active in numerous Rotary charity
events for many years, donating his time and talents repeatedly. Previously, he was an active volunteer
with the Boys Scouts of America. He is also a member of the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of
Commerce. Jim is a member of Valley Church in Imperial, and has served in leadership capacities there
while a member.
The Paul Harris Fellowship is named for the late Paul Harris, who founded Rotary with three business
associates in Chicago in 1905. The Fellowship was established in his honor in 1957 to express
appreciation for the contribution of funds to the humanitarian and educational programs of The Rotary
Foundation.
Rotarians designate Paul Harris Fellow awards to recognize members from their club and leaders
from the community whose lives demonstrate a shared purpose with the objectives and mission of The
Rotary Foundation to build world understanding and peace.
Rotary President is CF Honoree
Brent Gaudio, currently president of the Parkway West Rotary, has been
selected by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation this year as one of Pittsburgh’s 50
Finest Class of 2009. Brent is an insurance consultant with HHM Insurors in
Moon Township, and a Robinson Township resident.
As one of this year’s class of young professional men and women, Brent has
committed to raising $5,000 to help the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation realize its
mission of controlling and curing Cystic Fibrosis.
To help Brent reach his goal, log onto the Web site at org/LWC/BrentGaudio,
or contact Brent directly by e-mail at: [email protected].
West Allegheny Honors Employees
West Allegheny School District recently honored long-time employees for
their service to the district.
Honored for 35 years of service were Sandra Huling, Mary Alice Medlin,
Karen Evans Meyers, Leon Strimel, and Mardelle Walk. Carol Britton, Carol
Lowry, and Phyllis Reuss were recognized for 30 years of service, and five
employees were recognized with 25 years of service. They were Rich Cecil,
Munaii Franjione, Barbara Liberto, Nancy Sale, and Tom Snyder.
Employees serving for 20, 15 and 10 years were also recognized.
BINGO
at the
STURGEON
Volunteer Fire Department
EVERY FRIDAY
NIGHT:
$2.00 OFF
EARLY BIRD at 6:30 PM
BINGO at 7 PM
526 Main Street, Sturgeon
Hall Rentals Available
(724) 926-9149
COUPON
1 CPN PER PLAYER
PER NIGHT
NOT VALID WITH ANY
OTHER COUPON
expires 7/31/09
Air Conditioned
Forbes Fund Recognizes ACTA
The Forbes Fund has recognized the Airport
Corridor Transportation Association (ACTA) as an
outstanding nonprofit organization in the Pittsburgh
region for its management excellence as a
consumer centered organization that “...values
constituent input which is an essential component
of assuring that an agency’s programs are
matched with the needs of its clients.”
AWM
NEW IN TOWN
Coldwell Banker - Chartiers Landing
Chartiers Landing is a new housing development located in Robinson
Township off of Country Club Drive. Micole Carsia Tucker of Coldwell Banker
Real Estate Services is the agent for this beautiful plan that features custom
homes starting in the $370s. Three custom builders -- Castelucci Construction, Londonbury Homes, and Paragon Homes -- will work with customers to
design a floor plan specifically for them. Or, customers are welcome to bring
their own floor plans.
Chartiers Landing features the cul-de-sac concept with 23 beautiful
homesites and an average lot size of half-acre. Also featured are sidewalks,
street lamps, and private backyards.
What’s more, Chartiers Landing is convenient to downtown Pittsburgh,
shopping, restaurants and more, with direct accessibility just minutes from
Routes 60, 79, and 279.
For more information, or to make an appointment, contact Micole at (412)
861-3095 or (412) 831-5555, ext. 296. Or, reach Micole by e-mail at [email protected]. Visit www.pittsburghmoves.com/
chartierslanding for more information.
Stacy Jo’s Eat Dessert First!
Stacy Jo Palas of Robinson Township proudly announces the opening of
Stacy Jo’s at 5890 Steubenville Pike, located across from Studio Ten
Photography in Robinson Township.
Stacy and her husband, Thomas, have owned and operated this location
since 1997. The new concept offers a frozen dessert that Stacy developed
with the help of an international frozen dessert expert. The menu includes a
variety of premium soft-serve sundaes, mixers (similar to blizzards),
milkshakes and cones. Order a celebration bucket, ice cream cake, or sundae
cake and add a personal message for that next birthday or special occasion.
Additionally, Stacy Jo has added an espresso bar for hot and iced drinks and
smoothies, using the popular Prestogeorge coffee roaster products.
Hungry patrons can enjoy the Red Hot Chicago brand, all-beef Chicagostyle hotdogs on a poppy-seed bun with a kosher dill pickle, spicy peppers,
onions, relish, mustard, cheese, and celery salt. Also now on the menu are
soft pretzels with or without cheese, nachos, and Italian Ice.
Stacy Jo has been in the frozen dessert business since 1991. She said,
“We understand the importance of high quality products at affordable prices.”
A drive-through is coming soon, and a grassy area on the property provides
a place where friends and family can bring a blanket, sit and enjoy their ice
cream, food, and drinks. Also, Stacy Jo offers fundraising opportunities and
can come to events and parties.
Stacy Jo’s is open from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Call (412) 490-0940.
Ready to get healthier for summer? It’s
easy and fun—just sign up for the Ready,
Set, Walk! Challenge. The challenge just got
underway. When you sign up—by going to the
Walk Challenge Web site at www.walkchallenge.org—you’ll receive a walking kit
that includes a pedometer, a t-shirt, and
information. Count your steps and log them
on the Web site during the eight week
challenge. Along the way, you’ll receive motivating updates and newsletters, and people
logging the most steps will win prizes. This summer’s Walk Challenge is jointly sponsored
by ACTA and the region’s two other transportation management associations—the
Oakland TMA and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership TMA.
Robinson Plaza Two, Route 60 & Park Manor Drive Suite 420, Pittsburgh PA 15205
(412) 809-3505, Fax: (412) 809-3509 www.acta-pgh.org
June 2009
47
China Trip Opportunity to Come Back Next Spring
After months of preparation, the Pittsburgh Airport Area
Chamber of Commerce’s (PAACC) first “Experience China” trip
received all-around positive feedback. Close to 40 individuals
from the Pittsburgh Region accompanied chamber
representatives, on the nine-day trip.
“The trip exceeded our expectations,” said Chamber
president Sally Haas, who led the delegation from Pittsburgh.
“From the hotels to the tour guides, to the flow of activities
each day, it added up to an incredible China Experience.” This
was her second trip to China, having previously been part of
a Pittsburgh delegation the traveled there two years ago.
“The difference between this trip over my last one was that
we had an opportunity to really see how the people live, the
richness of their history, and saw and experienced more of
the countryside.” Sally added, “We included an evening where
businesses interested in making a connection could meet with China
businesses and other members from Chambers from across the United
States.” She went on to explain that by the end of the trip there were people
who hadn’t even been thinking of doing business in China now open to
exploring that option.
One of the key objectives of exploring China was to not only create
awareness about business opportunities, but to heighten cultural
awareness.
As promised, the tourists visited The Great Wall, Tianamen Square, the
Forbidden City, the lingering Garden and much more. After a morning boat
cruise on West Lake, the crew journeyed through jewel-like pagodas, tea
houses, and the National Embroidery Institute. Cities visited included Beijing,
Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou.
“Everyone I talked to thought it was an amazing trip,” said Jill Kipper,
Educational Services and Membership Representative for PAACC who
coordinated much of the details for the trip. “Our participants told us they
felt like it was a steal because it was such a great deal and a fantastic
value.”
“Fabulous. Wonderful. Great. Can’t even describe it, but what a way to
spend my 60th birthday!” said Rochelle Rozytelli from Oakdale.
48
June 2009
The Chamber will be offering the “China Experience” in April 2010, with an
option for participants to visit Xi’An. Known for its cultural and historical
significance, participants on the Xi’An tour will tour The Museum of Terra
Cotta Warriors and Horses, the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huan, and
the City Wall of the Ming Dynasty.
“For those that may have been overwhelmed by the thought of organizing
a trip to China, this is an incredibly affordable and easy way to see and
experience an exotic Country,” said Sally. “It is truly an experience of a
lifetime!”
The next trip to China will be April 9-17, 2010, a nine-day, seven-night
package. Cost is $1,999 and includes international airfare, hotel stays,
transportation, three full meals each day, English-speaking tour guides,
admission to all tours and attractions. Non-chamber members will be
charged an additional $100.
Attend the free informational meeting on June 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. held at
the PAACC Conference Room (850 Beaver Grade Road, Moon Township) to
learn more details on “Experience China.” Additional informational meetings
will be held on July 14 and August 19.
Look for updated details on the “Experience China” trip in 2010 on the
web at www.paacc.com or call (412) 264-6270.
Chamber Selected to Attend U.S. Chamber
Business LEADs Seminar in Washington, D.C.
The Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce was selected by the U.S. Chamber of
Commerce’s Institute for a Competitive Workforce to attend the Business LEADs Institute, a threeday seminar in Washington, D.C in June. Selected for her leadership in the community, Chamber
president, Sally Haas joined 32 other business leaders from around the nation to learn how the
business community can utilize its assets to drive positive transformation in communities across
America in education and workforce training.
“Educating and training Americans for the jobs of the 21st century is essential to long-term
economic growth in this country,” said Arthur J. Rothkopf, senior vice president of the U.S.
Chamber of Commerce. “This program will allow the business community to play an active role in
improving student success and the United State’s ability to compete globally.”
The seminar, part of a $2.6 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is the first of
five Business LEADs Institutes which will develop and train a network of business leaders on
education issues, network organization, and communications to empower them to be effective
advocates for improving America’s education system.
“The Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce has proven to be deeply committed to the
success of its community and its citizens,” said Rothkopf. “The Business LEADs program will
provide leaders like Sally Haas with the knowledge and resources to help prepare the next generation
of young people for a rapidly changing world.”
Welcome New Members
A Party Place Rentals
Agilite Technology Solutions LLC
All Star Sports Bar & Grill
Allegiance Staffing
Always Your Best Choice
in Plumbing, Heating & Cooling
American Buyers Discount
BookSmarts LLC
Classic Limousine Transportation LLC
Dale Property Services Penn, LLC
EMS ConEd
EWC Advisors, LLC
Five Sparrows
Fourth River Development
GACC Printing
Happy Tailz Spa
Heartland Payment Systems
Independent Skin Care & Make-Up Advisor Sue Kotrick
Inn at Greentree
Jennings & Company, CPA, PC
Market America
MS Refreshments
New York Life Company
Niko’s Coffee House
Pittsburgh Chop House
Pittsburgh Ohio Valley Hospital Foundation
PuroClean
RTM Asset Management LLC
Single Source Solution
Smith Barney - Sandra Caruso
StaffZilla
The Trade Group
Coming Up . . .
JUNE 24
Chamber “U” - Establishing an Effective
Team, PAACC Conference Meeting
Room, 11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m.
JULY 23
Business After Hours - BeaveRun
Motor Complex, 5 - 7:30 p.m.
To Reach Us
850 Beaver Grade Road
Moon Township PA 15108
Phone: (412) 264-6270
Fax: (412) 264-1575
Satellite Office:
One Veteran’s Way, Carnegie PA 15106
Phone: (412) 276-1414 x1326
www.paacc.com E-Mail: [email protected]
Serving These Areas
Aliquippa, Ambridge, Carnegie, Clinton, Collier,
Coraopolis, Crafton, Crescent, Edgeworth,
Findlay, Glenfield, Greentree, Haysville,
Heidelberg, Hopewell, Ingram, Kennedy,
Leetsdale, McDonald, McKees Rocks, Moon
Township, Neville Island, North Fayette,
Oakdale, Osborne, Pennsbury Village,
Robinson, Rosslyn Farms, Sewickley, Stowe,
and Thornburg
Chamber Officers
SEAN HENDERSON, Chairman
BECKY COURSON, 1st Vice-Chair
GLENN LYTLE, 2nd Vice-Chair
DAN MURPHY, Vice-Chair
BERNADETTE PUZZOULE, Vice-Chair
MATT ROACH, Treasurer
DR. NEAL FANELLI, Immed. Past Chairman
Chamber Staff
SALLY HAAS, President
MICHELLE KREUTZER, VP, Bus. Devel/Mktg.
CONNIE RUHL, Spec. Proj. Coord.
LINDSAY HEWITT, Events/Mbr. Svcs. Coord.
JILL KIPPER, Special Projects Representative
STEPHANIE SHEAFFER, Communications Coordinator
June 2009
49
At West Allegheny High School . . .
Patience is a virtue. It makes rush hour traffic less aggravating,
ability to focus, particularly her first year class.
supermarket lines less painful, and is finally starting to pay off for the
The new wing will also allow the high school’s art department to
West Allegheny High School students, staff, and faculty.
accommodate more students than was possible previously. Though
Approximately one year and millions of dollars later, the renovations
enough space was provided for the current student population,
and new construction the high school has undergone is beginning to
transfer students were often unable to join the art program in the old
come to fruition. One of the first completed areas of the school is the
space. The new art wing will now have room for any latecomers to the
new art wing, a portion of the building which meets art teacher Susan
program, and will offer plenty of space for the rest of the art students,
Caretta’s high standards.
with a little more elbow room than before.
After waiting for roughly two years for the design to reach
With such a beautiful new space, it would be negligent not to utilize
completion, West Allegheny High School’s art department moved into
it to its fullest potential. Though there are no plans for additional
its new wing on April 1 of this year. The newly constructed wing is
faculty members or a larger budget at this time, there is new
located on the lower level of the building, and boasts several new
curriculum being written by Susan Caretta and Carol DeWitt. Set to
features, including more space
be implemented during the
and storage, new equipment, and
2010-2011 school year, some of
tack-able walls to easily display
the possible courses include
the plethora of artwork created
3D, sculpture, graphic design,
by students. Susan’s favorite
ceramics, and stained glass.
addition, however, is the floorThere have also been talks of
to-ceiling windows along several
offering community classes in
walls of her classroom. As an
the evenings.
instructor who loves to teach
“I’m sure that we could
painting and color, the natural
probably get something going,
light now easily accessible to her
if there was enough interest,”
students is a dream come true.
Susan commented on the
There is now enough space for
subject.
students to permanently set up
Although the art area may be
easels, an element that many
the pride of the new lower level
students have chosen to take
wing, it is not the only addition
advantage of in the classroom.
that has accompanied the high
Although increasing the art
school’s renovations and new
ABOVE: West Allegheny High School art students Ashley Gerhart, Nabeel
Haque, and Jaclyn Placha are among the first students to have classes in
space was an important priority
construction. Technology
the new high school academic wing that opened in mid April.
of the renovations – there are
education has moved to the
now three fully-functional
new location, along with the
classrooms, as opposed to the previous two – other needs were met
Junior ROTC program. The technology education program now has
with the completion of the new wing. With the previous space dating
an improved facility, featuring new CAD labs and other technological
back to the 1960s, building a modernized space was clearly necessary.
advances.
The updated wing includes a separate kiln room with safety features, a
With new space and equipment, the technology education program
fire cabinet for flammables, more organized storage space, and an
now has the ability to flourish, and it is doing just that through its
additional five potter’s wheels,
new pre-engineering program that
bringing the department’s total to
will begin in the fall. This
seven. Although moving
program, with curriculum
everything into the new art wing
covering topics such as
was a daunting and arduous task,
engineering, design, and
it has allowed both Susan Caretta
development, is in no way meant
and her fellow art teacher Carol
to intimidate students who are
DeWitt to organize their supplies
not quite sure if they are cut out
into stations, such as painting,
for engineering. Rather, it is
sculpting, and drawing.
intended to expose students to new opportunities.
Better organization, more space, and plenty of natural light all help
When asked about the intensity of the program, Dr. John DiSanti,
to create an atmosphere more conducive to learning for students.
school district superintendent, replied, “If you know this is what
Moving to the new lower level of the building has created a private
you’re going to do, you want to take it. If you want to see, ‘is this
area for the art department. This seclusion creates a quieter learning
something I would enjoy doing,’ then there’s that opportunity to get
environment, especially compared to the previous location where a
your feet wet.”
high volume of foot traffic provided almost constant distractions.
Having moved into the new wing, the technology education
Susan said that she has already noticed a difference in her students’
“Better organization, more space, and
plenty of light all help to create an
atmosphere more conducive to learning
for students.”
50
June 2009
BY CARLEY LANG
PHOTOS COURTESY WEST ALLEGHENY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Good Things Come to Those Who Wait
program is shifting away from the traditional industrial arts and
into a more modernized type of technology education. This transfer
of focus will concentrate more on curriculum that is centered on
technologically advanced systems, including programs that will
allow students to create their designs on a computer, which then
sends it to a machine for perfect execution. With tools such as this,
courses will cover material that is currently relevant to the
technology and engineering fields, and will begin to prepare
students for university level studies.
As advanced as the pre-engineering program may be, technology
education is not the only program tto benefit from the new wing.
The Junior ROTC program has also been transplanted into the new
space, a move that seems to have been a long time coming.
Due to the program’s arrival after nearly all of the available
classrooms were taken, Junior ROTC operated in less than ideal
conditions, primarily being forced to tolerate a very crowded space.
Thankfully, however, with the new lower level wing came some
breathing room – the Junior ROTC program has been relocated to
a much larger, quality space with a large classroom, office, and
uniform storage.
Despite the fact that the new lower level wing is completed,
along with about 24 classrooms and several restrooms and locker
rooms, there is still one immense piece of the puzzle missing: the
auditorium.
Set to be completed by December 2009, the Stewart Morgan
Auditorium will seat just under 1,000 people in its newly renovated
space. With an elevated stage, more space, and new technology, the
capabilities of the new auditorium will be much improved. Once
completed, the auditorium will allow the school to create more
elaborate sets and sophisticated productions.
Another exciting aspect of the new auditorium will be its
rehearsal preparation room. The new room will contain a wooden
dance floor, storage, and an area for costumes and makeup. With so
many new features, the renovated auditorium will be able to serve
more functions than it could previously, such as meeting
community demands and even hosting professional artists.
“I’m very proud of how our students, staff, and visitors have
adapted during the construction phase,” commented Dr. DiSanti.
With so much finished and more to come in the near future, it
seems as though everyone’s adaptation to the less than ideal
circumstances will be worth it in the end. If anyone can appreciate
the saying “patience is a virtue,” it is the students, staff, and faculty
of West Allegheny High School. But come December 2009, they
will all be familiar with another, less common phrase: good things
come to those who suffer through months of construction.
Carley Lang is an alumna of West Allegheny High School, currently studying
public relations at Penn State University. She is presently a summer intern with
Allegheny West Magazine.
RIGHT: Top, students take advantage of the wide open classroom
environment of the new art center in the new high school wing; middle,
the beam gets lifted into place in anticipation of adding onto the high
school auditorium; bottom, the new engineering classroom awaited
finishing touches this spring.
June 2009
51
West Allegheny School District
Honors Night 2009
Uni
sity of Cincinna
Univver
ersity
Cincinnatiti – Kenechukwu Okoye
tional Ac
hie
holar
ship – Kenechukwu Okoye
National
Achie
hievvement Sc
Scholar
holarship
Na
Na
tional Merit Sc
holar
ship – Kenechukwu Okoye
National
Scholar
holarship
ber Human RRela
ela
tions Awar
Ca
plan-Lie
elations
Caplan-Lie
plan-Lieber
ardd – Akshay Hari
Montour Valle
ang
holar
ship – Olesia Stasko/
alleyy Gr
Grang
angee Sc
Scholar
holarship
Amanda Schiff
holar
Dr
ohn RRohm
ohm Sc
ship – Sarah LaRue
holarship
Dr.. JJohn
Scholar
Fer
holar
ship - Olesia Stasko
errr y/Boeing Sc
Scholar
holarship
Zimmer FFamil
amil
ounda
tion – Tricia Glorioso
amilyy FFounda
oundation
Har
ris Memorial Science Sc
holar
ship – Kayla Rohbeck
Harris
Scholar
holarship
Mar
ship – Elaina Vaughan
etti Sc
holar
holarship
Maryy Mor
Moretti
Scholar
West Alle
ghen
holar
ship – Ethan Thompson/
Alleghen
ghenyy Alumni Sc
Scholar
holarship
Kelly Steel
ship – Keri Dantley
Maria Yvonne FFrr az
ee Pr
holar
holarship
azee
Preevost Sc
Scholar
West Alle
ghen
holar/Athlete Awar
Alleghen
ghenyy Sc
Scholar/Athlete
ardd – Justin DiSanti,
Ethan Thompson, Olesia Stasko, Keri Dantley
WPIAL Awar
ardd – Kristen Lang & Zachary Scott
LEFT: Stacy Teierle represented the seven valedictorians at this year’s
commencement for the West Allegheny High School Class of 2009.
Mar
ook Memorial Tec
holar
ship – Ethan
Markk Stainbr
Stainbrook
echh Sc
Scholar
holarship
Thompson
U.S
my RReser
eser
tional Sc
holar/Athlete – Stacy Teierle
.S.. Ar
Arm
eservve Na
National
Scholar/Athlete
& Justin DiSanti
U.S
my RRO
OTC Sc
holar
ship – Jesse Lesko
.S.. Ar
Arm
Scholar
holarship
USMC RRecr
ecr
uiting Semper Fidelis Awar
ecruiting
ardd (Band) – Kevin Snyder
USMC Sc
holastic Ex
cellence Awar
Scholastic
Excellence
ardd – Mallory Hennemuth &
Akshay Hari
USMC Distinguished Athlete Awar
ardd – Kristen Lang/
Zachary Scott
Ar
mstr
ong Tele
phone Co
Armstr
mstrong
elephone
Co.. – Tricia Glorioso
holar
ship – Leslie Acock
Ryan Madonna Sc
Scholar
holarship
Penn Sta
te Sc
holar
ship Awar
State
Scholar
holarship
ardd – Mike Walker, Justin DiSanti
John Geisler Awar
ardd – Kelly Steel/Tricia Glorioso
lo Awar
Car
ardd – Justin DiSanti/Akshay Hari
Carll DeCar
DeCarlo
Christmas Light Up Sc
holar
ship – Angeline McGraw
Scholar
holarship
Academic Competition Letter–
Letter Cody Bailey, Katie Hough,
Ryan Karr, Lulu Lajmiri, Ken Okoye
WA FFounda
ounda
tion Sc
holar
ship – Akshay Hari/Alicia Lanni
holarship
oundation
Scholar
2009 Valedictorians
Middle School Students Inducted into NJHS
Seven West Allegheny High School seniors from
the class of 2009 qualified for valedictorian status:
Justin DiSanti, Akshay Hari, Alicia Lanni, Kayla
Rohbeck, Kevin Snyder, Stacy Teierle, and Ethan
Thompson.
Stacy Teierle represented the seven
valedictorians in delivering the keynote address at
the commencement ceremony. Her post graduation
plans include attending college at the University of
Pittsburgh. Her parents are Joseph and Gloria
Teierle of North Fayette Township.
Justin DiSanti plans to pursue a career in
psychology at Penn State University Schrayer’s
Honor College. He and his parents John and Judy
DiSanti are residents of North Fayette Township.
Akshay Hari is enrolled in the University of
Pittsburgh with plans for a career in engineering.
His parents are Muth Us Wami and Vimala Hari of
Oakdale.
Alicia Lanni aspires to a career as a clinical
pharmacist beginning with classes at Gannon
University in the fall. Tom and Debra Lanni of North
Fayette Township are her parents.
Kayla Rohbeck looks forward to a career as a
marine biologist beginning her studies at the Florida
Institute of Technology. She lives in Oakdale with her
parents R.J. and Kelly Rohbeck.
Kevin Snyder will attend Youngstown State
University next year to prepare for a career as a
college professor of music education. His parents
are Charles and Mary Ann Snyder of McDonald.
Ethan Thompson has selected mechanical/
aerospace engineering and has enrolled at Penn
State University. Thomas and Linda Thompson of
North Fayette Township are his parents.
The following students were inducted into the West Allegheny Middle School chapter of the National
Junior Honor Society (NJHS) on April 17: eighth graders Frank Chen, Elysse Cimoch, Wyatt Gardner, Nick
Hower, Katie Hutton, Robyn Lutz, and Erica Schweinsberg; and seventh graders Heather Amper, Andrew
Becker, Sarah Becker, Jesse Bolind, Jarrett Bordo, Ryan Borgo, Jed Buck, Carli Cardillo, Theresa
Diffendal, Gabie Eaborn, Alaina Fritz, Michaela Gardner,
Zach Graziani, Ray Haim, Alexis Irwin, Lara Jakiel, Justin
Josey, Haley Joyce, Josh Kolarac, Aubrey Leasure, Lizzie
Murn, Alec Palmer, Jocelyn Perry, Logan Powell, Tanner
Sansonetti, Vishu Saravanan, Zach Scott, Rachel Smith,
Cole Toulouse, Emma Wilson, and Spencer Wolfe.
This honor is reserved for seventh and eighth grade
students who have maintained at least a 3.5 grade
point average during middle school and who have
demonstrated the qualities of leadership, service,
character, and citizenship. Jeff Kiser is the staff advisor.
52
June 2009
Congratulations Class of 2009!
Congratulations
Class of 2009
Chorus Grabs Multiple Honors
The West Allegheny High School Choruses, under the
direction of Earl Wiechelt, Jr. returned home from the
Williamsburg Music Festival Choral Competition, held
April 30-May 3 in Williamsburg, Virginia, with multiple
trophies. Strong performances by all students resulted
in three group awards as well as four individual awards.
Top honors went to the Senior Chorus with a first
place in class AAA mixed choir and to the Show Choir
with a first place in show choir class. The freshman and
sophomore chorus finished in second place in class AA
mixed choir.
At the individual level, seniors Erin Brady and Marie
Dabat received outstanding solo awards while junior
Jessie Crawford and freshman Tiffany Wiechelt earned
outstanding accompanist awards as well.
Supporting Fallen Heroes
ABOVE: McKee Elementary fifth grader Stephanie
Accorsi presented a check to Larry Ferrilli and Sam
Muoio of the Pittsburgh Police SWAT Team on May 13
for the Fallen Heroes Fund to benefit the families of
recently slain Pittsburgh Police Officers Eric Kelly,
Paul Sciullo II, and Stephen Mayhle. At right is Tom
Orr, McKee Elementary principal. Collier Township
Police Officer Bill Oslick, father of McKee kindergarten
student Payton Oslick, was also on hand for the
presentation.
In response to the recent police tragedy in
Pittsburgh, three West Allegheny students at McKee
Elementary School took the initiative to raise money for
the Fallen Heroes Fund to benefit the families of the
three slain police officers Eric Kelly, Paul Sciullo II, and
Stephen Mayhle.
Fifth grader Stephanie Accorsi convinced the student
council to sponsor a team dress-up day on April 23.
For a monetary donation to the fund, students and
staff were able to wear their favorite team shirt or hat
to school that day. McKee Student Council staff
advisors Mary Beth Hill and Scott Meehan reported the
event generated $370.25 for the fund.
Besides the school-wide effort, first grader Macy
Priddy and second grader Eva LaGard raised an
additional $13 on their own by operating a Kool-Aid
stand in their neighborhood.
Steven Carl Abel
Lindsay Marie Abrams
Leslie Ann Acock
Jose Elias Antonio Alisasis
Erica Leigh Allman
Amy Lynn Amper
Brittany Marie Anderson
Shelby Nicole Annesi
Antonia Elizabeth Arch
Nicholas Charles Atallah
Jennifer Danielle Augustin
David Anthony Auxer
Lauren Marie Azurin
Cody William Bailey
Meagan Renee Bailey
Paige Victoria Bain
Lynsey Dale Baker
Rachel Lynne Bartley
Joseph William Beaumont
Arielle Larue Bednar
Brian Joseph Begly
Brian Joseph Beyerbach
Zarley William Binder
Amal Hussein Bitar
Ashley Jayne Boebel
Garrett Matthew Bolin
Marissa Gloria Bollman
Erin Nicole Brady
Jami Jo Brennen
Alexis Krystine Brooks
Emily Ann Brooks
Nathan Michael Brown
Jesse Mark Buck
Alexandra Alice Bugay
Jonathan Thomas Burke
Christopher Troy Calderon
Daniel Michael Cannon
Kelsie Ann Cappetta
Kayla Elyse Carson
Leigh Ann Casciola
Karl Heinz Cavanaugh, Jr.
Kasey Lee Chromack
Jonathan Brooks Ciaramella
Samantha Johanna Columbus
Kenneth James Cool
Brittany Nicole Coury
Zachary Alexander Cronin
Brandon Michael Csuhta
Jeffrey Michael Cupelli
Mary Ann D’Loss
Marie Ann Dabat
Dominique Christine D’Amico
Keri Sherice Dantley
Tyler Joseph Darabant
Joshua Ross Deleuze
Melissa Anne Delval
Deidre Marie DeSantis
Jenna Marie Dezulovich
Chad Matthew Dillon
Justin Samuel DiSanti
Derek John Douglas
Kylie Adair Dragan
Amanda Lynn Drnach
Katie Jaclyn Duffy
Kylie Richell Dunn
Nicholas Alan Dymkowski
Raymond Edward Forrester
Michael John Forsythe
Jesse Phillip Franklin
Jessica Leigh Franklin
Sarah Lauren Freese
Savannah Lynn Freese
Frank Evan Frisco
Danielle Maxine Gary
Niklas Edward Gerhart
Justin Kenneth Gloor
Tricia Louise Glorioso
Daniel Allen Godfrey
Steven Marshall Godleski
Evan William Goffart
Brianna Elizabeth Grover
Corey David Hall
Syed Raheel Haque
Akshay Hari
Zachary George Harris
Justin Richard Haskins
Ross Patrick Healey
Mallory Lynne Hennemuth
Brandon Durrah Henry
Brandon Michael Hickey
Nicholas Kenneth Hickmott
Rachel Leah High
Cheyenne Rae Hindman
Cortnie Nicole Hirschfield
Brandon Joseph Holub
Justin Robert Holub
Jay Kevin Hough, Jr.
Kathryn Marie Hough
Erik Ronald Huart
Alexandra Lynn Ishman
Joyce Lenette Jackson
Connor Daniel Jennings
Derek Tyler Johns
Brooke Lauren Joseph
Ryan Thomas Karr
Zachary Jacob Richard
Kasznel
Megan Elizabeth Kaulius
Jacob Joseph Kelsey
Ryan Benjamin Kelvington
Nathan Allen Kencec
Megan Elizabeth Kline
Michael Corey Kost
William Glenn Krszal, Jr.
Dillon Daniel Krull
Robert Paul Kubatka
Taylor Ryan Kulak
Melissa Leann Lagambo
Laudan Lajmiri
Kristen Michelle Lang
Joel Raymond Langmann
Alicia Marie Lanni
Sarah Elizabeth Larue
Jacob Stanley Leninsky
Jesse Joseph Lesko, III
Von Edelman Lester
Stephanie Ann Link
Faleshia Brooke Logar
Rachael Catherine Logut
Alexis Christian Long
Kourtnie Leigh Luster
Mary Michelle Lutz
Kelly Renee Mace
Alexander Ronald Makar
Ryan Regis Malie
Jacob Michael Maloney
Matthew Gary Mancini
Matthew Marlowe
Amanda Angelique Marr
Alicia Elizabeth Martinez
Lauren Nicole Marucci
Angel Elizabeth Matheny
Timothy John McCarthy
Garrett Lee McCracken
Amanda Cathleen McDonald
John James McDonald
Angeline McGraw
Ian Taylor Paige McIntosh
Richard Alexander McIntyre
Danielle Nicole McKee
Matthew Jacob Mercurio
Matthew Walter Merhaut
Galina Anne Mesko
Shannon Nicole Messner
Justin Michael Meyers
Brittany Ashley Mikkelsen
Laura Jean Minto
Katherine Marie Mirich
Nadia Marie Moore
Richard Edward Moore
Alexis Joy Mullins
James Edward Myers
Brandon Nelson
Michael Albert Nussbaum
Kenechukwu Michael Okoye, Jr.
David Nelson Olshinsky
Daniel James Orr
Alexis Breanna Ostrander
Michael Alexander Oswalt
Katherine Elizabeth Parnell
Kyle Marie Parrish
Jacqueline Marie Partee
Nicole Dominique Patton
Spencer Thomas Pearce
Gregory Matthew Pencosky
Julian Carpenter Pendergast
Cory Robert Peterson
Annie Rose Petrella
Kari Anastasia Pifer
Zachary Stephen Ponevac
Kevin Charles Snyder
Jonathan Richard Sossong
Joshua David Speer
Karen Ann Spotskey
Olesia Tatyana Stasko
Kelly Ann Steele
Jacob Henry Stein
Karli Rae Strahler
Donley Bryant Stretch
Katie Ann Stripp
Kevin Andrew Stripp
Nicholas Charles Sturm
Anthony Daniel Sweet
Danielle Marie Szymanski
Terry Dale Tackett, Jr.
Stacy Ann Teierle
Ethan Neal Thompson
Kayla Ann Thomson
Andrew James Tilley
Brant Jeffrey Toulouse
Senior Awards
Art – Megan Kaulius
Band – Kelly Steele
Business/Computer – Lindsay Abrams
Chorus – Brittany Coury
English – Kathryn Hough
Family Consumer Science – Dominique D’Amico
Foreign Language:
German – Kathryn Hough
Spanish – Tricia Glorioso
French - Alicia Lanni
Math – Kathryn Hough
Physical Education:
Boys – Akshay Hari, Niklas Gerhart
Girls – Kristen Lang, Olesia Stasko
Science – Kayla Rohbeck
Social Studies – Kathryn Hough
Technology – Kevin Stripp
Travis James Post
Tyler Emerick Pratte
Rachael Lindsey Ranick
Brandon Timothy Redlinger
Andrew Louis Reed
Brittani Nicole Reed
Rachel Nicole Rodgers
Kayla Ann Rohbeck
Alexander John Roland
Kristina Marie Rosemeier
Zachery Brabson Ross
Julius Ray Rowell
Corinna Joye Rozum
Dana Rae Rozum
Nicholas Thomas Rugani
John Marvin Ryniawec, III
Elizabeth Mae Sanders
Mason James Scaccia
Robert John Schaefer
Amanda Leigh Schiff
Sarah Nicole Schneider
Brandon Matthew Schrecengost
Zachary Paul Scott
Ryan Jason Sherwood
Stephanie Margaret Simcox
Kylie Nicole Simko
Ashley Marie Sinclair
Brittiany Rashawn Skinner
Jessica Lauren Smith
Megan Nicole Smith
Joshua Martin Snatchko
June 2009
Taylor Nicole Trautman
Brandon Thomas Tyler
Matthew Stephen Ujevich
John Eric Vaccarello
Michael Rhea Vargon
Elaina Ashley Vaughan
Andrea Carolina Vergnaud
Michael Andrew Visloski
Alexander David Volkman
Ashley Nicole Wagner
Michael Christopher Walker
Michelle Nicole Walker
Ginger Marie Wasik
Gerald Anthony Welsh-Spath
Jamie Melinda Whetsell
Ryan David Wickersham
Clarrisa Sherrie Williams
Louise Williams
Leslie Leigh Wood
Christopher Ryan Wragg
Rachel Lauren Yurchak
Matthew Stephen Yurkovich
Nicholas Vladimir Yurkowski
Samantha Erin Zajicek
Stephen Robert Zeneski
The above list of names
represents the Class of 2009. Only
those students who met state and
local educational requirements
received a diploma on June 5.
53
Parkway West Career and Technology Center
WEST ALLEGHENY STUDENT NAMED JUNIOR OF THE YEAR
ABOVE: Samples of student projects designed and created in
Parkway’s Business Technology class.
BUSINESS CLASS HOSTED TRADESHOW
ABOVE: Health Assistant Instructor Palma Darenkamp with West Allegheny
High School junior Alexis Valenti. Alexis was named this year’s Outstanding
Junior of the Year at Parkway West for her commitment to her studies in the
Health Assistant Program at Parkway and her high level of academic study.
HONORARY MEMBER RECOGNIZED AT CEREMONY
Moon Township resident Sharon Stopperich
DeNardo was recognized in April as Parkway’s
2008-2009 Honorary Member of the National
Technical Honor Society, following the induction
of this year’s members.
Sharon graduated from Moon Area High
School and Parkway West’s Marketing
Technology Program. She selected Marketing
ABOVE: Sharon DeNardo,left,
because of an interest in retail and the
was recognized by the Parkway
opportunity to participate in an internship at West Career and Technology
Center as an honorary member
Kaufmann’s Department Store.
of NTHS for her outstanding
She obtained a degree in Marketing
support of Parkway West CTC.
Education from the University of Pittsburgh. Announcing her award was Tracy
During her senior year at Pitt, she completed Marschik, right, from Parkway.
her student teaching at Parkway West CTC, in
the Marketing Technology Program.
In April of 2001, Sharon began to work for Senator John Pippy, where she is
currently a Legislative Assistant.
Through her job and involvement with the community, Sharon has demonstrated
the meaning of giving back. She has been very active serving in various capacities
for the schools that her children have attended. Sharon is a past president of the
West Hills Area Women’s Club, and she has also served on the Moon Township
Library Board. She currently is serving on the newly formed board to assist in the
preservation of the Boggs School in Moon Township.
In presenting the honorary membership pin, Tracy Marschik of Parkway West
CTC said, “Sharon has also been a friend to us at Parkway. She has assisted as a
member of the Marketing Technology Advisory Committee, interviewed for potential
NTHS membership, served on the school’s Strategic Planning Committee, and has
lent a hand when asked for other miscellaneous ventures. She has come full circle.
We now have a chance to recognize her for her dedication and willingness to be of
assistance to Parkway.”
54
June 2009
The Business Technology Program at Parkway West CTC recently
hosted a classroom “tradeshow” presenting student entrepreneurial
businesses. The project commenced with lessons on the benefits of
participating in a tradeshow, global tradeshows, planning and
exhibiting for the greatest results, and maximizing media attention.
Students demonstrated their artistic talent by creating posters
showcasing their businesses and gaining attention for their product.
They also created marketing information to pass out to customers
during the tradeshow. This material included: business cards,
brochures, coupons, and flyers. Students’ main goal was to generate
sales.
After setting up their individual tradeshow “booths,” all students
turned into trade show “attendees.” Each person received a
checkbook with an $800 balance in their checking account. They were
instructed to visit each booth where they wrote checks, recorded
purchases in checkbook registers, calculated new balances, and spent
all of their money.
Business Technology students had a great day of shopping, applying
banking skills, and learning about the world of business exhibitions.
PARKWAY STUDENTS
AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS
The professional fraternal society, Iota
Lamdba Sigma, honored West Allegheny
senior Zachery Ross, Auto Body
Program, with one of three scholarships
presented to students at Parkway this
year. Zachary was also awarded a
$6,000 scholarship in the SkillsUSA
competition in Auto Body. He plans to
attend Rosedale Technical Institute.
Laura Minto, a Culinary Arts senior
from West Allegheny, placed second in the
SkillsUSA state competition, receiving two
$2,000 scholarships. She previously won
at the regional level of SkillsUSA,
receiving a $3,000 scholarship. Laura will
attend the Culinary Institute of
Connecticut next year.
PARKWAY TRAINS
HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENTS
FOR CAREERS IN:
Auto Body Repair
Automotive Technology
Cosmetology
Construction Technology
Culinary Arts
Drafting & Design
Health Assistant
Information Technology
Machine Tool Technology
Public Safety Technology
Welding Technology
BY KILEY BRADY
PHOTOS SUBMITTED
Local Ladies a Force on New Football Team
What happens when nearly 50 women get together on a Saturday
friend. A 1997 Moon graduate, she played softball and basketball
evening? The Pittsburgh Force women’s full contact football team!
during high school. Kelly explains that playing defensive back and
From the airport area to as far away as Punxsutawney, women of
free safety for the Force keeps her in shape and
diverse backgrounds have come together to be a part
helps with stress relief. She says the reason she is
of the Pittsburgh Force. The team is made up of all
dedicated to the Force is simple; it gives her the
women, ranging in age from 18 to forty-something,
chance to be part of a team again.
No one
including students, moms, lawyers, and a college
involved with the Force receives a salary, and
professor. The women have joined forces because of
Kathy says any money she gets is put toward the
a mutual love of football and a desire to play the
team. While Jessica says, “it would be great if we
game.
got paid,” the players don’t seem to mind so
The recently formed team was created by Pittsburgh
much; the camaraderie of the team is worth it to
native Kathy “Kat” Ferrari as a way to give girls a
be a part of the Force family.
chance to play “a guy’s sport.” Kathy was a starting
In addition to supporting each other, the
player for seven years on another women’s football
Force also reaches out to the support local
team in Pittsburgh. When she was placed on the
communities. In March, the team attended the
injured reserve list, Kathy had the idea to create her
Women’s Small Business Expo at Robert
own tackle football team so other women could have
Morris University and in April the players
the same experience playing football as she had. She
volunteered at the Maple Syrup Festival in
says Pittsburgh is a “football-loving city” and could use
Beaver County. In May, the women will
another women’s football team.
participate in the Cystic Fibrosis Walk and
“I saw the opportunity and took a chance,” Kathy
the Pittsburgh Marathon, both held in
says.
Pittsburgh.
The team now proudly boasts nearly 50 contract
The Force is a member of the Women’s
players, almost a dozen support staff, and about ten
Football Alliance and plays against other teams
coaches, who are happy Kathy took a risk.
in the league, including the Columbus
Kathy, who plays defensive back and linebacker on
Comets, the Cleveland Fusion, the Cincinnati
the Force, says that without the team, “these girls
Sizzle, and the Kentucky Karma. The Force
would never have met each other.”
kicked off their inaugural season in mid-April
One of those women, Jessica Jeanette from
and will continue through June. Their season
McDonald, has wanted to play football ever since she
consists of eight games, four of which will be
was a child.
held at the Moe Rubenstein Stadium at
“I used to put on my cousin’s football pads and I
Ambridge High School. Their mascot, the “Force
would tackle garbage cans,” she remembers.
Vader,” will make an appearance at each home
PICTURED: Top, Jessica
Now a member of the Pittsburgh Force, the 2000
game.
If the Force wins in the regular season, the
Jeanette of McDonald and,
Fort Cherry graduate is fulfilling her childhood
team
will
go to the playoffs and compete for the
bottom, Kelly Stone of
Moon Township, are on the
dream. A basketball, softball, and volleyball player
championship.
roster for the new women’s
during her high school years Jessica says she was a
While the Force is made up of all women, the
football team, the Pitts“big supporter of the men’s [football] team.” She
burgh Force.
coaches are all men. Kathy says she would welcome
never had the chance to play organized football, so
a female coach but the opportunity hasn’t come up.
she jumped at the chance to try out for the Force. Jessica made the
The women wear the same gear and play by the same rules as in
team and now plays the offensive position of fullback.
men’s football, but they kick off from a shorter distance.
“It’s the greatest feeling the way [the team] came together,” says
Rich Nocito, the team’s general manager, says the female athletes
Jessica. “We all support each other.”
are “just as dedicated to their sport as the men.” Rich, who has been
Jessica says her family and friends are supportive of her role on
a sports official for 28 years, believes that one day women’s football
the team, too. Her employer, Buffalo Wild Wings in Robinson,
will be recognized as a professional sport, just like softball and
gives Jessica a flexible schedule that allows her to attend most of the
basketball. In addition to being part of the Force’s executive board,
thrice-weekly practices and Saturday games. The eatery sponsored
Rich is also the proud parent of player number 55, Joei Nocito.
Jessica to help pay the $1,000 each woman is required to raise to
The Force’s owner, Kathy, says at first her dad was a little
finance their equipment, uniforms, field time, and transportation.
skeptical about women playing football, but now he wishes her luck
Jessica says she was a little nervous before the Force’s scrimmage
before every game. Kathy pumps up her team before a game by
because she didn’t want to let her team down. But she wasn’t scared
telling them to pretend that they are playing football in their
on the field because she says she has faith in her fellow teammates.
backyards with their families. It’s fitting advice for a team who has
One of those teammates is Moon Township resident Kelly Stoner,
become their own kind of family.
who previously played on another team with the Force’s owner,
To find out more, visit www.pittsburghforce.net.
June 2009
55
Kathy. Kelly says she “came out of retirement” to support her
FOOTBALLERS MOVE ON TO NEXT LEVEL
Six West Allegheny senior football players have announced their intention to play at the next level
this fall. Zarley Binder will play at Howard University; Jake Leninsky and Jesse Beck will attend West
Virginia Wesleyan; Zack Scott, Case Western; Chad Dillon, Thiel; and John Vaccarello, Geneva.
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THE BOYS OF SPRING RISE TO THE OCCASION
Despite moving up from class AA to AAA, the WA boys’ tennis team made the play-offs for the
second consecutive year. “That was a pretty big deal for us to make the AAA play-offs in our first
year,” said Indian coach Rita Wilson.
The netters finished second in AAA Section I and had a 9-3 record even though the exhibition part
of their schedule was almost completely aborted because of rain. Butler ended their season in the
first round of the play-off but the Indian senior starters left with their rackets held high after achieving
their play-off goal.
Senior Akshay Hari was the number one singles player. Junior Kurt Habazin and senior Steve Zeneski
filled the second and third singles slots. Kurt Habazin won the second singles title at the MAC
Tournament in late April.
LANG OUTSTANDING AT MAC TOURNAMENT BUT—
Kristen Lang was named MVP at the Midwestern Athletic Conference Track & Field meet but was
unable to defend her WPIAL 300 Intermediate Hurdles Championship two weeks later. Kristen suffered
a broken toe a week after the MAC Tournament at the prestigious Baldwin Invitational and was unable
to compete at the WPIALs.
DANTLEY Q’s FOR STATES IN THREE EVENTS
WA’s Keri Dantley brought home the gold medal in the triple jump event at the WPIAL Championships
and placed second in the long jump to qualify in both events for the PIAA Tournament. She also will
participate at States with the Girls 400 meter relay team along with Taylor Bui, Kaci Vandergrift, and
Nicole Skosnik.
Ben Simmen in the javelin and Matt Kovac in the 400-meter dash will represent the Indian boys at
States.
SOFTBALL TEAM DEFIES THE ODDS
They weren’t supposed to be there this ‘oh so young’ Indians softball team. But there they were with
nary a senior in the line-up doing battle with Trinity in the WPIAL semi-finals. How they got there is the
softball Cinderella story of the year.
There have been as many as four freshmen in the starting line-up as the Indians posted an 11-5
overall record. They finished second in AAA Section I with a 9-3 record.
Freshman shortstop Ashley Gerhart played a key role in the resurgence of the Indians both on
offense and defense. She batted leadoff and led the team with a .525 batting average during the
regular season. Freshmen Cristina Alati and Morgan Seybold, along with junior Alexi Seybold, split time
at first base. The Daniels twins, Kelly and Lindsey, filled the other two infield slots. Kelly bats clean up
and Lindsey carried a .442 batting average into the play-offs. Freshmen Marissa Dytka and Amanda
Murray played the outfield along with junior left fielder Kasey Walls.
One of the three Indians with varsity experience last year, Angela Devereaux, was the catcher. She
had a .342 batting average going into the play-offs. Devereaux provides an excellent target behind the
plate for the Indian pitchers, sophomores Mikele Prokopovich and Alexi Seybold. Both play on the
infield when not on the mound.
WA upset Greensburg Salem in the first round of the play-offs and moved on to the semi-finals with
a 4-3 win over Elizabeth-Forward in the quarterfinals. While they lost in the semi-final round to Trinity,
they defeated Belle Vernon in the consolation game, and at press time, were slated to play the District
10 champion in the first round of the PIAA with a 14-7 record. It’s the first time WA made it to the
PIAA playoffs for softball in the school’s history.
BASEBALL TEAM GOES OUT LIKE CHAMPS
The West Allegheny baseball team gathered at a spot about 50 feet north of third base along the
left field line at Burkett Field in Robinson. The two-time defending WPIAL Champions had just had their
attempt to three-peat thwarted by Trinity by a score of 5-4 in the WPIAL quarterfinals. WA coach
Bryan Cornell addressed the team. “I have never been more proud than I am right now of any team
that I have coached. You had a great season. I applaud you for that. My hats off to you seniors. You
came in with class and you left with class. I thank you for that,” said Cornell, whose sincerity shined
through an otherwise dreary late afternoon grayness that encompassed that portion of the field.
Consider that this was a mentor talking that has on his record seven consecutive play-off
appearances, five section titles, and two WPIAL championships.
Steve Abel, Zarley Binder, Ken Cool, Nick Dymkowski, Justin Meyers, Ryan Sherwood, Ethan
Thompson, and Mike Visloski all ended their high school careers as the Indians compiled a 14-7
record.
56
June 2009
1
PICTURED, TOP TO BOTTOM: 1. The West Allegheny Freshman Ice
Hockey Team won the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League’s,
Freshman Post Season Tier 5 Tournament Championship on March 31with
a 4 to 2 victory over Mt. Lebanon. Goalie: Grant Gerstner; Front Row:
Robert DeRosa, Tyler Carnahan, Mason Ervin, Bailey Foy, Brendan Rossi,
Steven Stasik, Christian Thurner; Back Row: Assistant Coach Bing, Jimmy
Bing, Matt Grebosky, Nick Hayes, Tyler Bhukan, Brian Thompson, Dylan
McKenna, Bret Grady, Mike Behme, and Coach Grebosky. Not pictured:
Jake and Josh Linsenbigler.
2. A local USSSA/AAU travel baseball team named the CV Colts won the
Cal RIpken, Jr.’s Mother’s Day 12U baseball tournament held at the
Aberdeen, Maryland facility on May 9-10. The facility is made up of
miniature version baseball fields such as Fenway, Wrigley, Yankee,
Memorial, and Camden Yard. A total of 16 teams participated, and the
Colts won by a score of 7-1. Pictured are, (Back row) Alex Kirilloff, Trevor
2
community sports roundup
Moser, Reno Rainey, Christian Aptish, Tanner Garis; (Middle Row) Eddie
Flohr, Chandler Palyas, Brandon Pouch, Garrett Godlewski; and
(Front Row) Jake Ritson, Matty McConnell. The coaching staff consists of
Mike Pouch, Toss Moser, Gary Ritson, and Doug Garis.
3. West Allegheny U8 & U10 indoor soccer players got a chance to practice
with the Riverhounds. The boys had an awesome time and learned some
soccer skills. The team wanted to say a big “Thank You” to Jason Kutney
and Justin Evans from the Riverhounds for the experience.
4. The West Allegheny Baseball Association (formerly the North Fayette
Athletic Association) held its opening day ceremonies on April 25. The
association’s players and coaches took time out for a group photo on the
field.
3
4
June 2009
57
STORY AND PHOTOS
BY PAT JENNETTE
in the midst
of a revival . . .
McDonald, PA
Tim Thomassy, president of McDonald Borough Council, said,
“You can’t turn back time but you can rewind the clock.”
That just may be the case with the town of McDonald, that
icon of Americana where, from as early as the 1890s oil boom
through the 1970s, including the war years, the streets swarmed
with townspeople on warm summer nights, as couples and
families scurried to catch the latest flick at the hometown movie
theatre or groups of teens waited their turn to roll a few at the
local ten pin or duck pin bowling alleys.
It was a walking town, with people able to access the downtown
area from their homes along the streets that intersect the main
center of town.
Trains also came through McDonald at one time, and people
would travel from Midway, Hickory, Burgettstown, and other
locations to shop and eat here.
The town was alive with shops and discount stores, restaurants
and more.
Then urban development came and places like the Great
Southern Shopping Center in Bridgeville and the “new” mall —
South Hills Village, emerged. Businesses dried up as people went
beyond the neighborhood to do their shopping and enjoy their
nights out. One-car families became two-car, more and more
families had two-income households replacing stay-at-home
moms, and soon everyone was out and about, buying more with
their extra dollars. However, the buying wasn’t happening in
McDonald anymore. It was happening somewhere else. And local
merchants suffered. The community began to slowly melt away.
Fast forward 40 years later, and a renaissance is beginning to
emerge in this little town that sits conveniently adjacent to several
58
June 2009
communities — North Fayette, South Fayette, Cecil, and
Robinson Township. It’s easily accessible from all points and
within a ten to 15-minute drive at most from these communities.
It’s also a melting pot of school districts, sending youth to West
Allegheny, Fort Cherry, South Fayette,and Canon MacMillan,
depending on which part of town one lives in.
Tim said, “There is a very dedicated group with strong resolve
here to see it through that our town is revived.”
Within the past decade, a group of citizens formed the
McDonald Area Redevelopment Association. One of its original
leaders, resident Dale Csonka, began the effort by establishing
welcome signs into the town and helping to launch a major
fundraising campaign to purchase and renovate the former Kio’s
Bar building, which sat on an adjoining lot to the railway freight
station, into the new McDonald Trail Station.
Tim said much has happened since that start, and today he is
proud that McDonald has recently received or has been approved
for grant funding toward that end.
The borough and the McDonald Area Redevelopment
Association (MARA) applied for three grant requests that were
approved by the Washington County commissioners and
forwarded to the Department of Community and Economic
Development (DCED). While final approval is still pending,
Tim said he is confident McDonald will receive DCED final
approval in the near future.
The grant requests were submitted asking for a share of the
casino money from the Meadows under the county’s “Local
Share Account” program. He explained that all municipalities in
Washington County were eligible to apply for the grants, which
designate a certain percentage of revenue back to the county.
McDonald is located in
Washington County, Pennsylvania,
a short twenty-minute drive from
downtown Pittsburgh. The
Borough is home to a community
of 2,500 residents. Rich in
history, McDonald was founded
by John N. McDonald, an Irish
immigrant, who first laid claim to
the land in 1775. He was the
town’s first settler as well as the
first businessman, establishing
an Indian trading post. The town
grew with the help of the
railroad, oil, and coal industries.
McDonald became an official
borough of the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania in 1889.
PICTURED, LEFT TO RIGHT: Barb Sobolewski, co-owner of the McDonald Pharmacy and Ice Cream
Parlour with her husband, Joe, watches as one of the store’s employees greets a local elderly
gentleman and offers him his daily coffee; Lincoln Avenue Arts is a colorful and eclectic potpourri of
gifts and items; Travis Galbraith, an RMU student, assembles a floral arrangement at the Hooda Rain
Flower Shop owned by resident Jaymie Oravetz; Susan Totin, a vocalist who records Christian music
CDs, volunteers to help at the Lincoln Avenue Arts Center; trees line West Lincoln Avenue through the
heart of town, where Victorian homes lend an air of sophistication.
The first grant of $500,000 would be dedicated to fixing the
two closed bridges in the town.
With eight bridges passing through McDonald over the Robb
Run Creek, most of them covered by streets that the town
owns, two of them had been closed down by Penn DOT in
recent years due to their deteriorating condition, having been
constructed in the 1930s — the Arabella Street and School
Street bridges.
McDonald applied for another grant in the amount of
$130,000 to transform empty lots into public parking lots.
“One of the reasons we’re trying to develop public parking
lots is to provide adequate parking space for visitors in our
town,” Tim explained. He also said more public parking is
desirable to developers who may want to renovate buildings or
establish businesses.
“McDonald’s hub was built before the 1900s and we have
had all street parking, but no public lots,” Tim said.
“Developers need space for their employees and the
customers to park. Many of MARA’s members are also business
owners or private citizens, and they see a great need for this
amenity.”
The third grant would develop a business sector buildings
facade improvement program, approved by the county
commissioners in the amount of $30,000. This grant will allow
the borough to offer downtown businesses within historic
buildings matching funds, dollar for dollar, to improve the
exterior facade and enhance its street appeal.
McDonald and MARA have developed a most productive
working rapport, and four of the council’s seven members are
MARA volunteers. MARA is the non-profit fundraising and
community service arm. Through efforts in recent years, McDonald
Borough received a grant for $40,000 from the State Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) which, combined
with $25,000 provided by the borough and $28,000 that MARA
raised, allowed for the tennis and basketball courts at Heritage Park
to be completely refurbished.
Additionally, last November the borough established a Downtown
Revitalization Advisory Committee made up of council and MARA
businesses and property owners. They are in the process of
identifying strategies to revitalize the downtown area. And, shop
owners recently formed a Business Alliance under the leadership of
Jaymie Oravetz, owner of Hooda Rain, a floral and gift shop on East
Lincoln Avenue and a McDonald native.
The three entities are in conversation and collaboration with each
other, working diligently to identify ways to improve the town,
whether it is infrastructure, programming, or future improvement.
Tim said that with little space left for new development, renovation
is key, as is adding to the amenities in town.
“We’re not completely sure of our specific niche yet, but we know
we need more restaurants and shops, and stores that draw people in.”
Resident Mary Lou Karas, a member of MARA, said that, with the
renovated trail station that sits at the crossroads of the Panhandle
and Montour Trails, which includes an historic area artfully designed
within the trail center for visitors’ enjoyment and a large meeting
room in the station available for rentals and public use, the trail
station has become one of McDonald’s newest gems.
“We’re hoping that the additional parking and some of the new
shops, along with the Heritage Park and adjacent library, the trail
station, and new public parking lots, more people will come by and
June 2009
59
PHOTO COURTESY HERITAGE LIBRARY
PHOTO BY MARY LOU KARAS
PICTURED, LEFT TO RIGHT: The McDonald Trail Station was full of activity during the Spring Fling held in April where volunteer Emma Johnston helped shopper Barb
Walnoha; Heritage Library sits atop the hill overlooking Heritage Park and the shopping plaza, a stand-alone facility that offers many amenities to the residents; Adam Stoffella,
left,and Harry Clark, right, of Fella’s Barber shop, talk about the town’s past and its future.
see just what a nice place McDonald is to shop, to eat, or just
enjoy the day.”
McDonald has a rich history as a booming oil field back in the
late 1800s, and has its place in history as one of the richest
reservoirs of Pennsylvania crude. An oil field located just east of
the borough, as recorded in one of three history books on
McDonald written by Alice Thomassy, notes the Mevey farm was
one of the world’s record producers of the “black gold.” Many of
the older buildings downtown were built with oil money. The
buildings have an historic character that the borough hopes to
maintain.
Tim noted, “For McDonald’s size, there are numerous buildings
built with oil monies that reflect the European classical style.”
The Cook building was sold this spring and Tim said he knows
it was sold to an owner who saw the potential of its historic
architecture, the town atmosphere, proximity to the trail, and
accessibility to walkers. The new owner plans to restore the
building to its original appearance as closely as possible, offering
commercial space on the first floor in the empty spots and
refurbishing the upper floors into more upscale apartments.
Tim and his wife, Alice, are both active in the town’s
redevelopment. Alice wrote the three-book series on McDonald’s
history (Note: the books are available for purchase at the trail
station, which is open on weekends. They are also available for sale
at the McDonald Pharmacy, Heritage Library, and Lincoln Avenue
Arts).
Having been born and raised in the town, he became a Navy
pilot then worked with a number of companies in the defense
industry.
“We kept close touch with things here because our parents still
lived here, and we remember how vibrant the town was back
then,” Tim reflected. “Nine years ago we came back and we fell
back in love with McDonald all over again.”
That love is not lost on resident Mary Lou Karas, either. She
retired at 55 after working as a nurse at St. Clair Hospital for 35
years. She got involved after attending a meeting of MARA, and
thought she could help. Each April, she opens up the McDonald
Trail Station to the public, and coordinates the staffing of 50+
volunteers who work 2-3 hour shifts at the trail station. They greet
visitors, point people to the historic section, and take inquiries
about the meeting/event room that people can rent.
Mary Lou is among those who make it part of their role to carry
the message of McDonald to all who will listen. It’s not
uncommon for her to send weekly e-mails to area media and
community members with the latest updates on activities and
programs occurring around town. She also coordinates numerous
events at the trail station and around the town.
60
June 2009
Mary Lou sends out via e-mail free advertising for community
events and writes a blog on the McDonald Trail to help churches,
restaurants, and other businesses and organizations get publicized.
She is a familiar face around the town, and stops in to visit the
businesses and organizations often, whether it to be see what’s new,
answer questions, or help someone out.”
“I have the time to do this so I am fortunate, and I am really
proud of all that McDonald is and what it can become,” she said.
“If more people knew about what we have here, I know they would
really be surprised,” she added.
Her husband, Bob, retired five years ago. Now, he helps around
the community doing repairs, cutting grass, and helping to
maintain the trail station.
TOWN’S BUSINESSES SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS
On a sunny spring day, walking through McDonald and visiting the
many shops and places was an enjoyable as well as eye-opening
experience.
Who would have thought that Chrissy’s Consignment Shop expands
one block long, with its front door opening on one street and its back
door exiting on another street?
Michelle Barron, who owns the shop, bought it from her daughter
who opened it three years ago.
Three huge rooms overflow with merchandise, all artfully displayed.
There is clothing for all sizes, genders, and special events, as well as
purses, house wares, shoes, nick nacks, jewelry, and more. Shoppers
can buy and they can bring in their items, which are sold on
consignment.
“It’s a great place and I really enjoy working here,” Michelle said.
Soleil Tan, the newest storefront in town, is just a few doors down in
the Cook building. Opened in September, the owner was born and
raised in McDonald, and has created an upscale, modern facility for
customers. One of the clerks there, Christine Wallace, said that
McDonald has one of the best churches she knows — First Baptist
Church of McDonald.
“My grandparents grew up here and moved away but I always loved
that church.”
In December, a new breakfast and lunch style restaurant in the
former Granny’s Griddles, now called Jessica’s Place, sprouted up on
South McDonald Street. The expansive, yet homey atmosphere has
dozens of tables, more than a dozen comfortable booths lining the
walls, and a long counter. Originally from Sturgeon and now living on
Reissing Road, Jessica was a baggage handler with US Airways,
displaced during the airline’s changeover. The restaurant has been a
good opportunity for her to connect with her hometown. Running it
with the help of Doreen, her only employee who Jessica refers to as
“my right arm, waitress, and cook,” she’s working hard at trying to
make her restaurant a place where locals can come by for a morning
coffee, a mid-day lunch, or a quick bite to eat. Open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. almost daily,
she hopes visitors will find it a great place to stop by.
The arts prevail in the heart of McDonald, too. The Lincoln Avenue Arts, a
gallery of unique creations by local artists, is open to the public Thursdays through
Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Housed in a portion of a building that once was
home to the town’s 5&10 store, Lincoln Avenue Arts is an all-volunteer endeavor.
On this visit, Susan Totin, who records her own Christian CDs that are on sale
there, showed how much the shop mirrors the love and care of the residents
through the artistic creativity of those who live there. The gallery has artwork,
floral arrangements, jewelry, knitted, crocheted, and quilted items, and more from
many artists who hail both locally and from around the region.
Jaymie Oravetz, who opened Hooda Rain Flower Shop on East Lincoln Avenue,
sees a great deal of potential in McDonald. That was the reason she opened her
full-service floral shop there. The life-long resident, who is a member of MARA,
recently formed Joint Merchants of McDonald, or JAM.
“I tell people, ‘shop local, we are one of you,’” she said. “We’re trying to
encourage more young people to come back to McDonald and enjoy what’s here,”
she added, noting that she’d like to see “McNight in the Streets” there once a
month during the warm weather months, where bands and local musicians could
entertain and merchants, if they chose, could stay open.
Jaymie hosted a Washington County cleanup day on April 25, giving a free
continental breakfast to anyone who helped cleanup the town. When the winter
season returns, she hopes to coordinate a “Caroling in the Streets” event, too.
“Anything we can do to show people how special McDonald is will be
worthwhile,” Jaymie said. “I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”
Ray Miller of Nationwide Insurance is a lifelong resident who has done business
in town for 30 years. “I love it here,” he simply stated.
And Jay Nation, who took over the Nation Funeral Home business in 1989, grew
up in McDonald. He said, “There are things happening now, there is more hope
now than in the past.”
He said he sees more community involvement and people taking a personal
concern for the town.
While Harry Clark, 76, who owned Clark’s Barber Shop for 55 years with his late
brother, Bob, before selling it to Adam Stoffella (who renamed it Fella’s), said that
he watched McDonald deteriorate, he doesn’t know if it can ever become what it
was.
“McDonald is McDonald and, while we can’t grow, we can at least try to fill our
storefronts so more people come here,” he said.
He lamented that, society and the economy being the way they are, coupled with
the demise of many stores when business moved to the malls, will make it difficult
for McDonald to ever be what it was.
The new owner, Adam, 26, grew up in the area since he was six years old and
attended Fort Cherry High School. He said he bought the shop two years ago
because he lives here and thought it would be a good investment.
Bethel Park native Barb Sobolewski, who owns the McDonald Pharmacy and the
ice cream/soda fountain with her husband Joe, has moved here permanently. She
said, “It’s like Mayberry here; you feel safe in this town; people talk to each other
when they stop by or shop.”
She said recently a couple was in her place and told her they were looking for a
home in McDonald. “They were from Mt. Lebanon, and said they felt the
camaraderie here and liked it a lot.”
What solidified Barb’s permanence in the town was how everyone came together
after Hurricane Ivan and the floods in 2004.
“Joe had been working at the store since 1972 and had a vested interest in it, but
when I saw how much people cared here after the floods, and how they continue to
care, I was sold on staying,” Barb stressed. “I thank our customers, too, because it is
the hometown residents who support our small businesses and the more people
support their town the more the town will survive.”
“MARA has done a marvelous job here; the people in this town that care about
McDonald give their heart and soul for it, and that’s what makes this place such a
great place to live and work.”
TO LEARN MORE
www.mcdonaldboro.com
www.mcdonaldtrailstation.com
www.heritagepublib.org
www.mcdonaldfire.com
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN McDONALD
June 27 - July 4: 17th Annual McSummerfest at
Heritage Park hosted by the McDonald Volunteer
Fire Department
Through Summer: Heritage Library Activities, Trail
Station Open to the Public, Tennis Lessons at
Heritage Park, Soda Fountain Open at McDonald
Pharmacy, Farmer’s Market at the Trail Station
September: Emancipation Day Celebration
FAMOUS PEOPLE OF McDONALD
· Jay Livingston, who wrote “Buttons and Bows”, “Que
Sera Sera,” and “Silver Bells” to name a few (an Historic
Plaque was installed next to the Trail Station in his honor)
· His brother, Alan Livingston, was president of Capitol
Records, created BOZO the Clown, brought the Beatles to
America, and wrote and produced cartoons for Warner
Brothers and Walt Disney.
· Mitsie Welch (Marilyn Cottle) with her husband,
Ken, wrote the Carol Burnett Shows.
· NFL coaches Martin Schottenheimer and Marvin
Lewis.
DID YOU KNOW ...
Penn Central Railroad provided transportation to and from
McDonald to points including downtown Pittsburgh, where residents
could work and return back home.
McDonald was at one time the center of a glass industry, attracting a
labor force made up largely of Belgians. Many families of that
nationality settled in McDonald. The Irons Memorial Church was
established to provide religious services in French to this population.
On the outskirts of the borough was Number 9 mine, a deep pit coal
mine owned by the Pittsburgh Coal Company, where many McDonald
men were employed.
The original trolley tracks are buried under the main roads that go
through McDonald, which are now covered with asphalt.
TO REACH McDONALD
151 School Street, McDonald, PA 15057
(724) 926-8711 FAX (724) 926-2750
June 2009
61
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It stands along the roadside or at the corner of First and Main in the heart
of your home town, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. It often
goes unnoticed and forgotten, silently waiting until it is needed. When that
time comes, the fire hydrant is then called upon to perform a very important
task. It supplies water, the lifeblood that firefighters rely on to do their job.
The hydrant sends water to the heart of the firefighting operation, the fire
engine. In turn, the engine sends that water out, thru the fire hoses like the
arteries in the human body, to the firefighters. The water allows the
firefighters to save lives and property, to keep small fires from becoming large
fires. What happens if the fire department can’t get to the hydrant?
“Does it really matter if I park in front of a fire hydrant?” This is often heard
from people who are approached when they block access to a hydrant with
their car. So, is it really a big deal? Does it really matter if you park in front of
a hydrant “just this once” or “for only a few minutes”? People often do not
realize that steering clear of hydrants serves two purposes. First is obviously
access to the fire hydrant. The second reason, however, many people don’t
consider. When the street is crowded with parked cars, like one might find on
a residential street near a party, the opening provides fire fighters a clear
indicator of the fire hydrant’s location.
The chances that a fire hydrant will be needed are small; however, the
impact can be significant! The fire engines carry water, but only a small
amount. A 750-gallon tank feeding a single hose, will provide less than five
minutes of fire suppression. The first few minutes after arrival are critical, and
running out of water because the hydrant is blocked can mean the difference
between saving or losing a house. More importantly, it can make the
difference between getting fire fighters inside the building to search for
occupants, or being unable to enter the building and starting an outright
conflagration.
Another way to assure the fire hydrant can be used when it is needed is to
keep it unobstructed from plants, shrubs, lawn decorations, snow or anything
that will keep the hydrant from being clearly visible from the street. Never
assume that the fire department knows the location of every hydrant, so it’s
OK to place shrubs around it. When every second counts, we can’t spend that
precious time searching for a hidden fire hydrant.
The next time you are tempted to take that ever-so-convenient parking spot
in front of a fire hydrant, hoping that it won’t cause a problem, ask yourself
“Am I prepared to bet someone else’s life on it?”
Special thanks to Firefighter Steve Dudukovich of the North Fayette Twp VFD for contributing to
this article.
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June 2009
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June 2009
63
We Remember Them
T
wo long-time community residents, each having had a
significant impact on the area in two distinctly different ways,
passed away this spring. Louis “Pie” Chauvet, 89, and Leona
Scott, 87, both of North Fayette, died on April 26 and April 11
respectively.
Both Pie and Leona, whose families are strongly rooted in the community,
always had the best intentions for the township. Pie was one of the
township’s longest serving supervisors. Leona, a seasoned historian and
matriarch of the Scott Family and the Scott Family Farm, was extremely
active in preserving the heritage and history of the community as well as the
region.
Pie Chauvet, for which Chauvet Drive at The Pointe of North Fayette was
named, spent 36 years of his life as a township supervisor, moving North
Fayette forward during an unprecedented period of the township’s growth
that spurred a momentum that continues today. He served in that capacity
until 2003.
“I had the honor of working with Pie on the Pointe development,” said
Brian Ratner, executive vice president and director of Forest City Enterprises,
developers of The Pointe at North Fayette.
“It was a tough time to get anything done. Pie was able to get people to
put aside their personal agendas and work towards a common goal. The
Pointe is a testimonial to Pie’s leadership and respect for others,” Brian
continued in his online comments to the Chauvet family on the Post-Gazette
obituary page.
While The Pointe was a major milestone for the township under Pie’s
leadership, he will also be remembered for expanding the police department,
putting into place a framework for the township’s residential growth, and
guiding the township through those decades as the population grew twice its
size over that period. The township’s municipal building was also constructed
during his tenure.
For his significant contributions, Pie was honored with two awards while he
served. He was inducted into the Pennsylvania State Association of Township
Supervisors Hall of Fame as well as the Senate of Pennsylvania Hall of
Fame.
Besides being known around the community as “Pie,” he will be remembered as Mr. North Fayette for his long-time service and commitment to the
community.
Pie was married to Rosemary Chauvet for 64 years, and is survived by
her, as well as son Robert Chauvet; daughters Marcia “Cootsie” Dolan
and her husband, John; Barbara Madden and her husband, Charles; and
Rita Petrella. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sharon
(Gladowski) Braun.
As former Allegheny County commissioner, Larry Dunn, said in his
online comments, “Of all the public officials I had the privilege of
working with during the 11 years I served as County Commissioner, no
one cared more about his community, and no one did more for his
community than did Pie.”
Leona Scott taught school in the West Allegheny School system from
1959 to 1985, where she was a reading teacher. Well known in the
community, both for her love of the area’s history and of the schools,
she was married to the late Warren Scott of the Scott Family dairy farm
in North Fayette. The farm was managed by Warren and Leona’s son,
John, for some time, before being turned over to the next generation,
where John’s son, John, Jr. now manages it.
Leona had a curiosity about this area she called home, and immersed
herself in preserving its uniqueness. She was a member of the
Daughters of the American Revolution, Pioneers West Historical Society,
the Moon Township Historical Society, and the Allegheny County
Conservation District.
Leona often would take the time to talk with those who sought
information about the area, sharing memorabilia and resources she had
gathered over her lifetime. She was particularly proud of the Scott
Family farm and its legacy in the area.
She was always supportive of the school system where she made her
home as a middle school reading teacher for 26 years.
Her late husband, Warren, served on the West Allegheny Board of
School Directors. Son, John currently serves on the board.
Additionally, Leona was active in her church, Union United Presbyterian Church, and served as a member of the Montour Cemetery Board.
Leona is survived by her son John and his wife, Debbie Scott; his son
Jeffrey and and his wife, Cathy Scott; and her son Warren Scott, as well
as seven grandchildren.
Pie was one of the township’s longest
serving supervisors, instrumental for his
role in the development of The Pointe at
North Fayette, among other community
initiatives.
Leona, a seasoned historian, was extremely active in preserving the heritage
and history of the community as well as
the region.
64
June 2009
PHOTO BY
PAT JE
The smell of sweet grass mixes with freshly stamped
dirt. Kids run around kicking a well-worn ball around
until one player shoots a clear, crisp shot into a net. If
you didn’t guess it already this sport is soccer. One
soccer program has rose up above them all, going
from only about 125 kids to 500 kids in only a
matter of 11 years. This program is West Allegheny
Youth Soccer.
One reason for this success is co-president
David Tissue. He took over the soccer league with
his partner and also co-president, Kevin Amos.
Kevin has been playing soccer since fourth grade.
He continued to play soccer in college at Robert
Morris University and still plays today in an Over
40 league. He played with Kevin while in college
and met up with him years later when he
volunteered to coach for his oldest daughter,
Kristina. It just so happened that around that time the existing
presidents of the West Allegheny Youth Soccer league were
retiring from their positions. Together, David and Kevin agreed
to take the position and have been in it ever since.
The West A Soccer League’s teams range from U-5 to U-17.
They play on the Youthtowne soccer fields. David says that
Youthtowne is an ideal place to play soccer because a whole
age group can have practice or play games on the large fields.
“Otherwise,” he pointed out, “we would have teams going to
many different fields. It would be too chaotic for the parents.”
He also said, “Anyone can play soccer. You don’t have to be
really big, fast, or strong like you have to for some sports. All
you need is a ball and a place to play.”
Playing soccer is good mentally as well as physically. Players
have to move all the time; no one sits out for long periods of
NNETTE
Soccer!
time. Also, players have
to play like a team. They have to anticipate each other’s
moves and work together for a common goal. David is the coach of the U-17
and U-14 leagues and Kevin coaches the high school boys. Because of their
efforts, high school level soccer has seen success in both the boys’ and girls’
high school teams. He told this writer that his favorite position is center
midfield and that his favorite soccer team is Manchester United (an English
Premier League). Overall, David loves soccer.
“I just love being around the kids because I know how much fun it was for
me to play then and now.” He wanted to thank Kevin and Kathy Amos, his
wife, Jo Marie, his daughters, and all the other volunteers for their work and
commitment to the West Allegheny Youth Soccer Program.
ABOVE: Kevin Tissue and his daughter, Kristina, at the Youthtowne
soccer field complex.
June 2009
65
Findlay Supervisor Recognized for Service
It was more than baseball that opened the spring season of the Findlay
Township Athletic Association.
In conjunction with the opening day ceremonies, State Representative Mark
Mustio presented Township Supervisor Tom Gallant with a certificate for his
dedication to the township’s recreation and athletic programs.
The certificate noted Tom’s commitment to area youth and in particular, his
role in the construction of the new Findlay Township Recreation and Sports
Complex on Route 30.
Tom is an active participant in the Findlay Athletic Association and the West
Allegheny Youth Soccer Association.
LEFT: Tom Gallant, Findlay Township supervisor, accepts a certificate of
recognition from State Representative Mark Mustio, right, during opening
day ceremonies of the Findlay Township Athletic Association spring
season.
Crisis Center North Honors Findlay Township Police Department
ABOVE: Findlay Township Police officers Stang and Malesky, center,
accepted honors for their department presented by representatives
from Crisis Center North.
Crisis Center North, a North Hills non-profit organization dedicated to
stopping domestic violence, acknowledged again this year members of the
community who rise to the challenge of addressing domestic violence. The
Findlay Township Police Department was among this year’s Northern Star
honorees at their presentation on May 7.
In honoring the the Findlay Township Police Department, led by Chief
Jesse Lesko, Crisis Center North representatives noted it as an elite, dual
accredited (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies and
the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission) law
enforcement agency; a credential carried by less than1% of America’s police
agencies. This credentialing is rare for a department so small in size, having
less than 25 members. Despite the department’s size, Findlay Township
Police are not small on service. Time and again, officers have raised the
standard on assistance to domestic violence victims in the community
through quick response to calls; thorough explanation of options referrals;
victim accompaniment to ensure safety; and follow through with serving
PFAs. Findlay Township Police genuinely serve each day with the
community’s best interests at heart and are a role model for systems
working with domestic violence victims.
Findlay Township Police Department More Findlay News ...
INSIDE THE DEPARTMENT
On April 8 Trina Tokarski of Bulger was hired as an
Emergency Services Dispatcher for the Township of
Findlay. She is originally from Oakdale, and is a
graduate of West Allegheny High School. Trina
attended Community College of Allegheny County
following graduation and obtained an Associate
degree in Science. She formerly worked as a long
time business manager at Cole’s Pub in Imperial
along with managing the office responsibilities of her
husband’s construction business. Trina is the proud
mother of two children. She is currently in the 12week training program for emergency dispatchers
here at the department.
66
June 2009
In April, State Representative Mark Mustio announced that the Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) awarded a grant in the amount of $10,162 to Findlay Township for
its recycling efforts.
The Recycling Performance Grant Program provides incentives to help Pennsylvania communities
increase the amount of materials recovered through recycling and promote economic growth in the
state through job creation and market expansion. This revenue is in addition to the funds that DEP
allocates to municipalities to establish and maintain recycling programs.
A new batting cage will be installed in the Clinton ballfield located adjacent and below the
Rainbow’s End playground in Clinton Park. Additionally, a new parking lot, also across from Rainbow’s
End, will accommodate another 30 cars.
A new electric scoreboard at the Elm Street ballpark will feature wireless controls, eliminating the
need to trench the ballpark. It is the same type of scoreboard as the ones at the Community Center
ballfield and Clinton ballfield.
The lighting for the soccer field is now complete at the Recreation and Sports Complex. It was
installed by Musco Lighting.
Thank You to Garden Volunteers
On Saturday, May 2 a number of volunteers met at the Five Points Intersection in Imperial to
replant some of the flowers and shrubs that had to be removed as a result of the replacement of
a water line earlier this year. Their hard work has improved the appearance of the Gateway Garden
and is much appreciated.
North Fayette Township wishes to thank Kim Wickersham for her help in organizing this group
from the West Allegheny High School and to the following: Eric Wickersham, Ryan Wickersham,
Angelo Teachout, Jocelyn Teachout,Lindsay Keeley, Morgan Seybold, Alex Fell, Alyx Mance, Tommy
Forse, Jared DeSanti, Nabeel Hague, Zoe Crawford, and Karla Cotto-Colon. One other adult, Cathy
Rosus, volunteered her time even though her daughter could not participate. One member of the
township road crew, Chris Campbell, and Township Manager Bob Grimm also assisted the
volunteers. Thanks for everything. It looks really nice.
North Fayette Park Update
Dear Residents:
The Township has been working over the past several years on the new park in an effort to
complete it and open it to public use. Much of the work has been done by the Public Works
Department in an effort to keep costs to a minimum. Even with this effort, costs skyrocketed last
year because of the cost of material delivery and asphalt. We are currently working on additional
funding to complete the projects that have been planned for the park as well as private funding
sources for specific park amenities.
The concession stand/ restroom building is currently under construction. Contractors were
delayed in starting due to the severe winter weather. Work is progressing nicely and the project
should be completed in the next 4-6 weeks.
It was hoped to open the baseball fields for use starting May 1. However, due to ongoing
construction on concession stand/restroom building and the need to install various handicapped
accessible accesses to the ball field areas prior to use, the township couldn’t legally or safely do so.
In order to protect those who would have been using the fields and comply with the law, the staff
recommended to the Board of Supervisors that the park remain closed to the public.
We understand that the athletic association had planned to use the baseball fields this spring and
this delay has caused it to alter its schedules. We regret the inconvenience this delay and
unpopular decision has caused the association and appreciate the association’s adjustment of the
schedule so that we may complete the project in a manner that is safe and thorough.
The Township Public Works Department plans to work on the soccer and football fields this
summer so that they will be ready for use next year. Work will also begin on the amphitheater as
well. Dugouts for the baseball fields will also be completed this summer thanks to a grant from
Senator Pippy.
We know that there are a number of people who have asked when the play structure that many of
you helped construct would be available for use. Again, we are working to make sure that the
surrounding area is safe and that there is a handicapped accessible route to the structure in place.
Please keep in mind that this is an ongoing construction area and the Township crews are working
on the park as much as possible given other priorities that must be addressed. We have also had to
rearrange our construction schedules based upon requirements in grants to have items completed
by a set deadline.
We are committed to completing this project and having a park that the entire community can be
proud of. The Township also remains committed to keeping the costs under control and as such our
Public Works Department will continue to perform as much of the work as possible.
Reminders to North Fayette Residents ...
Residents are reminded that a building permit is required for all swimming pools capable of being
filled with greater than 24 inches of water. This includes all types of inflatable and blow-up pools
that can be purchased at local department stores such as Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Target, Super K and
others. Please contact the Building Department at (724) 693-3107 for more details and permit
requirements.
Residents and businesses are reminded that the Township property code requires weeds and
grass be cut and maintained at a height of 10 inches or less. Please be aware that fines may be
imposed for failing to comply.
POOL
SAFETY
A new report released by the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC) provides updated
figures on child drowning deaths and injuries in pools
and spas. CPSC’s latest data reveals that nearly 300
children younger than five drown in pools and spas
each year, and about 3,000 suffer pool or sparelated injuries requiring attention at hospital
emergency rooms.
About two-thirds of the pool and spa-related
deaths and injuries involve children ages 1-2, with
about 80% of the drowning fatalities occurring in
residential settings, such as the victim’s home, a
family or friend’s house or at a neighbor’s residence.
New data from CPSC also shows that from 1999
through 2008, there were 83 reports of pool and
spa entrapments, including 11 deaths and 69
injuries. Since 1999, 14% of the reported suction/
entrapment incidents at pools or spas were fatal.
“Preventing child drownings is a key part of
CPSC’s mission. I call upon all parents, caregivers
and pool and spa operators to ensure that fencing
and other layers of protection are in place; that
there is constant supervision of children in and
around the water; and that new, safer drain covers
that prevent entrapment incidents are installed,”
said Acting Chairman Nord.
Drowning occurs more commonly when children
get access to the pool during a short lapse in adult
supervision. To reduce the risk of drowning, pool
owners should adopt several layers of protection,
including physical barriers, such as a fence
completely surrounding the pool with self-closing,
self-latching gates to prevent unsupervised access
by young children. If the house forms a side of the
barrier, use alarms on doors leading to the pool area
and/or a power safety cover over the pool. In
addition, reports of children exiting the house via a
pet door have been on the rise.
June 2009
67
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June 2009
Local Woman
Competes for Miss RMU
Mollie C. Stofan was one of 14 young ladies to
compete for the title of Miss RMU 2009. Mollie
was selected as third runner-up at Robert
Morris University on March 26 at the Nicholson
Center. Miss RMU Pageant is a Women’s History
Month Program sponsored by the Office of
Resident Life. Miss RMU exhibits poise,
composure, leadership, social awareness, and
ambition. The program celebrates exceptional
women at Robert Morris University who possess
these qualities. The event consisted of three
rounds, which included campus, business, and
formal wear. Contestants also talked about their greatest female role model.
Judges selected three finalist positions. Each were asked a current events
question before the judges tallied up their final scores.
Mollie is a freshman pursuing a TV and Video Production Major. She is the
daughter of Eric and Mary Catherine (Lesniak) Stofan of North Fayette.
Findlay HS Classes of
‘49 & ‘50 Hold Reunion
The last class to graduate from Findlay High School, the Class of 1949,
held a joint reunion with the Class of 1950 in May at the Findlay Activity
Center to recognize their 60th reunion. The Class of 1949 was the last class
to graduate from Findlay High School before the school merger with Oakdale
and North Fayette.
1s
t ANNUAL
1st Annual Body Systems Fitness
Charity Golf Outing Benefitting
Pittsburgh's Fallen Heroes Fund
Charity Golf Outing
BODY SYSTEMS FITNESS
...be fit for life!
PittsburghFallenHeroes.com
Saturday August 15th, 2009
Ponderosa Golf Club
Route 168
Hookstown PA, 15050
9am Shotgun Start
Scramble format
$85 per golfer
724.695.5699
Lunch
Beer
Hot Dog at the turn
Prizes
BodySystemsFitness.com
April 2009
69
PERSONAL
Perspective
Lest we forget the good, life holds many presents. We must untie the
ribbons.
The Kelso Road experience is
like driving through a movie
scene. Two miles and three
minutes at 35 m.p.h. of pure
uninterrupted beauty, not
manmade.
At day’s end, my head full of
thoughts and “to do” lists, I will
often choose Kelso Road.
Its beauty is breathtaking;
immediate stress relief for three
minutes. It makes a difference; it
changes perspective.
Pie would agree.
In April, friends and family
gathered to celebrate the life of
Louis “Pie” Chauvet, 1920 2009.
His daughter, Marcia
“Cootsie” Chauvet Dolan spoke.
“My dad loved to take the back
roads of our community. This
morning something told me to
turn onto Kelso Road. I thought,
‘how beautiful’.”
She continued, “My dad
affectionately, in a polite way,
called kids ‘turkey.’”
“He would say, ‘What are you
doing, turkey?’”
“And there on Kelso Road one
lone turkey crossed the road
right in front of my car,” Cootsie
said. “Even the turkey came out
to see the turkey.”
Funny, I saw a lone turkey
By
Erma Dodd
North Fayette Township resident
one day on Kelso Road, and
thought of our friend, Pie
Chauvet, North Fayette
supervisor for many years.
Kelso Road awaits, quietly
awesome. Branches of trees
reach out to meet above the
road, reaching toward each
other as one drives under their
canopy, almost seeming to
touch the visitor.
But hurry and enjoy, for a
new sign is posted. It says, ‘For
Sale.’
Senior Citizens Seek Funds to Study Need for Community Facility
Senior citizens in the West Allegheny neighborhood love their hometown and hope to remain here when they retire or when they need to
seek alternative housing once they can no longer live independently in
their own homes.
To that end, a Senior Citizen Housing Task Force was established two
years ago to begin the effort of raising funds for a feasibility study. The
study would assess the needs here in the area for such a place and
provide the data to encourage developers to consider building assisted
and independent living housing in the West Allegheny community.
While a new assisted living facility has been approved for construction
on Old Steubenville Pike/Enlow Road in North Fayette, there are no other
70
June 2009
plans for a similar housing complex elsewhere in the community.
The Senior Citizen Housing Task Force, which has the support of
the West Allegheny Ministerial Association and the municipalities
within the school district, meets on the first Saturday of each month
to talk about the issue, discuss the next steps, invite speakers from
housing communities such as Presbyterian SeniorCare, and plan
fundraising activities.
For more information, contact the West Allegheny Ministerium at
(724) 693-8950.
Jennette Communications Group
15 Walnut Street, Suite 101
Imperial, PA 15126-1226
Publ ishing in the Airport Area
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PA I D
IMPERIAL, PA
15126
PERMIT NO. 83

June 2009 - Allegheny West Magazine

Transcription

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