June 2008 - Allegheny West Magazine
Transcription
June 2008 - Allegheny West Magazine
WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA OB/GYN ASSOCIATES Providing Exceptional Care Close to Home From left: (seated): Karen A. Roperti, MD, John C. Mellinger, MD, Christine M. Gallis, MD; (standing): Christina M. LaBella, MD, Larry P. McNulty, MD, Paul D. DiMaio, PA-C, Andrew J. Sword, MD, and Joan M. Gregory, CRNP As one of the region’s largest women’s health practices, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care for women in the comfort and convenience of a community setting close to home. We are proud to partner with The Western Pennsylvania Hospital, where we are providing comprehensive labor and delivery services and a full range of gynecologic surgery services. We are committed to giving you the personal attention and individualized care you deserve, both at West Penn Hospital and these convenient office locations: Moon Township McMurray One Thorn Run Center 1187 Thorn Run Extension, Suite 130 Coraopolis, PA 15108 Waterdam 4198 Washington Road, Suite 8 McMurray, PA 15317 412-865-3050 724-941-3093 To contact us toll-free, please call 1-888-528-3824, or visit www.westpennobgyn.com. www.wpahs.org Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 1 Table of Contents Features Columns 15 36 57 58 62 63 03 06 The Final Chapter: Houses on Hastings 13 25 27 Heroes of Hope: Remembering 31 and Raising Awareness 35 Heroes of Life: Competing in the Games 40 44 44 Heroes of Freedom: Our Military 46 49 Eating Well, Buying Local Part III: 55 The Janoski Farm 64 2008 Summer Fun Guide! Publisher’s Note On the Horizon Around Your Town Neighborhood Coupons Chamber Business Link Transportation Update Library News Sidelines NEW! Fire Watch Your House & Senate Municipal Roundup Your Schools Community Marketplace Community Connections Learning Curves 21 24 45 48 Doctor’s Orders: Take a Vacation! by Travel Agents Oral Cancer in On the Rise by Dr. Robert Luther Horses: A Great Way for Children to Learn by Dan McLaughlin, Blue Ribbon Farms Flea & Tick Prevention Tips by Joyce Jennette, Joyce’s Groom n’ Go About the Cover Employees of the Imperial Post Office who have either served or are serving the nation in the armed forces took part in a ceremony to install the nation’s flag at their post office this spring. Photo, this page, left to right: Master Sergeant Jim Aiello, Airman Joe Thompson, and Lance Corporal Jim Santeufemio. Read the story on page 63. PHOTOS BY G. PAUL DeBOR 2 June 2008 Allegheny West Magazine “Good News Always, Mailed and Delivered Free, Every Time” Allegheny West Magazine is an all positive, good news publication mailed free into homes and businesses to connect communities, promote people, heighten awareness about the richness of the airport region, and build pride in the western suburbs of Allegheny County. West Allegheny Edition Vol. 9 No. 6, Issue 54 June 2008 TO REACH US 15 Walnut Street, Ste. 101, Imperial PA 15126 Phone: 724.695.3968 Fax: 724.695.2089 Email: [email protected] www.PghPointsWest.com/allegwestmag PUBLISHING TEAM PUBLISHER AND EDITOR Pat Jennette, APR [email protected] CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS THIS ISSUE G. Paul DeBor Emily Huebner JJ SPORTS WRITER R.H. Glovier CONTRIBUTING WRITERS THIS ISSUE Emily Huebner WEBMASTER Yvonne Hervol www.PittsburghPointsWest.com CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE Gary Hamilton, North Fayette VFD Dan McLaughlin, Blue Ribbon Farms Dr. Robert Luther, Dentist Joyce Jennette, Joyce’s Groom n’ Go Results! Travel by Carlton, Greater Pittsburgh Travel, Round About Travel, Travel Systems & Carnival Cruises Findlay Township, North Fayette Township & Oakdale Borough West Allegheny School District Pgh. Airport Area Chamber of Commerce Western Allegheny Community Library MORE INFO Allegheny West Magazine - West Allegheny Edition, is published in February, April, June, August, October, and December, 6 issues a year, by Jennette Communications Group, 15 Walnut Street, Suite 101, Imperial, PA 151261226. Mailed and delivered free to 15,000 residents and businesses in Clinton, Findlay, North Fayette, Imperial, Oakdale, McDonald, Sturgeon, and surrounding areas. Extra copies available at municipal offices, schools, stores, businesses, and hotels across the airport suburbs. Available by mail subscription for $12 annually. Story ideas welcomed. Community events and announcements from non-profit ecei groups only must be rrecei eceivved four weeks prior to publishing date, limited to 30 words and include a phone number. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of Jennette Communications Group. Copyright 1999 Allegheny West Magazine. All rights reserved. OUR OTHER PUBLICATIONS Jennette Communications Group also publishes the Moon Edition of Alle ghen Alleghen ghenyy West Ma Maggazine azine, the ghen Montour Edition of Alle Alleghen ghenyy West Ma Maggazine azine, and the Imperial/ Findlay/North Fayette/McDonald Edition of the Town Planner Comm unity Calendar Community Calendar.. 2004 & 2006 Publisher’s Note Heroes of Many Kinds We all know heroes. We grew up watching some of them on television. We were the generation that watched as a man first walked on the moon, as President John F. Kennedy told the country, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” and as Martin Luther King marched for equality of all men. In our community, there are many heroes, too. We are honored to have the opportunity to feature some of them in this issue. Read about the military heroes who are remembered as a flag was raised in honor of our military at the Imperial post office by our postal employees who have either served, or are serving, our nation. Read about efforts by students from the Parkway West Career & Technology Center to restore damaged war memorial markers for the military veterans laid to rest at Chartiers Cemetery in Carnegie. There are heroes in our private lives as well. For our family, it is my husband, John, who has been waiting for a long time to receive a lung transplant. His positive attitude about his disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF, keeps all of us motivated. He is among those fortunate enough to be able to wait for his transplant because his lung disease has remained stable. However, there are others who needed their transplants much sooner. Several are your neighbors, colleagues, or friends. And among them, they are soaring to higher levels with their newfound lives by participating in the U.S. Transplant Games, being held in Pittsburgh next month. We proudly tell their stories, their journeys from nearly losing life to celebrating life at its fullest as participants in a diverse series of competitions. Some of you may have read in the newspapers or heard on television about John Challis, the 18-year-old Freedom High School youngster who is dying from lung and liver cancer. His mature words beyond his young years have touched so many. He is an inspiration to us all, a true hero who reminds us of what life is truly about. I am proud to say that he is my cousin. Please enjoy this issue and celebrate those milestones that help us to celebrate not only our freedom, but also remember our heroes -Flag Day on June 14 and Independence Day on July 4. Cheers to Summer, to our freedom, to heroes! WE PROUDLY SPONSOR/SUPPORT: Western Allegheny Community Library’s Capital Building Campaign The Annual Christmas Light-Up Event in Clinton Pat Jennette, APR - Publisher & Editor MEMBER 2007 Winner BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics Registered with Dun & Bradstreet Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 3 4 June 2008 Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 5 On the Horizon GOLF OUTINGS IN SWING 17th Annual Friends of AVS Golf Open, August 11, Sewickley Heights Golf Club, to benefit Allegheny Valley School. Contact Amy Harvilla, (412) 299-2229 or by e-mail, [email protected]. Ohio Valley General Hospital’s 23rd Annual Golf Fundrive, June 9 at Allegheny Country Club, to support acquisition of digital imaging technology. Brunch at 10 a.m., shotgun start at noon, cocktails at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m., (412) 777-6359. Marion Manor’s 8th Annual Charity Golf Classic, September 29, Montour Heights Country Club, benefits Marion Manor Healthcare Foundation. Golf kickoff at 11 a.m. with morning coffee/rolls prior, followed by dinner, (412) 440-4308. Bishop Canevin Hockey Annual Golf Outing, June 19, Lone Pine Golf Course, to benefit the Bishop Canevin Hockey Association. 1 p.m. shotgun scramble start after registration and lunch, concluding with dinner and silent auctions. (724) 695-2239. Verland’s 26th Annual Golf Outing, July 28, to benefit children and adults with intellectual and other disabilities who live at Verland, (412) 741-2578. Airport Authority Open, June 21, Cedarbrook Golf Course. Benefits Wings for Children, (412) 472-5533. West Allegheny FB Boosters “Guy Rippole/Gil Palko Memorial Gridiron Classic,” July 25 at Rolling Acres Golf Course to benefit the football boosters, (724) 695-5246. Greater Pittsburgh Football Officials Golf Outing, in Memory of Harry Quinn-Ralph Schorr, June 25, Ponderosa Golf Course, 9 a.m. tee off, (412) 427-2878 or (412) 787-5422. Partners for Quality Bob Pompeani Charity Golf Classic, June 23, Chartiers Country Club, $1 million Hole-inOne Contest at 10:45 a.m. with tee-off at 11 a.m., (412) 778-2579. Gerry Dulac Charity Golf Classic, July 21, Diamond Run Golf Club, benefiting Parkway West Rotary charities, 11 a.m. shotgun start, Sam Duerr, (724) 947-1234. 7th Annual Paul W. LaMarca Youth Golf Foundation, Village Green Golf Course, Hickory. 7:30 a.m., June 21, shotgun start. Send gift certificates and donations to Bob LaMarca, 106 Countryside Drive, McKees Rocks, PA 15136, (412) 787-5085 or (412) 771-4624. 4th Annual TC House Charity Golf Outing, June 30, Quicksilver Golf Course, 1 p.m. hosted by Tyler Palko and Chris McGough, to raise funds for a future home for adults with disabilities in Imperial. Visit www.tchouse.org or e-mail [email protected]. Montour Football Boosters Golf Outing, August 9, Indian Run Golf Course, 8:30 a.m. shotgun start, Bob Diecks, (412) 771-0790. To list a golf outing this season, send an e-mail with the information to: [email protected] or fax to: 724.695.2089. There is no charge for listings by non-profit groups. 6 June 2008 Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 7 On the Horizon MONTOUR TRAIL COUNCIL EVENTS Mark the calendar for these events coming up by the Montour Trail Council: The Montour Trail/IKEA 1/2 Marathon & 5K Run & Walk - Saturday, September 6; The Montour Trail Tour the Montour - Saturday, September 20. Visit the website at www.montourtrail.org. CLASS REUNIONS West Allegheny High School Class of 1963 will hold its 45th reunion on August 9 at Peter's Place. Contact Carol Pattison at [email protected]. Robinson Alumni Reunion Picnic will be on Saturday, August 30, at the Clever Park Rotary Shelter on Clever Road near the intersection of Silver Lane in Robinson Township, starting at 2 p.m. Cost is $15 per person. Call Fred at (412) 787-2790. JOIN THE BIKE-A-THON CYCLE SPLASH The American Cancer Society is holding the second annual Western Region Bike-a-Thon Cycle Splash on Sunday, August 17 at Raccoon Creek State Park. Volunteers are needed to help plan the event. Volunteers do not need to be cyclists and those who are unable to attend meetings can participate via teleconference. For information, contact Angela Giacchino by e-mail at [email protected], or call (412) 919-1100. IMPERIAL VFD SUMMER EVENTS The Imperial Volunteer Fire Department’s Annual Parade and Street Fair is Friday, June 13 starting at 7 p.m. On Saturday, July 19, the fire department will hold its “Cash Bash” and “Night at the Races.” For details and tickets for Cash Bash, call the fire department at (724) 695 - 8845. OAKDALE BINGO TAKES A SUMMER BREAK The Oakdale Hose Company monthly bingo at the Oakdale Community Center will take a break until October 4. For more information, call (724) 693-9408. INDEPENDENCE HOSTS CELEBRATION The Independence Township Board of Supervisors, Volunteer Fire Department, and Recreation Board invite the public to the annual INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION held at the Independence Township Municipal Complex, School Road and Route 151, from noon until 10 p.m. on July 4. Festivities kick off with a parade, including a kids’ bike parade, followed by organized kids’ activities, a watermelon eating contest, hayrides and pony rides, rubber ducky race, cheerleaders’ performance, square dancing, and fireworks. Throughout the day, enjoy craft booths, carnival games, local history center, silent auction, and lots to eat. Admission and parking are free. For more information, call (724) 378-3739. RESURRECTION HOLDS SALE JUNE 21 Resurrection Lutheran Church at 7600 Steubenville Pike, Oakdale (North Fayette Township), will hold an Annual Yard and Bake Sale on Saturday, June 21 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hot dogs and refreshments will also be sold. For more information or to reserve a space for $10, call (724) 7884513. BLUE KNIGHTS & VERLAND BIKE RIDE The Blue Knights and Verland’s Fifth Motorcycle Ride is Sunday, September 21. Breakfast and registration begins at 9 a.m. at Verland’s main campus in Sewickley, followed by a two-hour ride escorted by the Blue Knights. Dante’s Inferno Band will entertain during the barbecue and festivities. To pre-register or for more information, call Arlene at (412) 741-2578. 8 June 2008 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 every household in Findlay, Clinton, North Fayette, Imperial, Oakdale, Sturgeon, and portions of McDonald as a community service. 1/2 Off Greeting Cards, p. 39, 724.695.1964 A Cup of Ideas, p. 54, 412.264.4410, www.acupofideas.com Allegheny West Eye Care, p. 38, 724.695.3371, www.alleghenywesteyecare.com Amsoil, p. 29, 724.695.7676 Aunt Mini Storage, p. 18, 724.695.8700 Bartosh, p. 32, 1.800.264.4912 Beaver Valley Foot Clinic, p. 25, 724.375.1577, www.bvfootclinic.com Bill’s Construction, p. 55, 724.695.7525 Blue Ribbon Farms, p. 22, 412.974.3175 Bocktown Beer, p. 23, 412.788.2333,www.bocktown.com Broadway Dance Studio, p. 12, 412.920.1841 Business Legal, p. 30, 412.257.2617, www.businesslegal.net Carnival Cruise Lines, p. 21 Choices Pregnancy Centers, p. 48, 724.457.1220 Center for Organ Recovery & Educ.(CORE), p. 55, 1.800.DONORS-7, www.core.org Clearview Federal Credit Union, p. 19, 1-800-926-0003, www.clearviewfcu.org Clearview Stables, p. 47, 724.693.9686, www.clearviewstablesinc.com Clinton Wesleyan Church, p. 14, 724.695.7076 Cool Home Improvements, inside back cover, 412.262.1140, www.coolhomeimprovements.com Cricket Communications, p. 25, 412.494.6683 Davey Tree Company, p. 24, 724.746.8852 DDS Web Design, p. 13, 412.965.0688, www.ddswebdesign.com Dennis Dumpsters, p. 55, 724.947.4394 Dove Cottage Development, p. 32, 724.462.7648, www.dovecottagedev.com Enlow Station, p. 39, 724.695.8181 Family Chiropractic Center, p. 43, 412.787.3320, www.familychiropracticcenters.biz Fayette Farms, p. 4-5, 412.788.0863, www.fayettefarms.com Findlay Township, p. 38, 724.695.0500, www.findlay.pa.us First Steps Pediatrics,ins. back cover, 412.788.1999, www.fspkids.com Fitness for Life, p. 26, 724.695.2239, www.mkfitness4life.com Franchek HVAC, p.42, 724.899.3474 Fry’s Spiffy Dog, p. 43, 724.693.9392 Greater Pittsburgh Travel, p. 21, 412.331.2244, www.greaterpittsburghtravel.com Heritage Valley Health Systems, inside front cover, 412.787.5769, www.heritagevalley.org Heritage Valley - West Allegheny Healthcare, p. 45, 724.695.2411 Howard Hanna-Bob Miller, p. 11, 412.498.3664, www.bobmiller.howardhanna.com Imperial Taxes & Acctg., p. 33, 724.695.7354 Iron & Glass Bank, p. 24, 412.859.3797, www.ironandglassbank.com Janoski’s, p. 25, 724.899.3438, www.janoskis.com Just Tan, p. 25, 724.695.8786 Kencec Construction, p. 47, 412.747.0489 Kovach’s, p. 24, 724.926.8706 Lazarowicz, Ken - CPA, p. 22, 412.299.7390 LaStone Therapy by Michelle, p. 55, 412.809.9809 Liechti, Attorney Fred, p. 55, 412.787.5280 Luther, Dr. Robert, p. 34, 412.788.6300, www.pittsburghlaserdentist.com MTO Clean, p. 22, 1.866.21MAIDS, www.allegheny.mtoclean.com Mac’s Landscaping, p. 34, 724.612.2926 Marion Estates-Keller Williams Realty, p. 34, 412.788.0888, www.marionestates.info McDonald Pharmacy, p. 25, 724.926.2117 McDonald VFD, p. 8, www.mcdonaldfire.com Meyers, Tom - Plumbing, p. 14, 724.693.2880 Mike’s Tree Service, p. 13, 724.947.2677 Monark Student Transportation, p. 18, 724.695.4000 Montours Church, p. 30, 412.787.1050 Moody Funeral Home, p. 43, 724.695.0411 Mortgage Advisory Group, p. 22, 412.446.0400, www.loanadvisory.net Naughton’s Tree Service, p. 46, 412.331.5952, www.naughtonstreeservice.com North Fayette Township, p. 28, 412.788.4888 Oakdale Foot & Ankle, p. 20, 412.787.8380 Off the Rail Farm, p. 40, 724.544.5207, www.offtherailfarm.net Ohio Valley Genl. Hospital, p. 12, 412.777.6400, www.ohiovalleyhospital.org/PAIN Painted Giraffe, p. 43, 724.693.8452 Paragon Homes, back cover, 412.787.8807, www.VisitParagonHomes.com Picciano, Dr., p. 40, 412.787.3366, www.montourdental.com Pgh. Airport Area Chmbr. of Commerce, p. 27, 412.264.6270, www.paacc.com Pittsburgh Points West, p. 20, 412.494.9203, www.pghpointswest.com Pittsburgh Pet Crematory, p. 32, 412.600.1630, www.pittsburghpetcrematory.com Pittsburgh Technical Institute, p. 23, 412.809.5100, www.pti.edu Pittsburgh Zoo, p. 48, 412.665.3640, www.pittsburghzoo.org Play Academy, p. 29, 412,299.0616, www.play-academy.org Polidor, Dr. Tamara, p. 29, 724.695.8447 Primadonna Restaurant, p. 10, 412.331.1001, www.theprimadonnarestaurant.com Pustover Financial Services, p. 31, 724.695.8885 Qdoba Restaurant, p. 19, 412.494.9933 Quicksilver Golf Club, p. 40, 724.796.1594, www.quicksilvergolf.com Resurrection Lutheran Church, p. 45, 412.788.4513 Results! by Carlson Travel, p. 21, 412.264.8010 Rhema Christian School, p. 7, 412.269.9555, www.rhemachristianschool.org Rohm, Dr., p. 46, 724.695.2100 Round About Travel, p. 21, 724.693.2930, www.roundabouttravel.com Santiago Distributing, p. 54, 724.695.7289 Self Storage of North Fayette, p. 31, 724.695.8875 Sewickley Valley Medical Group, p. 6, 412.269.0899 Shear Perfection, p. 25, 412.788.2888 Starting Point Fitness, p. 32, 412.787.0111.www.startingpointfitness.com Sturgeon VFD, p. 54, 724.926.9149 Thomas Dance, p. 25, 412.787.7686, www.thomasdance.com Thomas-Little Funeral Service, p. 24, 724.926.2800 Today’s Hair, p. 14, 724.695.0478 Travel Systems, p. 21, 412.787.7080, www.travelsystemsinc.com USA Special Services, p. 33, 412.446.0036, www.usaspecialservicesllc.com Valley Presbyterian Church, p. 45, 724.695.0300,www.valleychurchweb.com Village Tack, p. 6, 724.947.5525, www.villagetack.com Western Allegheny Community Water Authority, center insert West Allegheny Soccer, p. 55, 724.695.0941, www.westasoccer.com West Penn Allegheny Health System, p. 1, www.wpahs.org Wharton-Herrick Funeral Home, p. 31, 724.695.7332 Yoga h’om, p. 6, 412.788.1660, www.yogahom.com Zaccone, Jim - Photography, p. 25, 412.921.0401, www.jimzaccone.com Zak Appraisal Services, p. 20, 412.257.9656, www.zakappraisalservices.com Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 9 On the Horizon OAKDALE SUMMER EVENTS ANNOUNCED Oakdale Borough kicks off summer with a concert by the West Hills Symphonic Band and a Children’s Art Show on Friday, June 27 from 7-8:30 p.m. For details on the art show participation, contact the borough office. On Friday, July 4, Oakdale’s THE ROCK sponsors a plethora of Independence Day events that begin at 10 a.m. The annual decorated bike parade and pet show is followed by free hotdogs and drinks for parade participants. A boxed lunch auction will raise money for THE ROCK. New this year is a pie baking contest. Fun in Oakdale continues with the Oakdale Hose Company’s Carnival July 19, 21-26. The parade is July 25 at 7 p.m., with the Hogs for Hoses Motorcycle Run on July 26; bikes leaving at 3 p.m. On tap for entertainment this year at the carnival are Vintage Buzz Band on July 19, Duff Band on July 21, Hellcat on July 22, Hedge Band on July 23, Dave Iglar Band on July 24, Buddy Sharp and the Shakers on July 25, and ZAR on July 26. On August 16, the annual Luau returns. To learn more, visit www.oakdaleborough.com or call (724) 693-9740. McDONALD TRAIL STATION IS NOW OPEN The McDonald Trail Station is open every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through October. The facility is a good stopping place along the Panhandle Trail. The building is available as a rental hall with a capacity of up to 110 people. The station also features the history of the McDonald area in its historical hall, as well as information from the Panhandle and Montour Trails. For more information, call (724) 926-2861. HERITAGE LIBRARY HOLDS SUMMER ACTIVITIES Preschool summer reading programs at Heritage Library in McDonald will be held June 22-26 from 10 to 11 a.m. for ages 2-5. Summer reading program sign ups for other age levels are being held now at the library. Accelerated reader books are also available at the library. There are DVDs and VHS tapes to borrow and enjoy during the summer. For more information, call (724) 926-4686 or e-mail [email protected]. 10 June 2008 SUMMER ACTIVITIES IN FINDLAY KEEP RESIDENTS BUSY The annual Cruisin’ in the Woodlands returns June 27 at Clinton Park on Route 30, from 5-9 p.m. A free summer concert series in Clinton Park runs in June and July. See details on page 15. Additional programs held this summer include a Young Champions Youth Cheerleading six-week session for ages 4-15. Registration is Saturday, June 21 at 10 a.m. at the Findlay Activity Center. A six-week junior tennis clinic begins June 17 at 10:30 a.m. at Elm Street Park for ages 7 and up. Call (724) 695-0500 to register and for fees. Babysitting Basics through Children’s Hospital will be held at the Findlay Township Activity Center, Monday, June 30 for ages 11 and up from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Bring a packed lunch. Cost is $35. Call Children’s Hospital at (412) 692-8580 to register or, for more information, call (724) 695-0500. MISSION SALE JUNE 7 TO SUPPORT AMERICAN INDIANS Clinton Wesleyan Church will hold a Mission Sale on Saturday, June 7 at 9 a.m. at the church, 1022 Moon Clinton Road. Proceeds benefit the American Indian mission project the church has adopted. For details, contact the church at (724) 695-7076. McDONALD’S SUMMER TENNIS PROGRAM BEGINS “Koach” Tim Conroy, a USPTA certified instructor, is teaching eight weeks of tennis lessons to youth and adults at the Harry Collins Courts in Heritage Park in McDonald beginning June 17 on Tuesdays and Fridays. Student lessons are available in beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, and are during the day. Adult lessons are offered on Tuesday evenings. Cost is $25 for the first child and $10 for each additional child in a family. Registration forms are available at McDonald Pharmacy, Heritage Library, and McDonald Borough offices. For more information, call (724) 926-4617. Bring a racquet and water bottle. Racquets will be provided if needed. On the Horizon REAL ESTATE TIPS THE “ROCK” HOLDING SUMMER DAY CAMP The ROCK in Oakdale is sponsoring a six-week summer day camp program beginning June 30 for elementary age students. The camp costs $65 a week for a ten-hour day, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The camp will include activities to help students grow academically, spiritually, athletically, and artistically. Visit the website, www.rockoakdale.org, email [email protected], or call (412) 855-4817. REASON TO CELEBRA TE! CELEBRATE! Imagine that you’re throwing a party and The Wave Pool opens on June 7, weather and years and up on July 2 once a week for four weeks for want to invite only conditions permitting, daily through Labor Day. For students with last names from A-K, and on July 4 once a your closest friends in information about the pool, call (412) 787-2667. week for four weeks for last names from L-Z. Lesson time the Pittsburgh area. Free swimming lessons will be held at the pool for five is 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Rather than taking time to mail invitations, you place an BRIGHT LIGHTS IS FINAL OFFERING THIS YEAR announcement in the paper reading, “Bright Lights” is the final dance offering of the Carnegie Carnegie, June 7 at 8 p.m. and June 8 at 2 p.m. For “I am having a party Friday night, and Performing Arts Center School. Performances will be held in information, call (412) 279-8887 or visit the website at you’re invited. Please come!” Your the Andrew Carnegie Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, www.carnegieperformingartscenter.com. name and address appear at the botFEDERAL UM CHURCH STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL IS JUNE 21 tom of the ad. After a great deal of preparation, Saturday, June 21 from 4 to 7 p.m. Federal United Methodist Church, 811 Dutch Hill Road, Friday night arrives and you’re For more information, call (724) 693-8367. Oakdale, will hold its annual Strawberry Festival on surprised when over 50 total COMMUNITY YOGA CLASSES AT SETTLER’S CABIN PARK strangers show up ready to party. or $10 per family. Cost for all 12 classes is $48 per person What happened? Try an outdoor yoga class at Settler’s Cabin Park this or $90 per family. summer. Yoga h’om, in partnership with the Allegheny First, you took a short cut by In the case of inclement weather, class will be held at County Parks, is offering a weekly yoga class starting June running a generic ad to attract the Yoga h’om, a short drive from the park, at 7053 14 and continuing through August 30 on Saturdays from attention of your friends. Instead, you Steubenville PIke, Suite 22. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Flint Grove. Cost is $5 per person got the attention of “John Q. Public.” Call (412) 788-1660 or visit www.yogahom.com. Second, you expended effort preparing for a party that wasn’t NORTH FAYETTE SPONSORS RECREATION PROGRAMS appreciated by the crowd that The North Fayette Township Recreation Department Youth lacrosse is being held the week of June 16 and a showed up. announces summer programs ready to launch. summer basketball league for grades three through adult A similar situation could happen if Season swim passes are available for the Hankey will start the week of June 30. you try to sell your home without Farms Pool. In addition to the pool passes, three twoCoach Cornell’s Summer Baseball Camp is planned for the representation. Without a full-time week swim lesson sessions are being offered starting week of June 23 and Elite Sports Training Performance professional agent, you may attract June 16, three family swim nights will be held June 16, takes place on August 9 and 10. July 14, and August 14, starting at 7 p.m., and water North Fayette’s Annual Community Days are scheduled prospects to your home that have no exercise classes are being formed. for August 1 and 2 with Joe Grushecky, Jill West and Blues business being there. They may lack the financial resources to buy, or may Youth and adult tennis lessons begin June 9 with Attack, and the Billy Price Band headlining this year’s be bargain hunters or “window lessons available to beginners and intermediates. Two entertainment. shoppers.” free tennis clinics are planned for May 17 and 31. For more information and to participate in any of these A full-time professional agent Summer movies in the park are held the third Friday of upcoming programs, call (412) 788-4888 or (412) 693the month throughout the summer. Check the township 3118. attracts only the best prospects by website at www.north-fayette.com for movie titles. targeting specific buying groups. Potential buyers are screened for BELOW: Hankey Farms Pool in North Fayette has received a makeover this summer with the installation of a wrap-around all-weather deck. Pictured are members of this year’s lifeguard team at their ability to make a purchase and the pool: Bill Black, manager; Tiffany Leszunov, Kim Schade, Katie Sinagoga, Sarah Avery, Haley their motivation for doing so. Only Casuccio, and Alyssa Mance. Also members of this year’s lifeguard team but not available for the qualified buyers, by appointment, are photo are Jared Palonis, Kaitlin and Megan Kaulius, Rachel Anderson, Doug Fleisner, Shane Glass shown your home. You are more and Jordan Bedillion. likely to receive the best possible price, with fewer showings, and with the least inconvenience to you and your family. SETTLERS CABIN PARK OFFERS POOL AND TENNIS Bob Miller is a full time, full service professional residential and commercial Realtor® with Howard Hanna Real Estate. For answers to your real estate questions and for a complimentary comparative market analysis of your properties, please contact me. 412.498.3664 [email protected] www.bobmiller.howardhanna.com www.howardhannacommercial.com Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 11 Around Your Town Ground Broken for Settler’s Ridge Complex Bordering North Fayette Faison Enterprises and CBL & Associates Properties kicked off the official groundbreaking on April 24 of the Settler’s Ridge lifestyle complex in Robinson Township. Faison and CBL & Associates Properties are partners for the development, management, and leasing of the new 600,000square-foot site, with a design similar to The Waterfront. In just over a year, Settler’s Ridge will become a reality, with a target opening date of Summer 2009. Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato, who was among those taking part in the groundbreaking, said, “This is one of the fastest growing areas of Allegheny County, a stripmined, brownfield site. I have requested $10 million from the governor for commercial infrastructure and improvements to help with the sewers, roads, and water system here. This will leverage the $146 million in private investments on a site that saves sprawl from development and makes this location as competitive as a green site.” As equipment moved earth in the background under the shadow of Union Presbyterian Church above it, confirmed tenants to date were announced. The project will be anchored by a 150,000-square-foot Giant Eagle Market District supermarket. The first to be constructed from the ground up (two existing Market Districts in the South Hills and Shadyside were retrofitted from former Giant Eagle stores), the Market District will absorb 25 percent of the retail space in the complex. Shelly Sponholz and Kevin Srigley, senior vice presidents of Giant Eagle, gave attendees a birds-eye view of what’s in store at the new Market District. Architecture resembling sites from such locales as Toronto and Europe, as well as historic Pittsburgh architecture, will set the ambiance for the store’s interior. The 77-year-old company will build environmentally sensitive, using as many recycled products as possible, and is securing LEED certification to assure environmental responsibility. Eating areas will parallel restaurants, chefs will provide cooking demonstrations, guest speakers from regional and national stature will be available, and 1,000s of both natural and organic items will make the shopping experience spectacular, Shelly Sponholz said. Additionally, a 16-screen Cinemark Theatre, with stadium seating, will make its home at Settler’s Ridge, as will a 26,500square-foot Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI). LA Fitness has committed to building a 38,000-square-foot center as well. It was also announced that Courtyard by Marriott will build a 124-room hotel on Campbell’s Run Road at the Ridge Road intersection. Additional anchors include a national bookstore and two fashion apparel stores. The open-air center will feature approximately 150,000-square-feet of specialty stores and a selection of restaurants, including P.F. Chang’s. 12 June 2008 Around Your Town Pentagon Approves Building a New Commissary Parkway West Rotary Honors This Year’s Paul Harris Fellows An announcement was made on April 27 by the Pentagon’s Commissary Operating Board confirming its approval to build a new commissary in Moon Township. The facility will cost $8.2 million. Funding will come from the Federal Defense Commissary Agency, Allegheny County, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Allegheny County had previously donated land near the intersection of University Boulevard and Business Route 60 in Moon Township for the project. U.S. Representative Tim Murphy made the announcement. The commissary will replace the Charles E. Kelly Support Center in Collier, providing more than 160,000 military personnel and their families continued access to cost-effective groceries and other items. Three airport area business leaders have been bestowed with the annual Paul Harris Fellowship Award by the Parkway West Rotary. They are all active members of the Rotary club. Honored this year are Tom Yeager from the Western Area YMCA. Tom works tirelessly on the club’s Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets that are delivered to families in need throughout the airport area. Ken Corey of Sam’s Club is known among club members as one of its most productive members, offering his time and resources to benefit many club programs and initiatives. Current president, Marcy McKivitz, also has been the club’s leader as an organizer and its secretary. She has been instrumental in implementing numerous Rotary charity benefits and other activities. The members were honored during a special outing for club members in April. 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 $1,000 to the humanitarian and educational programs of The Rotary Foundation. These programs include an array of projects that enhance international friendship and understanding. Rotarians also 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. Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 13 Around Your Town Clearview FCU Helps the Community Clearview® Federal Credit Union recently provided free tax return preparation assistance for its members and community residents through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). Tax preparation sessions were available at Clearview’s offices in Moon Township, Robinson Township, Center Township, Brentwood and Chippewa, as well as around the community. VITA is a free, IRS-sponsored program to help low and moderate-income workers and the elderly file basic federal tax returns electronically and help them get tax credits they deserve. The VITA team at Clearview received training to help prepare basic tax returns for the community. The Clearview team helped 462 Southwestern Pennsylvanians file their 2007 federal income tax returns, resulting in over $300,000 in refunds and over $70,000 in earned income credits. Employees of Clearview® Federal Credit Union raised over $6,000 for the March of Dimes recently. The largest event was an annual March of Dimes walk, held at Brady’s Run Park in Beaver Falls in April. Twenty-seven Clearview employees, along with their families and pets, took the 3.2-mile walk, raising over $3,000, which surpassed last year’s fundraising total by 38 percent. Clearview employees also raised money through raffles and a bake sale held for both employees and members of Clearview. The greatest fundraising event outside of the walk was Jeans Day, where Clearview employees donated five dollars each for the opportunity to wear jeans to work; it raised over $1,000 for the charity. Joining Together for Pharmacy Care Ohio Valley General Hospital has joined the Academic Partners Program of the Duquesne University Mylan School of Pharmacy, becoming the latest member of a unique network of regional hospitals, health systems, and health care providers collaborating with the pharmacy school. The program's mission is to enhance pharmacy practice at each member site, improve patient care, and advance clinical research. To date, ten regional hospitals are partners in this program, which also provides educational and practice opportunities for Duquesne University faculty and student pharmacists. This formal collaboration between an academic institution and pharmacy health care providers is the first of its kind in Pittsburgh, according to Dr. Thomas J. Mattei, associate dean of the Mylan School of Pharmacy. "We are very excited to partner with the Mylan School of Pharmacy," Dr. David Provenzano of Ohio Valley Hospital’s Pain Treatment Center said. "I believe it will be truly a symbiotic relationship which will result in advancements in clinical care, in education of students, and in superb clinical research. I have been impressed with the academic talent and enthusiasm of the professors and administration at the Mylan School. I think in a few years we will look back and see how special this relationship has been for Ohio Valley General Hospital and Duquesne University." Ohio Valley Hospital and Pain Treatment Center also will serve as primary training sites for Duquesne's student pharmacists. 14 June 2008 RESEARCHED AND WRITTEN BY EMILY HUEBNER Summer Fun Guide 2008 Last summer we compiled an ultimate summer fun guide in hopes of providing you with fun entertainment close to home. Hopefully our guide helped you save your money for the enjoyable stuff, and not the horrendous gas prices. Well, the backyard fun is back this summer! With a wide array of events, workshops, and camps all located in the airport area, your summer calendar will soon be booked, and your gas tank won’t be depleted! MUNICIPAL FAIRS are a great way to spend the afternoon and evening. With entertainment, food, and friends what could be more enjoyable? Crafton’s 33rd Annual Festival: This five-day festival from June 30-July 4 will include inflatable attractions, a petting zoo, and a 5K run. The festival will kick off with a parade at 6 p.m. on June 30, and conclude with fireworks July 4 at night. Moon’s Father’s Day Fun Fair: Sunday June 15; 12-2:30 p.m. at Moon Park. Free admission; activities will include: Train Maze, Quarterback Blitz, Rainbow Express, and Magic Show; free raffles and free food. McDonald’s McSummerfest: June 28-July 15 Oakdale Volunteer Fireman’s Street Fair: July 19 and July 21-26 (see page10 for details) North Fayette Community Days: August 1 & 2 (see page 28 for details) Ingram Community Days: www.ingramborough.org, or call (412) 921-3625 Kennedy Community Days: August 14-17; parade 16th & fireworks 17th Findlay Fair in the Woodlands: August 14, 15 & 16 in Clinton Park; includes: food, crafts, farm animals and a parade, vendor booths, and daily performances Robinson Autumn Festival and Fireworks: Saturday, September 20; 12-10 p.m.; held at Burkett Park CONCERTS abound whatever your preference is. Whether it’s big names like Jimmy Buffett and Kansas or a free night of music underneath the stars, our area can accommodate you. Moon Park Free Concerts & Movies: All movies are held at dusk at the ARL Amphitheatre in Moon Park: June 13: Bee Movie; June 27: Shrek the Third; July 18: Nancy Drew; August 1: Surf’s Up; August 15: Spiderwick’s Chronicles; August 29: The Apple Dumpling Gang. The concerts, also free, begin at 7:30 p.m. and also are held at Moon Park: June 6: Sarah Marince (Country), June 20: Pittsburgh Philharmonic (Classical/Big Band), July 11: Mansfield 5 (Oldies), July 25: United States Air Force Band, August 8: New Relics (Soft Rock), August 22: Allegheny Brass Band (Brass/Contemporary). Jimmy Wayne (Country) will perform during the Independence Day Celebration on July 4; activities begin at 4 p.m. An afternoon concert series, all from noon to 1 p.m., is held at Robin Hill Park: June 18: Brad Yoder (Acoustic/Folk), July 16: Guy Matone as Frank Sinatra (Frank Sinatra Tribute), and August 20: Clem Rolin and the Jazz All-Stars (Jazz). Clinton Park Free Concerts: The series begins with Grkmania, an award-winning polka and waltz band, on Tuesday, June 24. On Tuesday, July 1, come for Two of a Kind, an award-winning musical performance geared for families. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held at the Findlay Activity Center on Main Street. Hear West Allegheny’s own Dan Hanczar and Cliff Howell in “Mad Mike’s Blues Review” on Tuesday, July 15. On Tuesday, July 29, Ruff Creek Band returns. All concerts begin at 7 p.m. Pepsi-Cola Roadhouse: On August 7, the Pepsi-Cola Roadhouse will welcome Kansas, and on August 23 & 24, the 3 Rivers Progressive Rock Festival will take place. The Roadhouse includes dinner and parking with the ticket price, and assures that attendees will be no further than 65 feet from the stage. For more information and concerts leading into the winter season, visit the website at: www.pepsiroadhouse.com. PG Amphitheatre: This infamous pavilion needs no further explanation, for it hosts artists such as Jimmy Buffett, Toby Keith, and The Police. Located in Burgettstown, the Post-Gazette Amphitheatre provides sheltered pavilion seating, or lawn seating. The summer concert series includes Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with Steve Winwood on June 10, followed by The Clarks and Donnie Iris & The Cruisers on June 21, then Rush on July 2, Tim McGraw on July 6, and the Steve Miller Band with Joe Cocker on July 12. There are a lot more. A complete list of all concerts can be found at www.livenation.com. Penn State Beaver Brodhead Cultural Center: The Brodhead Cultural Center is located on Brodhead Road, Monaca, and is open M-F 8 a.m.-5 pm. Aside from the musical all shows are free! Events begin with the Pittsburgh Banjo Club on July 25 at 7:30 p.m., no rain date. The musical, for which there is a charge, is Friday and Saturday, July 25, 26 and Friday and Saturday, August 1, 2. Presented by the Center Theatre Players, “Into the Woods” will be held at the auditorium in the Student Union Building, Penn State Beaver Campus. Show begins at 7:30 p.m. and doors open at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are $13, and can be purchased at the door beginning at 6 p.m. before each show or in advance at the Brodhead Cultural Center office. For a complete list of events, call the Cultural Center Events Hotline at (724) 773-3600. RACING Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway hosts racing on Saturday nights through September. Gates open at 5 p.m., and the wheels start turning at 7 p.m. Admission is $13 adults, $12 seniors 60 and over, $9 juniors (ages 13-16), $5 children 7-12, and under 7 are free. For a complete schedule of all special events, as well as more information and ticket sales, visit the website at www.ppms.com. Bertil Roos Racing School: Located in Beaver Township, just 30 minutes from the Airport, Bertil Roos was listed in our last Summer Fun Guide as BeaverRun Motorsports Complex. For more information you can visit the website at: www.racenow.com, or call 1-800-722-3699. Programs and pricing are listed on the website under schedule and pricing. ARTS & CRAFTS Mesa Creative Arts Center is located on Miller Airport Road in Burgettstown on a peaceful piece of property. Participants can enjoy a barn full of classrooms in this setting. Mesa is owned and operated by Brad and Kate (Neil) Silberberg. A full schedule of events can be found on the website, www.mesacreativearts.com. Events vary from psychic readings to meditation sessions, and some include crafts such as dream catchers and mobiles. ICE SKATING Airport Ice Arena: The Airport Ice Arena not only has public sessions, but also stick time, adult leagues, 3-on-3 hockey games, and camps and clinics. For dates and times, visit their website at: www.airporticearena.com. Public Session: Saturday & Sunday, 1 p.m.-2:50 p.m., Admission: Adults $6, Children 12 and under $5, children 6 and under free; skate rental and skate walker rental is $2.50; Club Ice: Friday night, 7-8:50 p.m.; $6 for all ages. RMU Island Sports Center: Ice skating is not the only thing RMU Island Sports Center has to offer. In fact, they are also well known for their fitness, golf, and minigolf programs! Public Session: Monday-Friday 12 -2 p.m.; Wednesday 7-8:30 p.m.; Friday 7-9 p.m.; Saturday 1:15- 3:15 p.m. and 7:30-9:30 p.m. Admission: Adults is $6; Children under 6 & Seniors over 62 are $5; skate rental: $2.50; skate walker rental: $2.50. HORSEBACK RIDING Clear View Stables Inc.: Located on Whittengale Road in North Fayette, the stables offer horseback riding lessons. Visit www.clearviewstablesinc.com. Off the Rail Farm: Off the Rail Farm, located in Clinton, specializes in riding instruction. They offer lessons for beginners through advanced, as well as individual sessions. For more information visit the website: www.offtherailfarm.net, or call (724) 544-5207. Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 15 Blue Ribbon Farms: Nestled in the hills of Independence Township in Beaver County, the farm, with its 45+ horses, is just minutes from the Findlay Township border. They’re hosting summer horse camps for youth, too, June 18-20 and June 24-26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call (412) 974-3175. GOLF Quicksilver Golf Club: Looking for golf lessons or outings, or even somewhere to hold your upcoming wedding or banquet? Well, Quicksilver Golf Club, located in Midway, could be the place for you. Golf outing and individual fees are listed on the website, as well as group and junior lessons! Visit www.quicksilvergolf.com. Moon Golf Club: The Moon Golf Club not only provides a wonderful golf course, but why not add a full course meal to your day as well? With a restaurant on site you can grab a sandwich or sit down for a meal after your round of golf. Rates and information are located on their website: www.moongolfclub.com. Marada Golf Course: Marada is located in Clinton, just two miles from the airport. Recently under new ownership, Marada is priding itself as the friendliest golf staff in western Pennsylvania. You can be the judge of that by visiting Marada’s course. Find out more at www.maradagolfcourse.com. Scally’s Golf Center: Scally’s, located in Moon, has been in business for over 50 years, and was named by Golf Range Magazine as one of the top 100 golf ranges in America in 2006. Scally’s also offers mini-golf, birthday parties, batting cages, and lessons. To learn more visit: http://mysite.verizon.net/carl.silvestri/scallys/. West Hills Par 3: A great place for a date or to spend an afternoon, and it’s reasonable! Check it out at 57 Moon Clinton Road, Moon Township. (412) 262-9331. PARKS Raccoon Creek State Park: If you’re in the mood to explore the great outdoors and wilderness of Western Pennsylvania, but you’re not sure which path to hike, consider this. The Raccoon Creek State Park Friends Group is sponsoring the W.H.O. Hiking Series featuring six hikes from the Walks, Hikes, and Overnights in Raccoon Creek State Park guidebook. These hikes were chosen to introduce the hiker to most of the trails in the park. Continuing through September, they will hike the second Sunday of each month: June 8, July 13, August 10, and September 14. The park is located in Beaver County, just off of US 22-30 West, on Route 18. This 7,572-acre park also features a 101-acre lake filled with bluegill, sunfish, catfish, and many more varieties made just for your hook. Inside the park, you will find 44 miles of hiking trails and 16 miles of horseback riding trails. You can either tackle them on your own, or hook up with one of the many organized group trips. Listed below are just some of the programs offered this summer, but for a complete list visit the website: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/ raccooncreek.aspx. ATV Safety Classes: Sunday, June18- 4 -7:30 p.m.; Sunday July 20-9 a.m-1 p.m.; Wednesday July 23-4-7:30 p.m.; Sunday, August 10-9 a.m-1 p.m.; Sunday, August 179 a.m.-1 p.m.; Contact the instructor directly for registration: Robert Lioi at (412) 477-4233, or by e-mail: [email protected]. Primitive Skills: Saturday, June 28- 10 a.m.-3 p.m. This event is a weekend workshop that focuses on how our ancestors survived with limited sources. The weekend will be spent re-creating and practicing survival skills such as making shelters, matchless fires, cordage, edible plants, tracking and learning to see more in nature. According to the website, this is an overnight hands-on experience. Preregistration is required, and the event is free. Settler’s Cabin Park spans 1,610 acres and is located in Robinson, Collier, and North Fayette. Within these 1,610 acres is the Wave Pool, along with 11 individual pavilions. Each pavilion is named after a Native American tribe. The park, which is relatively level, also has tennis courts. This summer’s events include: Natural Reflections Retreat: June 15-10 a.m.-1 p.m. This event is run by Venture Outdoors, a non-profit organization created in 2001. Their mission is to get more people outside to have fun and appreciate nature, and their events are open to everyone. Venture Outdoors holds events in several Allegheny County parks. You will be provided with time to interact, think, learn, become more aware, enjoy nature, move, rest, meditate, and pray. This event is $25 for members of Venture Outdoors, and $40 for non-members. Peach Pie Hike: August 31- 3-6 p.m. This event is also run by Venture Outdoors, and will cost the same as the Natural Reflections Retreat. Just as the name implies, this event consists of a lot of hiking and a lot of peach pie eating. Community Parks: To satisfy a day of relaxation, head over to your local park with a picnic basket and enjoy the day. Swing too high, slide too fast, and soak up the sun! There are parks located in North Fayette, Findlay, Clinton, Oakdale, McDonald, Moon, Crescent, Kennedy, Robinson, Ingram, Pennsbury, and Thornburg. 16 June 2008 Each park has its own special amenities, such as a skate park at Findlay’s Sports and Recreation Complex, super playgrounds at Clinton Park and also Clever Park in Robinson, and deck hockey and bocce ball at Kennedy’s Fairhaven Park. Hollow Oak Land Trust: HOLT is an organization comprised of local people working together to preserve green space in Western Allegheny County. Along with that mission, they also educate the community about the region’s natural resources. One of its most well known projects is the Montour Greenway, which spans over the Ohio River at Coraopolis and continues on through Moon, Robinson, and North Fayette Townships. The greenway follows Montour Run and the Montour Trail. An area worth visiting is the Frank A. Santucci Conservation Area, located in Moon Township across from the old Nike missile site. This area exemplifies a diverse environment, as a ruined foundation is adjacent to a natural spring. The land here is covered in a vast array of trees such as oaks, black cherries, and tulip poplars. As mentioned above, there are also sites located in both Kennedy and Robinson Township. Visit their website for more detail, along with a more in depth understanding of HOLT: http://hollowoak.org. POOLS Now it is time to really cool off this summer! There are four community pools located in the Airport Area: Hankey Farms in North Fayette Township, the Wave Pool in Settler’s Cabin Park, Crafton Community Pool, and Clever Pool in Robinson Township. All pools offer summer pool passes, or the option to pay by the day. Hankey Farms Pool: Make a splash in your day at Hankey Farms Pool. This fenced in area is complete with a new deck, a heated pool, a slide, a baby pool, and a snack bar located under a covered pavilion. Pool passes are available, and more information can be found on the North Fayette website. Daily admission is: $5 per adult; $3 for children 3-12; $1 for non-swimmers/observers; children two and under are free. The hours are: 12-7 p.m. Swim lessons will be offered; times and dates TBA on website. Hankey Farms also hosts pool parties for $75 plus $10 per hour per lifeguard present. The Wave Pool: Located in Settler’s Cabin Park near the Tonidale exit of Route 22-30, and next to Bayer, it’s handicap accessible and ready for wave riders! Pool passes are available to purchase, or pay the low rate of $4 per adult (18-54) and junior (13-17), and $3 per senior citizen (60 and up) and youth (6-12). Children five and under are $1. The pool is open 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. daily. The Wave Pool also has a snack bar, coin lockers, and raft rentals for $4 with a $1 deposit. For more information call (412) 787-2667. Crafton Community Pool: It’s open Monday-Saturday from 12-8 p.m. and Sundays, 1 -8 p.m. General admission is $7, or $3 after 5 p.m. The Crafton Community Pool is also home to the Crafton Crocodile Swim Team, has lessons and swim passes as well. The pool is complete with a slide! For more information and prices regarding passes and lessons, visit the website: http:// www.crafton.org/pool.htm Clever Pool: It’s located in Robinson at Clever Park, next to basketball courts, the Rotary pavilion, and Clever Park’s playground. Pool hours are: Sunday, 12- 7 p.m.; Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Lap lanes are open Tuesday-Friday 6:30-8 p.m. Pool passes are available—prices are listed on the website: www.townshipofrobinson.com. Daily walk-in rate is $5 per person per day. ART GALLERIES Located in Crafton is LePoire Art Gallery, owned by Joyce Werwie Perry of Kennedy Township. This locally operated art gallery is filled with work created by local artists in and around the Pittsburgh area. On June 6 & 13, and July 11 & 18, LePoire is offering meet the artist sessions, where you are also able to watch her work. LePoire also offers classes in painting with a brush, impressionistic knife painting, and ongoing studio classes. Times for the classes, along with store hours, are listed on the website: www.le-poire.com. MALL & MOVIES Robinson Township is proud home to The Mall at Robinson and Showcase Cinemas West. Both attractions serve as a great way to cool off and relax. The Mall is open Monday-Saturday from10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m-6 p.m. If you’re not in the mood to spend any money, then browse the windows or check out the MallWalkers program. The MallWalkers program is available from 7 to 10 a.m. daily, except Sunday, when it’s from 8 to 10 a.m. Take some strides on the upper and lower levels, which are marked so you can see how many miles you’ve walked. Dependable Drive-in is located just off the Flaugherty Run exit in Moon Township. The four-screen theater is open nightly year round, and movies begin when the sun goes down. The box office opens at 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and at 7:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Adult admission is $6 and children 611 are $2. Dependable accepts credit cards, offers gift certificates online, and provides a newsletter. Visit the website for current offerings: www.dependabledrivein.com. Twin Hi-Way Drive-in is located on Steubenville Pike, and just reopened last season. The drive-in had originally operated since June of 1957 and closed for a brief while. In fact, in order to commemorate the original drive-in ways, every Saturday is Movie Cruise Night, where you can arrive in your vintage car! Twin Hi-Way Drive-in also has a flea market, as they originally did, open every Sunday from 7 a.m.2 p.m. Admission is: Adults (12 and up) $6.50; Children (6-11) and Senior Citizens (65 and up) $3.25; Children five and under are free. Gates open at 7:15 p.m., and gift cards are available. Check out the website for more information and to listen to their original drive-in era play list: www.twinhiwaydrivein.com. LIBRARIES Robinson Township Library: Robinson Township Library offers programs through June and July for preschoolers through adults. They also have eight computers, all wired to the Internet and equipped with Microsoft programs, and you can sign up for a free library card during regular library hours! The library is located on Church Hill Road, just off of Steubenville Pike/Rt. 60. Hours are: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday & Thursday: 2 p.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday-closed. Visit: www.robinsonlibrary.org. Western Allegheny Community Library: Western Allegheny Community Library is located in the West Allegheny School District, minutes from the high school and middle school, on Steubenville Pike. The library offers many programs and activities for children, teens, and families. They also have used book sales, story times, and book clubs. Through the website, not only find out more information including dates and times, but renew or request an item, and review the library policies. Visit www.westernalleghenylibrary.org. Moon Township Public Library: The Moon Township Public Library has a comprehensive calendar of events offering story times, grief support groups, summer reading clubs, and more. Check out the website for dates and times: www.moonlibrary.org. You can also read, listen, and view online books and videos, along with giving your input to the suggestion box! Heritage Library: Located in McDonald, this library overlooks the lovely Heritage Park. There are rooms for tutoring and quiet reading, access to computers, and new this year, the opportunity to view McDonald’s history on microfilm. The summer reading program, “Catch the Reading Bug,” starts July 10 and continues through August 14 from 10 a.m. to noon for kindergarten through grade five. Call (724) 9268400 or visit the website at www.heritage.publib.org. OTHER FUN STUFF Old Economy Village, a National Historic Landmark site, is located in Ambridge. This site, which was home to a nineteenth century Christian communal group, was established in 1824. There are several events coming up. On June 27 and 29 is a Harmony Society Family Reunion. Descendents of the Harmony Society members or workers are invited. There will be tours and a dinner. Pre-registration is required. On July 12, enjoy the Joys of Toys event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn about some of the toys and games from a long time ago. You can also make some of them yourself! On July 23, take a Gateway Clipper Fleet lunch tour along the Ohio River to the Village. For more information call (412) 355-7980. Also, visit on weekends June-September for additional activities. Johnson Auction Service: Johnson Auction Service at the Flaugherty House in Moon Township has live auctions, including several different items such as sports cards, coins, restaurant equipment, and stamps, to name a few. Off-site auctions are also available and are conducted at the client’s home, usually on weekends during the spring and summer months. Johnson Auction Service was established 20 years ago, and services the Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. For more information and dates of auctions, visit the website: www.johnsonauctionservice.com. SCRAPBOOKING Scrapbooking is a great way to organize all of your summer fun memories, or catch up on years of piled up photos. It’s also a way to be creative and stay cool this summer! There is a scrapbooking store in Moon Township called Scrapbooking by Inches on Beaver Grade Road, run by Brenda Inches. Peruse through several rooms jam packed with scrapbooking supplies. They also have classes, as well as a website dedicated to scrapbooking, www.scrapbookingbyinches.com. Both Michelle Koester and Mary Pat Pinsoneault operate Creative Memories scrapbooking events in the West Allegheny community. They have Friday night scrapbooking sessions as well as online events and ordering opportunities. For more information, contact Michelle at (724) 307-3333 and Mary Pat at (724) 695-8574. FISHING Besides the largest area lake, Raccoon Lake, there are some smaller, local lakes to check out this summer. Leopold Lake, a quiet secluded lake on Route 30 between Imperial and Clinton, has a fishing dock, with a skate park and deck hockey rink in the park adjacent. Located near the Tonidale interchange of Route 22-30 and the Parkway West, Deep Valley Lake is tucked behind the Parkway West Career and Technology Center. Or, try Verlest Lake in North Fayette. BOWLING Corpen Lanes: Corpen Lanes is located on Neville Island, just a hop, skip, and jump from the RMU Sports Center. Hours vary, but summer is a good time to bowl because the leagues are generally off for the season! Call (412) 264-6570. Crafton-Ingram Bowling Lanes & Kennedy Lanes are also two great places to seek refuge from the hot summer sun, spend a rainy afternoon, or hold a birthday party! Call (412) 921-0200. Paradise Bowl: Also located on Neville Island, this place sports an outdoor beach along the Ohio River, complete with sand! Dig your toes in and enjoy the outdoors, or head inside to roll a few and score! There’s even cosmic bowling! Call (412) 2646570 or visit www.paradiseislandbowl.com. FITNESS AND HEALTH Western Area YMCA Programs: A wide variety of group exercise classes will be held at the Western Area YMCA. Session I runs through July 19, and Session II runs from July 21-September 6. Some of the group exercises include: Boot Camp, Cardio Boxing, Spinning, Yoga, and Zumba. Other programs such as tennis lessons, aquatic lessons, and summer camps are listed on the website: www.ymcaofpittsburgh.org, then click the Western Area YMCA link at the bottom. Findlay Township Recreation Program offers summer Zumba classes every Tuesday from 6 to 7 p.m. and Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Activity Center on Main Street in Imperial. Call (724) 695-2239. MONTOUR TRAIL Because of its prominence stretching across virtually all of the communities served by “Allegheny West Magazine,” and because of its significance as a resource for residents as well as visitors, we’ve saved this, once again, until last. The Montour Trail begins at Mile Marker “0” in Moon Township, winding along the former Montour Railroad line through Groveton, then along the valley, crossing past the rear entrance to The Mall at Robinson. The trail continues on past the RIDC Park into Findlay Township, and then moves on through Imperial and McDonald, continuing into Washington County. This perennial favorite for walkers, joggers, and bikers, the Montour Trial is dotted with rest stops, and overlooks along the Montour Creek. There are even mile markers so you can gauge distance. There are several spurs to the trail as well: Panhandle Trail and Arrowhead Trail. It’s the perfect way to spend an hour getting some fitness, or to spend a day traversing the trail by bike. To access a map of the trail and its many amenities, visit www.montourtrail.org. IN CLOSING ... Summer camps, group sports events, and lots of other summer fun stuff is happening in Findlay, North Fayette, Oakdale, and McDonald. Read more detailed information about these offerings on pages 10 and 11 of this issue. Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 17 Around Your Town ARTICLE & PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY KEVIN RICHARDS, SNPJ SNPJ/ West Allegheny Key Club Join Hands The Slovene National Benefit Society (SNPJ), headquartered in Imperial, once again partnered with the Key Club of West Allegheny High School to plan a community service project for JOIN HANDS DAY in 2008. In its third year, this partnership has held a pet supplies drive that benefited the Beaver County Humane Society, adopted five needy families in Imperial, and this year chose another cause to tackle. A planning session was held at the SNPJ home office. The group decided to help a couple of elderly citizens in the community to get their yards ready for spring. With the help of the wonderful people of Findlay Township, two citizens were selected. The group decided to clean up one yard on each of the days of Tuesday and Wednesday, May 6 and 7. The recipients of the spring clean-ups were very appreciative. It is hoped that in some little way, the group was able to help them on their way towards a wonderful summer. On behalf of the SNPJ Fraternal Department, thank you to all of the SNPJ members and members of the Key Club of West Allegheny High School who came out, braving the light rain that fell, to help clean up these two yards. JOIN HANDS DAY is a national day of service sponsored by the National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) that promotes youth and adults working side by side as equal partners to address local community needs and attempt to correct them. The Slovene National Benefit Society (SNPJ) is a member of the NFCA. RIGHT: West Allegheny High School Key Club members and SNPJ members joined together to help others in the community in May. 18 June 2008 Don’t Miss Clearview’s Auto Loan Event Caution! Colossal savings are ahead during Clearview’s Auto Loan event going on now. Clearview has rates as low as 4.74% APR1 avaliable for a limited time only. Call, visit our Web site or stop by any branch to take advantage of these great rates. www.clearviewfcu.org 1-800-926-0003 1 APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rate is effective as of May 12, 2008. All rates are subject to change without notice. Rate is based on a 63 month-term. Other rates and terms are available. Rates are based on the type of loan, term of loan and your creditworthiness. All loan approvals are subject to normal underwriting procedures. Rate includes .25% discount for automatic payment. No other discounts apply. Offer ends June 30, 2008. Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 19 Around Your Town New in Town Pittsburgh Pet Crematory Site Studio! The EASIEST way to build your own web site! Lots of templates . . . copy and paste text from your favorite word processor . . . add your photos — presto! For your club, family tree, hobby, crafts, or your small business. $175 for the first year, including domain name! Call Pittsburgh Points West — (412) 494-9203 20 June 2008 Michelle Dixon has announced the opening of the PIttsburgh Pet Crematory. “I understand what a sad time this may be for a family losing a beloved pet. I want to make this time as stress free as possible,” Michelle explained. “Most peoples’ reactions when I tell them what I do are less than enthusiastic, until I explain what a huge impact a death of a pet has on a family. I think nothing of writing a check to my vet for $300 or more, but when it comes to me I put things off. These creatures are our lives, be it a dog, cat, rabbit, or even a reptile. They give us nothing but unconditional love, so I believe they deserve the best care we can offer, even in the end.” Michelle provides an array of services that include private and common cremations, pick up and delivery at one’s home or at the veterinarian’s office, or euthanasia transport. Available on her website, customers can shop online for urns, garden markers, and keepsake jewelry. Michelle welcomes the opportunity to answer questions about final pet arrangements. “I am an understanding shoulder to cry on in your time of need,” she said. She added, “When I had to have our beloved Buddy put down most recently I was unsure of my options. I thought my only option was to leave him with the vet and have their service handle it. Their “service” had to come in from Ohio. It took more than two weeks before they called me to say that Buddy was in. I had to relive that whole experience all over again, driving there with a knot in my stomach, explaining to the girl at the counter what I was there for, having people watch as she handed me the box. That’s when I decided I can and will do this service in a better way.” Michelle is available with a 24-hour calling service, and personally handles every client with dignified and direct care. She resides in Ingram with her husband, Thomas, and son Max, where they have made their home since 2000. To reach Pittsburgh Pet Crematory, call (412) 921-5170 or (412) 600-1630. Reach Michelle by e-mail at [email protected]. Or, visit her website at www.Pittsburghpetcrematory.com. ‘05 West A Grad Musically Involved Steven Cosnek, a 2005 West Allegheny High School graduate, has finished his junior year at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, working towards a BFA major in Vocal Performance. As an active member of the theater program at IUP, Steven has performed most recently in 3 Penny Opera. Other credits include La Perichole, Guys and Dolls, and Die Dledermaus. This past fall Steven performed solo works with the Altoona Symphony featuring pieces by Rodgers/Hammerstein and Lerner/ Loewe. He has also appeared with Pittsburgh Cabaret featuring local artists, as well as performed with the Pittsburgh Pops Orchestra All-Star Collegiate Choir under the baton of Marvin Hamlisch. Steven is an active member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, IUP Chamber Singers, and University Chorale. This summer Steven will work for Huron Playhouse in Ohio, performing in popular musicals and plays such as Brigadoon and Honk!. SUBMITTED BY : Results! Travel by Carlson Round About Travel Greater Pittsburgh Travel Travel Systems Carnival Cruise Lines, Inc. Doctor’s Orders: Take a Vacation! Vacation Deprivation. Although we’re not certain if this term is included in medical journals (AS YET) studies show that ‘over-work’ causes stress-related illnesses, anxiety, depression, feeling rundown or tired, and memory impairment. Unfortunately, all the new technology and gadgets have drastically increased our workload, as opposed to shrinking it, which was predicted in the 70s. As a result of job demands and technology, many of us choose to simply forego vacation time. On average, Americans earn 14 days as compared to 24 days in Great Britain, 26 days in Germany, 30 days in Spain, and 36 in France. We’re already behind the eight ball, and we only make it worse when skipping it! Doctor’s Orders. Doctor’s are now writing prescriptions for vacation. Doctor’s are now writing prescriptions for vacation. That was worth repeating! WHY? Because time off offers physical and mental benefits! Experts agree that a key ingredient to peak performance is a change in scenery (such as sunshine in January!) as well as getting away for a period of time. Although not in the dictionary (YET!), IF it was this would be the definition: “ Un-Used Vacation “ (un-yoozd va-ka’-shen) n. Techno Stress; Burn out; Frustration; Anger; Illness Inducing; Overall dissatisfaction with life & work. Recess. Remember how much fun school recess was? Run, play, unwind, rejuvenate. Vacation is Recess. (THAT definition is in the dictionary!) Notes to Yourself. Doctors are very busy, and may forget to include a few items on the prescription: 1. Do NOT take ANY technology on vacation, such as a cell phone, laptop, or Blackberry. 2. Try to schedule vacation during slow times at work. 3. Ease into vacation. Give yourself time to pack. Don’t lug your suitcase to work, rush to finish projects, then dash off to the airport during rush hour. 4. Studies show it takes several days to unwind. Plan a week or longer getaway for a much needed rest. Include long weekends to rejuvenate through the year and stay within budget. 5. Contact your Travel Agent to make informed decisions so your vacation is fun, enjoyable and less draining on your budget. They receive specials daily from vendors offering ALL types of vacations: a fun relaxing Caribbean cruise, incredible Australian adventures, tours in Europe, the wonders of Alaska, and more. Vacation allows you to Refresh, Regroup, Rejuvenate your spirit, and Re-connect w/family & friends. Please … Go Away! 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. Presented to you by: Round About Travel 1710 Mill Street Oakdale PA 15071 724.693.2930 [email protected] Travel Systems 5996-A Steubenville Pike Robinson Twp., PA 15136 412.787.7080 [email protected] Greater Pittsburgh Travel Agency 1800 Pine Hollow Rd. Kennedy Twp., PA 15136 412.331.2244 [email protected] Results! Travel by Carlson 238 Moon Clinton Rd. Moon Twp., PA 15108 412.264.8010 [email protected] Carnival Cruise Lines, Inc. Enjoy fun activities, fabulous dining, lavish Vegas-style shows, a friendly casino, incredible destinations, and Carnival’s pampering service, all for one low price! * Rates are based upon availability, and are subject to change. Call today for details. Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 21 ARTICLE & PHOTO SUBMITTED BY JENNIFER ROSE, TROOP 171 Scouts Bottle it Up for a Good Cause PICTURED: Top row, Kelsey McCallister, Elyse Turner, Lauren Holswade, Lily Seibel; bottom row: Kali Rossi, Nicole Kadlecik, and Nikki Williams. Not available for the photo, but also involved in collecting the bottle caps, were Lexi Dudeck and Megan Blumling. Brownie Girl Scout Troop 171 recently completed their spring service project -- collecting pop, juice, milk, and water bottle caps to send to the Aveda Corporation as part of the company’s Bottle Cap Drive. The Bottle Cap Drive strives to reduce the amount of bottle caps from landfills since they cannot be recycled. Bird and marine mammals may mistake the caps for food and consume them, often leading to illness or death. Aveda plans to reuse the bottle caps collected by making new bottle caps for their beauty products. The troop collected 29,250 caps. Top collector was Kali Rossi with 12,435 caps. For more information about the bottle cap project by Aveda, visit their website at http://aveda.aveda.com/aboutaveda/caps.asp. 22 June 2008 Around Your Town Chemical Society Honors WA Alumna The Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh (SACP) has awarded the College Chemistry Award this year to Glenna Kramer, a senior majoring in Chemistry at Allegheny College. The award included a monetary prize and a framed certificate of accomplishment. Additionally, Glenna will be recognized through a monetary award presented to the Allegheny College Library in her honor, along with an engraved nameplate. While at Allegheny College, some of Glenna’s achievements included membership in the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, Phi Lambda Upsilon Chemistry Honor Society, and Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. Glenna was the recipient of the Doane and Alden Scholar award. She also participated as a member of the varsity diving team, the wind symphony, and jazz band. Glenna also was recently named the North Coach Athlete Conference 2007-2008 scholar-athlete of the year. The award honors outstanding academic and athletic achievements. She also received seven All NCAC Conference Honors throughout her four years of diving at Allegheny College. Glenna is the daughter of Desire and Jean Kramer and a 2004 graduate of West Allegheny High School. Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 23 BY DR. ROBERT LUTHER Oral Cancer is On the Rise; Early Detection Saves Lives Most people are surprised to learn that each year one American dies every hour from oral cancer, making this type of cancer deadlier than cervical, brain, ovary or skin cancer. In fact, recent statistics published by the American Cancer Society estimate that while the incidence and death rates for cancers overall have decreased, new cases of oral cancer and deaths associated with oral cancer are increasing. However, oral cancer is one of the most curable diseases when it’s caught early. When premalignant lesions or early stage oral cancer is found, treatment is simpler, less invasive and more than 82% successful. Early Detection of Oral Cancer Saves Lives ViziLite Plus (trademark) is a proven screening technology that assists in the early detection of oral abnormalities, including premalignant lesions and oral cancer. Early detection tools such as Pap smears, PSA tests, and mammograms have greatly reduced death rates for cervical, prostate, and breast cancers. ViziLite Plus improves the dentist’s ability to identify, evaluate, and monitor abnormal areas that are difficult to see under conventional lighting. By incorporating this simple, quick and painless exam into their practices, dentists are the first line of defense in fighting this deadly disease. Kovach’s Body Shop 529 Valley Street McDonald PA 15057 (724) 926-8706 Quality Collision Service Since 1960 24 June 2008 Many people die from oral cancer because it is not detected at an early stage. The ViziLite Plus exam can potentially help save lives. And, it shows patients that their overall health is important and that dentists do so much more than just check for cavities. Oral Cancer Risk Factors Age is the primary risk factor for all types of cancer, and 90% of oral cancer occurs in adults over age 40. However, all adults age 18 and older are considered to be at risk. Alarmingly, over 25% of oral cancers occur in people who don’t smoke and have no other lifestyle risk factors. Another reason for concern about oral cancer is the human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV is an extremely common sexually transmitted infection and especially prevalent in young adults 14-24 years old. Few people even know they have it. HPV has long been known to cause cervical cancer and now studies suggest it also plays a role in as many as 22% of oral cancer cases. Dr. Robert Luther has been providing dental care to patients for the past 32 years. To contact him, call (412) 788-6300. Or, visit his website at www.pghlaserdentist.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. Discover the Davey Difference! Complete Tree & Lawn Care Residential & Commercial Certified Arborists & Licensed Technicians Miles Stephens, District Mgr. (724) 746-8852 Your Community Neighborhood Coupons JUST $125. CALL 724.695.3968 or E-Mail: [email protected] www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 25 WA Alumna Named to State Board 2006 West Allegheny graduate, Erin Thompson, was named as a member of the State Executive Board of the Pennsylvania Collegiate Music Educators Association (PCMEA) for the 2008-09 school year. This past year she served as treasurer of that organization’s Westminster chapter. A music education major at Westminster College, Erin was also accepted by audition for the school’s wind ensemble and concert choir. She toured with the groups during a 10-day performance schedule in 2007 and again for a seven-day performance schedule in 2008. Erin is a member of the school’s marching band, symphonic band, and flute choir. This past year, she was named vice president of Lambda Sigma, the National Sophomore Honors Society. Erin will serve as band president this coming school year at Westminster. As a member of Kappa Delta Sorority, she will also serve as that organization’s social chairman this fall. Vacation Bible School CLINTON UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH July 21-25, 9 a.m.-noon, “Avalanche Ranch,” Picnic Thursday, 6 p.m., (724) 695-7993 CLINTON WESLEYAN CHURCH June 16-20, “Cosmic City,” 9 a.m. to noon, (724) 695-7076 HEBRON CHURCH June 16-20, “God’s Big Back Yard,” 9:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m., all ages, (724) 899-2276, or e-mail: [email protected] INDEPENDENT BIBLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH July 14-18, “God Always Wins!” 5:30-8:30 p.m., Kindergarten through grade six, (724) 695-0808 MONTOURS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH July 14-18, 6-8:30 p.m., (412) 787-1050 NAZARENE CHURCH July 14-18, 9:30 a.m.-noon, (724) 947-9223 OAKDALE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH June 16-19, “Marketplace H.I.S. STORY,” 9 a.m.-noon, Kindergarten through grade five, (724) 693-8510 RESURRECTION LUTHERAN CHURCH August 3-7, 6-8 p.m., “Rainforest Adventure,” (724) 788-4513 ST. COLUMBKILLE PARISH August 4-8, 9 a.m.-noon, Kindergarten-6th grade, “God’s Big Backyard,” (724) 695-2146 ST. PATRICK ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH June 23-27, 9 a.m.-noon, for ages four years old through fourth grade. Contact Jason at the youth office, (724) 693-8447 VALLEY CHURCH July 28-August 1, Summer Family Nights, 6-9 p.m., Family dinner provided nightly. The community is invited! “Rainforest Adventure” program for kids and workshops featuring guest speakers for adults (relationships, parenting, financial advice, etc.), (724) 695-0300 WEST RIDGE CHRISTIAN CHURCH June 23-June 27, “Outrigger Island,” 6-8:30 p.m., ages two years through sixth grade, (724) 695-7500 This information is current at time this issue went to print. For contact information from these churches, visit the Community Connections Directory on page 64. 26 June 2008 DAR Awards Good Citizen Honors Lindsay Rosso is this year’s honoree from West Allegheny High School of the Jacob Ferree Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Good Citizens Award. Lindsay was presented with a $100 Savings Bond, a pin, and a certificate at the American History Tea held this spring at the Montour Heights Country Club in Moon Township. High school counselors nominate the individual they believe best possesses the qualities of dependability, leadership, patriotism, and service. The DAR chapter is one of many such chapters nationwide that pay tribute to the country’s forefathers from the American Revolution. CORRECTION The annual Christmas Light Up Drive Through Display volunteer project at Clinton Park in Findlay Township recently announced donations of more than $18,000 toward local charities, organizations, and others in need. The last issue ran the previous year’s recipients in error. This year, donations included presentations to these organizations: American Cancer Society, Meals on Wheels, Hope Bradley Cancer Fund, Western Allegheny Community Library, West Allegheny Food Bank, Valley and Hebron MOPS, Salvation Army, West Allegheny Ministerial Association Good Samaritan Fund, Clinton Church 3M Class, Imperial Volunteer Fire Department, West Allegheny Show Choir, West Allegheny Family Support Group, Nazarene Church/Comp. Min., Young Marines, Parkway Advisory Group. The display is an all volunteer effort that is set up, overseen, and taken down by community members. The organization has made significant donations to community needs over the years. Chamber Business Link Summer Season Brings New Opportunities to Meet and Do Business Summer is an easy-going time, and that’s even true for business in some instances. At the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce, however, there are numerous programs and activities happening this summer that are geared to make networking for business enjoyable. See, below, under “Coming Up” for some of the fun activities happening during the next few months. COMING UP JUNE 19 Business After Hours: “Office Olympics,” Crowne Plaza Hotel, 57:30 p.m. JULY 11 8th Annual Wine & Dine in the Park, Robin Hill Park. Advance tickets are on sale now. Sponsorships available. JULY 24 Business After Hours: “Office Idol” on the Gateway Clipper Fleet, 5-7:30 p.m. AUGUST 21 TO REACH US Business After Hours: “Luau on the Beach” at Paradise Island Bowl and Beach, Neville Island, 5-7:30 p.m. Welcome New Members Alternative Careers & Transitions, Inc. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Applelicious Business Clickers Printing Computer Consultant Team, LLC The Concept Coach Community College of Beaver County Coventry Health Care CST-C National Collection Agency David Designer Portraits Dejavu Consignments Enfiva Consulting, Inc. FORward Careers Ohio Valley Gregory Olenic, MD Heavenly Harmonies Hess Corporation Jake’s Java Hut KCRS, Inc. Koeberle & Associates, Inc. LEC Solutions, LLC Living Water Fellowship Nanny Poppinz of North Pittsburgh NEC Unified Solutions On Location Photography Panintelligent Rack Dust Sabica Secure Shredding Services of Pittsburgh Shine Cleaning, Inc. Southwest Airlines Steel Oaks Investment Advisors Steel Shield Technologies System 4 U First Financial Validex Employment Screening Washington Reprographics 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] 2008 CHAMBER OFFICERS CHAMBER STAFF NEAL FANELLI, Chairman SALLY HAAS, President SEAN HENDERSON, 1st Vice-Chair MICHELLE KREUTZER, VP, Bus. Devel/Mktg. BECKY COURSON, 2nd Vice-Chair CONNIE RUHL, Spec. Proj. Coord. DAN MURPHY, Vice-Chair JACQUE SHAFFER, Events/Mbr. Svcs. Coord. BERNADETTE PUZZOULE, Vice-Chair JILL KIPPER, Special Projects Representative KEN LAZAROWICZ, Treasurer AMY SUPER, Communications Coordinator BOB TERWILLIGER, Immed. Past Chairman Serving the Communities of 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 July 11th Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 27 28 June 2008 Around Your Town Local Air Force Reserve Command Recognized for Post of the Year The 911th Airlift Wing Command Post in Moon Township has won the 22nd Air Force Command and Control Command Post of the Year Award for the second year in a row. Their award was based on their quick response to the Utah and West Virginia mine collapses, the California wildfires, and their support of headquarters Air Mobility Command missions. Since its inception into Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC), this is the first time there has been a back-to-back winner of the Command and Control NCO of the Year Award by a command post. PICTURED: The Command Post staff, front row: Staff Sgt. Rhonda Carter, Senior Airman Ryan Young, Senior Airman Sunshine Eger, Senior Airman Matthew Wolfe; middle row: Tech Sgt. Milo Sporanzo and 1st Lt. Laurie Lance; back row: Senior Master Sgt. Brian Miller and Staff Sgt. Derek Becker. DEADLINE FOR THE AUGUST 2008 ISSUE IS JULY 15. TIME TO PROMOTE SUMMER SPECIALS, BACK TO SCHOOL PRODUCTS, FALL SERVICES Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 29 Around Your Town Airport Authority Loans Mobile, Enhances Art Displays Pittsburgh International Airport has agreed to loan the Alexander Calder mobile called “Pittsburgh” to the Palazzo delle Esposizioni museum in Rome for their winter 2009 exhibit. The Palazzo delle Esposizioni museum will feature a large retrospective of the work of Alexander Calder. The curator for this exhibition is Alexander S.C. Rower, director of the Calder Foundation. The spacious interiors of the Palazzo delle Esposizioni, which have been newly renovated, will provide an exceptional backdrop for celebrating the work of Calder, the twentieth century’s most buoyant and ethereal of sculptors. Calder’s “Pittsburgh” is currently displayed in the airside terminal of the Pittsburgh International Airport. An aluminum and iron mobile with graceful black rods propelled by white paddles, it is suspended above the central atrium near the information desk. “It is impressive recognition for Pittsburgh International Airport that the Palazzo delle Esposizioni museum is interested in borrowing this piece of art from us,” said Bradley D. Penrod, Executive Director, Allegheny County Airport Authority. “We are fortunate to have such a valuable Calder.” Conceived as a panorama of Calder’s entire artistic career, this project is unprecedented in form and size. 30 June 2008 Calder’s award-winning “Pittsburgh” was designed for a Carnegie Institute exhibition in 1958. It was purchased by G. David Thompson who donated it to Allegheny County. In 1959, Allegheny County moved the artwork to the Greater Pittsburgh International Airport. It was returned to the Carnegie Museum of Art in 1979. When the new terminal was completed, “Pittsburgh” returned to the terminal. “The public is very familiar with the Carnegie Museum of Natural History T. rex exhibit and the Heinz History Center’s Franco Harris/George Washington statues. We have also presented programs with the Pittsburgh Glass Center and currently display two glass mosaics on the transit level. We are currently promoting Pittsburgh 250 and hosting the Manchester Craftsmen Guild’s Cera[m!x} exhibit in display cases throughout the airport, in conjunction with the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts,” Penrod added. Other programs under consideration include Tour of PA bicycle competition, “Recycle Runway” to coincide with the National Recycling Coalition conference later this year, and a display with the National Aviary. The Airport Authority is also working with Family Communications to refurbish and enhance the Mister Rogers display. Additionally, the Airport Authority will seek input from the Pittsburgh art community in the development of an “art in the airport” program. St. Columbkille Wraps Up 100th Anniversary with June 8 Celebration It is an exciting and historic time for the parishioners of St. Columbkille Roman Catholic Church. In June 2007 the church marked the kick-off of a year-long celebration as the parish commemorated its centennial with the theme, “Celebrating Our Past, Present, and Future.” To conclude the jubilee, a grand gala is planned for June 8 at the SNPJ Lodge. All parishioners are invited to attend a dinner dance to mark this historic occasion. There will also be a special Liturgy on June 8, with Bishop David Zubik, at 2 p.m. in the church. Throughout the anniversary year, a committee dedicated to planning special events has put together a wonderful array of spiritual and social activities for the parish. Included among these were a new parish pictorial directory, parish renewal with Father Scott Seethaler, relic display, Healing Mass, Pirate game outings, lottery calendar sales, ethnic food festival, and the construction of a new Prayer Garden. The parish launched its first newsletter and, in keeping with Bishop Zubik’s call to “Get Excited About Our Faith,” is currently holding a volunteer pledge drive to get more churchgoers involved in parish life. Pastor Father Domenic Mancini writes, “For one hundred years we have worshipped, educated and grown as a parish family. It is now time to celebrate and remember.” The church is the first parish in the Diocese of Pittsburgh to be established under the patronage of Saint Columbkille. Weekend services are Saturday evening, 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 12 noon. There are 1,550 families registered at St. Columbkille. Additional information regarding the parish can be found by logging onto www.saintcolumbkilleparish.org. Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 31 Around Your Town Boy Scout Troop Continues Killbuck Lodge Initiative The Boy Scouts and their leaders that oversee the Killbuck Lodge in Oakdale have announced some recent milestones toward their effort to refurbish the lodge and its property. According to an announcement by Ron Parrish, the property has been secured. The troop is working with the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation to secure additional funding required to move forward with the project. To that end, the troop has submitted an application to the Pennsylvania Department of Economic Development (DCED). In order to continue to request funding from similar sources, the troop is looking to secure the services of a grant writer. Contact Ron Parrish at (724) 693-9230 or Tom Taylor at (724) 6930549. During the past 18 months, through its “Pathway to Scouting” project, the troop has received orders for 160 bricks to be engraved. The project resulted in the initial goal of $5,000 being met. To continue to raise much-needed funds, the troop is initiating its second round of the “Pathway to Scouting” project by offering the opportunity for friends, families, neighbors, businesses, and organizations to order engraved bricks if they have not yet done so. Once sufficient funding is in place, the organization plans to rebuild Killbuck Lodge using as many of the existing 200-year-old timbers as possible. The footprint of the lodge will be enlarged slightly, and it will provide handicap accessibility. Ron or Tom welcome questions and inquiries about the project in the meantime. West A Student is a Carson Scholar A student from West Allegheny High School was named a Carson Scholar. Junior Akshay Hari was recognized at the Pittsburgh Carson Scholars 4th Annual Spring Awards Banquet on May 4. Akshay won a $1,000 scholarship as part of the award. Host Dr. Alfonso Costa welcomed keynote speaker Dr. Benjamin Carson, world-renowned Johns Hopkins pediatric neurosurgeon and co-founder of the Carson Scholars Fund. Sally Wiggin of WTAE-TV served as the program’s emcee. The event awarded Pittsburgh area students in grades 4-11 who achieved academic excellence and demonstrated humanitarian involvement in their communities. Local supporters in attendance included S & T Bank, SW Jack Drilling, and Costa Land Company. 32 June 2008 SUSPICIOUS ? NEED TO GET PROOF ? t 24 Hour Confidential Service t Specializing in difficult Situations t Experienced Investigators t Over 25 years of experience HL tech video and photography equipment t PITTSBURGH 86$ NATIONWIDE PA Licensed, Bonded & Insured USA SPECIAL SERVICES, LLC “ Just to Be Sure “ Richard C. Smith, President 3000 Montour Church Road – Suite 100 Oakdale, PA 15071 Visit Us Online www.usaspecialservicesllc.com Other Services: Civil & Criminal Cases, Surveillance, Background Checks, Divorce & Custody, PFA/Restraining Order Assistance, Elder & Child Abuse, Asset Tracing & Recovery, Process Service, Missing Persons, Executive Protection, Debugging, Labor Disputes, Video & Still Photography, Security Guards, Counter Intelligence, Shopping Service, Patrol Services, Identity Theft, Investigations. Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 33 Chamber and Area Military Officials Welcome 2008 Honorary Commanders The Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce and area military officials welcome the members of the 2008 Honorary Commanders Association. This year-long community relations program is run as a cooperative effort by the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce, the 911th Airlift Wing, the 99th Regional Support Command, and the 171st Air Refueling Wing. In this program, selected business and community leaders have an opportunity to learn more about the activities of the military at sites located in Moon Township and the Pittsburgh region. Association events may include briefings, tours of military facilities and aircraft, orientation flights, and trips to key military installations. These business leaders were chosen to participate in the program: Mark Abraham, Allegheny Medical Occupational & Physical Medicine Center Mike Adams, Allegheny County Airport Authority John Chmill, Spectra Contract Flooring Gregory Dell’Omo, Robert Morris University Steve Hammel, Michael Baker Corporation John Herington, Hampton Inn Pittsburgh Airport Susan Hovanec, The Allegheny Times Terra Koerpel, ShowSmarts Ann Millen, Courtyard by Marriott Dan Murphy, Heritage Valley Health System Todd Puleo, First National Bank of Pennsylvania Tracy Rapp, CH2M Hill IDC Architects Dave Stieving, Kelly Services Dana Vargo, NaVOBA Matthew Welch, FedEx Ground RATE B E L E C S U P L HE 0! 5 2 H G R U B S T PIT Allegheny West Magazine is sponsoring an essay contest in conjunction with Pittsburgh 250! Essays will be accepted between 200-250 words. Tell us what you consider to be most special about this place you call home. It can be about your hometown of Clinton, Imperial, Oakdale, Sturgeon, or McDonald, or about something in Pittsburgh that is special to you. We will publish the essays in an upcoming issue. DEADLINE IS JUNE 15. All essay contributors’ names will be placed in a drawing to win a special basket of Pittsburgh goodies and gift certificates. Send essays to: Allegheny West Magazine Pittsburgh 250! 15 Walnut Street, Imperial PA 15126 or by e-mail to: [email protected] 34 June 2008 western allegheny community library ADULTS CHILDREN ADULT READING CLUB KIDS’ KORNER: SAVE GAS – TRAVEL BY BOOK – Summer Book Club Registration begins June 9. For more information stop by the library or call. Friday, June 13, 1 p.m., It’s A Bird, It’s A Plane, It’s…Super Fly Guy!!!!! Grades 1-5 Wednesday, July 2, 6:45 p.m., Wacky Wednesdays: Spiderology, Fun for the whole family! Saturday, June 14, 1 p.m., Dynamic Daddy Day, All ages Tuesday, July 8, 6:45 p.m., Going Buggy with Eric Carle, All ages Wednesday, June 18, 6:45 p.m., Bed Bugs, All ages Wednesday, July 9, 6:45 p.m., Wacky Wednesdays: Bee There or Bee Square! Fun for the whole family! ADULT PROGRAMS June 11 – 7 pm: Social Security Online Retirement Seminar A speaker from the Social Security Administration will explain what you need to know about retirement benefits and how to navigate the Social Security website. June 18 – 1 pm Scrabble: For all “wordy” people grab a Scrabble board and join us for an afternoon of fun. If there is enough interest we will meet once a month. Call to register (724) 695-8150 June 24 – 7 pm Travel Hints and Info: This is everything you ever wanted to know about planning a vacation. Is it better to use a travel agent or do your own online booking? What documents are required? What’s the good and the bad about cruises? This and many more topics will be covered at this seminar. Call to register (724) 695-8150 TEENS Teen Summer Reading: June 9-August 2 Books and Reading Will Change Your Summer! Register at www.westernalleghenylibrary.org, then read all summer for: · A free book after you’ve read five books · Additional prizes for every five book level achieved · Weekly prize drawings · Book Bucks to spend at the End-of-the-Summer Auction held August 2 · Each book logged becomes an entry into the grand prize drawing If the teens can log a total of 1500 books over the summer, Mrs. Swan will dye her hair rainbow colors! TEEN THURSDAYS—Registration required All activities run from 6-7:30 pm. Check with the library for descriptions and exact dates. T-shirt Makeover ~ Sushi Surprise ~ Room Re-Do Duct Tape Mania ~ Money Rocks! ~ Which Workout Works? Book Alteration (Two sessions, one on Monday, the second on Thursday of that week) ONGOING TEEN PROGRAMS Six-week Creative Writer’s Workshop: Tuesdays, June 17-July 22 from 11 am-12:30 pm Books and a Burger: Wednesdays, June 18-July 30 from 11 am12:30 pm (Weekly book discussion group meeting at McDonalds.) Are You Game?—Teen Gaming Club: June 13, and July 11 from 4:30-6 pm Teen Mural Artists: June 23 from 6-7:30. Introductory meeting. Work times to be determined. Girls Only: Fabulous Feet—June 16— 6-7:30 pm and Book Purses— July 14—6-7:30 pm ** Teen Volunteers needed all summer. Must have completed sixth grade to volunteer. Pick up an application at the library. ** Friday, June 20, 11 a.m., Wee Wings & Things, All ages Tuesday, June 24, 6:45 p.m., Really Rockin’ Bug Buddies, All Ages Wednesday, July 16, 6:45 p.m., Wacky Wednesdays: Squirmy Wormies! Fun for the whole family! Friday, July 18, 10:30 a.m., Little Critter, Ages 3 and up Mondays, June 20-August 4 from 10:30 a.m.-10:55 a.m., Book Babies 6-24 months with a parent or caregiver Friday, July 18, 1:30 p.m., Freaky Friday, Entering 2nd grade and up Mondays, June 20-August 4 from 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Toddler Tales, 2-3 ½ years old with a parent or caregiver Tuesdays, June 21-August 5 from 1:30-2:30 p.m., Pre-K Kapers 3 ½ years old –entering Kindergarten Thursdays, July 3-August 7, 1:302:15 p.m., Bodies In Motion, Ages 2 and up Wednesday, July 23, 6:45 p.m., Wacky Wednesdays: Goofy Game Night! Fun for the whole family! Tuesday, July 29 @ 6:30 p.m. Camp Spiderwick Going into 2nd grade and up Wednesday, July 30 @ 6:45 p.m. Wacky Wednesdays: Art Attack! Fun for the whole family! Thursdays, July 3 -August 7, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Insect-a-Tectives!, Entering first grade and up Young children can join ‘Catch the Reading Bug’ this summer at the Western Allegheny Community Library and discover the amazing world of insects. Read To Me (for children being read to) – for every 10 books read, children earn a raffle ticket for end-of-summer prize give-aways. Check your time in once a week and earn an instant weekly prize! Readers (for children reading independently) – for every 1 hour read, children earn a raffle ticket for end-of-summer prize give-aways. Check your time in once a week and earn an instant weekly prize! There will be an end-ofsummer reading party at the Hankey Farms Pool for the children and their families. Check out all the information at the library! 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 website or at the library’s Circulation Desk for all programs Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 35 PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY THE ANTELS The Houses enise and David Antel are the fourth owners of their 1880s era home on Hastings Avenue. They always wanted to do a restoration project on a house, and having one of the historic properties on this street was just the ticket. “When we started looking for such a house and learned there was a house on Hastings, we weren’t thrilled at first when we saw that this one had green vinyl siding from the 70s and a hodge podge of different colors,” Denise recalled. It was the wood-paneled staircase, the original fireplace in the kitchen, and the tree-lined street that told her it was the right thing to do. Known as the McLaughlin House, it served as a boarding house at one time, providing income for Mrs. Laughlin after her husband’s death. At the turn of the century, the sidewalk was actually made out of wood planks and ran along the front of their house. Jerry McLaughlin, Mrs. McLaughlin’s grandson, lived next door. When the Antel’s moved in, Jerry gave them a photo of what the house looked like at the turn of the 20th century, and also was gracious in providing much information about the history of the house. “We cherish that photo, because it brings us closer to the past and those who lived here,” Denise said. D David, who works for Bank of New York-Mellon, said, “This was the third house we had in 32 years, and everyone thought we were crazy to renovate a house at this stage in our lives.” Yet they went to work on it immediately, closing the sale on a Tuesday and starting the renovation the next day, all the while moving in and getting settled. Their first project was to strip layers of paint from the original maple staircase in the entrance hallway. The Antels learned that the original kitchen was actually on the floor below, in the current basement. The meals were sent up on a dumb waiter to the guests on the floor above in the current kitchen. David added, “Jerry would come over while we would be working on a project and tell us what it looked like originally.” In the 1950s, the family that bought the house did some modernizing. They took the chimney and half the upper floor off, as well as a tower. The roofline was also changed from Victorian to Federal style. It was unusual for a floor to be removed from a house during that time, and Denise was told that a story in a major home magazine featured the project back then. “I wish I could find out where that story ran; it would be nice to have that,” she said. The home had four original fireplaces, of which the Antels have opened two so far. They also removed the carpeting and found the original wide plank wooden floors were still there. In February 2005, Jerry McLaughlin passed away. At his funeral, a woman came up to Denise and David and told them she was the last baby born in the house, in 1942, and her dad planted a maple tree in the front yard in her honor. Denise said, “Jerry McLaughlin was the sweetest man; he took so much time to tell us about our house.” Throughout the renovation, the couple would find bits and PICTURED: Top: The Antel house as it appeared in the 1880s, early 1900s, and today. Left: The Antel’s dining room features one of the four fireplaces in their home. Right, top: David and Denise in front of the kitchen fireplace, one of the key highlights that they enjoy the most. Right, bottom: The original staircase has been restored to its beautiful glory after many, many painstaking hours to strip layers of paint so that the original wood could be revealed. 36 June 2008 STORY AND PHOTOS BY PAT JENNETTE on Hastings PART III pieces that led them to learn more about the history of the house. For instance, they learned that the original house had casket doors, common back then because the opening provided for people to bring their loved ones’ deceased remains back home in a casket where visitations were held. Although not a renovation in the historic sense, the Antels did embark on a large remodeling project in the basement -- an entertainment room with a large wrap-around bar. “We have a lot of parties there and it’s a great place to entertain friends,” David added. With most of the major projects completed, David and Denise are now enjoying their piece of history on Hastings, where their family and friends gather, their grandchildren spend their days, and where the couple hopes to spend retirement. However, David laughs, “We would do this all over again.” H ASTINGS HISTORY The oil excitement of 1891 marked a turning point for the development of the area. During the summer and late fall, oil was discovered in large quantities in the “McDonald Field,” which extended from McDonald to Noblestown, Oakdale, Greggs, and east to the McCurdy Field, which was between the present Parkway West and Gayly on old Steubenville Pike. By mid-summer the area was overrun with oil men. Some 75 wells were drilled in McDonald, one on almost every lot in town. The Matthew’s Farm, near Oakdale, site of the present McKee Elementary School, had the largest producing well...During the 1890s, Oakdale blossomed with new growth. Many of the farmers who had struck oil moved into Oakdale to be closer to the railroad with its easy access to Pittsburgh. They left children to run the farms while they built nice homes in town --- many located on Hastings Avenue. The neighborhood acquired the nickname, “Big Bug Hill,” for the wealth and status of the residents. (from “The History of The Oakdale United Presbyterian Church, 1889-1989”) Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 37 Around Your Town North Fayette Invites Residents to Help with Community Project North Fayette Township Parks and Recreation has formed a committee for the community construction of a new playground at the township’s new park on October 4. Residents can be involved in Food, Site Preparation and Construction, Children’s Activities, Public Relations, and Safety. To volunteer, e-mail Tracy Pustover at [email protected]. Scouts Refurbish Rainbow’s End Girl Scouts recently completed the sanding and resealing of the wood on the Rainbow’s End Playground in Clinton Park. The community service project was undertaken on May 31. THE ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL CALENDAR WITH FULL COLOR ADS BORDERING THE SCHEDULE COMES OUT IN AUGUST. DEADLINE IS JULY 15. Call (724) 695-3968. 38 June 2008 Around Your Town Plumbers Building is a Winner Mascaro Construction Company LP captured first place in the Design Build category for its construction of the Pittsburgh Plumbers Local Union #27 facility off Cliff Mine Road in North Fayette. The award was presented during the Master Builders’ Association (MBA) of Western Pennsylvania’s 2007 Building Excellence Awards. The MBS is the local chapter of the Association General Contractors of America, the nation’s largest and oldest construction trade association. Architect of the Plumbers Union #27 building was Perfido Weiskopf Wagstaff + Goettel. In the award presentation brochure, it is stated, “This building is worth a visit for anyone in the construction industry. Once you’ve seen this building’s exposed piping you’ll understand why the members of Local 27 must be the best trained in the industry.” Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 39 Sidelines BY DICK GLOVIER RUNNING & JUMPING, MEDALS & RIBBONS McKee Elementary students David Waxter and Kelsey McCallister were among the medal and ribbon winners at the school’s Track & Field Fair held on May 15. That same day some 30 miles away West Allegheny High School juniors Kristen Lang and Kerri Dantley were running and jumping their way into school history at the WPIAL Track and Field Championships held at Baldwin High School. Kristen was first in the 300-meter hurdles and placed fourth in the 200-meter dash to qualify for the State Championships in both events. Kerri also qualified for the States in two categories by winning the triple jump and leaping her way to a fourth place finish in the long jump. She also ran in the 200-meter and finished eighth, but failed to qualify for States in that event by one tenth of a second. High Jumper Ashley Williams also qualified for States. She placed third in her event with a jump of 5’3". The WA Boys 3200 Relay team of Brandon Tyler, Blake Fenton, Brad Hough, and Shane Glass qualified for the States by placing fourth at the WPIALs. “Ashley Williams was a pleasant surprise for us. She is only a sophomore and Lang and Dantley are only juniors. Shane Glass was just super running the anchor leg in the 3200. These are all fiery people who I think have a good chance at States,” said Jim Hamilton, himself the fiery coach of the Indians. A YOUNG MAN’S SPRING FANCY TURNS TO— The WA boys were the new kids on the block but it took class AA tennis powerhouse Sewickley Academy to end their first season of competition ever in the WPIAL. The Indian netters compiled a 10-5 record and qualified for the play-offs with only one senior, Mike Speakman, in the starting line-up. The Indians defeated Chartiers Houston in the first round of the play-offs before Sewickley Academy, on its way to its fourth consecutive WPIAL Championship, was able to exploit their youthful inexperience in round two. Along the way in their initial season, first singles player Akshay Hari won the prestigious MAC Tournament title and Mike compiled a 10-2 individual record. Sophomore Kurt Habazin also played singles. The doubles teams were juniors Connor Jennings and Steve Zeneski and junior Grant Toulouse with freshman Cris Habazin. “I’m excited for next year. We have the whole team coming back except for Mike (Speakman). But it will be different because we are moving up to class AAA,” said coach Rita Miller. RIGHT: In April, North Fayette Athletic Association kicked off its 2008 season with an opening day celebration. Over 200 boys and girls from T-ball to Pony League age participated in the opening day festivities. In conjunction with opening day, NFAA and the North Fayette Parks and Recreation Department hosted a Pitch, Hit & Run Competition for boys and girls ages 7 through 14. The competition was sponsored by the Major League Baseball Association with the winners advancing on to the next level. Lastly, the West Allegheny Girls Varsity Softball team led by the coach, Mindi Dinger also hosted a “Mini Pitch, Hit & Run Competition” where everyone was a winner. Visit the website at www.leaguelineup.com/nfaa. 40 June 2008 BY DICK GLOVIER PHOTOS BY G. PAUL DeBOR INDIANS REPEAT AS WPIAL CHAMPS The West Allegheny Indians, as Coach Bryan Cornell likes to say, were taking care of business when they defeated Trinity, 4-1 in the WPIAL finals to capture their second consecutive Class AAA Championship at Consol Energy Field. It all started in 2005 when Cornell, in his second year as head coach, started four of the six freshmen he had brought up from the ninth grade team. Mark Diskin, Ricky Devereau, Tim Marshall, Tyler Savisky, Zak Sinclair, and Derrik Zeroski are seniors now. All are in the Indian starting line-up along with senior Andrew Krull, junior third baseman Justin Meyers, and junior outfielder Mike Visloski. Adding still more experience is senior Ryan Revtai. The Indians, with a super effort from Sinclair, disposed of Laurel Highlands 9-6 in the WPIAL quarterfinals. Sinclair started and went six innings then left the mound to play first base in the seventh with WA leading 9-1. The Mustangs rallied for five runs and had the tying run at the plate with two outs. Cornell summoned Sinclair back to the mound. Zak once again took care of business by striking out the batter on three pitches to end the game. He allowed four hits and two walks while striking out 16. He whiffed every batter in the Mustangs’ line-up at least once and got six of them twice. Sinclair also had two hits and drove in a run, which prompted the Mustang fans to chant “One Man Team-One Man Team.” Not so. Mike Visloski had three hits and drove in four runs. Savisky and Zeroski each had two hits and an RBI. Junior infielder Ken Cool drove in a run with a hit. The Indians chased the Mustangs’ top pitcher, Newhouse, with a four-run fifth inning. Blackhawk came next in the semifinals and fell 53. Again, an Indian, this time Derrik Zeroski, could be lauded for taking care of business in crunch time. The senior right-hander, who announced before the game that he had committed to join Ricky Devereau at Duquesne University in the fall, struck out thirteen, four of them coming with the tying run on base in the last two innings. “I’ve worked hard to make big pitches in those situations,” said Zeroski, who won his fifth game of the season without a defeat. Devereau, Visloski, and Diskin swung big bats against the Cougars. Devereau and Visloski had run- scoring doubles and Zeroski had a two run single. Diskin singled in a run in the sixth inning to give Zeroski a two-run cushion going into the Mustangs’ final at bat. So it was that on May 27 the Indians accomplished what had only been done seven times before in the WPIAL dating back to 1944. They won back-to-back championships. Trinity, with a 13-7 record in the regular season, presented the possibility of a Cinderella Story. But when it came time to try on the silver slipper it didn’t fit. If there was a prince in the ballpark that night he was wearing number eight in the home uniform of West Allegheny. Sinclair struck out 11 Hillers and stood awfully tall on the mound when the Hillers mounted their only real threat in the fifth inning. After forcing in a run on a bases loaded walk that narrowed the score to 3-1, Zak took care of business with his 92 mph fastball. He struck out the next batter and got the third out on a fly ball to right. After the ceremony Cornell huddled with the team. “Enjoy this (Championship) but we aren’t done yet,” cautioned the Indian mentor. The next order of business for the Indians is the state playoffs. Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 41 Around Your Town Penguin Madness LEFT: With the Penguins in the Stanley Cup finals for the first time in 16 years, one local couple remembers it had a close encounter with the cup back in 1998 at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Mary Ann and Joe Lubas show off the cup. Walking for Health & Wellness RIGHT: Wilson Elementary School PTA held its first Walk for Wellness Day last month. The event was created to encourage healthy lifestyles. McKee teacher Kirsten Davis, daughter Kimberly, husband Jason, and son Connor, with neighbors and friends, Sydney Sterner and Ryan (Davis), Jessica and Marissa Collins. Hometown Hockey Ranks Highest LEFT: The West Allegheny Freshman Ice Hockey team (grades 6-9), competing in the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League with 53 other teams, finished the regular season as the highest ranked team with a record of 15-0-1. This record earned them a bye in the opening round of the Freshman Post Season Tournament Tier 1 held at Ice Castles in Castle Shannon. In the second round they faced their neighbors and rivals, the Moon Tigers, and dispatched them 6–1. Up next was Serra Catholic, the league’s most prolific scoring team, with 126 goals in the regular season. In a tight game, West A was triumphant 6-4. This win sent West A to the championship game on April 1 against the number two seed, Bishop Canevin, the stingiest team during the regular season, only giving up 16 goals. West A out-battled, out-worked, and out-played the heralded Bishop Canevin squad and earned a 5-3 victory and the Tournament Championship. The Championship banner will hang in the Airport Ice Arena. Sam’s Club Celebrates 25 Years Sam’s Club at The Pointe at North Fayette celebrated the company’s 25th anniversary with a month-long celebration for customers and recognition of its employees. Dennis Tyra, store manager, told the group gathered on the first day of the celebration that customer service is priority, and employees are the key. LEFT: Sam’s Club employees gathered to recognize the store’s silver anniversary with, center row, third from right, store manager Dennis Tyra; second from right, Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce president Sally Haas; and right, Bob Grimm, manager of North Fayette Township. 42 June 2008 Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 43 Fire Watch “Can I Help?” If someone were to ask me if they can help their local fire volunteer fire department, my answer would be; yes, let me count the ways. Recent media attention has put some light on the needs of local volunteer fire departments. Our ranks are shrinking and new recruits are not walking into our engine houses in the same numbers as they did in the past. Some fire departments once had waiting lists to join, not any more. Times are changing, we see it every day, and the fire service is changing as well. The cost of the apparatus and equipment we need to do our job safely and effectively seems to rise almost overnight. Some departments struggle to outfit their members with even the basic essential firefighting gear. How can you help? One way would be to make a point of supporting the local fire departments’ fund raising activities. Buy a ticket for the various raffles; attend a night at the races or bingo. At the North Fayette Twp VFD we are kicking off our annual fund drive campaign. We ask that you take a few minutes and read the information and support us with a donation. When you make that donation, visit the carnival or buy your Christmas tree from the fire department, your money stays right there in your neighborhood. You are helping us so we can be there to help you. Another way to help would be to join our ranks. If you have always wanted to know what it’s like to be a firefighter, we can explain to you how rewarding it can be to give back to your community. If you come to the North Fayette VFD you can talk to Ray Petrick who has been serving his community for 35 years and recently retired as a Lieutenant after 30 years. Ray still heads our fire prevention program that teaches fire safety in the township schools & day care centers. You can ask Lieutenant Mike Saville about the feeling you get when you help someone BY GARY HAMILTON NORTH FAYETTE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT in need. Last year Mike assisted in the rescue of a person overcome by smoke at a fire in Findlay Township. Maybe you don’t have the desire to be a firefighter. Then there would be no reason to join the fire department right? Wrong, more often than not, many people think the only job at the fire department is to respond to emergencies. In reality the volunteer fire service of today needs many people with different skills and talents. People are needed to help organize and staff fundraisers, and assist in various administrative functions and many other non-firefighting duties. When you volunteer to do some of the “behind the scenes” functions, you allow the frontline firefighters to attend more training activities and other jobs directly related to their main job of answering calls for help. So, I have told you how you can help in several different ways. Are you up to the challenge? Stop by your municipality’s fire department and find out how you can be of assistance. We hope to see you soon! North Fayette Volunteer Fire Department’s Open House will be on June 21 at 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Station #1 in Hankey Farms, 7678 Steubenville Pike. A Stat-Med Evac medical helicopter will make an appearance around noon and we hope to have a fire truck from the airport as well as many other activities. Your House & Senate The State Attorney General is warning consumers to be on the alert for scams related to their federal tax refunds and the economic stimulus rebates, State Rep. Mark Mustio announced. Scam artists often use current events, such as the federal economic stimulus refund, to add credibility to their operations. These scams frequently ask that individuals provide personal information such as Social Security numbers, bank account information, birth dates, and addresses. This information is purportedly used to 'verify' or 'confirm' one's claim. Instead of a rebate check, consumers later find that their identities have been stolen and their names have been used for numerous unauthorized purposes. Whether the request comes in the form of an e-mail or a telephone call, the scam can be very convincing. Web sites, which are very similar to officially published government sites, can be used to keep the story going. Individuals should be aware that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and other federal and state agencies do not request personal information by telephone or by e-mail. Furthermore, tax refunds and the economic stimulus rebates are not processed in this manner. The safest way to respond to such requests is to contact banks and state agencies directly though telephone numbers, web sites, and addresses that have been published in directories or other verified sources. Consumers who have been affected by scam artists can find help by contacting the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-441-2555. State Rep. Mark Mustio is encouraging science and technology students to seek scholarship opportunities through the New Economy Technology Scholarship (NETS) Program. STATE SEN. JOHN PIPPY The program, which is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency 937 Beaver Grade Road Moon Township, PA 15108 (PHEAA), features two scholarships: the SciTech Scholarship and the Technology Scholarship. (412) 262-2260 Pennsylvania science and technology students pursuing a degree in an approved field can receive [email protected] up to $1,000 per academic year for tuition with the Technology Scholarship. Part-time students may www.senatorpippy.com also be eligible. SciTech Scholarships in the amount of $3,000 are available to Pennsylvania residents who are enrolled full time in approved science or technology baccalaureate degree programs. Students must be at least a sophomore to qualify and complete an approved internship in the Commonwealth. The filing deadline for first-time applicants for the 2008-09 academic year is December 31. REP. MARK MUSTIO Students who received an award for the 2007-08 academic year need only complete a Free 937 Beaver Grade Road Application for Federal Student Aid. Moon Township, PA 15108 NOTE: News and information is posted regularly to the websites of State Sen. Pippy and State Rep. Mustio. Check these sites for news and helpful information. 44 June 2008 (412) 262-3780 www.repmustio.com BY DAN McLAUGHLIN Horses: A Great Way for Children to Learn As children are anxiously awaiting summer break from school, many parents are actively searching for summertime recreation to entertain their children. I would certainly encourage parents to research horse riding lessons as a form of recreation and physical activity. The benefits of riding by far outweigh any negatives. The most commonly made mistake which causes many people to terminate their child’s lessons shortly after starting is the lack of guidance in seeking the most appropriate program. There are many stables, farms, and riding academies in our area which allow for many options. Parents need to spend some time researching a program before enrolling their child. Some horse professionals are great “trainers” but lack the ability to teach, as some are great teachers, but lack the talent to prepare the horses for the lesson program. Whatever the interest, a parent must be sure that the facility can accommodate the goals of the student. One must spend some time checking into the credentials of the instructors as well as spend some time at the facility watching the instructors teach. In addition, one should speak with some of the current students and their parents to find how they feel the program suits them and what it would offer to new customers. All too often a instructor will make a prospective client feel less than intelligent when discussing horses and horse riding. This should raise some concern about future discussions. If the situation does not feel right from the start, generally it probably will not work for any length of time. In addition, a good facility sells itself on its own reputation, not by explaining what is wrong at all the other programs in the area. One should ask the accomplishments of the instructors, as well as the history of the lesson horses. Many places have a large turnover of lesson horses and will use animals that are not fully suited to be in the program. If the horses are not capable or have not done the exercises being taught, how can one learn how to properly complete the specific maneuver? The same holds true for the instructor. How can one prepare a horse and rider for competition if the instructor has never competed himself? I once again will state that I feel horse riding is a very beneficial year-round activity, but one must do the homework and spend the time to find the best fitting program for one’s individual needs. Dan McLaughlin has a long history of professional horseback competitions. He is owner, with his wife, Christine, of Blue Ribbon Farms in Independence Township. Contact Dan and Christine at 412.974.3175 . 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. Read Allegheny West Magazine on-line at www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 45 Municipal Roundup FINDLAY TOWNSHIP DEVELOPMENT Dick’s Sporting Goods has started grading at the North Field site for its new office campus. The company plans to start the building foundation in June for Phase I, which is 670,000 square feet. Knepper Press is in the process of moving into its new building in Clinton Commerce Park. RECREATION The annual fishing derby on May 29 at Leopold Lake kicked off the summer recreation season at the Findlay Township Recreation and Sports Complex, which is located directly adjacent to the lake. The complex is now ready for its first full year of operation with the completion of Phase III. Residents are invited to take advantage of the new park, which includes the skate park, ballfields, and a picnic pavilion to date. GENERAL On May 11, Elizabeth Vuono of Imperial was hired as an Emergency Services Dispatcher. She is a graduate of Mount Lebanon High School and attended Lexington Technical Institute for Business upon high school graduation. Elizabeth worked as a real estate agent and as a customer service representative at U.S Airways. She is also certified as an Emergency Medical Technician. An Imperial resident for nearly ten years, she is the proud mother of five grown children, all of whom are graduates from the West Allegheny School District. Elizabeth served as an active participant in the West Allegheny Middle School PTA, West Allegheny wrestling and football boosters. NORTH FAYETTE TOWNSHIP DEVELOPMENT A new department store will fill the void left when Wickes Furniture closed operations at its building on Beaver Grade Road. An application for preliminary and final land development has been approved by the North Fayette Township Planning Commission for Garden Ridge to redevelop the 157,530-squarefoot-site, contingent upon approval of the traffic study by Moon Township and the granting of the requested variances by the North Fayette Township Zoning Hearing Board. Garden Ridge is a warehouse-style craft and home decorating retail chain with stores in 15 states nationwide to date. This will be the chain’s first store in Pennsylvania. 46 June 2008 The chain anticipates that it will employ 20-30 people for the new store. Crossroads United Methodist Church has applied for an extension to its facilities, to be located at 7401 and 7403 Steubenville Pike on property adjacent to its current campus. RECREATION A full slate of recreational programs and events has been announced for the summer season. See page 11 of this issue for the list of programs, as well as page 28 for a full-page announcement. The township’s Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a “KABOOM! community build day on Saturday, October 4 to construct a new playground at the community park located off Donaldson Road. As part of this project, it is asking for input from township youth to determine what they would like to see incorporated into their new playground. The township suggests that parents and youth visit a variety of websites to look for ideas. These include: www.bciburke.com, www.gametime.com, www.playsi.com, www.parkstructures.com, www.playworldsystems.com, www.kompan.com, www.bigtoys.com, and www.miracle-recreation.com. Ideas can be submitted in writing or as a drawing by mailing or dropping them off to North Fayette Parks & Recreation Department, KABOOM!, 400 North Branch Road, Oakdale PA 15071. The names of those who contribute ideas for the playground project will be listed in the township’s fall newsletter. For more information on KABOOM!, go to www.kaboom.org. To inquire about the KABOOM! project, contact Bob Brozovich, recreation director, at (412) 788-4888 or e-mail: [email protected]. OTHER Summer is the time for remodeling projects around the house and yard. Some projects require a building permit simply because of the type of project and the work it encompasses. To find out if your project needs a building permit, contact Mike Saville, North Fayette Township code enforcement officer, at (412) 788-4888. RIGHT: Bob Kolesky of Oakdale Borough shows the four booklets that Oakdale residents are receiving in their water bills. Copies of these booklets are available at no charge at the Oakdale Borough office. Above, the Oakdale Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) has adopted a new slogan, “Be Smart, Be Prepared.” OAKDALE BOROUGH CERT CONTINUES EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS EFFORTS AND TRAINING WITH PROACTIVE MEASURES TO BE PREPARED AND INFORM COMMUNITY RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES Oakdale’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), led by Bob Kolesky, emergency management coordinator for Oakdale Borough, knows all too well the importance of being prepared. After experiencing the flood crisis in 2004 that challenged the resources of Oakdale, (CERT) learned that being too prepared can never be enough. To be as prepared as possible, the team has become trained in all Red Cross certifications. This past year, CERT was fortunate to be one of six organizations across Allegheny County, and the only one in the airport area, to receive a Red Cross trailer, funded by U.S. Steel. “The trailer, while positioned in Oakdale, is not just for Oakdale, it is for the whole West Allegheny area community,” Bob explained. Additionally, CERT received funding from Pittsburgh Technical Institute to develop eight sets of ready-to-use emergency packets in bright green cases. The packets include the community and its local area disaster plans, all team and pertinent phone numbers for emergency contacts locally as well as regionally, a face mask for CPR, gloves, flashlight, blanket, disposable camera, paper and pens, and other necessary items that are needed in an emergency. Bob credits CERT member Lea Lester for creating the emergency packets, which he said are most valuable. He added that Ched Davis and Lea Lester have put an information CD together, which has a great bit of information on it regarding how to find places in an emergency. “For example, if an emergency comes up on First Street, they can bring it up on the computer and tell us haw many homes are on First Street, and how many special needs persons have regis- tered with us as special needs persons. The CD also lists the emergency numbers of whom to contact during such an emergency,” Bob explained. “All the members of the team have contributed their time and energies in a lot of different ways,” Bob added. “We learn as we go, and that includes our newest effort to help our community to be more prepared,” he said. To that end, CERT, assisted by Oakdale Borough Council, the American Red Cross, and Ohio Valley General Hospital, is sending all Oakdale residents a series of booklets, as shown above, in the mail at part of their monthly water bills. “They are full of information on how to prepare for emergencies,” Bob explained. “These emergencies are happening in communities all around us. “We simply want people to know that we can deal with emergencies better when we are all prepared.” Bob said that families and businesses need to be prepared regarding what food, water, and medical supplies would be needed when faced with such emergencies. The first booklet, “Pennsylvania Emergency Preparedness Guide,” provides basic information on how to prepare for different types of emergencies and how to create an emergency supply kit. “Preparing for Disaster,” a booklet by FEMA and the American Red Cross, helps families learn how to make an escape plan, reduce home hazards, and more. Another booklet addresses how to assist those with special needs and can be picked up at the Oakdale Borough office. To obtain extra copies, contact the CERT team at (724) 6939776, or call the Oakdale Borough Office at (724) 693-9740. Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 47 SUBMITTED 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. A complete table of products that describes the active ingredients, methods of use, and effects of various dips, sprays, powders, topical and oral preparations, foggers, etc. can be found at www.peteducation.com. Click the link “Dogs.” 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. These are the essential steps for a successful flea control program: · Remove fleas from the indoor AND environments. · Remove fleas from pets. · Keep immature forms of fleas from developing. (reprinted from www.peteducation.com) Joyce Jennette is the owner of Joyce’s Groom n’ Go, a mobile pet salon in North Fayette. Contact her at (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. The End of an Era )PME 0O UPZPVS:PVUI The owner of what was known as Lombardo’s Market on Route 30 for nearly 40 years, Raymond Lombardo, died last month just short of turning 89-years-old. A hard-working individual who took pride in his work, Raymond closed his store in 1994. He continued to work, however, keeping busy at the Shop n’ Save in Imperial. A former coal miner accustomed to hard work, he was known by many as one who believed in being conscientious, hard-working, and helpful. Raymond is survived by his wife, Jennie, his daughter, Nancy Hughes of Robinson, his son, John, of Avella, three grandchildren, and his brother, Robert, of Florida. Services were held May 22 at St. Columbkille Church, with burial in St. Columbkille Cemetery. Thank You . . . . . The McDonald Panhandle Trail Station would like to thank all who attended our Soup and Bake Sale on April 22,along with all the volunteers and all contributors to make our event such a success. We greatly appreciate all your help. ~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5IF1JUUTCVSHI;PP 11("RVBSJVN 48 June 2008 QJUUTCVSHI[PPPSH I wanted to take a few seconds and thank you for the recent article in the Allegheny West Magazine that highlighted the Montour Trail. Your continued support of the trail has been tremendous and we appreciate the publicity that you continue to give us. -- Bill Orr, Montour Trail Council Your Schools West Allegheny School District FIBER OPTICS BRINGS LIVE EVENTS TO THE COMMUNITY FROM THE SCHOOLS The West Allegheny Video Department completed the fiber optic run and connection between the high school gymnasium and the high school video studio on March 28. This cable installation represents the first phase in a major broadcasting initiative undertaken by the Video Department in November 2007. It will facilitate the live taping and editing of events held in the high school gymnasium. Video production teacher Michael Shaffer and his video students worked 52 hours to install the run and connection. The next phase of this broadcasting project took place in April with the live broadcast to a select audience (via Internet) of the Teachers’ Cup sponsored by the West Allegheny Foundation. Shaffer said this project would not have been possible without the help provided by members of the high school and the maintenance department staffs as well as TriState Video, Morgan Communications, the West Allegheny School District, and the West Allegheny Foundation. MUSICIANS CHOSEN FOR DISTRICT ORCHESTRA Five West Allegheny School District band members were selected to participate in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District One Junior High Orchestra festival held at Upper St. Clair High School on April 5 and 11. Amanda Holl (French horn), Eric Wickersham (tuba), Josi Sinagoga (percussion), and Briauna Skinner (violin) represented the middle school. Stephen Oswalt (oboe) represented the high school. Comprised of 160 seventh, eighth and ninth grade students, the orchestra rehearsed and performed a concert under the direction of David Beswarick, retired orchestra director from East Allegheny High School. SIXTH GRADE EARTHKEEPERS PROGRAM FOCUSES ON ENVIRONMENT West Allegheny School District sixth graders participated in overnight trips to Linsly Outdoor Center near Raccoon Creek State Park for an environmental program, which began on April 29. Entitled Earthkeepers, the program teaches students to use their five senses to communicate with nature. Activities included a study of wildlife habitats, an introduction to Native American customs and crafts, and a scavenger hunt in the woods. Other outdoor lessons focused on orienteering (using a compass), utilizing adaptation and camouflage, and simulations of fluctuations in deer and bear populations. Students also had an opportunity to conduct water quality tests and write nature poems (haikus) based on their observations. Middle school teachers Megan Huchko, Coleen Joyce, Becky Sabin, Rik Mason, and Bonnie Trucco coordinate the Earthkeepers program for sixth graders at West Allegheny Middle School. HOLOCAUST SURVIVER SHARES EXPERIENCE Sam Weinreb, a Holocaust survivor, visited sixth graders at West Allegheny Middle School last month to recall his memories of imprisonment in a Nazi concentration camp during World War II. After sharing his experiences at Auschwitz and his eventual escape, Weinreb answered questions from the students. Sixth grade reading teachers Kristen Martin, Susan Martin, and Gabrielle Monti arranged Weinreb’s visit through the Holocaust Center of Greater Pittsburgh in conjunction with the presentation of a unit on the Holocaust. During reading class, the students had discussed the fate of the Jewish people under Nazi rule and read the historical fiction novel, Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry. Besides bringing history to life for the students, Weinreb’s presentation was designed to commemorate the lives of the Holocaust victims. PICTURED BELOW: West Allegheny Middle School sixth graders learn as part of the May 2008 Earthkeepers environmental program at Linsly Outdoor Center near Raccoon Creek State Park. Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 49 Annual Olympics Day Once Again a Success PICTURED: West Allegheny’s 8th Annual Life Skills Olympic Day was held in May at the high school football field. Several mascots were on hand to begin the events for the day with a Mascot Relay. They included Mr. Froggy, The Smiley Face Cookie, The Pitt Panther, and McGruff the Crime Dog. Area schools participating at West Allegheny’s Joe DeMichela Stadium were WIlson, Forest Grove, and Allard Elementaries, David E. Williams, Moon, West Allegheny, and Harrison Middle Schools. Montour, Cornell, Quaker Valley, and West Allegheny High Schools. The annual event, coordinated by West Allegheny employees, included student volunteers from Cornell, Montour, and West Allegheny and the support of numerous sponsors. WILSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL RECEIVES GRANT THROUGH HIGHMARK HEALTHY HIGH 5 SCHOOL CHALLENGE Wilson Elementary School was awarded a $6,700 grant as part of the Highmark Healthy High 5 School Challenge grant program in March. The grant is intended to support West Allegheny School District’s efforts to introduce programs that foster healthier, more successful students. The grant money will cover the cost of six elementary student-sized spinning bikes. Approximately 300 students in grades three through five will use the equipment in physical education classes conducted by Matt DeChicko, physical education teacher, and for other activities throughout the year. “We recognize the importance of providing our students with the resources that will encourage them to adopt healthy habits,” said Kathleen Sites, Wilson Elementary School principal. “This grant will allow us to offer our students more opportunities for physical exercise, which translates into healthier, more alert, and interested students in the classroom.” The Highmark Foundation, through the Highmark Healthy High 5 School Challenge, awarded more than $605,000 to 75 schools in 21 counties across Pennsylvania to expand programs in physical education, increase nutrition choices, and support programs that address bullying prevention, self-esteem, and nutrition education. Highmark Healthy High 5 is a five-year, $100 million children’s health promotion initiative of the Highmark Foundation, whose mission is to improve the health of children and adolescents, ages 6-18. For more information on this initiation of the Highmark Foundation, visit www.highmark/healthyhigh5.org. or call 800-789-1726. 50 June 2008 HAPPENING AROUND THE SCHOOLS In April, third grade students at Donaldson Elementary School saluted grandparents with a celebration beginning with a formal program of songs and poetry in the cafeteria followed by refreshments. The children invited their grandparents to join them in their classrooms for a variety of activities. Sitting with their guests, the children recorded memories of the grandparents’ childhoods and read stories. Grandparents made a card for their grandchild and toured their classroom. They visited the computer lab with the students to see them use the Kidpix program to create pictures related to Grandparents Day or other special times spent together. Vimala Hari, West Allegheny Middle School educational aide, presented a slide show and discussion on India in Dan Hanczar’s sixth grade Social Studies class in April. A native of India, Hari introduced various aspects of the Indian culture, including language, family relationships, clothing, transportation, education, foods, holidays, and traditions. Students learned that India has the second highest population in the world, is the world’s top producer of cotton, and is also known for its movie film facility, Bollywood in Bombay. West Allegheny employees donated $2,053 to support cancer research through the American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days fundraiser this year. The American Cancer Society uses the daffodil, the first flower of spring, as the symbol of hope for a cancer cure. Beth Bauer, Diane Boustead, Mary Beth Hill, Debbie Elicker, and Becky Schroeder coordinated the collection in their buildings. The Wilson Elementary teachers are this year’s winners of the Teachers’ Cup, a benefit sponsored by the West Allegheny Foundation. The program consisted of a series of competitions requiring strength, skill, or speed in some instances, but more important was a competitive atmosphere in good fun to support a good cause. Proceeds help fund educational and community grants. Last year’s competition raised a total of $2,600. The Foundation’s Grants for Teachers Program encourages the development of innovative instructional strategies. For more information contact John Bates, foundation president, (724) 6955258. STUDENT RECOGNITIONS ABOUND THIS SPRING West Allegheny High School senior Mollie Stofan won an Award of Excellence at the 15th Annual Television and Video Teachers (TVT) Festival on April 15 at Robert Morris University. Mollie’s video in the “Sports and Highlight Reel Category” was one of only three videos to win awards. She competed against students from 24 other schools in this category. Mollie has served as the president and vice president of the videography club at West Allegheny and has interned with Pittsburgh Film Makers and television station KDKA. Ten members of the West Allegheny High School Chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) qualified for and competed in the State Leadership Conference this spring. Lulu Lajmiri and Cody Bailey finished in 3rd place for Business Ethics, and Katie Jo Kisow and Erin Kaminski took 3rd place for Desktop Publishing. Leah Finklang finished with a 10th place in Job Interview and Elizabeth Krivan, an 11th place in Public Speaking. Also participating were Derrick Faix, Mac Greenhouse, Jim Keeley, and Brad Steward. West Allegheny sophomore Sarah Stasik placed first in the Impromptu category at the Penn State Beaver Forensic tournament in April. Tyler Graziani, West Allegheny Middle School eighth grader, competed at the State Championship Geography Bee in April at Shippensburg University. He was among the highest scorers in the state, missing the final championship round by only one question. Middle school teacher Dan Hanczar and Tyler’s father, Ronald Graziani, accompanied him to the competition. The West Allegheny Chapter of the National Honor Society raised $1,800 at a “Mr. West Allegheny” competition in April to benefit local charities and other chapter activities. A total of $400 of the proceeds was earmarked for the Special Olympics program held at West Allegheny this spring. Another $400 will benefit The Rock, an Oakdale-based community outreach program. Shane Glass won the title of Mr. West Allegheny, and Kyle Helliar was selected as Mr. Congeniality. Seniors Christine Wachnowsky and Melanie Macek coordinated the event. West Allegheny High School students donated a total of $1,500 in a Pasta for Pennies fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society during the month of February. Besides providing financial help for people with these life-threatening diseases, the students in the top fundraising class earned a pasta party donated by the Robinson Township Olive Garden Restaurant. Karen Estermeyer’s ninth period German I class won the pasta party. Angela Gamra’s ninth period U. S. History class came in second to win a pizza party provided by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. CORRECTION: In the March issue of West Allegheny’s Student and Staff Highlights there was an omission in reporting the results of the WPIAL Swimming and Diving Championships. While the information stated that freshman Kellie Gervas had qualified for PIAA competition, it should also have said that at the WPIAL meet she medaled with an eighth place in the 100-yard butterfly. ABOVE: Mollie Stofan with her award from the annual Television and Video Teachers Festival at Robert Morris University. FOR THE LOVE OF WRITING . . . West Allegheny High School English teacher Beth Voltz is the Coordinator of the Young Writers Programs, which include the Young Writers Institute, a creative writing program for gifted and talented students sponsored by the Western Pennsylvania Writing Project, a division of the English Department at the University of Pittsburgh. This program runs for two weeks every summer (this year during the weeks of July 7 and 14) and is housed in the Cathedral of Learning in Oakland. Each summer between 150 and 180 students from grades 4 through 12 attend. This program is unique to Western Pennsylvania because it is not a classroom environment but rather a program that creates a “Community of Writers.” Instructors in this Institute are writing instructors and MFA candidates ( Master of Fine Arts Writing: Fiction, Poetry , or Non-Fiction) from the creative writing arm of the English department and public school teachers who have taken a graduate level Institute in Writing and are Fellows of the National Writing Project. Among Beth’s responsibilities are the hiring, training, coordination, and supervision of 27 staff members, as well as the planning of the programs at both the elementary and secondary levels. She also oversees the annual publications associated with the Young Writers Programs. Another aspect of Beth’s position at Pitt is the development of Young Writers Camps within individual school districts throughout western Pennsylvania. For this responsibility, she travels to the school districts and combines a professional development opportunity for faculty members with instruction on creating a Young Writers Camp within their districts. It’s all for the love of writing. Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 51 Congratulations to the 2008 Graduating Class of West Allegheny High School Steven Michael Adomonis Jose Paolo Antonio Alisasis Brian Charles Amic Casey Ryan Amos Joshua Peter Antenucci Tyler Joseph Barish Brianne Marie Bates Ryan Austin Battles Bria Elisa Battocchi Alyssa Michele Berg Kristy Ann Beswick Beau August Bittner David Lawrence Bolind Justin Michael Bombard Charles James Bowers Kevin Michael Brady Anthony Lewis Braunstein Emily Nicole Bruce Stephen Charles Bruni Benjamin Joseph Brusino Raquel Roselyn Burke Nicholas Roy Burmaster Michael Thomas Butz Jordan Oliver Buzza Brian Charles Cain Benjamin Thomas Campbell Jessica Marie Carey Nathaniel Charles Carr Michael Angelo Casciato Anthony Joseph Castelluccio, Jr. David Anthony Cerminara Monique Nicole Chamberlain Rikki Samantha Champeau Sarah Antoinette Chapman Nicole Lynn Christ Charles Frank Christopher Mitchell Robert Cleric Marilyn Lee Cobiseno Sean Joseph Conner Chelsey Lauren Cox Megan Renee Cox Heather Nicole Crossley Ashley Marie Cuda Ashlie Rae Curcio Terica Ra Nise Cyrus Kayla Marie Daugherty Heather Lynn Davis Brandon Deckard Molly Christine DePew Richard Benson Devereaux Roy William Diaz Eric Louis DiFiore Joseph Michael DiGregorio Mark Diskin, Jr. Hollie Michelle Dodd Devin Brooke Dragan Caitlyn Elizabeth Drauch Bethany Lynn Earls Phillip Michael Eritz Zachary Alexander Eritz Elissa Anne Falconer Shawn Robert Falconer Nicole Teresa Fauls 52 June 2008 Blake Garrett Fenton Kelli Ann Fink Ryan Christopher Fisher Zachary Scott Fodse Julia Ann Forsythe Lindsay Russell Franz Alysia Nicole Perrard Fratangelo Joseph Jay Fugazzi Michael Aaron Gabriel Derrick George Gardiner Chelsie Marie Georgetti Gary Kenneth Gerstner Elizabeth Eleanor Gertz Shane Charles Glass Brittany Sue Gollos Dakota Lynn Goodwin Lauren Marie Graziano Zachary Jay Hanczar Shawn Logan Harvey Mark David Hays, Jr. Kyle Vaughn Helliar Samantha Lynn Herman Jazmine Camille Herron Mary Cassandra Hissom Eric John Hoag William David Hoffman, Jr. Corren Dolores Holman Blaire Elizabeth Jackson Samantha Rose Jakiel Lauren Marie Jeffress Alexandra Noelle Johnson Thomas Tyler Joyce Erin Ashley Kaminski Jennifer Helene Kampetis Jennifer Lynn Kasing Jordan Dale Kaymark James Michael Keeley Zachary Wayne Kelley Brigit Elizabeth Kelly Evan James King Jamie Lyn King Danielle Marie Kisow Katie Jo Kisow David Zachary Klink Elizabeth Charlotte Klinkner Rachel Suzanne Knarr Tyler Andrew Stevens Knight Kristina Lynn Kocher Tyler Vincent Kocuba Joshua Dane Kolesar Lauren Renee Kostelic Amanda Leigh Kovach Andrew Thomas Krull Heather Nicole Kuhn Zachary Aaron Kulin Ryan Dennis Kumpfmiller Kurt William Kyluck Candice Emily LaLama Amanda Mae Leonard Lauren Anne Levitt Timothy Michael Lindsay Evan Daniel Liwosz Cassandra Jo Lockerbie Joseph Samuel Lococo Eric Nicholas Logut Lauren Julia Lutkus Melanie Sue Macek Jennifer Ann Maliszewski Michelle Nicolette Mandus Timothy Joseph Marshall Lauren Nicole Martonik Anton Sergeevich Matyushkov Ashley Elizabeth McConnell Zacary Dale McConnell Matthew Alan McDonald Lauren Reese McKissick Arica Paige McLuckie Amanda Ellen Michael Max Edward Midgley Alexis Ann Miller Derek Jay Mink Kali Marie Mink Valyncia Marie Minor Amber Michelle Mitchell Ashley Juanita Mixter Daniel Cain Morgan Taiyon Maurice Morris Kyle Matthew Mortimer James Samuel Muraco Gino Preston Murin Lane Dawson Murphy Shawn Patrick Murphy Lindsea Karen Nadik Jacob Garrett Navickas Adam Michael Neiport Joshua Matthew Nicholas Brittney Leigh O’Donnell Rebecca Lynn Opalanko Melissa Lynn Orr Page Ashley Page Jared Matthew Palonis Christina Marie Parry Brian Richard Pesavento Robin Tasha Pinsoneault Crystal Lynn Pittinaro Brianna Lauren Polen Justin Matthew Powers Jacqueline Renee Quarles Ian Michael Rabinek Katrina Lynn Rachiele Sean Thomas Rankin Ryan Michael Revtai Heather Danielle Reynolds Roger Dale Reynolds Kevin Jose Ricardo Katie Durie Robbins Brent Thomas Robertson Amanda Paige Rodman Lindsay Anne Rosso Lauren Kay Ruben Brian Thomas Rudge Scott Anthony Rupich Grace Ann Rupprecht Desa Leigh Sandell Lewis Tyler Savisky Nicholas Paul Schoeneman Stephen Michael Schott Victoria Lynne Seibel Eric William Shannon Jessica Paige Sheehy Victoria Ann Simon Katie Lynn Sinagoga Zakeria Alen Sinclair Ashley Lynn Singiser Rhiannon Paris Snyder Michael Patrick Speakman Brittni Ann Spillar Richard Matthew Stacy Joshua Baron Stanley Abby Niemeyer Stefanski Zachary Lawrence Stephens Jessica Ruth Stiles Mollie Catherine Stofan Brian Regis Stoker Tyler Douglas Stunson Brandon William Suchar Brian Nicholas Sutton Amanda Marie Swiridow Tyler James Swoager Courtney Lynn Tague Brandon Tyler Thomas Katelyn Carol Thomas Jaelyn Marie Thurner Matthew Anthony Timcheck Heather Nichole Trautman Erin Elizabeth Tuite Drew Curtis Turner Mark Milo Ujevich Melissa Allison Urbanek Angela Gabrielle Valentino Emma Marie Victorelli Sheryl Renay Voloskie Mark Anthony Vuono Christine Lynne Wachnowsky Ryan Michael Wagner Brian Montez Walker Brandon Patrick Ward Andrew Michael Weber Brandon George Wharton Matthew Joseph Wilking Justin Kyle Williams Morgan Tyler Withrow Amanda Leigh Wolfe Chanelle Brooks Woolridge Michael James Wright Brittany Lee Young Kristen Elizabeth Yuhas Ross Alan Zankel, Jr. Ryan Andrew Zavitz Tyler Joseph Zawacki Derrik Alan Zeroski Nicole Leigh Zingaro Leanne Marie Zusinas David Matthew Zvirman Shane Michael Zysk (The above list represents the Class of 2008. Only those students who have met state and local educational requirements received a diploma on May 30, 2008.) West Allegheny Holds Baccalaureate Parkway West Career & Technology Center Pastors from four churches in the West Allegheny Ministerium conducted the annual Baccalaureate Service on May 18 for seniors graduating from West Allegheny High School. Reverend Peter Grosso of Clinton United Presbyterian Church, and president of the West Allegheny Ministerium, offered words of welcome and the invocation. A prayer of confession was presented by Reverend Jeri-Lynne Bouterse of Valley United Presbyterian Church. Following a presentation of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” by the West Allegheny Senior Chorus, a Drama Ministry was presented by Reverend Bouterse, Reverend Grosso, and Reverend Mark Simonds of Oakdale United Presbyterian Church. The message, “Faith, Family, and the Future” given by Reverend Ted Chapman, pastor of Clinton Wesleyan Church, followed. Reverend Grosso led the Parent’s Creed and Graduate’s Prayer, and Benediction was given by Reverend Chapman. WEST ALLEGHENY STUDENTS INDUCTED INTO NATIONAL TECHNICAL HONOR SOCIETY Senior Honors and Awards USMC Semper Fidelis John Philip Sousa USMC Distinguished Athlete USMC Scholastic Excellence Army Reserve Scholar/Athlete ROTC Scholarship Award Louis Caplan Human Relations Bayer Heritage Fed. Cred Union Key Club Scholarship Society of Women Engineers Leaders of Tomorrow Montour Valley Grange WPIAL/PSADA Maria Yvonne Frazee Prevost Dr. John Rohm West Allegheny Scholar/Athlete Sam Walton Community Ferry/Boeing WAEA Memorial Ryan Madonna Mary Moretti Sandy Harris West Allegheny Alumni Christine Wachnosky Kristina Kocher Katie Sinagoga, Drew Turner Jennifer Kampetis, Justin Williams Elissa Falconer, Blake Fenton Shane Glass, Matt Wilking Lauren Levitt Ashley Singiser Melanie Macek Christine Wachnowsky, Lindsay Rosso, Melanie Macek Jordan Buzza Andrew Krull, Katrina Rachiele Lindsay Rosso, Ryan Kumpfmiller Tyler Joyce, Kristina Kocher, Victoria Simon, Katrina Rachiele Justin Williams Andrew Krull, Lindsay Rosso Page Page Paolo Alisasis Brian Pesavento Richard Devereaux James Muraco Katie Sinagoga Christine Wachnowsky, Justin Williams ACADEMIC AWARDS Art – Nathaniel Carr Band – Melanie Macek Business/Computer – Andrew Krull Chorus – Kyle Helliar & Rachel Knarr English – Katie Sinagoga Family Consumer Science – Melissa Urbanek German – Lauren Levitt Spanish – Kristina Kocher Math – Ryan Kumpfmiller Physical Education Boys – Michael Casciato Girls – Ashley Cuda Science – Christine Wachnowsky Social Studies – Nicole Christ Technology – Nicholas Schoeneman Video Department – Matthew McDonald & Mollie Stofan Seven students from West Allegheny High School recently were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society at Parkway West Career and Technology Center. Recognized for outstanding work in their programs of study, the students received pins, certificates, and membership cards for the NTHS. Inductees who will graduate this year also received honor stoles. Honored from West Allegheny, during ceremonies held at South Fayette High School last month, were: Zachary Fodse ~ Public Safety Technology ~ Grade 12; Justin Gloor ~ Food Store Operations ~ Grade 11; Ross Healey ~ Machine Tool Technology ~ Grade 11; Richard Pavicic ~ Information Technology ~ Grade 10; Zachery Ross ~ Auto Body Repair ~ Grade 11; Megan Smith ~ Business Technology ~ Grade 11; and Brandon Ward ~ Public Safety Technology ~ Grade 12. Parkway West serves 12 western suburb school districts, providing career and technology training opportunities for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. WELDING ADDED TO CAREER LINEUP AT PARKWAY WEST CTC FOR 2008-2009 A new career major, Welding Technology, will be added to the program lineup at Parkway West Career & Technology Center this fall. Welding is listed as a high-priority occupation by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, which means that the labor market demand and lifetime earnings potential for welding makes it a “Career in Demand.” The new program is designed to prepare students to begin careers as welders, cutters, metal fabricators, or iron workers. Students will learn the oxy-fuel, shielded metal arc, gas metal arc, gas tungsten arc, and flux core welding techniques, as well as carbon arc and plasma cutting and oxy-fuel brazing processes. The program will include instruction in the use of measuring and metal-forming tools, metallurgy, blueprint reading, electrical principals, layout and design, and fabrication. Students will also have the opportunity to earn American Welding Society (AWS) certifications. Interested students should contact their school guidance counselor or call Parkway West CTC at (412) 923-1772, extension 161. Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 53 BINGO at the STURGEON Volunteer Fire Department EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT: EARLY BIRD at 6:30 PM BINGO at 7 PM Around Your Town 526 Main Street Sturgeon Hall Rentals Available (724) 926-9149 Air Conditioned $2.00 OFF COUPON 1 CPN PER PLAYER PER NIGHT NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER COUPON expires 7/31/08 AWM County Pool Passes Now Available The Allegheny County Parks Department has announced that Settler’s Cabin pool passes are available at the wave pool. For more information, call (412) 787-2750. Airport Doubletree Ranks in Top 10 The Doubletree Hotel Pittsburgh Airport, Moon Township, announces several recent awards from Hilton Hotels Corp. The hotel received the Doubletree CARE Cup for its team commitment to excellence in customer service during the fourth quarter 2007 and also ranked among the Top 10 Doubletree Hotels, receiving a 2007 Pride Award. The Doubletree CARE Cup is a traveling award that is presented quarterly to the top hotel among nearly 200 Doubletree hotels across the United States, Canada, and Latin America. The prestigious Doubletree Pride Awards are measured by brand consistency and guest loyalty. Once again, the Doubletree Hotel Pittsburgh Airport garnered praise and ranked in the top ten. Maronda Purchases Marada Course The only golf course in Findlay Township is now part of a charitable group of programs underwritten by the Maronda Foundation of Maronda Homes. Maronda Foundation purchased the nine-hole course this spring, part of its 200+ acre acquisition of property in Clinton. The course will now be called simply “Marada.” Deborah Evans Crawford and Bill Ehrlich owned the course since 1998. Deborah’s stepfather, Dr. John “Doc” Sherman, had constructed the course back in 1972. Maronda’s purchase of Marada adds to its amenities to provide programs for area youths. Maronda owns Youthtowne in Clinton as well as the Gilmary Diocesan Center that borders Clinton and Moon. Hard-to-Recycle Items Accepted Soon Hard-to-recycle items such as cell phones, tires, air-conditioners, Freon and non-Freon appliances, washers, dryers, televisions, and printer/toner cartridges will be accepted during three collections being held this summer by the Allegheny County Health Department and the Pennsylvania Resources Council. The collection in the airport area will be held on July 26 in the parking lot at The Mall at Robinson, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To inquire about the collection, call (412) 431-4449 or visit the Pennsylvania Resources Council website at www.prc.org. Sign Up for the Walk Challenge 54 The Airport Corridor Transportation Association (ACTA) in partnership with the Oakland Transportation Management Association (OTMA) has organized a Walk Challenge for airport corridor workers and residents. The “2008 Ready, Set, Walk! Challenge” promotes the benefits of walking and highlights ways in which adding steps to one’s daily routine can improve overall health. Interested participants can log onto the website www.walkchallenge.org to register for this free event which will run from June 6 to August 1. Each participating walker will have a chance to win weekly prizes with a grand prize going to the top walker. Additional details are available on the website or call (412) 809-3508. June 2008 Community Marketplace Gift a gift that costs nothing but means the world to someone. Sign up to be an organ donor. Center for Organ Recovery & Education 800-DONORS-7 ~ www.core.org NEW! 1991 Cavalier Convertible $500 Good Starter Car Needs Minor Repairs 724.695.0051 NEED TO MAKE A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT? SELL AN ITEM? WATCHING YOUR BUDGET? THESE SPACES ARE JUST $50 EACH. MAILED FREE TO ALL HOUSESHOLDS IN CLINTON, FINDLAY, IMPERIAL, NORTH FAYETTE, OAKDALE, STURGEON, AND PARTS OF McDONALD CALL: 724.695.3968 Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 55 HEROES The dictionary defines a hero as “One who is admired for his or her achievements and qualities, or one who shows great courage.” Our feature series in this issue presents stories of heroes in our hometown that exhibit hope, life, and freedom. As we celebrate Independence Day on July 4 in a few short weeks, let us remember that our heroes come from all walks of life, given the opportunity to demonstrate their achievements and courage because we have all been given the freedom in our country to do so. 56 June 2008 STORY AND PHOTO BY EMILY HUEBNER Heroes of Hope Tackle Cancer: In Memory of Dianna Orsini W hen a loved one is lost it is important to remember them in every possible way, whether it is through photos and memories, or through our every day actions. That person has made an important impact in our life, and it is imperative that their fight is carried on. That is exactly what I did when my father passed away from cancer in 2003, and that is exactly what Anthony Orsini and his children did, when he lost his wife Dianna. Dianna Orsini passed away in 2001 from breast cancer. For the past seven years, Anthony and his family have put together a rugby tournament, raising money in Dianna’s name, and helping others fight the same battle she faced. Proceeds from the tournament were donated to organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “We raise the money not only in memory of Dianna, but for research as well. Faith is at a high risk and we want the best success for her,” Anthony said. Anthony’s daughter, Faith, eight, and son, Sean, 11, are not the only members of the family that enjoy helping with the tournament. Anthony’s wife, Jodi Orsini, and stepsons Ethan Manley, 10, and Bryce Manley, 8, have been helping to organize the event for the past two years as well. Since their children are getting older, and all three boys play football, Anthony found a conflict with the rugby tournament and his children’s practices. That is when the idea came to him to have a youth football benefit tournament instead. Both Anthony and Jodi serve on the West Allegheny Youth Association Board, and are active with both the youth football and cheerleading programs. Although this is the first year for the youth football benefit tournament, Anthony has high hopes for success, as 24 teams have already registered for the event. Teams are broken down into levels, depending on the age of their players. The different levels are: 8 and under, 9 and under, 10 and under, 11 and under, and 13 and under. There are currently 24 teams registered, five per age level, aside from 13 and under in which there are four since West Allegheny does not have a 13 and under team. The teams come from the South Suburban Youth Football League, in which West Allegheny belongs. Aside from West ABOVE: The Orsini Family, left to right, front, Sean, Ethan, Bryce, and Faith; back, Jodi and Anthony. Allegheny that has entered four teams, the other teams registered are Ar-Ken, Baldwin, Carlynton, and Montour. These four districts each have five teams registered, covering each of the different age level brackets. Another aspect different this year than in the past is the donation of the proceeds. While in the past the money raised went to several different organizations supporting the research and cure of cancer, this year the money will be donated solely to the American Cancer Society. Last year the rugby tournament raised over $8,000, and since Dianna’s death in 2001, $70,000 has been raised in her memory. The tournament will be held on August 16 and 17, at the West Allegheny High School football field. Anthony explained that the school district has been very helpful while he has been planning this event. “The school has been very corporative during this,” Anthony said. “Both Dave McBain [West Allegheny Athletic Director] and Dr. DiSanti [West Allegheny Superintendent] have helped a lot with the events.” Admission charge, which is still to be determined, along with sponsorship, concessions, the selling of tournament T-shirts, and the team registration fees, all comprise the total donation amount. This event is open to the public, so stop by West Allegheny football field on August 16 and 17 to help the Orsini family carry on Dianna’s fight, and truly tackle cancer. If you would like more information regarding the event, or are interesting in donating, please visit www.westayouth.com/ tacklecancer. Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 57 Heroes of Life Some Facts The 2008 Games promise to be the world’s largest-ever gathering of transplant recipients, with an anticipated 2,000 athletes representing all 50 states. The Games are a tribute as well to the 4,000 donor families who make the decision to give the gift of life each year. Nearly 100,000 people are currently awaiting life-saving transplants in this country. Eighteen people die each day while waiting. How to Become an Organ Donor Call the National Kidney Foundation at 1-800-622-9010, visit the website, www.transplantgames.org, or contact CORE, the Center for Organ Recovery and Education, at 1-800-DONORS-7. STORIES AND PHOTOS BY PAT JENNETTE INTRODUCTION BY THE NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION Local Athletes to Compete in U.S. Transplant Games in Pittsburgh Next Month hey haven’t hit the court or track yet and already this group of athletes has performed death-defying feats. They all carry an inner trophy -- a new organ that qualifies them for the dream team in the game of life. Their ultimate trial will kick off at the National Kidney Foundation’s 2008 U.S. Transplant Games, which will be held in Pittsburgh July 11-16. The Games are an Olympic-style event for athletes who have received life-saving organ transplants of every type, including kidney, liver, heart, lung, pancreas, and bone marrow. Transplant athletes will compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals in 12 different sports, including track and field, swimming, tennis, bowling, basketball, cycling, and golf. Presented every other year by the National Kidney Foundation since 1990, the U.S. Transplant Games draw participants nationwide who are organized into 50 state teams. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), home of the world-renowned Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, will serve as the host facility, in partnership with VisitPittsburgh and the National Kidney Foundation of the Alleghenies. “Nearly 100,000 Americans are currently on the waiting list for life-saving organ transplants, and 18 people die each day while waiting. The Transplant Games visually showcase the success of transplantation, demonstrating the life-saving power of organ donation,” says John T Davis, CEO of the National Kidney Foundation. “We hope our spirited competition will slam home the message that every American should consider becoming an organ donor.” Attendance at the 2008 U.S. Transplant Games is expected to exceed 7,000 people, including transplant athletes, their families and friends, and families of organ donors. Athlete participants range in age from two to 85. In addition to athletic competition, the Games will feature special ceremonies honoring live organ donors. The Games will also offer workshops for donor families and an educational program for transplant professionals. A special organ donor night at the Pittsburgh Pirates will be held on July 11, and a 5K Road Race, open to the community, will be held on July 13. The National Kidney Foundation is dedicated to preventing kidney and urinary tract diseases, improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, title sponsor of the 2008 Games, has supported the event since 1990. Additional sponsors include the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Wyeth, National Council of Corvette Clubs, Bristol Myers Squibb, Center for Organ Recovery and Education, Astellas and Roche. For more information on the Games or organ donation, call (866) TX-GAMES or visit www.transplantgames.org. For tickets to organ donor night at the stadium visit www.pirates.com/organdonor. Wayne Rumburg, Findlay He works out daily, this strong, healthy 58year-old who received his kidney transplant in August 1998. Diagnosed with polycystic disease, Wayne Rumburg of Westbury said that fifty percent of family members typically will get the disease, which has genetic origins. Wayne was a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Moon Township. When he was between 35 and 40 years old, he started to slowly lose his kidney functions. Assisted by his wife, Linda, for two years and two months, he administered his own dialysis. Wayne said he was so sick and “watched my mother die in her early 60s with this disease, so I didn’t think I was going to make it.” Dr. Ron Shapiro, his physician, called Wayne one day while he was hooked up on the dialysis machine. Telling Wayne it wasn’t exactly a match, but it was suitable, Wayne agreed and went for it. became his passion. “I had a little rejection at the beginning but Wayne joined the Western Area YMCA, it was better than being tired constantly from eventually moving out to Extreme Fitness in the dialysis,” he said. Robinson. Wayne was fortunate; he spent record time in He was hooked on fitness. the hospital and within five weeks was back to He went to Community College of his job. Allegheny County to take course to become a He retired from the National Weather Service a little over a year ago, and has taken on a new quest in his life as a certified fitness trainer through ACE (American Council on Exercise). This new phase in his life was inspired when, after his transplant, he started his journey back to health by lifting five-pound handsets. “That was all I could do at the time,” he reflects. Wayne went to physical therapy and kept building up his strength. The whole process of coming back to life through transplant, and regaining the strength ABOVE: Wayne Rumberg with celebrity Larry to live life as a fully fit and healthy individual, Hagman, also a transplant recipient. PHOTO SUBMITTED 58 June 2008 personal trainer. In 2004 he took, and passed, the certification test held at Duquesne University. Today, Wayne is a fill-in trainer at two local corporation fitness centers -- GlaxoSmithKline and Lanxess. He substitutes for the fulltime trainers when they are on vacation or need to take time off, teaching classes, running the centers, and administering personal fitness programs for employees. “The companies are awesome to work for, they are such believers in offering fitness as a benefit to their employees,” he said. But for now, Wayne is getting himself into the very best shape he can be for the Transplant Games next month. He’s in the gym every day working hard to prepare for the track and field competition and to defend his medals from the Kentucky games. In 2006, Wayne won medals in the shot put and softball throw events. He is the U.S. champ and U.S. record holder in the shot put and discus for the 50 to 59 year old division. As he practices for the shot put and discus, his wife helps by bringing back the shot and discus. Since participants are permitted to participate in up to four events, Wayne is going for it. He added the high jump this year. “I did it in high school on the track team, so I’m giving it a shot.” While in Kentucky, he met Larry Hagman, himself a transplant survivor. Wayne said the Transplant Games are bringing in more celebrities in order to bring more attention to the importance of organ donation. When not working as a trainer or training for his own events, Wayne works at Seven Springs on the ski patrol, where he is also a certified first responder. “My advice for anyone waiting for a transplant is to build a relationship with one’s coordinator at the transplant center, stay in touch at least quarterly, but most importantly, stay as healthy and in shape as you possibly can,” Wayne stressed. “Seeing all that I’ve been through, I have a pet peeve with people who don’t take good care of themselves,” he said emphatically. “Life is too precious to not take care of yourself.” Jack Smedley, Moon “The Journey Back: A Survivor’s Guide to Leukemia,” became Moon Township resident Jack Smedley’s therapy, his story in print as published by Rainbow’s End, a Christian book publishing company located in Baden. The 137-page softcover book, of which nearly 4,000 copies have been purchased with proceeds donated to Jack’s church, tells Jack’s story only in the way he and his wife, Iva, could tell it. While vice-president of Presbyterian University Hospital (now UPMC) in the 1980s, Jack was unaware that his health was degrading. “I would meditate to deal with job stress, and thought that perhaps the stress was making me more tired, so I would nap at lunch to feel better,” he recalls. It was after painting the trim on his house, which left him tired and feeling as if he had pulled some muscles, that he thought a swim in his pool might help. He barely completed a lap and was out of breath. “I told Iva and she thought I should go to the hospital.” At Latrobe Hospital, tests indicated that his white blood count was ten times what it was supposed to be, his heart was inflamed, and he had pneumonia in his left lung. He was admitted to the hospital. Jack had sat on the cancer committee at then Presbyterian Hospital, so he suspected that a bone marrow biopsy would be done next. He was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia. As he says in his book, “The benefit of hearing that you have a lifethreatening disease (yes, there are some benefits), is that you stop to ‘smell the roses’. That phrase obviously included enjoying the beauty of nature and our environment; however, even more importantly, it should include our families, our friends, and all the other people we encounter in this journey called ‘life’.” “The doctor told me my original prognosis was six months to live, or less, and to get my life in order,” Jack recalls. That was in 1983. Jack took on this new challenge in his life, falling back on some of the tools he used in his work and personal life -- meditating, staying physically fit, and maintaining his spiritual beliefs. Iva said, “Soon the prognosis was 38-42 months, then nine years. We were told not to do anything until it progressed and continued to hope that medical advances would offer a cure.” Life for the Smedleys remained somewhat stable, and Jack received regular doses of oral chemotherapy. As couples often do when one becomes ill, the other picks up the hatchet. Iva enrolled in nursing school at a community college and began working at Westmoreland Hospital. Jack continued to work for the next 18 months, but the one-hour commute to Pittsburgh and the long days were taking a toll. Jack left his position to teach part-time at the University of Pittsburgh satellite campus in Greensburg, much closer to home. He focused on making goals. And, he began to reflect on what was important in his life. Their children -- Scott, Chris, and Karen -- were growing up, and he wanted to be there as they graduated school, married, had children, and moved on. In 1991, he felt that his health change. Test results showed his disease had reached the accelerated stage. It was time for transplant. And his son, Scott, had just announced his engagement. “I wanted to be there for his wedding, and throughout the months leading up to the time a donor was being sought, I received daily interferon injections, fortunate that they were given to me by my wife,” Jack recalls. He tested fate by waiting to have his transplant until Scott’s wedding passed. And, for Scott, his life was to be altered in a significant way -- he was to be his father’s bone marrow donor. Both Scott and his sister, Karen, had five of the required six antigens to donate marrow; not a perfect match. Jack had his transplant in 1992 at Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. He was one of the first to have a mismatched bone marrow transplant. He was told that, even in the best place in the nation for such a transplant, he had a 15-20% chance of survival. “The next six months were a blur while we were in Seattle,” Iva said. Throughout that time, Jack experienced both kidney and liver failure. He had a stroke and seizures, and lost 25% of his body weight. He and Iva experienced the pain of being separated from their friends and family. We both found that keeping a journal throughout this time of our lives was therapeutic,” Jack said, “Although much of it was Iva’s. I was on so much medication, a lot of that time was like a dream.” In 1994, Jack returned to UPMC and retired in 2003. In 1996, the journal became the basis for his book. In 2007, still healthy, Jack decided to participate in the transplant games. “I always thought the games were only for organ transplants, not bone marrow,” he said, “so I didn’t know I could be part of it.” In 1983, he had put his tennis racket away. Jack decided to pick it back up again. With the help of Bob Schmitt, a tennis pro at the Western Area YMCA, Jack said, “Bob took a guy who hadn’t picked up his tennis racket in 23 years and made him into a decent tennis player.” He plays tennis a couple of times a week and does weight training and aerobic exercises to stay fit. He points out, “I am in the last one percent of survivors with this disease to have lived this long, and among a very small minority as a participant in the Transplant Games to have had a bone marrow transplant.” “Yet, through it all, life has been good for us,” Iva said. This smiling gentleman, with the agility that belies his 62 years, hasn’t picked up his tennis racket yet at the games, but he’s already a winner. ABOVE: Jack and Iva, with grandchildren Kody, 18 months, and Kyra, 5. Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 59 Rich Koper, North Fayette He’s the ultimate cheerleader for transplantion --- the one that patients and their loved ones who are told about him go to when they need comfort or seek answers to difficult questions. His unending quest to give back all began when he was dealt the hand of being ill as a child. Imperial resident Rich Koper, 58, had a kidney and pancreas transplant in July 2001. A brittle diabetic, he took insulin shots three times a day for as long as he could remember. “I learned when I was 12 that I had diabetes. And then, as an ABOVE: Rich with his new wife, adult, while on vacation, I Brenda. He proudly wears his became sick on an 80-degree day Team Pittsburgh jacket, signed by the renowned surgeon, Dr. -- chills, teeth chattering, my Thomas Starzl of UPMC. ankles swelling to three times their size. I knew it wasn’t the flu or something like that,” he explained. He came back to Pittsburgh to learn he had renal failure. That’s when the doctor told me to sign up for dialysis treatment for my failing kidneys,” Rich said. The doctor told Rich that he could consider being a candidate for a kidney transplant. “I didn’t even know that was an option, and I told him right away, ‘sign me up,’ then the doctor said, ‘I can look for a pancreas for you, too, and I told him that if he was going to open me up for one surgery, he might as well do two.” Rich went home and, for six months, he administered an eight-hour-a-day dialysis regimen on himself. During an outing, he fell in a creek and infected the Peritoneal cavity. “Actually, a blessing in disguise, because now I went to the dialysis clinic in North Hills called DCI where I started hemodialysis every other day for only four hours. This went on for a year and a half.” Until then, Rich, an ordained minister who once shared air time on a WPIT talk show with his minister, worked as a manager at a convenience store. The dialysis regimen made it difficult for Rich to maintain the day-to-day position, he had to stop working and go on full-time disability. He didn’t return to work until after the transplant, when he took a full-time position with Life Flight as a Life Flight technician. He went through the battery of tests to be placed on the transplant list and received the little black pager that was given out at the time. “It was funny, the thing went off a few times. First, someone would have dialed the wrong number, then, an organ was available, and when I got to the emergency room, learned it was a false alarm. “There were a lot of ups and downs -- you’d be excited one minute and down the next,” Rich recalls. It was while at a car show in Irwin when he finally got the call for the kidney-pancreas combination. In the hospital for three weeks, Rich quickly experienced the rejection of the medicine that UPMC prescribed for his new organs -- Prograf. “For the first couple of months I was in constant rejection, and then Dr. Starzl came in one day and said my biopsy showed that the drug was damaging my kidneys,” Rich said. Dr. Starzl recommended he go on Rapamune, which, unknown to Rich, was the lowest anti-rejection drug available. “It’s been wonderful; I’ve had no problems with it,” he said. Because of the double transplant, after the surgery he was sore on both sides. Living alone, with his bathroom on the second floor, Rich was challenged every day during his recuperation. “It was a very difficult time for me and, financially, it was challenging,” Rich said. “I wanted very much to give back in appreciation for this new life I was given, so I decided to do it the best way that I could, by giving my time.” Today, Rich is a volunteer for CORE (Center for Organ Recovery and Education), the National Kidney Foundation, and TRIO (Transplant Recipients International Organization) and a member of Team Pittsburgh. He attends health fairs and speaks as an advocate for transplantation. He assists with fundraisers and passes out information at many events. He is an active volunteer at the Family House in Oakland, where he greets families who wait while their loved ones undergo transplant surgery and recuperation. He’s the shoulder they cry on; the one they go to when they have questions. Last year, Rich launched a local transplant support group that meets the second Sunday each month from 2-4:30 p.m. at King’s Restaurant in Imperial. Originally for kidney transplant patients, he welcomes anyone who has had a transplant or is waiting for one. Call him at (412) 787-3987. “We all share similar situations, we’re all in this together, so we welcome anyone,” he said. “It’s a casual way to learn from each other.” In 2006, Rich decided to go for the games. He didn’t know about the Transplant Games initially, but, being an avid bowler and walker, he took part in the games in Kentucky. Now he’s hooked. To prepare for the competition, he works out at Body Systems, and bowls in a league. He’ll be participating in the 5K race, the bowling team, volleyball, and 3-on-3 basketball. Rich notes that the games are not as much for competition as they are for friendship and camaraderie. Along the way, he’s met and just recently married his bride, Brenda, a billings account manager for a forensic psychologist from West Virginia. Now, he has someone to share his new life with, and Brenda has embraced Rich’s energy for volunteerism. She’s also become an organ donor. Through it all, Rich says that he has been very blessed. “Since this transplant, the people in my transplant circles have become my family; they are always there for me.” And Rich, with his kind demeanor, passion for organ transplantation, and his unending quest to give back, is always there for them. Darla Chiodo, Clinton She remembers the day vividly -- October 13, 2007. That’s when life changed for Darla Chiodo, co-owner of Chiodo Farms in Clinton with her husband, Joe, of 42 years. Darla, 62, received a double lung transplant. She enthusiastically said, “I was listed for just four days when the call came in and they said, ‘if you can be at the operating room door in one hour we have 60 June 2008 some young lungs for you.’ It was a wonderful miracle from God.” The day after returning home from surgery three weeks later, she went to the beauty salon. The day after Thanksgiving, she was back at the retail store at Chiodo Farms with her mask on, greeting customers. “I started back bowling two months after surgery and working out in a lung rehab program at Ohio Valley General Hospital,” Darla noted. “The rehab center has been remarkable, it has benefited me so much.” Darla will participate on the bowling team in the Transplant Games as part of Team Pittsburgh. To participate, transplant patients must have had their transplant no less than six months prior to the games. The competition is just part of the games experience. Darla is looking LEFT: Darla in her gardens at Chiodo Farms, “I’d do this (transplant) all over again.” forward to all of it. “There are also many wonderful events. It all calls attention to the desperate need for organ donors while sharing the success of transplantation,” she said. Darla had a long career in the floral industry, having owned a shop in Robinson Township before buying the property on Cork Bocktown Road 22 years ago with her husband. Thirteen years before the transplant, Darla was diagnosed with a form of BOOP (bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia). Her condition degraded very quickly. By the time she was evaluated for the lung transplant list, she was down to nine percent of oxygen without a supplemental supply. Originally turned down for the transplant due to her condition, she was told that her lungs were so fibrosed that there was not much that could be done to help her. The doctors told her she needed to be in stronger shape. “I told them, I bowl every week, I can do this,” she said. Darla and Joe petitioned the hospital for a second consideration. The surgery and followup weren’t without problems. Darla laid flat for five days in intensive care, 36 monitors hooked up to her, unable to drink anything, not even chew on ice. One of the stitches to hold the new lungs in place also blew and had to be repaired. And, the anti-rejection medications have affected her somewhat, most noticeably with some hair loss. “I’ll deal with it, and I would do this (transplant) again,” she said. Although she can’t touch her beloved plants or work in her garden, Darla is grateful for each new day. “The things you have you often take for granted, and when they are taken from you, you realize how important it is to have them. I’m glad to be here to have them.” Joe told her that all along God knew whose lungs she would have,but they weren’t ready to go yet. Darla told him, “No kidding, is any healthy person ready -- but it happens every day, ready or not. Everyone needs to have an organ donor card; I had mine years ago.” Michael Curran, McDonald Michael Currin, 50, was a cook in the U.S. Navy on the USS Joseph Hughes and the USS Santa Barbara. With three years of active duty and 14 years in the Reserves, he knew how it felt to be responsible to many people. He knew how responsible he wanted to be for his own health, because he saw how kidney disease was devastating to his family. Little did this Fort Cherry alumnus know the battle he would face. Michael’s mother was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease when she was 48 years old. Michael recounts how she suffered through 13 years of dialysis before she died of a heart attack. “My brother, Patrick, died of kidney cancer after receiving his transplant, and my brother, Robert, who lives in Imperial, has had a kidney transplant,” Michael said. The doctor told the family that kidney cancer is very rare. Ironically, Michael’s twin brother, Dave, who lives in DuBois, had not tested positive for any kidney disease, although he was a donor for Patrick. “While polycystic is hereditary, if you don’t test positive for it now, you never will,” he said. Michael took his health into his own hands and, in 1989, went to be tested. He found that he did have the markers for polycystic. A very slow, progressive disease, he didn’t have many symptoms for awhile. Soon, however, his kidney function test showed that his creatin was getting high, climbing from less than 2.0 eventually to 4.5. I was feeling badly, but was on the evaluation list by that time.” Within two months he got the call for his transplant, fortunate never to have to go on dialysis. It was an unlikely match; with only two of the six antigens matching. That was April 14, 2006. Even though he was a military veteran and entitled to the surgery and its benefits at a veteran hospital, Michael chose to have it done at UPMC. “I was going there even though I was a veteran, because I wanted that quality of care.” His transplant surgery was affected by other health issues that emerged during that time. Michael had suffered a cholesterol-related heart attack in 1996, the same week that his father died. Doctors found he had a 70% blockage. He was working for Bruce Plastics at the time, while also serving in the Naval Reserves. While he had to leave his job and was honorably discharged from the Navy, he said, “I’m happy to say I contributed to the military.” During his stay with the kidney transplant, Michael developed pancreatitis. His triglycerides surged to 1,800; 200 is normal. Going back to work at Bruce Plastics in September 2006, he had three good months before he began to experience abdominal pain. The Fort Cherry Ambulance whisked him to Allegheny General Hospital where they got his pancreatitis under control. A sudden drop in his blood pressure to dangerous levels pointed to a blood infection that was running rampant in his system. He spent 24 days in AGH before being discharged. For four of those days, he was in a coma. A month later, he still felt weak. Losing weight, and having no appetite, he went back to his doctor who told him the kidney was rejecting. Dialysis was the only option. Michael was put back on the list for a second kidney. And he went to dialysis three days a week, four hours a day. Unable to keep his job due to his weakening state, he went on disability. Michael began to experience chills and a fever while on dialysis at one point. The transplanted kidney was in trouble. Two days after Christmas in 2006, it was removed. Now, Michael was with no functional kidney and on dialysis. The next month he went to the hospital, and passed the tests to be relisted for another kidney. He began to feel better, and was playing tennis when, ten weeks later, on June 7, 2007, he got the call for his new organ. This time it was a perfect match. “I thank God for all the support and everyone was so wonderful,” Michael noted. “Having been through this already, I also had more knowledge and understood what was happening the second time around.” With his transplant battle won, Michael was ready to challenge himself. Most recently, he played on a team of transplant patients against the AGH transplant doctors. The patients won. He’ll compete in table tennis, singles tennis, and volleyball when the games get underway on July 12. And, while he’s only cooking for himself now, he feels responsible to many - those who have helped him in his family, medical circles, and his newfound friends at the transplant support group in Imperial and Team Pittsburgh. EDITOR’S NOTE: As the spouse of a husband waiting for a lung transplant, these stories were some of the most inspiring accounts I have ever written. They are a source of hope for both myself and my husband, John. We wish each of these heroic athletes Godspeed and good luck as they embark on this newest chapter of their lives, lives able to be celebrated because of those heroes who gave so unselfishly of themselves -- the organ donors. Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 61 Heroes of Freedom ARTICLE SUBMITTED BY MIKE ROBERTS, POSTMASTER, IMPERIAL POST OFFICE Saluting the Nation’s Flag and Our U.S. Heroes Because of the unique design of the postal building on the property at the Penn Lincoln Plaza, the Imperial Post Office never had a flagpole. Being in close proximity to four military bases, and also in talking to some of its customers regarding the flag, the post office staff wanted to be able to participate in half staff, POW flag recognition, and the everyday display of the American flag for what the flag represents. It is also very unusual that any post office in America doesn’t have a flag flown every working day. On Monday, April 7, Imperial Post Office employees Jim Aiello, Joe Thompson, and Jim Santeufemio, representing the military and the post office, made the first flag raising at the post office, dedicated to all those who currently serve and to those who have served. Currently, the U.S. Postal Service is the largest employer of veterans in the nation, with 197,300 veterans employed. At the Imperial post office, Joe Thompson has worked for the past three years. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1997 to 2003 in the Security Forces, stationed in Minot, North Dakota; Lakenheath, England; and Clovis, New Mexico. Jim Aiello joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1982 out of high school. For 20 years, he served in the communication field, retiring in 2002 as a Master Sergeant. He joined the post office in January 2006. Jim Santeufemio joined the United States Marine Corps in 2004 and is currently serving in the helicopter squadron, HMLA 775 Detachment Alpha in Johnstown as a Lance Corporal. He began working at the Imperial Post Office in December 2006. Jim is also a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom III, deployed to Iraq in March 2005 and returning this past October. EDITOR’S NOTE: These military veterans and active soldiers are featured on this month’s cover and on page 2. The Imperial Post Office displays a billboard of local military soldiers and veterans in its lobby. Also, a similar billboard is on display in the lobby of the Findlay Township Municipal Center in Clinton. Take a moment to view these displays of our local military heroes who have either served, or are serving, our country. Bringing Honor to War Veteran Heroes What began as an inquiry by the Carnegie American Legion has become a community service project by Parkway West Career & Technology Center students that will bring honor to deserving war veterans. Well over 1,000 military markers were inadvertently destroyed, and subsequently retrieved by the workers at Chartiers Cemetery. Karen Kerr, a Carnegie resident who visits the cemetery frequently to pay tribute to her loved ones, had an idea about how to fix the problem. She contacted Chuck Magnus, district commander of the 36th district of the American Legion, who is a Carnegie area resident, and was aware of the destroyed markers. He had been struggling with how to go about fixing them and placing them back on their appropriate gravesites. She suggested he call a local career technology school because they may have the equipment and may be looking for projects for the students. Could the school help? The request was forwarded to Steve Livergood, instructor of the Machine Tool Technology Program, and Todd Kieffer, instructor of the Auto Body Program. The school was more than glad to help. Chuck brought some of the RIGHT: Several of the plaques receive a sandblasting treatment in the Auto Body Program at Parkway West CTC. 62 June 2008 markers to the school. Students in the Auto Body Program have been sandblasting them. Once the sandblasting project is complete, the markers are sent over to the Machine Tool Technology Program, where students are making new rods and reassembling them. The Auto Body Program students will give the markers their final touch – a bronze finish – and return them to the American Legion. In the meantime, Chuck Magnus said, “I am very honored and thankful for what the school has done.” With so many more markers needing refurbished, he is looking for other groups to help. Contact him at (412) 922-2182. BY PAT JENNETTE This third in a series of what was to be three parts, but will now become four. This part presents how one family’s farm, entrenched in the area since 1962, has built its reputation on good, wholesome, healthy food. The final part of the series in the next issue will present another local family industry that does the same, with different products. It’s a busy Saturday morning on the first sunny May weekend at Janoski’s Farm in Clinton, and cars are lining up hoping to snag an empty spot. Forty-five years after starting the farm, Sonny Janoski and his family have plenty to keep busy, cultivating and harvesting 200 acres of vegetables and 20 acres of fruit trees and plants for their growing customer base. When the family moved to Clinton in 1962 and started with just 65 acres, it was hard to imagine that the business would burgeon into what is now a landscape dotted with 30-plus red and white greenhouses, garden center, food store, bakery, gift shop, and a family-style restaurant right across the street. “People are excited to get their produce, and we work hard to provide it for them as early in the season as possible,” explained Dan Janoski, one of two sons that runs the farm. His brother, Mike, and Mike’s wife, Patty, also help run the enterprise, along with Sonny and his wife, several grandchildren and about 50 employees. Utilizing their greenhouses and heirloom seeds from several top-notch seed companies, the family, assisted by some of the employees, begins the growing process during the cold winter days of January, carefully planting each seed and nurturing them in the greenhouses until the seedlings mature. One greenhouse is dedicated to pepper plants alone -- more than 50,000 Dan estimates. Once the seedlings are mature enough, the plants are put into the ground, assisted in their growth by row covers that keep out bugs while increasing the temperature, and aided by a sophisticated irrigation system. “The irrigation system is a big expense, but it’s worth it for the turnaround time we can provide for our customers,” Dan noted. From tomatoes and peppers to cucumbers and watermelons, the plants grow to maturity. Corn is a mainstay -- 75 of the 225 acres are dedicated to corn alone. Dan estimates that 15,000 seeds are sown per acre. Janoski’s added fruits in 1994, mainly peaches. Apples came in 2003. And that’s just the produce side of it. They grow, nurture, and sell many types of flowers, including their popular poinsettia plants. Once a seasonal affair, the complex opened year-round in 1999. Patty Janoski said that the farm is all retail. The only exception to selling their produce and fruits outside the farm boundaries is at the Bridgeville Farm Market, where they’ll be available all summer on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 5:30 p.m. starting June 15. As the business has grown and changed, so has the industry that it serves. In that regard, the farm began offering organic products last year. The products include organic seed packets and DeLallo brand pastas and sauces. Added to the organic lineup this year will be lawn and garden products from Dr. Earth and animal repellent products from Nature’s Defense. “People are definitely looking for this, so we’re making sure we provide it,” Patty said. Last month, Doug Oster presented a workshop at the farm. More than 50 people attended. He talked about how to care for the lawn organically, how to compost, and how to tame bugs in the garden using more natural methods. Going to the farm has been an American tradition, and, in order to provide customers with the experience of seeing homegrown, natural products in their own neighborhood, Janoski’s hosts its annual strawberry picking days coming up in June, and will host its first Farm City Days August 2 and 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. These events are free to the public. Visit their website at www.janoskis.com for details. Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 63 community connections FINDLAY TOWNSHIP Office Information at your fingertips OAKDALE BOROUGH Trash Pickup: 724/693-9740; Water: 724/693-9740 Parks and Recreation Office Information Findlay Mun. Ctr., 1271 Rt. 30, Clinton, PA 15026, 724/695-0500, website: www.findlay.pa.us, Hours: 8 am-4:30 pm Supervisors: Thomas J. Gallant, Chrmn.; Janet Craig, V. Chrmn.; Raymond Chappell, Mbr.; Twp. Mgr: Gary Klingman; Asst. Twp. Mgr.: Chris Caruso; Bldg. Inspector: Russ Collins; Solicitors: E.J. Strassburger & Alan Schuckrow; Plmbg./Sewer Inspector: Tim Cook; Public Works Director: John O’Neal 6115 Noblestown Rd., Oakdale, PA 15071, 724/693-9740, Fax: 724/693-0100 Website: www.oakdaleborough.com, Hrs: M-F 8:30 am-4:30 pm Council: Huck Gamble, President; Russ Campbell, Vice President; Council members: Keith Merlino, Paul Hennemuth, Tom Potts, Ross Rohbeck, Mayor; Vince Tucceri, Esq.; Michele Cromer, Esq.; Kelly Rohbeck, Borough Secretary; Laura Ahlborn, Assistant Secretary Meetings Meetings Supervisors: Caucus: 1st Thur. monthly - 7 pm, Regular on 2nd Wed. monthly - 7 pm, Workshop on 4th Thur. monthly - 7 pm Planning Commission: Regular on 4th Tues. monthly - 7 pm Zoning Hearing Bd.: Regular on 3rd Mon. monthly - 7 pm Municipal Authority: Regular on 4th Mon. monthly - 6 pm Council: 1st Wed. monthly, 7:30 pm, Community Ctr., Zoning Hearing Bd.: On Request Services Services Trash/ Recycling: Waste Management of Pa., (724) 228-4200 Municipal Authority: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 724/695-3108 Parks and Recreation Open Apr. 1-Oct. 31, 8 am to Sunset, Pavilion rentals: 8 am-11 pm, $50 residents/$75 non-residents + $25 deposit, call township for details Taxes Earned Inc./Occup. Priv.: Barb Coates 724/695-0521; Real Estate: Dorothy McCullough, 724/695-2995 Emergencies Police: 9-1-1 or (724)695-7777 ~ Non-Emergency (724)695-1300 Fire: 9-1-1 or (724)695-7777 ~ Non-Emergency (724)695-8845 Ambulance 9-1-1 or (724)695-7777 NORTH FAYETTE TOWNSHIP Office Information 400 N. Branch Rd., Oakdale, PA 15071, Hours: 8 am - 5 pm 412/788-4888/724-693-9601, website: www.north-fayette.com Supervisors: John Meyers, Jim Morosetti, J.R. Mangan Mgr.: Robert Grimm; Bldg. Inspector: Mike Saville; Public Works Director: Victor Rogale; Bob Brozovich, Parks & Rec. Director; Solicitor: Vincent Tucceri Meetings Supervisors: Workshop: 1st Thursday monthly - 7:30 pm, Regular 2nd Tuesday monthly - 7:30 pm Planning Commission: Regular on 3rd Tuesday monthly - 7:30 pm Joint Board: Meet as required Zoning Hearing Board: Meet as required Parks & Recreation: Regular: 3rd Monday monthly, 7 pm Water Authority (@ Water Auth.): 3rd Tuesday monthly, 7:30 pm Payroll: Regular: 4th Tuesday monthly, 7:30 pm Transportation Auth.: Meetings vary, call office Services Recycling: Every other week. Special containers available. Accept clear & colored glass, aluminum & bi-metal beverage cans and steel (tin) food cans, plastic food, soda, & milk containers--types 1 & 2 only. Contact twp. office for complete schedule & guidelines. Water: Western Allegheny County Municipal Authority (W.A.C.M.A.) (412) 788-4337; emergency: (412) 787-8900 Parks and Recreation Pavilion rentals: 11 am-11 pm, Community Ctr. 1 mtg. room and 1 recreation room, call twp for rates Food Pantry: 2nd & 4th Tues., 9 a.m.-Noon; 3rd Wed., 5:30 pm-7 pm Hankey Farms Pool, (summer season only) (412) 788-0806 after 11:30 am wknds. late May; Daily in summer from June 4; noon-7:00 pm, Family pass: $200; Individual pass: $100; couples/dual: $170; Daily Rates: $5 adults, $3 children 3 yrs-12 yrs, free for under 2 yrs old, $1 observers/non-swimmers. Children under 10 must be w/an adult. Taxes Earned Inc./Occup. Privilege/R.E.: Tom Falcioni (724) 693-9366 Township Tax Assessor: Cindy Zimecki (412) 473-3161 Emergencies Police - 9-1-1; non-emergency (412) 787-8900; Fire - 9-1-1; non-emergency (412) 787-2883 NorthWest EMS - 9-1-1; non-emergency (412) 331-2600 Website: www.northfayettevfd.org, www.nortwestems.net STURGEON: Emergency: 9-1-1-, Non-emergency: (724) 926-9149 Website: www.sturgeonfd.south-fayette.pa.us McDONALD BOROUGH Office Information 151 School St., McDonald PA 15057, (724) 926-8711, Fax: (724) 926-2750, Office Hrs: M-F 8 am-4 pm, www.mcdonaldboro.com Meetings Reg. Mtg. 1st Mon., 7:30 pm, Planning Comm. & Zoning Bd., as needed Emergencies Fire, Police & EMS: 9-1-1 Non-Emergency: Fire Only (724) 926-9190 Website: www.mcdonaldfire.com 64 2008 2007 64 June December TAXES County Real Estate Payments: March 31 with discount; Face:After March Questions concerning county taxes call: 412/350-4100 School Real Estate Payments: Discount: Aug. 31; Face: Oct. 31; Penalty: Nov. 1 Questions: (724) 693-9366 Open May-Oct.; Pavilion rentals: $60 plus $45 deposit - residents; $90 plus $45 deposit - non-residents, call borough for info; Community Center: Rentals-724/693-9740; Sr. Citizens-724/693-8540 Taxes Donna Swider, Real Estate Tax Collector Emergencies Police & Fire: 9-1-1 Non-Emergency: (412) 331-2600; Ambulance 9-1-1 Non-Emergency: (412) 761-2200 Website: www.oakdalehosecompany.org SCHOOLS West Allegheny School District, Box 55, Imperial, PA 15126, 724/ 695-3422 Parkway West Career & Technology Center, 7101 Steubenville Pike, Oakdale, PA 15071, 412/923-1772 Pittsburgh Technical Institute, 1111 McKee Rd., Oakdale, PA 15071 412/809-5100 Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), 1000 McKee Rd., Oakdale PA 15071, 412/788-6464 WEST ALLEGHENY CHURCHES (schedules may change seasonally) Allegheny West Christian, Minister Faron Franklin 7600 Steubenville Pike, Oakdale PA 15071, 412/788-8818, Sun. blended worship 11 am, eve svc 6:30 pm, Wed. Bible study 7 pm, children’s programs during both Worship & Bible study Church of Jesus Christ, Pastor Robert Buffington 57 Moore Rd., Clinton PA 15026, 724/899-3935 Svcs: Sun. 10 am, 6:30 pm, Wed., 11 am Church of the Living Christ, Rev. Brian Henry 220 W. Allegheny Rd., P.O. Box 46, Imperial, PA 15126 724/ 695-7188, Sun. Svc. 10:30 am, Wed. Family Night 7 pm, nursery all services, www.cotlc.com Church of the Nazarene, Pastor Angela Kress 507 Rt. 30, Imperial, PA 15126, 724/947-9223, Sun. School 10 am, Sun. worship 11 am and 6 pm, Wed. 7 pm Clinton United Presbyterian, Rev. Peter Grosso Box 175, 25 Wilson Rd., Clinton, PA 15026, 724/695-7993, Sun. School 9:45 am, Worship 11 am, youth fellowship Sun. 6:30 pm, Nursery during services, youth night Tues. 3:305:30 pm grades 2-5 Clinton Wesleyan, Rev. Ted Chapman 1022 Moon Clinton Rd., Clinton, PA 15026, 724/695-7076, Sun. School 9:30 am, worship & children’s church 10:45 am, adult bible study, kids club (preschool-gr 6) & youth group (gr 7-12) Wed. 7-8:15 pm, prayer mtg. Fridays, 6 pm Crossroads United Methodist, Rev. Steve Cordle 1000 Crossroads Dr., Oakdale, PA 15071, 412/494-9999, Sat. 6:30 pm, Sun. 9 am, 10:15 am, 11:30 am, Wee Kidzone Ministry-birth-preschool all svcs, Kidzone Ministry, K-5, 6:30 am, 10:15 am, 11:30 am, MS Ministry, Sun., 6-7:30 p.m., HS, 7:30-9 pm Hebron UP 1767 Route 30, Clinton, PA 15026, 724/899-2276 Summer-10 am, Sept.-May-11 am, Sunday School 9:45 am, Sept.-May all ages Immanuel Orth. Presby. , Pastor Mark Garcia W. Allegheny Comm. Library Bldg., 8042 Steubenville Pike, Oakdale PA 15071,412/474-3266, www.immanuelOPCPgh.org, Sun. 11 am & 6 pm (1:30 pm first Sun. each month), Sun. morning instruction Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 198 N. Branch Rd., Oakdale PA 15071, 724/693-8150 Sunday Worship: 10 am, 1 pm, Bible Study Tues. & Thurs. 7:30 pm Montours UP, Rev. James A. Evans 3151 Montour Church Rd., Oakdale, PA 15071, 412/7871050, 10 am June-Aug, 11 am w/9:30 am Sun. School Sept-May, Svc. of Wholeness & Healing 2nd Sun monthly Noblestown UM, Rev. Rich Updegraff 7313 Noblestown Rd., Oakdale, PA 15071-1905 724/693-2755, 9 am service, Sun. Learning & Fellowship 10:15 am pre-school to grade 12 and two adult classes Noblestown UP, Rev. Dr. Patty Giles-Petrosky 7427 Noblestown Rd., Oakdale, PA 15071 724/693-8250, 10 a.m., Service, 11 am Sun. School Oakdale UP Church, Rev. Mark Simond 62 Hastings Ave., Oakdale, PA 15071, 724/693-8950 11 a.m., Sunday School 9:30 am Resurrection Lutheran, Rev. William Winzeler 7600 Steubenville Pike, Oakdale, PA 15071, 412/7884513, Worship & Sun School, 9 am, Bible study, Mon 10 am. Thurs eve open to community for prayer, no worship St. Columbkille R.C., Rev. Domenic Mancini 103 Church Rd., Imperial, PA 15126, 724/695-7325 Svcs: M-F 8 am, Wed. 7:15 pm, Sat., 6:30 pm, Sun. 7:30 am, 9 am, 10:30 am, noon St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church 7322 Noblestown Rd., Oakdale, PA 15071, 724/693-9260, www.saint-patrick-parish.com, Parish Office, 724/693-8447-Rel. Educ.&Youth Min, Sat. 5 pm, Sun. 9 am, 11:30 am Valley UP, Pastor Jeri-Lynne Bouterse 237 Main St., Imperial, PA 15126, 724/695-0300-Office, Worship 10:30 am, Sun. School all ages to adult-9:30 am, www.valleychurchweb.com West Ridge Christian Community Church, Rev. Bill Bolin, 100 Gorwood Dr., Coraopolis, PA 15108, 724/6957500, website: www.wrccc.org, email: [email protected], 9:00 & 11 am, & Kids Quest & nursery; Ground. Level Youth, Wed. 7 pm COMMUNITY/CIVIC/SOCIAL/PROFESSIONAL American Legion Post 171, 866-693-8759 American LegionAuxiliary, 724/926-2643 American Legion Post 335, TBA American Legion Post 485, 724/926-8825 Business Network Intl. (BNI)Airport Chapter, 412/941-0101 CBX-Commonwealth Business Exchange, 412/788-8211 Daughters of theAmerican Revolution, [email protected] Hollow Oak Land Trust, 412/264-5354 Imperial Lions Club, (724) 695-0568 Kiwanis Club, 412/264-6419 Masonic Lodge, Oakdale, 724/899-2440 McDonaldArea Development Corp., 724/926-4617 Montour Run Watershed Assn., 412/835-4033, www.mrwa.info Montour Trail Council, (412) 257-3011 Montour Valley Grange, (724) 695-0481 Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS), Hebron 724/899-3669, Valley 724/774-6317, Oakdale, (412) 494-9999 North Fayette Garden Club, 724/693-8413 North Fayette Republican Committee, 412/788-2840 Parkway West Rotary,(412) 292-4140 Pgh. AirportArea Chamber of Commerce, 412/264-6270 SNPJ Lodge 106, 724/695-1411 or 695/1100 SturgeonAthletic Association, 724/926-2150 The ROCK Community Center in Oakdale, (724) 693-2777 The Small Business Network (TSBN), 412/367-5979 VFW & LadiesAuxiliary, 412/788-4674 or 724/695-8866 Walden Woods Community Svc.Assn., 724/695-8100 WestAlleghenyAdopt-A-Highway, TBD West Allegheny HistoricalAssociation, 724/695-2469 Western Ally. Friends to Enhance Library (WAFEL), 724/695-8150 SERVICES Allegheny Power : 800-255-3443 Bureau of Mine Subsidence: 800-922-1678 Cable TV: Comcast: 412/264-6600 Columbia Gas Co.: 888-460-4332 Community Access TV: Channel 14: 412/269-1191 Robt. Morris University: 412/262-8377 Dept. of Agriculture: 724/443-1585 Dept. of Elections: 412/350-4500 Dept. Environ. Protection: (814) 332-6945 Dog Licenses: 412/350-4111 Duquesne Light Co.: 800-393-7100 Hankey Farms Swimming Pool: (412) 788-0806 Meals on Wheels: 724/899-3602 or 724/695-0634 Media: Allegheny Times: (412) 269-1144 Allegheny West Magazine: (724) 695-3968 Post-Gazette West: (724) 375-6814 Tribune Review: (412) 320-7945 Pa. American Water Co.: 800-474-7292 Peoples Gas/Dominion Cust. Svc: 800-764-0111 Settlers Cabin Park, (412) 787-2750, Tennis Courts, 412/787-2824, Wave Pool, 412/787-2667 Triangle Pet Control: 412/771-7387 Western Alleg. Commun. Library: 724/695-8150 West Allegheny Food Pantry: 724/695-1305 West Allegheny Thrift Store: 724/695-1305 SR. CITIZEN GRPS. Findlay Township: 724/695-0500 LifeSpan Oakdale Senior Resource Center, at Oakdale Community Ctr: Seminary Ave., Oakdale, 724/693-8540 or 693-2621, [email protected] St. Columbkille: 724/695-7325 CHILDCARE Coddlers Daycare, 412/787-1311 Crossroads U. Meth. Preschool, 412/494-9999 Helping Hands Childcare, 724/695-9200 Kristy’s Kiddie Care, 724/926-4200 Little Folks, 412/787-8822 Oakdale Kids Korner, 724/693-9733 Resurrection Luth. Nursery, 412/788-4513 St. Columbkille Preschool, 724/695-2146 Sunny’s Wee Kids Palace, 412/788-2273 Teddy Bear Village Child Care, 724/695-3490 YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Venturing Crew: General No.: (412) 325-7963 Findlay 724-695-7526 (Cubs), 724/695-1125 (BS) N. Fayette 412/889-8748 (Cubs), 724/695-2614 (BS) Oakdale 724/693-2994 (Cubs), 724/693-2611 (BS) FindlayAthl. Assn., 724/695-7790 Girl Scouts, W.A., 724/693-8493, (724) 695-1366 North Fayette Athletic Association, 412/580-0655 Oakdale Youth League, 724/693-9830 WAYA (Little Indians--WAYouth Football & CheerleadingAssn.), 724/695-2449 West Allegheny Aqua Club, 724/693-8395 West Allegheny Ice HockeyAssn., 724/695-3144 West Allegheny Youth Soccer, 724/695-1984 or 724/695-0941 WestAllegheny Youth Wrestling, 724/695-3787 WesternArea YMCA, 412/787-3430 Youthtowne, 724/695-2306 or 724/899-3910 Al-A-Non andAla-A-Teen, 724/926-3396 WEST ALLEGHENY SCHOOL GROUPS Refer to the West Allegheny School District website or the school district calendar, at www.westallegheny.k12.pa.us These lists are updated throughout the year. To make a change, call Allegheny West Magazine at 724/695-3968 or send an e-mail to: [email protected]. Allegheny West PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PA I D I M P E R I A L , PA 15126 PERMIT NO. 83 Magazine Jennette Communications Group 15 Walnut Street, Suite 101 Imperial, PA 15126-1226 POSTAL CUSTOMER LOCAL
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