July 2008 - Allegheny West Magazine

Transcription

Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag
1
REAL ESTATE TIPS
REASON TO
CELEBRA
TE!
CELEBRATE!
Imagine that you’re
throwing a party and
want to invite only
your closest friends in
the Pittsburgh area.
Rather than taking time to mail invitations, you place an announcement
in the paper reading, “I am having a
party Friday night, and you’re invited.
Please come!” Your name and address appear at the bottom of the ad.
After a great deal of preparation,
Friday night arrives and you’re
surprised when over 50 total strangers show up ready to party. What
happened?
First, you took a short cut by
running a generic ad to attract the
attention of your friends. Instead,
you got the attention of “John Q.
Public.” Second, you expended
effort preparing for a party that
wasn’t appreciated by the crowd
that showed up.
A similar situation could happen if
you try to sell your home without
representation. Without a full-time
professional agent, you may attract
prospects to your home that have no
business being there. They may
lack the financial resources to buy,
or may be bargain hunters or
“window shoppers.”
A full-time professional agent
attracts only the best prospects by
targeting specific buying groups.
Potential buyers are screened for
their ability to make a purchase and
their motivation for doing so. Only
qualified buyers, by appointment,
are shown your home. You are more
likely to receive the best possible
price, with fewer showings, and with
the least inconvenience to you and
your family.
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
bobmiller@howardhanna.com
www.bobmiller.howardhanna.com
www.howardhannacommercial.com
2
July 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 Robinson, Kennedy, Pennsbury, Ingram, and Thornburg
as a community service.
1/2 Off Greeting Cards, p. 11, 23
724.695.1964
A Door to Memories, p. 31
724.630.1212, www.adoor tomemories.com
Beaver Valley Foot Clinic, p. 11
724.375.1577, www.bvfootclinic.com
Bocktown Beer & Grill, p. 31
412.788.2333, www.bocktown.com
Broadway Dance Center, p. 1
412.920.1841,
www.prunziksbroadwaydancecenter.com
Center for Organ Recov. & Educ.(CORE), p. 16
1.800.DONORS-7, www.core.org
Choices Pregnancy Centers, p. 37
1-877-RU4-SURE, www.aapcc-pa.org
Citi Smith-Barney, p. 13
412.392.5885
Clear view Federal Credit Union, p. 10
1.800.926.0003, www.clear viewfcu.org
Cool Remodeling, p. 9
412.262.1140, www.coolhomeimprovements.com
DDS Web Design, p. 37
412.965.0688, www.ddswebdesign.com
Dove Cottage, p. 31
724.462.7648, www.dovecottagedev.com
Erie Insurance-Polesky Agency, p. 11
412.263.2308, www.poleskyagency.com
Family Chiropractic, p. 12
412.787.3320, www.familychiropracticcenters.biz
Fayette Farms, p. 6-7
412.788.0863, www.fayettefarms.com
First Steps Pediatrics, inside back cover
412.788.1999, www.fspkids.com
Fitness for Life, p. 1
724.695.2239, www.mkfitness4life.com
Galaxy Stone, p. 8
412.401.4400, www.galaxystone.biz
Heritage Valley Healthcare, p. 8
412.269.0899
Hess Physical Therapy, p. 5
412.685.4808, www.HessPT.com
Howard Hanna-Bob Miller, p. 2
412.498.3664, www.bobmiller.howardhanna.com
Iron & Glass Bank, p. 14
412.859.3797, www.ironandglassbank.com
Janoski’ s, p. 11
724.899.3438, www.janoskis.com
Joyce’ s Groom n’Go, p. 11
412.225.6404, www.jjgroomngo.com
Lazarowicz, Ken - CPA, p. 36
412.299.7390
MTO Clean, p. 30
412.809.9300, www.allegheny.mtoclean.com
Naughton’s Tree Service, p. 30
412.331.5952, www.naughtonstreeser vice.com
Off the Rail Farm, p. 29
724.544.5207, www.offtherailfarm.net
Ohio Valley General Hospital, p. 24
412.777.6400, www.ohiovalleyhospital.org/PAIN
Paragon Homes-Fayette Farms, back cover
412.787.8807, www.FayetteFarms.com
Paws Here Awhile Pet Resort, p. 23
724.573.4665, www.PawsHereAwhile.com
Pgh. Airpor t Area Chmbr. of Comm., p. 19
412.264.6270, www.paacc.com
Pittsburgh Pet Crematory, p. 30
412.600.1630, www.pittsburghpetcrematory.com
Picciano, Dr., p. 12
412.787.3366, www.montourdental.com
Pittsburgh West Ob/Gyn, p. 22
412.331.2622
Pittsburgh Points West, p. 22
412.494.9203, www.pghpointswest.com
Pittsburgh Technical Institute, inside back
cover, 412.809.5100, www.pti.edu
Pittsburgh Zoo, p. 22
412.665.3640
Primadonna Restaurant, p. 1
412.331.1001,
www.theprimadonnarestaurant.com
Quicksilver Golf Course, p. 36
724.796.1594, www.quicksilvergolf.com
Sewickley Valley Medical Group, p. 8
412.269.0899
Shared Acres, p. 29
1.866.512.1452, www.sharedacres.com
Thomas Studio of Dance, p. 11
412.787.7686.www.thomasdance.com
Valley Church, p. 39
724.695.0300, www.valleychurchweb.com
West Allegheny Healthcare, p. 22
724.695.2411
Zaccone, Jim - Photography, p. 11
412.921.0401, www.jimzaccone.com
Zak Appraisal Services, p. 14
412.257.9656, www.zakappraisalser vice.com
Table of Contents
Columns
Features
17
ABOVE: Members of Cub Scout Pack 301
marched in the annual Memorial Day Parade
that traveled down Steubenville Pike in
Robinson Township. Riding the Cub Mobiles are
Ronnie Schubert and Justin McGee.
2008 Summer Fun Guide!
04
08
11
12
15
23
24
28
38
40
BY EMILY HUEBNER
20
Horses: A Great Way
for Children to Learn
by Dan McLaughlin, Blue Ribbon Farms
Circle C Youth Helps Young People Succeed
Circle C provides the capacity for young people ready to
go out into the world to prepare for what’s ahead.
On the Horizon
Neighborhood Coupons
Around Your Town
Library News
Your House & Senate
Fire Beat
Chamber Business Link
Your Schools
Community Connections
Learning Curves
30
Bringing to you all that’s fun to do in the western suburbs to
help you save on gas this summer!
Publisher’s Note
37
Flea & Tick Prevention Tips
submitted by Joyce Jennette, Joyce’s Groom n’ Go
BY JESSICA HARMAN
26
Trekking on the Montour Trail
32
Heroes of Life: Competing in the Games
Park the car and get out the bicycle or the walking shoes.
The Montour Trail is the way to go this summer.
Airport area residents are gearing up to compete in a
competition where they are already winners, the U.S.
Transplant Games.
BY PAT JENNETTE
About the Cover
Members of Girl Scout Troop No. 395 completed numerous community service
projects in order to complete the coveted Silver Award. The Silver Award is
presented to Girl Scouts in their Junior Level, a prelude to the Gold Award that Girl
Scouts can earn in their Senior Level. PHOTO SUBMITTED
RIGHT: Allegheny West Magazine welcomes its summer interns and writers. Top, left to
right, Jessica Harman and Emily Huebner previously completed internships and graduated
this spring from Robert Morris University and Slippery Rock University respectively.
Bottom, left to right, working at the magazine as interns are Amanda Baker, Anna Marie
Bey, Shannon Glantz, and Kiley Diaddigo. The interns completed a half-day training program
and are being exposed to writing, editing, proofreading, interviewing, and photography
techniques.
3
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.
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 graduate 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 a vital milestone that helps us
to remember to celebrate not only our freedom, but also remember
our heroes -- Independence Day on July 4.
Cheers to Summer, to our freedom, to heroes!
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.
Montour Edition
Vol. 5 No. 6, Issue 30
July 2008
MORE
INFO
TO REACH US
15 Walnut Street, Ste. 101, Imperial PA 15126
Phone: 724.695.3968 Fax: 724.695.2089
Email: alleghenywestmagazine@comcast.net
www.PghPointsWest.com/allegwestmag
PUBLISHING TEAM
PUBLISHER AND EDITOR
Pat Jennette, APR
alleghenywestmagazine@comcast.net
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
THIS ISSUE
G. Paul DeBor
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
THIS ISSUE
Jessica Harman
Emily Huebner
WEBMASTER
Yvonne Her vol
www.PittsburghPointsWest.com
CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE
Joe Kulik
Joyce Jennette, Joyce’s Groom n’ Go
Dan McLaughlin, Blue Ribbon Farm
Pgh. Airport Area Chamber of Commerce
Robinson Township Library
SUMMER INTERNS
Amanda Baker
Anna Marie Beya
Kiley Diaddigo
Shannon Glantz
Allegheny West Magazine Montour Edition, is published in
January, March, May, July,
September, and November,
6 issues a year, by Jennette
Communications Group, 15
Walnut Street, Suite 101,
Imperial, PA 15126-1226. Mailed
and delivered free to 15,000
residents and businesses in
Robinson, Kennedy, Pennsbury,
Ingram, Thornburg, 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
groups only must be
received by the 15th of the
month 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
2004 &
2006
Jennette Communications Group
also publishes the West
Allegheny Edition of Allegheny
West Magazine
Magazine, the Moon
Edition of Allegheny West
Magazine
Magazine, and the Imperial/
Findlay/North Fayette/McDonald
Edition of the Town Planner
Comm
unity
Calendar
Community
Calendar..
Pat Jennette, APR - Publisher & Editor
THE ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL
CALENDAR WITH FULL COLOR ADS
BORDERING THE SCHEDULE
COMES OUT IN SEPTEMBER.
DEADLINE IS AUGUST 15. FIRST
COME, FIRST SERVE, JUST $95
Call (724) 695-3968.
WE PROUDLY SPONSOR/SUPPORT:
Western Allegheny Community Library’s Capital Campaign
The Annual Christmas Light-Up Event in Clinton
MEMBER
2007 Winner BBB Torch Award for
Marketplace Ethics
Registered with Dun & Bradstreet
4
July 2008
Two Groups Of
Back Pain Sufferers…
Which Group Are You In?
5 Reasons To Request An
Evidence Based Manual Therapy
Certified Physical Therapist
One Group Knows
About Evidence Based Manual Therapy,
And The Other Does Not
What is Evidence Based Manual Therapy? Evidence Based
Manual Therapy and its diagnostic tools provide therapists
with the most up to date testing procedures and treatment principals. Manual therapy is a subspecialty in physical therapy
that requires advanced training to apply. Evidence based testing procedures help classify those candidates who will have
the best outcomes by using manual therapy techniques. These
tests will also classify patients into different exercise principals and appropriate spinal decompression protocols. This approach is not a one size fits all. It is a customized approach for
each patient. This type of treatment is proven to get results.
Why Many Doctors Now Recommend
Hess PT As The First Step
Since back assessments using our method are so effective,
reliable, non-invasive, and combine treatment as part of the
same program, many doctors are now recommending us as
one of the first steps in a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment process. Why? In addition to providing quick relief
for most patients, our Evidence Based assessment will assist in diagnosing the specific problem AND provide a good
indication of which treatment options may be best for you.
Yes!
1. IMMEDIATE relief in 81% of patients after the first treatment.
2. Fast recovery of FULL body movement in 85% of patients.
3. 95% of patients surveyed say they recovered quicker than
with basic or standard exercises and chiropractic care.
4. Do-It-Yourself home program, based on evidence based
treatment principals, reduces the need for return visits to
chiropractors, other standard physical therapists, and addictive drugs.
5. Lower incidence of recurrence of pain than with other treatments, thanks to the home program that keeps your body
limber and strong.
“I would absolutely recommend Hess Physical Therapy to others. I thought because of my age, that nothing could help me. I was pleasantly surprised that the
treatment I received has helped me so much. I have
been greatly relieved of my pain.”
-- Helen Cimoch
I would like more information about the latest
Evidence Based Manual Therapy back and neck
pain treatment program.
Your FREE Guide includes information on:
• 7 most common diagnoses
• 3 most common treatments
• How to know when you need X-rays, MRIs, and other tests
• The 3 steps of the Manual Physical Therapy Program
Download Your FREE Patient Guide At
www.HessPT.com
OR Call
412-685-4808
Copyright © 2008 PTreferralMachine - PTreferralMachine.com
5
6
July 2008
7
NEW CORAOPOLIS SENIOR CITIZENS GROUP MEETS
The Coraopolis senior citizens group meets at the Coraopolis Vets on the third
Thursday of each month at 10 a.m.
Any interested senior adult is welcome to visit and enjoy the meeting, games, and
refreshments.
For more information, call (412) 264-4981.
ALUMNI INVITED FOR STO-ROX BAND REPRISE
On September 13, Sto-Rox Marching Band will host a Festival of Bands at Sto-Rox High
School, 1105 Valley Street, McKees Rocks.
Any alumni band member interested in participating with the alumni band is welcome.
Please e-mail Dawn Debold at dadebo4@aol.com or Karen Burkholder at
karenmbugs@comcast.net.
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 patmoor@atc-pa.com.
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.
Montour Class of 1978 will hold its 30th reunion on Saturday, November 29 at
"Celebrations" in Imperial. Please send contact information by e-mail to
dillingerdad@aol.com and/or classof78@joefucci.com.
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CHRIST-CENTERED WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM BEGINS
First Place 4 Health, a Christ-centered weight-loss and healthy living program, begins
a 14-week session on September 10 from 5 to 6:15 p.m. at Crossroads Church,
Oakdale. First-time participants’ cost is $110 for the kit and bible study. E-mail:
firstplace@crossroadsumc.org or call (412) 494-9999.
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 19. 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.
BLUE KNIGHTS & VERLAND BIKE RIDE
The Blue Knights and Verland’s Fifth Motorcycle Ride is Sunday, September 21.
Breakfast and registration begin 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 preregister or for more information, call Arlene at (412) 741-2578.
COMMUNITY YOGA CLASSES AT SETTLER’S CABIN PARK
Yoga h’om in North Fayette, in partnership with the Allegheny County Parks, is
offering a weekly outdoor summer yoga class through August 30 on Saturdays from
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Flint Grove. Cost is $5 per person or $10 per family. Cost for
all 12 classes is $48 per person or $90 per family.
In the case of inclement weather, class will be held at Yoga h’om, a short drive from
the park, at 7053 Steubenville Pike, Suite 22, starting at 10:45 a.m.
Call (412) 788-1660 or visit www.yogahom.com.
CCAC OFFERS EXPRESS REGISTRATION, ORIENTATION
Community College of Allegheny County is again offering its popular Enrollment
Express Days—designed to provide access to enrollment workshops, financial aid,
placement testing, academic advising, registration and payment plan information in
one stop to help busy students—in preparation for the fall 2008 semester.
The college is still admitting new students for fall 2008. Interested students
should visit www.ccac.edu and search keyword “admissions.” Most classes begin
August 18 and September 2. Sessions will be held at each of the college’s four
campuses. Preregistration is required. At the West Campus on McKee Road in North
Fayette, registration is on Fridays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.: July 11, July 18, July 25,
August 8, August 15, August 22, and August 29.
Orientation dates at the West Campus for new students and their families will be
held Tuesday, August 12, 6 to 8 p.m. and Monday, August 25, 6 to 8 p.m.
8
July 2008
On the Horizon
GOOD SHEPHERD SHARES PROGRAMS
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 618 Russellwood
Avenue, McKees Rocks, will hold a lawn concert on July 22,
beginning at 7 p.m. Bring chairs or blankets. If rain, it will
be indoors. Free ice cream will be served. Call
(412) 771-1993.
Good Shepherd hosts Vacation Bible School, “God's Big
Backyard,” July 21 -25, 6:30 to 9 p.m. for ages 3 & up.
There is no fee, however, registration is being held daily.
Call (412) 771-1993.
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. Volunteers do not need to be cyclists.
For information, contact Angela Giacchino by e-mail at
Angela.Giacchino@cancer.org, or call (412) 919-1100.
RTCS OPEN FOR REGISTRATION
Robinson Township Christian School, 77 Phillips Lane,
is accepting student applications for the 2008-2009 school
year. Students in grades pre-K (age 4 by September 1,
2008) through 12 may apply.
For information, call (412) 787-5919.
LePOIRE HOSTS OPEN HOUSE, PAINTING CLASSES
LePoire in Crafton invites the community to its open house on Friday, July 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. Meet the
artist,
Joyce Werwie Perry, and watch her work.
The Coraopolis Kiwanis will hold their Annual Steak Fry
A
new
oil painting class is also underway at LePoire. Beginners and advanced learners are welcome.
fundraiser on Tuesday, July 15 at the Rotary Shelter in Moon
Call (412) 921-0912.
Park. There will be a program honoring local clergy. Event
begins at 4:30 p.m, and ends at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 ABOVE: Joyce Werwie Perry's latest painting, “524 Oxford Blvd.,” a 40 x 62” oil with
knives on canvas, was chosen for the 2008 Juried Biennial Exhibition at The Westmoreland
for adults and $7 for youth (hotdogs). For more
Museum of Art in Greensburg.
information, call (412) 264-6386.
KIWANIS STEAK FRY IS JULY 15
9
On the Horizon
EXTENDED HOURS HELP BUSY FAMILIES
In an effort to meet the growing needs of the families in the tri-state area,
First Steps Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine has announced “Daily Extended
Hours” for the Steubenville, Weirton, and Robinson communities.
FSP will provide office hours from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., practice-wide.
“These hours will be offered Sunday through Saturday in our Weirton office
and Monday through Friday in our Robinson office,” said Dr. Anna Suray, medical
director of First Steps Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. “We feel this will create
more opportunities for those families needing late-day appointments.”
Earlier this year, FSP began offering weekend hours at its Weirton office. Any
interested patients or parents may contact Mary Little for more information at
(304) 723-4000.
First Steps Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine is a private pediatric group
specializing in the primary care of newborns, toddlers, children, and adolescents
to age 21.
FIFTH ANNUAL FASHION SHOW BENEFITS PFQ CLIENTS
The Fifth Annual Pittsburgh Fashion Story will take place on Friday, September
26 at J. Verno Studio. This evening benefits children and adolsecents with
emotional and mental health challenges. Donation for the evening includes
cocktails, hors d’oeurves, desserts, and entertainment.
This year, chickdowntown will present the best and of-the-moment fall fashions
from contemporary designers. The show will be produced by Tara Rieland and
Tori Mistick, and emceed by KDKA’s Sonni Abatta.
Proceeds will be used to maintain an “emergency fund” for children and
families who are supported by Partners for Quality’s subsidiary, Allegheny
Children’s Initiative. The fund helps provide services that are non-reimbursable
through insurance or public funding sources.
Tickets are available for $75 per person through September 22. Sponsorships
are available starting at $500. For more information or to make a reservation,
call (412) 778-2579.
10
July 2008
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 email, aharvilla@avs.net.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Montour Football Boosters Golf Outing, August 9, Indian Run Golf Course, 8:30
a.m. shotgun start, Bob Diecks, (412) 771-0790.
Pittsburgh Aviators Amateur Hockey Association First Annual Golf Outing,
August 24, The Club at Shadow Lakes, Aliquippa, Tammy Timmons, by e-mail at:
info@pittsburghaviators.com.
To list a golf outing this season, send an e-mail with the information to:
alleghenywestmagazine@comcast.net or fax to: 724.695.2089.
There is no charge for listings by non-profit groups.
$125
TO REACH EVERY HOME
AND NEARLY EVERY
BUSINESS IN KENNEDY,
ROBINSON, INGRAM,
THORNBURG, AND
PENNSBURY!
COUPON AD, JUST $125 PER ISSUE! CALL: 724.695.3968
Your Community Neighborhood Coupons
JUST
11
Around Your Town
Rosedale Students Ace Awards
The following students have earned the Rosedale Ace Award, which
means the individual has maintained a cumulative 4.0 GPA after at
least one full semester. At the same time, the student had 100%
attendance for the same semester, achieving the Perfect Attendance
Award.
Honorees are: Automotive Technology Students - David Brenzier,
Gerald Cathie, Travis Check, David Forsythe, Rocky Jackson, Wayne
Papincak, Mark Williams, Joseph Zimage, Michael Massey, Thomas
Quasey, Aaron Shrum, A.J. Howell; Diesel Technology Students - Scott
Kirkwood, George Kline, Mark Wright, Shane Hoye, Samuel
Washabaugh, Daniel Bialowas, and Michael DeCarlo.
Rosedale Technical Institute, located in Kennedy Township, is a
private, non-profit organization, devoted to the training of personnel
for the automotive, diesel, and electrical industries.
Parkway West Rotary Honors
This Year’s Paul Harris Fellows
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.
Thornburg Woman Honored
at Oakland Catholic for Academics
Junior Bridget Begg of Thornburg is among nine Oakland Catholic
juniors that have been invited to enter the 2009 National Merit
Program as a result of their performance on the 2007 Preliminary SAT/
National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
12
July 2008
Sweet Adelines Take Trophy Honors
FINANCIAL TIPS
Fr om Citi Smith Bar ne
y
ney
ABOVE: Ann Bernhardt, Sandy Wright, and Sue Smith hold the coveted trophy.
The Sounds of Pittsburgh Chorus, Sweet Adelines International won first
place in the Region 17 competition held in Cleveland on May 17 to qualify to
compete at the International Competition in Nashville this October.
Sounds of Pittsburgh Chorus sings four part a cappella harmony. Members
come from the tri-state area.
Sweet Adelines International has 600 chapters world-wide singing show
tunes, big band favorites, pop and even classical.
The chorus supports the tri-state community through donated performances
to non-profit organizations and fund raising projects for those with special
needs.
For more information, visit the website at www.soundsofpgh.org.
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).
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.
This is the first in a three-part series on the
process involved with getting your personal
financial affairs in order. Addressing your financial
goals and establishing a game plan does not have
to be an intimidating concept, and this article is
meant to help the reader begin to break the task
down into small steps. This series is being
presented by David Bigger, a Financial Advisor at
Smith Barney in downtown Pittsburgh. Smith
Barney is a division of Citigroup Global Markets
Inc. Each part of this series will be presented bimonthly in this magazine. If you’d like to read the
article in its entirety, you can view it at
www.fa.smithbarney.com/davidbigger or contact
David at 412-392-5885.
Ways You Can Still Reshape Your Future
in 2008
The passing year has left for many of us worries
and complications that make it hard to start
planning for the year ahead. Perhaps you want to
save more for retirement, but you feel like you
should make that last tuition payment first. Or,
you want to plan a huge bash for your fiftieth
birthday, but you also want to take that longawaited trip this year. Your Financial Advisor can
help show you how to make progress on these
and other goals – while getting your financial
house in order.
Create a Plan – Then Watch it Work
Sure, you call your Financial Advisor when you
want trading or investment advice, but what about
the bigger picture? As you go through your
financial life, you will encounter needs in retirement planning, education planning for your
children, refinancing – and help navigating a more
and more complicated financial landscape.
Wouldn’t it simplify your life to have just one plan
that lets you know it is all being addressed?
Make Sure Your Portfolio Is Current
Market performance constantly changes the
allocation of your portfolio’s assets. Check with
your Financial Advisor to see if your portfolio is
still operating in accordance with your current risk
tolerance and time horizon. He/She can help you
make sure that you have appropriate diversification, that your portfolio is tax efficient and this it is
properly designed to meet your investment goals
and risk tolerance.
Diversification does not ensure against loss.
Citigroup, Inc. and its affiliates do not provide tax or legal
advice. To the extent that this material or any attachment
concerns tax matters, it is not intended to be used and
cannot be used by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding
penalties that may be imposed by law. Any such taxpayer
should seek advice based on the taxpayer’s particular
circumstances from an independent tax advisor.
For more information, contact David Bigger at Citi-Smith
Barney (412) 392-5885.
1
3
13
Around Your Town
STORY AND PHOTO SUBMITTED BY CUB SCOUT PACK 301
Cub Scouts Join Together to Honor Military Veterans in Robinson
Cub Scouts of Pack 301 from Holy
Trinity Church and Pack 307 from Forest
Grove Elementary School joined together to
honor local veterans by marching in the
Robinson Township Memorial Day Parade.
In addition to marching, two Pack 301
Scouts rode Cubmobiles used in the
Cubmobile Race held at Settler’s Cabin Park
this past April.
Cub Scouting is a family oriented
program offering boys the opportunity to
learn responsibility, citizenship, and
leadership in a “no pressure” environment.
In addition, Cub Scouts get exposure to
and an appreciation of the outdoors and
environmental responsibility through
hiking, fishing, camping, and many other
activities.
There are three Cub Scout packs in the
Montour School District area. Although
the regular program year typically runs from
September through April, Pack 301 will
keep active over the summer months by
offering a number of optional activities for
Scouts including fishing, hiking, baseball
games, and campfires. Summer activities
allow new Scouts the opportunity to meet
the pack and get a head start on awards and
advancement while having some fun.
Boys in first to fifth grade (up to 10 years
old) are eligible and welcome to join any
pack at any time.
14 July 2008
For more information, contact Mark Weber, Cubmaster of Pack 301, Holy Trinity
Church at (412) 874-5234; Nancy Maslakowski, Cubmaster of Pack 307, Forest Grove
Elementary at (412) 787-5068; Al Ball, Cubmaster of Pack 158, Ingram Elementary at
(412) 922-1714; or Irv Gabel, District Executive – Frontier District at (412) 325-7963.
Or, visit the website at http://www.scouting.org/CubScouts.aspx.
ABOVE: All leaders and boys pictured are from Pack 301 unless noted otherwise. Left to
Right, 1st Row: Dominic Merlo, Christopher Schubert, Tony Pivirotto, Brody Connor (Pack
307), Ben Gardner (Pack 307); 2nd Row: Andrew Gardner (Pack 307), Paul Reimer, Justin
McGee, Joe Weber, Travis McGee, Brett LaBarge, Michael Maslakowski (Pack 307), Ryan
Parker, William Cook (Pack 307), Kevin Smith (Pack 307); 3rd Row: Mark Weber – Committee
Chair / Acting Cubmaster, Ronnie Schubert, Bruce Parker – Den Leader, Joe McGee –
Assistant Den Leader, Roger LaBarge – Den Leader.
New in Town
BY MARY THEOBALD
Pittsburgh Pet Crematory
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 Pittsburghpetcrematory@msn.com. Or, visit her website at
www.Pittsburghpetcrematory.com.
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 General Hospital and Pain Treatment Center also will serve as
primary training sites for Duquesne's student pharmacists.
Library News
from Robinson Township
New audiobooks on compact disc and books for the
elementary school collection at the Robinson Township Library are on the shelves thanks to a donation
from the Forest Grove Elementary School in
Robinson. The students brought in pennies for three
weeks and also got to wear a hat all day for a dollar
on May 15, in order to raise $702 for the library.
Audiobooks are especially popular in the summer for
family listening on the way to summer activities and
vacations and are also helpful learning tools for
children who are reluctant to read.
‘Catch the Reading Bug’ summer reading program
is in full swing at the library. Children from age 3
through fifth grade are reading books or being read to
and attending programs on Wednesday and Thursday
mornings. For students entering sixth grade through
adults the library is having a bingo card reading
program. Each square on the bingo card is a type of
reading. Once a square is filled, the book or the
article read is entered on the computer and prizes are
chosen each week for both the teen and adult groups.
Family programs are offered in the evenings. Verna
Ginley of Mt. Lebanon will bring her bug collection on
Thursday, July 10, at 6 p.m. Carnegie Museum of
Natural History will have a trunk show on Thursday,
July 17, at 6:30 p.m. with items related to the insect
world. A ‘bug’ movie will be the feature on Tuesday,
July 22, at 6 p.m. and Doc Dixon, the magician, will
close out the reading program on Thursday, July 31 at
7 p.m. More information is available on the library
website – www.robinsonlibrary.org – or by calling
(412) 787-3906.
Due to the programming on Wednesdays and
Thursdays, the library is open longer hours on
Wednesdays and Thursdays during June and July.
On Wednesday the hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and
on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Other days
remain the same: Monday and Friday from 11 a.m. to
5 p.m.; Tuesday from 2 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday
from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More hours will be added to the schedule Monday
through Friday in September if state aid becomes
available for the library.
robinson township library
1000 Church Hill Road, (in the Robinson Township Municipal
Building) Pittsburgh PA 15205
(412) 787-3906
15
Community
Marketplace
Around Your Town
Firestone Presents Grant to Rosedale Tech
ESTATE SALE
Clinton, Saturday, July 12:
8 am-3 pm, Sunday, July 13:
10 am-3 pm, 1411 State Route
30, Imperial PA 15126
HUGE SELECTION of everything
under the sun ... antiques, many
dolls ...many new items.
karen@estatetransition.com
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!
NEED TO MAKE A SPECIAL
ANNOUNCEMENT? SELL AN ITEM?
WATCHING YOUR BUDGET? TRY THE
COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE!
THESE SPACES ARE JUST $50 EACH
CALL: 724.695.3968
16 July 2008
ABOVE: Left to right, Sherif Kamel, Manager of Recruiting & Retention for Bridgestone/
Firestone; Dennis Wilke, President/Director of Rosedale Technical Institute; and Renee Petros,
Assistant District Manager of the Pittsburgh District for Firestone.
Rosedale Technical Institute in Kennedy Township has received a $10,000 grant from the
Bridgestone/Firestone Fund, a charitable trust of Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc.
Firestone has hired hundreds of Rosedale graduates from its automotive program to staff
their service facilities throughout western Pennsylvania. In addition, a number of Rosedale
students are employed part-time at Firestone facilities.
“At Rosedale, the most important thing is that our students have the best job opportunities
available when they graduate,” said Dennis Wilke, president of Rosedale. “We use real, live
work to help students train. And, we work in partnership with employers like Firestone to
make sure we maximize the job readiness of each student.”
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?
Oakdale Volunteer Fireman’s Street Fair: July 19 and July 21-26
North Fayette Community Days: August 1 & 2
Ingram Community Days: Held in July. Visit the website at
www.ingramborough.com
Kennedy Community Days: August 14-17 at Fairhaven Park. August 14:
Vintage Buzz; August 15: Kiger Band; August 16: Bill Ali Band and Firemen's
Parade; August 17: Don Obusek and the Magic of Elvis, Chris Denem as Neil
Diamond, and the Fireworks Display. All days - Carnival rides, games and food.
Contact Anita Kulik, (412) 787-5422 for information.
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: July 18: Nancy Drew; August 1: Surf’s Up; August
15: Spiderwick’s Chronicles; August 29: The Apple Dumpling Gang. Concerts, also
free, begin at 7:30 p.m. and also are held at Moon Park: 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: 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: Hear 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. 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 Monday-Friday,
8 a.m.-5 p.m. 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 (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, 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, camps, and clinics. For dates and
times, visit their website at: www.airporticearena.com.
Public Session: Saturday & Sunday, 1-2:50 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 as well as beautiful trails and a magnificent
landscape. 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.
Blue Ribbon Farms: Nestled in the hills of Independence Township in Beaver
County, the farm, with its 45+ horses, is just minutes from the Moon Township
border. 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 provides a wonderful golf course, but why
not add a full course meal to your day as well at the on-site restaurant? Grab a
sandwich or a meal after your round of golf. Rates and information are located on
their website: www.moongolfclub.com.
17
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: 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 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 17: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Contact
the instructor directly for registration: Robert Lioi at (412) 477-4233, or by e-mail:
robert.e.lioi@gsk.com.
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:
Peach Pie Hike: August 31- 3-6 p.m. This event is run by Venture Outdoors, and
there is a fee. 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.
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 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 details, 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.
18 July 2008
Hankey Farms Pool: Make a splash in your day at Hankey Farms Pool. This
fenced in area is complete with a new deck, and features a heated pool, a slide, a
baby pool, and a snack bar located under a covered pavilion. Pool passes are
available. Learn more at the North Fayette website, www.north-fayette.com. Daily
admission is: $5 per adult; $3 for children 3-12; $1 for non-swimmers/
observers; children two and under are free. 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, 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 home to the Crafton Crocodile Swim Team, and has lessons
and swim passes as well. The pool is complete with a slide! For more information
and prices, 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 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 from 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m6 p.m. If you’re not in the mood to spend money, 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 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 6-11 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 HiWay 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 summer
programs through 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. For current hours
and other information, 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, find out more information including dates and
times, 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 leaving your input in 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) 926-8400 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 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 JuneSeptember 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) 2646570.
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) 264-6570 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 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’re presenting a special two-page
spread on the trail, complete with maps, elsewhere in this issue.
19
BY JESSICA HARMAN
Circle C: Helping Youths Succeed
When John Patak proposed a challenge to
two Allegheny County judges in 1967 to let him try to
work with the troubled youth that had failed elsewhere , he never
dreamed that his trial at such a challenge would result in countless
new beginnings for Allegheny County youth. While he saw many
changes in the 45 years before his death in 1984, one thing had
remained constant: his focus had always been on kids.
Whether coaching youth baseball, working at a Methodist
Church children’s home and numerous Roman Catholic grade
schools, or quietly observing his father who assigned clothing to
children at a Forbes Avenue juvenile detention home, John
discovered firsthand what days were like for children in an
institution. Yet it wasn’t until John was introduced to several men
in the Christian outreach, Young Life, that he truly understood
“the impact of a life on a life.” Realizing that perhaps his inherent
love for children, particularly troubled youth, was a suggestion of
his life’s purpose, John accepted a position with the Bethany
House ministry in Northview Heights where he got the idea to
give kids an option to the institutions in which many were
struggling. Out of this, Circle C Youth and Family Services was
born.
Circle C Youth and Family Services is a private, non-profit agency
providing services to “at-risk” youth throughout Allegheny
County. Located on Noblestown Road in Greentree, Circle C is
committed to creating a secure atmosphere and encouraging
therapeutic relationships for youth and their families by furthering
personal development and positive values within each child in
community-based alternative living situations.
Now, nearly 41 years after its conception, Circle C continues to
assist troubled youth and families with the target of reconnecting
children with their families whenever possible. The organization,
which began in John’s Island Avenue home (a group home later
renamed Patak House) where he housed the first unit of Circle C’s
kids, grew to include its current four group homes and a variety of
support programs, like the Designated Family foster care program,
and a summer school program. Today, John’s endeavors and vision
are still continuing.
In November, Circle C held a ribbon cutting in conjunction
with the launch of its “R U Ready?” Program, which opened its
doors in July 2007. The new program supports the agency’s
mission of “providing a brighter future” for the youth in its care, and
is offering transitional services to teens and young adults who are
“aging-out” of the child welfare system, and are no longer eligible
for group home or foster care placement.
As one of five local non-profit agencies contracted by the
Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS),
Children, Youth and Families (CYF), Circle C’s “R U Ready?”
Program is geared toward helping adolescents between the ages of
16-21 become successful, responsible adults. These services cover a
range of basic life skills, which include: finding housing, finishing
school, and obtaining employment, as well as helping them to
understand health and financial issues.
20 July 2008
“A lot of these kids think that when they age-out, they’ll just go
live with their friends,” says Scott Jones, director of development.
“Many of them think they can make it on their own—only to find
that it’s a lot harder than they thought. Our goal is to provide them
with basic life skills necessary to make it on their own. This can
include skills like teaching them how to look for an apartment, how
to master riding the bus system, or how to manage a bank account.”
With a team of encouraging and compassionate transition
specialists who work directly with youth referred by Allegheny
County Child and Family Services’ Northern Regional Office, Circle
C uses one-on-one guidance and small group involvement to
connect the referred teens with local resources, while helping them
achieve an independent, thriving adulthood.
During its first ten months, “R U Ready?” has helped
approximately 60 adolescents who are currently enrolled in the
program. Circle C plans to assist a total of 80 teens and young adults
by the end of the program’s year of operation.
Individuals, companies, or community groups interested in
volunteering hands-on with Circle C can do so easily through their
partnership with the United Way Day of Caring Program, which
began more than ten years ago with the kick-off of Circle C’s giant
one-day volunteer event. Participants can request to volunteer at one
of Circle’s C’s four group homes, special events, or auctions. In
addition to hands-on aid, individual or group contributions can be
made by completing a United Way Pledge Form in which a portion
or all of the pledge can be donated to Circle C.
In April, members of the Airport Area Chamber of Commerce
volunteered their time and energy when they assisted on-site with
the landscaping and upgrades of a group home located on
Pittsburgh’s North Side. Four chamber members, along with several
volunteers from Moon Township businesses, weeded and planted
flowers, waterproofed the home’s exterior, and painted its interior
rooms before making a monetary donation to Circle C.
“It was a fantastic experience,” said Jacque Shaffer, Special Events
and Membership representative for the Airport Area Chamber of
Commerce. “It was neat to be able to sit in the house and learn about
how the program runs and what happens to the youths involved
with Circle C. They have a remarkable program.”
Chamber President, Sally Haas, got her team involved through the
Hands On Pittsburgh program supported by Pittsburgh Cares, a
registered 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that provides
Pittsburghers with flexible, user-friendly, and above all, rewarding
ways to volunteer.
“Seeing everyone come together and contribute their time to get
things done was great,” adds Jacque. “It was definitely a worthwhile
experience and we made some excellent connections with the
wonderful people at Circle C.”
For more information on volunteer opportunities, “R U Ready?,”
or any of the other services provided by Circle C, visit
www.circlec.net or call (412) 937-1605.
Around Your Town
STORY AND PHOTO SUBMITTED BY HELEN STAMATAKIS
Girl Scouts Go For Silver Awards;
Complete Four Projects to Benefit the Community
LEFT: Members of Troop 395
gather with Junior Girl Scouts
who attended the Junior
Broadway Sleepover.
One day last spring, a person came up the cookie booth being run
by members of Girl Scout Troop 395.
“Where are the little girls,” she queried? She was questioning why
there were only high school students and parents huddled around
the cookie boxes. As girls move through the Girl Scout ranks, they
graduate from Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, and Seniors.
When a Girl Scout enters the sixth grade, she normally becomes a
Cadette and the program encourages strong community service.
Girls Scout Troop 395, led by Robinson Township resident Della
Wozniak, gave much service to the community this past spring as
the troop of 20 girls broke into four groups, picked a service project,
and worked on completing the tasks necessary to attain the Girl
Scout Silver Award. The Silver Award is the highest Girl Scout
Award one can get as a Cadette Girl Scout and can only be earned
by girls 11-14 or in grades 6-9. A group can work on the project
together as long as each girl has an individual leadership role and
each girl logs her own hours.
“We thought it was necessary to divide into smaller groups
because we wanted to make sure each girl would have enough of a
leadership role and the required 30 hours of work on their project,”
noted Della.
The four service projects were:
Junior Broadway Girl Scout Sleepover – Cassandra Wozniak, Ciara
Boeltz, Mackenzie Hammer, Erin Ferry, and Julia Stamatakis organized and ran
a weekend outing at the Yough Girl Scout Campus teaching each group of Junior
Girl Scouts a skit from a Broadway show. At the end of the weekend, the
Juniors put on a performance with songs, dances, and skits they learned.
A Brownie Girl Scout Sleepover – Erin Downs, Julia Havko, Samantha
Wildman, and Carly Charochack planned and organized an overnighter for children in
grades 1-3 with an “Underwater” theme. This included organizing snacks and activities
for many girls for whom this was their first sleepover.
Care packages for Our Troops in Iraq - Staci Sutermaster, Libby Coleman,
Vanessa Kessel, and Melissa Puppo sent 48 care packages to five Infantry Divisions of
Marines stationed in Iraq. “We received generous donations from Holy Trinity Church,
Burkett Elementary, the residents of Meadowview Highlands and Cobblestone
Commons, Mrs. Reed and Avon, Kirk Keller, Keith Kriger and Dave Marshall from Boy
Scout Troop 301 and many of the Girl Scouts in the West Montour District,” said
Vanessa Kessel. “We also want to thank everyone who purchased Girl Scout cookies
for the troops at the booth sales. Thank you for helping us help the troops.”
Clever Park Clean-Up – Rachel Dabney, Lindsay Demblowski, Brook McCurdy,
Emily Pavilonis, and Ashley Hurte united to organize the event on Saturday, May 10.
“Clever Park in Robinson Township has always been a very inviting park for people of
all ages to gather with friends and family to enjoy themselves,” noted Rachel Dabney.
They also invited Brownie and Junior Troops to come and help. Along with the help of
members from Troop 395, Troops 65, 1220, 9, and 284, they cleaned up litter
throughout the playground and its surroundings while being taught facts about the
environment. They also pulled weeds, put down new dirt and mulch, and planted
flowers that each of the girls brought.
“We helped the Girl Scouts, we helped our community with the park
cleanup, and we helped our soldiers across the world – even though we
may never know what impact it had. The nicest thing for me, though,
was to see how all the girls in the troop helped each other with the other’s
service projects,” said Della. While only five or so girls organized each
service project, it required many of the girls to complete them successfully.
21
Around Your Town
Kennedy Township’s Baseball Night
ABOVE: Kennedy Township held its annual Community Night at
the Ballpark at PNC Park on May 10. Pictured prior to the start of the
game are, left to right: Anita Kulik, Kennedy Township supervisor;
Rick Mongiovi; Lieutenant Mike Conlon; and Kennedy Township
Chief of Police Anthony Bruni.
GSK Names New President
GlaxoSmithKline [GSK]Consumer Healthcare named Roger
Scarlett-Smith as President, Consumer Healthcare, North America
effective immediately. Scarlett-Smith succeeds George Quesnelle, who
will now hold the position of President, Global Switch and Strategic
Growth Projects.
Scarlett-Smith will head operations, including sales and marketing,
of the Consumer Healthcare North American business, headquartered
in Pittsburgh, employing more than 500 associates locally and more
than 1,400 throughout North America. He will relocate from London
to Pittsburgh.
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Call Pittsburgh Points West —
(412) 494-9203
22 July 2008
your house & senate
The ongoing discussion concerning environmental protection, energy use, and foreign energy independence continues to
ignite further debate across the Commonwealth regarding whether the free market should foster or big government should
dictate such decisions.
Dwarfing the majority of the public policy debate thus far is Governor Ed Rendell’s so-called energy independence
strategy which centers around racking up $1.4 billion in additional, interest-accruing state debt and forcing all residential,
commercial, and industrial users to foot the bill through a new $850 million electricity tax.
With rising energy costs already going through the roof, clearly many families and businesses have already reached the
breaking point when it comes to paying for essential utilities. According to the Labor Department, energy prices for March
increased by 2.9 percent this year and home heating oil jumped up by 13.1 percent.
Fortunately, the 21st century offers many new forms of technology that can enable us to conserve and use energy more
efficiently in our homes and businesses, and in turn, lower the overall cost of our energy bills. Just a few examples
include: upgrading insulation around windows and doors, switching to L.E.D. (Light Emitting Diode) light bulbs, upgrading
heating and air-conditioning systems, or installing geothermal heating systems and solar panels.
Throughout Pennsylvania, a variety of locally-based non-profit organizations are working diligently to bring energy
conservation information and services to residents, especially our low-income residents, in an effort to help them reduce
their energy costs. These same groups continually compete for very limited, philanthropic dollars.
As part of the ongoing House Republican initiative to raise statewide awareness about energy efficiency and to further
encourage responsible energy use, State Representative Mark Mustio has introduced the Neighborhood Energy Assistance Tax Credit (Special Session House Bill 26).
Under this legislation, any business that partners with a neighborhood energy organization and financially supports
energy education programming will be eligible to receive a 50 percent tax credit in return for their total contribution.
Any business supporting a local program resulting in the actual installation of energy conservation measures, including
solar water heating and solar photovoltaic energy systems, would be eligible to receive a 70 percent tax credit for their
contribution.
With absolutely no new taxes or further mortgaging of our children’s and grandchildren’s future through increased
borrowing, the Neighborhood Energy Assistance Tax Credit holds the unmatched and unlimited free market potential to
create a long-term energy efficiency program to reduce consumer energy costs and help the Keystone State to develop a
more secure energy future.
STATE REP.
NICK KOTIK
1004 Fifth Ave.
Coraopolis PA 15108
(412) 264-4260
STATE REP.
THOMAS PETRONE
179 Steuben Street
Pittsburgh PA 15205
(412) 928-9514
STATE REP.
MARK MUSTIO
937 Beaver Grade Road
Moon Township, PA 15108
(412) 262-3780
www.repmustio.com
STATE REP.
MATTHEW SMITH
319 Castle Shannon Blvd.
PIttsburgh PA 15234
(412) 571-2169
STATE SEN.
WAYNE FONTANA
524 Pine Hollow Rd.
Kennedy Twp., PA 15136
(412) 331-1208
STATE SEN.
JOHN PIPPY
937 Beaver Grade Road
Moon Township, PA 15108
(412) 262-2260
jpippy@pasen.gov
23
BRATE
E
L
E
C
S
U
P
L
E
H
250!
PITTSBURGH
CONGRATULATIONS TO CHRISTINE CRYTZER,
WINNER OF THE PITTSBURGH BASKET OF
GOODIES, FOR HER ESSAY ENTRY,
“What’s My Favorite Thing About Pittsburgh
or the Place I Live.” Chris’s Essay:
The Robinson Township Library is the best thing that ever happened in
Robinson! Although the process was long and often delayed, it was well worth the
wait. We hope that Robinson Township Library will continue to grow and expand.
Library Director Mary Theobald and her staff go the extra mile. One time, they
found one of my daughter’s winter mittens and stored it for her until she returned.
While this might not seem like a big deal, it was to us because we never expected
to find the missing mitten. Nor did we expect the library staff to hold it for my
daughter, Kirsten, not to mention even remembering who it belonged to! We were
pleasantly surprised with this experience.
On another visit my husband, Bob, was searching the Allegheny County Library
Association catalog for Accidental Branding: How Ordinary People Build Extraordinary Brands by David Vinjamuri. This book was so new it wasn’t even in the
system. Still, Mary and her staff offered to purchase the hardcover book for the
RobinsonTownship Library and called my husband when it came in. He was the
first person to read it. That was a unique experience!
Last but not least, both Kirsten and my son, Justin, absolutely love that this
library always has candy!
24 July 2008
BY JOSEPH KULIK
PHOTO PROVIDED BY
STUDIO TEN, ALL RIGHTS
RESERVED
Fire Beat
Saying Goodbye
All too often, especially now as the
average age of firefighters increases, we
find ourselves saying good-bye to men and
women who dedicated themselves to the
“brotherhood” of firefighters. Several recent
studies show that the average age of volunteer firefighters has
increased by almost seven years in the last decade. Maybe it is due to
a lowered sense of volunteerism in many citizens. Maybe it is due to a
fear of what we commit to do. After all, the normal reaction is to run out of
and away from a burning house or car fire.
Too often, the issue is one of simple health. As we get older, we need
to devote more attention to staying in shape. While my own shape was
not that good when I was 30, I certainly find I need to watch what I eat
much more now that I am 50. Further, the inherent nature of what we
do often leads to stress and heart attacks and, as such, death. When the
tones go off at 3 a.m., we need to jump out of bed, stressfully rush to the
station, rush and get our heavy gear on, rush to the scene, then work
under stressful conditions while doing excruciating work, all the while
wearing heavy gear. The body is not given a chance to “warm up,” the
heart goes from a slow rate, at rest, to suddenly working at full strength.
There are many reports of firefighters dying on the way to, at, or soon
after returning from, a call. Even those that are physically fit suffer the
effects of such trauma on the body, especially on the heart muscle.
There have been several recent reports of firefighters that have lost
their lives. Often, it is the nature of the fire, or the structure, that presents
the greatest difficulty. Now, buildings are much larger, and often have
unique design components that make access, or escape, difficult. In
addition, there are various chemical compounds present, either in the
construction components, or in the furnishings and equipment located in
the building. If you have ever seen the difference in cotton material
burning, versus material with man-made elements (let’s say polyester,
as an example), you know what I mean. A large fire in the South last
year resulted in the loss of several firefighters, and one of the main
reasons was the nature of the building (a larger “warehouse” style
building), and the items burning in the building (furniture, with many
artificial components, creating a darker, more noxious smoke). You may
have read the recent articles about the findings in the case. After
various investigations, it was determined that there was a lack of water,
and also inadequate equipment. Issues were also raised relative to the
training of the firefighters.
Firefighters of all ages must pay greater attention to staying in shape.
We also must be certain to engage in training, to study and learn, and to
raise funds to allow ourselves to have the best equipment.
Government and agencies must do more to assist firefighters in
allowing us to meet these goals. Some states and communities offer
incentive or support programs, to encourage fitness, and the hospitals
and health spas in many areas offer free or discounted services. Some
government entities are realizing the need to increase funding, and
some are enacting assessments, to provide funding to the fire departments. Hopefully, we can see such programs come into fruition in our
own area.
The volunteer firefighter is willing to lay it all on the line to protect his
or her community. The community—the government leaders, the
businesses and business owners, and residents— must be willing to
offer support, in return.
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. “Pittsburgh”
is known for its natural and graceful free
rotation on air currents.
“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.
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 PIT prior to the opening of the
terminal.
The Airport Authority also announced the
expansion of its regional asset display
program designed to promote the qualities of
western Pennsylvania.
“The public is very familiar with the
Carnegie Museum of Natural History T. rex
exhibit which promotes our leadership in
dinosaur discoveries and the Heinz History
Center’s Franco Harris/George Washington
statues exhibit that promotes our region’s
rich history. We have also presented
programs with the Pittsburgh Glass Center
and currently display two Glass Mosaics
on the transit level featuring Old Pittsburgh and New Pittsburgh. 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
be seeking input from the Pittsburgh art
community in development of an “art in
the airport” program.
Allegheny County Chief Executive
Dan Onorato has indicated that he is
pleased that the Airport Authority is
committed to promoting public art and
intends to invite art advisors to voluntarily
consult on development of a future plan
for art in the airport.
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 this
year:
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
25
Trekking on
the Montour
Trail .....
See if you can locate
some of these sites
along the way!
PHOTOS BY
G. PAUL DeBOR
26
July 2008
Ahhhhh......SUMMER!!! Those magic words uttered make one’s heart
sing.
Here’s some inspiration now that the warmer days are here. Get out that
bike and helmet, that pair of walking shoes, a water bottle, a brown bag
lunch, and a good attitude.
Take a trek on the Montour Trail, that gem of a recreational item that runs
right through the community.
For your walking, biking, or running pleasure, we’ve included these maps
for your reference, courtesy of the Montour Trail Council.
All told, from Mile Marker 0 in Moon to the Boggs Road Trailhead in
Imperial, it’s 12 miles. Go further through Oakdale or McDonald to add a
few more miles to this enjoyable experience.
Along the way, you’ll experience riding over bridges that transverse small
creeks, through tunnels that once carried the Montour railroad trains,
through meadows yet to bloom with their spring glory, and some interchanges like Five Points in Imperial, where you can get off for a quick bite or
an ice cream cone at the new Enlow Station.
Take a breathtaking ride across the McDonald Trestle near Quicksilver, or
stop near the gazebo at the bottom of the hill by The Mall at Robinson
entrance to get out of the sun and watch the traffic pass by while you
munch on the brown bag lunch you brought along.
If you’re into competitions or simply friendly events, there are a few
coming up to benefit the Montour Trail this spring and summer.
Visit the trail website at www.montourtrail.org for all of the details and
online registration.
It’s summer, and it’s a great time to get trekkin!
RIGHT: Use these maps
to take a trip on the trail.
Trailheads are numerous,
starting at Mile Marker 1 in
Moon, and crossing over
the Montour Creek in the
valley below Forest
Grove. Trailheads can be
found adjacent to the
Western Area YMCA,with
two more stops along Cliff
Mine Road,another at the
five points intersection in
Imperial at Enlow,
McClaren, and West
Allegheny Road, and
another one at the parking
lot of the Findlay Township Activity Center on
Main Street in Imperial.
Go further and pick it up
near Boggs Road across
from the historic Wilson
School log house, or start
at the Panhandle Trail in
the heart of Oakdale.
27
Chamber Business Link
Ribbon Cuttings Around Town
PICTURED: Chamber
Ambassadors have been
keeping busy this summer
welcoming new members. Left,
Ambassadors welcomed Lamar
Advertising during their ribbon
cutting of their new facility along
the Parkway West. Bottom:
Welcoming new chamber
member Rosedale Technical
Institute, Ambassadors helped
with the ribbon cutting at their
new location in Kennedy
Township.
Welcome New Members
Cranston Material Handling Equipment Corp.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott/Neville Island
American Mortgage Advisors
Victory Security Agency
Wright’s Seafood Inn
Gardner Denver Nash, LLC
Send Out Cards
New Program Provides Professional
Image for Growing Businesses
TO
REACH
US
The Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to launch
the Virtual Office Program, a business identity program designed for
entrepreneurs, small businesses, and telecommuters. For a low monthly
fee, business people can welcome their guests in the Chamber’s reception
area, meet with them in the newly refurbished conference room, send and
receive mail from the Chamber’s business address, and access business
equipment like a fax machine, photocopier, and scanner. For rates and
additional information, contact the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of
Commerce at (412) 264-6270.
JULY 11
Wine and Dine in the Park, Robin Hill Park, Moon
Township, 5-8:30 p.m. General Admission: $30,
VIP Admission, $55, or $65 at the door
JULY 24
Business After Hours: “Office Idol” on the Gateway
Clipper Fleet, 5-7:30 p.m.
AUGUST 8
Breakfast Briefing, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Moon
Township, 7:30-9:30 a.m., $25 members,
$35 non-members
AUGUST 21
Business After Hours: “Luau on the Beach” at Paradise
Island Bowl and Beach, Neville Island, 5-7:30 p.m.
AUGUST 23
Mall Trade Show, The Mall at Robinson, 10 a.m. to
9:30 p.m. Contact chamber for pricing and details if
interested in securing a spot.
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: info@paacc.com
2008 CHAMBER OFFICERS
NEAL FANELLI, Chairman
SEAN HENDERSON, 1st Vice-Chair
BECKY COURSON, 2nd Vice-Chair
DAN MURPHY, Vice-Chair
BERNADETTE PUZZOULE, Vice-Chair
KEN LAZAROWICZ, Treasurer
BOB TERWILLIGER, Immed. Past Chairman
28
COMING UP
July 2008
CHAMBER STAFF
SALLY HAAS, President
MICHELLE KREUTZER, VP, Bus. Devel/Mktg.
CONNIE RUHL, Spec. Proj. Coord.
JILL KIPPER, Special Projects Representative
AMY SUPER, Communications Coordinator
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
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.
Residents Urged to Eliminate Mosquito-Breeding Sites
The Allegheny County Health Department is urging residents to
protect themselves and their neighbors from the West Nile virus by
seeking out and eliminating mosquito-breeding sites in their yards
and neighborhoods.
“Mosquitoes breed in standing water, even in very small amounts,
so people should make every effort to look for and eliminate,
especially after wet weather, any accumulations of water,” said
County Health Director, Dr. Bruce Dixon.
Health officials offer these tips to fend off mosquitoes that could
spread the West Nile virus:
- Get rid of items that hold water -- tires, buckets, flowerpots,
junk piles, and cans
- Clean out roof gutters and storm drains
- Change the water in birdbaths once or twice week
- Empty and turn over plastic wading pools when not in use
- Fill in depressions in the lawn to prevent water accumulation
- Repair leaky outdoor faucets that can create a pool of stagnant
water
- Make sure windows and doors have screens and they are in
good repair
- Apply insect repellent to exposed skin, especially during peak
mosquito-biting times in the early morning and early
evening
For more information, call the Allegheny County Health Department
at (412) 687-ACHD or visit www.achd.net.
29
BY DAN McLAUGHLIN
Horses: A Great Way
for Children to Learn
Many parents actively search 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 allows 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 an 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 around 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.
30 July 2008
Around Your Town
Airport Doubletree Ranks in Top 10
The Doubletree Hotel Pittsburgh Airport, Moon Township, announced recent awards from Hilton
Hotels Corporation. 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.
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 Pennsylvania Resources Council.
The airport-area collection will be held on July 26 in the parking lot at The Mall at Robinson, from
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For information, call (412) 431-4449 or visit the website at www.prc.org.
85 Years and Still Blooming: The Kennedy Garden Club
On June 18, the Kennedy Garden Club commemorated its 85th anniversary, offering a fresh flower to
customers entering Kennedy Township’s Shop n’ Save. The garden club was established in 1923, and
had an original membership of 28 women.
Today , the Kennedy Garden Club is very active as an organization and in the community. Some of the
events the garden club participates in are planting flowers in strategic township locations, donating to
Kennedy Meals on Wheels, and supporting the Botanic Garden development in North Fayette. The
most recent endeavor of the club is to contribute a scholarship grant to a graduating high school senior.
The club’s most visible event in the community is its annual Plant and Bake Sale which was held this
year on May 24. Plants are donated from members’ gardens and members donate the baked goods.
The Garden Club meets on the second Tuesday of the month at KenMawr United Presbyterian
Church on Pine Hollow Road.
Send a bit of “home” to someone
you know! Subscribe to
Allegheny West Magazine!
Subscription rates are just $12 per
year for six issues! CALL:
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6300 Steubenville Pike
Robinson Township
31
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 1-800-6229010, 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 This Month
T
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.
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 Davis, CEO of the National Kidney Founda-
tion.
“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.
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.
32 July 2008
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
He was hooked on fitness.
in the hospital and within five weeks was back
He went to Community College of
to his job.
Allegheny County to take courses 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
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
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
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.”
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 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.
33
Rich Koper, North Fayette
ABOVE: Rich with his new wife,
Brenda. He proudly wears his Team
Pittsburgh jacket, signed by the
renowned surgeon, Dr. Thomas Starzl
of UPMC.
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.
North Fayette 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
adult, while on vacation, I
became sick on an 80-degree day
-- chills, teeth chattering, my
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
34
July 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 Currin, 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.
35
A Hero in Waiting: Matt Kozak
You are thirteen years old— the age that most teenage
boys have an endless appetite, bottomless
stomach, and eat their parents out of house
and home. However, you constantly try to
eat, but it becomes impossible, and the
urge to devour your favorite foods is
replaced by “flu like symptoms.”
While most doctors would diagnose you
with the flu, or something similar, Matt
Kozak was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy.
At the young age of 13, Matt’s heart grew
three times the normal size, yet his valves did
not grow with it.
Matt was placed on medication to stabilize
his condition, however unlike The Grinch Who
Stole Christmas, Matt’s growing heart did not
come with a happy ending. Eight years later,
when Matt was 21, the painful symptoms
returned and his body quit responding to the
medication.
Matt spent 45 days straight in UPMC
Presbyterian, and on February 13, 2007 he
received a heart pump. Along with surgery, Matt was placed on the
transplant list, and has been moved both up and down over the past
year. Due to his universal blood type, along with the antibodies, it is
very difficult for Matt to find a match.
Although grateful for his life, it has truly been turned upside down.
Prior to his surgery Matt, a 2004 graduate of Montour High School,
was in the middle of his post-secondary education at PTI, along with
holding a part time job at Kohl’s Department Store. Matt was forced
to postpone his PTI education, as he is not permitted to drive, work,
or participate in any activity that causes exhaustion of one’s self.
36 July 2008
BY EMILY HUEBNER
PHOTO SUBMITTED
In the mean time, Matt waits for his transplant with
a heart monitor attached to his side. While the actual
pump is inside, it is connected to the unit which he
must wear 24/7 and which cannot get wet.
Matt’s heart could theoretically last for 25 years,
according to doctors, however the sooner the better.
Matt’s mother, Deb Kozak, is extremely impressed
with the care Matt has received thus far.
“All of the people at UPMC are very nice,” Deb
said. “The nurses are all very friendly and the
doctors are outstanding and top of the line. They
always go out of their way for everybody.”
While Matt may not view himself as brave, it is
evident that when a young man is faced with
this type of situation, he is truly a courageous,
heroic, man.
How You Can Help with Organ Donation
The Center for Organ Recovery and Education (CORE),
provides excellent resources to learn more about how to
donate organs of a loved one, or how to sign up to become
an organ donor. Interested donors can also sign up through
the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, and it will
be listed on your driving license.
Learn more about organ donation by visiting the website of
the National Kidney Foundation, www.kidney.org, or the
American Heart Association at www.americanheart.org.
Learn how to donate to those who are waiting for their
transplants by visiting the National Transplant Association
Fund at www.ntaf.org.
Around Your Town
Local Restaurant Named
County Safety Award Finalist
Rita’s Italian Ice in Robinson Township is among the nine finalists
named last month for Allegheny County’s 17th Annual Excellence
in Food Protection, which recognizes food facilities that go beyond
minimum code requirements and undertake extraordinary efforts in
food safety and sanitation.
The awards are given by the County Food Advisory Board, a
group of industry representatives that work with the Health
Department to promote food safety.
The nine establishments will be visited and evaluated by an
independent panel of judges from the Food Advisory Board, which
will select and announce the winners at an awards luncheon in
September during National Food Safety Education Month.
CCAC Receives Major Nursing Grant
Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) was recently
awarded a $984,275 three-year grant by the Health Resources and
Services Administration (HRSA) to launch RN Achievement, a
program designed to aid in expanding recruitment, retention, and
cultural diversity efforts in its nursing programs.
The grant will fund four key initiatives—generating early interest in
nursing among high school students, reaching out to disadvantaged
students through preparatory work as well as financial assistance,
working to improve retention, and incorporating cultural diversity
sensitivity training into the program.
First, CCAC will work to increase recruitment of high school
students by partnering with the Pittsburgh Public Schools to provide
information designed to interest students in nursing careers. This will
include a series of Saturday Nurse programs held at the college’s four
campuses and open to all high school students. Second, the college
will work to increase opportunities for disadvantaged students in order
to gain entry into the competitive program by providing a structured
Pre-entry Nursing Year in which students will receive tutoring,
support and guidance at CCAC Allegheny campus. A limited number
of students will also receive financial assistance in the form of stipends
during the Pre-entry Nursing Year and scholarships during the first
and second years after admission to the nursing program. Third,
CCAC will work to increase student retention to facilitate completion
of the nursing program through comprehensive support efforts,
academic assistance, faculty interaction and guidance. Finally, the
college will provide cultural diversity training to faculty and students
of the program.
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 serving the western suburbs of Allegheny County. 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.
37
Your Schools
Montour
BURKETT HELPS TO MAKE WISHES COME TRUE
ABOVE: Burkett Elementary School students and PTA present a check to
Make-A-Wish representative Jill Cheetam-Mitchell from their efforts to raise
funds during the school year.
On May 14, Montour’s Burkett Elementary School
presented Jill Cheetham-Mitchell from Make-a-Wish
Foundation a donation of $1,000 at their final PTA meeting
of the school year.
During the 2007-2008 school year, Burkett families
frequented local ice cream shops and restaurants to raise
funds. They visited Rita’s Kennedy Town Center, TGI
Fridays, Chick-Fil-A, McDonald’s (the Pointe), and Bruster’s
Ice Cream (Robinson). Local businesses rewarded Burkett
with a percentage of sales, which were in turn donated to the
Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Make-A-Wish informed Burkett that their contribution
will be funding a trip to Universal Studios for a ten-year-old
boy named Joseph. He will spend time at Universal and stay
at the Nickelodeon Hotel in a Sponge Bob Square Pants
room.
Burkett is very thankful to all the families that participated
in all the Family Nights to help make such a generous
donation.
MONTOUR’S WALL OF MASTERS MAKES A COLORFUL STATEMENT
Painting on paper meant for painting is one thing. Painting on a
techniques he or she used, what the painting was intended to
canvas is another. However, when students at Montour High School
communicate, and more.
took on the challenge on painting directly onto drywall, they took on a
Each student went to work carefully creating the mural directly
challenge much larger than they could have imagined.
onto the drywall, making a grid and meticulously sketching the
Why drywall? The school is undergoing a major renovation, and some
elements before putting paint to drywall.
of the school’s hallways were partitioned off with panels of drywall
Among the master’s replicas that emerged were Leonardo
while preliminary modifications took place before the school year
DaVinci’s “Mona Lisa,” Grant Wood’s “American Gothic,” and
ended.
Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night.”
Marcia Chauvet, one of the school’s art teachers, said that the idea
Once the drywall needs to come down, each of the paintings will
emerged to create Montour’s Museum of Masters.
be carefully cut out and preserved for future display in the school.
Each student in the class was encouraged to paint a replica of a
The students, working in the hallway where fellow students were
famous master in art. After researching the artist of his or her choice,
always watchful, learned to work under the public eye, and also
each student wrote a research paper about their chosen subject. The
earned newfound respect for their artistic skills among their peers.
BELOW: A portion of the Wall of Masters, featuring numerous
paper required a historical narrative of the art master, along with the
paintings reproduced by art students at Montour High School.
38
July 2008
Bishop Canevin
Reunion events were recently announced.
Canevin Class of 1968 will hold its 40th Reunion on Saturday,
August 2, at Heinz History Center (Strip District/Downtown
Pittsburgh). Contact canevinclass1968@yahoo.com for complete
information on this reunion.
Canevin Class of 1988 will hold its 20th Reunion on Saturday,
November 29 at the Holiday Inn, Pittsburgh. Event begins at
6 p.m. with a buffet-style dinner, open bar and entertainment.
Cost is $50 per person. RSVP by contacting Jeff Deitrick at
(412) 261-0200 x473 or jdeitrick@gvaoxford.com.
Movies Bring Celebrities,
Visibility to Local Communities
Trailers in the Ohio Valley General Hospital parking lot have been a
common occurrence lately due to the current construction of the facility’s
new medical center.
However, trailers of a different sort were parked in the lot last month.
Daryl Hannah and Julianne Michelle were seen shooting scenes for the
family movie, “Shannon’s Rainbow.”
The movie has a local Pittsburgh connection, too. Larry Richert of
KDKA was a co-writer of the film, and has a small part in the movie.
Just down the road at the Primadonna Restaurant, filming took place a
week earlier for the comedy, “Hollywood and Whine,” which stars Pamela
WELDING ADDED TO CAREER LINEUP
Anderson and David Spade.
AT PARKWAY WEST CTC FOR 2008-2009
And, in early June, filming for a new horror movie was wrapping up
A new career major, Welding Technology, will be added to the
scenes at the Fort Pitt Motel in North Fayette.
program lineup at Parkway West Career & Technology Center this
Last December, the Fort Pitt Motel was also the location for scenes that
fall.
were shot for the movie, “Homecoming,” another horror film starring
Welding is listed as a high-priority occupation by the Pennsylva- Mischa Barton, due to come out this summer.
nia Department of Labor & Industry, which means that the labor
Pittsburgh has had no less than a dozen films shot around its communimarket demand and lifetime earnings potential for welding makes
ties since the beginning of 2008, and that’s a good thing for the local
it a “Career in Demand.” The new program is designed to prepare
economy.
students to begin careers as welders, cutters, metal fabricators, or
Among the other films that have shot scenes in and around the region
iron workers. Students will learn the oxy-fuel, shielded metal arc,
are “The Road,” a drama; “My Bloody Valentine 3-D,” a horror film; and
gas metal arc, gas tungsten arc, and flux core welding techniques, as “She’s Out of My League,” a comedy.
Parkway West Career & Technology Center
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.
STUDENTS CHOSEN FOR
AUTOMOTIVE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
DEADLINE FOR THE SEPT. 2008 ISSUE OF
Allegheny West
Magazine
~ August 15 ~
www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag
724.695.3968
Four students in the Auto Body Repair and Auto Technology
Programs at Parkway West Career and Technology Center will
participate in the Automotive Youth Educational System (AYES)
apprentice program for the 2008-2009 school year. The AYES
interns are Auto Technology students Dave Radzanowski and Cory
Torcasi, both from Montour High School, and Auto Body
Technology students Paul Coyle and Gerald McMahon, both from
Keystone Oaks High School.
The students will begin their AYES intern experience by
completing a shadowing experience in a local dealership. They and
their mentors already participated in a two-day AYES training
session in May. The students will experience working in car
dealership repair shops over the summer and will continue on CoOp through their senior year.
The students are required to keep a work journal during their
internship. Also, the dealers and students jointly invest in a starter
tool set from Snap-On Tools that will assist the students with their
training.
The AYES program was formed with the express purpose of
encouraging and helping high school students develop successful
careers in the automotive industry. Parkway West CTC has been
certified by AYES since 2003.
39
Community Connections
TAXES
County: March 31 with discount; Face Amt.: After March,
questions: 412/350-4100
School Real Estate Tax Payments: See township/borough
information
SCHOOLS
Montour School District, 223 Clever Road, McKees Rocks PA
15136, 412/490-6500, www.montourschools.com
Parkway West Career & Technology Center,
7101 Steubenville Pike, Oakdale, PA 15071 412/923-1772
www.parkwaywest.org
Holy Trinity, 5720 Steubenville Pike, McKees Rocks, PA 15136,
412/787-2656, www.holy-trinity-school.org
Robinson Township Christian School, 77 Phillips Lane,
McKees Rocks, PA 412/787-5919, www.rtcsonline.org
Rosedale Technical Institute, 215 Beecham Dr., Ste. 2,
Pittsburgh, PA 15205, (412) 521-6200
St. Malachy, 343 Forest Grove Rd., Coraopolis, PA 15108
412/771-4545, www.stmalachyschool.home.comcast.net
SERVICES & MEDIA
Bureau of Mine Subsidence
Cable TV: Comcast
Columbia Gas Co.
Equitable Gas
MCA Community Access TV-14 (Comcast)
Robt. Morris University TV
Dept. of Agriculture
Dept. of Elections
Dept. Environ. Protection
Dog Licenses
Duquesne Light Co.
Meals on Wheels
Crafton/Ingram/Robinson
McKees Rocks/Kennedy
Pennsbury
Media
Allegheny Times
Allegheny West Magazine
Pittsburgh Post Gazette-West
Suburban Gazette
Tribune Review
Robinson Twp. Public Library
Triangle Pet Control
800-922-1678
412-264-6600
888-460-4332
800-654-6335
412-269-1191
412-262-8377
724-443-1585
412-350-4500
412-442-4000
412-350-4111
888-393-7100
412-922-0909
412-771-4304
412-494-6543
412-269-1144
724-695-3968
412-722-0085
412-331-2645
412-320-7945
412-787-3906
412-771-7387
SENIOR CITIZENS
Hilltop Seniors
Seniors, 412-771-4179, 2nd Tues. 12:30 pm,
Kennedy Fire Hall
St. Malac
ens
Malachh y Sr
Sr.. Citiz
Citizens
ens, 412-771-3188, 3rd Sun.
K enned
ens
ennedyy T wp
wp.. Sr
Sr.. Citiz
Citizens
ens, 412-331-0558, 1st &
3rd Tues., Kennedy Municipal Bldg.
McKees Rocks AARP 2203
2203, 4th Tues. 12:30 pm,
Kennedy Fire Hall, 412-331-2673
YOUTH & CHILDREN
Boy Scouts/Cub Scouts/Venturing, 412-788-4316
Boys & Girls Club, 412-771-0428
Crafton Children’s Corner, 412-561-5502
Cheryl’s Daycare, 412-788-4930
Girl Scouts, Recruiting, 724-796-1447
Little Footsteps Daycare, 412-859-3581
Montour Marching Band Boosters, 412-771-7831
Montour Baseball Boosters, 412-922-9424
Montour Bowling Boosters, 412-787-1452
Montour Boys’ Basketball Boosters, 412-331-8620
Montour Cheerleading Boosters, 412-788-9246
Montour Football Boosters, 412-771-0790
Montour Foundation of Theatre Arts, 412-850-0512
Montour Girls’ Basketball Boosters, 412-733-1554
Montour Golf Boosters, 412-787-3092
Montour Gymnastics Sponsors, 412-341-2328
Montour Boys’ Soccer Boosters, 412-787-7266
Montour Girls’ Soccer Boosters, 412-788-2533
Montour Softball Boosters, 412-771-6831
Montour Swimming Boosters, 412-859-3579
Montour Tennis Sponsors, 412-331-1340
Montour Track Sponsors, 412-331-2599
Montour Boys’ Volleyball Boosters, 412-788-2576
Montour Girls’ Volleyball Boosters, 412-331-6322
Montour Wrestling Boosters, 412-299-0359
Montour Youth Soccer, 412-859-0705, www.montoursoccer.com
Robinson Twp. Girls’ Softball, 412-788-6990
Tender Care Learning Center, 412-444-4600
The Early Learning institute, 412-331-3560
Union Church Childcare, 412-787-7553
Youthtowne, 724-695-2306
PENNSBURY
1043 Pennsbury Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15205, 412-2797876, www.pennsburyvillageboro.com. Council: Steve
Stecko,Daryl Alber t, Trish Notaro, Barbara Sigler, Carolyn
Waldner, Bob Wable, Marita Haubrick; Mayor: Lucy Harper;
Manager: Irv Foreman
Meetings
Council: Regular - 2nd Tues., 6:30 p.m., Community Room
Trash: Call borough office; Water Info: 412/279-7876
Parks & Recreation: Pennsbury Park on Countryview Ct.
Personal & Earned Income Tax: Jordan Tax Service,
412-835-5243; R.E. Tax: Janice Friedrich, 412/276-6181
Emergencies
Carnegie: Police: 9-1-1, Non-Emergency: 412/279-6911;
Fire - Emergency: 9-1-1, Para-Medical Emergency: 9-1-1
40
July 2008
AREA
CHURCHES
Allegheny West Christian Church, Rev. Faron Franklin
7600 Steubenville Pike, Oakdale, PA 15071, 412/788-8818
Sun. 11 am, Eve. Svc. 6 pm, Wed. Bible study 7 pm, children’s programs
during both worship and Bible study, www.awcchurch.com
Ascension Lutheran Church, Rev. Leonard Larsen
1290 Silver Lane, McKees Rocks, PA 15136, 412-859-3711,
www.ascensionlutheranchurchofpa.org, Svcs.: Sun. Sch./Adult Bible Study
9:30 am, Sun. Worship, 10:30 am w/children’s church during worship
Ascension Parish, Fr. Dennis Bradley
114 Berry St., Pgh. PA 15205, 412/921-1230
Church of the Nativity, Rev. Scott T. Quinn
33 Alice Avenue, Crafton, PA 15205, 412/921-4103, Sun. Svcs.: 8 & 10 am
Crafton United Methodist Church, Rev. L.J. Turnbull
43 Belvidere St., Crafton, PA 15205, 412/921-3381, Sun. School
9:45 am, Svcs.: Sun. 11 am, e-mail: craftonumc@att.net
Crafton United Presbyterian Church, Rev. Dr. C. Edward Bowen
80 Bradford Ave., Pgh PA 15205, 412-921-2293,
www.craftonunited.presbychurch.org, Sun.: 9:45 am Sun. Sch., 11 am svc.,
Bible study, Weds. 11 am, Youth Club Weds. 3:15-6 pm
The Church of Jesus Christ, Richard Lawson
227 Herbst Rd., Coraopolis, PA 15108, 412/771-1335
Sun. School 9:45 am, Svcs.: Sun. 10:45 am, Wed., 7 pm
First Baptist Church
1 Oregon Ave., Crafton, PA 15205, 412/922-5382
Svcs.: Sun. 11 am, Sun. School 10 am, 7 pm Bible study, Wed. noon
prayer lunch
Forest Grove Comm. Presby. Church, Rev. M.L. Callahan
20 William Dr., Robn. Twp., PA 15108, 412/788-1081
Sun.: 11 am, Preschool Learning Center, 412/788-1082,
www.forestgrovecommunitychurch.org
Hillside Christian Comm. Church, Rev. David R. Morgan
POB 689, 1050 Campbells Run Rd., Carnegie, PA 15106,
412/279-2996, Sun. Growth Hr. 9 am, Sun. Worship, 10 am, Family Night
Weds. 7 pm, nursery & children’s classes
His disciples Christian Outreach Ministry, Rev. Reinzl F. Santiago
1 Crafton Square/Noble Ave., Crafton, PA 15205, 724/498-6326
Sunday School 10 am, Worship 11 am, Bible Study Weds. 7:30 pm, Prayer
Mtg., Fridays 6 pm
Holy Trinity Polish National Catholic Church, Fr. Michael Selep
200 Grace Street, McKees Rocks, PA 15126, 412-221-6459
Sun. Svcs. 10 am, Bible Study 1st & 3rd Weds. 6 pm
Holy Trinity RC Church, Rev. Gary W. Oehmler
5718 Steubenville Pike, McKees Rocks, PA 15136, 412/787-2140
Sun. Svcs.: 8 am, 10 am, noon w/Sat. eve. vigil, 5 pm, CCD Sun. 9-11 am
Ingram UP Church, Rev. John C. Free
30 West Prospect Avenue, Pgh., PA 15205, 412/921-2323, Svcs.: Sun.
11 am, Sun. School: 9:45 am, Bible Study Mons. 7 pm
Ken Mawr UP Church, Rev. Karl McDonald
1760 Pine Hollow Rd., McKees Rocks, PA 15136, 412/331-2863
Sun.: 8:30 am & 11 am, Sunday School 9:45 am, nursery at both
services, children’s church through grade 5, 11 am svc
Kennedy First Alliance Church, Rev. John Kistler
941 McCoy Rd., McKees Rocks, PA 15136, 412/331-6145 or 412/3318787; Svcs.: Sun 9 am Adult Sunday School, 10 am Worship, Wed 7 pm
Bible Study & Prayer
Lighthouse Baptist Church, Pastor Richard Gelfand
412/216-8321, 1301 Coraopolis Hts Rd, Moon Twp, PA, Sun School 10
am, Sun.: 11 am & 6 pm, nursery all svcs, www.lighthousebaptistpgh.com
Living Water Fellowship, Pastor Doug Dragan
P.O. Box 522, Moon Twp., PA 15108, 724-513-8805, www.lwf-church.org,
Svcs. held at Embassy Suites Hotel, Moon, 10 am
Providence Presbyterian Church
77 Phillips Lane, McKees Rocks, PA 15136, 412/788-6100
Sunday School 9:15 am Worship service, 10:30 am
St. Malachy Catholic Church, Fr. Michael Maranowski
343 Forest Grove Rd., Coraopolis, PA 15108, 412/771-5483
Svcs.: Sat. Vigil, 4 pm, Sundays, 8 am, 11 am, M-F, 7:15 am
St. Phillip Roman Catholic Church
50 West Crafton Avenue, 412/922-6300
Union Presbyterian Church, Pastor Mark. A. Whitsel
6165 Steubenville Pike, McKees Rocks, PA 15136, 412/787-1818; Sun.
School 9:45 am, Svcs.: Sun. 8:30 & 11 am, www.unionpresbychurch.org
Windhaven Christian Church, Will Santmyer, Minister
1040 East Windhaven Rd., Pgh., PA 15205, 412/921-3641
Sun. Svcs.: 11 am worship (incl. toddlers, children, nursery); 10 am Sun
School, all ages, 11 am worship, Wed. Family Bible Hour, 7 pm, for all
(NOTE: schedules may change for the summer and holidays. Vacation Bible
School and holiday services are announced elsewhere in the magazine
during the appropriate month.)
CIVIC/SOCIAL/PROFESSIONAL
Al-A-Non, 724/926-3396
American Legion Crafton Post 145, 412/921-9307
American Legion Stowe-Rox Post 618, 412/331-9083
American Legion Robinson Post 862, 412/787-1113
Business Network Intl. (BNI) Airpor t Chapter, 724-934-0981
Char-West Council of Governments, 412/279-3333
Coraopolis Gun Club, 412/264-9920
Elks BPO, 412/331-9387
Forest Grove Spor tsmens, 412/269-0942
Gr tr. Pgh. Busin. Connection, Wed. 7:30 am, Eat n’ Park
Hollow Oak Land Trust, 412/264-5354
Ingram Women’s Civic Club, 412/490-0835
Kennedy Twp. Firemen’s Club, 412/331-5031
Kennedy Twp. Garden Club, 412/249-8021
Kiwanis Club, 412/264-6419
Masons, Crafton Lodge #653 & Masons, Guyasuta Lodge, #513
Montour Run Watershed Assn., 888-205-5778, www.mrwa.info
Montour Trail Council, 412/257-3011, www.montour trail.org
Pgh. Airpor t Area Chamber of Commerce, 412/264-6270
Robinson Lions, 412/787-2695, www.robinsonlions.org
Robinson Twp. Historical Society, 412/788-6795
Rotary, Crafton/Ingram, 412/973-1518
Rotary, McKees Rocks, 412/771-0900
Rotary, Parkway West, 412/292-4140
SNPJ Lodge 106, 724/695-1411 or 695/1100
Sweet Adelines Sounds of Pittsburgh, 724/283-4294
The Small Business Network (TSBN), 412/367-5979
VFW-Vesle Post #418, 412/771-7034
Western Area YMCA, 412/787-9622, www.ymcaofpittsburgh.org
INGRAM
ROBINSON
40 West Prospect Ave., Pittsburgh PA 15205, 412-921-3625,
www.ingramborough.org, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Council Members: Richard
“Sam” Nucci, president; Karen Dixon, vice-president; Greg Butler,
Russell Dettling, Scott Trevenen, Joe Chesno, Frank Petrell, Mayor:
Charles Mitsch, Jr.
Meetings: Council: Second Mon., 7 p.m.; Trash: Waste Management, 1-800-866-4460; Parks & Recreation: Call for reservation dates
and guidelines; Taxes: School Tax, Central Tax Bureau - 800-519-7347
Tax Collector - Janet Sulima, 412-922-5877; Emergencies
Police - 9-1-1, 412-921-6969; Fire - 9-1-1; Ambulance - 9-1-1
1000 Church Hill Rd., Pittsburgh PA 15205, 412-788-8120,
www.townshipofrobinson.com; 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Commissioners: Daniel
Tallon, chairperson; Sam Abatta, vice-chairperson; Jerome Brouker, ,
Stephanie Triko-Selelyo, Ronald Shiwarski, Administrator: Richard
Charnovich
KENNEDY
340 Forest Grove Road, Coraopolis, PA 15108, 412-771-2321, 8 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. Commissioners: Anthony Mollica, Pres.; Vince DePascale, VP;
Chris Dinardo; Anita Kulik; Myron Staroschuck; Manager: Gary Vituccio
Meetings
Commissioners - Caucus: 2nd Mon. 7 p.m.; Reg: 2nd Mon. immediately
following caucus; Planning Commission: Every 4th Wed.; Zoning Hearing
& Civil Service Comm.: As needed
Trash: Valley Waste, Inc., 724/843-9373; Recycling: Valley Refuse
Inc., 724/843-9373, collected same days at trash, Mon-Fri, recycling bins
$5., available from the office
Parks & Recreation: Fairhaven Park, recreation, picnic, baseball, (3)
pavilions, deck hockey, tennis
Taxes: E.I.T. Tax: Jordan Tax Svcs., 412-835-5243; Melvin Weinstein,
412-771-3616
Emergencies
Meetings
Commissioners - Caucus: 1st Mon. , 7 p.m.; Regular: 2nd Mon. , 7 p.m.;
Planning Commission: 1st & 3rd Wed. , 7 p.m.; Zoning Hearing Board:
4th Wed. , 7 p.m. Other: Civil Service Board - As needed; Parks &
Recreation - 4th Thurs. at 7 p.m.
Trash: Waste Management of Pa., 800-866-4460; Recycling:
Bi-wkly. Special containers available. Contact office for schedule and
guidelines
Water: Municipal Auth. of Twp. of Robinson, 412-923-2411
Parks & Recreation: Call for reservation dates, fees, and
guidelines, 412/788-8120; Pavilion Rentals, 10 am-11 pm, open
May 1-Sept. 30
No deposit is required, however, damages occurring will incur a charge.
Proof of residency is required for resident rentals.
Taxes
Personal EIT Collector: Central Tax Bureau, 800-519-7347; Occupational
Privilege and Real Estate Tax Collector, Ed Ritter, 412-788-8119
Emergencies
Police, 9-1-1 or 412-788-8111; Fire, 9-1-1 or 412-788-8111; Ambulance,
9-1-1 Emergency or 412/787-5044 Business Office
Police: 9-1-1 or 412-331-2408; Fire: 9-1-1, Ambulance 9-1-1
THORNBURG
1133 Dartmouth Rd., Pittsburgh PA 15205, 412-921-3713, Fax: 412-9213713, Council: Patti Dodge, President; Vince Coppola, VP; Jerry Clarke;
Tim Gordon; Barbara Larimer; Ber t McConomy; Scott Quinn; Mayor:
Thomas Mackin
Meetings
Council: Second Mondays monthly at 7:30 p.m.
Trash & Recycling: Waste Management, Inc. 1-800-395-7422
Parks & Recreation: Call for reservation dates & guidelines: 412921-3713
Tax Collector: Berkheimer & Associates, 412-881-6630
Emergencies
Police: 9-1-1 or 412-921-2014; Fire: 9-1-1; Ambulance 9-1-1
Allegheny West
Magazine
Jennette Communications Group
15 Walnut Street, Suite 101
Imperial, PA 15126-1226
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PA I D
IMPERIAL, PA 15126
PERMIT NO. 83

July 2008 - Allegheny West Magazine

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