April 2010 - Rosslyn Farms Borough

A ROSSLY N FARMS COMMU NITY PUBLIC ATION
The
Last Word
A PRIL 2 0 10
LAST WORD DEADLINE 24TH
OF THE MONTH
SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY, APRIL 24TH
REDD UP THE FARMS
CHRIS SIMCIC, EDITOR
412.719.1472
Email: csimcic@verizon.net
A Rosslyn Farms Community Club Publication
P AGE 2
Council Report — March
by Nyra Schell
MARCH 8, 2010 FINANCIAL REPORT:
Cash Brought Forward: $536,712.87
Income:
$ 46,495.63
Disbursements:
$ 48,813.75
Ending Cash Balance: $534,394.75
There have been tree issues in the borough due
to February's many snow storms. Questions were
raised concerning the responsibility for tree removal. Ultimately, a complete removal of a tree is
the responsibility of homeowners; although there
are instances when a portion of removal could be
the Borough's responsibility (such as when a tree
needs to be moved off of a road). A resident made
Council aware of a situation on Old Farm Road
where trees are leaning dangerously near power
lines. The concern was that these trees could topple and take the lines down.
Mayor Stover said he would contact Duquesne
Light to see if they could help in this matter.
Mayor Stover also mentioned his willingness to
investigate Duquesne Light's handling of the
power outage in February. On an unrelated matter, the mayor told Council of the efforts of Crafton, Carnegie, and Ingram to raise funds for a
study on the feasibility of combining Fire Departments.
Councilman Steven George reported that at the
last COG meeting Congressman Tim Murphy
made the statement that state aid to boroughs for
storm damage was unlikely. The February snowfall was the result of different storms, and not one
of those storms met the "Emergency" qualifications.
Councilman Roy Bowen was pleased to discuss the 100th anniversary of the Community
Center building. To celebrate, there are plans in
the works to tie in the celebration of the building
with this year's Fourth of July festivities. To that
end Councilman Bowen asked Council to approve
$395.00 as a deposit to a designer who has been
hired to create a commemorative medallion that
will be sold as a fund-raiser. The complete cost of
this project will be $2188.15. And the hope is that
A PR I L 2010
this design will be used for other events and that
the medallions will be seen as a wonderful keepsake. Council approved the deposit.
Councilman Bowen also addressed the concerns of a citizen whose unmarked recycle bin
was taken by Allied Waste during a recent pickup. There is no way to recoup that loss. However,
there are a few recycle bins left that can be purchased through Charlie Smith at a cost to residents
of $10.00 per bin.
In other news: the Borough's logo project is
still alive as Council made a request for
"something representative and simple that speaks
to the character of the community"; Council plans
a review of the Property Maintenance Code sometime in the near future because the Code Enforcement Officer is looking for clarity; the community
center painting project is on hold while the Borough tightens up its product specifications for the
bid package; Council approved an agreement for
an energy audit of the Community Center with
Steven George as the borough liaison and Millie
Calvert as the Community Center lead; and the
new police car was purchased and should be in the
Borough by month's end (further discussion needs
to take place on which warranty option to purchase).
MARCH 22, 2010 This second meeting of the
month included a presentation by Gateway Engineers. Rick Minsterman, Sanitary Sewer Project
Manager, and Bryan Flaugh, Municipal Engineer,
presented Council with an overview of the 2010
Strategic Plan for the Borough. In order to maintain its compliance with the Consent Order, the
Borough will once again contract Gateway to continue its feasibility study. The feasibility study
looks at the flow characteristics of the sewer system to identify capacity deficiencies and overflows (overflows are in violation of the Consent
Order). The study will evaluate the system's performance during various rain events. This is key
since the issues with our system are not day-today use issues, but rather the issues come from the
fact that rainwater enters the system and causes
overflows. Then the study will investigate possible remedies. The cost of the 2010 feasibility
T HE L AST W ORD
study will be $8,500.00, which Council approved in addition to its approval of the Consent
Order Municipal Budget of $31,500.00.
Council also authorized the release of the Operation and Maintenance Plan to the Allegheny
County Health Department for approval. This
plan establishes:
!" investigative tasks (dye testing, televising,
flow monitoring) for each structure in the
system
!" schedules and cost estimates for future
maintenance* listings of pipe segments and
manholes with deficiencies and offers scope
of repairs
!" overflow response plans
!" complaint tracking system
!" allocation of staff responsibilities
!" methods to reduce problems
Also, work on the tennis courts and the Terrace and Rosslyn Roads sewer project will begin this month. The Terrace and Rosslyn Roads
project, which could take as long as 60 days,
will begin with clearing the hillside and then
digging the pipe trenches. Residents are asked
to be aware and take care during scheduled intermittent road closings and temporary changes
to traffic patterns. Council approved $3,300.00
for Construction Administration and Inspection
costs of the Tennis Court Resurfacing/ADA Access Project as well as no more than $3,000.00
to Gateway for a Contract Administration Service for the Terrace and Rosslyn Roads Sewer
Project pending review of that service and cost
during the April 12, 2010 Council Meeting.
Next Meeting: April 12, 7:30 p.m. at the Rosslyn Farms Community Center
RECYCLING
If you are in need of new &/or
additional bins, contact Charlie
Smith at 412-279-8108. He has
some available at $10/bin.
P AGE 3
Book Discussion by Marie Guerra
All are welcome to join the community
book discussions which are held the 3rd
Thursday of every month at 8:00
p.m. (and feel free to join us, even if
you haven't read the book!) Details for
the next few months are as follows:
April 15th at the home of Judy Bergman
29 Priscilla Lane
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
May 20th at the home of Mimi Veri
3 Revere Road (Please note this is a
new location.)
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
June 17th - Location TBD
The Girl With the Dragon Tatoo by
Steig Larsson
Hope to see you there.
Police Report by Chief Larry Fischio
There were 12 written warnings issued for the
month of February.
There were 7 complaints for the month:
1 Al arm C om pl ai nt s
2 Ambulance Calls — REMS used
1 Harassment complaint
1 Power line down
1 Traf fi c s t op, DU I & Dru g ar res t
1 W el fare check
HEARINGS
Juvenile Court: no cases this month
Criminal Court: 3 Trials — all rescheduled
3 Pre-Trials — All held for trial
District Court: 5 Total, 3 held for pre-trial, 1 Not
Guilty, 1 Rescheduled
T HE L AST W ORD
P AGE 4
Message from the President by Isabel Ford
As some of you know, the Rosslyn Farms
Community Center, formerly the Rosslyn Farms
School is 100 years old this year. To celebrate
the occasion, we will be having a reunion for the
kids who grew up in the community and went to
the school. Over the past few months, I have
been tracking down and contacting some of these
“kids” to tell them about the event.
Several things have struck me as I’ve embarked on this journey. First, I am one of the
youngest alumni and I am not “young” any more.
The oldest alum is 92 years old. Second, with
today’s technology and the Internet it is so much
easier to try to locate people than in the past.
Third and most important, no matter how long
ago someone moved away from the community,
Rosslyn Farms still holds a special place in their
heart. My brother was talking to a woman at an
event in Philadelphia who talked about growing
up in “an idyllic little community outside Pittsburgh and having the best childhood” – you
guessed it she grew up in Rosslyn Farms. I hope
that in fifty years, the children of Rosslyn Farms
today will look back on their childhood with the
same feelings as these Rosslyn Farmers of the
past that I have talked to recently.
In the Neighborhood…
. Welcome new neighbors, Vanessa and
Blake Getz, 11 Old Farm Road AND to their
new baby, Chase Carter Getz born February 21,
2010
We are saddened about the passing of Al
Meyer at the age of 61. The Meyer family is one
of the oldest families in Rosslyn Farms. Al’s
grandparents moved to the community in 1913
and Al lived his whole life in Rosslyn Farms.
Just like his father and brothers, Al graduated
from the Rosslyn Farms School. Our thoughts
go out to his brothers Rich and Bob.
Two events in March helped to make our community special. For the children we had the Easter
egg hunt and egg dyeing at the Community Center.
I want to thank Susan O’Toole for hard boiling
seven dozen eggs; Julie McNamara, Ted Ford and
Em Bergman for hiding over 450 plastic eggs; and
Tina and Briana Patterson for coordinating the
event. For the adults we had over fifty people, a record turnout, for our annual wine tasting event.
Special thanks to Jeanne Rosen and Hank Stewart
for again coordinating this special evening. I know
everyone enjoyed themselves.
In April we will be having our second annual
Redd Up the Farms day on Saturday April 24th. As
you know it was a tough winter, so the community
can use your help to spruce things up. Charlie
Smith is helping us identify the projects and areas
needing the most work. There will be weeding, raking, pruning, painting and possibly mulching at the
pool, Parrish Park, the ball field and the Community Center. Just like last year we will have a picnic
lunch afterwards. Last year we have a great turnout
of neighbors willing to help “redd up”. Please save
the date and contact Isabel Ford at 412-279-7039 if
you can volunteer.
Happy Spring ~ Isabel
LIFEGUARDS 2010
Anyone interested in
applying for a lifeguard position at the Rosslyn Farms
pool should contact
Charlie Smith
at 412-279-8108, or
Roy Bowen at 412-276-6514. Interviews will
be conducted in April at a date and time to be
announced.
P AGE 5
A PR I L 2010
Occasional Diner by Roy Bowen
In northeastern Pa., when people meet after some
time apart, a common, friendly greeting is: long time,
no see! That may be apropos here.
2009 was a medically wild and challenging year at
our house so reviewing restaurants took a backseat. I
expect this year to be an improvement in every way.
At least 12 years ago, a friend from Crafton kept telling me about a place with “ great sandwiches”. Every
so often, he would ask if I had experienced it and,
when answered in the negative, he would tell me that I
was missing some good food.
Finally, late in 2009, I decided to give Alexions a
try. Alexions is on Hawthorne St. in Greentree. As you
travel Main St. in Carnegie toward Greentree and are
approaching the traffic light which allows you to continue to either Noblestown Rd. or Greentree, a street
appears on the right just prior to the light--- this is
Hawthorne.
If you wish to have a serene, quiet meal, be aware
that Alexions is a bar. If you would like a romantic
atmosphere, Alexions is a bar. If you want a gourmet
menu, be aware: it’s a bar!!
However, the menu is surprisingly big: 11 salads, 3
veggie sandwiches, 16 grilled sandwiches, 11
“specialty sandwiches”, 5 cold sandwiches, fresh
pizza, 5 calzones, 5 “wedgies” (I don’t have a clue--could it be a “Burgh thing?), and 8 side
dishes/appetizers.
I have indulged in a fair cross-section of the menu
starting with the Rachel—a Reuben with pastrami
(very good). This is an example of, what the menu
calls, specialty sandwiches.
On my second visit, I was salivating for a good tuna
fish sandwich, and received an exceptional one at
Alexions. The bread was fresh and stuffed with tuna.
I can honestly say the same for the cold turkey sandwich— very fresh bread stuffed with fresh turkey
breast (not loaf)-- Great!
Jackie has partaken of the grilled corned beef and has
l-o-v-e-d it. As some of you may know, she is really an
easy date. When she finds something she likes, she just
keeps placing the same order.
The pizzas come in two sizes: a 9” bar pizza and a
16” party pizza. The 9” is a perfect size for one person
with a normal appetite. There are four varieties—traditional, white, spinach & feta and
buffalo chicken ranch. Extra toppings on the 9”
are $.75 each and $1.25 on the 16”.
I chose the 9” traditional with extra cheese,
mushrooms and hot sausage. This was good
with a red sauce that was slightly sweet (the
way it should be, if you ask me), but the sausage was not hot in a spicy sense.
The bread (Italian, rye, wheat and sandwich
bun) is always fresh, but presented in ¾ to 1”
slices---too thick when you consider the
amount of meat/fish included in the sandwich.
I am going to start asking for thinner cuts of
bread.
The french fries have always been fresh and
crisp (very good), and the cole slaw is very
tasty without swimming in mayo ( I would prefer a larger serving than the little cup they present).
One nice feature on this menu is the ability to
order full or half sandwiches. If you are ordering fries, I would recommend the half sandwich. However, if you are able to consume as I
did before my move to Pittsburgh (read diet
policing), go for it!
Alexions does have a dining room in the
back, and a promotion known as the “ Lucky
11 Lunch Card”—purchase 11 meals and get
$5 off the next one. This may not seem like
much and, in the total picture, it isn’t. However, the most expensive item on the menu is
the 16” Buffalo Chicken Ranch pizza for
$13.95, and the most expensive sandwich is
the whole Turkey Club for $7.25.
Grades: Jackie—B+
Me------B MANGIA!
Ps. Some of you have approached me with
positive comments about your experiences at
Wild Rosemary ( my last review prior to today’s) on Bower Hill Road in Upper St. Clair.
Jackie took me back there for my birthday and,
I must admit, it hasn’t lost anything over time.
A PR I L 2010
P AGE 6
Design Details “At last — GREEN!” by Nancy Barsotti
Green is finally all around us. I am amazed
how quickly the flowers and trees have sprung
into life after being smothered by snow for so
long.
A recent article in Traditional Home entitled “Green Space – Gentle Footprint” featured a home that was constructed using sustainable “green” products – the interior, the
exterior and the landscaping.
The following are some of the resources it
mentioned and a few favorites that I use in
many of my design projects.
Upholstery companies such as
Tomlinson/Erwin Lambeth make luxurious
seating with sustainable wood frames, soybased foam cushions and casein-based finishes.
Fabrics of recycled materials, even plastic bottles, are great choices for high wear areas such
as kitchen chairs and family room seating.
All of the major paint companies – PPG,
Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams – offer
products that cover with fewer coats and have
low VOCs. MDC Wallcoverings’ “Avant
Collection” is made with advance technology
featuring breathable, non-PVC nanostructures;
water-based inks; low-VOC emissions; and are
lightweight saving both natural resources and
shipping costs.
After many of us were without power for a
few days, it’s not too soon to begin thinking
about what might keep us warm if it happens
again. EcoSmart Fire makes a vent-less unit
that burns denatured ethanol, a renewable and
clean-burning fuel.
Many manufacturers are featuring ecofriendly flooring materials. Natural Cork has
many benefits. It is easy to maintain, comfortable and has both thermal and acoustic insulating properties. Cork is also used in combination with linoleum, which even by itself is a
green flooring solution. Reclaimed wood
flooring; tile made with recycled glass; and
terrazzo are also good choices. With all wood
products look for the FSC (Forest Stewardship
Council) seal.
From past articles you know my love of vintage
and antique furniture. Using them means fewer resources are consumed making new items and it
spares landfills. Similar values can be found at
Construction Junction in the East End. Not only is
it a recycling center, but it is also a great place for
donating and finding building materials, plumbing
fixtures (especially colors that are now discontinued), tile, cabinets, doors, mantels, hardware and
many other good finds. I recommend a trip there to
look for hard-to-find items for older homes.
Green products for kitchens and bathrooms are
plentiful. Energy Star rated appliances abound, and
now is a good time to purchase them as many
manufacturers are offering rebates as well as being
eligible for tax credits this year. Durable countertop
materials such as concrete and “Eco” by Cosentino,
made from recycled content, are elegant and sustainable. Plumbing fixtures with low-flow water
consumption are de rigueur. Toto, a Japanese company, is the world’s leading manufacturer of toilets
I have been to many of their product launches at
their New York showroom. I never realized how
much there is to know about the selection of toilets.
As you happily make our way outdoors (or
maybe not so happily when you survey winter’s
damage) you might be planning some landscaping
improvements. Permeable paving stones by Belgard allow water to soak into the soil, preventing
storm water runoff. When purchasing plants,
choose native species that are drought tolerant, disease resistant and require minimal maintenance and
water.
After such a cold winter huddled inside, we are
ready to be renewed by the sunshine and our wonderful bucolic neighborhood. As you enjoy the
green outdoors keep in mind preserving it for future
generations by selecting sustainable products.
Happy Spring!
T HE L AST W ORD
P AGE 7
94 Pilgrim Road: $430,000, charming stone tudor with 5 spacious bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2 car detached garage, gracious foyer, arched openings, stunning great room with fireplace, beamed ceilings and access to
screened-in side porch, finished 3rd floor with full bath can be office or 5th
bedroom
2 Revere Road: $459,000, meticulously maintained home on cul-de-sac
street with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 3 car garage, 1st floor family room
with fireplace and beamed ceilings,1st floor den, updated gourmet
kitchen with glazed cabinetry, granite counters and stainless steel appliances, breakfast bar, omni stone patio, lush landscaping throughout
private back yard, in-ground pool and hot tub.
These fine homes are proudly presented by Prudential Preferred Realty and Barbara Baker,
your Rosslyn Farms neighborhood specialist.
Call for more information or a personal tour at 412.403.5950.
Website: www.barbarabakerteam.com
Email barbarabakerteam@gmail.com
Garbage and Recycling Calendar
WED., Apr. 7 — Garbage
WED, Apr. 14 — Garbage/Recycle
WED., Apr. 21 — Garbage
WED., Apr. 28 — Garbage/Recycle
WED., May 5— Garbage
David DeChancie
D.M.D.
General Dentistry
KINGS HIGHWAY
AT BALDWIN ROAD
PITTSBURGH, PA 15205
412-279-5880
Evening & Saturday Appointments Available
INTERESTING…TWO TURKEY VULTURES
(YES, THAT’S RIGHT — VULTURES!) WERE SPOTTED ON EDGECLIFF ROAD RECENTLY. KEEP
YOUR EYES OPEN...NATURE IS ALL AROUND.
REMEMBER: EARTH DAY IS ON APRIL
22ND. DO SOMETHING NICE FOR YOUR
PLANET!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"#$%&"'
Philip Salvato
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&()*&
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&+(#,"-%&."/(.&(#0,%0%
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"#$%!&'(!)!"'&*#$+!)!,-&..%.
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!!!!!!!!!"#$#%&$'#((
Coldwell Banker Real Estate
OPEN HOUSE TOUR OF ROSSLYN FARMS
GOOD NEWS:
The 1st Time Homeowners
Incentive has been extended
To 4/30/2010 and EXPANDED to include
Current homeowners!
If you need more space (or less space)
NOW is a great time to move.
CALL FOR DETAILS!!
108 Marlow $45,000
ON APRIL 11
1—4 PM
COME AND SEE THIS WONDERFUL VICTORIAN
HOME AT
45 EDGECLIFF ROAD
FOR $325.000
INVITE YOUR FRIENDS: SO THEY MOVE TO YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD AND ENJOY THE
ROSSLYN FARMS EXPERIENCE!!
1328 Pennsbury Blvd. SOLD
717 Windvue Drive $169,900
300 Christopher Cl. $229,900
1500 Cochran Hall #706 $235,000
212Eton Road $245,000
Susan F. O’Toole
Multi-million Dollar Producer
412-527-3105 (cell phone)
Email: sotoole@howardhanna.com
For property information and prices visit my website at:
susanotoole.howardhanna.com
FLAVIN BROTHERS
Sandy Wiedt, Multi-Million Dollar Producer
412-833-5405 X210
CELL: 412-551-0830
LANDSCAPE DESIGN & INSTALLATION
Everyone is flocking to
*WEEKLY MOWING * INTERIOR PAINTING
*PLASTER REPAIR *YARD CLEAN UPS
*AERATION *THATCHING *WEEDING
BLACK LAMB
CONSIGNMENTS
We will beat any written estimate. SIGN UP FOR
LAWN SERVICE BY MARCH 1ST AND RECEIVE FREE
AERATION & FIRST APPLICATION OF REEMERGENCE
FERTILIZER
Fertilization — we use the same chemicals as the big
name companies, but cheaper!!!
Hauling — mulches, topsoil, mushroom manure, sand,
river rock, boulders, limestone 5-7 ton special on any
aggregate...call for details
Stone Work — flagstone walks, patios, stone walls.
Call to see pictures
Concrete work—driveways, patios, sidewalks, steps
Retaining walls—custom, brick, block and stone work
SMALL ENGINE REPAIR
Foundation Repair — waterproofing inside & out
CALL CHRIS FLAVIN/412-519-3975
CHANGING THE LANDSCAPE OF ROSSLYN FARMS FOR 45 YEARS!
Fine furniture, home accessories
& curiosities
323 East Main Street
Carnegie, PA 15106
412-276-6699
Wednesday through Saturday
10 am to 5 pm
Now accepting consignments.
In home consultations and estate liquidation
services available.