February 2008 - Allegheny West Magazine
Transcription
February 2008 - Allegheny West Magazine
Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 1 Table of Contents Features Columns 22 “Homecoming” The Movie Comes to Town 30 What a Shot! Bagging the Big Buck 38 Learning About Economics the J.A. Way 03 06 13 15 25 27 31 32 36 41 44 46 48 50 64 BY JESSICA HARMAN 43 Goin’ to the Big Leagues: Scott Patterson BY DICK GLOVIER 45 Chiefs Change Hands 52 The Houses on Hastings, Part II 54 Winter Fun in Your Hometown! Publisher’s Note On the Horizon Neighborhood Coupons Around Your Town Dining Around the Western Suburbs Backstage Chamber Business Link Airport Authority News Transportation Update Your Schools Sidelines Municipal Roundup Library News Your House & Senate Community Connections Learning Curves 24 The MOST IMPORTANT New Year’s Resolution: Take a Vacation! by Travel Agents 26 Oral Health Mirrors Overall Health by Dr. John Rohm 37 How to Choose a Dentist by Dr. Robert Luther 58 60 57 Reinventing Itself: Parkway West CTC is Future Focused and Forward Thinking Eating Well, Buying Local Keep Your Skin Fresh and Young Looking by Aniko Kaufmann About the Cover North Fayette resident Heather Crossley was recently honored with the National Daily Point of Light Award for her volunteerism and community service. She is a senior Girl Scout with Troop 308. Story on page 19. PHOTO BY KATHLEEN AND PAUL PHOTOGRAPHY THIS PAGE: A wintry scene in Imperial. 2 February 2008 Allegheny West Magazine Publisher’s Note “Good News Always, Mailed and Delivered Free, Every Time” Allegheny West Magazine is an all positive, good news publication mailed free into homes and businesses to connect communities, promote people, heighten awareness about the richness of the airport region, and build pride in the western suburbs of Allegheny County. West Allegheny Edition Vol. 9 No. 4, Issue 52 February 2008 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 Christopher Rolinson JJ SPORTS WRITER R.H. Glovier CONTRIBUTING WRITERS THIS ISSUE A.J. Caliendo Jessica Harman WEBMASTER Yvonne Hervol www.PittsburghPointsWest.com CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE ACTA - Airport Corridor Transportation Assn. Geri Hermann, W.A. Food Pantry Dr. John Rohm, Dentist Aniko Kaufmann, Aniko’s Hungarian Spa Dr. Robert Luther, Dentist Results! Travel by Carlton, Greater Pittsburgh Travel, Round About Travel, Travel Systems & Carnival Cruises Findlay Township, North Fayette Township & Oakdale Borough Airport Authority of Allegheny County West Allegheny School District Pgh. Airport Area Chamber of Commerce Western Allegheny Community Library MAILING & DISTRIBUTION Harold & Karen Cain, Bob Librich, Jim Glass Denise Geramita MORE INFO Allegheny West Magazine - West Allegheny Edition, is published in February, April, June, August, October, and December, 6 issues a year, by Jennette Communications Group, 15 Walnut Street, Suite 101, Imperial, PA 151261226. Mailed and delivered free to 15,000 residents and businesses in Clinton, Findlay, North Fayette, Imperial, Oakdale, McDonald, Sturgeon, and surrounding areas. Extra copies available at municipal offices, schools, stores, businesses, and hotels across the airport suburbs. Available by mail subscription for $12 annually. Story ideas welcomed. Community events and announcements from non-profit groups only must be received four weeks prior to publishing date, limited to 30 words and include a phone number. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of Jennette Communications Group. Copyright 1999 Allegheny West Magazine. All rights reserved. OUR OTHER PUBLICATIONS Jennette Communications Group also publishes the Moon Edition of Allegheny West Magazine, the Montour Editon of Allegheny West Magazine, and the Imperial/ Findlay/North Fayette/McDonald Edition of the Town Planner Community Calendar. 2004 & 2006 Reflecting, Reminiscing, and Renewing a Commitment Another new year --2008 -- almost the end of the first decade of a new century, and where has the time gone? Time marches on and we’re all getting older. And, we all have those “to do” lists that never get done. On those lists, if you’re like me, are notes to promise to call a friend, stop by and visit a neighbor, send a letter to that long-lost cousin, and on and on. How many times during the holidays or when attending a special occasion, when you haven’t seen someone for a long time, do you say, “It’s been so long, we have to make sure we get together?” And then, the rest of our “to do” list takes precedence -- again -- and another “long time” goes by and we haven’t “gotten together.” I did a little bit better this past year making some of those promised calls and visits. And there are some I did not make. Included in the latter were a couple of people dear to me who suddenly passed away. And I could kick myself for not calling or visiting them when I told myself I would. This year, however, is a new year and a new promise. So, at a recent Christmas party at a friend’s house, where we saw another couple we hadn’t seen in a “long time,” she said to me, “I’m not going to say ‘let’s get together’ soon because you know how we all are, we never do.” I promptly pulled out my calendar, looked at some dates, and said, “Well, how about this Friday at this time at our house?” And she said, “Now that’s a plan!” So, the next time someone says, “We have to get together soon,” pull out your calendar and ask, “When?” As we all get older, we realize that time doesn’t wait for anyone. We can lose someone special today, tomorrow, or next year. So, let’s make a commitment to those we care about -- don’t put off until tomorrow who we can enjoy being with today. And, speaking of commitments, you’ll find inside this issue a feature story that is sure to keep us all on our toes when it comes to health and nutrition. Read the first in our installment about our local farmers. This installment features the concept of community supported agriculture so you can understand how it works, how you can benefit from it, and how it makes the local economy stronger. It’s part of a commitment for the new year that we can all strive to attain. Happy New Year. WE PROUDLY SPONSOR/SUPPORT: Western Allegheny Community Library’s Capital Campaign The Annual Christmas Light-Up Event in Clinton MEMBER Pat Jennette, APR - Publisher & Editor 2007 Winner BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics Registered with Dun & Bradstreet Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 3 4 February 2008 Our Advertisers As with every issue, your community businesses are the reason for the publication of Allegheny West Magazine. Please support these businesses. Their support allows us to mail this magazine, free, into every household in Findlay, Clinton, North Fayette, Imperial, Oakdale, Sturgeon, and portions of McDonald as a community service. 1/2 Off Greeting Cards, p. 17, 724.695.1964 A Cup of Ideas, p. 49, 412.264.4410, www.acupofideas.com Airport Authority of Allegheny County, p. 32 Airport ChemDry, p. 13, 412.262.2234 Allegheny West Eye Care, p. 10, 724.695.3371, www.alleghenywesteyecare.com Arena’s Performing Arts Ctr., p. 37, 412.264.9925 Aunt Mini Storage, p. 28, 724.695.8700 Barden Homes, p. 6, 1.800.446.6410 Bartosh HVAC, p. 49, 1.800.264.4912 Beaver Valley Foot Clinic, p. 13, 724.375.1577, www.bvfootclinic.com Belmonte Pizza, p. 25, 724.695.1819 Billy the Clown, p. 9, 412.921.8584 Bocktown Beer, p. 17 & 25, 412.788.2333,www.bocktown.com Bronze Hood, p. 25, 412.787.7230 Business Legal, p. 18, 412.257.2617, www.businesslegal.net Carnival Cruise Lines, p. 24 Carol Leone, p. 40, 412.262.1638, www.carolleones.com Celebrations, p. 25, 724.695.4333, www.celebrationspittsburgh.com Chambers Embroidery, p. 35, 1.866.466.1852 Cherry Valley Organics, p. 63, 724.777.0790 Choices Pregnancy Centers, p. 15, 1.877.RU4.SURE Center for Organ Recovery & Educ.(CORE), p. 47, 1.800.DONORS-7, www.core.org Clearview Federal Credit Union, p. 9, 1-800-926-0003, www.clearviewfcu.org Clearview Stables, p. 40, 724.693.9686, www.clearviewstablesinc.com Clinton Wesleyan Church, p. 47, 724.695.7076 Davey Tree Company, p. 23, 724.746.8852 DDS Web Design, p. 15, 412.262.2234 Enlow Station, p. 21, 724.695.8181 Family Chiropractic Center, p. 37, 412.787.3320, www.familychiropracticcenters.biz Fedyshyn, Darlene, p. 57 Findlay Township, p. 23, 724.695.0500, www.findlay.pa.us First Commonwealth Bank, p. 4, 1.800.711.2265, www.fcbanking.com First Steps Pediatrics, p. 1, 412.788.1999, www.fspkids.com Fitness for Life, p. 26, 724.695.2239, www.mkfitness4life.com FlyPittsburgh.com, p. 4 Fry’s Spiffy Dog, p. 16, 724.693.9392 Greater Pittsburgh Travel, p. 24, 412.331.2244 Heritage Valley Health Systems, inside front cover, 412.787.5769, www.heritagevalley.org Heritage Valley - West Allegheny Healthcare, p. 27, 724.695.2411 Imperial Tax & Accounting, Inc., p. 1, 724.695.7354 Iron & Glass Bank, p. 18, 412.859.3797, www.ironandglassbank.com Janoski’s Country Restaurant, p. 25, 724.899.2344, www.janoskis.com Joyce’s Groom n’ Go, p. 13 & 29, 412.262.2234 Kovach’s, p. 35, 724.926.8706 Lazarowicz, Ken - CPA, p. 36, 412.299.7390 LaStone Therapy by Michelle, p. 57, 412.809.9809 Liechti, Attorney Fred, p. 50, 412.787.5280 Luther, Dr. Robert, p. 16, 412.262.2234 MTO Clean, p. 37, 1.866.21MAIDS, www.allegheny.maidstoorder.com Mercerized Tennis, p. 10, 412.221.8059 Meyers, Tom - Plumbing, p. 50, 724.693.2880 Monark Transportation, p. 6, 724.695.4000 Montours Church, p. 47, 412.787.1050 Moody Funeral Home, p. 16, 724.695.0411 Mortgage Advisory Group, inside back cover 412.446.0400 My Way Storage, p.13, 888-33myway, www.mywaystorage.com Naughton’s Tree Service, p. 40, 412.331.5952, www.naughtonstreeservice.com North Fayette Athletic Assn., p. 26, 412.580.0655. North Fayette Township, insert and p. 12, 412.788.4888 Oakdale Foot & Ankle, p. 44, 412.787.8380 Oakdale Inn, p. 27, 724.693.2802 Oakdale UP Church, p. 34, 724.693.8950 Oakwood Office Space, p. 18, 724.693.9223 Ohio Valley Genl. Hospital, p. 11, 412.722.0055 Painted Giraffe, p. 36, 724.693.8452 Panache for Hair, p. 36, 724.695.1344 Paragon Homes, back cover, 412.787.8807, www.VisitParagonHomes.com Picciano, Dr., p. 40, 412.787.3366, www.montourdental.com Pgh. Airport Area Chmbr. of Commerce, p. 49, 412.264.6270, www.paacc.com Pittsburgh Points West, p. 57, 412.494.9203, www.pghpointswest.com Pittsburgh Technical Institute, p. 12, 412.809.5100, www.pti.edu Polesky - Erie Insurance, p. 13, 412.264.2308 Polidor, Dr. Tamara, p. 57, 724.695.8447 Primadonna Restaurant, p. 51, 412.331.1001, www.theprimadonnarestaurant.com Pustover Financial Services, p. 30, 724.695.8885 Qdoba Restaurant, p. 28, 412.494.9933 Quicksilver Golf Club, p. 36, 724.796.1594, www.quicksilvergolf.com Results! by Carlson Travel, p. 24, 412.264.8010 Rohm, Dr., p. 56, 724.695.2100 Ros, Dr., p. 23, 724.695.2237 Round About Travel, p. 24, 724.693.2930, www.roundabouttravel.com Santiago Distributing, p. 42, 724.695.7289 Santiago Sportsmen, p. 14, 724.316.0765 Sapporo Hibachi Steakhouse, p. 25, 412.920.2988, www.sapporopittsburgh.com Self Storage of North Fayette, p. 42, 724.695.8875 Six Flames Restaurant at Tonidale, p. 25, 412.787.8160 Shared Acres, p. 63, 1.866.512.1452 Steel City Saloon, p. 14, 724.695.7866, www.steelcitysaloon.com Sturgeon VFD, p. 50, 724.926.9149 Thomas-Little Funeral Service, p. 18, 724.926.2800 Tina’s Hair, p. 13, 412.788.4340 Today’s Hair, p. 27, 724.695.0478 Travel Systems, p. 24, 412.787.7080 Valley Presbyterian Church, p. 47, 724.695.0300,www.valleychurchweb.com Vinarski, Dr., p. 19, 412.490.2500 Wharton-Herrick Funeral Home, p. 27, 724.695.7332 Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 5 CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY WITH ELVIS HEART OF CARING LUNCH IS FEBRUARY 8 The Steel City Saloon on Cliff Mine Road in North Fayette is hosting two dinner show seatings featuring local Elvis impersonator Don Obusek of Kennedy, (www.magicofelvis.com) on Thursday, February 14. Seatings are at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. Cost is $65 per couple (plus tax and gratuity) and include a complete meal with appetizer and dessert plus two glasses of wine. For reservations, call (724) 695-7866 or visit the website at www.steelcitysaloon.com. The Partners for Quality will hold its 9th Annual “Heart of Caring” Benefit Auction and Luncheon on Friday, February 8 at the Doubletree Hotel Pittsburgh Airport. The event is being chaired by L.C. Greenwood, one of the four members of the 1970’s Pittsburgh Steelers Steel Curtain defensive line. Sara Lockard, WISH 99.7 morning crew, will be on hand to emcee the event. Miss Pennsylvania USA 2008, Lauren Merola, will also be par t of the afternoon’s festivities. A variety of sponsorship packages, which include a table of eight, start at $200. Individual tickets can be purchased for $25. During lunch, Johnson Auction Service will conduct a live auction. Opportunities will be available to bid on an array of jewelry, cour tesy of L.S. Jewelers, autographed sports memorabilia, and overnight hotel packages. All proceeds from the luncheon benefit Partners for Quality, a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides a broad array of services and supports to more than 2,500 people with intellectual, physical, and mental health challenges through its various subsidiaries. These subsidiaries are Allegheny Children’s Initiatives, Inc., Citizen Care, Inc., and Exceptional Adventures. Par tner s for Quality Foundation is the fundraising component of the agency. For more information or reservations, contact Mary Mitchell at (412) 778-2579. PAINT EASTER BUNNY! Paint a ceramic Easter figurine with the staff at Heritage Public Library in McDonald on Saturday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to noon. Children ages six and up are welcome. Parents are invited to stay. Class size is limited. Call to reserve at (724) 926-8400. WINTER EVENTS AT RMU Skate with the Colonials after the following men’s and women’s games (45minute sessions are free if you bring your own skates. Skate rental is $2.50): Men’s game is Saturday, March 8, AlabamaHuntsville; game time is 7:35 p.m. Women’s game is Saturday, March 1, Mercyhurst; game time is 7:35 p.m. Tickets are for sale at the ISC front desk, on the web site, www.rmucolonials.com, or from the athletic ticket office at (412) 262-8449. JOB FAIR THIS SPRING Pittsburgh employers and job seekers alike are invited to participate in the West Hills Job Fair on April 25 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Located at CCAC West in North Fayette Township, the fair will provide a venue with free, on-site parking and on-site interview space for attendees to make crucial connections. Job seekers are admitted free of charge when they bring a copy of their resume. Employer registration is $250 for members of the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce, and $350 for non-members. Registration includes a table and two chairs, access to the employer hospitality room, and firstcome, first-served access to onsite interview space. For an additional $25, attending employers will receive a digital or hard copy of every job seeker’s resume. For more information, visit www.paacc.com. MONTOURS CHURCH HOSTS SOUP n’ SALAD Montours Presbyterian Church will hold a Soup n’ Salad Supper with Bake Sale and Chinese Auction on Saturday, March 8 from 4 to 6 p.m. featuring seven homemade soups, salad, Mancini bread, and dessert plus choice of beverage. Cost is $5 for adults and $2.50 for children five to 12. Children under four are free. Takeouts are available. The church is located at 3151 Montour Church Road, off the Tonidale exit of Route 22-30 West. Call (412) 787-1050 or (412) 788-4770. MONTHLY TRAIL PARTIES FOR THE MONTOUR TRAIL The Airport Area Friends of the Trail meet on the Wednesday before the second Saturday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Forest Grove Fire Department. A cleanup and work party is held every second Saturday of the month at 9 a.m. Call (412) 262-3748 for more information about these activities. To find out more about local clubs and organizations in the community, visit the Community Connections section on page 64 of this issue. 6 February 2008 On the Horizon PANCAKE BREAKFAST AT VALLEY CHURCH The Choir of Valley Church in Imperial will host a Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, February 16 from 7 a.m. to noon. There is no fee; however, a free will offering is requested. Proceeds will benefit the renovation of Valley’s stained glass windows. For more information, call (724) 695-0300. PRE STARTS CHAPTER The Professional Referral Exchange has launched a new chapter, meeting Friday mornings at King’s Restaurant on Route 60 off the Crafton exit of I-79. PRE offers businesses an opportunity to meet over breakfast and exchange information and referrals for business. For information, call 1-800-929-LEAD. CLIMB STAIRS FOR THE LUNG ASSOCIATION Climb Pittsburgh II – the only event of its kind in Pittsburgh, will be held on Saturday, March 29, coordinated by The American Lung Association. Participate in this athletic challenge while raising much needed funds for those battling lung disease. Climb Pittsburgh II will challenge elite athletes in a race to the top of the Gulf Tower in Downtown Pittsburgh, a total of 760 steps. For those who would like to participate but not actually climb, the Lung Association will also be doing a virtual climb online where you can pledge to support a climber or make a donation in memory or in honor of a loved one with lung disease. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Go to the website, www.climbpittsburgh.lunginfo.org for more information or contact Lara Daly at (724) 933-6180 x224 or by e-mail at: ldaly@lunginfo.org. FREE SELF-DEFENSE CLASS FOR WOMEN Come and take advantage of this free morning class sponsored by the Findlay Township Parks and Recreation Department to learn skills that may save your life some day. This class is based upon PPCT’s (pressure points & controlled tactics) SHARP program and the Mary Conroy method of self defense. The class will be held on Saturday, March 29 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Findlay Township municipal building on Route 30 in Clinton. The first two thirds of the class, preparation and awareness, will be taught in various areas/ situations ranging from safety in the home to being safe when "out on the town." The training will include carjacking, safety in the workplace, safety while traveling, and other selfdefense strategies which apply to everyday activities. The physical skills in this course will be limited to less than ten actual techniques. They will be based upon gross motor skills such as: release form wrist grabs, front kicks, knee strikes, hand strikes, eye gouges, and so on. Instructor Jack Leonard is a retired State Police parole agent with over 20 years of law enforcement experience. He is a Staff Instructor Emeritus with PPCT, the largest subject control agency in the world. PPCT currently provides training for the Federal Air Marshals. He has been teaching self-defense classes for women since 1983. Please bring a pillow to class. Participants must also call (724) 695-0500 and register to reserve a spot in this class, as the number of participants is limited. There is no charge. EVENT TO BENEFIT EARLY BREAST CANCER DETECTION In 2006, Lisa Edmonds of Robinson Township met Guiding Light actor Frank Dicopoulos during a 75-year anniversary event for Guiding Light when the show’s cast was visiting communities around the country where they were involved in community service projects. For the past eight years, Lisa has been friends with Jennifer Kehm, and stood by her when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Lisa wanted to do something for Jennifer, and for other women who had received early diagnoses, that would make a difference. She asked Jennifer to pick an organization focusing on raising funds for breast cancer. Putting their heads together, Jennifer and Lisa subsequently formed the Young Women’s Breast Cancer Foundation. They’ve since combined Jennifer’s breast cancer support group and their fundraising/awareness efforts, and Lisa has undertaken the creation of a Breast Cancer Luncheon Fashion Show Gala. That’s where Frank Dicopoulos comes in. Lisa invited Frank to be part of this year’s Breast Cancer Luncheon Fashion Show Gala because he is a national spokesperson for the American Cancer Society (ACS). He readily agreed. He said that his passion for bringing awareness to others about the disease was spawned when he was found to have several basal cells on his face. “My face is my livelihood, and while I was fortunate that it was not cancerous, there were several others in my family, including my mother, my father, and my grandmother, who faced cancer,” Frank said. His mother wasn’t so lucky. She didn’t survive the illness. Last month, Frank spent two days in Pittsburgh with Lisa and Jennifer shooting a breast cancer documentary. He interviewed more than a dozen women under the age of 40 who survived breast cancer. Ironically, he said, most of them found it themselves. Lisa, who works for Comcast Spotlight, coordinated the interviews, which were taped and will be developed by Patrick Duff Creative Media, to be made into a half-hour television show that she hopes to have aired in local stations. A portion of the video will be shown at the upcoming Breast Cancer Luncheon Fashion Show Gala on April 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Embassy Suites in Moon Township. The event is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased for $50 per person, which includes lunch and entertainment, by calling (412) 490-9808. Frank will bring three of his fellow cast members to the event, where participants will have the opportunity to get their photos taken for a donation to the foundation. While he wouldn’t say who they were, he indicated they were “high profile.” Also at the affair will be vendors, Chinese and silent auctions, and a fashion show. The funds raised will be donated to the ACS Reach to Recovery Program. ABOVE: Lisa Edmonds, Frank Dicopoulos, and Jennifer Kehm. For more details, visit the website at www.breastcancerbenefit.org. Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 7 CUPIDS & CANINES EVENT BENEFITS ADOPTED DOGS The Camp Bow Wow Buddies will host Cupid & Canines “Lovin’ Pets to Good Owners Adopt-A-Thon” on Saturday, February 16 at the Pittsburgh Area Pinball Association in the West Hills from 8 to 11 p.m. Join the fund and support a great cause. There will be casino table games, private pinball collection, a kissing photo booth, and adoptable dogs. Additionally, take a chance for a trip to Las Vegas, or try to win autographed sports memorabilia and more. Tickets are $25 or $45 a couple. For information or tickets, call Doreen, (412) 491-7853 or Jordan, (412) 352-0005. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Bow Wow Buddies, a non-profit organization designed to provide homes for dogs. COMMUNITY TIRE COLLECTION PROGRAM APRIL 5 Do you have old tires that you need to get rid of?? Well, here is your chance to do so. The Independent Marsh Foundation, in conjunction with Findlay Township, will hold its third annual tire collection on April 5 from 9 a.m. to noon. Last year’s effort collected over 400 tires from residents and non-residents. This non-profit foundation has been restoring and protecting our local land and water since 1999. All of the tires are sheared, and rims are hauled away for recycling. Donations for tire disposal: $2 per passenger car or light truck tire - rim size: 12", 13", 14", 15", 16", 16.5" & 17;" an additional $2 for any of the above that are on a rim; $20 per tractor trailer - 19" to 22" and no rims; $20 per farm tractor rear tire and no rims. Collection is being taken at the Findlay Township Public Works building, located at 1058 Clinton Road (off of SR 30 at the traffic light in Clinton). GOLF OUTINGS GETTING INTO SWING AS SPRING NEARS To list your 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. South Side Area Golf Tournament Two-Person Scramble, Saturday, May 31, 8:30 a.m., $75 a person. Contact Don Heinlein, (412) 264-7984. 17th Annual Friends of AVS Golf Open, August 11, Sewickley Heights Golf Club, benefiting Allegheny Valley School. Contact Amy Harvilla, (412) 299-2229 or email, aharvilla@avs.net. Ohio Valley Hospital’s 23rd Annual Golf Fundrive is June 9 at Allegheny Country Club. Includes brunch, cocktails, auction, dinner, and awards. LEARN HOW TO USE A DIGITAL CAMERA Get ready to say cheese! A digital camera class will be held on Wednesdays, February 20 & 27 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Findlay Township municipal building. The class is divided into two, two-hour sessions. Don’t worry if you do not have a digital camera. This basic digital camera class will teach you what you need to know before you buy a camera as well as how to use it after you purchase one. Learn how to take pictures, transfer pictures to a computer, edit photographs, send photos to friends, relatives, and more! (Digital cameras provided in class.) Cost is $43 for the two-session program. To register, call (724) 695-0500. HARLEQUIN BALL IS APRIL 25 St. Clair Hospital will host its 54th Harlequin Festival, Harleguin Vegas Style, on Friday, April 25 at Valley Brook Country Club. All proceeds benefit a new infant and pediatric security system for St. Clair Hospital’s Women and Children Services. Tickets for the event are $110 a person or $1,200 for a table of 12. Reservations are due by April 1. Sponsorship, program book advertising, and other donation opportunities are available. Call (412) 942-6280 or download information from the website at www.stclair.org. SWEETWATER SWEET JAZZ SERIES UNDERWAY Sweetwater Art Center’s eagerly anticipated, 4th Annual Sweet Jazz series is underway. The series is being sponsored by Clearview Federal Credit Union, which recently unveiled a new branch in the Sewickley community. These evenings, set up happy hour style, offer a chance to unwind after the long work week, and, in addition to jazz, include delicious hors d’oeuvres, wine, and an opportunity to view the current art exhibit. Local, renowned musicians perform in the art center’s community room, a small, intimate space where everyone has a front row seat. Events are held from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission is $10 for Sweetwater members, and $15 for non-members, and can be paid at the door. Mediated, the art exhibit on view during the series, features work in a variety of media created by West Virginia University MFA students. On February 8, Olga Watkins performs a mix of jazz, blues, and soul. Olga is an impressive vocalist, and has made a name for herself as Pittsburgh’s Singing Chef. She regularly cooks gourmet meals while simultaneously performing for audiences with her Soul Kitchen Band. Sweetwater vocal instructor Patrick Arena will not only perform, but release his new CD, Day & Night, on February 15. The series finishes with a performance on February 22 by local jazz vocalist and visual artist Betty Douglas; and, on February 29, a performance by the Howie Alexander Trio. Howie plays piano for several local projects, and performs an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary jazz. Families looking for Friday evening entertainment for everyone can take advantage of the art workshops held in conjunction with jazz events. Beginning on Friday, February 1, workshops offer kids age 6-10 a chance to have fun, learn new art skills, and socialize! Check out what’s happening for kids while parents enjoy jazz right upstairs. Sweetwater is located in the heart of Sewickley at 200 Broad Street. Call (412) 741-4405 for more information. FUN FOR THE YOUNG ONES KID’S CREATIVE COOKING Try this hands-on class sponsored by the Findlay Township Parks and Recreation Department that will introduce participants to the preparation of a variety of easy and delicious seasonal recipes that will satisfy those after-school hunger pangs. Costis $8 per session. Pay by the month or for all three sessions at once. Please pre-register at least two days before class to attend, as no walk-in registrations are permitted. This program is for youth grades kindergarten through five. Sessions are February 21, March 13, and April 17 from 3:45 to 5:15 p.m. at the Findlay Township Activity Center on Main Street in Imperial. Call (724) 695-0500. LUNCH BUNCH Bring your preschooler with a packed lunch and drink to the Findlay Activity Center for lunch and fun activities. This program is open to all children who turned 4 by September 1, 2007. Kindergarteners are welcome, too! Cost is $5 per session for residents or $7 per session for non-residents. Call by Monday before the class to guarantee a spot, as 8 February 2008 no walk-ins can be accepted. Sessions are Tuesdays, February 26, March 25, April 22, and May 20 on the activity center’s lower level. On May 20, there will be a pizza party held at Rainbow’s End Playground in Clinton Park on Route 30. Session time is 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Call (724) 695-0500. TIME FOR TODDLERS Bring your toddler to the Findlay Activity Center for an hour of music, movement, activities, and a snack. This is a great opportunity to meet other families with toddlers. An adult must stay with the child. Cost is $4 per class for residents and $5 per class for nonresidents. Pre-registration is required, and walk-ins also are not permitted. Sessions are February 13 & 27, March 12 & 26, April 9 & 23, and May 14, with the final session at Rainbow’s End Playground in Clinton for a pizza party. The program runs from 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Call (724) 695-0500. On the Horizon 2008 RECREATION RENTALS AVAILABLE AUTISM WORKSHOP IS FEBRUARY 12 Findlay Township Pavilion rental for Findlay Township residents, businesses, and youth or adult groups began on February 2. Applications will be issued on a first come / first serve basis. You will be asked to pay the rental fee of $50 and also a $25 refundable deposit (two separate checks please). Beginning Monday, February 4, Findlay Township residents can begin making reservations online by logging onto www.findlay.pa.us. (Go to interactive site/reservations) OR call the township at (724) 695-0500. Non-residents may rent beginning on April 1. North Fayette Township North Fayette also began accepting pavilion and recreation center reservations from residents on February 2. For information on renting the community center gymnasium or meeting/birthday room, park pavilions or any other facilities, contact the Parks and Recreation office, (412) 788-4888, ext. 118 or (724) 693-3118. The West Allegheny School District Pupil Services Department will sponsor an informative workshop on autism research on Tuesday, February 12, at Donaldson Elementary School from 6:30 to 8 p.m. presented by Christine Urich, an educational consultant for The Watson Institute. Urich will discuss the results of various research projects and explain the approach researchers are taking and the areas they are targeting. Information from stories written by people with autism will reflect what is being learned about autism from that perspective. To supplement her presentation, she will also provide a list of books and articles on the autism spectrum. Registration is required. Please provide name and number of people attending to Meredith Gillo, school psychologist, (724) 695-5218 or 5220, e-mail: mgillo@westallegheny.k12.pa.us. Oakdale Borough For information on what’s available in Oakdale at its parks, call the borough office at (724) 693-9740. Oakdale opens its pavilions for rental from May through October. The community center on Seminary Avenue is also available for rentals. Both resident and non-resident fees apply for all rentals. AMARANTH COURT STARTING IN OAKDALE A new Amaranth Court is starting in Oakdale. Amaranth is a fraternal worldwide order for Master Masons and the women related to them. The order’s main philanthropic project is the Amaranth Diabetes Foundation. This foundation awards researcher grants which last year raised over $65,000 in Pennsyvlania for diabetes research. Amaranth Court meets once a month for a meeting and to socialize. Fundraisers and fun events are scheduled a couple of times during the year. Contact Ken or Debbie Carr for more information at (724) 926-8761. PORK CHOP DINNER, FISH FRY ON TAP THIS MONTH The Oakdale United Presbyterian Church is holding its annual Pork Chop Dinner on Saturday, March 8, from 4 to 7 p.m. Get tickets by calling (724) 693-8950. Ticket prices are $8.50 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-10. Kids under five are free. Takeouts are also available. St. Patrick Parish in North Fayette willhold its Lenten Fish Fry every Friday during Lent (including Good Friday, March 21) from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the parish social hall. Takeout orders are available. Call (724) 693-9664 after 11 a.m. Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 9 On the Horizon WESTERN AREA YMCA ANNOUNCES WINTER PROGRAMS The Western Area YMCA will offer the following programs for families during its Winter II session: Progressive swimming lessons will be held at Allegheny Valley School from February 26 until April 12 on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. Health and Wellness classes include Spinning, Pilates, Yoga, Boot Camp, and other aerobic classes. The Winter II session of health and wellness programs begins February 25 and ends on April 12. The Western Area YMCA is also a participant in the Silver Sneakers program. Silver Sneakers classes are offered Monday through Saturday mornings. With seven indoor tennis courts and six tennis professionals on staff, the Western Area YMCA is able to offer a wide variety of lessons and clinics for children and adults. Contact Bob Schmitt, head tennis pro at (412) 787-9622 to find the right clinic. Youth Sports begin Saturday, March 1. All practices and games are held on Saturday mornings for one hour. Sports offered during the Winter II session are as follows: Basketball: Ages 3-5, 6-7, 8-9, and 10-12; Floor Hockey: Ages 3-5 and 6-7; Indoor soccer: Ages 3-5 and 6-7. In addition, the YMCA offers Cheernastics: Ages 4-12 (Tuesday evenings); Fun with Dance: Ages 4-7 (Thursday mornings and Saturday afternoons); Karate: Ages 5–12 (Tuesday and Thursday evenings); Kinder Sports: Ages 3–4 (Wednesday mornings)and Ages 4– 5 (Thursday mornings); Tot Time: Ages 2–3 (Friday mornings); and Tumbling: Ages 4– 7 (Thursday mornings and Saturday afternoons). Anyone interested in participating in YMCA programs must have at least a YMCA program membership. For additional information on these programs or other programs offered by the Western Area YMCA, please contact the YMCA at (412)787-9622 or visit the website at www.ymcaofpittsburgh.org. AREA BINGO Oakdale Hose Company 1st Saturday Every Month, Oakdale Community Center, doors open 5 pm, early bird games 6:30 pm, regular games 7 pm, Jackpot: $1,000, kitchen open (724) 693-0791 Sturgeon VFD Every Friday evening, Early bird games 6:30 pm, regular games 7 pm, Sturgeon fire hall. (724) 926-9149 Imperial VFD Every Monday night, Findlay Activity Center, Main Street, Imperial (724) 695-0500 Oakridge VFD Every Monday, early birds 7 pm (724) 693-8880 WEST ALLEGHENY SCHOOL DISTRICT PRESENTS: “GODSPELL” “Godspell,” directed by Meagan Bruno, West Allegheny Middle School music teacher, is this year’s annual spring musical production. The show will be held on the following dates: Evening Performances: March, 7, 8, 14, 15 at 7 p.m. Matinee Performances: March 9 and 15 at 1:30 p.m. Dinner Theater: March 8 & 15, times to be announced The show is an amusing, modern-day retelling of the New Testament parable. Blending comedy and sentimentality, “Godspell” is an extraordinary tale of rebirth and hope. Opening on Broadway in 1971, it was written by John-Michael Tebelak, with music and lyrics written by Stephen Schwartz. Stephen is well known today for composing the music for “Wicked.” Tickets will be available at the high school office beginning February 11. Prices are $9 for adults and $5 for senior citizens, West Allegheny gold card holders, and students. Leading the cast of the production are Kyle Helliar as Jesus, Andrew Weber and Kevin Brady as John/Judas, Rachel Knarr as Joann, Molly DePew and Marilyn Cobiseno as Gilmer, Melanie Macek and Marie Dabat as Robin, Tricia Glorioso and Kristi Butz as Peggy, Rhiannon Snyder and Rachel Yurchak as Sonia, Joey DiGregorio as Herb, Shane Glass as Lamar, Cody Bailey as Jeffery, and Ryan Battles singing “On the Willows.” For more information, contact Tom Snyder, arts coordinator, at (724) 695-5269 or by e-mail at tsnyder@westallegheny.k12.pa.us. PUBLIC INPUT FOR SETTLERS’ PARK INVITED Allegheny County’s County Executive office is holding a series of town hall meetings in and around each of the nine county parks to explain County Executive Dan Onorato’s County Parks Action Plan and to get public suggestions on future improvements in each of the parks. A town hall meeting is scheduled for Settler’s Cabin Park on Saturday, March 8 at 10 a.m. A location has not yet been determined. Please call (412)350-3711 for updated information. View the plan on the county web site, located at www.county.allegheny.pa.us/parks/ actionplan/acap.aspx. 10 February 2008 Women’s health care is now twice as good. Announcing two new additions to our family and yours. :HZHOFRPH'UV6WXOODQG1LNLIRURXNWRRXUWZR5RELQVRQ2%*<1ORFDWLRQV 7ZRKLJKO\WUDLQHGH[SHULHQFHGGRFWRUVZKRDGGJUHDWQHZFDSDELOLWLHVWRRXU SUDFWLFHZKLOHSURYLGLQJ\RXVRPHRI WKHEHVWDQGPRVWLQQRYDWLYHFDUHDQ\ZKHUH 7KHVH2%*<1GRFWRUVDUHQRZWDNLQJDSSRLQWPHQWVIRUQHZSDWLHQWV3OHDVH FDOO/RRNVOLNHERWKRXUIDPLOLHVZLOOEHZHOOWDNHQFDUHRI IRUPDQ\ \HDUVWRFRPH 412-722-0055 Ohio Valley General Hospital 0HGLFDO2IÀFH%XLOGLQJ6XLWH +HFNHO5RDG.HQQHG\7RZQVKLS 0F.HHV5RFNV3$ Park West One &OLII 0LQH5RDG6XLWH 3LWWVEXUJK3$ Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 11 On the Horizon VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR LAZY EYE (AMBLYOPIA) SCREENING A training session will be held at Crossroads United Methodist Church on Tuesday, February 19 at 6:30 p.m. for individuals in the community wishing to volunteer to assist with screening for amblyopia (lazy eye) at area preschools this spring. The training session will be conducted by the Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh. Screenings will be held at area daycare and preschools in March and April. The screenings are sponsored by Pittsburgh Vision. For more information about the training session or the upcoming vision screenings, call Carol or Karen Schwartzmiller at (412) 787-1225. 12 February 2008 HOSPICE CAREGIVERS WORKSHOPS THIS SPRING Learn from the end-of-life-care experts of Heartland Hospice as they explore how their hospice program utilizes a team approach to meet the physical, social, and spiritual needs of their patients and families. Among the topics that will be covered are: Coping with Grief; Living Wills & Advance Planning Management Issues; and Medication & Pain Management Myths. Four three-hour sessions will run on March 18, 20; April 3, 5, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Heartland Hospice office at 3209 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa. Complimentary dinner will be provided each evening. For additional information or to register, contact Jessica Ruggles at (412) 928-2126. WINTER PROGRAMS AT RACCOON CREEK PARK Raccoon Creek Park staff will offer the following programs this winter. Herbal Medicines - February 9 and 10 Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Herbal remedies were once the only option for ailments. Even today many of our modern medicines are derived from plants. This course will cover plant history, past uses of medicinal plants and the latest research on medicinal qualities. Herbal remedies for ailments, preventative health and methods of preparation will be discussed. Participants will be able to make a variety of tinctures, poultices, ointments/salves and teas. Safety concerns and a scientific approach to herbal medicines will be stressed. Maple Sugaring and Flour Making - March 8 and 9 Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Ever wonder what real maple syrup tastes like or how it’s made? Find out during this workshop covering the collection of maple sap, boiling process, grades of syrup, and processing whole grains into flour. Of course, if we have flour and syrup that can only mean one thing, pancakes! We will sample various grain pancakes, breads, and muffins throughout the weekend. Also covered will be wild teas, home grain milling, using acorn flour, and the health and nutritional benefits of whole foods. These workshops are by pre-registration only. For details or to register, contact the Parks Environmental Educator, Patrick Adams, at (724) 899-3611. Mobile Storage $25 off $125 PER ISSUE! CALL: 724.695.3968 first month 888-33MYWAY Coupon Code 101AC0907 www.mywaystorage.com Cannot be combined with any other offers. Call myway for pricing and availability. These coupons can reach up to 40,000 homes & businesses across the airport area! Your Community Neighborhood Coupons YOUR AD CAN GO HERE! JUST JUST $125. CALL 724.695.3968 or E-Mail: alleghenywestmagazine@comcast.net Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 13 CROSSROADS LOOKING FOR PROJECTS FOR ITS SPRING COMMUNITY FOCUS PROGRAM Each spring teams of youth and adults from Crossroads United Methodist Church spread out across the community to help those who need it. Help might be cleaning one’s kitchen, fixing a pair of steps, weeding, painting a bedroom, or general household repairs. This year, the teams will go out into the community on Saturday, May 17. Jeff Lutz, one of the coordinators for the Focus event, is inviting individuals and organizations that have such needs or know of someone in the western suburbs who does but is unable to accomplish them on their own, whether it be because of illness or other challenges, to call him at (724) 695-3893. FIREARMS 101 FOR WRITERS A workshop to teach writers who want the facts about weapons and verisimilitude added to a story will be presented by the Pennwriters organization on Sunday, April 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Heritage Public Library in McDonald. The workshop is sponsored by the McDonald’s Sportsmen’s Club. Learn the difference between pistols and revolvers, shotguns and rifles, even bows and crossbows. Presenters will share interesting and humorous anecdotes about weapons and answer questions. Cost is $35 for non-members, $30 for members, and includes a boxed lunch and refreshments. Deadline for registration is March 25. For information or to register, contact Annette Dashofy, (724) 947-4618. HERITAGE LIBRARY HOLDS WINTER PROGRAMS Heritage Public Library on Fourth Street in McDonald announces its winter programs. Weight Watchers meetings are held every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. An evening storytime special, “The Mitten” by Jan Brett, will be presented on Thursday, February 21 at 6 p.m. Easter ceramics class will be held on Saturday, March 15 from 10 a.m. to noon for ages 6 to adult. Signups are being held now, and class size is limited. Gregg Service is accepting general applications at the library on Thursday, February 7 from noon to 4 p.m. Call Connie Bongiorni, library director, (724) 926-8400, for details. Storytimes start again in March. Call the library for details. A Valentine Basket Raffle is being held to help the Ken Zierden family. Tickets are $2 each. The library also has fax services, a copy machine, and Internet Access/Computer available. PTI ANNOUNCES UPCOMING PROGRAMS Opportunities exist for high school students and adults to participate in short academies on various subjects. Several academies are coming up. Female Futures In Technology (FFIT): July 10, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Young woman going into grades 9 – 12 should check out FFIT Camp absolutely free. One-hour workshops are offered in computer aided drafting, computers, electronics, graphic design, medical/surgical technology and multimedia, and lunch is provided. Design Academy: July 28 – 30 Current high school juniors and seniors spend three days developing creativity and skills in computer aided drafting, multimedia and graphic design plus create a unique final project for their personal portfolio. This two-night resident camp costs $250 – meals and transportation are provided. Technology Academy: July 28 – 30 Current high school juniors and seniors spend three days learning techniques in electronics, computers and systems integration – putting them a step ahead in any tech career they pursue. This two-night resident camp costs $250 – meals and transportation are provided. Register for any of the above by clicking on the Events section at www.pti.edu. 14 February 2008 Citizen’s Police Academy: March 4 – May 20, Tuesdays 7 – 9:30 p.m. Select Allegheny County citizens learn the role of a police officer in this 12-week program. Field trips, speakers and communication between citizens and officers improve the relationship between both groups. Limited to 25 community participants on a first come, first serve basis (must be 18 with no criminal history). There is no cost to participate. Applications can be obtained from PTI or the state police department and are due by Tuesday, February 26. Around Your Town Local Woman Earns Westminster College’s First Dual Certification Major West Allegheny alumna Melissa (Missy) Opalanko is among Westminster College’s first group of dual certification education majors that are student teaching during this spring semester to complete graduation requirements for commencement in May. She will spend half the semester teaching in general education settings and the other half of the semester in special education settings. “Westminster College is one of the few colleges in Pennsylvania that has a dual certification program,” said Dr. Amy Camardese, Westminster assistant professor of education and special education coordinator. Missy is the daughter of Kenneth and Edna Opalanko. LEFT TO RIGHT: Dr. Camardese, Missy Opalanko fourth from right with fellow classmates, and far right, Dr. Domanski. Local Horse Owner Helps the Allegheny County Police Association Jerry Kehm of Oakdale had a horse named Christie Lynn that had retired from racing at the Meadows. The Allegheny County Police Association needed a horse for its stable in South Park. And the two met on a warm sunny day this past fall in the Eat n’ Park parking lot in Robinson Township. The meeting was arranged by District Justice Anthony Saveikis, who hosted a breakfast at Eat n’ Park for the participants before eight-year-old Christie Lynn was turned over to her new owners. Christie Lynn is being used in the Allegheny County Police’s horse patrol. “This is the second horse my father and I have donated. Shepherd Creed is serving with the New York City Police Department,” Jerry said. LEFT TO RIGHT: Jerry Kehm; Christie Lynn; Allegheny County Police Officer Chris Swanson; Charles Moffat, head of the Allegheny County Police; Anthony Saveikis; and Steven Zappala. Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 15 Parkway West Rotary and Sam’s Club Team Up for a Good Cause Members of the Parkway West Rotary teamed up with Sam’s Club at The Pointe at North Fayette in December to conduct a holiday food and toy drive for families in need in the community. Pictured are, left to right: Dennis Tyra, General Manager, Sam’s Club; Denise Duplechain, Manager at Sam’s Club; Ken Corey, Sam’s Club employee and Rotary member; and fellow Rotary members Sam Duerr III of Duerr Packaging; Jim Glass of VR Financial; Brent Gaudio of HHM Insurors; and Tim Decker of the Western Area YMCA. The Parkway West Rotary is an award-winning rotary that meets weekly at the Four Points Sheraton in Findlay Township on Wednesdays at noon. Oakdale Resident Recognized with Distinguished Alumna Honor Charissa Kinzler of Oakdale, a West Allegheny High School alumna, was recently recognized by Alderson-Broaddus College in West Virginia as one of five distinguished alumni at its annual Homecoming Banquet. She is a 2003 summa cum laude education graduate of Alderson-Broaddus, where she obtained her degree in elementary and special education. In 2006 she earned her Master’s at Gannon University in curriculum and instruction, also graduating summa cum laude. Charissa is a special needs teacher at South Fayette High School. Residents may remember Charissa for her outstanding work as volunteer director in leading the ROCK at the former Good Shepherd United Presbyterian Church in Oakdale. The ROCK is a youth and community center providing recreational, spiritual, and community programs and events for area youth and families. Charissa has also volunteered her time and talents to work with a wide variety of organizations in the community. ABOVE, RIGHT: Charissa Kinzler, right, with Dr. Patricia Harris, her college mentor and professor who nominated Charissa and presented her with the award. 16 February 2008 Around Your Town Local Leadership Changes There were some changes in the leadership of local municipalities and the West Allegheny School District following the November election. At its reorganization meeting in December, the West Allegheny School Board welcomed new board member Ron Pasic. Ron is a resident of Pointe West and serves as a regional manager of a major bank in the area. He is married to Andrea, and has one daughter. In North Fayette, J.R. Mangan was sworn in for a six-year term as township supervisor. J.R. resides on North Branch Road with his wife, Tiffany, and two children. State Assistance Grants Available Students seeking state higher education assistance grants for the 2008-09 academic year have at least until May 1 to apply, said State Representative Mark Mustio. Need-based Pennsylvania state grants are provided to qualified Pennsylvania residents through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and do not have to be repaid. Students must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered. May 1 is the application deadline for all students seeking to renew their state grant aid regardless of their program of study and for all other applicants and persons enrolling in college transfer programs at two-year public or junior colleges. August 1 is the application deadline for all first-time applicants who plan to enroll in business or trade schools, hospital schools of nursing, or two-year terminal programs at a community, junior, or four-year college. Summer school students may also qualify for state grant funds with some exceptions applying. For more information, visit www.RepMustio.com. Fall in Love at Bocktown Sweethearts Dinner for Two Available 2/9 until 2/17 690 Chauvet Drive · North Fayette · 412.788.2333 · www.bocktown.com DeCarlo Reopens Wright’s Seafood Joe DeCarlo has reopened the Wright’s Seafood Inn in Heidelberg, after a hiatus of three years following the floods in 2004 that virtually wiped out the historic landmark institution. Joe, who has worked in the restaurant business for three decades, was encouraged by Carl DeCarlo, his late uncle, to open his own restaurant. With the reopening of Wright’s in Heidelberg, the town now has a restaurant to call its own. Previously, the Oasis was torn down to make way for a Walgreen’s drug store, leaving Heidelberg with no restaurant. Wright’s maintains its popular menu, and has added new amenities such as a sushi bar and wireless Internet access. Young Marines Recruiting Members In the last issue of Allegheny West Magazine, an article entitled, “The Youngest Marine,” showcased young Jason Faux of Imperial, a member of the Tri-State Young Marines of Weirton, West Virginia. The Young Marines organization invites other young people to explore its program. The Tri-State Unit meets every Monday evening from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Sacred Heart of Mary Church in Collier Way, West Virginia. For more information, visit www.youngmarines.com or call the Tri-State unit at (304) 374-0992. Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 17 McDonald Resident Oversees Foundation McDonald resident Robert Decker, an equipment manager with P.J. Dick/Trumbull, knew that getting students into the right career field was critical to their success. As a 1973 graduate of the Parkway West Career and Technology Center’s Automotive Technology program, he saw the value in career education at a young age. With that in mind, Bob serves as chairman of the Association of Equipment Managers Professionals (AEMP) Foundation Board to provide scholarships for students in order to promote participation, professionalism, and advancement in the equipment maintenance and management industry. Bob said that he wants to make sure there are plenty of opportunities for students to be successful. Having scholarship monies available to deserving high school graduates through the foundation is one such way to accomplish that task. Founded in January 2004, the foundation is overseen by the trustees who represent an impressive slate of companies: John Deere, Hoss Equipment, Sunland Corporation, Bechtel Industries, Construction Equipment Magazine, and Traylor Brothers. The Legacy Scholarship Program is awarded to students beginning their post-high school education. The scholarship awards can be used for accredited two-year technical education programs and will cover books and tuition. To learn more about the scholarship program or to receive a scholarship application, visit their website at www.awmp.org. or call Bob at (412) 205-1502. Hair Salon Owners Invited to NYC Anthony and Tina Chiodo of Tina’s Hair Designs were included in an exclusive group of professionals from the greater Pennsylvania and New Jersey areas to attended a seminar at the REDKEN Exchange in New York City last fall. The meeting familiarized the salons with hair care and haircolor products, fashion and media events, and ongoing educational programs sponsored by REDKEN Fifth Avenue. Tina’s Hair Designs, located at 7051 Steubenville Pike in North Fayette, was selected as a leading salon to participate in group presentations, including the REDKEN Exchange Experience -- a hands-on skills training in hair design, hair color, and client recommendations. For information on a complimentary REDKEN consultant and recommendation presented by the staff of Tina’s Hair Designs, call (412) 788-4340. OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE Newly Remodeled Former Bank w/Walk-In Vault Basement Storage-Handicap Accessible Located on Main Thoroughfare Negotiable Multi-Lease Available Approx. 1,000 Square Feet Located in Oakdale, 5021 Noblestown Road CALL: (724) 693-9223 18 February 2008 Around Your Town She’s a National Daily Point of Light Honoree West Allegheny High School senior Heather Crossley was honored with the National Daily Point of Light Award for Thursday, December 20, for her extensive community service as a member of Girl Scout Troop #306. Given each weekday, the Daily Point of Light award recognizes individuals or groups who exemplify the best of volunteerism and a sense of caring and responsibility for others that connects citizens and solves community problems. Designated “The Nation’s Volunteer of the Day,” Heather was featured on the Points of Light Foundation website at www.pointsoflight.org for the day and received personal letters of congratulation from President Bush and an award certificate from the CEO of the Foundation. After the award date, the web site posting was moved to the “Past Winners” link on the website, www.PointsofLight.org. As a Girl Scout for the past 13 years, Heather has earned her Silver Award with her troop and is working on her Gold Award. Each year Heather plans and runs the annual Camporee, a three-day event held at Camp Redwing in Butler that brings 150-200 scouts ranging in age from kindergarten to high school together from West Allegheny, Montour, and Sto-Rox. Heather was assistant director of camping weekend last year, where, together with two assistant camp directors, they helped train 20+ older scouts that served as camp counselors how to conduct the various programs, prepare the meals, and oversee activities throughout the weekend. Among the programs she has worked on through the Camporee are event planning, conflict resolution training, First Aid, CPR, and outdoor cooking. In 2008, Heather will be camporee director, which will be held May 2-4, and she will oversee the planning and logistics for the menu, games, crafts, and physical activities. She will volunteer more than 100 hours planning and executing this weekend for young girls in the area. When not involved in scouts, Heather takes dance lessons at Point Park and Pittsburgh Pro Performance. Last summer she audtioned for and was accepted into the Rockettes Summer Intensive Program held at Point Park University. At West Allegheny High School, she has been in the school musical all four years, three of them as a featured dancer. She is also a member of the chorus and a cheerleader. She is combining her senior project and Gold Award project for scouts into a series of workshops for young girls in the area, ages 8-14, based on selfawareness and self-esteem. Heather will plan and conduct the workshops around the community this spring, based around a model she learned about through a Girl Scout program that is sponsored by Dove. She has been accepted at Point Park University and Slippery Rock, and hopes to pursue a degree in dance. Heather is the daughter of James and Heather Crossley of North Fayette. Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 19 THE FOOD PANTRY S CT PA IM G N RI CA F O LE COMMUNITY’S CIRC , u who may not know ntr y. For those of yo Pa od Fo e ny Pik he le eg vil All uben s at the West located at 8042 Ste oud of what happen terial Association, is nis rary. 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These faithful at I like to call my re distributions are prett wh ing is en ew ev Cr y t da gh es Ni y dn We dnesda (even more arcs). uch so unselfishly aring. However, the We m sh d so an do g, d rin an ca e th, m warm nds) co and some “old” ha friends (some new reports so that I can rk” and send in the wo er ap “p the do d H: FIFT d tally an I come in. I count an arc, so to speak). I guess this is where ntr y is located? Well, ing the circle of our los (c nth mo xt ne space in which the Pa the for the r s de ide or ov st pr fir ip t sh tha wn place yette To this place – is not ve me, the space – ntioned that North Fa lie me I Be ta . t ce tha pla er a mb le” me irc Re your table, have I go ntr y “c is what gives the Pa help putting food on t ed or ne pp d su an d ct an tri e ac Dis sp ol that heny Scho within the West Alleg confining. If you live Allegheny School u to meet! owth within the West yo gr for the s h nd wit t frie bu of , ity le” un “circ one person in need, comm . Where there is only ng: we are a growing too , thi ed re ne mo of e on th s, ow ye gr Oh the Pantr y, the – is the uare-mile community 5 individuals) seen at -sq 34 t 56 ou a ab – of ea s ar ilie ct tri Dis al look at the ar e 139 fam “old eyes,” a continu se number s at present l the tua to ac d, ur an , (o ng re mi mo or hear twar has been gratifying, of response to the need er thr ough” our neck y. g the Pantr rk, work, or “meand din wo un to rro go su e, s liv itie o un wh u comm all of yo much good done by That “look” sees so all part of these HANK YOU.” You are “T , se ra ph n s. or od ll-w wo the mes a we my “aging hear t” co From the bottom of i Hermann . gh ou en Submitted by Ger rhaps that is pe d an s, itie un mm co 20 February 2008 Around Your Town Voice of Democracy Winners Named North Fayette VFD Receives Grant Josie Sinagoga, an eighth grader at West Allegheny Middle School, received a $100 award from the VFW Ladies Auxiliary for her submission in the annual essay contest, “Why I Am an American Patriot.” For their participation in the audio essay contest at the high school level, three students were honored with cash awards for their entries, “My Role in Honoring America’s Veterans.” The students and their awards were: Evan Finkelstein, $200; Amanda Formosa, $100; and Luke Lutkus, $50. The winning entries by Josie and Evan were submitted to the VFW District level for the next level of competition. State Representative Mark Mustio has announced that seven local EMS providers and volunteer fire companies serving the 44th Legislative District have been awarded approximately $119,279.15 from a grant program administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of the State Fire Commissioner. "Each of our local emergency responders are very deserving of these grants," said Mustio. "These volunteers are on the front lines in our communities, responding to everything from automobile accidents, structure fires, and natural disasters. Every year, it seems that their day-to-day responsibilities continue to increase while volunteers continue to remain in short supply. It is my hope that obtaining this funding will help level the playing field by making sure these brave men and women have the equipment, training, and anything else necessary to answer the call when tragedy strikes." Among those receiving the grants was North Fayette Township Volunteer Fire Department. They received $19,619.90. Lewis-Goetz Leadership Changes Lewis-Goetz and Company, Inc., one of the nation’s largest industrial distributors with its facilities located in Findlay Township, has named Jeffrey T. Crane as president and chief executive officer, effective January 1. Crane has served as the company’s president since May 2006. David R. Goetz, Sr., formerly chairman and CEO of LewisGoetz, will remain as chairman of the company. Goetz, who turns 63 this month, will continue to drive the organization’s acquisition activities and remain active with major customers and suppliers. Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 21 22 February 2008 CCAC Receives HVAC Grant Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) has been awarded $10,000 by Grainger, a local distributor of facilities maintenance products, to benefit the college’s Heating and Air Conditioning program and the students enrolled in it. The grant will enable the college to equip its HVAC lab at the West Hills Center in North Fayette with wireless computer technology and to offer several $1,000 scholarships to students currently pursuing an associate’s degree or certificate in the Heating and Air Conditioning program. “We are grateful to Grainger for its support of this program, especially because the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has designated it as one for which there is a high demand for graduates,” said CCAC Interim President Michael T. Murphy. The corporation presented the college with the contribution during a gathering in December at its newly expanded showroom at Liberty Avenue in Pittsburgh. Discover the Davey Difference! Complete Tree & Lawn Care Residential & Commercial Certified Arborists & Licensed Technicians Miles Stephens, District Mgr. (724) 746-8852 Imperial Resident Honored John Lestini, Jr. of Imperial recently was the recipient of a $1,000 Prudential CARES grant award for the National Steroid Research Center. The center promotes national educational programs concerning substance abuse of anabolic steroids and other performance enhancing drugs. A Prudential Financial retiree, John established a national drug information help line, 1-800-STEROID, that has received nearly 28,000 calls. The Prudential CARES Volunteer Grants program recognizes individual and team volunteers. John dedicated more than 70 hours to his project. Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 23 SUBMITTED BY : Results! Travel by Carlson, Round About Travel Greater Pittsburgh Travel, Travel Systems, and Carnival Cruise Lines, Inc. TRAVEL 501: The MOST IMPORTANT New Year’s Resolution: Take a Vacation! Vacation Deprivation. Although we’re not certain if this term is included in medical journals (AS YET) studies show that ‘over-work’ causes stress-related illnesses, anxiety, depression, feeling rundown or tired, and memory impairment. Unfortunately, all the new technology and gadgets have drastically increased our workload, as opposed to shrinking it, which was predicted in the 70s. As a result of the job demands and technology, many of us choose to simply forego vacation time. On average, Americans earn 14 days as compared to 24 days in Great Britain, 26 days in Germany, 30 days in Spain, and 36 in France. We’re already behind the eight ball, and we only make it worse when skipping it! Doctor’s Orders. Doctor’s are now writing prescriptions for vacation. Doctor’s are now writing prescriptions for vacation. That was worth repeating! WHY? Because time off offers physical and mental benefits! Experts agree that a key ingredient to peak performance is a change in scenery (such as sunshine in January!) as well as getting away for a period of time. Although not in the dictionary (YET!), IF it was this would be the definition: “ Un-Used Vacation” (un-yoozd va-ka’-shen) n. Techno Stress; Burn out; Frustration; Anger; Illness Inducing; Overall dissatisfaction with life & work. Recess. Remember how much fun school recess was? Run, play, unwind, rejuvenate. Vacation is Recess. (THAT definition is in the dictionary!) Notes to Yourself. Doctors are very busy, and may forget to include a few items on the prescription: 1. Do NOT take ANY technology on vacation, such as a cell phone, laptop, or Blackberry. 2. Try to schedule vacation during slow times at work. 3. Ease into vacation. Give yourself time to pack. Don’t lug your suitcase to work, rushing to finish projects, then dash off to the airport during rush hour. 4. Studies show it takes several days to unwind. Plan a week or longer to get away for a much needed rest. Include long weekends to rejuvenate through the year and stay within budget. 5. Contact your Travel Agent to make informed decisions so your vacation is fun, enjoyable, and less draining on your budget. They receive specials daily from vendors offering ALL types of vacations: a fun relaxing Caribbean cruise, incredible Australian adventures, tours in Europe, the wonders of Alaska, and more. A vacation allows you to Refresh, Regroup, Rejuvenate your spirit, and Re-connect w/family & friends. Please … Go Away! Learning Curves is provided as a service to advertisers of Allegheny West Magazine to share educational and/or informational knowledge with the readership. To inquire about Learning Curves, call (724) 695-3968. Presented to you by: Round About Travel 1710 Mill Street Oakdale PA 15071 724.693.2930 stephaniehamm@comcast.net Greater Pittsburgh Travel Agency 1800 Pine Hollow Rd. Kennedy Twp., PA 15136 412.331.2244 tdiecks@greaterpittsburghtravel.com Travel Systems 5996-A Steubenville Pike Robinson Twp., PA 15136 412.787.7080 Kathy@travelsystemsinc.com Results! Travel by Carlson 238 Moon Clinton Rd. Moon Twp., PA 15108 412.264.8010 rick_strong2001@yahoo.com Carnival Cruise Lines, Inc. Enjoy fun activities, fabulous dining, lavish Vegas-style shows, a friendly casino, incredible destinations, and Carnival’s pampering service, all for one low price! * Rates are based upon availability, and are subject to change. Call today for details. 24 February 2008 BOCKTOWN BEER & GRILL North Fayette’s Pool City Plaza (across from Target), 412-788-2333. Over 400 craft beers served in a casual atmosphere, featuring sandwich stacks, fresh cut fries, and unique appetizers. Live Music Tuesdays. Beer Samplings Wednesdays. Serving food: 11am—Midnight Sunday—Thursday, 11am—1am Weekends. www.bocktown.com BRONZE HOOD 5994 E Steubenville Pike, Chiodo Plaza, Robinson Twp., 412-787-7230. Largest bar in Robinson Township, newly expanded w/ gameroom, 11 TVs including one 100” big-screen, full menu w/freshest top quality ingredients, Happy Hour M-F from 5-7 pm, Sat & Sun from 3-5 pm: 1/2 off appetizers and reduced drink prices. CELEBRATIONS & MORE 8110 Steubenville Pike, Imperial, 724-695-4333. Bar, Restaurant, Banquet Room, outside covered deck, serving lunch & dinner, home cooked food, sandwiches, salads. Daily food and drink specials. Open Tues. thru Sun. Book your wedding, graduation, party, or event now in our banquet room, www.celebrationspittsburgh.com. MONTE CELLO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT AND PIZZA, 616 Beaver Street, Sewickley, 412-7417868. Conveniently located in downtown Sewickley, this restaurant was established in 1980. Featuring a Monday Night Buffet from 6-8 pm for $7.49. Children eat free on Tuesdays off the children’s menu. Eight locations throughout the Pittsburgh area, www.montecellos.com. THE PINE RESTAURANT 318 Forest Grove Rd., Kennedy Twp, 412-331-9282, www.thepine.info. Newly renovated, daily specials, homestyle cooking (everything from scratch). Offering specialty coffees, craft-micro brewed beers, “tap of the month,” nightly drink specials. Catering menu available. Delivery service Mon-Fri, 11 am-8 pm. Happy hour Mon-Fri, 5-7 pm. Gift certificates available. SAPPORO HIBACHI STEAK HOUSE 4260 Steubenville Pike, Robinson Township, just off the Crafton Exit of I-79, 412-920-2988. Steak, chicken, shrimp cooked hibachi style, 12 years of service to the area. Serving lunch and dinner. Menu online at www.sapporopittsburgh.com. Hours: 11:30 am-2 pm & 4:30-10 pm Mon.-Thur.; 11:30 am-2 pm & 4:3010:30 pm Fri., 4:30-10:30 pm Sat., 2-9 pm Sun. TONIDALE SIX FLAMES FIRE GRILL 7001 Steubenville Pike, Oakdale (North Fayette) just off the Tonidale exit at Route 60, the Parkway West, and Rt. 22-30 W. Lunch Tue-Fri open at 11:30 am, dinner M-Sun open at 4 pm, lounge, M-Sun open at 3 pm. Happy Hour M-F 5-7 pm, karaoke and drink specials Wednesdays, Heritage Banquet Hall available, (412) 787-8160. To be listed in this dining guide, mailed and/or distributed every other month to 15,000 community households and businesses in Findlay, North Fayette, Oakdale, and surrounding areas. Call (724) 695-3968. Just one payment of $150 to be listed in this edition all year (six issues)! Dining Guides also available in our Moon and Montour editions, each also a one-time payment of $150 for six listings a year. Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 25 BY DR. JOHN ROHM Oral Health Mirrors Overall Health The importance of overall health Oral health means more than just an attractive smile. Poor oral health and untreated oral diseases and conditions can have a significant impact on your quality of life. In many cases, the condition of the mouth mirrors the condition of the body as a whole. Recent reports indicate a relationship between periodontal (gum) disease and stroke, heart disease, and pre-term low-birth weight babies. Likewise, more than 90 percent of all systemic diseases have oral manifestations, meaning your dentist may be the first healthcare provider to diagnose a health problem. What problems can poor oral health cause? According to a recently released Surgeon General’s report on oral health in America, a large percentage of the population suffers from a reduced quality of life due to oral and facial pain. This pain is largely due to infections of the gums that support the teeth and can lead to tooth loss. More than 75% of the population is affected by some type of periodontal disease or gingivitis. Recent reports show that infections in the mouth may affect major organs. One example is bacterial endocarditis, a condition in which the lining of the heart and heart valves becomes inflamed. Poor mouth care also may contribute to oral cancer, which now takes more lives than cervical or skin cancer. In addition, poor oral health affects the digestive process. Chewing begins digestion with physical and chemical activities in the mouth. Problems here lead to poor absorption of nutrients, intestinal failure, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and other problems. What symptoms from other disease show up in the mouth? Mouth tissues reflect symptoms of other problems. Many diseases can be diagnosed in their early stages through an oral examination. These diseases may be characterized by swollen gums, mouth ulcers, dry mouth, and changes in the appearance of the tongue. Some of these diseases include diabetes, leukemia, cancer, heart disease, and kidney disease. What can I do? Seeing a dentist every six months can help identify diseases in their earliest stages. It is also important to provide your dentist with a complete medical/ dental history and to inform him or her of any recent problems, even if they seem unrelated to your mouth. Dr. John Rohm serves patients at his dental office at 480 Penn Lincoln Center in Imperial. Call him at (724) 695-2100 or visit his website at www.drjohnrohm.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. Allegheny West Magazine Deadline for the April Issue is March 15, 2008 26 February 2008 Backstage BY A.J. CALIENDO Coming Up . . . From Shakespeare to Stoppard, theater has primarily meant one thing – live entertainment that can’t be faked, redone or, on most nights, captured for posterity. Whether it’s Kevin Kline buckling swashes in “Cyrano de Bergerac” or Agnes Terwilliger who ALWAYS gets the role of Blanche in the Imperial Theatre Club’s annual production of “A Streetcar Named Desire,” the stage actor puts it all on the line every time the curtain (real or imagined) goes up. Writing a theater column is like that, except that the writer has a spell check and several editors to keep him from humiliating himself in print. In the coming months this space will be filled with information about the theater scene west of Downtown Pittsburgh. I’ll have fun; I hope you do, too. In this issue we focus on a Western Pennsylvania rite of spring, the high school musical. West Allegheny’s Meagan Bruno has already started into the late night rehearsals, the schedule bending, and the pizza dinners that become the staple of a director’s springtime meal planning. This year’s entry at WA is the Stephen Schwartz “hippie” classic, “Godspell.” Producer Tom Snyder said the show presents the perfect showcase for a talented group of returning seniors. The show runs March 7, 8, 9, 14 and 15 at the high school auditorium. At Montour, Tammy Townsend has to deal with a change of venue. While the high school auditorium is being refurbished, Montour will present the Kander and Ebb revue, “And the World Goes ‘Round” at David E. Williams Middle School. The show features songs from the writing team’s blockbusters “Chicago” and “Cabaret,” as well as lesser-known works like “The Rink” and “The Act.” The dates of the run haven’t been quite nailed down yet, but it is expected to go on in late April. For much more on local high school musicals, visit www.springhsmusicals.com. Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 27 Rosedale Tech Announces Industry Certification Programs Rosedale Technical Institute at 215 Beecham Drive in Kennedy Township announces two new benefits for students presently attending the school and those considering attending. All qualifying Automotive and Diesel students at Rosedale will now be able to take one free ASE exam while they are at the school. The program begins with the current period of online ASE testing which is available at Rosedale now through February 22. Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification is the premier industry recognition in the Automotive and Truck repair field. Rosedale is an ASE Certified Training Institution, as awarded by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). Also, all Electrical program students will be offered free Aerial Work Platform Safety Course certification designed to promote the safe use of scissor and boom lifts in the electrical industry. Rosedale’s current Electrical program students are halfway through the completion of their free aerial safety training program. With the assistance of Skyworks, a neighboring tool rental and leasing company, Rosedale’s Electrical program students are receiving safety training for the use of scissor lifts and boom lifts. 28 February 2008 New in Town Joyce’s Groom n’ Go Mobile Pet Salon Joyce Jennette of Imperial has launched a mobile dog grooming business, “Joyce’s Groom n’ Go.” With her mobile unit, Joyce will be able to groom dogs right at your home or place of business. Joyce is a West Allegheny alumna and a graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of Pet Grooming, having trained under nationally-renowned Marlene Romani. The Academy is recognized as one of the premier pet grooming schools in the nation. Over the past three years, Joyce has worked in private salons and pet stores as well as on her own. Joyce’s Groom n’ Go is a fully-contained mobile unit that offers a hydraulic grooming table, a ramp for furry friends with mobility problems, luxury bath and recirculating warm and cool water, central vacuum system, heating in the winter and air-conditioning in the summer, and a Clipper Vac system to keep hair and dander intact within the unit. Joyce’s services will include: Bath & Brush, Breed Standard Cut or Puppy Cut, Nail Trims and Filing, Ear Hair Removal and Cleaning, Sanitary and Paw ABOVE: Joyce, with Riley, one of her customers, inside her mobile dog Pad Trim, Dematting, Shedless Treatment, Teeth Brushing, Bows, Bandanas grooming vehicle, Joyce’s Groom n’ Go. & Cologne. Joyce is a member of the American Mobile Groomers Association and the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce. Joyce’s Groom n’ Go will service the western suburbs of Allegheny County in the communities of Collier, Crafton, Crescent, Clinton, Coraopolis, Imperial, Ingram, Findlay, Kennedy, McDonald, Moon, North Fayette, Oakdale, Pennsbury, Robinson, Sewickley, South Fayette, Sturgeon, and Thornburg. She is fully insured. To learn more, visit her website at www.jjgroomngo.com. Or, contact Joyce at 412.225.6404 or by e-mail, joyce@jjgroomngo.com. Happy New Year! Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 29 What a Shot! When Bruce Stickley of North Fayette went on his annual hunting outings this winter with his son, Jason, little did he think that he would capture a prize that he’s been spying virtually past his own backyard. While doing small drives on December 6, Bruce was less than a quarter-mile past his property on public land adjacent to the Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway off the Noblestown exit in North Fayette when he took a shot at this buck. “I saw this animal around during the fall season, and thought, ‘what a thrill it would be to get that one’ and then I did,” Bruce said. Using his inline muzzle loader, he quickly bagged the deer. With the prize in hand, he found that it had ten points with “lots of sticker points.” “This is something I always dreamed of, ever since I began hunting as a kid,” Bruce said. His deer will be recorded in the Pennsylvania Game Commission record book this spring. The official scoring was scheduled to be done on February 5, as procedure requires that the rack be 60 days old and in a dry status before proper measurements can be taken. Buck this large typically are the result of nutrition, genetics, and age. Under good circumstances, horns can grow as much as a half an inch a day during peak development. He’s also going to the Gander Mountain sports store in Washington to register his trophy buck to be measured by the Pennsylvania Big Buck Association. Official scoring is February 9. And, he’s been contacted by regional media to share his story. Bruce intends to pedestal mount his trophy. Unofficial Measurements 30 February 2008 23 Points Non-Typical Rack ~ Age: 5-1/2 - 6 Yrs. Old ~ Weight: 195 lbs. 7” Spread at Base ~ Inside Spread: 18” ~ Outside Spread: 23” Unofficial Score: 196 on the Boone & Crockett Scale Chamber Business Link Chamber to Kick off 2008 Series of Events The Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce has announced multiple events and programs to be held throughout 2008. These events include educational lectures, forums to address regional topics, and networking events for area businesspeople and community leaders. The Breakfast Briefing Series will begin on February 8 with Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato’s State of the County address and will continue on March 7 with a forum addressing the state of Pittsburgh International Airport. Chamber U, a series of informal educational seminars held over brown bag lunches, will also return throughout 2008. Planned seminars will address Internet security, branding on a budget, networking tips and strategies, and much more. For those area business people looking to expand their reach, numerous networking events—including Leads to Success Luncheons and Business After Hours—will be held in 2008. Money-saving package deals are available for all 2008 series programs. Visit www.paacc.com or call (412) 264-6270 for more information. Welcome New Members TO REACH US Masquerade Debo Moving & Storage, Inc. Maxximum Music Pro DJ Services Joyce’s Groom n’ Go Mobile Dog Grooming TraVerus Travel Creative Financial Staffing NetServe365 Phoenix Growth Management The Sewickley Vein Center Raudenbush Engineering, Inc. The Pennsylvania Shotokan Karate Club Eagle Global Logistics Quality Suites Miaco Media Inc. First Commonwealth Home Mortgage ABOVE: Chamber ambassadors gathered to conduct a ribbon cutting and welcome Traverus Travel of McDonald as a new member. COMING UP Area businesses will have the unique opportunity of displaying their wares and services at the Mall at Robinson. Through the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce, businesses can set up displays and tables on Saturday, April 26 during mall hours. For costs and details, call the chamber office at (412) 264-6270. FEBRUARY 8 Breakfast Briefing: State of the County Address with Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato Crowne Plaza Hotel, 7:30 a.m. FEBRUARY 21 Leads to Success, Four Points Sheraton 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. MARCH 7 Breakfast Briefing: State of the Airline Industry with Allegheny County Airport Authority Executive Director Brad Penrod, Radisson Greentree 7:30 a.m. MARCH 14 Women’s Interest Network, James Centre Banquet & Meeting Facility, Pittsburgh, “Unlock Your Hidden Potential!” 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. featuring speakers Bernadette Puzzuole of Rothman Gordon P.C.; Michelle Dresbold, author of “The Handwriting Doctor;” and Dr. Ellen Roth of Getting to the Point, Inc. 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 2007 CHAMBER OFFICERS CHAMBER STAFF NEAL FANELLI, Chairman SALLY HAAS, President SEAN HENDERSON, 1st Vice-Chair MICHELLE KREUTZER, VP, Bus. Devel/Mktg. MIKE BELSKY, Vice-Chair CONNIE RUHL, Spec. Proj. Coord. DAN MURPHY, Vice-Chair JACQUE SHAFFER, Sec. Events & Mbr. Svcs. BERNADETTE PUZZOULE, Vice-Chair Coord. BOB TERWILLIGER, Immediate Past JILL HAAS, Special Projects Representative Chairman 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 Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 31 32 February 2008 Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 33 CHURCH OF THE LIVING CHRIST Palm Sunday Service, March 16: 10:30 a.m. Good Friday Communion Service, March 21: 7 p.m. Easter Sunday Resurrection Service, March 23, 10:30 a.m. CLINTON UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Community Maundy Thursday Communion Service @ Hebron Presbyterian Church, March 20, 7 p.m. Community Easter Sunday Sunrise Service, March 23: 7:30 a.m. Easter Sunday Worship and Communion Service, 11 a.m. CLINTON WESLEYAN CHURCH Good Friday Service, March 21, 7 p.m. Easter Sunday Service, March 23, 10:45 a.m. HEBRON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Annual Community Maundy Thursday Communion Service March 20, 7 p.m. Community MONTOURS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Cross Walk Lenten Services from February 13 - March 19, Wednesdays, 7 p.m. in the chapel Friday, March 21 Palm Sunday, March 16, 11 a.m. Maundy Thursday Service, March 20, 7 p.m. Shop n’ Save Parking Lot Good Friday Service, Friday, March 21, 7 p.m. Easter Sunday Service, Sunday,March 23, 11 a.m. Imperial NOBLESTOWN UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Maundy Thursday Seder, March 20, followed by Communion, 6 p.m. Gather at 11:45 am Good Friday Service, March 21, 7 p.m. Easter Sunday, March 23, Sunrise Service, 8 a.m., Regular Service, 10 a.m. RESURRECTION LUTHERAN CHURCH Walk from 12-1 pm Lenten Supper and Worship, February 13, 27, and March 12, Supper at 6:15 p.m., Worship, 7 p.m. Sponsored by the Good Friday Worship, March 21, 7 p.m. Easter Sunday Worship and Holy Communion, March 23, 9 a.m. West Allegheny ST. COLUMBKILLE R.C. CHURCH Holy Thursday Mass, March 20, 7 p.m. Ministerial Association Good Friday Services, March 21, 2 p.m., Stations of the Cross, 7 p.m. Holy Saturday, March 22, Blessing of Easter Baskets, 2 p.m. Holy Saturday, Easter Vigil Mass, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday Services, March 23, 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., Noon VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Palm Sunday Service, March 16, 10:30 a.m. As provided by the churches in the Easter Sunday Service, March 23, 10:30 a.m. community at the time of printing. 34 February 2008 West Allegheny Show Choir Makes Donation to Food Pantry The West Allegheny Show Choir raised $1,000 to benefit the West Allegheny Food Pantry through donations collected at the choir’s December 2007 performances throughout the community. The group presented a check for that amount to Food Pantry Director Geri Hermann. The Show Choir, under the direction of Earl Wiechelt, Jr., high school chorus director, is an ensemble of 32 student vocalists in grades 10 through 12 selected by audition. Throughout the year the group performs at community locations, primarily during the winter holiday season. Over the past 17 years, the students’ performances have raised over $12,000 to benefit local charities like the Food Pantry and The Caring Team, which provides health insurance for children of needy families. Also this winter, the West Allegheny Middle School sixth grade Super Stars Team raised $500 for the Food Pantry by conducting a Pantry Stuffer auction in December. ABOVE: Geri Hermann (third from right) of the West Allegheny Food Pantry accepted a $1,000 check from the West Allegheny High School Choir officers, Kyle Helliar, Brittany Coury, Rachel Knarr, and Elizabeth Monks on January 23. To the right is Stewart Morgan, retired West Allegheny music teacher, who volunteers at the school and the food pantry. The Famous Budweiser Clydesdales Came to Town! On their way enroute across the country, the famous Clydesdale horses from Budweiser fame were welcomed as overnight guests at Clearview Stables on Whittengale Road in North Fayette. Luke, Prince, and Fire had great accommodations due to the hospitality of Clearview owners Don and Wendy Heinz and the barn members of Clearview Stables. New Area Map and Guide Are Out PHOTO BY YVONNE HERVOL Newly updated maps of the Pittsburgh West Hills are now available at the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce. Maps and an included community guide are available at the Chamber office at 850 Beaver Grade Road in Moon Township, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The map and community guide are available for $1.50 for Chamber members and their employees, and $3.00 for non-members. Maps can be shipped for an additional $1.00 upon request. Kovach’s Body Shop 529 Valley Street McDonald PA 15057 (724) 926-8706 Quality Collision Service Since 1960 Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 35 Transportation Update Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon is February 20 ACTA’s Annual Meeting and Transportation Awards Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, February 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Chartiers Country Club. Guest speaker will be Bradley Penrod, the new CEO for the Allegheny County Airport Authority. Luncheon tickets are $35 for single seats or $250 for a table of eight. For reservations, call (412) 809-3509 no later than February 15. Walk Challenge Coming this Spring ACTA will host a Walk Challenge this spring. For more information about the Walk Challenge, contact Amy Mathieson at (412) 809-3508 or send an e-mail to: mathieson@acta-pgh.com. Participants completing their first 2,000 steps can register for a drawing to win a free i-Pod. Help Us Identify Bottlenecks The Airport Corridor Transportation Association works with area businesses to identify and correct traffic bottlenecks with new stoplights, ramps, signage, and other critical road improvements in the Airport Corridor. ACTA members are alerted with e-mail updates on the latest detours, construction plans, and other roadwork that may impact their businesses. Your Transportation Center Buy bus tickets, pick up schedules, see how to carpool with others, and more. We have the resources you need. presented by ACTA AIRPORT CORRIDOR TRANSPORTATION ASSN. 2 ROBINSON PLAZA, SUITE 240, PITTSBURGH, PA 15205 412/809-3507 www.acta-pgh.org 36 February 2008 BY DR. ROBERT LUTHER How to Choose a Dentist A recent survey in the U.S. News and World Report showed that ONLY 50% of American adults are satisfied with their smiles! So, if you are one of the 50% who are not, perhaps you may want to consider a dentist who can improve your smile? Do your homework before you make your first visit. A beautiful smile has an impact on your appearance and your health, so it is important to use care when selecting a dentist. A personal referral is the best kind. Your family physician may also suggest several dental practices for you to consider. You can also go online and find one in your area. During your initial phone call, or at your initial visit, you may want to use the following checklist of questions: 1. Is the office easy to get to from your home or office? Is there ample parking? Is the parking free? 2. Is the office neat and orderly? Does the office have state-of-the-art equipment? 3. Is information provided in a welcome packet? Is the appointment schedule convenient for you? 4. How many years has the dentist been practicing? 5. Does the dentist seem interested in your total health? Does the dentist know the latest trends in dentistry? Does the dentist take continuing education classes? 6. Does the hygienist provide dental health instruction for preventative measures? Were your medical and dental histories recorded and placed in your permanent file? 7. What arrangement does the dental practice have for emergencies outside of office hours? In addition, you might want to ask about the special services the dentist can provide besides comprehensive oral exams and professional cleanings. Dentistry has come a long way, and technologies are now available to give you a beautiful smile. Dr. Robert Luther, Jr. can be contacted at (412) 788-6300 or visit his website at www.pittsburghlaserdentist.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. Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 37 BY JESSICA HARMAN PHOTOS BY PAT JENNETTE Learning About Economics the J.A. Way With a new year underway, West Allegheny School District teachers and volunteers are doing some planning of their own preparing for the spring’s arrival of the district’s Junior Achievement program. Established in 1919, Junior Achievement is a non-profit, volunteer-based economic education organization that emphasizes students’ needs for a basic understanding of economics and business in their world. The program connects students with positive adult role models, often parents, who volunteer their time to provide students with ways to develop the skills necessary for success in today’s free enterprise market. Through a variety of hands-on themes designed for the classroom and tailored to each individual grade level, students learn everything from what a worker does and what should be included in a city to production methods and job interviews. “Junior Achievement provides our students with a better understanding of business and the economy, including choices, costs, goods, savings, exchange, banking, taxes, and how businesses are run,” explains Kathy Sites, principal of Wilson Elementary, who initiated the program at the school six years ago. “Not only does this program enhance what we’re already doing, but it’s also aligned with the national standards of social studies and other aspects of our curriculum, such as math, listening, reading, art, and the importance of volunteering.” At the elementary school level, Junior Achievement is driven by sequential economic education that builds on students’ prior year’s experience with the program. In the West Allegheny School District, there are five sequential themes for first through fifth-graders that emphasize decision-making and career readiness through hands-on activities. These themes cover Our Families in first grade, Our Community in second grade, Our City in third grade, Our Region in fourth grade, and Our Nation in fifth grade. In first grade, Our Families teaches students that in order for an economy to function successfully, everyone must work together, a concept that begins in their family. Children discover what each family member must do to get a job done by learning about the basics, such as what a worker is and what his or her responsibilities include. By using pictures, stickers, and flashcards, volunteers help first-graders become active learners who possess a more thorough understanding of supply and demand, jobs, tools and skills, and interdependence. The following school year, second-graders discover various economic responsibilities and possibilities throughout their community. The program expands to cover what goes on outside students’ homes by learning about different workers and their work, how and why workers are paid, taxes, and the importance of saving money. Continuing the effectiveness of Junior Achievement’s hands-on exercises is a project in which students are given paper doughnuts and stickers featuring eggs, milk, and flour. With the guidance of the classroom volunteer, students combine the sticker ingredients to make a doughnut while discovering what happens on an assembly line and what happens if unexpected circumstances arise, such as the worker responsible for mixing in the flour is sick and cannot come to work. This project engages students through a fun assignment and emphasizes teamwork and individual responsibilities. Third-graders’ knowledge of the economy grows even more with their participation in Our City, which explains economic growth, local businesses, and career possibilities. Because a city is one of the places where many people work, live, play, and attend school, Junior Achievement volunteers assist students in the construction of their own city. Students brainstorm a map of their city and its needs, write newspaper articles, create their own restaurants and banks, and use cardboard to build paper buildings, which teaches the need for city planning and zoning, a valuable lesson for often idealistic third-graders. “When they first sit down to plan their city, I’ll hear them saying that they need a skate park and a swimming pool, but then I ask them, ‘What happens if someone gets hurt or your buildings catch fire? Well, you need a doctor or a fireman,’” laughs Kathy Graziani, a LEFT: Wilson Elementary teacher Dorothy Wright points out a floor map that helps the students understand how their community works. ABOVE: Ed Kosis, owner of Sunrise Accounting in North Fayette, gives Wilson students a preliminary overview of what they will learn this year. He has been presenting the J.A. program at Wilson School for four years. volunteer who dedicates her time to coordinating volunteers with Wilson’s Junior Achievement program. “By the end of the project, the kids begin to realize that they need a hospital, fire and police department, and schools.” Our Region, the fourth grade theme, centers on the different products students use that come from different regions throughout the United States. For instance, where does the produce that students buy at the grocery store come from, and how do these fruits and vegetables get to Giant Eagle or Wal-Mart? Also discussed are costs, workers, and units and their relation to the business resources in Pennsylvania’s and the United States’ economies. The final theme, Our Nation, is introduced as the last elementary Junior Achievement program when students enter the fifth grade. All lessons and projects in this theme focus solely on United States business, particularly their operations and economic issues. With the help of volunteers, students take part in role-play acting as business owners, interviewing for jobs, producing products via various production techniques, creating advertisements, and conducting stakeholders’ meetings. Ed Kosis, who became involved with the program at Wilson Elementary through his wife Tracy’s involvement with the PTA, has been teaching Junior Achievement at the school for four years. As the owner of Sunrise Accounting located on Steubenville Pike, Ed emphasizes the importance for every business owner to get involved in education and brings his wealth of business expertise to the students through his creative, hands-on projects. Among the projects Ed leads is one in which students make cereal, participating in everything from growing trees and harvesting them to making the cereal boxes to growing grain and manufacturing the actual cereal.” “By helping the kids set up classroom businesses, students learn the make-up of products, how to operate with raw materials, the basics of money, and the various costs involved in manufacturing, such as labor and trucking, which leads students to a stronger knowledge of business,” says Ed. “With the cereal business, for example, the kids learn that there’s more to a box of cereal than simply walking into the grocery store to buy it.” “Everyone needs that basic understanding of our economy. It’s kind of like football: if you know the rules, you play better,” affirms Chris Kemp, Junior Achievement’s senior program manager. “Our students are learning more than they recognize, and many of them remember the Junior Achievement activities as much as six years later, which is a sign that they’ve learned something. We’ve also seen that students who participate in Junior Achievement score better in economic tests and basic social studies.” In addition to the elementary grades Junior Achievement programs, the organization also presents students with opportunities to participate in middle school such programs as Global Marketplace, Economics for Success, and America Works, as well as JA Titan and JA Groundhog Shadow Day at the high school level. JA Groundhog Shadow Day, which takes place on Groundhog Day, starts at the school and carries over to participating companies, emphasizing the value of business leaders in education, explains Chris, whom students have come to Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 39 know as “Grandma Hog.” Training is provided for both schools and companies interested in providing students with a chance to be part of the work force for a day while observing or shadowing a working professional. JA Groundhog Job Shadow Day is designed primarily for students in grades six through twelve, but can be set up for younger children based on the students’ interests and participating businesses. Because the organization’s foundation is built on classroom volunteers, Junior Achievement relies on funding provided by corporations and individuals who help raise awareness of each child’s economic role in his or her community, as well as company and parent volunteers who work closely with Junior Achievement employees. At present, there are approximately 20 office employees scattered throughout western Pennsylvania, from Erie to the West Virginia panhandle and Ohio to State College, who work closely with these volunteers. Junior Achievement volunteers are trained via online training tools or by other volunteers. Each volunteer is provided with a kit of materials for the grade he or she will be teaching for their one class period over the course of five weeks. Once trained, classroom volunteers work directly with students and teachers sharing their own success stories of their involvement in free enterprise. “Volunteering is incredibly rewarding, and the kids just love having someone come in and do the activities with them. They get so excited and involved,” explains Chris. “It’s a joy to watch their eyes light up when they make that connection between something abstract that they’re learning in the classroom and their role in their community.” Ed, who has witnessed the results of the program firsthand, agrees. “Junior Achievement is a lot of fun and the kids really do enjoy it. This program gives them something different during the day aside from having a teacher the classroom by bringing real world scenarios into the classroom.” For more information on how you can become a Junior Achievement volunteer, visit the Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania’s website at www.jawesternpa.org or call Senior Program Manager Chris Kemp at 1-800-522-6957 ext. 124. 40 February 2008 Your Schools West Allegheny School District FBLA Students Win Leadership Awards Kindergarten Registration Underway On December 17, members of the West Allegheny Chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) competed at the region leadership competition at Bishop Canevin Catholic High School. The following students took first place team honors: *Cody Bailey and *Lulu Lajmiri for Business Ethics and *Katie Jo Kisow and *Erin Kaminski for Desktop Publishing. First place individual awards went to *Brad Steward for Computer Problem Solving, *Leah Finklang for Job Interview, and *Elizabeth Krivan for Public Speaking. Taking second place team awards were Josh Antenucci and Brianna Polen for Entrepreneurship. Second place individual finishers were *Mac Greenhouse for Computer Problem Solving, *Jim Keeley for Economics, *Derrick Faix for Business Math, and Stacy Teierle for Impromptu Speaking. The following students took fourth place: Robbie Petrick for Word I and Angeline McGraw for Word II. In fifth place were Andrew Krull for Accounting and Kenechukwu Okoye for Business Calculations. Special category award winners included Katie Jo Kisow for Who’s Who in FBLA while Lulu Lajmiri was elected to the position of regional treasurer. The ten students, whose names are marked with an asterisk, will represent West Allegheny at the State Conference held in Hershey, Pennsylvania, March 30-April 2. Faculty advisors are Pam Volakis and Dan Marshall. The West Allegheny School District began accepting registration for the kindergarten class of 2008-2009 by telephone only in January for all three elementary schools. Callers must speak to an office staff person and cannot leave a message to register their child for kindergarten. To enter kindergarten, a child must be five years old before September 1, 2008. There are no exceptions to this policy. Parents may register their kindergarten-age children for the morning or afternoon session on a first-come, first-served basis. The district is requesting residents to call the school and give the pertinent data over the phone. Information needed for registration includes the parents’ names, address, and phone number as well as the child’s name and date of birth. Registrants will be notified regarding the kindergarten orientation dates and will be sent the necessary forms via mail. At that time, parents will be required to present a record of the child’s immunizations, original birth certificate, completed physical and dental examination forms, and original proof of residency in the district. Residency must be established through proof of home ownership, rental lease, affidavit, or driver’s license with current address. Please note that students must attend the school that serves their residence, not the residence of a babysitter. To register at Wilson, call (724) 695-3300, at McKee, (724) 693-8451, and at Donaldson, (724) 213-1010. Two Students Named National Award Candidates West Allegheny seniors Melanie Macek and Drew Turner have been selected by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation as award candidates based on their high scores on the 2006 Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). As such, they have an opportunity to continue in the 2008 competition for Special Scholarships sponsored by businesses for children of their employees. Annual Geography Bowl Winners Named West Allegheny Middle School student Tyler Graziani received a National Geographic Society tee shirt, championship medal, and an award certificate from the National Geographic Society for top honors as the school champion in the Geography Bee held on January 8-10. The runner up, Nick Halbedl, earned a National Geographic Society tee shirt and pin. Graziani’s victory earned him the right to take a qualifying exam to compete at the state level in Harrisburg this spring. Along with Graziani and Halbedl, the following eight finalists were awarded a National Geographic Society tee shirt: Spencer Abel, Zach Abel, Mike Behme, Jared DiSanti, Jake Gianino, Brandon McCracken, Kristen Rohm, and Chad Straka. From over 700 students who took the qualifying exam, the following students, in addition to the ten finalists, participated in the initial round of the Geography Bee at the school level: Amanda Gannon, Zach Graziani, Josi Sinagoga, Emily Simons, Josh Kolarac, Brian Finn, Jonathan Levitt, Andrew Weldon, Kendall Fitzgerald, Justin Hammer, Andrew Sheehy, and Dave Kline. RIGHT: West Allegheny Middle School eighth grader student Tyler Graziani (right) took top honors and eighth grader Nick Halbedl (left) was runnerup in the school’s Geography Bee held on January 8-10. Standing behind the students are the middle school teachers who sponsored the competition, Nancy Watkins and Dan Hanczar. Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 41 2008 National Honor Society Inductees Honored ABOVE: On January 9, West Allegheny High School inducted 37 students into the National Honor Society. To be eligible for membership, these students must have maintained at least a 3.5 QPA and must be taking or have completed three classes of advanced standing in each of the five major academic disciplines: English, foreign languages, mathematics, science, and social studies. Marsha Herring, high school biology teacher, is the faculty sponsor. Row 1: Sarah LaRue, Rachel Rodgers, Alicia Martinez, Brittany Mikkelsen, Shannon Messner, Katie Hough, Kelly Steele, Alexis Ostrander, Alicia Lanni, Tricia Glorioso, Cody Bailey, Dana Rozum, Shane Glass, Brittany Coury; Row 2: Mallory Hennemuth, Rachel Logut, Amy Amper, Stacy Teierle, Galina Mesko, Kayla Rohbeck, Megan Kline, John Ryniawec III, Brittni Spillar, Ryan Wickersham, Kristen Lang, Anny Petrella, Ethan Thompson, Dan Orr, Akshay Hari, Kenechukwu Okoye, Jr., Jose Alisasis, Steve Abel, Justin DiSanti, Zachary Scott (Missing: Ryan Karr, Michael Oswalt, and Kevin Snyder). Middle School Grades On Line Theater Program Emphasizes Cultural Attractions West Allegheny Middle School parents have online access to their students’ grades with the implementation of a web-based application called Edline. Middle school computer facilitator Carrie Morgan conducted technology training sessions for middle school teachers to introduce the concept. Teachers can now send their class data to the Internet for viewing. They can also post class assignments to the site for access from home by students, parents, and staff. Parents have received instructions on how to take advantage of the information available on the site. Edline is described as a web site solution for students in grades kindergarten through 12 and was implemented successfully at the high school last year. Expanding education beyond the classroom, high school English teacher Beth Voltz travels to Pittsburgh with groups of high school students four to six times a year for an “Evening at the Theater.” The most recent trip was the January 24 performance of The Lion King. Partially funded this year by a grant from the West Allegheny Foundation, these trips are designed to generate an awareness of and interest in Pittsburgh’s cultural attractions, particularly the theater. Voltz has planned this year’s line-up to include the following: October: Annie, Byham Theater; December: Wonderful Life, O’Reilly Theater; January: The Lion King, Benedum Theater; February: The 13th of Paris, City Theater; and April: Alice in Wonderland (ballet), Benedum Theater. Voltz also hopes to schedule a backstage tour at the April event. 42 February 2008 Goin’ for the BY DICK GLOVIER When Oakdale native Scott Patterson closer and returned to Lancaster steps on the field at the spring training after the Grizzlies’ season ended. facility of the New York Yankees in In 2005, he again was at Gateway, Tampa, Florida decked out in the which is in Illinois, for part of the legendary pin-striped uniform of the season and then back over to New York Yankees, it will be one giant Lancaster. He started 2006 at step for all those that aspire to follow Lancaster with phenomenal the dreams of their childhood. numbers through June 15. He had That step will signify that this West a 2-0 record with 14 saves, Allegheny High School graduate allowing just 14 hits in 23 innings (1997), is only a gnat’s eyelash away while striking out 31 batters and from making it to “The Show,” as the walking only five. major leagues are known to the His ERA was .078 -- attentionthousands of minor league baseball getting numbers that major league players. Not only is he going to “The scouts couldn’t help but notice. ABOVE: Scott Patterson, sitting, right, with his family during Show,” he is going as a player to a team a holiday break home in Oakdale. That’s when the call came. On with the most storied professional June 16, 2006, the New York franchise in all of sports. Yankees bought his contract and moved him up to Class AA “It probably won’t hit me until that first day at Legions Field in Trenton in the Eastern League. He continued to put up Tampa. Then I’ll get a little nervous,” said Scott while visiting at outstanding numbers as a late inning reliever at Trenton home back in December. through the 2007 season. He was 4-2 with two saves and a A veteran of six minor league seasons and two seasons of winter 1.05 ERA in 44 combined games (three starts) at AA Trenton ball in Venezuela, Scott, 28, is a right-handed pitcher whose fast and AAA Scranton/Wilkes Barre. In September, the Yankees ball has been clocked in the low to mid-nineties. (That’s MPH). had assigned him to their AAA affiliate Scranton/Wilkes-Barre He had an undefeated 8-0 season in his senior year at WA and in the International League to strengthen the Barons’ bullpen played at Allegheny College of Maryland and West Virginia State for the playoffs. University before embarking on his professional career with He led all qualifying Trenton relievers in ERA (1.09), Gateway of the Class D Frontier League in 2002. strikeouts (91) and opponent’s batting average (.170), helping Scott had a 20-7 record over two years and parts of two other the Thunder capture the Eastern League title. years with the Grizzlies. He is the Grizzlies’ all-time leader in Scott’s contract expired after the season, and a number of appearances with 72 and strike-outs with 334. teams contacted him through his agent. He moved on to Lancaster in the Atlantic League in 2004, but “I hadn’t heard from the Yankees and was ready to sign with after a so-so 3-2 record with an ERA of 5.55, in the first half of Baltimore. Then the Yankees came through with a better offer the season he was sent back to Gateway where he made a career than the Orioles. But it’s not about the money. I just want the saving decision. opportunity to get to the Big Leagues,” said Scott. A family “I felt that the hitters were catching up to me as a starter after member put the figure around $415,000, with $100,000 one time through the batting order. I talked it over with my guaranteed. manager, Bobby Cox, and he agreed to send me out to the His next stop was in winter league with the Cardenales de bullpen. It was my decision.” said Scott. “I liked the idea of being Lara club in Venezuela. But prior to that there was that giant on the mound in crucial situations. The batter is trying for the hit step taken toward that big league plateau when he was listed on and I’m trying to strike him out. It’s a part of baseball that I love.” the Yankees official 40-man roster. It was a career saving decision indeed! Scott become a prolific The pitchers on the 40-man roster are scheduled to begin spring training in Tampa on February 15. Big Leagues Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 43 Sidelines WRESTLERS ON A ROLL West Allegheny wrestling coach Mike Johnson took time out from his stretching session with junior 189-lb. wrestler Jake Leninsky to relay his satisfaction about the progress of the team so far this year as they prepared for their upcoming match with North Hills at Connellsville in the first round of the WPIAL Team Championships on January 28. “We are 9-1 right now and seeded sixth in the tournament. I can’t say enough about how hard these guys have worked to get to this point. I am proud of everyone of them. We will get on the bus and head down the highway to Connellsville knowing we deserve to be there,” said Johnson. The Indians finished second in their section with an 8-1 record, their only loss to Section Champion Canon McMillan. In early tournament competition, they also were impressive. For the second year in a row, the Indians dominated at the Midwestern Athletic Conference Wrestling Championships. Just as they did in 2007, the Indians won championships in seven of the 14 weight classes and also took the team championship. The tournament was held January 4 and 5 at West Allegheny so the Tribe didn’t have to lug the team trophy very far. The wrestlers’ trophy case is just outside the entrance to the gymnasium. Senior Zach Kelly, 135, became a four-time MAC Champion and was named the tournament’s most outstanding wrestler. Troy Reaghard, 160; Mark Vuono, 171; and Jake Leninsky, 189; all won titles for the second year in a row. Also winning titles were Bryan Harlan, 103; Aaron McKinney, 130; and 215-lb. heavyweight Jim Muraco. Mitch Cleric was runner-up at 152. West A also participated in the Powerade Classic held at Canon McMillan in December. Eight states were represented in the 42-team field. “We did very well at the Powerade. Kelly and Vuono placed sixth and Leninsky eighth. They were up against some guys that already had 30 matches and that was early in our season,” said 44 February 2008 BY DICK GLOVIER Johnson. The WPIAL Sectionals get underway February 16, followed by the Southwest Regionals and the States. “This team has done an incredible job so far this year. Hopefully we will have somebody at the States,” said Johnson. THEN AND NOW It was February of 1978. WA senior basketball player David Quinn scored 32 points to lead the Indians to victory over neighboring rival Ft. Cherry in their final game of the season. Quinn set a school single season scoring record of 560 points that night. The record has stood for 30 years. Other senior members on that team were current WA football coach Bob Palko, Joe Sladick, John Schnatterly, Mark James, Matt Hamel, Franklin Thornhill, and Dan Burgess. Juniors Gregg Hanczar and Doug Glovier also saw action in the game. Fast forward to February 2008. Quinn is now an optometrist with his offices on West Allegheny Road. Dr. Quinn also was the head basketball coach from 1998 to 2000. He is currently on the staff of Coach Josh Bears, who led the Tribe to the school’s first ever WPIAL basketball championship last year. The only returning starter from that championship team, Derrik Zeroski, scored 21 points in a 65-55 victory over the Ft. Cherry Rangers in a non-section game on January 25. By then, the Indian “go to” guy had already surpassed the 1,000 career scoring plateau and was closing in on Quinn’s single season record that has withstood the challenge of some pretty good basketball players over the past 30 years. Zeroski had poured in 490 points with three games remaining on the regular season schedule. HOCKEY ALL-STARS Ryan Kumpfmiller, Jeff Cupelli, Zach Hanczar, Eric Difiore, and goalie Kyle Mortimer were selected to play in the PHIL Class AA All-Star Game held at the Airport Ice Arena on January 26. Kumpfmiller scored a goal and Mortimer saved on nine of ten shots during his time in the nets at the All-Star Game. Having five players named All-Stars was a tribute to the rapidly rising Indian program. The Indians had a 13-4 record, had already clinched a playoff spot, and were ranked in the top four of the PHIL with five games remaining on the schedule in late January. Kumpfmiller was leading the league in points with 25 goals and 21 assists. Cupelli was the league leader in assists with 28, and Mortimer was among the top goaltenders with a 2.38 goal against average. To make a run at the Penguin Cup semi-finals like they did last year, then go beyond, is a distinct possibility for the Indian skaters. KELSEY POWELL STRIKES GOLD Although she is only a freshman, Kelsey Powell is blazing a trail at West Allegheny where a gymnastics team does not exist. Kelsey represented the school for the first time at the Moon Invitational Gymnastics meet and came away with gold in the floor exercise. She placed second in the all-around gold/diamond division. Kelsey has been competing on the club level for ten years, but this was her first time on the high school varsity level. Her 9.5 score in the floor exercise was the best put up by any gymnast in any event at the Invitational Meet. F indlay Township resident Jesse Lesko, Jr. has succeeded former Police Chief Paul Wilks as the new chief of police for Findlay Township. Paul retired last month after serving as the township’s police chief since 1982, a job he held from the time he left a position in the Hollywood, Florida police department. In all, he’s had close to 37 years in law enforcement. In a conversation with Paul, he said that he leaves the department in good hands. “Jesse is a big part of the success of the department,” he said. “He has been second in command for the past four or five years and has done an outstanding job.” The journey over the years while Paul was in charge has been one with many highlights that he recalls. Most notably, he stresses that running the department, which included the dispatchers and the officers, was akin to being a coach. He said everyone worked together as a team to do their part. “That effort, coupled with the transition from a mostly part-time department to one with full-time officers, made a big impact,” he noted. He also cited the department’s achievements in becoming accredited five times through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., and three times through the newly created Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission. The department earned CALEA accreditation for the first time in 1994. It was a significant achievement, he said, because Findlay was the 12th smallest department in the nation to receive the honor. In November, it was announced by the commission that Findlay was chosen as one of 136 departments nationwide to be a “flagship agency” for its achievements. “The reason it was hard for a small department to become accredited was due to the reports, the compilation of documents, record-keeping, and all of the paperwork that had to be documented,” he explained. “Everything, including the actual work on the streets, had to be in strict compliance with every standard and, as a small department, that was hard to do.” He also noted that in the 1990s there was a grand jury investigation that resulted from guns in Allegheny County supposedly destroyed. But they later turned up being used in the commission of several violent crimes in the Greater Pittsburgh area. During that investigation, Findlay was lauded by the grand jury as an example of how evidence should be handled. “I was very proud of our people for serving as such a good example,” he said. And, while Jesse is stepping into Paul’s shoes as the police force’s new commander, Paul will now watch from the sidelines in more ways than one. His son, Brian, has parlayed his Criminal Justice degree from the University of Pittsburgh into a position as a police officer in Orlando, Florida. Captain Jesse Lesko, Jr., has been given a contract to serve as Findlay Township’s new Chief of Police through May of 2012. A 20-year resident of Findlay Township, he resides with his wife, Gail, and two teenage children. Captain Lesko started with Findlay Township as a patrolman and was promoted to sergeant in 1992, then captain in 2001. He oversees the 17-person force and seven dispatchers. Chiefs Change Hands Captain Jesse Lesko began his career as a part-time officer, working in both Carnegie and Oakdale for a year. Since he joined the Findlay Township Police Department in 1987, he said the department has grown in many ways, including its DARE program and its force, but especially, a transition in how police departments do business. “The most significant change has been in the way technology has helped the police officer do the job,” he explained. He explained how, for example, officers once needed to obtain information and relay details. Previously, it required a call back to the dispatcher or a return to the station to get the information needed. Today, along with the car radios, officers use laptop computers to transmit and receive information. In particular, he said this is helpful when an officer needs to request information on the validity of a license plate or registration ownership. “This makes information gathering instantaneous, and saves a lot of time for everyone,” he said. The types of crime have changed over the last two decades, too. Captain Lesko said that cyber crime is growing more and more common, overshadowing crimes like robberies and burglaries. BY PAT JENNETTE Cyber crime has hit home in Findlay, as he explained how several residents, primarily the elderly, have been victims of online and telephone scams for money. As for the future, he said the department is in the process of changing all of its manuals and procedures into digital format, accessible on the hard drive of the officers’ laptop computers. “This allows the officer to generate reports while still actively on patrol in the field, instead of coming back to the station to do it.” “We’re always looking for improvements in the records management system, because it allows the officers to be in the field more often, patrolling the community, which is the biggest benefit to the residents.” In the future, he hopes that the patrol cars can be outfitted with the technology to remotely monitor various areas of the township or select buildings in the township such as a school. The department’s dispatch center has the ability to monitor some locations now within the township. “It would be great to have that type of access for our officers so they can continuously watch what’s going on in the community.” Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 45 Municipal Roundup FINDLAY TOWNSHIP DEVELOPMENT In December, Findlay Supervisors approved a preliminary land development application submitted by Dick’s Sporting Goods for a one-million-square-foot office complex on 116 acres located at Pittsburgh International Airport at the North Field site. Construction at various residential and commercial sites continued across the township over the winter. 2008 BUDGET Gary Klingman, Findlay Township manager, noted that changes in the airport’s operations and a decrease in revenue from the Imperial landfill, now owned by Allied Waste, will have a direct impact on the township’s budget this year. He pointed out that, in order to hold the line on the township’s property taxes, which Findlay has successfully accomplished over the past 13 years, several concessions had to be made. Residents who pay the local services tax (LST) saw it increase to its maximum $52 from the $20 rate the township assessed since the tax went into effect statewide several years ago. While that impacts fewer than 300 residents who live and work in the township (anyone working outside the township pays this tax to the township where employment is based), it was something the township held off on doing until necessary. The township also cut costs in numerous areas, and negotiated with its 44 employees to freeze wages this year. “It’s a temporary circumstance that we will continue to monitor until everything has come in as we have anticipated; we’ll make adjustments accordingly,” he stressed. The loss of income from the landfill resulted when Allied Waste lost 50% of its contract due to the City of Pittsburgh requiring that it split its services in half, giving one geographic area to one company, and the other geographic area to Allied Waste. Gary estimates that will reduce the township’s revenue by $85,000 to $100,000 this year. Regarding the impact from the airport, “Other communities in the airport suburbs may not experience the same type of economic impact from the airport that we are,” he explained. Since the airport is situated directly within Findlay Township, the community derives the parking and real estate taxes from those entities. With the downsizing of USAirways, the impact on travel due to fewer flights originating and leaving reduces the amount of people who come to the airport to park their cars While the airport authorities gave Findlay some indication that there would be a reduction, how much it would affect the budget was not entirely known. 46 February 2008 “From the real estate tax standpoint, we’ve already lost a concourse at the airport’s airside terminal, which once housed tenants that are now gone,” he noted. Once the flight attendants who make Pittsburgh, and for many of them, Findlay Township, their home, decide whether or not to move to another city with the closure this spring of their Pittsburgh base, additional tax revenue in the form of real estate and wage tax will possibly be lost. He said that it may be minimal in that regard, or it may not. “We won’t see the actual impact from that aspect until much later, when everyone who could move or stay decides what to do,” he added. He said that, despite those challenges, the budget is looking good with a package the township can live with for now. In 2007, the budget was $6,261,154. The 2008 budget shows a revenue decrease of 2.3%, or $6,119,826. EMPLOYEE NEWS Miguel (Mike) Amaya was approved to be promoted from parttime to full-time police officer at the supervisor’s meeting in January. RECREATION Additional work is being completed on the outfield of the baseball field at the Findlay Recreation and Sports and Complex. The township’s public works employees are putting the warning track in to correct some previous issues. Bleacher pads and storm drainage are being completed at the Clinton ballfield, also by the township’s public works employees. NORTH FAYETTE TOWNSHIP DEVELOPMENT At its December meeting, North Fayette Supervisors approved the Bright Oaks apartment complex, which will be located on North Branch Road, adjacent to the Seabright Plan. A.R. Building of Pittsburgh, the developer, intends to construct a series of nine, three-story apartment buildings plus a clubhouse, with access to the new complex off North Branch Road. Pittsburgh Technical Institute is requesting consideration to construct five student housing dormitory buildings to house 625 students on 17 acres located at 1111 McKee Road. This is the first proposed expansion since the campus was constructed seven years ago. The SNPJ Lodge #106 on West Allegheny Road has approached the township for preliminary and final land development approval for a 2,400-square-foot addition to its building, which is located in an R-2 zoning district. In November, SNPJ received approval from the Zoning Hearing Board for the expansion. The 40’ by 60’ addition includes new restrooms to meet current accessibility requirements. RECREATION Construction has been completed on three new baseball fields (see photo, previous page) and planned for the spring is the construction of a new football field and a new soccer field at the township’s new park adjacent to Donaldson Elementary School on Donaldson Road. Plans for the new park also include three new play areas, nine new picnic pavilions, horseshoe pits, a sand volleyball area, a multipurpose building, a walking trail, an outdoor amphitheatre, and a lookout hill with meadow and kite-flying area. The township has been awarded an additional $10,000 through the Grable Foundation and KABOOM!, to build one of the new areas, and will be organizing the construction of this new area as a community build project. Interested individuals, businesses, groups, or organizations are invited to contact the Parks & Recreation Department at (412) 7884888 to be involved in the construction. OAKDALE BOROUGH BUDGET 2008 Oakdale Borough council will hold the line on taxes this year at 3 mils. Additionally, the borough will be able to reduce the sewage surcharge by one dollar for every thousand gallons of water used. The Oakdale Police Department has started a new program this year called “Citizens’ Assistance Program.” The borough’s police officers will check on the elderly and anyone who needs to be contacted due to health or mobility problems. Police officers will make a visit at least one time each week between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. after verifying the person’s residence and calling in advance. Forms to participate in the program are available at the borough office or at most of the businesses in Oakdale. For security purposes, it is asked that forms be personally delivered to the borough office on Noblestown Road between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Or, hand it to one of the police officers. If a form needs mailed to one’s address, call the police department at (724) 693-9639 or the borough office at (724) 693-9740. 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 Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 47 western allegheny community library CHILDREN KID’S Wednesday, March 5, Teddy Bear Picnic, 1:15-2:15 pm Saturday, Feb. 9, Chocolate Unwrapped, 11 am-12:30 pm Bring your favorite bear to the library for some snuggly, cuddly fun! All ages. Valentine’s Day is on its way and to celebrate everyone’s true love ... CHOCOLATE! Games, stories, and tons of rich chocolatey fun! All ages. Sunday, March 8, Seussabration, 1-2 pm It’s Dr. Seuss’s birthday and there’s fun for everyone! There’s foxes and some boxes, Sneetches and a Zak. So much fun, you’ll come right back! All ages. Wednesday, March 5, Book Bunch, 4:45-6 pm Combine a bunch of kids, a bunch of books, and a bunch of food = a bunch of fun! That’s what we’ll have at our book extravaganza when we get together once a month in the library! Pizza will be served for dinner. Grades K-2. Tuesday, March 11, Time Warp, 4:45-5:45 pm Travel back in time and discover a whole new world! Action, adventures, and much more. For grades one and up. Wednesday, March 12, Berry, Berry Fun! 1:15-2:15 pm Join us at the library for an afternoon of delicious, berry-licious fun with Strawberry Shortcake and her friends. All ages. Wednesday, March 19, Pop Art, 6:45-7:45 pm Create some fun, funky, trash-to-treasure flash that you’ll love to wear. Bottle caps aren’t just for collecting any more! Grade 2 and up. ADULTS TAXES Volunteers from VITA will be at the library to complete income tax forms for senior citizens and those with qualifying low incomes. Appointments are necessary. Call (724) 695-8150. State and federal tax forms are also available at the library. MARCH 11 - PYSANKY EASTER EGG DECORATING 6 - 8 pm Wed., Feb. 13., Winnie the Pooh! 1:15-2:15 pm Come with us on a journey to Hundred-Acre Wood where we’ll laugh and play with Pooh and his pals. We’ll enjoy stories, games, and more. Friday, Feb. 15, Freaky Friday, 4:30-5:30 pm Join us after school for this fun-filled, Friday after-hours “homework break.” Listen to stories, play games, munch on snacks, and make something fabulous to take home! Ages 6 and up. Mon., Feb. 18, Techno ‘Tweens, 11 am-12:30 pm No school? Cool! Head to the library to get your fill of Guitar, DDR, Karaoke, and more! We’ll munch on hot dogs and have a blast as we go totally Techno, new wave, and old school! Grades 3 and up. Saturday, Feb. 23, PAWS for Reading, 10:30-11:50 am Come into the library, snuggle up with a pup, and...you guessed it. Read to the dogs! Bring a tale or tell or find one here. For a tail-wagging good time, call to sign up for your 20-minute time slot. First grade and up. Tuesday, Feb. 26, Sense-Ational! 6:45-7:45 pm Sure you know that cola and cherry soda taste different. But what if you were blindfolded and couldn’t see? Could you taste the difference? Try this and other cool experiments as we explore the five senses. Grades 2 and up. TEENS IN FEBRUARY . . . Mother/Daughter Book Club Feb. 8; Artist Trading Cards Teen Craft Feb. 14; Stylish Lampshades & Funky Bulbs, Feb. 18; Teen Retro Video Club, Feb. 21; Are You Game? Feb. 25 PICTURED: Everyone enjoyed the annual Gingerbread House Day, even this crew! LOTS FOR O! TO ADULTS, M-Th 10 am-8 pm Fri 10 am-4 pm Sat 9 am-4 pm 8042 Steubenville Pike, Oakdale PA 15071 (724) 695-8150 www.westernalleghenylibrary.org Please register on the library’s website or at the library’s Circulation Desk for all programs 48 February 2008 First Steps Committed to Providing Pediatric Services The providers of First Steps Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine have been experiencing a significant volume of questions from patients and the community about the potential closing and/or relocation of Weirton Medical Center’s Pediatrics Unit. One possible plan could be to relocate pediatric services to an adult floor of the hospital but may not be dedicated for children. “Aside from the potential health risks to both populations when placing children with adults, such a plan of relocation to a non-dedicated unit would in effect, close pediatrics,” advises Dr. Anna Suray, medical director at First Steps Pediatrics. “There are ways to deliver effective pediatric care,” Naehal Marra, D.O., pediatrician at First Steps said. “More times than not, effective delivery of care comes in a dedicated, pediatric setting. When the focus of pediatrics is diminished, the quality of care of the newborn-to-18 age group can be compromised.” Access to a dedicated pediatrics unit can take on several meanings. At Weirton Medical Center, the pediatrics unit is a focused setting of pediatricians, RNs, and clinical staff, skilled at caring for newborns, toddlers, children, teens, and young adults. “Pediatric nurses are skilled at the subtle changes in a baby’s health,” said Dr. Aimee Seningen, pediatrician at First Steps Pediatrics. “It can be as subtle as the tone of a baby’s cry. Unless you are practiced at this skill, changes in a baby’s health can easily go undetected.” “When asked our position about pediatrics in Weirton, we support all efforts by the hospital to maintain the present, dedicated pediatric unit, even if it results in a slightly smaller version of the pediatrics unit today,” said Dr. Suray. Shop n’ Save Adds Generic Meds The $4 generic program for medications went into effect at area Shop n’ Saves on January 18. Med-Fast Pharmacies located within Shop n’ Save stores will fill the prescriptions for $4, plus fill them in generally ten minutes or less. Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 49 BINGO Hall Rentals Available 724/926-9149 at the STURGEON Volunteer Fire Department EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT: EARLY BIRD at 6:30 PM BINGO at 7 PM 526 Main Street Sturgeon Air Conditioned $2.00 OFF COUPON 1 CPN PER PLAYER PER NIGHT NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER COUPON expires 3/31/08 AWM Your House & Senate State Rep. Mark Mustio announced that approximately $110,670 in recycling grant funding has been awarded to three local communities from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). “Every ounce of waste sent to a recycling plant is one less ounce being sent to landfills,” said Mustio. “As participation increases among District 44 residents, so do the incentives that can be delivered to each respective local community.” Specific grant amounts and recipients are as follows: - $63,765 Recycling Development and Implementation grant to Moon Township to enhance the yard waste collection program. - $25,241 Recycling Performance grant to Moon Township based on the 2,354.6 tons recycled during calendar year 2005. - $19,234 Recycling Performance grant to Robinson Township based on the 1,952 tons recycled during calendar year 2005. - $2,430 Recycling Performance grant to North Fayette Township based on the 301.1 tons recycled during calendar year 2005. Each grant is in addition to the funds that DEP allocates to municipalities to establish and maintain recycling programs. For more information on recycling, visit www.dep.state.pa.us. State Senator John Pippy recently sponsored State Senate Bill 177. This bill proposes a personal income tax credit equal to the lesser of fifty percent (50%) of any premiums paid by a taxpayer or $1,000 during the year for a long-term care insurance policy for the taxpayer, the taxpayer’s spouse, or both. The greatest challenge to individuals facing retirement is likely to be the costs of long term care; however, many individuals do not have long-term care insurance. This legislation will act as an incentive and help to subsidize the cost of purchasing insurance, which will hopefully lead to a reduction in the amount of older Pennsylvanians who end up depleting their resources and depending on Medicaid to pay for nursing home care. NOTE: News and information is posted regularly to the websites of State Sen. Pippy and State Rep. Mustio. Check these sites for news and helpful information. 50 February 2008 STATE SEN. JOHN PIPPY 937 Beaver Grade Road Moon Township, PA 15108 (412) 262-2260 jpippy@pasen.gov www.senatorpippy.com REP. MARK MUSTIO 937 Beaver Grade Road Moon Township, PA 15108 (412) 262-3780 www.repmustio.com Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 51 BY PAT JENNETTE PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER ROLINSON The Houses on on Hastings H astings History ~ The United Presbyterian congregation that occupied the old academy building south of the St. Louis railroad through September 21, 1890 eventually found a permanent place for its pastor, Rev. J. B. Jamison, in 1898, after purchasing the property on Hastings Avenue known as the Northrop property. The property was purchased by the congregation for $3,500. ~ Among the most prominent residents of Hastings Avenue was Billingsley M. Hopper. Hopper was an Oakdale resident since 1892. Hopper also worked as assistant cashier at the First National Bank of Oakdale. ~ Major J. W. Nesbit also resided with his family on Hastings Avenue. Major Nesbit served as a member of the First Presbyterian Church at Oakdale, the Union Veteran Legion, and the Grand Army Republic. He also ownedand managed a fruit and stock farm in Beechmont, PA, and was director of the First National Bank in Oakdale. Major Nesbit contributed largely to editorial columns of the Oakdale Times. (from “The Illustrated Industrial Edition of the Oakdale Times”) 52 February 2008 Some stories need more than one chapter to be told. This is one of them. In the last issue, we highlighted two families on Hastings Avenue in Oakdale who brought renewed life to their historic homes. In this issue, we highlight another family that is doing the same. We’ll share Part III the next time. W hen Jonathan and Lynn Ann DeBor moved into their home at 228 Hastings Avenue back in 2001, they embarked on a trip back in time. They soon discovered that they were only the third family, and fourth owner, to have lived in the house. The original owners, the Campbell family, passed the home down to their daughter, who sold it to the Beaumont family, who lived there for 40 years, raising eight children. The home is unique in construction because it’s one of only three houses in Oakdale with a corner entrance. The front and right sides of the home’s exterior butt together at the right corner, where the entrance is neatly carved out of the corner. Over the entrance door remains an original stained glass window with leading. It’s just one of the unique factors that makes living there interesting. “We wouldn’t trade it for the world,” said Lynn Ann. Both Jonathan and Lynn Ann are teachers. He’s with The Neighborhood Academy in Lawrenceville. She teaches English at West Allegheny High School. Having backgrounds in education, they can appreciate the finer points of owning a home that has its own story to tell. What remains that is original to the home are some of what sold the DeBors on it -- high ceilings and three fireplaces. Jonathan has opened one of them and hopes to open up one more. For now, the fireplaces add an element of character to the rooms. The focal point of the house was the dining room at one time, which now serves as the family’s living room. They enjoy the home with their four-year-old daughter, Maura, who flits across the original pine hardwood floors scurrying from room to room in a home that’s full of history and lots of space for such a little one. One of the major projects when they moved in was to rewire the rooms. Jonathan said that the original knob and tubing was still in the house, and it had to come out. “My neighbor, Ed Navickas, was a great help with that,” he said. Jonathan expressed nothing but appreciation for all of Ed’s help. Ed, whose home was featured in the last article on Hastings, literally transformed his home with his wife, Katina. They live just a few doors down from the DeBors. Jonathan said that there is so much history on Hastings. He cited a couple of quick examples. For instance, the house where Jim Perri lived on the corner was connected to the adjacent house by an above ground tunnel. Other homes on the street were owned by bankers and tax collectors and other prominent individuals. The stories only add to the appeal of the homes. While most of their home is charming, Lynn Ann said one of the challenges faced in owning an old home is the lack of closet space. “People back then had very few clothes, so the closets are very narrow. We’ve made it work by doing some adaptations as needed,” she said. Other nooks and crannies, such as the walk-in sink area in the kitchen, and nooks in the upstairs bedrooms, add a charm that new houses today don’t exude. Jonathan explained that the woodwork in the homes on Hastings, such as the mouldings and baseboards, are, in general, meticulous in detail and large in scope. Their home also is one of a few on the street that has a basement with a concrete floor. The couple explained that when the Beaumonts lived there, they mortared over the stone walls, dug the basement deep by hand, and poured concrete down there. Jonathan said many other homes still have a dirt basement. When Lynn Ann and Jonathan moved in, the neighborhood got together for progressive dinners or to chat on the corner about this or that. “The older people are selling their homes on the street, and younger people are moving in. We miss the folks that have gone on, but it’s nice to get to meet new people who enjoy having something historic like a Hastings home,” Jonathan remarked. While some of the other families found little treasures in walls, under floorboards or in closets, the DeBors held onto the original water pump that pumped water into their house. They’ve incorporated it into their back deck with a pond. That, too, is a work in progress. But what old house isn’t? OPPOSITE PAGE: The DeBor home features a unique corner entrance. THIS PAGE: Top, Maura DeBor poses next to the original water pump that once pumped the water supply into the home. Bottom: The original stained glass window accents the front door. Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 53 54 February 2008 Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 55 Publisher Honored with Torch Award by the Better Business Bureau The Better Business Bureau has announced the winners of the 2007 Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics. The businesses selected to receive this year’s prestigious award were Allegheny West Magazine and Baker’s Waterproofing Company, Inc. The Bureau, founded with a mission to see that all share in the opportunity of a fair and equitable marketplace, established this annual awards program to gain public recognition for local businesses that maintain a solid commitment to conducting their business practices in an ethical fashion. Metropolitan Pittsburgh and the Better Business Bureau of Western Pennsylvania; Dr. Virginia Gerde, an Assistant Professor at Duquesne University where she teaches business ethics, organizational ethics, and information ethics at the undergraduate and graduate levels. She has published research in Business & Society, Business Strategy and Environment, and the Journal of Business Ethics; John P. Meegan, Executive Vice President and COO of Hefren Tillotson, Inc. , with over 20 years of experience in the securities industry; and Dr. Jim Weber, Professor of PICTURED: Left photo, Warren King, right, president of the Better Business Bureau, presents the Torch Award to Pat Jennette, second from right. Also pictured are Mary Ann Lubas, Joyce Jennette, and John Jennette, members of Pat’s family; Center photo, Pat presents a check from Allegheny West Magazine to the Western Allegheny Community Library. The check is the third annual presentation to the library, which has been adopted by Pat’s company as its community-service project. Accepting the check are Linda Mizwa, Marianne Sforza, and Betty Scott. Right photo, Pat and Warren are flanked by Paul DeBor, staff photographer, left, and Dick Glovier, staff sports writer, right. Paul and DIck have been part of the Allegheny West Magazine staff since its inception in 1999. “These companies were selected by an independent panel for their exceptional conduct in the marketplace,” said Warren King, president, Better Business Bureau. “Each winning company clearly demonstrates superior character on a daily basis and consistently exceeds marketplace standards for ethics in its relationships with customers, employees, suppliers, industry peers, and the communities in which they do business.” Pat Jennette of North Fayette Township established Allegheny West Magazine in 1999 as a spin-off of her company, Jennette Communications Group. The three editions of Allegheny West Magazine cover 14 communities across Allegheny County’s western suburbs surrounding Pittsburgh International Airport, with a total print run of 50,000. The company adheres to its motto, “Good News Always, Mailed and Delivered Free, Every Time.” “Doing the right thing for those we serve, and providing them with a positive news source, is what we are all about,” said Pat. “It is truly an honor to be selected a Torch Award Winner in Western Pennsylvania. We know that with this honor comes the responsibility of continuing good business and community practices in the years to come,” she added. “This recognition from the Better Business Bureau confirms our commitment to serve our area’s residents and businesses in an ethical and responsible manner.” Serving on the panel of judges for the 2007 BBB Torch Awards were Dr. Faith Bjalobok, an adjunct professor of philosophy at Duquesne and a lecturer at WVU, who also teaches medical ethics at Mercy, UPMC, and Washington Hospital; Donald E. Dukstein, retired from Option Insulating Company, Inc., which he founded in 1962, who has served on several local boards including as President of the Remodelers Council at the Builders Association of 56 February 2008 Business Ethics and Management and Director of the Beard Center for Leadership in Ethics at Duquesne University. He is the co-author of the 12th edition of the Business and Society: Stakeholders, Ethics, Public Policy, published by Irwin/McGrawHill, Inc. The BBB Torch Award program is open to all for-profit companies (accredited and non-accredited businesses) who are located in the 28-county service area of Western Pennsylvania. Companies were evaluated against criteria that included commitment to and demonstration of ethical practices in the marketplace; high standards of behavior toward customers, employees, suppliers, shareholders, and the communities in which they do business; long-term value of ethics policies to shareholders, customers, and employees; and training and communications programs to assist employees in carrying out established ethics policies. For more information on the 2007 BBB Torch Awards winners, visit the BBB website at www.bbb.org. BY ANIKO KAUFMANN KEEP YOUR SKIN FRESH AND YOUNG-LOOKING! If you want to keep your skin fresh and young-looking (and who doesn’t?) you may be surprised to know that: - Being aware of your circadian rhythm, your body’s 24-hour internal clock, can help you maximize the benefits of your skin care agenda. For example the best time to exfoliate is in the morning, since your body has spent the night hours eliminating free radicals and cellular waste that destroy healthy skin. In the morning, your skin is relaxed and fully hydrated and will respond better to the skin product you use. In the evening, your skin is more porous and focused on repairing damage caused during the day, making it an excellent time to use a high-performance moisturizer. If you’re not using a toner after cleansing your face, it’s time to start. Alcohol-free toners help the ingredients in a mask or moisturizer penetrate your skin more effectively, as well as protect and hydrate. It’s also important to remember that in most cases, the water you use to remove a cleanser (not the product itself) affects your skin’s PH balance. Whether it’s winter, a cloudy summer day or a day at the beach, protecting your face and neck (which ages three times faster than your face) on a daily basis with sunscreen plays a critical role in preventing dark spots, uneven tone, wrinkles and sagging. Your skin needs exercise. Think of a European spa facial as being a workout for your skin. Just as physical activity is critical to your overall health, your skin also requires regular exercise. The combination of massage, custom blended product and relaxation in a facial is crucial to maintain a healthy, glowing complexion. To build skin health, experts recommend a facial every four weeks. Whether you’re trying to select the best facial product for your skin type or simply interested in learning more about skin care, please let me know! Aniko Kaufmann is the owner of Aniko’s Hungarian Skin Care and Spa, 061 Steubenville Pike, North Fayette Township. Call her at (412) 788-4005. 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. Site Studio! The EASIEST way to build your own web site! Lots of templates . . . copy and paste text from your favorite word processor . . . add your photos — presto! For your club, family tree, hobby, crafts, or your small business. $175 for the first year, including domain name! Call Pittsburgh Points West — (412) 494-9203 Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 57 Beginning next fall, all new students entering the technology cluster will spend nine weeks in each of the four programs in the Technology Cluster, and then they will select one of the programs as their major. Next year, due to the high labor market demand for certified welders in Southwestern Pennsylvania, Welding Technology is being offered, after a 20-year hiatus. 58 February 2008 WELDING TECHNOLOGY Efforts by the school to enhance its educational programs also included writing for grants totaling $62,000 in matching funds for new equipment from the Bureau of Labor & Industry and the Department of Community and Economic Development last year. The school used the PUBLIC SAFETY TECHNOLOGY DRAFTING & DESIGN CULINARY ARTS COSMETOLOGY CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY AUTO BODY REPAIR AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY The school has opened two new programs in the Technology Cluster -Information Technology Essentials (ITE) and Digital MultiMedia (DMM). The ITE program prepares students for certification in computer repair (A+) and network technology (Cisco CCNA). The DMM program offers students the opportunity to earn one or more Adobe software certifications, such as Photoshop, InDesign, or Illustrator. MACHINE TOOL TECHNOLOGY Under Director Jack Highfield and Assistant Director Darby Copeland, and on the heels of the national trend for vocational-technical schools to become career and technology centers, Parkway West Area VocationalTechnical School became Parkway West Career and Technology Center (PWCTC). Today, the school is a renewed and reinvigorated place for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to acquire the skills and knowledge they will need to succeed in high demand careers that offer opportunities for lifetime growth in responsibility and income. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY West Career and Technology Center that the school has practically reinvented itself. HEALTH ASSISTANT Over the past four years, so much has changed at Parkway Additionally, Parkway has vigorously pursued obtaining numerous certifications that enhance students’ ability to find well-paying, non-exportable jobs in the local communities. Last year, students attending PWCTC attained an unprecedented number of industry and PDE certifications — nearly 600 — that will help them qualify for employment opportunities in their areas of occupational expertise. Some of these certifications, such as NATEF, AYES, I-CAR and PPG Blue Level Certification in the Auto Body Repair program, Microsoft Office Specialist and Master certifications in the Business Technology and Computer Technology programs, Serve Safe certification in the Culinary Arts program, National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS) in the Machine Tool Technology program, and CompTIA A+ and Cisco CCNA certification in the Information Technology Essentials program, come directly from industry sponsored organizations or programs. Other certifications earned by Parkway students, such as the Governor’s Skills Certificate, are issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) for excellent performance on the state-mandated end-of-course competency tests from the National Occupational CompetencyTesting Institute (NOCTI). BY PAT JENNETTE grant and local monies to install a computer lab for the Construction Cluster programs (Carpentry, Electrical Construction and Maintenance, Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration, and Masonry); a computer-numeric-controlled (CNC) lathe, a CNC milling machine, and a laser engraver in the Machine Tool Technology program; and a Mega-Code Kelly “manikin” for the Health Assistant and Public Safety Technology programs. What’s more, Parkway’s Cooperative Education program has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years. This year the program, under the direction of Tracy Marschik, will provide nearly 100 students with supervised employment in a wide range of local area businesses, while they are still enrolled in high school. This winter, Parkway will host several key groups in the community to bring continued attention to its focus on keeping pace with today’s career and job training essentials. Business leaders from the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce convened for a luncheon on January 24 to hear more about the school. Some of Parkway’s notable alumni addressed the group and shared why they believe their education at Parkway was important to their career. Sometime in the late spring, PWCTC will also unveil its “new look” with a celebration. Over the summer and fall months, the school’s façade underwent a facelift. An entrance canopy, complete with the school’s new logo, was constructed at the entrance to the main building. Inside, new technology labs in Construction and Digital MultiMedia were installed, the Public Safety Technology program was moved into renovated facilities, and numerous other cosmetic changes were made. PWCTC is a public school facility that is owned and operated by twelve school districts in western Allegheny County: Carlynton, Chartiers Valley, Cornell, Keystone Oaks, Moon Area, Montour, Mt. Lebanon, Quaker Valley, South Fayette, Sto-Rox, Upper St. Clair, and West Allegheny. Students in the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade may enroll in PWCTC programs as a part of their high school program of studies. All tuition costs are paid for by the student’s home school district. There will be a special Open House for students interested in the programs offered at PWCTC on March 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. All interested students and their parents are invited. For further information, call (412) 923-1772, or visit www.parkwaywest.org Parkway West CTC is Future-Focused and Forward Thinking OPPOSITE PAGE: Masonry program instructor, Charlie Sweeney, works with one of the students; ABOVE, starting at the top: Welding Technology will be reintroduced to the school program lineup next fall; Stephanie Olszewski, a Montour alumna, is the school’s new instructor of the latest technology offering, Digital Multimedia; Machine Tool Technology program instructor, Steve Livergood, shows a student how to operate the new CNC machine. Come to Open House On Thursday, March 6 from 6 to 8 p.m., Parkway will host its Open House. It’s an evening of open tours, demonstrations, refreshments, prizes, and more. Come see what’s changed and what’s available for young people in career and technology training. Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 59 BY PAT JENNETTE Pennsylvania counts itself among a handful of states with the largest percentage of CSAs across the nation. Here in our own backyard, that’s no exception. As the growing season gets underway in the coming months, we decided to explore what’s available right in our area. It was a journey, to say the least. As we educated ourselves in the concept of Community Supported Agriculture, or CSAs, we learned more about our local farmers that work diligently to put good and viable fresh products on our tables in a variety of ways. We learned about the growth in organic foods and their impact on both the environment and our health. We learned about the farms that have been here for a long time and offer the tried and true traditional way of harvesting, and those who are new and carving their niche in the CSA and organic arenas. There is so much to be learned from all that’s good and wholesome about something we do daily -- eat and nourish ourselves -- that we decided it would make a wonderful series to share as we move into the warmer weather months. We take you on this journey over a three-part series, a length we believe is necessary because of the breadth of the information and resources available, how it relates to the farms in our own community, and because of the nutritional value and how it affects our health as one of the most important things we do for ourselves every day we live. As the percentage of food dollars staying in localities has declined over the last few generations, so has the share of each food dollar going to farmers. Distributors, wholesalers, and retailers have been claiming more, leaving a smaller and smaller portion for the growers. These statistics lead to an inescapable conclusion: Our communities are not supporting our farmers, so our farmers are unable to support our communities. Most of our food travels many hundreds of miles to reach us. Enormous energy is expended to transport it, yet it loses much of its freshness and nutritional value. 60 February 2008 Today’s food distribution system, dependent on heavy usage of agricultural chemicals, preservatives, and fossil fuels, disrupts the ecological balance of the planet. A growing alternative agricultural movement is responding by seeking to bring markets back home. It’s called Community Supported Agriculture. In only ten years, the CSA movement has spread to 600 farms in the United States. Shared Acres During a recent visit on a cold, snowy Saturday afternoon with Dwayne and Renee Bauknight of Cork Bocktown Road in Clinton, they spoke about their newest venture -- nearly 40 acres of newly purchased land they have named Shared Acres. As we looked out a large picture window, it was evident the they have toiled to create a vision that holds great promise for an innovative, local fresh food supply. Dwayne said that the business concept of Community Support Agriculture (CSA) is relatively simple, “We grow for the shareholders.” For 26 weeks of the active growing season, Dwayne will cultivate, harvest, and prepare a basket of fresh produce for each of the shareholders. Each week the shareholders will come by the farm and pick up a basket of vegetables that will eventually incorporate fruits, herbs, and flowers into the harvest as the CSA grows. Early in the spring, such crops as radishes, peas, spinach, and baby carrots are on the planting schedule. Later in the summer, shareholders will receive zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, celery, and beans. By October, the fall harvest will include cabbage and possibly pumpkin. “Pumpkins are hard to grow, especially without pesticides. They are fickle and take up a lot of room, but I’m getting good at it,” Dwayne said. Additionally, each basket will include a regular mix of salad greens. He’ll have 12 different varieties of salad greens among the selections. Depending on the time of the season, the harvest will change, of course. But one thing will remain constant -- a respect for the land and for growing what one eats in its more natural environment. “We will focus on growing biodynamically, with no industrial pesticides or chemicals; we let nature do its thing,” Dwayne noted. “Shared Acres is being built from the commons for the commons. Even the seed are subject to ABOVE: Dwayne Bauknight, left, talks to students at Robert Morris University. Several of the students are partnering with Shared Acres this spring to work on a class project related to the environment and sustainable agriculture. scrutiny. This means no patented genetically modified seeds,” Dwayne said. The seeds will even come from the local market as well, obtained from a familyowned specialty heirloom seed company that is within a 100-mile radius. All this can be had for $300 a year, which, as Renee pointed out, can be paid in full, or quarterly or monthly. As many as 200 shareholders can participate in the first year’s harvest. Dwayne holds a bachelor’s in Finance and a master’s in Engineering Management from Robert Morris University. His master’s thesis was an ecological engineering invention factory that could help institute sustainable development with a local commons. He said he has learned more about the concept over the past several years while he grew produce for his own family at their former home in Moon Township, literally turning his yard into a biodynamic experimental playground. His exposure to home gardening while he was growing up also didn’t hurt. “My parents had a garden and my Mom canned a lot of what they grew. This was natural for me to expand upon something I was raised with,” Dwayne explains. The concept piqued his interest further, and he is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in natural resource management at West Virginia University. Shared Acres will be the implementation of his master’s thesis as his dissertation. Their Moon Township home wasn’t quite the place to take their dreams to a larger scale, and they started looking at property in the western suburbs. They were fortunate to find this place, Renee said, because of its wide open space, a massive barbeque pit and two ponds, and it’s still close to a lot of venues. Renee said that once they get things on track with the harvest, they’ll be offering shareholders and the public opportunities to use Shared Acres for private outings. Dwayne said that he believes his harvest will be the first intercropping model of vegetables grown together in a one-acre plot. He referred to “Gardening by the Square Foot,” a book written by Mel Bartholomew. “Mel shows that for every 48-squarefeet that is planted, you are able to gain a greater yield than if you were to plant each seed in a plot of its own,” Dwayne explained. That being said, Dwayne’s cropping model has expanded the Bartholomew technique and shows that even more than enough vegetables can be grown Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 61 on one acre for every 200 shareholders. He further explained the concept of a CSA. Community Supported Agriculture is a cooperative of growers and eaters who have chosen to work together for their mutual benefit. In exchange for receiving a share of produce each week for an agreed upon time period, shareholders pay the growers an agreed upon yearly fee. At the minimum, CSA assures the growers of meaningful employment with fair wage before they stick a single seed in soil and provides the consumers with the true knowledge that their weekly supply of vegetables is fresh, healthy food. This concept brings a new meaning to the local farmer, and hopefully will reinstitute the sustainability concept of harvesting from the commons for the commons. First, CSA food is fresh food, as fresh as it gets. It comes right off the farm into shareholders’ bags. In many cases, shareholders even help pick it. And, almost all CSA food is grown without herbicides, pesticides, or chemical fertilizers. Dwayne is creating raised beds for his crops, primarily for his ease of access. He said he is designing some of the raised beds especially for handicap and elderly access, “in case they would like to share in the experience and come to pick their own produce.” Along that line, he said that shareholders are asked to be an active participant in the CSA in one of many ways that are available. Some of those ways include filling out surveys, bringing their junk mail and/or newspapers to the farm for use as bedding for the worms, or simply coming by to dig in the beds and get dirty. “I hope our shareholders will do just that, share in the experience by participating in some small active way,” Dwayne said. This spring, Dwayne is partnering with Robert Morris University’s Environmental Science class, where some of the students have chosen to take part in some of Shared Acre’s creation for their term project. That partnership is one of many ways the Bauknight’s hope to connect the community. They hope to make Shared Acres an educational place where field trips can be taken, garden clubs can get involved, and residents can learn about agriculture. Dwayne even wants to share what he learns with other small farmers across the nation with the publication of his dissertation. And, once he has a need for extra hands, he plans to hire local. “This is a local enterprize, and we want to engage as much of the community in its growth as possible as we grow,” he said. “We have some wonderful ideas for this place and we want to share it with others,” Renee added. For more information, call 1-866-512-1452. Cherry Valley Organics In 2002, Evan and Jodi Verbanic started a garden on a small plot of land at their home in Crafton. They grew vegetables, herbs, and flowers, and shortly thereafter launched a small-scale organic Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) project that they christened Urban Roots. With a background working in the fields of environmental management and community development, Evan saw a lot of potential for the concept. In the years leading up to and following the launch of Urban Roots, he assisted with the start-up of a number of Pittsburgh-based organizations and projects such as Sustainable Pittsburgh and the Farmers’ Market Alliance, as well as an experimental nonprofit vegetable farm in collaboration with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Jodi also worked in environmental management and also taught environmental science at the primary, secondary, and undergraduate levels. To hone her budding horticultural skills, Jodi worked for several years as a professional gardener, tending the gardens of clients throughout the Pittsburgh area. Quickly recognizing that the traditional CSA model was not for everyone, by their second season the Verbanics retrofitted their share offering to be entirely “a la carte” to better serve customers. By the 2004 growing season, the Verbanics had purchased 35 ABOVE: Jodi and Evan Verbanic, owners of Cherry Valley Organics. 62 February 2008 acres in Cherry Valley (near Burgettstown) and obtained organic certification for the property from the USDA. Thus, Cherry Valley Organics was born. Having germinated and nurtured the business for five years on the side, they quit their day jobs in 2006 to devote their full attention to their farm business. Today, they grow and harvest more than 100 varieties of vegetables, more than 150 varieties of herbs, and more than 300 varieties of cut flowers, along with black and red raspberries and blueberries, all in accordance with the USDA organic standard. “Product quality and selection has always been our primary concern,” explains Evan, “but ecological considerations are a close second, and we have embraced the federal organic standard as a means to ensure the integrity of the organic name,” he said. He noted that widespread use of popular marketing terms such as “local” and “sustainable” are not readily defined. In addition to these products, the Verbanics introduced several all-organic and hand-made product lines in 2007, including herbal bath and body products, herbal teas, baked goods, and dried herbs and vegetables. To keep pace with the steadily increasing demand for certified organic, locally produced goods, Cherry Valley Organics has expanded its operation this year. They have added two full-time growers and one part-time assistant grower to their staff, along with a second greenhouse and a small processing building. They also plan to hire several seasonal interns from local colleges and universities. In 2008, they will once again offer a 35-week-long “a la carte” produce subscription service for individuals and households in the Pittsburgh area. Due to strong interest from the corporate sector to incorporate the CSA model into wellness programming in recent years, Cherry Valley Organics launched a corporate farm share program for corporate and institutional accounts last year. Of particular note, a farm share program was piloted in 2007 with Parkhurst Dining Services (a division of the Eat n’ Park Hospitality Group) to deliver weekly farm shares to Bayer Corporation and Dick’s Sporting Goods for their employees. Cherry Valley has impacted the retail and food service scene as well. They sell products to restaurants, florists, and specialty food stores, and are frequently found at area farmer’s markets. Lastly, CVO plans to sell its products at three weekly farmers’ markets – in Bethel Park, Sewickley, and Washington – beginning in April and running through November in 2008. Evan’s business and managerial skills, coupled with Jodi’s hands-on experience and vision, complement each other. Evan said, “We’re pleased to provide what the public wants, and what they want more of is what’s organic, fresh, nutritious, and highquality.” Additional information is available at their website, www.cherryvalleyorganics.com, or call (724) 777-0790. Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag 63 community connections FINDLAY TOWNSHIP at your fingertips Trash Pickup: 724/693-9740; Water: 724/693-9740 OAKDALE BOROUGH Office Information Parks and Recreation Findlay Mun. Ctr., 1271 Rt. 30, Clinton, PA 15026, 724/695-0500, website: www.findlay.pa.us, Hours: 8 am-4:30 pm Supervisors: Thomas J. Gallant, Chrmn.; Janet Craig, V. Chrmn.; Raymond Chappell, Mbr.; Twp. Mgr: Gary Klingman; Asst. Twp. Mgr.: Chris Caruso; Bldg. Inspector: Russ Collins; Solicitors: E.J. Strassburger & Alan Schuckrow; Plmbg./Sewer Inspector: Tim Cook; Public Works Director: John O’Neal 6115 Noblestown Rd., Oakdale, PA 15071, 724/693-9740, Fax: 724/693-0100 Website: www.oakdaleborough.com, Hrs: M-F 8:30 am-4:30 pm Council: Huck Gamble, President; Russ Campbell, Vice President; Council members: Keith Merlino, Paul Hennemuth, Tom Potts, Ross Rohbeck, Mayor; Vince Tucceri, Esq.; Michele Cromer, Esq.; Kelly Rohbeck, Borough Secretary; Laura Ahlborn, Assistant Secretary Taxes Meetings Meetings Supervisors: Caucus: 1st Thur. monthly - 7 pm, Regular on 2nd Wed. monthly - 7 pm, Workshop on 4th Thur. monthly - 7 pm Planning Commission: Regular on 4th Tues. monthly - 7 pm Zoning Hearing Bd.: Regular on 3rd Mon. monthly - 7 pm Municipal Authority: Regular on 4th Mon. monthly - 6 pm Council: 1st Wed. monthly, 7:30 pm, Community Ctr., Zoning Hearing Bd.: On Request Services County Real Estate Payments: March 31 with discount; Face:After March Questions concerning county taxes call: 412/350-4100 School Real Estate Payments: Discount: Aug. 31; Face: Oct. 31; Penalty: Nov. 1 Questions: (724) 693-9366 Office Information Trash/ Recycling: Waste Management of Pa., (724) 228-4200 Municipal Authority: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 724/695-3108 Parks and Recreation Open Apr. 1-Oct. 31, 8 am to Sunset, Pavilion rentals: 8 am-11 pm, $50 residents/$75 non-residents + $25 deposit, call township for details Taxes Earned Inc./Occup. Priv.: Barb Coates 724/695-0521; Real Estate: Dorothy McCullough, 724/695-2995 Emergencies Police: 9-1-1 or (724)695-7777 ~ Non-Emergency (724)695-1300 Fire: 9-1-1 or (724)695-7777 ~ Non-Emergency (724)695-8845 Ambulance 9-1-1 or (724)695-7777 NORTH FAYETTE TOWNSHIP Office Information 400 N. Branch Rd., Oakdale, PA 15071, Hours: 8 am - 5 pm 412/788-4888/724-693-9601, website: www.north-fayette.com Supervisors: John Meyers, Jim Morosetti, J.R. Mangan Mgr.: Robert Grimm; Bldg. Inspector: Mike Saville; Public Works Director: Victor Rogale; Bob Brozovich, Parks & Rec. Director; Solicitor: Vincent Tucceri Meetings Supervisors: Workshop: 1st Thursday monthly - 7:30 pm, Regular 2nd Tuesday monthly - 7:30 pm Planning Commission: Regular on 3rd Tuesday monthly - 7:30 pm Joint Board: Meet as required Zoning Hearing Board: Meet as required Parks & Recreation: Regular: 3rd Monday monthly, 7 pm Water Authority (@ Water Auth.): 3rd Tuesday monthly, 7:30 pm Payroll: Regular: 4th Tuesday monthly, 7:30 pm Transportation Auth.: Meetings vary, call office Services Recycling: Every other week. Special containers available. Accept clear & colored glass, aluminum & bi-metal beverage cans and steel (tin) food cans, plastic food, soda, & milk containers--types 1 & 2 only. Contact twp. office for complete schedule & guidelines. Water: Western Allegheny County Municipal Authority (W.A.C.M.A.) (412) 788-4337; emergency: (412) 787-8900 Parks and Recreation Pavilion rentals: 11 am-11 pm, Community Ctr. 1 mtg. room and 1 recreation room, call twp for rates Food Pantry: 2nd & 4th Tues., 9 a.m.-Noon; 3rd Wed., 5:30 pm-7 pm Hankey Farms Pool, (summer season only) (412) 788-0806 after 11:30 am wknds. late May; Daily in summer from June 4; noon-7:00 pm, Family pass: $200; Individual pass: $100; couples/dual: $170; Daily Rates: $5 adults, $3 children 3 yrs-12 yrs, free for under 2 yrs old, $1 observers/non-swimmers. Children under 10 must be w/an adult. Taxes Earned Inc./Occup. Privilege/R.E.: Tom Falcioni (724) 693-9366 Township Tax Assessor: Cindy Zimecki (412) 473-3161 Emergencies Police - 9-1-1; non-emergency (412) 787-8900; Fire - 9-1-1; non-emergency (412) 787-2883 NorthWest EMS - 9-1-1; non-emergency (412) 331-2600 Website: www.northfayettevfd.org, www.nortwestems.net STURGEON: Emergency: 9-1-1-, Non-emergency: (724) 926-9149 Website: www.sturgeonfd.south-fayette.pa.us McDONALD BOROUGH Office Information 151 School St., McDonald PA 15057, (724) 926-8711, Fax: (724) 926-2750, Office Hrs: M-F 8 am-4 pm, www.mcdonaldboro.com Meetings Reg. Mtg. 1st Mon., 7:30 pm, Planning Comm. & Zoning Bd., as needed Emergencies Fire, Police & EMS: 9-1-1 Non-Emergency: Fire Only (724) 926-9190 Website: www.mcdonaldfire.com 64 2008 64 February December 2007 Open May-Oct.; Pavilion rentals: $60 plus $45 deposit - residents; $90 plus $45 deposit - non-residents, call borough for info; Community Center: Rentals-724/693-9740; Sr. Citizens-724/693-8540 Donna Swider, Real Estate Tax Collector Emergencies Police & Fire: 9-1-1 Non-Emergency: (412) 331-2600; Ambulance 9-1-1 Non-Emergency: (412) 761-2200 Website: www.oakdalehosecompany.org Services TAXES SCHOOLS West Allegheny School District, Box 55, Imperial, PA 15126, 724/ 695-3422 Parkway West Career & Technology Center, 7101 Steubenville Pike, Oakdale, PA 15071, 412/923-1772 Pittsburgh Technical Institute, 1111 McKee Rd., Oakdale, PA 15071 412/809-5100 Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), 1000 McKee Rd., Oakdale PA 15071, 412/788-6464 WEST ALLEGHENY CHURCHES (schedules may change seasonally) Allegheny West Christian, Minister Faron Franklin 7600 Steubenville Pike, Oakdale PA 15071, 412/788-8818, Sun. blended worship 11 am, eve svc 6:30 pm, Wed. Bible study 7 pm, children’s programs during both Worship & Bible study Church of Jesus Christ, Pastor Robert Buffington 57 Moore Rd., Clinton PA 15026, 724/899-3935 Svcs: Sun. 10 am, 6:30 pm, Wed., 11 am Church of the Living Christ, Rev. Brian Henry 220 W. Allegheny Rd., P.O. Box 46, Imperial, PA 15126 724/ 695-7188, Sun. Svc. 10:30 am, Wed. Family Night 7 pm, nursery all services, www.cotlc.com Church of the Nazarene 507 Rt. 30, Imperial, PA 15126, 724/695-7669, Sun. School 10 am, Sun. worship 11 am and 6 pm, Wed. 7 pm Clinton United Presbyterian, Rev. Peter Grosso Box 175, 25 Wilson Rd., Clinton, PA 15026, 724/695-7993, Sun. School 9:45 am, Worship 11 am, youth fellowship Sun. 6:30 pm, Nursery during services, youth night Tues. 3:305:30 pm grades 2-5 Clinton Wesleyan, Rev. Ted Chapman 1022 Moon Clinton Rd., Clinton, PA 15026, 724/695-7076, Sun. School 9:30 am, worship & children’s church 10:45 am, adult bible study, kids club (preschool-gr 6) & youth group (gr 7-12) Wed. 7-8:15 pm, prayer mtg. Fridays, 6 pm Crossroads United Methodist, Rev. Steve Cordle 1000 Crossroads Dr., Oakdale, PA 15071, 412/494-9999, Sat. 6:30 pm, Sun. 9 am, 10:15 am, 11:30 am, Wee Kidzone Ministry-birth-preschool all svcs, Kidzone Ministry, K-5, 6:30 am, 10:15 am, 11:30 am, MS Ministry, Sun., 6-7:30 p.m., HS, 7:30-9 pm Hebron UP 1767 Route 30, Clinton, PA 15026, 724/899-2276 Summer-10 am, Sept.-May-11 am, Sunday School 9:45 am, Sept.-May all ages Immanuel Orth. Presby. , Pastor Mark Garcia W. Allegheny Comm. Library Bldg., 8042 Steubenville Pike, Oakdale PA 15071,412/474-3266, www.immanuelOPCPgh.org, Sun. 11 am & 6 pm (1:30 pm first Sun. each month), Sun. morning instruction Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 198 N. Branch Rd., Oakdale PA 15071, 724/693-8150 Sunday Worship: 10 am, 1 pm, Bible Study Tues. & Thurs. 7:30 pm Montours UP, Rev. James A. Evans 3151 Montour Church Rd., Oakdale, PA 15071, 412/7871050, 10 am June-Aug, 11 am w/9:30 am Sun. School Sept-May, Svc. of Wholeness & Healing 2nd Sun monthly Noblestown UM, Rev. Rich Updegraff 7313 Noblestown Rd., Oakdale, PA 15071-1905 724/693-2755, 9 am service, Sun. Learning & Fellowship 10:15 am pre-school to grade 12 and two adult classes Noblestown UP, Rev. Dr. Patty Giles-Petrosky 7427 Noblestown Rd., Oakdale, PA 15071 724/693-8250, 10 a.m., Service, 11 am Sun. School Oakdale UP Church, Rev. Mark Simonds 62 Hastings Ave., Oakdale, PA 15071, 724/693-8950 11 a.m., Sunday School 9:30 am Resurrection Lutheran, Rev. William Winzeler 7600 Steubenville Pike, Oakdale, PA 15071, 412/7884513, Worship & Sun School, 9 am, Bible study, Mon 10 am. Thurs eve open to community for prayer, no worship St. Columbkille R.C., Rev. Domenic Mancini 103 Church Rd., Imperial, PA 15126, 724/695-7325 Svcs: M-F 8 am, Wed. 7:15 pm, Sat., 6:30 pm, Sun. 7:30 am, 9 am, 10:30 am, noon St. Patrick R.C., Rev. William Schwartz 7322 Noblestown Rd., Oakdale, PA 15071, 724/693-9260, www.saint-patrick-parish.com, Parish Office, 724/693-8447-Rel. Educ.&Youth Min, Sat. 5 pm, Sun. 9 am, 11:30 am Valley UP, Pastor Jeri-Lynne Bouterse 237 Main St., Imperial, PA 15126, 724/695-0300-Office, Worship 10:30 am, Sun. School all ages to adult-9:30 am, www.valleychurchweb.com West Ridge Christian Community Church, Rev. Bill Bolin, 100 Gorwood Dr., Coraopolis, PA 15108, 724/6957500, website: www.wrccc.org, email: info@wrccc.org, 9:00 & 11 am, & Kids Quest & nursery; Ground. Level Youth, Wed. 7 pm COMMUNITY/CIVIC/SOCIAL/PROFESSIONAL American Legion Post 171, 866-693-8759 American LegionAuxiliary, 724/926-2643 American Legion Post 335, TBA American Legion Post 485, 724/926-8825 Business Network Intl. (BNI)Airport Chapter, 412/941-0101 CBX-Commonwealth Business Exchange, 412/788-8211 Daughters of theAmerican Revolution, jacobferree@yahoo.com Hollow Oak Land Trust, 412/264-5354 Imperial Lions Club, (724) 695-0568 Kiwanis Club, 412/264-6419 Masonic Lodge, Oakdale, 724/899-2440 McDonaldArea Development Corp., 724/926-4617 Montour Run Watershed Assn., 412/835-4033, www.mrwa.info Montour Trail Council, (412) 257-3011 Montour Valley Grange, (724) 695-0481 Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS), Hebron 724/899-3669, Valley 724/774-6317, Oakdale, (412) 494-9999 North Fayette Garden Club, 724/693-8413 North Fayette Republican Committee, 412/788-2840 Parkway West Rotary,(412) 292-4140 Pgh. Airport Area Chamber of Commerce, 412/264-6270 SNPJ Lodge 106, 724/695-1411 or 695/1100 SturgeonAthletic Association, 724/926-2150 The ROCK Community Center in Oakdale, (724) 693-2777 The Small Business Network (TSBN), 412/367-5979 VFW & Ladies Auxiliary, 412/788-4674 or 724/695-8866 Walden Woods Community Svc.Assn., 724/695-8100 WestAlleghenyAdopt-A-Highway, TBD West Allegheny HistoricalAssociation, 724/695-2469 Western Ally. Friends to Enhance Library (WAFEL), 724/695-8150 SERVICES Allegheny Power : 800-255-3443 Bureau of Mine Subsidence: 800-922-1678 Cable TV: Comcast: 412/264-6600 Columbia Gas Co.: 888-460-4332 Community Access TV: Channel 14: 412/269-1191 Robt. Morris University: 412/262-8377 Dept. of Agriculture: 724/443-1585 Dept. of Elections: 412/350-4500 Dept. Environ. Protection: (814) 332-6945 Dog Licenses: 412/350-4111 Duquesne Light Co.: 800-393-7100 Hankey Farms Swimming Pool: (412) 788-0806 Meals on Wheels: 724/899-3602 or 724/695-0634 Media: Allegheny Times: (412) 269-1144 Allegheny West Magazine: (724) 695-3968 Post-Gazette West: (724) 375-6814 Tribune Review: (412) 320-7945 Pa. American Water Co.: 800-474-7292 Peoples Gas/Dominion Cust. Svc: 800-764-0111 Settlers Cabin Park, (412) 787-2750, Tennis Courts, 412/787-2824, Wave Pool, 412/787-2667 Triangle Pet Control: 412/771-7387 Western Alleg. Commun. Library: 724/695-8150 West Allegheny Food Pantry: 724/695-1305 West Allegheny Thrift Store: 724/695-1305 SR. CITIZEN GRPS. Findlay Township: 724/695-0500 LifeSpan Oakdale Senior Resource Center, at Oakdale Community Ctr: Seminary Ave., Oakdale, 724/693-8540 or 693-2621, dward@lifespanpa.org St. Columbkille: 724/695-7325 CHILDCARE Coddlers Daycare, 412/787-1311 Crossroads U. Meth. Preschool, 412/494-9999 Helping Hands Childcare, 724/695-9200 Kristy’s Kiddie Care, 724/926-4200 Little Folks, 412/787-8822 Oakdale Kids Korner, 724/693-9733 Resurrection Luth. Nursery, 412/788-4513 St. Columbkille Preschool, 724/695-2146 Sunny’s Wee Kids Palace, 412/788-2273 Teddy Bear Village Child Care, 724/695-3490 YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Venturing Crew: General No.: (412) 325-7963 Findlay 724-695-7526 (Cubs), 724/695-1125 (BS) N. Fayette 412/889-8748 (Cubs), 724/695-2614 (BS) Oakdale 724/693-2994 (Cubs), 724/693-2611 (BS) Findlay Athl.Assn., 724/695-7790 Girl Scouts, W.A., 724/693-8493, (724) 695-1366 North Fayette Athletic Association, 412/580-0655 Oakdale Youth League, 724/693-9830 WAYA (Little Indians--WAYouth Football & Cheerleading Assn.), 724/695-2449 WestAllegheny Aqua Club, 724/693-8395 West Allegheny Ice Hockey Assn., 724/695-3144 WestAllegheny Youth Soccer, 724/695-1984 or 724/695-0941 WestAllegheny Youth Wrestling, 724/695-3787 WesternArea YMCA, 412/787-3430 Youthtowne, 724/695-2306 or 724/899-3910 Al-A-Non andAla-A-Teen, 724/926-3396 WEST ALLEGHENY SCHOOL GROUPS Refer to the West Allegheny School District website or the school district calendar, at www.westallegheny.k12.pa.us These lists are updated throughout the year. To make a change, call Allegheny West Magazine at 724/695-3968 or send an e-mail to: alleghenywestmagazine@comcast.net. Allegheny West PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PA I D I M P E R I A L , PA 15126 PERMIT NO. 83 Magazine Jennette Communications Group 15 Walnut Street, Suite 101 Imperial, PA 15126-1226 POSTAL CUSTOMER LOCAL