February 2008 - Allegheny West Magazine

Transcription

February 2008 - Allegheny West Magazine
Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. It is the
Mi
Lib
ny
I am unabashedly pr
ity
he
un
eg
All
mm
rn
Co
rn Allegheny
d by the Weste
re
ste
so
We
on
the
sp
y,
to
xt
ntr
ne
Pa
r
light connecting
the Food
ity Cente
nverge at the traffic
rth Fayette Commun
co
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lly
the
tua
of
en
el
ev
s
lev
ea
er
ar
d by North
unding
in the low
. The space is provide
int
lly all roads from surro
ra
po
t
lite
t
tha
m
tha
in
fro
on
ive
ati
dr
a month within the
a shor t
ideal loc
d is distributed twice
. The Pantr y is only
ea
foo
ar
t,
or
the
pp
in
su
s
d
ad
an
ro
y
generosit
the early 1980s.
five major
ntr y started back in
cause of that ongoing
Pa
be
the
d
an
ce
ip,
sin
y
sh
wa
wn
t
To
r of the Food
been tha
Fayette
ll, I am the coordinato
trict communities. It’s
We
Dis
s?
ol
en
ho
Sc
pp
ha
ny
at
he
wh
eg
d of
anything to happen
West All
I so unabashedly prou
s happen. In order for
am
ng
y
thi
wh
d
ful
er
an
I
nd
wo
am
o
ny
So, wh
done, so ma
or s, and when that is
hin any given area.
Pantr y. I open the do
ledgement of need wit
ow
kn
ac
an
be
to
s
ha
re
ets hunger head on:
within the Pantr y, the
le” of caring that me
irc
“c
s
ou
nu
nti
co
a
You will see that it is
r includes canned
Food Bank. The orde
ity
un
mm
Co
gh
ur
tsb
ter Pit
oducts when grant
FIRST:
foods), and paper pr
a month) at the Grea
n
ice
ze
(tw
fro
d
r
ce
he
ot
pla
d
is
an
r
t
de
An or
ds (mea
nth (one of the arcs
ibel’s Farm each mo
mixes, etc.), frozen foo
l,
Se
ea
by
er
(c
ted
ds
na
do
foo
e
y
ar
dr
ganizations, church
n eggs
goods,
is donated: 90 doze
, private and public or
at
ols
Wh
ho
le.
sc
ab
s,
ail
se
av
es
e
sin
ar
monies
by many bu
products are donated
of our circle). Various
come” from the
cle is growing.)
cir
the
–
ee our arcs
, and coupled with “in
(s
ns
als
tio
du
na
ivi
do
y
ind
d
tar
an
ne
,
ives mo
groups
nations ar e used to
tions, the Pantr y rece
op), the monetar y do
na
sh
do
d
t
an
uc
it
od
vis
pr
to
h
wit
me
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blic is welco
(where the general pu
).
adjacent Thrift Store
ore arcs in our circle
(m
n
for distributio
ts
uc
od
y
pr
re
mo
se
purcha
rs come to the Pantr
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.
ns
tio
t,
bu
tha
tri
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:
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o
.
tw
ND
rs
SECO
ch of the
freezer s or refrigerato
out a week before ea
the shelves or in the
ar
ne
Food is delivered ab
or
on
d
!).
foo
cle
g
r cir
s and start puttin
xt group of arcs in ou
and offload the truck
up the place (the ne
ies
tid
d
an
in
s
me
co
the “stocking crew”
)” distribute the
h of the Month (Club
rc
hu
“C
the
m
fro
rs
D:
THIR
that small confined
voluntee
tch what goes on in
esday distributions,
wa
Tu
I
o
as
tw
e
us
the
ca
of
be
ch
in,
ea
s
For
come
happen as a can of
mediate gratification
ing. “Small” miracles
im
en
e
pp
er
ha
wh
ip
is
sh
is
nd
Th
frie
ts.
d
produc
er sation, an
sharing, smiles, conv
cs here!).
space, I see caring,
bout a “cazillion” ar
(a
r
he
ot
an
to
nd
ha
e
food passes from on
h with the same
fewer people, althoug
h
wit
ly
on
,
me
:
sa
TH
the
FOUR
y much
gular s. 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.
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Certified Arborists &
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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.
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412.264.8010
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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
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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.
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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
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