June 2008 - Allegheny West Magazine

Transcription

WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
OB/GYN ASSOCIATES
Providing Exceptional Care Close to Home
From left: (seated): Karen A. Roperti, MD, John C. Mellinger, MD, Christine M. Gallis, MD;
(standing): Christina M. LaBella, MD, Larry P. McNulty, MD, Paul D. DiMaio, PA-C,
Andrew J. Sword, MD, and Joan M. Gregory, CRNP
As one of the region’s largest women’s
health practices, we are dedicated to
providing exceptional care for women
in the comfort and convenience of a
community setting close to home. We
are proud to partner with The Western
Pennsylvania Hospital, where we are
providing comprehensive labor and
delivery services and a full range of
gynecologic surgery services.
We are committed to giving you the
personal attention and individualized
care you deserve, both at West Penn
Hospital and these convenient ofﬁce
locations:
Moon Township
McMurray
One Thorn Run Center
1187 Thorn Run Extension, Suite 130
Coraopolis, PA 15108
Waterdam
4198 Washington Road, Suite 8
McMurray, PA 15317
412-865-3050
724-941-3093
To contact us toll-free, please call 1-888-528-3824,
or visit www.westpennobgyn.com.
www.wpahs.org
Allegheny West Magazine / www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag
1
Table of Contents
Features
Columns
15
36
57
58
62
63
03
06
The Final Chapter: Houses on Hastings 13
25
27
Heroes of Hope: Remembering
31
and Raising Awareness
35
Heroes of Life: Competing in the Games 40
44
44
Heroes of Freedom: Our Military
46
49
Eating Well, Buying Local Part III:
55
The Janoski Farm
64
2008 Summer Fun Guide!
Publisher’s Note
On the Horizon
Around Your Town
Neighborhood Coupons
Chamber Business Link
Transportation Update
Library News
Sidelines
NEW! Fire Watch
Your House & Senate
Municipal Roundup
Your Schools
Community Marketplace
Community Connections
Learning Curves
21
24
45
48
Doctor’s Orders: Take a Vacation!
by Travel Agents
Oral Cancer in On the Rise
by Dr. Robert Luther
Horses: A Great Way
for Children to Learn
by Dan McLaughlin, Blue Ribbon Farms
Flea & Tick Prevention Tips
by Joyce Jennette, Joyce’s Groom n’ Go
About the Cover
Employees of the Imperial
Post Office who have
either served or are
serving the nation in the
armed forces took part in
a ceremony to install the
nation’s flag at their post
office this spring. Photo,
this page, left to right:
Master Sergeant Jim
Aiello, Airman Joe
Thompson, and Lance
Corporal Jim
Santeufemio. Read the
story on page 63.
PHOTOS BY
G. PAUL DeBOR
2
June 2008
Allegheny West
Magazine
“Good News Always, Mailed and Delivered Free, Every Time”
Allegheny West Magazine is an all positive, good news publication
mailed free into homes and businesses to connect communities,
promote people, heighten awareness about the richness of the airport
region, and build pride in the western suburbs of Allegheny County.
West Allegheny Edition
Vol. 9 No. 6, Issue 54
June 2008
TO REACH US
15 Walnut Street, Ste. 101, Imperial PA 15126
Phone: 724.695.3968 Fax: 724.695.2089
Email: alleghenywestmagazine@comcast.net
www.PghPointsWest.com/allegwestmag
PUBLISHING TEAM
PUBLISHER AND EDITOR
Pat Jennette, APR
alleghenywestmagazine@comcast.net
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
THIS ISSUE
G. Paul DeBor
Emily Huebner
JJ
SPORTS WRITER
R.H. Glovier
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
THIS ISSUE
Emily Huebner
WEBMASTER
Yvonne Hervol
www.PittsburghPointsWest.com
CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE
Gary Hamilton, North Fayette VFD
Dan McLaughlin, Blue Ribbon Farms
Dr. Robert Luther, Dentist
Joyce Jennette, Joyce’s Groom n’ Go
Results! Travel by Carlton, Greater Pittsburgh
Travel, Round About Travel, Travel Systems
& Carnival Cruises
Findlay Township, North Fayette Township &
Oakdale Borough
West Allegheny School District
Pgh. Airport Area Chamber of Commerce
Western Allegheny Community Library
MORE
INFO
Allegheny West Magazine - West
Allegheny Edition, is published in
February, April, June, August,
October, and December, 6 issues
a year, by Jennette Communications Group, 15 Walnut Street,
Suite 101, Imperial, PA 151261226. Mailed and delivered free
to 15,000 residents and
businesses in Clinton, Findlay,
North Fayette, Imperial, Oakdale,
McDonald, Sturgeon, and
surrounding areas. Extra copies
available at municipal offices,
schools, stores, businesses, and
hotels across the airport suburbs.
Available by mail subscription for
$12 annually.
Story ideas welcomed.
Community events and
announcements from non-profit
ecei
groups only must be rrecei
eceivved
four weeks prior to publishing
date, limited to 30 words and
include a phone number. No part
of this publication may be
reproduced without the written
permission of Jennette
Communications Group. Copyright
1999 Allegheny West Magazine.
All rights reserved.
OUR OTHER
PUBLICATIONS
Jennette Communications Group
also publishes the Moon Edition of
Alle
ghen
Alleghen
ghenyy West Ma
Maggazine
azine, the
ghen
Montour Edition of Alle
Alleghen
ghenyy West
Ma
Maggazine
azine, and the Imperial/
Findlay/North Fayette/McDonald
Edition of the Town Planner
Comm
unity Calendar
Community
Calendar..
2004 &
2006
Publisher’s Note
Heroes of Many Kinds
We all know heroes. We grew up
watching some of them on television.
We were the generation that watched as
a man first walked on the moon, as
President John F. Kennedy told the
country, “Ask not what your country
can do for you, ask what you can do for
your country,” and as Martin Luther
King marched for equality of all men.
In our community, there are many
heroes, too. We are honored to have the
opportunity to feature some of them in
this issue.
Read about the military heroes who are remembered as a flag was
raised in honor of our military at the Imperial post office by our postal
employees who have either served, or are serving, our nation.
Read about efforts by students from the Parkway West Career &
Technology Center to restore damaged war memorial markers for the
military veterans laid to rest at Chartiers Cemetery in Carnegie.
There are heroes in our private lives as well. For our family, it is my
husband, John, who has been waiting for a long time to receive a
lung transplant. His positive attitude about his disease, idiopathic
pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF, keeps all of us motivated. He is among
those fortunate enough to be able to wait for his transplant because
his lung disease has remained stable.
However, there are others who needed their transplants much
sooner. Several are your neighbors, colleagues, or friends. And
among them, they are soaring to higher levels with their newfound
lives by participating in the U.S. Transplant Games, being held in
Pittsburgh next month. We proudly tell their stories, their journeys
from nearly losing life to celebrating life at its fullest as participants
in a diverse series of competitions.
Some of you may have read in the newspapers or heard on
television about John Challis, the 18-year-old Freedom High School
youngster who is dying from lung and liver cancer. His mature words
beyond his young years have touched so many. He is an inspiration
to us all, a true hero who reminds us of what life is truly about. I am
proud to say that he is my cousin.
Please enjoy this issue and celebrate those milestones that help us
to celebrate not only our freedom, but also remember our heroes -Flag Day on June 14 and Independence Day on July 4.
Cheers to Summer, to our freedom, to heroes!
WE PROUDLY SPONSOR/SUPPORT:
Western Allegheny Community Library’s Capital Building Campaign
The Annual Christmas Light-Up Event in Clinton
Pat Jennette, APR - Publisher & Editor
MEMBER
2007 Winner BBB Torch Award for
Marketplace Ethics
Registered with Dun & Bradstreet
3
4
June 2008
5
On the Horizon
GOLF OUTINGS IN SWING
17th Annual Friends of AVS Golf Open, August 11,
Sewickley Heights Golf Club, to benefit Allegheny Valley School.
Contact Amy Harvilla, (412) 299-2229 or by e-mail,
aharvilla@avs.net.
Ohio Valley General Hospital’s 23rd Annual Golf
Fundrive, June 9 at Allegheny Country Club, to support
acquisition of digital imaging technology. Brunch at 10 a.m.,
shotgun start at noon, cocktails at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30
p.m., (412) 777-6359.
Marion Manor’s 8th Annual Charity Golf Classic,
September 29, Montour Heights Country Club, benefits Marion
Manor Healthcare Foundation. Golf kickoff at 11 a.m. with
morning coffee/rolls prior, followed by dinner, (412) 440-4308.
Bishop Canevin Hockey Annual Golf Outing, June 19,
Lone Pine Golf Course, to benefit the Bishop Canevin Hockey
Association. 1 p.m. shotgun scramble start after registration
and lunch, concluding with dinner and silent auctions.
(724) 695-2239.
Verland’s 26th Annual Golf Outing, July 28, to benefit
children and adults with intellectual and other disabilities who
live at Verland, (412) 741-2578.
Airport Authority Open, June 21, Cedarbrook Golf Course.
Benefits Wings for Children, (412) 472-5533.
West Allegheny FB Boosters “Guy Rippole/Gil Palko
Memorial Gridiron Classic,” July 25 at Rolling Acres Golf
Course to benefit the football boosters, (724) 695-5246.
Greater Pittsburgh Football Officials Golf Outing, in
Memory of Harry Quinn-Ralph Schorr, June 25,
Ponderosa Golf Course, 9 a.m. tee off, (412) 427-2878 or
(412) 787-5422.
Partners for Quality Bob Pompeani Charity Golf
Classic, June 23, Chartiers Country Club, $1 million Hole-inOne Contest at 10:45 a.m. with tee-off at 11 a.m., (412)
778-2579.
Gerry Dulac Charity Golf Classic, July 21, Diamond Run
Golf Club, benefiting Parkway West Rotary charities, 11 a.m.
shotgun start, Sam Duerr, (724) 947-1234.
7th Annual Paul W. LaMarca Youth Golf Foundation,
Village Green Golf Course, Hickory. 7:30 a.m., June 21,
shotgun start. Send gift certificates and donations to Bob
LaMarca, 106 Countryside Drive, McKees Rocks, PA 15136,
(412) 787-5085 or (412) 771-4624.
4th Annual TC House Charity Golf Outing, June 30,
Quicksilver Golf Course, 1 p.m. hosted by Tyler Palko and
Chris McGough, to raise funds for a future home for adults
with disabilities in Imperial. Visit www.tchouse.org or e-mail
staff@tchouse.org.
Montour Football Boosters Golf Outing, August 9,
Indian Run Golf Course, 8:30 a.m. shotgun start, Bob Diecks,
(412) 771-0790.
To list a golf outing this season, send an e-mail with the information to:
alleghenywestmagazine@comcast.net or fax to: 724.695.2089.
There is no charge for listings by non-profit groups.
6
June 2008
7
On the Horizon
MONTOUR TRAIL COUNCIL EVENTS
Mark the calendar for these events coming up by the
Montour Trail Council: The Montour Trail/IKEA 1/2
Marathon & 5K Run & Walk - Saturday, September 6;
The Montour Trail Tour the Montour - Saturday, September
20. Visit the website at www.montourtrail.org.
CLASS REUNIONS
West Allegheny High School Class of 1963 will hold its
45th reunion on August 9 at Peter's Place. Contact Carol
Pattison at patmoor@atc-pa.com.
Robinson Alumni Reunion Picnic will be on Saturday,
August 30, at the Clever Park Rotary Shelter on Clever
Road near the intersection of Silver Lane in Robinson
Township, starting at 2 p.m. Cost is $15 per person. Call
Fred at (412) 787-2790.
JOIN THE BIKE-A-THON CYCLE SPLASH
The American Cancer Society is holding the second annual
Western Region Bike-a-Thon Cycle Splash on Sunday,
August 17 at Raccoon Creek State Park.
Volunteers are needed to help plan the event. Volunteers
do not need to be cyclists and those who are unable to
attend meetings can participate via teleconference.
For information, contact Angela Giacchino by e-mail at
Angela.Giacchino@cancer.org, or call (412) 919-1100.
IMPERIAL VFD SUMMER EVENTS
The Imperial Volunteer Fire Department’s Annual Parade
and Street Fair is Friday, June 13 starting at 7 p.m.
On Saturday, July 19, the fire department will hold its
“Cash Bash” and “Night at the Races.”
For details and tickets for Cash Bash, call the fire
department at (724) 695 - 8845.
OAKDALE BINGO TAKES A SUMMER BREAK
The Oakdale Hose Company monthly bingo at the Oakdale
Community Center will take a break until October 4. For
more information, call (724) 693-9408.
INDEPENDENCE HOSTS CELEBRATION
The Independence Township Board of Supervisors,
Volunteer Fire Department, and Recreation Board invite
the public to the annual INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION held at the Independence Township Municipal
Complex, School Road and Route 151, from noon until 10
p.m. on July 4. Festivities kick off with a parade, including a
kids’ bike parade, followed by organized kids’ activities, a
watermelon eating contest, hayrides and pony rides,
rubber ducky race, cheerleaders’ performance, square
dancing, and fireworks. Throughout the day, enjoy craft
booths, carnival games, local history center, silent auction,
and lots to eat. Admission and parking are free. For more
information, call (724) 378-3739.
RESURRECTION HOLDS SALE JUNE 21
Resurrection Lutheran Church at 7600 Steubenville Pike,
Oakdale (North Fayette Township), will hold an Annual Yard
and Bake Sale on Saturday, June 21 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hot dogs and refreshments will also be sold. For more
information or to reserve a space for $10, call (724) 7884513.
BLUE KNIGHTS & VERLAND BIKE RIDE
The Blue Knights and Verland’s Fifth Motorcycle Ride is
Sunday, September 21. Breakfast and registration begins at
9 a.m. at Verland’s main campus in Sewickley, followed by a
two-hour ride escorted by the Blue Knights.
Dante’s Inferno Band will entertain during the barbecue
and festivities. To pre-register or for more information, call
Arlene at (412) 741-2578.
8
June 2008
Our Advertisers
As with every issue, your community businesses are the reason for the publication of Allegheny West Magazine. Please
support these businesses. Their support allows us to mail this magazine, free, into every household in Findlay, Clinton,
North Fayette, Imperial, Oakdale, Sturgeon, and portions of McDonald as a community service.
1/2 Off Greeting Cards, p. 39, 724.695.1964
A Cup of Ideas, p. 54, 412.264.4410,
www.acupofideas.com
Allegheny West Eye Care, p. 38, 724.695.3371,
www.alleghenywesteyecare.com
Amsoil, p. 29, 724.695.7676
Aunt Mini Storage, p. 18, 724.695.8700
Bartosh, p. 32, 1.800.264.4912
Beaver Valley Foot Clinic, p. 25, 724.375.1577,
www.bvfootclinic.com
Bill’s Construction, p. 55, 724.695.7525
Blue Ribbon Farms, p. 22, 412.974.3175
Bocktown Beer, p. 23,
412.788.2333,www.bocktown.com
Broadway Dance Studio, p. 12, 412.920.1841
Business Legal, p. 30, 412.257.2617,
www.businesslegal.net
Carnival Cruise Lines, p. 21
Choices Pregnancy Centers, p. 48, 724.457.1220
Center for Organ Recovery & Educ.(CORE), p. 55,
1.800.DONORS-7, www.core.org
Clearview Federal Credit Union, p. 19,
1-800-926-0003, www.clearviewfcu.org
Clearview Stables, p. 47, 724.693.9686,
www.clearviewstablesinc.com
Clinton Wesleyan Church, p. 14, 724.695.7076
Cool Home Improvements, inside back cover,
412.262.1140, www.coolhomeimprovements.com
Cricket Communications, p. 25, 412.494.6683
Davey Tree Company, p. 24, 724.746.8852
DDS Web Design, p. 13, 412.965.0688,
www.ddswebdesign.com
Dennis Dumpsters, p. 55, 724.947.4394
Dove Cottage Development, p. 32, 724.462.7648,
www.dovecottagedev.com
Enlow Station, p. 39, 724.695.8181
Family Chiropractic Center, p. 43, 412.787.3320,
www.familychiropracticcenters.biz
Fayette Farms, p. 4-5, 412.788.0863,
www.fayettefarms.com
Findlay Township, p. 38, 724.695.0500,
www.findlay.pa.us
First Steps Pediatrics,ins. back cover,
412.788.1999, www.fspkids.com
Fitness for Life, p. 26, 724.695.2239,
www.mkfitness4life.com
Franchek HVAC, p.42, 724.899.3474
Fry’s Spiffy Dog, p. 43, 724.693.9392
Greater Pittsburgh Travel, p. 21, 412.331.2244,
www.greaterpittsburghtravel.com
Heritage Valley Health Systems, inside front cover,
412.787.5769, www.heritagevalley.org
Heritage Valley - West Allegheny Healthcare,
p. 45, 724.695.2411
Howard Hanna-Bob Miller, p. 11, 412.498.3664,
www.bobmiller.howardhanna.com
Imperial Taxes & Acctg., p. 33, 724.695.7354
Iron & Glass Bank, p. 24, 412.859.3797,
www.ironandglassbank.com
Janoski’s, p. 25, 724.899.3438, www.janoskis.com
Just Tan, p. 25, 724.695.8786
Kencec Construction, p. 47, 412.747.0489
Kovach’s, p. 24, 724.926.8706
Lazarowicz, Ken - CPA, p. 22, 412.299.7390
LaStone Therapy by Michelle, p. 55,
412.809.9809
Liechti, Attorney Fred, p. 55, 412.787.5280
Luther, Dr. Robert, p. 34, 412.788.6300,
www.pittsburghlaserdentist.com
MTO Clean, p. 22, 1.866.21MAIDS,
www.allegheny.mtoclean.com
Mac’s Landscaping, p. 34, 724.612.2926
Marion Estates-Keller Williams Realty, p. 34,
412.788.0888, www.marionestates.info
McDonald Pharmacy, p. 25, 724.926.2117
McDonald VFD, p. 8, www.mcdonaldfire.com
Meyers, Tom - Plumbing, p. 14, 724.693.2880
Mike’s Tree Service, p. 13, 724.947.2677
Monark Student Transportation, p. 18,
724.695.4000
Montours Church, p. 30, 412.787.1050
Moody Funeral Home, p. 43, 724.695.0411
Mortgage Advisory Group, p. 22, 412.446.0400,
www.loanadvisory.net
Naughton’s Tree Service, p. 46, 412.331.5952,
www.naughtonstreeservice.com
North Fayette Township, p. 28, 412.788.4888
Oakdale Foot & Ankle, p. 20, 412.787.8380
Off the Rail Farm, p. 40, 724.544.5207,
www.offtherailfarm.net
Ohio Valley Genl. Hospital, p. 12, 412.777.6400,
www.ohiovalleyhospital.org/PAIN
Painted Giraffe, p. 43, 724.693.8452
Paragon Homes, back cover, 412.787.8807,
www.VisitParagonHomes.com
Picciano, Dr., p. 40, 412.787.3366,
www.montourdental.com
Pgh. Airport Area Chmbr. of Commerce, p. 27,
412.264.6270, www.paacc.com
Pittsburgh Points West, p. 20, 412.494.9203,
www.pghpointswest.com
Pittsburgh Pet Crematory, p. 32, 412.600.1630,
www.pittsburghpetcrematory.com
Pittsburgh Technical Institute, p. 23,
412.809.5100, www.pti.edu
Pittsburgh Zoo, p. 48, 412.665.3640,
www.pittsburghzoo.org
Play Academy, p. 29, 412,299.0616,
www.play-academy.org
Polidor, Dr. Tamara, p. 29, 724.695.8447
Primadonna Restaurant, p. 10, 412.331.1001,
www.theprimadonnarestaurant.com
Pustover Financial Services, p. 31, 724.695.8885
Qdoba Restaurant, p. 19, 412.494.9933
Quicksilver Golf Club, p. 40, 724.796.1594,
www.quicksilvergolf.com
Resurrection Lutheran Church, p. 45,
412.788.4513
Results! by Carlson Travel, p. 21, 412.264.8010
Rhema Christian School, p. 7, 412.269.9555,
www.rhemachristianschool.org
Rohm, Dr., p. 46, 724.695.2100
Round About Travel, p. 21, 724.693.2930,
www.roundabouttravel.com
Santiago Distributing, p. 54, 724.695.7289
Self Storage of North Fayette, p. 31,
724.695.8875
Sewickley Valley Medical Group, p. 6,
412.269.0899
Shear Perfection, p. 25, 412.788.2888
Starting Point Fitness, p. 32,
412.787.0111.www.startingpointfitness.com
Sturgeon VFD, p. 54, 724.926.9149
Thomas Dance, p. 25, 412.787.7686,
www.thomasdance.com
Thomas-Little Funeral Service, p. 24,
724.926.2800
Today’s Hair, p. 14, 724.695.0478
Travel Systems, p. 21, 412.787.7080,
www.travelsystemsinc.com
USA Special Services, p. 33, 412.446.0036,
www.usaspecialservicesllc.com
Valley Presbyterian Church, p. 45,
724.695.0300,www.valleychurchweb.com
Village Tack, p. 6, 724.947.5525,
www.villagetack.com
Western Allegheny Community Water Authority,
center insert
West Allegheny Soccer, p. 55, 724.695.0941,
www.westasoccer.com
West Penn Allegheny Health System, p. 1,
www.wpahs.org
Wharton-Herrick Funeral Home, p. 31,
724.695.7332
Yoga h’om, p. 6, 412.788.1660, www.yogahom.com
Zaccone, Jim - Photography, p. 25,
412.921.0401, www.jimzaccone.com
Zak Appraisal Services, p. 20, 412.257.9656,
www.zakappraisalservices.com
9
On the Horizon
OAKDALE SUMMER EVENTS ANNOUNCED
Oakdale Borough kicks off summer with a concert by the West Hills Symphonic
Band and a Children’s Art Show on Friday, June 27 from 7-8:30 p.m. For details
on the art show participation, contact the borough office.
On Friday, July 4, Oakdale’s THE ROCK sponsors a plethora of Independence
Day events that begin at 10 a.m. The annual decorated bike parade and pet show
is followed by free hotdogs and drinks for parade participants. A boxed lunch auction
will raise money for THE ROCK. New this year is a pie baking contest.
Fun in Oakdale continues with the Oakdale Hose Company’s Carnival July 19,
21-26. The parade is July 25 at 7 p.m., with the Hogs for Hoses Motorcycle Run on
July 26; bikes leaving at 3 p.m. On tap for entertainment this year at the carnival are
Vintage Buzz Band on July 19, Duff Band on July 21, Hellcat on July 22, Hedge
Band on July 23, Dave Iglar Band on July 24, Buddy Sharp and the Shakers on July
25, and ZAR on July 26.
On August 16, the annual Luau returns.
To learn more, visit www.oakdaleborough.com or call (724) 693-9740.
McDONALD TRAIL STATION IS NOW OPEN
The McDonald Trail Station is open every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3
p.m. through October. The facility is a good stopping place along the Panhandle Trail.
The building is available as a rental hall with a capacity of up to 110 people. The
station also features the history of the McDonald area in its historical hall, as well as
information from the Panhandle and Montour Trails.
For more information, call (724) 926-2861.
HERITAGE LIBRARY HOLDS SUMMER ACTIVITIES
Preschool summer reading programs at Heritage Library in McDonald will be held
June 22-26 from 10 to 11 a.m. for ages 2-5. Summer reading program sign ups for
other age levels are being held now at the library.
Accelerated reader books are also available at the library.
There are DVDs and VHS tapes to borrow and enjoy during the summer.
For more information, call (724) 926-4686 or e-mail heritagelibrary@comcast.net.
10
June 2008
SUMMER ACTIVITIES IN FINDLAY KEEP RESIDENTS BUSY
The annual Cruisin’ in the Woodlands returns June 27 at Clinton Park on Route
30, from 5-9 p.m.
A free summer concert series in Clinton Park runs in June and July. See details on
page 15.
Additional programs held this summer include a Young Champions Youth
Cheerleading six-week session for ages 4-15. Registration is Saturday, June 21 at
10 a.m. at the Findlay Activity Center.
A six-week junior tennis clinic begins June 17 at 10:30 a.m. at Elm Street Park
for ages 7 and up. Call (724) 695-0500 to register and for fees.
Babysitting Basics through Children’s Hospital will be held at the Findlay Township
Activity Center, Monday, June 30 for ages 11 and up from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Bring a
packed lunch. Cost is $35. Call Children’s Hospital at (412) 692-8580 to register or,
for more information, call (724) 695-0500.
MISSION SALE JUNE 7 TO SUPPORT AMERICAN INDIANS
Clinton Wesleyan Church will hold a Mission Sale on Saturday, June 7 at 9 a.m. at the
church, 1022 Moon Clinton Road. Proceeds benefit the American Indian mission project
the church has adopted. For details, contact the church at (724) 695-7076.
McDONALD’S SUMMER TENNIS PROGRAM BEGINS
“Koach” Tim Conroy, a USPTA certified instructor, is teaching eight weeks of tennis
lessons to youth and adults at the Harry Collins Courts in Heritage Park in McDonald
beginning June 17 on Tuesdays and Fridays. Student lessons are available in beginner,
intermediate, and advanced levels, and are during the day. Adult lessons are offered
on Tuesday evenings.
Cost is $25 for the first child and $10 for each additional child in a family.
Registration forms are available at McDonald Pharmacy, Heritage Library, and
McDonald Borough offices. For more information, call (724) 926-4617.
Bring a racquet and water bottle. Racquets will be provided if needed.
On the Horizon
REAL ESTATE TIPS
THE “ROCK” HOLDING SUMMER DAY CAMP
The ROCK in Oakdale is sponsoring a six-week summer
day camp program beginning June 30 for elementary age
students. The camp costs $65 a week for a ten-hour day,
from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The camp will include activities
to help students grow academically, spiritually, athletically,
and artistically. Visit the website, www.rockoakdale.org, email kinzlercd@yahoo.com, or call (412) 855-4817.
REASON TO
CELEBRA
TE!
CELEBRATE!
Imagine that you’re
throwing a party and
The Wave Pool opens on June 7, weather and
years and up on July 2 once a week for four weeks for
want to invite only
conditions permitting, daily through Labor Day. For
students with last names from A-K, and on July 4 once a
your closest friends in
information about the pool, call (412) 787-2667.
week for four weeks for last names from L-Z. Lesson time
the Pittsburgh area.
Free swimming lessons will be held at the pool for five
is 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
Rather than taking
time to mail invitations, you place an
BRIGHT LIGHTS IS FINAL OFFERING THIS YEAR
announcement in the paper reading,
“Bright Lights” is the final dance offering of the Carnegie Carnegie, June 7 at 8 p.m. and June 8 at 2 p.m. For
“I am having a party Friday night, and
Performing Arts Center School. Performances will be held in information, call (412) 279-8887 or visit the website at
you’re invited. Please come!” Your
the Andrew Carnegie Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue,
www.carnegieperformingartscenter.com.
name and address appear at the botFEDERAL UM CHURCH STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL IS JUNE 21
tom of the ad.
After a great deal of preparation,
Saturday, June 21 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Federal United Methodist Church, 811 Dutch Hill Road,
Friday night arrives and you’re
Oakdale, will hold its annual Strawberry Festival on
surprised when over 50 total
COMMUNITY YOGA CLASSES AT SETTLER’S CABIN PARK
strangers show up ready to party.
or $10 per family. Cost for all 12 classes is $48 per person What happened?
Try an outdoor yoga class at Settler’s Cabin Park this
or $90 per family.
summer. Yoga h’om, in partnership with the Allegheny
First, you took a short cut by
In the case of inclement weather, class will be held at
County Parks, is offering a weekly yoga class starting June
running a generic ad to attract the
Yoga h’om, a short drive from the park, at 7053
14 and continuing through August 30 on Saturdays from
attention of your friends. Instead, you
Steubenville PIke, Suite 22.
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Flint Grove. Cost is $5 per person
got the attention of “John Q. Public.”
Call (412) 788-1660 or visit www.yogahom.com.
Second, you expended effort
preparing for a party that wasn’t
NORTH FAYETTE SPONSORS RECREATION PROGRAMS
appreciated by the crowd that
The North Fayette Township Recreation Department
Youth lacrosse is being held the week of June 16 and a
showed up.
announces summer programs ready to launch.
summer basketball league for grades three through adult
A similar situation could happen if
Season swim passes are available for the Hankey
will start the week of June 30.
you
try to sell your home without
Farms Pool. In addition to the pool passes, three twoCoach Cornell’s Summer Baseball Camp is planned for the
representation. Without a full-time
week swim lesson sessions are being offered starting
week of June 23 and Elite Sports Training Performance
professional agent, you may attract
June 16, three family swim nights will be held June 16,
takes place on August 9 and 10.
July 14, and August 14, starting at 7 p.m., and water
North Fayette’s Annual Community Days are scheduled prospects to your home that have no
exercise classes are being formed.
for August 1 and 2 with Joe Grushecky, Jill West and Blues business being there. They may lack
the financial resources to buy, or may
Youth and adult tennis lessons begin June 9 with
Attack, and the Billy Price Band headlining this year’s
be bargain hunters or “window
lessons available to beginners and intermediates. Two
entertainment.
shoppers.”
free tennis clinics are planned for May 17 and 31.
For more information and to participate in any of these
A full-time professional agent
Summer movies in the park are held the third Friday of
upcoming programs, call (412) 788-4888 or (412) 693the month throughout the summer. Check the township
3118.
attracts only the best prospects by
website at www.north-fayette.com for movie titles.
targeting specific buying groups.
Potential buyers are screened for
BELOW: Hankey Farms Pool in North Fayette has received a makeover this summer with the
installation of a wrap-around all-weather deck. Pictured are members of this year’s lifeguard team at
their ability to make a purchase and
the pool: Bill Black, manager; Tiffany Leszunov, Kim Schade, Katie Sinagoga, Sarah Avery, Haley
their motivation for doing so. Only
Casuccio, and Alyssa Mance. Also members of this year’s lifeguard team but not available for the
qualified buyers, by appointment, are
photo are Jared Palonis, Kaitlin and Megan Kaulius, Rachel Anderson, Doug Fleisner, Shane Glass
shown your home. You are more
and Jordan Bedillion.
likely to receive the best possible
price, with fewer showings, and with
the least inconvenience to you and
your family.
SETTLERS CABIN PARK OFFERS POOL AND TENNIS
Bob Miller is a full time, full service
professional residential and commercial
Realtor® with Howard Hanna Real
Estate. For answers to your real estate
questions and for a complimentary
comparative market analysis of your
properties, please contact me.
412.498.3664
bobmiller@howardhanna.com
www.bobmiller.howardhanna.com
www.howardhannacommercial.com
11
Around Your Town
Ground Broken for Settler’s Ridge
Complex Bordering North Fayette
Faison Enterprises and CBL & Associates Properties kicked
off the official groundbreaking on April 24 of the Settler’s Ridge
lifestyle complex in Robinson Township.
Faison and CBL & Associates Properties are partners for the
development, management, and leasing of the new 600,000square-foot site, with a design similar to The Waterfront.
In just over a year, Settler’s Ridge will become a reality, with a
target opening date of Summer 2009.
Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato, who was
among those taking part in the groundbreaking, said, “This is
one of the fastest growing areas of Allegheny County, a stripmined, brownfield site. I have requested $10 million from the
governor for commercial infrastructure and improvements to
help with the sewers, roads, and water system here. This will
leverage the $146 million in private investments on a site that
saves sprawl from development and makes this location as
competitive as a green site.”
As equipment moved earth in the background under the
shadow of Union Presbyterian Church above it, confirmed
tenants to date were announced.
The project will be anchored by a 150,000-square-foot Giant
Eagle Market District supermarket. The first to be constructed
from the ground up (two existing Market Districts in the South
Hills and Shadyside were retrofitted from former Giant Eagle
stores), the Market District will absorb 25 percent of the retail
space in the complex.
Shelly Sponholz and Kevin Srigley, senior vice presidents of
Giant Eagle, gave attendees a birds-eye view of what’s in store at
the new Market District.
Architecture resembling sites from such locales as Toronto and
Europe, as well as historic Pittsburgh architecture, will set the
ambiance for the store’s interior. The 77-year-old company will
build environmentally sensitive, using as many recycled products
as possible, and is securing LEED certification to assure environmental responsibility.
Eating areas will parallel restaurants, chefs will provide cooking
demonstrations, guest speakers from regional and national
stature will be available, and 1,000s of both natural and organic
items will make the shopping experience spectacular, Shelly
Sponholz said.
Additionally, a 16-screen Cinemark Theatre, with stadium
seating, will make its home at Settler’s Ridge, as will a 26,500square-foot Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI). LA Fitness has
committed to building a 38,000-square-foot center as well.
It was also announced that Courtyard by Marriott will build a
124-room hotel on Campbell’s Run Road at the Ridge Road
intersection.
Additional anchors include a national bookstore and two
fashion apparel stores. The open-air center will feature approximately 150,000-square-feet of specialty stores and a selection of
restaurants, including P.F. Chang’s.
12
June 2008
Around Your Town
Pentagon Approves
Building a New Commissary
Parkway West Rotary Honors
This Year’s Paul Harris Fellows
An announcement was made on April 27 by the
Pentagon’s Commissary Operating Board confirming
its approval to build a new commissary in Moon
Township.
The facility will cost $8.2 million. Funding will
come from the Federal Defense Commissary Agency,
Allegheny County, and the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania.
Allegheny County had previously donated land
near the intersection of University Boulevard and
Business Route 60 in Moon Township for the
project.
U.S. Representative Tim Murphy made the
announcement.
The commissary will replace the Charles E. Kelly
Support Center in Collier, providing more than
160,000 military personnel and their families
continued access to cost-effective groceries and other
items.
Three airport area business leaders have been bestowed with the annual Paul
Harris Fellowship Award by the Parkway West Rotary. They are all active members
of the Rotary club.
Honored this year are Tom Yeager from the Western Area YMCA. Tom works
tirelessly on the club’s Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets that are delivered to
families in need throughout the airport area.
Ken Corey of Sam’s Club is known among club members as one of its most
productive members, offering his time and resources to benefit many club programs
and initiatives.
Current president, Marcy McKivitz, also has been the club’s leader as an organizer
and its secretary. She has been instrumental in implementing numerous Rotary
charity benefits and other activities.
The members were honored during a special outing for club members in April.
The Paul Harris Fellowship is named for the late Paul Harris, who founded
Rotary with three business associates in Chicago in 1905. The Fellowship was
established in his honor in 1957 to express appreciation for the contribution of
$1,000 to the humanitarian and educational programs of The Rotary Foundation.
These programs include an array of projects that enhance international friendship
and understanding. Rotarians also designate Paul Harris Fellow awards to recognize
members from their club and leaders from the community whose lives demonstrate
a shared purpose with the objectives and mission of The Rotary Foundation to
build world understanding and peace.
13
Around Your Town
Clearview FCU Helps the Community
Clearview® Federal Credit Union recently provided free tax
return preparation assistance for its members and community
residents through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program
(VITA). Tax preparation sessions were available at Clearview’s
offices in Moon Township, Robinson Township, Center Township,
Brentwood and Chippewa, as well as around the community.
VITA is a free, IRS-sponsored program to help low and moderate-income workers and the elderly file basic federal tax returns
electronically and help them get tax credits they deserve. The VITA
team at Clearview received training to help prepare basic tax
returns for the community.
The Clearview team helped 462 Southwestern Pennsylvanians
file their 2007 federal income tax returns, resulting in over
$300,000 in refunds and over $70,000 in earned income credits.
Employees of Clearview® Federal Credit Union raised over
$6,000 for the March of Dimes recently. The largest event was an
annual March of Dimes walk, held at Brady’s Run Park in Beaver
Falls in April.
Twenty-seven Clearview employees, along with their families and
pets, took the 3.2-mile walk, raising over $3,000, which surpassed
last year’s fundraising total by 38 percent.
Clearview employees also raised money through raffles and a
bake sale held for both employees and members of Clearview. The
greatest fundraising event outside of the walk was Jeans Day, where
Clearview employees donated five dollars each for the opportunity
to wear jeans to work; it raised over $1,000 for the charity.
Joining Together for Pharmacy Care
Ohio Valley General Hospital has joined the Academic Partners
Program of the Duquesne University Mylan School of Pharmacy,
becoming the latest member of a unique network of regional
hospitals, health systems, and health care providers collaborating
with the pharmacy school.
The program's mission is to enhance pharmacy practice at each
member site, improve patient care, and advance clinical research. To
date, ten regional hospitals are partners in this program, which also
provides educational and practice opportunities for Duquesne
University faculty and student pharmacists.
This formal collaboration between an academic institution and
pharmacy health care providers is the first of its kind in Pittsburgh,
according to Dr. Thomas J. Mattei, associate dean of the Mylan
School of Pharmacy.
"We are very excited to partner with the Mylan School of
Pharmacy," Dr. David Provenzano of Ohio Valley Hospital’s Pain
Treatment Center said. "I believe it will be truly a symbiotic
relationship which will result in advancements in clinical care, in
education of students, and in superb clinical research. I have been
impressed with the academic talent and enthusiasm of the professors and administration at the Mylan School. I think in a few years
we will look back and see how special this relationship has been for
Ohio Valley General Hospital and Duquesne University."
Ohio Valley Hospital and Pain Treatment Center also will serve as
primary training sites for Duquesne's student pharmacists.
14
June 2008
RESEARCHED AND WRITTEN BY EMILY HUEBNER
Summer Fun Guide 2008
Last summer we compiled an ultimate summer fun guide in hopes of providing
you with fun entertainment close to home. Hopefully our guide helped you save
your money for the enjoyable stuff, and not the horrendous gas prices. Well, the
backyard fun is back this summer! With a wide array of events, workshops, and
camps all located in the airport area, your summer calendar will soon be
booked, and your gas tank won’t be depleted!
MUNICIPAL FAIRS are a great way to spend the afternoon and
evening. With entertainment, food, and friends what could be more enjoyable?
Crafton’s 33rd Annual Festival: This five-day festival from June 30-July 4 will
include inflatable attractions, a petting zoo, and a 5K run. The festival will kick off
with a parade at 6 p.m. on June 30, and conclude with fireworks July 4 at night.
Moon’s Father’s Day Fun Fair: Sunday June 15; 12-2:30 p.m. at Moon Park.
Free admission; activities will include: Train Maze, Quarterback Blitz, Rainbow
Express, and Magic Show; free raffles and free food.
McDonald’s McSummerfest: June 28-July 15
Oakdale Volunteer Fireman’s Street Fair: July 19 and July 21-26 (see
page10 for details)
North Fayette Community Days: August 1 & 2 (see page 28 for details)
Ingram Community Days: www.ingramborough.org, or call (412) 921-3625
Kennedy Community Days: August 14-17; parade 16th & fireworks 17th
Findlay Fair in the Woodlands: August 14, 15 & 16 in Clinton Park; includes:
food, crafts, farm animals and a parade, vendor booths, and daily performances
Robinson Autumn Festival and Fireworks: Saturday, September 20;
12-10 p.m.; held at Burkett Park
CONCERTS abound whatever your preference is. Whether it’s big names
like Jimmy Buffett and Kansas or a free night of music underneath the stars, our
area can accommodate you.
Moon Park Free Concerts & Movies: All movies are held at dusk at the ARL
Amphitheatre in Moon Park: June 13: Bee Movie; June 27: Shrek the Third; July 18:
Nancy Drew; August 1: Surf’s Up; August 15: Spiderwick’s Chronicles; August 29:
The Apple Dumpling Gang. The concerts, also free, begin at 7:30 p.m. and also
are held at Moon Park: June 6: Sarah Marince (Country), June 20: Pittsburgh
Philharmonic (Classical/Big Band), July 11: Mansfield 5 (Oldies), July 25: United
States Air Force Band, August 8: New Relics (Soft Rock), August 22: Allegheny
Brass Band (Brass/Contemporary). Jimmy Wayne (Country) will perform during the
Independence Day Celebration on July 4; activities begin at 4 p.m. An afternoon
concert series, all from noon to 1 p.m., is held at Robin Hill Park: June 18: Brad
Yoder (Acoustic/Folk), July 16: Guy Matone as Frank Sinatra (Frank Sinatra
Tribute), and August 20: Clem Rolin and the Jazz All-Stars (Jazz).
Clinton Park Free Concerts: The series begins with Grkmania, an award-winning
polka and waltz band, on Tuesday, June 24. On Tuesday, July 1, come for Two of a
Kind, an award-winning musical performance geared for families. In case of
inclement weather, the concert will be held at the Findlay Activity Center on Main
Street. Hear West Allegheny’s own Dan Hanczar and Cliff Howell in “Mad Mike’s
Blues Review” on Tuesday, July 15. On Tuesday, July 29, Ruff Creek Band returns. All
concerts begin at 7 p.m.
Pepsi-Cola Roadhouse: On August 7, the Pepsi-Cola Roadhouse will welcome
Kansas, and on August 23 & 24, the 3 Rivers Progressive Rock Festival will take
place. The Roadhouse includes dinner and parking with the ticket price, and
assures that attendees will be no further than 65 feet from the stage. For more
information and concerts leading into the winter season, visit the website at:
www.pepsiroadhouse.com.
PG Amphitheatre: This infamous pavilion needs no further explanation, for it
hosts artists such as Jimmy Buffett, Toby Keith, and The Police. Located in
Burgettstown, the Post-Gazette Amphitheatre provides sheltered pavilion seating,
or lawn seating. The summer concert series includes Tom Petty and the
Heartbreakers with Steve Winwood on June 10, followed by The Clarks and Donnie
Iris & The Cruisers on June 21, then Rush on July 2, Tim McGraw on July 6, and the
Steve Miller Band with Joe Cocker on July 12. There are a lot more. A complete
list of all concerts can be found at www.livenation.com.
Penn State Beaver Brodhead Cultural Center: The Brodhead Cultural Center
is located on Brodhead Road, Monaca, and is open M-F 8 a.m.-5 pm. Aside from
the musical all shows are free!
Events begin with the Pittsburgh Banjo Club on July 25 at 7:30 p.m., no rain date.
The musical, for which there is a charge, is Friday and Saturday, July 25, 26 and
Friday and Saturday, August 1, 2. Presented by the Center Theatre Players, “Into the
Woods” will be held at the auditorium in the Student Union Building, Penn State
Beaver Campus. Show begins at 7:30 p.m. and doors open at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are
$13, and can be purchased at the door beginning at 6 p.m. before each show or in
advance at the Brodhead Cultural Center office.
For a complete list of events, call the Cultural Center Events Hotline at
(724) 773-3600.
RACING
Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway hosts racing on Saturday nights
through September. Gates open at 5 p.m., and the wheels start turning at 7 p.m.
Admission is $13 adults, $12 seniors 60 and over, $9 juniors (ages 13-16), $5
children 7-12, and under 7 are free. For a complete schedule of all special events, as
well as more information and ticket sales, visit the website at www.ppms.com.
Bertil Roos Racing School: Located in Beaver Township, just 30 minutes from the
Airport, Bertil Roos was listed in our last Summer Fun Guide as BeaverRun
Motorsports Complex. For more information you can visit the website at:
www.racenow.com, or call 1-800-722-3699. Programs and pricing are listed on the
website under schedule and pricing.
ARTS & CRAFTS
Mesa Creative Arts Center is located on Miller Airport Road in Burgettstown on a
peaceful piece of property. Participants can enjoy a barn full of classrooms in this
setting. Mesa is owned and operated by Brad and Kate (Neil) Silberberg. A full
schedule of events can be found on the website, www.mesacreativearts.com. Events
vary from psychic readings to meditation sessions, and some include crafts such as
dream catchers and mobiles.
ICE SKATING
Airport Ice Arena: The Airport Ice Arena not only has public sessions, but also
stick time, adult leagues, 3-on-3 hockey games, and camps and clinics. For dates and
times, visit their website at: www.airporticearena.com.
Public Session: Saturday & Sunday, 1 p.m.-2:50 p.m., Admission: Adults $6, Children
12 and under $5, children 6 and under free; skate rental and skate walker rental is
$2.50; Club Ice: Friday night, 7-8:50 p.m.; $6 for all ages.
RMU Island Sports Center: Ice skating is not the only thing RMU Island Sports
Center has to offer. In fact, they are also well known for their fitness, golf, and minigolf programs!
Public Session: Monday-Friday 12 -2 p.m.; Wednesday 7-8:30 p.m.; Friday 7-9 p.m.;
Saturday 1:15- 3:15 p.m. and 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Admission: Adults is $6; Children under 6 & Seniors over 62 are $5; skate rental:
$2.50; skate walker rental: $2.50.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Clear View Stables Inc.: Located on Whittengale Road in North Fayette, the
stables offer horseback riding lessons. Visit www.clearviewstablesinc.com.
Off the Rail Farm: Off the Rail Farm, located in Clinton, specializes in riding
instruction. They offer lessons for beginners through advanced, as well as individual
sessions. For more information visit the website: www.offtherailfarm.net, or call
(724) 544-5207.
15
Blue Ribbon Farms: Nestled in the hills of Independence Township in Beaver
County, the farm, with its 45+ horses, is just minutes from the Findlay Township
border. They’re hosting summer horse camps for youth, too, June 18-20 and June
24-26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call (412) 974-3175.
GOLF
Quicksilver Golf Club: Looking for golf lessons or outings, or even somewhere to
hold your upcoming wedding or banquet? Well, Quicksilver Golf Club, located in
Midway, could be the place for you. Golf outing and individual fees are listed on the
website, as well as group and junior lessons! Visit www.quicksilvergolf.com.
Moon Golf Club: The Moon Golf Club not only provides a wonderful golf course, but
why not add a full course meal to your day as well? With a restaurant on site you can
grab a sandwich or sit down for a meal after your round of golf. Rates and
information are located on their website: www.moongolfclub.com.
Marada Golf Course: Marada is located in Clinton, just two miles from the airport.
Recently under new ownership, Marada is priding itself as the friendliest golf staff in
western Pennsylvania. You can be the judge of that by visiting Marada’s course. Find
out more at www.maradagolfcourse.com.
Scally’s Golf Center: Scally’s, located in Moon, has been in business for over 50
years, and was named by Golf Range Magazine as one of the top 100 golf ranges in
America in 2006. Scally’s also offers mini-golf, birthday parties, batting cages, and
lessons. To learn more visit: http://mysite.verizon.net/carl.silvestri/scallys/.
West Hills Par 3: A great place for a date or to spend an afternoon, and it’s
reasonable! Check it out at 57 Moon Clinton Road, Moon Township. (412) 262-9331.
PARKS
Raccoon Creek State Park: If you’re in the mood to explore the great outdoors
and wilderness of Western Pennsylvania, but you’re not sure which path to hike,
consider this. The Raccoon Creek State Park Friends Group is sponsoring the W.H.O.
Hiking Series featuring six hikes from the Walks, Hikes, and Overnights in Raccoon
Creek State Park guidebook. These hikes were chosen to introduce the hiker to most
of the trails in the park. Continuing through September, they will hike the second
Sunday of each month: June 8, July 13, August 10, and September 14.
The park is located in Beaver County, just off of US 22-30 West, on Route 18. This
7,572-acre park also features a 101-acre lake filled with bluegill, sunfish, catfish, and
many more varieties made just for your hook. Inside the park, you will find 44 miles of
hiking trails and 16 miles of horseback riding trails.
You can either tackle them on your own, or hook up with one of the many organized
group trips. Listed below are just some of the programs offered this summer, but for
a complete list visit the website: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/
raccooncreek.aspx.
ATV Safety Classes: Sunday, June18- 4 -7:30 p.m.; Sunday July 20-9 a.m-1 p.m.;
Wednesday July 23-4-7:30 p.m.; Sunday, August 10-9 a.m-1 p.m.; Sunday, August 179 a.m.-1 p.m.; Contact the instructor directly for registration: Robert Lioi at (412)
477-4233, or by e-mail: robert.e.lioi@gsk.com.
Primitive Skills: Saturday, June 28- 10 a.m.-3 p.m. This event is a weekend
workshop that focuses on how our ancestors survived with limited sources. The
weekend will be spent re-creating and practicing survival skills such as making
shelters, matchless fires, cordage, edible plants, tracking and learning to see more in
nature. According to the website, this is an overnight hands-on experience. Preregistration is required, and the event is free.
Settler’s Cabin Park spans 1,610 acres and is located in Robinson, Collier, and
North Fayette. Within these 1,610 acres is the Wave Pool, along with 11 individual
pavilions. Each pavilion is named after a Native American tribe. The park, which is
relatively level, also has tennis courts. This summer’s events include:
Natural Reflections Retreat: June 15-10 a.m.-1 p.m. This event is run by Venture
Outdoors, a non-profit organization created in 2001. Their mission is to get more
people outside to have fun and appreciate nature, and their events are open to
everyone. Venture Outdoors holds events in several Allegheny County parks. You will
be provided with time to interact, think, learn, become more aware, enjoy nature,
move, rest, meditate, and pray. This event is $25 for members of Venture Outdoors,
and $40 for non-members.
Peach Pie Hike: August 31- 3-6 p.m. This event is also run by Venture Outdoors,
and will cost the same as the Natural Reflections Retreat. Just as the name implies,
this event consists of a lot of hiking and a lot of peach pie eating.
Community Parks: To satisfy a day of relaxation, head over to your local park with
a picnic basket and enjoy the day. Swing too high, slide too fast, and soak up the sun!
There are parks located in North Fayette, Findlay, Clinton, Oakdale, McDonald, Moon,
Crescent, Kennedy, Robinson, Ingram, Pennsbury, and Thornburg.
16
June 2008
Each park has its own special amenities, such as a skate park at Findlay’s
Sports and Recreation Complex, super playgrounds at Clinton Park and also
Clever Park in Robinson, and deck hockey and bocce ball at Kennedy’s Fairhaven
Park.
Hollow Oak Land Trust: HOLT is an organization comprised of local people
working together to preserve green space in Western Allegheny County. Along
with that mission, they also educate the community about the region’s natural
resources. One of its most well known projects is the Montour Greenway, which
spans over the Ohio River at Coraopolis and continues on through Moon,
Robinson, and North Fayette Townships.
The greenway follows Montour Run and the Montour Trail. An area worth visiting
is the Frank A. Santucci Conservation Area, located in Moon Township across from
the old Nike missile site. This area exemplifies a diverse environment, as a ruined
foundation is adjacent to a natural spring. The land here is covered in a vast
array of trees such as oaks, black cherries, and tulip poplars.
As mentioned above, there are also sites located in both Kennedy and Robinson
Township. Visit their website for more detail, along with a more in depth
understanding of HOLT: http://hollowoak.org.
POOLS
Now it is time to really cool off this summer! There are four community pools
located in the Airport Area: Hankey Farms in North Fayette Township, the Wave
Pool in Settler’s Cabin Park, Crafton Community Pool, and Clever Pool in Robinson
Township. All pools offer summer pool passes, or the option to pay by the day.
Hankey Farms Pool: Make a splash in your day at Hankey Farms Pool. This
fenced in area is complete with a new deck, a heated pool, a slide, a baby pool,
and a snack bar located under a covered pavilion. Pool passes are available, and
more information can be found on the North Fayette website. Daily admission is:
$5 per adult; $3 for children 3-12; $1 for non-swimmers/observers; children two
and under are free. The hours are: 12-7 p.m. Swim lessons will be offered; times
and dates TBA on website. Hankey Farms also hosts pool parties for $75 plus
$10 per hour per lifeguard present.
The Wave Pool: Located in Settler’s Cabin Park near the Tonidale exit of Route
22-30, and next to Bayer, it’s handicap accessible and ready for wave riders! Pool
passes are available to purchase, or pay the low rate of $4 per adult (18-54)
and junior (13-17), and $3 per senior citizen (60 and up) and youth (6-12).
Children five and under are $1. The pool is open 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. daily. The
Wave Pool also has a snack bar, coin lockers, and raft rentals for $4 with a $1
deposit. For more information call (412) 787-2667.
Crafton Community Pool: It’s open Monday-Saturday from 12-8 p.m. and
Sundays, 1 -8 p.m. General admission is $7, or $3 after 5 p.m. The Crafton
Community Pool is also home to the Crafton Crocodile Swim Team, has lessons
and swim passes as well. The pool is complete with a slide! For more information
and prices regarding passes and lessons, visit the website: http://
www.crafton.org/pool.htm
Clever Pool: It’s located in Robinson at Clever Park, next to basketball courts,
the Rotary pavilion, and Clever Park’s playground. Pool hours are: Sunday, 12- 7
p.m.; Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Lap
lanes are open Tuesday-Friday 6:30-8 p.m. Pool passes are available—prices
are listed on the website: www.townshipofrobinson.com. Daily walk-in rate is $5
per person per day.
ART GALLERIES
Located in Crafton is LePoire Art Gallery, owned by Joyce Werwie Perry
of Kennedy Township. This locally operated art gallery is filled with work created
by local artists in and around the Pittsburgh area. On June 6 & 13, and July 11 &
18, LePoire is offering meet the artist sessions, where you are also able to watch
her work. LePoire also offers classes in painting with a brush, impressionistic
knife painting, and ongoing studio classes. Times for the classes, along with store
hours, are listed on the website: www.le-poire.com.
MALL & MOVIES
Robinson Township is proud home to The Mall at Robinson and Showcase
Cinemas West. Both attractions serve as a great way to cool off and relax. The
Mall is open Monday-Saturday from10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m-6
p.m. If you’re not in the mood to spend any money, then browse the windows or
check out the MallWalkers program. The MallWalkers program is available from 7 to
10 a.m. daily, except Sunday, when it’s from 8 to 10 a.m. Take some strides on the
upper and lower levels, which are marked so you can see how many miles you’ve
walked.
Dependable Drive-in is located just off the Flaugherty Run exit in Moon
Township. The four-screen theater is open nightly year round, and movies begin
when the sun goes down. The box office opens at 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and
Sunday, and at 7:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Adult admission is $6 and children 611 are $2. Dependable accepts credit cards, offers gift certificates online, and
provides a newsletter. Visit the website for current offerings:
www.dependabledrivein.com.
Twin Hi-Way Drive-in is located on Steubenville Pike, and just reopened last
season. The drive-in had originally operated since June of 1957 and closed for a
brief while. In fact, in order to commemorate the original drive-in ways, every
Saturday is Movie Cruise Night, where you can arrive in your vintage car! Twin Hi-Way
Drive-in also has a flea market, as they originally did, open every Sunday from 7 a.m.2 p.m. Admission is: Adults (12 and up) $6.50; Children (6-11) and Senior Citizens
(65 and up) $3.25; Children five and under are free. Gates open at 7:15 p.m., and
gift cards are available. Check out the website for more information and to listen to
their original drive-in era play list: www.twinhiwaydrivein.com.
LIBRARIES
Robinson Township Library: Robinson Township Library offers programs through
June and July for preschoolers through adults. They also have eight computers, all
wired to the Internet and equipped with Microsoft programs, and you can sign up for
a free library card during regular library hours! The library is located on Church Hill
Road, just off of Steubenville Pike/Rt. 60. Hours are: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday:
11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday & Thursday: 2 p.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.;
Sunday-closed. Visit: www.robinsonlibrary.org.
Western Allegheny Community Library: Western Allegheny Community Library is
located in the West Allegheny School District, minutes from the high school and middle
school, on Steubenville Pike. The library offers many programs and activities for
children, teens, and families. They also have used book sales, story times, and book
clubs. Through the website, not only find out more information including dates and
times, but renew or request an item, and review the library policies. Visit
www.westernalleghenylibrary.org.
Moon Township Public Library: The Moon Township Public Library has a
comprehensive calendar of events offering story times, grief support groups,
summer reading clubs, and more. Check out the website for dates and times:
www.moonlibrary.org. You can also read, listen, and view online books and videos,
along with giving your input to the suggestion box!
Heritage Library: Located in McDonald, this library overlooks the lovely Heritage
Park. There are rooms for tutoring and quiet reading, access to computers, and new
this year, the opportunity to view McDonald’s history on microfilm. The summer
reading program, “Catch the Reading Bug,” starts July 10 and continues through
August 14 from 10 a.m. to noon for kindergarten through grade five. Call (724) 9268400 or visit the website at www.heritage.publib.org.
OTHER FUN STUFF
Old Economy Village, a National Historic Landmark site, is located in Ambridge.
This site, which was home to a nineteenth century Christian communal group, was
established in 1824. There are several events coming up. On June 27 and 29 is a
Harmony Society Family Reunion. Descendents of the Harmony Society members or
workers are invited. There will be tours and a dinner. Pre-registration is required. On
July 12, enjoy the Joys of Toys event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn about some of the
toys and games from a long time ago. You can also make some of them yourself!
On July 23, take a Gateway Clipper Fleet lunch tour along the Ohio River to the Village.
For more information call (412) 355-7980. Also, visit on weekends June-September
for additional activities.
Johnson Auction Service: Johnson Auction Service at the Flaugherty House in
Moon Township has live auctions, including several different items such as sports
cards, coins, restaurant equipment, and stamps, to name a few. Off-site auctions are
also available and are conducted at the client’s home, usually on weekends during
the spring and summer months. Johnson Auction Service was established 20 years
ago, and services the Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. For more information and
dates of auctions, visit the website: www.johnsonauctionservice.com.
SCRAPBOOKING
Scrapbooking is a great way to organize all of your summer fun memories, or
catch up on years of piled up photos. It’s also a way to be creative and stay cool
this summer!
There is a scrapbooking store in Moon Township called Scrapbooking by Inches on
Beaver Grade Road, run by Brenda Inches. Peruse through several rooms jam
packed with scrapbooking supplies. They also have classes, as well as a website
dedicated to scrapbooking, www.scrapbookingbyinches.com.
Both Michelle Koester and Mary Pat Pinsoneault operate Creative Memories
scrapbooking events in the West Allegheny community. They have Friday night
scrapbooking sessions as well as online events and ordering opportunities.
For more information, contact Michelle at (724) 307-3333 and Mary Pat at
(724) 695-8574.
FISHING
Besides the largest area lake, Raccoon Lake, there are some smaller, local lakes to
check out this summer. Leopold Lake, a quiet secluded lake on Route 30 between
Imperial and Clinton, has a fishing dock, with a skate park and deck hockey rink in
the park adjacent. Located near the Tonidale interchange of Route 22-30 and the
Parkway West, Deep Valley Lake is tucked behind the Parkway West Career and
Technology Center. Or, try Verlest Lake in North Fayette.
BOWLING
Corpen Lanes: Corpen Lanes is located on Neville Island, just a hop, skip, and jump
from the RMU Sports Center. Hours vary, but summer is a good time to bowl because
the leagues are generally off for the season! Call (412) 264-6570.
Crafton-Ingram Bowling Lanes & Kennedy Lanes are also two great places to
seek refuge from the hot summer sun, spend a rainy afternoon, or hold a birthday
party! Call (412) 921-0200.
Paradise Bowl: Also located on Neville Island, this place sports an outdoor beach
along the Ohio River, complete with sand! Dig your toes in and enjoy the outdoors, or
head inside to roll a few and score! There’s even cosmic bowling! Call (412) 2646570 or visit www.paradiseislandbowl.com.
FITNESS AND HEALTH
Western Area YMCA Programs: A wide variety of group exercise classes will be
held at the Western Area YMCA. Session I runs through July 19, and Session II runs
from July 21-September 6. Some of the group exercises include: Boot Camp, Cardio
Boxing, Spinning, Yoga, and Zumba. Other programs such as tennis lessons, aquatic
lessons, and summer camps are listed on the website: www.ymcaofpittsburgh.org,
then click the Western Area YMCA link at the bottom.
Findlay Township Recreation Program offers summer Zumba classes every
Tuesday from 6 to 7 p.m. and Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Activity
Center on Main Street in Imperial. Call (724) 695-2239.
MONTOUR TRAIL
Because of its prominence stretching across virtually all of the communities
served by “Allegheny West Magazine,” and because of its significance as a resource
for residents as well as visitors, we’ve saved this, once again, until last.
The Montour Trail begins at Mile Marker “0” in Moon Township, winding along the
former Montour Railroad line through Groveton, then along the valley, crossing past
the rear entrance to The Mall at Robinson. The trail continues on past the RIDC Park
into Findlay Township, and then moves on through Imperial and McDonald,
continuing into Washington County.
This perennial favorite for walkers, joggers, and bikers, the Montour Trial is dotted
with rest stops, and overlooks along the Montour Creek. There are even mile
markers so you can gauge distance.
There are several spurs to the trail as well: Panhandle Trail and Arrowhead Trail.
It’s the perfect way to spend an hour getting some fitness, or to spend a day
traversing the trail by bike. To access a map of the trail and its many amenities, visit
www.montourtrail.org.
IN CLOSING ...
Summer camps, group sports events, and lots of other summer fun stuff is
happening in Findlay, North Fayette, Oakdale, and McDonald. Read more detailed
information about these offerings on pages 10 and 11 of this issue.
17
Around Your Town
ARTICLE & PHOTOS
SUBMITTED BY KEVIN RICHARDS, SNPJ
SNPJ/ West Allegheny Key Club Join Hands
The Slovene National Benefit Society (SNPJ), headquartered in Imperial, once
again partnered with the Key Club of West Allegheny High School to plan a
community service project for JOIN HANDS DAY in 2008.
In its third year, this partnership has held a pet supplies drive that benefited the
Beaver County Humane Society, adopted five needy families in Imperial, and this
year chose another cause to tackle.
A planning session was held at the SNPJ home office. The group decided to help a
couple of elderly citizens in the community to get their yards ready for spring. With
the help of the wonderful people of Findlay Township, two citizens were selected.
The group decided to clean up one yard on each of the days of Tuesday and
Wednesday, May 6 and 7. The recipients of the spring clean-ups were very
appreciative. It is hoped that in some little way, the group was able to help them on
their way towards a wonderful summer.
On behalf of the SNPJ Fraternal Department, thank you to all of the SNPJ
members and members of the Key Club of West Allegheny High School who came
out, braving the light rain that fell, to help clean up these two yards.
JOIN HANDS DAY is a national day of service sponsored by the National
Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) that promotes youth and adults working side
by side as equal partners to address local community needs and attempt to correct
them. The Slovene National Benefit Society (SNPJ) is a member of the NFCA.
RIGHT: West Allegheny High School Key Club members and SNPJ members
joined together to help others in the community in May.
18
June 2008
Don’t Miss Clearview’s Auto Loan Event
Caution! Colossal savings are ahead during Clearview’s
Auto Loan event going on now. Clearview has rates as
low as 4.74% APR1 avaliable for a limited time only.
Call, visit our Web site or stop by any branch to take
advantage of these great rates.
www.clearviewfcu.org
1-800-926-0003
1 APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rate is effective as of May 12, 2008. All rates are subject to change without notice. Rate is based on a 63 month-term. Other rates and terms are
available. Rates are based on the type of loan, term of loan and your creditworthiness. All loan approvals are subject to normal underwriting procedures. Rate includes .25%
discount for automatic payment. No other discounts apply. Offer ends June 30, 2008.
19
Around Your Town
New in Town
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20
June 2008
Michelle Dixon has announced the opening of the PIttsburgh Pet Crematory.
“I understand what a sad time this may be for a family losing a beloved pet. I
want to make this time as stress free as possible,” Michelle explained. “Most
peoples’ reactions when I tell them what I do are less than enthusiastic, until I
explain what a huge impact a death of a pet has on a family. I think nothing of
writing a check to my vet for $300 or more, but when it comes to me I put things
off. These creatures are our lives, be it a dog, cat, rabbit, or even a reptile. They
give us nothing but unconditional love, so I believe they deserve the best care
we can offer, even in the end.”
Michelle provides an array of services that include private and common
cremations, pick up and delivery at one’s home or at the veterinarian’s office, or
euthanasia transport. Available on her website, customers can shop online for
urns, garden markers, and keepsake jewelry.
Michelle welcomes the opportunity to answer questions about final pet
arrangements.
“I am an understanding shoulder to cry on in your time of need,” she said.
She added, “When I had to have our beloved Buddy put down most recently I
was unsure of my options. I thought my only option was to leave him with the
vet and have their service handle it. Their “service” had to come in from Ohio. It
took more than two weeks before they called me to say that Buddy was in. I
had to relive that whole experience all over again, driving there with a knot in
my stomach, explaining to the girl at the counter what I was there for, having
people watch as she handed me the box. That’s when I decided I can and will
do this service in a better way.”
Michelle is available with a 24-hour calling service, and personally handles
every client with dignified and direct care.
She resides in Ingram with her husband, Thomas, and son Max, where they
have made their home since 2000.
To reach Pittsburgh Pet Crematory, call (412) 921-5170 or (412) 600-1630.
Reach Michelle by e-mail at Pittsburghpetcrematory@msn.com. Or, visit her
website at www.Pittsburghpetcrematory.com.
‘05 West A Grad Musically Involved
Steven Cosnek, a 2005 West
Allegheny High School graduate, has
finished his junior year at Indiana
University of Pennsylvania, working
towards a BFA major in Vocal
Performance.
As an active member of the theater
program at IUP, Steven has
performed most recently in 3 Penny
Opera. Other credits include La
Perichole, Guys and Dolls, and Die Dledermaus.
This past fall Steven performed solo works with the Altoona
Symphony featuring pieces by Rodgers/Hammerstein and Lerner/
Loewe. He has also appeared with Pittsburgh Cabaret featuring
local artists, as well as performed with the Pittsburgh Pops
Orchestra All-Star Collegiate Choir under the baton of Marvin
Hamlisch.
Steven is an active member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity,
IUP Chamber Singers, and University Chorale.
This summer Steven will work for Huron Playhouse in Ohio,
performing in popular musicals and plays such as Brigadoon and
Honk!.
SUBMITTED BY :
Results! Travel by Carlson
Round About Travel
Greater Pittsburgh Travel
Travel Systems
Carnival Cruise Lines, Inc.
Doctor’s Orders: Take a Vacation!
Vacation Deprivation. Although we’re
not certain if this term is included in
medical journals (AS YET) studies show
that ‘over-work’ causes stress-related
illnesses, anxiety, depression, feeling rundown
or tired, and memory impairment. Unfortunately, all the new technology
and gadgets have drastically increased our workload, as opposed to
shrinking it, which was predicted in the 70s.
As a result of job demands and technology, many of us choose to
simply forego vacation time. On average, Americans earn 14 days as
compared to 24 days in Great Britain, 26 days in Germany, 30 days in
Spain, and 36 in France. We’re already behind the eight ball, and we
only make it worse when skipping it!
Doctor’s Orders. Doctor’s are now writing prescriptions for vacation.
Doctor’s are now writing prescriptions for vacation. That was worth
repeating! WHY? Because time off offers physical and mental benefits!
Experts agree that a key ingredient to peak performance is a change in
scenery (such as sunshine in January!) as well as getting away for a
period of time.
Although not in the dictionary (YET!), IF it was this would be the
definition:
“ Un-Used Vacation “ (un-yoozd va-ka’-shen) n. Techno Stress; Burn
out; Frustration; Anger; Illness Inducing; Overall dissatisfaction with life
& work.
Recess. Remember how much fun school recess was? Run, play,
unwind, rejuvenate. Vacation is Recess. (THAT definition is in the
dictionary!)
Notes to Yourself. Doctors are very busy, and may forget to include a
few items on the prescription:
1. Do NOT take ANY technology on vacation, such as a cell phone,
laptop, or Blackberry.
2. Try to schedule vacation during slow times at work.
3. Ease into vacation. Give yourself time to pack. Don’t lug your suitcase
to work, rush to finish projects, then dash off to the airport during rush
hour.
4. Studies show it takes several days to unwind. Plan a week or longer
getaway for a much needed rest. Include long weekends to rejuvenate
through the year and stay within budget.
5. Contact your Travel Agent to make informed decisions so your
vacation is fun, enjoyable and less draining on your budget. They receive
specials daily from vendors offering ALL types of vacations: a fun
relaxing Caribbean cruise, incredible Australian adventures, tours in
Europe, the wonders of Alaska, and more.
Vacation allows you to Refresh, Regroup, Rejuvenate your spirit, and
Re-connect w/family & friends. Please … Go Away!
Learning Curves is provided as a service to advertisers of Allegheny West Magazine to share educational and/or informational knowledge with the readership. To
inquire about Learning Curves, call (724) 695-3968.
Presented to you by:
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412.787.7080
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Greater Pittsburgh Travel Agency
1800 Pine Hollow Rd.
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412.331.2244
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21
ARTICLE & PHOTO
SUBMITTED BY JENNIFER ROSE, TROOP 171
Scouts Bottle it Up for a Good Cause
PICTURED: Top row, Kelsey McCallister, Elyse Turner, Lauren
Holswade, Lily Seibel; bottom row: Kali Rossi, Nicole Kadlecik, and Nikki
Williams. Not available for the photo, but also involved in collecting the
bottle caps, were Lexi Dudeck and Megan Blumling.
Brownie Girl Scout Troop 171 recently completed their spring
service project -- collecting pop, juice, milk, and water bottle caps
to send to the Aveda Corporation as part of the company’s Bottle
Cap Drive.
The Bottle Cap Drive strives to reduce the amount of bottle
caps from landfills since they cannot be recycled. Bird and marine
mammals may mistake the caps for food and consume them,
often leading to illness or death.
Aveda plans to reuse the bottle caps collected by making new
bottle caps for their beauty products.
The troop collected 29,250 caps. Top collector was Kali Rossi
with 12,435 caps.
For more information about the bottle cap project by Aveda,
visit their website at http://aveda.aveda.com/aboutaveda/caps.asp.
22
June 2008
Around Your Town
Chemical Society Honors WA Alumna
The Society for Analytical Chemists
of Pittsburgh (SACP) has awarded the
College Chemistry Award this year to
Glenna Kramer, a senior majoring in
Chemistry at Allegheny College.
The award included a monetary prize
and a framed certificate of accomplishment. Additionally, Glenna will be
recognized through a monetary award
presented to the Allegheny College
Library in her honor, along with an
engraved nameplate.
While at Allegheny College, some of Glenna’s achievements
included membership in the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, Phi
Lambda Upsilon Chemistry Honor Society, and Kappa Alpha Theta
Sorority.
Glenna was the recipient of the Doane and Alden Scholar award.
She also participated as a member of the varsity diving team, the
wind symphony, and jazz band.
Glenna also was recently named the North Coach Athlete
Conference 2007-2008 scholar-athlete of the year. The award
honors outstanding academic and athletic achievements. She also
received seven All NCAC Conference Honors throughout her four
years of diving at Allegheny College.
Glenna is the daughter of Desire and Jean Kramer and a 2004
graduate of West Allegheny High School.
23
BY DR. ROBERT LUTHER
Oral Cancer is On the Rise; Early Detection Saves Lives
Most people are surprised to learn that
each year one American dies every hour
from oral cancer, making this type of
cancer deadlier than cervical, brain, ovary or
skin cancer. In fact, recent statistics published by the American Cancer
Society estimate that while the incidence and death rates for cancers
overall have decreased, new cases of oral cancer and deaths associated with oral cancer are increasing. However, oral cancer is one of the
most curable diseases when it’s caught early. When premalignant
lesions or early stage oral cancer is found, treatment is simpler, less
invasive and more than 82% successful.
Early Detection of Oral Cancer Saves Lives
ViziLite Plus (trademark) is a proven screening technology that
assists in the early detection of oral abnormalities, including premalignant lesions and oral cancer. Early detection tools such as Pap
smears, PSA tests, and mammograms have greatly reduced death
rates for cervical, prostate, and breast cancers. ViziLite Plus improves
the dentist’s ability to identify, evaluate, and monitor abnormal areas
that are difficult to see under conventional lighting. By incorporating this
simple, quick and painless exam into their practices, dentists are the
first line of defense in fighting this deadly disease.
Kovach’s Body Shop
529 Valley Street
McDonald PA 15057
(724) 926-8706
Quality Collision Service Since 1960
24
June 2008
Many people die from oral cancer because it is not detected at an
early stage.
The ViziLite Plus exam can potentially help save lives. And, it
shows patients that their overall health is important and that dentists
do so much more than just check for cavities.
Oral Cancer Risk Factors
Age is the primary risk factor for all types of cancer, and 90% of
oral cancer occurs in adults over age 40. However, all adults age 18
and older are considered to be at risk. Alarmingly, over 25% of oral
cancers occur in people who don’t smoke and have no other lifestyle
risk factors.
Another reason for concern about oral cancer is the human
papilloma virus (HPV). HPV is an extremely common sexually
transmitted infection and especially prevalent in young adults 14-24
years old. Few people even know they have it. HPV has long been
known to cause cervical cancer and now studies suggest it also
plays a role in as many as 22% of oral cancer cases.
Dr. Robert Luther has been providing dental care to patients for the past 32
years. To contact him, call (412) 788-6300. Or, visit his website at
www.pghlaserdentist.com.
Learning Curves is provided as a service to advertisers of Allegheny West
Magazine to share educational and/or informational knowledge with the
readership. To inquire about Learning Curves, call (724) 695-3968.
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25
WA Alumna Named to State Board
2006 West Allegheny graduate, Erin
Thompson, was named as a member of
the State Executive Board of the
Pennsylvania Collegiate Music Educators Association (PCMEA) for the
2008-09 school year.
This past year she served as treasurer of
that organization’s Westminster chapter.
A music education major at
Westminster College, Erin was also
accepted by audition for the school’s
wind ensemble and concert choir. She
toured with the groups during a 10-day
performance schedule in 2007 and again
for a seven-day performance schedule in 2008.
Erin is a member of the school’s marching band, symphonic
band, and flute choir.
This past year, she was named vice president of Lambda Sigma,
the National Sophomore Honors Society.
Erin will serve as band president this coming school year at
Westminster.
As a member of Kappa Delta Sorority, she will also serve as that
organization’s social chairman this fall.
Vacation Bible School
CLINTON UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
July 21-25, 9 a.m.-noon, “Avalanche Ranch,” Picnic Thursday, 6 p.m., (724) 695-7993
CLINTON WESLEYAN CHURCH
June 16-20, “Cosmic City,” 9 a.m. to noon, (724) 695-7076
HEBRON CHURCH
June 16-20, “God’s Big Back Yard,” 9:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m., all ages, (724) 899-2276, or
e-mail: hebronchurch@zoominternet.net
INDEPENDENT BIBLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
July 14-18, “God Always Wins!” 5:30-8:30 p.m., Kindergarten through grade six, (724)
695-0808
MONTOURS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
July 14-18, 6-8:30 p.m., (412) 787-1050
NAZARENE CHURCH
July 14-18, 9:30 a.m.-noon, (724) 947-9223
OAKDALE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
June 16-19, “Marketplace H.I.S. STORY,” 9 a.m.-noon, Kindergarten through
grade five, (724) 693-8510
RESURRECTION LUTHERAN CHURCH
August 3-7, 6-8 p.m., “Rainforest Adventure,” (724) 788-4513
ST. COLUMBKILLE PARISH
August 4-8, 9 a.m.-noon, Kindergarten-6th grade, “God’s Big Backyard,” (724) 695-2146
ST. PATRICK ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
June 23-27, 9 a.m.-noon, for ages four years old through fourth grade. Contact Jason at
the youth office, (724) 693-8447
VALLEY CHURCH
July 28-August 1, Summer Family Nights, 6-9 p.m., Family dinner provided nightly.
The community is invited! “Rainforest Adventure” program for kids and workshops
featuring guest speakers for adults (relationships, parenting, financial advice, etc.),
(724) 695-0300
WEST RIDGE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
June 23-June 27, “Outrigger Island,” 6-8:30 p.m., ages two years through sixth grade,
(724) 695-7500
This information is current at time this issue went to print. For contact information from these
churches, visit the Community Connections Directory on page 64.
26
June 2008
DAR Awards Good Citizen Honors
Lindsay Rosso is this year’s honoree from West Allegheny High
School of the Jacob Ferree Chapter of the Daughters of the
American Revolution (DAR) Good Citizens Award.
Lindsay was presented with a $100 Savings Bond, a pin, and a
certificate at the American History Tea held this spring at the
Montour Heights Country Club in Moon Township.
High school counselors nominate the individual they believe
best possesses the qualities of dependability, leadership, patriotism,
and service.
The DAR chapter is one of many such chapters nationwide that
pay tribute to the country’s forefathers from the American
Revolution.
CORRECTION
The annual Christmas Light Up Drive Through Display volunteer project at Clinton Park in Findlay Township recently
announced donations of more than $18,000 toward local charities,
organizations, and others in need. The last issue ran the previous
year’s recipients in error.
This year, donations included presentations to these organizations: American Cancer Society, Meals on Wheels, Hope Bradley
Cancer Fund, Western Allegheny Community Library, West
Allegheny Food Bank, Valley and Hebron MOPS, Salvation Army,
West Allegheny Ministerial Association Good Samaritan Fund,
Clinton Church 3M Class, Imperial Volunteer Fire Department,
West Allegheny Show Choir, West Allegheny Family Support
Group, Nazarene Church/Comp. Min., Young Marines, Parkway
Advisory Group.
The display is an all volunteer effort that is set up, overseen, and
taken down by community members. The organization has made
significant donations to community needs over the years.
Chamber Business Link
Summer Season Brings New Opportunities to Meet and Do Business
Summer is an easy-going time, and that’s even true for business in
some instances. At the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce,
however, there are numerous programs and activities happening this
summer that are geared to make networking for business enjoyable. See,
below, under “Coming Up” for some of the fun activities happening
during the next few months.
COMING UP
JUNE 19
Business After Hours: “Office Olympics,” Crowne Plaza Hotel, 57:30 p.m.
JULY 11
8th Annual Wine & Dine in the Park, Robin Hill Park. Advance
tickets are on sale now. Sponsorships available.
JULY 24
Business After Hours: “Office Idol” on the Gateway Clipper
Fleet, 5-7:30 p.m.
AUGUST 21
TO
REACH
US
Business After Hours: “Luau on the Beach” at Paradise Island
Bowl and Beach, Neville Island, 5-7:30 p.m.
Welcome New Members
Alternative Careers &
Transitions, Inc.
Ameriprise Financial
Services, Inc.
Applelicious
Business Clickers Printing
Computer Consultant Team, LLC
The Concept Coach
Community College
of Beaver County
Coventry Health Care
CST-C National Collection Agency
David Designer Portraits
Dejavu Consignments
Enfiva Consulting, Inc.
FORward Careers Ohio Valley
Gregory Olenic, MD
Heavenly Harmonies
Hess Corporation
Jake’s Java Hut
KCRS, Inc.
Koeberle & Associates, Inc.
LEC Solutions, LLC
Living Water Fellowship
Nanny Poppinz of North
Pittsburgh
NEC Unified Solutions
On Location Photography
Panintelligent
Rack Dust
Sabica
Secure Shredding Services
of Pittsburgh
Shine Cleaning, Inc.
Southwest Airlines
Steel Oaks Investment
Advisors
Steel Shield Technologies
System 4
U First Financial
Validex
Employment Screening
Washington Reprographics
850 Beaver Grade Road Moon Township PA 15108 Phone: (412) 264-6270 Fax: (412) 264-1575
Satellite Office: One Veteran’s Way, Carnegie PA 15106 Phone: (412) 276-1414 x1326
www.paacc.com E-Mail: info@paacc.com
2008 CHAMBER OFFICERS
CHAMBER STAFF
NEAL FANELLI, Chairman
SALLY HAAS, President
SEAN HENDERSON, 1st Vice-Chair
MICHELLE KREUTZER, VP, Bus. Devel/Mktg.
BECKY COURSON, 2nd Vice-Chair
CONNIE RUHL, Spec. Proj. Coord.
DAN MURPHY, Vice-Chair
JACQUE SHAFFER, Events/Mbr. Svcs. Coord.
BERNADETTE PUZZOULE, Vice-Chair
JILL KIPPER, Special Projects Representative
KEN LAZAROWICZ, Treasurer
AMY SUPER, Communications Coordinator
BOB TERWILLIGER, Immed. Past Chairman
Serving the Communities of Aliquippa, Ambridge, Carnegie,
Clinton, Collier, Coraopolis, Crafton, Crescent, Edgeworth, Findlay,
Glenfield, Greentree, Haysville, Heidelberg, Hopewell, Ingram,
Kennedy, Leetsdale, McDonald, McKees Rocks, Moon Township,
Neville Island, North Fayette, Oakdale, Osborne, Pennsbury
Village, Robinson, Rosslyn Farms, Sewickley, Stowe, and
Thornburg
July 11th
27
28
June 2008
Around Your Town
Local Air Force Reserve Command
Recognized for Post of the Year
The 911th Airlift Wing Command Post in Moon Township has
won the 22nd Air Force Command and Control Command Post
of the Year Award for the second year in a row.
Their award was based on their quick response to the Utah and
West Virginia mine collapses, the California wildfires, and their
support of headquarters Air Mobility Command missions.
Since its inception into Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC),
this is the first time there has been a back-to-back winner of the
Command and Control NCO of the Year Award by a command
post.
PICTURED: The Command Post staff, front row: Staff Sgt. Rhonda
Carter, Senior Airman Ryan Young, Senior Airman Sunshine Eger,
Senior Airman Matthew Wolfe; middle row: Tech Sgt. Milo Sporanzo
and 1st Lt. Laurie Lance; back row: Senior Master Sgt. Brian Miller and
Staff Sgt. Derek Becker.
DEADLINE FOR THE AUGUST 2008 ISSUE IS JULY 15. TIME TO PROMOTE
SUMMER SPECIALS, BACK TO SCHOOL PRODUCTS, FALL SERVICES
29
Around Your Town
Airport Authority Loans Mobile, Enhances Art Displays
Pittsburgh International Airport has agreed
to loan the Alexander Calder mobile called
“Pittsburgh” to the Palazzo delle Esposizioni
museum in Rome for their winter 2009
exhibit.
The Palazzo delle Esposizioni museum will
feature a large retrospective of the work of
Alexander Calder. The curator for this
exhibition is Alexander S.C. Rower, director
of the Calder Foundation. The spacious
interiors of the Palazzo delle Esposizioni,
which have been newly renovated, will
provide an exceptional backdrop for celebrating the work of Calder, the twentieth
century’s most buoyant and ethereal of
sculptors.
Calder’s “Pittsburgh” is currently displayed
in the airside terminal of the Pittsburgh
International Airport. An aluminum and
iron mobile with graceful black rods propelled by white paddles, it is suspended
above the central atrium near the information desk.
“It is impressive recognition for Pittsburgh
International Airport that the Palazzo delle
Esposizioni museum is interested in borrowing this piece of art from us,” said Bradley D.
Penrod, Executive Director, Allegheny
County Airport Authority. “We are fortunate
to have such a valuable Calder.”
Conceived as a panorama of Calder’s entire
artistic career, this project is unprecedented
in form and size.
30
June 2008
Calder’s award-winning “Pittsburgh” was
designed for a Carnegie Institute exhibition
in 1958. It was purchased by G. David
Thompson who donated it to Allegheny
County. In 1959, Allegheny County moved
the artwork to the Greater Pittsburgh
International Airport. It was returned to
the Carnegie Museum of Art in 1979.
When the new terminal was completed,
“Pittsburgh” returned to the terminal.
“The public is very familiar with the
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
T. rex exhibit and the Heinz History
Center’s Franco Harris/George Washington statues. We have also presented
programs with the Pittsburgh Glass
Center and currently display two glass
mosaics on the transit level. We are
currently promoting Pittsburgh 250 and
hosting the Manchester Craftsmen
Guild’s Cera[m!x} exhibit in display
cases throughout the airport, in
conjunction with the National Council
on Education for the Ceramic Arts,”
Penrod added.
Other programs under consideration
include Tour of PA bicycle competition,
“Recycle Runway” to coincide with the
National Recycling Coalition conference later this year, and a display with
the National Aviary.
The Airport Authority is also working
with Family Communications to
refurbish and enhance the Mister
Rogers display.
Additionally, the Airport Authority
will seek input from the Pittsburgh art
community in the development of an
“art in the airport” program.
St. Columbkille Wraps Up 100th
Anniversary with June 8 Celebration
It is an exciting and historic time for the parishioners of St.
Columbkille Roman Catholic Church. In June 2007 the church
marked the kick-off of a year-long celebration as the parish
commemorated its centennial with the theme, “Celebrating Our
Past, Present, and Future.”
To conclude the jubilee, a grand gala is planned for June 8 at the
SNPJ Lodge. All parishioners are invited to attend a dinner dance to
mark this historic occasion. There will also be a special Liturgy on
June 8, with Bishop David Zubik, at 2 p.m. in the church.
Throughout the anniversary year, a committee dedicated to
planning special events has put together a wonderful array of
spiritual and social activities for the parish. Included among these
were a new parish pictorial directory, parish renewal with Father
Scott Seethaler, relic display, Healing Mass, Pirate game outings,
lottery calendar sales, ethnic food festival, and the construction of a
new Prayer Garden. The parish launched its first newsletter and, in
keeping with Bishop Zubik’s call to “Get Excited About Our Faith,”
is currently holding a volunteer pledge drive to get more churchgoers
involved in parish life.
Pastor Father Domenic Mancini writes, “For one hundred years we
have worshipped, educated and grown as a parish family. It is now time
to celebrate and remember.”
The church is the first parish in the Diocese of Pittsburgh to be
established under the patronage of Saint Columbkille. Weekend
services are Saturday evening, 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7:30 a.m.,
9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 12 noon.
There are 1,550 families registered at St. Columbkille. Additional
information regarding the parish can be found by logging onto
www.saintcolumbkilleparish.org.
31
Around Your Town
Boy Scout Troop Continues Killbuck Lodge Initiative
The Boy Scouts and their leaders that oversee the Killbuck Lodge in Oakdale have announced
some recent milestones toward their effort to refurbish the lodge and its property.
According to an announcement by Ron Parrish, the property has been secured.
The troop is working with the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation to secure
additional funding required to move forward with the project.
To that end, the troop has submitted an application to the Pennsylvania Department of
Economic Development (DCED).
In order to continue to request funding from similar sources, the troop is looking to secure the
services of a grant writer. Contact Ron Parrish at (724) 693-9230 or Tom Taylor at (724) 6930549.
During the past 18 months, through its “Pathway to Scouting” project, the troop has received
orders for 160 bricks to be engraved. The project resulted in the initial goal of $5,000 being met.
To continue to raise much-needed funds, the troop is initiating its second round of the “Pathway
to Scouting” project by offering the opportunity for friends, families, neighbors, businesses, and
organizations to order engraved bricks if they have not yet done so.
Once sufficient funding is in place, the organization plans to rebuild Killbuck Lodge using as
many of the existing 200-year-old timbers as possible. The footprint of the lodge will be enlarged
slightly, and it will provide handicap accessibility.
Ron or Tom welcome questions and inquiries about the project in the meantime.
West A Student is a Carson Scholar
A student from West Allegheny High School was named a Carson
Scholar. Junior Akshay Hari was recognized at the Pittsburgh
Carson Scholars 4th Annual Spring Awards Banquet on May 4.
Akshay won a $1,000 scholarship as part of the award.
Host Dr. Alfonso Costa welcomed keynote speaker Dr. Benjamin
Carson, world-renowned Johns Hopkins pediatric neurosurgeon
and co-founder of the Carson Scholars Fund. Sally Wiggin of
WTAE-TV served as the program’s emcee.
The event awarded Pittsburgh area students in grades 4-11 who
achieved academic excellence and demonstrated humanitarian
involvement in their communities.
Local supporters in attendance included S & T Bank, SW Jack
Drilling, and Costa Land Company.
32
June 2008
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33
Chamber and Area Military Officials
Welcome 2008 Honorary Commanders
The Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce and area
military officials welcome the members of the 2008 Honorary
Commanders Association.
This year-long community relations program is run as a cooperative effort by the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce,
the 911th Airlift Wing, the 99th Regional Support Command, and
the 171st Air Refueling Wing.
In this program, selected business and community leaders have an
opportunity to learn more about the activities of the military at sites
located in Moon Township and the Pittsburgh region. Association
events may include briefings, tours of military facilities and aircraft,
orientation flights, and trips to key military installations.
These business leaders were chosen to participate in the program:
Mark Abraham, Allegheny Medical Occupational
& Physical Medicine Center
Mike Adams, Allegheny County Airport Authority
John Chmill, Spectra Contract Flooring
Gregory Dell’Omo, Robert Morris University
Steve Hammel, Michael Baker Corporation
John Herington, Hampton Inn Pittsburgh Airport
Susan Hovanec, The Allegheny Times
Terra Koerpel, ShowSmarts
Ann Millen, Courtyard by Marriott
Dan Murphy, Heritage Valley Health System
Todd Puleo, First National Bank of Pennsylvania
Tracy Rapp, CH2M Hill IDC Architects
Dave Stieving, Kelly Services
Dana Vargo, NaVOBA
Matthew Welch, FedEx Ground
RATE
B
E
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E
C
S
U
P
L
HE
0!
5
2
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Allegheny West Magazine is sponsoring an essay
contest in conjunction with Pittsburgh 250!
Essays will be accepted between 200-250 words. Tell
us what you consider to be most special about this
place you call home. It can be about your hometown of
Clinton, Imperial, Oakdale, Sturgeon, or McDonald,
or about something in Pittsburgh
that is special to you.
We will publish the essays in an upcoming issue.
DEADLINE IS JUNE 15.
All essay contributors’ names will be placed in a
drawing to win a special basket of Pittsburgh goodies
and gift certificates.
Send essays to:
Allegheny West Magazine
Pittsburgh 250!
15 Walnut Street, Imperial PA 15126
or by e-mail to: alleghenywestmagazine@comcast.net
34
June 2008
western allegheny community library
ADULTS
CHILDREN
ADULT READING CLUB
KIDS’ KORNER:
SAVE GAS – TRAVEL BY BOOK – Summer Book Club
Registration begins June 9. For more information stop by the library or call.
Friday, June 13, 1 p.m., It’s A Bird,
It’s A Plane, It’s…Super Fly Guy!!!!!
Grades 1-5
Wednesday, July 2, 6:45 p.m., Wacky
Wednesdays: Spiderology, Fun for
the whole family!
Saturday, June 14, 1 p.m., Dynamic
Daddy Day, All ages
Tuesday, July 8, 6:45 p.m., Going
Buggy with Eric Carle, All ages
Wednesday, June 18, 6:45 p.m., Bed
Bugs, All ages
Wednesday, July 9, 6:45 p.m., Wacky
Wednesdays: Bee There or Bee
Square! Fun for the whole family!
ADULT PROGRAMS
June 11 – 7 pm: Social Security Online Retirement Seminar
A speaker from the Social Security Administration will explain what you need
to know about retirement benefits and how to navigate the Social Security
website.
June 18 – 1 pm Scrabble: For all “wordy” people grab a Scrabble board and
join us for an afternoon of fun. If there is enough interest we will meet once
a month. Call to register (724) 695-8150
June 24 – 7 pm Travel Hints and Info: This is everything you ever wanted
to know about planning a vacation. Is it better to use a travel agent or do
your own online booking? What documents are required? What’s the good
and the bad about cruises? This and many more topics will be covered at
this seminar. Call to register (724) 695-8150
TEENS
Teen Summer Reading: June 9-August 2
Books and Reading Will Change Your Summer!
Register at www.westernalleghenylibrary.org, then read all summer
for:
· A free book after you’ve read five books
· Additional prizes for every five book level achieved
· Weekly prize drawings
· Book Bucks to spend at the End-of-the-Summer Auction held
August 2
· Each book logged becomes an entry into the grand prize drawing
If the teens can log a total of 1500 books over the
summer, Mrs. Swan will dye her hair rainbow colors!
TEEN THURSDAYS—Registration required
All activities run from 6-7:30 pm. Check with the library for
descriptions and exact dates.
T-shirt Makeover ~ Sushi Surprise ~ Room Re-Do
Duct Tape Mania ~ Money Rocks! ~ Which Workout Works?
Book Alteration (Two sessions, one on Monday, the second on
Thursday of that week)
ONGOING TEEN PROGRAMS
Six-week Creative Writer’s Workshop: Tuesdays, June 17-July 22
from 11 am-12:30 pm
Books and a Burger: Wednesdays, June 18-July 30 from 11 am12:30 pm (Weekly book discussion group meeting at McDonalds.)
Are You Game?—Teen Gaming Club: June 13, and July 11 from
4:30-6 pm
Teen Mural Artists: June 23 from 6-7:30. Introductory meeting.
Work times to be determined.
Girls Only: Fabulous Feet—June 16— 6-7:30 pm and Book Purses—
July 14—6-7:30 pm
** Teen Volunteers needed all summer. Must have completed sixth
grade to volunteer. Pick up an application at the library. **
Friday, June 20, 11 a.m., Wee Wings
& Things, All ages
Tuesday, June 24, 6:45 p.m., Really
Rockin’ Bug Buddies, All Ages
Wednesday, July 16, 6:45 p.m.,
Wacky Wednesdays: Squirmy
Wormies! Fun for the whole family!
Friday, July 18, 10:30 a.m., Little
Critter, Ages 3 and up
Mondays, June 20-August 4 from
10:30 a.m.-10:55 a.m., Book Babies
6-24 months with a parent or caregiver Friday, July 18, 1:30 p.m., Freaky
Friday, Entering 2nd grade and up
Mondays, June 20-August 4 from
11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Toddler Tales, 2-3 ½ years old with a
parent or caregiver
Tuesdays, June 21-August 5 from
1:30-2:30 p.m., Pre-K Kapers
3 ½ years old –entering Kindergarten
Thursdays, July 3-August 7, 1:302:15 p.m., Bodies In Motion, Ages 2
and up
Wednesday, July 23, 6:45 p.m.,
Wacky Wednesdays: Goofy Game
Night! Fun for the whole family!
Tuesday, July 29 @ 6:30 p.m.
Camp Spiderwick
Going into 2nd grade and up
Wednesday, July 30 @ 6:45 p.m.
Wacky Wednesdays: Art Attack!
Fun for the whole family!
Thursdays, July 3 -August 7, 10:30
a.m.-noon, Insect-a-Tectives!, Entering
first grade and up
Young children can join ‘Catch the Reading Bug’ this summer at the
Western Allegheny Community Library and discover the amazing world
of insects.
Read To Me (for children being read to) – for every 10 books read,
children earn a raffle ticket for end-of-summer prize give-aways. Check
your time in once a week and earn an instant weekly prize!
Readers (for children reading independently) – for every 1 hour read,
children earn a raffle ticket for end-of-summer prize give-aways. Check
your time in once a week and earn an instant weekly prize!
There will be an end-ofsummer reading party
at the Hankey
Farms Pool for
the children and
their families.
Check out all the
information at
the library!
M-Th 10 am-8 pm Fri 10 am-4 pm Sat 9 am-4 pm
8042 Steubenville Pike, Oakdale PA 15071 (724) 695-8150 www.westernalleghenylibrary.org
Please register on the library’s website or at the library’s Circulation Desk for all programs
35
PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY THE ANTELS
The Houses
enise and David Antel are the fourth owners of their
1880s era home on Hastings Avenue. They always
wanted to do a restoration project on a house, and
having one of the historic properties on this street
was just the ticket.
“When we started looking for such a house and
learned there was a house on Hastings, we weren’t
thrilled at first when we saw that this one had green vinyl siding
from the 70s and a hodge podge of different colors,” Denise
recalled.
It was the wood-paneled staircase, the original fireplace in the
kitchen, and the tree-lined street that told her it was the right
thing to do.
Known as the McLaughlin House, it served as a boarding house
at one time, providing income for Mrs. Laughlin after her
husband’s death.
At the turn of the century, the sidewalk was actually made out of
wood planks and ran along the front of their house.
Jerry McLaughlin, Mrs. McLaughlin’s grandson, lived next door.
When the Antel’s moved in, Jerry gave them a photo of what the
house looked like at the turn of the 20th century, and also was
gracious in providing much information about the history of the
house.
“We cherish that photo, because it brings us closer to the past
and those who lived here,” Denise said.
D
David, who works for Bank of New York-Mellon, said, “This was
the third house we had in 32 years, and everyone thought we were
crazy to renovate a house at this stage in our lives.”
Yet they went to work on it immediately, closing the sale on a
Tuesday and starting the renovation the next day, all the while
moving in and getting settled.
Their first project was to strip layers of paint from the original
maple staircase in the entrance hallway.
The Antels learned that the original kitchen was actually on
the floor below, in the current basement. The meals were sent
up on a dumb waiter to the guests on the floor above in the
current kitchen.
David added, “Jerry would come over while we would be
working on a project and tell us what it looked like originally.”
In the 1950s, the family that bought the house did some
modernizing. They took the chimney and half the upper floor
off, as well as a tower. The roofline was also changed from
Victorian to Federal style.
It was unusual for a floor to be removed from a house during
that time, and Denise was told that a story in a major home
magazine featured the project back then.
“I wish I could find out where that story ran; it would be nice
to have that,” she said.
The home had four original fireplaces, of which the Antels
have opened two so far. They also removed the carpeting and
found the original wide plank wooden floors were still there.
In February 2005, Jerry McLaughlin passed away. At his
funeral, a woman came up to Denise and David and told them
she was the last baby born in the house, in 1942, and her dad
planted a maple tree in the front yard in her honor.
Denise said, “Jerry McLaughlin was the sweetest man; he took
so much time to tell us about our house.”
Throughout the renovation, the couple would find bits and
PICTURED:
Top: The Antel house as it appeared in the 1880s, early 1900s, and
today.
Left: The Antel’s dining room features one of the four fireplaces in
their home.
Right, top: David and Denise in front of the kitchen fireplace, one of
the key highlights that they enjoy the most.
Right, bottom: The original staircase has been restored to its beautiful
glory after many, many painstaking hours to strip layers of paint so
that the original wood could be revealed.
36
June 2008
STORY AND PHOTOS BY PAT JENNETTE
on
Hastings
PART III
pieces that led them to learn more about the history of the house.
For instance, they learned that the original house had casket
doors, common back then because the opening provided for
people to bring their loved ones’ deceased remains back home in a
casket where visitations were held.
Although not a renovation in the historic sense, the Antels did
embark on a large remodeling project in the basement -- an
entertainment room with a large wrap-around bar.
“We have a lot of parties there and it’s a great place to entertain
friends,” David added.
With most of the major projects completed, David and Denise are
now enjoying their piece of history on Hastings, where their family
and friends gather, their grandchildren spend their days, and where
the couple hopes to spend retirement.
However, David laughs, “We would do this all over again.”
H
ASTINGS HISTORY
The oil excitement of 1891 marked a turning point for the
development of the area. During the summer and late fall, oil
was discovered in large quantities in the “McDonald Field,”
which extended from McDonald to Noblestown, Oakdale,
Greggs, and east to the McCurdy Field, which was between the
present Parkway West and Gayly on old Steubenville Pike. By
mid-summer the area was overrun with oil men. Some 75 wells
were drilled in McDonald, one on almost every lot in town. The
Matthew’s Farm, near Oakdale, site of the present McKee
Elementary School, had the largest producing well...During the
1890s, Oakdale blossomed with new growth. Many of the
farmers who had struck oil moved into Oakdale to be closer to
the railroad with its easy access to Pittsburgh. They left children
to run the farms while they built nice homes in town --- many
located on Hastings Avenue. The neighborhood acquired the
nickname, “Big Bug Hill,” for the wealth and status of the
residents.
(from “The History of The Oakdale United
Presbyterian Church, 1889-1989”)
37
Around Your Town
North Fayette Invites Residents
to Help with Community Project
North Fayette Township Parks and Recreation has formed a
committee for the community construction of a new playground
at the township’s new park on October 4.
Residents can be involved in Food, Site Preparation and
Construction, Children’s Activities, Public Relations, and Safety.
To volunteer, e-mail Tracy Pustover at tpustover@comcast.net.
Scouts Refurbish Rainbow’s End
Girl Scouts recently completed the sanding and resealing of the
wood on the Rainbow’s End Playground in Clinton Park.
The community service project was undertaken on May 31.
THE ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL
CALENDAR WITH FULL COLOR
ADS
BORDERING THE SCHEDULE
COMES OUT IN AUGUST.
DEADLINE IS JULY 15.
Call (724) 695-3968.
38
June 2008
Around Your Town
Plumbers Building is a Winner
Mascaro Construction Company LP captured first place in the
Design Build category for its construction of the Pittsburgh
Plumbers Local Union #27 facility off Cliff Mine Road in North
Fayette.
The award was presented during the Master Builders’ Association
(MBA) of Western Pennsylvania’s 2007 Building Excellence Awards.
The MBS is the local chapter of the Association General
Contractors of America, the nation’s largest and oldest construction
trade association.
Architect of the Plumbers Union #27 building was Perfido
Weiskopf Wagstaff + Goettel.
In the award presentation brochure, it is stated, “This building is
worth a visit for anyone in the construction industry. Once you’ve
seen this building’s exposed piping you’ll understand why the
members of Local 27 must be the best trained in the industry.”
39
Sidelines
BY DICK GLOVIER
RUNNING & JUMPING, MEDALS & RIBBONS
McKee Elementary students David Waxter and Kelsey
McCallister were among the medal and ribbon winners at
the school’s Track & Field Fair held on May 15. That same day
some 30 miles away West Allegheny High School juniors
Kristen Lang and Kerri Dantley were running and jumping
their way into school history at the WPIAL Track and Field
Championships held at Baldwin High School.
Kristen was first in the 300-meter hurdles and placed
fourth in the 200-meter dash to qualify for the State
Championships in both events.
Kerri also qualified for the States in two categories by
winning the triple jump and leaping her way to a fourth
place finish in the long jump. She also ran in the 200-meter
and finished eighth, but failed to qualify for States in that
event by one tenth of a second.
High Jumper Ashley Williams also qualified for States.
She placed third in her event with a jump of 5’3".
The WA Boys 3200 Relay team of Brandon Tyler, Blake
Fenton, Brad Hough, and Shane Glass qualified for the
States by placing fourth at the WPIALs.
“Ashley Williams was a pleasant surprise for us. She is
only a sophomore and Lang and Dantley are only juniors.
Shane Glass was just super running the anchor leg in the
3200. These are all fiery people who I think have a good
chance at States,” said Jim Hamilton, himself the fiery
coach of the Indians.
A YOUNG MAN’S SPRING FANCY TURNS TO—
The WA boys were the new kids on the block but it took
class AA tennis powerhouse Sewickley Academy to end their
first season of competition ever in the WPIAL. The Indian
netters compiled a 10-5 record and qualified for the play-offs
with only one senior, Mike Speakman, in the starting line-up.
The Indians defeated Chartiers Houston in the first round of
the play-offs before Sewickley Academy, on its way to its
fourth consecutive WPIAL Championship, was able to exploit
their youthful inexperience in round two.
Along the way in their initial season, first singles player
Akshay Hari won the prestigious MAC Tournament title
and Mike compiled a 10-2 individual record. Sophomore
Kurt Habazin also played singles. The doubles teams were
juniors Connor Jennings and Steve Zeneski and junior
Grant Toulouse with freshman Cris Habazin.
“I’m excited for next year. We have the whole team
coming back except for Mike (Speakman). But it will be
different because we are moving up to class AAA,” said
coach Rita Miller.
RIGHT: In April, North Fayette Athletic Association kicked off its
2008 season with an opening day celebration. Over 200 boys and
girls from T-ball to Pony League age participated in the opening day
festivities. In conjunction with opening day, NFAA and the North
Fayette Parks and Recreation Department hosted a Pitch, Hit & Run
Competition for boys and girls ages 7 through 14. The competition
was sponsored by the Major League Baseball Association with the
winners advancing on to the next level. Lastly, the West Allegheny
Girls Varsity Softball team led by the coach, Mindi Dinger also
hosted a “Mini Pitch, Hit & Run Competition” where everyone was a
winner. Visit the website at www.leaguelineup.com/nfaa.
40
June 2008
BY DICK GLOVIER
PHOTOS BY G. PAUL DeBOR
INDIANS REPEAT AS WPIAL CHAMPS
The West Allegheny Indians, as Coach Bryan
Cornell likes to say, were taking care of business
when they defeated Trinity, 4-1 in the WPIAL finals
to capture their second consecutive Class AAA
Championship at Consol Energy Field.
It all started in 2005 when Cornell, in his second
year as head coach, started four of the six
freshmen he had brought up from the ninth grade
team. Mark Diskin, Ricky Devereau, Tim Marshall,
Tyler Savisky, Zak Sinclair, and Derrik Zeroski are
seniors now. All are in the Indian starting line-up
along with senior Andrew Krull, junior third
baseman Justin Meyers, and junior outfielder Mike
Visloski. Adding still more experience is senior
Ryan Revtai.
The Indians, with a super effort from Sinclair,
disposed of Laurel Highlands 9-6 in the WPIAL
quarterfinals. Sinclair started and went six innings
then left the mound to play first base in the
seventh with WA leading 9-1. The Mustangs rallied
for five runs and had the tying run at the plate with
two outs. Cornell summoned Sinclair back to the
mound. Zak once again took care of business by
striking out the batter on three pitches to end the
game. He allowed four hits and two walks while
striking out 16. He whiffed every batter in the
Mustangs’ line-up at least once and got six of
them twice. Sinclair also had two hits and drove in
a run, which prompted the Mustang fans to chant
“One Man Team-One Man Team.” Not so. Mike
Visloski had three hits and drove in four runs.
Savisky and Zeroski each had two hits and an RBI.
Junior infielder Ken Cool drove in a run with a hit.
The Indians chased the Mustangs’ top pitcher,
Newhouse, with a four-run fifth inning.
Blackhawk came next in the semifinals and fell 53. Again, an Indian, this time Derrik Zeroski, could
be lauded for taking care of business in crunch
time. The senior right-hander, who announced
before the game that he had committed to join
Ricky Devereau at Duquesne University in the fall,
struck out thirteen, four of them coming with the
tying run on base in the last two innings.
“I’ve worked hard to make big pitches in those
situations,” said Zeroski, who won his fifth game of
the season without a defeat.
Devereau, Visloski, and Diskin swung big bats
against the Cougars. Devereau and Visloski had
run- scoring doubles and Zeroski had a two run
single. Diskin singled in a run in the sixth inning to
give Zeroski a two-run cushion going into the
Mustangs’ final at bat.
So it was that on May 27 the Indians accomplished what had only been done seven times
before in the WPIAL dating back to 1944. They won
back-to-back championships.
Trinity, with a 13-7 record in the regular season,
presented the possibility of a Cinderella Story. But
when it came time to try on the silver slipper it
didn’t fit. If there was a prince in the ballpark that
night he was wearing number eight in the home
uniform of West Allegheny. Sinclair struck out 11
Hillers and stood awfully tall on the mound when
the Hillers mounted their only real threat in the fifth
inning. After forcing in a run on a bases loaded
walk that narrowed the score to 3-1, Zak took care
of business with his 92 mph fastball. He struck out
the next batter and got the third out on a fly ball to
right.
After the ceremony Cornell huddled with the
team.
“Enjoy this (Championship) but we aren’t done
yet,” cautioned the Indian mentor.
The next order of business for the Indians is the
state playoffs.
41
Around Your Town
Penguin Madness
LEFT:
With the Penguins in the
Stanley Cup finals for the first
time in 16 years, one local
couple remembers it had a
close encounter with the cup
back in 1998 at the Hockey
Hall of Fame. Mary Ann and
Joe Lubas show off the cup.
Walking for Health & Wellness
RIGHT: Wilson Elementary
School PTA held its first Walk
for Wellness Day last month.
The event was created to
encourage healthy lifestyles.
McKee teacher Kirsten Davis,
daughter Kimberly, husband
Jason, and son Connor, with
neighbors and friends, Sydney
Sterner and Ryan (Davis),
Jessica and Marissa Collins.
Hometown Hockey
Ranks Highest
LEFT: The West Allegheny Freshman Ice
Hockey team (grades 6-9), competing in the
Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League
with 53 other teams, finished the regular
season as the highest ranked team with a
record of 15-0-1. This record earned them a
bye in the opening round of the Freshman
Post Season Tournament Tier 1 held at Ice
Castles in Castle Shannon. In the second
round they faced their neighbors and rivals,
the Moon Tigers, and dispatched them 6–1.
Up next was Serra Catholic, the league’s
most prolific scoring team, with 126 goals in
the regular season. In a tight game, West A
was triumphant 6-4. This win sent West A to
the championship game on April 1 against
the number two seed, Bishop Canevin, the
stingiest team during the regular season,
only giving up 16 goals. West A out-battled,
out-worked, and out-played the heralded
Bishop Canevin squad and earned a 5-3
victory and the Tournament Championship.
The Championship banner will hang in the
Airport Ice Arena.
Sam’s Club Celebrates 25 Years
Sam’s Club at The Pointe at North Fayette celebrated the
company’s 25th anniversary with a month-long celebration
for customers and recognition of its employees.
Dennis Tyra, store manager, told the group gathered on the
first day of the celebration that customer service is priority,
and employees are the key.
LEFT: Sam’s Club employees gathered to recognize the store’s
silver anniversary with, center row, third from right, store
manager Dennis Tyra; second from right, Pittsburgh Airport Area
Chamber of Commerce president Sally Haas; and right, Bob
Grimm, manager of North Fayette Township.
42
June 2008
43
Fire Watch
“Can I Help?”
If someone were to ask me if they can help their local fire volunteer fire department, my answer would be; yes, let me count the ways. Recent media attention
has put some light on the needs of local volunteer fire departments. Our ranks are
shrinking and new recruits are not walking into our engine houses in the same
numbers as they did in the past. Some fire departments once had waiting lists to
join, not any more. Times are changing, we see it every day, and the fire service is
changing as well. The cost of the apparatus and equipment we need to do our job
safely and effectively seems to rise almost overnight. Some departments struggle to
outfit their members with even the basic essential firefighting gear.
How can you help? One way would be to make a point of supporting the local fire
departments’ fund raising activities. Buy a ticket for the various raffles; attend a night
at the races or bingo. At the North Fayette Twp VFD we are kicking off our annual
fund drive campaign. We ask that you take a few minutes and read the information
and support us with a donation. When you make that donation, visit the carnival or
buy your Christmas tree from the fire department, your money stays right there in
your neighborhood. You are helping us so we can be there to help you.
Another way to help would be to join our ranks. If you have always wanted to
know what it’s like to be a firefighter, we can explain to you how rewarding it can
be to give back to your community. If you come to the North Fayette VFD you
can talk to Ray Petrick who has been serving his community for 35 years and
recently retired as a Lieutenant after 30 years. Ray still heads our fire prevention
program that teaches fire safety in the township schools & day care centers. You
can ask Lieutenant Mike Saville about the feeling you get when you help someone
BY GARY HAMILTON
NORTH FAYETTE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
in need. Last year Mike assisted in the rescue of a person overcome by
smoke at a fire in Findlay Township.
Maybe you don’t have the desire to be a firefighter. Then there would be no
reason to join the fire department right? Wrong, more often than not, many
people think the only job at the fire department is to respond to emergencies. In
reality the volunteer fire service of today needs many people with different
skills and talents. People are needed to help organize and staff fundraisers, and
assist in various administrative functions and many other non-firefighting duties.
When you volunteer to do some of the “behind the scenes” functions, you
allow the frontline firefighters to attend more training activities and other jobs
directly related to their main job of answering calls for help.
So, I have told you how you can help in several different ways. Are you up
to the challenge? Stop by your municipality’s fire department and find out how
you can be of assistance. We hope to see you soon!
North Fayette Volunteer Fire Department’s Open House will be on
June 21 at 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Station #1 in Hankey Farms, 7678
Steubenville Pike. A Stat-Med Evac medical helicopter will make an
appearance around noon and we hope to have a fire truck from the
airport as well as many other activities.
Your House & Senate
The State Attorney General is warning consumers to be on the alert for scams related to their federal tax refunds and the economic stimulus
rebates, State Rep. Mark Mustio announced.
Scam artists often use current events, such as the federal economic stimulus refund, to add credibility to their operations. These scams
frequently ask that individuals provide personal information such as Social Security numbers, bank account information, birth dates, and
addresses. This information is purportedly used to 'verify' or 'confirm' one's claim. Instead of a rebate check, consumers later find that their
identities have been stolen and their names have been used for numerous unauthorized purposes.
Whether the request comes in the form of an e-mail or a telephone call, the scam can be very convincing. Web sites, which are very similar
to officially published government sites, can be used to keep the story going.
Individuals should be aware that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and other federal and state agencies do not request personal information by telephone or by e-mail. Furthermore, tax refunds and the economic stimulus rebates are not processed in this manner.
The safest way to respond to such requests is to contact banks and state agencies directly though telephone numbers, web sites, and
addresses that have been published in directories or other verified sources.
Consumers who have been affected by scam artists can find help by contacting the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Consumer Protection
Hotline at 1-800-441-2555.
State Rep. Mark Mustio is encouraging science and technology students to seek scholarship opportunities through the New Economy Technology Scholarship (NETS) Program.
STATE SEN. JOHN PIPPY
The program, which is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency
937 Beaver Grade Road
Moon Township, PA 15108
(PHEAA), features two scholarships: the SciTech Scholarship and the Technology Scholarship.
(412) 262-2260
Pennsylvania science and technology students pursuing a degree in an approved field can receive
jpippy@pasen.gov
up to $1,000 per academic year for tuition with the Technology Scholarship. Part-time students may
www.senatorpippy.com
also be eligible.
SciTech Scholarships in the amount of $3,000 are available to Pennsylvania residents who are
enrolled full time in approved science or technology baccalaureate degree programs. Students must
be at least a sophomore to qualify and complete an approved internship in the Commonwealth.
The filing deadline for first-time applicants for the 2008-09 academic year is December 31.
REP. MARK MUSTIO
Students who received an award for the 2007-08 academic year need only complete a Free
937 Beaver Grade Road
Application for Federal Student Aid.
Moon Township, PA 15108
NOTE: News and information is posted regularly to the websites of
State Sen. Pippy and State Rep. Mustio. Check these sites for news and helpful
information.
44
June 2008
(412) 262-3780
www.repmustio.com
BY DAN McLAUGHLIN
Horses: A Great Way
for Children to Learn
As children are anxiously awaiting
summer break from school, many parents
are actively searching for summertime recreation to entertain their
children. I would certainly encourage parents to research horse riding
lessons as a form of recreation and physical activity. The benefits of
riding by far outweigh any negatives. The most commonly made mistake
which causes many people to terminate their child’s lessons shortly after
starting is the lack of guidance in seeking the most appropriate program.
There are many stables, farms, and riding academies in our area which
allow for many options. Parents need to spend some time researching a
program before enrolling their child. Some horse professionals are great
“trainers” but lack the ability to teach, as some are great teachers, but lack
the talent to prepare the horses for the lesson program. Whatever the
interest, a parent must be sure that the facility can accommodate the goals
of the student. One must spend some time checking into the credentials of
the instructors as well as spend some time at the facility watching the
instructors teach. In addition, one should speak with some of the current
students and their parents to find how they feel the program suits them and
what it would offer to new customers. All too often a instructor will make a
prospective client feel less than intelligent when discussing horses and
horse riding. This should raise some concern about future discussions.
If the situation does not feel right from the start, generally it probably
will not work for any length of time. In addition, a good facility sells itself
on its own reputation, not by explaining what is wrong at all the other
programs in the area. One should ask the accomplishments of the
instructors, as well as the history of the lesson horses. Many places
have a large turnover of lesson horses and will use animals that are not
fully suited to be in the program. If the horses are not capable or have
not done the exercises being taught, how can one learn how to
properly complete the specific maneuver? The same holds true for the
instructor. How can one prepare a horse and rider for competition if the
instructor has never competed himself? I once again will state that I
feel horse riding is a very beneficial year-round activity, but one must do
the homework and spend the time to find the best fitting program for one’s
individual needs.
Dan McLaughlin has a long history of professional horseback competitions. He
is owner, with his wife, Christine, of Blue Ribbon Farms in Independence
Township. Contact Dan and Christine at 412.974.3175 .
Learning Curves is provided as a service to advertisers of Allegheny West
Magazine to share educational and/or informational knowledge with the
readership. To inquire about Learning Curves, call (724) 695-3968.
Read
Allegheny West
Magazine
on-line at www.pghpointswest.com/allegwestmag
45
Municipal Roundup
FINDLAY TOWNSHIP
DEVELOPMENT
Dick’s Sporting Goods has started grading at the North Field
site for its new office campus. The company plans to start the
building foundation in June for Phase I, which is 670,000
square feet.
Knepper Press is in the process of moving into its new
building in Clinton Commerce Park.
RECREATION
The annual fishing derby on May 29 at Leopold Lake kicked
off the summer recreation season at the Findlay Township
Recreation and Sports Complex, which is located directly
adjacent to the lake.
The complex is now ready for its first full year of operation
with the completion of Phase III.
Residents are invited to take advantage of the new park, which
includes the skate park, ballfields, and a picnic pavilion to date.
GENERAL
On May 11, Elizabeth Vuono of Imperial was hired as an
Emergency Services Dispatcher. She is a graduate of Mount
Lebanon High School and attended Lexington Technical
Institute for Business upon high school graduation. Elizabeth
worked as a real estate agent and as a customer service
representative at U.S Airways. She is also certified as an
Emergency Medical Technician. An Imperial resident for nearly
ten years, she is the proud mother of five grown children, all of
whom are graduates from the West Allegheny School District.
Elizabeth served as an active participant in the West Allegheny
Middle School PTA, West Allegheny wrestling and football
boosters.
NORTH FAYETTE TOWNSHIP
DEVELOPMENT
A new department store will fill the void left when Wickes
Furniture closed operations at its building on Beaver Grade Road.
An application for preliminary and final land development has
been approved by the North Fayette Township Planning
Commission for Garden Ridge to redevelop the 157,530-squarefoot-site, contingent upon approval of the traffic study by Moon
Township and the granting of the requested variances by the North
Fayette Township Zoning Hearing Board.
Garden Ridge is a warehouse-style craft and home decorating
retail chain with stores in 15 states nationwide to date.
This will be the chain’s first store in Pennsylvania.
46
June 2008
The chain anticipates that it will employ 20-30 people for the
new store.
Crossroads United Methodist Church has applied for an
extension to its facilities, to be located at 7401 and 7403
Steubenville Pike on property adjacent to its current campus.
RECREATION
A full slate of recreational programs and events has been
announced for the summer season. See page 11 of this issue for
the list of programs, as well as page 28 for a full-page
announcement.
The township’s Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a
“KABOOM! community build day on Saturday, October 4 to
construct a new playground at the community park located off
Donaldson Road.
As part of this project, it is asking for input from township
youth to determine what they would like to see incorporated into
their new playground.
The township suggests that parents and youth visit a variety of
websites to look for ideas. These include: www.bciburke.com,
www.gametime.com, www.playsi.com, www.parkstructures.com,
www.playworldsystems.com, www.kompan.com,
www.bigtoys.com, and www.miracle-recreation.com.
Ideas can be submitted in writing or as a drawing by mailing or
dropping them off to North Fayette Parks & Recreation
Department, KABOOM!, 400 North Branch Road, Oakdale PA
15071.
The names of those who contribute ideas for the playground
project will be listed in the township’s fall newsletter.
For more information on KABOOM!, go to www.kaboom.org.
To inquire about the KABOOM! project, contact Bob
Brozovich, recreation director, at (412) 788-4888 or e-mail:
rbrozovich@north-fayette.com.
OTHER
Summer is the time for remodeling projects around the house
and yard. Some projects require a building permit simply because
of the type of project and the work it encompasses.
To find out if your project needs a building permit, contact
Mike Saville, North Fayette Township code enforcement officer, at
(412) 788-4888.
RIGHT: Bob Kolesky of Oakdale Borough shows
the four booklets that Oakdale residents are
receiving in their water bills. Copies of these
booklets are available at no charge at the
Oakdale Borough office.
Above, the Oakdale Community Emergency
Response Team (CERT) has adopted a new
slogan, “Be Smart, Be Prepared.”
OAKDALE BOROUGH
CERT CONTINUES EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS EFFORTS AND TRAINING
WITH PROACTIVE MEASURES TO BE PREPARED AND INFORM COMMUNITY RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES
Oakdale’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), led
by Bob Kolesky, emergency management coordinator for Oakdale
Borough, knows all too well the importance of being prepared.
After experiencing the flood crisis in 2004 that challenged the
resources of Oakdale, (CERT) learned that being too prepared can
never be enough.
To be as prepared as possible, the team has become trained in all
Red Cross certifications.
This past year, CERT was fortunate to be one of six organizations across Allegheny County, and the only one in the airport
area, to receive a Red Cross trailer, funded by U.S. Steel.
“The trailer, while positioned in Oakdale, is not just for
Oakdale, it is for the whole West Allegheny area community,” Bob
explained.
Additionally, CERT received funding from Pittsburgh Technical
Institute to develop eight sets of ready-to-use emergency packets in
bright green cases. The packets include the community and its
local area disaster plans, all team and pertinent phone numbers for
emergency contacts locally as well as regionally, a face mask for
CPR, gloves, flashlight, blanket, disposable camera, paper and
pens, and other necessary items that are needed in an emergency.
Bob credits CERT member Lea Lester for creating the emergency packets, which he said are most valuable.
He added that Ched Davis and Lea Lester have put an information CD together, which has a great bit of information on it
regarding how to find places in an emergency.
“For example, if an emergency comes up on First Street, they
can bring it up on the computer and tell us haw many homes are
on First Street, and how many special needs persons have regis-
tered with us as special needs persons. The CD also lists the
emergency numbers of whom to contact during such an emergency,” Bob explained.
“All the members of the team have contributed their time and
energies in a lot of different ways,” Bob added.
“We learn as we go, and that includes our newest effort to help
our community to be more prepared,” he said.
To that end, CERT, assisted by Oakdale Borough Council, the
American Red Cross, and Ohio Valley General Hospital, is sending
all Oakdale residents a series of booklets, as shown above, in the
mail at part of their monthly water bills.
“They are full of information on how to prepare for emergencies,” Bob explained. “These emergencies are happening in
communities all around us.
“We simply want people to know that we can deal with emergencies better when we are all prepared.”
Bob said that families and businesses need to be prepared
regarding what food, water, and medical supplies would be needed
when faced with such emergencies.
The first booklet, “Pennsylvania Emergency Preparedness
Guide,” provides basic information on how to prepare for different
types of emergencies and how to create an emergency supply kit.
“Preparing for Disaster,” a booklet by FEMA and the American
Red Cross, helps families learn how to make an escape plan, reduce
home hazards, and more.
Another booklet addresses how to assist those with special needs
and can be picked up at the Oakdale Borough office.
To obtain extra copies, contact the CERT team at (724) 6939776, or call the Oakdale Borough Office at (724) 693-9740.
47
SUBMITTED BY JOYCE JENNETTE
FLEA AND TICK PREVENTION TIPS
Perhaps no area of veterinary medicine has grown as rapidly as the field of flea
and tick control. Fleas have become resistant to many products and, with the
explosion in flea numbers, there are huge efforts aimed at controlling them. Ticks can
transmit a number of diseases, so tick control is also receiving more attention. Today’s
insecticides for pets have made great advancements and a wide array of different
compounds have been made. A complete table of products that describes the active ingredients, methods of use, and effects of various dips, sprays, powders, topical and oral preparations,
foggers, etc. can be found at www.peteducation.com. Click the link “Dogs.”
Attempting to control fleas on our pets is a multi-step process. Adult fleas spend most of their
time on an animal, but the flea eggs, larvae, and pupae are found in the environment such as in
carpeting, rugs, bedding, and grass. For every flea that you see on your pet, there are likely to be
hundreds of eggs and larvae in your home and yard. Therefore, a truly effective flea control
program always includes treating the environment as well as treating your pet. These are the
essential steps for a successful flea control program:
· Remove fleas from the indoor AND environments.
· Remove fleas from pets.
· Keep immature forms of fleas from developing.
(reprinted from www.peteducation.com)
Joyce Jennette is the owner of Joyce’s Groom n’ Go, a mobile pet salon in North Fayette. Contact her at
(412) 225-6404 or visit www.jjgroomngo.com.
Learning Curves is provided as a service to advertisers of Allegheny West Magazine to share educational and/or
informational knowledge with the readership. To inquire about Learning Curves, call (724) 695-3968.
The End of an Era
)PME 0O UPZPVS:PVUI
The owner of what was known as Lombardo’s Market on Route
30 for nearly 40 years, Raymond Lombardo, died last month just
short of turning 89-years-old.
A hard-working individual who took pride in his work,
Raymond closed his store in 1994.
He continued to work, however, keeping busy at the Shop n’
Save in Imperial.
A former coal miner accustomed to hard work, he was known by
many as one who believed in being conscientious, hard-working,
and helpful.
Raymond is survived by his wife, Jennie, his daughter, Nancy
Hughes of Robinson, his son, John, of Avella, three grandchildren,
and his brother, Robert, of Florida.
Services were held May 22 at St. Columbkille Church, with
burial in St. Columbkille Cemetery.
Thank You . . . . .
The McDonald Panhandle Trail Station would like to
thank all who attended our Soup and Bake Sale on
April 22,along with all the volunteers and all
contributors to make our event such a success. We
greatly appreciate all your help.
~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
5IF1JUUTCVSHI;PP
11("RVBSJVN
48
June 2008
QJUUTCVSHI[PPPSH
I wanted to take a few seconds and thank you for the
recent article in the Allegheny West Magazine that
highlighted the Montour Trail. Your continued support of
the trail has been tremendous and we appreciate the
publicity that you continue to give us.
-- Bill Orr, Montour Trail Council
Your Schools
West Allegheny School District
FIBER OPTICS BRINGS LIVE EVENTS TO
THE COMMUNITY FROM THE SCHOOLS
The West Allegheny Video Department completed the fiber
optic run and connection between the high school gymnasium
and the high school video studio on March 28. This cable
installation represents the first phase in a major broadcasting
initiative undertaken by the Video Department in November
2007. It will facilitate the live taping and editing of events
held in the high school gymnasium. Video production teacher
Michael Shaffer and his video students worked 52 hours to
install the run and connection.
The next phase of this broadcasting project took place in
April with the live broadcast to a select audience (via Internet)
of the Teachers’ Cup sponsored by the West Allegheny
Foundation. Shaffer said this project would not have been
possible without the help provided by members of the high
school and the maintenance department staffs as well as TriState Video, Morgan Communications, the West Allegheny
School District, and the West Allegheny Foundation.
MUSICIANS CHOSEN FOR DISTRICT ORCHESTRA
Five West Allegheny School District band members were
selected to participate in the Pennsylvania Music Educators
Association (PMEA) District One Junior High Orchestra
festival held at Upper St. Clair High School on April 5 and 11.
Amanda Holl (French horn), Eric Wickersham (tuba), Josi
Sinagoga (percussion), and Briauna Skinner (violin) represented
the middle school. Stephen Oswalt (oboe) represented the high
school.
Comprised of 160 seventh, eighth and ninth grade students,
the orchestra rehearsed and performed a concert under the
direction of David Beswarick, retired orchestra director from
East Allegheny High School.
SIXTH GRADE EARTHKEEPERS
PROGRAM FOCUSES ON ENVIRONMENT
West Allegheny School District sixth graders participated in overnight trips to Linsly Outdoor Center near Raccoon Creek State Park
for an environmental program, which began on April 29. Entitled
Earthkeepers, the program teaches students to use their five senses to
communicate with nature.
Activities included a study of wildlife habitats, an introduction to
Native American customs and crafts, and a scavenger hunt in the woods.
Other outdoor lessons focused on orienteering (using a compass),
utilizing adaptation and camouflage, and simulations of fluctuations in
deer and bear populations. Students also had an opportunity to conduct
water quality tests and write nature poems (haikus) based on their
observations.
Middle school teachers Megan Huchko, Coleen Joyce, Becky Sabin, Rik
Mason, and Bonnie Trucco coordinate the Earthkeepers program for sixth
graders at West Allegheny Middle School.
HOLOCAUST SURVIVER SHARES EXPERIENCE
Sam Weinreb, a Holocaust survivor, visited sixth graders at West
Allegheny Middle School last month to recall his memories of
imprisonment in a Nazi concentration camp during World War II.
After sharing his experiences at Auschwitz and his eventual escape,
Weinreb answered questions from the students.
Sixth grade reading teachers Kristen Martin, Susan Martin, and
Gabrielle Monti arranged Weinreb’s visit through the Holocaust
Center of Greater Pittsburgh in conjunction with the presentation
of a unit on the Holocaust. During reading class, the students had
discussed the fate of the Jewish people under Nazi rule and read
the historical fiction novel, Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry. Besides
bringing history to life for the students, Weinreb’s presentation was
designed to commemorate the lives of the Holocaust victims.
PICTURED BELOW: West Allegheny Middle School sixth graders learn
as part of the May 2008 Earthkeepers environmental program at Linsly
Outdoor Center near Raccoon Creek State Park.
49
Annual Olympics Day Once Again a Success
PICTURED: West Allegheny’s
8th Annual Life Skills Olympic
Day was held in May at the high
school football field. Several
mascots were on hand to begin
the events for the day with a
Mascot Relay. They included Mr.
Froggy, The Smiley Face Cookie,
The Pitt Panther, and McGruff
the Crime Dog. Area schools
participating at West Allegheny’s
Joe DeMichela Stadium were
WIlson, Forest Grove, and Allard
Elementaries, David E. Williams,
Moon, West Allegheny, and
Harrison Middle Schools.
Montour, Cornell, Quaker Valley,
and West Allegheny High
Schools. The annual event,
coordinated by West Allegheny
employees, included student
volunteers from Cornell, Montour,
and West Allegheny and the
support of numerous sponsors.
WILSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL RECEIVES GRANT
THROUGH HIGHMARK HEALTHY HIGH 5 SCHOOL CHALLENGE
Wilson Elementary School was awarded a $6,700 grant as part of the Highmark Healthy
High 5 School Challenge grant program in March. The grant is intended to support West
Allegheny School District’s efforts to introduce programs that foster healthier, more successful
students. The grant money will cover the cost of six elementary student-sized spinning bikes.
Approximately 300 students in grades three through five will use the equipment in physical
education classes conducted by Matt DeChicko, physical education teacher, and for other
activities throughout the year.
“We recognize the importance of providing our students with the resources that will
encourage them to adopt healthy habits,” said Kathleen Sites, Wilson Elementary School
principal.
“This grant will allow us to offer our students more opportunities for physical exercise,
which translates into healthier, more alert, and interested students in the classroom.”
The Highmark Foundation, through the Highmark Healthy High 5 School Challenge,
awarded more than $605,000 to 75 schools in 21 counties across Pennsylvania to expand
programs in physical education, increase nutrition choices, and support programs that address
bullying prevention, self-esteem, and nutrition education.
Highmark Healthy High 5 is a five-year, $100 million children’s health promotion initiative
of the Highmark Foundation, whose mission is to improve the health of children and
adolescents, ages 6-18. For more information on this initiation of the Highmark Foundation,
visit www.highmark/healthyhigh5.org. or call 800-789-1726.
50
June 2008
HAPPENING AROUND
THE SCHOOLS
In April, third grade students at
Donaldson Elementary School saluted
grandparents with a celebration beginning with a formal program of songs
and poetry in the cafeteria followed by
refreshments. The children invited their
grandparents to join them in their
classrooms for a variety of activities.
Sitting with their guests, the children
recorded memories of the grandparents’
childhoods and read stories. Grandparents made a card for their grandchild
and toured their classroom. They visited
the computer lab with the students to
see them use the Kidpix program to
create pictures related to Grandparents
Day or other special times spent
together.
Vimala Hari, West Allegheny Middle
School educational aide, presented a
slide show and discussion on India in
Dan Hanczar’s sixth grade Social
Studies class in April. A native of India,
Hari introduced various aspects of the
Indian culture, including language,
family relationships, clothing, transportation, education, foods, holidays, and
traditions. Students learned that India
has the second highest population in
the world, is the world’s top producer of
cotton, and is also known for its movie
film facility, Bollywood in Bombay.
West Allegheny employees donated
$2,053 to support cancer research
through the American Cancer Society’s
Daffodil Days fundraiser this year. The
American Cancer Society uses the
daffodil, the first flower of spring, as the
symbol of hope for a cancer cure. Beth
Bauer, Diane Boustead, Mary Beth Hill,
Debbie Elicker, and Becky Schroeder
coordinated the collection in their
buildings.
The Wilson Elementary teachers are
this year’s winners of the Teachers’
Cup, a benefit sponsored by the West
Allegheny Foundation.
The program consisted of a series of
competitions requiring strength, skill, or
speed in some instances, but more
important was a competitive atmosphere in good fun to support a good
cause.
Proceeds help fund educational and
community grants. Last year’s
competition raised a total of $2,600.
The Foundation’s Grants for Teachers
Program encourages the development
of innovative instructional strategies.
For more information contact John
Bates, foundation president, (724) 6955258.
STUDENT RECOGNITIONS
ABOUND THIS SPRING
West Allegheny High School senior Mollie Stofan won an
Award of Excellence at the 15th Annual Television and Video
Teachers (TVT) Festival on April 15 at Robert Morris University.
Mollie’s video in the “Sports and Highlight Reel Category” was
one of only three videos to win awards. She competed against
students from 24 other schools in this category. Mollie has served
as the president and vice president of the videography club at
West Allegheny and has interned with Pittsburgh Film Makers
and television station KDKA.
Ten members of the West Allegheny High School Chapter of
the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) qualified for and
competed in the State Leadership Conference this spring. Lulu
Lajmiri and Cody Bailey finished in 3rd place for Business
Ethics, and Katie Jo Kisow and Erin Kaminski took 3rd
place for Desktop Publishing. Leah Finklang finished with a
10th place in Job Interview and Elizabeth Krivan, an 11th
place in Public Speaking. Also participating were Derrick
Faix, Mac Greenhouse, Jim Keeley, and Brad Steward.
West Allegheny sophomore Sarah Stasik placed first in the
Impromptu category at the Penn State Beaver Forensic tournament in April.
Tyler Graziani, West Allegheny Middle School eighth
grader, competed at the State Championship Geography Bee in
April at Shippensburg University. He was among the highest
scorers in the state, missing the final championship round by
only one question. Middle school teacher Dan Hanczar and
Tyler’s father, Ronald Graziani, accompanied him to the competition.
The West Allegheny Chapter of the National Honor Society
raised $1,800 at a “Mr. West Allegheny” competition in April to
benefit local charities and other chapter activities. A total of $400
of the proceeds was earmarked for the Special Olympics program
held at West Allegheny this spring. Another $400 will benefit
The Rock, an Oakdale-based community outreach program.
Shane Glass won the title of Mr. West Allegheny, and Kyle
Helliar was selected as Mr. Congeniality. Seniors Christine
Wachnowsky and Melanie Macek coordinated the event.
West Allegheny High School students donated a total of
$1,500 in a Pasta for Pennies fundraiser for the Leukemia and
Lymphoma Society during the month of February. Besides
providing financial help for people with these life-threatening
diseases, the students in the top fundraising class earned a pasta
party donated by the Robinson Township Olive Garden Restaurant. Karen Estermeyer’s ninth period German I class won
the pasta party. Angela Gamra’s ninth period U. S. History
class came in second to win a pizza party provided by the
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
CORRECTION: In the March issue of West Allegheny’s Student and
Staff Highlights there was an omission in reporting the results of the
WPIAL Swimming and Diving Championships. While the information
stated that freshman Kellie Gervas had qualified for PIAA competition,
it should also have said that at the WPIAL meet she medaled with an
eighth place in the 100-yard butterfly.
ABOVE: Mollie Stofan with her award from the annual Television and Video
Teachers Festival at Robert Morris University.
FOR THE LOVE OF WRITING . . .
West Allegheny High School English teacher Beth Voltz
is the Coordinator of the Young Writers Programs, which
include the Young Writers Institute, a creative writing
program for gifted and talented students sponsored by the
Western Pennsylvania Writing Project, a division of the
English Department at the University of Pittsburgh. This
program runs for two weeks every summer (this year
during the weeks of July 7 and 14) and is housed in the
Cathedral of Learning in Oakland. Each summer between
150 and 180 students from grades 4 through 12 attend.
This program is unique to Western Pennsylvania because
it is not a classroom environment but rather a program
that creates a “Community of Writers.”
Instructors in this Institute are writing instructors and
MFA candidates ( Master of Fine Arts Writing: Fiction,
Poetry , or Non-Fiction) from the creative writing arm of
the English department and public school teachers who
have taken a graduate level Institute in Writing and are
Fellows of the National Writing Project.
Among Beth’s responsibilities are the hiring, training,
coordination, and supervision of 27 staff members, as
well as the planning of the programs at both the elementary and secondary levels. She also oversees the annual
publications associated with the Young Writers Programs.
Another aspect of Beth’s position at Pitt is the development of Young Writers Camps within individual school
districts throughout western Pennsylvania. For this
responsibility, she travels to the school districts and
combines a professional development opportunity for
faculty members with instruction on creating a Young
Writers Camp within their districts.
It’s all for the love of writing.
51
Congratulations to the
2008 Graduating Class of West Allegheny High School
Steven Michael Adomonis
Jose Paolo Antonio Alisasis
Brian Charles Amic
Casey Ryan Amos
Joshua Peter Antenucci
Tyler Joseph Barish
Brianne Marie Bates
Ryan Austin Battles
Bria Elisa Battocchi
Alyssa Michele Berg
Kristy Ann Beswick
Beau August Bittner
David Lawrence Bolind
Justin Michael Bombard
Charles James Bowers
Kevin Michael Brady
Anthony Lewis Braunstein
Emily Nicole Bruce
Stephen Charles Bruni
Benjamin Joseph Brusino
Raquel Roselyn Burke
Nicholas Roy Burmaster
Michael Thomas Butz
Jordan Oliver Buzza
Brian Charles Cain
Benjamin Thomas Campbell
Jessica Marie Carey
Nathaniel Charles Carr
Michael Angelo Casciato
Anthony Joseph Castelluccio, Jr.
David Anthony Cerminara
Monique Nicole Chamberlain
Rikki Samantha Champeau
Sarah Antoinette Chapman
Nicole Lynn Christ
Charles Frank Christopher
Mitchell Robert Cleric
Marilyn Lee Cobiseno
Sean Joseph Conner
Chelsey Lauren Cox
Megan Renee Cox
Heather Nicole Crossley
Ashley Marie Cuda
Ashlie Rae Curcio
Terica Ra Nise Cyrus
Kayla Marie Daugherty
Heather Lynn Davis
Brandon Deckard
Molly Christine DePew
Richard Benson Devereaux
Roy William Diaz
Eric Louis DiFiore
Joseph Michael DiGregorio
Mark Diskin, Jr.
Hollie Michelle Dodd
Devin Brooke Dragan
Caitlyn Elizabeth Drauch
Bethany Lynn Earls
Phillip Michael Eritz
Zachary Alexander Eritz
Elissa Anne Falconer
Shawn Robert Falconer
Nicole Teresa Fauls
52
June 2008
Blake Garrett Fenton
Kelli Ann Fink
Ryan Christopher Fisher
Zachary Scott Fodse
Julia Ann Forsythe
Lindsay Russell Franz
Alysia Nicole Perrard Fratangelo
Joseph Jay Fugazzi
Michael Aaron Gabriel
Derrick George Gardiner
Chelsie Marie Georgetti
Gary Kenneth Gerstner
Elizabeth Eleanor Gertz
Shane Charles Glass
Brittany Sue Gollos
Dakota Lynn Goodwin
Lauren Marie Graziano
Zachary Jay Hanczar
Shawn Logan Harvey
Mark David Hays, Jr.
Kyle Vaughn Helliar
Samantha Lynn Herman
Jazmine Camille Herron
Mary Cassandra Hissom
Eric John Hoag
William David Hoffman, Jr.
Corren Dolores Holman
Blaire Elizabeth Jackson
Samantha Rose Jakiel
Lauren Marie Jeffress
Alexandra Noelle Johnson
Thomas Tyler Joyce
Erin Ashley Kaminski
Jennifer Helene Kampetis
Jennifer Lynn Kasing
Jordan Dale Kaymark
James Michael Keeley
Zachary Wayne Kelley
Brigit Elizabeth Kelly
Evan James King
Jamie Lyn King
Danielle Marie Kisow
Katie Jo Kisow
David Zachary Klink
Elizabeth Charlotte Klinkner
Rachel Suzanne Knarr
Tyler Andrew Stevens Knight
Kristina Lynn Kocher
Tyler Vincent Kocuba
Joshua Dane Kolesar
Lauren Renee Kostelic
Amanda Leigh Kovach
Andrew Thomas Krull
Heather Nicole Kuhn
Zachary Aaron Kulin
Ryan Dennis Kumpfmiller
Kurt William Kyluck
Candice Emily LaLama
Amanda Mae Leonard
Lauren Anne Levitt
Timothy Michael Lindsay
Evan Daniel Liwosz
Cassandra Jo Lockerbie
Joseph Samuel Lococo
Eric Nicholas Logut
Lauren Julia Lutkus
Melanie Sue Macek
Jennifer Ann Maliszewski
Michelle Nicolette Mandus
Timothy Joseph Marshall
Lauren Nicole Martonik
Anton Sergeevich Matyushkov
Ashley Elizabeth McConnell
Zacary Dale McConnell
Matthew Alan McDonald
Lauren Reese McKissick
Arica Paige McLuckie
Amanda Ellen Michael
Max Edward Midgley
Alexis Ann Miller
Derek Jay Mink
Kali Marie Mink
Valyncia Marie Minor
Amber Michelle Mitchell
Ashley Juanita Mixter
Daniel Cain Morgan
Taiyon Maurice Morris
Kyle Matthew Mortimer
James Samuel Muraco
Gino Preston Murin
Lane Dawson Murphy
Shawn Patrick Murphy
Lindsea Karen Nadik
Jacob Garrett Navickas
Adam Michael Neiport
Joshua Matthew Nicholas
Brittney Leigh O’Donnell
Rebecca Lynn Opalanko
Melissa Lynn Orr
Page Ashley Page
Jared Matthew Palonis
Christina Marie Parry
Brian Richard Pesavento
Robin Tasha Pinsoneault
Crystal Lynn Pittinaro
Brianna Lauren Polen
Justin Matthew Powers
Jacqueline Renee Quarles
Ian Michael Rabinek
Katrina Lynn Rachiele
Sean Thomas Rankin
Ryan Michael Revtai
Heather Danielle Reynolds
Roger Dale Reynolds
Kevin Jose Ricardo
Katie Durie Robbins
Brent Thomas Robertson
Amanda Paige Rodman
Lindsay Anne Rosso
Lauren Kay Ruben
Brian Thomas Rudge
Scott Anthony Rupich
Grace Ann Rupprecht
Desa Leigh Sandell
Lewis Tyler Savisky
Nicholas Paul Schoeneman
Stephen Michael Schott
Victoria Lynne Seibel
Eric William Shannon
Jessica Paige Sheehy
Victoria Ann Simon
Katie Lynn Sinagoga
Zakeria Alen Sinclair
Ashley Lynn Singiser
Rhiannon Paris Snyder
Michael Patrick Speakman
Brittni Ann Spillar
Richard Matthew Stacy
Joshua Baron Stanley
Abby Niemeyer Stefanski
Zachary Lawrence Stephens
Jessica Ruth Stiles
Mollie Catherine Stofan
Brian Regis Stoker
Tyler Douglas Stunson
Brandon William Suchar
Brian Nicholas Sutton
Amanda Marie Swiridow
Tyler James Swoager
Courtney Lynn Tague
Brandon Tyler Thomas
Katelyn Carol Thomas
Jaelyn Marie Thurner
Matthew Anthony Timcheck
Heather Nichole Trautman
Erin Elizabeth Tuite
Drew Curtis Turner
Mark Milo Ujevich
Melissa Allison Urbanek
Angela Gabrielle Valentino
Emma Marie Victorelli
Sheryl Renay Voloskie
Mark Anthony Vuono
Christine Lynne Wachnowsky
Ryan Michael Wagner
Brian Montez Walker
Brandon Patrick Ward
Andrew Michael Weber
Brandon George Wharton
Matthew Joseph Wilking
Justin Kyle Williams
Morgan Tyler Withrow
Amanda Leigh Wolfe
Chanelle Brooks Woolridge
Michael James Wright
Brittany Lee Young
Kristen Elizabeth Yuhas
Ross Alan Zankel, Jr.
Ryan Andrew Zavitz
Tyler Joseph Zawacki
Derrik Alan Zeroski
Nicole Leigh Zingaro
Leanne Marie Zusinas
David Matthew Zvirman
Shane Michael Zysk
(The above list represents
the Class of 2008. Only those
students who have met state
and local educational
requirements received a
diploma on May 30, 2008.)
West Allegheny Holds Baccalaureate
Parkway West Career & Technology Center
Pastors from four churches in the West Allegheny Ministerium
conducted the annual Baccalaureate Service on May 18 for seniors
graduating from West Allegheny High School.
Reverend Peter Grosso of Clinton United Presbyterian Church,
and president of the West Allegheny Ministerium, offered words of
welcome and the invocation.
A prayer of confession was presented by Reverend Jeri-Lynne
Bouterse of Valley United Presbyterian Church.
Following a presentation of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”
by the West Allegheny Senior Chorus, a Drama Ministry was
presented by Reverend Bouterse, Reverend Grosso, and Reverend
Mark Simonds of Oakdale United Presbyterian Church.
The message, “Faith, Family, and the Future” given by Reverend
Ted Chapman, pastor of Clinton Wesleyan Church, followed.
Reverend Grosso led the Parent’s Creed and Graduate’s Prayer, and
Benediction was given by Reverend Chapman.
WEST ALLEGHENY STUDENTS INDUCTED INTO
NATIONAL TECHNICAL HONOR SOCIETY
Senior Honors and Awards
USMC Semper Fidelis
John Philip Sousa
USMC Distinguished Athlete
USMC Scholastic Excellence
Army Reserve Scholar/Athlete
ROTC Scholarship Award
Louis Caplan Human Relations
Bayer Heritage Fed. Cred Union
Key Club Scholarship
Society of Women Engineers
Leaders of Tomorrow
Montour Valley Grange
WPIAL/PSADA
Maria Yvonne Frazee Prevost
Dr. John Rohm
West Allegheny Scholar/Athlete
Sam Walton Community
Ferry/Boeing
WAEA Memorial
Ryan Madonna
Mary Moretti
Sandy Harris
West Allegheny Alumni
Christine Wachnosky
Kristina Kocher
Katie Sinagoga, Drew Turner
Jennifer Kampetis, Justin Williams
Elissa Falconer, Blake Fenton
Shane Glass, Matt Wilking
Lauren Levitt
Ashley Singiser
Melanie Macek
Christine Wachnowsky,
Lindsay Rosso, Melanie Macek
Jordan Buzza
Andrew Krull, Katrina Rachiele
Lindsay Rosso, Ryan Kumpfmiller
Tyler Joyce, Kristina Kocher,
Victoria Simon, Katrina Rachiele
Justin Williams
Andrew Krull, Lindsay Rosso
Page Page
Paolo Alisasis
Brian Pesavento
Richard Devereaux
James Muraco
Katie Sinagoga
Christine Wachnowsky,
Justin Williams
ACADEMIC AWARDS
Art – Nathaniel Carr
Band – Melanie Macek
Business/Computer – Andrew Krull
Chorus – Kyle Helliar & Rachel Knarr
English – Katie Sinagoga
Family Consumer Science – Melissa Urbanek
German – Lauren Levitt
Spanish – Kristina Kocher
Math – Ryan Kumpfmiller
Physical Education
Boys – Michael Casciato
Girls – Ashley Cuda
Science – Christine Wachnowsky
Social Studies – Nicole Christ
Technology – Nicholas Schoeneman
Video Department – Matthew McDonald & Mollie Stofan
Seven students from West Allegheny High School recently were
inducted into the National Technical Honor Society at Parkway West
Career and Technology Center.
Recognized for outstanding work in their programs of study, the
students received pins, certificates, and membership cards for the
NTHS. Inductees who will graduate this year also received honor stoles.
Honored from West Allegheny, during ceremonies held at South
Fayette High School last month, were: Zachary Fodse ~ Public
Safety Technology ~ Grade 12; Justin Gloor ~ Food Store Operations ~ Grade 11; Ross Healey ~ Machine Tool Technology ~ Grade
11; Richard Pavicic ~ Information Technology ~ Grade 10;
Zachery Ross ~ Auto Body Repair ~ Grade 11; Megan Smith ~
Business Technology ~ Grade 11; and Brandon Ward ~ Public
Safety Technology ~ Grade 12.
Parkway West serves 12 western suburb school districts, providing
career and technology training opportunities for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
WELDING ADDED TO CAREER LINEUP
AT PARKWAY WEST CTC FOR 2008-2009
A new career major, Welding Technology, will be added to the
program lineup at Parkway West Career & Technology Center this fall.
Welding is listed as a high-priority occupation by the Pennsylvania
Department of Labor & Industry, which means that the labor market
demand and lifetime earnings potential for welding makes it a “Career
in Demand.” The new program is designed to prepare students to
begin careers as welders, cutters, metal fabricators, or iron workers.
Students will learn the oxy-fuel, shielded metal arc, gas metal arc, gas
tungsten arc, and flux core welding techniques, as well as carbon arc
and plasma cutting and oxy-fuel brazing processes. The program will
include instruction in the use of measuring and metal-forming tools,
metallurgy, blueprint reading, electrical principals, layout and design,
and fabrication.
Students will also have the opportunity to earn American Welding
Society (AWS) certifications.
Interested students should contact their school guidance counselor or
call Parkway West CTC at (412) 923-1772, extension 161.
53
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at the
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NIGHT:
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Air Conditioned
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AWM
County Pool Passes Now Available
The Allegheny County Parks Department has announced that
Settler’s Cabin pool passes are available at the wave pool.
Airport Doubletree Ranks in Top 10
The Doubletree Hotel Pittsburgh Airport, Moon Township,
announces several recent awards from Hilton Hotels Corp. The
hotel received the Doubletree CARE Cup for its team
commitment to excellence in customer service during the fourth
quarter 2007 and also ranked among the Top 10 Doubletree
Hotels, receiving a 2007 Pride Award.
The Doubletree CARE Cup is a traveling award that is
presented quarterly to the top hotel among nearly 200 Doubletree
hotels across the United States, Canada, and Latin America.
The prestigious Doubletree Pride Awards are measured by brand
consistency and guest loyalty.
Once again, the Doubletree Hotel Pittsburgh Airport garnered
praise and ranked in the top ten.
Maronda Purchases Marada Course
The only golf course in Findlay Township is now part of a
charitable group of programs underwritten by the Maronda
Foundation of Maronda Homes.
Maronda Foundation purchased the nine-hole course this spring,
part of its 200+ acre acquisition of property in Clinton.
The course will now be called simply “Marada.”
Deborah Evans Crawford and Bill Ehrlich owned the course
since 1998. Deborah’s stepfather, Dr. John “Doc” Sherman, had
constructed the course back in 1972.
Maronda’s purchase of Marada adds to its amenities to provide
programs for area youths. Maronda owns Youthtowne in Clinton
as well as the Gilmary Diocesan Center that borders Clinton and
Moon.
Hard-to-Recycle Items Accepted Soon
Hard-to-recycle items such as cell phones, tires, air-conditioners, Freon and non-Freon appliances, washers, dryers, televisions,
and printer/toner cartridges will be accepted during three
collections being held this summer by the Allegheny County
Health Department and the Pennsylvania Resources Council.
The collection in the airport area will be held on July 26 in the
parking lot at The Mall at Robinson, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
To inquire about the collection, call (412) 431-4449 or visit
the Pennsylvania Resources Council website at www.prc.org.
Sign Up for the Walk Challenge
54
The Airport Corridor Transportation Association (ACTA) in
partnership with the Oakland Transportation Management Association (OTMA) has organized a Walk Challenge for airport corridor
workers and residents. The “2008 Ready, Set, Walk! Challenge”
promotes the benefits of walking and highlights ways in which
adding steps to one’s daily routine can improve overall health.
Interested participants can log onto the website www.walkchallenge.org to register for this free event which will run from June
6 to August 1. Each participating walker will have a chance to win
weekly prizes with a grand prize going to the top walker. Additional
details are available on the website or call (412) 809-3508.
June 2008
Community Marketplace
Gift a gift that costs nothing but means
the world to someone. Sign up to be an
organ donor.
Center for
Organ Recovery & Education
800-DONORS-7 ~ www.core.org
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55
HEROES
The dictionary defines a hero as
“One who is admired for his or her
achievements and qualities, or one
who shows great courage.”
Our feature series in this issue
presents stories of heroes in our
hometown that exhibit hope, life,
and freedom.
As we celebrate Independence Day on
July 4 in a few short weeks, let us
remember that our heroes come from
all walks of life, given the
opportunity to demonstrate their
achievements and courage because we
have all been given the freedom in
our country to do so.
56
June 2008
STORY AND PHOTO BY EMILY HUEBNER
Heroes
of Hope
Tackle Cancer:
In Memory of Dianna Orsini
W
hen a loved one is lost it is important to
remember them in every possible way, whether it is
through photos and memories, or through our
every day actions. That person has made an
important impact in our life, and it is imperative that their
fight is carried on. That is exactly what I did when my
father passed away from cancer in 2003, and that is exactly
what Anthony Orsini and his children did, when he lost his
wife Dianna.
Dianna Orsini passed away in 2001 from breast cancer.
For the past seven years, Anthony and his family have put
together a rugby tournament, raising money in Dianna’s
name, and helping others fight the same battle she faced.
Proceeds from the tournament were donated to
organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the
Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
“We raise the money not only in memory of Dianna, but
for research as well. Faith is at a high risk and we want the
best success for her,” Anthony said.
Anthony’s daughter, Faith, eight, and son, Sean, 11, are
not the only members of the family that enjoy helping with
the tournament. Anthony’s wife, Jodi Orsini, and stepsons
Ethan Manley, 10, and Bryce Manley, 8, have been helping
to organize the event for the past two years as well.
Since their children are getting older, and all three boys
play football, Anthony found a conflict with the rugby
tournament and his children’s practices. That is when the
idea came to him to have a youth football benefit
tournament instead. Both Anthony and Jodi serve on the
West Allegheny Youth Association Board, and are active
with both the youth football and cheerleading programs.
Although this is the first year for the youth football
benefit tournament, Anthony has high hopes for success, as
24 teams have already registered for the event. Teams are
broken down into levels, depending on the age of their
players. The different levels are: 8 and under, 9 and under,
10 and under, 11 and under, and 13 and under. There are
currently 24 teams registered, five per age level, aside from
13 and under in which there are four since West Allegheny
does not have a 13 and under team.
The teams come from the South Suburban Youth Football
League, in which West Allegheny belongs. Aside from West
ABOVE: The Orsini Family, left to right, front, Sean,
Ethan, Bryce, and Faith; back, Jodi and Anthony.
Allegheny that has entered four teams, the other teams registered are
Ar-Ken, Baldwin, Carlynton, and Montour. These four districts
each have five teams registered, covering each of the different age
level brackets.
Another aspect different this year than in the past is the donation
of the proceeds. While in the past the money raised went to several
different organizations supporting the research and cure of cancer,
this year the money will be donated solely to the American Cancer
Society. Last year the rugby tournament raised over $8,000, and
since Dianna’s death in 2001, $70,000 has been raised in her
memory.
The tournament will be held on August 16 and 17, at the West
Allegheny High School football field. Anthony explained that the
school district has been very helpful while he has been planning this
event.
“The school has been very corporative during this,” Anthony said.
“Both Dave McBain [West Allegheny Athletic Director] and Dr.
DiSanti [West Allegheny Superintendent] have helped a lot with the
events.”
Admission charge, which is still to be determined, along with
sponsorship, concessions, the selling of tournament T-shirts, and
the team registration fees, all comprise the total donation amount.
This event is open to the public, so stop by West Allegheny
football field on August 16 and 17 to help the Orsini family carry
on Dianna’s fight, and truly tackle cancer.
If you would like more information regarding the event, or are
interesting in donating, please visit www.westayouth.com/
tacklecancer.
57
Heroes
of Life
Some Facts
The 2008 Games promise to be
the world’s largest-ever
gathering of transplant
recipients, with an anticipated
2,000 athletes representing all
50 states.
The Games are a tribute as well
to the 4,000 donor families who
make the decision to give the
gift of life each year.
Nearly 100,000 people are
currently awaiting life-saving
transplants in this country.
Eighteen people die each day
while waiting.
How to Become an
Organ Donor
Call the National Kidney
Foundation at 1-800-622-9010,
visit the website,
www.transplantgames.org, or
contact CORE, the Center for
Organ Recovery and Education,
at 1-800-DONORS-7.
STORIES AND PHOTOS BY PAT JENNETTE
INTRODUCTION BY THE NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION
Local Athletes to Compete
in U.S. Transplant Games in Pittsburgh Next Month
hey haven’t hit the court or track yet and
already this group of athletes has
performed death-defying feats. They all
carry an inner trophy -- a new organ that
qualifies them for the dream team in the game of life.
Their ultimate trial will kick off at the National Kidney
Foundation’s 2008 U.S. Transplant Games, which will be
held in Pittsburgh July 11-16.
The Games are an Olympic-style
event for athletes who have received
life-saving organ transplants of every
type, including kidney, liver, heart,
lung, pancreas, and bone marrow.
Transplant athletes will compete for
gold, silver, and bronze medals in 12
different sports, including track and
field, swimming, tennis, bowling,
basketball, cycling, and golf.
Presented every other year by the
National Kidney Foundation since
1990, the U.S. Transplant Games
draw participants nationwide who are organized into 50
state teams.
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC),
home of the world-renowned Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, will serve as the host facility, in
partnership with VisitPittsburgh and the National Kidney
Foundation of the Alleghenies.
“Nearly 100,000 Americans are currently on the waiting
list for life-saving organ transplants, and 18 people die
each day while waiting. The Transplant Games visually
showcase the success of transplantation, demonstrating
the life-saving power of organ donation,” says John
T
Davis, CEO of the National Kidney Foundation.
“We hope our spirited competition will slam home the
message that every American should consider becoming
an organ donor.”
Attendance at the 2008 U.S. Transplant Games is
expected to exceed 7,000 people, including transplant
athletes, their families and friends, and families of organ
donors. Athlete participants range in age from two to 85.
In addition to athletic competition, the Games will feature
special ceremonies honoring live organ
donors. The Games will also offer workshops for donor families and an educational
program for transplant professionals.
A special organ donor night at the
Pittsburgh Pirates will be held on July 11,
and a 5K Road Race, open to the community, will be held on July 13.
The National Kidney Foundation is
dedicated to preventing kidney and urinary
tract diseases, improving the health and
well-being of individuals and families
affected by these diseases, and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation.
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, title sponsor of
the 2008 Games, has supported the event since 1990.
Additional sponsors include the University of Pittsburgh
Medical Center, Wyeth, National Council of Corvette
Clubs, Bristol Myers Squibb, Center for Organ Recovery
and Education, Astellas and Roche.
For more information on the Games or organ donation,
call (866) TX-GAMES or visit www.transplantgames.org.
For tickets to organ donor night at the stadium visit
www.pirates.com/organdonor.
Wayne Rumburg, Findlay
He works out daily, this strong, healthy 58year-old who received his kidney transplant in
August 1998.
Diagnosed with polycystic disease, Wayne
Rumburg of Westbury said that fifty percent of
family members typically will get the disease,
which has genetic origins.
Wayne was a meteorologist with the National
Weather Service in Moon Township. When he
was between 35 and 40 years old, he started to
slowly lose his kidney functions.
Assisted by his wife, Linda, for two years and
two months, he administered his own dialysis.
Wayne said he was so sick and “watched my
mother die in her early 60s with this disease, so I
didn’t think I was going to make it.”
Dr. Ron Shapiro, his physician, called Wayne
one day while he was hooked up on the dialysis
machine. Telling Wayne it wasn’t exactly a
match, but it was suitable, Wayne agreed and
went for it.
became his passion.
“I had a little rejection at the beginning but
Wayne joined the Western Area YMCA,
it was better than being tired constantly from
eventually moving out to Extreme Fitness in
the dialysis,” he said.
Robinson.
Wayne was fortunate; he spent record time in
He was hooked on fitness.
the hospital and within five weeks was back to
He went to Community College of
his job.
Allegheny County to take course to become a
He retired from the National Weather
Service a little over a year ago, and has taken
on a new quest in his life as a certified fitness
trainer through ACE (American Council on
Exercise).
This new phase in his life was inspired when,
after his transplant, he started his journey back
to health by lifting five-pound handsets.
“That was all I could do at the time,” he
reflects.
Wayne went to physical therapy and kept
building up his strength.
The whole process of coming back to life
through transplant, and regaining the strength ABOVE: Wayne Rumberg with celebrity Larry
to live life as a fully fit and healthy individual, Hagman, also a transplant recipient.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
58 June 2008
personal trainer. In 2004 he took, and passed, the certification test held
at Duquesne University.
Today, Wayne is a fill-in trainer at two local corporation fitness
centers -- GlaxoSmithKline and Lanxess. He substitutes for the fulltime trainers when they are on vacation or need to take time off,
teaching classes, running the centers, and administering personal fitness
programs for employees.
“The companies are awesome to work for, they are such believers in
offering fitness as a benefit to their employees,” he said.
But for now, Wayne is getting himself into the very best shape he can
be for the Transplant Games next month. He’s in the gym every day
working hard to prepare for the track and field competition and to
defend his medals from the Kentucky games. In 2006, Wayne won
medals in the shot put and softball throw events. He is the U.S. champ
and U.S. record holder in the shot put and discus for the 50 to 59
year old division. As he practices for the shot put and discus, his wife
helps by bringing back the shot and discus.
Since participants are permitted to participate in up to four events, Wayne is
going for it. He added the high jump this year.
“I did it in high school on the track team, so I’m giving it a shot.”
While in Kentucky, he met Larry Hagman, himself a transplant survivor.
Wayne said the Transplant Games are bringing in more celebrities in order
to bring more attention to the importance of organ donation.
When not working as a trainer or training for his own events, Wayne works
at Seven Springs on the ski patrol, where he is also a certified first responder.
“My advice for anyone waiting for a transplant is to build a relationship
with one’s coordinator at the transplant center, stay in touch at least quarterly,
but most importantly, stay as healthy and in shape as you possibly can,”
Wayne stressed.
“Seeing all that I’ve been through, I have a pet peeve with people who don’t
take good care of themselves,” he said emphatically.
“Life is too precious to not take care of yourself.”
Jack Smedley, Moon
“The Journey Back: A
Survivor’s Guide to
Leukemia,” became
Moon Township
resident Jack Smedley’s
therapy, his story in
print as published by
Rainbow’s End, a
Christian book
publishing company
located in Baden.
The 137-page softcover book, of which
nearly 4,000 copies have been purchased with
proceeds donated to Jack’s church, tells Jack’s story only in the way he
and his wife, Iva, could tell it.
While vice-president of Presbyterian University Hospital (now
UPMC) in the 1980s, Jack was unaware that his health was degrading.
“I would meditate to deal with job stress, and thought that perhaps
the stress was making me more tired, so I would nap at lunch to feel
better,” he recalls.
It was after painting the trim on his house, which left him tired and
feeling as if he had pulled some muscles, that he thought a swim in his
pool might help. He barely completed a lap and was out of breath.
“I told Iva and she thought I should go to the hospital.”
At Latrobe Hospital, tests indicated that his white blood count was
ten times what it was supposed to be, his heart was inflamed, and he
had pneumonia in his left lung. He was admitted to the hospital.
Jack had sat on the cancer committee at then Presbyterian Hospital,
so he suspected that a bone marrow biopsy would be done next.
He was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia.
As he says in his book, “The benefit of hearing that you have a lifethreatening disease (yes, there are some benefits), is that you stop to
‘smell the roses’. That phrase obviously included enjoying the beauty of
nature and our environment; however, even more importantly, it should
include our families, our friends, and all the other people we encounter
in this journey called ‘life’.”
“The doctor told me my original prognosis was six months to live, or
less, and to get my life in order,” Jack recalls. That was in 1983.
Jack took on this new challenge in his life, falling back on some of the
tools he used in his work and personal life -- meditating, staying
physically fit, and maintaining his spiritual beliefs.
Iva said, “Soon the prognosis was 38-42 months, then nine years. We
were told not to do anything until it progressed and continued to hope
that medical advances would offer a cure.”
Life for the Smedleys remained somewhat stable, and Jack received
regular doses of oral chemotherapy.
As couples often do when one becomes ill, the other picks up the
hatchet. Iva enrolled in nursing school at a community college and began
working at Westmoreland Hospital.
Jack continued to work for the next 18 months, but the one-hour commute
to Pittsburgh and the long days were taking a toll.
Jack left his position to teach part-time at the University of Pittsburgh
satellite campus in Greensburg, much closer to home. He focused on making
goals. And, he began to reflect on what was important in his life.
Their children -- Scott, Chris, and Karen -- were growing up, and he wanted
to be there as they graduated school, married, had children, and moved on.
In 1991, he felt that his health change. Test results showed his disease had
reached the accelerated stage. It was time for transplant.
And his son, Scott, had just announced his engagement.
“I wanted to be there for his wedding, and throughout the months leading
up to the time a donor was being sought, I received daily interferon injections,
fortunate that they were given to me by my wife,” Jack recalls.
He tested fate by waiting to have his transplant until Scott’s wedding passed.
And, for Scott, his life was to be altered in a significant way -- he was to be his
father’s bone marrow donor. Both Scott and his sister, Karen, had five of the
required six antigens to donate marrow; not a perfect match.
Jack had his transplant in 1992 at Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer
Research Center. He was one of the first to have a mismatched bone marrow
transplant. He was told that, even in the best place in the nation for such a
transplant, he had a 15-20% chance of survival.
“The next six months were a blur while we were in Seattle,” Iva said.
Throughout that time, Jack experienced both kidney and liver failure. He
had a stroke and seizures, and lost 25% of his body weight. He and Iva
experienced the pain of being separated from their friends and family.
We both found that keeping a journal throughout this time of our lives was
therapeutic,” Jack said, “Although much of it was Iva’s. I was on so much
medication, a lot of that time was like a dream.”
In 1994, Jack returned to UPMC and retired in 2003.
In 1996, the journal became the basis for his book. In 2007, still healthy,
Jack decided to participate in the transplant games.
“I always thought the games were only for organ transplants, not bone
marrow,” he said, “so I didn’t know I could be part of it.”
In 1983, he had put his tennis racket away. Jack decided to pick it back up
again. With the help of Bob Schmitt, a tennis pro at the Western Area YMCA,
Jack said, “Bob took a guy who hadn’t picked up his tennis racket in 23 years
and made him into a decent tennis player.”
He plays tennis a couple of times a week and does weight training and
aerobic exercises to stay fit.
He points out, “I am in the last one percent of survivors with this disease
to have lived this long, and among a very small minority as a participant in
the Transplant Games to have had a bone marrow transplant.”
“Yet, through it all, life has been good for us,” Iva said.
This smiling gentleman, with the agility that belies his 62 years, hasn’t
picked up his tennis racket yet at the games, but he’s already a winner.
ABOVE: Jack and Iva, with grandchildren Kody, 18 months, and Kyra, 5.
59
Rich Koper, North Fayette
He’s the ultimate cheerleader for
transplantion --- the one that
patients and their loved ones who
are told about him go to when they
need comfort or seek answers to
difficult questions.
His unending quest to give back
all began when he was dealt the
hand of being ill as a child.
Imperial resident Rich Koper, 58,
had a kidney and pancreas
transplant in July 2001.
A brittle diabetic, he took
insulin shots three times a day for
as long as he could remember.
“I learned when I was 12 that I
had diabetes. And then, as an
ABOVE: Rich with his new wife,
adult, while on vacation, I
Brenda. He proudly wears his
became sick on an 80-degree day
Team Pittsburgh jacket, signed
by the renowned surgeon, Dr.
-- chills, teeth chattering, my
Thomas Starzl of UPMC.
ankles swelling to three times
their size. I knew it wasn’t the flu
or something like that,” he explained.
He came back to Pittsburgh to learn he had renal failure.
That’s when the doctor told me to sign up for dialysis treatment for my
failing kidneys,” Rich said.
The doctor told Rich that he could consider being a candidate for a kidney
transplant.
“I didn’t even know that was an option, and I told him right away, ‘sign me
up,’ then the doctor said, ‘I can look for a pancreas for you, too, and I told
him that if he was going to open me up for one surgery, he might as well do
two.”
Rich went home and, for six months, he administered an eight-hour-a-day
dialysis regimen on himself.
During an outing, he fell in a creek and infected the Peritoneal cavity.
“Actually, a blessing in disguise, because now I went to the dialysis clinic in
North Hills called DCI where I started hemodialysis every other day for only
four hours. This went on for a year and a half.”
Until then, Rich, an ordained minister who once shared air time on a WPIT
talk show with his minister, worked as a manager at a convenience store.
The dialysis regimen made it difficult for Rich to maintain the day-to-day
position, he had to stop working and go on full-time disability. He didn’t
return to work until after the transplant, when he took a full-time position
with Life Flight as a Life Flight technician.
He went through the battery of tests to be placed on the transplant list and
received the little black pager that was given out at the time.
“It was funny, the thing went off a few times. First, someone would have
dialed the wrong number, then, an organ was available, and when I got to the
emergency room, learned it was a false alarm.
“There were a lot of ups and downs -- you’d be excited one minute and
down the next,” Rich recalls.
It was while at a car show in Irwin when he finally got the call for the
kidney-pancreas combination.
In the hospital for three weeks, Rich quickly experienced the rejection
of the medicine that UPMC prescribed for his new organs -- Prograf.
“For the first couple of months I was in constant rejection, and then
Dr. Starzl came in one day and said my biopsy showed that the drug
was damaging my kidneys,” Rich said.
Dr. Starzl recommended he go on Rapamune, which, unknown to
Rich, was the lowest anti-rejection drug available.
“It’s been wonderful; I’ve had no problems with it,” he said.
Because of the double transplant, after the surgery he was sore on
both sides. Living alone, with his bathroom on the second floor, Rich
was challenged every day during his recuperation.
“It was a very difficult time for me and, financially, it was challenging,” Rich said. “I wanted very much to give back in appreciation for
this new life I was given, so I decided to do it the best way that I could,
by giving my time.”
Today, Rich is a volunteer for CORE (Center for Organ Recovery and
Education), the National Kidney Foundation, and TRIO (Transplant
Recipients International Organization) and a member of Team
Pittsburgh. He attends health fairs and speaks as an advocate for
transplantation. He assists with fundraisers and passes out information
at many events.
He is an active volunteer at the Family House in Oakland, where he
greets families who wait while their loved ones undergo transplant
surgery and recuperation. He’s the shoulder they cry on; the one they go
to when they have questions.
Last year, Rich launched a local transplant support group that meets
the second Sunday each month from 2-4:30 p.m. at King’s Restaurant
in Imperial. Originally for kidney transplant patients, he welcomes
anyone who has had a transplant or is waiting for one. Call him at
(412) 787-3987.
“We all share similar situations, we’re all in this together, so we
welcome anyone,” he said. “It’s a casual way to learn from each other.”
In 2006, Rich decided to go for the games. He didn’t know about the
Transplant Games initially, but, being an avid bowler and walker, he
took part in the games in Kentucky. Now he’s hooked.
To prepare for the competition, he works out at Body Systems, and
bowls in a league. He’ll be participating in the 5K race, the bowling
team, volleyball, and 3-on-3 basketball. Rich notes that the games are
not as much for competition as they are for friendship and camaraderie.
Along the way, he’s met and just recently married his bride, Brenda, a
billings account manager for a forensic psychologist from West Virginia.
Now, he has someone to share his new life with, and Brenda has
embraced Rich’s energy for volunteerism. She’s also become an organ
donor.
Through it all, Rich says that he has been very blessed.
“Since this transplant, the people in my transplant circles have
become my family; they are always there for me.”
And Rich, with his kind demeanor, passion for organ transplantation,
and his unending quest to give back, is always there for them.
Darla Chiodo, Clinton
She remembers the day vividly
-- October 13, 2007. That’s
when life changed for Darla
Chiodo, co-owner of Chiodo
Farms in Clinton with her
husband, Joe, of 42 years.
Darla, 62, received a double
lung transplant. She enthusiastically said, “I was listed for
just four days when the call
came in and they said, ‘if you
can be at the operating room
door in one hour we have
60
June 2008
some young lungs for you.’ It was a wonderful miracle from God.”
The day after returning home from surgery three weeks later, she went
to the beauty salon. The day after Thanksgiving, she was back at the
retail store at Chiodo Farms with her mask on, greeting customers.
“I started back bowling two months after surgery and working out in a
lung rehab program at Ohio Valley General Hospital,” Darla noted.
“The rehab center has been remarkable, it has benefited me so much.”
Darla will participate on the bowling team in the Transplant Games as
part of Team Pittsburgh. To participate, transplant patients must have
had their transplant no less than six months prior to the games.
The competition is just part of the games experience. Darla is looking
LEFT: Darla in her gardens at Chiodo Farms, “I’d do this (transplant)
all over again.”
forward to all of it.
“There are also many wonderful events. It all calls attention to the
desperate need for organ donors while sharing the success of transplantation,” she said.
Darla had a long career in the floral industry, having owned a shop in
Robinson Township before buying the property on Cork Bocktown Road
22 years ago with her husband.
Thirteen years before the transplant, Darla was diagnosed with a form of
BOOP (bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia). Her
condition degraded very quickly. By the time she was evaluated for the
lung transplant list, she was down to nine percent of oxygen without a
supplemental supply.
Originally turned down for the transplant due to her condition, she
was told that her lungs were so fibrosed that there was not much that
could be done to help her. The doctors told her she needed to be in
stronger shape.
“I told them, I bowl every week, I can do this,” she said.
Darla and Joe petitioned the hospital for a second consideration.
The surgery and followup weren’t without problems. Darla laid flat
for five days in intensive care, 36 monitors hooked up to her, unable to
drink anything, not even chew on ice.
One of the stitches to hold the new lungs in place also blew and had
to be repaired. And, the anti-rejection medications have affected her
somewhat, most noticeably with some hair loss.
“I’ll deal with it, and I would do this (transplant) again,” she said.
Although she can’t touch her beloved plants or work in her garden,
Darla is grateful for each new day.
“The things you have you often take for granted, and when they are
taken from you, you realize how important it is to have them. I’m glad
to be here to have them.”
Joe told her that all along God knew whose lungs she would have,but
they weren’t ready to go yet. Darla told him, “No kidding, is any
healthy person ready -- but it happens every day, ready or not.
Everyone needs to have an organ donor card; I had mine years ago.”
Michael Curran, McDonald
Michael Currin, 50, was a cook in the U.S. Navy on the USS Joseph
Hughes and the USS Santa Barbara. With three years of active duty and
14 years in the Reserves, he knew how it felt to be responsible to many
people. He knew how responsible he wanted to be for his own health,
because he saw how kidney disease was devastating to his family. Little
did this Fort Cherry alumnus know the battle he would face.
Michael’s mother was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease when
she was 48 years old. Michael recounts how she suffered through 13
years of dialysis before she died of a heart attack.
“My brother, Patrick, died of kidney cancer after receiving his
transplant, and my brother, Robert, who lives in Imperial, has had a
kidney transplant,” Michael said.
The doctor told the family that kidney cancer is very rare.
Ironically, Michael’s twin brother, Dave, who lives in DuBois, had not
tested positive for any kidney disease, although he was a donor for
Patrick.
“While polycystic is hereditary, if you don’t test positive for it now,
you never will,” he said.
Michael took his health into his own hands and, in 1989, went to be
tested. He found that he did have the markers for polycystic.
A very slow, progressive disease, he didn’t have many symptoms for
awhile. Soon, however, his kidney function test showed that his creatin
was getting high, climbing from less than 2.0 eventually to 4.5.
I was feeling badly, but was on the evaluation list by that time.”
Within two months he got the call for his transplant, fortunate never
to have to go on dialysis.
It was an unlikely match; with only two of the six antigens matching.
That was April 14, 2006.
Even though he was a military veteran and entitled to the surgery and
its benefits at a veteran hospital, Michael chose to have it done at
UPMC.
“I was going there even though I was a veteran, because I wanted that
quality of care.”
His transplant surgery was affected by other health issues that
emerged during that time.
Michael had suffered a cholesterol-related heart attack in 1996, the
same week that his father died. Doctors found he had a 70% blockage.
He was working for Bruce Plastics at the time, while also serving in
the Naval Reserves.
While he had to leave his job and was honorably discharged from the
Navy, he said, “I’m happy to say I contributed to the military.”
During his stay with the kidney transplant, Michael developed
pancreatitis. His triglycerides surged to 1,800; 200 is normal.
Going back to work at Bruce Plastics in September 2006, he had
three good months before he began to experience abdominal pain.
The Fort Cherry
Ambulance whisked him to
Allegheny General
Hospital where they got
his pancreatitis under
control.
A sudden drop in his
blood pressure to
dangerous levels pointed
to a blood infection that
was running rampant in
his system. He spent 24
days in AGH before
being discharged. For
four of those days, he
was in a coma. A month later,
he still felt weak.
Losing weight, and having no appetite, he went back to his doctor who told
him the kidney was rejecting. Dialysis was the only option.
Michael was put back on the list for a second kidney. And he went to
dialysis three days a week, four hours a day.
Unable to keep his job due to his weakening state, he went on disability.
Michael began to experience chills and a fever while on dialysis at one
point. The transplanted kidney was in trouble. Two days after Christmas in
2006, it was removed. Now, Michael was with no functional kidney and on
dialysis. The next month he went to the hospital, and passed the tests to be
relisted for another kidney. He began to feel better, and was playing tennis
when, ten weeks later, on June 7, 2007, he got the call for his new organ. This
time it was a perfect match.
“I thank God for all the support and everyone was so wonderful,” Michael
noted. “Having been through this already, I also had more knowledge and
understood what was happening the second time around.”
With his transplant battle won, Michael was ready to challenge himself.
Most recently, he played on a team of transplant patients against the AGH
transplant doctors. The patients won.
He’ll compete in table tennis, singles tennis, and volleyball when the games
get underway on July 12.
And, while he’s only cooking for himself now, he feels responsible to many - those who have helped him in his family, medical circles, and his newfound
friends at the transplant support group in Imperial and Team Pittsburgh.
EDITOR’S NOTE: As the spouse of a husband waiting for a lung transplant, these
stories were some of the most inspiring accounts I have ever written. They are a
source of hope for both myself and my husband, John. We wish each of these heroic
athletes Godspeed and good luck as they embark on this newest chapter of their lives,
lives able to be celebrated because of those heroes who gave so unselfishly of
themselves -- the organ donors.
61
Heroes
of
Freedom
ARTICLE SUBMITTED BY MIKE ROBERTS,
POSTMASTER, IMPERIAL POST OFFICE
Saluting the Nation’s Flag and Our U.S. Heroes
Because of the unique design of the postal
building on the property at the Penn Lincoln Plaza,
the Imperial Post Office never had a flagpole.
Being in close proximity to four military bases,
and also in talking to some of its customers regarding the flag, the post office staff wanted to be able to
participate in half staff, POW flag recognition, and
the everyday display of the American flag for what
the flag represents.
It is also very unusual that any post office in
America doesn’t have a flag flown every working day.
On Monday, April 7, Imperial Post Office
employees Jim Aiello, Joe Thompson, and Jim
Santeufemio, representing the military and the post
office, made the first flag raising at the post office,
dedicated to all those who currently serve and to
those who have served.
Currently, the U.S. Postal Service is the largest
employer of veterans in the nation, with 197,300
veterans employed.
At the Imperial post office, Joe Thompson has
worked for the past three years. He served in the
U.S. Air Force from 1997 to 2003 in the Security
Forces, stationed in Minot, North Dakota;
Lakenheath, England; and Clovis, New Mexico.
Jim Aiello joined the U.S. Marine Corps in
1982 out of high school. For 20 years, he served in
the communication field, retiring in 2002 as a
Master Sergeant. He joined the post office in
January 2006.
Jim Santeufemio joined the United States
Marine Corps in 2004 and is currently serving in
the helicopter squadron, HMLA 775 Detachment
Alpha in Johnstown as a Lance Corporal. He
began working at the Imperial Post Office in
December 2006. Jim is also a veteran of
Operation Iraqi Freedom III, deployed to Iraq in
March 2005 and returning this past October.
EDITOR’S NOTE: These military veterans and active soldiers are featured on this month’s cover and on page 2. The Imperial Post Office displays a billboard of local
military soldiers and veterans in its lobby. Also, a similar billboard is on display in the lobby of the Findlay Township Municipal Center in Clinton. Take a moment to view
these displays of our local military heroes who have either served, or are serving, our country.
Bringing Honor to War Veteran Heroes
What began as an inquiry by the Carnegie American Legion has
become a community service project by Parkway West Career &
Technology Center students that will bring honor to deserving war
veterans.
Well over 1,000 military markers were inadvertently destroyed,
and subsequently retrieved by the workers at Chartiers Cemetery.
Karen Kerr, a Carnegie resident who visits the cemetery frequently to pay tribute to her loved ones, had an idea about how to
fix the problem.
She contacted Chuck Magnus, district commander of the 36th
district of the American Legion, who is a Carnegie area resident,
and was aware of the destroyed markers. He had been struggling
with how to go about fixing them and placing them back on their
appropriate gravesites. She suggested he call a local career technology school because they may have the equipment and may be
looking for projects for the students.
Could the school help? The request was forwarded to Steve
Livergood, instructor of the Machine Tool Technology
Program, and Todd Kieffer, instructor of the
Auto Body Program.
The school was more than glad to help.
Chuck brought some of the
RIGHT: Several
of the plaques
receive a sandblasting treatment
in the Auto Body
Program at
Parkway West
CTC.
62
June 2008
markers to the school.
Students in the Auto Body Program have been sandblasting
them. Once the sandblasting project is complete, the markers are
sent over to the Machine Tool Technology Program, where
students are making new rods and reassembling them.
The Auto Body Program students will give the markers their
final touch – a bronze finish – and return them to the American
Legion.
In the meantime, Chuck Magnus said, “I am very honored and
thankful for what the school has done.”
With so many more markers needing
refurbished, he is looking for other
groups to help.
Contact him at
(412) 922-2182.
BY PAT JENNETTE
This third in a series of what was to be three parts, but will now become four. This
part presents how one family’s farm, entrenched in the area since 1962, has built its
reputation on good, wholesome, healthy food.
The final part of the series in the next issue will present another local family
industry that does the same, with different products.
It’s a busy Saturday morning on the first sunny May weekend at Janoski’s
Farm in Clinton, and cars are lining up hoping to snag an empty spot.
Forty-five years after starting the farm, Sonny Janoski and his family have
plenty to keep busy, cultivating and harvesting 200 acres of vegetables and 20
acres of fruit trees and plants for their growing customer base.
When the family moved to Clinton in 1962 and started with just 65 acres, it
was hard to imagine that the business would burgeon into what is now a
landscape dotted with 30-plus red and white greenhouses, garden center, food
store, bakery, gift shop, and a family-style restaurant right across the street.
“People are excited to get their produce, and we work hard to provide it for
them as early in the season as possible,” explained Dan Janoski, one of two sons
that runs the farm.
His brother, Mike, and Mike’s wife, Patty, also help run the enterprise, along
with Sonny and his wife, several grandchildren and about 50 employees.
Utilizing their greenhouses and heirloom seeds from several top-notch seed
companies, the family, assisted by some of the employees, begins the growing
process during the cold winter days of January, carefully planting each seed and
nurturing them in the greenhouses until the seedlings mature. One greenhouse
is dedicated to pepper plants alone -- more than 50,000 Dan estimates.
Once the seedlings are mature enough, the plants are put into the ground,
assisted in their growth by row covers that keep out bugs while increasing the
temperature, and aided by a sophisticated irrigation system.
“The irrigation system is a big expense, but it’s worth it for the turnaround
time we can provide for our customers,” Dan noted.
From tomatoes and peppers to cucumbers and watermelons, the plants grow
to maturity. Corn is a mainstay -- 75 of the 225 acres are dedicated to corn
alone. Dan estimates that 15,000 seeds are sown per acre.
Janoski’s added fruits in 1994, mainly peaches. Apples came in 2003.
And that’s just the produce side of it. They grow, nurture, and sell many types
of flowers, including their popular poinsettia plants.
Once a seasonal affair, the complex opened year-round in 1999.
Patty Janoski said that the farm is all retail. The only exception to selling their
produce and fruits outside the farm boundaries is at the Bridgeville Farm
Market, where they’ll be available all summer on Mondays, Wednesdays, and
Fridays at 5:30 p.m. starting June 15.
As the business has grown and changed, so has the industry that it serves.
In that regard, the farm began offering organic products last year. The
products include organic seed packets and DeLallo brand pastas and sauces.
Added to the organic lineup this year will be lawn and garden products from
Dr. Earth and animal repellent products from Nature’s Defense.
“People are definitely looking for this, so we’re making sure we provide it,”
Patty said.
Last month, Doug Oster presented a workshop at the farm. More than 50
people attended. He talked about how to care for the lawn organically, how to
compost, and how to tame bugs in the garden using more natural methods.
Going to the farm has been an American tradition, and, in order to provide
customers with the experience of seeing homegrown, natural products in their
own neighborhood, Janoski’s hosts its annual strawberry picking days coming
up in June, and will host its first Farm City Days August 2 and 3 from 10 a.m.
to 5 p.m. These events are free to the public. Visit their website at
www.janoskis.com for details.
63
community connections
FINDLAY TOWNSHIP
Office Information
at your fingertips
OAKDALE BOROUGH
Trash Pickup: 724/693-9740; Water: 724/693-9740
Parks and Recreation
Office Information
Findlay Mun. Ctr., 1271 Rt. 30, Clinton, PA 15026, 724/695-0500,
website: www.findlay.pa.us, Hours: 8 am-4:30 pm
Supervisors: Thomas J. Gallant, Chrmn.; Janet Craig, V. Chrmn.;
Raymond Chappell, Mbr.; Twp. Mgr: Gary Klingman; Asst. Twp. Mgr.:
Chris Caruso; Bldg. Inspector: Russ Collins; Solicitors: E.J. Strassburger
& Alan Schuckrow; Plmbg./Sewer Inspector: Tim Cook; Public Works
Director: John O’Neal
6115 Noblestown Rd., Oakdale, PA 15071, 724/693-9740,
Fax: 724/693-0100
Website: www.oakdaleborough.com, Hrs: M-F 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Council: Huck Gamble, President; Russ Campbell, Vice President; Council
members: Keith Merlino, Paul Hennemuth, Tom Potts, Ross Rohbeck, Mayor;
Vince Tucceri, Esq.; Michele Cromer, Esq.; Kelly Rohbeck, Borough
Secretary; Laura Ahlborn, Assistant Secretary
Meetings
Meetings
Supervisors: Caucus: 1st Thur. monthly - 7 pm, Regular on 2nd Wed.
monthly - 7 pm, Workshop on 4th Thur. monthly - 7 pm
Planning Commission: Regular on 4th Tues. monthly - 7 pm
Zoning Hearing Bd.: Regular on 3rd Mon. monthly - 7 pm
Municipal Authority: Regular on 4th Mon. monthly - 6 pm
Council: 1st Wed. monthly, 7:30 pm, Community Ctr., Zoning Hearing
Bd.: On Request
Services
Services
Trash/ Recycling: Waste Management of Pa., (724) 228-4200
Municipal Authority: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 724/695-3108
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
Pavilion rentals: 11 am-11 pm, Community Ctr. 1 mtg.
room and 1 recreation room, call twp for rates
Food Pantry: 2nd & 4th Tues., 9 a.m.-Noon; 3rd Wed., 5:30 pm-7 pm
Hankey Farms Pool, (summer season only) (412) 788-0806 after 11:30
am wknds. late May; Daily in summer from June 4; noon-7:00 pm, Family
pass: $200; Individual pass: $100; couples/dual: $170; Daily Rates: $5 adults,
$3 children 3 yrs-12 yrs, free for under 2 yrs old, $1 observers/non-swimmers. Children under 10 must be w/an adult.
Taxes
Earned Inc./Occup. Privilege/R.E.: Tom Falcioni (724) 693-9366
Township Tax Assessor: Cindy Zimecki (412) 473-3161
Emergencies
Police - 9-1-1; non-emergency (412) 787-8900;
Fire - 9-1-1; non-emergency (412) 787-2883
NorthWest EMS - 9-1-1; non-emergency (412) 331-2600
Website: www.northfayettevfd.org, www.nortwestems.net
STURGEON: Emergency: 9-1-1-, Non-emergency: (724) 926-9149
Website: www.sturgeonfd.south-fayette.pa.us
McDONALD BOROUGH
Office Information
151 School St., McDonald PA 15057, (724) 926-8711,
Fax: (724) 926-2750, Office Hrs: M-F 8 am-4 pm,
www.mcdonaldboro.com
Meetings
Reg. Mtg. 1st Mon., 7:30 pm, Planning Comm. & Zoning Bd., as needed
Emergencies
Fire, Police & EMS: 9-1-1
Non-Emergency: Fire Only (724) 926-9190
Website: www.mcdonaldfire.com
64
2008 2007
64 June
December
TAXES
County Real Estate Payments:
March 31 with discount; Face:After March
Questions concerning county taxes call:
412/350-4100
School Real Estate Payments:
Discount: Aug. 31; Face: Oct. 31; Penalty: Nov. 1
Questions: (724) 693-9366
Open May-Oct.; Pavilion rentals: $60 plus $45 deposit - residents;
$90 plus $45 deposit - non-residents, call borough for info; Community Center: Rentals-724/693-9740; Sr. Citizens-724/693-8540
Taxes
Donna Swider, Real Estate Tax Collector
Emergencies
Police & Fire: 9-1-1 Non-Emergency: (412) 331-2600;
Ambulance 9-1-1 Non-Emergency: (412) 761-2200
Website: www.oakdalehosecompany.org
SCHOOLS
West Allegheny School District, Box 55, Imperial, PA 15126, 724/
695-3422
Parkway West Career & Technology Center, 7101 Steubenville Pike,
Oakdale, PA 15071, 412/923-1772
Pittsburgh Technical Institute, 1111 McKee Rd., Oakdale, PA 15071
412/809-5100
Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), 1000 McKee Rd.,
Oakdale PA 15071, 412/788-6464
WEST ALLEGHENY CHURCHES
(schedules may change seasonally)
Allegheny West Christian, Minister Faron Franklin
7600 Steubenville Pike, Oakdale PA 15071, 412/788-8818,
Sun. blended worship 11 am, eve svc 6:30 pm, Wed. Bible
study 7 pm, children’s programs during both Worship &
Bible study
Church of Jesus Christ, Pastor Robert Buffington
57 Moore Rd., Clinton PA 15026, 724/899-3935
Svcs: Sun. 10 am, 6:30 pm, Wed., 11 am
Church of the Living Christ, Rev. Brian Henry
220 W. Allegheny Rd., P.O. Box 46, Imperial, PA 15126 724/
695-7188, Sun. Svc. 10:30 am, Wed. Family Night 7 pm,
nursery all services, www.cotlc.com
Church of the Nazarene, Pastor Angela Kress
507 Rt. 30, Imperial, PA 15126, 724/947-9223, Sun. School
10 am, Sun. worship 11 am and 6 pm, Wed. 7 pm
Clinton United Presbyterian, Rev. Peter Grosso
Box 175, 25 Wilson Rd., Clinton, PA 15026, 724/695-7993,
Sun. School 9:45 am, Worship 11 am, youth fellowship Sun.
6:30 pm, Nursery during services, youth night Tues. 3:305:30 pm grades 2-5
Clinton Wesleyan, Rev. Ted Chapman
1022 Moon Clinton Rd., Clinton, PA 15026, 724/695-7076,
Sun. School 9:30 am, worship & children’s church 10:45
am, adult bible study, kids club (preschool-gr 6) & youth
group (gr 7-12) Wed. 7-8:15 pm, prayer mtg. Fridays, 6 pm
Crossroads United Methodist, Rev. Steve Cordle 1000
Crossroads Dr., Oakdale, PA 15071, 412/494-9999, Sat.
6:30 pm, Sun. 9 am, 10:15 am, 11:30 am, Wee Kidzone
Ministry-birth-preschool all svcs, Kidzone Ministry, K-5, 6:30
am, 10:15 am, 11:30 am, MS Ministry, Sun., 6-7:30 p.m.,
HS, 7:30-9 pm
Hebron UP
1767 Route 30, Clinton, PA 15026, 724/899-2276
Summer-10 am, Sept.-May-11 am, Sunday School 9:45
am, Sept.-May all ages
Immanuel Orth. Presby. , Pastor Mark Garcia
W. Allegheny Comm. Library Bldg., 8042 Steubenville Pike,
Oakdale PA 15071,412/474-3266,
www.immanuelOPCPgh.org, Sun. 11 am & 6 pm (1:30 pm
first Sun. each month), Sun. morning instruction
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses
198 N. Branch Rd., Oakdale PA 15071, 724/693-8150
Sunday Worship: 10 am, 1 pm, Bible Study Tues. & Thurs.
7:30 pm
Montours UP, Rev. James A. Evans
3151 Montour Church Rd., Oakdale, PA 15071, 412/7871050, 10 am June-Aug, 11 am w/9:30 am Sun. School
Sept-May, Svc. of Wholeness & Healing 2nd Sun monthly
Noblestown UM, Rev. Rich Updegraff
7313 Noblestown Rd., Oakdale, PA 15071-1905
724/693-2755, 9 am service, Sun. Learning & Fellowship
10:15 am pre-school to grade 12 and two adult classes
Noblestown UP, Rev. Dr. Patty Giles-Petrosky
7427 Noblestown Rd., Oakdale, PA 15071
724/693-8250, 10 a.m., Service, 11 am Sun. School
Oakdale UP Church, Rev. Mark Simond
62 Hastings Ave., Oakdale, PA 15071, 724/693-8950
11 a.m., Sunday School 9:30 am
Resurrection Lutheran, Rev. William Winzeler
7600 Steubenville Pike, Oakdale, PA 15071, 412/7884513, Worship & Sun School, 9 am, Bible study, Mon 10
am. Thurs eve open to community for prayer, no worship
St. Columbkille R.C., Rev. Domenic Mancini
103 Church Rd., Imperial, PA 15126, 724/695-7325
Svcs: M-F 8 am, Wed. 7:15 pm, Sat., 6:30 pm, Sun. 7:30
am, 9 am, 10:30 am, noon
St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church
7322 Noblestown Rd., Oakdale, PA 15071,
724/693-9260, www.saint-patrick-parish.com, Parish
Office, 724/693-8447-Rel. Educ.&Youth Min, Sat. 5 pm,
Sun. 9 am, 11:30 am
Valley UP, Pastor Jeri-Lynne Bouterse
237 Main St., Imperial, PA 15126, 724/695-0300-Office,
Worship 10:30 am, Sun. School all ages to adult-9:30 am,
www.valleychurchweb.com
West Ridge Christian Community Church, Rev. Bill
Bolin, 100 Gorwood Dr., Coraopolis, PA 15108, 724/6957500, website: www.wrccc.org, email: 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. AirportArea Chamber of Commerce, 412/264-6270
SNPJ Lodge 106, 724/695-1411 or 695/1100
SturgeonAthletic Association, 724/926-2150
The ROCK Community Center in Oakdale, (724) 693-2777
The Small Business Network (TSBN), 412/367-5979
VFW & LadiesAuxiliary, 412/788-4674 or 724/695-8866
Walden Woods Community Svc.Assn., 724/695-8100
WestAlleghenyAdopt-A-Highway, TBD
West Allegheny HistoricalAssociation, 724/695-2469
Western Ally. Friends to Enhance Library (WAFEL), 724/695-8150
SERVICES
Allegheny Power : 800-255-3443
Bureau of Mine Subsidence: 800-922-1678
Cable TV: Comcast: 412/264-6600
Columbia Gas Co.: 888-460-4332
Community Access TV:
Channel 14: 412/269-1191
Robt. Morris University: 412/262-8377
Dept. of Agriculture: 724/443-1585
Dept. of Elections: 412/350-4500
Dept. Environ. Protection: (814) 332-6945
Dog Licenses: 412/350-4111
Duquesne Light Co.: 800-393-7100
Hankey Farms Swimming Pool: (412) 788-0806
Meals on Wheels: 724/899-3602 or 724/695-0634
Media:
Allegheny Times: (412) 269-1144
Allegheny West Magazine: (724) 695-3968
Post-Gazette West: (724) 375-6814
Tribune Review: (412) 320-7945
Pa. American Water Co.: 800-474-7292
Peoples Gas/Dominion Cust. Svc: 800-764-0111
Settlers Cabin Park, (412) 787-2750, Tennis
Courts, 412/787-2824, Wave Pool, 412/787-2667
Triangle Pet Control: 412/771-7387
Western Alleg. Commun. Library: 724/695-8150
West Allegheny Food Pantry: 724/695-1305
West Allegheny Thrift Store: 724/695-1305
SR. CITIZEN GRPS.
Findlay Township: 724/695-0500
LifeSpan Oakdale Senior Resource Center, at
Oakdale Community Ctr: Seminary Ave.,
Oakdale, 724/693-8540 or 693-2621,
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)
FindlayAthl. Assn., 724/695-7790
Girl Scouts, W.A., 724/693-8493, (724) 695-1366
North Fayette Athletic Association, 412/580-0655
Oakdale Youth League, 724/693-9830
WAYA (Little Indians--WAYouth
Football & CheerleadingAssn.), 724/695-2449
West Allegheny Aqua Club, 724/693-8395
West Allegheny Ice HockeyAssn., 724/695-3144
West Allegheny Youth Soccer, 724/695-1984
or 724/695-0941
WestAllegheny Youth Wrestling, 724/695-3787
WesternArea YMCA, 412/787-3430
Youthtowne, 724/695-2306 or 724/899-3910
Al-A-Non andAla-A-Teen, 724/926-3396
WEST ALLEGHENY SCHOOL GROUPS
Refer to the West Allegheny School District website or
the school district calendar, at
www.westallegheny.k12.pa.us
These lists are updated throughout the year. To
make a change, call Allegheny West Magazine at
724/695-3968 or send an e-mail to:
alleghenywestmagazine@comcast.net.
Allegheny West
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Imperial, PA 15126-1226
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June 2008 - Allegheny West Magazine

Transcription

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