in-fox-chapel-area-spring

SUMMER 2012 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SUMMER 2012 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE ox Chapel Area

Fox Chapel Area School DistrictInformation on the FCASD 2012-2013

Proposed Final Budget

Treasure Hunt A Family Business

Built on Trust

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Fox Chapel Area | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 1

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COMMUNITY INTEREST

The Incomparable Mayor Harry | 6

Fox Chapel Area School District | 9

Treasure Hunt Approaches Golden Anniversary | 31

UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News You Can Use | 33

Boyd Community Center –Bringing Area Residents Together | 58

PGA Tour Stops at Fox Chapel Golf Club | 64

ON THE COVER | Sta� of the Allison Park Treasure Hunt in front of their Route 8 store. Photo by Gary Yon.

FEATURES

Real Estate in Fox Chapel Area | 48

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Ask the DentistFox Chapel Advanced Dental Care | 27

Nine Mistakes to Avoid inRetirement PlanningBPU Investment Management, Inc. | 29

Why Are You Still Waiting? Circulatory Centers | 30

bFit with Boot Camp bFit Studio | 32

Do I Really Need a Hearing Aid in Both Ears? Eartique | 42

Where is the Guest of Honor? Perman Funeral Home | 44

The Skinny on FatBeleza Plastic Surgery | 46

Keep Your Financial SafetyNet IntactJason Shoemaker Agency of Farmer’s Insurance | 66

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

J.E. Balicki & Assoc. Inc. Insurance | 47

Newman Chiropractic | 60

6 5833

INSIDEIN Fox Chapel Area | SUMMER 2012 |

IN Fox Chapel Area is a community magazine dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the people of Fox Chapel Area School District and its comprising municipalities by focusing on the talents and gifts of the people who live and work here. Our goal is to provide readers with the most informative and professional regional publication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

UPMC COVER ONCE PAGES COME IN

64

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If so, we’d like to hear about it. Email your name and contact

information to [email protected].

Fall content deadline: 9/26/12

Welcome to the summer issue of Fox Chapel Area magazine.

�is year, it seems summer started in early March. However, the warm days have given people a reason to get outside early and o�en. Bulbs are blooming earlier and joggers are out in force. So I hope you’ve had a chance to get out there and take advantage of the early summer,

and while you’re at it, let us know what you’re up to. We try to feature as much local content as we can in each issue and hope that you enjoy

that content. Now, we want to get even more local and ask you directly for your stories in each issue. �ese features don’t have to be about you or someone you know doing something extraordinary like climbing Mt. Everest or swimming the English Channel. We want to know what makes our readers tick. It could be that you’ve always wanted a classic �underbird and have been restoring one for the past few years. We’d like to see it, and I’m sure others would too. So let’s start o� with that, since we’re coming into car cruise season: If you or someone you know has a pre�y interesting restoration project going on in the garage, let us know! Email our editor, Pamela Palongue, at [email protected] or call us at 724.942.0940. We’ll be happy to hear your story and may even send one of our photographers out to capture your work for the next issue. Keep in mind, the project doesn’t necessarily need to be current – if you’ve been cruising in your restoration project for some time now, that’s OK, too. But we’d like to know what you did at the nuts-and-bolts level to get your baby roadworthy. If you’re just not sure one way or the other whether you have a good story, call Pamela and she’ll be happy to help you out!

Looking forward to seeing some whitewalls and chrome in the fall issue! Have a great summer!

Wayne Dollard, Publisher

Welcome to the summer issue of

�is year, it seems summer started in early March. However, the warm days have given people a reason to get outside early and o�en. Bulbs are blooming earlier and joggers are out in force. So I hope you’ve had a chance to get out there and take advantage of the early summer,

and while you’re at it, let us know what you’re up to. We try to feature as much local content as we can in each issue and hope that you enjoy

that content. Now, we want to get even more local and ask you directly for your stories in each issue. �ese features don’t have to be about you or someone you know doing

Welcome to the summer issue of

as much local content as we can in each issue and hope that you enjoy that content. Now, we want to get even more local and ask you directly for

Do you have a classic car that you’ve restored?


The Incomparable Mayor Harry

Sby Pamela Palongue

Seldom are public o�cials nearly as much fun as Mayor Harry W. McLaughlin, Jr. Beloved by the whole community, McLaughlin stepped down as mayor of Fox Chapel in March 2012. Despite his recent departure, he is far from �nished with helping the community – or keeping them entertained with his colorful personality.

He is a�ectionately called Mayor Harry by residents, which is indicative of their respect for him sprinkled with a touch of the familiar. His accessibility to everyone with a desire to chat has no doubt helped to secure his position as the head man for 26 years.

�ough McLaughlin can occasionally be spo�ed around town in plaid pajama pants, he is all business when it comes to making the area a be�er place to live. When asked what accomplishment he is most proud of in his tenure as mayor, he quickly answers, “We’ve had a lot of success in combining the di�erent areas into the school district, to the point that we are almost a family.” McLaughlin is referring of course to the amalgamation of the municipalities of Aspinwall, Blawnox, Fox Chapel, Indiana Township, O’Hara Township and Sharpsburg as Fox Chapel School District.

Another notable accomplishment was his help in the formation of All of Us Care, a nonpro�t that works to �ght gang violence and substance abuse among area teens,

along with encouraging a healthy lifestyle. A current board member of the 15-year-old organization, McLaughlin continues his commitment to making sure that the future adults of Fox Chapel are happy, prosperous individuals.

McLaughlin’s bright blue eyes and quick wit are a legacy of his Irish heritage of which he is so proud.

Appropriately he has a golf tournament named in his honor, the McLaughlin Cup. �e Celtic-styled logo for the tournament is an image of his family crest. �e contest is hosted by the prestigious area golf clubs of Oakmont, Fox Chapel Golf Club, Longue Vue Club and the Pi�sburgh Field Club. Each year a di�erent local charity is chosen as bene�ciary of the proceeds.

�is is not the only event to be inspired by the local celebrity. In April 2010, a special “Love the Library” fundraiser was held honoring McLaughlin. �e event included an evening of cocktails and dinner followed by a personal tribute to the mayor by Beckie Toth and Stephanie Veenis entitled, “We’re Just Wild about Harry.”

He beams with pride when he speaks of the new Cooper-Siegel Library opened in April 2011, although he is quick to credit many community o�cials and individuals in helping to bring the beautiful new facility into existence. �e library continues to pay tribute to McLaughlin’s leadership with a special conference room dedicated to him, complete with honey-toned wood bookcases and a massive arched window.

Though many would be content to rest on their laurels, the octogenarian has his sights on yet another project for the future, the renovation of the Boyd Community Center. With funding already in place, McLaughlin is hoping the improvements will begin to take shape in late 2012.


The Incomparable Mayor Harry Though many would be content to rest on their laurels, the octogenarian has his sights on yet another project for the future, the renovation of the Boyd Community Center. With funding already in place, McLaughlin is hoping the improvements will begin to take shape in late 2012.

�ough many would be content to rest on their laurels, the octogenarian has his sights on yet another project for the future, the renovation of the Boyd Community Center. With funding already in place, McLaughlin is hoping the improvements will begin to take shape in late 2012. He continues to serve on the board of both the library and the community center, helping to shape the future of the area.

When he has a spare moment or two and is not a�ending board meetings or fundraisers, he enjoys working on his medium blue 1930 Ford Roadster, with black fenders and yellow wheels. Although the color combination might sound a bit quirky, he insists that it is a thing of beauty.

�e long and successful career of the mayor almost didn’t happen. His �rst a�empt at running for public o�ce in the early 1980s resulted in a one-vote loss in the election for borough

council. “I lost by one vote and there were probably 50 of my friends out playing golf while the election was

going on,” laughs McLaughlin with a twinkle in his eye. “If they would have been voting

instead of gol�ng, I might have won the election.”

McLaughlin lives in Fox Chapel with his wife Zandie, who is also an active supporter of the Cooper-Siegel Library.

octogenarian has his sights on yet

council. “I lost by one vote and there were probably 50 of my friends out playing golf while the election was

going on,” laughs McLaughlin with a twinkle in his eye. “If they would have been voting

instead of gol�ng, I might have won the election.”

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everyday you spend supporting others

P lans are in the works for the 15th Guyasuta Days in Sharpsburg, held each year at Kennedy Park at 13th and North Canal streets.

�e Guyasuta Days Commi�ee is gearing up for another huge celebration which will be held August 1-6, from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly, with a special Kids Day on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. During these hours all the kids’ activities will be free, which will include games, hot dogs and carnival rides.

Also, the commi�ee will award a $1,000 scholarship during the festival which is available to area students. �e deadline to apply for the scholarship is June 15, 2012, and information on applying can be found on the borough website at www.sharpsburgborough.com.

“We try to include the entire community in this festival and we have people come from the whole area to participate,” says Roxane Magnelli, president of the Guyasuta Days Commi�ee. �e vendors include local businesses, churches and other nonpro�t organizations. “We really try to encourage a variety of vendors to participate,” she adds.

�ere will be live entertainment every night with a di�erent music genre featured each night, varying from swing to so� rock and admission to the event is free.

Bingo will also be o�ered nightly, along with games of chance. A variety of food vendors are scheduled, o�ering pizza, sandwiches, barbeque, turkey legs and wings, funnel cakes and ice cream. According to Magnelli, there will also be a “Free Corn Night” in

which delicious roasted corn will be available to patrons. One of the highlights of the event will be the �reworks on Saturday

evening at 10 p.m. presented by Sharpsburg Borough. “In addition to the borough, several major sponsors from the area, including our longtime sponsor Northwest Bank, help to make the celebration possible,” says Magnelli. “It’s really a festival type of atmosphere and everybody comes to it.”

�is year’s Guyasuta Days promises to be great fun for all ages, with interesting new entertainment and vendors. For more information on a�ending the event or becoming a vendor or sponsor, please visit the website at www.sharpsburgborough.com.

8 Fox Chapel Area

Sharpsburg

P

Guyasuta Days


How di�cult would it be to plan your household expenditures for a year if you had no idea what your income was going to be? �at is what school districts face

annually as superintendents and business managers meet the state-mandated timeline to adopt a balanced budget. When preparing the revenue side of the budget, we have to estimate the percentage of tax collection and the funding that will be provided in the state budget. �e process is becoming more challenging each year as state funding for student programs decreases while there is little to no relief from unfunded mandates enacted by the legislature.

One of the greatest challenges facing public schools today is meeting the rising cost of funding the Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS). �e Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement Act became law in 1917. PSERS is a governmental, mandatory, multiemployer, de�ned-bene�t pension plan for Pennsylvania school employees. �ere are approximately

550,000 members including those who are active, retired, vested, and inactive. �e fund balance of PSERS grew as anticipated for many years, but government intervention, declining investment returns, and the continued sluggish economy all contributed to the precarious fund balance position currently faced by school districts in Pennsylvania. PSERS is funded by employee contributions from their earned salary, school district and state government contributions, and investment earnings. Contributions on the part of both employers and employees have increased steadily, but the investment income has su�ered dramatically over the past few years. �is has lead to the current funding dilemma. As you review the 2012-2013 budget, you will see an increased cost for PSERS of 60.66 percent, or $2,043,842! It is anticipated that the increase for 2013-2014 will be 36.50 percent, or $1,975,608! It doesn’t end there. Increases in double-digit �gures are anticipated to continue through the 2015-2016 school year.

�e Fox Chapel Area School District Board of School Directors has been �scally responsible in preparing for the PSERS increase and the long-term impact that will result from Act 1, the 2006 legislation that limits raising taxes to fund education to an index that is determined by the state each year. �e 2012-2013 operating budget re�ects a balanced budget with no increase in taxes. You will also see that the district has a designated fund balance of more than $9 million committed to o�set the rising cost of PSERS, approximately $4 million for capital projects, and an unassigned fund of more than $6 million kept in reserve for unanticipated or catastrophic emergencies. Even with this type of sound �scal management, without increased support from the state and relief from unfunded mandates such as the use of public tax dollars to fund charter schools, the Fox Chapel Area School District will have �nancial di�culties in the near future.

We are often asked about the bene�t of the reassessments in funding education. Because of Pennsylvania’s anti-windfall law, the taxing bodies are not allowed to receive a huge revenue boost when new assessments are completed. In fact, they are mandated to reduce the tax rate (millage) to keep the total amount of tax collected in line with the previous year. If a taxpayer’s assessment goes up, but the millage goes down, one may actually end up paying less than the previous year. �e impact of the reassessments will not be re�ected until the 2013-2014 budget year.

�e 2012-2013 proposed �nal budget is outlined on the following pages. We believe that it re�ects sound management practices while continuing to provide our families with a superior education. �ank you for your amazing support of the Fox Chapel Area School District.

Anne E. Stephens, Ph.D.Superintendent

recommended 2012-2013 BUDGET:A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

f o x c h a p e l a r e a s c h o o l d i s t r i c t

2012 fcasd Community AR_draft.indd 1 5/4/12 8:30 AM

10 Fox Chapel Area

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2012-2013 PROPOSED FINAL BUDGET

The 2012-2013 Fox Chapel Area School District proposed �nal budget calls for budgetary expenditures of $81,405,450. �e increase in expenditures over the previous year’s �nal budget is projected at $1,748,706, or 2.2 percent. �e proposed �nal budget will not

increase the property tax rate and the millage rate will remain at 21.5576 mills. �e value of a mill for the 2012-2013 school year is estimated to be $2,653,386. �e School Board approved the 2012-2013 proposed �nal budget at its regular business meeting May 14, 2012. �e public will have the opportunity to learn more about the budget and make comments at a public information session that will be held �ursday, June 7. �e session was called by the district administration and is not an o�cial meeting of the Board of School Directors. �e Board is also expected to discuss the proposed �nal budget June 4 and June 11 during its meetings, and the Board is expected to pass a �nal 2012-2013 budget at the special year-end meeting June 18. Residents are invited to attend the information session and School Board meetings that will be held at 7 p.m. in the high school large group instruction room. �e 2012-2013 proposed �nal budget re�ects the following:— Salary line items are expected to increase 5.66 percent from last year’s budget.— Premium costs for medical insurance are projected to increase 4.75 percent for next year.— �e school district’s contribution rate paid to the Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS)

will increase from 8.65 percent to 12.36 percent. �e school district will be contributing $5,412,970 to PSERS in 2012-2013, compared to $3,369,128 in 2011-2012 – a 60.66 percent increase in cost to the district. �e trustees of PSERS determine the contribution rate increase annually.

— Tuition costs for charter schools are anticipated to rise by 11 percent.— �e proposed �nal budget eliminates any transfer into the capital projects fund and reduces annual

debt service obligations by 16.68 percent. �e 2012-2013 proposed �nal budget is endorsed by the district’s Resource Planning Committee, a group of residents with �nancial and management backgrounds that provide additional expertise to the School Board on �nancial matters.

Looking to the Future �e district will continue to face di�cult budget years in the near future. It is estimated that under the current rate structure proposed for funding the state retirement system (PSERS), the district will pay out nearly $120 million over the next 10 years. �ese unprecedented increases – combined with the ever-changing reassessment process in Allegheny County that will take e�ect in 2013, and the limitations on increasing tax rates imposed under Act 1 – have necessitated the district to prepare for future potential shortfalls in the budget. �e district currently has committed fund balance reserves to cover the anticipated PSERS increases of $9.2 million. �e district will need to utilize these funds to “bridge” the gap in funding until the tax rates can keep pace and fund these costs. �e district continues to reduce payroll costs through attrition and implement new instructional and administrative strategies to make the district more e�cient and cost e�ective. In addition, the district continues to plan for future capital improvements and maintains a reserve to help fund these capital projects and reduce the need to borrow excess funds. As the district pays o� its current bond obligations by 2016, it continues to monitor rates and anticipate future borrowing in order to maintain level debt expenditures in its budget and avoid unnecessary tax increases to the taxpayers. By implementing sound �nancial strategies to manage expenditures and anticipate revenue shortfalls, the district’s future �nancial health is stronger than many in the commonwealth.

Gaming Funds Distribution* On May 1, 2012, the Pennsylvania Department of Education informed the Fox Chapel Area School District that its share of gaming funds available for distribution will be $1,465,304. �e method of distributing these funds, as prescribed by Act 1, the Taxpayer Relief Act, will be via the implementation of the homestead exclusion. Under this provision, any property in the school district that was approved by Allegheny County as a homestead will have the lesser of its taxable value, or $8,423 of its taxable value, excluded for the purpose of calculating current school district real estate taxes for the 2012 tax year. �e owners of the 8,069 properties in the district that quali�ed for the homestead exclusion will receive the equivalent of a $181 reduction in their property taxes. �is distribution is based on the release of $615,600,000 in statewide gaming funds collected by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. Property owners who currently do not have an approved homestead exclusion will have the opportunity to apply again when the district sends out letters to those homeowners in December 2012.

2 0 1 2 - 2 0 1 3 P R O P O S E D F I N A L B U D G E T



HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2012-2013 PROPOSED FINAL BUDGET

The 2012-2013 Fox Chapel Area School District proposed �nal budget calls for budgetary expenditures of $81,405,450. �e increase in expenditures over the previous year’s �nal budget is projected at $1,748,706, or 2.2 percent. �e proposed �nal budget will not

increase the property tax rate and the millage rate will remain at 21.5576 mills. �e value of a mill for the 2012-2013 school year is estimated to be $2,653,386. �e School Board approved the 2012-2013 proposed �nal budget at its regular business meeting May 14, 2012. �e public will have the opportunity to learn more about the budget and make comments at a public information session that will be held �ursday, June 7. �e session was called by the district administration and is not an o�cial meeting of the Board of School Directors. �e Board is also expected to discuss the proposed �nal budget June 4 and June 11 during its meetings, and the Board is expected to pass a �nal 2012-2013 budget at the special year-end meeting June 18. Residents are invited to attend the information session and School Board meetings that will be held at 7 p.m. in the high school large group instruction room. �e 2012-2013 proposed �nal budget re�ects the following:— Salary line items are expected to increase 5.66 percent from last year’s budget.— Premium costs for medical insurance are projected to increase 4.75 percent for next year.— �e school district’s contribution rate paid to the Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS)

will increase from 8.65 percent to 12.36 percent. �e school district will be contributing $5,412,970 to PSERS in 2012-2013, compared to $3,369,128 in 2011-2012 – a 60.66 percent increase in cost to the district. �e trustees of PSERS determine the contribution rate increase annually.

— Tuition costs for charter schools are anticipated to rise by 11 percent.— �e proposed �nal budget eliminates any transfer into the capital projects fund and reduces annual

debt service obligations by 16.68 percent. �e 2012-2013 proposed �nal budget is endorsed by the district’s Resource Planning Committee, a group of residents with �nancial and management backgrounds that provide additional expertise to the School Board on �nancial matters.

Looking to the Future �e district will continue to face di�cult budget years in the near future. It is estimated that under the current rate structure proposed for funding the state retirement system (PSERS), the district will pay out nearly $120 million over the next 10 years. �ese unprecedented increases – combined with the ever-changing reassessment process in Allegheny County that will take e�ect in 2013, and the limitations on increasing tax rates imposed under Act 1 – have necessitated the district to prepare for future potential shortfalls in the budget. �e district currently has committed fund balance reserves to cover the anticipated PSERS increases of $9.2 million. �e district will need to utilize these funds to “bridge” the gap in funding until the tax rates can keep pace and fund these costs. �e district continues to reduce payroll costs through attrition and implement new instructional and administrative strategies to make the district more e�cient and cost e�ective. In addition, the district continues to plan for future capital improvements and maintains a reserve to help fund these capital projects and reduce the need to borrow excess funds. As the district pays o� its current bond obligations by 2016, it continues to monitor rates and anticipate future borrowing in order to maintain level debt expenditures in its budget and avoid unnecessary tax increases to the taxpayers. By implementing sound �nancial strategies to manage expenditures and anticipate revenue shortfalls, the district’s future �nancial health is stronger than many in the commonwealth.

Gaming Funds Distribution* On May 1, 2012, the Pennsylvania Department of Education informed the Fox Chapel Area School District that its share of gaming funds available for distribution will be $1,465,304. �e method of distributing these funds, as prescribed by Act 1, the Taxpayer Relief Act, will be via the implementation of the homestead exclusion. Under this provision, any property in the school district that was approved by Allegheny County as a homestead will have the lesser of its taxable value, or $8,423 of its taxable value, excluded for the purpose of calculating current school district real estate taxes for the 2012 tax year. �e owners of the 8,069 properties in the district that quali�ed for the homestead exclusion will receive the equivalent of a $181 reduction in their property taxes. �is distribution is based on the release of $615,600,000 in statewide gaming funds collected by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. Property owners who currently do not have an approved homestead exclusion will have the opportunity to apply again when the district sends out letters to those homeowners in December 2012.



MILLAGE IMPACT ON PROPERTY OWNERS

Market Value $50,000 $100,000 $200,000 $300,000 Assessed Value $50,000 $100,000 $200,000 $300,000 Proposed Final Budget (21.5576 Mills) $1,078 $2,156 $4,312 $6,467 Annual Cost of 1 Mill $50 $100 $200 $300 Monthly Cost of 1 Mill $4.17 $8.33 $16.67 $25

1.) �ese amounts can be reduced by two percent if paid in full during the discount period.2.) Senior citizens may qualify for a property tax rebate program available through the state.3.) �e market value/assessed value will be reduced by $8,423 for those homeowners in the

Fox Chapel Area School District with an approved homestead exclusion.


$66,369,595

$13,136,489

*Allegheny County has certi�ed that there are 8,069 properties in the Fox Chapel Area School District that qualify for the homestead exclusion. If that number is adjusted by the county to include more or less properties, it could a�ect the amount of the �nal reduction.

2012-2013 proposed final budget

Revenues/Unassigned Fund Balance

Expenditures/Budgetary Reserve

1000 - Instruction, 2100 - Pupil Personnel, 2200 - Instructional Support Services, 2400 - Pupil Health: 64.7% - $56,621,210

2300/2500 - Administration: 7.1% - $6,216,203

2600 - Operation & Maintenance: 7.6% - $6,698,236

2700 - Student Transportation: 4.6% - $4,004,002

2000 - Remaining Support Svcs.: 0.9% - $746,652

3000 - Noninstructional Svcs.: 2.3% - $2,038,434

4000 - Facilities: 0.2% - $164,137

5000 - Other Financing: 5.6% - $4,916,576

5900 - Reserve: 7.0% - $6,165,166

6000 - Local: 75.79% - $66,369,595

7000 - State: 15.00% - $13,136,489

8000 - Federal: 1.35% - $1,183,344

9000 - Other Financing: 0.82% - $716,022

Unassigned Fund Balance: 7.04% - $6,165,166

$6,165,166$716,022

$1,183,344

$6,165,166

$4,916,576

$164,137

$2,038,434

$746,652

$4,004,002

-$6,698,236

– $6,216,203

$56,621,210


12 Fox Chapel Area


Proposed final budget insight

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTION 1300 & 14002012-2013 ...................................... $1,132,7992011-2012 ...................................... $1,747,395Decrease of ........................................ -$614,596% of change .........................................-35.17%Cost per student ........................................ $262% of budget ............................................1.39%

Includes:Vo-tech, English as a Second Language (ESL), homebound, Title I services, and summer and Saturday classes.

Comments:1. �ere is a reduction of costs for summer and

homebound instruction based on estimated actuals.

2. Costs �uctuate annually based on the number of students who require services.

3. �e cost for federal programs has been reallocated from the 1400 budget code to the 1190 budget code per Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements.

PUPIL PERSONNEL 2100

2012-2013 ......................................$2,909,5342011-2012 ......................................$2,520,029Increase of ..........................................$389,505% of change ..........................................15.46%Cost per student ........................................$674% of budget ............................................3.57%

Includes:Salaries and fringe bene�ts for guidance counselors, district psychologists, a share of the administrative sta� in charge of the program, and support sta�. Supplies, services, and equipment to operate the program are also included.

Comments:1. Includes costs for outside programs and

university programs previously allocated under administration (the 2300 budget code).

INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES 2200 2012-2013 ...................................... $3,573,3772011-2012 ...................................... $2,719,212Increase of .......................................... $854,165% of change ..........................................31.41%Cost per student ........................................ $827% of budget ............................................4.39%(Continued next page)

REGULAR INSTRUCTION 1100

2012-2013 ................................... $37,161,7302011-2012 ................................... $34,729,205Increase of ..................................... $2,432,525% of change ..........................................7.00%Cost per student .................................... $8,604% of budget ........................................45.65%

Includes:Regular instructional program salaries and fringe bene�ts for teachers in addition to textbooks, district program contracts, supplies, and equipment.

Comments:1. Includes salary and fringe bene�t increases for

professional sta� members. 2. Includes the cost of workbooks and

textbooks, and increased costs of repair and maintenance of equipment.

3. �e cost for federal programs has been reallocated from the 1400 budget code to the 1190 budget code per Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements.

SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS 1200 2012-2013 ................................... $11,102,6732011-2012 ................................... $11,338,340Decrease of .......................................-$235,667% of change ......................................... -2.08%Cost per student .................................... $2,571% of budget .........................................13.64%

Includes:Salaries and fringe bene�ts for special education and gifted teachers and paraprofessionals. Services are mandated for life skills and learning, emotional, autistic, hearing, vision, orthopedic, and speech/language support, as well as gifted education. Also includes occupational and physical therapies, specialized materials, technology, purchased services, and tuition.

Comments: 1. �e cost for services requested from the

Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) has been reduced to the estimated actual based on need.

2. Tuition costs for students placed in outside agencies have been decreased to estimated actuals.

Salary and fringe bene�t costs are increased for all district personnel in all budget categories.



Includes: Salaries and fringe bene�ts for school librarians, curriculum coordinators, and support sta�. Supplies, equipment, and purchased services for curriculum development, audio visual, library, educational television, technology, and computer-assisted instruction, as well as funds to support safety and security are also included.

Comments: 1. Leased technology equipment and district

software and license fees have been reallocated to this budget code.

2. �e curriculum and sta� development personnel have been allocated to this budget code from the 2300 budget code.

ADMINISTRATION 2300

2012-2013 ......................................$5,385,9642011-2012 ......................................$5,812,043Decrease of ........................................-$426,079% of change .......................................... -7.33%Cost per student .....................................$1,247% of budget ............................................6.62%

Includes:Salaries and fringe bene�ts for district resource sta�, school principals, and clerical support sta�. Expenditures for tax collection and legal services are also included.

Comments: 1. �e reduction is due to the reclassi�cation of

student services to the 2100 budget code.2. �e directors of curriculum and sta�

development have been reclassi�ed to the 2200 budget code.

PUPIL HEALTH 2400

2012-2013 .........................................$741,0972011-2012 .........................................$635,606Increase of ..........................................$105,491% of change ..........................................16.60%Cost per student ........................................$172% of budget ............................................0.91%

Includes: Salaries and fringe bene�ts for the nursing sta� and a clerk. Also includes the fees for doctor and dental exams and nursing services the district must provide for private and parochial schools. Supplies and equipment to operate the program are also included.

OPERATION & MAINTENANCE 2600 2012-2013 ......................................$6,698,2362011-2012 ......................................$7,013,673Decrease of ........................................-$315,437% of change .......................................... -4.50%Cost per student .....................................$1,551% of budget ............................................8.23%

Includes:Salaries and fringe bene�ts for the custodial and maintenance sta� plus utility costs, custodial supplies, and equipment. Services needed to maintain the district’s physical plant are included, plus salaries and fringe bene�ts for those responsible for the coordination of the operation and maintenance of the district’s facilities.

Comments: 1. �ere is a reduction in the cost of

maintenance and repair agreements for technology services.

2. �ere is a reduction in the cost for communications services by changing the district’s services and providers.

3. �ere is a reduction in the utility costs for natural gas and electricity.

4. Districtwide duplicating services was moved to the 2540 budget code.

BUSINESS/DATA SERVICES 2500 & 2800 2012-2013 ..................................... $1,465,3712011-2012 ........................................ $794,905Increase of ........................................ $670,466% of change ........................................84.35%Cost per student ....................................... $339% of budget ..........................................1.80%

Includes:Salaries and fringe bene�ts of business/data o�ce sta� along with supplies, expenses, and purchased services to conduct the business and data processing functions of the district. Also includes expenditures for video, voice, data networking equipment, and districtwide duplicating equipment.

Comments: 1. �e increase is due to the reallocation of

districtwide duplicating services to the business services area of the budget.




14 Fox Chapel Area

NONINSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES 3000 2012-2013 ......................................$2,038,4342011-2012 ......................................$1,998,509Increase of ............................................$39,925% of change ........................................... 2.00%Cost per student ........................................$472% of budget ........................................... 2.50%

Includes:Salaries and supplies for student activities and athletic programs, in addition to transportation and event management for these programs.

Comments:1. �e costs of supplemental contracts and

o�cials’ fees are increasing.2. �e costs for supplies and �eld/facility

maintenance for interscholastic events are increasing.

FACILITIES 4000

2012-2013 .........................................$164,1372011-2012 .........................................$410,851Decrease of ...................................... -$246,714% of change ....................................... -60.05%Cost per student ..........................................$38% of budget .......................................... 0.20%

Includes:Funds for site and building improvements.

Comments: 1. �e district is conducting a feasibility study

of facilities with regard to possible future renovations and upgrades.

2. �ere is a high school pool repair project scheduled for the summer of 2012.

OTHER FINANCING 5000

2011-2012 ......................................$4,916,5762011-2012 ......................................$5,901,154Decrease of ....................................... -$984,578% of change ........................................ -16.68%Cost per student .....................................$1,138% of budget ........................................... 6.04%

Includes:Debt service (mortgage) payments on building renovations and refunds of tax payments received in previous years.

Comments: 1. �e district retired 2003 series bonds to

lower the annual debt obligation.


STUDENT TRANSPORTATION 2700 2012-2013 ..................................... $4,004,0022011-2012 ..................................... $3,917,372Increase of ........................................... $86,630% of change ...........................................2.21%Cost per student ....................................... $927% of budget ...........................................4.92%

Includes:�e transportation contract with the bus contractor for all of the district’s regular transportation including private, parochial, and special needs schools. Also includes transportation for state-mandated early intervention programs for prekindergarten-age children (this transportation is also provided throughout the summer months, as well as during the school year).

Comments: 1. �is budget re�ects an increase in costs in the

transportation services agreement.

AIU BUDGET 2900

2012-2013 ........................................ $111,5202011-2012 ........................................ $118,450Decrease of ...........................................-$6,930% of change ......................................... -5.85%Cost per student ......................................... $26% of budget ...........................................0.14%

Includes:�e district’s share of the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) administrative budget.

Comments: 1. �e decrease is based on the AIU-approved

budget.



Q&A

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Allegheny County Reassessments & the

Fox Chapel Area School District

A s the reassessment process moves forward in Allegheny County and citizens are receiving their notices

of reassessment, district o�ce sta� members have �elded questions from concerned taxpayers. �e following list of questions and answers is being provided to help Fox Chapel Area School District residents be�er understand the reassessment process and its implications.

It is important to note that the property reassessments in Allegheny County will not go into e�ect until January 1, 2013. �e reassessments will not a�ect the school district’s millage rate or revenues for the upcoming 2012-2013 school year.

How much will the district bene�t from the current reassessments?

Under Act 1 of 2006, the district is not permi�ed to see a windfall in tax revenue beyond the established index of the prior �scal year. For the Fox Chapel Area School District, this means that the revenue generated by the established millage rate in 2013 cannot exceed 1.7 percent. In other words, the district will be required to reduce its current millage rate to avoid any windfall in additional tax revenue from local taxpayers that may be created by the property reassessment. Residents should also note that the Fox Chapel Area School District cannot and did not initiate the reassessment process. However, the district must comply with the regulations within the Pennsylvania legislation and Act 1 when establishing millage rates for 2013.

What was the overall increase in property assessments to the district as a result of reassessments?

Currently, the district’s total taxable reassessment values have increased by 28 percent. However, this number will be adjusted following the appeal process.

How much will the tax millage be adjusted?

If the district’s �nal taxable assessed values were certi�ed today, the millage rate would need to be decreased by 4.49 mills to avoid any windfall in tax revenue. Again, this rate adjustment will change as taxpayers �le appeals on their current reassessments. Final certi�ed values are not anticipated to be received by the district until January 2013.

When will the new assessments go into e�ect?

�e new assessed values will go into e�ect for the 2013 taxable year. Property owners will see the new millage rate re�ected on their school district tax bills that will be mailed July 1, 2013.

Why is the reassessment occurring?

�e Allegheny County reassessment is the result of a legal decision handed down by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. �e underlying intention of conducting reassessments is to ensure that each taxpayer is paying their equitable share of the local tax burden. �e process is intended to establish the fair market value of a home today.

What do residents do if their reassessment seems unfair?

Residents can appeal their reassessment if they feel the new assessed value of their property has been established at a value that exceeds the current fair market value of the property. Each taxpayer must determine if their new assessed value is fair with respect to the current market value of their property. Taxpayers who determine that it is inequitable should seek answers through the appeals process. Information regarding this process should have arrived in the mail with the new reassessed property values.

Will the district appeal any reassessed property values?

�e district solicitor will evaluate all properties and determine if the proposed 2013 assessed value is lower than 85 percent of the fair market value of the property. If this is determined, the district may appeal the property assessed value to seek equity for all property owners in the Fox Chapel Area School District. Keep in mind the school district will not be permi�ed to incur a windfall of additional tax revenue beyond the already established index of 1.7 percent.

For additional facts concerning the Allegheny County property reassessments, go to: www.alleghenycounty.us/opa/faqs.aspx.



16 Fox Chapel Area

The Fox Chapel Area School District has been named among the 2012 “Best Communities for Music Education” by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation.

Nationally, 166 school districts and 10 independent schools, including �ve school districts from southwestern Pennsylvania, were selected for this prestigious designation.

�e districts and schools that were chosen as the “Best Communities for Music Education” were selected based on answers to detailed survey questions addressing funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and other relevant factors in their communities’ music education programs.

According to Fox Chapel Area School District Superintendent Anne E. Stephens, Ph.D., “Music education

in the Fox Chapel Area School District is an integral part of our academic program. �e teachers at each level are extremely gi�ed in their �eld. �eir love of their program and love of teaching children music is evident.”

�e NAMM Foundation is a nonpro�t organization dedicated to advancing active participation in music-making across the lifespan by supporting scienti�c research, philanthropic giving, and public service programs from the international music products industry. Established in 1999, the Best Communities for Music Education survey is a nationwide search for communities who provide access to music education as an essential part of a complete education and exemplify commitment and support for music education.

K eeping the teaching and learning process personal for each child

is important to Tammy Wolicki, Ed.D., the school district’s new coordinator of elementary education and instruction. She points out that a major challenge public education faces is keeping personalization in perspective, despite the push for standardization and testing.

“We know students want and need a personalized education,”

Dr. Wolicki states. “We must look at children as individuals and evaluate their needs and balance what we provide with a continued focus on state standards.”

No stranger to education, Dr. Wolicki is also somewhat familiar with Fox Chapel Area following research she conducted in the district in 2010 for her dissertation. Her research focused on highly e�ective school districts that promote teacher leadership.

“Based on the information that I gathered, I found this to be a wonderful school system,” she says. “A�er visiting and interviewing teachers and administrators of the Fox Chapel Area School District, it was evident that this is a great school system.”

Dr. Wolicki looks forward to learning more about the district as she delves into her new position. “I always take the �rst step of look, listen, and learn,” she says. “I want to listen to the teachers and my

fellow administrators and �nd out what’s working in the district. I want to be here to support and continue those great things.”

She adds that, even though it’s a time of change for public education, it’s an exciting time – a time of opportunity. “With the adoption of the new Common Core State Standards, we’re changing not just what we teach, but how we teach. We are �nding that we need to teach di�erent things at younger ages. However, we need to keep a focus on developing understanding as children learn at much greater levels of depth than in the past.”

Before coming to Fox Chapel Area, Dr. Wolicki worked in the Greensburg Salem School District in Greensburg for seven years where she was, most recently, the director of curricular services for kindergarten-twel�h grade for four years. Prior to that she served the district as a middle school principal for three years. She also worked in the Hemp�eld Area School District where she was an elementary principal, an assistant middle school principal, and a teacher. All together, Dr. Wolicki has 21 years of experience in public education.

Describing herself as an avid reader, Dr. Wolicki says, “I read a lot about educational topics and issues. I love learning.”

She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from California University of Pennsylvania. She earned her doctorate degree in 2011 from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Wolicki lives in Latrobe with her husband John. She has a 19-year-old daughter, Lauren. Her stepson Zachary and his wife have a one-year-old daughter, Kennedy.

She replaces Ron Korenich, Ed.D., who retired in June 2011 a�er 33 years of service to the district.

Teaching and Learning Process is Personal for New Administrator

program, and other relevant factors in

advancing active participation in music-making across the lifespan by supporting scienti�c research, philanthropic giving, and public service programs from the international music products industry. Established in 1999, the Best Communities for Music Education survey is a nationwide search for communities who provide access to music education as an essential part of a complete education and exemplify commitment and support for music education.

Man�ed Honeck, the music director of the Pi�sburgh Symphony Orchestra, coaches students �om the Fox Chapel Area High School Ambassador Orchestra

as part of an orchestral master class.

Fox Chapel Area Named one of “Best Communities for Music Education”

Designed to expose students to careers and opportunities in the

STEMM fields

Fox Chapel Area High School has announced it will sponsor the �rst-ever Western Pennsylvania Summer STEMM (Science,

Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine) Academy. �e four-week academy is designed to help prepare students to be globally competitive in a future where STEMM pathways and careers will be in demand.

Participating students will have the opportunity to interact with doctors, professors, engineers, and business professionals from healthcare institutions, universities, research labs, and corporations. Fox Chapel Area teacher facilitators have developed the STEMM curriculum and the components include an intense study of science, math, engineering, technology, business, and professional writing for all participants. Students will hear guest speakers and participate in roundtable discussions and �eld experiences. In addition, students will have the opportunity to participate in project-based learning activities which will give them experience working in teams, sharpening presentation skills, and addressing current topics in the STEMM �elds.

According to Fox Chapel Area High School Senior/Lead Principal Michael Hower, the STEMM Academy will expose students to many di�erent types of careers and opportunities in the STEMM �elds. Additionally, it will strengthen

student partnerships with businesses, medical and educational institutions, and future employers.

Mr. Hower says, “�e STEMM Academy will provide a project-based learning environment where students are exposed to the types of challenges scientists and engineers engage in regularly.” He believes that the STEMM Academy is integral to a student’s experience as, “�ere is a national emphasis on these pathways and we want to give students in our region opportunities to learn more about these �elds.”

�e Western Pennsylvania Summer STEMM Academy is open to rising high school juniors and seniors and is not limited to Fox Chapel Area students. However, space is limited and openings will be �lled on a �rst-come, �rst-served basis. �e STEMM Academy begins on July 9 and will run for four weeks, Mondays through �ursdays, at Fox Chapel Area High School. �e sessions begin at 9 a.m. and run until noon, except for �eld experience days which will have extended hours. �e total cost is $400 and students must provide their own transportation, except for �eld experiences. Students participating in the STEMM Academy will earn a certi�cate of completion. For more information, visit h�p://stemm.fcasd.edu, e-mail [email protected], or phone (412) 967-2430.

Western Pennsylvania Summer STEMM Academy

to Run July 9-August 2

STEMM Academy goals are based on the national STEM initiative (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), plus, Fox Chapel Area has included the field of medicine. The goals of STEMM are to increase academic achievement in math and science and to increase STEMM enrichment experiences available to students.


18 Fox Chapel Area

The individual stories of ten veterans, as told to student interviewers at Fox Chapel Area High School, will become a part of the lasting legacy that is the national Veterans History

Project. David Berman… William Cammarata… Nick Demicheli… John Galanski… Sean Godfrey… John Lednak… Gerald Moynihan… �omas Reilly… Gary Rygielski… Ryan Sha�er —veterans of the Vietnam War and Operation Iraqi Freedom — were introduced by masters of ceremony seniors Jack Millard and Ryan Shymansky and honored at a moving, student-planned opening ceremony. �e veterans were then interviewed by �ve high school seniors from the English 12 accelerated journalism class, including Hannah Leizerowski, Emily Owens, Tanner Patsko, Emma �ompson, and Morgan Tucker. �e interviews were taped by television production class students and the tapes of those interviews will be sent to the Library of Congress to be included as part of the Veterans History Project.

It took 42 students to plan the opening ceremony, act as hosts for the veterans, research and interview each of them, and record their interviews. Senior Anna Roc created the Patriots of Freedom logo for the event, and senior Erin Zoller designed the program. Students in an educational technology class printed the program and

made banners and thank you mugs for the veterans. Before the ceremony, musical entertainment was performed by a quartet comprised of senior students. Senior Jennifer Wallisch sang God Bless America, and senior Sarah Ogren recited “Praise Song for the Day,”

a poem by Elizabeth Alexander. Josh Norkevicus, also a senior, coordinated the taping, including

arranging for videographers, se�ing up the microphones and cameras, and making certain the equipment worked so that the interviews would go o� without a hitch. Josh speci�cally mentioned how proud he was of all the participating students who went above and beyond. “We had the best of the best selected. �ey did a phenomenal job,” Josh said. “�e veterans were touched by the fantastic job the students did for the program.”

Teacher Jennifer Klein said the students gained valuable civic and historical lessons and a greater respect for war veterans. “I was very proud of the wonderful collaboration between the students from various classes and departments. �ey put together a wonderful event,” she said. “I hope each veteran le� with a sense that their service was valued and appreciated by the students.”

Before the interviews, the students had to prepare in advance. �ey researched each of the veterans by reading their biographies and conducting Internet searches. Some watched documentaries and read about the war that the veteran

High School Students Interview Veterans for the Library of Congress


William Cammarata, who served as a commissioned o�cer in the U.S. Army �om 1966-1968 and served in Vietnam, stands as his name is announced. All of the veterans interviewed were honored as part of the opening ceremony.

A string quartet performed prior to the Patriots of Freedom opening ceremony.

they were interviewing fought in. Some even called their veterans and spoke to them prior to the interviews.

Hannah said it was important to hear the individual stories. “All the veterans faced di�erent obstacles, even if they were in the same war,” she commented.

�e United States Congress created the Veterans Project, and it was signed into law on October 27, 2000. Stories from veterans of World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and the Iraq and Afghanistan con�icts are included in the collection so that they can be a part of history. �e Fox Chapel Area High School students partnered with Congressman Jason Altmire for the March event and the students provided each veteran with a copy of their interview so they can share it with family and friends.

According to Mrs. Klein, the project o�ered students the opportunity to show their respect to the veterans, but also provided them a perspective on war that students don’t o�en have the chance to experience.

Emily agreed, saying, “�e experience was much di�erent from what you read in the textbooks.”

Tanner added, “�is should be a tradition here. It opened our eyes to U.S. history.”


Below: Veteran Gerald Moynihan, who served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War �om 1969-1971, looks at memorabilia with students.

Photo by Anna Roc

Le�: Captain �omas Reilly, a veteran of the Vietnam War, is interviewed by a Fox Chapel Area High School student for the Library of Congress project.

Above: David Berman, Ph.D., a commissioned o�cer �om July 1967 until June 1969 in Vietnam, meets with students. He currently lives in Aspinwall and is an associate professor at the University of Pi�sburgh.


20 Fox Chapel Area

Students Write to Promote

Their Community

iPods, iPads, iPhones. Many adults don’t feel comfortable operating these technological tools that their children use every day. �at’s why Dorseyville Middle School sponsored Parent Night on April 25 – to take the mystery out of technology and the apps used to enhance education. �e program gave parents the opportunity to use these devices and to also learn how educational strategies help their children become successful learners. More than 20 sessions were o�ered so that parents could participate in hands-on, problem-based learning and di�erentiated instructional techniques that their middle schoolers experience daily at DMS. Additionally, there were also sessions led by guidance counselors and other sta� members that dealt with common issues that face teens and their families. About 200 parents of middle schoolers, plus parents of current ��h graders, a�ended the Parent Night.

Middle School Parents Experience Classroom

Technology

Parents listen as art teacher Cheryl E�ers leads them through a virtual art experience

using an app on the iPad.

Middle schoolers enter the classroom with many di�erent needs. Science teacher Peggy Perdue helped parents experience some of the successful strategies used in a classroom of diverse learners.

A parent works with an iPod as part of “iPods and Cell Phones, and Apps, Oh My!!” Parents completed a multiple-choice pretest and could see how test results help teachers make decisions on how to deliver instruction. �e session was led by teacher Cathie Gillner.

Language arts teacher Chris Studebaker demonstrates how he uses Edmodo in the classroom. Similar to a social network site, Edmodo is an educational tool used to engage students in the curriculum through online polls, quizzes, and forums.

Parents practice using so�ware applications that their children use on a daily basis. Technology education teacher Joe Eisel and student teacher Alex Whi�ington lead a session on how to capture, import, edit, and publish a multimedia project.

Parents look through microscopes and use computers as part of the “Viruses Gone Wild!” session. �ey experienced problem-based learning, a teaching method that challenges students to learn through engaging and solving a problem. �e session was led by teachers Meredith Burke, Nanci Goldberg, and Fred Rimmel.

If you are thinking about buying a house in Indiana Township, you may want to move quickly! �ere may not be enough homes for all the families wanting to move into the area once they read

the persuasive essays wri�en by Kathy Frederick’s third grade class. �e essays have been sent on to realtors to be used to entice new residents to move to the community – from a third grade perspective. Hartwood Elementary School speech and language teacher Jill Langue, who chairs the school’s site-based learning team, describes the writings as impressive.

�ird grader Emily Smith wrote, “You have to come to Indiana Township because we have a friendly community, superb schools and recreation beyond belief. Pack up your bags and call the movers. You have to move to Indiana Township now!”

Her classmate, Zoe Boychuk, knows an e�ective opening is important to promote the community to realtors and potential families, and the �rst paragraph of her essay provides a hook to interest readers. “Wow our house sold very fast. Probably because we live in Indiana Township! Because they have fabulous neighborhoods, recreation and incredible schools to go to!”

According to Mrs. Langue, students learn to understand the art of persuasive writing when they experience, �rst-hand, its real-life purpose. By �rst watching real-life ads for Kennywood and Splash Lagoon in class and then working to convince their parents to take them there, the students realize they can use the same energy to write their essays promoting Indiana Township. �ey learn that structured planning is important in the writing process, and they complete their story planning sheets. Students are also encouraged to write from their own experiences. Along the way to the �nal essay, they share their work with their teacher and the other students.

�ird grader Jason Waltz says that sometimes the hardest part of writing a story is thinking of words. He carefully chose descriptive words and “not just good and �ne” as he wrote about the positive aspects of his home and community. �ird grader Elizabeth Conroy says she also chose her descriptive words thoughtfully. For example, she used the words “magni�cent,” “�u�y,” and “magical” in her essay. “I thought people would think it’s a cool place to live when you say things like that,” Elizabeth says.

First graders in Lisa Bellino�i’s class had their chance to express what is positive in the community when they wrote “Indiana Township – an AMAZING community,” a group essay that was framed and put on display at the Indiana Township municipal building. First graders brainstormed together to develop the

beginning, the middle, and the ending for their class’s essay. “I started the story,” says Madisyn Elwood. She proudly shared that her class learned a “fourth grade” lesson when she says the ending of the story should summarize what is in the main part of the story.

Mrs. Langue says that teachers at Hartwood have been devoting a concentrated time to each of the di�erent styles of writing, and that the writing program has grown over the past �ve years. �e persuasive essay is the third style of writing the students experience. �ey also do narratives, informational writing, and creative writing. As a result, writing scores have soared at Hartwood.

Equally important, the students at Hartwood like to write. First grader Trevor Katz says, “It’s fun to write. Even if it’s a narrative or about a vacation, it’s still fun to write.”

You can’t beat that!

Students Write to Promote

Their Community �ird grade students use yellow, preprinted worksheets to

guide them through their story planning.

�e �rst graders are proud of their essay promoting their community. School Resource O�cer Kirk Vandenbord, “O�cer Kirk” to the students, took the �amed essay to be

displayed at the Indiana Township municipal building.

�e �rst grade students help each other by o�ering ideas and positive feedback during the writing process.



The shout out of “Play ball!” never drew as much anticipation and excitement from the Fox Chapel Area High School Baseball Team as it did May 2, 2012, when the squad played its inaugural

game on the school’s new turf baseball �eld. Right o� the bat the new weather-resistant �eld proved its worth –

it had rained like cats and dogs the night before. Under previous circumstances, play on the �eld would have been cancelled, or the maintenance sta� would have had to put in an exorbitant amount of work to prepare the �eld and get it ready for play. Not this time.

“It was fantastic,” says senior pitcher and out�elder JT Terwilliger. “I don’t know how else to say it. It’s the nicest �eld around here and it was a thrill for the 14 seniors to be able to play on it before our �nal season ended. We didn’t think it would be done in time for us to get that chance. We lucked out.”

Teammate Mike Le�erle was the fortunate one called to the mound for the momentous game. “I was excited and nervous,” says Mike, a senior, who threw in front of the largest crowd the players had ever witnessed at a home game. “I wanted to make it a great game for everyone. It was de�nitely fun.”

Fox Chapel Area School District Superintendent Anne E. Stephens, Ph.D., says the project started as a dream – something that was placed in the athletic strategic plan six years ago when it became evident there was a need for additional arti�cial turf surfaces for the sports program. “Several booster groups came to the table to talk about fundraising to make this possible, and one amazing philanthropist made it a reality,” explains Dr. Stephens. “�ere are few words that can express our appreciation to this major donor and our booster groups, businesses, and citizens that stepped forward to make this project a reality. We are forever grateful that our athletes have not only a new baseball �eld, but soon will experience the excitement of a new practice �eld and so�ball �eld. �is gi� to our athletes is a wonderful example of the unprecedented giving that exists in our wonderful community.”

�e project, which also includes a so�ball in�eld and a 90-yard multipurpose weather-resistant practice �eld, was made possible by an anonymous $800,000 contribution, augmented by other donors pledging $35,000 in funding. �e additional donors included Frank Fuhrer Sr., the Fox Chapel Area Schools Sports Hall of Fame, the Fox Chapel Baseball Boosters, the Fox Chapel Quarterback Club, and a second anonymous donor.

22 Fox Chapel Area

�e Fox Chapel Area High School senior members of the baseball team enjoy their new �eld.

�e project, which also includes a so�ball in�eld and a 90-yard multipurpose

weather-resistant practice �eld, was made possible by an anonymous $800,000

contribution, augmented by other donors pledging $35,000 in funding.

Photos Courtesy Town and Country Studio


“A lot of hard work and manpower went into making this project a reality,” comments Michael O’Brien, athletic director for the Fox Chapel Area School District. “It was exceptionally gratifying to see the players, especially the seniors, enjoy the �nal outcome.”

Head baseball coach and teacher Michael Frank says the �rst thing that comes to mind when he thinks about the complex is the people who believed enough in the school district and students to open up their wallets and create opportunities for the kids. “�e fact that we have the �nest facility in the WPIAL is extremely exciting.”

Senior in�elder Tony Bonaroti and �rst baseman and pitcher senior Ma� Dunlap couldn’t agree more. “It’s always nice to be the �rst at anything, and we are so grateful to have the opportunity to be the �rst to play on this beautiful �eld,” adds Ma�. “In the long run, the

complex is going to have a lasting impression on a lot more people other than just our team. Hopefully, they will appreciate it as much as we do.”

Final touches on the baseball facility will occur over the summer when a ba�ing cage, two bullpens, and a crushed-brick warning track are added. Groundbreaking is expected to take place soon for the so�ball in�eld and the multipurpose practice �eld that will be used by various athletic teams, the marching band, and the high school physical education classes. When completed, athletes and coaches will be able to have continuous practices and games without having to bow to inclement weather.

�anks to the generosity of community donors, Fox Chapel Area High School’s outdoor sports teams have many exciting days ahead of them.

pledging $35,000 in funding.

is Inaugurated

Graduate to be Inducted into WPIAL Hall of Fame

Frank Fuhrer III is a quiet, humble, unsel�sh gentleman – personality traits that belie his alter ego as a

�erce competitor who drove himself hard to become one of Western Pennsylvania’s most proli�c amateur golfers. His many achievements, including appearances at the 1982 Masters and U.S. Open and winning 11 Western Pennsylvania Golf Association championships, will be recognized June 1, 2012, when he is inducted into the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) Hall of Fame. Frank has maintained his legacy nearly three decades a�er he traded his pro career for one in the family business, Frank Fuhrer Wholesale, where he is now CEO and president of the company founded by his father.

Frank’s athletic journey began without fanfare when he was 10-years-old and his father encouraged him to play golf for fun. Not too much later he showed potential, which spurred him to take greater interest in the sport. He learned the technicalities of the game by practicing with local club pro Pete Snead, one of the best golf instructors at that time. �ree years later his game had improved to a level that earned him success in local and state competitions. “Pete was the �rst person who in�uenced my game,” says Frank.

By the time Frank entered Fox Chapel Area High School and joined the golf team, he already owned a slew of trophies. It wasn’t long before he added to his collection by methodically sha�ering many scholastic records. He won WPIAL individual golf championship titles in 1974, 1975, and 1976, becoming one of only two people to ever win the boys’ championship three times – a record that remains unbeaten – and helped lead the Foxes to two WPIAL team titles. As a senior, he added more gold to his arsenal by winning the PIAA boys’ golf championship. Frank complemented his stellar interscholastic sports accomplishments by qualifying for the United States Golf Association (USGA) amateur championships, prior to and following, his senior year. He competed in that tournament a total of seven times. “I think my strengths as a competitor were because I wasn’t one to show my emotions on the golf course. I was even-keeled emotionally, and I played to win every single day,” Frank says modestly.

Ken Oleksa, Frank’s former teacher and one of the people who nominated him for the WPIAL honor, describes him as “quiet, polite, and unassuming, but very intent on doing well in whatever he did.”

Following high school graduation in 1977, with plenty of credentials under his name, Frank chose to a�end the University

of North Carolina because of its academic excellence and the fact he knew he could play golf there. It wasn’t long before the accolades started piling up. While a freshman, he won the �rst of his two trophies as Pennsylvania Amateur Champion, and by the time his years as a Tar Heel concluded, he was a four-time le�erman and had been selected three times to the All-ACC Conference First Team and as an NCAA All-American. In 1981, Golf Digest ranked him second among all U.S. amateur golfers a�er he won the Western Amateur tournament in August. Most important to Frank, only three months a�er graduation he was selected to represent the United States on the Walker Cup Team, the amateur version of the Ryder Cup. “Being selected to represent my country [at the Walker Cup] was the highlight of my career,” Frank says.

Frank reached what some would consider the pinnacle of success when he quali�ed for the 1982 Masters and U.S. Open tournaments. He played professionally from 1982-1986,

including a full year on the PGA tour in 1984, an experience he describes as “exhilarating.” Yet, he maintains nothing compared to the pride and excitement he felt as a member of the Walker Cup Team.

Frank le� the pro ranks when he was 26, regained amateur status, and in 1986, had what Pi�sburgh sports writer Gerry Dulac called “one of the most amazing streaks in Western Pennsylvania history, winning the Pennsylvania Open, West Penn Open, and Pi�sburgh Open each in the same year.”

It is exactly this kind of prowess on the golf course that has earned Frank countless honors. In 2002, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) named him one of the top 50 golfers to ever compete in the conference, he was inducted into the western chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, and the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association (WPGA) named him one of the top 10 amateurs in Western Pennsylvania golf history. In 2001, the WPGA created the annual Frank Fuhrer III Award to honor Western Pennsylvania’s top collegiate golfer. A charter member of the Fox Chapel Area School District Sports Hall of Fame, Frank remains well connected to the place where it all began.

In fact, Frank �nds li�le time to golf these days, but you can probably �nd him somewhere on a Fox Chapel area �eld coaching a youth team that includes one or more of his three sons. “It’s fun. I enjoy all of the kids, and it’s a good opportunity for them to learn good lessons about life through sports,” he says.

Frank Fuhrer III, 1977 PIAA Golf Champion


24 Fox Chapel Area


26 Fox Chapel Area

District Administration 611 Field Club RoadPi�sburgh, PA 15238 412/963-9600 www.fcasd.eduSuperintendent: Anne E. Stephens, Ph.D.Assistant Superintendent:

David P. McCommons, Ed.D.Administrative Assistant for Business A�airs:

L. Douglas McCausland

District Resource StaffCoordinator of Instruction, Sta� Development and Secondary Curriculum:

Shelley Beck, Ph.D.Coordinator of Elementary Education and

Instruction: Tammy S. Wolicki, Ed.D. Coordinator of Special Education and Pupil

Services: Lonnie Carey, Ed.D.Coordinator of Educational Technology:

Sco� HandCoordinator of Ancillary Services:

Sam MiceliDirector of Athletics & Activities:

Michael O’BrienCoordinator of Communications:

Bonnie Berzonski

Fox Chapel Area SchoolsFAIRVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 738 Dorseyville Road Pi�sburgh, PA 15238 412/963-9315 Principal: Sari E. McNamara, Ed.D.

HARTWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 3730 Saxonburg Boulevard Pi�sburgh, PA 15238 412/767-5396Principal: Jacquelyn M. Gregory-Rauzan, Ed.D.

KERR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 341 Ki�anning Pike Pi�sburgh, PA 15215 412/781-4105Principal: Paul S. Noro, Ed.D.

O’HA� ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 115 Cabin Lane Pi�sburgh, PA 15238 412/963-0333Principal: Michael E. Rowe, Ed.D.Assistant Principal: James Phillip Prager Jr.

2012 Fox Chapel Area School Board Region I covers all of Sharpsburg Borough and Wards 2, 3, and 4 of O’Hara Township; Region II covers Districts 2, 4, and 5 of Fox Chapel Borough and all of Indiana Township; and Region III covers all of Aspinwall Borough, Blawnox Borough, Wards 1 and 5 of O’Hara Township, and Districts 1 and 3 of Fox Chapel Borough.

School Board regular business meetings are usually scheduled for the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. and are held at the high school. �e public is invited to a�end.

Front Row (l to r): Anne E. Stephens, Ph.D., Superintendent; Sandra M. Garbisch, Assistant Secretary (2015 - Region II); Joel R. Weinstein, President (2013 - Region III); and

Robert Mauro, Vice President (2013 - Region II).

Row 2 (l to r): Terry L. Wirginis (2015 - Region II); Eric C. Schmidt (2015 - Region I); Nancy B. Foster, Treasurer (2015 - Region III); Robin F. Baum (2015 - Region I); Sherman M. Snyder (2013 - Region I); and Charles R. Burke (2013 - Region III).

Row 3 (l to r): David P. McCommons, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent; Martin W. Sheerer, Esq., Solicitor; and L. Douglas McCausland, Board Secretary.

Compliance Statement�e Fox Chapel Area School District is an equal rights

and opportunity school district. �e school district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, or handicap/disability. �e district shall make reasonable accommodations for identi�ed physical and mental impairments that constitute disabilities, consistent with the requirements of federal and state laws and regulations.

Additional information pertaining to civil rights, school district policies, and grievance procedures can be obtained by contacting the compliance o�cers listed below between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. �is notice is available from the compliance o�cers in large print, on audiotape, and in Braille.

Title IX: David McCommons, Ed.D. (412/967-2456)

Section 504 & ADA: Lonnie Carey, Ed.D. (412/967-2435)Address: Fox Chapel Area School District

611 Field Club Road, Pi�sburgh, PA 15238

DORSEYVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL 3732 Saxonburg Boulevard Pi�sburgh, PA 15238 412/767-5343Principal: Ma�hew J. HarrisAssistant Principal: Patricia A. ClarkAssistant Principal: Jonathan T. Nauhaus

FOX CHAPEL AREA HIGH SCHOOL 611 Field Club Road Pi�sburgh, PA 15238 412/967-2430Senior/Lead Principal: Michael H. HowerProgram Principal: Daniel E. LentzAssistant Principal – Senior Program:

John J. McGeeAssistant Principal – Intermediate Program:

Rebecca J. Cunningham, Ed.D.

For the latest information on school activities and weather-related delays and cancellations, call the Fox Chapel Area

School District 24-Hour Information Line at 412/967-2500 or visit the Web site at

www.fcasd.edu.

�e athletic events calendar can be found on the Fox Chapel Area School District

Web site at www.fcasd.edu or visit www.highschoolsports.net.

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Ask the Dentist

Answer:�ank you for this excellent question! First, let me ease your mind

by telling you this is neither an uncommon occurrence nor something that is di�cult to prevent or treat. �e swelling you’re referring to is most likely gingivitis; which during your pregnancy it is referred to as pregnancy gingivitis. �is condition is most common in women during their second to eighth months. As your obstetrician has most likely informed you, normal female hormone levels are elevated during pregnancy. One hormone in particular that the bacteria in your mouth thrive on is progesterone. Elevated levels of progesterone and other hormones that are circulating result in an increased blood �ow to your gums. Your gums are now more prone to the e�ects of bacteria, also known as plaque bio�lm, which can cause sensitive and bleeding gums. Small amounts of plaque present, which may not have caused a response before your pregnancy, will cause an exaggerated response due to increased amount in your pregnant body. If le� untreated, gingivitis can lead to a more serious and irreversible gum disease known as periodontitis. Periodontitis is an infection that can negatively a�ect not only the mother’s health, but her child’s as well.

�e public is becoming more educated on what dental professionals have long known; infections in the mouth are related to other systemic conditions. Established behavioral risk factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and drug use have been associated with preterm and/or low birth weight babies. However, a variety of studies have shown that periodontitis may be an emerging risk factor as well. �is research provides evidence that plaque bio�lm can trigger an in�ammatory response, producing substances that may result in preterm delivery. A reputed dental journal known as �e Journal of Periodontology has demonstrated the relationship between women with periodontitis and an increased risk of preterm and/or low birth weight babies when compared to women without periodontitis. �e oral cavity is connected to the rest of the body, so our overall goal is to eliminate any in�ammation present in the mout to prevent a negative impact elsewhere in your body.

If intervention is needed, there is no reason to be concerned about having dental treatment during your pregnancy. It is perfectly safe; however laying back in a dental chair during the last trimester can be slightly uncomfortable. Restoring your gums and teeth back to health will greatly reward mother and child when compared with leaving oral disease untreated.

�e good news is that these conditions can be avoided almost entirely with regular professional treatment and thorough home care! At Fox Chapel Advanced Dental Care, we treat all patients with ultrasonic cleanings. �is technology replaces the traditional method of scraping and scratching, utilizing a vibrating tip and water �ow that disrupts plaque bio�lm

and irrigates in�amed gums. To maintain a healthy mouth during your pregnancy, brush your teeth at least twice daily and �oss daily; this will result in plaque bio�lm removal. I would also encourage you to continue to see your dentist for regular care. Some dental o�ces, including Fox Chapel Advanced Dental Care, prefer to treat their pregnant patients once every three months because they are in a compromised state.

As always, be sure to check with your dentist in regards to any other questions or concerns you have during your pregnancy as well as how o�en you should be treated!

Congratulations on the pregnancy news! And good luck!

I am pregnant and recently I’ve noticed my gums are red and swollen. Is this abnormal and

what should I do?

This Industry Insight was written by Dr. Kevin Pawlowicz.Dr. Kevin Pawlowicz practices at Fox Chapel Advanced Dental Care on Old Freeport Road in Fox Chapel. Dr. Pawlowicz has trained at the Las Vegas and Seattle Institutes. He is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Academy of Laser Dentistry. You can learn more about Dr. Pawlowicz on his website www.foxchapeldentistry.com.


Retirement is supposed to be the time of life when people finally have the opportunity to pursue interests they may not have had time for during their working years. Yet more and

more people put their comfortable retirement at risk every day by the financial decisions they make. Running out of money, having to sell assets, or lowering standards of living are real issues that more and more people need to consider. Below are nine common retire-ment planning mistakes people make, each of which can lead to potential obstacles in retirement:

#1: Not taking advantage of your company’s 401(k)Saving in your company’s 401(k) plan is often one of your best sav-ings opportunities because it grows tax deferred until you take the money out after you retire.#2: Not understanding diversification and volatilityConsideration should be given to balancing your portfolio between stocks, bonds and cash. In addition, diversifying within the asset classes into small vs. large cap stocks, or growth vs. value, helps create a more efficient portfolio.#3: Putting all your money in your company’s stockNo matter how good your company is, various outside factors such as a changing economic landscape or increasing competition may adversely affect stock prices.#4: Emotional InvestingIndividuals who handle their own investments often let emotions cloud their judgment. An experienced advisor helps to take the emotion out of investment decision-making.#5: Not sticking to your planAn investment plan should define your risk tolerance and objectives and help you to select investment vehicles. Plans should be cre-ated — and followed — in partnership with a financial advisor.#6: Underestimating how long you will be workingChanges in the economy may change what you thought would be your retirement date. Take a realistic assessment of when you are going to retire as this may affect your current asset allocation strat-egy.#7: Not understanding your income needsThe need for income is a challenge most retirees face. An under-standing of how short-term investments work during this distribution

phase may help alleviate a lot of stress or anxiety concerning your income during retirement.#8: Underestimating how long your retirement will lastLonger life-spans may stretch retirement accounts. Too often retir-ees become too conservative and do not invest in a proper mix of equities and fixed income to fit their risk tolerance and objectives. Inflation and taxes will also erode a retirement account’s buying power.#9: Unrealistic goals or lack of a planWhether you are just starting a career or thinking about retiring soon, consider talking to a financial advisor who can help you iden-tify realistic goals and develop a plan and strategy to meet them.

�e accuracy and completeness of this information is not guaranteed. �e opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of BPU Investment Management, Inc. or its a�liates. �e material is solely for informational purposes and is not a solicitation of an o�er to buy any security or instrument or to participate in any trading strategy. �ough our �rm provides planning services, we do not render speci�c legal, accounting or tax advice. Always consult an appropriate professional before implementing any planning decisions. Asset allocation, diversi�cation and rebalancing do not assume a positive return or protect against loss.©2012 BPU Investment Management, Inc.

This Industry Insight was written by Nadav Baum, Executive Vice President and Financial Advisor.BPU Investment Management, Inc. is a wealth management firm located in downtown Pittsburgh.

BPU Investment Management, Inc.One Oxford Centre301 Grant Street, Suite 3300Pittsburgh, PA 15219www.bpuinvetments.comMember FINRA/SIPCA registered investment advisor

Nine Mistakes to Avoid inRetirement Planning

Risk Potholes• Diversification & Volatility

• Misunderstanding the Distribution Phase• Unrealistic Goals

In the more than 30 years I have spent treating patients with varicose veins, I can’t tell you how o�en a patient has remarked, “I guess I just waited too long to treat my legs.” My answer is always,

“Well, what’s important is that you are here now.” What I sometimes think is, “Yes, you probably did wait too long.”

As most of us realize, ignoring a problem never really makes it go away, and as a physician, I know that a small problem is always easier to treat than a larger problem. �is couldn’t be more true when it comes to treating those painful bulging varicose veins. In all of my years of practice, I have never seen such rapid advances in the diagnosis and treatment of a medical problem as in the �eld of phlebology (the study of veins).

At Circulatory Centers, diagnosing the problem is as simple as having a painless ultrasound done in our o�ce’s accredited ICAVL vascular lab. Once the problem is identi�ed, an individual treatment plan is o�ered. Long gone are the days of painful vein strippings done in an operating room under general anesthesia with the resulting lifelong dis�guring scars and a week-long stay in the hospital spent recuperating. �is is now replaced by a safe 30-minute endovenous ablation procedure done in our o�ce by the most experienced providers found anywhere. You could come in on your lunch hour and still go out to enjoy dinner or a movie that very same evening!

And here’s the kicker, 95% of procedures are covered by most insurance companies.

Due to these dramatic advances in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins—and the even more dramatic and fantastic results—a number of physicians have recently �ooded this �eld calling themselves “vein experts,” proudly displaying a certi�cate to prove it. What patients should really consider when choosing a provider is experience. Titles are one thing, but it is hard to trump experience.

At Circulatory Centers, we have over eighty years of combined experience in Western Pennsylvania. Ask anyone in this area who has had their veins treated, and nine out of ten times Circulatory Centers will come to mind. We have been dedicated to vein treatment for more than 30 years and our results have been be�er than ever, with patients seeing be�er clearing of their leg veins, be�er resolution of their symptoms and fewer recurrences of their veins than ever before. So, why are YOU still waiting?

This Industry Insight was written by Louis Certo, M.D., F.A.C.S. Medical Director of Circulatory Centers.

A graduate of St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Dr. Certo earned his medical degree from the University of Rome in Italy. After completing a five-year residency in General Surgery. Dr. Certo is Board Certified and Recertified in General Surgery. For the past ten years he has devoted most of his practice to venous surgery and has been associated with Circulatory Centers since 1997. Dr.Certo is a current member of the American College of Phlebology.


Why are YOU still

waiting?

n the more than 30 years I have spent treating patients with varicose veins, I can’t tell you how o�en a patient has remarked, “I guess I just waited too long to treat my legs.” My answer is always,

Why are

earing its 50th year in business is Treasure Hunt, one of our region’s most reputable

buyers and sellers of gold, silver, and rare coins. With gold prices near all-time highs, people are realizing that there has never been a better time to sell their unwanted or outdated jewelry. The modus operandi of the store founder was, and continues through his son to be, honesty, integrity, and exceptional customer service. It is this philosophy that has steered Treasure Hunt to its leadership role in the gold buying industry.

Treasure Hunt has always been a family business. With the help of his wife, Barbara Rotheram Meredith, John Robert Meredith founded Coins Inc. in 1963 as a dealer in rare coins and precious metals. It all started with one leased department in Gimbels department store, which then grew into six. When Gimbels closed in 1986, Mr. Meredith moved the business to Kaufmanns’ department store with great success.

Following John Robert Meredith’s passing in 1995, his son John Rotheram Meredith purchased the company and moved the base of operations to suburban Mount Lebanon under the name Treasure Hunt. With the assistance of his sister and vice president, Jeannette Meredith Dodd, Meredith expanded from the South Hills into Cranberry, Monroeville, Irwin, Allison Park, Latrobe, Belle Vernon, Indiana, and most recently McKnight

Road in Ross Township. Each

branch is staffed and managed by family and close friends.

In 2002, an ounce of gold was worth less than 300 dollars. Now, 10 years later, that same ounce of gold is worth over 1,600 dollars. It is a very opportune time to liquidate your precious metals, but sellers should beware of companies that offer coupons or other gimmicks to get you in the door. Treasure Hunt is in the practice of offering the highest possible amount right from the start, no need

to negotiate. John Meredith says, “Our happiest customers are the people who have shopped around, then come to Treasure Hunt. Our high payouts are oftentimes shocking next to the offers of our competitors. It is our slogan because we truly do hear it every day: “You really do pay the most!’”

By now many people are aware of Treasure Hunt’s reputation for paying the highest prices for gold and silver, but the retail side of the business is nothing to overlook! True to its roots, Allison Park Treasure Hunt devotes an entire section to its vast offerings of rare United States coins and currency. This location also offers an extensive jewelry selection composed by gemologist Debbie DeChicchis, featuring a beautiful array of gold, silver, and platinum studded with diamonds and other gemstones. The jewelry store boasts some of the most beautiful pieces of estate jewelry you have ever seen, as well as gorgeous new and designer pieces. All of the estate jewelry has been professionally cleaned, polished, and inspected by a master bench jeweler, and the special order process is a simple one. Their knowledgeable and patient staff recognizes that jewelry purchases are often

a very big decision, especially when it comes to bridal and engagement rings, and will take the time to help �nd that perfect piece at an incredible price! This truly is a unique shopping experience - unparalleled by any other!

by Rob Benhart & Elisa Merrell Kobistek

branch is staffed and managed by family and close friends.

was worth less than 300 dollars. Now, 10 years later, that same ounce of gold is worth over 1,600 dollars. It

but sellers should beware of companies that offer coupons or other gimmicks to get you

the highest possible amount right from the start, no need

to negotiate. John Meredith says, “Our happiest customers are the people who have shopped around, then come to Treasure Hunt. Our high payouts are oftentimes shocking next to the offers of our competitors. It is our slogan because we truly do hear it every day: “You really do pay the most!’”

earing its 50business is Treasure Hunt, one of our region’s most reputable

buyers and sellers of gold, N


Latrobe, Belle Vernon, Indiana, and most recently McKnight Road in Ross Township. Each

to its vast offerings of rare United States coins and currency. This location also offers an extensive jewelry selection composed by gemologist Debbie DeChicchis, featuring a beautiful array of gold, silver, and platinum studded with diamonds and other gemstones. The jewelry store boasts some of the most beautiful pieces of estate jewelry you have ever seen, as well as gorgeous new and designer pieces. All of the estate jewelry has been professionally cleaned, polished, and inspected by a master bench jeweler, and the special order process is a simple one. Their knowledgeable and patient staff recognizes that jewelry purchases are often

a very big decision, especially when it comes to bridal and engagement rings, and will take the time to help �nd that perfect piece at an incredible price! This truly is a unique shopping experience - unparalleled by any other!

composed by gemologist Debbie DeChicchis, featuring a beautiful array of gold, silver, and platinum studded with diamonds and other gemstones. The jewelry store boasts some of the most beautiful pieces of estate jewelry you have ever seen, as well as gorgeous new and designer pieces. All of the estate jewelry has been professionally cleaned, polished, and inspected by a master bench jeweler, and the special order process is a simple one. Their knowledgeable and patient staff recognizes that jewelry purchases are often

a very big decision, especially when it comes to bridal

Treasure Hunt Approaches

Golden Anniversary

According to the American Council on Exercise, 1998 started the rapid growth of instructor-led workouts based on the calisthenics used (like push-ups, squat thrusts, punches, kicks, etc.) to whip

new recruits into shape in the U.S. Army’s basic-training program. Since then, boot camp has been one of the most popular classes for �tness centers across the nation.

bFit Studio, located in the Fox Chapel Yacht Club, is excited to announce bFit BOOT CAMP, designed to increase strength, cardiovascular �tness, endurance, and motivation to get �t and healthy. �e experienced, motivational instructors at bFit coach participants

through each hour-long session. BOOT CAMP is designed for all �tness levels (ages 16 and older), involving exercises ranging from athletic �tness drills, interval training, team activities, and running and hiking trails. Exercise scientist, John Porcari, Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin, states, “�e biggest bene�t is you’re burning an average of 600 calories per hour,” says Porcari. “�at’s obviously going to help with weight loss, but you’re also ge�ing the muscle-building bene�t from pushups, arm curls and squat thrusts that you wouldn’t get just from going out for a fast walk or jog.”

At bFit BOOT CAMP, workouts vary daily, ensuring your experience is fun and inspiring. Beginners will not work harder than they are safely able, and more advanced participants will work to their full potential. With simple movements and a variety of workout equipment, BOOT CAMP challenges individuals while creating a motivating, team-oriented atmosphere, inspiring each other to power through each workout. To maximize bene�ts, BOOT CAMP is held in the natural environment of the outdoors.

Science Daily reports on a study that concludes mental well-being is increased with outdoor workouts (when compared to indoor workouts) through associations of greater feelings of revitalization, increased energy and positive engagement and decreases in tension, confusion, anger and depression. Participants in the study also stated greater enjoyment and satisfaction with outdoor activity and that they were more likely to repeat the activity at a later date. bFit wants BOOT CAMP participants coming back for more! BOOT CAMP is rain or shine, so put on your gear and get ready for an awesome workout!

BOOT CAMP is a great way to jump start �tness program or boost a current routine! To sign up and learn more, visit bFit Studio’s website at www.myb�tstudio.com or contact Lori Elias or Rory Lazear at 412-282-8120.

RORY LAZEAR, NASM, CPT Co-Owner, bFit StudioBS in Nutrition Children’s Fitness Specialist willPower & grace Phase II Instructor Indo-Row TRX Specialist Kangoo Power/ Boot Camp

LORI ELIAS, NPTI, CPTCo-Owner, bFit Studio Kangoo Power/ Boot Camp Indo-Row Kickboxing Outdoor Fitness Boot Camp Youth Programs

bFit with Boot Camp!


UPMC TODAYHealth and Wellness News You Can Use | Summer 2012

Here Comes the SunIt’s definitely summer, and you’re ready to enjoy every minute of it. Before you grab your sunglasses and head outdoors, check out our skin protection tips on page 4.

© 2012 UPMC

What’s Inside2 Dealing with Depression

3 Exhausted and Sleepy?

4 Pamper the Skin You’re In

Goodbye Spider and Varicose Veins

5 Your Health Care Goes Mobile

6 Talent + Imagination + Learning = Events You Won’t Want to Miss

7 Trouble with Ticks

What’s Happening at UPMC St. Margaret

UPMC222169_UPMC Today_StMargaret_Summer_2012_Final.indd 1 5/11/12 4:08 PM

2 UPMC.com/Today

If you’ve ever experienced the sense of emptiness and despair that comes with depression, you’re not alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that:

• Ten percent of all adults in the United States report having depression. • Eleven percent of Americans older than age 12 take anti-depressant medication. • Antidepressant use has increased 400 percent over the last decade. • Only 50 percent of people who experience signs of depression ever get diagnosed or treated.

That last statistic is of greatest concern to Jonathan K. Han, MD, a primary care physician and medical director at UPMC St. Margaret’s New Kensington Family Health Center. “It’s hard for patients to admit they have a problem — it’s up to the primary care physicians to ask the questions in order to identify the issue,” he says.

Where the need is greatest

Social factors such as unemployment, poverty, and lack of education are major risk factors for depression. “We know from experience that there is great need for behavioral and mental health services in less affluent communities like ours,” says Dr. Han. “But many people don’t seek treatment for depression because they don’t know the symptoms — or because they’re afraid of what others will think.”

In a small community, the stigma associated with depression is very real. “Our doctors were referring patients to the local mental health clinic for help,” explains Dr. Han. “We discovered that many of those patients never made an appointment because they didn’t want to be seen going into a mental health facility.” The solution? Bringing physical and mental health services together at the family health center.

A model for integrated care

The trusting, personal relationships between patients, primary care physicians, and professional behavioral health staff at the health center are at the heart of the program’s success. “When patients agree to get treatment for depression or any other behavioral health issue, we personally walk them to the office and introduce them to the therapist,” says Dr. Han.

The results of the personal introduction, known as a “warm handoff” are impressive. Between 60 and 70 percent of those patients likely will return to meet with the therapist and begin treatment. In addition, Dr. Han has seen a decrease in emergency room visits among those patients.

The success of the integrated care model at the New Kensington Family Health Center is drawing attention. Through generous grants secured by the St. Margaret Foundation from the Fine Foundation, Staunton Farm Foundation, Richard King Mellon Foundation, and Pittsburgh Foundation, the hospital now offers behavioral and mental health services at its two other family health centers.

“Combining quality medical care with sound behavioral and mental health care under one roof, offering it to people right in their own community, and having it delivered by people they trust can help improve patient outcomes dramatically,” says Dr. Han. “We hope this integrative care model will become the standard for everyone.”

For more information about the three family health centers affiliated with UPMC St. Margaret, visit UPMCStMargaret.com.

Dealing with Depression UPMC St. Margaret’s creative solution to connecting depressed patients to care.


1-800-533-UPMC 3

Other health consequences of sleep apneaAccording to Craig Viti, MD, a pulmonologist and sleep specialist at UPMC St. Margaret, untreated sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, memory problems, weight gain, and daytime sleepiness. “Snoring may be a sign of sleep apnea,” notes Dr. Viti. “Anyone who snores should discuss it with their family doctor because sleep apnea can have significant health and safety consequences. Fortunately, it usually can be treated effectively and inexpensively.”

For information about the Center for Sleep Disorders at UPMC St. Margaret and its services, or to schedule a sleep study, call 412-784-4380.

Overweight and diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes, and an irregular heartbeat, Robert Guthrie underwent a sleep study at UPMC’s Sleep Medicine Center to evaluate his pulmonary function and suitability for gastric bypass surgery. He was shocked to discover he had sleep apnea so severe he actually stopped breathing 147 times per hour.

Affecting 12 million Americans, sleep apnea doesn’t just disrupt sleep. Untreated, it can cause serious health problems and lead to deadly accidents due to exhaustion.

“I was totally clueless. It was serendipity that took me to a sleep expert, and it probably saved my life,” says Robert, 65, who immediately began using a nighttime breathing apparatus known as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. Within a week, he was sleeping soundly for the first time in six years. “It was life changing,” says the Hopwood, Pa., resident. “I feel 20 years younger.”

Most people don’t know they have obstructive sleep apnea, usually caused when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep. People with sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly. With each interruption, the drop in oxygen levels prompts the brain to send a surge of adrenaline to kick-start breathing, which also leads to a spike in blood pressure.

“This can happen 600 times a night. It’s a burden on the cardiovascular system and affects the quality of sleep,” says Patrick J. Strollo Jr., MD, medical director of the UPMC Sleep Medicine Center.

According to Dr. Strollo, if you snore loudly, wake up exhausted despite a “good night’s sleep,” or feel tired or sleepy during the day, you should talk to your primary care physician. Since sleep apnea cannot be detected while you’re awake, your doctor may ask you to participate in an overnight sleep study.

At UPMC’s Sleep Medicine Center, patients stay in a private bedroom where a sleep technician applies sensors that measure breathing, heart rate, brain activity, and other body functions during sleep. A team of specialists diagnose sleep apnea by looking at the test results and reviewing medical history. Treatment options may include a CPAP machine like Robert uses, which blows air through a special mask worn over the nose.

“I wasn’t wild about wearing the mask. But staying on it was a no-brainer — it’s worth it for a good night’s sleep,” says Robert.

For information about the UPMC Sleep Medicine Center, visit UPMC.com and click Our Services for an alphabetical listing of departments and services.

Exhausted and Sleepy?At UPMC’s Sleep Medicine Center, doctors can diagnose and treat sleep apnea, often with surprisingly fast results.


4 UPMC.com/Today

Goodbye Spider and Varicose Veins They’re more common — and easier to treat — than you think.

They can be tiny or bulging, painless or throbbing. But nearly half of us can expect to get spider or varicose veins, especially after age 50.

“The good news is that many techniques now make vein treatments more safe, comfortable, and effective,” says Ellen D. Dillavou, MD, a vascular surgeon at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.

What new treatments are available?

Among the newest is the injection of polidocanol for the treatment of spider veins. “It’s a cosmetic procedure that works much better than saline to collapse surface veins,” says Dr. Dillavou. “Spider veins do reoccur, though, so expect to do ‘touch ups’ periodically.” Injections also are used for larger veins and may replace older procedures like a “vein stripping.”

For treating varicose veins, radiofrequency ablation (a minimally invasive procedure in which radiofrequency energy seals the vein closed) is a popular treatment among her patients, says Dr. Dillavou, “because it’s comfortable and effective.”

Are varicose veins dangerous?“Varicose and spider veins typically don’t pose a health risk, but they can point to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI),” says says Georges E. Al-Khoury, MD, a vascular surgeon at UPMC St. Margaret. “It’s a visual cue that blood may not be optimally flowing to and from the feet and legs to the heart, which can lead to more serious problems.”

Other CVI symptoms include painful, tired, restless, achy, itchy, or swollen legs or ankles. In more advanced cases, skin changes and ulcers can develop. “The problem becomes more difficult to treat as it advances, so it’s important to always share your symptoms with your doctor,” says Dr. Al-Khoury.

To learn more about all the vascular services at UPMC St. Margaret, visit UPMCStMargaret.com.

Pamper the Skin You’re In Your skin is a multitasking marvel. Soft, pliable, and strong, it protects your organs, regulates body temperature, detects and fights off infection, and even repairs itself.

But most of us take our hard-working skin for granted. A little TLC will help keep it healthy and looking good from the inside out.

Keep it clean Daily cleansing can take a toll on your skin, so be gentle. Take shorter baths or showers using warm water, choose a mild cleanser, pat or blot skin dry, and apply a moisturizer that’s appropriate for your skin type.

Eat, drink, and be healthy Feed your skin from the inside for a healthy glow on the outside. Experts recommend a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids. Drinking plenty of water keeps skin hydrated.

Get moving Regular exercise promotes circulation that energizes skin cells and carries away waste products. It also promotes the restful sleep that’s needed to rejuvenate skin.

Be sun smart Small amounts of daily sun exposure add up, so protect skin from the sun’s rays whenever you’re outdoors — even in wintertime. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, and apply it liberally and often. Wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants provide even more protection.

Check it out Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. More than 90 percent of all skin cancers occur on parts of the body exposed to the sun, including the face, neck, and hands.

Mohs micrographic surgery has proven to be an effective treat-ment for most skin cancers. This type of surgery removes as little normal tissue as possible and is often used to remove skin cancer on the face.

Regularly checking your own skin can help find cancers early, when they are easier to treat. You’ll find the American Cancer Society’s skin self-examination guide and other sun safety tips at cancer.org.

Sources: American Cancer Society, National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


1-800-533-UPMC 5

Need to keep track of your elderly parents’ appointments and test results? Want instant access to your children’s immunization records? Run out of medicine while traveling and need a refill? Have a follow-up question for your doctor after office hours?

All are available with a click of your mouse — and most with a tap on your iPhone®, iPad®, or Android™ — via UPMC HealthTrak, an Internet-based service that allows patients, and approved family members, to receive and manage information about their health. Recent upgrades include a new mobile HealthTrak application that provides patients with secure access anytime and anywhere.

“We’re giving people what they want — even when they’re on the go. It’s a convenient, safe, and free way to manage their own health,” says G. Daniel Martich, MD, UPMC chief medical information officer.

Going mobile is fast and easy

To access HealthTrak data using a mobile device, you must first secure a HealthTrak account through UPMCHealthTrak.com. You should then download the free “MyChart app” from the App Store, iTunes Store, or Google Play (formerly Android Market). The mobile app provides access to everything except eVisits, or online doctor visits. According to Dr. Martich, more than 100,000 patients have signed up for HealthTrak — and nearly 6,000 are mobile app users.

Grant Shevchik, MD, a family physician and geriatrician who is medical director of HealthTrak, says online medical care is “the future.” He predicts an explosion of users once word spreads about the overall convenience and newest features — including access for authorized family members.

More patient-centered solutions

Adults juggling the health care of their children and aging parents can use the “proxy access” feature to keep track of health records and appointments, refill prescriptions, communicate with doctors, and ask billing questions.

Parents especially appreciate having instant access to a child’s immunization record when they need it, says Dr. Shevchik. Approved caregivers find eVisit, the online doctor visit service, very useful for the diagnosis of common, non-urgent ailments in their elderly relatives.

“HealthTrak gives people immediate accessibility. And that accessibility is improving health care by encouraging patients to accept responsibility for their health,” says Dr. Shevchik.

HealthTrak also provides patients with automatic access to certain test results, including x-rays, lab, and pathology tests, with links they can use to help interpret information. This makes it easier for patients to keep track of their cholesterol, blood pressure, sugar levels, and other important health numbers, adds Dr. Shevchik. UPMC hopes to add cardiology test results in the near future. Also on the horizon are plans to use photos to identify some skin conditions or diseases.

Sign up today!Easy, direct signup for HealthTrak is available online by going to UPMCHealthTrak.com and clicking “Sign up now” under New User. Follow the steps to complete an online application and answer personal questions designed to ensure that you, and not another person, are creating the account.

If you have difficulties, email [email protected] or call the UPMC HealthTrak Support Line at 1-866-884-8579.

Your Health Care Goes MobileIt’s now easy to manage your medical records or get automatic access to select test results — because HealthTrak has an app for that.


6 UPMC.com/Today

What do Jimmy Beaumont and the Skyliners, a Meryl Streep movie, and acupuncture have in common? All are among UPMC Senior Communities’ upcoming 2012 Legacy Lineup.

“We’re committed to providing residents at all our senior communities with activities that will capture their interests, generate conversation, and stimulate their minds,” says Nanci Case, vice president for sales, marketing, and activities for UPMC Senior Communities. “Through The Legacy Lineup and other programs, we’re bringing seniors — and people of all ages — together to relax, laugh, and learn together.”

Open to the public, The Legacy Lineup programs are offered at UPMC Passavant Hospital Foundation’s Legacy Theatre at Cumberland Woods Village, UPMC Senior Communities’ independent living facility located on the UPMC Passavant campus.

“You can attend a Legacy Lineup event every week of the month, with many events offered at no charge,” says Greta Ceranic, marketing director for Cumberland Woods Village.

The Legacy Theatre is part of a state-of-the-art conference center and 247-seat amphitheatre funded through a generous $16.5 million grant by the Passavant Hospital Foundation. One of the Foundation’s primary goals is public education and outreach. UPMC physicians, nurses, and other medical staff members also use the facility for professional development training.

“And funds raised through The Legacy Lineup support UPMC Senior Communities Benevolent Care Fund,” adds Ms. Case, “providing financial assistance and other support services to residents in need at all 17 UPMC retirement communities.”

Productions showcase local and national talent

“Each month, The Legacy Lineup features at least one major production featuring a band, soloist, or performance troupe,” says Ms. Ceranic. “Earlier this year, the Tamburitzans appeared to a sell-out crowd. Later this year, Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand impersonators will perform with a full orchestra.” The 2012 lineup also includes the Jaggerz and the Fabulous Hubcaps, as well as a major holiday production in December.

Because seating is limited, advance tickets are recommended. Group discounts and ticket packages are available.

Spend Mondays at the movies

From cinematic classics like Citizen Kane to recent block- busters like Iron Lady with Meryl Streep, seniors can enjoy free matinee movies every Monday at 2 p.m. at the Legacy Theatre.

Explore your interests at learning seminars

On alternating Tuesdays at 11 a.m., The Legacy Lineup offers educational programming that covers a wide range of subjects, from tips on aging, caregiver support, health and nutrition, history, and local topics of interest. The seminars are free and open to the public, but advance reservations are requested.

For the full 2012 calendar of activities, or to make reservations, call 412-635-8080 or visit TheLegacyLineup.com.

Talent + Imagination + Learning = Events You Won’t Want to MissUPMC Senior Communities’ year-long calendar of entertainment, movies, and educational seminars aims to enrich the lives of seniors — and delight the public, too.

To learn about the independent living, personal care, assisted living, and skilled nursing options offered by UPMC Senior Communities, call 1-800-324-5523 to schedule a tour.

Locations include Allison Park, Cranberry, Fox Chapel, Greensburg, Lawrenceville, McCandless, Monroeville, Penn Hills, Scott Township, and Washington, Pa.


1-800-533-UPMC 7

A mild winter and unusually warm spring mean ticks are out early this year. These blood-sucking parasites are the leading carriers of disease in the United States.

“We’re definitely starting to see more tick-related illnesses like Lyme disease in our area,” says Joseph Romano, MD, an infectious disease specialist with Romano, Pontzer and Associates Ltd. and UPMC St. Margaret. While not all ticks carry Lyme disease, Dr. Romano suggests that you take the following precautions to prevent tick bites and reduce your risk of tick-borne diseases:

• Ticks like woody, grassy areas and moist, humid environments. In wooded areas, avoid brushing up against shrubs or walking through leaves. When hiking, stay in the center of the trail.

• “Wearing light-color clothing outdoors makes it easier to spot ticks before they get to your skin,” advises Dr. Romano. Wear long pants, long sleeves, and socks, and keep pants tucked into socks and shirts tucked into waistbands. • Use a repellent that contains 20 percent or more DEET on your skin, including your face, neck, and ears. Be sure to avoid your eyes and mouth, and wash your hands thoroughly after applying. Never let children apply DEET themselves.

Check yourself — and others

After being outdoors — even in your own yard — remove your clothes and check your skin and scalp for ticks. Check children and pets, too. Be thorough: a tick can be as small as the period at the end of this sentence. Showering soon after going indoors can help wash off unseen ticks.

Most people bitten by ticks don’t get Lyme disease, says Dr. Romano. If you have been exposed to ticks or had a tick bite, see your doctor immediately if:

• You have a large, expanding red rash that’s shaped like a bulls-eye or target and • You’re having flu-like symptoms

“Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose,” says Dr. Romano. “When caught early, it usually responds well to antibiotics.”

Trouble with Ticks

What’s Happening at UPMC St. MargaretEvents

Living Healthy With Arthritis: Frontiers in Joint Preservation Wednesday, May 30 6 p.m. UPMC St. Margaret Conference Center Led by orthopaedic surgeons from UPMC St. Margaret, this presentation will focus on the current concepts of ankle and hip joint preservation. To reserve a space, call 1-866-939-7787.

Bariatric Information Sessions Mondays, June 4 and June 25, July 9 and July 23, Aug. 6 and Aug. 27 6 to 8 p.m. UPMC St. Margaret Conf. Rooms A, B, and C For more information or to register, call 412-784-5900.

UPMC St. Margaret Blood Drives Friday, July 13 Monday, Sept. 10 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. UPMC St. Margaret Dining Rooms A and B For more information, call 412-784-4077.

UPMC St. Margaret School of Nursing Information Session (RN program) Wednesday, July 18 9:30 a.m. St. Margaret School of Nursing, Blawnox Meet with admissions and financial aid representatives and tour the school. For more information, call 412-784-4980.

Alive & Well Presentations UPMC St. Margaret physicians and health professionals speak on a variety of health-related topics at community libraries. For upcoming dates, locations, and topics, visit UPMCStMargaret.com.

Smoking Cessation Program UPMC St. Margaret Conference Center Eight-week program for those who are serious about quitting. For more information or to register, call 412-784-5043.

Classes

COPD Education and Support 412-784-5764

Insulin Pump Class 1-866-334-5227

Look Good ... Feel Better 1-800-227-2345

Managing Your Diabetes 1-866-334-5227

Support Groups

Alzheimer’s Support Group 412-784-5054

Bariatric Support Group 412-784-5900

Diabetes Support Group 412-784-4194

Volunteer Opportunities For information about volunteer opportunities at UPMC St. Margaret, call Volunteer Services at 412-784-4081.

For more information about any of these classes or support groups, call the number indicated, call Community Relations at 412-784-5160, or go to UPMCStMargaret.com.


To get world-class care,your heart’s in the right place.The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute is one network of Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery, and Vascular professionals

right here in western Pennsylvania. With experts who are internationally renowned. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks UPMC among the best hospitals in the country for cardiology and heart surgery. But more

important than these accolades is the trust thousands of people place in UPMC every year, for everything from

simple screenings to highly advanced heart care. Put your heart in the hands of the experts. Call 1-855-UPMC-HVI

for information or to make an appointment, or visit UPMC.com/HVI to learn more.

Affi liated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC is ranked among the nation’s best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. UPMC.com/HVI

PART OF THE UPMC HEART AND VASCULAR INSTITUTE

UPMC St. Margaret815 Freeport RoadPittsburgh, PA 15215

UPMC Today is published quarterly to provide you with health and wellness information and classes and events available at UPMC.

This publication is for information purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice or replace a physician’s medical assessment.Always consult first with your physician about anything related to your personal health.

To receive additional copies of this publication, call 412-784-5160.

Follow UPMC on Facebook.



Guyasuta of Fox Chapel Youth Football

Registration is now open for Guyasuta Football for boys age 6 through 13 who reside in the Fox Chapel School District area. An open registration was held at the Sharpsburg Borough office on May 5 and May 12. Registration can also be completed online at the team’s website www.guyasutafootball.com.

The cost of registration is $55. The participants must also sell twelve $10 tickets to the games and a $50 business advertisement to help offset the costs of the club. All equipment is supplied except for cleats. This also entitles the registrant to attend the banquet held at the end of the season and a team sweatshirt. For more information, please visit the website or contactBarb McBriar at 412-670-3607.

Many people ask this question. Being able to hear with both ears is just as important as being able to see with both eyes. We are born with two ears that work together to process

sounds. When you hear equally well from both ears, sounds are more comfortable to listen to. You don’t have to strain to hear, and sounds have the kind of clarity and depth that give you a sense of space and location.

Try this experiment. Plug one ear and close your eyes. Have someone quietly walk to a spot in the room and talk to you. Without opening your eyes, try to point to where the voice is coming from. It will be di�cult for you to localize the sound of their voice. �is happens when there is hearing loss in only one ear or if a hearing aid is only worn in one ear. If both ears have hearing loss, it is very important to wear hearing aids in both ears. �e reason we can localize sounds is because of the physical distance between our ears. For instance, the sound of a car horn on your right hand side reaches your right ear a fraction of a second before it reaches your le� ear, and with greater power. �is is why you know immediately that the car is rapidly approaching from the right. It is nature’s way of keeping us safe and feeling comfortable in everyday situations.

Another bene�t of wearing a hearing aid in both ears is be�er hearing in a noisy environment. It takes both ears working together to be able to pick out speech from background noise. �e brain needs input from both ears in order to separate sounds e�ectively. In a typical noisy restaurant, it is di�cult to pick out the one voice you want to hear with all the conversations going on around you. �e background noise makes it di�cult for you not only to hear, but to understand what is being said. When there is hearing loss, it makes it even more di�cult. It is possible to assist some of the brain’s natural ability to �lter out background noise by wearing two hearing aids.

In addition, the risk of Auditory Deprivation is considerably reduced by wearing two hearing aids. Auditory deprivation is when the brain gradually loses some if its ability to process information from the unaided ear because of a continued lack of sound stimulation. Auditory deprivation most o�en occurs when the ear goes unaided over a long period of time – so the earlier you consider wearing two hearing aids, the be�er your chances are of minimizing the risk. Research has shown that the deterioration in speech understanding that is the result of auditory deprivation is reversible in most people if a hearing aid is worn in that unaided ear. However, if the period without a hearing aid is long enough, then not only is recovery unlikely but other full advantages of hearing with both ears may never be a�ainable. It’s like the old adage, “if you don’t use it, you lose it.”

At Eartique, we o�er a completely RISK FREE 30 DAY TRIAL PERIOD on all hearing devices. We also o�er a free consultation. Call our o�ce 412-422-8006 for an appointment. Come to the Audiologists at Eartique and let us be the last stop you make in successful hearing aid use.

Do I Really Need a Hearing Aid in

Both Ears?

This Industry Insight was written by Debra L. Greenberger, owner of Eartique. She received her Master’s Degree in Audiology (Hearing Science) from Washington University in St.Louis, Missouri and she is certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association. Debra has been diagnosing hearing loss and fitting hearing aids for over 25 years.

Allison L. Chase, Au.D., CCC-A earned her Master of Arts degree in Audiology from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 2004. She completed her clinical doctorate in Audiology from Salus University in 2008. Allison is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and has been practicing in the field for seven years.

Another bene�t

ears working together to be able to pick out speech from background noise. �e brain needs input from both

Both Ears?



Everyone Has a Story

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Can you imagine a wedding without a bride and groom? Can you imagine a birthday party without the birthday girl? Can you imagine a graduation without the graduate? �ere is another

event where many are choosing to not have the guest of honor present, the funeral.

�ere have been recent major changes in how we care for our dead. Many people are choosing direct disposition with no service or memorial. I hear people say all the time, “I don’t want anybody staring at me when I’m dead.” Why would you think they are there to see you? It is estimated that 2/3 of visitors to a funeral have no connection to the

deceased. �ese people are there to help the survivors. �ey are there to simply help remember and support the family, not stare.

“When I die, just cremate me.” Almost all of us have been to a graveside service with a clergyman, priest or rabbi reciting words passed on through generations. �e casket resting on framework of metal and fabric straps. People dressed in black gathered to pay heed and remember. But ask how many have been to a crematory and very few say yes. Why is there this disconnect between burial and burning? Cremation is an honorable and historical means of sending one on. It is amazing that so many choose cremation when they know so li�le about it. “As a people we have thoroughly embraced the notion of cremation as an exercise in simplicity and cost e�ciency. But we remain thoroughly distanced from the �re itself and all its metaphors and meaning, its religious and ritual signi�cance as a station in our pilgrimage of faith.” wrote �omas Lynch, funeral director and author. I could not say that any be�er.

When people select nothing, they are surprised when that is what happens. No one calls, sends a card, brings over food, no one remembers. Nothing. Later, people ask how Mom is doing and you have to say, “She died.” �at person exclaims, “What happened? How did she die?” �e topic becomes not how they lived; it becomes how that person died. It is very di�cult to deal with grief and loss alone. Many people try to work around grief, instead of working through grief. Society o�ers us a chance at properly saying goodbye. Many are not choosing it. Doug Manning, an expert in grief, put it this way, “�ere is the gi� of Presence. Just being there says you care, you love and you remember.” Taking our dead to their �nal place is our greatest fear as well as our greatest responsibility.

Some of you might think that this is just self-promotion because of what I do. Honestly, that plays a small role. However, I have seen very good grief and very bad grief. I am by no means telling you to have two full days of viewing with an expensive casket, an expensive burial vault, �owers, dove releases or a bagpiper or having full blown services. No ma�er what, these are all incidental. Set aside a brief period of time to say goodbye. Tell your family and friends to come just to say goodbye and to be there. If they come, they come. If they don’t, they don’t. Many families who choose a simple service over a short period of time are surprised by the response and outpouring of love.

Society does not o�en o�er opportunities to express high emotions. �e funeral is that opportunity. Use it well.

Helping Families Say Goodbye

This Industry Insight was provided by Frank Perman, licensed funeral director and owner of Perman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc, 923 Saxonburg Blvd. at Rt 8 in Shaler Township. Mr. Perman believes that an educated consumer makes the best decisions. Questions can be made to Mr. Perman at 412.486.3600 or email at [email protected].

Where is the Guest of Honor?


This Industry Insight was written by Anna Wooten, MD.

Dr. Wooten, the founder of Beleza Plastic Surgery, is Board Cer-tified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. She completed her general and plastic surgery residency and fellowship at one of the leading plastic surgery training programs in the country, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Her unique and exten-sive education and training brings a special perspective to the discipline and art of aesthetic plastic and reconstructive surgery.

I know you are all asking yourselves who actually wants to know anything about fat? We just want to get RID of it! Well, not everyone. A person who wants to restore the volume to their face

for elimination of wrinkles, the breast reconstruction patient who wants a more natural surgery or the breast augmentation surgery patient who would like fuller breasts without the involvement of implants, all have a great deal of interest in FAT.

�is procedure can be referred to as autologous fat transfer or fat gra�ing. Fat gra�ing is the process of using the patient’s own fat to increase the volume of fat in another area of their body. With the development of liposuction, fat cells can actually be harvested e�ciently. �e fat is extracted with a liposuction cannula, prepared for reintroduction into the body and then injected into the new part of the body where the increased volume is used for medical or cosmetic purposes. �e most common donor areas, (where the fat is taken from or harvested) are the stomach, thighs, and waist. �is procedure is minimally invasive, and the body does not reject it because it is the patient’s own fat. But, there is a rate of absorption, in other words, a percentage of this injected fat that does not survive, because the body reabsorbs it. However, the greater percentage is retained by the body to augment the area where it has been injected.

Let’s talk about fat transfer to the breasts. �is procedure can be done for a cosmetic breast augmentation or post-mastectomy, as well as for a lumpectomy breast reconstruction.

Let’s begin with the breast reconstruction patient. �is new technique is a huge step forward from the traditional Tram Flaps or implant breast reconstruction procedures, which require major surgery. �is new procedure helps the healing process becoming much easier for the breast cancer patient. Your breasts will actually be built from your own fat, and will feel NORMAL! You will retain near normal sensation in your breasts and your new nipples. Your new breasts will feel and look natural, but they will contain no breast tissue. No other procedure allows for that. �e physical and emotional challenges that come with a diagnosis of breast cancer are something that we understand. We believe that this method a�ords the patient a less intimidating procedure with good results. �is procedure is done as an outpatient o�en under local anesthesia and sedation. �e average recovery is 2-4 days, which is much quicker than implant surgery.

Next we will look at the breast augmentation patient. �is patient is o�en hesitant about placing a foreign element into their body. Another concern is the worry of having to replace it at some point in the future, requiring an additional surgery. With this new procedure, this cosmetic patient is o�ered an alternative with a more natural approach. Instead of an implant, we augment the breasts with the patient’s own body fat, eliminating the need for future replacement for any reason.

Now, we move on to other body parts. O�en with aging come deep facial lines in the nasal labial areas from the nose to the corners of the mouth. �ese areas can be plumped up quite nicely with some autologous fat donation from your “always willing” hips or tummy. �is can be done in lieu of hyaluronic �llers, which cannot only be costly, but must be done every 8 months to a year. �e cheeks frequently de�ate with age, as they move south! With fat gra�ing, the cheeks can be minimally li�ed, giving the appearance of a more youthful countenance and also minimizing the lines in the nasal labial folds. �e skin on the backs of our hands also thins with age, showing the unsightly veining that so o�en gives away our age before our faces do. Once again, our fat is willing to donate to the cause and plump them up!!

With all of the above mentioned procedures, the patient is ge�ing a good result in the newly injected area, with less trauma, expense or regular injections.

Essentially, the patient is now able to “kill two birds with one stone.” �ey get fat removed by liposuction in an area where it is not particularly a�ractive, and have it transferred to an area that needs more volume. When placed in the face or hands it rejuvenates them, and when transferred to the breast, it enhances their shape and size. So for the patient it is a win/win situation.

So, the rave reviews are in—let’s hear three cheers for fat!!!


The Skinnyon Fat

When it comes to insuring what’s valuable to you, your family or your business, you want knowledge and experience – an agency that has been in the business for decades and knows

the terms and conditions of insurance policies. �at agency is J.E. Balicki & Assoc., Inc.

�e agents of J.E. Balicki & Assoc., Inc. are at your service for all of your residential and commercial needs.

“When the ERIE Insurance Group, headquartered in Erie, Pennsylvania, sought to expand in the Pi�sburgh area, they approached my father, John E. Balicki, a crane man at Allegheny Ludlum Steel Corp. who regularly read the Wall Street Journal in his crane while eating lunch, to see if he’d be an agent for them on a part-time basis,” Je� Balicki said. “My father saw the tremendous opportunity and opened our o�ce as a part-time agent in 1963, and we’ve been here ever since. Today we employ seven full-time agents and customer service representatives insuring over 5,000 residential and commercial clients located from Beaver, PA to Ki�anning, PA and throughout Western Pennsylvania.”

“While located in Natrona Heights for nearly 50 years, a stone’s throw from Fox Chapel, we have built our agency on personal service by traveling to our insured’s homes and businesses,” Balicki said. “We continue to make personal visits a main stay, however, we have embraced today’s technology and communicate via email, Facebook and Twi�er depending upon the insured’s preference. For those who still like to drop o� their payment in person, we o�er a drive-by window, the only agency I know of to have one, to spare them from the sometimes temperate weather of Western Pennsylvania. Our telephone system answers 24-hours a day and during o� hours will provide you with an emergency number to call ERIE Insurance direct.”

“Our agency is extremely customer-oriented,” he said. “We have hours Monday through Saturday and evenings by appointment.”

While you may be familiar with ERIE Insurance’s personal lines

products – automobile, homeowners’ insurance and life insurance – Balicki said many business owners don’t know about ERIE’s commercial products.

“We concentrate on commercial lines in addition to the residential lines and have experience with both,” Balicki said. “ERIE Insurance o�ers commercial lines from A to Z including tool & die shops, machine shops, car dealerships, repair garages and auto parts stores, trucking companies, contractors, plumbers, electricians, HVAC, condominium associations, apartment complexes, residential rentals, retail outlets, carwashes, hair salons, restaurants, and professionals such as accountants, dentists, and lawyers; the list is too long to include all covered operations in this space.”

In addition to competitive prices for all of your insurance needs, ERIE Insurance was recently recognized by J.D. Power and Associates for the second year running as a “2012 Customer Service Champion.” Erie was one of just 50 U.S. companies to earn that distinction this year. In addition, ERIE has been a three-peat recipient of J.D. Power and Associates winner of the coveted “Customer Satisfaction Award.” ERIE Insurance has been acclaimed for its innovative Rate Lock Protection program which locks in your personal automobile insurance rate permanently unless you change vehicles, change your address, or . . . . “So long to nasty rate increases at renewal!”

For more information on J.E. Balicki & Assoc., Inc., go to www.balickiinsurance.com, call us at 724.266.1300, or follow us on Twi�er at . . .. �e o�ce is conveniently located at 1625 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights, PA 15065. But we’ll come to you!


Neighbors and Insurance ProfessionalsJ.E. Balicki & Assoc. Inc. Insurance

By Heather Holtschlag

Some women are notorious for taking up space – closet space, kitchen space and bedroom space can overflow with shoes, clothes, jewelry and general knick knacks. And,

especially if the woman’s space is spread throughout the entire house, her man might just need one room to call his own: a “Man Cave.”

The idea of a Man Cave is definitely not a new one, and may have been referred to by different names, such as “The Boys Club,” a “Mantuary,” or a retreat. The concept has been around for years and has been marked by random surges in popularity, the most recent being just a few years ago when TV shows such as “Man Caves” began appearing. Although the purpose of a Man Cave has changed from its initial appearance hundreds of years ago, the basic concept remains the same: a place for men to go to escape the routine domesticities of everyday life.

A Man Cave can be any room in the house – the garage, an attic or even an extra bedroom – designed and decorated to a man’s tastes, and can incorporate a specific theme such as sports, cars or guitars and other musical instruments.

In some homes, the purpose of a Man Cave may be to provide some space to the man where he can relax and unwind and feel more at home in a house that often consists of female-driven décor and accessories. In other houses, a Man Cave might be a place where a sign is hung that states “No Girls Allowed,” or a place where he can hang out with his buddies and not feel like he needs to impress anyone. Studies have shown that when a man has a place to call his own within the home, there is increased marital harmony and decreased marital stress.

Because these rooms are designed to meet each man’s own personal taste, every Man Cave is different. He may choose to stock his room with nice furniture, a big screen television, a bar or even game accessories such as a pool table, pinball machine, or dart board. Other popular must-haves are billiard lights over the pool table and a free-standing beer tap in place of a fully stocked bar.

If price is no object, the man may want to get the best of everything – from quality made bar stools and bar to the finest glassware. He may even choose to adorn the walls with various video games or hang guitars. He can display his team spirit by hanging wall decals of his favorite team’s logo throughout the room, or even on the pool table, a set of cues, or glassware. In addition, he can buy pillows, rugs, lamps and other furniture to match, making his Man Cave the perfect place to watch the game.

Any room, no matter the size or shape, can be transformed into the Man Cave of his dreams. All it takes is a bit of thought and creativity…and maybe a favorite football game.


Real Estate in Fox Chapel Area



by Heather Holtschlag

The front porch may rank near the bo�om of the list of favorite rooms when people talk about their

homes, but it ranks near the top in terms of importance. Considered a home’s “welcome mat,” the front porch o�ers the �rst – and o�entimes only – impression to family, friends, and passersby. �e friendlier it looks, the more appealing the home.

Realtor Julie Rost of Prudential Preferred explains that a covered outdoor space adds tons of value to a home in terms of enjoyment for the homeowners. “With a covered porch, outdoor furniture is much easier to keep clean and maintain and alfresco dining becomes a possibility,” she explains. Rost also recommends that homeowners who may be adding a front porch to their existing home, should carefully consider the style of the house and make sure that the new addition has continuity in color and period.

�ink about whether you want the porch area to be a simple transition into your home, or whether you want to create an entirely new living space. Also, determine how much space

you will have to dedicate to a front porch area. If it’s a small, transitional area, you may not be able to give the area a complete overhaul, but will be able to enhance the space that is already there with charming accents.

When it comes time to decorate the porch area, consider what room it leads to within the house. If it opens into a traditional living or dining room for example, you likely will not want to decorate the porch in a tropical theme. Also, choose a type of paint for the front door that contains a high gloss and a color that will be noticeable. Go for house numbers that appear strong and bold, which could give your entire exterior a new look and add a door knocker for a touch of elegance. Consider changing the hardware as well. Rost recommends that if your home is for sale, it is imperative that the key works seamlessly in the lock. “Make sure that steps and handrails are secure as well and that exterior lighting is working,” she adds. A nice new doormat will also add a welcoming touch.

Before adding furniture, make sure to a�end to the paint on the sides and �oor. Repair any paint that is peeling and add a fresh coat to the walls, �oor and the trim. When adding the furniture, look for a piece such as a loveseat that can hold two people and an o�oman that can double as storage space. �e largest piece of furniture should face outward, with smaller pieces surrounding it. Artwork that is made to handle the elements of the outdoors can add a�ention and a�ractiveness if hung above the si�ing area, and look for

rugs and pillows that can �nish o� the space. Blinds or curtains can help prevent sun damage to the furniture and provide shade.

One �nal note to keep in mind when sprucing up your porch is to decorate for the seasons. Add pumpkin décor during Halloween or �oral accents during the spring and summer. A harvest wreath in the fall or an evergreen wreath in the winter can also add to the beauty of the season.

If selling your home, feel free to decorate, but keep in mind that buyers want to see your home, not your decorations. Rost advises, “I always tell my homeowners to continue living in their home [while they are in the process of selling]. However, sparse is be�er than clu�er. Buyers will want to see the molding and the �ooring that they are buying.”

While you may not see a dollar per dollar return on your investment in a front porch, the appeal of the addition will help a�ract buyers to your home and will serve as a great source of enjoyment while you reside there.




by Dana Black McGrath

It’s no secret that this is the time of year when more and more “for sale” signs start to dot neighborhood streets.Whether you are planning to buy or sell a home, build a new one or renovate a

century-old one, upsize or downsize, chances are you will be looking for a real estate agent to help guide you through the process. Choosing the right professional to represent you is an important decision, one that could end up saving you money or adding to your bo�om line. You need a seasoned professional to best represent your interests. But, when it comes to selecting an agent, one should realize that not all real estate agents are REALTORS®.

�e National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) website explains that: “�e term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identi�es a real estate professional who is a member of NAR and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.” �e organization is the nation’s largest trade association, representing 1.1 million members—including NAR’s institutes, societies and councils—involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. �is is an important consideration when choosing an agent, whether you are a buyer or a seller.

Jan Schoenberger, a broker with Prudential Preferred advises,“ �e most important question that a potential seller should ask an agent is concerning the history of their recent sales. Most speci�cally, how many days on average were their listings on the market and what was the �nal original list price to sale price ratio.”

If you are planning to sell a property, a seller’s agent is obliged to get the best deal for the seller. He/she is permi�ed to give potential buyers only material facts about the listing. Loyalty is to the seller, not the potential buyer.

On the other hand, if you �nd yourself in the market for a new home, a buyer’s agent is obligated to secure the best deal possible for the buyer. He/she is permi�ed to pass on any information obtained about the property or seller to his/her buying client.

According to the website Realtor.com, the following are some questions you should ask during your selection process when interviewing potential agents:

Are you a REALTOR®?Does the agent have an active real estate license in good standing?

To �nd this information, you can check with your state’s governing agency.

Does the agent belong to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and/or a reliable online home buyer’s search service?

Multiple Listing Services are cooperative information networks of REALTORS® that provide descriptions of most of the houses for sale in a particular region.

Is real estate the person’s full-time career?

What real estate designations does the agent hold?

Which party is he or she representing: you or the seller? �is discussion is supposed to occur early on, at “�rst serious contact” with you. �e agent should discuss your state’s particular de�nitions of agency, so you’ll know where you stand.

In exchange for your commitment, how will the agent help you accomplish your goals? Show you homes that meet your requirements and provide you with a list of the properties he or she is showing you?

Schoenberger adds, “One statement that will always remain true about real estate anywhere, IT’S LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. Be sure to contact your local realtor to get accurate facts and data about your particular marketplace.”

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“You see, it’s not about winning or losing. It’s

about competition with yourself - going out

there to do your very best, to give it your all,

to have nothing left. It’s about supporting your

teammates, pulling for them when you have all

but lost faith in yourself. Crew is a sport that

demands all of these things. It is not a sport of

fame; it is not a sport of popularity. Rowing is

above all that. Rowing is a sport of purity and

strength, constantly made better by you and I.”

– ANONYMOUS

According to the U.S. Rowing Association, rowers have been referred to as some of the ��est athletes in the world because the sport involves all major joints and

muscles in the body. It is also ideal for Fox Chapel Area High School athletes who want to stay in shape for the entire school year with the season starting in the fall, conditioning in the winter, and the season returning in the spring. In preparation for the spring season, indoor competitions using rowing machines known as ergometers which measure the amount of energy that the rower is generating. �en, in the spring when the main season starts, the rowers may compete in “fours,” boats that hold �ve people, “eights,” boats that hold nine people, or double or single boats. Practice is held on the Allegheny River at the Millvale boathouse of �ree Rivers Rowing Association.

�e 2012 North Allegheny (NA) High School Rowing Championships was just one of the indoor rowing competitions in which the Fox Chapel Crew competed and was held at Marshall Middle School in Marshall Township. Besides Fox Chapel and NA, high school competitors included Allderdice, Hampton, North Catholic, Pine-Richland, Pi�sburgh

Rowing Club, Shady Side Academy, Shaler, �ree Rivers Rowing Association, Upper St. Clair and Winchester �urston. �e boys and girls both placed third in the race and the team placed second in combined results in the race.

Chelsea Dzubak is the Fox Chapel Crew men’s head coach and talked about the bene�ts of joining crew.

“Two years ago the men’s varsity rowers made it to Youth Nationals, which you have to be top in your region to a�end,” said Ms. Dzubak. “We were top for the men’s light weight eight which is our big boat. If you a�end this you compete against clubs and high schools all over the country and if you get �rst place you get to go to the Scholastic Nationals, where you also compete against all the high school teams in the country. We went to this two years in a row with only having 15 members, which means half of your team is competing and that is great. We need more kids to join to stay competitive.”

Her husband, Craig Dzubak, is the men’s conditioning coach.“I’ve played all sports: football, hockey…and rowing is the

most challenging,” said Mr. Dzubak. “It is a great team sport.”Fox Chapel Crew is a club sport associated with Fox

Chapel Area High School. If you are a student who is interested in joining, or to �nd out more about rowing, visit the crew’s website at www.foxchapelcrew.org.

Fox Chapel Area High School Competes in

Indoor Rowing


by Kathy Rudolph


Photos by Gary Yon


Boyd Community Center

Bringing Area Residents TogetherBy Pamela Palongue

Many townships and boroughs have community centers, but one thing that makes Boyd Community Center unique is that the sta� really

listens to what the people want. �e classes and events that are scheduled have o�entimes started as suggestions from individuals or organizations in the community.

For example, Gardenfest, held on May 12, was the suggestion of the Fox Chapel Garden Club whose members wanted to see a full-scale botanical festival held close to home. In its second year, it has already grown to include about 30 participants including the Woodland Garden Club, the Guyasuta Garden Club and the Perennial Garden Club. More than just a plant sale, Gardenfest included a Maypole for children’s dancing and educational activities and demonstrations on preserving the environment and sustainable living. Visitors were able to learn about composting, the use of rain barrels, beekeeping and what farmers markets are held in the area. �e Woodland Garden Club sold its famous grilled cheese and mushroom

sandwiches and the Cooper-Siegel Library participated by selling books on gardening.

“We like to hold events that bring the entire community together,” says Stephanie Flom, executive director of the Boyd Community Center. “Our �rst International Food Festival was a�ended by a great diversity of ages and hopefully helped to expand the vision of our community.”

�e food festival, held on April 15, was a�ended by over 200 people and included Italian, Middle Eastern, Portuguese, Argentinean and Indian food. Participants were able to sample hummus, stu�ed artichokes, empanadas, vegetable samosa and potato gnocchi all in the same day!

Guests were also entertained with dance demonstrations by Barbara York who is an instructor of Flamenco dancing and Linda Donza who demonstrated indigenous Columbian dance.

“We want people to explore and discover di�erent things; this event was a treat for all the senses,” adds Flom.

Boyd Community Center becomes a bustling beehive of activity in the summer, o�ering one-week summer camps for kids and workshops and classes for adults. “We listen to

International Food Festival International Food Festival

Linda Donza of Salsa Ritmo

Barbara York and James Bond of Alba Flamenca

“We like to hold events that bring the entire community together.”

– Stephanie Flom, executive director of the Boyd Community Center

what people request and what they have an interest in when scheduling the classes,” explains Flom. Adults will be able to take classes in Zumba, Pilates, Yoga and meditation as well as many others. Flom says that food-related classes have been very popular lately so those will be o�ered again.

�e summer camps for children are o�ered in a wide variety including the Harry Po�er camp, and this year a Jedi camp has been added due to several requests from parents. �e summer camps are Monday through Friday and last an hour and a half for preschool children and three hours for school-age children. �ere are camps for band, writing, dance, robotics, acting and many, many other genres.

�ese classes help foster con�dence in children and could even possibly lead to a career.

“I think one thing that distinguishes our community center from any others is the level of instruction that we are able to provide in all our classes. �e quality of our instructors is very high,” says Flom.

�is year, the community center will be partnering with the Guyasuta Boy Scout Camp to o�er classes that will be of interest to teens.

New construction will give the community center even more space and e�ciency in serving the residents. It will begin in late 2012 and will be accomplished in two phases. �e �rst phase will include an expanded gymnasium, classrooms, a �tness center, dance studio and art studios.

“We’re designing the rooms to be as �exible as possible for smaller or larger groups,” says Flom. �e partitions between classrooms, for example, will be able to open to accommodate larger groups or close o� for smaller ones. �is will make the space as functional as possible.

Flom also says that the second phase of construction will include a long-awaited indoor swimming pool.

“We’re just so grateful for the continued support we get from our volunteers and community,” she adds.


Gardenfest


Dr. David Milliron’s practice is focused on promoting be�er health through prevention and e�ective treatment delivered with a caring a�itude. A Magna Cum Laude graduate of

Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, Dr. David uses a variety of cu�ing edge techniques to alleviate pain and increase mobility.

As clinic director of Newman Chiropractic Center, Dr. David has successfully implemented a relatively new treatment called Pain Neutralization Technique. It is designed to melt away muscle tension and trigger points. Dr. David also utilizes sacro-occipital technique to balance the pelvis and hips. �ese methods are used in combination with spinal adjustments and corrective exercises to help improve posture and reduce pain. Dr. David’s technique helps to re-align the spinal column with pinpoint accuracy.

�e Pi�sburgh native returned to the area in order to be closer to friends and family and to work with Dr. Lee Newman. Although he

enjoyed his experience of helping patients of all ages in Louisville, Kentucky, there simply is no place like home.

Dr. David’s primary focus is the comfort and support of his patients. Re-aligning joints and relieving stress on muscle tissue shouldn’t have to hurt. When it’s done properly it will result in a be�er quality of life with less pain and more enjoyment of daily activities. Dr. David has helped hundreds of patients recover from whiplash injuries resulting from car accidents. He also has extensive experience in sports-related injuries, having served as the Ohio Valley Wrestling team chiropractor for six years.

His comprehensive level of care includes the presentation of monthly health lectures which educate patients on recovering from injuries more quickly and maintaining optimal health. Organic methods such as yoga for increasing strength and �exibility and practical approaches to proper nutrition are covered during these discussions.

Patients can also receive x-rays on site when necessary and a massage therapist is available by appointment. Saturday hours are available to accommodate those patients with busy schedules.

For more information on Newman Chiropractic or Dr. David Milliron, please visit the website at www.newmanchiropractic.com.

Be�er Health for a

Be�er Life

Dr. David Milliron Newman ChiropracticO’Hara Twp. O�ce50 Freeport Road, Suite 200Pi�sburgh, PA 15215(412) 781-5040

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s

the life in your years.”– Abraham Lincoln


By Pamela Palongue

The Fox Chapel Drama Society will present “�e Odd Couple,” directed by Fox Chapel junior Shay Guthrie-Belajac. A.J. Golio will star as the lovable slob Oscar, and

Dan Krackhardt will portray the obsessively neat Felix. �e comedy will be presented on May 31, June 1 and June 2

with all performances beginning at 7 p.m. �e entire production is the work of the high school students. Guthrie-Belajac notes, “We really work hard and depend on each other to make the production a success.”

�e hilariously funny Neil Simon comedy �rst premiered on Broadway in 1965 and was soon followed by an Oscar-nominated �lm of the same name in 1968 and �nally a weekly TV series in 1970. �is classic should be a fun evening for the whole family.

All performances will take place at the Fox Chapel High School auditorium. Tickets will be available at the door for $7.

Fox Chapel Drama Society to Present “The Odd Couple”

UPCOMING EVENTS

The third annual Love the Library event was held on Saturday, April 28, at the Pi�sburgh Field Club. �e highlight of the evening was a keynote address by

Rick Sebak, a producer with WQED known for interesting documentaries on li�le-known facts about Pi�sburgh. Sebak’s address was preceded by dinner and cocktails.

Fox Chapel Borough President, Nate Parker, who served from 1994 to 2011, was also honored at the event for his dedication to the community and untiring support of the library.

�e event raised $37,000 to help support the Cooper-Siegel Library which serves the boroughs of Aspinwall, Blawnox, Fox Chapel, Indiana, O’Hara and Sharpsburg.

Love the Library

Sponsored by St. Margaret Foundation and UPMC St. Margaret, a free presentation, “Living Healthy with

Arthritis: Frontiers in Joint Preservation,” will be held Wednesday, May 30, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at UPMC St. Margaret, Conference Centers A, B and C, 815 Freeport Road.

UPMC St. Margaret orthopaedic surgeons, Alex J. Kline, MD, �ree Rivers Orthopedics Associates-UPMC and Craig S. Mauro, MD, Burke & Bradley Orthopedics, will discuss the latest arthroscopic treatments for hip preservation and breakthrough surgical techniques for foot and ankle arthritis. �addeus A. Osial Jr., MD, rheumatologist, Margolis Rheumatology Associates-UPMC, will provide introductory remarks. �e Eisenbeis Lecture Series is an educational program funded in memory of Carl H. Eisenbeis, Jr., MD, and made possible through his family’s donations to the St. Margaret Foundation.

Dr. Eisenbeis served on the board of St. Margaret Memorial Hospital for 35 years and was actively

involved in fundraising e�orts. Specializing in rheumatology, he played a key role in the hospital’s

relocation from Lawrenceville to its current location near Aspinwall and was a member of the new hospital

commi�ee. Dr. Eisenbeis helped to establish the hospital’s Rehabilitation Department, as well as its Doris Palmer Arthritis Center, where he spent most of his career.

Parking will be validated and light refreshments will be served. Reservations are required. To make a reservation, call 1-866-939-RSVP (7787).

UPMC St. Margaret is a 249-bed acute care and accredited teaching hospital located near Aspinwall that has been granted Magnet status, the highest international recognition for nursing excellence and leadership. With renewed dedication to more than 250,000 residents of northeastern Allegheny County and the Alle-Kiski Valley, UPMC St. Margaret provides residents convenient access to the area’s �nest physicians and health care services.

EISENBEIS LECTURE SERIES AT UPMC ST. MARGARET PRESENTS

Living Healthy with Arthritis: Frontiers in Joint Preservation

by Kathy Rudolph

A day full of garden inspiration, hosted by Penn State Extension and Phipps Conservatory, gave 210 gardeners at every skill level plenty of ideas

and solutions at the Western Pennsylvania Garden and Landscape Symposium.

For 18 years the educational conference, held at Hillman Center at Shadyside Academy, has brought gardeners together to discuss their thoughts and exchange ideas. “Forgo�en Elements of Good Design,” “Using Edibles in Landscapes” and “Scrubs for All Seasons” were just some of the many programs taught by award-winning speakers including Kirk Brown, Ruth Rogers Clausen, Dan Hinkley and Barbara Pleasant.

“I think it is a great partnership with Penn State, Phipps Conservatory and Shadyside Academy and a great way to promote local vendors and bring the community together,” said Nancy Knauss, event organizer and horticulture/master gardener coordinator at Penn State Extension. “We plan the symposium based on what people recommend on evaluations that they complete each year. People know what they like and we want to provide that for them.”

A marketplace, located in the ice rink and open to the public, gave shoppers an opportunity to purchase a wide variety of plants, �owers and decorative garden accents from over 30 local vendors. If there was no time to a�end the symposium, “Ten-Minute Tips” by vendors on subjects including “Growing Potatoes,” “Curb Appeal - What Not to Do” and “Rain Gardens” were o�ered to shoppers.

“It is a great opportunity to mix education with purchasing plants,” said Gabe Tilove, adult education coordinator at Phipps Conservatory, who assisted in organizing the event. “You get to expose yourself to some incredible, highly regarded speakers from across the country and see all of the di�erent vendors and experts all in one place.”

To learn more about upcoming events at Penn State Extension, please visit the website at extension.psu.edu. To �nd out more about upcoming events at Phipps Conservatory, visit phipps.conservatory.org.


Dream Garden! Growing a

Dream Garden!

Organizers Gabe Tilove of Phipps Conservatory and Nancy Knauss of Penn State Extension

Morgan Monteverde


Dream Garden! Jim Kalka of Penn State Master Gardeners

of Allegheny County

Eric Priebe of Penn State Master

Gardeners of Allegheny County

Judy Diorio and Nancy Presto

Lauren Messner

It won’t be long before crowds converge on Fox Chapel Golf Club for the PGA Tour’s Constellation Senior Players

Championship tournament.For the past �ve years, the event has been

played in the fall, but this year the PGA has decided to move the event to mid-summer.

Slated for June 26-July 1, the tournament is expected to draw thousands of spectators but impact to the borough itself should be relatively minor, according to Gary Koehler, borough manager. Financial impact to the region, however, is expected to be signi�cant, especially for the hospitality industry.

Because Fox Chapel Road actually bisects the course, tra�c in the area will be detoured. But, Koehler says, residents of the area will be able to get to their homes.

“�e borough’s concern is public safety,” says Koehler. He said o�cials

will make certain that anything that is

constructed for the tournament

– such as grandstands

and hospitality

areas at the

site – will be in compliance with the borough’s codes to ensure safety.

Borough Police Chief David Laux explains that Fox Chapel Road will be closed completely between Squaw Run Road east (near the “Y”) and Indian Hill Road. Vehicles traveling north on Fox Chapel Road and residents up to Indian Hill Road will be una�ected.

Vehicles traveling southbound on Fox Chapel Road to the turn near Fairview Road will be detoured onto Powers Run Road, then right onto Field Club Road near the borough building, then le� onto Fox Chapel Road, the police chief explains. A secondary route, although not recommended because it is nearly three-quarters of a mile longer, is to turn right onto Powers Run Road, staying straight onto Squaw Run Road east, then le� onto Squaw Run Road.

Detours will be posted well in advance, says Laux. Although the tournament is expected to draw nearly 7,000 people, he says that is nowhere near the number that converged upon Oakmont for the U.S. Open.

“We have been working closely with the PGA and the Allegheny County Department of Emergency Services to try to reduce inconvenience to residents as much as

possible,” says Laux. “We are always aware that we have to make sure the needs of the community are met.”

He also added that emergency responders have been made aware of the detours to ensure that response times will not be adversely a�ected.

Exact daily times for the detours have not yet been �nalized, but the police chief anticipates that portions of the road will be closed for about 14 hours each day of the tournament.

�e tournament is a charitable event. �e Constellation Senior Players Championship has generated more than $8 million for charity since 1992, according to the PGA Tour website. Proceeds from this year’s event bene�t �e First Tee national organization and �e First Tee of Pi�sburgh.

�e First Tee of Pi�sburgh’s stated mission is “to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.”

General event parking for the tournament will be available at the Galleria at Pi�sburgh Mills, according to the PGA Tour’s website.

by Dana Black McGrath

PGA Tour Stops at

Fox Chapel Golf Club



Do you rely on public transportation?

SometimesSometimesSometimesSometimesSometimes

Shu�le buses will transport spectators from the mall parking lot to the main tournament entrance at Fox Chapel Golf Club. Parking and shu�le transportation are provided free of charge.

Tickets for the event already are on sale. According to the tour’s website, spectators age 18 and younger receive complimentary grounds admission provided by support from Sargent & Lundy, LLC.

�ere also are special o�ers for those serving in the military. Active duty, retired and reserve military personnel and their dependents receive complimentary admission throughout the tournament week. Tickets for veterans will become available in May. For more information, visit www.birdiesforthebrave.org to download tickets. Veterans may obtain a complimentary ticket from h�p://ve�ix.org. In order for individuals to purchase tickets for the event, please visit the website at www.pgatour.com.

Keep your financial safety net intact

We’re all trying to reduce costs these days, but we need to be careful how we achieve those cost savings. When it comes to insurance, you could be jeopardizing your �nances

and risking exposure by reducing your coverage. Here’s how it could back�re in these important areas:

• Autoliability. You may be tempted to cut your auto liability coverage to the minimum limits required by our state. However, accidents o�en cost much more than required minimum limits. If you’re sued because of your involvement in an accident, could you pay the extra costs not covered by your auto policy?

• Strategicaction: Get a discount from Farmers by signing up for automatic bill payment through Farmers Electronic Funds Transfer [EFT]. Contact me to sign up or go to www.shoemakeragency.com.

• Homeowner’scoverage.If your home’s real estate value has fallen in recent years, don’t assume you can now reduce your insurance coverage. Your coverage is designed to help cover the costs of rebuilding your home. Rebuilding costs are not the same as market value; so even if your home’s market value has dropped, rebuilding costs may not be lower in our area. Strategic action: Farmers rewards customers who have more than one type of policy through Farmers. For example, you may qualify for multi-line discounts if you add an auto or life policy to your existing homeowner’s coverage. Or think about raising your deductible to lower your premium costs—of course, this assumes you have funds set aside to pay any out-of-pocket expenses.

• Lifeinsurance. If anything happens to you, your loved ones could be hit doubly hard in today’s struggling economy if they don’t have your life insurance bene�ts to fall back on. Without those bene�ts, could your family pay the mortgage, car loans and other expenses of daily life? Strategic action: If you haven’t reviewed your life insurance coverage lately, give me a call. Farmers has policies that may o�er the coverage you want at a lower cost.

Get maximum value for your insurance dollars and keep your safety net intact. Please contact me for a free Farmers Friendly Review® so you can look at your coverage options and identify ways to help save money.


This Industry Insight was written by Jason Shoemaker, Jason Shoemaker Agency of Farmers Insurance.3041 Freeport Rd., Natrona Heights, PA 15065-1909724.895.3515www.farmersagent.com/jshoemakerwww.shoemakeragency.com


Audubon Society to

host…

by Matthew J. Fascetti

The Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania

will be hosting its annual event, “a night in

the WOODS,” at Beechwood Farms Nature

Reserve on Dorseyville Road in Fox Chapel on

Saturday, June 23, from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Proceeds

benefit the Audubon Society as well as Shannon’s

Camp Fund, which provides summer camp

scholarships to underprivileged kids. In the four

years since Shannon’s Camp Fund was founded,

250 children have been helped.

As Audubon’s signature event, a night in the

WOODS will feature plenty of festivities and

attractions. “There will be food, beverages, and

beer provided by Church Brew Works, Soloman

Steel Pan Drum band will perform, and we

will have a one-day art installation that will be

featured,” said Jen Zaltman, community relations

director for the Audubon Society of Western

Pennsylvania and a chairperson of the fundraiser.

The event will also feature a silent auction and

a signature drink (which was still being finalized

at time of publication); last year’s drink was the

Hootini. “This is going to be a great night and I can’t wait

to enjoy it with my co-chairs. We all worked very

closely with each other to put the event together,”

said Zaltman. The co-chairpersons for the event

are Libby Culbertson Ernharth, Rebecca Ringham

Myerburg and Sarah Perkins Stallings. The major

sponsors for the event are BNY Mellon, PNC Bank

and #1 Cochran Automotive. Approximately 250

people are expected to attend.

The event will be fun for the whole family, as

there will also be plenty of open space for children

to play and enjoy nature in the DiscoverGround

play area. Even beyond the fun and entertainment

the night provides, there is a much simpler

message. “In addition to being one of the year’s

major fundraisers, this event is really about getting

people outside and exploring what nature can

bring them. At Audubon we want people to be

at one with nature,” said Rachel Handel, director

of communications for the Audubon Society of

Western Pennsylvania. “Audubon is a cause worth

supporting,” she added. “[It] has three reserves

open to the public that allow people to explore

and escape into the natural world. Supporting

Audubon allows us to continue building upon the

momentum of connecting people to nature.”

Albert Einstein once said, “Look deep into

nature, then you will understand everything

better.” The Audubon Society of Western

Pennsylvania would certainly agree with that, as

its mission is connecting the people of western

Pennsylvania with birds and nature through

programs, projects and places. The society is

the premier nonprofit environmental education

organization in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Audubon’s locations at Beechwood Farms Nature

Reserve in Fox Chapel, Todd Nature Reserve in

Sarver and Succop Conservancy in Butler boast

lush, natural acreage, miles of hiking trails,

educational and outreach programs and the

Audubon Center for Native Plants.

Founded in 1916, for years Audubon was simply

a gathering of like-minded souls. In 1942 the group

became land owners as ornithologist W.E. Clyde

Todd sought a caretaker for his family’s beloved

property. Then in the late 1970s Audubon agreed

to take on Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve in

Fox Chapel to provide environmental education

to the region. This allowed the Audubon Society

of Western Pennsylvania to become a leader in

environmental conservation.

If you enjoy nature and want to give back,

tickets for a night in the WOODS are $125 per

person and can be purchased online at aswp.org

or by calling 412.963.6100.

host…

ANight in theWoods


ANight in theWoods

“Look deep into nature,

then you will understand everything better.”

– Albert Einstein

Great things usually begin with a great idea. And the new �shing pier at 13th Street was just an idea that started with then Sharpsburg

councilman Larry Stelitano a few years ago. �e retired Sharpsburg policeman casually

mentioned to one of his fellow borough employees, “You ought to apply for a grant to build a pier,” never thinking for a minute that the grant would be awarded.

However, as if almost by miracle, the borough was awarded a sizable grant from the Pennsylvania Fish and

Boat Commission. �e grant money was like adding a spark to dried kindling. Once the idea

became a real possibility, everyone got on board with the plan.

More money came in the form of grants from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Port of Pi�sburgh and a Community Development Block Grant. Volunteer labor was recruited from the Pi�sburgh Job Corps, a group that trains young people to help them become more employable.

“�e kids actually built that pier,” says Stelitano, who watched them mature as the project progressed and they learned how to operate machinery and heavy equipment. “�ose kids walked out of here ready to go to work, fully trained,” he says. “It was a very worthwhile experience for me and for the kids.”

�e �shing pier took approximately four years to build, but according to Stelitano, it was worth every day spent. “It was like planting a seed and ge�ing to watch it bloom.” �ough Stelitano’s term as a councilman had ended, he stayed on as a consultant on a volunteer basis to oversee the work.

However, as if almost by miracle, the borough was awarded a sizable grant from the Pennsylvania Fish and

Boat Commission. �e grant money was like adding a spark to dried kindling. Once the idea

became a real possibility, everyone got on board with

More money came in the form of grants from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Port of Pi�sburgh and a Community Development

the Pi�sburgh Job Corps, a group that trains young

“�e kids actually built that pier,” says Stelitano, who watched them mature as the project progressed

by Pamela Palongue

“Three-fourths of the Earth’s surface is water and one-fourth is land;

it is quite clear that the good Lord intended us to spend triple the amount

of time fishing as taking care of the lawn.”

– Chuck Clark

Fishing off the Pier


�e pier extends about 30 feet out into the water and is

handicapped accessible. �ere are two well-lit pavilions of

steel construction which can be rented for picnics or celebrations by calling the borough o�ce and

there is a kayak launch. According to Stelitano, walleye, cat�sh and

bass may be caught by �shing o� of the pier, just to name a few. Visitors might see beavers, muskrats, blue

herons, ducks and geese on any given day. “It’s probably the largest free

parking and boat launch in Allegheny County,” he adds.

As with many other public facilities across the country, there have been

minor problems with vandalism, which raises the ire of the former law

enforcement o�cial. “We’re having cameras installed very soon which should

deter that sort of thing from happening.” Stelitano goes down to the pier every

day just to check on things and still marvels at the realization of what began as

just an idea he had in his head a few years ago. “You can come here and feel like you’re

out in the country somewhere, but you’re right here in town. People should come

down and see what we’ve got.” Fishing is quite clearly not just about

catching �sh. It’s about engaging in an activity that is as enjoyable in solitude as it is with the

whole family. It can be fun or frustrating, disappointing or exhilarating. But however the day turns out, it’s always much be�er than if you had just stayed home.

�e lawn will still be there when you get back.

feet out into the water and is handicapped accessible. �ere are two well-lit pavilions of

steel construction which can be rented for picnics or celebrations by calling the borough o�ce and

there is a kayak launch. to Stelitano, walleye, cat�sh and

bass may be caught by �shing o� of the pier, just to name a few. Visitors might see beavers, muskrats, blue

herons, ducks and geese on any given day. “It’s probably the largest free

parking and boat launch in Allegheny County,” he adds.

As with many other public facilities across the country, there have been

minor problems with vandalism, which raises the ire of the former law

enforcement o�cial. “We’re having cameras installed very soon which should

deter that sort of thing from happening.” Stelitano goes down to the pier every

day just to check on things and still marvels at the realization of what began as

just an idea he had in his head a few years ago. “You can come here and feel like you’re

out in the country somewhere, but you’re right here in town. People should come

down and see what we’ve got.” Fishing is quite clearly not just about

catching �sh. It’s about engaging in an activity


Houses of Worship

Adat Shalom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412.820.7000

All Saints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412.781.0530

Aspinwall Presbyterian . . . . . . . . . . . . .412.781.2884

Chabad of Fox Chapel . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412.781.1800

Catholic Community Sharpsburg . . . . . .412.784.8700

Christ The Divine Teacher

Catholic Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412.781.7927

Community United

Methodist Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412.781.6951

Dorseyville Alliance Church . . . . . . . . .412.767.4600

Emmanuel Lutheran Church . . . . . . . .412.781.2764

Evangelical Bible Fellowship . . . . . . . .412.726.6684

Faith United Methodist Church . . . . . .412.963.8155

First English Lutheran Church . . . . . . .412.782.1623

Fox Chapel Episcopal Church . . . . . . . .412.963.8938

Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church . . . . .412.963.8243

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church . . . .412.963.9494

Grace United Methodist Church . . . . .412.782.3396

Harmarville United Methodist . . . . . . .412.828.0292

Harmarville United Presbyterian . . . . .412.828.8232

Hoboken Presbyterian Church . . . . . . 412.828.2611

Holy Spirit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412.821.4424

Immanuel Lutheran Church . . . . . . . . .412.271.1995

Mt. Olive Baptist Church . . . . . . . . . . . .412.781.5554

Pine Creek Presbyterian Church . . . . .412.963.7868

Sharpsburg Family Worship Center . .412.799.0701

St. Joseph O’Hara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412.963.8885

St. Mary of Assumption . . . . . . . . . . . . .412.486.4100

St. Mary’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412.781.2866

St. Nicholas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412.821.3438

St. Scholastica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412.781.0186

St. Edward Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412.828.4066

St. Francis of Assisi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412.828.4066

St. Juan Diego . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412.784.8700

Trinity United Church of Christ . . . . . . .412.767.4794

If your place of worship was not on our list, please e-mail the information to p.palongue@

incommunitymagazines.com.

Places of Worship in your area:

What does one degree of change mean to you?

One Degree of Change is the theme for the 2012 St. Scholastica Youth Ministry Appalachia Mission Trip. We believe that one degree, or even the smallest change, can lead to bigger positive

changes… so just one degree of change can make all the di�erence. For the 70 teens and adults from St. Scholastica who will be going

to Appalachia, W.Va., this summer it might be a new porch, a painted house, or simply the company of a smiling person. �e faith-�lled teens and adults who embark on this trip a�ect everyone with whom they interact. �e relationships nurtured in Appalachia between the families in need and the St. Scholastica parishioners are irreplaceable. �eir presence makes an incredible di�erence in the lives of the sick, the impoverished, and the downtrodden… as well as back home here in Fox Chapel School District! In fact one parent said a�er her husband

and daughter joined the trip nine years ago, “My family is di�erent… in a really great way!” �e entire family has been participating ever since.

�e Appalachia mission trip is simply an extension of the outreach of the St. Scholastica Youth Ministry. �roughout the year, middle school and high school youth work with Habitat for Humanity, Family House, the veterans’ hospital and other organizations in our area. �is Appalachia mission trip is one week in the summer for our ministry to step outside of its comfort zone and work in a place which is in dire need of our assistance.

Participants in the trip raise money through hoagie and pie sales, a 5K family fun run/walk and donations to pay for transportation, food and building supplies.

Youth Minister Jamie Dillon tells the participants, “Don’t let what goes on in Appalachia stay in Appalachia. Take it with you. Let it change you…” even if it is only by one degree.


by Jamie Dillon and Kate Hardiman

Business Directory

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