in-west-allegheny-spring

WINTER 2012 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

West Allegheny FootbAll goes 12-2-0 For seAson

The Foundation of History: Killbuck Lodge

Health and Wellness Special Section

Oakdale News and Events

Here’s the PlanAt UPMC Health Plan, we believe customer service should be a service to you, not a headache. That’s why we offer you a personal health care concierge. A live person who lives here and can answer all your questions in just one phone call. Sure, we win awards for our customer service.

But it’s the reaction we get from satis� ed members that we � nd most rewarding.

“I’d like to have my questions answered in just one phone call.”

To fi nd out more visit upmchealthplan.com

Spring content deadline: 1/25/13

S TA F F

At this time of year, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the journey with us that was 2012.

And while we’ve endured extremes of nature via the summer heat waves and Hurricane Sandy, as well as the onslaught of a presidential election that ate up any time available between our favorite shows, we still have much to be thankful for.

IN Community Magazines continues to grow, and for that we thank you, our readers and our advertisers.

Our readers help shape these magazines. Those of you who took the time to call, e-mail or write in with your ideas and events are the ones who set our table of contents.

We pride ourselves on the fact that we listen to you and your ideas because, in the end, this is your community and you know it best. So I continue to encourage you to send in your ideas to our editor at [email protected].

I wish to thank our advertisers for your continued support of IN Community Magazines. By advertising with us, you are supporting your community by underwriting the cost of the editorial content that those who read these magazines enjoy and look forward to each issue. Because of you, our readers can be entertained and informed.

In this last issue before 2013, I urge our readers to support the advertisers who support your community magazine before you make your holiday gift lists. If you like this magazine, let them know and make a point to stop in their businesses. They’re not just trying to sell you something, they’re also your neighbors and community sponsors.

I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season and the best that 2013 has to offer!

Enjoy your winter with the ones you love,Wayne Dollard, Publisher

From the Publisher

we want to know:

It’s time to start thinking about the holiday season. While it’s always better to give than receive, we want to know what the best gift you’ve ever received was, and we don’t necessarily mean material things. Let us know! Email your story to [email protected] or mail them to IN Community Magazines, 603 East McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317.

Please indicate which of our magazines you receive so we know where to place your story. Photos are encouraged and should be 1MB or greater. Actual photos are accepted as well, but cannot be returned.

What is the best gift you’ve ever received?

Business Spotlight

Newbury Features New Zero-energy Green EcoCraft HomesYou already know that Newbury is one of

the region’s fastest-growing and best-selling communities in the South Hills, but you may not know that Newbury’s on the cutting edge of green technology as well.

“This is an exciting time because it’s the penultimate demonstration of the residential vision of Newbury,” said Brett Malky, President of EQA Landmark Communities. “These homes are, at every level, of the highest quality and the most ecologically friendly homes in the market.”

Newbury’s EcoCraft homes are based on the designs and hard work of Elliot Fabri, Sr., who has been building homes for more than 30 years. In 1992, he founded New Era Building Systems, and founded EcoCraft in 2012.

EcoCraft Homes are assembled off site in a specialized climate and quality controlled facility. Their advanced home manufacturing process leads to more consistent quality construction, faster build times, and superior energy performance. EcoCraft luxury modular homes can be built in as little as 90 days and are 85 percent complete before they even reach the construction site. They have air-tight building envelopes, high R-value cellulose and spray foam insulation, 98 percent efficient HVAC systems and tankless water heating systems. The whole construction process produces less than 5 percent waste and 95 percent of the waste

generated is recycled. But perhaps the biggest selling feature of

EcoCraft homes is the fact that homeowners will notice their energy bills will be a lot lower. EcoCraft’s Smart home model consumes 72 percent less energy than a standard new home. And with the solar panel systems on the roof, EcoCraft homeowners could actually

be rewarded for selling electricity back to the grid.

“In addition to lower utility bills, residents in our smart homes will enjoy a 30 percent federal tax credit that is available with our solar energy

systems,” said Elliot Fabri, Jr., Vice President of EcoCraft. “The panels we use are virtually maintenance free, they have no moving parts, and the manufacturers guarantee them for up to 25 years. Although solar energy is a reasonably new technology, research and testing done on older systems indicate that solar panels should enjoy lifespans of 30 plus years.”

Fabri also said that homeowners will own the solar units outright, and the tax credits it generates can be sold for a profit each and every year. And, contrary to the weather you’re probably seeing right now as you look out the window, Pennsylvania solar production capabilities are actually on par with much of the Southeastern United States, ranking only slightly less than places like Texas, California and Florida.

Not only are EcoCraft homes more energy efficient, but they are healthier too. EcoCraft Homes feature Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRV’s), which remove stale, contaminated air from inside the house while simultaneously filtering in fresh outside air, and distributing it evenly throughout the home.

“Indoor air pollutants have been ranked among the top five environmental risks to public health,” Fabri said. “And according to studies by the EPA indoor pollutant levels are five to ten times higher than what is found outdoors.”

And don’t forget that water savings are found in EcoCraft homes as well. Their Smart homes feature a wide array of water efficient technologies that can reduce water consumption for a family of four by over 20,000 gallons every year. By combining super-efficient tankless water heaters with Kohler WaterSense high-performance faucets and shower heads EcoCraft homes not only conserve water, but also reduce hot water costs by as much as 50 percent.

Of course, like all Newbury homes, the attention to quality and detail means homeowners will recognize the craftsmanship of Boral Cultured Stone, Carrier, Kohler, Whirlpool, James Hardy and Andersen Windows to name a few. Take a look yourself and see, most importantly, the home is beautiful!

And finally, by the end of this year, not only will the old 84 Lumber be torn down to begin work on the Newbury Market entrance, Malky will be ready to announce the new tenants for the Gateway Retail parcel of Newbury Market, with announcements for all Phase I market tenants set for the Spring.

For more information on Newbury, including scheduling a tour, and links to their Facebook and Twitter feeds, go to www.newburymarket.com or call 412.680.5200.

2 724.942.0940 to advertise West Allegheny

IN West Allegheny | WINTER 2012 |

INSIDE IN West Allegheny is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the West Allegheny area 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.

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Features

The Foundation of HistoryKillbuck Lodge is Meeting Site for Boy Scout Troop 248 ............................. | 11

Health and Wellness Special Section ............................ | 28

Industry InsIghts

The Vein Institute ........................ | 32

BusIness spotlIght

Newbury ............................................... | 2

Cover photo by Primetime Shots, Inc.

Culinary students from Parkway West Career Training Center created gingerbread houses as part of their curriculum. See story on page 26.

We Want to Cover You! Do you have an event coming up that you’d like to publicize? Do you have an event that you want us to cover? Let us know! • Go to www.incommunitymagazines.com/events and fill out the form. Events will be announced in the upcoming issue. If our deadlines don’t match yours, we may decide to send our photographers to cover the event for an upcoming issue. • We’re looking for fundraisers, charity drives, social functions, class reunions, church festivals, awards presentations and more! If you’re not sure you have an event worth featuring, give us a call at 724.942.0940 and we’ll help you out!

communIty Interests

West Allegheny School District News ..................................... | 4

How Did You Meet Your Spouse? ................................................ | 13

Pittsburgh Technical Institute To Host Coderetreat ........... | 14

West Allegheny High School Holiday Cards .......................... | 15

UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News ...................................... | 17

Tis the Season! Parkway West’s Gingerbread Houses ..... | 26

Oakdale News and Events ............................................................. | 33

Parkway West: Making a Dream Come True .......................... | 39

For special values, see coupon on page 41.

West Allegheny | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 3

GRADE 8HIGHEST HONORS

Netsanet Andualem, Sarah Behr, Amanda Beuchat, Sai Bhatte, Everest Bower, Julie Burns, Kayla Campbell, Zachary Costantino, Derek Currey, Martin Durkin, Rachel Ecoff, Jeremy Ellis, Julia Falcioni, Kaylee Fields, Devin Floyd, Sydney Foy, Matthew Gardocki, Hunter Gatchell, Moira Gibson, Joseph Gluzman, Shawn Holl, Joseph Honeychuck, Nicholas Kadlecik, Chloe Kehm, Allison Koester, Yash Lahoti, Dorissa Large, Huynh Le, Mackenzie Mahen, Marina Maropis, Gary McMurtrie, Trent Michaels, Kyle Miller, Christian Milletary, Nicholas Morrison, Gabriella Morton, Kaylee Musiol, Anh Nguyen, Ali Perry, Garrett Powell, Gabrielle Prevade, Kristen Quasey, Matthew Quinn, Danielle Rance, Hunter Ross, Nicholas Ross, Hannah Salvucci, Sydney Saunders, Natalie Sciulli, Claire Shemon, Daniel Shemon, Christina Sible, Andrew Silvis, Victoria Siwula, Michael Starkman, Brooklynn Verbeck, Kayla Wade, Kaylie Wallace, Jessica Wasek, Alexandra Yingst, Morgan Ziolkowski.

HIGH HONORSAlan Albrecht, Tyler Anderson, Christian

Aromando, Samantha Atkinson, Char-Leigh Bates, Austin Bayer, Alisha Beiber, Katarina Bittner, Madison Blazer, Nathan Bly, Kaitlyn Bolton, Tyler Boni, Chad Bovalina, Macy Cain, Dannial Cardillo, Ava Collins, Victoria Costa, Michael Crawford, Matthew Currey, Adam Dolan, Rachel Dorste, Meghann Downing, Katrina Dudukovich, Paige Eritz, Sara Fiorentino, Mitchell Fullard, Thomas Garvin, Madeline Graham, Courtney Hayes, Madison Heidenreich, Luke Heyl, Morgan Hoffman, Lauren Humensky, Brionna Jordan, Nicole Kadlecik, Michael Kocher, Mya Konieczny, John Koval, Madison Lockwich, Rylie Malatak, Alyson Martin, Danielle Monaco, Mackenzie Morgan, Ryan Niederriter, Kress Oliver, Faith Orsini, Kelsey Overbay, Marc Passione, Alissa Reno, Lauren Ritchey, Brianna Rose,

Kali Rossi, Rachel Schreiber, John Scisciani, Joseph Sciulli, Samantha Shaffer, Andrew Shemon, Sydney Spath, Victoria St.Claire, Brooke Sturgeon, Kacey Sturgeon, Stephen Twardy, Cory Uram, Erik Vadella, Todd Voloskie, Lindsey Watters, Catherine Wheatley, Alaina White, Kaitlin White, Nikki Williams, Brooke Wilson, Lindsey Wilson, Noah Wilson, Matthew Zelesnik.

HONORSKatelyn Berg, Madeline Bleil, Megan Blumling,

Dylan Bolind, Chloee Borgialli, Macenzie Bourg, Connor Britton, Maxwell Bruce-Rudge, Hannah Chauvet, Chasen Claus, Kamren Cornell, Lucas Curti, Erin Cutri, Michaela Daigle, Devin Donaldson, Tiara Dramble, Zane Driggers, Alexandra Dudeck, Carli Dundas, Alexis Evans, Michael Faux, Lorenzo Giacomino, Lochlann Gilbert, Maranda Grady, Gabriella Hatch, Trevor Heinz, Matthew Holmes, Karlee Johnson, Rachel King, Jeremy Kumpfmiller, Brianna Lambert, Alec Maximovich, Mikayla Medved, Justin Metalik, Gianna Milletary, Alison Mroczkowski, Rachel Mroczkowski, Erika Norris, Julianna Potts, Cynthia Price, Ryan Rohal, Quinn Roth, Alexander Rule, Alexis Schmader, Kassidy Scott, Ryan Shearer, Miranda Stakeley, Ciara Terabasso, Eric Tokarski, Brittanie Toomey, Paige Toulouse, Justin Usenicnik, Jesse Vogt, Rachel Wirfs, Brandy Wyke.


Anden Acitelli, Michael Bagnell, Stephanie Berhosky, Dana Bodnar, Jacob Bolger, Tori Brennen, Noah Brosovic, Lucia Bruschi, Ornuma Bunsopa, Gabrielle Campbell, Michael Chen, Amanda Coghe, Paige Colicchie, Hannah Cook, Brandon Cooper, Alexa Crider,

Sarah Cummings, Taylor Cummings, Jacob Davis, Brandon Ferruzza, Taylor Goldstrohm, Stephen Grebosky, Joshua Halbedl, Hailey Hamilton, Henry Hays, Trenton Heh, Veronica Heyl, Savannah Kosis, Ava Krapanza, Morgan Kutzavitch, Sierra Lamb, Lily Lutkus, Melina Lynn, Kylie Martin, Rocky McGeary, Aidan Meier, Kaitlin Mielnicki, Amy Nolte, Anna Nordmann, Madelyn Norris, Melina Opacic, Jessica Packer, Zachary Painter, Miala Palaima, Mackenzie Partyka, Mckenna Pasic, Dominic Patitucci, Nicole Patterson, Rachel Plocki, Connor Polosky, Zachary Porter, Emily Price, Rachel Schade, Gregory Schriner, Ashley Seamon, Lily Seibel, Olivia Shipley, Tanner Simko, Quincy Sterner, Kolbe Stout, Morgan Swasey, Zehao Tan, Jeremy Taranto, Caitlin Thomson, Daniel Tome, Lauren Whitaker, Michael Whitaker, William Wiechelt, Savana Williamson, Stewart Yarowenko, Megan Ye, Olivia Younger, Jennifer Zavoina, Jennifer Zelesnik, Kayleigh Zimmerman.

WEST ALLEGHENY SCHOOL DISTRICT

West Allegheny Middle School– HONOR ROLL –

FIRST GRADING PERIOD 2012-13

WEST ALLEGHENY SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS


HIGH HONORS

Katelyn Amedure, Tatum Amos, Mariah Bagdon, Alexis Barbour, Conner Bartley, Noah Bauer, Graham Bordo, Kaitlin Borgo, Eric Campbell, Sydney Campbell, Joel Casey, Daniel Clements, Curtis Cowher, Sadie Crawford, Victoria Crawford, Nathan Cronin, Katelin Cutri, Mackenzie Danzik, Mikayla Day, Anthony Dellovade, Matthew Donahue, Brock Downing, Montana Feely, Samantha Fink, Kaylee Fisher, Michael Flesse, Tyler Gallant, Nathaniel Graziani, Jenna Haston, Madison Henry, Victoria Hensler, Rachel Hoge, Courtney Hurey, Christina Jeter, Victoria Juzwick, Anna Kohl, Jessop Kolesar, Caitlin Kutzavitch, Michaela Lucas, Carolyn Macek, Mallory Mahen, Ryan Main, Bryce Manley, Olivia Marsh, Kaitlin Martelli, Spencer Mason, Avery Naleppa, Spencer Naleppa, Grant Nicholson, Jacklyn Patton, Kayleigh Peternel, Aubrey Prohaska, Kaitlin Richards, Justin Rippole, William Robertson, Seth Rosen, Megan Routch, Madeline Salek, Logan Simmons, Nicholas Staub, Zachary Stone, Madison Story, Jacqueline Vergnaud, Anthony Vidmar, Alexis Vogt, Roman Votour, Chancelor Wahl, Mackenzie Walters, Jillian Weber, Matthew Weber, William Weber, Lauryn Wertz, Lacey Wilkinson, John Wojtowicz, Rachel Zelesnik, Gage Zurcher, Robert Zysk, Shalby Zysk.

HONORSSteven Abbott, Evan Armstrong, Joseph Artinger,

Michael Behr, Jeree Best, Kiley Black, Mariah Blair, Isaac Bower, Abigayle Brown, Megan Capo, Katelyn Carnot, Joseph Cook, Shay Cryblskey-Horton, Julia Custer, Joshua Dixon, Francesca Fedorka, Selena Garcia, Kelsey Gehlert, Taylor Greer, Olivia Hamilton, Brittany Hemminger, Zachary Hoge, Carlie Holeva, Baleigh Hopkins, John Hufnagel, Connor Johnsen, Tyler Keibler, Hannah Kizina, Jared Konop, Noah Ledford, Abigail Leslie, Joshua Logar, Brent Mangold, Maximus Oberg, Cole Ourada, Caleb Parrish, Austin Petrocelly, David Pritchett, Dylan Rossman, Amanda Rubis, Victoria Sadauskas, Kaylee Santiago, Christopher Schubert, Patrick Shearer, Eric Thomsen, Logan Tomcik, Lucas Vignone, Brianna Watters, Connor Wetzel, Rachel Zeigler, Trey Zeroski.

GRADE 6 HIGHEST HONORS

Omeir Ahmed, Ronald Alano, Casey Bachowski, Jacob Bahr, Lauren Bayer,

Alexander Berhosky, Victoria Beuchat,

Kelli Blondsey, Dylan Boyza, Gabriella Brady, Dillon Calhoon, Maura Castelluci, Adam Chang, Benjamin Chromack, Shannon Clontz, Jacob Costantino, Tara Coulter, Madison Cunningham, Vesta Daniels, Hailey Digiandomenico, Juliana Dominick, Nathan Dragisich, Sydni Ellis, James Ervin, Grace Faulk, Nicholas Faulk, Nathan Fidell, Alexis Fleet, Jordan Frasier, Mackenzie Gillie, Alyssa Goldstrohm, Mitchell Gumbert, Darian Hallam, Diana Hannan, Julia Hazel, Kellyanne Hernandez-Rivera, Kyle Jamieson, Trent Johnson, Haley Kozel, Robert Kramm, Kylie Laughery, Hannah Lindemuth, Zachary Logan, Taylor Loyer, Logan Malatak, Marcus Maropis, Ty McGeary, Breanna McMurtrie, Isabella Merlino, Zachary Metz, Brittany Morrison, Arielle Moulinie, William Muirhead, Alicia Peng, Anthony Perez, Loren Perry, Christina Prologo, Logan Reed, Mackenzie Reed, Marina Rohbeck, Renae Roscart, Micaela Rosenwald, Bradley Ryniawec, Logan Scheider, Paige Scholz, Leesa Senovich, Justin Shaytar, Stacia Shaytar, Zachary Shaytar, Aaron Silvis, Maya Snyder, Courtney Spicer, Jacob Spinelli, Marissa Stakeley, Trent Stalling, Vincent Staub, Chase Steding, Morgan Stewart, Haylee Sturgeon, Liam Sturgeon, Kaitlyn Uram, John Walls, Samantha Wirfs, Braden Wurst, Scott Zanella, Edward Zou.

HIGH HONORSKayla Adams, Hannah

Adamson, Kellen Almady, Emily Aucoin, Casey Bence, Ethyn Benning, Evan Blunkosky, Jaalen Bonafede, Nathan Brierton, Frankii Bynum, Jessica Collins, Sean Collins, Amber Conrad, Michael Cosnek, Cathrynn Crisanti, Kimberly Davis, Alexandra

Dellovade, Shea Downing, Hunter Driggers, Ivy Edmondson, Timothy Fair, Benjamin Farelli, Evan Ferretti, Emily Fullard, Dakota Gerst, Robert Grimm, Ryan Grubb, Nathan Hanna, Alexa Heil, Austin Hemminger, Keegan Hitchings, Bethani Hrapczak, Madison Johnson, Rachel Kiss, Alexander Kwiatkowski, Eva Lagard, Madison Lisotto, Danielle Longo, Richard Mamula, Ian McBain, Jonathan McKoy, Claire Mercurio, Danielle Miller, Madison Morgan, Tanner Morris, Chase Passman, Camron Petroff, Brandon Raglow, Tayshaun Salih, Joselyn Santiago-Sanchez, Ben Schaupp, Amanda Schlor, Devon Schmitt, Kelsey Spath, Tyler Stalling, Devin Svihla, Roman Swasey, Carly Thompson, Jarrett Tomazich, Nicholas Touhey, Eve Vogt, Jensen Walker, Sydney Williams, Natasha Yarowenko.

HONORSSophia Antos, Jaden Beckett, Angelina

Boggs, Skylar Brown, Gabrielle Burke, Clarence Carlos, Jeremy Cerciello, Christian Chase, Katrina Chenevert, Nichole Cope, Lindsay Duffy-Petrunis, Jesslynn Dunlap, Antonio Fiordilino, Kirk Garrett, Sydney Gatchell, Mackenzy Gerard, Daniel Gibson, Meghan Gluzman, Gabriel Haines, Amaka Joanis, Kamriee Kidder, Trevor King, Jared Klaas, Jaden Kochhar, James Krashna, Madison Krek, Kylie Kumpf, Noah Kumpfmiller, Lauren Lalley, Daria Lauff, Benjamin Longstreth, Isaac Longstreth, Skye McCabe, Jacob McCready, Cole McGuane, Shana Meola, Austin Minger, Austin Muzzey, James Newman, Nicholas Papakie, Tanner Prevade, Kacey Pristas, Jonathan Rance, Logan Rossi, Clayton Rupnik, Antonia Schaefer, Noah Scheider, Kaitlyn Sibbet, Emily Siwula, Wyatt Smith, Dannielle Telles, Jaide Travis, Shane Treloar, Gabrielle Tresky, Elena Turner, Madison Twardy, Christopher Unger, Paige Warhola.



WEST ALLEGHENY SCHOOL DISTRICT

West Allegheny High School– HONOR ROLL –

FIRST GRADING PERIOD 2012-13


Louis Andelmo, Kelsey Bahr, Joseph Bandi, Alexander Bartha, Shea Beaumont, Michael Behme, Michael Belko, Ibrahim Bitar, Savanah Buhite, Antonio Butera, Mark Capo, Dominic Casasanta, Kyle Chapman, Nia Cheeseboro, Frank Chen, Oleg Chubko, Elysse Cimoch, Fantasia Cindrich, Adelle Collins, Blair Conner, Samuel Costa, Rachel D’Amico, Allison Deemer, Amanda Dezulovich, Kayla Dunhoff, Trenton Dunlap, Jacqueline Dunn, Jordan Faux, Gina Flecker, Wyatt Gardner, Raymond Gaunt, Ian Gillie, Klyie Godwin, Kayla Greer, Nickolas Halbedl, Allie Hamilton, Rebecca Hammel, Anthony Hartzog, Rachel Herman, Katlyn Hoge, Maura Hohn, Alyssa Honeychuck, Katie Hutton, Eric Jackson, Shawnie Jansen, Danielle Juzwick, Kara Kaulius, Lauren Kirkpatrick, Kristi Kubatka, Joseph Kvederis, Kassandra Kyriakis, Kendall Lang, Adam Larue, Kaylee Lewis, Jacob Linsenbigler, Joshua Lutz, Robyn Lutz, Jacob Magdich, Shannon Mance, Sydney Mangis, Nicholas Martin, Erica Marzzarella, Zechariah Medved, Sean Melvin, Dominic Merlino,

Ashley Messner, Samara Monaco, Madison

Murtland, Cheyenne Papakie, Morgan

Partyka,

Evan Pelcher, Brent Perry, Melissa Radovich, Torrey Reaghard, Brendan Scanlon, Justin Schreiber, Erica Schweinsberg, Kathryn Scruppi, Michael Shields, Joseph Sible, Ashley Smith, William Steele, Carlee Stefanski, Sydney Sterner, Nathan Steward, Chad Straka, Kaily Stretch, Brian Thompson, Gabriella Tissue, Nadiya Wahl, Eric Wasek, Eryne Wiethorn, Xinyan Ye, Jacob Yockel, Syndey Young, Julie Zanella, Jennifer Zysk.

HIGH HONORSJose Miguel Alisasis, Stephanie Bell, Shannon

Beyerbach, Alaynna Boebel, Sara Bott, Thomas Bruni, Stephanie Carnahan, Anthony Carter, Joseph Cavolo, Stephanie Celedonia, Colin Cunningham, Erika Desantis, Brittany Dolan, Austin Dolfi, Joshua Gatchell, Timothy Glover, Syndey Haines, Julie Hanczar, Skyler Hartung, Daniel Hensler, Briana Hewlett, Deborah Heyl, Luke Kandracs, Eva Kumpfmiller, Meghan Kutzavitch, Brianna Lach, Sheila Lemashane, Sierra Loehrer, Anthony Marucci, Rachel Marx, Rachel Marzzarella, Mitchell Mclaughlin, Crystal Metalik, Victoria Moran, Michelle Nicklaus, Molly Nixon, Alex Nolte, Jamie Pantone, Alexa Partin, Kayla Pavicic, Taylor Reed, Brady Roese, Olivia Rupprecht, Taylor Ryniawec, Morgan Sadauskas, Courtney Schlifer, Zachary Simmen, Lindsay Skowron, Sarah Smith, Hannah Stieving, Catherine Stofan, Kristen Suchanek, Jordan Tomazich, Ryan Valenti, Katherine Yurkowski, Madison Zaborowski, Breann Zeroski.

HONORSPeter Block, Brianna Butera, Lindsey Caldwell,

Collin Charlebois, Leilani Cotte, Derek D’Amore, Robert Derosa, Milena Donne, Richard Earls, Mason Ervin, Brett Farrell, Donald Fink, Brianna Frank, Jake Gianino, Justice Greco, Nicholas Hower, Colby Kehm, Samuel Kelsey, Elizabeth Kulin, Jeffrey Lipinski, Kalya Macasek, Victoria Montani, Tyler Nicole Pannell, Mariah Pape, Hannah Pysh, Kaitlin Ricardo, Bria Roney, Dominic Rossi, Donald Schmac, Christopher Singiser, Karlie Slutiak, Tyler Wesley, Sarah Wiernik.


Heather Amper, Andrew Becker, Sarah Becker, Jesse Bolind, Jarrett Bordo, Ryan Borgo, Courtney Burggren, Gabriele Eaborn, Joseph Falcioni, Jessica Fesenmyer, Alaina Fritz, Michaela Gardner, Lacie Gary, Jordan Grogan, Nicholas Hayes, Cameron Hennon, Brandi Hermes, Paul Hughes, Alexis Irwin, Lara Jakiel, Charles Johnson, Justin Josey, Katherine Karas, Joshua Kolarac, Jennie Kriznik, Aubrey Leasure, Hannah Lutz, Rio Maropis, Lindsay Mccracken, Casey Milletary, Elizabeth Murn, Jerome Oconnell, Michael Opacic, William Page, Alec Palmer, James Perdott, Jocelyn Perry, India Price, Jenna Reilly, Tanner Sansonetti, Vishmayaa Saravanan, Rachel Smith, Zachary Tarasenkov, Cole Toulouse, Michael Ujevich, Natalie Wareham, Emma Wilson, Alexis Wolfe, Ian Yawnlis.

HIGH HONORSHelina Andualem, Dylan Balaski, Lauren Bartley,

Clayton Bauer, Jedadiah Buck, Allyssa Bush, James Buzzanell, Carli Cardillo, Austin Casciato, Amelia Chamberlain, Victoria Chiodo, Ellen Defrances, Jessica Dethlefs, Elizabeth Druga, Kristen Faux, Paul Ferrara, Katelyn Garland, Jordan Gigliotti, Alexander Gira, Joseph Giuliani, Paige Giura, Damian Godfrey, Alena Gothie, Zachary Graziani, Matthew Grebosky, Clayton Gregord, Raymond Haim, Maggie Ingram, Jacob Johnson, Maria Jones, Haley Joyce, Maggie Kelly, Travis King, Mallory Krull, Jodi Kutzner, Roman Lauff, Taylor Marcellus, Eulacie Marr, Anthony Mercurio, Michael Miara, Samantha Myrla, Javier Ojeda, Drew Opalanko, Dustin Peluso, Zachary Podolinsky, Catherine Roberts, Megan Rodgers, Michael Ross, Casey Schlifer, Zachary Scott, Jordan Shaffer, Holly Shephard, Kaitlyn Stankitias, Ty Tracy, Madison Ullman, Maura Vulakovich, Colleen Wade, Kelly Wiesner, Allison Williamson, Spencer Wolfe, Anna Zizak, Linda Zysk, Shandler Zysk.


HONORS

Aubrey Ayres, Brendon Bagdon, Jonathan Bayly, Jeffrey Biers, Andrew Boocks, Taylor Caruso, Thomas Currey, Ashley Czerpak, Nicolas Daigle, Detta Daniels, Laura Deleuze, Tory Delmonico, Olivia Derose, Kaile Feitt, Eric Finkelstein, Kayla Fischer, Alexander Galicic, Kristen Geisler, Grant Gerstner, Emily Hall, Connor Himich, William Hissom, Nicholas Jaroszynski, Denver Kline, Garrett Kosis, Elijah Kutzavitch, Bradley Larue, Andrew Ly, Matthew Miller, Cody Newman, Kyle Prendergast, Autumn Race, Zachery Salek, Gregory Schaefer, Samantha Schaupp, Joshua Schmader, Jenelle Slodki, Julie Snatchko, Jessica Stahl, Megan Stripp, Carmen Swasey, Robert Threet, Christian Thurner, Elizabeth Wagner, Paige Wesley, Jamie Williams, Ashley Wojtaszek, Brittany Zeigler.


Kiera Acitelli, Daniel Aromando, Brooke Bagnell, Jenna Bandi, Sara Bodnar, Emily Bower, Rachel Buck, Victoria Cavolo, Arianna Collins, Lauren Costa, Sarah Davis, Katie DeBiasio, Eric Evans, Matthew Ferruzza, Bailey Foy, Madison Gregord, Patrick Harmon, Taylor James, McKenzie Johnsen, Vickilyn Johnson, Alexis Juzwick, Sloane Kozyak, Dakota Lamb, Amanda McGeary, Eric Nguyen, Robert Rankin, Tara Savisky, Tyler Scanlon, Tyler Sciulli, Katherine Shimp, Elizabeth Sible, Matthew Starkman, Christian Stout, Ryan Terabasso, Raven Wahl

HIGH HONORS Blake Abel, Tyler Amedure, Jordan Atkinson,

Arthur Bedway, Kristine Behme, Dante Bizzari, Marisa Blashford, Kristin Bolton, Alexa Boni, Connor Browning, Bailey Bungard, Ryley Cain, Megan Caparelli, Katelyn Cerciello, Abby Charlebois, Sydney Chromack, Olivia Coghe, Jordan Crawford, Jacob Curti, Armand Dellovade, Kiersten Dyer, Austin Fidell, Alyssa Formosa, Jennifer Forse, Ashlyn Galbraith, Antonio Garofalo, Valerie Greczek, Brooke Gregord, Nathan Hall, Kylie Hallam, Syed Haque, Brandon Healey, Shannon Heinz, Emily Hoge, Taylor Hottenfeller, Megan Howard, Zachary Kadlecik, Justin Keast, Cameron Kehm, Emily Kiss, Andrew Koester, Rachel Lawrence, Rebecca Lawrence, Dylan Lindemuth, Alec Londino, Taylor Loucks, Nicole Macasek, Jacie Mangold, Ethan Manley, Amanda Markish, Kyle McCracken, Jonathan McGoran, Brooke Mihaljevic, Taylor Newman, Alex Nicholson, Megan Nixon, Abbey Oleary, Sean Orsini, Alexis Oshea, Tara Palmer, Addison Parry, Anthony Patterson, Dalton Petticord, Jon Pouch, Noah Przypek, Grace Rosus, Kristi Rozum, Mackenzy Sadauskas, Sarah Scruppi, Jordan Skank, Chelsea Snatchko, Jaime Stanny, Mackenzie Starr, Steven Stasik, Casey Tokarski, Nicholas Venturini, Nicole Vlcek, James Volk, Jason Wahl, Shawn Weiss, Zachary White, Nicholas Wiethorn, Lydia Will, Dior Williams, Collin Wurst, Jordan Yuhas.

HONORSJonahtan Artinger,

Joshua Bahr, Lauren Bailey, Andrew Belko, Jeffrey Bell, Deanna Bernardo, Taylor Black, Kendall Block, Mara Bovo, Devon Brown, Isabella Cherilla, Colin Claus, Michael Cummings, Chayse Dillon, Saige Dolan, Austin Dunlap, Trevor Ehle, Tyler Eritz, Justin Faix, Christopher Garcia, Tyler Gatchell, Paisley Gilbert, Billie Gilpin, Mackenzie Hick McKenna, Alina Hodder, Kayla Hufnagel, Jordan Ingalls, Jordan Johnson, Rebecca Kelsch, Audra Killen, Marla Kirkpatrick, Brandon Lalama, Cassidy Lalley, Brandon Lewis, Janell Lulkovitz, Reid Lutz, Jessie McElhaney, Katherine McElhany, Rachel McLaughlin, Cassandra McNavish, Sarah Miller, Elizabeth Olson, Nicole Ostrander, Elizabeth Ott, Ethan Peternel, Zachary Pickrell, Kayce Pifer, Clayton Rehm, Michael Roberts, James Roedler, Brandon rossi, Brendan Rossi, Kevin Rudolph, Taylor Sadauskas, Brandon Schall, Kyle Scott, Sharde Seay-LittleJohn, Nicole Snatchko, Keegan Treloar, David Waxter, Stephen Weber, Courtney Wilson, Alan Yoder.


Stephanie Accorsi, Mark Behme, Maya Black, Cassidy Bordo, Adam Brierton, Janghyen Cho, Derek Clontz, Alexis Cogis, Rowen Conrad, Jessica Crider, Jacob Cunningham, Marissa D’Amore, Carli Eger, Hunter Evens, Jason Faux, Onshea Floyd, Abigail Glowark, Haley Grogan, Kassidy Hazel, Alexis Hill, Daniel Hovanec, Alicia Hower, Sarah Hughes, Jenna Josey, Abigail Kiddr, Karly Krisovenski, Pryclynn Kubatka-Campbell, Brenna Laughery, Joshua Logan, Lauryn Long, Felicia Mackey, Angela Martelli, Reilly Mercurio, Mara Ojeda, Jarrett Parker, Angeline Peng, Alexander Pichi, Ahston Pietroboni, Shannon Piterski, Brian Price, Ryan Rohm, Lauren Schaupp, Jarod Seibel, Abigail Shipley, Morghann Simon, Erin Smith, Julianne Spataro, Sarah Steward, Carolyn Stout, Allyssa Tome, Reanna Turner, Casey Ujevich, Victoria Volk, Keri Watters, Cassidy Watts, Sean Weber, Danielle Wicklund, Logan Williamson, Megan Wurst, Hunter Yurkovich, Emily Zeigler.

HIGH HONORSJustin Baker, Mikayla Bogaski, Alexander Britt,

Emma Burke, Thomas Burke, Julianne Buterbaugh, Joseph Buzzeo, Victoria Cannon, Maria Capo, Mason Carlisle, Robert Carter, Joshua Castelluci, Hannah Charlton, Amber Clemens, Max Clements, Charlotte Conway, Tristan Cox, Bradley Custer, Garrett Davis, Paige Davis, Robert Deboth, Brendan Derosky,

Anthony Dominick, Patricia Donahue, Ashley Ersek, Theodore Garrity, Jeremy Gazda, Aaron Gervas, Christopher Giura, Brennon Grubb, Kara Hamilton, Kevin Hernandez-Rivera, Daniel Heyer, Tyler Hostetler, Lucas Kadlecik, Kaitlyn Kariman, Bailey Konop, Anastasia Kwiatkowski, Jared Lanni, Jaylyn Lulkovitz, Lexi Lynn, Haley Marsh, James Martin, Skyler Mason, Abigail McBain, Emily Metz, Ty Morris, Emily Nolan, Catherine Oconnell, Frank Perri, Mara Petrone, Alyssa Placha, Peter Poplos, Annie Raglow, Breanna Reed, Amanda Ritchey, Caleb Rosenwald, Sean Routch, Jeremy Scaccia, Taylor Schmac, Wade Schriner, Devin Selinsky, Dana Sheppard, Arianna Simmons, Michael Siwula, Noah Skowron, Mia Spinelli, Terence Stephens, Zachary Sterner, Kayla Stevens, Jacob Tarasenkov, Thomas Wagner, Jacob Walker, Abigail Walls, Isabella Weber, Abigail Wilson, Mackenzie Ziehler, Reilly Zimmerman, Olivia Zizak, Zachary Zurcher.

HONORSAlexis Albrecht, Cooper Amos, Anthony Argiro,

Sierra Baker, Allison Banas, Brianna Bence, Brandon Best, Christian Brady, Taylor Britton, Mason Bynum, Colin Cain, Gabriel Cain, Brooke Caruso, Brooke Charlier, Josie Collins, Austin Conn, Brendan Gringle, Megan Deleuze, Andrew Denes, Carson Dolfi, Jacob Gazella, Katie Hannan, Alyssa Kandracs, Maria Kindy, Anthony Kriznik, Quintin Lemashane, Jess Ligas, Joshua Loyer Brandon Macasek, Noah Macek, Carrie MacMillan, Kaitlyn Maloney, John Matesic, Megan McElhany, Sophia McNavish, Jaret Mielnicki, Emily MIhaljevic, Walter Mitchell, Cailin Pazey, Armand Petito, Donald Petrocelly, Morgan Posel, Christine Pusatere, Katelyn Quasey, Connor Roese, Kennedi Roney, Zachary Rose, Brenna Rupnik, Abigail Scheers, Ronald Schubert, Lexi Seifert, Jordan Serventi, Spencer Sinclair, Joseph Smeltzer, Alexis Smith, Alexander Stofan, Alyssa Sundgaard, Danielle Unger, Savannah Webster, Daniel Wojtaszek, Austin Young, Laurel Zaborowski, Nicole Zanella, Alexander Zbozny.



Congratulations to the West Allegheny Football Team for winning the WPIAL AAA Championship against West Mifflin and for

an overall terrific season. Despite their AAA WPIAL win, West Allegheny was stopped in the PIAL Quarterfinals by Erie Cathedral Prep. Regardless, it was an excellent showing of talent on the field and leaves us with the hope that next year will be the year West Allegheny brings home the state championship.

West Allegheny FootbAll goes 12-2-0 For seAson

Photos by Primetime Shots, Inc.


Melina Lynn, who started seventh grade this year at the West Allegheny Middle School, was named an All-Star at the prestigious Keystone State Basketball Camp held at Slippery Rock University.

The Keystone State Invitational Camps, which are certified by the NCAA are held at select campuses across Pennsylvania and annually bring together many of the best basketball players in the East.

Lynn is a member the West Allegheny Middle School Basketball team, coached by Brian Partyka, and she is also a member of Western Pennsylvania’s SMAC PA Elite 7th Grade AAU Travel Basketball league, coached by Craig Dunn. Lynn’s parents are Bobbilyn and Todd Lynn of North Fayette.

West Allegheny’s Lynn Named All-Star

The 28th annual West Allegheny junior/senior girls’ powder puff football game was held Nov. 1, in

the Joe P. DeMichela Stadium at the High School.

Sponsored by the National Honor Society (NHS), the event is held as a fund-raiser to benefit the NHS Christmas Families Charity. Once families in need of help are identified, students use the profits from the game to assemble food baskets and purchase gifts for children in these families. Contributions can also be sent to Suzanne Lambert, faculty advisor for the National Honor Society, West Allegheny High School, 205 West Allegheny Road, Imperial, PA 15126.

POWDER PUFF FOOTBALL GAME RAISES FUNDS FOR LOCAL FAMILIESPhotos by Primetime Shots, Inc.

For more pictures from this event, go to our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ICMags. Want us to cover your event? Let us know @ICMagazines


Wilson Elementary students and staff wore red clothing on Monday, Oct. 22 to celebrate Red Ribbon Week. The initiative encourages students to make good lifestyle choices, like being drug free with this year’s theme being “The Best ME is

Drug Free.” It also pays tribute to DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who was killed by drug dealers in 1985.

The week kicked off with an assembly starring the students and staff in a presentation focused on good decision making. Event coordinator Kathryn Taylor, Wilson Guidance Counselor, worked to raise student awareness regarding drugs with the following dress-up themes promoting anti-drug messages during the week: Monday, red day (kick off Red Ribbon Week); Tuesday, crazy socks day (Sock it to drugs), Wednesday, pajamas/robes/slippers day (Follow your dreams…don’t do drugs); Thursday, Hawaiian day (“Lei” off drugs); and Friday, western wear day (We can stomp out drugs). Canned goods were also collected for the West Allegheny Food Pantry.

This year’s Red Ribbon Week was sponsored by the West Allegheny Foundation.

West Allegheny High School French II students celebrated diversity by participating in a francophone (French-speaking) African food festival on Oct. 8. The students prepared and sampled dishes made from recipes popular among French-speaking countries in Africa. The French-speaking world is not limited to France and Europe, but

includes many countries from North and West Africa

as well. Some of the dishes prepared for

the celebration were Algerian chili, North African tagine, couscous salad, Moroccan orange cake, West

African peanut ice cream, and fried

plantains. Shelley Crannell, high school French and English teacher, coordinated the event.

West Allegheny Students Explore Careers At Pittsburgh Technical Institute

West Allegheny sophomores traveled to Pittsburgh Technical Institute (PTI) in Oakdale Oct. 10 for a day of hands-on career exploration. The tenth graders were divided into teams and spent the day rotating through four programs that have proven popular as career interests for many students.

In each program the students participated in an activity that allows them to experience that field first hand. For instance, in the Criminal Justice session, the students interacted with video simulations of real-life crime scenes and learned the correct way to gather evidence. Other career fields included Electronics, Computer Aided Drafting, and Graphic Design and Multimedia.

In keeping with the district’s emphasis on career exploration and community involvement throughout high school, the West Allegheny High School Guidance Department partnered with the Pittsburgh Technical Institute to sponsor this event, which included lunch for the students, compliments of PTI.

West Allegheny Food Festival Celebrates Francophone-African Cuisine

Wilson Promotes Drug-Free Message During Red Ribbon Week

West Allegheny Sixth Grade Walkers Raise Over $5,900 For Charity

West Allegheny Middle School students on the sixth grade Shark Team raised over $5,900 for the National Honor Society (NHS) holiday gift basket project by participating in a Walk-a-thon, “Trail for Toys.” The walk was held at the Joe P. DeMichela Stadium at West Allegheny High School Oct. 12.

Students solicited sponsors to donate money for toys and gifts for children of families living in the district who are in need of help. Using toys as the theme, students competed in teams named for toys to raise the most money. The winning team earned a pizza/sundae party hosted by the teachers. Prizes were also awarded to teams for best costume, poster, and cheer.

With the funds collected, students and teachers will shop for toys and clothes, which will be gift-wrapped and added to the NHS holiday distribution. Any money not needed for the NHS program will be donated to the West Allegheny Family Support Committee.

Middle school teachers coordinating the event included Rachel Adair, Tom Burke, Ashley Cain, Mary Damratoski, Lisa Midgley, and Valerie Meehan.



By Judith Schardt

In 1681 Pennsylvania became the second colony settled, thanks to William Penn who had acquired land that had been allocated to his deceased father. Penn wanted a colony in which he and his fellow Quakers would be spared from religious persecution. By 1700 the second colony had become the third largest and richest colony in the New World.

A better life and owning land brought more individuals to America. Yet, life was not easy. They knew disease, hunger and severe climates; the burying of loved ones was well rehearsed. The early settlers were “sun up to sun down” hardworking, determined people. Shelter equaled survival; their log cabins reflected their tough character and resilience. The building of them involved solitary, back breaking labor in often wretched weather. Pioneers were frugal by necessity: trees, stone and mud could quickly offer shelter for no cost. The result was a sturdy, time-enduring structure. Some original log cabins can still be found today. “We are caretakers of houses, which were here before we owned them and will be here after we are gone. They are monuments to the skill of those who labored to build them. They represent our cultural heritage,” said Jane Powell (American Performer)

Oakdale, Pennsylvania is home to a cabin known as Killbuck Lodge, originally located on one of Allegheny County’s oldest homesteads, the Scott Farm, owned by the McKee family. The log cabin dates back to the 1700s. In 1932, the structure was donated to Boy Scout Troop 248 to serve as a meeting site. American Legion Post 171 of Oakdale provided a plot of land on Clinton Avenue to accommodate the building. The cabin was dismantled, loaded onto horse drawn wagons and moved to its present site where it was dedicated to Troop 248. The land title held by Post 171 stated that the Troop could use the cabin and property for scouting activities. They named it Killbuck Lodge to honor the memory of Delaware Indian Chief Killbuck who was influential in the early history of Greater Pittsburgh.

For 80 years, Killbuck Lodge witnessed growth in Oakdale and served youth from Oakdale, North/South Fayette, Collier, Bridgeville, McDonald, Moon, Robinson and Findlay. Troop 248 has seen several

scouting awards; state and Presidential commendations; and most notably, 77 members reaching the rank of Eagle Scout — Scouting’s highest honor. The Lodge also served as a center for community activities like dances, classes, public meetings, and even boxing matches.

Troop leader, Thomas Taylor, acknowledged that centuries of adverse weather and normal wear and tear took its toll on the cabin. In 2007, some concerned individuals joined to form the Friends of

Kilbuck Lodge (FOKL) to ensure the survival of the cabin and property for the Boy Scouts and for Oakdale and surrounding communities. Matt Cochran, President of FOKL, said “Our mission is to rebuild the cabin as a viable meeting place for Troop 248 and others. We’ll disassemble the cabin and rebuild using original logs. We’ll build an addition to accommodate

the expanding need and install a restroom and utilities. We are

embarking on a financing campaign and are approximately 10 percent toward meeting

our goal of $100,000. We have a Buy a Memorial Brick (PATHYWAY TO SCOUTING) program as our main

fundraiser. It has been a great success, but we still need to sell hundreds of bricks.”

In November 2007, FOKL purchased the Clinton Avenue property from the American Legion Post 171 for $1.00. This was the first step in their aggressive restoration project. Both leaders and scouts understand that the restoration project is a significant undertaking, “The success of the project is totally dependent on fundraising, the

The FoundaTion of

History

For 80 years, Killbuck Lodge witnessed growth in

Oakdale and served youth from Oakdale, North/

South Fayette, Collier, Bridgeville, McDonald, Moon,

Robinson and Findlay.Troop 248 has seen

several scouting awards; state and

Presidential commendations; and most

notably, 77 members reaching the rank

of Eagle Scout - Scouting’s

highest honor.

Continued on page 12


community and volunteer support,” said Taylor. He and Matt know that preserving history is important, particularly structures from the area’s first settlers. “He who loves an old house never loves in vain.” Isabel La Howe Conant (19th Century Author)

As of August 2012, the FOKL and Troop began work to improve the grounds. They cut an access road from Hastings Avenue for supply vehicles. They enclosed the rear portion of the pavilion to create a storage area for the Scouts and then started laying the engraved Memorial Bricks purchased to date in front of the pavilion to serve as a walkway to the future renovated cabin. With donations from Cozzi Acres, Limestone products, Collier stone and the hard work of many

from Troop 248, the access road and storage phase of the renovation project was completed and on display for the 120th anniversary celebration of Oakdale Borough. (September 7).

In addition to their many regular activities, Troop 248 routinely holds innovative fundraisers to benefit Killbuck Lodge. In February, they held a Valentine Day Pancake breakfast at Oakdale’s Community Center. Tickets cost $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $3 for children under 6. All proceeds went to the Killbuck Lodge fund.

In September, with the help of Rome Monuments in Moon Township, the Scouts obtained more bricks to sell at a reasonable cost. The bricks come in either 4”x8” ($35) or 8”x8” ($75) dimensions with sandblasted engraving and black litho fill. You can purchase one or more in honor of current/former Boy Scouts, local businesses, families or as a memorial for someone. It’s a unique and lasting way to show support for Killbuck Lodge.

Troop 248 puts on a Haunted Cabin each October for $5/person, with scouts and other youth groups receiving $3 discounts. This year, the Haunted grounds covered one acre that included: Ghosties; Ghoulies; Three Legged Beasties; Haunted Maze; Grizzly Mansion; Dead Man’s Pass; Creek Critters; and a Cabin Witch. If you survived all that, then the Graveyard awaited all unsuspecting souls. Mr. Taylor said they’ve successfully “scared” over 3,500 people and raised thousands of dollars.

Please request more information or make a donation. Matt Cochran, President, Friends of Killbuck Lodge is available at 724.799.3970 or [email protected]. This enormous restoration venture needs you.

Continued from page 11


we want to know:

Last issue we asked how you met your spouse and the response to our request was immediate. Here are your stories.

My husband and I were strolling along Raccoon Creek State Park beach back in the summer of

1961. We both were with a friend when we all started to talk and, after about an hour they offered to take us home because neither of us drove at that time. (In those days the scare of going home with someone was not huge as today.) We accepted and after walking me to the door of my home

- he asked me to go out that weekend and, of course, I

accepted. After courting for one

year of fun and laughter, we advanced to growing nearer. We married July 28, 1962, in St. Columbkille

Church by Father Ladd R. Kolakowski. We then

continued on to raise two wonderful sons, Jim Jr. and Roy Mark. We were just married 50 years on July 28, 2012, and celebrated our 50th anniversary party at Celebrations & More in Imperial, Pa. My how the years do fly - when life brings many blessings of never-ending love for each other.

Carole McMahon, married to Jim

B ob and I met in the 1957-58 year at California State

College. (Now known as Cal State.) I first saw him at our first band practice and my friend and I thought he was rather stuck up. Later we received dining room table seating arrangements and Bob and I were assigned to the same table. (Was it fate?) We sat beside each other every night and I found out he was going steady with a girl back home, but we continued talking at the table and after dinner we would meet with other college friends. I grew very fond of him, but at the end of the year we said our goodbyes. The following year we were strictly good friends. In my senior year I student taught the first semester. This was Bob’s junior year. When I returned to college the second semester, one of my friends told me that Bob had broken up with his girlfriend. My

reaction was, “So what.” He started pursuing me and invited me to his fraternity dance, The White Rose Ball. We then seriously dated, and that summer we attended summer school and continued our dating.

That following Christmas he asked me to marry him. We married on July 1, 1961. We have been married 51 years, we have three children, and seven grandchildren. We are still happily married. You may see us walking through the parking lot or in the Robinson Mall holding hands. We have lived in Hankey Farms for 45 years. All our children attended WA. We are satisfied with the West Allegheny Schools. Unhappily none of our grandchildren attended WA. They met their spouses and moved away. But that is another story.

Evelyn Komm, married to Bob

How did you meet your spouse?

We first saw each other back in May of 1979, Bob was a senior & I was a sophomore in Moon High School.

We where in two different typing classes but the classes where connected by a door. The teachers opened the door up so they could talk to each

other. There sat Bob in his typing class and I was in the

other room in my typing class. We saw each other through the door and an attraction began. It took us one month before we

had the courage to speak to each other, with the help

of a dear friend, that is still a part of our lives. Bob joined the Marine Corps for four years and I attended college. After he returned, we got married on October 21, 1983, and started a family. We have a daughter, Crystal, who is married to Dan Magdich. They both met in West Allegheny School and became high school sweet hearts also. They just gave us our first grandchild, Paxton Max, who is the joy of all of our lives. We have been married now for 29 years as of October 21st. We are truly the high school sweetheart story. Bob and I are best friends and enjoy being with each other everyday!

Melinda O’Brien, married to Bob


On Dec. 8, Pittsburgh Technical Institute represented Pittsburgh by joining 3000 software developers from Milan, Tokyo, Brisbane, New Delhi, Durban, Buenos Aires and over 160 other cities in a worldwide exercise of technological fitness during the

2th Annual Global Day of Coderetreat.Jim Hurne, a software developer for

IBM, coordinates the event for the Pittsburgh region.

“Coderetreat is a day dedicated to hands-on development exercise,” said Hurne. “Practice is essential for musicians, athletes, artists and all other types of craftspeople to remain on the cutting edge of their game, Global Day of Coderetreat is a way to set aside time to practice and evolve as software developers.” Hurne says that while the Global Day of Coderetreat is an annual event, Pittsburgh hosts a Coderetreat at least once a quarter.

The event began in 2008 and its steady expansion led Hurne to PTI for help with hosting the 2012 event. At PTI, Hurne met Chas Feller, who quickly embraced the project as an opportunity for students enrolled in Computer Programming and Information Technology.

Students participated in problem solving, networking and collaborative exercises.

“Coderetreat is a perfect match for PTI’s Computer Programming and IT students because our programs emphasize experiential learning and workplace skills such as communications, planning, delegating and project management,” said Feller. A unique feature of Coderetreat is that all code is deleted at the end of every 45 minute session.

“This gives us a lot of freedom to experiment with our code in ways that are

not possible while learning on the job,” said Hurne.

Students had the opportunity to network with experienced professionals.

“Developers from companies like IBM and FedEx attend Coderetreat and they

tend to be some of the best in the industry, so we hope that students will make the type of connections that will expedite great employment opportunities,” said Hurne.

Opening the event to qualified students and PTI alumni, and spreading the word through PTI’s social media communities, has helped propel Pittsburgh’s Coderetreat to one of the world’s largest events. The PTI event is at 45 and growing.

For information about Pittsburgh’s Global Day of Coderetreat go to globalday.coderetreat.org.

Pittsburgh technical institute to host global Day of coDeretreat


Stephanie Berhosky - 7th grade

Madison Morgan - 6th grade

Marina Maropis - 8th grade

With the holidays upon us, we asked

art teachers to submit some of the

work of their students reflecting on

this time of the year. Here are some of

the best works we received. Enjoy!

Holiday Cards


IN Community Magazines is seeking nominations for its Community Awards for Service Excellence (C.A.S.E)

We know that what makes communities great are the special people who volunteer their time, talent and effort to help others. ICM would like to honor those special people, but we need your help.

IN Community Magazines’ C.A.S.E. Dinner will recognize volunteers from each of ICM’s 36 magazines.

Awardees will be selected in the following categories: Youth Volunteer of the Year (21 years and younger); Small non-profit of the Year (staff of 10 or less).

Awardees and those who nominated them will be honored at the awards dinner in Spring 2013. During the dinner an awardee from the Volunteer of the Year and Youth Volunteer of the Year categories will be selected to receive a donation for his or her chosen charity.

Name of nominee ____________________________________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone: ____________________________________________ Email: ___________________________________________

Category (circle one): Volunteer of the Year, Youth Volunteer of the Year (21 years and younger); Small non-profit (staff of 10 or less); Large non-profit (staff of 11 or more)

Which IN Community Magazine is this nomination for? ___________________________________________________________

Name of person submitting nomination ______________________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone: ___________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________

Why are you nominating this person or non-profit organization? (Please, submit a type written statement of no more than 600 words)Send nomination form and statement to: Monica Haynes, IN Community Magazines, 603 E. McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317If you have any questions, please, contact Monica Haynes at 412-254-8704 or [email protected]. Deadline for nominations is 1/31/2013.

COMMUNITY MAGAZINES


UPMC TODAYHealth and Wellness News You Can Use | Winter 2012-13

© 2012 UPMC

What’s Inside2 What You Can Do to Beat the Flu

3 Absent From Pain

4 Butt Out: New Reasons to Quit Smoking

Brittle Bones

5 Shedding More Than Pounds

6 Growing Up With Heart Disease

7 Don’t Let Winter Slow You Down

Stay Well This WinterSome people seem to sail through winter without a sniffle or a grumble. These simple steps may help you do the same: Spend some time in the fresh air, de-stress your holiday planning, wash your hands often, get plenty of sleep, and get a flu shot.

UPMC Today_Mercy_Winter_2012_Final.indd 1 10/15/12 5:20 PM

1-800-533-UPMC 3

Anesthesia makes possible some of modern medicine’s greatest miracles. Can you imagine undergoing surgery without it?

The father of Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes is generally credited with bringing the term into popular use in 1846, though references to anesthesia can be traced back to 1741. The term is based on a Greek word meaning “lack of sensation.”

“Anesthesiology uses medicine to eliminate your ability to feel pain or other sensations,” explains John Williams, MD, the Peter and Eva Safar Professor and chair of the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Anesthesiology. “Your anesthesiol-ogist partners with your surgeon to manage your vital functions before, during, and after surgery. Everything from breathing, heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, body temperature, blood clotting, and fluid loss is consistently monitored.”

A team of professionals

Anesthesiologists are physicians who complete four years of residency after finishing medical school. Their extensive preparation includes training in cardiology, critical care medicine,

internal medicine, pharmacology, and surgery. Many also pursue subspecialty training in such areas as pain medicine, and pediatric, cardiothoracic, or obstetric anesthesia.

In today’s complex surgical suites, anesthesiologists lead an entire team of skilled professionals, which can include a certified registered nurse anesthetist, resident physician, student nurse anesthetist, and anesthetist assistant. “It’s a true team effort, with each member playing a distinct role in delivering patient care,” says Dr. Williams.

Anesthesia’s role in health care extends far beyond the operating room. Anesthesiologists offer pain management in a variety of settings, enhancing the daily lives of patients with chronic diseases or complex medical conditions.

Getting to know you

For minor operations, you’ll typically meet your anesthesiologist at the hospital, shortly before surgery. For major surgeries, you will be asked to participate in a pre-surgery consultation. “With patients who live at a distance, we’re now using telemedicine to conduct pre-op visits,” says Dr. Williams. “It allows us to get to know you, address your questions and concerns, review options, and determine if any additional tests or consultations are needed.”

What to tell your anesthesiologist

Prior to surgery, you’ll be asked to provide information about yourself. “Be candid and comprehensive. What you share will be held in strict confidence,” advises Dr. Williams.

Be sure to include the following: • Previous reactions you or other family members have had to anesthesia • Any food, medicine, or latex allergies you have • Prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal medications you take • Your use of alcohol or recreational drugs

Absent From PainMost of us think of anesthesiology as the medical specialty that “puts you to sleep,” but it’s really all about pain relief.

Did You Know?There are four basic categories of anesthesia:

Local: Numbs a small, specific part of your body

Regional: Numbs a larger area of your body, usually below the waist

Twilight: Sedates and provides pain relief

General: Renders you unconscious


2 UPMC.com/Today

Each year, millions of Americans get the flu. Some recover easily. Others — especially older people, young children, and those with serious health problems — are more vulnerable.

“The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause serious complications,” says Mohamed Yassin, MD, chief of infectious diseases at UPMC Mercy. “More importantly, the flu can be deadly.”

Here’s how you can help zap the flu bug this season:

Get a shot, not the flu

“Getting a flu shot is an effective, easy, and inexpensive way to protect yourself and others,” says Kathy McElheny, employee health coordinator at UPMC Mercy.

“The flu vaccine is safe, and it can’t cause the flu,” adds Dr. Yassin. “In fact, it’s one of the biggest lifesavers in terms of infectious diseases.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone over 6 months of age get a flu shot. People at higher risk of complications because of age or poor health, health care workers, and anyone who lives with or cares for older adults or young children should definitely be vaccinated.

Since it can take up to two weeks for the vaccine to be effective, health professionals recommend getting the vaccine now.

Keep your germs to yourself

“Because the flu is so contagious, it can spread quickly when people are in close quarters — in the classroom, office, gym, an airplane, or the grocery store,” says Ms. McElheny.

Good behavior can help limit its spread. For example, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then trash that tissue. No tissue? Use your inner elbow instead of your hands.

A flu virus can live up to several hours on hard surfaces, such as desks, doorknobs, tables, and keyboards. “Good hand hygiene is key to controlling the spread of the flu, so wash your hands often,” says Juliet Ferrelli, infection control coordinator at UPMC Mercy. Using soap and water, rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

And remember to keep your hands away from your face. “People touch their faces more than 3,000 times a day, giving flu germs plenty of chances to get into the body, ” says Ms. Ferrelli.

Mind your manners

Being around others when you’re sick with the flu is just bad manners. A recent survey of 1,000 flu sufferers by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases showed that nearly two-thirds admitted to going about their daily activities — going to work, taking a business trip, having dinner with family or friends, even visiting an ailing parent or grandparent — while they were sick.

“There’s too much harm that can come from the flu,” says Dr. Yassin. “We all have to be responsible for controlling its spread.” So when you’re sick, just stay at home. Your family, friends, and co-workers will thank you.

What to do if you get sick

If you’re in good health otherwise, get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco. If your symptoms are unusually severe or you have trouble breathing, call your doctor immediately.

If you’re over age 65, have chronic medical conditions, are pregnant, or have a sick child under the age of 2, see your doctor as soon as flu symptoms appear.

Time to roll up your sleeve

It may be difficult to predict exactly when flu season will arrive or how severe it will be, but finding a place to get a flu shot is easy.

In addition to your doctor’s office, flu shots are available at the UPMC Mercy South Side Walk-in Primary Care Clinic without an appointment. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 412-488-5705.

What You Can Do to Beat the FluJust because you’re healthy now doesn’t mean you won’t get the flu. Take precautions to protect yourself and others.


1-800-533-UPMC 3

Anesthesia makes possible some of modern medicine’s greatest miracles. Can you imagine undergoing surgery without it?

The father of Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes is generally credited with bringing the term into popular use in 1846, though references to anesthesia can be traced back to 1741. The term is based on a Greek word meaning “lack of sensation.”

“Anesthesiology uses medicine to eliminate your ability to feel pain or other sensations,” explains John Williams, MD, the Peter and Eva Safar Professor and chair of the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Anesthesiology. “Your anesthesiol-ogist partners with your surgeon to manage your vital functions before, during, and after surgery. Everything from breathing, heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, body temperature, blood clotting, and fluid loss is consistently monitored.”

A team of professionals

Anesthesiologists are physicians who complete four years of residency after finishing medical school. Their extensive preparation includes training in cardiology, critical care medicine,

internal medicine, pharmacology, and surgery. Many also pursue subspecialty training in such areas as pain medicine, and pediatric, cardiothoracic, or obstetric anesthesia.

In today’s complex surgical suites, anesthesiologists lead an entire team of skilled professionals, which can include a certified registered nurse anesthetist, resident physician, student nurse anesthetist, and anesthetist assistant. “It’s a true team effort, with each member playing a distinct role in delivering patient care,” says Dr. Williams.

Anesthesia’s role in health care extends far beyond the operating room. Anesthesiologists offer pain management in a variety of settings, enhancing the daily lives of patients with chronic diseases or complex medical conditions.

Getting to know you

For minor operations, you’ll typically meet your anesthesiologist at the hospital, shortly before surgery. For major surgeries, you will be asked to participate in a pre-surgery consultation. “With patients who live at a distance, we’re now using telemedicine to conduct pre-op visits,” says Dr. Williams. “It allows us to get to know you, address your questions and concerns, review options, and determine if any additional tests or consultations are needed.”

What to tell your anesthesiologist

Prior to surgery, you’ll be asked to provide information about yourself. “Be candid and comprehensive. What you share will be held in strict confidence,” advises Dr. Williams.

Be sure to include the following: • Previous reactions you or other family members have had to anesthesia • Any food, medicine, or latex allergies you have • Prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal medications you take • Your use of alcohol or recreational drugs

Absent From PainMost of us think of anesthesiology as the medical specialty that “puts you to sleep,” but it’s really all about pain relief.

Did You Know?There are four basic categories of anesthesia:

Local: Numbs a small, specific part of your body

Regional: Numbs a larger area of your body, usually below the waist

Twilight: Sedates and provides pain relief

General: Renders you unconscious


1-800-533-UPMC 5

It’s well known that bariatric surgery can produce impressive weight loss. But there’s increasing evidence that it offers other health benefits, too. For example, a recent Swedish study showed weight-loss surgery can prevent diabetes among individuals who struggle with obesity.

That news came as no surprise to Anita Courcoulas, MD, professor of surgery and chief of the Section of Minimally Invasive Bariatric and General Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. “It’s another study demonstrating the lasting impact of bariatric surgery on health improvement,” says Dr. Courcoulas. “The changes are real and durable.”

A life-altering surgery

According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, an estimated 72 million Americans are considered obese and nearly 200,000 undergo bariatric surgery annually.

UPMC is a leader nationally in bariatric surgery and in the number of bariatric procedures performed annually.

Dr. Courcoulas says bariatric surgery (including gastric bypass, gastric band, and gastric sleeve) can help reverse a variety of serious obesity-related health conditions, such as:

• Diabetes • High blood pressure • Sleep apnea • Heart disease • High cholesterol

Is bariatric surgery right for you?

Current national guidelines recommend bariatric surgery for patients who are 80 to 100 pounds overweight and with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40, or a BMI of 35 or more for those with one or more significant obesity-related health conditions.

Those guidelines may change, though. For example, at UPMC — one of the most highly funded centers of bariatric research in the country — Dr. Courcoulas is heading a study examining the impact of bariatric surgery on diabetic patients with lower BMIs (30–35).

She predicts more and more patients will seek out bariatric surgery for health reasons — not just weight reasons. “We’re just beginning to understand its full potential,” she says.

Shedding More Than PoundsBariatric surgery helps free patients from a range of life-threatening health problems.

Bariatric Surgery Centers at UPMCEach of UPMC’s four bariatric surgery centers has been named a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Our multidisciplinary approach to weight loss through both surgery and lifestyle changes is available at:

UPMC Hamot: Offers gastric bypass surgery, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery, and gastric sleeve. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Amjad Ali, MD, or Rodolfo Arreola, MD, call 814-877-6997.

UPMC Horizon: Offers gastric bypass surgery, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery, gastric sleeve, and revisional surgery. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Christopher Myers, MD, call 724-588-6660.

UPMC St. Margaret: Pittsburgh Bariatrics offers gastric bypass, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery, gastric sleeve, and revisional surgery. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Joseph Colella, MD, or LeeAnn Peluso, MD, call 412-784-5900.

Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC: Offers gastric bypass surgery, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery, gastric sleeve, revisional surgery, and clinical trials. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Anita Courcoulas, MD, director, Minimally Invasive Bariatric Surgery; George Eid, MD; Giselle Hamad, MD; Carol McCloskey, MD; or Ramesh Ramanathan, MD, call 412-641-3632.

Each center offers free monthly information sessions. To learn more about bariatric surgery, or to find out if you’re a candidate, visit UPMC.com/bariatricsurgery.

UPMC Today_Mercy_Winter_2012_Final_2.indd 5 10/16/12 6:16 PM

4 UPMC.com/Today

Butt Out Despite dire health warnings, one out of five Americans still smokes. If you’re one of them, here are some new reasons to crush that butt.Before you light up your next cigarette, consider this: With every puff, you’re inhaling more than 7,000 chemicals.

Hundreds of them are poisonous, and about 70 can cause cancer. And no organ or tissue in the body is immune to this toxic cloud.

Most people know that cancer, heart disease, and lung disease are major health threats caused by smoking. But are you aware that smoking increases your risk of getting diabetes by 44 percent?

That’s just one of the not-so-obvious reasons to put that butt out. Here are five more.

1. See the difference. If you smoke, your risk of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness, doubles. Smokers also have double the risk of developing cataracts.

2. Heal better. Smoking weakens the body’s ability to heal from surgery, disease, broken bones, and even minor back strains.

3. Now hear this. Smokers are more likely to develop hearing loss. Exposure to secondhand smoke also puts former smokers and nonsmokers at risk.

4. Stand tall. Smoking weakens bones and raises the risk of osteoporosis and hip fractures in men and women.

5. Keep your head. If your mind is cloudy, smoking may be the culprit. It’s been linked to memory problems and poor reasoning skills in middle-aged smokers.

You’re not just hurting yourself

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that secondhand smoke kills about 50,000 people every year and sickens many more. Children who live with a smoker are especially susceptible to lung and breathing problems, and they run an increased risk of hearing loss as adolescents.

If you’re among the eight out of 10 smokers who want to quit, talk to your primary care doctor. To locate a doctor in your area, visit UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call toll-free 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Journal of the American Medical Association.

Brittle Bones Osteoporosis is quickly becoming a national health care concern.It’s estimated that 10 million Americans now have osteoporosis and 34 million are at risk. Whether you’re young or old, male or female, chances are good that you — or someone you love — will be affected by the disease.

“In osteoporosis, your bones become thin and brittle, putting you at increased risk of a bone fracture,” says Susan Greenspan, MD, UPMC’s director of osteoporosis prevention and treatment. “In advanced stages, simple acts like lifting a baby or sneezing can lead to a fracture.”

Here are four facts everyone should know about osteoporosis:

1. Osteoporosis can appear at any age. But after the age of 50, one out of every two women — and one out of every four men — may experience a fracture due to the disease. These breaks occur most often in the hip, wrist, and spine.

2. Osteoporosis is silent. It’s often diagnosed only after a fracture. Menopause, family and medical history, physical build, and your lifestyle and diet can increase your odds of the disease.

3. You can take proactive steps at any age to promote bone health. These include: eating foods rich in calcium, such as milk, cottage cheese, and calcium-enriched juices; exercising (weight-bearing exercise like walking); stopping smoking; and limiting alcohol use. If needed, consider taking a calcium supplement and vitamin D daily.

4. The good news is early detection is easy. If you’re 65 years of age or older, Dr. Greenspan recommends talking to your doctor about your risks. A simple bone mineral density test can assess your bone health.

To learn more about osteoporosis, talk to your primary care provider, or visit the National Osteoporosis Foundation’s website at nof.org.

Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan


1-800-533-UPMC 5

It’s well known that bariatric surgery can produce impressive weight loss. But there’s increasing evidence that it offers other health benefits, too. For example, a recent Swedish study showed weight-loss surgery can prevent diabetes among individuals who struggle with obesity.

That news came as no surprise to Anita Courcoulas, MD, professor of surgery and chief of the Section of Minimally Invasive Bariatric and General Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. “It’s another study demonstrating the lasting impact of bariatric surgery on health improvement,” says Dr. Courcoulas. “The changes are real and durable.”

A life-altering surgery

According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, an estimated 72 million Americans are considered obese and nearly 200,000 undergo bariatric surgery annually.

UPMC is a leader nationally in bariatric surgery and in the number of bariatric procedures performed annually.

Dr. Courcoulas says bariatric surgery (including gastric bypass, gastric band, and gastric sleeve) can help reverse a variety of serious obesity-related health conditions, such as:

• Diabetes • High blood pressure • Sleep apnea • Heart disease • High cholesterol

Is bariatric surgery right for you?

Current national guidelines recommend bariatric surgery for patients who are 80 to 100 pounds overweight and with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40, or a BMI of 35 or more for those with one or more significant obesity-related health conditions.

Those guidelines may change, though. For example, at UPMC — one of the most highly funded centers of bariatric research in the country — Dr. Courcoulas is heading a study examining the impact of bariatric surgery on diabetic patients with lower BMIs (30–35).

She predicts more and more patients will seek out bariatric surgery for health reasons — not just weight reasons. “We’re just beginning to understand its full potential,” she says.

Shedding More Than PoundsBariatric surgery helps free patients from a range of life-threatening health problems.

Bariatric Surgery Centers at UPMCEach of UPMC’s four bariatric surgery centers has been named a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Our multidisciplinary approach to weight loss through both surgery and lifestyle changes is available at:

UPMC Hamot: Offers gastric bypass surgery, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery, and gastric sleeve. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Amjad Ali, MD, or Rodolfo Arreola, MD, call 814-877-6997.

UPMC Horizon: Offers gastric bypass surgery, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery, gastric sleeve, and revisional surgery. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Christopher Myers, MD, call 724-588-6660.

UPMC St. Margaret: Pittsburgh Bariatrics offers gastric bypass, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery, gastric sleeve, and revisional surgery. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Joseph Colella, MD, or LeeAnn Peluso, MD, call 412-784-5900.

Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC: Offers gastric bypass surgery, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery, gastric sleeve, revisional surgery, and clinical trials. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Anita Courcoulas, MD, director, Minimally Invasive Bariatric Surgery; George Eid, MD; Giselle Hamad, MD; Carol McCloskey, MD; or Ramesh Ramanathan, MD, call 412-641-3632.

Each center offers free monthly information sessions. To learn more about bariatric surgery, or to find out if you’re a candidate, visit UPMC.com/bariatricsurgery.

UPMC Today_Mercy_Winter_2012_Final_2.indd 5 10/16/12 6:16 PM

6 UPMC.com/Today

Alexis Laney was only 14 months old when she underwent open heart surgery in Cleveland to repair a faulty valve. She had annual checkups until age 17, when her pediatric cardiologist referred her to an adult cardiologist. She scheduled sporadic checkups, but stopped going after giving birth to a son in 2005. “I felt fine,” says Alexis.

Now 27, the young wife and mother finally gave in to her family’s urging last year and saw a cardiologist near her home in Youngstown, Ohio. Although her EKG and echocardiogram were normal, he urged Alexis to see a specialist at the Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Center at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, saying, “I don’t know what to look for, but they will.”

Tests conducted by Stephen Cook, MD, director of the ACHD Center, found scar tissue blocking blood flow to her aorta — a serious condition putting her at risk of sudden death. “I was shocked. I could have collapsed and died,” Alexis says.

Lifelong expert care

Alexis is part of a growing population of adults born with heart defects who had lifesaving heart surgery as newborns and children. Thanks to advances in medicine and improved surgical techniques, “the number of adults with congenital heart diseases has outgrown the number of pediatric congenital heart disease patients,” says Dr. Cook.

The ACHD Center — a joint program of Children’s Hospital and UPMC Presbyterian — provides specialized transition support and care for patients with congenital heart disease.

“Despite surgery, patients can experience complications as adults, including arrhythmias, stroke, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. Our care and follow-up enables these young people — now in their prime — to lead long, productive lives,” Dr. Cook says.

A healthy outlook

Before her diagnosis, Alexis thought she was in great shape; she had lost 100 pounds, was running daily, and had completed a two-mile race. But her conditioning actually helped disguise her declining health. After undergoing surgery at Children’s last April to restore blood flow, she now realizes how much better she feels. This summer, she ran the race again.

“Last year, I was better conditioned, but I couldn’t breathe after the race. This year, I felt fantastic,” Alexis says. “I’m glad I went to Children’s. I’m more confident about exercising now. I know my heart can take it.”

Growing Up With Heart DiseaseChildren’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC is responding to the special challenges facing adults born with congenital heart disease.

ACHD Center Fast FactsA single childhood surgery is seldom a permanent cure for patients born with a heart defect. The Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center provides lifelong care and follow-up for patients with congenital heart disease who are:

• Ages 18 and up with conditions ranging from simple to severe

• Women of childbearing age needing pregnancy counseling or contraception

• Adolescents (13 to 17) who receive guidance, support, and care during their transition to adulthood

For more information, contact the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center at 412-692-5540 or email [email protected].


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When the days get shorter and temperatures plunge, many people go into “hibernation mode” — staying inside, curling up in front of the TV, and cutting back on exercise. But packing away those summer sneakers can cause you to pack on the pounds and lose stamina, strength, and flexibility.

“No matter what your age, the best thing you can do to main-tain your health is to keep moving during those long winter months,” says Mitchell Rothenberg, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon at UPMC Mercy. “You’ll feel better and be in better shape for spring and summer sports and outdoor activities.”

“Weekend warriors who winter on the couch then head to the golf course, tennis court, or playing field in the spring are at risk of injury, including sprained ankles, shin splints, tennis elbow, and foot pain,” adds Lisa Blackrick, MD, also an orthopaedic surgeon at UPMC Mercy. People who hibernate can quickly lose muscle tone, balance, and strength, which can increase their chance of falling and breaking a bone, she adds.

“You have to use it, or lose it. Staying active throughout winter helps you stay in shape and avoid injury and weight gain,” says Dr. Rothenberg.

Drs. Rothenberg and Blackrick agree that fitting in at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days can provide health benefits. If you have trouble finding time in your busy schedule, try breaking your exercise time into three 10-minute segments throughout the day. Here are a few more of their tips for keeping up with winter workouts:

Turn it on

Fitness videos and programs on TV and online can help you improve strength and flexibility. Or try doing crunches, arm curls, or leg lifts while watching your favorite show.

Play it safe

Walking is the easiest and least expensive way to stay active. If you can’t fit in a brisk walk outdoors or in the mall, try adding these extra steps throughout your day:

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator • Park a healthy walk away from your office building or grocery store • Use part of your lunch hour to walk through your building or up and down the stairs • Get out of your car instead of using the drive-thru at the bank, pharmacy, or coffee shop

Shake it

Use household tasks such as vacuuming or dusting as opportunities to move vigorously. Put on music and put some muscle into mopping your floors. By picking up the pace and maintaining intensity, you can clean your house and get a workout.

Dress right

If you do exercise outdoors, be sure to take steps to keep your workout safe and enjoyable. Dress in layers; keep your head; hands, and feet warm; stay hydrated; wear reflective gear; and be cautious on ice or slippery surfaces.

Get moving

Although moderate physical activity is safe for most people, talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program.

Drs. Rothenberg and Blackrick see patients at UPMC West Mifflin, located at 1907 Lebanon Church Road (near Century Square Mall).

Dr. Rothenberg earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland in Baltimore. He completed an internship in general surgery and residency in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Maryland Hospital and a fellowship in sports medicine at the University of Wisconsin. Dr. Blackrick earned her medical degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. She completed her orthopaedic surgery residency at UPMC and a fellowship in traumatology at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Rothenberg or Dr. Blackrick, call 412-687-3900.

Don’t Let Winter Slow You DownStaying active during winter can be easier — and more beneficial — than you think.


UPMC Mercy1400 Locust St.Pittsburgh, PA 15219

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.

Follow UPMC on Facebook.

Holidays are for celebrating all of the things that make life special. Don’t let a major illness, injury, or even a sore throat keep you from enjoying them. UPMC Mercy physicians’ offices are open and conveniently located near you. Our physicians are accepting new patients, and in most cases even offer same-day appointments.

Just call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762) or visit UPMC.com/Patient Careand we’ll get you an appointment with one of our doctors. It doesn’tmatter why you need us; it matters that we’re here if you do.

take time to take care of you

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

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By Matthew J. Fascetti

Two area siblings, Abigail Allen, 13, and Andrew Allen, 11, of West Allegheny, were named Students of the Month by the Pittsburgh

Piano Teacher’s Association and performed at the monthly meeting in front of world-renowned Composer Timothy Brown.

The students are taught by Suzanne Givi, Vice President of the Pittsburgh Piano Teacher’s Association, at Givi School of Music in Robinson Township. They played a piece written by Brown himself as he watched…Abigail played “Tango Romantico” and Andrew played “Tango.” Both students, who have won various awards in the past and have studied piano for six years, did an excellent job and showed no nervousness at all despite playing in front of a large group of people.

After the performance, Brown was so impressed that he even went to the Givi Music Center Facebook page and posted the following message: “I

enjoyed hearing Andrew and Abigail’s performance very much. Both students performed “Spanish” influenced works with much flair and energy. Congratulations to both the talented performers who study at the Givi School of Music.”

Givi agreed with Brown’s assessment. “Both kids did a tremendous job,” she said. “They were poised and confident. I wasn’t surprised by the performance because both of them are excellent students and wonderful kids. They deserve the recognition they are getting.”

Brown’s music has been influenced greatly by the Italian film composer Ennio Morricone and also by the composer Luciano Berio. His music is noted for its

“immediate emotional impact” and its roots in the neo-romantic style. His traditional formal structural elements are embedded in his wide array of compositions which includes orchestral, ballet, and chamber works and specifically music written for the piano and pedagogical purposes. He did his undergraduate studies at Bowling Green State University and received his master’s degree from the University of North Texas where he studied piano with Adam Wodnicki, and music composition with Newel Kay Brown. He later was a recipient of a research fellowship from the Royal Holloway, University of London where he did his post-graduate studies in music composition and orchestration studying with the English composer, Brian Lock. He later continued his research at the well-known “Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia” in Rome, Italy.

The Pittsburgh Piano Teacher’s Association is a non-profit organization that promotes and maintains high standards of piano teaching by offering opportunity

and motivation for the educational growth of teachers and their students. The organization is a group of 150 members. From the first gathering of 90 teachers (organized

in 1936), PPTA has worked to improve the education of piano students. The association includes both private teachers and those who serve as instructors in schools and colleges in the Pittsburgh area. PPTA is affiliated with the National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC), and the Pennsylvania Federation of Music Clubs (PFMC).

The group meets for a general meeting once a month between September and June at the Christ Church of Grove Farm, where they have access to the churchs’ Steinway piano. This meeting always includes a guest speaker; Brown was the guest speaker for September. Also each month the group selects a “Student of the Month” who then performs at the meeting. In addition, the association offers various scholarships and programs to local piano students.

For more information about the Pittsburgh Piano Teacher’s Association, visit www.pghpianoteachers.org. For more information about the Givi School of Music, visit www.givischoolofmusic.com, or call 412.787.9879.

Two Local Givi School of Music Students Perform for Pittsburgh Piano Teacher’s Association


Tis the Season! Parkway West’s

Gingerbread Are a Festive (and Tasty) Holiday tradition

Each year, culinary students from Parkway West Career Training Center create gingerbread houses as part of their curriculum. It’s a festive way to demonstrate not only the talent coming out of Parkway, but how delicious the holiday season can be!

What’s more, Parkway’s doors are open to the public at select times during the year. Go to www.parkwaywest.org to find out when

and fill your basket with some goodies to go.

Houses


For more pictures from this event, go to our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ICMags. Want us to cover your event? Let us know @ICMagazines


Many people think of health and wellness as just diet and exercise. While those are two key components, there are many more factors that affect an individual’s overall vitality. Other areas of focus include dental and vision; specialties such as podiatry and audiology; preventive measures such as chiropractic visits and acupuncture/massage. Even feel-good procedures such as hair replacement and cosmetic surgery can boost a person’s demeanor and self-confidence. With all of these areas of wellness to consider, it can be a daunting task to pay for the treatments and procedures that enhance the quality of our lives. So how do we decide what to spend our health-care dollars on? Which procedures are the most effective and beneficial? The following is a review of what to consider when choosing a healthier lifestyle.

• Fitness •Exercise is the one thing most doctors stress when the subject of health and wellness is broached. Certainly there are other factors such as genetics, eating, smoking, drinking and medication that can play a significant role, but exercise is at the core of health and wellness. So what is the best way to stay fit? There is no perfect answer as it is different for each individual’s needs and desires. There are many ways an individual can exercise on his/her own such as walking, running, biking, hiking, at-home workout DVDs or weight training,

just to name a few. Many Americans join gyms to help them stay fit. There are advantages to having a gym membership which include a wide array of equipment, fellow members to help motivate you, professional trainers and a monthly monetary obligation that can help you stay committed to your fitness goals..Unfortunately, gym memberships are not covered by health

insurance, so it is up to the individual to not only foot the bill but to select one that best suits our needs. Most gyms have monthly payments, but some also have yearly or bi-yearly options as well. Depending on the facility and the region you live in, the average gym membership can vary from $10 a month to $100 a month. While gyms, fitness programs and personal trainers can be an excellent way to achieve cardiovascular health, just remember they are not the only way. If money is tight there are plenty of free alternatives that may work just as well for you.

• Acupuncture and Massage •If you’ve ever been treated to a massage, you probably don’t need a list of advantages to persuade you to have one on a regular basis. Massage is the manipulating of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue using various techniques, to enhance function, aid in the healing process, and promote relaxation and well-being.

Massage involves working and acting on the body with pressure – structured, unstructured, stationary, or moving – tension, motion, or vibration, done manually or with mechanical aids. Target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, skin, joints or other connective

tissue, as well as lymphatic vessels, or organs of the gastrointestinal system. Massage can be applied with the

hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearms, and feet. There are over 80 different recognized massage modalities. The most cited reasons

for introducing massage as therapy have been client demand and perceived clinical effectiveness. Massage is usually only covered by insurance in very special circumstances, so be prepared to pay out of pocket for these services.According to www.mayoclinic.com, acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body. A key component of Traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain. Traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force known as qi or chi, (pronounced CHEE), believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your body. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, acupuncture practitioners believe that your energy flow will re-balance. In contrast, many Western practitioners view the acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue. This stimulation appears to boost the activity of your body’s natural painkillers and increase blood flow. Reasons for having an acupuncture procedure include chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, fibromyalgia, headaches, labor pain, low back pain, menstrual cramps, migraines, osteoarthritis, dental pain and tennis elbow. As with massage, acupuncture is generally not covered by insurance.

• Chiropractic Care •According to www.chiropractor.com, chiropractic care is a natural method of health care that focuses on correcting the causes of physical problems from subluxations or misalignments of the bones in the body, especially the spine. The field of chiropractic is considered holistic, improving people’s lives by optimizing the functioning of the nervous system. Every cell in the body is controlled by the nervous system, including taste, touch, smell, hormones, digestion and cardiovascular. Chiropractic does not just treat symptoms or problems, but allows for a healthy nervous system, so the body functions better.A healthy nervous system has the ability to resist disease and ill health. Chiropractic restores the body’s nervous system, thereby increasing its resistance to illnesses. Chiropractors are able to determine and remove blocks to the nervous system by locating subluxations or misaligned vertebrae

By Matt Fascetti


and adjusting them. There is one issue that will arise with chiropractic care…visits are sometimes not covered by insurance. Although suggested by many health care practitioners, including primary care physicians, some insurance companies still consider chiropractors luxury visits in some instances. One session with a chiropractor can cost anywhere from $35-$100 depending on the region you live in, with additional fees for more complicated procedures. When it comes to chiropractic care, one must decide if the benefits outweigh the cost.

• Dental Work •Dental care is a vital aspect of health and wellness. Many people incorrectly believe that dental care is important for aesthetic reasons only, but this is far from the case. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, there is a link between poor oral health and conditions such as endocarditis and cardiovascular disease, although researchers are not sure of the role that oral health plays in causing heart problems. Recent studies have also shown

that women with periodontal disease are at three to five times greater risk for delivering a preterm infant than those who are periodontally healthy. There may also be a link between oral

health and diabetes, Alzheimer’s and certain immune disorders. Whether you have a cracked tooth, a cavity, braces, dental implants or are needing a simple whitening or cleaning, dental care is a priority for most people. Because the costs of dental care keep increasing, some are choosing to cut out dentist visits all together. This is not recommended. However, if carrying dental insurance is not an option, then an individual should still stick to

routine checkups. According to ehow.com, the national average cost for a regular cleaning can range anywhere from $50-130 depending on the region in which you live. Skipping these checkups and cleanings can lead to more serious issues down the road that can cost thousands of dollars. In the meantime, as is the case with most health-related issues, prevention is the key. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss after every meal and you drastically increase your odds of having great oral health.

Our Health & Wellness Partners

Pittsburgh Dental Spa gives anyone who has ever been afraid of the dentist a peaceful, calm and stress-free experience. Pitts-burgh Dental Spa offers: Affordable Dental Care, Cosmetic Dental Procedures, Dental Massage Chairs, Gag-Free Dental X-Rays, Complimentary Spa Services, Sedation Dentistry Options, Dental Implants and a Relaxation Room for Patients. Most dental plans accepted and payment options avail-able. Enjoy a dental spa experience without the spa price.

Pittsburgh Dental SpaTimothy J. Runco D.M.D.

412.200.2614

At Dr James Fernau, Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa, we offer you a comfortable and relaxed setting with state-of-the-art technology in cosmetic surgery and aesthetic skin care. It is our desire you leave our practice feeling more confident and knowledgeable about cosmetic surgery and the benefits it can provide to improve your quality of life! Call today to schedule a consultation!

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• Vision Care •Many of us take our vision for granted. But we would certainly be completely lost without it, so it is essential we take good care of our eyes with regular exams and wearing glasses or contacts, if needed.According to the Vision Council of America, approximately 75% of adults need some sort of vision correction. Although drugstores sell non-prescription glasses for reading, which means anyone can buy them without seeing an eye doctor for an exam, there is no substitute for a professional vision exam by

an eye doctor, with a customized prescription for glasses or corrective lenses.

Approximately 30% of the American population is near-sighted and must use

glasses for activities such as driving and schoolwork. About 60% of Americans are far-sighted meaning that they have trouble reading or sewing without glasses, but can focus well at a distance.

The majority of young people who wear glasses are near-sighted. As people age, they are more likely to need vision correction for far-sightedness. About 25% of people who wear glasses to see distances will end up needing reading glasses or bifocals as they get older. The recommendations for the frequency of vision exams varies somewhat, but generally individuals are advised to have an eye exam somewhere between one to four years, depending upon their age group.

• Pediatrics •Arguably, pediatric medicine is one of the most important areas of medical practice because it involves our children. This branch of medicine deals with the care of infants, children and adolescents. The ages treated usually range from birth to 18 years. According to www.news-medical.net, pediatrics differs from adult medicine in many aspects. The obvious body size differences are paralleled by maturational changes. The smaller body of an infant or neonate is substantially different physiologically from that of an adult. Congenital defects, genetic variance and developmental issues are areas of greater concern for pediatricians. Treating a child is not like treating a miniature adult. A major difference between pediatrics and adult medicine is that children are minors, and in most jurisdictions, cannot make decisions for themselves. The issues of guardianship, privacy, legal responsibility and informed consent must always be considered in every pediatric procedure. In a sense, pediatricians often have to treat the parents and sometimes the family, rather than just the child. Adolescents are in their own legal class, having rights to their own health care decisions in certain circumstances.Pediatrics is a fairly new practice, only becoming a specialty in the mid-19th century. Today it is one of the biggest medical specialties in the United States, mainly because individuals tend to care more for their children than they do themselves and are therefore more likely to seek regular and consistent medical care for their children...

• Cosmetic Surgery •Cosmetic surgery is very popular in the United States these days. In fact, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Americans spent a staggering $10.7 billion on cosmetic surgery in 2010.According to www.cosmeticsurgery.com, the most popular cosmetic procedures include liposuction, breast augmentation, BOTOX®, eyelid surgery, thermage, facelift, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck and buttocks implants.While cosmetic surgery is generally a safe procedure, when it does go bad, results can be disastrous. The key is to research your doctor thoroughly, making sure he/she has extensive experience and many references from satisfied patients.Insurance does not usually cover cosmetic surgery, so it is a rather expensive, completely out of pocket expense. For example, a liposuction can cost around $10,000. The only kind of cosmetic surgery that is generally covered by insurance is for conditions that may interfere with someone’s overall health and wellness.Good health is not just a linear concept of adhering to a rigid routine for everyone. Each individual is different, and his/her personality, lifestyle and priorities must be taken into account..

• Family Medicine •According to the American Academy of Family Medicine (AAFP), family practice is health care for the individual and family that integrates the biological, clinical and behavioral sciences. The scope of family medicine encompasses all ages, both sexes and every organ system of the body.

Health & Wellness


Common services provided in family medicine include bone density screenings, EKGs, hospital care, immunizations and flu shots, lab services, minor surgery (warts, lesions, stitches), newborn health, gynecology and obstetrics, school and sports physicals and preventive visits.Family Medicine physicians work closely with patients to prevent disease and offer them a long and healthy life. Healthy lifestyle, exercise and weight control are often points that are stressed to all members of the family. For those with a personal history of chronic disease, specific measures are taken to ensure that they are being monitored and that their disease is being managed effectively. This is usually achieved with regular health maintenance exams and by keeping up with what is going on in their lives.The main focus and advantage of family medicine is the very personal and intimate care that is normally received. The attending physician almost becomes a member of the family.Another particular benefit of family medicine is that it concentrates on education as well. Everyone in the family should understand what good healthy living is and all the ins and outs of how to achieve health goals. This is done with open discussions with your physician..

• Geriatrics •Geriatric medicine is quite unique because it usually deals with health issues related to age such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and more. Despite these challenges, geriatric wellness is better than it has ever been before. People are living longer and taking better care of themselves.Retirement goals for the senior citizen of today differ widely from the objectives of retirees in years past. Today’s senior has a desire to not only stay healthy and prevent disease, but is passionate about living an active lifestyle. Exercise has been shown to increase longevity and quality of life.According to livestrong.com, the five categories of fitness include aerobic fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance, body composition and flexibility. For the geriatric exercise participant, balance also plays a huge role in the development of a wellness program. For example, working on strength and balance to prevent falls is important, but in reality a trip, slip or fall will eventually happen. Exercises that build bone density and joint integrity along with flexibility are important to prevent fractures and other injuries.The American College of Sports Medicine exercise guidelines for men and women 65 and older includes cardiovascular exercise at a moderate pace for 30 minutes, five days a week to improve aerobic fitness. It is also recommended that older adults engage in strength training two days per week. The focus should be on large muscle group exercises that mimic activities of daily living, such as standing, reaching overhead and pulling. It is also suggested that flexibility exercises be added at least two days per week. One should also utilize balance exercises to create a well-rounded program that focuses on both performance and prevention. The bottom line is, today’s world offers better opportunities than ever before for seniors to live and be healthy for many years to come..


You don’t have to live withpainful varicose and spider veins.Should I Have My Veins Evaluated?Q & A WITH A VEIN SPECIALIST: While finishing charts atthe end of my day, I took a few moments to listen to my staffanswer questions for a patient on the phone. The questionsasked were very important as were the answers that were given.Here are some examples:

What is Phlebology?Phlebology is the branch of medicine that deals with veins

and the disease of veins. Two organizations dedicated to theadvancement of this field are The American College ofPhlebology and the American Venous Forum.

Why should I see a board- certified phlebologist to evaluate my varicose veins

When it comes to any aspect of your health care, it isimportant to be proactive in the choice and research of whowill become medically responsible for your evaluation andtreatment. Though venous disease is not always a visibleailment, it can be a serious health problem leading to moreserious issues, so choosing a specialist, or board certifiedphlebologist for your venous care is a wise decision.

Board certification in phlebology identifies a physician whohas taken the extra step of becoming specialized in thetreatment of venous disease. Not only is the physician often amember of organizations such as the American College ofPhlebology (ACP) and the American Venous Forum (AVF)but they have met additional requirements set by the certifyingboard. After meeting these requirements, he or she must thenpass a certifying exam allowing the physician to identify him orherself as board-certified.

Is membership the same as board certification?This question is particularly important as it defines the

specialty of a phlebologist. While a physician may be a memberof many different organizations, these organizations onlyrequire an interest in the field for joining. Thus membership isunlike board certification where qualification is determinedthrough training and testing. Here’s how the ACP defines itsboard certification: “The establishment of a Board CertificationExam brings recognition to both the field of phlebology andthose providers in the field who have the knowledge, skills andexperience to provide quality care to phlebology patients.”

I had a free screening at ahealth fair and was told thatI don't have venous disease,but I still have aching, painand discoloration at theankles. What should I do?

While free screenings can beinformative, remember that thisis just a brief glance into apatient's venous system. Acomplete venous exam andvenous mapping by a board-certified phlebologist is best todetermine if a patient has venousdisease.

Since a proper venousultrasound is such an integral part ofthis evaluation, the American Collegeof Phlebology has set requirements forit that include the following:• A venous ultrasound should be ordered by a physician.• A lower extremity ultrasound should study the entire leg, from

ankle to groin. Failure to identify and treat all sources of refluxmay result in outright treatment failure.

• Evaluation of the venous system should be performed with thepatient in the upright position. Sitting or lying down areinappropriate for the detection of reflux or the measurement ofvein diameters.

• A ve nous ultrasound should be performed by a trainedphysician or a registered vascular ultrasound technician (RVT)and then interpreted by a physician.

If I have had an evaluation elsewhere, can I still be evaluated in your office?

Of course. A free evaluation is commonly ‘ free’ becausepatients are often not meeting with a physician, a physicianassistant or a nurse practitioner, so this visit cannot be billed toinsurance. However, most insurances allow for a secondopinion. If you have any questions about the second opinionbeing covered, contact member services on the back of yourinsurance card.

This Industry Insight was written by Theresa Schneider.

Terrance R. Krysinski, MDGeneral SurgeonBoard Certified PhlebologistVein Institute of Pittsburgh724.934.VEIN (8346)

724-934-VEIN (8346)

11 MARS WIN_proof 10/19/11 1:49 PM Page 27


You don’t have to live withpainful varicose and spider veins.Should I Have My Veins Evaluated?Q & A WITH A VEIN SPECIALIST: While finishing charts atthe end of my day, I took a few moments to listen to my staffanswer questions for a patient on the phone. The questionsasked were very important as were the answers that were given.Here are some examples:

What is Phlebology?Phlebology is the branch of medicine that deals with veins

and the disease of veins. Two organizations dedicated to theadvancement of this field are The American College ofPhlebology and the American Venous Forum.

Why should I see a board- certified phlebologist to evaluate my varicose veins

When it comes to any aspect of your health care, it isimportant to be proactive in the choice and research of whowill become medically responsible for your evaluation andtreatment. Though venous disease is not always a visibleailment, it can be a serious health problem leading to moreserious issues, so choosing a specialist, or board certifiedphlebologist for your venous care is a wise decision.

Board certification in phlebology identifies a physician whohas taken the extra step of becoming specialized in thetreatment of venous disease. Not only is the physician often amember of organizations such as the American College ofPhlebology (ACP) and the American Venous Forum (AVF)but they have met additional requirements set by the certifyingboard. After meeting these requirements, he or she must thenpass a certifying exam allowing the physician to identify him orherself as board-certified.

Is membership the same as board certification?This question is particularly important as it defines the

specialty of a phlebologist. While a physician may be a memberof many different organizations, these organizations onlyrequire an interest in the field for joining. Thus membership isunlike board certification where qualification is determinedthrough training and testing. Here’s how the ACP defines itsboard certification: “The establishment of a Board CertificationExam brings recognition to both the field of phlebology andthose providers in the field who have the knowledge, skills andexperience to provide quality care to phlebology patients.”

I had a free screening at ahealth fair and was told thatI don't have venous disease,but I still have aching, painand discoloration at theankles. What should I do?

While free screenings can beinformative, remember that thisis just a brief glance into apatient's venous system. Acomplete venous exam andvenous mapping by a board-certified phlebologist is best todetermine if a patient has venousdisease.

Since a proper venousultrasound is such an integral part ofthis evaluation, the American Collegeof Phlebology has set requirements forit that include the following:• A venous ultrasound should be ordered by a physician.• A lower extremity ultrasound should study the entire leg, from

ankle to groin. Failure to identify and treat all sources of refluxmay result in outright treatment failure.

• Evaluation of the venous system should be performed with thepatient in the upright position. Sitting or lying down areinappropriate for the detection of reflux or the measurement ofvein diameters.

• A ve nous ultrasound should be performed by a trainedphysician or a registered vascular ultrasound technician (RVT)and then interpreted by a physician.

If I have had an evaluation elsewhere, can I still be evaluated in your office?

Of course. A free evaluation is commonly ‘ free’ becausepatients are often not meeting with a physician, a physicianassistant or a nurse practitioner, so this visit cannot be billed toinsurance. However, most insurances allow for a secondopinion. If you have any questions about the second opinionbeing covered, contact member services on the back of yourinsurance card.

This Industry Insight was written by Theresa Schneider.

Terrance R. Krysinski, MDGeneral SurgeonBoard Certified PhlebologistVein Institute of Pittsburgh724.934.VEIN (8346)

724-934-VEIN (8346)

11 MARS WIN_proof 10/19/11 1:49 PM Page 27

OAKDALE NEWS AND EVENTS

source that’s too close to the tree.• If you have an artificial tree, be sure it’s labeled, certified or

identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant. If you choose a fresh tree, make sure the green needles don’t fall off when touched; before placing it in the stand, cut 1-2” from the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand, and be sure to water it daily.

• Make sure your tree is not blocking an exit, and is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, space heaters, radiators, candles and heat vents or lights.

• Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory, and make sure you know whether they are designed for indoor or outdoor use. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini-string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.

• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the home

or going to bed.• After Christmas, get rid of the tree. Dried-out trees are a fire

hazard and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside the home.

For more information and tips please visit our website at www.oakdalehosecompany.org

Cooking• Unattended cooking is the leading cause of

U.S. home fires and home fire injuries, with most cooking fires involving the stovetop.

• Stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling or broiling food. Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stovetop, and turn it off when you

leave the kitchen, even for a short period of time.• When simmering, boiling, baking or roasting food, check it

regularly and use a timer• Create a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove

and areas where hot food and drinks are prepared or carried.• If you have a cooking fire, just get out! When you leave, close

the door behind you to help contain the fire. Call 911 or the local emergency number immediately after you leave.

• If you do try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and that you have access to an exit.

• Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Slide the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled. For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

Christmas Trees• U.S. fire departments annually respond to an average of 250

structure fires caused by Christmas trees. Nearly half of them are caused by electrical problems, and one in four resulted from a heat

The Holiday Season is upon us. The holidays, for most,

bring to mind family festivities and good cheer, but what

few consider is the increased risk of house fires. During

the holiday season most of these fires are a result of cooking accidents,

Christmas trees and candles. By taking some preventative steps and following simple

rules of thumb, most home fires can be prevented during the holidays and beyond.

A Message from theOakdale Hose Company

LifeSpan Senior Resource Center is leaving Oakdale effective January 1, 2013. LifeSpan has provided daily services to seniors in our area for many years. Residents may attend any of the 10 other senior centers that LifeSpan operates in Allegheny County, or any of its satellite or extension programs.

The community center is available to rent for your next community event, conference, wedding, baby or wedding shower, holiday party, anniversary or birthday party!

The center can be rented by whole (up to 175 people) or half (up to 75 people) Whole hall $325.00 half hall $175.00 Weddings $550.00 ($100 security deposit required on all rentals)

Beginning January 1, 2013, the community center will be available for daytime use, Monday through Friday too! Please call the Borough Office (724.693.9740) for details on daily, weekly, or monthly rates.

The center would be a great facility to hold your seniors group meetings, children’s activities, exercise class, craft class, educational activities, and it is handicap accessible.

Oakdale Community Center Available For Your Event

NEW

Retired Oakdale Resident Coordinates Annual

Trip for Veterans

Oakdale man, Don “Bud” McLean, a US Navy Retired (now living in Hernando, FL) organizes a group of Veterans, their families and friends on an annual trip to Hawaii. They hold services on the USS Arizona and The National Cemetery of the Pacific, with the US Navy providing a bugler and launch for the services. Some attendees reside in the Pittsburgh area as well as other areas of the United States. If you have interest in attending the next trip on September 17-October 4, 2013, please contact Bud McLean via email at [email protected] or via phone at 352.637.5131.


OAKDALE NEWS AND EVENTS

120th ANNIVERSARY

CELEBRATION DVD

An 80-minute DVD of the

2-day celebration is available

for sale at the Borough Office

which includes the entire

parade for only $5.00. Makes

a great Christmas gift for an

out of town friend or family

member!

HISTORY BOOKSThere are still history books

for sale ($10) in the Borough

Office. They make great gifts!

T-SHIRTS/HOODIES

For sale at the Borough

Office (T-shirts $5.00/7.00 –

Hoodies $15.00).

Registration is held at the Oakdale Community Center. For more information, visit the Oakdale Youth League at www.leaguelineup.com/oyl or contact Al Pifer, president, at 724.913.5300.

Age: Baseball: 7-12 years Softball: 7-18 ages T-ball must be 5 years old by August 31, 2012 Dates and Times: Saturday, January 26th 1:00PM – 4:00 PM

Sunday, January 27th 1:00PM – 3:00PM Wednesday, February 6th 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Saturday, February 9th 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Registration forms can be found on the website at www.leaguelineup.com/oyl

2013 BaseBall and softBall RegistRations foR oakdale Youth league


79th Eagle Scout for Troop 248

Boy Scout Troop 248 of Oakdale is pleased to announce the award of our 79th Eagle Scout, Tyler C. Wesley. Wesley completed his Eagle Scout Board of Review Oct. 23. For his community service project, he performed over 138 hours of trail maintenance on the Forest Trail at Raccoon Creek State Park. The Forest Trail was unusable to hikers, and with Wesley’s project the park has been able to reopen the trail for public use. Wesley is a senior at West Allegheny Senior High and is planning on joining the military upon graduation. The Eagle Scout is the highest honor a youth can earn in scouting. Only 2 of every 100 male youth are ever able to earn this high award. Troop 248 is proud to have 79 young men earn this high honor in our 80 year history.

Boy Scout Troop 248 wishes to thank all the residents and businesses of Oakdale who contributed to Eagle

Scout candidate Peter Cochran’s Eagle Service Project: the purchase of an AED Unit, Automated External Defibrillator, and install at the Oakdale Community Center. An AED unit is a portable electronic device that is used in cases of life threatening cardiac arrhythmias which can lead to cardiac arrest. The install of this unit at the Community Center gives the community another tool to keeping our citizens safe and could be used to safe any of our lives. The AED units are expensive and can cost up to $2,000.00 for the unit. The AED unit was purchased and installed at the Community Center at NO COST to the Borough. Moneys for the unit were raised by personal donations from the community, business donations, and through several fund raising efforts lead and conducted by Cochran. The unit has been installed at the center and is ready for use if ever needed.

Stop in the Community Center and see the AED unit on the front wall of the building meeting hall.

Eagle ScoutCommunity

ServiceProject


1271 Route 30 P.O. Box W Clinton, PA 15026 Phone: 724.695.0500 Fax: 724.695.1700

AdministrationTownship Manager Gary Klingman 724.695.0500 x244 [email protected]

Asst. Township Manager/Planning Administrator Christopher Caruso 724.695.0500 x248 [email protected]

Wage/LST Tax Collector Barbara Coates 724.695.0521 [email protected]

Real Estate Tax Collector Dorothy McCullough 724.695.2995

MeetingsBoard of Supervisors Caucus Meeting - 1st Thursday each month, 7 p.m.

Regular Meeting - 2nd Wednesday each month, 7 p.m.

Workshop Meeting - 4th Thursday each month, 7 p.m.

Public SafetyFindlay Township Police Department 1271 Route #30, Clinton, Pennsylvania 15026 Emergency Number: 911 or 724.695.7777 Non-Emergency Number: 724.695.1300

Imperial Volunteer Fire Department 115 Main Street Imperial, PA 15126 Emergency Number: 911 or 724.695.7777 Non-Emergency Number: 724.695.8845 [email protected]

Valley Ambulance Authority 3550 University Boulevard Moon Township, PA 15108 911 or 412.262.2040

Findlay Township

400 North Branch Rd Oakdale, PA 15071 Phone: 412.788.4888 or 724.693.9601 Fax: 724.693.8132

AdministrationTownship Manager Mr. Robert T. Grimm [email protected]

Parks & Recreation Director Bob Brozovich [email protected] 724.693.3118; 412.788.4888, ext. 118

Real Estate Tax Collection Mr. Tom Falcioni 724.693.9366

Earned Income Tax Collection and Emergency & Municipal Services Tax Mr. Tom Falcioni 724.693.9190

Board of Supervisors Mr. Jim Morosetti, Chairman Mr. John Meyers, Vice-Chairman Mr. J. R. Mangan, Member

The Supervisors hold a Workshop meeting the first Thursday of every month at 7:30 p.m., a General Supervisors meeting the second Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m., and a Payroll Meeting the fourth Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. in the Township Municipal Building.

Public SafetyNorth Fayette P.D. 400 North Branch Road Oakdale, PA 15071 Phone: 724.787.8900 Chief: Jeffrey Falconer

North Fayette Twp. Volunteer Fire Dept. Station 1 Business Office 7678 Stuebenville Pike Oakdale, PA 15071-9300 Office: 412.787.2883 Station 2 8036 Steubenville Pike Imperial, PA 15126 Office: 724.695.3727

NorthWest EMS Station 195 West Allegheny North Fayette Municipal Complex 400 North Branch Road North Fayette, PA Non-Emergency 412.331.2600

North Fayette

AdministrationMayor Ross Rohbeck, 405 Clinton Avenue Ext. Oakdale, PA 15071 724.693.8382

Public Works Bob Patterson 6115 Noblestown Road Oakdale, PA 15071 Phone: 724.693.9740 Fax: 724.693.0100

Real Estate Tax Collector Donna Swider P.O. Box 222 Oakdale, PA 15071 724.693.9889

Borough Secretary Kelly Rohbeck 6115 Noblestown Road Oakdale, PA 15071 Phone: 724.693.9740 Fax: 724.693.0100 [email protected]

CouncilHuck Gamble, President 1 Highland Avenue Oakdale, PA 15071 724.693.9906

Paul Hennemuth, Vice President 110 Jade Drive Oakdale, PA 15071 724.693.9628

Keith Merlino, Councilman 16 Vincennes Avenue Oakdale, PA 15071 724.693.2844

Tom Potts, Councilman 305 Clinton Avenue Oakdale, PA 15071

Bud Sturgeon, Councilman 4050 Noblestown Road Oakdale, PA 15071 724.693.2748

Public Safety - 911Oakdale P.D. 6115 Noblestown Road Oakdale, PA 15071 724.693.9639 724.693.0740 (Fax) Chief Dr. James J. Lauria

Oakdale Hose Company 6111 Noblestown Road Oakdale, PA 15071 Station: 724.693.9408 Fax: 724.693.0742

Oakdale


Oakdale

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 55 Imperial, PA 15126 Phone: 724.695.3422

AdministrationSuperintendent Dr. John DiSanti [email protected] 724.695.5211

Asst. Supt. Curriculum & Instruction Dr. Chris Assetta [email protected] 724.695.5204

Asst. Supt. Personnel & Student Services Dr. William Englert, Jr. [email protected] 724.695.5216

Business Manager George Safin [email protected] 724.695.5212

Coordinator of Pupil Services Elaine Fitzgerald [email protected] 724.695.5221

Communications Coordinator Carol Bonnar [email protected] 724.695.5274

SchoolsWest Allegheny High School 205 West Allegheny Road Imperial, PA 15126 Phone: 724.695.7368 Fax: 724.695.8690 Principal: Daniel Smith

West Allegheny Middle School 207 West Allegheny Road Imperial, PA 15126 Phone: 724.695.8979 Fax: 724.695.8211 Principal: Richard Smith

Donaldson Elementary School 600 Donaldson Road Oakdale, PA 15071 Phone: 724.213.1010 Fax: 724.213.1002 Principal: Patricia Nolan

McKee Elementary School 1501 Oakdale Road Oakdale, PA 15071 Phone: 724.693.8451 Fax: 724.693.0924 Principal: Thomas Orr

Wilson Elementary School 100 Bruno Lane Imperial, PA 15126 Phone: 724.695.3300 Fax: 724.695.0610 Principal: Kathleen Sites

West Allegheny School District

School BoardDebbie Mirich (president) Patrick Konieczny (vice president) Dr. Anne Bolind Ed Faux Tracy Kosis Robert Ostrander Ronald Pasic Eugene Sciulli John Scott


Houses of WorshipAllegheny West Christian Church 7600 Steubenville Pike, Oakdale, PA 15071 412.788.4988

Church of Jesus Christ 57 Moore Road, Imperial, PA 15126 724.899.3935

Church of the Living Christ 220 West Allegheny Road, Imperial, Pa 15126 724.695.7188 www.cotlc.com

Church of the Nazarene 507 Route 30, Imperial, PA 15126 724.695.7669 www.nazarene.org

Clinton UP Church 25 Wilson Road, Clinton, PA 15026 724.695.7993

Clinton Wesleyan Church 1022 Clinton Road, Clinton, PA 15026 724.695.7076

Crossroads Methodist Church 1000 Crossroads Drive, Oakdale, PA 15071 412.494.9999 www.crossroadsumc.org

Hebron Presbyterian Church 1767 Route 30, Clinton, PA 15026 724.899.2276

Noblestown United Methodist Church 7313 Noblestown Road, Oakdale, PA 15071 724.693.2755

Oakdale United Presbyterian Church 62 Hastings Avenue, Oakdale, Pa 15071 724.693.8950

Resurrection Lutheran Church 7600 Steubenville Pike, Oakdale, Pa 15071 412.788.4513

St. Columbkille Church 103 Church Road, Imperial, PA 15126 724.695.7325 www.saintcolumbkilleparish.org

West Ridge Christian Church 100 Gorwood Drive, Coraopolis, PA 15108 724.695.7500 www.wrcc.org

Protect Your Mobile Devices – and Your IdentityWHEN A PHONE OR TABLET GOES MISSING, SO DOES A LOT OF PERSONAL INFORMATION – AND THAT CAN LEAD TO IDENTITY THEFT.

The Federal Trade Commission estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year, and thieves can get personal information via your mobile device.

Here are two things you can do to help protect your identity:

Password protect your device. A recent study by Javelin Strategy and Research found that even though many smartphones are being used to handle sensitive financial information, only 33 percent of smartphone owners password-protect their devices. If your phone falls into the wrong hands, you could make it very easy for someone to access your personal information and steal your identity.

Consider getting extra protection. There are a growing number of tools available to help you monitor and protect your identity as well as restore your name and credit, should your identity get stolen. Specialty insurance programs offer alerts of any changes that could indicate someone else is using your information.

Taking time to protect your devices now can reduce your risk of falling victim to identity theft later.


A new parking ordinance was adopted by the borough council in September to restrict parking in the business district of Oakdale to 2-Hour – Customer Parking Only.

The business district area begins at 105 Clinton Ave proceeding into downtown Oakdale and on Noblestown Road from the Robinson St. intersection to the Union Ave intersection. Parking is also restricted in the borough owned lots known as the lot between the Oakdale Inn and the Rock and the lot adjacent to the Diner.

All business owners and employees within the Borough are to park their vehicles in the parking lot of the Rock. Parking signs are posted. Warnings and tickets will be issued.

New Parking Ordinance in Oakdale

Mike Nadik, 2012 graduate of West Allegheny High School and the Welding Technology program at Parkway West CTC, recently stopped in to visit with Mr. Reis, his former welding instructor. Nadik was on his way to begin the commercial underwater welder program at Diver’s Academy International in Eriel, New Jersey. Underwater welding has been a specialized career interest of Mike’s throughout high school, as certified underwater welders can make as much as $50,000 a year to start.

While enrolled in the Welding program at Parkway, Mike earned American Welding Society certifications in Shielded Metal Arc Welding, known as “stick” welding, and Gas Metal Arc Welding, known as “MIG” welding. During Nadik’s senior year, he worked at Heat Exchange & Transfer, Inc. in Carnegie through the cooperative education program.

Since graduating in June, he had been working full-time at E.A. Fab Corporation in Oakdale. Now, however, his dream of being a commercial underwater welder is about to come true. All he really needs to learn now is how to scuba dive!

PARKWAY WEST CTC

Making a Dream Come True

Mike Nadik


Characterizing Hip PainHip pain is a common complaint for people of allages and fitness levels. It may develop as a resultof an injury or fall, because of wear and tear, orbecause of developing arthritis.

People often mistake hip pain for pain in thepelvic region. Pain in the pelvic region can be the result of a number of different diagnoses,each with its own defining symptoms. Accordingto Vonda Wright, MD, a UPMC orthopaedic surgeon, “The pelvis has a number of differentstructures in it, and hip pain can be mistaken for a number of different diagnoses. The bestway to differentiate the pain is to identify its location. Hip pain, for example, actually presentsas groin pain.”

Hip pain can be arthritic or non arthritic. Arthriticpain is dull and characterized by stiffness. Nonarthritic pain that is the result of an injury, fall, ortear of cartilage is a sharp, intermittent pain inthe groin area. For any type of pain that persistsfor longer than a week, a primary care physicianor orthopaedic surgeon should be consulted.

Conservative Methods of TreatmentThe good news is that many types of hip pain can be treated by nonsurgical approaches, suchas activity modification and physical therapy.UPMC orthopaedic surgeon Dharmesh Vyas,MD, notes, “I almost always prescribe a trial ofnon-operative management (physical therapy,NSAIDs, etc.) to my patients before consideringsurgical intervention. Having said that, some hipinjuries do not respond to conservative treatmentand a surgical option must be considered.”

Until recently, open hip surgery was the next step in a patient’s treatment plan. The surgeon would make a large incision and dislocate the hip in order to repair any

injuries. Today, however, a minimally-invasiveprocedure called hip arthroscopy may be an option for some patients with hip pain. This procedure is similar to arthroscopies of the knee and shoulder, in which the surgeonmakes two or three small incisions and insertstiny cameras and surgical instruments to correct the problem.

Hip ArthroscopyHip arthroscopy is often used to repair a tear in the ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of the hip joint (known as a labral tear)and as a treatment for pain resulting from an inexact fit between the head and socket of the hip joint (known as a femoral acetabular impingement, or FAI). Hip arthroscopy is alsoused to repair cartilage loss in the hip or to remove loose particles in the hip.

According to Dr. Vyas, “The ideal patient for this procedure is someone who is active and has the appropriate hip pathology. As long as the patient has an injury in an otherwise non-arthritic hip, he or she may be a candidatefor treatment through hip arthroscopy.”

Dr. Wright adds, “It’s about hip preservation at all ages and spectrums of activity. Hiparthroscopy, is a relatively new technology that allows us to access the hip in a way that we never have before, and therefore treat many hip related conditions.”

When hip arthroscopy is used, the recovery time is often reduced due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, according to Dr. Vyas. “Arthroscopic surgery allows patients to experience more rapid returns to their lifestyle, including sporting activity.”

When Arthroscopic Surgery May Be an Option for Patients With Hip Pain

My Hip Hurts Questions for Your DoctorBefore making any decision, it’s important to be fully informed. Make sure your doctor answers all of your questions, including these:

• What is the diagnosis?

• What does the procedure involve?

• What are the risks and complications?

• What are the benefits of having this surgery, compared to another procedure?

• How long is the recovery period?

• What is the chance of needing revision surgery?

• What are the published outcomes?

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, visit UPMC.com/HipPain or call 412-432-3600.

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