in-west-jefferson-hills-summer

SUMMER 2011 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

A Cozy B&B in the Township* T.J. Class of 2011 *

Jefferson Hills Borough News

COMMUNITY-DRIVEN

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Publisher’s Message | 2

COMMUNITY INTEREST | Oak Noggin Bed & Breakfast | 3

| Jefferson Hills Borough News | 7

| Costa Homebuilders | 15

| UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News You Can Use | 21

| Peoples Natural Gas | Community-Driven | 30

| Inside West Jefferson Hills School District | 33

| Real Estate in West Jefferson Hills | 46

FEATURES | On the Road to Recovery | 42

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS | Edward Jones | 29

| Cusumano Insurance | 41

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS | Chick-Fil-A | 6

ON THE COVER | O ak N oggin B ed & B reakfast

35

S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

H ealth and W ellness N ews Y ou Can Use

© 2 011 UPMC

What’s Insidepage 2 W o m a n ’ s H ea rt I s S p eci a l

page 3 T h e G o o d N ew s b o u t H ea rt D i s ea s eS i x W a ys t o L o w er Y o u r B l o o d Pres s u re

page 4 Y o u n g t h l et es a n d S u d d en Ca rd i a c D ea t hW hat P arents N eed to K now

E x erci s e: T o o Mu ch o f a G o o d T h i n g Ca n B e H a rm f u l

page 5 T h e D o w n s i d e o f F a l l s

page 6 Ch o o s i n g t h e R i g h t D o ct o r f o r Y o u

page 7 W el co m i n g N ew Ph ys i ci a n s

West Jefferson Hills | Summer 2011 |

Contents

3 10 21

West Jefferson Hills | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 1

Welcome to the summer issue of West Jefferson Hills Magazine. Summer is the time for home improvement projects and this

issue contains information about house maintenance,landscaping and real estate.

Our annual advertising section on real estate inWashington and Allegheny Counties reminds us of thebeautiful, affordable homes – both old and new – that areavailable in our region. If you're in the m arket to buy or sell ahome, we hope you will find this issue to be helpful. For thoseyou who plan to stay in your home but want to fix up the outside,this issue contains plenty of tips from professional landscapers and gardeners.

Over 230 students graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School earlier in Juneand this issue includes photographs from the commencement ceremony. We send ourbest wishes to these young adults as they enter the workforce or the military, or go offto a two- or four-year college or technical school.

Finally, this issue has updates on recent borough activities, profiles of councilmembers and new employees, a message from the fire chief, wrap-ups of libraryprograms and activities, and much more.

Have a great summer!

Wayne DollardP ublisher

After what seems like a colder and wetter-than-normal spring, hopefully a warm, drysummer is in store for all of us western Pennsylvanians. Summer in this part of theworld is a special time and there are plenty of yearly events andactivities that can quickly become a tradition for your family.

There are the obvious ones – such as a school orcommunity picnic day at Kennywood but there are someless -obvious ones that your family can adopt as traditionsand begin to create summer memories that will last alifetime.

A visit to a local farmers market is a great way to spendtime with your kids while teaching them that fruits, vegetablesand other commodities can come from places other than a megagrocery store. There’s a farmers market in Pleasant Hills every Thursday throughOctober from 3:30 to 7 p .m. at the Pleasant Hills Presbyterian Church at 199 OldClairton Road.

Another summer tradition that my family looks forward to every year are thechurch fairs and community days held throughout the region every summer – thereare a ton in the area – and many are just a short drive away.

Finally, take some time to do some exploring around your own town. This issue ofWest Jefferson Hills includes a feature about the Oak Noggin Bed and Breakfast at

209 Waterman Road. When you’re out riding around some evening, take a fewminutes to check out this piece of Jefferson Hills’ history. Better yet, spend a night ortwo at this quaint inn and get back to simpler times.

Have a great summer full of family traditions and memories, and West JeffersonHills Magazine will see you in the fall!

Chris EvansS outh R egional E ditor

SUMMER 2011IN West Jefferson Hills is a community publicationdedicated to representing, encouraging andpromoting the West Jefferson Hills area and itscomprising municipalities by focusing on thetalents and gifts of the people who live and workhere. Our goal is to provide readers with the mostinformative and professional regional publication inthe Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

PUBLISHER Wayne Dollard

MANAGING EDITOR

Marybeth [email protected]

REGIONAL EDITOR

Chris Evans [email protected]

OFFICE MANAGER

Leo [email protected]

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Jack [email protected]

WRITERS

Pamela Palongue

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Cassie Brkich Jan McEvoySharon Cobb Joe MilneSusie Doak Tamara Tylenda

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Garyyonphotography.com

ADVERTISING SALES

Derek Bayer David MitchellBrian Daley Tamara Myers Gina D’Alicandro Gabriel NegriTina Dollard Robert OjedaRose Estes Annette PetroneJohn Gartley Vincent SabatiniJason Huffman Michael SilvertLori Jeffries RJ VighettiRita Lengvarsky Nikki Capezio-Connie McDaniel WatsonBrian McKee

This magazine is carrier route mailed to all district households and businesses.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part withoutwritten permission is prohibited. Copyright 2011.

CORRESPONDENCEAll inquiries, comments and press releases should be directed to:

IN Community MagazinesAttn: Editorial603 East McMurray RoadMcMurray, PA 15317Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968

Fall content deadline: August 1www.incommunitymagazines.com

Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

2 724.942.0940 to advertise | West Jefferson Hills


Drive down Route 88 toward Jefferson Hillsany day of the week and you're sure to see

fast food restaurants, gas stations, office build-ings and convenience stores. But if you veer offthe “well-beaten path,” there's a little piece ofAmericana that sits at 209 Waterman Road and ifyou are so inclined, you can spend a night ortwo soaking in its rich history.

The Oak Noggin Bed and Breakfast is actually constructed from two logs homes, circa 1826 and 1780. Dale and Betty Graff purchased the two structures in the late 1990s, disassembled andmoved them and, along with log cabin experts, rebuilt them into one

Oak Noggin Bed & Breakfast

continued on next page


log cabin. The wood used in the construction is oak and the“noggin” refers to the material that is used in between thelogs.

The bed and breakfast opened for business in 2000 and isnext door to the Graff family home. Unlike many bed andbreakfast establishments, a family or individual rents theentire home rather than just a bedroom in the home.

The home sits on two acres and visitors are awakened tothe bleating of sheep from the nearby sheep farm – probablythe only one left in Allegheny County. The front and backporches offer unobstructed views of the gardens and therolling Jefferson Hills .

The Graffs have decorated the home as authentically aspossible without scrimping on the modern amenities. Thekitchen, for example, is rustic-looking and decorated accord-ing to the historical period but a microwave and a refrigeratorare hidden behind cabinets.

“I probably went to every garage sale in Jefferson Hillsduring the 1980s and picked up all sorts of antique items, suchas washboards and kitchen utensils, that are now used in thehome,” Mrs. Graff said.

There are two working fireplaces in the home – a large onein the living room and a smaller one in the master bedroom.The master bedroom has an original 1858 rope bed as well as atrundle bed. The loft bedroom contains two twin beds, andeach of the rooms is decorated with handmade quilts and peri-od furniture.

The bathroom boasts a cast iron claw foot tub and modernnecessities such as soap, towels and a hairdryer are provided.

The reading materials found in the home are centeredaround early American history and society and, if you're not inthe mood to read, there is a television, DVD players and aselection of DVDs in the living room.

And what would a B&B be without breakfast? Every day,the Graffs walk across the lot from their own home and delivera home-cooked breakfast made from local, organic eggs andproduce that is grown locally whenever possible.

The Oak Noggin is part of the Pittsburgh Bed & BreakfastAssociation and the Western Pennsylvania Bed & BreakfastAssociation.

For more information or to make a reservation, call412.714.3571 or visit the website at www.oaknoggin.com

continued from previous page



Jefferson Hills Borough

It’s hard nowadays to not be aware of the issue of drilling for natural gas resources from the MarcellusShale. New technology has made it possible to extract natural gas deposits that are hidden deep withinrocks thousands of feet below areas that have been traditionally drilled for this resource. Beyond the

depth, drilling is able to be performed horizontally, as well as vertically, so one well site can extract naturalgas at a radius of approximately one mile.

There are many views on this subject and many stakeholders are involved. The advocates of MarcellusShale drilling point to the need to develop new domestic energy resources for our nation-al security. The natural gas industry points to its role in improving the overall economicclimate of the region through growth of the industry. Property owners that have leaseswith drilling companies may benefit from royalties on natural gas that is extractedbeneath their land.

At the same time, others have concerns about Marcellus Shale drilling operations.Their concerns include the impact of the process used to extract the natural gas which iscalled “hydro-fracking” to the water resources of the community as a result of chemicalsused during the drilling process; the impacts on local roads from truck traffic; noise andland impacts from drilling and public safety concerns.

The Borough of Jefferson Hills has been proactive in addressing this issue. Last fall, theCouncil adopted a “pending ordinance” that protected the Borough from drilling opera-tions while the details of the final approach are being developed. Since the passing of thispending ordinance, the Borough has held public hearings and meetings where advocates

and opponents made their arguments on the pros and cons of drilling in the borough. A few months ago, the Borough Council appointed a Marcellus Shale Task Force. The Task Force has

been formed to allow members of the community with varied responsibilities and backgrounds to discussand prioritize relevant key issues related to Marcellus Shale drilling. Its purpose is to guide discussion, infor-mation gathering and decision making on the issues which can have potential impacts within Jefferson HillsBorough.

The results of the Task Force efforts will be utilized to make comprehensive and proactive recommenda-tions to Borough Council and its boards, staff and commissions, the School District and first respondersconcerning public policy, planning and preparation.

These recommendations are expected to be made to the Borough Council this summer, which will befollowed by additional public hearings and meetings to explain the approach and seek vital feedback fromBorough residents.

“The task force is composed of very committed and qualified citizens who’s first interest is the health andsafety of Borough residents,” said Scott Albrecht, councilman and Task Force chair.

The backgrounds of the members include relevant Borough staff, current and past Council members,school board, Borough commission and board members, and Jefferson Hills residents.

“We are organized within working groups that have been created to directly address issues which are themost important to the community concerning the potential impacts from deep well drilling,” Albrecht said.“A transparent, well- researched and deliberative approach will lead to the best possible end result”.

Keep your eyes open for upcoming meetings and news on this important issue!

Jefferson Hills Boroughand Marcellus Shale Drilling


“The task force iscomposed of verycommitted and qualified citizenswho’s first interest is the health andsafety of borough

residents...”



With summer in full swing, many residents are celebrating the warm tem-peratures with picnics, barbeques and other outdoor activities. Rarelyis the focus on the dangers that come with these summer celebrations.

Gill Hall Volunteer Fire Company Fire Chief Adam Galis wants all residents to beaware of the dangers that can result from these activities.

� Barbecue grills caused about 900 home fires and 3,500 outdoor fires in 2010. � Half of all grill-related home fires begin on a balcony or unenclosed porch.

� More U.S. fires are reported on the 4th of July than on any other day. � Fireworks account for half of those fires. � In 2010, fireworks started about 1,600 structure fires. � The tip of a sparkler burns at more than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit – hotenough to cause third-degree burns.

It is also important to remember that there are steps that can be taken toprevent these fires from occurring. Here are some summer fire safety tips toprotect yourself, your family and your property.

Barbecue Grills� Keep grills at least 10 feet from your home or any other structure.� Never use a grill in a garage or carport. � Before using a gas grill, check hoses and connections for leaks.

� Never overfill a propane tank. � Consumers should only use propane tanks that have a three-prongedvalve: this is a sign that there is an overfill protection device in the

tanks. � When lighting a charcoal grill, use only charcoal starter fluid.� Never add fluid after the fire is started. � To dispose of hot coals, soak them with water and stir tomake sure the fire is out.

� Never put coals in plastic, wood or paper containers.

Fireworks� For safety's sake, leave fireworks to the professionals. � Stay back at least 500 feet from professional fireworks displays.

� If you do use fireworks, light them outdoors, away from drygrass.

A Message from the Fire Chief


� Always have a bucket of water ora fire extinguisher nearby. � Never let children light or play withfireworks.

In addition to these tips,Galis also has implementedseveral other fire safety andawareness programs for theGill Hall VFC that includeshome fire inspections andsmoke detector installation. Allof these programs are providedat no cost to the resident.

Also, look for the members andequipment of the Gill Hall VFC in thearea that it protects for the “FireDepartment in your Neighborhood”program. This program was designedto allow the firefighters of the Gill HallVFC to engage with the residentsand give them the opportunity tomeet their local firefighters andsee some of the equipment andtools they utilize in an emer-gency. The department is alsoavailable for block parties.

If you would like anyadditional informa-tion on any programs thatthe Gill Hall VFC provides orare interested in volunteering,contact Fire Chief Galis at412.655.2929.

If you are interested in renting the banquet hall from the fire departmentfor weddings, showers, anniversaries,or other functions, call 412.655.2552.The hall has a seating capacity of 300.


Jefferson Hills Helps Missing Children

Envision that your child does not return home for dinner asexpected. You know she was playing at a friend’s house and you

also know that she usually is a little late. You give it a little more timebefore phoning the friend's house, only to learn that she had left sometime ago. You get more concerned, but you also know there are ballfields and a playground between the friend’s house and home; you getin your car and drive there to search. Once there, you see the areas aredeserted; now you start to panic, as close to one hour has elapsedsince she was last seen. You drive around the neighborhood a littlelonger before deciding to call the police. The police tell you to returnto your house and they will meet you there; an investigation begins.

When officers receive a “child” is missing report, they will collectand evaluate information (pictures, descriptions, etc.) and investigateall possible leads without delay, recording on reports, all relevantinformation and circumstances. While most reports are oftenunfounded or quickly resolved there are some instances in which per-sons disappear for unexplained reasons or under circumstanc es wherethey may be considered “at risk.” When officers are confronted withthese types of unexplained cases, it is critical to utilize all availableresources in the investigation.

To expand its capability, the Jefferson Hills Police Department nowhas a formalized agreement in place with the A Child Is Missing(ACIM) Alert Program. This program provides a high-tech method toassist with the search for missing children, missing elderly individuals(often with dementia), missing college students (on campus), and miss-ing persons who may be mentally or physically challenged or disabled.

If the police department determines that activation of ACIM isappropriate, the program will be contacted and a phone alert will beactivated. The scope and area of these calls is determined by therequesting officer after consultation with ACIM. The call, answered24/7/365 by an information and mapping technician, initiates a rapidprocess of information gathering and use of sophisticated mappingsystems.

ACIM launches potentially thousands of calls within minutes withan alert message detailing the missing person’s description, last knownwhereabouts, and pertinent information. The alert also includes alocal pho ne number that individuals can use to contact the police ifthey have information.

ACIM is not limited by jurisdictional boundaries so everyone canassist with the expansion of the database and the likelihood of callsreaching them by merely entering their mobile numbers, unlistednumbers, broadband/voice-over IP numbers, or TDD/TTY devicesto ensure they, too, are called in the event of an alert.

To r egister your cell phone or communication device number asdescribed visit www.achildismissing.org/flash/rings.html or www.jeffersonhillsboro.org, follow the link and register your cellphone or other communications device.

To date, A Child Is Missing has been credited with more than 825safe assisted recoveries nationwide.

The event started with a gala preview party and over 100 100 guestssampled delicious appetizers and desserts while getting the first choice topurchase more than 10,000 books and donated costume jewelry.

Throughout the weekend, book sale patrons could purchase tickets to win 14auction baskets filled with tickets to events and spas, toys and games, weekend get-aways, a lovely Lenox vase, a Basket of Pittsburgh, and other great items.

On the final day of the weekend sale, all shoppers took home a bag filled withbooks for the bargain price of only $5.

The Friends of Jefferson Hills Library would like to thank everyone who helpedto make this annual event possible and helping to keep the library one of the finestin the area.

Thank you to the members of our local communities for supporting the annualbook sale. All of this year’s unsold books were donated to charity, so we’re ready tobegin receiving next year’s donations at the library. New Friends of the Library arealways welcome to join the non-profitorganization that works to purchaseunbudgeted materials for the Library.For more information call the Libraryat 412.655.7741.

The Friends of the Jefferson HillsLibrary held its annual used book saleat the library in April and it was ahuge success.



LibraryNews

�“M om said I could pick anybooks I want! ”

O ne of the best aspects of community events is that our groups

support each other. JeffersonE lementary S chool offered Jaguar

bags for $ 2 . I n this photoA lex andria D owner helped her

mother, S uz anne, fill a Jaguar bagon S unday.

F riends president G il S mithhelped at the lovely appetiz er and dessert tableat the P review P arty.



Two members of the Jefferson Hills Library TeenAdvisory Board have planned their high school senior projects around programs for children andteens at the library.

This year, under the direction of teen librarian AnnZettl, junior Natalie Liebold presented information aboutnutrition and supervised the teens and “tweens” as theyprepared nutritious food. For one of her classes, Lieboldmade a nutritious gingerbread house. Natalie has been onthe Teen Advisory Board for three years.

Sophomore Rachel Reyher has earned credit towardher senior project by volunteering for the library’s summer reading club and other projects for childrenthroughout the year. This spring under direction ofchildren’s librarian Jane Morgan, Reyher recruited volunteers, planned crafts, filled special party bags, andchose stories to honor Dr. Seuss.

Jefferson Hills Library Summer Reading Club One World Many Stories.Register at www.jeffersonhillslibrary.orgChildren are welcome to register for any or all sessions.

SchedulePre-School – Kindergarten (Suggested Ages 3 – 6)10 to 11 a.m. – story time, craft and snackTuesdaysJuly 5, July 12, July 19, July 26

Elementary (Suggested Ages 6 and up)10 to 11:15 a.m. – story time, craft and snackJuly 7, July 14, July 28

Highlights of Summer Reading Program include: “The Art of Origami” by Scott Stern for all agesJuly 14 at 10 a.m.

A Special Magic Show for all agesJuly 21 at 1 p.m.

For information about the library's teens and tweens summerprograms, visit www.jeffersonhillslibrary.org.

N atalie ( far right) is pictured with ( l- r) A shley B utton, M iaCathell, H ailey Casteel, K aylee V anB ibber, and E rin L iebold.

L ibrary D irector, Jan R eschenthaler, event chairwoman,V al B ailey and S tan W ojtunik greeted patrons throughoutthe weekend.

High School Students Plan ServiceProjects at the Library

R achel R eyher, six th grader M adison D ailey and M rs. M organserve a special snack to the children.



Library News continued

Residents Learn to Enhance their Gardenswith Stained Glass Stepping Stones

Chair Caning/Seat Weaving to be Offered in the Fall

This spring, a new addition to the Library's adult education class offeringswas a Tuesday evening “stained glass stepping stone” class. As you can seeby the photos, adult students worked on a number of variations of thebeautiful craft that will enhance their gardens.

Wesley Luckey, an Elizabeth Township artist and retired principal in theElizabeth Forward School District, has taught the art of stained glass tolocal craftsmen as well as students at Lake Chautauqua in New York.

We are happy to announce that Mr. Luckey will teach another of hiscraft specialties, “Chair Caning and Other Seat Weaving” in the fall at theJefferson Hills Library. If you have a broken chair seat or back, this will be agreat class for you. Your only cost will be for your materials. Call the libraryif you're interested in this class. We are going to set dates and times for theclass based on interest.

M r. L uckey and D ottie K utscher work onplacing and grouting the stained glass.

Historical Society SummerProgram Schedule

Wednesday, July 27, 7 p.m. Jefferson Hills LibraryLocal artist Sally Capolupo willdemonstrate and talk about “HeritageBowls.” This unique pottery is a lasting record of our genealogy.

Wednesday, August 24, 7 p.m.Local historian and retired historyteach George Wilson will present“Railroads, their past and future.”

Wednesday, September 28, 7 p.m.Phyllis Pastore, local artist and retiredteacher, will share her craft of design-ing and sculpting unique “Santas”.

JH Library Offers SAT TEST PreparationClasses to Local Teens

This spring, high school students attended the first of a four-part Sunday afternoon SAT test preparation class at theJefferson Hills Library. Instructors from TEST MASTEREducational Achievement Center taught the classes. TheSAT preparation classes will be offered again in the fall.

Visit the library website at www.jeffersonhillslibrary.orgfor dates.

D r. Carmen G ioiaworking on a glassgaz ing ball for hisgarden.

the adjoining property lines. Include a brief description of

the new structure as well as anymanufacturer’s brochures which

may come with a pre-manufac-tured product. The zoning permit

is the same application as the build-ing permit application, which can

be obtained at the office or website.

Any structure which falls outside of the above listed itemswill require both a zoning permit and building permit.Include all materials as listed above for the zoning permit aswell as construction documents which are required to be insufficient detail to show compliance with current buildingcodes. The price of the building permit is based on the con-struction costs – $28 for first the $1,000 and $4.50 for eachadditional $1,000.

Fences, decks and other accessory structures have additionalregulations such as setback distances and size restrictionswhich can be found in our Zoning Ordinance in it’s entiretyon our website under documents. www.jeffersonhillsboro.org

Q: What is required by theBorough to construct a deck,shed, garage or fence? A: These items are referred to asaccessory structures/buildings andrequire a zoning and/or a buildingpermit.

The following items do not require a buildingpermit but do require a $25.00 zoning permit: � One-story detached accessory structures used as tool andstorage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floorarea does not exceed 200 square feet� Fences not over six feet high� Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area that are notmore than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attachedto a dwelling and do not serve as the primary exit door.� Retaining walls less than three feet in height (higher than threefeet will not only require a building permit but will also requiredesign drawings by an engineer)

To obtain the required zoning permit, submit a site plan show-ing all property lines and all structures currently placed on theproperty. Include the new structure and show its distance to

about Code Enforcement


&

Capital Improvements PlanThe groundwork has started on the first-ever Capital Improvements Plan for theBorough of Jefferson Hills. The Capital Improvements Plan will serve as a guide-line for the borough's future capital projects and equipment purchases.

This plan is a link between the comprehensive plan already approved byBorough Council and future annual budgets. Department heads are working on inventorying current equipment, assessing its remaining usefullife, and identifying capital projects that need undertaken in the borough.

The equipment and projects will be prioritized in a Capital ImprovementsPlan to be presented to Borough Council this Fall during the 2012 Budgetadoption process.


Borough Offices Will Be Closed:

Independence Day: Monday, July 4, 2011Labor Day: Monday, September 5, 2011



Gene RoachJefferson Hills Chief of Police� Supervises 16 police officers� Hopes to grow the department asthe community grows� Plans to bring more educationalopportunities to police departmentpersonnel � Married� In the process of moving toJefferson Hills� Formerly employed by Mt. Lebanon

Renee TeckJefferson Hills Building andCode Enforcement Officer� Completes and/or coordi-nates all building inspections (residential and commercial)� Reviews plans of new or renovated buildings� Handles all complaints� Lives in Union Township

� Married, with one child and two dogs� Formerly worked for the City of Pittsburgh

Kathleen ReynoldsJefferson Borough CouncilMember Nearing the end of her first term onDecember 31, 2011, Reynolds hasbeen a lifelong resident of JeffersonBorough. Over the years, she hasparticipated in many community

service projects throughout the boroughbut her stint as a council member is her first elected position. She is marriedwith two children and two grandchildren, and prides herself on being one ofthe voices of the “common man” on borough council.

While there are several issues that can be considered priorities for theborough, Reynolds said she is most-concerned with the Marcellus Shaledrilling and the impact that it may have on future generations ofJefferson Hills residents.

“I'm trying to educate myself as much as I can about the issue,” she said.“When the time comes to make a decision, I want to make the rightdecision.”

Scott AlbrechtJefferson Borough CouncilMember “I want to be part of some of the solu-tions, not the problems,” said ScottAlbrecht when asked why he ran foroffice two years ago.

A senior vice president with FederatedResources Corporation, Albrecht attendedIndiana University of Pennsylvania (B.A. - political science/history) and Carnegie-Mellon University (M.S. - public management and policy analysis).

Following a stint with Governor Richard Thornburgh's office in the mid-1980s,Albrecht's career has focused on municipal banking and finance.

“I've always been involved in government and I wanted to see what it's like toactually make policy,” he said.

The condition and improvement of the borough's infrastructure, such as roadsand bridges, are a top priority for Albrecht and need to be addressed as the boroughgrows.

~ 4 1 2 . 3 8 4 . 8 1 7 0

T

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building a custom home is more than pickingcountertops and crossing items off a punch

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The end result will be nothing less than a quality product.

Our Mission

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When fair weather arrives, the call of the road beckons. For seniors,travel options abound in various lengths, styles and price ranges.

If you find that you are on a limited budget, why not consider a day tripto a nearby attraction? Many churches and civic organizations offer day tripsto interesting destinations such as Gettysburg or Fallingwater and you usu-ally do not have to be a member to attend. Transportation, admission andone or two meals are usually included in one reasonable fee. If you can’tfind a group going to the destination of your choice, why not form yourown? A small group of three or four friends can carpool to save on gas andenjoy a day in the country. McConnells Mill State Park is less than an houraway and features a covered bridge and 19th century gristmill. The hikingtrails are scenic and great exercise.

A Pennsylvania winery is never more than a 45-minute drive from any-where in the state. Most offer tours and free samples and some evenhave a restaurant onsite. Be sure to have a designated driver! If the factthat you are single or widowed is keeping you at home, you will bepleasantly surprised to learn that most local travel agencies offer grouptours to U.S. and European destinations—especially for those over 50—at discounted prices. You may also be surprised to learn that most of theindividuals on these tours are also traveling alone or with a friend. A fewhours into the trip, you will have new friends and feel like a part of thegroup.

Before departing on any kind of trip, be sure to take into considera-tion any mobility issues that you or your travel companions mayencounter. Many travel agencies have specially designed itineraries forthose with limited mobility. Additionally, don’t forget to pack all the med-ications you will need for the duration of your visit since refilling themmay prove difficult. Be sure to keep them in their original containers.

A little planning can make your trip a success, so get out there andhave some fun!

RETIREMENT


S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

H ealth and W ellness N ews Y ou Can Use

© 2 011 UPMC

What’s Insidepage 2 W o m a n ’ s H ea rt I s S p eci a l

page 3 T h e G o o d N ew s b o u t H ea rt D i s ea s eS i x W a ys t o L o w er Y o u r B l o o d Pres s u re

page 4 Y o u n g t h l et es a n d S u d d en Ca rd i a c D ea t hW hat P arents N eed to K now

E x erci s e: T o o Mu ch o f a G o o d T h i n g Ca n B e H a rm f u l

page 5 T h e D o w n s i d e o f F a l l s

page 6 Ch o o s i n g t h e R i g h t D o ct o r f o r Y o u

page 7 W el co m i n g N ew Ph ys i ci a n s

2 www.UPMC.com/Today

Have you ever heard the adage,“Know your enemy?” Heart disease is pandemic in the United States — but manywomen remain unaware that it’san “equal opportunity” disease.The symptoms of heart diseasecan differ between men andwomen, but if you have a heart, you can get heart disease.

“Every woman, regardless of age,should know her risk factors andwork with her doctor to develop a plan for good heart health,” says J ohn R . Ward, MD, a cardiologist and specialist inwomen’s heart issues at UPMCMercy, which is part of theUPMC Heart and Vascular Institute. “Taking action could save your life or the life of someone you love.”

K n o w yo u r ri s k sAn astonishing ’ 0 percent ofwomen between the ages of ? 0 and ” 0 have one or more riskfactors for heart disease. “Having j ust one risk factor doubles your chance for heart disease,” adds Dr. Ward.Having multiple risk factors significantly increases your potential for heart problems.

Smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, and family history are risk factors that men and womenshare. Additional risk factors specific to women’s hearthealth include:

• Me t abol i c s yn drom e , a combination of excessive fat around the abdomen, high blood pressure, highblood sugar, and high triglycerides that increase yourrisk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

• M e n t al s t re s s an d de p re s s i on , both of which make it difficult to follow a healthy lifestyle.

• L ow l e v e l s of e s t roge n af t e r m e n op au s e , which pose serious risks of heart disease developing in awoman’s smaller blood vessels.

“You can’t do anything about your genes and family history,but lifestyle changes can certainly help reduce your risk of heart disease,” says Dr. Ward.

T a k e a ct i o n f o r yo u r h ea rt h ea l t hHeart disease is the leading cause of death among women over theage of ”5. And over the last 20years, the rate of heart attacks inwomen between the ages of q5 and 5? has been on the rise. Given these statistics, everywoman should pay close attentionto her heart health.

The first step in becoming “heartsmart” is to meet with your doctoror primary care physician. Anhonest conversation with yourdoctor will help ensure that youget the best possible care. Hereare a few questions to ask:

• What are my risk factors forheart disease?

• What should I know about theeffects of menopause on myheart health?

• What is my blood pressure? Is that healthy for my age?

• What is my cholesterol andhow could it affect my health?

• uased on my history and risk factors, what can I do to lower my risk?

T a k e a ct i o n f o r yo u r f a m i l y, t o oThe staggering increase in obesity and diabetes in childrenin the United States puts them at significant risk of heartdisease. “We’ve learned that plaque can begin to build up in arteries in children as young as two years old,” says Dr. Ward.

“Moms are role models for their children. uy makinghealthy changes for yourself, you can help improve the heart health of the entire family.”

T o learn more ab out cardiac services at UPMC Mercy, visit www.UPMCMercy.com and click on O ur S ervices.

T o schedule an appointment with a UPMC-a+liated physician, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor, or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

A W oman’ s H eart I s S pecialI t’ s important to recognize you’ re not immune to the dangers of heart disease

R i s k f a ct o rs t h a t can’tb e ch a g ed• Family history of heart disease, carotid artery disease, or peripheral artery disease

• Age w66 and olderx• G ender wmen have a greater risk of heart attackx

R i s k f a ct o rs t h a t canb e ch a n g ed• Smoking• High blood pressure • High cholesterol levels • O besity• Physical inactivity

B eco m e h ea rt s m a rtTake time to educate yourself about heart disease and the treatments available. The UPMC Heart and V ascular Institute website is a one-stop source of informationabout cardiac conditions, as well as UPMC’s full spectrum of cardiovascular services from routine screenings to advanced cardiac care.

Be sure to check it out atw w w . UPMC. co m yH ea rt a n d V a s cu l a r.

Monit or T a rg et L ev el s

Cholesterol less than 2 00 mg/dL

Blood Pressure below 12 0/80

BMI , b ody mass index 18.6– 2 4 .9

s k yo u r d o ct o rIf you have q uestions or concerns aboutyour heart health, call your physician to schedule an appointment.

1-800-633-UPMC 3

H e art di s e as e i s t h e n at i on ’ s l e adi n gcau s e of de at h f or bot h m e n an dw om e n . Every 25 seconds, someone experiences a coronary event; everyminute, heart disease claims a life.

The good news? You can take steps to reduce your risk of heart diseasethrough routine screenings and lifestylechanges — even if you’ve already had aheart attack or stroke.

“Heart disease is a disease we can do something about. In most instances, it ispreventable,” says Daniel Edmundowicz,MD, associate professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, and directorof preventive cardiology at the UPMCHeart and Vascular Institute.

“Screening absolutely saves lives. We can help people change the outcome once we know the risk-factor levels,” Dr. Edmundowicz says.

H ea rt - H ea l t h y R es o u rces a t UPMC MercyMichael A. Fallert, MD, chief of cardiology at UPMC Mercy, says doctorsuse tools such as EKGs, stress testing, ultrasound, and CT scans to look for signs of atherosclerosis in the heart, neck,legs, and arms — especially if you have a family history of cardiovascular disease.

If needed, you also can take advantage ofthe region’s only low radiation electronbeam CT scan at the UPMC Heart andVascular Institute. It looks specifically forcalcium in the coronary arteries as amarker of the cholesterol accumulationthat can cause sudden heart attacks.

Dr. Fallert recommends regular healthscreenings that tell you your numbers and whether you need to take action. For example, high blood pressure and high cholesterol can damage your heartand blood vessels, but you wouldn’t know you have these conditions withouttesting for them.

The more risk factors you have, the greateryour chance of developing heart disease,says Dr. Fallert. While you can’t controlgenetics, you can take steps to controlmany other risk factors by eating a healthy diet, exercising, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy body weight.Some changes — like quitting smoking —can have an immediate impact.

“The bottom line is: If you know yournumbers and know your risk, you can do something about it,” Dr. Fallert says.

T he G ood N ews Ab out H eart DiseaseT ake charge of your heart through health screenings and heart-healthy lifestyle changes

S i x W a ys t o L o w er Y o u r B l o o d Pres s u reHigh blood pressure puts you at risk for heart attack, stroke, and other serious diseases. Follow these recommendations from Dr. Fallert to take charge of this “silent killer”,• I n crea s e p h ys i ca l a ct i v i t y. Aim for at least 30 minutes each day wmost daysx of brisk walking, bike riding, or other aerobic activity.

• Mo n i t o r yo u r s o d i u m . L imit your sodium intake to less than two grams w2 ,000 mgx a day. Beware of “hidden” sodium inprocessed foods, including canned soup,lunch meats, frozen dinners, and crackers.

• E a t h ea l t h y. Follow a lower-fat diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods.

• Co n t ro l yo u r s t res s . Take 16 minutes eachday to decompress and focus on yourself.L isten to music, read, pray, or meditate.

• D o n ’ t s m o k e! Nicotine causes your bloodvessels to constrict and your heart to beatfaster, which raises your blood pressure.

• T a k e yo u r m ed i ci n e. If medicine is neededto control your blood pressure, make sureyou take it as prescribed by your doctor.

K n o w yo u r n u m b ersAim for these vital numb ers to k eep your tick er in g ood work ing condition-


Young Athletes and Sudden Cardiac DeathW h a t Pa ren t s N eed t o K n o w

Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan

Is your child among the three to five million young people in the United States who play organized sports each yeart If so, you know that a pre-participation physical examination can help identify young athletes who may be at risk for an injury or illness that could req uire additional medical evaluation. R ecently, identifying young athletes who may be at risk of sudden cardiac death has become a hot topic among sports medicine professionals, focusing the attention of parents on the need for better cardiovascular screening of young athletes.“Sudden cardiac death kSCDl in young athletes is extremely rare,” says V ivekanand Allada, MD, clinical director of pediatric cardiology at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and professor of pediatrics. “In fact, it’s a one in a million risk.”According to Dr. Allada, sudden death in young athletes is most often due to heart problems, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy kan abnormal thickening of the heartl. Other causes include congenitalcoronary anomalies, arrhythmia kwhich can be caused by a blow to thechestl, and Marfan syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that canweaken the aorta and lead to a tear or rupture. “Unfortunately, there’s no perfect test to find a needle in a haystack,” says Dr. Allada. However, parents can take steps to uncover risk factors that may req uire more testing or a consultation with a pediatriccardiologist. The American Heart Association recommends that youngathletes undergo a screening medical history to check specifically fors • Chest pain, palpitations, or fainting during exercise kred flags

that req uire immediate attentionl • A history of a heart murmur or hypertension• Family history of coronary disease, sudden death, or

Marfan syndrome

Children with any of these risk factors or an abnormal physical examshould see a pediatric cardiologist, who is specially trained to look for cardiac problems in children and teens, Dr. Allada says. Further testing might include an EK G, echocardiogram, and stress test.He offers these tips to parentss• Don’t let your child play through chest pain. Pain can be a

warning sign.• Teach your child to avoid energy drinks that have high levels

of caffeine. Such drinks can make the heart race and cause cardiac arrhythmias. They are particularly dangerous for athletes with undiagnosed cardiac problems.

T o learn more ab out caring for your child’ s heart, visit www.chp.edu, then click on Child H ealth A-Z . T o schedule an appointment with a Children’ s-a+liated physician, call 812-69 2-PE DS (7337).

E x ercise-T oo Much of a G oodT hing Can B e H armfulR egular exercise is an important part of maintaining a healthy life. Many of us, however, still struggle to fit even a moderate amount of exercise into our schedules.

But there are plenty of peoplewho are getting too much exercise. If some exercise is good,they think more will be better.Not true. In fact, excessive exercise can lead to a host ofphysical issues, including injuries,the loss of lean muscle mass, aweakened immune system, sleep problems, irritability, anddepression. A study in the American Journal of Cardiologysuggests that too much vigorousexercise also can increase the risk of heart problems.

re yo u ex erci s i n g t o o m u ch ?Experts say that if your workoutssuddenly seem more dimcult than usual and you aren’t making progress, you may be overexercising.O ther trouble signs include,• Insomnia• Aches or pain in muscles and/or joints• Fatigue• Feeling unmotivated and lacking energy• Increased susceptibility to colds, sore throats, and other illnesses

If you’re experiencing any of these signs, see your doctor to find out if something else is causing the problem.

J u s t s t a rt i n g a n ex erci s e p ro g ra m ?Congratulations on taking an important step to improve your health. Here are a few tips to help yourbody adjust to a new routine,• Create a reasonable exercise program based on attainable goals.

• Exercise in moderation.• Begin slowly and build up gradually to avoid injuries.• Cut back the volume and intensity of your workouts at the first sign of injury.

• L isten to your body. When it needs a rest, give it a rest.

Sources, American College of Sports Medicine, American Heart Association

1-800-633-UPMC 6

T hr ee t hings you ca n d o t o p rev en t f a l l sE x ercis e! Exercises such as tai chi or other relaxationexercises that improve balance and coordination canhelp lower your chances of falling and make you feel stronger. S ee you r d oct or regula rly . Annual physical and eye examinations can uncover underlying medical problemsthat can lead to falls. See your doctor if you feel unstableor dizzy, possibly due to medications. Tell your doctor ifyou fall; a medical evaluation can help.Ma k e your hom e s a f er. Seventy-five percent of all fallsoccur at home. To help make your home fall-proof,• I mprove light ing. As you get older, you need brighterlights to see well. Use night lights in your bedroom,hall, and bathroom.

• R emove small throw rugs . Tack down all carpets andarea rugs so they are firmly fastened to the fl oor.

• R emove things you can trip over. Clear books,clothes, and shoes from stairs and places you walk.K eep cords and wires near walls.

• Use handrails. Install grab bars near toilets, and both inside and outside your tub and shower. Always use the handrail when using the stairs.

• St ore items within easy reach. Don’t store things toohigh or too low. Avoid using stepladders or stepstools. Most of all, think before you reach.

• W ear shoes with non-sk id, non-friction soles. Avoidgoing barefoot or wearing only socks or loose-fittingslippers.

Falls may be funny on comedy shows, but they can be traumatic for older adults. Simply tripping on a rug or slipping on a wet floor can change an older person’s life in an instant — posing serious threats to his or her health and independence.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in three people over 65 experience at least one fall each year, and more than two-thirds of them are likely to fall again within six months.Falls also are the leading cause of accidental death in seniors. And, as many as 30 percent of those who fall end up with debilitating hip, pelvic, or spine fractures that make it harder to get around and adversely affect self-confidence. Even those who don’t suffer serious injury can become fearful.

“The most obvious concern when an older adult falls or trips is injury,” says Stephanie Studenski, MD, MPH, director of the Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center at the University of Pittsburgh and associate director of research at the Aging Institute of UPMC Senior Services and the University of Pittsburgh. “But the fear of falling can cause people to restrict their activity and sacrifice their independence. In some cases, it can lead to social isolation,” she says.

Everyone is at risk for falls, but that risk increases with the changes that come with aging, plus other medical conditions such as arthritis, cataracts and glaucoma, and balance problems.

“Fortunately, there’s a lot people can do to prevent most risk factors,” says Dr. Studenski. “Taking care of your overall health, staying active, socializing with friends, and taking a few common-sense precautions can help you avoid falls and broken bones.”

To learn more about the Falls Clinic, located at UPMC Senior Care-Benedum Geriatric Center in Oakland, call 412-692-4200.

UPMC Spotlight

The Downside of FallsP rev enting tripping, falling can be key to maintaining independence

L eading the W ork in Falls PreventionDr. Stephanie Studenski received the 2 010 National Award for Falls Prevention R esearch and will be honored as the grand champion at the third annual Celebrating Senior Champions benefit dinner and auction Thursday, Nov. 3, 2 011. For more information about the event, sponsored by UPMC Senior Services, the Aging Institute, and the Division of G eriatric Medicine of the University of Pittsburgh, call Peggy V anHorn, benevolent care advocate, at 4 12 -62 2 -92 39.


We’ve all heard about the importance of the doctorppatient relationship, oftendescribed as the cornerstone of q ualitymedical care.

“ In fact, the stronger that relationship, the better your chances of receiving theright care at the right time in the rightway,” says Tami Minnier, vice president of UPMC’s wonald J . Wolff, J r. Centerfor Q uality Improvement and Innovation. “ At UPMC, our goal is to help you develop a long-term partnership in which your doctor is your number one health care champion.”

According to a . 0 1 0 survey by the R obert Wood J ohnson Foundation, most of us are very satisfied with our physicians. It usually takes something maj or — like moving to a new area, changing medical insurance, or being diagnosed with a serious condition — to prompt us to look for a new doctor.

“ If you’re in the process of changing doctors, there are some exciting new options to consider,” says Ms. Minnier.“ For example, UPMC’s Health Plan isworking with a growing number of primary care physicians to implement patient-centered medical homes in theirpractices.” In this medical model, yourfamily doctor becomes the hub for all your care by linking you to a collaborativeteam of medical professionals — fromphysician assistants to specialists.

Medical homes are designed to ensure that you receive appropriate and comprehensive care over your entire lifetime, including preventive health care, treatment for acute or chronic illness, and assistance with end-of-life care. S tudies show that medical homes are resulting in improved care, access, and communication between patients and their “ medical team” — as well as improved q uality, safety, and cost of care.

When searching for “ wr. R ight,” here arefive helpful tips to locate the best matchs

D et erm i n e w h a t ’ s i m p o rt a n t t o yo u“ Finding the ‘ right’ doctor often involvespersonal preferences apart from a physician’s skills or q ualifications,” saysMs. Minnier. “ For example, are you more comfortable with a doctor of yourgendert Is a primary care physician right for you, or do you have a medicalcondition that req uires treatment by a specialistt And if easy access is a concern,do you need a doctor located close to your home or workplacet ”

G et t h e o p i n i o n o f p eo p l e yo u t ru s t“ uegin your search by asking your circle of family, friends, and co-workers aboutthe positive experiences they’ve had,” sheadvises. “ If you’re moving, or seeking aspecialist, your current doctor also can be an excellent referral source.”

D o s o m e h o m ew o rk “ There are a number of credible online resources, including UPMC’s Find awoctor kwww.UPMC.compFindAwoctorl,with information on more than 5 ,0 0 0physicians, that allow you to confirm aphysician’s medical credentials, board certifications, and specialties,” says Ms. Minnier. Y ou also can check with the state medical board at docboard.org.In general, avoid “ doctor ranking” sites,which are unregulated and difficult to verify for accuracy.

At UPMC, a variety of tools are used to assess physician q uality, including patient satisfaction surveys. “ We literallyreview thousands of surveys monthly,which provide us with invaluable insightsand feedback,” says Ms. Minnier.

V eri f y yo u r d o ct o r’ s i n s u ra n ce p l a n s a n d h o s p i t a l a � l i a t i o n s“ Most practices accept a variety of insurance plans, but be sure yours isamong them,” advises Ms. Minnier. “ And should you ever req uire hospitaliz ation or special tests, it’s important that your doctor be affiliatedwith a hospital you know and trust.”

Ca l l f o r a n a p p o i n t m en t“ uring a written set of q uestions coveringyour concerns and expectations. Whenyour visit is over, evaluate the experience,”suggests Ms. Minnier. “ Was it easy to getan appointmentt Were you treated withrespect by both the doctor and the stafft If your answers are positive, you’re on theright path to a doctorppatient relationshipcharacteriz ed by q uality care, compassion,and open communication.”

For more information, or to schedule an appointment with a UPMC-a+liated physician, visitwww.UPMC.com/FindADoctor, or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

Choosing the R ight Doctor for YouT aking the time to fin d “Dr . Rig ht” is one of the most important inv estments you can make.

1-800-633-UPMC 7

Welcoming N ew Ph ys i ci a n s to UPMC MercyTo schedule an appointment, or for more information about any of our physicians, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

A nes the s iology

lb ert J . Ca rv elli, MD

S t e� a ni e J . L a b a t e, MD

J oel M. Pom era nt z , MD

D a v id M. R ut t um , MD

J os ep h F . T a la ric o , DO

Ma nis h a L oom b a T riv ed i, MD

Car diology

Geor g e S . Mend enha ll, MD

Cr itic al Car e Medi cine

m es h . d a lj a , MD

L a k s hm ip a t hi P. Chellur i, MD

L illia n L . E m let , MD

K ev in H o , MD

D iagnos tic R adiolo gy

S a ra . Ma j ew s ki, MD

Icla l O ca k, MD

D a ria E l iz a b et h S et lik, MD

Em er gen cy Medicine

Micha el C. Ca m p b ell, MD

nk ur s hok Dos hi, MD

R ob ert J . H yd e, MD

J ohn M. Mur ra y, MD

T ro y Chr is t ia n S im s , MD

Endocr in ology

J ennif er Pennock H ols t , MD

F am i ly Medicine

B rent E . Cla rk, MD

G as tr oe nt e r ology

S ha hid Ma s ood Ma lik, MD

G er iatr ic Medicine

Geor g e H . Glees on, MD

J a m es R icha rd S a ho v ey, MD

H ead & N eck S ur ger y

Gr a nt S ha le Gillm a n , MD

nd rea F . L ew is , MD

nd rew . McCa l l , MD

R ya n J erem y S oos e, MD

n d rew B ur ch es s T a s s l er, MD

Kr is t i n W ood b ur y, DO

Inf ec t i ous D is eas es

B erna rd J . C. Ma ca t a n g a y, MD

Ka t hleen R eb ecca S h eri d a n , MD

Int er nal Medicine

Ma liha hm a d Ka m a l, MD

O k s a n a K a rp o v , D O

b d ul Q . Kh a n , MD

s his h S ha rm a , MD

d a m E d m und S ohnen , MD

L abor at or y Medicine

T hom a s S . T a l a m o , MD

Mat er nal F et al Medicine

D a v id Collier S t rei t m a n, MD

N eonat ology

Cha rl es V . B en d er, MD

B ev erly S . B ro z a ns k i , MD

B a rb a ra . Clous er, MD

B a rb a ra nn Cohla n, MD

Ka ra L . Ga rd n er, MD

J ennif er L . Kloes z , MD

B ur ha nud d in Ma hm ood , MD

W illia m J . McCa rra n, MD

R icha rd R o cco T eles co , MD

m y M. Urb a n , D O

Ka ly a n i R a i V a t s , MD

J on F . W a t chk o , MD

T ob y Deb ra Y a no w it z , MD

N ephr ol ogy

Kh a l ed b d el - Ka d er, MD

J o s e F . B ern a rd o , MD

Pa t ri ci a Kh a l i l , MD

K el l y V . L i a n g MD

Preet h i V . Mu rt y, MD

Ch ri s t o p h er J . Pa s s ero , MD

N eur or adi ol ogy

V era R a ch el S p el l i n g , MD

H o a n g Mi n h T ra n g , D O

N eur os ur ger y

R o b ert M. F ri ed l a n d er, MD

B ri a n T . J a n k o w i t z , MD

O b s t et r i cs & G ynec ol og y

Mi ch a el F . L u p i n et t i , MD

S t ep h a n i e L . N i ch o l a s , MD

O pht ha l m ol ogy

T i n ek e L . Ch a n , MD

V a s i l i k i . Ch ri s t o p o u l o s , MD

Pa u l W i l l i a m Co n ra d , MD

Ki m b erl y V . Mi l l er, MD

v n i Pa t el V ya s , MD

O r t ho pa edi c S ur ger y

L i s a B l a ck ri ck , MD

O r t ho pa edi c S ur ger y/ Podi at r y

N i ch o l a s J . L o w ery, D PM

Pai n Mana gem ent

Ka rs t en B a rt el s , MD

Pedi at r i cs / G ener al

R i t a Ka u l , MD

Ph ys i c al Medi ci ne & R e ha b i l i t at i on

S h a i l en F . Gr een e, MD

Ma rg a ret E . R ei d y, MD

Ma ri a F . T w i ch el l , MD

Ps ych i at r y

S a g h i r h m a d , MD

n n a M. B o et t ch er, MD

Kr i s t i n a M. Cu rci , MD

n t o i n e B . D o u a i h y, MD

J u l i e . K m i ec, MD

R adi at i on O nc ol og y

R ya n Pa t ri ck S m i t h , MD

R adi ol ogy

N ea l J . Kl i t s ch , MD

Ma ri o s D . Pa p a ch ri s t o u , MD

J a m i e L . Pa ren t , MD

m y V o g i a , D O

Ur ol ogy

R o n a l d M. B en o i t , MD

J o d i K. Ma ra n ch i e, MD

V as cul ar S ur ger y

T i m o t h y W u , MD

UPMC Mercy14 00 L ocust St.Pittsburgh, PA 162 19

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

This publication is for informational 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.

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The name you trust in women’s health is right here at Mercy.

UPMC Mercy ob-gyn services are growing to provide comprehensive women’s services by bringing you the same experts who practice at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.In addition to community-based physicians and midwifery, these expanding services forwomen are consistent with Mercy’s rich tradition of care.

UPMC’s complete range of specialty services for women covers obstetrics and gynecology, maternal-fetal medicine, midlife health, women’s cancer, and much more.From checkups and preventive care to testing, diagnosis, and advanced treatments, thesuperb doctors, nurses, and caregivers at Mercy and Magee are with you every step of the way on the path to good health. We work closely with your primary care physician toprovide seamless care. And every service is backed by UPMC’s world-class care, providingpeace of mind when you need it most.

To learn more about UPMC Mercy ob-gyn services or to schedule an appointment,call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762), or visit UPMCMercy.com.

our 401(k) offers tax-deductible contributions, tax-deferredgrowth of earnings potential and a variety of investment

options — so it’s a great tool for building retirement savings. Yetlike all tools, your 401(k) must be used properly to get the bestresults. That’s why you should review your 401(k) at least annuallyand make whatever adjustments are needed.

Depending on where you work, you may get some 401(k)review help from your plan provider. But if that assistance isn’tavailable, you might want to consult with a financial professionalto make sure you’re getting the maximum benefit from your plan.

As you begin to review your 401(k), your first question shouldprobably be this:

“How much should I contribute?” At the very least, try to put inenough to receive your employer’s matching contribution, if one isoffered. If you don’t earn this match, you are essentially walkingaway from “free money.” Beyond this, though, the amount you putinto your 401(k) might depend on what other retirement savingsvehicles you have available. For instance, if you’re eligible, youmay also want to contribute to a Roth IRA, which offers tax-freegrowth potential, provided you’ve had your account for five yearsand don’t start taking withdrawals until you’re 59½.Of course, it’s not only how much you put into your 401(k) that

determines its success — it’s also how youchoose to allocate your investment dollars.(Keep in mind that asset allocation does notguarantee a profit or protect against loss.) Your401(k) may have a dozen or more investmentchoices, such as stock funds, bond funds andmoney market funds. To choose the right invest-ment mix, you’ll need to consider a variety of fac-tors, including these: � Your age — Generally speaking, the youngeryou are, the more aggressive you can afford tobe with your 401(k) investments, because you’llhave decades in which to potentially overcomethe inevitable down periods of the market. Asyou get older, you may wish to invest somewhatmore conservatively, but you’ll still need somegrowth potential in your 401(k) portfolio.� Your goals — Everyone has different goals forretirement. You might want to retire early andtravel the world, while your co-worker desires towork as long as possible and then, upon retire-ment, stay close to home and pursue hobbies.

Because you each have different goals, with different incomeneeds, you also may need to follow different investment strategieswithin your 401(k).� Your other retirement income sources — If you have a varietyof retirement income sources — a pension from another job, anIRA, a spouse with generous retirement benefits — you may needto invest differently, perhaps less aggressively, than if you hadfewer options for retirement income.Apart from putting away as much as you can into your 401(k)

and choosing the right investment mix, what else can you do toget the most out of your plan? Here’s a suggestion: If you haveworked at various jobs and acquired multiple 401(k)s, considerrolling them over into one account. You might save money on feesand reduce paperwork, but more importantly, you’ll be able to con-centrate your resources and pursue a unified investmentapproach, with your investment dollars working together towardyour ultimate retirement goals.

As you can see, a 401(k) review and rollover can reward youin many ways — so do whatever it takes to maximize your 401(k)’sperformance.This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your localEdward Jones Financial Advisor.



T h e e m p l o y e e s o f P e o p l e s N a t u r a l G a s – m o r e t h a n 6 5 0 s t r o n g – a r e b r i n g i n g a n e w s e n s e o f e n e r g y t o W e s t e r n

P e n n s y l v a n i a . W i t h P e o p l e s n o w f u l l y P i t t s b u r g h b a s e d a n d r u n , d e c i s i o n s a r e b e i n g m a d e l o c a l l y - - w i t h a n e y e

t o i n v e s t i n g f o r t h e e n e r g y f u t u r e o f t h e r e g i o n . W e ' r e m a k i n g $ 1 0 0 m i l l i o n i n i n f r a s t r u c t u r e , s e r v i c e a n d

t e c h n o l o g y u p g r a d e s t o b e t t e r s e r v e o u r m o r e t h a n 3 6 0 , 0 0 0 c u s t o m e r s . C u s t o m e r s e r v i c e i s b e c o m i n g f u l l y

l o c a l , t o o . . . w i t h a d e d i c a t e d n e w s e r v i c e c e n t e r s t a f f e d b y e x p e r i e n c e d p e o p l e w h o t h o r o u g h l y k n o w t h e r e g i o n

a n d i t s p e o p l e . O u r v i s i o n : t o h e l p W e s t e r n P e n n s y l v a n i a m o v e f o r w a r d b y c r e a t i n g n e w j o b s a n d s e r v i n g o u r

c u s t o m e r s w e l l . I t ' s a c o m m i t m e n t w e ' r e p r o u d t o m a k e .

your energy partner peop l e s – ga s . c o m

I N T H E P H O T O J I M M I L L E R / C U S T O M E R S E R V I C E M A N


your energy partner

community-driven


Greetings! Here we are at the end of the 2010-2011 school year. It seems like yesterday thatthe school year was kicking-off with hope and excitement.

The start of a school year is exciting because many things are new and fresh. Students, parents, andteachers are anticipating growth and accomplishments. Soon things settle into a routine of teach-ing, learning, tests, projects, homework and extra curricular activities. Before we know it, the schoolyear is over.

The end of the year is not always considered as exciting as the beginning. The END does not haveas much BLING, as the beginning. However, when one looks at the RESULTS of the school year,a much deeper excitement is found. We find that the teaching has transferred to learning and thelearning is being applied to everyday life [or PSSA]. Student projects have become demonstra-tions of understanding and generalization. Extracurricular activities have transformed to personal

accomplishments, lessons for life, and sometimes records or awards.

The REAL excitement at the conclusion of the school year sometimes goes unnoticed by many--- Commencement. Graduationis the culmination of thirteen years of opening and ending school years. This is the excitement that Students, Teachers, Parents,and School Board Members have saved-up for a long time. Commencement is the final product, after years of starting and end-ing school terms, for our students, teachers, and parents. Graduation is excitement like fireworks, a mile long parade, or thegrand finale at the Boston Pops’.

The West Jefferson Hills Community had a lot to be excited about this year! During the Fifty-Second Thomas Jefferson HighSchool Commencement, The Class of 2011, two hundred thirty-five students received their high school diploma. Many of thesestudents graduated with high honors, most of the graduates are planning to continue their education in numerous colleges anduniversities, and all of them are leaving the West Jefferson Hills School District ready to contribute to our global society. This iswhy the end of the school year is just as exciting at the beginning.

Sincerely yours,T imothy F . M cN amee, E d. D .A cting S uperintendent

W E S T J E F F E R S O N H I L L S S C H O O L D I S T R I C T WEST ELIZABETHJEFFERSON HILLSPLEASANT HILLS

INSIDEWest Jefferson Hills School District

Message from Dr. Timothy McNamee


W E S T J E F F E R S O N H I L L S S C H O O L

34 West Jefferson Hills

WEST ELIZABETHJEFFERSON HILLSPLEASANT HILLS

Thomas Jefferson High School

Commencement 2011

D I S T R I C T • W E S T J E F F E R S O N H I L L S S C H O O L D I S T R I C T •


W E S T J E F F E R S O N H I L L S S C H O O L

WEST ELIZABETHJEFFERSON HILLSPLEASANT HILLS




WEST ELIZABETHJEFFERSON HILLSPLEASANT HILLS W E S T J E F F E R S O N H I L L S S C H O O L


West Jefferson HillsSchool District SpecialEducation Programs &Services

Throughout the 2010-2011 school year,administrators from the West Jefferson Hills School

District (WJHSD) collaborated with the AlleghenyIntermediate Unit (AIU) to analyze the delivery of spe-cial education services for our students. Following the in-depth program review which included many discussionsand considerations, a recommendation to the WJHSDBoard of School Directors was made to provide districtoperated learning support programs, speech/languageservices and social work services beginning July 1, 2011.The School Board approved the recommendationon April 19, 2011 by adopting Resolution #273-11.

The Allegheny Intermediate Unit has providedexcellent special education services to eligible stu-dents in WJHSD for many years. We applaud anddeeply appreciate the dedicated supervisors, teach-ers, social workers and speech therapists that haveprovided outstanding programs for our students.Many of the special education teachers from theAIU have enjoyed a long and productive relation-ship within the WJHSD and have chosen to remainwith the district. Students and their parents will seemany familiar faces at the beginning of the school year.Special Education services to students will continue to beprovided by caring professionals who have a deep under-standing of how to best meet the needs of our exception-al students.

The WJHSD maintains a close relationship with theAIU and will continue to contract for related servicesincluding physical therapy, occupational therapy, assistivetechnology, vision and hearing support as well as profes-sional development for all of the faculty and staff members.

Outstanding special education programs will contin-ue to be delivered by the WJHSD. We remain firmlycommitted to providing excellent programs and servicesto our students while being fiscally responsible to the res-idents of WJHSD.

If you have any questions about the specialeducation programs in WJHSD or if I may be of anyassistance, please feel free to contact me at 412.655-8450 x2243.

The West Jefferson Hills School District Board of School Directors approved the 2011-2012Final General Fund Budget on June 28, 2011 with no increase to the current millage rate of21.08 which has been in effect since July 1, 2008. The District’s collection rate for 2010-

2011 was approximately 96.0%.

The West Jefferson Hills School District 2011-2012 Final General Fund Budget represents abalanced budget and does not utilize any fund balance to balance revenues and expenditures.Subsequently, there will be:

� No tax increase� No drastic cuts to valuable education programs which help our students� No cuts to the art program, music program or theatre programs� No pay-to-play sports or cuts in extracurricular activities offered to students� No curricula eliminations� No teacher furloughs

Budgetary discussion and financial decisions for the District continue to reflect our fiscalresponsibility. When comparing anticipated millage rates for 2010-2011 to other school districtslocated in Allegheny County, West Jefferson Hills School District ranked 10th out of 43 districts.Comparable millage rates in Allegheny County range from 13.92 mills to 35.00 mills.

During the past several years, the financial commitment of the District to the community hasincluded the hiring of teachers to replace those who have retired. The savings represented by thesehires has enabled the District to continue to invest substantial dollars into our education programs,revising curriculum, updating textbooks for core subjects in grades kindergarten through twelve, andupgrading technology. We also continue to safeguard our educational facilities, maintaining theirsecurity, cleanliness, and efficiency.

We will sustain our quest for educational excellence, and continue to provide our students oneof the best educational opportunities in Western Pennsylvania.

As shown in the corresponding chart, District Revenues total $37,345,590. State Revenuestotal $10,830,007 which represents only 29.0% of the District’s total budget. District expenditureshave increased 2.7% from 2010-2011 to $36,338,761. Salaries and Benefits represent 64.9% of theDistrict expenditure budget and Debt Service represents 10.2% of the District expenditure budget.

The West Jefferson Hills School District2011-2012 Budget

BUSINESS MANAGER’S CORNERInformation submitted by Mr. Joseph W. Zupan, Business Manager, West Jefferson Hills School District



R E V E N U E S

6000 Local Sources................................................................................$26,046,4307000 State Sources ..................................................................................$10,830,0078000 Federal Sources.................................................................................$454,1539000 Other Sources ............................................... .........................................$15,000TOTAL REVENUES .......................................................................... $37,345,590

E X P E N D I T U R E S

1100 Regular Programs ..........................................................................$14,880,1171200 Special Programs .............................................................................$3,798,5681300 Vocational Programs .....................................................................$700,7201400 Other Instructional Programs ..........................................................$563,9922100 Pupil Personnel .............................................................................$1,022,1492200 Instructional Staff.........................................................................$977,9122300 Administr ation .........................................................................$2,490,1922400 Pupil Health.................................................................................$558,3152500 Business ..........................................................................................$372,8392600 Maintenance and Plant ................................................................. $3,549,7632700 Transportation ................................................................................$2,299,5242800 Support Services - Central ...........................................................$1,289,1372900 Other Education ........................................................................$38,0913200 Student Activities ................................................................................$925,4213300 Community Services ..........................................................................$76,0004000 Facilities .....................................................................................................$05100 Debt Service ................................................................................$3,802,8505200 Fund Transfers .................................................................................................$0

TOTAL EXPENDITURES...................................................................$37,345,590

REVENUES OVER (UNDER) EXPENDITURES ..................................$0

FISCAL YEAR 2011-2012 BUDGET SUMMARY

WEST ELIZABETHJEFFERSON HILLSPLEASANT HILLS W E S T J E F F E R S O N H I L L S S C H O O L


Information submitted by Mr. Joseph W. Zupan, Business Manager, West Jefferson Hills School District

Insurance AdviceAfter the Storm

This Industry Insight was provided by:

Cusumano Insurance Agency, Inc. • 178 Clairton Blvd • Pleasant Hills, PA 15236

JoannCusumanoSciulli, AAIAgencyPrincipal

Rosann Cusumano Elinsky, AAI, LUTCFAgency Principal

Severe weather can come in many shapes and sizes. Itmay take the form of heavy rain or snow, strongwinds, thunder and lightning, and/or flooding. When

it comes to protecting your home and auto, you must preparefor the worst. If damaging weather does come your way,here are some suggestions on what to do when the storm haspassed:1. Contact your agent or insurance company as soon as pos-sible to arrange a visit from an adjuster.2. Take photographs of any damage before doing repairs toyour home. Also, make an itemized list of all damage sus-tained during the storm and its aftermath.3. Protect your home from further damage by making onlytemporary repairs until your insurance company advises youfurther. Save all receipts for materials purchased for repairs.4. Exercise caution when beginning repairs and clean up. Becareful with power tools such as chainsaws, and use propersafety equipment like safety helmets and/or glasses.5. Do not have permanent repairs made until your insurancecompany has inspected the property and you have reachedan agreement on the repair costs.6. If necessary, rent temporary shelter. If your home is unin-habitable, most policies pay additional living expenses whileit is being repaired. Before renting temporary shelter, checkwith your insurance company or agent to determine whatexpenses will be reimbursed.7.Unless you have purchased extra coverage, food lost in apower outage is most likely not covered. Consider buying anendorsement to cover future food losses.8.Damages to appliances from a power surge are typicallycovered; however some electronic components may not be.Check with your agent to see what your policy covers.9.Most damage to your home or surrounding structures fromfallen trees is covered. Check with your agent or companybefore calling a tree removal service; those costs may becovered, too.10.Damage to your vehicles from fallen trees or debris maybe covered by your auto policy. Check with your agent.



When you think of someone who has su,ered a stroke, commonimages arise, paralysis on one side of the body and dimculty withspeech and coordination. While stroke can occur at any age,most people associate strokes with older people.

So if you’re an athletic 2 4 -year-old with no history of brain injury, on the beach at O cean City, Maryland during the Fourth of July holiday with stroke-like symptoms, denial is a natural response.

And for Ashly Hunt, she denied her symptoms until the moment she was loaded into a helicopter.

“I remember thinking I wanted water. I am a huge runner. I ran before this and thought I was dehydrated,” she said. “It literally took the life-fl ight to believe that I wasn’t dehydrated.When it’s happening to you you’re not thinking the worst.”

Within a matter of hours, what she thought was a simpleheadache evolved and robbed her of her sight and ability tospeak. She also had trouble moving her arms and hands. Emergency responders decided to life-fl ight her to the nearesthospital in Baltimore, where she was diagnosed with a brainstem hemorrhage. Blood from the hemorrhage was pooling in an area that connects her brain to her spinal cord, causing her tolose movement on her right side, and creating a major dilemmafor the neurosurgeons because they believed the site was toorisky to treat with surgery.

Soon after the diagnosis, Ashly entered a rehabilitation program in her hometown of Johnstown, Pa., to help her regain movement of the extremities that were a,ected by thehemorrhage. However, after several weeks in rehabilitation andslight improvements in her vision and speech, Ashly’s overallcondition began to worsen. Ashly still maintained her hearing,but what she heard going on around her, she didn’t like. Until she met R obert Friedlander, MD, at UPMC.

U PMC neurosurgery patient making strides after sut ering a near fatal b rain hemorrhage.

R ob ert Friedlander, MD, left, and Michael Horowitz, MD, discusstreatment options with a patient who has an unruptured aneurysm.

Ashly Hunt

On theROADTO

By Mark Berton


Dr. Friedlander was called after Ashly’s family doctor consultedwith a neurosurgeon at The Johns Hopkins University, who recommended that Dr. Friedlander manage this complex situation.Within four hours of the initial consultation, Ashly was in an ambulance headed for Pittsburgh where, she said, she met thedoctor who made all the di,erence.

“I couldn’t speak and had a hard time seeing, but my brain was processing everything. All of the other doctors were talkingabove me and not looking at me, not doing anything with me even though I understood them all,” she said. “Until I went to Dr. Friedlander and he worked with me through my condition togive him the answers he needed. He never came o, as pompous.He’s the most caring person I’ve dealt with to this day.”

Ashly’s hemorrhage was caused by an underlying conditioncalled a cavernous malformation, which is an abnormal, berry-likepatch of blood vessels located inside her brain stem. Because thebrain stem is deeply situated within the base of the brain and controls important functions such as movement, sensation,breathing, and instructing the heart to beat, surgery to remove the malformation was extremely risky. However, if left untreated,the malformed vessels could again bleed and result in additionalcritical neurologic damage or even death.

Dr. Friedlander and the neurosurgeons at UPMC faced the challenging task of removing the malformation without causingfurther complications. Using advanced brain imaging technologyknown as High Definition Fiber Tracking, pioneered at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Friedlander was able to view the detailed wiring of Ashly’s brain fibers to determine the best way to execute the surgery with as little damage to her brain as possible. In order to obtain appropriate access to the brainstem, Dr. Friedlander turned to Dr. Barry Hirsch, a skull base ENT surgeon at UPMC. Using a special microscope and imageguidance device, Dr. Friedlander approached the brain stem andwas able to completely remove the cavernous malformation.

After surgery, Ashly’s vision and speech began to improve. She also could move her right hand, which had been paralyzed.She improved daily, making strides with her balance, speech,movements, and other functions, and credits her improvement to her strict discipline in following her doctors’ recommendationsand her physical therapy program.

“If I could say one thing to inspire anyone going through this it’s that you can’t just sit there. It becomes your job,” she said. “I’ve seen a lot of people who have had strokes. You can’t just sitdown and think you’ll get better. You have to follow the therapyand give your body time.”

While she’s been living with her parents in Johnstown duringher recovery, Ashly is looking forward to getting back to her life in Baltimore.

“I’m pretty close to 100 percent now. My hand and foot are the last things I’m waiting for to come back,” she said. “I’m writing again. It’s like a 3-year-old, but I am. I’m going to be 100 percent.”

Her road to recovery has been long. Approaching the anniversary of her ordeal, she and her family are thankful to Dr. Friedlander and everyone on the UPMC sta, who helped her through this challenging time. She maintains a blog atashlystatus.com, where family and friends post updates on her condition.

“I’ll never forget, Dr. Friedlander said to me, ‘We’re a team. I’ll do my part as long as you do yours,’” she said. “That’s big in my mind. That made an impact.”

For more information, please call the UPMC Department of Neurological Surgery at 1-866-979-1336 or visit UPMC.com/nv.

This patient’s treatment and results may not be representative of all similar cases.

From left to right, Brian Jankowitz, MD, Paul Gardner, MD, Daniel Wecht, MD, and L. Dade Lunsford, MD, discuss a complex neurovascular case.

“I’m pretty close to 100 percent now. My hand and foot are the last things

I’m waiting for to come back. I’m writing again. It’s like a 3-year-old, but I am.

I’m going to be 100 percent.”

Ashly Hunt

Shop Gill Hall Road IN Your Community*


*Shop Gill Hall Road IN Your Community


� �� f you’re looking for ways to increase your property value, attract buyers or

just improve your way of life, you may find the answer is in your yard.Figures in the last two years suggest that the landscaping of your home

is worth somewhere between 5% and 15% of the total home value. We’reall familiar with the term “curb appeal,” which basically means that buyersmust be attracted to the outside of the house before they will ever see theinside. If your yard is unappealing, it may kill the sale of your home in thefirst few seconds. And the new outdoor room is increasingly appearing onthe list of “must-have” features for new homebuyers.

Today, landscaping is more than just plants and bushes. Some of the fea-tures you may want to consider in making your space more attractive arelighting, color, foliage, fencing and water features.

Lighting goes a long way in defining an outdoor space for nighttimeenjoyment, but it’s also a wise investment for security. Motion detectorlights can illuminate pathways and deter crime. They are inexpensive,and solar-powered models are available that are wireless. For diningspaces, outdoor chandeliers come in a variety of styles from old world tocontemporary.

Next, try adding some color. Pick a shade that will coordinate with thecolor and hue of your home, but add some contrast. The color theme can beachieved through the use of chair cushions, throw pillows, table umbrellas,canopies and flowering plants. Keep in mind that wooden patio furniturecan also be painted to further carry out the theme.

Trees increase in value over time as they grow. Bushes and hedges can beused to add beauty and also to add security. Thorny rosebushes or holly busheswith their pointy leaves can be strategically planted in front of ground floor win-dows to discourage would-be intruders. Lavender bushes generally grow fairlyquickly and will add a wonderful scent to your outdoor area.

When choosing plants and flowers, keep in mind that most people preferlow maintenance if you are planning on selling your home. Some good low-maintenance flowers for our area, Zone 6, are Shasta daisies, irises, cone-flowers and peonies. These perennials come in a variety of colors to high-light your yard and your color scheme.

Don’t forget the lawn. It’s the foundation for your landscape. Be sure toreplace all the “bald” spots with new sod to cover these worn areas. Considerusing paving stones for heavy traffic areas. If your grass is brown in spots andyou are having a party or open-house showing, consider using a green lawnspray that is specially made to dye your lawn, giving it a lush, verdant look.The dye is permanent and will last until you mow the lawn.

An outdoor space is a great place for the entire family to spend time andenjoy nature while adding to the value to your property. – P amela P alongue

R E A L E S T A T E W e s t J e f f e r s o n H i l l s



R E A L E S T A T E W e s t J e f f e r s o n H i l l s

Once upon a time, young people bought a house and lived there hap-pily ever after. End of story. Now an individual or couple may buy fouror five different houses in a lifetime and even more if they are work-ing in an industry where transfers happen frequently. In today’s real

estate market, is it smart to buy and sell so many times? Or is it safer to buy a dream home and remain there for life?According to Dan Haeck, real estate agent for Coldwell Banker “people in general have continued to move into

homes that better suit their needs throughout the market downturn. Of course, we all know people who this down-turn has hit harder than others,but for the most part, its business as usual. If anything, the home prices may haveslipped a bit but even that seems to be creeping back”People begin their home-buying adventure in a starter home, which may have only two bedrooms and one bath.

Then when they start a family and are more stable in their careers, they will advance to a mid-range home toaccommodate the growing number of children. Eventually they may upgrade to an even larger, more luxurious home

if income allows. Haeck saysthat buyers are more interest-ed in 4 or 5 bedroom homesthat feature level driveways, 2or 3 car garages, open floorplans, bigger kitchens, big fin-ished gamerooms, and closetspace which was lacking inolder homes. There are a few key con-

siderations to look at whenbuying a home and upgradingit as an investment. Mostimportantly, when selecting aneighborhood in which to live,take special notice of theschool district. Because parents want their children tobe able to attend the verybest schools, the school dis-trict is key to the area retain-ing its value over the longhaul. People tend to gravitatetoward areas with shoppingmalls, groceries and enter-tainment nearby as well.These elements will helpensure that your home retainsits value when you are readyto sell it in a few years.Another important considera-tion is to make sure that you

are not over-improving for your particular neighborhood ifyou hope to get a good return on your investment. Checkcomparable home prices in your area before makingremodeling choices.Pittsburgh’s growing elderly population has created a

need for housing that is sensitive to the mobility problemsof this age group. Retirees are empty-nesters that don’tneed as much space as a growing family. Lori Bost ofHoward Hanna Real Estate states “the market for babyboomers wanting to downsize is growing! Most movebecause they don’t need a big home anymore. Some aremoving to save on taxes.” They also don’t need stairs. Atype of dwelling called a “flat” has become popular. A typ-ical flat has no basement, and the kitchen, bathroom andmaster bedroom are all located on the ground floor. Theupstairs may include one or two bedrooms and a bath fortheir adult children when they are visiting or residing inthe home while taking care of their aging parents. Mostolder Pittsburgh homes do not fit this description. Therewere new flats being built in recent years, until 2008when the economic recession halted new construction. Inthe future, with the greater numbers of elderly, this type ofhousing could be in short supply. Haeck is optimistic aboutthe future of Pittsburgh real estate. “We are actually in avery stable market.” If you have a home to sell, now isthe time. Our inventory of homes to sell is extremely low.The market has appreciated nicely and if the home ispriced correctly, will sell easily. – Pamela Palongue

�



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