IN Bethel Park

FALL 2011 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Meet the

CELEBRATION

Living Historyon Kennebec

A Bridge for J.R.

Thank you, Pittsburgh.

At UPMC Health Plan, we don’t set out to win awards. We simply focus on doing what’sright for our members. Like providing them with access to world-renowned UPMC doctorsand hospitals as well as outstanding community hospitals and physicians. Giving them thetools and programs they need to live a healthy lifestyle. And offering them a personal HealthCare Concierge and online chat capabilities to answer all of their questions. So when J.D.Power and Associates ranked us Highest in Member Satisfaction among Commercial HealthPlans in Pennsylvania, we don’t see it as adding another award to the trophy case. We see itas doing our jobs.To learn more visit upmchealthplan.com.

UPMC Health Plan received the highest numerical score among commercial health plans in Pennsylvania in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2011 U.S. Member Health InsurancePlan StudySM. Study based on 33,039 total member responses, measuring 11 plans in the Pennsylvania-Delaware Region (excludes Medicare and Medicaid). Proprietary study results are

based on experiences and perceptions of members surveyed December 2010-January 2011. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

“Highest Member Satisfaction Among Commercial Health Plans in Pennsylvania”

Hello and welcome to the fall issue of Bethel Park Magazine. I must admitthat fall is my favorite season. I love the cooler temperatures, the blazing

colors of fall foliage, the sound of leaves crunching under your feet, the smell of theseason’s first bonfires, and of course football! Come October our family’s weekendschedule will be packed with all of the fun fall activities our region has to offer.

There is the annual trip to the farm for pumpkin picking, thehomecoming game festivities and of course, Halloween! Each

year I find it more challenging to fit everything in that wewant to do and see.

It’s my favorite time of the year for family outings,because no matter where you go or what you do—thewestern Pennsylvania foliage assures that getting there

will be spectacularly beautiful.We hope that you will utilize this magazine to find all

the interesting people and places there are to explore inthe community during this season and throughout theyear. I hope you will continue to let me know if you runinto a person or an organization that is worthy of ourattention. You can always write to me at the magazine:[email protected]. Enjoy!

As the summer winds down, and the kids head back to school, I sincerely hopethat you and your family had some time to get away from it all and relax. It

seems that these days, parents driving the family taxi, and kids with theirsports/lessons/parties rarely get a chance to enjoy the slow pace of an ever moreelusive “lazy summer.”

Ask yourself – when was the last time everyone ate together around a family table?When did everyone gather to play a board game? Does anyone remember boardgames? If your answer was “That one night that the power went out,” then you mightbe trapped in the 21st century jail of hyper-life. (I made that term up, but I can do that– I’m the publisher.) I’m not an old guy, unless you ask my kids, but I think that lifeshould be simpler. Moms, dads, brothers, sisters, should all try to spend some timewith each other as a family more than that one night when the power goes out. Familytime is an important part of being a community. And everycommunity should value quality time with their families –it’s how we teach our children values, etiquette, and moreimportantly, how to participate in a family structure sothey can pass on to their kids what you have worked sohard to build. Recently, I saw a commercial where a fathershut off the main power to the house so that the familycould enjoy dinner together and blamed the outage on athunderstorm. The Xboxes were dead. The Facebook wasclosed. The kids came downstairs in disillusionment to askwhat happened. While the commercial was pushing sometasty dinner product, the message was more palatable –you have to make family time. I would take that messageone step further – you have to make family time a priority. I hope that it’s one of yours.

Have a great fall!

Wayne DollardPublisher

Marybeth JeffriesManaging Editor

FALL 2011IN Bethel Park is a community publicationdedicated to representing, encouraging andpromoting the Bethel Park area and its comprising 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 in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

PUBLISHERWayne Dollard

MANAGING EDITOR

Marybeth [email protected]

OFFICE MANAGER

Leo [email protected]

WRITER

Pamela Palongue

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Cassie Brkich Jan McEvoyAnna Buzzelli Joe MilneSharon Cobb Tamara TylendaSusie Doak

PHOTOGRAPHER

Garyyonphotography.com

EVENT STAFF

Autumn AltieriDebbie MountainKathleen Rudolph

ADVERTISING SALES

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This magazine is carrier route mailed to all district households and businesses. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in partwithout written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2011.

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

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Most people in Bethel Park are familiarwith the street named ‘FORT COUCH ROAD.’

What may not be as well-known is thehistory of the man who lent his name to a major, local thoroughfare or that a house that he built still stands in

the borough of Bethel Park.

Most people in Bethel Park are familiar with the street named ‘FortCouch Road.’ What may not be as well-known is the history ofthe man who lent his name to a major, local thoroughfare or that

a house that he built still stands in the borough of Bethel Park. Nathaniel Couch was a soldier who fought with the British against the

French under General Braddock and General Forbes, two other familiar,geographical names. Part of the Virginia regiment, Couch settled in thearea around 1760 and purchased 366 acres of what is now Brookside Farmsneighborhood. On this tract of land which he named “Titlenure,” he builta fort to defend against the local Indians which was located where thepresent day McDonald’s Restaurant now stands. Couch and his wifeAbigail raised eight children on Titlenure, among them a daughter namedSarah. Sarah grew up and married a man named John Manners. As awedding present, Couch built a house for his daughter and his newson-in-law in 1763.



This two-story structure still stands today on Kennebec and is aprivate dwelling. Owners over the years have made variousrenovations to the property, but with a careful eye towardpreserving its past. It was constructed from local trees and theceiling has heavy wooden beams made of oak. The houseoriginally contained no nails, but was joined together by handcarved dowels. There are five fireplaces in the house, which wouldhave originally been used to heat the home and for cooking.Three-quarters of the floors in the home are original.

Couch was later in his life to figure prominently in the WhiskeyInsurrection, with angry residents gathering at Fort Couch tobegin their march to the home of General Neville on Bower Hill.The first meeting house for a local church congregation was alsobuilt on the Couch farm. Nathan Couch died in 1802 and isburied in the Bethel Presbyterian Church graveyard, although hisgrave marker has been lost.

Couch’s Fort remained intact until 1890, when it was dismantledexcept for the fireplace and Fort Couch Inn was built around it, apopular eatery. The restaurant burned in 1971.

If you would like to drive by the Couch-Manners home, you mayenter the neighborhood through the Petco Store parking lot andcontinue on Sioux Road until it becomes Comanche Road andeventually Brookside Boulevard. Turn right onto Kennebec andlook for a two-story structure with blue trim. The inside of the homeis not available for touring since it is a private home.

If you would like more information on the history of Bethel Park,you may contact the Bethel Park Historical Society, in care of Pres.Jay Wells, at 2600 S. Park Road, Bethel Park, 15102-3650. BethelPresbyterian Church also has a historical room with local artifacts,furniture and documents which are viewable by appointment bycalling the church at 412.835.0405. History is all around us if youjust know where to look.

Photography by Gary Yon

The internationally known Lions Club was founded in 1917 andoriginally began as a businessman’s group that participated insome charitable activities and was exclusively for men. What a

difference a century makes! Service is now at the heart of Lions Clubactivities and for the last 22 years, women have been welcomed into thepride as full members.

A large portion of the service activities of the Bethel Park Lions Clubare directed toward promoting local organizations and supporting theBethel Park community. Some of the beneficiaries are the Bethel ParkPolice and Bethel Park Volunteer Firefighters, the Montour Trail andthe Bethel Park Library.

The club’s association with helping the blind is well known and beganwhen Helen Keller addressed the Cedar Point, Ohio Lions Club chapterin 1924. She appealed to the members to help the blind and they readilyaccepted her challenge. This longstanding tradition has led to majorcontributions for the Leader Dogs for the Blind facility in Rochester,Mich., where seeing-eye dogs and their masters are trained. The Lions

have also established Beacon Lodge Camp near Mount Union, Pa. forboth children and adults who have special needs including blindness,deafness, and physical and mental challenges.

What may not be a well-known fact about the Lions Club is itsintense involvement in disaster relief. Whenever a disaster occurs, suchas the Haitian earthquake or the Indonesian tsunami, Lions Clubmembers are some of the first people on the scene to help set up tentsfor medical aid and housing, and to provide food, water and funds fordisaster victims. According to secretary Jay Wells, the Lions Club mottois ‘We serve.’ “The Lions Club is the largest service club in the world,”adds Wells.

The Bethel Park Lions Club has two major fundraisers to raisemoney for their various projects. The first is the bi-annual fish fry thatwas held on Sept. 9th at Lions Park.

A second event, a Golf Outing was held on Saturday, Sept. 17 atButler’s Golf Course. This event helps to fund the George MeyerScholarship Fund. George Meyer was a beloved teacher andadministrator in the Bethel Park School system and the collegescholarship is awarded based on academics and extra-curricular


The Heartof a Lion


activities. Last year a scholarship of $3,000 was awarded to a local student. In December, a Citrus Sale is planned for Lions Park where grapefruits,

oranges and pecans will be sold. A date has not been set for the event, butwill be announced through the website at www.bethelparklions.org.

The Lions service projects are also partially funded by rental of LionsPark. The park located at 5757 Irishtown Road, has a ball park, apicnic pavilion, a volleyball court and a fullyequipped kitchen. It may be rented for weddings,graduations or parties. For more information onrental of the park, please visit the Bethel Park Lionswebsite. For more information on the Fish Fry,contact Lion Al at 412.833.3320. For moreinformation on the Golf Outing, contact Lion Bill at412.831.7450 or Lion Joe at 412.854.4762. If you areinterested in becoming a Lion, please contact the clubvia email at [email protected]. Perhaps you, too,may have the heart of a lion.

Service is now at theheart of Lions Club activities.

BY PAMELA PALONGUE

Sandra Demas, Bethel Park Lions ClubMember at the fish fry on September 9

Photos by Kathy Rudolph


W

Special Needs

CHALLENGER LEAGUEMeeting


Photos by Gary Yon

Nancy Murray was in high school whenshe volunteered with a local familywhose child had multiple disabilities.

It was 1970, and programs to help people withdisabilities were very limited. “People relied ontheir families” remarked Murray.

The experience propelled Murray to pursue adegree in psychology from Gettysburg College;a “wonderful” experience said Murray. Afterreceiving her Bachelor’s degree, Murray tooktime off from school to spend with her childrenbefore pursuing her Master's degree in childdevelopment from the University of Pittsburgh.She was a busy stay at home mother. She andher husband participated in a “host home”program specifically for children withdisabilities. A “host home” is akin to serving as afoster family. The Murrays adopted threechildren with Down syndrome through the“host home” program.

Murray’s children are adults now: “All areemployed and paying taxes…all are healthyand enjoying life. They have a better social lifethan I do,” said Murray. The New Jersey nativecame into Pittsburgh in the late 1970’s aftergraduating college. Originally living in Mt.Lebanon, she moved to Bethel Park in 2001.She loves the Bethel Park community, anddoesn’t plan to leave.

Murray said that her children have taughther a lot: “They have taught me patience,resilience, and that it is the duty and theobligation of our society to provide for ourmost vulnerable citizens and that includespeople with disabilities. When you have afamily member with a disability you can’t stop[advocating for them].”

In 1989 she went to work for Children’sHospital and founded the Down SyndromeCenter there. She said this is one of herbiggest accomplishments to date. “The DownSyndrome Center provides such a support. Ithas had a profound effect on tens of thousandsof individuals with Down syndrome, and theirfamilies” explained Murray. The Center

provides educational and advocacy tools tofamilies of children, adolescents and adultswith Down syndrome. They provide help withhealth care and behavioral issues unique tochildren and adults with Down syndrome.

While working at Children’s Hospital, Murraystarted work on her Master’s in ChildDevelopment. During this time she was theDirector of Supports Coordination at theStaunton Clinic. Staunton Clinic was founded inthe 1930’s; its goal is to provide hope for thosewith mental illness. Staunton Clinic providesoutpatient mental health services, casemanagement, support coordination for peoplewith intellectual disabilities, and inpatient careservices. Finally, after the Staunton Clinic, shewould find her home at ACHIEVA.

Advocacy is the focus of everything thatACHIEVA does; however, they have expandedtheir services to include things likeearly intervention services, residentialplanning support, family support,advocacy, vocational support,weekend and day trips, and respitecare. To qualify for services you musthave a family member with adisability. ACHIEVA has beenparamount in efforts to eliminatesegregation of individuals withdisabilities.

Murray’s work with ACHIEVAis reaching many. Specifically the

work that ACHIEVA is “doing now for accessto health care,” she said. Currently ACHIEVAis focusing on Medicaid. Medicaid pays forabout 78% of care for individuals withintellectual and developmental disabilities.ACHIEVA will be focusing the majority of itslegislative efforts on things like Social Security,Medicare, and Supplemental Security Income;these programs along with Medicaid are at riskdue to national deficits.

Murray has impacted the lives and futuresof people with intellectual disabilities, as wellas the families who have children, or siblingswith an intellectual disability. She and othershave worked tirelessly with the PA legislatureto enact adult protective services for adultswith intellectual disabilities.

She has been working for “almost twelveyears to decrease the waiting list for servicesfor with intellectual disabilities,” Murrayremarked. The waiting list is especially long forservices like long term group housing for adultindividuals with intellectual disabilities.

When asked what is to come, Murray saidshe likes it where she is: “I can honestly saythat I like getting up every morning andcoming to work. Every day tends to be a littlebit different. Every year we become involved indifferent issues that affect families, and peoplewith intellectual disabilities. Most important tome is the fact that I can still help individualfamilies. As long as I can still help families, Iwill still continue to stay here.”

Resident Profile:Nancy MurrayPaving the Way for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities


“I can honestly say that I likegetting up every morning andcoming to work. Most importantto me is the fact that I can stillhelp individual families. As longas I can still help families, I willcontinue to stay here.”


n exciting night of networking and recognitions were part of the “Bethel Business Bash” heldTuesday, June 21 from 6 – 10 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Fort Couch Rd. Sixty

attended the evening which included a reception, dinner, presentations, prizes and networking.The event was part of Bethel Park’s 125th Birthday Celebration. “This is the first time in many years that Bethel Park businesses had a chance to get together

as a group and celebrate our business community,” said Connie Ruhl of the South HillsChamber of Commerce.

Awards were given to Bethel Park businesses in the following categories: “largest employer;”“longest, family owned;” “most philanthropic;” “most recognized;” “most updated strip mall;”“newest business;” “oldest business;” “best ‘green’ business;” and “best place to work.”

“We’re planning on holding the Business Bash again next year and hope it will continue togrow and attract even more of our Bethel Park businesses,” said Ruhl.


The Rotary Club of Upper St. Clair-Bethel Park would like toinvite you to our 23rd annual Chicken Bar-B-Que to be held onSaturday, October 8th, from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm at

Westminster Church on Washington Road near South Hills VillageMall. You will receive 1/2 chicken, cole slaw, baked beans, dinner roll,dessert and drink. Tickets are $10 in advance/$12 at the door. Feelfree to dine in or take advantage of our drive thru service. Thisfundraiser benefits the St. Francis Early Learning Institute, Camp Aim,Southwinds, YMCA Camp Kon-O-Kwee, South Hills InterfaithMinistries (SHIM), Military Connections, Operation TroopAppreciation, Family Hospice, American Cancer Society and manyother benevolent organizations.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. If you are interested inpromoting your business to over 3,000 potential customers while at thesame time donating to several charities please contact us.

For tickets or additional information, contact Brian Schill at412.833.6229 or [email protected].

For additional information visit www.rotary-usc-bp.org.

ABOUT THE ROTARY CLUB OF UPPER ST. CLAIR-BETHEL PARK (BREAKFAST)

The Rotary Club of Upper St. Clair-BethelPark is one of three area Rotary clubs inUpper St. Clair and Bethel Park. The clubsare part of Rotary International, which has1.2 million members worldwide who remaindedicated to volunteer community service,promoting high ethical standards in allvocations and furthering international peace. Inaddition to thousands of volunteer hours, each yearRotary contributes millions of dollars in humanitarian aid and reliefaround the globe, funds 1,200 international scholarships andprovides cross-cultural exchanges for 7,000 young leaders. Throughits flagship program PolioPlus, Rotary has contributed more than$600 million to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

Rotary Club of Upper St. Clair-Bethel Park Announces23rd Annual ChickenBar-B-QueOctober 8, 2011


lthough surgery is sometimes aninevitable conclusion to resolve patientdiscomfort, the physicians of SteelValley Orthopedic Associates take aconservative approach to treatment.Preventative strategies, physicaltherapy, medications, diet modificationand injections are tried prior to surgicalintervention. “We treat all ages here,”says Dr. Mark Lesh of Steel ValleyOrthopedic Associates “from kids withsports injuries to the elderly. And wereally do our best to always be availablefor our patients.” One way in which theyare able to accomplish this, is by havinga physical therapy facility onsite. Thisenables the doctors to track theprogress of patients both pre and post-operatively. “Many times the physicaltherapist will ask us to take a look at oneof our patients who are visiting forrehab. We are able to just drop by andassess the patient and makerecommendations based on what wesee, without the patient having toschedule another appointment or makeanother trip,” says Lesh.

People having knee replacementsurgery now number in the hundreds ofthousands each year. Knee arthritis is acommon ailment, but there is nothingcommon about the distress of the pain.This local practice is changing the wayknee replacements are being done withpromising results for the patient.

An innovative new procedure calledpatient specific instrumentation (PSI),allows the surgeon to evaluate and plan

total knee replacement specific to thepatient prior to the date of surgery. A magnetic resonance image (MRI) is taken of the knee which allows thesurgeon, using computer modeling, tohave the instrumentation designed to thepatient’s unique anatomy. According toDr. Lesh, although this is a relatively newprocedure, the results look promising forpatient outcomes.

Most of the doctors at SVOA arefellowship trained; meaning that theyhave received additional training beyondwhat is required of doctors. For example,a recent addition to the staff, Dr. RyanMcMillen is a podiatrist who isfellowship trained in complex foot andankle problems.

Additional treatment options provided by the practice include waterproofcasting, visco supplementation(Synvisc/Euflexxa), and an osteoporosisclinic. The physicians are on staff atJefferson Regional Medical Center andSt. Clair Hospital where they performprocedures such as carpal tunnelrelease, arthroscopy, rotator cuffsurgery, fracture repair and total jointreplacements. Following surgery,patients can choose to continue theirrehabilitation under the guidance of thepractice’s physical therapists, MatthewMatta, D.P.T. and Julie Schneider, D.P.T.

In addition to superior training, thedoctors, physician assistant andphysical therapists at SVOA bring afriendly, caring attitude to their jobs,

making patients feel more at ease andsecure. The practice which wasestablished in Homestead in 1932,maintains the core values of its founder,Dr. Francis O’Malley, who believed inplacing the patient first. For moreinformation on Steel Valley OrthopedicAssociates, or on the procedures thatthey perform, you may visit their websiteat www.steelvalleyortho.com.

b u s i n e s s s p o t l i g h t

By Pamela Palongue

88friends, parents, alumni and fans came out for achallenging and fun day of 18 holes of golf, skill prizes, aChinese auction and a delicious dinner hosted by The

Girls and Boys Bethel Park Basketball Boosters Organization. The Bethel Park Basketball Boosters is “dedicated to providing

support for all levels of Bethel Park Basketball.” The proceeds fromthe tournament fund the needs of the basketball teams that are notpaid for by the school district.

“This is our main fundraiser that helps pay for extras that arenot covered by the school such as team shoes, equipment andtournament fees,” said Keith Thorsen, former Bethel Park HighSchool basketball coach, boys basketball booster president and golftournament organizer. “The tournament brings the communitytogether and helps the players and the school.”

Taylor Zimmer is the girls basketball booster president and alsohelped organize the event.

“The proceeds from the golf outing provide many opportunitiesfor the girls,” Mr. Zimmer said. “It is a lot of work, but we havegreat parent participation and it is an awesome event.”

Both The Lady Hawk and Black Hawk team members andcoaches came out to support the outing, along with Varsity headcoach, Ben O’Connor, who also worked hard to make the outing a success.

“The players on the team are phenomenal this year,” saidVarsity Head Coach O’Connor. “They are an unselfish group withcharacter and their families are very supportive. Some of the fundsraised at the outing go towards programs for them on theoff-season, travel gear, team meals and a tournament that is inVirginia Beach this year.”

Other fundraisers include the concession stand at games and raffles.

For more information on The Bethel Park Basketball Boosters orhow you can help, please go to the Bethel Park Basketball websiteat www.bethelparkbasketball.com.

B.P. Basketball Coaches,

Ben O'Connor, Steve Bielich andAndrew Tsangaris

B.P. Girls Basketball Booster President, Taylor Zimmer and Players,

Harper Zimmer and Lauren Shaffer and Booster and Volunteer Parent

Jerry Roman, Assistant Principal of B.P. High School and AmyScheuneman, B.P. Athletic Director

B.P. Basketball Boosters and Volunteers,

Sandy Thorsen and Chris Thorsen


BETHEL PARK BASKETBALL 11th Annual Golf Outing

Photography by Kathy Rudolph

B.P. Boys Basketball Boosters President, Keith Thorsen and Brothers, Chris and Greg

B.P. Basketball Players and Coaches

B.P. Basketball Players

(shown in top photo)

Head Coach Ben O’ConnorBobby HuntingtonBrandon Thorsen

Trey CoyneDanny TimponaRyan ThorsenBrian Holland

Coach Steve BielichCoach Andrew Tsangaris



Photo by Gary Yon


J.R. Taylor was a union ironworkerwith Local 3, making his living in the steelindustry for which Pittsburgh is sofamous. He comfortably glided acrosssteel beams suspended 50 feet in the airas if they were on the ground. Thedevoted husband and father spent muchof his free time riding motorcycles, jetskis and participating in many other livelyactivities. He must have seemedinvincible to those who knew him best.But unfortunately, while working high upin a tree in the backyard of a familymember one day, the brittle tree limbbeneath him snapped, leaving him with aspinal cord injury from which he died.

The only son in a family of five girls, J.R.had worked for his father’s family-runbusiness, Century Steel until his untimelydeath. A couple of weeks before theaccident, one of his sister’s named DebiTaylor, had just happened to have noticeda sign at Clifton and McMurray Roads. Itread, “Help Bridge This Gap.” The gap itwas referring to was a section of theMontour Trail near J.R. Taylor’s CliftonRoad home. After Taylor’s accident, Debiremembered the sign and suggested to herother siblings that they raise the money forthe bridge since he had enjoyed theMontour Trail and it was on the streetwhere he had lived. Debi also boldlyannounced to trail officials that she wasgoing to make sure that the bridge wascompleted in honor of her brother. Theofficials were skeptical, knowing that theproject was going to take a large amount ofmoney and considerable planning, butDebi was resolute. “We built Heinz Field,I’m fairly sure we can build this,” saidTaylor. A group of engineers fromAmerican Bridge drew up structural plansfor the steel bridge, donating all of theirtalent and time. Next a state grant wasobtained for Safe School Crossing becausethe ravine was located near WashingtonElementary School.

This was a start, but much more moneywas needed to get the project underway.

In order to raise the funds for theproject, the Taylor family held all sorts ofevents. An annual car cruise at nearby Al’sCafé was held to help with funding. Theyalso held annual motorcycle runs whichwound through Washington County andended with a sumptuous barbeque and asilent auction. This event was held for fiveconsecutive years with the 2010 eventdrawing 950 motorcycles.

Century Steel donated all the steelused in fabricating the bridge and it wascompleted four years after J.R. Taylor’sdeath in 2009. However, there weremany government regulations that had tobe met and extensive paperwork that hadto be filed before the bridge couldactually be erected. Finally in June of2011, after all the requirements had beenmet and permits had been issued, it wastime to erect the bridge. Clifton Roadwas closed and the bridge wasconstructed in the middle of the street.Fifty local union ironworkers, many ofwhom had worked with J.R. Taylor cameto do the work and donated their time tothe project and the J.R. Taylor Bridge wasfinally open for crossing.

Debi Taylor says that the project hasbeen a “journey of healing” for her entirefamily. J.R.’s death in 2004 shocked thefamily, but seeing the love and support ofthe community over the years has helpedto heal their emotional wounds. It tookseven years to complete the 1.1 milliondollar bridge, which Taylor says is built tolast. “It will be here forever, ” statesTaylor. It will help connect an importantpart of the Montour and Arrowhead Trailand will be one important way the Taylorfamily will remember J.R.

A dedication ceremony took place onSept. 4th, which was the official grandopening of the J.R. Taylor Bridge.

Hoisting the bridge intoplace in June

Bethel Park was incorporated in 1886 and approximately 125 guests

adorned in black and orange cocktail attire celebrated BethelPark’s 125th anniversary at The Bethel Park Community Center.

The guests were treated to an evening of dinner catered by MarketDistrict, music, dancing and an art exhibit by local artists.

It all started with Kristen Normile, chairman for the celebrationcommittee and author of the Bethel Park edition of the Images ofAmerica series by Arcadia Publishing. While completing the book, whichinvolved her going from door to door to collect photographs for herresearch, she realized that Bethel Park was 125 years old.

“I approached Mayor Morton and told him about Bethel Park being125 years and we decide that we needed to celebrate,” said Ms. Normile. A committee of 20 planned celebrations throughout the year. Besides theBlack and Orange Ball, some of the events included a time capsule filledwith Bethel Park letters and artifacts that was dedicated and to be

opened in 2061. A parade marching through Bethel Park was exciting forfamilies and The Bethel Historical Society and Bethel PresbyterianChurch conducted tours of cemeteries featuring re-enactors of foundingBethel Park citizens and soldiers.

The proceeds from purchasing Ms. Normile’s book at Bethel Bakery,The Bethel Park Public Library and Evey’s Hardware go to The BethelPark Community Foundation where Ms. Normile is a trustee. Ms.Normile received an award honoring her accomplishments at The Blackand Orange Ball from Mayor Morton.

“I love Bethel Park and have lived here for over ten years along withsome of my childhood,” said Ms. Normile. “I have deep roots here andwriting the book and planning the celebrations has been a fun experience.”

To learn more about Bethel Park upcoming events, go to the websiteat www.bethelpark.net

Pictured:1 - Kathy Zimmer and Deborah Luckasevic of The Bethel Park

Community Foundation 2 - Clifford Morton, Mayor of Bethel Park3 - Brian and Autumn Metzmaier, one of the event organizers4 - Mayor Clifford Morton presents award to Kristen Normile,

chairman of The Bethel Park Black and Orange Ball5 - David and Kristen Normile6 - Linda Baxendale with her diverse art7 - Rita Heberle and Marie Wohlgemuth



Meet the


E

Photography byGary Yon

Oliver Miller Homestead was established in 1772 in the presentday borough of South Park. But when Bethel Park celebrated their125th anniversary, the Oliver Miller Homestead Associates came tocelebrate with them, presenting the “Meet the NeighborsCelebration.” There is a strong historical connection between thetwo areas, according to Judy Willison, Coordinator of Presentationsfor the Oliver Miller Homestead Associates. Many of the Millerfamily who established the homestead in South Park are buried inBethel Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Also John McMillan, ministerand founder of Bethel Presbyterian baptized 7 children at the MillerHomestead and a small congregation gathered there every Sunday tohear McMillan preach. Soon the worshippers outgrew the house andin 1776 purchased land from Nathan Couch on Bethel Church Roadfor 45 pounds in Pennsylvania currency to establish a churchbuilding. Eventually the church was moved across the street to itspresent day location. The early church was founded by immigrantswho were Scots-Irish like the Millers themselves.

The “Meet the Neighbors Celebration” featured a processionalthrough the Bethel Presbyterian Cemetery with members of theOliver Miller Homestead portraying some of the colorful charactersburied in the graveyard.

A revolutionary war soldier and immigrant named James Kiddoowas portrayed and related his personal hardships of leaving Scotland

at the age of 18 and losing his young wife and son. Kiddoo also spokeof registering his whiskey still and angry neighbors burning down hishouse in retaliation.

Another character to rise from the dead was Reverend John Clark,a New Jersey native who was the first official pastor of BethelPresbyterian. Despite his religious beliefs, Clark purchased a slavenamed Dave and his wife Dido; a clear illustration of the dichotomyof Christian beliefs and the persistence of slavery at that time.Another notable citizen buried in the cemetery was Nathaniel Couch,the namesake of Fort Couch Road. He constructed a small fort on hisproperty in the event of trouble with the local Native AmericanIndians. The fort was later renovated to become the Fort Couch Innin 1927 and was destroyed by fire in 1971. The site is the currentlocation of McDonald’s Restaurant.

Peter Croco was a German-Polish immigrant who served as agrenadier in the army of Frederick the Great of Prussia. Afterdeserting the Prussian army to join the Americans, he settled inLancaster before eventually purchasing land in Bethel Park nearHorning and Baptist Roads.

The tour also highlighted the life of James Miller, the youngest sonof Oliver Miller who established the South Park farm. Miller relatedthe beginnings of the historic Whisky Rebellion and his involvementin the skirmish. Miller’s tombstone and that of his wife Mary are stillstanding in the Bethel Presbyterian Cemetery.

The event has proved so popular that another graveyardprocession will be held on October 15th, from 1pm to 4pm, with allof the actors reprising their historic roles. It also airs on Bethel TVon Tues. and Thurs. and can be viewed on YouTube. BethelPresbyterian Church has a history room with interesting artifacts forviewing. Tours are given by appointment only. You may contact thechurch office to arrange a tour at 412.835.0405. If you are interestedin learning more about the Oliver Miller Homestead or joining theirassociation, you may visit their website at www.olivermiller.org.


Neighbors

even years ago,Mrs. SuzanneReid, beloved

music teacher atIndependence MiddleSchool in Bethel Park anddirector of high schoolmusicals, died ofcomplications followingheart surgery. She was just55 years old. Peter Henkels,an aspiring Eagle Scout who was never a student of Mrs. Reid, decided torestore the memorial thathonors her memory.

S


One reason Henkels chose to restore theReid Memorial located behind IndependenceMiddle School as his Eagle Scout Project mayhave been the special connection sharedbetween two people who never met; music.Reid was synonymous with music at I.M.S. andBethel Park High School and Henkels clearlyhas a passion for music as well. He is amember of the marching band, symphonicband, the Top 21 Audition Choir, the ConcertChoir and participates in the annual highschool musical. Henkel’s older sistersattended classes with Mrs. Reid and so therestoration of the memorial must haveseemed a natural choice.

After surveying the condition of the ReidMemorial, Henkels found that the beautifulgardens had become choked by weeds andthe benches were missing bolts and unstable.The grasses had grown into much of the hillside garden. Someone had made anattempt to keep the flowers from being overtaken by the grass by placing river rock aroundthe border of the garden. Unfortunately the stubborn weeds and grass grew right upthrough the stones giving the whole area an unkempt look.

Henkels knew he had his work cut out for him. He went to the school’s spring musicconcerts and quietly stood in the back of the auditorium collecting donations to restore thememorial after the performances.

He was able to collect $240, which didn’t seem enough for the mammoth project.However as work began on the grounds, local companies began to donate supplies to theproject and volunteers pitched in to help. “The volunteers were made up of Bethel Parkstudents, music teachers from the school, boy scouts and Mrs. Reid’s husband, Dan,” saidHenkels. The project got off the ground in late May.

First, the river rocks had to be removed. Seven wheel barrow loads of the heavy rockwere hauled away.

Next the laborious task of weeding the pavilion garden and the hillside garden,measuring 39 by 35 feet and 25 by 20 feet respectively was undertaken. The weeding alonetook approximately 75 hours. Next the group installed plastic edging which was generouslydonated by Jenkins Lawn and Garden. The edging will prevent weeds and grasses fromgrowing into the garden and keep the mulch in place. The 9 yards of mulch required to

and

Before After

The Eagle Scout Mrs. Reid

If you would like more information on becoming an Eagle Scout or the Boy Scouts of America,you may visit the website atwww.scouting.org.

cover the beds was also donated by Jenkins along with 12 Russian Sageplants, bushes with beautiful purple blooms.

Next, the clumps of irises, day lilies and ornamental grasses had to bebroken up and transplanted in an orderly fashion. Henkels admits thatthis was especially hard since the work was completed in some of theworst heat of the summer. The stone-pillared pavilion was in fairly goodshape, but needed some caulking and minor repairs. The benches weretaken apart, washed with a pressure washer, sanded and stained. Themetal components of the benches were also washed and painted and nutsand bolts were replaced with new ones donated by Evey Hardware. Thecommemorative plaque had fallen over, so Henkels created a stone basefor the plaque to rest securely upon. Finishing out the restoration,Brookside Lumber discounted lumber to replace broken pieces of thebench and St. Clair Pre-Cast Concrete provided a discount for steppingstones for heavy traffic areas. When the project was all said and done,Henkels had money left over from his original $240. He gave the extrafunds to the Reid Memorial Fund for upkeep and maintenance of the site.It had taken him and his group just two months to restore the memorial.

Ironically, it was an Eagle Scout who originally built the memorial toMrs. Reid, so perhaps it was only fitting that an Eagle Scout restored it.Henkels hopes that he will finish the work to become an Eagle Scout inlate fall and have his Court of Honor in Jan. or Feb. He lacks only oneEagle badge and must write a paper about his restoration project. Hisadvice to young aspiring Eagles is to “get all of the Eagle badges donefirst. You have to have a lot of drive and be willing to give a lot of timeand work to it,” says Henkel.

Only about 5 of every 100 boy scouts ever achieves the covetedstatus of becoming an Eagle Scout, the Boy Scout’s highest honor.Thereare many hurdles to becoming an Eagle Scout, but some of therequirements include earning 21 merit badges, serving in a leadershiprole in a boy scout troop for at least six months and accomplishing anEagle Scout project that requires at least 100 hours of work.


Before After

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Pictured:1 Danielle Manson 2 Maison Lewis3 Linda Santel4 Ashley Willoughby and Karen White5 Jimmy Futrell, Rachel Dunn and Anna Rigatti6 The Klink Family7 Cute Family

Photography by Kathy Rudolph

To find out more about other upcoming eventsin Bethel Park, please visit

their website at bethelpark.net.

Register for the NEW Semester!

To get there

Start here

To get there

Start here

Register for the NEW Semester!

412-281-2234

SAVE $15* COMMUNITY

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Academy of Musical Theater

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5*AAV S * 1VE $15OMMUNITYC

bpConstruction of the new Bethel Park High

School is proceeding ahead of schedule and willopen its doors during the 2011-2012 school year.

Originally scheduled to open in August 2012, itlooks like the school will open during the2011-2012 school year. Our goal is to move intothe new school during the three days of teacherinservice (January 25-27), providing constructioncontinues at its current pace.

No official opening date has been set, but basedon the construction progress so far, it looks like theClass of 2012 will be the first graduating class fromthe new Bethel Park High School.

The new high school will include 94classrooms, a 1,300 seat auditorium, small theater,television studio, band room, 2,350 seatgymnasium, eight lane swimming pool, rifle rangeand new athletic field and tennis courts.

The start of the 2011-2012 school year wasdelayed until Monday, September 12 to allowenough time for work on the entrance offChurch Road and the paving of Black HawkDrive to be completed.

Besides the completion of roof installation andexterior brick finishing, the bulk of the work hasshifted to the school’s interior, with drywallinstallation, painting, prepping floors for terrazzofloor installation, bathroom tile and fixtureinstallation, swimming pool excavation andelevator installation.

Weekly progress pictures of the project are available by checking out the web sitewww.bpsd.org you are encouraged to take alook at them to see what has transpired sinceground was broken on the building onSeptember 10, 2009.

Once students have moved into their newschool, the current eight building campus will berazed and replaced with parking lots andadditional athletic fields.

The District is in the process of not onlyplanning Grand Opening festivities for the newschool but also some Farewell activities for thecurrent campus. bp

Did you know that spaghetti funded $2000 in scholarships tograduating seniors this year? Did you know that meatballs helpedsoldiers, students with special needs, hurricane victims and polio is

being eradicated worldwide? Did you know that because people ate pasta TheWashington City Mission, Rebuilding Pittsburgh Together, the SalvationArmy, Bethel Park Library, Angel's Place, the Orphan Girl's Home in Kenya,Police Pals, YMCA's Camp AIM, Alzheimer's Association, ChildhoodDiabetes Assoc and SHIM received support?

November 5, 2-7 p.m. is the 10th annual Spaghetti Dinner sponsored bythe Rotary Club of Bethel Park, held at the Bethel Park Community Center at5151 Park Avenue. The entire community is invited to eat in or use the drivethrough to get some of the best food around, provided by Pasta Too andBethel Bakery. Adults are $9, seniors $7, and children $4.

Deliveries to businesses for their employees in the Bethel Park area arealso available from 12 noon until 1:30 p.m. Call 412.855.4633 to place orders.

There will also be a raffle with a $1,500 prize. A silent auction with manybeautiful prizes will be going on throughout the event.

This year’s new partner has joined to make this event even better: BethelPark High School Rotary Interact Club. You can purchase meal or raffletickets from any of these.

For more information, call 412.854.4842.

W

2011 Rotary Club of Bethel Park Scholarship Winners:

Elizabeth Metzler, Margaux Krahe and President Herb Shaffer

Rotary Clubmembers John Nave,Jeff Campbell andBob Bauer prepare to serve spaghetti


This Industry Insight was written by Sue Clark. Clark Renovations, Inc. isa family business, owned by Ron and Sue Clark, renovating SouthHills homes for 40 years. Visit our showroom at 3180 Industrial Blvd.Bethel Park, 412.833.7222.

Website address: www.clarkremodeling.com.

ard to believe that it istime for this

discussion, but once thevacation is over andschool has started; thenext chores on the to dolist are not far behind.The last two years cold,windy and icyconditions have causedmany problems andnumerous homeownerinsurance claims. Here isa checklist to help youprepare.

Outdoor plumbing –drain your hoseconnections, pool &sprinklers. After you turn offthe water, leave the spigot inthe “on” position.

Gutters – don’t forget to cleanthem out once your trees are bare.

Clogged gutters often cause ice damson the roof, resulting in leaking to the

inside of the home.

Install heat coil along the roof line with gutters,extending it down into the downspouts as well. Plug it into a GFIoutlet (an electrician can do this) and make sure it is turned on (atimer might be a good idea).

Use crack filler for cracks in your sidewalk or driveway, especiallyaround the foundation.

Trim trees away from the house; squirrels and raccoons can dotremendous damage once they find shelter. Also be sure chimneys arefree and clear.

If you suspect your roof could be a problem, get it inspected. Manyproblems cannot be fixed in freezing weather – shingles are brittle, theroof may be covered with ice and snow, and a danger to climb.

If your home is old, add a layer of R-30 insulation to the atticceiling.

Test for drafts around your windows. On a windy day, a candle willflicker. Caulk around windows on the inside and outside. Useexpandable foam for cracks in basement walls, available in hardwarestores. Add weather stripping around drafty doors.

Routinely get your furnace tested before cold weather sets in.

Prepare a “winter” bin with flashlights, batteries, candles, lighters, aweather radio, maybe some extra blankets. If you want to go one stepfarther, add canned goods, manual can opener, crackers, nuts, cookies,paper plates. Don’t rob the “winter bin” early! Put all this in a closetequipped with a battery touch light.

Provide pipe protection on extremely cold days: Open cabinetdoors for pipes on outside walls to avoid freezing, let hot and coldwater trickle from faucets, don’t ever shut off the heat if traveling – setit to 55 degrees and have someone check frequently. Know where shutoff valves are for a quick response.

Consider having a professional install a standby generator. Lastlycheck batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, check fireextinguishers. Stock up on rock salt and a snow shovel. Now that we’reprepared, let the snow fly!


Bob & Lori Santo have been operating The Goddard School at 825 East McMurray Road in Peters Township since January 2007.

The Goddard School offers both full and half day programs forchildren six weeks to six years of age. They also offer before andafter school care, as well as full day kindergarten in their yearround offering. During the summer months, Goddard alsooffers a Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, and 3rd Gradereadiness program. Half day offering is 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., and full day offering is from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thecurriculum includes Language Arts (English), Sign Language,Spanish, Science, World Cultures, Manners, Dance, MusicAppreciation, Everyday Mathematics and Newbridge Math, Yoga,and Physical Fitness. Technology is integrated into our programwhenever possible.Some Important Factors to Note about The Goddard SchoolSafety/Security – We have security cameras surrounding our

building, and we record those entering/exiting premise for 30 days. Wehave Finger Safe , a patented door hinge protector for children’s fingers.We leverage the strictest of health and safety standards throughGoddard’s Quality Assurance program.Degreed Teachers – We have 9 classrooms, and in every classroom

our lead teacher has a 4 year degree in early childhoodeducation/elementary education. For Preschool age (3+) and older, allfaculty have a 4 year teaching degree.Training – We provide faculty training on a regular basis. This is

done on in-service days as well as at staff meetings.Licensing / Accreditations – In addition to having our PA

Department of Public Welfare license, we are licensed by the PADepartment of Education for our Emerging Preschool/Preschool/Prekindergarten/Junior K/Kindergarten classrooms. We movedthrough the rigorous application process of The Middle StatesAssociation of Colleges and Schools (MSA). We recently received ourMSA accreditation after that 18 month process.Quality Assurance – Goddard Systems, Inc conducts two,

unannounced Quality Assurance audits per year (at our School andevery Goddard School). These detailed audits ensure that all GoddardSchools uphold the high standards that help to maintain its reputation ofquality education for children.Onsite Owner(s) – Goddard requires that the owner is on-site.

This management oversight facilitates the Education Director/AssistantDirector to focus in the operation of the school (training/coachingteachers, curriculum implementation, student focus, etc). It enables our staff to deliver our operational services to our stakeholdersexceedingly well.

Parents interested in taking a tour of the facilities or getting to know the staff can call Bob or Lori Santo at The Goddard School at724.941.6464 or for more information, check out their websitewww.goddardschools.com.

Early ChildhoodEducation HelpsChildren to Succeed

b u s i n e s s s p o t l i g h t


FA L L 2 0 1 1

Health and Wellness News You Can Use

© 2011 UPMC

What’s Insidepage 2 Serious Games for Stroke Recovery

page 3 Use Your Head to Stop Strokes

page 4 Healthy Eating for Busy FamiliesAchoo! Don’t Get the Flu

page 5 Giving Women Options forFibroid TreatmentMagee’s Fibroid Treatment Center helps women determine the right solution for themselves

page 6 A New Level of Pinpoint Accuracy That’s Patient Friendly

page 7 Take the Hit of a Concussion Seriously

2 www.UPMC.com/Today

Serious Games for Stroke RecoveryRobotics and gaming offer fun — and effective — therapy for patients in rehabilitation It’s hard to resist playing video games that allow us to escape from the ordinary. That bit of fun and distraction is exactly what doctors are prescribing for patients at the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute’s Center for Stroke Rehabilitation — and the results are impressive.Located at UPMC Mercy, the center regularly uses roboticsand gaming technologies, along with traditional therapies, as part of its treatment plan.

An individualized approach“Because strokes result in a loss of important physical andmental abilities, they can be devastating to patients and their families,” says Jennifer Shen, MD, the center’s medicaldirector. “No two stroke patients are alike, so we create a specific multidisciplinary treatment plan for each patient thatcan include speech, occupational, and physical therapies.”

The one common element in stroke rehabilitation is repetition, which is essential to increased strength, motor learning, and recovery. But while repetition is key to the healing process, it can soon lead to boredom.

Defeating the boredom factorTo keep patients engaged and involved in their therapy, the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute established the Robotics and Gaming Center at UPMC Mercy. The center’stechnologies — which include the GameCycle®, Lokomat®,Nintendo®WiiTM, Armeo® Spring, and Armeo® Boom —allow for precise, measured, and varied repetition that can be adjusted for individualized care. The ArmeoBoom is inclinical use nowhere else in Pittsburgh, and in very few places across the country. (See the box below to learn more about some of these technologies and their role in a patient’s rehabilitation.)

“Rehabilitation can be tedious because it takes a lot of repetition to teach the body to move again,” explains Michael Boninger, MD, director of the UPMC RehabilitationInstitute. “Using robotic equipment, such as the ArmeoBoom,for rehabilitation is kind of sneaky. It allows patients to enjoyplaying a game while they’re actually working very hard at rehabilitation.”

To use the ArmeoBoom, patients strap their arm into a sling attached to an overhead boom. Robotic supports allowpatients to move their arm while playing reach-and-retrieval computer games such as solitaire and placing apples in a shopping cart, along with simulated tasks, such as cooking or cleaning.

“Besides injecting a much-needed sense of fun and adventureinto the challenges of rehabilitation, the computer games onthe ArmeoBoom provide quick feedback that gives patients a sense of accomplishment that is very important,” says Jaclyn Glosser, MS, OTR/L, CBIS, an occupational therapistat the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute who works with patients on the ArmeoBoom.

Dr. Shen agrees that instant feedback is important in stroke rehabilitation. “It can be very hard for stroke patients to see that they are making progress,” she notes, “but with the ArmeoBoom, patients see what they can do. With even the smallest movement, patients recognize that they are getting better.”

For more information about the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute’sCenter for Stroke Rehabilitation, call 1-877-AT-REHAB(1-877-287-3422) or visit www.UPMC.com/RehabInstitute.

UPMC’s Robotics and Gaming CenterRobotics and gaming technology are fast becoming valuable tools in stroke rehabilitation. In addition to theArmeoBoom, the robotics and gaming technologies available at UPMC Rehabilitation Institute’s Center for Stroke Rehabilitation include:

GameCycle: A stationary hand cycle that’s used with a commercial video game to combine cardiovascular and balance exercises with flexibility and strength training. The GameCycle was invented at the University of Pittsburgh.Lokomat: A robotic treadmill for people who can’t walk on their own that allows them to build leg muscleswhile retraining the brain to control leg movements.ArmeoSpring: Like the ArmeoBoom, it provides fun and motivating therapeutic exercises for arms and hands to help patients relearn tasks.

Dr. Michael Boninger shows how the ArmeoBoom’s games and simulated tasks allow rehab patients to work hard and have fun.

1-800-533-UPMC 3

Use Your Head to Stop StrokesBe smart about your heart — and stroke treatment — to protect your brain

The myths about stroke are numerous. Among the most popular — and perhaps one of the most dangerous — is that stroke is something that happens only to older adults.

In fact, a recent report by the AmericanStroke Association showed a sharp rise instroke hospitalizations among men andwomen ages 15 to 44, while rates declinedby 25 percent among older adults.

“The biggest mistake people make is thinking it won’t happen to them,” saysTudor Jovin, MD, director of the UPMCStroke Institute. “Strokes can happen toanyone, at any age,” he says.

Lowering your risk is the best way to avoid the life-changing impact astroke can have on you and your family. When a stroke does occur, fast action is critical to minimize damage. The window of opportunity for the most successful stroke treatment is just three hours after onset.

Prevention: What you can do“Heart disease increases your chances of having a stroke, so it’s importantto control the risk factors,” says Lawrence Wechsler, MD, chair of the Department of Neurology at UPMC.

While you can’t do anything about your age, family history, or ethnicity(African-Americans have a higher incidence of stroke), you can controlhigh blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking.

“You’re at risk any time your blood pressure or cholesterol are up. It’s far better to prevent a stroke than to deal with the consequences,” Dr. Wechsler says.

Treatment: Time lost is brain lostEvery minute after the start of a stroke means greater risk of permanent damage or death. One of the best treatments for ischemic strokes — where a clot blocks blood flow to the brain — is the quick administrationof the clot-busting drug called tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). While UPMC doctors have had success beyond three hours with a special procedure to retrieve the blockage or dissolve it with drugs administered directly into the clot, time is critical.

For patients experiencing a hemorrhagic stroke caused by bleeding in the brain, fast action is needed to repair the leaking blood vessel.

Call 911If you suspect someone has suffered a stroke, call for emergency medicalhelp immediately so treatment can begin without delay.

Specialized stroke centers — such as UPMC’s Stroke Institute at UPMC Presbyterian, UPMC Shadyside, UPMC St. Margaret, andUPMC Mercy — have experts available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to diagnose and treat patients. The UPMC Stroke TelemedicineProgram also uses technology to provide fast treatment to patients at other UPMC hospitals throughout western Pennsylvania.

Think FASTUse this simple acronym to help determinewhether you’re witnessing a stroke:

Face: Can the person smile (or does oneside of the face droop)?

Arms: Can the person raise both arms (or does one side drift downward)?

Speech: Can the person speak clearly or repeat a simple phrase?

Time: Call 911 immediately, if someone exhibits any of these warning signs!

Act FASTStrokes require immediate medical attention,so knowing the warning signs is crucial, saysMaxim D. Hammer, MD, director of stroke services at UPMC Mercy. Stroke symptoms can include sudden onset of:

• Paralysis or weakness in the face or limbs,especially on one side of the body

• Problems with balance or walking

• Vision problems

• Slurred speech

• Problems communicating or understanding

• Severe headache

To learn more about stroke prevention andtreatment, visit www.UPMC.com/Today.

“You’re at risk any timeyour blood pressure orcholesterol are up. It’sfar better to prevent a

stroke than to deal withthe consequences.”— Lawrence Wechsler, MD


Healthy Eating for Busy FamiliesAmerica is getting fatter and Pennsylvania is helping to lead the way as one of the nation’s top 20 “most obese” states. Our busy lifestyles encourage unhealthy eating habits, like eating on the run and high-fat/high-sugar snacking. But with a little effort,you can gradually transform your family’s diet from “fat” to “fit”!

Start your day off rightBreakfast is the most important meal of the day. Kids who eatbreakfast — especially those packed with “brain food” like protein, vitamin C, and omega 3 — are more alert and focused in school; adults have more energy and concentrate better. • Is cereal your family’s breakfast of choice? Look forlow-sugar, high-fiber optionsand top with fresh fruit and low-fat milk (1% or fat-free).

• Get your creative juices flowingwith easy-to-make fruit and yogurt smoothies.

• Crunched for time? Grab a hard-boiled egg and toast, or top an apple or banana with peanut butter for a tasty “breakfast to go.”

Think smart when it comes to fast-food lunchesNo time to pack your own lunch? Use these healthy strategieswhen dining out:• Say no to fried, sautéed, or creamy foods. Opt for roasted,grilled, broiled, steamed, or baked meals.

• Beware of add-ons (like mayo, butter, and salad dressing) that quickly increase calorie counts.

• Replace sodas with water or fat-free or 1% milk. Even diet sodas can be bad for you!

• Go online for the nutrition information on your favorite meal. Don’t just focus on calories: look at factors like fat and sodium content.

Make dinner a family affairEating together as a family offers countless benefits — including serving more balanced, nutritious meals and the chance for parents to serve as “healthy eating” role models.• Talk to your children about portion control, with fruits and vegetables comprising half of every plate.

• Reduce the amount of meat your family eats by gradually introducing healthy alternatives into your meals, like fish, whole grains, and beans.

• Look for seasonal produce that is grown locally. In the fall, that means vegetables like pumpkins and squash, and fruits like apples and pears.

Interested in learning more about nutritious eating? Check out the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new guidelines at www.choosemyplate.gov.

Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan

Achoo!Don’t Get the FluUnpredictable. That’s the best way to describe flu season, which officially begins in late October and winds down in May.Winter is prime flu season, but it can peak as early as Octoberor as late as April.

It’s impossible to know what the 2011-12 flu season has in storefor us. What we do know is that the flu is a highly contagiousrespiratory illness that can cause mild to severe reactions, and it can even be fatal. Every year, more than 200,000 people inthe United States are hospitalized with the flu. The best way toprotect yourself and your family is to get vaccinated every year.

Who is at risk?Even healthy children and adults can become very sick from theflu and spread it to family and friends. You can pass on the flubefore even knowing you are sick!

Who should get the flu vaccine?The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendthat everyone over the age of six months gets vaccinated. Those at higher risk for serious complications from the flu include:

• People age 65 and older

• Children younger than five, but especially children younger than two

• People with health conditions such as asthma, chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, as well as kidney, liver, and neurological disorders

• Pregnant women

Others who should get a flu shot:• Health care workers

• Residents of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities, as well as family and friends who have contact with a resident

• Caregivers of young children, especially infants under six months who are at the highest risk of flu-related complications

What is the best time to get vaccinated?The sooner you get a flu shot, the sooner you’ll be protected.However, experts agree: it’s never too late.

If you have questions about getting a flu shot, talk to your doctor. To locate a physician in your area, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1-800-533-UPMC 5

Giving Women Options for Fibroid TreatmentMagee’s Fibroid Treatment Center helps women determine the right solution for them

Robin Eberle of Butler, Pa., never had a problem with her periods. But when this mother of five hit her mid-40s, her periods became heavier and lastedlonger. “There were times I couldn’t evenleave the house,” she recalls.

Her gynecologist prescribed an ultrasound,then an MRI. Based on those results, he diagnosed Robin with uterine fibroid tumors (UFTs) and referred her to the Fibroid Treatment Center at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.

As many as three out of every four women have UFTs, but the majority nevereven know it. For women like Robin,though, these non-cancerous growths in the wall of the uterus can literally take over their lives.

The Fibroid Treatment CenterEstablished in 2008, the Fibroid Treatment Center offers the region’s most comprehensive approach to UFTs.“We bring together gynecologists and interventional radiologists with extensiveexpertise in treating fibroids,” says RichardGuido, MD, the center’s founder and director. “Our focus is educating women on their full options so they can choose the best treatment plan for themselves.”

The center’s structure also offers womenmuch-valued convenience. “During a one-day visit, you can have necessary diagnostic tests done, the results of these tests evaluated, and then meet with our physicians for a counseling session to determine your best plan of action,” says Dr. Guido.

In the past, the leading treatment for UFTs has been a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). “It’s still the only

way to totally prevent fibroids from recurring,” says Philip Orons, DO, chief of interventional radiology at Magee. “But women who are planning to have children or who are some years away from menopause may want to considerother options.”

For Robin, her treatment of choice was auterine fibroid embolization, a minimallyinvasive procedure requiring little down-time. Using a thin catheter, about the size of a spaghetti strand, Dr. Orons injected small particles into the blood vessels that “feed” the fibroids to stop theflow of blood to them. “The procedure literally changed my life,” says Robin.

The center offers a full range of other options, including pain medication, hormonal therapy, and surgery. It also has a research component that includes trial procedures unavailable elsewhere.

FibroidsBefore embolization

After embolization

To learn moreWomen are encouraged to first have a conversation with their doctor if they think they may have UFTs. If you’re looking for a physician in your area, visitwww.UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

You can also visit the Fibroid Treatment Center’s webpage at www.UPMC.com/Magee. The center also will host a Community Health Talk at Magee on Thursday, Sept. 29. For details, call 412-641-4435.

Do You Have UFTs?Chris D’Amico, RN, MSN, CRNP, UPMC Mercy’s obstetrics/gynecology administrator, says that uterine fibroid tumors can be as small as a marble or as large as a grapefruit. “It’s not clear why fibroids occur, although family history seems to play a role,” she explains. “They’re also seen more frequently among African-American women.”

She advises that women be alert to these early symptoms:• Heavy bleeding • A sense of pelvic pressure• Pain during intercourse

“Symptoms usually appear in the late 30s and 40s, and they oftencan be controlled through hormonal therapy or other medication,”says Ms. D’Amico. “But others require more aggressive treatment,such as surgery or uterine fibroid embolization.” For most women,the symptoms of fibroids significantly diminish during menopause.

It’s important to know that other conditions can cause symptomssimilar to those of UFTs. That’s why it’s vital to have regular checkups, and keep an open line of communication with your gynecologist or family doctor.

For more information, visit www.UPMCMercy.com.


Martha Makin of Somerset, Pa., says she’s “done it all”since being diagnosed with lung cancer in 2007. Not a candidate for surgery, the 69-year-old grandmother first received chemotherapy, followed by multiple radiation treatments that required her to remain still on a hard surface for long periods.

But her most recent radiation treatment in April used a new form of technology that left her impressedand enthusiastic. “I was amazed at how fast and comfortable it was,” she says. “It’s definitely my choice for future treatments!”

Determining the right treatment“We see many cancer patients who are not good candidates for conventional surgery, particularly among the elderly,” explains Neil Christie, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon with UPMC. “Additionalmedical complications or hard-to-reach tumors justmake surgery too risky.”

Radiation therapy is often used in such instances toshrink or eliminate tumors. For Martha, her age andtype of tumor made her a good candidate for the Novalis® powered by TrueBeamTM STx system, selected byUPMC cancer specialists for the precision, speed, and comfort it offers patients.

“TrueBeam is one of the most advanced radiation technologyavailable,” says Dwight E. Heron, MD, FACRO, professor of radiation oncology and otolaryngology, and vice chairmanfor clinical affairs, Department of Radiation Oncology atUPMC Cancer Centers. “It’s letting us treat challenging cancers of the brain, lungs, spine, neck, and prostate with much greater precision.”

Another UPMC first When UPMC introduced TrueBeam STx to Pittsburgh last November, it became one of the first 20 medical centersworldwide to do so. But like all technologies, TrueBeam is just a tool. Its real potential is realized through the talents of those who use it.

“In the late 1980s, UPMC was the first center in the UnitedStates to use Gamma Knife® technology for radiosurgery of the brain. Since then, we’ve advanced our knowledgethrough research and the innovative use of technology,” notes Dr. Heron. “Our multidisciplinary team approach gives patients a highly individualized plan of treatment based on their specific needs. TrueBeam now extends the kind of care we can offer them.”

How it works Some cancerous tumors are located in a hard-to-reach part of the body, while others “float” in an organ, or shift positionwhen a person breathes or coughs. Just like a sharpshooteroften struggles to hit a moving target, such cancers make it hard to directly aim radiation at a tumor.

“But TrueBeam’s built-in imager produces sharp, ‘real-time’ 3D images that fine-tune a patient’s position during treatment,even while breathing,” explains Dr. Heron. “It’s able to track a tumor’s exact location within a millimeter.”

UPMC specialists are combining TrueBeam technology with RapidArc®, another radiotherapy technique that delivers a powerful, faster, more uniform dose of radiation. Radiosurgery and other radiation treatments can now be accomplished two to eight times faster, with fewer side effects reported by patients.

“These and other minimally invasive treatments are really redefining how we treat cancer,” notes Dr. Christie.“We’re no longer limited by conventional procedures.”

To learn moreThe TrueBeam system is housed at the Mary Hillman Jennings Radiation Oncology Center at UPMC Shadyside. UPMC provides access to a number of physicians that can refer interested patients to the center. For a list, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

A New Level of Pinpoint AccuracyThat’s Patient FriendlyTrueBeamTM allows UPMC cancer specialists to enhance treatment and patient comfort

1-800-533-UPMC 7

Take the Hit of a Concussion SeriouslyIn 2010, an alarming number of professional athletes from a variety of sports were diagnosed with concussion, with some topplayers forced to sit out important games or their entire season.

When a high-profile professional athlete suffers a concussion, it makes front-page news and raises awareness of the dangers ofconcussion to any athlete in any sport.

It can happen to anyone“A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI),” says Cara Camiolo Reddy, MD, medical director of the brain injury program at the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute at UPMC Mercy,and medical advisor to the Sports Medicine Concussion Programat the UPMC Center for Sports Medicine. “And it can happen to anyone at any age — from elite athletes to weekend warriors,high school athletes to grade-school soccer players.”

Most mild concussions go unreported or undiagnosed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), which estimates at least 10 to 20 percent of all individuals involved in contact sports suffer some type of concussion. But the majority of sports- and recreation-relatedconcussions happen at the high school level.

“As doctors, we’ve learned significantly more about concussions over the past 20 years,” says Dr. Camiolo. “As a result, everyone — athletes, parents, coaches, trainers, and sports fans — is more aware of the signs and symptoms of concussions than ever before.”

A heads-up for athletesNo two concussions are alike and symptoms aren’t always definitive, so young athletes may just shrug them off. Peer pressure can also be especially strong motivation for a teenager to hide the symptoms of a concussion.

When an athlete suffers a broken leg or a broken arm, it’s obvious the player is hurt. “But a concussion isn’t visible, so it’s hard for a player to be sidelined with an injury that no one can see,” says Dr. Camiolo. “That’s why it’s so important to provide an atmosphere where young athletes arecomfortable admitting their symptoms and asking for help.”

Education is key The UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program has been at the forefront in educating athletes, families, coaches, trainers,and health care professionals on how to prevent, recognize, and respond to a concussion. “We take advantage of every opportunity to talk about how serious concussions are, and how devastating this injury can be,” she says.”

During a recent visit, a young patient explained his injury to Dr. Camiolo saying, ‘I got hit, but thought I was okay — until myteammates told me I wasn’t acting right and said I should go sit down.’ “If young athletes are educated about concussions tothe point where they are looking out for each other, it tells methat we’re getting the message across,” she adds.

She also stresses that the effects of having another concussion in close proximity to the first can be very dangerous. Her adviceto coaches and parents of young athletes? “When in doubt, sit them out!”

UPMC Mercy is focusing on athletes, parents, and coaches as the front line in building awareness

• You do not have to experience loss of consciousness to have a concussion. In fact, most concussions, even ones with serious lingering effects, do not involve loss of consciousness.

• Any athlete thought to have sustained a concussion should be removed from practice or the game, and a medical evaluation must be done before that athlete can return to the sport. If symptoms persist beyond two weeks, referral to a concussion specialist is warranted.

• At last count, 27 states had passed concussionlegislation, and in several others (including Pennsylvania) legislation is pending.

Did You Know?

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 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.

Follow UPMC on Facebook.

From horseback riding to whitewater rafting, Megan was always up for an adventure. But an unfortunate ATV accident left her with

a broken back and neck, and unable to move her legs. After recovering from 17 hours of surgery, Megan elected to go to the UPMC

Rehabilitation Institute for inpatient rehabilitation. It was a daily struggle, but working with world-class doctors, therapists, and

state-of-the-art equipment, she worked to sit up, stand, and walk again. She’s come so far, in fact, she’s not only riding her horse again,

but she is soon jumping into life’s ultimate adventure. This October, Megan will be, quite literally, walking down the aisle to be married.

To learn more about the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute’s seven locations, including UPMC Mercy,

call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762) or visit UPMC.com/MyRehab.

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


REAL ESTATE

a comprehensive look at the Bethel Park market. In this section, you’ll find interesting informationabout creating beautiful spaces to live in, interestingfacts about an historical home in the community andhelp trading up (or down) on your current home.

Real Estate


When the dog days of summer are behind usand that first crisp snap of fall is in the air,energy seems to make a rebound and even theanimals seems livelier, more alert. During thistime, there’s nothing more wonderful thantaking advantage of those last days of warmth toget outside and enjoy the outdoors by doing a little yard work.

This is a great time to rake up all those leaveson the ground. But don’t just throw them into a trash bag to be hauled away. Leaves are greatfor composting and may have as much as threetimes the amount of minerals as fertilizer. Theyneed to be shredded to be easier to work with,but this is easily accomplished by running amower back and forth a few times over a pile of leaves. Also, be sure to add a little nitrogen to your compost pile with the leaves.

If your summer flowers have faded, be sure to trim back dead leaves and blooms and addsome fall flowers for some more vibrant color.Mums and sunflowers can be purchased in potsto accent any garden with a fall palette, but don’t forget purple as a great contrasting color to oranges, yellows and sienna. Some fall flowers with purple accents are pansies, purpleconeflowers, asters and mums. All of these willgrow well in zone 6. For some green accent, you might try growing some arugula in a pot orself-watering container. This spicy, leafy planthas long been popular in France and Italy and actually grows better in the fall than in the summer. The leaves will add zest to your saladsand other fall dishes. Although the planting time for arugula is in the spring, seedlings canbe purchased and transplanted, however theyalso do well if left in containers or pots.

Even if you’re not particularly good at growing plants and flowers, there are many ways to accent your lawn and garden with minimal effort and maintenance. Brightly colored pumpkins placed around pathways and steps give a whimsical touch to decorating.Avoid placing them in direct sunlight and directly on the ground and your pumpkin may well last for two to three months in the cool fall climate. Other low-maintenance decorations for fall are corn stalks and bales of hay. Hay bales also provide extra seating in outdoor areas.

Summer may be over but your yard can still be a bright, cheerful place full of beautiful,living things.

REAL ESTATE Bethel Park

F E AT U R E S TO RY

FALL LANDSCAPING IDEAS

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“We get to know our clients as individualsand study their lifestyles,” Costa said. “This provides unique insight into aclient’s true needs and desires.”

Costa provides small-scale drawingsand works with clients until the layoutof the home is enthusiastically agreedupon and that their budgetary plan is met.

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masonry contractor we are committed to serving ourresidential and commercial clients by providing highquality, reliable and consistent results at competitiverates. Our showroom is located at 3464 Babcock Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15237. For additional informationplease call (412) 596-2114 or visit us online atwww.stoneageinc.net.

Andersen windows use natural wood to create a timeless

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to reduce energy costs and effectively seal a home’sbuilding envelope from wind, rain and moisture. Heartland Homes is creating homes with the wholebuilding envelope in mind that are not only well-built,but are actively saving money for the homeownersevery month

Since 1873, Kohler has been improving people’s lives with exceptional products,

including kitchen and bath fixtures, faucets and accessories, furniture, cabinetry, and tile and stone. As a global leader, Kohler offers its customers world-class products to create a complete design solution. For information, ideas or inspiration, visit www.KOHLER.com.

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resembling natural stone to the finest detail. Our fullproduct line is backed by a 50 year limited warranty.Call (724) 282-2022 for more information or visit usonline at www.pspstone.com.

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since 1958. As a family owned and operated business,we strive to provide customer service and qualitycraftsmanship that exceed the expectations of ourcustomers. We design, fabricate, and install high quality residential and commercial glass products.

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Conveniently located close to Route 51, Pittsburgh, South Side Works, shopping and restaurants and just minutes from golfcourses and South Park walking trails andpark amenities - Brookfield Manor is aunique community with homes in the Bethel Park and South Park School Districts

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According to a study conducted by the Pew ResearchCenter in Washington, D.C., homes where multiplegenerations of family have blended together under one

roof are on the rise. With economic constraints and the high costof child care, it is easy to see why children, parents andgrandparents living together in one dwelling makes sense in manysituations. It’s easy to see why multi-generational dwellings whichappeal to the needs of all ages are quickly becoming the trend.

From this perspective a ranch-style house on one floor is agood choice. Seniors with mobility problems will not have to deal with steps, but also parents will not have the added worry of theiryoung children falling down stairs. Another important feature ofmulti-generational homes is the ‘mother-in-law suite,’ whichcould just as easily be called the ‘father-in-law suite.’ This isgenerally an area of the house that is designed for an aging parent,giving them a degree of privacy and independence while stillbeing a part of the nuclear family household. They are sometimeslocated in a basement for easier access for those with mobilityissues and often times will have a separate entrance, giving it the


Making Your Home More to All

When accessibility becomes an issue withan older person, there are many optionsfor making the home more accessiblewithout giving it the industrial-style,nursing home appearance.

GenerationsAccessible

continued on page 48



appearance of a mini-apartment. They usually always include abedroom and private bath, however they may also come withkitchenettes and a small living area as well.

When accessibility becomes an issue with an older person, thereare many options for making the home more accessible without givingit the industrial-style, nursing home appearance. This is an importantconsideration when it comes to the re-sale of the house. First of all, ifan individual is wheel-chair bound, doorways must be made larger toaccommodate the chair. With a modern contemporary home, thismay be accomplished by removing walls for a more open floor planwhich appeals to buyers or widening doorways with attractivearchways. This will make the change look more intentional and lesslike a temporary fix for a mobility problem.

Many times it becomes necessary to install grab bars in baths andshowers for the safety of senior family members. Although there aremany industrial style models from which to choose, there are a fewcompanies on the web that are sensitive to theattractiveness of the grab bars and offer stylesin decorative brass and silver. Walk-in showersand baths can be constructed with attractiveglass enclosures that fit everyone’s style andare still accessible for seniors.

A few changes to your home can help make it safer for seniors andchildren and more valuable when it comes time to re-sell.

continued from page 46

Making Your Home More to All GenerationsAccessible

party of Bethel ParkGraduates since 1960 cametogether to reminisce and

celebrate the memories of Bethel ParkSenior High School, one of the firstcampus-style high schools of its’kind. A new High School is beingbuilt to better suit the student’sneeds and the eight buildings will

be demolished. The party washeld in the gymnasium,which looked like it was

decorated for a highschool prom. Friendsand acquaintances weretreated to music from alldecades and photos of

past studentsflashed on thewall. Oldyearbooks,cheerleadingoutfits and

trophiesweredisplayedto lookthrough.The fun

continued with a B.P. High School Trivia Game and prizes awarded forbest dressed in orange and black or outfits from one’s high school era.

“Bethel Park Senior High school meant so many things to so manypeople,” said Vicki Flotta,

Bethel Park School District Director of Public Relations and one ofthe event planners. “We wanted people to be able to come and bid afond farewell to the school.”

Many graduates have wonderful memories of their high school yearsand Bethel Park.

“I remember playing here and sled riding on this hill as a child; itwas the wilderness,” said Regis O’Donnell, one of the first graduates inthe new high school in 1960 and the M.C. at the party. “Then theybuilt the high school and it was so exciting to spend your senior year ona campus. We had dances every weekend and had a lot of fun.”

Others have poignant stories.“Our family was the first Black family in Bethel Park and settled here

in the 1930’s,” said Pat Richardson Todd, who graduated in 1976 andwas accompanied by her sister, Hazel Richardson Bagby. “Many in theRichardson Family still live here. We love Bethel Park and our highschool years.”

Mr. Glenn Hughes graduated andtaught at Bethel Park.

“I graduated in 1967and was in the first classthat graduated in thenew stadium,” said GlennHughes. Mr. Hughestook on differentpositions in over 30 years



of employment in the district, including Bethel Park High SchoolTeacher, Principal and Athletic Director. “I am enjoying myretirement.” He was accompanied by his wife Sue, who taught andcoached at rival Upper St. Clair and coached against him and histeam four times.

Judy Murtaugh Volpatti, a 1976 graduate, helped to plan thecelebration.

“After high school I went to college for one year and then movedback to Bethel Park, got married and opened my Dance Studio,” saidMs. Volpatti. “I loved high school and the kids there. Many of thegraduates in the past 35 years I know because they have taken danceclasses at my studio.”

Debi Taylor, a 1974 graduate, was also on the committee. “I like being involved in the community and when Vicki asked for

my help I was happy to do it,” said Ms. Taylor. “I am on TheRecreation Board and we recently opened the J.R. Taylor MemorialBridge connecting the Bethel Park and Peters portions of theMontour Trail in honor of my brother, J.R. Taylor.”

The new high school will open during the 2011-2012 school year. “It’s nice that people can come together and share their stories

about the high school and give it a great send-off,” said Vicki Flotta.

To learn more about the new high school, please go to Bethel Park’s School District Website at www.bpsd.org.

Saying Goodbye To ABuilding Full Of Memories



he Bethel Park Police Pals was formed 22 years ago as a way forthe police force to get to know local school children and tobuild a healthy relationship between students and officers that

fosters good will in the community. An officer is adopted by a schooland interacts with the kids by visiting them at lunch time andspending time with them on a regular basis. This begins inelementary school and goes all the way through high school.

Officer Tom Righetti is the Community Resource Officer for theBethel Park Police and has seen the program grow over the years andthe positive changes that have resulted. “Sometimes I have beencalled to the home of one of our kids that we visit at the school for a[domestic disturbance]. When I’m there, the kids aren’t scared. Theyknow that I’m there to help.” This trust has also helped Righettiwhen talking with kids in emergency situations. The children knowthat he is a trusted friend and are more willing to open up withimportant details that will help the police and paramedics to be moreeffective in their jobs.

In addition to Righetti, Officers Jim Modrak and Scott Zinsmeisteralso visit the schools and speak to classes about Halloween safety,bicycle safety, drug awareness and other issues. The policedepartment also sponsors a Red Ribbon Week, in which policeofficers go to the schools every day for a week, speaking to the classesindividually about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Thepresentations usually last about one hour, and despite the grimsubject matter are made more lighthearted by the officers having,“Wear Your Slippers To School Day” or “Bring a Stuffed Animal toSchool Day” to make the event more fun.

The Bethel Park Police Pals also have a food drive at Christmasto give back to the community. This past year, the food drive was

PHOTO BY GARY YON


made more difficult by the school being closedfor a strike. Instead of collecting canned goodsfor the drive at school, police officers andstudents stood out in front of local grocerystores to collect food and donations.According to Righetti, $2000 was collected in asingle weekend.

The police sponsor a Citizens Police Academyprogram called LEAP (Law EnforcementApprentice Program) for students considering acareer in law enforcement. Members of variouslaw enforcement agencies, including local policeand F.B.I. agents, talk to the students about thejob and the conduct requirements for officers.Kids who attend the LEAP program can applyfor a scholarship toward their law enforcementeducation. The Bethel Park Police officers playthe Pittsburgh Steelers in basketball every year,with the proceeds of the event being used toaward scholarships to the students for as much as$500 each. Righetti has seen many children whohave gone through the program go on to asuccessful law enforcement career, including aPittsburgh police officer from Bethel Park.

Another important activity of the Bethel ParkPolice Pals is the issuance of identification cardsfor children. The card resembles a driver’s licenseand has the child’s picture, fingerprint and otheridentifying information such as height, weight

and even blood type. “This information is soimportant for us to have if a child goes missing.Parents are distraught and this makes theinformation immediately accessible to us so thatwe can quickly begin our work of searching forthe child,” said Righetti. He estimates that thedepartment issues approximately 4500 to 5000ID cards per year.

Righetti has been a part of the Police Palslong enough that he has seen some of thechildren grow up and have children of theirown. “The parents sometimes come to us withtheir children and have us speak to them aboutwearing their seatbelts, safety issues or drugs.They remember us from when they werechildren. And it’s really special.”

At a time when many police officers arereceiving bad publicity, it is especially importantto remember that the overwhelming majority ofour police officers are outstanding individualswho chose law enforcement as a career becausethey had a desire to help others. The Bethel ParkPolice Pals helps kids to see officers as helpfulindividuals and builds trust between lawenforcement and the community.

If you would like more information about theBethel Park Police Pals, visit www.bethelpark.netand click on the police link.


ethel Park School DistrictSuperintendent Thomas Knight

died on Friday, July 22, 2011.Knight was hired in December 2005

as the district’s 11th superintendent, ata time when the school district wasexperiencing financial difficulty and highadministrative turnover.

“Dr. Knight was the right leader at theright time for Bethel Park,” said NancyAloi Rose in a statement, assistantsuperintendent under Knight.

“His leadership style was simple,direct and effective. He treated everyonewith warmth and respect, and hesupported his staff with his words andactions. Every decision he made was wellthought-out and based primarily on thebest interests of our students, staff andcommunity.

“He was loved by his staff. His passingis a great loss for the Bethel Park SchoolDistrict.”

Knight came to Bethel Park from EastAllegheny School District, where heserved as superintendent since 1998.

Prior to East Allegheny, Knight wasthe superintendent in theBethlehem-Center School District inWashington County.

A scholarship has been established inDr. Knight's name. Contributions to thescholarship can be made to:

c/o Bethel Park School District301 Church RoadBethel Park, PA 15102ATTN: Leonard Corazzi

"Once Upon a Mattress" by Rodgers, Barer, Thompson and Fuller

Thursday-Saturday, October 13-15 and 20-22 at 8:00 p.m.Sundays, October 16 and 23 at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets: $12.00 for Adults, $9.00 for Students and SeniorsBox office opens one half hour before curtain

Children's Holiday Play AuditionsOctober 5th from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.Seeking actors ages 11-16 for Children's Holiday Show, Friday December 9, 2011

Auditions for "Bedroom Farce" by Alan AyckbournNovember 14 and 15, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Callbacks November 17 at 7:00 p.m.Seeking actors 20s-60s for a cast of four married couplesPerformance dates in February 2012

Holiday Variety Show FundraiserDecember 9, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.Tickets: $5.00 per person, $2.00 for children under 10

Please visit www.heritageplayers.org or phone 412-831-6800, ext 745 for upcoming details.

Bethel Park Community Center • 5151 Park Avenue, Bethel Park

T H E H E R I T A G EP L A Y E R S

Calendar of Events


Reflections of the Past

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ccording to the 2010 Bureau ofLabor Statistics, the age groupmost likely to volunteer in theU.S. were those aged 35 to 44.But a new non-profit located in

Pittsburgh is trying to ensure that more youngpeople become more involved in giving backto the community. The Call to Serve providescollege-aged students the opportunity totravel across the United States volunteering ata number of different non-profit organizationsthat protect the environment, help animals,disaster victims and those afflicted will illness.

Co-founded in 2009 by Adam Kunes andAndrew Blythe, the Call to Serve brings smallgroups of college students together forapproximately three weeks to tour five citiesin two RV’s. As they arrive in each place, they

volunteer with local organizations helping thecommunity’s residents. The experiences of thegroup are often life changing.

Bethel Park resident Ben Petchel went ona volunteering mission with seven othercollege students in late May and early Junefor a tour of five southern cities. The foundersof the organization plan the volunteeringtrips and drive the RV’s for the group. Thefirst stop on their mission of mercy was inNashville, TN, where they helped a floodvictim restore her basement by finishingdrywall, framing windows and painting. Nextthey headed to Austin, TX where they visiteda high-risk youth shelter and cooked dinnerfor the kids who were aged 11 to 16. “One ofour volunteers was a social worker, so shewas able to talk to the kids about their

problems. I think it was really nice for them to have someone to relate towho was closer to their age,” says Petchel. Also in Austin, the studentsspent time at an animal shelter where a local woman adopts Longhorncattle, horses, dogs and many other types of animals that have beenabused or abandoned.

After Austin the group headed to New Orleans, still struggling fromthe devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Petchel was struck by theoverall sobering mood of the city to see homes that people had simplyabandoned, perhaps because of the lack of money to repair or theresignation of residents to head to other locations to avoid futuredisasters. The group was in New Orleans for four days and workedwith a local church organization called Helping Hands. Each day theyworked on repairing homes damaged in the hurricane and then werefed by the organization.

When the group travelled to Pensacola, FL they worked with anorganization called Clean and Green where they painted the home of astage 4 cancer victim and re-landscaped her yard. Also in Pensacola, theyworked with a group called Embrace which helps hurricane victims livingin temporary housing.

The Call to Serve students helped landscape the grounds and handedout evacuation packages to the residents.

Finally the group headed to Wilmington, NC where they worked on anenvironmental project of building a dam of oyster shells to prevent erosion.

Petchel fears that the work may have been undone by Hurricane Irene. Petchel, who served as the lead still photographer for the group

described his time of volunteering as one of the most eye-openingexperiences of his life. “One important thing I learned is that everywherewe travelled, there were people there just like us, who cared so muchabout helping people. There are good people everywhere.”

Another important lesson Petchel takes away from the experience isthat he has to push himself to experience things outside of his comfortzone. “All of a sudden we were all there together in an RV on the road forhours at a time and none of us had ever met before. When things wouldgo wrong you just had to learn to adapt,” says Petchel. The challenge toexperience things beyond his comfort level was rewarded with a trip thathas changed his perspective of volunteering. “It was the best three weeksI’ve ever had!” says Petchel.

Along with Petchel’s still photographs, the trip was also documentedon film by another student. The film and pictures will be made into adocumentary called “Love in Motion” that will hopefully be out laterthis fall. Currently The Call to Serve arranges a summer trip only, butthe organization plans to include a fall trip as well in the future if moredonations are secured. Petchel would like to see the extra trips addedso that more students can have this experience. He also points out thatindividuals can donate RV’s to be used for travelling as well asmonetary donations.


If you would like moreinformation about the CALL TO SERVE or wouldlike to make a donation, youmay visit their website atwww.thecalltoserve.org.

It’s the first of the month. As usual, I am at Dave DeLallo’s restaurant and Iam in a ravioli and chianti state of mind. I am looking for some inspirationfor this month’s article when I run into home builder/remodeler/superstar

Tony Tommarello. Tony is telling me about a trip to Florida. Sunsets, beautifulbeaches and pina coladas. I’m thinking, Florida, the capital of reverse mortgages.

The concept behind reverse mortgages is nothing new. They provide a way forthose who are retired or about to retire to generate cash flow based on the valueof their home. The terminology may sound confusing, but a reverse mortgage isconsidered a loan to the individual—similar to a home equity loan.

A reverse mortgage is an option for retirees to tap into the equity they’veaccumulated on their home, particularly if the mortgage is paid off or if thebalance on the mortgage is low. But reverse mortgages can take differentforms, and it’s important for homeowners to clearly understand the terms ofany agreement they consider.

Given the financial strain many retirees feel today as a result of the volatileinvestment markets of recent years and despite the fact that home values werehard hit in recent years, curiosity about reverse mortgages remains high. Retiredhomeowners who are looking for income in addition to what they will receivefrom retirement plan savings, pensions and Social Security often consider thisoption to help meet their financial needs in retirement.

Key facts about reverse mortgages:• A reverse mortgage allows one to receive income based on his or her

home’s value while continuing to own and live in the home.• Reverse mortgages are typically limited to individuals age 62 and older.• Although payments are based on the equity in your home (among

other factors), there is an obligation to repay the full amount receivedplus interest either at the death of the homeowner or when the homeis sold. However, in many cases, the amount due will not exceed thevalue of the home when it is sold.

• Those who receive reverse mortgage payments remain obligated to

pay taxes and insurance on the property.This becomes difficult for some—thenumber of borrowers who default onreverse mortgages has increased inrecent years. Many don’t havesufficient assets to make property taxand home insurance payments, orthey simply weren’t aware of thisrequirement. A good solution is to set upan automatic payment program through a bankor cash management account.

• The biggest factors that affect the amount one can borrow are currentage (older individuals may receive larger reverse mortgage payments),and the amount of equity one has on the house.

Three different optionsThere are three different types of reverse mortgages. They include:• Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (or HECMs), insured by the

Federal Housing Administration• Single Purpose Reverse Mortgages (offered by some state and local

government agencies and nonprofit organizations), typically aimed atlow and moderate-income homeowners

• Proprietary Reverse Mortgages – private loans backed by thecompanies that originate the loan

The vast majority of loans in the market today are government-sponsoredHECM’s. Participants can receive payments monthly or even establish a line ofcredit that can be opened when or if needed.

Obligations of the borrowerIn many ways, reverse mortgages are similar to home equity loans in which

the value of the home is used to generate cash flow while you continue to ownand live in the property. There are costs involved and private loans tend to bemore expensive than those offered through government agencies.

Unlike a home mortgage, the amount you owe on a reverse mortgageincreases over time. Interest is charged on the outstanding balance and addedto the amount owed each month.

Repayment occurs by selling the home or having heirs take care ofrepayment after the death of the homeowner. Therefore, it is important to letheirs know in advance that the reverse mortgage is in place. Most of theseloans have a “nonrecourse clause,” protecting heirs from owing more than thevalue of the home when the loan becomes due and the home is sold.

It’s also vital to be cognizant of the interest rate charged on a home equityline. Although some have fixed rates, most utilize a variable rate, so the netvalue of payments made can decline over time if interest rates rise. Dan islicensed/registered to do business with U.S. residents only in the states of PA,OH, WV, VA, IL, CT, FL, SC, TX, NY, and NJ.

This was written by Dan Martin, Financial Advisor with AmeripriseFinancial (formerly American Express Financial Advisors). Contact his office in BethelPark at 412.831.6240 ext. 208 or by e-mail: [email protected]. Be sure to ask your sales representative about the insurance policy’s features, benefits and fees, andwhether the insurance is appropriate for you, based upon your financial situation and objectives.Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through AmeripriseFinancial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not beavailable in all jurisdictions or to all clients.© 2011 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved

The S&P 500 is an index containing the stocks of 500 large-cap corporations, most of which are American. The index is the most notable ofthe many indices owned and maintained by Standard & Poor's, a division of McGraw-Hill.

Morgan Stanley Capital International Emerging Markets index, an unmanaged market capitalization-weighted index, is compiled from acomposite of securities markets of 26 emerging market countries.

International investing involves increased risk and volatility due to potential political and economic instability, currency fluctuations, anddifferences in financial reporting and accounting standards and oversight. Risks are particularly significant in emerging markets.

Diversification helps you spread risk throughout your portfolio, so investments that do poorly may be balanced by others that do relativelybetter. Diversification does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets.

Investment products, including shares of mutual funds, are not federally or FDIC-insured, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed byany financial institution and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value.

Advisor is licensed/registered to do business with U.S. residents only in the states of Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Illinois,Texas, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, and New Jersey.

Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA andSIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients.

Morgan Stanley Capital International Emerging Markets, mscibarra.com


Is a reverse mortgage a soundoption for retirement income?


Adult ServicesOutreachThe Outreach Department seeks to serve the special needs ofolder adults, public, and those adults who either work with orcare for these groups. Services to these groups are providedthrough in-house and outreach programs and materials.

Homebound Delivery ServiceLibrary materials are available to Bethel Park residents who areunable to come to the library either temporarily or permanently.Every two weeks library staff will select and deliver materialsdirectly to your home and pick up returns. This service isprovided to both individuals in their homes and residents ofsenior care facilities. To sign up for homebound services, pleasecall the library at 412-835-2207 ext. 264.

Read Aloud ProgramVolunteers present monthly reading and discussion programs inlocal nursing homes, personal care homes, and other seniorcenters. The format of the program encourages participants tolisten to readings and participate in discussion. Volunteers arealways needed for this rewarding program. Please contact MaryMullen, Outreach Librarian for more information.

Aging CenterThe Aging Center is an on-site resource center that providesmaterials for activity professionals, caregivers, and volunteersworking with seniors. The center houses books, multi-media kits,games, videos, and cassettes. These materials assist patrons withprogram planning, recreational and educational activities, andcaregiving.

Children’s ServicesDisplay CaseWe have a display case located in the Children’s Departmentwhere kids can show off their favorite collection for one week.Please sign up in advance since this is one of our most popularattractions!

Grandparent KitsDo you have grandchildren coming to visit? We will make up aspecial kit with books, cd’s, dvds, and/or puppets geared to yourgrandchildren’s ages and interests.

Bethel Park Library5100 West Library Avenue • Bethel Park, PA 15102

few years ago, Dan Cavanaugh volunteered to be the buscaptain for a group of World War II veterans making thetrip to Washington D.C. to visit their long awaited

memorial. During the trip, Cavanaugh paused to talk to each of thepassengers and listen to their personal accounts of the war. Theirstories of a war fought over 60 years ago captivated him. But henoticed something else too; relating their experiences seemed togive them a sense of peace as well. Many of the veterans in their80s and 90s had never told their story to a living human beingbefore. Cavanaugh, the son of a WWII veteran who served inthe 3rd Army, 65th Infantry under Gen. George Patton, beganto formulate an idea where veterans could come together on aregular basis and share their stories and their camaraderie.With this in mind, he organized a breakfast in the spring of2008 with about 30 veterans in attendance, and the VeteransBreakfast Club was born.

Since that time, the organization has grown to fourlocations where veterans meet on a regular basis.

Historian Todd DePastino, also the son of a veteran,has joined ranks with Cavanaugh to help make sure thatthese snippets of history are not lost. Many of the veterans areolder and unable to make long trips to memorial celebrations andreunions that they may have attended in the past. The locations ofBethel Park, Coraopolis, Penn Hills and the North Hills serve as

places for them to gather, enjoy a breakfast and share theirexperiences. The men are encouraged to bring photos of

themselves during their service time which aredisplayed on a projector. “Once they enter the

room, it’s as if they are transported back intime,” says DePastino. Music from the 1940s is

played and posters from the era are displayed. Theveterans share their stories by addressing the entire

group and also informally. There are a majority of WWII veterans, however the

club is not limited to one war or even to veterans.Anyone who is interested in attending and learning

more about our nation’s conflicts from firsthandaccounts of those who were at the forefront of

the action are welcome. DePastino notesthat recently a 22 year-old veteran

attended the breakfast to share hisstory and it was eerily similar to

the experiences of his eldercounterparts.

ePastino remembers the story of one gentleman who servedin the Army Air Corps in England during World War II. Herecounted how the men would all sit around playing

blackjack until they would get the call to go into action. Then hourslater they would return and the empty chairs around the room servedas a poignant reminder of those who did not return. Anothergentleman who served in the 104th Timberwolf Infantry in Hollandrelated a story of incredible coincidences. He volunteered as an escorttaking two German prisoners of war back to their detention site. Alongthe way, he noticed the Germans becoming very agitated whensuddenly they both jumped on him. Although he must have initiallythought they were attacking him, in actuality they were attempting tosave his life because they heard the German war planes in the distancethat subsequently fired upon them. He escaped unharmed, but later inthe war when this same veteran suffered a gunshot wound, one of the


German prisoners of war who helped save his life was working as anorderly in the hospital where he was being treated.

“At first glance, although some of these men may not look asthough they would be very eloquent speakers, I’ve found thateveryone is an expert at telling their own story,” says DePastino. Thebreakfast meetings regularly draw about 150 people at the Bethel Parklocation and around 60 at the other locations. Wives, children andinterested members of the community are frequently in attendance.

The Veterans Breakfast Club was granted non-profit status in Julyand DePastino, already a published author of note, will organize anarrative collection of these stories. “The telling of these stories has atherapeutic effect for these veterans,” says DePastino, “and it’samazing to see the relief they feel of having finally shared theirexperiences.” We honor our veterans when we listen to their storiesand perhaps even more so when we refuse to forget them.

If you areinterested injoining ourveterans for breakfast, you may visit the Veterans Breakfast Club website atwww.veteransbreakfastclub.comfor a schedule of upcomingevents. Veterans, their spousesand all interested members of thecommunity are welcome.

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merican adults have become more savvy when it comes to theirhealthcare. They regularly get their blood pressure and

cholesterol checked; they are exercising and eating better. But onevery important aspect of health care often gets overlooked: HearingTests! That’s right. Hearing loss is a chronic health condition thataffects more than 20 million adults over the age of 45 in the UnitedStates, and is the 3rd most common chronic health condition inpersons over the age of 65 (AAA task force, 2007). Theconsequences of hearing loss can be devastating. The inability toeffectively communicate can impact a person’s social, emotional,and mental well-being, ultimately leading to a diminished quality oflife. The National Council on Aging study "Consequences ofUntreated Hearing Loss,” shows benefit and improvement in one'semotional and mental abilities, as well as improved social skills, selfconfidence, and relationships when hearing loss is treated withhearing aids. Overall, that means an improved quality of life forhearing aid users.

How does hearing loss impact my social life?The ability to communicate with family and friends is one of thegreat joys in life. It also becomes a necessity when communicatingwith your physician, or doing business over the telephone.Untreated hearing loss can add stress to your relationships. Just toignore your spouse’s (and others) frustration over having toconstantly repeat themselves, or sitting out of conversations becauseyou can’t follow along, further distances you from loved ones andyour world.

How does hearing loss impact my emotional well-being?Hearing loss can cause frustration and loneliness, as well as lead to depression and anxiety. The simple act of listening can beexhausting when you have to use more energy just to figure out what someone has said, and many find it easier to just avoid social situations. Isolation is a result of untreated hearing loss.Barriers begin to develop a wall. You begin to slow, age and distance from life.

How does hearing loss impact my mental abilities?Untreated hearing loss can contribute to memory loss and affect thebrain’s ability to process information. The connections from yourears to your brain can weaken and slow down if the brain is deprived

of a rich sound environment. Understanding speech is an exercisefor the brain. How do you remember what you don’t even hear orprocess correctly? You know the old saying..”Use it or lose it!”

So…why aren’t you getting your hearing tested?!? If you thoughtthat hearing aids don’t work, or you’ve heard that many people leavetheirs in a drawer instead of wear them, we have news for you: 9 out of 10 people who wear hearing aids say that their quality of lifehas improved since purchasing hearing aids! (Most recent, BetterHearing Institute survey).

How do I become a successful hearing aid user?There are three major factors that can lead to success. First, choose ahearing health care provider with a good reputation. Counseling isextremely important and can have a greater impact on yoursatisfaction than even the particular hearing instrument chosen. It isimportant that he or she takes the time to educate you, listen to yourneeds, properly program the aids and counsel you on what to expectwith your new hearing aids. Second, YOU can contribute to yoursuccess! Remember that it is a process. Work with the professionalto find something that best meets your needs. It’s not always a quickfix, so don’t give up. Your brain has to acclimate to hearing again.Finally, it is important for you and your provider to choose a hearinginstrument that is best suited for you. The newer technology is partof the reason that more and more people are happy with theirhearing aids. But, there are many different options - one size doesnot fit all. Do not believe the old “myth” that hearing aids end up in a

drawer. Old myth = old school! There are many factors that lead tosuccessful hearing aid use. Most importantly, find a provider whowill spend the time counseling you and working with you until asolution is found. Get your hearing tested and try a pair ofhearing aids for yourself.Become one of the 90% whose life hasimproved with hearing aids…you deserve it! The Professionals atSwift Audiology will not let you down!

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AStudi� Show Hearing Aids Improve your Quality � Life


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