in-mckeesport-summer

SPRING 2012 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

120 over 80. What’s it worth to U?

Reaching your goals is worth more than ever. It’s worth money. That’s because HealthyU offers fi nancial incentives for making healthy lifestyle decisions. Now when you do things like quit smoking, work with a health coach, or even get a fl u shot, we put money into your very own Health Incentive Account. Money that can be used to help pay for doctor visits, prescription drugs, and even surgery. To learn more about this new, one-of-a-kind plan, talk to your employer or visit UPMCHealthyU.com.

Introducing HealthyU from UPMC Health Plan.

upmchealthyu.com

FEATURES

Reduce Costs with Attic Insulation ............................... | 20

Spring Kids Page ............................ | 37

Eco Tourism ...................................... | 40

Small Updates Pay Off Big .......... | 45

Curb Appeal ..................................... | 46

COMMUNITY INTEREST

McKeesport Area School District News .......................... | 3

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

McKeesport News .................................................................. | 29

Bruce Lauffer and the McKeesport Orchestra ............. | 38

The Face of Hunger in McKeesport ................................. | 42

McKeesport NAACP Annual Breakfast ............................ | 48

Carnegie Library of McKeesport March Events ............ | 49

ON THE COVER | McKeesport teachers sit in fellow teacher’s classroom for review. • Photos by Gary Yon

Curb appeal is notnecessarily somethingthat most people willable to dene in precise terms, but theywill know it when theysee it. Simply put, it isabout making yourfront yard and thefront of your housestand out and lookbe�er than the rest.And, if people likewhat they see on theoutside, including potential buyers, thechances are good thatthey will want to seewhat the house lookslike on the inside.

But what can you doto make your housestand apart? To begin,play up your home’sdoorway—one of therst areas people seewhen looking at yourhouse—with color, aclean door free ofnicks, and clean metalxtures. Consideradding a wreath orsome other type ofdoor decoration.

Low-voltage landscape lighting,particularly accentlighting displayed in nearby trees orthroughout other outdoor xtures, cannot only enhance ayard’s appearance butprovide a pathway of lighted safety for visitors.

Po�ed colorful �owers can provide instant curb appealand can be purchasedalready assembled at a local garden center, or you maychoose to buy anempty container to llwith all of your favorite�owers on your own.

On a similar note, window boxes can be lled with your favorite �owers tomatch the rest of youryard’s color scheme.

Consider addingsome xtures like birdbaths and windchimes to add visualappeal to a yard, and a water fountain cansound heavenly on awarm summer day(but be sure to placethem on level groundfor optimum enjoy-ment).

Shu�ers and trimwork not only add texture and ventilationto a home, but provideadded security as well.

To achieve the bestcurb appeal, paint theshu�ers in a color thatmatches the outside of your house and therest of your yard.

In addition, new garden beds are alwaysa welcome sight. Consider planting new gardens in spotsthat will be most pleasing to the eye,such as along thedriveway and in frontof the house.

By Heather Holtschlag

On a similar note, window boxescan be lled with your favorite

�owers to match the rest of your yard’s color scheme.

Add shu�ers or accent trimShu�ers and trim add a welcominglayer of beauty to your home’s exterior.Shu�ers also control light and ventilation, and provide additional security. Exterior shu�ers can be made of wood, aluminum, vinyl, composite, or berglass. New composite materials make trim details durable and low maintenance.

Replace old hardwareHouse numbers, the entry door lock-set, a wall-mounted mailbox, and anoverhead light xture are all elementsthat can add style and interest to yourhome’s exterior. If they’re out of date,your home may not be conveying the aesthetic you think it is. �ese elements add the most appeal whenthey function collectively, rather than as mix-and-match pieces. Oiled-bronze nishes suit traditionalhomes, while brushed nickel suitsmore contemporary residences.

Add outdoor artGive your yard a li�le spunk by addingweather-resistant artwork. Choosepieces that complement your home’snatural pale�e and exterior elements.Birdbaths, metal cutouts, sculptures,and wind chimes are good choices foroutdoor art. Water sculptures not onlyfunction as yard art, but the burblingsounds soothe and make hot days feel cooler. Place fountains on levelground in optimum hearing and sightvantage points.

Make a grand entryEven with a small budget, there areways to draw a�ention to your frontdoor. Molding acts like an architecturaleyeliner when applied to the sides andtop of the doorway.

Install window boxesWindow boxes o�er a fast, easy way tobring color and charm to your homeexterior. Choose boxes made fromcopper or iron for a traditional look, or painted wood for a co�age feel. Mix and match �owers and plants to suit your lighting conditions andcolor scheme.

Project4_Layout 1 2/16/12 3:22 PM Page 1

What’s Insidepage 2 Getting Advanced Cancer Care

at UPMC McKeesport

page 3 Fit at Any Age

page 4 Surviving Allergies: What You Can DoPutting Ergonomics to Work for You

page 5 Brightening Lives With Light

page 6 A Walk to Remember

page 7 Meet Our Physicians

S P R I N G 2 0 1 2

Health and Wellness News You Can Use

© 2012 UPMC

Let’s GetPhysicalWhat can a daily dose of moderate physical activity do for you? Plenty! As you get older, regular exercise is a key to staying strong, energetic, and healthy. To learn more about the link between fitness and aging, turn to page 3.

McKeesport 8.375 x 10.875_8.375 x 10.875 3/19/12 5:37 PM Page 1

IN McKeesport Area | SPRING 2012 |

SPRING 2012

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

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

423 21

46

2 724.942.0940 to advertise | McKeesport Area

Welcome to the Spring issue of McKeesport Magazine! Hopefully, we are all enjoying the lengthening days as we forge on to summer. While spring usually brings more rain to the region

than we normally get throughout the rest of the year, I’m glad we’ve had a few days of nice weather to get outside and remember what the snow covered up.

We’ve grown once again over the winter, and have shifted some staff around to accommodate that growth. I want to point this out because you, the

readers, give us many of the great story ideas that you see featured in these pages, and I want you to have the right point of contact so that your story can be heard. The editor for the east region is Monica Haynes ([email protected]). Please forward your good news to Monica, and she’ll make sure it finds a place in the magazine. If you’re not sure whether you have a good story, give

Monica a call at 412.254.8704 and ask! While our editors have realigned into better-organized zones, we still

want everything in those zones to be 100 percent local to you. We also appreciate your feedback (good and bad) to let us know where we missed the mark and where we hit it out of the park.

Lastly, it’s not too soon to start thinking about the rest of the year! I know we just got through the holidays, and are thawing out, but since we’re quarterly, we’re already looking ahead to summer and beyond. So if you have events planned and would like to promote them, call or email Monica. If you have an event coming up earlier, let us know so we can send our photographers and document the occasion!

Here’s hoping that the start to your year has been a good one!

Welcome Spring! While June may not be busting out all over yet, hope springs eternal for warmer weather, blooming flowers, and more

occasions to walk in the sunshine, and more opportunities to get out and meet your fellow residents and neighbors. Speaking of meeting your neighbors…in this edition of McKeesport, we have a feature on new mayor Michael Cherepko and new council members Dan Carr and Keith

Soles. This edition also has news about what’s been going on in the city including the opening of a new Bottom Dollar

store, and schedules for upcoming events and concerts. We also have news about the McKeesport School

District and all the great things that have been happening there. And IN McKeesport catches up with

McKeesport Symphony Orchestra musical director and conductor Bruce Lauffer.

Remember, this is your magazine. It’s about what’s happening in your community. So let us know what you want to read about, what’s going on,

what’s important to you. For now, it’s time to think spring, and time to enjoy this

edition of McKeesport Magazine!

P U B L I S H E RWayne Dollard

M A N A G I N G E D I T O RMarybeth [email protected]

R E G I O N A L E D I T O R SMark Berton [South and West][email protected]

Monica L. Haynes [East][email protected]

N O R T H Z O N E C O O R D I N AT O RPamela [email protected]

S C H O O L & M U N I C I PA L C O N T E N T C O O R D I N AT O RMegan [email protected]

O F F I C E M A N A G E RLeo [email protected]

A D P L A C E M E N T C O O R D I N AT O RDebbie [email protected]

G R A P H I C D E S I G NCassie Brkich Jan McEvoyAnna Buzzelli Joe MilneSharon Cobb Tamara TylendaSusie Doak

W R I T E R SAshley Connor Joann Naser Heather Holtschlag Kathleen RudolphLeigh Lyons Gina Salinger Dana Black McGrath Judith Schardt

P H O T O G R A P H E R SGinni Hartle Kathleen RudolphBrad Lauer Gary Yon

A D V E R T I S I N G S A L E S M A N A G E R SDerek Bayer Tamara MyersTom Poljak

A D V E R T I S I N G S A L E SBrian Daley Robert Ojeda Gina D’Alicandro Ralph PalaskiTina Dollard Annette PetroneKaren Fadzen Vincent SabatiniJulie Graf Jennifer SchaeferJason Huffman Michael SilvertLori Jeffries Karen TurkovichConnie McDaniel RJ VighettiBrian McKee Nikki Capezio-WatsonGabriel Negri Sophia WilliardAimee Nicolia

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

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2012.

C O R R E S P O N D E N C EDirect all inquiries, comments and press releases to:

I N C O M M U N I T Y M A G A Z I N E SAttn: Editorial603 E. McMurray Rd. Ph: 724.942.0940McMurray, PA 15317 Fax: 724.942.0968www.incommunitymagazines.com

Summer content deadline: 5/18Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

S TA F F

Monica L. HaynesEastern Regional Editor

to accommodate that growth. I want to point this out because you, the

want everything in those zones to be 100 percent local to you. We also Wayne Dollard

Publisher

Dear MASD Community Members,

The winter months have been relatively kind to us and much anticipated consistent spring weather is just around the corner. It will not be long and

we will be celebrating the accomplishments of our graduating class of 2012. It is during these spring months that the many preparations for our PSSA examinations will take center stage and students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11 will put forth their efforts in achieving proficient or advanced status as well as measured individual academic growth. This edition of InMcKeesport Area features an article detailing some of the activities throughout the district as staff and students work together to prepare for testing success.

A groundbreaking ceremony took place in early February on the former Cornell site with the scheduled opening of the new school set for the 2013-2014 school year, while the eagerly anticipated Open House for Francis McClure will be set for April or May as final touches are beginning to fall into place. We will be

certain to alert the public for the official opening of the entire facility to witness the tangible evidence of the state of the art facility and quality instructional spaces that will be evident for our entire K-6 population.

Included in this edition will be our Dignity Robes partnership with UPMC, the Founders’ Hall Math Olympics, Black History Month activities, PSSA preparations, and a renewal of our 21st Century grant to enhance after school activities to name a few. Please share in our pride as you read the many examples that help capture the essence of the well rounded educational experience that all students receive in the McKeesport Area School District.

We encourage you to visit www.mckasd.net to keep up with your schools and remain actively involved in the educational process. Thank you for everything you do for the children of our district.

Sincerely,TIMOTHY M. GABAUER, ED.D

Superintendent

McKeesport Area | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 3

S everal ninth and 12th grade students at McKeesport Area High School and Technology Center are getting

the chance to help local women undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer while also getting a taste of the healthcare profession and community service projects.

Ninth grade students enrolled in the school’s 21st Century afterschool program will work with 12th grade students who participate in The Future is Mine program as well as caring adults who will volunteer their time to make Dignity Robes for women currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer. Stitched from a cotton pat-tern, Dignity Robes are designed to be more dis-creet than a typical hospital robe and help enable women to maintain their privacy when undergo-ing treatment for cancer. The robe ensemble is a handmade short wraparound jacket that attaches with Velcro in the front.

“The purpose of the robes is so that women do not completely have to disrobe when under-

going their treatments. The women who need them also need to maintain their privacy dur-ing treatment, and that’s what we hope to help them do,” said Patty Scales, director of Career and Technical Education at McKeesport Area High School and Technology Center. “Our plan is to make 20 robes before the end of the school year and donate them to UPMC Cancer Centers and the Jodie Matta-Dillinger Cancer Care Center, which was founded in memory of Jodie Matta-Dillinger, who fell victim to brain cancer, and provides the students with the monetary resources they need to buy material to make the robes.”

The McKeesport Area High School’s involvement in the project is being funded by the Consortium for Public Education, which provides educational support to schools in the area, as well as the Jodie Matta-Dillinger Cancer Care Center. The Consortium was chosen by the Jewish Healthcare Foundation and United Way of Allegheny County to pilot the Pathways to Health

Careers program at the high school, a program designed for students interested in exploring health careers. Also, with the money given to them by the Jewish Healthcare Founda-tion, the Consortium was able to buy the sewing machines that will be necessary to make the robes.

“As a former home economics teacher, this project has special

meaning for me, but because sewing is no longer taught in home economics classes, we were excited, though reluc-tant, to take on the project, as we had not previously been able to assess the students’ sewing skills,” Scales said. “But the students really un-derstand the importance of the project and are excited to be doing this as a community service. In addition, all of the students who are participat-ing in the project are female, so they are able to relate to what a woman might have to go through when being treated for cancer.”

The students participating in the project all have potential interest in a health career, and making these robes will help in a couple of ways. They will be learning more about medical pro-cedures while also providing a sense of comfort and self-confidence to the women who will need to wear them.

This is the first year that the school is partici-pating in the Dignity Robes project. “We were told that the need for these robes has grown so much over the years, hence the reason they are appealing to our students,” Scales explained. “We are hoping that by participating in this project, the students not only will learn basic sewing skills, but learn about the importance of doing a community service project.”

Donations to the Dignity Robe project can be sent to the Jodie Matta-Dillinger Cancer Care Center, c/o UPMC McKeesport Oncology Department, 1500 Fifth Avenue, McKeesport, PA 15132. Donations of scrap fabric can be made to

4 McKeesport Area

Providing Dignity TO WOMEN UNDERGOING CANCER TREATMENT

McKeesport Area High School and Technolo-gy Center, 1960 Eden Park Blvd., McKeesport, PA 15132. Each robe contains about one yard of fabric. Velcro and thread also are used.

BY HEATHER HOLTSCHLAG

SCHOOL BOARD OF DIRECTORSTrisha GadsonChristopher A. HalaszynskiMark P. HoltzmanMary Jane KellerTerri KisanSteven E. KondroskyDennis J. (Joe) Lopretto Thomas P. Maglicco Patricia A. Maksin

CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIONSuperintendentDr. Timothy M. Gabauer412.664.3612

Assistant SuperintendentDr. Rula S. Skezas412.664.3613

Business Manager/ Board SecretaryMr. David M. Seropian412.664.3600

Director of Human Resources/ Administration ServicesMr. James G. Humanic412.664.3608

Director of Federal/State Programs (Homeless Liaison)Mr. Michael V. Matta412.664.3627

Director of Special EducationMrs. Patricia M. Tkacik412.664.3622

Director Food ServiceMs. Tammi T. Davis412.664.3685

McKeesport Area Contact Information

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAMSpecial Education SupervisorMr. David L. Listorti412.664.3625

Special Education Administrative AssistantMr. Menas E. Zannikos412.664.3624

Director of Career and Technology Education/District Grants and Special Project CoordinatorMrs. Patricia J. Scales412.948.1363

Director of Early Childhood Education and Elementary CurriculumDr. Catherine S. Lobaugh412.948.1386

Secondary Curriculum andTransformation CoordinatorDr. Harry A. Bauman412.948.1310

Principal of Cyber School/ District Technology IntegrationDr. Jane L. Coughenour412.948.1317

Communications/Public Relations SpecialistMrs. Kristen D. Giran412.664.3645

Director of Buildings and GroundsMr. Edward F. Fagan412.664.3631

Technology CoordinatorMr. H. Ben South412.664.3764


“The women who need them also need to maintain their privacy during treatment, and that’s what we hope to

help them do.”– PATTY SCALES

Director of Career and Technical Education at McKeesport Area High

School and Technology Center.

Pennsylvania State Advisory Board

6 McKeesport Area

by Heather Holtschlag

Science Teacher Elected to Science Teacher Elected to

Chris Kastronis, science teacher at Founders’ Hall Middle School, was recently elected to the Pennsylvania State

Advisory Board for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC). The CCLC is the only federal funding source dedicated exclusively to afterschool programs.

Since 2004, the 21st CCLC has funded after-school programs in the McKeesport Area School District in various cohorts that have ranged from the intermediate levels, which encompass fourth, fifth and sixth grades, through middle and high school students up to grade 10. As the program manager, Kastronis became involved with the Pennsylvania Advisory Board in 2006.

Following a nomination and interview process, Kastronis was one of only a few representatives from the western side of Pennsylvania. “My initial role was as a member of the Quality Committee, which is one of the Board’s working committees. I then served as chair of the Quality Committee, during which time our committee assisted in the

development of the grant’s cost calculator as well as the quarterly reports that are now a require-ment of all grantees,” he explained.

Since 2010, Kastronis’ involvement and re-sponsibilities with the Board grew, and today, he is responsible for planning quarterly board meetings with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Center for Schools and Communities and to assist with tasks involving the annual 21st CCLC grantee meeting that takes place at the Extra Learning Opportunities conference in Har-risburg. He also is responsible for overseeing the ongoing work of the Board’s committees and to promote the initiatives of the Board and advocate for the 21st CCLC programs statewide.

“I feel my involvement on the Board has given me many opportunities to be an active participant in the discussions relating to the development of high quality afterschool programs funded by the 21st CCLC grant,” Kastronis said. “But more importantly, I feel I have had the opportunity to strongly represent at the state level, the students

and commu-nity members of McKeesport as one of the best school districts in western Pennsylvania. I can only hope that this representation will be carried on in the future by another one of our dedicated staff members.”

In 1998, McKeesport was awarded the first of the federal funding

for an afterschool program for seventh and eighth grade students. Since that time, McKeesport Area School District has been awarded state com-petitive funds for Cohort 2, Cohort 4 and 5, and most recently, Cohort 6. Each Cohort has been designed to reach a grade level and then expand the program either up or down grade levels. Cur-rently, Cohort 5 reaches students in grades seven to 10. Cohort 6 will provide afterschool program-ming to students in grades four, five and six at Francis McClure Intermediate School, and fourth grade students at White Oak Elementary School and Centennial Elementary School. Each grant Cohort has been for three or four years; Cohort 6 is a three-year grant.

“Pennsylvania’s primary goal for its 21st Century Community Learning Centers is to assist youth to meet state standards for core academic subjects by providing students with academic enrichment opportunities,” said Patty Scales, director of Career and Technical Education at McKeesport Area High School and Technology Center. “In addition to academics, Centers are encouraged to offer participants a broad array of other services and programs, including art, music, recreation activities, character education, career and technical training, drug and violence preven-tion programming, and technology education. These opportunities may take place before or after school and in the summer.”

McKeesport Area School District is cur-rently enrolling students for the newly funded Cohort 6 program, which will be housed at Francis McClure Intermediate School, with satellite centers for fourth grade students at White Oak Elementary School and Centennial Elementary School. Students can pick up an application for this exciting new program from their homeroom teachers.

eventh and eighth grade students at Founders’ Hall recently had the chance to show off their math skills during the school’s first Math Olympics. The event, designed to create a unique learning

experience for the students, provided an opportunity for more than 550 seventh and eighth grade students to work across different grade levels and with students whom they previously did not know.

“The Math Olympics was an initiative that allowed the math teachers to collaborate and create an experience that was based on our school motto, ‘Move, Engage, Assess,’” said Jenn Knight, elementary math coordinator at Founders’ Hall and former seventh and eighth grade math teacher. “The goal of the Math Olympics was for the math students to work cooperatively with challenging mathematical content and to provide a high motivation for completion.”

The idea for the Math Olympics originated when Knight attended a professional development opportunity on Journey to Learn Day hosted by Steel Valley teachers in their school district with colleague Missy Capozzoli, seventh grade math teacher. “This conference sparked the idea, but Missy and I made different tasks and planned for about 90 percent of the students in the building to attend,” Knight explained.

“We experienced an overwhelming, positive response from the stu-dents,” Knight said. “They were very well-behaved and enthusiastic about the event.”

Students who participated in the Math Olympics were divided into teams comprised of both seventh and eighth grade students in any of the seven math teachers’ classes. During the Opening Ceremonies, each team introduced themselves by holding up a flag that displayed a mathematical vocabulary word and represented their team name.

The teachers assumed the roles of Olympic Greek Gods as they facili-tated hands-on tasks in the mathematical areas of measurement, number sense, probability, data analysis, geometry, algebraic concepts, problem solving and critical thinking. Students rushed between seven task areas located in the school’s little gym, hallway and three classrooms and were timed at each event location. Tasks had to be completed and correct before the teams could move on to the next event. Many of the tasks included an extra challenge that gave students the opportunity to earn seconds off of their final group time.

“Besides this being an event that embodied our school motto, the Math Olympics gave students the opportunity to take on the role of both student and teacher, develop team building skills, and incorporate all elements of cooperative learning,” Knight said.

Thanks to building-wide fundraisers, silver and gold medals were pur-chased from Final Score in McKeesport and awarded to the two best overall times in each class period as well as the best time for each event. Individual medals were awarded to “Math Coaches” for leading discussions and peer teaching, and “Super Mathletes” medals were given to students who showed extreme enthusiasm and participation during the Opening Ceremonies.

Most of the medals were named for the math teachers and included Szymczak’s Aviation Szymulation Medal, for which the students partici-pated in a paper airplane experiment; Capin’ The Clock Medal, for which the students were asked to calculate theoretical probabilities; Knight’s Nets Medal, which involved building 3-D figures, and Skraitz’s Skool Medal, for which students had to calculate area and perimeter based upon real world examples. Other medals included the KeHegedus Tangible Tangrams Medal, for which students had to exhibit their critical thinking and problem solving skills, Mehn’s Mug Shots Medal, which challenged students’ puzzle building and problem solving skills, and James’s Juniors Medal, for which students had to measure distance.

“Because of the huge success of this event, which took more than a month’s worth of planning for the staff, we are planning many future endeavors, starting with an outside event to take place in the summer, hopefully at the end of May or beginning of June,” Knight said.


Dr.Harry BaumanUnsung Heroof Education

Dr. Harry Bauman, secondary curriculum coordinator for the McKeesport Area School District, recently received the Unsung Hero of Education Award for development of a program in which teachers

and administrators can observe and assess other teachers in the classroom.Begun in the 2011-2012 school year, it’s called Peer Instructional Rounds.

Teachers volunteer to open their classroom to a peer group of eight to 10 teachers and administrators, who come in and observe for about 25 minutes. “At that point, we leave, go to a conference room and a have a conversation about the instructional strategies that we observed,” said Bauman. “What we expect to see is cooperative groupings, a lot of formative assessment. By that we mean just constantly figuring out from the kids whether they are with [the teacher].” Ways a teacher may engage students to see if they’re following along could include the students giving a thumbs-up or down, having students move to another part of the room if they agree with a certain aspect, or putting their names on Popsicle sticks and drawing one from the bunch. The person whose name is drawn has to respond. “So teachers have a constant gauge whether the students are following, understanding and are with [them],” Bauman said.

“We also expect the class to be designed with a high level of rigor, meaning a little challenging, students talking to each other, give-and-take and coming up with the best answer,” he added. “So we really are causing them to think deeply.” Teachers are also expected to start the class off in a fun and engaging way that gets the students going and at the end of the lesson there should be a summary.

In reviewing the lesson, the teachers and administrators who observed talk about what they saw and only positive comments are allowed, Bauman said. The observers identify targeted strategies and where the teachers used them in his or her lesson. “That builds a commonality of terms. We start acting as a learning community and talking in the same language. Once we identify where they saw those things, teachers are encouraged to share with each other the kinds of things working in their classroom,” Bauman said. “When you observe teachers through peer instructional rounds, our assessment is that they grow exponentially.”

Teachers who participate by allowing their classroom instruction to be ob-served are rewarded by having their names placed on the district website, and they are given a certificate. The teachers and administrators who participate as observers are awarded ACT 48 credit. Teachers in Pennsylvania are required to acquire 180 hours of ACT 48 credit over a five-year period.

Bauman, who grew up in McKeesport, has spent his entire 31-year career in the district, including a five-year stint as principal of McKeesport High School. He holds a BS in education, special education from Penn State University; a master’s in educational leadership and doctorate in education, educational leadership from Duquesne University.

r. Harry Bauman, secondary curriculum coordinator for the

“We also expect the class to be designed with a high level of

rigor, students talking to each other, give-

and-take and coming up with the best answer.”

–DR. HARRY BAUMAN

“We also expect the

8 McKeesport Area

Unsung Heroof Education


McKeesport Mayor Mike Cherepko speaks to a classroom of students

learning about how government works.

The students in the last row from left are: Shane Cope, Nicolle Driscoll, Jauna Harper and Hassan Allen, Students in the front row from left are: Luke Kail, Shelby Bendick, Brad Nevius, Dania Halloran, Sean Murphy and Larissa Gerber.

Semi-Formal Court

MASD District Happenings

For away games and up to date times of games please go to www.mckas d.net and

click on the athletics tab.10 McKeesport Area

BOYS VARSITY BASEBALL03/20/12 vs. Elizabeth Forward 4:00 p.m.04/02/12 vs. Bethel Park 4:00 p.m.04/11/12 vs. Upper St. Clair 4:00 p.m.04/16/12 vs. Canon McMillian 4:00 p.m.04/25/12 vs. Peters Township 4:00 p.m.04/30/12 vs. Mt. Lebanon 4:00 p.m.05/04/12 vs. Baldwin 4:00 p.m.05/07/12 vs. Albert Gallatin 4:00 p.m.

GIRLS VARSITY SOFTBALL03/16/12 vs. Ringgold 3:30 p.m.03/21/12 vs. Bethel Park 3:30 p.m.03/26/12 vs. Belle Vernon 3:30 p.m.04/02/12 vs. Norwin 3:30 p.m.04/11/12 vs. Fox Chapel 3:30 p.m.04/12/12 vs. Woodland Hills 3:30 p.m.04/17/12 vs. Gateway 3:30 p.m.04/19/12 vs. Franklin Regional 3:30 p.m.04/24/12 vs. Plum 3:30 p.m.05/01/12 vs. Penn Hills 3:30 p.m.05/09/12 vs. Yough 3:30 p.m.

BOYS VARSITY TENNIS03/19/12 vs. Upper St. Clair 3:30 p.m.03/26/12 vs. Canon McMillian 3:30 p.m.03/30/12 vs. Montour 3:30 p.m.04/10/12 vs. Mt. Lebanon 3:30 p.m.04/16/12 vs. Penn Hills 3:30 p.m.04/23/12 vs. Baldwin 3:30 p.m.04/30/12 vs. West Mifflin 3:30 p.m.

BOYS AND GIRLS VARSITY TRACK04/04/12 vs. Penn Hills 3:30 p.m.04/11/12 vs. Central Catholic/Oakland Catholic 3:30 p.m.

Home Schedules for Spring Varsity Sports

As director of early childhood and elementary curriculum in the McKeesport Area School District, Dr. Catherine S.

Lobaugh knows about curriculum development and instructional strategies and assessment. So well versed is she in this area that she will have an article in Pennsylvania Administrator, the magazine of the Pennsylvania Association of Elementary and Secondary School Principals. The award-winning magazine is published in February, May and September.

“What we’re doing is in 2013, we will be one of the school districts in the state that’s adopt-ing the common core standards. The article describes some of the processes

that we’ve gone through so far in doing that,” Lobaugh explained.

She submitted her article in December and was notified in early January that it will be published by the quarterly magazine in February. It’s the first time Lobaugh’s had such an article published in a professional magazine. “It’s pretty exciting,” she said. “It talks about the process that we’ve been engaged in and it kind of tells the story of how we began the process and the dedication of the teachers and the staff in the district who have helped move this forward.” It is a process that could not be undertaken without the input of the teachers across the district, Lobaugh added.

She dedicated the article to colleague Randy Gwosden, described by Lobaugh as “a visionary educator,” who passed away in January.

“This curriculum requires a variety of methods to address how children learn, so it’s not one-size-fits-all,” Lobaugh said. “We do much with differentiating instruction and all types of assess-ment and not just pen and paper. There’s a variety of ways to assess children’s learning.” What must be ascertained, she said, is what it is we expect children to learn, how do we expect it, what do we do if they don’t understand it, what do we do if they do get it, how do we move on and how is it real in their lives?

“Keeping the focus on what’s best for all children, our eyes are on the mark to make a difference in their future as they face a global world and continuing to press forward to the goal that unleashes an unparalleled potential for the children we serve,” Lobaugh said.


MASD Curriculum Director Gets Published in Statewide Magazine

April 19, 20, and 21, 2012Thursday, Friday, Saturday

7:30 p.m.Saturday Matinee

2:00 p.m.McKeesport High School Auditorium

DR. CATHERINE S. LOBAUGHDirector of Early Childhood

and Elementary Curriculum, MASD

2012 MUSICAL

For more information and ticket sales, please visit our website at www.mckasd.net or call us at 412-664-3650.

12 McKeesport Area

The McKeesport Area School District is partnering with Duquesne Light as part of the company’s Watt Choices School Energy Pledge Program, the goal of which is to educate students about how to cut

down on energy use in their homes. Beginning in the second week of February, George Washington Elementary,

White Oak Elementary, Centennial Elementary and Francis McClure Intermedi-ate schools held assembly programs during which pledge forms were passed out to each student. Families fill out the pledge and return it with their student to school to receive a free energy saving kit. The kit includes five compact fluores-cent light bulbs, two LED night lights, weather stripping, a furnace whistle, and energy saving information.

For each eligible pledge form received, the school will get $25 from Duquesne Light. The assembly included a short video that teaches students about energy ef-ficiency and ways that they can incorporate energy saving actions in their homes.

Also, as part of the program, Duquesne Light trains a site coordinator to work with the school staff.

MASD Students and Family Pledge to

K-6 students attend the first assembly of four pledging to save energy

M


McKeesport Area School District is kicking into high gear! Our district is getting ready for this years Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) testing as well as focusing on finishing the school year on another strong note. In the pages to follow, please find stories from each of our schools that highlight the great initiatives we have. You will see stories about progress, success and how we lend a helping hand to our community when needed. Also, in this edition, our readers will get a glimpse into some of the achievements that our faculty and staff have had in the past few months.

One of the biggest factors in the overall success of our students and our district will always be our ability to work in partnership with our parents and the community. We hope that you feel welcome in our schools and that you will take

advantage of opportunities to become involved, to learn more about your school district and to be a part of the many things that are taking place.

Members of the school board of directors encourage parents and guardians to be actively involved, in all areas if the district, by attending board and building level meetings. Board Meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of every month. Sessions begin at 7:30 p.m. in the board room at the district administration building, located at 3590 O’Neil Boulevard in McKeesport.

On behalf of the board, have a safe and healthy spring!

Sincerely,Patricia MaksinPresident, McKeesport Area School District Board of Directors

A Letter from the School Board President PATRICIA MAKSIN

For the second year in a row, McKeesport Area School District hosted a group of participants from Leadership Pittsburgh Inc., “a nonprofit organization dedicated to

developing a diverse group of leaders to serve southwestern Pennsylvania.”

Ten members of the current Leadership Pittsburgh class visited the high school along with representatives from some of the businesses and other entities the school partners with, including UPMC, Blueroof Technologies, NAPA Auto Parts, Carnegie Mel-lon University Robotics and The McKeesport Daily News. The theme for the group was “Explore How Public Education is Prepar-ing Our Students for the Workforce. The Leadership Pittsburgh class examined issues and challenges facing our region in preparing a skilled 21st century workforce; key public policy issues around the alignment of public education and the workforce education and training needs of employers; and how business and education organizations are collaborating around workforce development in our region and what future collaborations need to occur.

During the visit, students in the district’s culinary arts pro-gram prepared and served lunch at the “Tiger Inn” cafe to those in attendance. The Tiger Inn is a restaurant-style area within the high school where culinary arts students learn, serve guests and hold meetings. In addition to the participation of the culinary arts students, four other students were part of the program, fielding questions from the visitors regarding McKeesport and why McK-eesport is a great choice for public education.

“Our students truly shined and even mentioned how ‘blessed’ they felt to be part of a district with such rich history,” said Kristen Gi-ran, public relations and communications specialist for the district.

MASD Students Help Leaders Examine Education Issues

be part of a district with such rich history,” said Kristen Gi-ran, public relations and

Check it out!See McKeesport Area School District’s

featured article in the February edition

of Business Review USA by visiting

www.businessreviewusa.com/

magazines/10310/page688

Fourth grade students at Francis McClure Intermediate School recently received a hands-on education on fire

safety, thanks to their teacher, Jaimie Filotei, and McKeesport Fire Department firefighter Jeff List.

Filotei began the lesson in fire safety with the book Firestorm, a story about a family that gets caught in a wildfire while out on a lake canoeing and needs to escape. This was followed by a magazine article, “Flame Busters,” which focused on teaching teenagers how to fight fires, the details of a firefighter’s life, and what that line of work is like.

What the students were asked to do next not only was met with enthusiasm and excitement, but prompted the classroom visit from List.

Filotei asked the students to write letters to the firefighters at the McKeesport Fire Department, explaining what they had learned so far through the book and the magazine article, and also to ask one ques-tion about something they still wanted to know.

Some of the questions the students asked included: How many gallons of water can the hoses spray in one minute? What does it feel like to ride on a fire truck? How long are the hoses and how many can be connected to each other at one time? What is the cause of most fires? How high do the ladders reach? What do the firefight-ers like best about their job?

“Jeff is my neighbor, so I thought it would be a great opportunity for the students if I hand delivered their letters to him and asked him if he could answer their questions,” Filotei explained. “But he

surprised me and my students when he suggested coming in for a classroom visit.”

List not only answered, in person, all of the questions the stu-dents had asked in their letters, but he also brought several pieces of his firefighting equipment that the students were allowed to look at, touch and explore.

“He brought a lot of interesting gadgets, including a device, simi-lar to a motion sensor, that would emit a very loud alert if he were to stop moving during a fire, which is to signal that a firefighter is down,” Filotei explained. “He sounded the alert so that the students could hear it, and also told the students what the rest of the devices were and how to use them. In addition, he provided them with fire safety tips. It was extremely informative for the students.”

List also encouraged the students to go home and develop, with their families, a fire safety plan, in the event a fire should erupt in their homes. He taught them the best escape routes and explained that smoke rises from the ground to the ceiling. He also told them that if they are trapped in a room they should shine a flashlight in their windows so that that firefighters can easily spot them from the outside.

Filotei said she has always been a big supporter of fire safety education for her students. In previous years, when the student population was lower and there was more space in the building, she arranged for the fire department to bring a smokehouse to the school, which the firefighters use to start a mock fire and explain to the students what to do and how to escape. As school enrollment increased and space for the smokehouse decreased, Filotei simply arranged for a firefighter to come in and visit and offer fire safety tips.

“This is the first year that I asked the students to write letters to the fire department, which they re-ally enjoyed, and I was pleasantly surprised at how well they did,” Filotei said. “They were even more excited with Jeff ’s visit and all of the gadgets he brought with him. This is an assignment that I will definitely consider doing in the future.”

Fire Safety for Fourth Graders

14 McKeesport Area


population was lower and there was more space in the building, she arranged for the fire department to bring a smokehouse to the school, which the firefighters use to start a mock fire and explain to the students what to do and how to escape. As school enrollment increased and space for the smokehouse decreased, Filotei simply arranged for a firefighter to come in and visit and

“This is the first year that I asked the students to write letters to the fire department, which they re-ally enjoyed, and I was pleasantly surprised at how well they did,” Filotei said. “They were even more excited with Jeff ’s visit and all of the gadgets he brought with him. This is an assignment that I will definitely consider doing in

”This is an assignment that I will definitely consider doing

in the future.” –Jaimie Filotei, Fourth Grade Teacher

White Oak Elementary1415 California AvenueWhite Oak, PA 15131Office: 412.664.3790Fax: 412.664.3794Principal: Dr. Tamara Sanders-Woods

George Washington1818 Sumac StreetMcKeesport, PA 15132Office: 412.664.3770Fax: 412.664.3777Principal: Mr. Paul Sweda

Francis McClureIntermediate School500 Longvue DriveWhite Oak, PA 15131Office: 412.664.3740Fax: 412.664.3747Principal: Ms. Pamela GordonPrincipal of Cyber School/ District Technology Integration: Dr. Jane Coughenour

Centennial1601 Beaver StreetMcKeesport, PA 15132Office: 412.664.3750Fax: 412.664.3756Principal: Ms. Staci Fitzpatrick

McKeesport Area High School and Technology Center1960 Eden Park BoulevardMcKeesport, PA 15132Office: 412.664.3650Fax: 412.664.3787Principal: Mr. Mark HoltzmanDirector of Career and Technology Center:Mrs. Patricia Scales

Administration Office3590 O’Neil BoulevardMcKeesport, PA 15132Office: 412.664.3600Fax: 412.664.3638Superintendent:Dr. Timothy Gabauer

Founders’ Hall3600 O’Neil BoulevardMcKeesport, PA 15132Office: 412.664.3690Fax: 412.664.3768Principal: Dr. Karen Chapman


HIS LEGACY LIVES ON…

R andy Gwosden was a teacher; a teacher of children

and a teacher of teachers. He was so passionate.

He knew all kids didn’t think the same way…that one size

couldn’t fit all when it came to teaching and he embraced

the different ways to children learned. He always wanted

to perfect his craft of teaching and continually take it to

the next level. He took it personally when kids didn’t get it,

and worked tirelessly until they did. He was convinced that

if we continued to do the same things we had been doing

in our classrooms every day, we would continue to get the

same results…change was on the horizon… and Randy was

instrumental in making it happen. It has been said that

the mediocre teacher tells…the good teacher explains…the

superior teacher demonstrates…the great teacher inspires…

Randy Gwosden inspired.

16 McKeesport Area

Spring is just around the corner. The excitement building for the spring and everything that comes with it becomes apparent throughout Western Pennsylvania. There is also excitement

building throughout the McKeesport Area School District as PSSA (Pennsylvania System of State Assessment) season will be shortly upon us. Preparations for such exams occur all year long and are embedded in the curriculum, teaching strategies, instructional activities and assessment. Each building, however, generates positive energy through specific PSSA activities as testing season approaches. Here is a sample of how buildings are taking initiative in their preparations:

White Oak ElementaryBuilding wide TESTO (Bingo) is part of the daily practice during announcements to encourage recall of vocabulary terms critical to test success. Weekly PSSA study packets are sent home with students to enable parental input and assistance in preparing their child for the series of tests. A PSSA prepara-tory assembly is provided for all students in grades 3 and 4 as time gets close to provide testing tips, encouragement and support. A student favorite following testing is the I-Scream for ice-cream perfect attendance incentive. Good luck to all White Oak students!

George Washington ElementaryStudents have been taking “mock” PSSA mini exams every Wednesday since January to heighten their awareness of test format and potential content. Each exam includes short reading passages and math concepts. Every Friday, students in third grade work on individualized themes based on their performance on computerized diagnostic activities includ-ing Referencing, Context Clues, Inference, Cause and Effect, Fiction and Non-Fiction, and Drawing Conclusions. PSSA vocabulary packets are sent home with students to encourage parental participation in the preparation process as well. Best wishes to all George Washington students in achieving AYP!

Centennial ElementaryIndividualized support materials for students generated from computerized testing activities have been prepared by staff to help strengthen areas of identified weakness. A Pastries for PSSA Parents event is being held to help parents understand test format as well as experience actual test questions from released PSSA items. Parents will be taught various strategies to help answer their given questions, which, in turn can assist students in their preparations. PSSA incentives are available for students daily be-fore, during and after the testing sessions. Centennial is prepped for a great season of testing!

Francis McClure IntermediateStudents participate daily in Building Wide Bingo activities. Definitions are read over the intercom and are matched with the appropriate word displayed on each room’s Bingo Board. Prizes are given daily for classes that get the first Bingo. Exposi-tory writing activities throughout the building will soon give way to persuasive writing to administration on the proposed dress code. PSSA Coach Books are being used to practice mathematics concepts and released PSSA test items in both reading and mathematics from the Standards Aligned System (SAS) site are being solved on the interactive Promethean Boards. Make us proud Francis McClure!

Founders’ Hall Middle SchoolFounders’ Hall has been working diligently with students in both enrichment classes and accelerated classes to help individualize the learning experience as well as move students to their next level of proficiency. Teacher teams have been utilizing their team planning periods to create collaborative activities and assist students in both reading and mathematics. Students have been working with teacher teams in groups of 20-25 two days per week. A fixture in preparation activities is the always popular Rev-Up one week prior to test administration that involves team and grade level competitions that culminate in a building wide assembly for the finals. Best of luck in continued success to all Founders’ Hall students!

Springbrings PSSA Excitement

to McKeesport


Springbrings PSSA Excitement

to McKeesportHigh School/Career and Technology Center

The Career and Technology Center has supplemented their relevant and rigorous daily coursework with activities created from monthly issues of Scholastic Math. Teachers have taken the time to help the high school students in their preparations by including academic mathematic lessons into their courses. The high school is in the midst of its 25-days of PSSA activity that continues to be very well received by the student body. All eleventh grade homerooms receive math and English questions to answer during homeroom period. Students are asked to submit their answers to their homeroom teachers and the questions are checked for percentage correct each day. The percentages are posted weekly in the junior homeroom hallway for all juniors to see. Students receive various

incentives during the 25-day preparations time as well as a pizza part and gift cards for the winning homeroom. The high school is poised for a breakthrough year in both mathematics and reading assessment.

These activities are only some of the measures taken at the building level to increase awareness and prepare students as the testing season approaches. All building principals and their staff continue to impress upon parents to remain active in the educational experience of their chil-dren every day. The children of the McKeesport Area School District will reap tremendous benefits from the school and home working hand in hand. Good luck to all students during PSSA testing!

Black History Month, also known as African-American History Month, is an annual observance in the United States for remem-brance of important people and events in the history of the African culture. The McKeesport Area School District celebrated the accomplishments in each of our schools.

CENTENNIAL – The second graders were read a biography each day during the month of February: “Books of Black Heroes from A to Z”.

GEORGE WASHINGTON – On January 25 there was a school wide assembly by Gregg Kenney. He did a “live” portrayal of Willie Stargell and shared his successes.

WHITE OAK – Students took on the roles of prominent black Americans Monday as they brought history lessons to life in the school library. A series of plays performed by students in kindergar-ten through fourth grade capped a month-long lesson on African-American history coursing through slavery, segregation and the Civil Rights Movement.

MCCLURE – Students in classrooms and computer labs throughout the school searched various websites using the Promethean Board to gather information about famous African Americans.

FOUNDERS HALL – The middle school had a building wide essay contest with a focus on Dr. Martin Luther King. A panel of judges named first through third place winners. A poster was made to memorialize Dr. King’s achievements. The posters were displayed at the an-nual NAACP Pancake Breakfast.

EAST END ACADEMY – A focus was on the Red Tails as most of the students can relate it directly with the release of the new movie. The students’ focus was Dr. Harry Launaze, one of the original red tail airmen. They researched his life history and read poetry about the red tails.

HIGH SCHOOL – The social studies department organized retired teachers Gary Christian, Ger-ald Grayson and Theodore Kirby to address students with a strong message about over-coming odds while working toward success.

Black History Month is an opportunity to emphasize the history and achievements of African Americans.

Celebrate Black History

Betsy Bacon’s kindergarten class at White Oak Elementary School has been doing the Flat Stanley Project the entire school year. The project is based on the popular “Flat Stanley” series of children’s books by Jeff Brown, in which a boy named Stanley gets accidentally flattened by a

bulletin board. In this flattened state, he is able to be slipped into an envelope and sent to all kinds of exciting places.

As part of the project, Bacon’s students sent out Flat Stanleys, and have received responses from Iceland, Ireland, India, as well as many states such as Ohio, New Hampshire, New York, Nevada, and Virginia. In addition, they have also heard back from Senator James Brewster, and have sent care packages to two service men.

Another interesting event with this project is that they recently heard back from Chile and one of the district’s instructional assistants, Nevenka Kostley, is from

there and will be talking to the class about her homeland. Kostley’s presen-tation will consist of a PowerPoint presentation about culture, translation

of the Chile letter, Chilean snack and Chilean crafts.

Mckeesport KinderGarten students keep flat Stanley on the move

there and will be talking to the class about her homeland. Kostley’s presentation will consist of a PowerPoint presentation about culture, translation

of the Chile letter, Chilean snack and Chilean crafts.

18 McKeesport Area

Groundbreaking on the Cornell site took place on February 10, 2012. In attendance were (from left) Ryan Pierce, Dr. Rula Skezas, Dr. Timothy Gabauer, Steven Kondrosky, Mark Holtzman, Joe Lopretto, Trisha Gadson, Patricia Maksin, Tom Maglicco, Terri Kisan, Christopher Halaszynski, Mary Jane Keller, Gerald Tedesco.


Have you ever wondered how the spectacular

rose garden at Renziehausen Park got to be so

spectacular?

Well, it’s the work of the devoted members of the Garden

Club of McKeesport. If you want to know specifically what

it takes to make the gardens so amazing, you can stop by

and learn.

The club begins working on the garden in mid-April with

two Saturdays set aside for rose pruning demonstrations

with help from the Pittsburgh Rose Society. This year, prun-

ing will be April 14 and 21 at 1 p.m. The public is invited

to come out and learn about the gardens and how to help

them grow.

Volunteers from The Garden Club of McKeesport and the

Pittsburgh Rose Society work on each Wednesday begin-

ning the month of April and continue throughout October.

Our workday hours are 9:00 a.m until 2:00 p.m. with lunch

at noon. Work takes place not only outside, but inside, as

well where volunteers collect flowers for pressing and for

floral arrangement. Anyone who’s been inside the clubhouse

knows how beautiful the arrangements and crafts made

from the pressed flowers are. Club members are willing to

show the public how this is done, too.

On May 5, the club will hold its Annual Plant and Mother’s

Day Gift Sale and on June 16, there will be a flea market.

Both will be held at the group’s clubhouse in Renzie Park.

For more information about the Garden Club of McKeesport, visit the group’s website atwww.GardenClubOfMckeesport.org.

Everything’s Coming Up Roses for

Garden Clubof McKeesport


More than half of the energy used in the average American home goes toward heating and cooling,and if your house is not properly insulated, much of that expense can go to waste. Insulation, particularly when installed in an area such as the attic, requires less work from the air conditioningand furnace systems, translating into less expense and fewer repairs.

There are a number of things to note to properly install attic insulation, the first of which is called R-value. R-value measuresthe effectiveness of types of insulation; the higher an insulation’s R-value, the more effective it is. The recommendedR-value for walls and floors in a mild climate is R-11; for ceilings and attics, it is R-19. In moderate climates, R-valuesshould be a minimum of R-19 for walls and floors and R-30 for ceilings and attics. And, in cold climates, R-valuesfor walls and floors should be R-19, and R-38 to R-49 forceilings and attics.

If you use your attic as living space, it is a good idea to install insulation in the walls and ceiling. If it is not used, you should still insulate, and the empty space will provideample room for installation. If your attic is being insulated forthe first time, it should include a vapor barrier, which is any material that does not absorb moisture and through which vapor will not pass.

After it snows, it is recommended that you check the roof to see wherethe snow has fallen. If you notice specific areas on the roof where the snow has melted, this may signal an area that needs to be insulated or where the insulation is damaged.

When installing insulation in the attic, the best method is to install it from the eaves toward thecenter of the room so as to leave more headroom when you need to cut or fit the insulation properly.

If, upon installing the insulation, you discover that you need an extra layer, you can simply layblankets on top of the insulation already there. To reduce fire hazard, cover the panels with wallboardor use fiberglass panels if you must install panels between the rafters in a ceiling that slopes. Also,if you use cellulose insulation, which is the most common type of loose-fill insulation, be sure that it has been treated with a fire retardant.

Project1_Layout 1 1/23/12 11:59 AM Page 1


What’s Insidepage 2 Getting Advanced Cancer Care

at UPMC McKeesport

page 3 Fit at Any Age

page 4 Surviving Allergies: What You Can DoPutting Ergonomics to Work for You

page 5 Brightening Lives With Light

page 6 A Walk to Remember

page 7 Meet Our Physicians

S P R I N G 2 0 1 2

Health and Wellness News You Can Use

© 2012 UPMC

Let’s GetPhysicalWhat can a daily dose of moderate physical activity do for you? Plenty! As you get older, regular exercise is a key to staying strong, energetic, and healthy. To learn more about the link between fitness and aging, turn to page 3.


2 UPMC.com/Today

Growing numbers of McKeesport arearesidents are findingthat cancer detection,diagnosis, and treatment is just minutes from their home!

For anyone coping with a cancer diagnosis, locating the highest quality treatment is an important first step in the journey toward recovery. UPMC McKeesport is committed to delivering that level of advanced care for area residents — and more.

“Our patients and their families are pleased todiscover how comprehensive and high tech cancer care is here,” says Susan Rakfal, MD,medical director of radiation oncology for theUPMC Cancer Center at UPMC McKeesport.“As part of the UMPC Cancer Centers network, we offer a level of care that is comparable to what you would find at any of UPMC’s cancer facilities —and we’re right in your neighborhood.”

Combining convenience, comfort, and qualityThe radiation oncology wing of UPMC McKeesport’s cancer center is undergoing a major renovation designed to create a healing environment for the body, mind, and spirit.When work is completed in May, the wing’swaiting area will be bathed in natural light, and music and artwork will add homeliketouches. “It will be a warm and inviting spacethat supports our staff’s delivery of personalcare,” says Dr. Rakfal.

Members of the UPMC McKeesport radiationoncology care team are among the best in thecountry at using different kinds of radiationtherapies to treat patients with cancer. “We also make certain that primary care physicians and other cancer care specialists here at UPMC McKeesport are involved inmanaging a patient’s care.”

State-of-the-art clinical care with a personal touchUPMC McKeesport’s affiliation with UPMCCancer Centers ensures that its center isequipped with cutting-edge technologies thataren’t typically found in community hospitals.

A Varian Clinac 23iX linear accelerator and GE CT simulator, the newest additions to the center’s arsenal of cancer-fighting weapons,give patients access to the latest radiation therapies and enable the staff to create patient-specific treatment plans. “These state-of-the-art

devices allow us totarget tumors and deliver the radiationbeam with pinpointaccuracy, thereby destroying cancercells while sparingthe surrounding normal tissue,” explains Dr. Rakfal.

Having these capabilities in their backyardmeans patients don’t need to travel to the city to receive the same treatment. “When someonecomes to us for cancer treatment, they can beconfident that they will get care of the highestquality and added measure of comfort.”

To learn more about the UPMC Cancer Center at UPMC McKeesport as well as the radiation oncology and medical oncologyservices, visit UPMCMcKeesport.com. To meet the cancer specialists at UPMC McKeesport, turn to page 7.

Getting Advanced CancerCare at UPMC McKeesport

Respiratory gating During a radiation treatment, the patient’s tumor may change position due tothe patient’s breathing cycle or other involuntary movements. In a respiratory gating treatment, atracking device “watches” the tumor’s position and briefly shuts off the radiation treatment machinewhen the tumor moves beyond a certain point, helping to protect healthy tissue.

RapidArc® This advanced equipment rotates 360 degrees around the body, providing radiation precisely sculpted to the tumor, helping to spare healthy tissue. RapidArc delivers treatment in twoto three minutes, compared to other conventional treatments, which may take up to 30 minutes.

On-Board Imager® (OBI) An imaging technology used in conjunction with radiation delivery systems prior to treatment ensures that the patient and the tumor are in the same place as originally planned. This allows the oncologist to precisely deliver treatment, which may sparehealthy surrounding tissue.

Radiation Oncology at UPMC McKeesportThe UPMC Cancer Center atUPMC McKeesport offers patients access to some of the most advanced radiation delivery systems and imagingtechnologies available for treating patients with cancer, including:


1-800-533-UPMC 3

Comedian George Burns — who lived to be 100 — often advised his audience to “Look to the future, because that’s where you’ll spend the rest of your life.”Vonda Wright, MD — a practicing orthopaedic surgeon at the UPMC Center forSports Medicine and a nationally recognized author of several books on active aging and fitness — thinks that’s sound advice. “Nothing is more natural than aging,” she says. “Adults over 40 today are redefining what it means to age. They’re lookingahead — and doing what it takes to stay fit and vital.

“With just 30 minutes of daily exercise, you can minimize your risk for 35 common illnesses — including high blood pressure, stroke, and diabetes,” says Dr.Wright, who also directs the center’s Performance and Research Initiative for Masters Athletes (PRIMA®), which focuses onmaximizing the performance of both elite and recreational athletes over age 40.

Staying fit as you age“As we enter our 40s and 50s, we’re just starting to hit our stride, with the potential for many years of wonderful living ahead of us. A well-balanced exercise plan is a key to maintaining that quality of life as we grow older,” she maintains.“There’s no age or activity level to prevent any older adult from being active,” explains Dr. Wright. In fact, studies of 90-year-old men doing resistance training on a daily basis showed improvements in their strength and functioning.

Getting started Starting — and sticking with — a fitness plan initially can be hard, says Dr. Wright. “The first

step is to make exercise a part of your daily routine. Schedule it on your calendar, like an appointment,” she advises. “Don’t be a weekend warrior. Instead, try to maintain a moderate activity level throughout the week, and increase your exercise level gradually to reduce your chance of overuse or injury.”

She tells her patients to FACE the future with a balanced, total body workout designed to achieve maximum benefits while avoiding injury:

F — Flexibility with daily stretching exercises

A — Aerobic cardiovascular exercises every other day, using interval-style training

C — Carry a load (or strength train) to build and maintain muscles in your arms, legs, and core (stomach, back, and abdomen)

E — Equilibrium and balance through simple exercises like standing on one foot

“Whenever possible, mix up activities like running, swimming, cycling, or rowing,” encourages Dr. Wright. “Cross training helps promote total fitness while reducing the chance for injury. Most of all, take that first step!”

To learn more about UPMC’s PRIMA program for mature athletes, call 412-432-3651 or visit UPMC.com/SportsMedicine. You’ll find PRIMA listed under Performance in the Our Services section.

Fit atAnyAge

Should you see a doctor first?

Many say that 50 is the new 30 as today’s mature adults enjoy more active,fitter, and healthier lives

than any other generation.

You’re 50 years old and a pack-a-day smoker. You also have high blood pressure, and youhaven’t exercised since RonaldReagan was president. Should you see your doctor before hittingthe local gym? “Regular exercise is the best gift you can give yourself. But it’s important to use common sense when gettingstarted,” says Christopher Radkowski, MD, an orthopaedicsurgeon at UPMC McKeesport.

If you’re in generally good healthand starting off with light to moderate physical activity, an extensive medical workup probably isn’t necessary. “But ifyou’ve been diagnosed with anymedical condition, have beensedentary for some time, or are atrisk for potential heart problems,it’s essential to talk to your doctor,” advises Dr. Radkowski.

“Working together, you and your doctor can create the rightexercise plan based on your age,physical condition, family history,and other key factors.”

If you’re over the age of 40, visit UPMC.com/Today to take the American College of SportsMedicine’s Physical Activity Readiness Self-Exam.


The goal of ergonomics is to make our places of work as safe,comfortable, and efficient as possible. But let’s not limit itsuses to our day jobs!

“Many of the aches and pains people experience can be attributed to ergonomic issues like poor posture, excessiverepetitive movement, or improper lifting techniques,” saysWilliam S. McCall, facility director, Center for RehabilitationServices at UPMC McKeesport. “Whether you’re at work,home or play, applying basic ergonomic principles can helpyou avoid injury and perform at your best,” adds Mr. McCall.Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Use the right equipment. Makesure the tool fits the job and yourbody, whether you’re sitting at adesk, vacuuming, riding a bike, orswinging a golf club.

• Work at the right height for you.A too-low computer chair or a too-high kitchen counter can wreck havoc on your neck, back, and shoulders.

• Avoid contact stress. Wear glovesor use tools designed to reduce pressure on soft tissue to avoid blisters and other skin damage.

• Keep items within easy reach.Extend your arms out on each side.Picture an imaginary arc in front of you from left to right. Place the tools or supplies you use mostoften within that area.

• Avoid repetitive movements and working long periods in oneposition. Alternate tasks and change your body position regularly.Stretch every 20 to 30 minutes.

Visit UPMC.com/Today where you canfind more ergonomic tips to use at workand at home.

Putting Ergonomics toWork for YouAt home and on the job, ergonomics can help you avoid injuryand discomfort — and even increase your productivity

4 UPMC.com/Today

Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan

If you dread the approach of spring and the arrival of allergy season, here are a few ways to reduce your sniing, sneezing and itchy eyes

What to doIf you take medication to control your symptoms, start treatmentearly — before your seasonal allergies flare up, says BJ Ferguson,MD, director of the Division of Sino-Nasal Disorders and Allergyat UPMC, and a professor of otolaryngology at the University ofPittsburgh School of Medicine. In western Pennsylvania, tree

pollen starts flying around bythe end of February or in earlyMarch, when it warms upenough for trees to beginbudding.

Medications to takeDr. Ferguson recommendsstarting with an over-the-counter (OTC) medication,preferably a non-sedating

antihistamine. She cautions that some products can be sedatingor even result in extreme drowsiness that can impair driving. Be sure to read the accompanying instructions or ask your pharmacist about side effects.

OTC decongestants can relieve nasal congestion, but should onlybe used on a short-term basis, Dr. Ferguson says. Decongestantscan cause significant side effects, such as insomnia, agitation,heart palpitations, and a rise in blood pressure. A saline nasalwash also can help relieve congestion.

When to see a doctor“If you are getting no relief and it is impairing your quality of life, you should see a doctor about more effective alternativesand testing,” says Dr. Ferguson.

• A doctor can prescribe medications that can provide effective relief from chronic congestion.

• Allergy testing can determine precisely what you are or aren’t allergic to. A new sublingual immunotherapy administered under the tongue is just as effective as allergy shots, and with fewer side effects, says Dr. Ferguson.

• Your doctor also can determine if your nasal blockage is caused by inflammation or nasal polyps, a deviated septum, enlarged adenoids, or an infection.

Surviving Allergies:What You Can Do


1-800-533-UPMC 5

Light therapy is proving to be an effective treatment for bipolar depression and other mood disorders

Brightening Lives withLight

Michele Twyman of Penn Hills always dreaded the approach of winter and the holidays. As the days shortened, she grew increasingly tired, sleepy, and depressed. All she wanted to dowas crawl into bed — and stay there.

“I didn’t enjoy anything — from decorating to shopping. I neverfelt like celebrating,” says Ms. Twyman, who has a bipolar disorder and has battled depression for more than 30 years.

But last Christmas was different. For the first time in years, she decorated, shopped, and madewreaths and centerpieces. “I enjoythe holidays again. I realize now how much I missed being happyabout life’s little things,” she says.

New treatment shows bright promiseMs. Twyman credits her new outlook to an artificial light boxprovided by Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC) of UPMC. Every afternoon, she sits in bright light for about a half hour while reading or planning appointments and activities. It took just a few weeks to feel the effects. She now wakes up feeling more rested and relaxed. She’s also better able to care for her 95-year-old father.

“There are few effective treatments for bipolar depression. That’s why we’re exploring novel approaches such as light therapy,” says Dorothy Sit, MD, assistant professor of psychiatryat the University of Pittsburgh, and a researcher at WPIC who is leading an ongoing study in the use of light therapy for treatment of bipolar depression.

“Most patients feel better within two weeks of starting it, and continue to improve for up to eight weeks.”

According to Dr. Sit, treatment is inexpensive and effective. Patients with seasonal depression require 30 to 60 minutes of daily light therapy while patients with non-seasonal depression need 45 to 60 minutes.

People with bipolar depression are especially sensitive to changes in outdoor ambient light and the seasons, she explains.The onset of fall and winter can trigger symptoms similar to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), including fatigue, sluggishness, daytime sleepiness, carb cravings, loss of interest,and inability to experience pleasure. Individuals with bipolar depression also may have suicidal thoughts.

How and why it worksLight therapy replaces lost sunlight exposure and resets the body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythms — important for everyone’s general health,mood, and thinking. That’s why light therapy also can help patients with jet lag, shift workers, and people with sleep disorders.

While light therapy is generally safe, patients with bipolar depression also must be on a mood

stabilizer or they’ll be at risk for manic episodes, says Dr. Sit.Other possible side effects include headaches, eyestrain, irritation, agitation, and insomnia. These symptoms normallydisappear following adjustments in the time and length of treatment.

Light therapy tips• Check with your doctor or mental health professional

to see if light therapy is a good option for you.

• Follow your doctor’s advice concerning any special precautions you need to take.

• Use light therapy only with guidance from your doctor or mental health provider to minimize possible side effects and maximize benefits.

Visit UPMC.com/Today for more information on bipolar depression and the light therapy study. To participate in the study, call 1-800-436-2461. For information on light boxes, visit the Center for Environmental Therapeutics website at cet.org.

“There are few e�ective treatments for bipolar

depression. That’s why we’reexploring novel approaches

such as light therapy.” — Dorothy Sit, MD


Megan Dow was an athletic, carefree 27-year-old with so much to look forward to — from her upcoming wedding to a new house and barn. But a freak ATV accident on MemorialDay 2010 changed her life in an instant, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down.

It took a week for Megan to realize her broken neck and back wouldn’t be a quick fix and another six months to acknowledge that her paralysis might have permanent effects. Despite the diagnosis, the Negley, Ohio, resident was determined to walk down the aisle on her wedding day 16 months later.

“What means more to a girl than walking down the aisle at her wedding?”asks Megan, who became engaged justweeks before the accident.

Regaining the life she lostInitially, she couldn’t sit up without help and wore braces to support herback, neck, and legs. “I went from doing everything to not being able to brush my teeth; from being able to throw a bale of hay to not being able to pick up a gallon of milk,” Megan says.

An avid outdoorswoman, Megan longed to return to her activities, including horseback riding, camping,volunteering as a 4H Club adviser, and working as an interior designer. “I absolutely loved the life I had before the accident. I had to work to bring these things back into my life,” she says.

At the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute’s spinal cord injury unit at UPMC Mercy,Megan’s team of specialists puther to work four hours a day,six days a week in an intensive rehabilitation program.

Luckily, she had use of her quadriceps, which allowed herto walk with the help of bracesand a walker. Slowly, she relearned everyday skills likedressing herself and walking. She also learned new skills, such as transferring to a shower chair from her wheelchair, and did exercises to build her strength.

Megan vowed she’d walk without thewalker by that Christmas (a goal she met by Thanksgiving) and down the aisle without a cane. A few weeks beforeher wedding, Megan donned her gownand practiced walking in the gym withher physical therapist.

Walking happily into the futureOn her wedding day — Oct. 1, 2011 —Megan did walk down the aisle. Amongthe guests were her UPMC doctor, physical therapist, and occupational therapist. “They’re a huge part of my life and the reason I’m where I am today. They had to be there!” exclaims Megan.

“I’m so grateful to everyone at the Rehabilitation Institute. They gave me the tools I needed, and they encouraged and steered me in the right direction.”

Megan and her husband Eric honeymooned in Cancún, Mexico, where they snorkeled, swam, kayaked, and even explored some ancient ruins.

Today, while she still uses a wheelchairand cane, Megan is thankful she can walk up to two hours with just leg braces. She’s also driving again, riding horses, camping, and doing other activities.

“It was a miracle. I’m so grateful I can still do what I used to do — I just do them differently,” Megan says.

To learn more about UPMC RehabilitationInstitute and its services, visitUPMC.com/RehabInstitute. You’ll also find a link to Megan’s story and those of other patients who’ve benefited from the institute’s specialized care.

UPMC Rehabilitation Institute helps make a seemingly impossible wedding dream come true

AWalk to Remember

Megan and Eric Dow walked down the aisle after exchanging marriage vows on Oct. 1, 2011.

6 UPMC.com/Today


1-800-533-UPMC 71-800-533-UPMC 7

Meet Our Physicians

UPMC CANCER CENTERS AT UPMC McKEESPORT CANCER SPECIALISTS

Please visit UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762) for more information about any of our physicians.To contact the UPMC McKeesport physicians listed below, please use the office phone number provided.

Richard Bondi, MDBoard Certification: General SurgeryMedical School: University of Pittsburgh School of MedicineResidency: University Hospitals of Pittsburgh412-672-3422

Stuart Chetlin, MDBoard Certification: General SurgeryMedical School: University of Pittsburgh School of MedicineResidency: West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh 412-351-3821

Marc Cordero, MD (Joining April 1) Board Certification: General SurgeryMedical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine,Grenada, West IndiesResidency: St. Joseph Mercy Oakland, Pontiac, Mich.412-672-3422

Steven Gribar, MDBoard Certification: General SurgeryMedical School: University of Pittsburgh School of MedicineResidency: UPMC412-672-3422

Mumtaz Alvi, MD Board Certification: General SurgeryMedical School: Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan Residency: McKeesport Hospital412-678-2015

Arthur Fine, MD Board Certification: General SurgeryMedical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine,Grenada, West IndiesResidency: McKeesport Hospital 412-469-7035

Showri Palepu, MD Board Certification: General SurgeryMedical School: Sri Venkateswara University Medical College, Tirupati, IndiaResidency: McKeesport Hospital 412-678-7799

Susan Rakfal, MDDivision Chief, Radiation Oncology

Board-certified in therapeutic radiology, Dr. Rakfal received her medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry ofNew Jersey and completed residencies at Rush Presbyterian, St. Luke’s Medical Center inChicago. Dr. Rakfal has been a member of theradiation oncology staff at UPMC McKeesportfor 14 years. She is currently medical director ofUPMC Cancer Centers at UPMC McKeesportand chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology. For more information, or to schedulean appointment please call 412-664-2676.

Kevin M. Kane, MDDivision Chief, Medical Oncology

Dr. Kane received his medical degree from theOhio State University College of Medicine, and completed his internal medicine residencyand oncology fellowship at UPMC PresbyterianHospital. He is board certified in internal medicine and medical oncology. Dr. Kane, who has been practicing at UPMC McKeesportfor 34 years, serves as chief of the HematologyOncology Division. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call 412-664-2607.

Jason Bierenbaum, MDMedical Oncology

Dr. Bierenbaum is a graduate of Eastern VirginiaMedical School. He completed an internal medicine residency at UPMC, and a hematologyand oncology fellowship at the University of Baltimore. Dr. Bierenbaum is board-certified in internal medicine and board-eligible in hematology and oncology. He has been practicing at UPMC McKeesport for nearly ayear. For more information, or to schedule anappointment, please call 412-664-2607.

UPMC McKEESPORT GENERAL SURGEONSUniversity of Pittsburgh PhysiciansDepartment of General Surgery

Surgeons in Private Practice


UPMC McKeesport1500 Fifth Ave.McKeesport, PA 15132

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 McKeesport on Facebook.

at

YOU'D TRAVEL FAR FOR EXPERT CARE.BUT THANKFULLY YOU DON'T HAVE TO.When you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, receiving expert care is a priority. But receiving that care close to your homeshouldn’t have to be a luxury. That’s why the experience you trust from UPMC Cancer Center at UPMC McKeesport isright here where you need it. Our convenient, state-of-the-art, newly renovated center has a variety of diagnostic and radiation therapy options. And our specially trained professionals use the newest technology for precise tumor treatmentand detection. Plus, we work closely with our expert medical oncologists to ensure seamless care. You’ll even have your ownpersonal oncology information specialist to take you through each step of your treatment.

Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC is ranked among the nation’s best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. UPMC Cancer Centers is a partner in cancer care with the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.

To learn more about radiation oncology services or to schedule an appointment, CALL 412-664-2607 OR VISIT UPMCCANCERCENTERS.COM.



Welcome to a new year in McKeesport. I am now proudly serving as mayor of our fine city and looking forward to working with everyone,

not just in McKeesport, but in all of the surrounding areas. We have adopted a new slogan—“Working Together for a Better McKeesport.” We will be tying that slogan into everything that we do here in the city. We will be striving to make McKeesport a better place to live and work.

Spring is in the air, and that brings about thoughts of our gem of a park, Renziehausen Park. This upcoming season involves a flurry of activities that will include not only our annual events such as International Village and Concerts in the Park, but also a Civil War Re-enactment and Rib Fest. These events will be two great additions that will attract even more people from McKeesport and the surrounding areas to come out and enjoy our park that is so generously funded in part by the Regional Asset District. While at the park be sure to visit our Rose Garden, the second largest in the state.

Don’t forget to spend some time outdoors by utilizing our wonderful trail system. The trail runs through Gergely Park, and there is convenient, free parking at the Marina.

By now, I hope that many of you have taken the time out of your busy schedule to explore the new grocery store in town, Bottom Dollar. We are looking forward to soon developing more businesses in this corridor to complement those businesses that have also recently opened there, including Rite Aid and Chick’s Grill.

We have a couple of new City Council members, and I invite all citizens of McKeesport to attend the City Council meetings to see not only the new members, but all of our City Council members in action. Council meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month with the exception of August, when the meeting is on hiatus.

In conclusion, remember that we will be “Working Together for a Better McKeesport,” and also a better tri-state area in which to call home.

Mayor’s CornerMichael Cherepko

We have adopted a new slogan—

“Working Together for a Better McKeesport.”

McKeesport Recreation BoardFront: Jim Brown, McKeesport Parks and Recreation Director; Anne�e James and Councilman Dan CarrBack: Ron Melocchi and Warren Bolden

30 McKeesport Area

McKeesport

BOTTOM DOLLAR MAKES G R A N D

OPENING I N M C K E E S P O R T

Hundreds of people from McKeesport and the surrounding area attended

the Jan. 26 grand opening of Bottom Dollar Food store on Eden Park Blvd.

The festivities started off with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by McKeesport Mayor Mike Cherepko, council members Dan Carr, Richard Dellapenna, Darryl Segina, Keith Soles and Fawn Walker-Montgom-

ery, former McKeesport Mayor now State Senator Jim Brewster, and County Councilman Bob Macey among other public officials.

Former Steeler Mike Merriweath-er was on hand to greet shoppers and sign autographs.

Several other Bottom Dollar Food stores opened in the area on that date as well, including stores in Penn Hills, and Bridgeville. Still more stores opened February 9.

30 McKeesport Area


2012 Concerts in the Park Schedule Lions Bandshell at Renzie Park

2012 McKeesport Schedule of Events James Brown, Recreation Director

June 3 The Vogues June 10 Airborne featuring Jeff Jimerson June 17 Higher Vibe June 24 Big Band Memories

July 1 Souled Out July 4 (Wed.) Johnny Angel and the Halos July 8 The Four Townsmen July 15 Scott, Rob and Gregg of THE CLARKSJuly 22 Zoot Island BEACH PARTY July 29 Legacy

August 5 BEATLEMANIA MAGIC (Tribute to the Beatles) August 12 Sputzy (from Modern Man & Gigolo)August 19 Chris Denem (Tribute to Neil Diamond) August 26 Todd Jones (Country Band)

September 1 McKeesport Ribs and Wings Festival (Saturday and Sunday) Tres Lads Mona Lisa OverdriveSeptember 2 William Dell and the Wee Jams

March 31 Easter Egg Hunt, Main PavilionApril 14 First Day of Trout Fishing Derby, Lake EmilieMay TBA Blue Top CircusJune 9 Fishing Derby, Lake EmilieJune 19-23 McKeesport City CarnivalJune 21 Good Neighbor Day, 5th Ave.August 13 Kids Village Day, Renzie Park Lions BandshellAugust 14-16 International Village, Stephen Barry FieldSee above Concerts in the ParkSeptember 1-2 Ribs and Wings FestivalTBA Civil War Re-enactment

JUNE EVENTS

JULY EVENTS

AUGUST EVENTS

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

32 McKeesport Area

When Michael Cherepko decided to run for mayor, after having served eight years on city council, he said it was “a chance to give back to the community that’s given me

everything I have today.” Now, as McKeesport’s newly-installed mayor, Cherepko, who was born

and raised in the city, relishes the opportunity he has to move the city for-ward and help it flourish. “We’re getting used to a lot of the routine. It’s very exciting,” he said. “When I got involved in city politics, it’s something I really developed a strong passion for. I enjoy helping people. When the opportu-nity came across to run for mayor, it’s a challenge I was certainly up for.” Even though he is only 34 years old, Cherepko said his age did not deter folks from getting behind his campaign. “It was very encouraging to see how many seniors were excited about the opportunity to have a young person as mayor of the city.” He said many of the city’s older residents as well as others liked his youthful vitality and were eager to have that kind of energy in office.

During his run for mayor, Cherepko’s slogan was “Building a Better McKeesport.” How does he plan to accomplish that?

“Obviously, we know we need to bring new businesses and jobs to our city,” he said. “Part of our foundation was, in order to attract people – one, people have to feel safe; two, you have to clean up.” Cherepko said the city plans to be very aggressive on demolishing and taking care of vacant property. “Once you take care of those issues, it will help enhance the city and make it appealing to new businesses,” he added.

Cherepko believes curbing the violence in the area begins with the youth. Having been a teacher in the McKeesport Area School District for 12 years and director of the National Youth Sports Program at Penn State

McKeesport, now Penn State Greater Allegheny, he is familiar with what it takes to keep young people on track. “Being an educator in the McKeesport school district, I’ve always been able to successfully develop a good rapport with students of all ages,” he said. He would like to see collaboration between the city, school district and the local ministerium and/or anyone else interested in addressing the issue of youth violence and the need for more youth programming. “It’s a priority of mine to speak in the schools when asked, and do as much as I can with the youth to let them know they have many people out there who care about them.”

Every summer, the federally funded National Youth Sports Program would take 300 youngsters from McKeesport, the vast majority of them from low-income families, give them breakfast and lunch, drug and alcohol prevention information and sessions on health and nutrition. The program ended after 40 years because of cuts in the federal budget. Cherepko said the program gave him a basic understanding of the kind of programs and ideas he’d like to help bring to the city. “We cannot turn our backs on this younger generation,” he said.

In addition to his mayoral duties, Cherepko has a young family to care for at home. His wife, Nicole, is a fourth grade teacher in the McKeesport Area School District. The two have a daughter, Madeline, 5, and a three-year-old son, Jacob. “That is another main reason why I’ve taken on this new challenge and new endeavor, because I want to see my children grow up in McKeesport and go to McKeesport schools. My goal is that when they go to college, they can return to live and work here.”

McKeesport, now Penn State Greater Allegheny, he

McKeesport

NEW MAYOR BRINGS

TO THE JOBYOUTHFULENTHUSIASM

In addition to a new young mayor, McKeesport also has two new energetic council members, Keith Soles and Dan

Carr. Soles, a 50-year-old insurance and real

estate agent, is serving in public office for the first time. The son of William and Sally Soles, he is one of four siblings. He is married with one stepdaugh-ter and four grandchil-dren.

“I live here and I didn’t like the way things were going.” He said he’s watched the city deteriorate but is hopeful that with the new blood on council, public officials will be energized to be more involved in the community. “We as a council are making it a point to get out, work with and see as many people as we can.” He is in favor of council having neighborhood meet-and-greets to “let [residents] know that we’re aware of the problems in their neighborhood.”

“The biggest problem we have in our city, to me, is the blight in the seventh ward,” Soles

said. “I grew up there.” Seeing the area today, he said, “I just

saw so many homes that are totally destroyed,

so many windows broken. He believes the city should put efforts into restor-ing the seventh ward. “It’s our biggest ward and it’s in really bad shape. I believe the new council and mayor are working hand in hand and trying to do the best we

can, working together, and I think it’s going to work.”

Of course, like most people in McKees-port, he believes that business develop-ment is important and that businesses need incentive to move into the city. That task falls mostly on the shoulders of the mayor and the city administrator, Soles said. He believes the role of council is to connect with the com-

munity “and try to get people to work together to make McKeesport a better place.”

Carr, 53, is self-employed. He’s married and has three children and two grandchildren. He has always been involved in nonprofit organizations and is currently president of the McKeesport Lions Club.

“The main question that I am asked as a new councilman is what can I do to bring people back to McKeesport? My answer is that we first need to stop people from leaving and improve the way we think,” Carr said. “Improvement begins at the individual level.

Having a positive attitude is attractive and costs nothing. Taking pride in our homes and helping our neighbors costs very little with an immediate return.”

He said he knows there is a problem with run-down and abandoned houses and all of council is working on this with the mayor. He said the city is aggressively seeking grants and private funding. “Under the direction of our mayor, we are developing a plan to give resi-dents hope and a reason to stay. This will bring people back to McKeesport,” Carr said.

He adds that Mayor Mike Cherepko has the vision to implement the best ideas for McKeesport. “My goal is to align myself with average, hardworking persons like myself. I think the most common-sense solutions to problems come from those who are affected the most, us.”

As a businessman and someone who is heavily involved in civic organizations, Carr believes that community involvement is neces-

sary for the betterment of the city. “Look at our parks and

recreation areas – the improvements over

the last few years should be an example of how volunteers can improve ‘busi-

ness as usual.’ I was inspired to

enter into politics to further the cause of em-

powering volunteers and orga-nizing ways to allow us to fulfill the obligation and honor of civic responsibility,” Carr said. “As a businessman in McKeesport, I encourage the community to support the businesses in McKeesport. I don’t personally know anyone who owns a small business in McKeesport who is not willing to give back when they can. It will be the small to medium businesses that can rebuild McKeesport.”

New Council Members Say Community Interaction, Involvement is Key


The role of council is to get people to work together to

make McKeesport a better place.”

Keith Soles

“Taking pride in our homes and

helping our neighbors costs very little with an

immediate return.”Dan Carr

Looking for a fun place to dance the night away? Look no further than the McKeesport Palisades Community Center for the Performing Arts, located in the heart of McKeesport.

“Our dance floor is famous for being the largest dance floor in the tri-state area,” said Mike Joyce, manager of the McKeesport Palisades. “The floor is comprised of five layers of wood, making it quite conducive to dancing.”

The McKeesport Palisades, which is operated by a four-member board of directors, has served as a grand source of entertainment for many audi-ences during its 100-year history. Originally purchased and owned by the Speney family, the center once housed a car dealership downstairs and a roller skating and ballroom dancing area upstairs. Wrestling and boxing matches also headlined the calendar of events.

The center was then purchased by the City of McKeesport in the early 1990s, and today serves as the backdrop to many different types of affairs, including weddings, cash bashes, fundraisers and oldies dances.

“We also offer free country line dancing lessons at 6:30 p.m. on Fridays and open the dance floor to anyone at 7:30 p.m.,” Joyce noted.

The center also hosts other types of events, from fundraisers for the McKeesport Library, which featured disco band Dancing Queen, to celebrations for Flag Day and other days of dedications and memorial oldies dances.

“McKeesport Palisades has enjoyed a long history of entertaining members of our community. We are fortunate to have had political figures who have supported us, from deceased Mayor Joe Bendel, who helped develop the site into a community center, to former Mayor Jim Brewster, who carried the torch and followed through on Mayor Bendel’s original plans. Today, we are lucky to have Mayor Michael Cherepko, who is a big supporter of the McKeesport Palisades.”

The center has been host to a wide variety of past performances, includ-ing the Wayne Macuga Big Band, the Mystic Knights, musician Todd Jones, a “Blues from the Burgh 2” CD release party, and even the Mon Valley Democratic Rally.

Attendance at all of the events has been good, despite the down condi-tions of the economy, according to Joyce, and there are a number of regular customers who followed Joyce to the McKeesport Palisades from his days as owner of The Viking Lounge in McKeesport.

And although 2012 has only just begun, Joyce’s calendar of entertain-ment is already getting full, as he is lining up events well into the summer.

For starters, Pure Gold with Rich Antoncic will showcase a dance and performance on Saturday, March 24. Doors will open at 7 p.m., and advance tickets are $15 or $20 at the door.

The annual Palisades Beach Burgh Blast is a two-day dance party that will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 13, and at noon on Saturday, April 14. This annual event will feature DJs from around the country and 10 of the best DJs in Pittsburgh, who will be sure to get attendees swinging with their different styles of music, from boogie and beach tunes to blues and doo wop songs, and of course, line dances. Tickets are $10 to attend one day or $15 for both days.

“This is a very popular event that provides great entertainment and fun for everyone who comes,” Joyce said. “In the past, we have seen more than 400 people here on each day.”

Looking ahead to summer, the McKeesport Palisades will feature Scooter Lee line dance instruction on Saturday, June 2.

“We want the residents to know that the McKeesport Palisades is a dance hall that was purchased for the whole community, not just the per-forming arts population, but for everyone to enjoy,” Joyce said. “We look forward to making many more great memories here.”

For more information on any of these events, call

Mike Joyce at 412.370.2971.

McKeesport

Get Your on at McKeesport Palisades

34 McKeesport Area


Groove

Ribfest returns

to McKeesport

Members of the McKeesport Recreation Board have

finalized the details for a McKeesport Ribs and Wings

Festival. The event will take place Saturday, September 1

and Sunday, September 2, 4 to 9 p.m. at Renzie Park.

Saturday there will be concerts at 5 and 7 p.m. Sunday

there will be a parade at 3 p.m., a car show at 4 p.m., and a

concert at 7 p.m. with fireworks to end the festivities.

Thirty years ago, the area that is now home to the RIDC Industrial

Center of McKeesport was home to a dark, dirty, black environment of steel buildings. And although there were a lot of jobs and money to be made, this area is now seeing much better days.

“There is now a lot of open land, about 40 acres, waiting to be built upon,” said Bill Burroughs, vice president of development of Regional Industrial Development Corporation, or RIDC. RIDC is the company that acquired the land from the Allegheny County Industrial Development Authority, which purchased the land from US Steel in the 1980s. Market conditions were such that US Steel was forced to move National Tube Works, its metal tube and pipe mill company that previously occupied the land, to Texas.

In 1989, RIDC sought bids for remediation and redevelopment of the area and began working closely with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in redeveloping the land. In fact, the redevelopment even stimulated the passing of legislation for industrial site remediation.

Upon completion of each phase, RIDC designed and constructed new

onsite access road systems and utility networks to service sites cleared for de-velopment as well as for buildings that were to be retained and rehabilitated.

“It is the mission of RIDC to work on urban properties and give them new life,” Burroughs said. “If the buildings are in relatively good condition, we will retain and rehabilitate them to make them fit into the market place.”

RIDC Industrial Center of McKeepsort is a 133-acre industrial park that consists of 11 buildings on the site, three of which have been rehabilitated. In 2004, RIDC constructed McKeesport Manor One and McKeesport Manor Three, which are multi-tenant facilities. RIDC also has renovated and converted four existing buildings, which include McKeesport Com-mons, McKeesport Manor Two, Roll Stop and Brick Shot.

Eight companies, which employ more than 200, house their businesses in these buildings, including Bulk Conveyor, which operates out of two buildings; Health Waste Management; Steel City Products; Consolidated Power; and Equitable Gas.

Burroughs pointed out that Bulk Conveyor has experienced nice growth since it moved into McKeesport Manor One in 2004 and operated out of 30,000 square feet. In 2008, the company moved its busi-ness into McKeesport Com-mons and now has 150,000 square feet. And, RIDC is always looking for more companies like this one.

“We are anxious to talk with companies who want to build an employee base at this location,” Bur-roughs noted. “Although heavy manufacturing is not that prevalent in this area anymore, we would like to see manufacturing companies operate some of the space, as they are typically more likely to hire more employees.”

In the meantime, RIDC is working diligently to remove all of the old structures that lie beneath the existing surface so that it can begin new construction.

RIDC has taken on some of the region’s most challenging economic development and real estate projects. It is a company that began in 1955 as regional businesses, corporations, government and other labor leaders concluded that there should be an effort undertaken to establish new employment opportunities and diversify the economy in southwestern Pennsylvania. It was decided that a central agency should take the lead on this effort, and so RIDC was born.

From Dirty to Delectable

Bulk Conveyor, which operates out of two buildings; Health Waste Management; Steel City



CITY OF MCKEESPORT500 Fifth AvenueMcKeesport, PA 15132412.675.5020Fax: 412.675.5049www.mckeesport.orgMayor: Michael Cherepko

COUNCILDan Carr Richard J. DellapennaDale McCallDarryl SeginaKeith SolesAlfred Tedesco Jr.V. Fawn Walker-Montgomery

POLICENon Emergency Phone: 412.675.5050

FIRE DEPARTMENTMcKeesport Fire FightersP.O. Box 262McKeesport, PA 15134412.675.5021 or 412.675.5070

McKeesport Ambulance Rescue Service (MARS)Emergency Phone: 911Edwin Coulter, Chairman, McKeesport Ambulance Authority & Emergency Management CoordinatorNon Emergency Phone: 412.675.5076

WHITE OAK BOROUGH2280 Lincoln WayWhite Oak, PA 15131412.672.9727Fax: 412.672.0760www.woboro.comMayor: Ina Jean MartonBorough Manager: John W. Petro, Jr.412.672.9727

COUNCILEdward BabyakCharles DavisGeorge DillingerRonald MassungDavid PasternakKenneth RobbCarrie Verbanick

POLICENon-Emergency Phone: 412.672.9726

FIRE DEPARTMENTSRainbow Volunteer Fire Company2916 Jacks Run RoadWhite Oak, PA 15131412.664.9523

White Oak No. 1 Fire Company1130 California Ave.White Oak, PA 15131412.664.4822

White Oak EMSWhite Oak Search and Rescue2800 State StreetWhite Oak, PA 15131Emergency Phone: 911Non-Emergency Phone: 412.672.3055

BOROUGH OF DRAVOSBURG226 Maple AvenueDravosburg, PA 15034412.466.5200Fax: 412.466.6027Mayor: John Powell

COUNCILJay McKelveyMichelle VezzaniWilliam Snodgrass, Jr.Barbara StevensonGreg Wilson SOUTH VERSAILLES TOWNSHIPP.O. Box 66Coulter, PA 15028

GOVERNMENTTownship Secretary: Carla BarronTreasurer: Carol HainesBoard of Commissioners:John WarabakWilliam HaywoodEdward Kulasa, Jr.Terry PayneDavid Stockett VERSAILLES BOROUGH5100 Walnut StreetMcKeesport, PA 15132412.751.3922Fax: 412.751.4430Mayor: James Fleckenstein

COUNCILCheryl D’AntonioEmerson Fazekas Cheryl FlahertyDennis KeefeCynthia RichardsGary RoscoJames SheedyLinda Sheedy

Serving The Mon Valley

McKeesport

36 McKeesport Area

ruce Lauffer, music director and conductor of the McKeesport Symphony Orchestra,

believes music directors must be aware of how the arts, especially music, fit into a dramatically changing society.

“Today, music directors must be in the trenches,” he explains in a statement about his artistic vision. “Our job is to do whatever is necessary to get our message across, and you have to be willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done right. Music directors have to be able to outreach, to fundraise, to develop public relations, to research the particular taste of the audience, and to create a vision as a spokesperson and public ambassador for the orchestra.”

Under his baton, the McKeesport Symphony Orchestra is stretching its wings – growing artistically and geographically – and emerging as regional treasure. Stepping to the next level, from a city orchestra to a regional orchestral, is personal for Lauffer.

He grew up in nearby Jeannette. It is one of the many reasons why he was attracted to the position with the MSO. Jeannette, like McKeesport, has a storied past. Both were once thriving hubs of industry that later fell onto hard times as those industries disappeared and the local economy plummeted.

“It’s really sad to see a town decline. But the people are still there and they deserve the same quality,” he says, speaking of the orchestra, which has been performing as a professional group since 1959. Some of those people Lauffer speaks of are his family and friends who still live in the region.

His passion for music and conducting is home-grown and can be traced back to his junior high school days.

A junior high honors band festival, under the baton of guest conductor Don Wilcox from West Virginia University, proved to be a fateful event for the aspiring maestro.

“I was just in awe,” Lauffer says of the experience. “I just knew - this was what I wanted to do.”

His interest and passion for music and conducting continued through his high school years. “I had a really good start in high school,” he explains, and was influenced strongly by his teachers whom he considered to be tremendous role models.

Lauffer ended up earning his Bachelor of Music degree in music education from West Virginia University and, coincidentally, ended up becoming good friends with Wilcox, the conductor who inspired him all those years before.

After completing his studies at WVU, Lauffer did his student teaching at East Allegheny School District, and was hired as a sabbatical replacement. Not long afterward, as the economy declined, he was laid off from that position, so he decided to pursue his Master of Music degree at Baylor University. Afterward, he ended up with a teaching position at Indiana State University.

He returned to East Allegheny to guest conduct a spring concert and later was offered the job as director of bands at the district. “The guys I student taught with were phenomenal teachers and had great camaraderie – they were best friends – so I was happy to take that job. And, it meant I could move back home from Indiana.”

BRUCELAUFFERBrings His Talent and Passion to McKeesport Symphony Orchestra


Reach over 36,567 potential

customers in McKeesport Area

Call [email protected]

ADVERTISE HERE!

He first came to the McKeesport Symphony as a guest conductor in the late 1990s, and directed a concert featuring Irish performer Cahal Dunne. Soon afterward, the permanent position opened. He applied for the job but was not selected. A few years later the position opened again, and that time he was the selected candidate for the post.

Now Lauffer is in his eighth season with the MSO.The symphony is in its 53rd year and consists

entirely of professional musicians, all of whom are members of the musicians union.

“They are all top-flight players,” Lauffer says of his musicians, many of whom perform with the Pittsburgh Symphony, the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and the Pittsburgh Opera. “The level of musicians in this orchestra is just the best around.”

Still, some in the region may not be aware of the MSO and the caliber of their performances. “Once we get someone to a concert, they’re hooked,” says Lauffer.

Rehearsals – usually just two – are held about a week before each of the group’s concerts. Routinely there are four performances each year.

But, this is a transition year for the orchestra, Lauffer explains. There has been a restructuring of the board, and the performance schedule has changed a bit.

It is part of the effort to expand the reach of the orchestra and grow the presence of the group to that of a regional orchestra, Lauffer explains.

That expansion is essential from a business perspective.

“It’s hard because our funding is declining, so we have to do a lot of different marketing,” Lauffer explains. Increasing presence and reach will lead to new funding avenues for the orchestra.

“We want to grow our presence as a regional orchestra, but not lose the McKeesport part. There have been 53 years’ worth of a wonderful product with great board members who have worked hard all of those years. We don’t want to move because it would be like saying the people in this area don’t deserve it – but they do. We just want to share it with others too.”

To do that, the orchestra has been repeating its concerts in other communities, including the South Hills. For instance, the upcoming March concert will be performed Saturday, March 17, at Independence

Middle School in Bethel Park, and again the next day, Sunday, March 18, at the First Evangelical Free Church on the Penn State Greater Allegheny Campus.

Next year, Lauffer anticipates that concerts will be planned for October, December, March and May, and perhaps a summer performance as well.

Another part of the orchestra’s plan to increase its presence is to help support school music programs in the area.

With the statewide education funding cuts, many music programs are being hit hard. Lauffer and members of the orchestra are offering to assist school districts—especially those in the South Hills and Mon Valley area—with their music education departments. For example, members have offered to do master classes, help with lessons or whatever else the department may need.

“If we can expose students to the orchestra, in return it helps to build our audience. It ensures another generation of people coming to our concerts.

With his goals of expansion in sight, Lauffer says, “I feel blessed to make my living as a conductor, without having to travel. I really enjoy being here and working in the area where I live.”

Music directors have to be able to outreach, to fundraise, to develop public relations, to

research the particular taste of the audience, and to create a vision

as a spokesperson and public ambassador for the orchestra.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about the McKeesport Symphony Orchestra, visit the website at www.mckeesportsymphony.org.

For more information about conductor Bruce Lauffer, visit his website at www.brucelauffer.com.{ }


W e all love our vacations when we can get them. But while travelling may mean leaving town for a dream destination, it also means baggage and one the pitfalls that come with it – waste.

From “travel-sized” tubes of toothpaste and shampoo bo�les to disposable razors and eating utensils, travelers o�en plan to return home with less than they take in order to make room for souvenirs or to simply lighten their loads., With a li�le planning, however, one can achieve the same goal while pu�ing less of a burden on the environment.

For starters, many discount stores sell empty plastic �ip-top containers that are perfect for shampoos and conditioners. Instead of purchasing travel size versions of your favorite products, just get a few of these containers and �ll them from products already in your bathroom. Rather than packing disposable razors, consider purchasing an electric razor for travel. Even a�er years of use, a quality electric razor that’s been properly maintained will still deliver a close shave.

If you’re travelling to a major city or tourist destination, public transportation will almost certainly be

available. Just like at home, traveling by bus is the most environmentally

friendly way of ge�ing around if you can’t walk the distance. Most port authorities in destination cities have routes to all major tourist a�ractions already in place. If you need a car, many

major rental companies have added �ex fuel and electric

hybrids to their �eets.

Upon arriving plan a grocery stop. Buying from a grocery store for snacks and drinks is cheaper than eating every meal out. If you’re on the go, packing a few sandwiches can also save you time, avoiding long lines at lunch and dinner time. Your hotel room most likely will have a refrigerator; why not use it? �e grocery store also will save you from the enormous mark-up on food items in hotel lobbies, restaurants and room service.

Dining out can also be a vacation highlight – no need to eat every meal in the room! If you really want to be an eco-tourist, �nd local restaurants that re�ect the culture of your destination. Local cuisine is part of the experience, so treat yourself, and avoid chainrestaurants until you’re back at home. Eating locally also has ecological advantages; smaller restaurants tend to take advantage of locally grown produce, meats and cheeses. By patronizing these mom-and-pop eateries, you’re not only helping to sustain “mom and pop,” you’re helping the local farmers as well.

If you’ve chosen an exotic locale, chances are that there are ecotours available. �ese unique and exhilarating sojourns are planned around responsible tour routes to preserve the local ecology. �ey typically hire local employees and guides, and will engage local o�cials to plan operations to minimize negative impacts on the ecology and social structure. Another advantage to ecotours is that they o�entimes allow unprecedented access to the

W e all love our vacations when we can get them. But while travelling may mean leaving town for a dream destination, it also means baggage and one the pitfalls that come with it – waste.

From “travel-sized” tubes of toothpaste and shampoo bo�les to disposable razors and eating utensils, travelers o�en plan to return home with less than they take in order to make room for souvenirs

ecotourism Travelling Green Is Easier Than You Think

::: Three Rivers Travel 724.260.5341 ::: www.threeriverstravel.com :::

If you’re travelling to a major city or tourist destination, public transportation will almost certainly be

available. Just like at home, traveling by bus is the most environmentally

friendly way of ge�ing around if you can’t walk the distance. Most port authorities in destination cities have routes to all major tourist a�ractions already in place. If you need a car, many

major rental companies have added �ex fuel and electric

hybrids to their �eets.

For more information on

ecotourism, or traditional

vacation planning, call

Three Rivers Travel today

at 724.260.5341, or visit

www.threeriverstravel.com.


local wildlife, so be sure have your camera ready.

�e last thing to know about ecotours is that they are educational. Many tours not only point out fauna and wildlife, but will inform you as to what you can do to keep your favorite destination pristine for generations to come.

In the end, your vacation is your dream. Whether you’re more comfortable in a hotel room or in a tent in Madagascar, you always have options to minimize your impact during your stay. And by being a conscientious traveler, you also leave the locals with a be�er opinion of you and the United States as a whole. When it comes to tourism, you’re not just a visitor, you’re an ambassador.

local wildlife, so be sure have your camera ready.

4 eco destinations

to consider in 2012

MAKE 2012 your year to visit an eco-friendly destination with your family. Here are four places where GREEN is good:

Oregon. This northwestern haven for all things green is possibly the most eco-conscious state in the nation. With more than 300 miles of stunning coastline preserved as public land, families can visit pristine beaches, bike in two-wheel-friendly cities like Portland and Eugene, and raft on wild and scenic rivers. You can also explore high deserts, farm and wine country and the Columbia River Gorge, all within one grand holiday.

Borneo. Visit this exotic island to see the world’s largest flower and to discover sparsely populated beaches, caves, lush jungles and an expansive list of endemic plant species. Trek through the virgin jungle to Mount Kinabalu and explore the Kinabatangang River region. Be on the lookout for wild boars, orangutans, macaques, elephants, kingfishers and proboscis monkeys. Stay in award-winning eco-lodges featuring solar power, the harvest of rainwater and wildlife rehabilitation efforts.

Utah. Robert Redford is the eco-minded force behind this mountain resort that provides a high-altitude lesson in good fun and environmental stewardship. Join guides for a snowshoe trek under the night sky in search of owls. By day, enjoy skiing, hiking, horseback riding, art projects and music. The resort operates on wind power, recycles its own glass and offers organic linens, amenities and vegetables. Carpoolers receive $5 off lift tickets for their energy-saving efforts.

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Follow the underwater trail and enjoy one of the few fully protected marine areas in the world. Run by the National Park Service, the 176-acre island and surrounding coral reef ecosystem form Buck Island Reef National Monument, a nature lover’s paradise. Intensely colored fish and coral thrive in a turquoise sea, providing a visual treat for both novice and experienced snorkelers and divers. The preserve can be reached via half- and full-day charters.

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::: Three Rivers Travel 724.260.5341 ::: www.threeriverstravel.com :::


BY PAMELA PALONGUE

ACCORDING TO A 2004 STUDY

BY WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

OF ST. LOUIS, AT LEAST 42%

OF AMERICANS WILL DEAL

WITH FOOD INSECURITY AT

SOME TIME DURING THEIR LIVES.

T o many, hunger is someone else’s problem; a difficulty that will happen to someone else’s family. But according to a 2004 study by Washington University of St. Louis, at

least 42% of Americans will deal with food insecurity at some time during their lives. It is interesting to note that this study was done four years prior to the beginning of the recession.

It is hard to overestimate the importance of food to quality of life and overall health. Medical experts now tell us that the major factors in determining disease are DNA, exercise and nutrition. A person may be able to stay alive by eating cereal every day, but how healthy is a consistent diet of nothing but cereal? Unfortunately, the poor are many times forced to buy what is cheap without regard for nutritional value. Indeed, many people are lucky to have enough money to buy food at all.

As people age, nutrition becomes even more important to sustaining life. For individuals with health problems such as diabetes or heart problems, good food is essential. To growing children, proper nutrition is vitally important for optimal learning in school and normal physical development. Unfortunately, many people in our area do not have enough food to eat, much less the financial resources to buy healthy, nutritious food.

One common misconception is that people who are hungry are unemployed. Although this is sometimes the case, many

HungerHungerThe Face ofHungerMcKeesport

Hunger


individuals who work at full-time jobs do not have enough to eat. With employee benefits such as health care decreasing, many workers are faced with the choice of paying for their health care insurance and prescriptions – or food. Workers have also accepted cutbacks in the number of hours worked or decreases in hourly wages in order to retain their jobs. This shortage in pay has to be made up in other areas and one way that individuals stretch their paychecks is by skipping meals, to the detriment of their health.

According to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, since August of 2008, area food banks have been serving an average of 2,500 new households every month! This dramatic increase correlates directly to the economic hard times of the past few years.

Sometimes a crisis or emergency can lead to the need to seek out a food pantry for help. In McKeesport, the Salvation Army provides the only emergency food pantry in the area. “We exist for the people who have not signed up for one of those regular food pantries,” said Salvation Army Captain Sean Barton. “Usually, someone just got laid off from work, the unemployment hasn’t started yet, or people just find themselves in a rough situation.” People can only utilize the emergency food pantry once every 90 days. Those who might need help from a regular food pantry are encouraged to sign up for one of them.

Most of the food the Salvation Army obtains is purchased from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. The food pantry also gets food donated via food drives through the school district and also Stamp Out Hunger, which is a food drive sponsored by U.S. postal workers, Barton said. In addition to providing emergency food, the Salvation Army also has a regular food pantry that is only for senior citizens. “We have about 95 seniors and we have people on a waiting list,” Barton said. The food for seniors comes from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank already boxed up and sealed.

Bruce Hall, food pantry coordinator, said last year the pantry served almost 1,100 people just in emergency food. When the people who sign up for Christmas food and presents are added, that total grows to 3,825 people. “[At Christmas] we give extra food, food vouchers, that type of thing,” Hall said. “Anyone in our service area can sign up for Christmas and emergency food.” The service area includes the municipalities of McKeesport, Port Vue, Boston, North Versailles, White Oak, and Glassport and the communities of

Greenock, Coulter and Vunola. To qualify for emergency food assistance from the

pantry, a person must call and make an appointment. When applicants come in, they must bring photo identification, proof of income, proof of expenses and residency, birth certificates for children living in the household and Social Security cards for every member living in the household. How much food people receive is based on how many are in the household and how much food is available at the food bank, Hall said. “We keep a very well-stocked pantry,” he added. “We purchase not only canned goods and those types of items; we also purchase meat to give to a family so that there is a protein source for them.” Because people are being given food in an emergency situation, the bag they receive is designed to last four or five days and can include cereal, pasta, tomato sauce, canned vegetables, soup, tuna fish, etc. Families are also given personal care items such as toilet paper, toothpaste, dish washing liquid, and things of that nature. In addition, the pantry also gives away three loaves of bread per family, nearly every Thursday.

“The faces of those who come are changing constantly,” Hall said. “We have a lot more first-time, working-class people who are trying to make ends meet.”

If a family is fortunate enough to have plenty to eat, there are important things that anyone can do to help those who are hungry.

One of the most obvious ways is to donate money to your local food pantry. This enables the food bank to buy the nutritious foods that are needed, rather than having to cope with limited amounts of random food items. Although many businesses and corporations support the food banks, they could not survive without help from the general population at large. The support of individuals in the community is crucial.

For some families, a donation of $25 or $50 may pose a hardship on their budget. But even with limited income, there are things that almost anyone can do to help. Most grocery stores offer shoppers the opportunity to make a contribution to the local food pantry at the checkout line. If every family who is able makes a donation of $1 each week when they shop for groceries, think of the money that could be generated to help feed the hungry! By donating a smaller amount more frequently, it is less painful than writing a check for $20 or more. A small donation of one dollar will most likely not be missed in the family budget, but will help make a

continued on next page


If you are thinking of selling your home or just making some updates toyour current living space, you don’t necessarily need to think big expenseand lots of work. Small �xes can increase your home’s value for a big payo�.

For starters, maintain a regular cleaning schedule. �is serves a dual purpose of not just keeping your house tidy and neat, especially for visitors, but will help keep your maintenance issues in check since you will notice relatively early on if something is in need of a �x, thus avoiding costly repairs.

Keep your house looking fresh by adding some new paint. When selecting a color, remember that neutrals appeal to a wide variety of people, and if you are selling your home, a neutral color is easy to paint over should the new owners choose a di�erent color.

Consider consulting a professional real estate agent or a home inspector. Each can walk through your home and pay close aention to its detail and alert you to areas that require improvement or repair. If repairs are necessary, make them in a timely manner to prevent the problem from geing worse.

Buyers tend to favor bathrooms and kitchens, so it could be especially bene�cial to keep these rooms clean and updated. Consult a real estate agent if you need ideas for updating. If these rooms are small,consider what could be rearranged to make them look bigger. Also, keep the appliances clean and in working order, even if you are not planning toinclude them in the sale of the house.

Spend some time in the yard. Remember that curb appeal is a person’s�rst impression of your overall house, so maintain a yard free of debris andcoordinate the colors of your gardens to match the house.

Installing modern light switches and power outlets can help your lightingsystem look newer than it is. Also consider installing dimmer switches,which are a favorite among potential buyers. Show o� the bright sides of

your house by increasing the waage in your light bulbs.

Finally, keep your house free of cluer by cleaning up a�er yourself

and making sure your children dothe same. In addition, keep your

carpets clean by vacuuming regularly and administering deep cleaning treatments.

Small Updates Pay O� BIG for Home ValuesBy Heather Holtschlag



big impact when combined with the dollars from other area households.

Although monetary donations allow the food pantry the ability to buy food supplies to fill particular needs, food donations are also helpful. Many times we buy things at the store with good intentions, but those items at the back of the cupboard are just not being eaten. Chances are if you take a quick inventory of your pantry, there are a few items that could be donated to your local food bank. In particular need are high fiber cereals, rice, pasta, and canned beans such as kidney, black and navy which are an important source of protein. Peanut butter, canned tuna and salmon also supply much needed protein. Canned vegetables and fruits are always welcomed as well as fruit and vegetable juices, although they should be 100% juice so be sure to check the ingredients label before donating. Chili, stews and soups are also valuable items because they offer a quick and easy way to get several daily nutrients in one convenient source. Glass containers cannot be accepted at local food banks because of possible breakage. Although many foods remain nutritious and palatable after they expire, some do not. Therefore donated food items should not be expired.

Another practically painless way to donate food is to take advantage of store specials. When your local grocery runs a special where two items may be purchased and the third one is free or there’s a “two for the price of one” special, consider donating that extra can of carrots to the food pantry. If this is done weekly, the items will add

up quickly and the surplus will help feed hungry families.

Last of all, but in no way least, if individuals cannot afford even small sacrifices of money or groceries, time is another valuable commodity. Most food banks are operated entirely by volunteers. There are many different jobs to do which allow a person to be matched with a task that fits his/her own unique personality. Groceries must be organized and stocked on the shelves and later packed into boxes for food pantry clients. Individuals are also needed to work directly with clients to determine eligibility and the distribution of food. Still other people are needed for fundraising activities, food drive events and marketing duties.

One of the best things about helping your local food pantry is that you are helping your neighbors. Oftentimes the hungry go unnoticed because hunger cannot be seen or felt by those around it. The person who is hungry could be your neighbor, a co-worker or the waitress at your local coffee shop. If 42% of U.S. citizens will have food insecurity at some time in their lives, the hungry person may even be you or your family. Helping the food pantry to help others will build a stronger, healthier community for us all.

ONE OF THE BEST

THINGS ABOUT

HELPING YOUR

LOCAL FOOD

PANTRY IS THAT

YOU ARE HELPING

YOUR NEIGHBORS.

continued from previous page

Photos by Monica Haynes

If you are thinking of selling your home or just making some updates toyour current living space, you don’t necessarily need to think big expenseand lots of work. Small �xes can increase your home’s value for a big payo�.

For starters, maintain a regular cleaning schedule. �is serves a dual purpose of not just keeping your house tidy and neat, especially for visitors, but will help keep your maintenance issues in check since you will notice relatively early on if something is in need of a �x, thus avoiding costly repairs.

Keep your house looking fresh by adding some new paint. When selecting a color, remember that neutrals appeal to a wide variety of people, and if you are selling your home, a neutral color is easy to paint over should the new owners choose a di�erent color.

Consider consulting a professional real estate agent or a home inspector. Each can walk through your home and pay close aention to its detail and alert you to areas that require improvement or repair. If repairs are necessary, make them in a timely manner to prevent the problem from geing worse.

Buyers tend to favor bathrooms and kitchens, so it could be especially bene�cial to keep these rooms clean and updated. Consult a real estate agent if you need ideas for updating. If these rooms are small,consider what could be rearranged to make them look bigger. Also, keep the appliances clean and in working order, even if you are not planning toinclude them in the sale of the house.

Spend some time in the yard. Remember that curb appeal is a person’s�rst impression of your overall house, so maintain a yard free of debris andcoordinate the colors of your gardens to match the house.

Installing modern light switches and power outlets can help your lightingsystem look newer than it is. Also consider installing dimmer switches,which are a favorite among potential buyers. Show o� the bright sides of

your house by increasing the waage in your light bulbs.

Finally, keep your house free of cluer by cleaning up a�er yourself

and making sure your children dothe same. In addition, keep your

carpets clean by vacuuming regularly and administering deep cleaning treatments.

Small Updates Pay O� BIG for Home ValuesBy Heather Holtschlag



412.664.7554

Reach over 36,567 potential customers in McKeesport

Curb appeal is notnecessarily somethingthat most people willbe able to dene in precise terms, but theywill know it when theysee it. Simply put, it isabout making yourfront yard and thefront of your housestand out and lookbe�er than the rest.And, if people likewhat they see on theoutside, including potential buyers, thechances are good thatthey will want to seewhat the house lookslike on the inside.




















Early on a cold and snowy Saturday morning, the McKeesport NAACP held its 11th annual Pancake Breakfast in February at The Common Grounds

to benefit the local chapter. The quickly falling snow didn’t stop members of the McKeesport community from coming out and supporting the cause. McKeesport city council members were in attendance along with the mayor, Michael Cherepko, and his children. McKeesport school district superintendent Tim Gabauer and his daughter also enjoyed the pancake breakfast, rubbing elbows with political figures like Congressman Mike Doyle and County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. Lots of laughter and friendly conversation filled The Common Grounds.

McKeesport NAACP Annual Breakfast Brings Community Together


Carnegie Library of McKeesport MARCH EVENTS

WINTER HOURSAdult Department Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday—

8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Thursday & Friday—8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Saturday—8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Sunday—CLOSED

Children’s DepartmentMonday & Tuesday & Wednesday—11:00

a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Thursday & Friday—10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Saturday—10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Sunday—CLOSED

www.McKeesportLibrary.org

MCKEESPORT CHILDREN’S ROOM Pre-School Story Time for children 3 years to kindergarten March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb! Join us for storytime during the month for themed stories and crafts. For children 3 years to kindergarten.

Date: Thursday, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2012 Time: 12:30 p.m.Contact: Staff 412.672.0625, [email protected]

Mother Goose Storytime for children ages birth to 35 months Nursery and action rhymes, books and songs for children birth to 35 months with caregiver/parent.

Date: Thursday, March 1 ,8, 15, 22, 29, 2012 Time: 10:30 a.m. Contact: Staff 412.672.0625, [email protected]

Spring Fling Family Night - RSVP online Join us at the library for a fun spring fling family night. Great stories, crafts, and refreshments. Please RSVP online.

Date: Tuesday, March 20, 2012 Time: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Contact: Staff 412.672.0625, [email protected]

| IN BEDFORD COUNTY |

| IN BETHEL PARK |

| IN BRENTWOOD-BALDWIN- WHITEHALL |

| IN CANON-MAC |

| IN CARLYNTON-MONTOUR |

| IN CHARTIERS VALLEY |

| IN FOX CHAPEL |

| IN HAMPTON |

| IN HARBORCREEK [Erie] |

| IN KEYSTONE OAKS |

| IN MARS AREA |

| McKEESPORT AREA |

| IN MERCER COUNTY |

| IN MILLCREEK [Erie] |

| IN MONROEVILLE |

| IN MOON TOWNSHIP |

| IN MT. LEBANON |

| IN MURRYSVILLE |

| IN NORTH ALLEGHENY |

| IN NORWIN |

| IN PENN HILLS |

| IN PETERS TOWNSHIP |

| IN PINE-RICHLAND |

| IN PLUM |

| IN ROSS TOWNSHIP |

| IN SENECA VALLEY |

| IN SEWICKLEY AREA |

| IN SHALER |

| IN SOUTH FAYETTE |

| IN UPPER ST. CLAIR |

| IN WEST ALLEGHENY |

| IN WEST COUNTY [Erie] |

| IN WEST JEFFERSON HILLS |

| IN WEST MIFFLIN |

| IN WOODLAND HILLS |

603 East McMurray RoadMcMurray I PA I 15317724.942.0940www.incommunitymagazines.com

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDPITTSBURGH, PAPERMIT NO. 887

IN Baldwin-Whitehall

IN Bedford County

IN Bethel Park

IN Canon-Mac

IN Chartiers Valley

IN Fox Chapel

IN Hampton

IN Keystone Oaks

IN Mars Area

IN McKeesport Area

IN Mercer County

IN Monroeville

IN Mt. Lebanon

IN Murrysville

IN North Allegheny

IN Norwin

IN Penn Hills

IN Peters Township

IN Pine-Richland

IN Plum

IN Ross Township

IN Seneca Valley

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