in-sewickley-summer

SUMMER 2012 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Pets onPets on Sewickley’s

Food Pantry Helps Local Residents

Cindystock – A Local Tradition

Pets onP rade

Fall content deadline: 7/23/12

FROM THE PUBLISHER Welcome to the summer issue of IN Sewickley Area magazine. �is year, it seems summer

started in early March. However, the warm days have given people a reason to get outside early and o�en. Bulbs are blooming earlier and joggers are out in force. So I hope you’ve had a chance to get out there and take advantage of the early summer, and while you’re at it, let us know what you’re up to. We try to feature as much local content as we can in each issue and hope that you enjoy that content. Now, we want to get even more local and ask you directly for your stories in each issue. �ese features don’t have to be about you or someone you know doing something extraordinary like climbing Mt. Everest or swimming the English Channel. We want to know what makes our readers tick. It could be that you’ve always wanted a classic �underbird and have been restoring one for the past few years. We’d like to see it, and I’m sure others would too. So let’s start o� with that, since we’re coming into car cruise season: If you or someone you know has a pre�y interesting restoration project going on in their garage, let us know! Email our editor, Pamela Palongue, at [email protected] or call us at 724.942.0940. We’ll be happy to hear your story and may even send one of our photographers out to capture your work for the next issue. Keep in mind, the project doesn’t necessarily need to be current – if you’ve been cruising in your restoration project for some time now, that’s okay, too. But we’d like to know what you did at the nuts and bolts level to get your baby roadworthy. If you’re just not sure one way or the other if you think you have a good story, call Pamela and she’ll be happy to help you out!

Looking forward to seeing some whitewalls and chrome in the fall issue!

Have a great summer!

Wayne Dollard, Publisher

Do you have a classic car that you’ve restored? If so, we’d like to hear about it. Email your name and contact information to [email protected].

2 724.942.0940 to advertise Sewickley Area

ON THE COVER | Participants made a day of it at Sewickley’s Pets on Parade event which bene�ts the Western PA Humane Society. See story on page 30.

IN Sewickley Area | SUMMER 2012 |

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

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

COMMUNITY INTERESTS

Quaker Valley School District News ........................................ | 7

Cindystock! ................................................................................. | 17

Avonworth News and EventsSweeney Todd ............................................................................................. | 18

UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News ...................................... | 21

Pets on Parade ............................................................................ | 30

FEATURES

Farm Animals Need Homes Too .................................................... | 32

Dining Out: Take it Outside............................................................. | 35

FEATURES

St. Vincent De Paul ......................... | 38

Hunger ................................................. | 42

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Allegheny Financial ........................ | 6

The Goddard School ....................... | 20

Beleza Plastic Surgery ................... | 34

Masonic Village ................................ | 37

RD Copeland ..................................... | 47

Cover photo by Gary Yon

Done with Harry Potter and Twilight, 60 tweens and teens costumed as their favorite Hunger Games’ “tribute,” laughed and screamed their way through activities based on the book at the Hunger Games Extravaganza, co-hosted by Moon Township and Sewickley public libraries.

Librarians and volunteers in “Game Changer” tees guided the tributes–mostly dressed as Katniss Everdeen, the heroine of the book–through archery, camouflage, plant identification and knot tying stations. The tributes were ready to do battle after participating in a scavenger hunt, trivia game and other live-action games, with hopes of winning the grand prize of movie tickets for “The Hunger Games” movie.

Libraries are keeping up with the latest

pop culture trends to get kids into the library and interested in what it has to offer. Heather Panella, public services librarian, organized the extravaganza on Moon library’s end.

“When a big, pop culture phenomenon like Harry Potter, Twilight or The Hunger Games comes along, it is easy to capitalize on that to get the kids to come to the library,” said Panella. “It’s great that these books are being turned into movies and are bringing even more kids into the arena and they want to read now. This event is a great way to bring them all in and show them that the library isn’t just a place that books are housed. We can bring the books to life for them. They can look at all of the people who are attending that they have something in common with and it all came from reading.”

Kelly Rottmund, young adult librarian, is the other creative organizer of the extravaganza from Sewickley Library.

“I like when we can host these events together and bring the two communities together,” she said . “The fact that this event

is tied to a book, and so many people are excited about it, is really awesome and exciting. We have been planning this for months now and are really excited that it’s finally happening and that so many people came. Even though tonight is wild and crazy, it is all based on a book. Everyone thinks that the library is only about books and when we do things like this, it lets people see that we are not what they expected.”

Both libraries offer a wide variety of programs for babies all the way up to seniors.

“We offer a ton of programming for every age group,” said Panella. “We are a community center and want people to come to the library and show them the many things that we have to offer.”

To learn more about upcoming events, visit Moon Township Public Library at www.moonlibrary.org or Sewickley Public Library at www.sewickleylibrary.org.

Moon Township and Sewickley Public Libraries Co-Host the Latest Pop Culture Trend

Hunger GamesExtravaganza

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1. Brook Henry, Melyssa Armer, Morgon Allbaugh, Riley Wol, Leanna Brooks 2. Alan Zahorsky, Moon Library Intern at Knot Tying Station 3. Katherine Jacob, California University of PA Librarian and Volunteer and Hannah Rockenstein at Camouflage Station 4. Kelly Rottmund, Sewickley Library Young Adult Librarian and Heather Panella, Moon Library Public Services Librarian 5. Elise Truchan brought her own archery equipment 6. Erin Panizza and Aditi Sharma at Archery Station 7. Kayli Lemieux and Marissa Zupancic at Archery Station 8. Abby Keppel 9. Megan Good, Moon Library Children’s Librarian at Plant I.D. Station 10. Rhianna Vignolini and Marissa Zupancic at Trivia Station 11. Trivia Station 12. Tricia Burmeister, United Way Librarian and Volunteer at Archery Station 13. Knot tying Station 14. Knot tying Station 2 15. Marissa Zupancic and Nina Hodges holding phones with photos of the character, Gale 16. Suzy Ruskin, Moon Library Director and Kayli Lemieux at Trivia Station

Sewickley Area | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 5

QUAKER VALLEY SCHOOL NEWSINdustry Insight


QUAKER VALLEY SCHOOL NEWS

Dear Resident:It is with great pride that we present the 2011-2012 annual report for the Quaker Valley

School District. It has been an outstanding year for our students, our sta�, and our district. �is year’s annual report highlights our students’ success in academics, athletics, and the

arts. Please take a moment to review all of the accolades and achievements that have been accomplished by our students during the course of the 2011-12 school year. Additionally, our faculty and administration continue to shine as they go about doing their professional work.

As we move forward in the 21st century, the use of technology in our schools continues to expand, including “eLearning.” �is has become more and more prevalent in our schools – and no doubt in future years teacher and student use of technology will continue to supplement course work or replace actual courses.

Over the years, the district has made substantial investments in technology. Articles in this edition illustrate how eLearning as well as the use of Skype, videoconferencing and computer illustration so�ware can be economic and e�ective means for delivering and enhancing a 21st century curriculum and its integral skill sets.

�is has been a challenging time for Pennsylvania public schools due to signi�cant funding cuts and ongoing unfunded government mandates. Quaker Valley has been no exception. It appears as though we will face further decreases in funding, increased competition, and much more.

It will be more important than ever to face these challenges with courage and a cooperative, positive spirit. We must continue to demonstrate innovation and creativity, and we will need to make some very di�cult choices and decisions related to programs and services. I am con�dent, however, that we – the Quaker Valley school community – will not only prevail, but excel!

Sincerely yours,

Joseph H. Clapper, D.Ed.Superintendent

NOTE: With partial funding �om PNC Financial Services Group, we are publishing this annual report in the InSewickley Area Magazine to reach our residents while saving printing and postage expenses to the district.

Students from the Computer Illustration class at Quaker Valley High School experienced an exciting opportunity to create a new logo for the Sewickley Valley Community Fund (SVCF).

Last year the local group contacted teacher Jeremy Pidhirny, and he incorporated the logo design lesson into his Computer Illustration class for 2011-2012. Two members of SVCF, Marnie Haines and Marge Bennett, met with the class to talk about the group’s mission, brainstorm ideas and discuss the kind of logo they were looking for. Mr. Pidhirny’s students developed logos first by sketching ideas on paper and then finalizing them using computer illustration software. The students used the skills they had been learning in class in addition to many of the concepts involved in creating a logo identity for a company.

The class submitted 20 possible logos to the SVCF leaders and they chose two logo concepts they liked. They requested that the two be combined into one final logo. Those concepts were the work of two juniors — lettering artwork by Henry Seymour and the puzzle ring idea from Joshua Szymanski. They were combined into the final logo in different versions for use on letterhead and signage.

Mr. Pidhirny said, “The students were excited about creating the logo for a community group; this authentic learning is much more meaningful for the students.” Mrs. Bennett and Mrs. Haines returned to the school to present Josh and Henry with a thank-you for all their hard work.

StudentS Create Logo for SewiCkLey VaLLey Community fund


QUAKER VALLEY SCHOOL NEWS QUAKER VALLEY SCHOOL NEWS

Finance 2011-2012Each year Quaker Valley School District strives to meet the needs of its high quality educational program while keeping the tax burden

of our local residents in check. Due to nominal state and federal support, 85% of the district revenues come directly from local taxpayers.�e district enacted a .25 mill increase for the 2011-

2012 school year to cover signi�cant losses in state funding of basic education subsidy, Social Security subsidy and to meet the demands of rising mandated and operational expenditures. �is resulted in a tax rate of 20.95 mills, keeping Quaker Valley among the eight lowest millage rates of Allegheny County’s 42 suburban school districts.

Revenue Highlights: Only 15.2% of the district’s budgeted revenue came from

state and federal sources. For the 2011-2012 school year, the Commonwealth cut $200,000 in charter school reimbursements and accountability block grant funding. Also, the basic education and special education funding from the Commonwealth decreased $104,000 or 5.5%.

�e remaining 84.8% came from local taxes, both real estate and earned income taxes.

Expenditures Highlights: Budgeted expenditures for the 2011-2012 school year total

$39,877,245 – an increase of $365,752 or less than 1 percent (.93%) over the previous year. �e district anticipated additional transportation costs due to the relocation of seventh and eighth grade students to Anthony Wayne in Ambridge during the renovation of the middle school.

District expenditures had to meet increased mandates such as funding special education, cyber charter school tuitions, state pension costs, fuel costs, and instructional materials. However, through reductions in personnel costs as well as other savings, the district increased expenditures by less than 1%.

�e budget also included several new initiatives such as new literacy curricula for elementary grades and the eLearning cyber initiative.

Grants and other external sources of revenue:

�e district applied for grants and sought outside funding which contributed $142,700 to help fund district programs including the a�erschool arts program, a Community Youth Worker position, technology, professional development and additional personnel to reduce the student-to-teacher ratios in classes with larger enrollment. Revenue from similar sources totaled $514,000 in the 2010-2011 school year, which included a one-time $250,000 art and technology grant and an $88,000 science grant.

Revenue $39,752,245

Expenditures $39,877,245

This publication of the QVSD finance and community information was funded in part by PNC Financial Services Group.



Wilkinsburgh 35.0000

Brentwood 28.2700

Northgate 28.6000

East Allegheny 27.5400

South Fayette 27.8330

Deer Lakes 26.6900

Mt. Lebanon 26.6300

South Park 25.9900

Cornell 25.9500

Woodland Hills 25.6500

Shaler Area 25.6300

Sto-Rox 25.0000

Elizabeth Forward 25.0118

Bethel Park 24.9700

Penn Hills 24.8100

Riverview 24.7864

Highlands 24.4100

Steel Valley 24.1686

Carlynton 24.1500

Upper St. Clair 24.1000

Allegheny Valley 23.4600

Baldwin Whitehall 23.4000

West Mifflin Area 22.9920

Plum 22.2000

Keystone Oaks 22.0300

West Allegheny 22.0000

Pine Richland 21.9084

Fox Chapel 21.5576

Hampton 21.3500

Moon Area 21.3000

West Jefferson 21.0800

Gateway 21.0200

Quaker Valley 20.9500

North Hills 20.9100

North Allegheny 20.2600

Avonworth 20.0000

Chartiers Valley 19.8800

Montour 18.9000

South Allegheny 18.4900

McKeesport Area 17.0500

Allegheny County Suburban School District Millage Rates 2011-2012:

QV SPORTS HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES CLASS OF 2012Retired Athletic Director Jerry Veshio, Quaker Valley Class of 1970, will be one of the QVSHOF inductees to be honored during the festivities scheduled for the weekend of September 28-30. The banquet will be Sunday at Sewickley Heights Golf Club. The QVSPHOF selected the following members of the Class of 2012: Joseph Dobrick, Coach-Football-1950’s; Ben McKnight, Athlete-Soccer, Class of 1992; Bill Saad, Athlete-Football/Track, Class of 1958; Tom Szuba, Athlete-Football/Baseball, Class of 1985; Jerry Veshio, Coach-Track, Class of 1970; Andrew Wormsley, Athlete-Basketball, Class of 1997 and Team, Quaker Valley Boys Basketball, 1972.

Look for their biographies and Hall of Fame Weekend information and updates on the QVSD website: http://www.qvsd.org/page.cfm?p=5752.

2011-20122011-2012

HIGHLIGHTS

Hines Ward presents Quaker Valley High School’s Austin Grieger with Western Pennsylvania’s “Most Positive High School Athlete” in the sport of boys’ golf by Positive Athlete, an organization created by the former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver.

Among the 20 students named “Scholar Athletes,” WPIAL selected two Quaker Valley seniors to receive scholarships. Sarah Miller (left) won one of the two $5,000 scholarships awarded

to the top tier of female scholar athletes and Nat Fox (below) won one of the eight $500 scholarships awarded to the second tier of male athletes. They were selected from the eighty young women and seventy-six young men who were nominated by their schools.

The boys varsity tennis team beat 15 other schools’ teams to win the Midwestern Athletic Conference (MAC) tournament.

After much hard work and determination the QVHS Boys Basketball Team made it to the semi-finals of the PIAA Class AA Championships.

The QVHS Varsity Boys Ice Hockey Team won the WPIAL Penguin Cup and then went on to win the state championship.

Bobby Francis won the gold medal in the 100 meter breaststroke at the PIAA Swimming and Diving State Championships

Photos by Annie Genshiemer Photography

Jerry Veshio



2010-2011 Reading Test ResultsPSSA, PSSA-M, PASA Combined

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2010-2011 Reading Test ResultsPSSA, PSSA-M, PASA Combined

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2011 AYP* target for percentage of students scoring proficient or advanced is 72%

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SATQuaker Valley High School continues to score well on the SAT exams as indicated by the mean

scores for the Class of 2011. Quaker Valley’s average score for reading was 537 compared to the state and national averages of 493 and 497, respectively. �e district’s average score for math of 539 exceeded state and national averages of 501 and 514. Quaker Valley’s average writing score totaled 532, which far surpassed the state and national averages of 479 and 489.

SAT Test Data Average Reading Score

Average Math Score

Average Writing Score

QVHS Class of 2011 537 539 532

Pennsylvania Scores 493 501 479

National Scores 497 514 489

AssessmentsPSSA Results / Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)

Quaker Valley School District met and exceeded the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) goals set by the state based on the PSSA test scores for spring 2011.

New reading and math proficiency targets were established at 72 percent and 67 percent, respectively — up from 63 percent and 56 percent. The targets are established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education in accordance with the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.

Overall, Quaker Valley far exceeded the 2011 AYP targets. In mathematics, the following scored proficient or above: elementary (grades 3-5), 91 percent; middle school (grades 6-8), 86 percent; and high school (grades 9-12), 74 percent.

In reading, the percentages of students scoring proficient or better were: elementary (grades 3-5), 85 percent; middle school (grades 6-8), 91 percent; and high school (grades 9-12), 78 percent. The most significant increases were in reading at all building levels with elementary and middle school students increasing three percentage points over last year’s scores and the high school students increasing four percentage points compared to scores for 2010.

Quaker Valley students continue to exceed the proficiency targets established for the PSSA as well as established goals for attendance and graduation rate. Quaker Valley’s attendance rate was 96% and graduation rate was 99%.

In addition to each grade and school building, NCLB requires that subgroups — identified by gender, ethnicity, special education, economically disadvantaged and English as a Second Language learners — must meet the same proficiency goals for math and reading. As in recent years, Quaker Valley met all AYP goals for all subgroups.



2010-2011 Science Test Results


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Newsweek and Washington Post Name QVHS One of Nation’s Top Schools

For the eighth year in a row, Newsweek (�e Daily Beast) has ranked QVHS as one of the top 1000 high schools in America. Principal Andrew Surlo� reacted to the news with great pride explaining that the researchers used a well-rounded approach with additional data compared to the rankings from previous years. “We are absolutely delighted to be listed among the top high schools in the United States of America. �is ranking is a testament to the outstanding work of our teachers, our highly capable students, and the overall commitment from our parents and our community to provide a top tier education for all QV students,” said Mr. Surlo�.

In addition, �e Washington Post published their rankings for the High School Challenge based on the “index” devised by Jay Ma�hews which divides the number of college-level tests given at a school in 2011 by the number of graduates that year. In addition, �e Washington Post takes into consideration the percentage of students who qualify for subsidized lunches and the percentage of graduates who passed at least one college-level test, e.g. AP, test during their high school career, labeled equity and excellence, (E&E).

�e district shares in Mr. Surlo�’s pride and congratulations to the high school sta�, students and parents.


Advanced PlacementLast year Quaker Valley was named to the College Board AP

Achievement List for “experimenting with initiatives and strategies that have driven increases in average exam scores when making AP available to a much broader and more diverse population.”

Mrs. Linda Conlon, QVHS academic specialist, explains that although the district was honored for outstanding AP data from 2008-2010, the strategies and initiatives have been in place for more than a decade. Quaker Valley maintains an open-door policy for student access to the AP coursework. Unlike most other school districts, students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the exam; and the district pays for the AP exams so that all students can participate in the

rigor of these high-level classes. �e AP exam “pass rate” of at least 3 out of 5 has been steady at 85% and the number of exams continues to reach historical highs.

For the 2011-2012 year AP Psychology was added and AP World History changed from a pilot program to a permanent part of the curriculum. �is brings the total number of AP courses o�ered at QVHS to 18 including four online AP courses through APEX Learning.

Quaker Valley High School has been named one of the Best High Schools in the USA for the past eight years based on AP participation and performance.




Achievements and Accolades�e Quaker Valley School District ranks in the top 10 school districts in the

region according to the 2012 Guide to Western Pennsylvania Schools published by the Pi�sburgh Business Times. Quaker Valley improved from 9th to 8th in the latest ranking of 105 school districts in western Pennsylvania.

�e Quaker Valley High School production of “Guys and Dolls” earned nine Gene Kelly Award nominations: Best Choreography; Best Costume Design, Budget I; Best Direction; Best Ensemble; Best Lighting Design, Budget I; Best Scenic Design, Budget I; Best Musical, Budget I; Best Actress, Rachel Houser; and Best Supporting Actor, Ben Torisky.

On May 26th, “Guys and Dolls” won four Kelly Awards: Best Lighting, Best Scenic Design, Best Musical (Budget Level I) and Best Supporting Actor.

Above: Rachael Houser was nominated for Best Actress as part of the 2012 Gene Kelly Awards.Left: Ben Torisky, second from right won the 2012 Kelly Award for Best Supporting Actor.

(Kudos to tech education teacher Bob Harrah and his students who helped design and construct the award-winning set.)

n For the eighth year in a row, the National Association of Music Makers (NAMM) has named Quaker Valley among the top communities for music education.n QVHS students took top honors in scienti�c research competing in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science. Sixteen seniors, Quaker Valley’s most ever, competed in various disciplines ranging from botany to zoology. Nine earned �rst place recognition, six earned second place and one earned a third place honor.n �e National Merit Scholarship Program named Robert Francis as a �nalist for the 57th annual competition. He quali�ed to compete for one of the 2012 scholarship awards among the 15,000 eligible �nalists. n For the second straight year, a QV debater made it to the championship round of the debate tournament sponsored by University of Pi�sburgh known as the “Rally in the Valley.” QV’s Francesca Friday won the tournament, debating in front of all 100 participants of the College in High School rhetoric classes from Quaker Valley, Chartiers Valley, and Seneca Valley.n �e high school newspaper Quaker Quill earned a second place from the American Scholastic Press Association.

Musicians Abby Smith, Sabine Gross and Elana Ragan were selected to narrate Benjamin Britten’s Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra during one of the Pittsburgh Symphony’s fall concerts. Students had to memorize dialogue and speak at the appropriate time in the music during the performance, which turned out to be a great honor and opportunity for all of them.

n �e QV students enrolled in the QVHS environmental internship (known as “QV Creekers”) won “Top Display” for the third year in a row at the annual Creek Connections Symposium hosted by program sponsor Allegheny College. n �e Quaker Valley Science Olympiad team was one of seven teams (out of the original 170) to make it to the state-level competition. Quaker Valley students placed in the top 15 of the following events: Experimental Design – 8th – Julia Nelson, Mira Reitmeyer, Kaylene Kowalski; Microbe Mission – 11th – Justin Green, Andrew Warburton; Chemistry Lab – 11th – Julian Dech, Axel Gross; and Remote Sensing – 13th – Kaylene Kowalski, Julia Nelson.

School board memer Mark Rodgers congratulates high school English teacher Erin Woods who earned her national certification by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards, making her the 27th teacher in Quaker Valley to earn this prestigious recognition.

The Class of 2012 earned $4,884,996 in scholarships to attend colleges and universities.




For the third year in a row the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) ranked the Quaker Valley High School literary magazine, Bittersweet, among the top entries.

Quaker Valley entered 10 teams in the regional competition for Odyssey of the Mind. The seventh grade QVMS Odyssey of the Mind team, coached by Linda Diamond, took second place in the “Weird Science” problem at the regional level and moved on to compete at the state level. The team members were Beth Fleming, Parker Redcross, Emma Szuba, Sam Baycer, Kaylyn Hicks and Duff Klaber.

n Quaker Valley musicians represented the district in numerous competitions including Pennsylvania Music Educators Association festivals. Remarkably some student musicians competed in more than one discipline e.g. chorus and band. CHOIR/CHORUS - Seven students participated in PMEA District 1 Honors Choir; �ve students were selected for District 1 Senior High Chorus, auditioned and were selected for Regional Chorus; and two of the �ve students, Rebecca Silverstein and Jonathan Roppo, were selected for All-State Chorus. BAND - Seventeen elementary band musicians were selected for PMEA District 1 Elementary Band Fest West. Twelve seventh and eighth grade musicians played for the Northern Area Honors Band. Two students were selected for PMEA District 1 Jr. High Band West and one for the District 1 Sr. High Band West. �ree band members were selected for PMEA District 1 Sr. High Honors Band West. Seventeen QV musicians in grades nine through 12 were selected for the Western Allegheny County Area (WACA) Honors Band. ORCHESTRA - Quaker Valley student musicians competed in PMEA District 1 Orchestra: four in the Jr. High Orchestra and three were selected for the Sr. High Orchestra. Nine student musicians in grades 6 – 11 represented Quaker Valley in the Strings North Honors Orchestra. n For the second year, QVHS was represented in the Andy Warhol Youth Invasion event. Senior Maria Ross was selected to exhibit her artwork during the weeklong event. She had her body of work on display on May 4.

The first graders from Edgeworth and Osborne participated in their Laps for Love curriculum and raised $5,615.00 for The Children’s Institute in 2011-2012, increasing the total dollars raised from Laps for Love to $48,752.25 since first grade teacher Kim Wolfendale initiated the program in 1994.

The Quaker Valley School Board presented elementary school counselor Rose Ann Bergandy with the Quaker Valley Award for Excellence. The board established this award 11 years ago to recognize Quaker Valley staff members who have distinguished themselves in the performance of their duties.

Mrs. Bergandy started with Quaker Valley in 1979 as a first grade teacher. She has served as an instructional support teacher and received her elementary school counselor certification in 1988. For many years she traveled between both elementary schools prior to her current role as Osborne school counselor. She has touched the lives of many students and families, guiding them with her quiet, calm demeanor. “Working with parents, she is a caring listener with constructive advice. She maintains the utmost professionalism, but can relate to families without resorting to sterile, ‘one-size-fits-all’ solutions,” school director Gianni Floro said.

When asked to comment on Rose Ann’s award, Dr. Sally Hoover, director of pupil services, commended the board for their selection: “Her colleagues respect and admire her compassionate cool-headed disposition, whether she is providing

advice as a friend or leading the teachers union as its president. Her professionalism and integrity are outstanding. She is a tremendous asset to this district; we are fortunate to have her leadership.”

In 2009, Osborne Elementary School guidance program earned the prestigious RAMP award under the leadership of

Mrs. Bergandy, making it the first elementary school counseling program in the North Atlantic region to earn this distinction. She has served as a guidance curriculum leader as well as the summer tutoring coordinator. She has developed an anti-bullying presentation, and has sponsored the book club and the hard work club.

In 1987 Dr. LeRoy Kite, Quaker Valley superintendent, presented an “Academic Excellence” award to Mrs. Bergandy. Twenty-five years later, her star still shines as bright. For her dedication to the art of teaching, and for her service to all students, the school board and district congratulate Mrs. Rose Ann Bergandy on receiving this, the 12th annual Quaker Valley Award for Excellence.

Osborne School Counselor Receives Award for Excellence




By Dr. Christy ClapperQuaker Valley eLearning provides high quality,

�exible educational opportunities that include access to relevant academic and exploratory content to all Quaker Valley students. �e purpose of these opportunities is to enhance the learning experiences of all students and to develop the skills necessary to compete in a global society.

What is QVeLearning?Quaker Valley de�nes eLearning as a

continuum of learning opportunities that range from face-to-face instruction, including online resources with limited or no requirements for students to be online, to a learning environment that includes a fully online curriculum with options for face-to-face instruction and/or interaction.

At Quaker Valley, this translates to a highly personalized approach to learning that can meet the needs of a variety of learners. “Students from all walks of life are currently participating in online instruction in a variety of content areas – for a

variety of reasons,” says Dr. Jillian Bichsel, director of academic services. “�e purpose of embracing online learning is to increase our e�ectiveness with all kinds of learners so that those who want or need to learn in this fashion can be accommodated.”

In the second year of the district’s eLearning initiative, Quaker Valley provides the opportunity to students who need to manage time di�erently or take courses not available in the brick-and-mortar se�ing. Currently the district serves dozens of students taking as li�le as one course online with classes inside the schools to a full complement of courses online in grades K-12 for a total of 74 academic courses online. Because the students remain enrolled in the Quaker Valley schools, they continue to have access to all services and activities, seamlessly, while they are QV eLearners.

Because of its �exibility, QV eLearners can be part- or full-time students or have a personalized schedule that meets their learning needs. “We have taken the lid o� traditional learning at Quaker Valley and opened our thinking about how best to serve all kinds of learners and their needs today,” explains Dr. Christy Clapper, district eLearning coordinator. Describing how

personalized QVeLearning can be, she adds, “�ere are myriad reasons why this �exible option works for some of our students. Some are traveling with their families, some have special needs, some are devoting their lives to talent development at a conservatory, on stage, or in a sport. Some students are home-schooled or half time in our brick-and-mortar programs, and also are enrolled half time in our online options. Some are taking online AP courses we do not o�er. Some are full time online. �ere are a variety of reasons eLearning is successful for students and families.”

For one student, QVeLearning was a turning point in her high school career. Kelli was considering leaving high school for good when eLearning became an option:

“…[My online courses] have been a great help. I would have dropped out of high school but found a way to stay and be successful, and am now in my senior year. �e teachers are all great to work with. Classes are designed to meet your needs. Overall I would have done this at the start of high school. It’s great to have this since I also have medical issues, and can’t get to school.”

Marco completed his graduation requirements early and recently expressed his satisfaction with QVeLearning:

“My online experience was 100% positive.

QUAKER VALLEY SCHOOL NEW

One child at a timeQuaker Valley eLearning expands opportunities for all students

Personalizing Education…




It was easy to learn. It was convenient. I wouldn’t have been able to achieve my academic goals in a timelier manner. QVeLearning allowed me the �exibility of time to focus on my college auditions.”

A satis�ed parent shares her observation of her son’s experience online:

“My son now has a deep desire to extend his study and plans to take Japanese language and culture classes in college, with the ultimate goal of traveling there to experience it �rsthand. Online study gave him access to a subject not generally taught at the secondary level and gave him a new interest to pursue in his life beyond high school, something that would have been unlikely to happen had QV not o�ered the e-learning language opportunity.”

Assessing EffectivenessQuaker Valley monitors student progress on

a regular basis and communicates with parents and students regarding students’ relative grades while in the online environment. Measures of performance may vary from the typical classroom measures. Time online, course progress, and course pacing are o�en used as ways to determine whether or not a student is “engaged” in the learning environment. Other formative measures such as quizzes and chapter or unit tests provide other data relative to what is being learned in the content. �ese formative measures are utilized by the district in the determination of a student’s relative progress in online coursework.

Additionally, eLearners are expected to participate in all district assessments. Summative measures typically determine a student’s level of understanding and mastery at the end of a course of study and include, but are not limited to, �nal course exams or curriculum based assessments, district or state assessments such as the PSSA, Keystone Exams, or approved district standardized measures such as the PSAT. Students are expected to participate in all evaluative measures required by the state or the district. Regular, close scrutiny of student e�ort and achievement during the online learning process encourages student success on all required assessments.

Is eLearning for Everyone?No. Not all students are ready for the

independent nature of online learning. Many students, if you ask them, will tell you they still need the adult in the classroom to pace instruction for them, provide a syllabus,

monitor their progress, and, more importantly, provide the daily face-to-face contact. However, for students who can manage their time, are highly motivated, and are ready for the responsibility, it can be an enormously rewarding experience. At Quaker Valley, students taking online courses are not le� on their own. �ey are subject to an orientation to their courses and sign a contract that clearly outlines expectations for success. Parents also are involved in this process.

Nat, a senior, has experienced several online courses during his high school tenure. While he had to learn to manage the pitfalls of independent assignment management and he occasionally missed having a face-to-face experience, he had much to say about the �exibility of online learning:

“…Online learning provides lots of �exibility in my academic endeavors. With the lack of pressure comes a great amount of freedom in learning. �ere have been many times where I needed to work on a certain core-subject assignment, like writing a paper or �nishing a presentation, and I wouldn’t have had time to do so if I had pressing homework from my online course. Instead, I knew that I could save the online assignment for later and �nish the project now, so I ended up scoring well on both. Time management is key to �nding success in school, and online learning gives students the ability to manage multiple high-level courses at the same time.”

Expanding Options – What Does the Future Hold?

Quaker Valley continues to evaluate its o�erings to students through a rigorous process established by professional sta�. High quality curriculum and instruction, longtime hallmarks of the district, are important considerations in any

decision to implement online courses for all students. Quaker Valley utilizes a number of di�erent vendors to select courses that meet the individual needs of students taking online coursework – and will continue in that regard. �e district has plans to continue its own online o�erings through the summer. Health and physical education – staples of a high school curriculum – are required for all students and now they can take them online during the summer, at nominal student cost, freeing time in their yearly schedules to add other electives and core content of interest.

What Makes QVeLearning Unique?Flexibility, individualized program planning,

and personal a�ention are key ingredients in the success of QVeLearning. Unlike being enrolled in a cyber school (where, once there, a student can never share time in a brick-and-mortar district school), a Quaker Valley student can have the best of both worlds – take an online course one year and not the next, or take several courses at times that make the most sense in the span of a student’s career. It is the most individualized and personalized approach a school can o�er to meet the needs of today’s students. Mr. Andrew Surlo�, principal, Quaker Valley High School, is cognizant of the world beyond graduation:

“Schools of the 21st century must seek to create learning structures and environments that meet the ever changing needs of students. �e world is accessible 24 hours a day. Information is created and shared constantly. If our students are to be global scholars, preparing to engage in a meaningful career, we are compelled to prepare them for the world that awaits. Online learning is another opportunity to expose our students to relevant content, experience, and rigor in that e�ort. In the end, students earn a top-tier high school diploma from an excellent, high quality school district.”

For more information and contact information, readers may visit the QVeLearning website at h�p://www.qvsd.org/page.cfm?p=5373&pback=97.

“I would have dropped out of high school but found a way to stay and be successful, and am now in my senior year.”

“…Online learning provides lots of flexibility in my academic endeavors. With the lack of pressure comes a great amount of freedom in learning.”




By Kelly Panucci

Since its creation in 2003, Skype has been connecting people around the world and creating a global community of learners.

Students at Quaker Valley High School were able to connect with the authors of several of the books that they were reading. It was a wonderful opportunity for the students to talk to these authors. Made possible by a grant from the Child Health Association and sponsored by the Sewickley Area Libraries, the Skype sessions were arranged and managed by Mr. Richard Hollein, the high school’s librarian.

Students in Mrs. Kelly Panucci’s Sports Literature classes Skyped with authors Chris Crutcher, Whale Talk, and Catherine Gilbert Murdock, Dairy Queen. Students asked questions about the characters, se�ing, and plots of their books and gained insight into the authors’ motivation for writing and creating stories.

Students were surprised to �nd out that a name of one of Crutcher’s characters came from a bet that he lost. (He had to name the character a�er the person who won the bet.) A�er reading Murdock’s �rst book, senior Susie Kraus promptly read both sequels and was pleased to hear that another book in the series is due to come out in the summer. Senior Brianna Fowler commented, “I always thought that talking to one of my favorite authors was way out of reach. Chris Crutcher, surprisingly, was very willing to talk to a few high school seniors. He was very inspiring.”

Students in Mrs. Panucci’s 9th grade English class also Skyped with author Terry Trueman who wrote Hurricane, a novel about Hurricane

Mitch in Honduras. Students read the novel as part of the global initiative of the high school, but enjoyed it so much that many of them read a second novel by the author. Students asked about the endings to the novels and were surprised to �nd out that Trueman planned for a di�erent ending than the one he writes in his �nal copy. �ey also heard about his son Sheehan who has cerebral palsy and

was the inspiration for another book, Stuck in Neutral. “Speaking with Mr. Trueman showed me that tragedies do happen, but it’s how you react to them that helps you move on,” said freshman Kayla Foster.

All of the authors expressed delight in talking to their fans. �ey enjoyed hearing

feedback from students about their novels. �e Skype conversations proved to be a meaningful global connection for both students and authors. Freshman Casey Heckman thinks it is a good idea also: “We should continue to Skype because it gives students the opportunity to learn about authors. It gives us an inside look into what the author was thinking as he or she wrote the books.”

Skyping with authors is something that Mr. Hollein and Mrs. Panucci will continue to pursue in the future so that they can promote the value of reading to students and make them part of the global community.

Mitch in Honduras. Students read the novel as part of the global initiative of the Skype Connects

QV Students and Authors

China Visit Shared Through Skype

Assistant Superintendent Heidi Ondek, Ed.D., “Skyped” with QVHS students while visiting China in April. Students had prepared questions, but the interaction in real time allowed the students to be spontaneous and ask Dr. Ondek questions that came to mind as they were talking to her. Dr. Ondek was one of four administrators selected to participate in the China Exchange Initiative sponsored by the Freeman Foundation. Part of her visit was spent with Principal Zhao Wei in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, who had visited Quaker Valley and stayed with Dr. Ondek in the fall.

QV Students Get an Insider’s View of the World �is school year

QVHS students have participated in six Youth Summits using technology that has connected them with student representatives �om Greece, Slovenia, Taiwan, India and Pakistan.

During a recent videoconference in April, 29 students participated in “Finishing the Job: Making the World Polio-Free.” QVHS students interacted with students and summit leaders representing India and Pakistan, as well as distinguished panelists Dr. David Oshinsky, Pulitzer Prize winning author of Polio: An American Story; Mr. Ron Flynn, a polio survivor; and Dr. Hamid Jafari, acting director of the World Health Organization’s Polio Eradication Initiative. �e University of Pi�sburgh and the World A�airs

Council of Pi�sburgh hosted the event, and Mr. Stacy Smith, anchorman for KD� -TV news, moderated the discussion. Students heard about the e�orts of Dr. Jonas Salk, the participation of DT Watson Institute in Sewickley and the current worldwide collaborative e�orts to rid the planet of polio once and for all.



HH

also bene�t from the concert. Bandula-Yates has been hosting the event in

her backyard for the past nine years. When her husband, Ted, lost his best friend to cancer in 2004, she wanted to sponsor an event to help his family. Mike Fatigante was only 51 when he perished with pancreatic cancer. �ough they initially sponsored golf outings to raise money, Cindy is not a golfer and said she felt a bit le� out of the activities.

Always a great lover of music, Bandula-Yates

happened to meet Cindy Bullens, an acoustic guitar-player and singer at a concert. Bullens had lost her 11 year-old daughter to leukemia and was interested when Bandula-Yates mentioned the possibility of holding a concert to bene�t a family who had been a�ected by cancer. Bullens eagerly agreed and with the combination of the two “Cindys,” people began to jokingly refer to the concert as “Cindystock” in a nod to the

CindystockIt’s a

Tradition!

Continued on page 19

�is year’s Cindystock event is scheduled for August 18 and the musical line-up has something for everyone.

�ree local restaurants will provide the victuals, Atrias, Walnut Grove and Bravo’s, along with grilled hot dogs. �ere will also be a silent auction and ra�e, and the $35 ticket price will cover all the activities.

“�is year our entertainment will be Kim Churchill, who is traveling all the way from Australia to perform!” says event originator Cindy Bandula-Yates.

Singer/songwriter Ellen Bukstel will also perform, with songs reminiscent of the 60’s folk scene. Bukstel’s daughter Maura Elyse, 16, will also take the stage, and local singer/songwriter Mark Ferrari will lend his musical talents to the cause as well.

Proceeds generated by the event bene�t individuals without access to health insurance for breast, colon and prostate cancer screenings. �e Cancer Project, a group that focuses on the prevention of the disease through nutrition, will

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••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••AVONWORTH NEWS & EVENTS

Avonworth High School performed the musical

thriller, Sweeney Todd: �e Demon Barber of Fleet

Street, at four performances in April with great success.

�e slightly macabre plot was wri�en by Stephen

Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler.

CAST LIST:

ANTHONY HOPE: Ethan Simmons

(Understudy-Luke Bojarski)

SWEENEY TODD: Nathan Pool

(Understudy-Ethan Simmons)

BEGGAR WOMAN (Lucy Todd): Emma Baker

(Understudy-Mindy Weinzierl)

MRS. LOVETT: Brooke Tate

(Understudy-Jessica Keast)

LUCY in pantomime: Katie Abramowich

JOHANNA: Victoria Davis

(Understudy-Brady Collins)

BIRD SELLER: Emily Knox

JUDGE TURPIN: Sam Werley

(Understudy-Tad Abramowich)

BEADLE BAMFORD: Luke Bojarski

(Understudy-Josh Kujawinski)

ACCUSED DEFENDANT: Holly Hunt

TOBIAS RAGG:William Davis

SIGNOR PIRELLI: Billy Molinari

(Understudy-Emma Baker)

MRS. FOGG: Mindy Weinzierl

Emma Baker

HIGH SCHOOL

MUSICAL


famous Woodstock, New York concert of 1969. Over 100 people a�ended the �rst event held

on their 3-acre backyard lot, which raised over $2000.

Despite the fact that the remnants of Hurricane Ivan had come through the area the night before, the wind had dried most of the rain and brave souls in search of great music showed up, right on time.

Although Bandula-Yates had originally planned on having the concert as a one-time event, a�endees began asking when the next one would be held. And so by popular demand, the Yates decided to have another concert the next year and another, with the tradition continuing to the present. More people a�ended last year than ever. Over $13,000 was raised to help those touched by cancer and for preventative measures.

�is event will take place rain or shine and is a great way to connect with others in the neighborhood, enjoy some great food and music and help in the �ght against cancer.

“One person really can make a di�erence,” adds Bandula-Yates.

For more information on Cindystock or to donate online, please visit the website at www.cindystock.org.

Continued �om page 17

HIGH SCHOOL


UPMC TODAYHealth and Wellness News You Can Use | Summer 2012

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

© 2012 UPMC

What’s Inside2 New GI Center Merges High-Tech Tools with Patient Comfort and Privacy

3 Exhausted and Sleepy?

4 Pamper the Skin You’re In

Goodbye Spider and Varicose Veins

5 Your Health Care Goes Mobile

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

7 Welcoming New Physicians

What’s Happening at UPMC Passavant

UPMC222169_UPMC Today_Passavant_Summer_2012_Final_3.indd 1 5/11/12 1:54 PM

Pack for SafetyDrinking water, sunscreen, hat,water to wash as well as wipes for hands, sneakers or other closed-toed shoes, a change ofclothes or a towel for the seat, small�rst aid kit for those little scrapesand a small trash bag to keep theearth litter-free are all important.

expect to get dirtyGoing outside is about the freedomto explore and the only way to explore is to touch it, and yes, it isdirty – it’s outside! Dirty does notmean ‘germy’. Roll in the grass,stomp in the mud, touch the frogand splash in the puddles. Have Fun and explore.

infant to 6 months• Pack for safety: A blanket to crawl on and a sturdy pair of

pants for crawling on rough surfaces. Be prepared to change diapers on the go.

• Be prepared to climb and crawl yourself. �is is the best wayfor you to ensure your child’s safety. Watch for items going into your child’s mouth.

• Hydration: the outside air and activity increases the amount of �uids you both need to consume. And while you’re packingthe water, pack a snack.

• Point, name and describe: As your child explores, point out the details; name objects and talk about your experience.

first steps (12 to 18 months)• Pack for safety: Bring a blanket and a

sturdy pair of pants for crawling onrough surfaces. �is is not the placefor skirts or dresses.

• Plan for breaks and pack snacks, water and a few books.

• Dig and touch: Collect items to further explore when you get home.

• Walk the trail with your little one on ariding toy. Don’t forget the helmet.

• Park Play Etiquette: If your little one�nds a playmate, ask the other parentif both of you may join in the play.Your child will learn to ask for yourapproval before playing with strangersand the parent of the other child willappreciate this overture.

toddler and get set(18 to 36 months) • Plot the potty path!• Bring balls to throw and kick or bean bags and a bucket.• Move beyond the park and walk a trail or explore a nursery.

Go to the stream, lake or pond and skip rocks. Turn the rocksover to �nd creepy, crawly things.

• No breaks required – but pause for a moment to re-hydrate.• Look through binoculars – even two toilet paper tubes o�er

a new view of the world.• Tent it! A pop up tent is an instant playhouse.• Take an umbrella and put on your galoshes – take a walk

in the light rain.

preschool to pre-k(36 months +)• Lie down and look up: Children like to see the world from

a di�erent perspective.• Picnic: Let your child be a part of packing the necessities

and preparing the sandwiches. • Play “I Spy” or “I Hear.”• Read or draw under the trees.• Bring a magnifying cup for bugs and objects to view. Research

your bugs and objects when you return home to learn moreabout each.

go outside all year longvisit www.scdconline.org/PDF_�les/weatherwatch.pdf to know what is considered safe outdoor weather for children.

Park Play with Your

Children

Outdoor Activities &

A day at the park may seem like ‘just another day,’ but learning and

bonding experiences �ourish at the park!

This Industry Insight was written by Mark & Jennifer Rebstock.

Prior to opening The Goddard School in Wexford, Mark Rebstock was training manager for a national utility company, and Jennifer worked in early childhood education.

3000 Brocktree Road • Wexford, PA 15090724.935.1100 or www.goddardschools.com

NORTH ALLEGHENY pages_Layout 1 5/29/12 10:56 AM Page 47

f


UPMC TODAYHealth and Wellness News You Can Use | Summer 2012

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

© 2012 UPMC

What’s Inside2 New GI Center Merges High-Tech Tools with Patient Comfort and Privacy

3 Exhausted and Sleepy?

4 Pamper the Skin You’re In

Goodbye Spider and Varicose Veins

5 Your Health Care Goes Mobile

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

7 Welcoming New Physicians



Pack for SafetyDrinking water, sunscreen, hat,water to wash as well as wipes for hands, sneakers or other closed-toed shoes, a change ofclothes or a towel for the seat, small�rst aid kit for those little scrapesand a small trash bag to keep theearth litter-free are all important.

expect to get dirtyGoing outside is about the freedomto explore and the only way to explore is to touch it, and yes, it isdirty – it’s outside! Dirty does notmean ‘germy’. Roll in the grass,stomp in the mud, touch the frogand splash in the puddles. Have Fun and explore.

infant to 6 months• Pack for safety: A blanket to crawl on and a sturdy pair of

pants for crawling on rough surfaces. Be prepared to change diapers on the go.

• Be prepared to climb and crawl yourself. �is is the best wayfor you to ensure your child’s safety. Watch for items going into your child’s mouth.

• Hydration: the outside air and activity increases the amount of �uids you both need to consume. And while you’re packingthe water, pack a snack.

• Point, name and describe: As your child explores, point out the details; name objects and talk about your experience.

first steps (12 to 18 months)• Pack for safety: Bring a blanket and a

sturdy pair of pants for crawling onrough surfaces. �is is not the placefor skirts or dresses.

• Plan for breaks and pack snacks, water and a few books.

• Dig and touch: Collect items to further explore when you get home.

• Walk the trail with your little one on ariding toy. Don’t forget the helmet.

• Park Play Etiquette: If your little one�nds a playmate, ask the other parentif both of you may join in the play.Your child will learn to ask for yourapproval before playing with strangersand the parent of the other child willappreciate this overture.

toddler and get set(18 to 36 months) • Plot the potty path!• Bring balls to throw and kick or bean bags and a bucket.• Move beyond the park and walk a trail or explore a nursery.

Go to the stream, lake or pond and skip rocks. Turn the rocksover to �nd creepy, crawly things.

• No breaks required – but pause for a moment to re-hydrate.• Look through binoculars – even two toilet paper tubes o�er

a new view of the world.• Tent it! A pop up tent is an instant playhouse.• Take an umbrella and put on your galoshes – take a walk

in the light rain.

preschool to pre-k(36 months +)• Lie down and look up: Children like to see the world from

a di�erent perspective.• Picnic: Let your child be a part of packing the necessities

and preparing the sandwiches. • Play “I Spy” or “I Hear.”• Read or draw under the trees.• Bring a magnifying cup for bugs and objects to view. Research

your bugs and objects when you return home to learn moreabout each.

go outside all year longvisit www.scdconline.org/PDF_�les/weatherwatch.pdf to know what is considered safe outdoor weather for children.

Park Play with Your

Children

Outdoor Activities &

A day at the park may seem like ‘just another day,’ but learning and

bonding experiences �ourish at the park!

This Industry Insight was written by Mark & Jennifer Rebstock.

Prior to opening The Goddard School in Wexford, Mark Rebstock was training manager for a national utility company, and Jennifer worked in early childhood education.

3000 Brocktree Road • Wexford, PA 15090724.935.1100 or www.goddardschools.com

NORTH ALLEGHENY pages_Layout 1 5/29/12 10:56 AM Page 47

2 UPMC.com/Today

New GI Center Merges High-Tech Tools with Patient Comfort and Privacy

Beautiful, comfortable, and private. That’s how Andrea Morse describes the new GI Center at UPMC Passavant after having a colonoscopy performed there in March. “I was so impressed,” she says. “I have to admit I was a little nervous, since it was my first time having the procedure, so I was thrilled to relax in the privacy of my own room.”

Demonstrating patient-caregiver interaction in a new GI Center patient room.

A few months earlier, the Bradford Woods resident had a much different experience when she accompanied her mother-in-law to have a colonoscopy at the former GI Center location. “The beds were just separated by curtains, so there was no privacy when the doctor came to talk to us about the results,” recalls Andrea.

The new GI Center features 26 private patient rooms, each with a television and warming blankets. “Patient comfort and privacy was our top priority when we designed it,” explains Andrew Thomas, MD, chair, Division of Gastroenterology.

Where high-tech care and comfort meet

Providing state-of-the-art gastrointestinal care has always been the goal of the GI Center. Now it’s done in a more patient-friendly setting. One of the busiest in the UPMC system, the GI Center at UPMC Passavant performs both routine and complex procedures, including:

• Colonoscopy • Endoscopic tumor removal or bypass • Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) • Endoscopy • Esophageal manometry • Flexible sigmoidoscopy • Ileoscopy • Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) • Pancreatic function test

The new center has eight procedure rooms — twice as many as before. “Our expanded capacity gives patients more options when scheduling procedures,” says James Celebrezze, MD, a colon and rectal surgeon at UPMC Passavant.

Easier scheduling gets high marks from Patty O’Neil of Shaler, whose doctor recommended annual colonoscopy screenings because of a family history of colon cancer. “Now I don’t have to wait for an appointment, and I have more options to choose from,” she says.

Making a good first impression

Dr. Thomas and his staff take pride in combining the best in quality care and personal service. With the GI Center’s new comfort and privacy features, Dr. Thomas expects service will be even better. “That’s very important, because when patients have a positive experience, it makes them feel much better about coming back for follow-ups,” explains Dr. Thomas.

Just ask Andrea. Although her colonoscopy was performed at UPMC Passavant, her follow-up for an abnormality was originally scheduled at a different location. Andrea changed the appointment. “I really wanted to go back to UPMC Passavant,” she says. “It’s beautiful, and the people there were kind and very reassuring. I’m definitely going back — and I’m not nervous at all.”

To learn more about the new GI Center and all of the other services available at UPMC Passavant, visit UPMCPassavant.com.


1-800-533-UPMC 3

Other health consequences of sleep apneaAccording to Thomas Schauble, MD, a pulmonologist at UPMC Passavant, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, memory problems, weight gain, and daytime sleepiness. “Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea — but almost everyone with sleep apnea snores,” notes Dr. Schauble. “This is not a problem to keep from your family doctor. Sleep apnea can have significant health and safety consequences, but it usually can be treated effectively and inexpensively.”

The services of the UPMC Passavant Sleep Center are available at the hospital’s McCandless and Cranberry locations. For more information or to schedule a sleep study at either location, call 412-367-6496.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


4 UPMC.com/Today

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

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

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

What new treatments are available?

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

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

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

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

To learn more about all the vascular services at UPMC Passavant, visit UPMCPassavant.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

Going mobile is fast and easy

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

Online medical care is seen as the wave of the future. The number of HealthTrak users is expected to increase dramatically once word spreads about its overall convenience and newest features — including access for authorized family members.

More patient-centered solutions

HealthTrak gives users immediate access to a wide range of personal medical information, which allows them to take a more active role in managing their health.

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

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

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

1-800-533-UPMC 5

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

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

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

UPMC222169_UPMC Today_East_Summer_2012_Final_2.indd 5 5/31/12 2:22 PM

6 UPMC.com/Today

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

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

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

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

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

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

Productions showcase local and national talent

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

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

Spend Mondays at the movies

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

Explore your interests at learning seminars

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

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

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

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

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


1-800-533-UPMC 7

Meghana Amit, MD Hospitalist Medicine

Vinay Badhwar, MD Cardiac Surgery

Welcoming New Physicians

Jaya Prakash Buddineni, MD Hospitalist Medicine

Stacey J. Carlitz, DO Gynecology

Brian Thomas Kazienko, MD Cardiology

Margaret M. Moon, DO Physical Medicine/Rehabilitation

Bryan Paul Negrini, MD, MPH Internal Medicine

George S. Tunder, DMD Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery


Chamber Music Community Concert

Friday, July 13, 7 p.m.

Passavant Hospital Foundation Legacy Theatre, Cumberland Woods Village

Passavant Hospital Foundation’s Legacy Music Series and the Center for Young Musicians present a concert featuring the works of Seitz, Vivaldi, J.S. Bach, and more. The event is open to the public and free of charge.

For more information, please call 412-367-6640.

Advances in Conservative & Surgical Knee Treatments

Wednesday, July 18, 12:30 p.m.

Senior Center Cranberry Township Municipal Building

Speaker: William Abraham, MD TriRivers Surgical Associates, Inc.

An orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Abraham will discuss advancements in surgical and conservative knee treatments, joint fluid therapy, arthroscopic knee surgery, and minimally invasive knee replacement.

Please call 412-367-6640 to register.

How’s Your Hearing?

Wednesday, Aug. 15, 12:30 p.m.


Speaker: Jonathan Urffer, MD

Dr. Urffer, an ear, nose, and throat physician, will discuss the causes and effects of hearing loss, when to have a hearing test, and what to expect. Free hearing screenings will be available.


Heart Health & Exercise for Seniors

Wednesday, Aug. 22, 11 a.m.

Zelienople Senior Center

Speakers: Staff from the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Passavant

Heart disease is America’s leading killer, but few people really understand how the heart and vascular system work. Learn how to follow a heart-healthy lifestyle at any age.


Foot Care for Seniors

Wednesday, Sept. 19, 12:30 p.m.


Speaker: Mike Ryan, DPM

Experts say that foot problems can be the first sign of more serious medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and nerve and circulatory disorders. Dr. Ryan, a podiatrist at UPMC Passavant, will discuss foot care for seniors. Free foot checks will be available.


Managing Dizziness & Balance Disorders

Wednesday, Sept. 26, 10:30 a.m.

Auditorium Sherwood Oaks Senior Community 100 Norman Drive, Cranberry Township

Speakers: Susan Whitney, DPT, Centers for Rehab Services Balance/Vestibular Rehab and Tracy Spitz, MPT, Outpatient Physical Therapy, UPMC Passavant

Balance disorders are a common problem with potentially debilitating effects. This seminar will help increase your awareness of these disorders, treatments, and therapies so you can return to a safe and active lifestyle.

Please call 1-800-642-2217 to register.

2012 Diabetes Symposium

Thursday, Sept. 27 Doors open at 8:45 a.m.

Passavant Hospital Foundation Conference Center and Legacy Theatre, Cumberland Woods Village

This day-long event features free screen-ings, exhibitor displays, informational tables, and presentations on a variety of diabetes topics.

Please call 412-367-6640 to register or for more information.

To schedule an appointment, or for more information about any of our physicians, visit UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

These free events are o�ered by UPMC Passavant and the Passavant Hospital Foundation.


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

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

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

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

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

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

PART OF THE UPMC HEART AND VASCULAR INSTITUTE

UPMC Passavant9100 Babcock Blvd.Pittsburgh, PA 15237

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

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

Follow UPMC on Facebook.


P radePets onP radeP radeP radeP rade

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On May 19, the streets of Sewickley went to the dogs. Some canines turned out in their �nest regalia while others appeared in the bu�, accompanied by their proud owners. �e weather cooperated with a beautiful, sunny day and the pets seemed to enjoy the unusual amount of

a�ention they were receiving.�e charming event bene�ted the Western

PA Humane Society, which helps to �nd homes for thousands of unwanted animals every year. Participants were able to browse booths selling pet-related items and prizes were awarded for the best costume, best in parade, best non-canine pet, most creative group and best doggie family.

A wonderful time was had by everyone who a�ended, (both two- and four-legged varieties). For more information on the Western PA Humane Society, please visit the website at www.wpahumane.com.

Photos by Gary Yon


By Pamela Palongue

You might say it all started with Isaac, an extremely personable, pot-bellied pig.

Karen Phillips, a doctor of veterinary medicine, rescued the tiny li�le piglet from almost certain death. A�er much love and rehabilitation, Isaac proved to be a wonderful, charming friend. “He would romp and jump like a puppy, seek me out for companionship and give me looks that were so expressive,” said Phillips, who said she was always able to read the li�le piglet’s thoughts.

As a veterinarian who practices solely at rescue shelters, Phillips saw an increasing number of farm animals like Isaac being surrendered at shelters. Unfortunately the animal shelters do not have the space or facilities to keep sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, turkeys and geese, which puts their lives in a very precarious position.

She wanted to give these special animals a home where they could live out their lives

in contentment, but the thought of taking on legions of farm animals would be daunting for almost anyone. �en Phillips asked herself a life-changing question, “‘What would I do with my life if I knew that I couldn’t fail?’ �at question opened my eyes to my life’s purpose! I would start a farm animal sanctuary and raise public awareness to the plight of thousands of voiceless animals.”

Phillips purchased eight acres of land in Sewickley and set to work making the acreage suitable for housing farm animals. She is currently building a barn for hoofed stock and fencing is being placed. Out-buildings, sheds and birdhouses will also occupy the landscape along with a small house that has been renovated for a caretaker’s use. Eventually Phillips hopes to add a stock pond for her rescued ducks and geese.

“I hope people can see that farm animals have feelings and personalities all their own. �ey have friendships and relationships and

they deserve to have a life,” she said. Phillips’ childhood in Vermont may have

prepared her for her future as a veterinarian and animal rescuer. “We didn’t have any neighbors close by and the animals became my friends,” said Phillips, adding that the long list of pets included dogs, cats, hamsters, turtles, guinea pigs and always a lone chicken.

Unfortunately, many pet owners have not had �rsthand experience with animals like Phillips. �ey start with the best of intentions, but when their pot-bellied pig grows to 200 or even 300 lbs., they realize that it was not the right choice for their lifestyle. “Pigs can

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be destructive in a home; they have a tendency to root around for food,” explained Phillips.

Many Easter chicks will grow into roosters, which are less desirable than the hens. “Hens lay eggs, but of course roosters do not and they also can be pre�y noisy,” she added.

When people take on pets and then �nd they have go�en themselves into more

than they bargained for, it can be heartbreaking for the animals who don’t understand why they are rejected. Phillips hopes to have an adoption program for carefully screened applicants who have the facilities to maintain farm animals.

Phillips said she welcomes community volunteers to work at the sanctuary, and solicits local grocery stores to donate produce that’s unsuitable for sale but still nourishing for the animals. A small vegetable garden will also help supplement feed for the animals. Hope Haven can use donations of money, volunteer time mand equipment.

An important function of the sanctuary will be

to educate students of all ages about farm animals. �e location was carefully chosen to make it adjacent to the city, so that kids who have never been on a farm can visit with the goats, sheep, pigs, chickens and ducks and experience them up close.

Although the sanctuary will not o�cially open until July or August, Phillips already has four pigs in residence. Once the buildings are complete she will be able to house more animals and will have

an Opening Day event that will be listed on the website at www.hopehavenfarm.com.

“�e animals that are sick or injured will be able to receive the medical care that they need. �e animals who are not adopted will be able to live here throughout their lives,” said Phillips. What more could any pig ask for?


INdustry Insight

By Amanda Fastuca

T he temperature is beginning to rise higher every week and we all want to enjoy the warm weather as much as possible before

the summer comes to an end. Dining in a closed environment on a sunny day might not sound too tempting when you’ve already spent nine hours in the o�ce. Luckily, the trend of outdoor dining keeps growing and people are becoming more aware of it.

�e history of patio dining is a very old Italian tradition, where eating alfresco is almost a daily event. Parisians also enjoy taking their co�ee at outdoor cafes,

Dining Patio

Take it Outside—

on the


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Dining Out


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where chairs are aligned facing the street for the best view of passersby. Once the sun sets, a romantic dinner outdoors is both appealing and a�ractive to most people. A charming, picture-perfect se�ing of a table nestled at the end of a quiet street, or a hidden courtyard with thousands of white lights adorning the trees, makes for a memorable evening.

It used to be that when Americans thought of outdoor dining, they envisioned a checkered tablecloth sprawled out on the grass and a basket �lled with fruit, peanut bu�er sandwiches and a tall glass of lemonade. Now, we Americans have adopted the European version of patio dining which is much more sophisticated. Not only do we have outdoor patios with glass tables and cushioned chairs in our own backyards, but restaurants and cafés are expanding their seating to the outdoors as well.

According to Paul Bazzano, Exec. Vice Pres. of Operations at Jackson’s in Moon Township, the outdoor

patio is the most popular and most requested seating area of the restaurant.

Alfresco dining at a restaurant can be as simple as se�ing up a few tables and umbrellas on a sidewalk, or as extensive as a gated area with outdoor music, a wet bar and televisions. No ma�er what the setup, eating outdoors still feels like a luxurious experience.

Although restaurants with outdoor patios give us the pleasure of enjoying the summer weather, it can also bene�t our social lives. Treating your signi�cant other to a later outdoor dinner when the sun goes down can be a perfect romantic date for a special occasion. Some restaurants even make their patios

look like an Italian villa to complete the romantic atmosphere. Even gathering with a group of old friends can be more relaxing at a high-top table by an outdoor bar.

Local restaurants everywhere are giving their outdoor dining areas a laid-back se�ing to satisfy their guests for the summer, giving people a variety of summer dining options.

“Dining alfresco just really makes for a great meal with an adult beverage and the open air makes it very appealing,” says Bazzano. “Our patio is open

spring, summer and fall.”



“Don’t let anyone tell you that living at the Masonic Village at Sewickley is just like being on a cruise ship. Living at the Masonic Village at Sewickley is so much be�er!” Bob and Jean Lenhardt, Masonic Village residents, wrote in a le�er a�er returning from a cruise to Nova Scotia.

�e Lenhardts have been avid travelers since 1980. �eir adventures have taken them to Hawaii, Alaska, almost every region in Europe, Tahiti, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean and beyond. While they’re away, the Lenhardts can now focus on beautiful scenery, meeting new people and trying di�erent experiences instead of worrying about their home. “We have good, caring people in security. If we would happen to leave a door unlocked, they would take care of it. �at is very comforting,” Bob said.

“We really don’t have any problems with leaving our house una�ended like we did before we moved here,” Jean added. “We know our neighbors and have no qualms about leaving – besides what we’d be missing and the menu!”

�e Lenhardts’ beautiful kitchen remains almost untouched a�er a year of living in their villa. Instead, they opt to eat in the on-campus restaurant with their friends, where they’re free from the hassles of cooking and

washing dishes, and can enjoy a varied menu of cuisine �t for royalty. “�ere is so much included here. At a lot of other retirement villages, if there’s a wine and cheese party, you pay extra. But it is included here. �e Masonic Village does everything �rst class,” Jean said.

With dinner events ranging from the recent black and white a�ire Spring Fling to last fall’s dinner by the river, residents enjoy a culture �t for socialites. For residents who prefer trying new experiences in more intimate se�ings, resident-run clubs

provide opportunities to discover a new hobby, like painting or woodworking. An on-campus wellness center and indoor pool help residents stay �t throughout the year. At just 20 minutes from Pi�sburgh, residents also have the opportunity to enjoy urban cultural events while returning home to the safety and serenity of the suburbs. “When you look outside, you don’t see anything that looks like the city. It’s convenient - a classy place - and you can do what you want,” Jean said.

“A lot of our friends asked why we moved here at our age,” Bob, who is just in his 60s, said. “We feel very strongly that a person should make these types of decisions and make the move when they’re healthy enough to take advantage of all of the o�erings here.” As a lifecare community, Masonic Village protects residents’ nest eggs while ensuring that quality health care services will always be available, if needed. In addition, residents leave behind hassles of home ownership, like landscaping, lawn care, cleaning, security and maintenance, because they are all part of one monthly service fee.

“�ere is so much uncertainty out there,” Bob said. “We have be�er control of our future here than we would have anywhere else. I can’t think of any other place where I’d rather spend my golden years.”

With all of their newfound freedom, the Lenhardts can enjoy life their way – whether that means planning a trip with new friends to Missouri, revisiting Hawaii, cruising the coast of Norway, touring the wild west or enjoying the amenities close to home at Masonic Village.

�e Lenhardts have been avid travelers since 1980. �eir adventures

worrying about their home. “We have good, caring people in security. If

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The Joys of a

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washing dishes, and can enjoy a varied menu of cuisine �t for royalty. “�ere is so much included here. At a lot of other retirement villages, if there’s a wine and cheese party, you pay extra. But it is included here. �e Masonic Village does everything �rst class,” Jean said.

With dinner events ranging from the recent black and white a�ire Spring Fling to last fall’s dinner by the river, residents enjoy a culture �t for socialites. For residents who prefer trying new experiences in more intimate se�ings, resident-run clubs

TRAVEL

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provide opportunities to discover a new hobby, like painting or woodworking. An on-campus wellness center and indoor pool help residents stay �t throughout the year. At just 20

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returning home to the safety and serenity of the suburbs.

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The Lenhardts at Masonic Village’s “Spring Fling” in April.

INdustry Insight


A lthough the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has 111 Parish Conferences throughout the 6-County Diocese of Pi�sburgh and even has a local conference located at St. James Church,

most people know very li�le about the organization or what it actually does in the community. Removing the veil of mystery requires a look at the man who inspired the society’s creation..

Saint Vincent de Paul, a Frenchman of Gascon origin, was born in the late 16th century. He initially joined the priesthood more for his own �nancial security than for humanitarian reasons. However, a�er witnessing the extreme poverty of the peasants in the small village of Picardy, he was genuinely moved by their struggles and worked passionately to serve them,which changed the course of his life and that of history.

His compassion for those less fortunate was even extended to convicted criminals which was unheard of at the time of his ministry. He ventured down into the belly of the great ships that were propelled both day and night by oarsmen, sentenced to ten years of constant rowing for their crimes. �ese forgo�en souls subsisted on a diet of black bread and water, with sores and infestations covering their bodies. Saint Vincent de Paul went down into the depths of this earthly hell to bring food, water, medical a�ention and friendship to these men who would likely die before their term of punishment ever ended.

Today this spirit of humility and service to neighbors in need, is the driving purpose behind all Society of St. Vincent de Paul conferences located throughout Allegheny County. �e

society operates several food pantries throughout the region which serve hundreds of clients each month and are sta�ed entirely by volunteers.

�e St. James conference has about eight members who serve the Quaker Valley School District area. �ey meet twice a month to discuss the needs of their clients and make visits to their homes to serve them, which may include providing clothing, furniture, food assistance, advocacy to prevent eviction and shut-o� of utilities.

When no �nancial arrangement is possible, the society sometimes steps in and takes care of the unpaid bill. �e organization is careful to point out that their purpose is not to sustain or continue assistance. It is a short-term solution which is followed up with helpful suggestions from the society’s members on how to avoid �nancial di�culties in the future along with referrals to programs or agencies that provide a more long-term solution.

Although clothing and furniture are provided to individuals in extreme need at no cost, many other community members

bene�t from the low cost items found at the six St. Vincent de Paul �ri� Stores located throughout the region.

A woman who had been unemployed for almost a year, needed a professional-looking wardrobe for her new job. �e extreme �nancial di�culty of being unemployed for an extended period made the purchase of clothing at retail stores impossible. But a�er visiting one of the thri� stores, she was able to purchase several out�ts for less than $20.

Likewise, families that could not hope to buy furniture at conventional stores, have been able to �nd dining tables, bed frames, sofas and recliners from the society thri� stores at a�ordable prices. No broken furniture is accepted at the thri� stores for re-sale and there is generally a wide variety of furniture from di�erent eras, including contemporary styles.

Because the majority of the society’s funding comes from thri� store revenue and private donations from individuals and churches, the decision on the type of help a person receives

is done completely at a grass roots level, eliminating any form of bureaucracy in helping individuals. Once the society is made aware of a person’s need, (usually through a local church or from a person contacting the society), two members visit the home to speak with them about possible solutions to their di�culty. �eir “case” is then reviewed at the next society meeting with all the members. �e cases are held in strictest con�dentiality and a�er prayer and consideration,the members must come to a unanimous decision about how much help to provide

bene�t from the low cost items found at the six St. Vincent de Paul �ri� Stores located

The Secret of the Societyof

St.Vincent de PaulBy Pamela Palongue


and what type.Another important service of SVdP is the Indigent Burial Program.

Death is always a sad subject, but never more so than when an individual dies alone, in poverty and seemingly forgo�en. With help from the

Catholic Cemeteries Association and local funeral directors, the society is able to provide a respectful burial for these individuals.

Recently the society was able to help a middle-aged veteran, who died without �nancial support despite working at his full-time job. With no family to assume the responsibilities of burial, this man who served his country in time of war was le� without the means for a proper ending. SVdP was able to step in and help provide this �nal act of kindness of which he was so deserving.

Finally, just as Saint Vincent de Paul helped the convicted men of his day, the society helps ex-o�enders readjust to society and to build a new life without dependency on drugs or alcohol. Michael’s Place is a voluntary residential program where men can

transition from jail or prison to independent living. �e men receive counseling and encouragement to remain sober and drug-free. �ey

THE SOCIETY OPERATES SEVERAL FOOD PANTRIES

THROUGHOUT THE REGION WHICH SERVE HUNDREDS OF CLIENTS EACH MONTH AND ARE STAFFED ENTIRELY BY

VOLUNTEERS.

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www.prime1builders.com412.257.0160

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For more information on the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, please visit the website at www.svdppitt.org/”www.svdppitt.org. If you are interested in volunteering with the St. James conference, or wish to make a contribution locally, please call St. James Church for contact information at 412.741.6650 and follow the prompt.

are required to work at jobs and establish bank accounts, while helping with the cleaning and maintenance of the home, such as lawn mowing and snow removal. A�er a stay of approximately six months, the men have obtained the necessary life skills to live independently and productively. �e program has an 85% success rate for individuals not returning to a life of crime.

The society has sometimes been looked upon with great curiosity because of the inconspicuous nature with which it serves the community. Since 1833, the society has quietly gone about

assisting neighbors in need with extreme con�dentiality, in order to preserve the dignity of those whom it serves.

�ere are many ways to help the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in its mission, including donating goods to thri� stores for re-sale, purchasing items from thri� stores, monetary donations which can be made through the society’s website and also at “poor boxes” located in many of the churches throughout Pi�sburgh. Burial plots are also a welcome donation and serve to help bury the indigent.

Lastly, if a person desires to be a member of the society, volunteers are needed for coat drives, delivering food from the food pantry to individual’s homes, clothing sorters in SVdP �ri� stores, home visits to determine

the needs of clients and many, many other services. Membership in the society is open to men and women 18 years of age or older. Although a majority of the members of SVdP are Roman Catholic, membership in the Catholic Church is not required; but a willingness to work and serve others is essential.

As Saint Vincent de Paul said, “You are the servant of the poor, always smiling and good-humored. �ey are your masters...”



On Thursday, June 21, experts from the UPMC AdvancedHeart Failure Center will host an educational town hallforum for patients and health care professionals aboutthe latest treatments for severe heart failure, includingmedical therapy, ventricular assist device (VAD) therapy,surgical approaches, and heart transplantation. Topicswill include:• Advances in the medical and surgical treatment

of advanced heart failure• Determining who is an appropriate candidate for

VAD therapy or heart transplant• Social, emotional, and financial considerations• Personal experiences from patientsThis program is intended for physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals as well as heart failure patientsand their families who want more information abouttreatment options o�ered through UPMC’s AdvancedHeart Failure Center and Heart Transplant Program. The event begins at 6 p.m. in Assembly Hall, first floor,UPMC Passavant, McCandless campus.

Light refreshments will be served, and complimentaryparking is o�ered at UPMC Passavant’s parking garage.

Reservations are recommended. RSVP by calling 412-647-5066 or email [email protected].

Town Hall Forum on

AdvancedHeart Failure

UPMC Passavant9100 Babcock Blvd.Pittsburgh, PA 15237

NORTH ALLEGHENY pages_Layout 1 5/17/12 5:09 PM Page 17


To many, hunger is someone else’s problem; a di�culty 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 economic 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 everyday, 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 �nancial resources to buy healthy, nutritious food.

One common misconception is that people who are hungry are unemployed. Although this is sometimes the case, many individuals who work at full-time jobs do not have enough to eat. With employee bene�ts 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 cut backs in the number of hours worked or decreases in hourly wages in order to retain their jobs. �is shortage in pay has to be made up in other areas. One way that individuals stretch their paycheck is by skipping meals to the detriment of their health.

According to the Greater Pi�sburgh Community Food Bank, since August of 2008, area food banks have been serving an average of 2500 new households every month! �is dramatic increase correlates directly to the economic hard times of the past few years.

�e Food Pantry of the Sewickley Community Center is open every Wednesday to

serve local residents in the 15143 zip code that do not have enough food to eat. �e pantry was started in the 1980’s by a woman named Ada Milner who was concerned about members of her community in need. Recent years have been especially tough and the food pantry has seen clients who have never had to ask to help before.

In many situations, economic hardship can be the result of unforeseeable circumstances. “Susan” and “Bob” held good jobs and were raising their two children, living in an a�ractive co�age home. Although they were young and healthy, Susan suddenly fell ill

and had to be hospitalized for several weeks. Insurance took care of the hospital bills, however the loss of Susan’s income le� the family without enough money to pay for groceries. A long rehab process had to be completed before Susan would be able to return to work. For the �rst two weeks a�er her discharge, Bob had to stay home with Susan to care for her since she was unable to walk, cook a meal or bathe. �is further depleted the family income. During this di�cult time, Bob and Susan were able to receive enough groceries from the local food pantry to help sustain their family. �e provisions from the food pantry were a great relief for Bob, who knew that at least his family would have enough to eat. As Susan recovered, they were slowly able to catch up their bills and get their �nances back on track. Luckily, their dependence on the food pantry was fairly short-lived.

Many situations can cause a person or family to be in a position of need for food. Unexpected job loss and health problems like the family previously mentioned are just a couple of reasons that individuals may experience a food shortage. Many persons work in low-paying jobs with limited education and are unable to

make ends meet even in stable times. Divorce o�en leaves mothers with small children in di�cult �nancial situations, unable to provide for their families, especially if child support is non-existent. �e death of a spouse or other wage-earner in the household can deal a sharp economic blow to any family. Individuals who live with very li�le disposable income may �nd themselves with food insecurity if expensive car repairs are needed in order to maintain transportation to work. �e causes of food insecurity are as numerous as the people dealing with the problem of hunger.

If a family is fortunate enough to have enough 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. �is 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. �e 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 incomes, there are things that almost anyone can do to help. Some grocery stores o�er shoppers the opportunity to make a contribution to the local food pantry at the check-out 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 big impact when combined with the dollars from

By Pamela Palongue

make ends meet even in stable times. Divorce

If you are in need of food assistance, please call the

Sewickley Community Center Food Pantry at 412.741.5430.

If you would like to donate food, items may be dropped off at the

food pantry at 15 Chadwick Street Wednesdays between

11:30am and 1pm. You may also drop off non-perishable items

at the Village Commons or the Sewickley Library during their

normal business hours.


other area households.Although monetary donations allow the

food pantry the ability to buy food supplies to �ll their particular needs, food donations are also very 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 �ber cereals, rice, pasta, canned beans such as kidney, black and navy which are an important source of protein. Peanut bu�er, 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 o�er a quick and easy way to get several daily nutrients in one, convenient source. Although many foods remain nutritious and palatable a�er they expire, some do not. �erefore 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 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 a�ord even small sacri�ces of money or groceries, time is another valuable commodity. Most food banks are operated entirely by volunteers. �ere are many di�erent jobs to do which allow a person to be matched with a task that �ts their 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 persons 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.

O�en times the hungry go unnoticed because hunger cannot be seen or felt by those around it. �e person who is hungry could even be your neighbor, a co-worker or the waitress at your local co�ee shop. If 42% of U.S. citizens will be visiting a food bank 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.



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The Ben Avon Area Historical Association, (BAAHA), will host an open house at the Dickson Log House on the following dates:

Saturday, June 23, 2012 from 10a.m. To 12 noon

Saturday, July 21, 2012 from 10a.m. To 12 noon

Sunday, August 11, 2012 from 11a.m. To 1p.m.

The structure is historically significant because it is one of the oldest structures north of the Ohio River. It was constructed around 1795 by William Dickson, one of the area’s first settlers. The 16 by 20 foot house was unearthed in 1983 when a building was torn down on the Western Avenue site.

A late 18th century replica of the U.S. flag will also be on display at the house.

The house stands at the corner of Forest and Atlantic (Western) Avenues. For more information on the history of the Ben Avon area or events hosted by BAAHA, please visit the website at www.benavon.com/BAAHA.

EXPLORE THE DICKSON LOG HOUSE

�e Child Health Association of Sewickley held its annual Tour of Homes in May. �e tour featured six beautiful, local homes decorated with fresh �oral arrangements.

�e tour is a major fundraiser for the organization

which has been actively involved in programs that screen children for dental and vision problems and providing preventive education, along with cultural enrichment projects, scholarships, gas cards for CASA volunteers and food for the Sewickley Food Pantry.

�e group will also host an antique show in October at the Edgeworth Club featuring furniture, art works and collectibles.

For more information on the Child Health Association of Sewickley and their upcoming events, please visit their website at www.childhealthassociation.org.

Beautiful

Sewickley!


HOW TO ENTERWin This Nerf Pocket Camcorder!

Entries should be on unfolded 8.5”x 11” inch white paper and mailed to: Nerf ContestIN Community Magazines603 East McMurray RoadMcMurray, PA 15317Digital entries should be emailed to: [email protected]. Digital images should be hi-resolution

images for reproduction (files larger than 1MB in size). Include with your submission:Name, age, and headshot of the entrant, parental signature, and phone number where we can notify you if you’ve won.

Entrants are limited to children between the ages of 6 and 12 years of age.You can be the star and the director

of your own movies with this camera, so we’d like you to send us your SUMMER BLOCKBUSTER MOVIE POSTER featuring you!

Your design is only limited by your imagination! You can draw your poster, make a collage, or make something on the computer!

The winning entry, as well as the first and second runners-up, will be featured in the Fall issues of IN Community Magazines.

CONTEST DEADLINE IS JULY 6.No entries will be returned. Entries should not include any graphics or concepts of existing movie posters. All entries should be PG in nature.


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The value of a meaningful funeral cannot be underestimated. Funerals give families and friends an opportunity to come together to celebrate a life, to mourn together but also to

re�ect together as they share memories of a loved one and look back on times spent together. As funeral service o�erings become more diverse, sometimes the choices available become overwhelming, or come with questions of their own. One of the rising trends within funeral service is cremation, a practice that is by no means new, but increasingly popular.

People who are making end of life arrangements have a lot of questions, and surveys show that consumers have a lack of information regarding funeral options and planning. �ere are still a lot of myths surrounding cremation, chief among them that it is an alternative to a funeral service. Cremation is, in and of itself, a means of preparing human remains for �nal disposition. Choosing cremation in no way suggests that a memorial service, or even a traditional funeral service, can’t or shouldn’t take place.

Cremation actually provides you with increased �exibility when you make your funeral and ceremony arrangements. You might, for example, choose to have a traditional funeral service before the cremation – in the funeral home, with the body present. �is is not an unusual occurrence, and in situations where families are split on the issue, is o�en a good compromise. �ere can also be a memorial service at the time of cremation or a�er the cremation with the urn present; or a commi�al service at the �nal disposition of cremated remains. Funeral or memorial services can be held in a place of worship, a funeral home, or a crematory chapel.

What is important to remember is that funerals and memorial services �ll an important role for those mourning the death of a loved one. �ey are o�en the �rst step in the healing process, and the rituals involved provide a number of comforts to those who are grieving. Cremation is not an alternative to such a service, but merely a step in the process. �ere are a wide variety of options available to you and your loved ones as you think about your own needs, and your local funeral home is ready to walk you through every step of the way. Whether it’s a small memorial service or a large funeral, the key is to develop a meaningful celebration of life.

Members of the National Funeral Directors Assocation around the country are participating in a national education e�ort, For a Life Worth

CelebratingSM, in an e�ort to help inform consumers about the many available options when it comes to planning a meaningful funeral service. For more information, contact your local NFDA member funeral home or visit NFDA’s Website at www.nfda.org.

Cremation:Creating aMeaningful

Funeral

INdustry Insight


The Cremation Garden

“Where a family’s needsand wishes come first.”

Visit our web site atsewickleycemetery.comor call us at 412.741.4409

Before deciding, drive through, see for yourself and compare.

avonworth announces new school superintendent

�omas Ralston has been selected as the new superintendent of the Avonworth School District. He will assume the role July 1, 2012 a�er the school district’s current superintendent, Dr. Valerie McDonald retires.

Ralston, chosen by �e Board of School Directors, was selected for his leadership abilities and strong commitment to the success of the students. He has served as the District’s Middle School Principal since 2006. Prior to his tenure at Avonworth, he was the principal of South Side Middle School in Beaver County for nine years. He is currently completing his Doctorate of Education from Youngstown State University.

Ralston is also the author of numerous grants and the recipient of the 2010 Pennsylvania Middle School Association Administrator of the Year. Other achievements include the designation of the Avonworth Middle School as a Pennsylvania Donald Eichhorn School to Watch in 2009 and a re-designation in 2012.

“I am extremely excited to be chosen to lead the Avonworth School District as the new superintendent,” said Ralston. “It is a wonderful opportunity to continue to work with students, sta� and families that I have go�en to know quite well over the years.”

Ralston resides in Chester, West Virginia with his wife Michelle and their two children, Callie wand Conner.

Congratulations to Dr. McDonald on her retirement and to Ralston on his new position!

••••••••••••••AVONWORTH NEWS & EVENTS

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