in brentwood-baldwin-whitehall

FALL 2011 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

INSIDE!

Brentwood BoroughSchool District News

Baldwin BoroughNewsletter

Briefly BrentwoodNewsletter

Welcome to the Fall issue of Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall Magazine.As the summer winds down, and the kids get ready to go back to school,

I sincerely hope that you and your family had some time to get away from it alland relax. It seems that these days, parents driving the family taxi, and kids withtheir sports/lessons/parties rarely get a chance to enjoy the slow pace of an evermore elusive “lazy summer.”

Ask yourself – when was the last time everyone ate together around a family table? When dideveryone gather to play a board game? Does anyone remember board games? If your answer was“That one night that the power went out,” then you might be trapped in the 21st Century jail ofhyper-life. (I made that term up, but I can do that – I’m the publisher.) I’m not an old guy, unless youask my kids, but I think that life should be simpler. Moms, dads, brothers, sisters, should all try tospend some time with each other as a family more than that one night when the power goes out.Family time is an important part of being a community. And every community should value qualitytime with their families – it’s how we teach our children values, etiquette, and more importantly, howto participate in a family structure so they can pass on to their kids what you worked so hard to build.Recently, I saw a commercial where a father shut off the main power to the house so that the familycould enjoy dinner together and blamed the outage on a thunderstorm. The Xboxes were dead. TheFacebook was closed. The kids came downstairs in disillusionment to ask

what happened. While the commercial was pushing some tasty dinner product, the message was more palatable – you have to make family time. I would take that message one step further – you have to make family time a priority. I hope that it’s one of yours.

Have a great Fall!

Wayne DollardPublisher

With all of the “activism” in the Brentwood, Baldwin and Whitehallcommunities, I wasn’t surprised to see the municipalities taking part in

the Recycling Competition. What a great way to promote amore green standard of living. When you read about the

way communities are stepping up to help out theenvironment, I am sure you will want to do yourpart. Cathy Trexler sure is doing her part by helpingto spear head the Redd Up program in Brentwood. If

you have the chance to get involved with this program toimprove the look of the borough, I know Cathy would appreciate your

assistance.As you get out your rakes and sweaters to welcome in the season of

Autumn, I hope you will take some time out to enjoy this edition of InBrentwood, Baldwin, Whitehall Magazine. Let me know if you meetsomeone or organization we should be writing about in the magazine.You can always email me at the magazine [email protected]

Marybeth JeffriesManaging Editor

4 724.942.0940 to advertise | Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall

FALL 2011IN Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall is a communitypublication dedicated to representing, encouragingand promoting the Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehallarea and its comprising municipalities by focusingon the talents and gifts of the people who live and work here. Our goal is to provide readers withthe most informative and professional regionalpublication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

PUBLISHER Wayne Dollard

MANAGING EDITOR

Marybeth [email protected]

OFFICE MANAGER

Leo [email protected]

WRITERS

Pamela Palongue

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Cassie Brkich Jan McEvoySharon Cobb Joe MilneSusie Doak Tamara Tylenda

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Garyyonphotography.com

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

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

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

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

Winter content deadline: 10/18www.incommunitymagazines.com

Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

It only seems like yesterday that the students wereleaving our schools to begin another much awaitedsummer vacation. Now a new school year is here.Classrooms have sprung back to life with the return ofstudents and teachers. As I walk through the schools, Isee students eager and willing to learn as teachers providethe needed instruction and guidance necessary for

success. Another key componentin student success is familysupport. As the district leader, itis extremely satisfying to witnessthe continued support ourfamilies provide to their children,as well as, to our schools. As iscustomary in my first messagefor a new school year, there areseveral updates of actions takensince the conclusion of lastschool year that I would like to note.

Since the 2002-2003 school year,the Continuous Improvement

Plan (CIP) has provided direction for the school district.The CIP will continue to do the same this school year.Approved at the August General Purpose Meeting by theBoard of School Directors, the CIP for 2011-2012contains five primary goals. These goals include:improvement of student achievement in all academicareas; improvement in curricular and extracurricularprograms offered in the school district; improvement ofcommunications with all stakeholder groups;improvement in the appearance, upkeep, safety, andsecurity of all facilities; and improvement in schooldistrict fiscal matters. Specific action plans for each of thegoals have been developed for implementationthroughout the year.

Generally, students return from summer vacation to seenew faces among the teaching staff greeting them in theirclassrooms. This is not the case this year since no newteachers joined the staff. However, students at the

middle/high school saw two familiar faces but in differentpositions. Mr. David Radcliffe, previously themiddle/high school assistant principal, is now the middleschool principal. Mrs. Lindsay Klousnitzer, formerly amiddle school English teacher, is now the middle/highschool assistant principal. I look forward to working withthese professional educators in their new roles as part ofthe district administrative team.

Due to reductions in state and federal education fundingfrom previous years, no major facilities improvementprojects were undertaken during the summer. Themaintenance and custodial staffs dedicated their energiesto making repairs to the existing facilities, finishing smallprojects, and completing the summer cleaning processthat occurs between school years. Students and staffreturned to clean well-maintained buildings.

In my message that appeared in the previous issue of InBrentwood Baldwin-Whitehall, I addressed the tentativeschool district budget in light of reductions in statefunding. Approximately two weeks after the operatingbudget for 2011-2012 was passed on June 20, 2011, thedistrict received notification that the initial anticipatedstate subsidy would be increased by $234, 212. Morespecifically, $158,877 additional in Basic EducationFunding and $75,335 in Accountability Block GrantFunding would be received. These additional funds willbe used to offset that portion of the fund balance used tobalance the approved budget.

As I enter my sixth year as the Superintendent of Schoolsfor the Brentwood Borough School District, I continue toconsider it both an honor and a privilege to hold theposition. I look forward working with everyone tocontinually improve our school district while addressingour mission to educate and prepare our young people tomeet the challenges and demands that will be placedupon them by a constantly changing world.

Ronald W. Dufalla, Ph. D.Superintendent of Schools

S u p e r i n t e n d e n t ’ s M e s s a g e

Brentwood

newsSCHOOL D I STR ICT

B O R O U G H

6 Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall

Brentwood


B O R O U G H

Under Act 1, the school district is required toadopt a final operating budget for theupcoming school year by June 30th. The Boardof School Directors officially adopted its finalbudget for 2011-2012 on June 20, 2011 at itsGeneral Purpose Meeting. The $18,868,505budget is $43,077 less than the 2010-2011operating budget. Increasing costs and astagnant tax base continued, as in previousyears, to be challenges in budgetdevelopment. A new challenge, reductions instate subsidies resulting from the loss ofFederal stimulus funds provided through theAmerican Recovery and Reinvestment Act(ARRA), added another hurdle to this year’s budget formulation process.

A breakdown of revenues and expenditures by category is shown in the accompanying pie charts. As you can see, the majority of revenue comes from local sources, followed by state and federal subsidies and grants. The “Other” approximate $983,983noted on the illustration reflects monies fromthe fund balance that will be used to offsetthe difference between expenditures andrevenues. On the expenditure side, themajority of the operating budget is designatedfor instruction and support services, followed by debt service and non-instruction.

The Board of School Directors workeddiligently to construct a budget that did notrequire an increase in millage. This was duein small part to the constraints of Act 1, butprimarily out of the concern for placing anyadditional tax burden on our residents duringthese challenging economic times.

The 2011-2012 operating budget required noincrease in real estate taxes. Real estatetaxes remain at 28.27 mills on every dollar or$2.827 per $100 of the assessed valuation. Thisrate has been in effect since the 2006-2007 fiscalyear. The earned income tax and real estate services tax will remain at ½%. The local services tax will remain at $5. The proposed final operating budget was on public display at all district schools and the Brentwood Library from May 10, 2011 until its final adoption on June 20th.

BoardApprovesOperatingBudget for2011-2012

Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 7

Kozarian Elected toNational Board

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B O R O U G H

Federal public law 107-110, section 9528 of theESEA, “No Child Left Behind Act,” requiresschool districts to release student names,addresses, and telephone numbers to militaryrecruiters upon their request. The law alsorequires school districts to notify students andparents of their right to opt-out of having thisinformation released. If you would like toexercise your right to opt-out, please submit thisin writing to your child’s building principal.

Student InformationRelease Opt-Out

Joseph Kozarian, Director of Facilities and Security for theBrentwood Borough School District, was elected Region 3Director at the National Association of School ResourceOfficers (NASRO) conference held in Orlando, Floridaon July 1, 2011. He was nominated by fellow NASROmembers to represent the states of Pennsylvania, NewYork, New Jersey, and Delaware. Regional directorsmust be regular NASRO members, reside in the regionelected, be a sworn law/commissioned enforcementofficer, and be employed or appointed as a schoolresource officer (SRO) or supervisor. This positionserves a two-year elected term.

In 2006, Officer Kozarian started the necessarytraining to become an SRO and went on within theNASRO program to earn his practitioner and instructortitles. He continued with additional NASRO approvedtrainings that included 40 hours of basic SRO training and24 hours of advanced SRO or supervisor training.After completing 160 hours of specializedpolice in-service training, Officer Kozarianattended the national SRO conference inLouisville, Kentucky where he was honoredlast year with the Exceptional Service Awardin Region 3.

As a Regional Director, Officer Kozarian isresponsible for presenting information onthe roles and responsibilities of school safetypersonnel in relationship to emergencyplanning and procedureswithin his region.Good luck andcongratulations toOfficer Kozarian!

“Golden Ager” Card Available Once again as in previous years, the “Golden Ager” card will be

available to Brentwood residents 65 years of age or older. The

card provides free admission to all events, excluding the school

play, sponsored by the Brentwood Borough School District. The

“Golden Ager” card is available at the District Administrative

Offices in the lower level of the middle/high school during regular

office hours 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.


Brentwood


B O R O U G HBHS Part i c ipates in Centra l B lood BankScho lar sh ip Program

For more than 10 years,Brentwood High School hasparticipated in the CentralBlood Bank ScholarshipProgram by holding blooddrives throughout the schoolyear. Area high schoolscompete for the scholarshipmoney based on percentage ofparticipation. Although BHS issmall, our students are very supportive ofthis program and have received scholarship money consistentlyover the past 5 years. For the 2009-2010 school year, a $1500award was received. This money was given in the form of three$500 scholarships to seniors (Class of 2011) pursuing careers inthe health fields. For this past school year, 2010-2011, we havereceived another $1500 award that will be given as scholarshipsnext spring to seniors from the Class of 2012.

In September, a representative from Central Blood Bank willpresent an assembly program to 10th, 11th and 12th graders,explaining the process and stressing the importance of blooddonations in the community. One donation has the potential tohelp three patients in area hospitals. Donors must be at least 16years of age, and must have signed parental permission untilthey are 17. Those 17 and older do not need signed parentalpermission. A donor may give blood every 56 days.

The blood drives for the 2011-2012 school year have beenscheduled for the following dates: Thursday, September 29,2011, Wednesday, December 21, 2011, Thursday, February 23,2012 and Wednesday, May 23, 2012. The drives are held in theMiddle School gymnasium from 8:30 am until 2:30 pm and areopen to the community as well as our students and staff.Community support will help us reach our goals to earnscholarship money! If you would like to schedule anappointment prior to the blood drive, please call Mrs. NancyKaminski at 412-881-4940 (Ext. 2345), but walk-ins are alsowelcomed. If you are unable to donate during those times,donors may go to any Central Blood Bank facility (there is oneon Baptist Road in Whitehall) and designate your donation tobe credited to Brentwood High School.

E m e r g e n c y D e l a y so r C a n c e l l a t i o n sIn the event of a change in the schoolcalendar due to inclement weather oremergency situations, necessary informationfor parents and students will be provided onthe following television and radio stations:

TV STATIONS RADIO STATIONSKDKA (Channel 2) KDKA (1020 AM)WTAE (Channel 4) FROGGY (98.3 FM)WPXI (Channel 11) KQV (1410 AM)

In addition, the AlertNow notification systemwill continue to be used to contact homes inthe event of school delays or school closures.AlertNow is a Web-based rapid notificationand communication service that allows the school district to contact hundreds ofparents within minutes having the capabilityto deliver both voice and e-mail messages. In order for AlertNow to work efficiently,updated contact information is a must and should be submitted to your child’s school office.

Every effort will be made for all schools toremain open as originally scheduled on theschool calendar. In order to reduce thenumber of days the schools may be closeddue to inclement weather or emergencysituations, delayed starting times will be used when conditions allow. On days whendelayed starting times are used, all schoolswill begin at 10 a.m. unless otherwise notedin television, radio, or AlertNowannouncements.


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B O R O U G H

Cafeteria Meal Prices Set Breakfast and lunch prices for the 2011-2012 school year have been set as follows:

• Elementary Student Lunch $1.85• Middle/High School Student Lunch $2.10• Middle/High School Student Tiered Lunch $2.60

(Larger portions and different menu items)• Elementary Student Breakfast $1.25• Middle/High School Student Breakfast $1.25• Milk (A la Carte) $0.50

High School

Sports.Net

All schedules for middle school and highschool athletics and activities can be foundat www.highschoolsports.net. This websiteis used by high schools throughout the area to keep the community up to date onschool events. Those visiting the websitewill have “live” information about Brentwoodathletics and activities including team andseason schedules; daily, weekly, and monthlyevents; student transportation; eventlocations; scores; opponent information; andschedule changes.

Admission Fees

Set For

Athletic Events

The admission fees charged for variousathletic events sponsored by the BrentwoodBorough School District are as follows:• Football-Adult $4, Senior Citizen $3,

Student $2• Basketball-Adult $4, Senior Citizen $3,

Student $2• Volleyball-Adult $2, Senior Citizen and

Student $1• Swimming-Adult $2, Senior Citizen and

Student $1

In addition, active military personnel will beadmitted free of charge with military ID.These fees remain unchanged from lastschool year. Admission to all other athleticevents not noted above is free.

Under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), parents have a right torequest professional qualifications of their children’s teachers orparaprofessionals. Parents have the right to ask for the followinginformation: whether Pennsylvania has licensed the teacher for thegrades and subjects he or she teaches; whether the teacher is teachingunder emergency or other provisional status through whichPennsylvania licensing criteria have been waived; the teacher’sbaccalaureate degree major and whether the teacher has any advancedegrees, and if so, the subject of the degrees; and, whether the child isprovided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.Please contact your building principal if this information is desired.

NCLB Notification AddressingProfessional Qualifications


Summer Programs ProvidedThrough Stimulus Funds

s part of the American Recovery and ReinvestmentAct (ARRA), stimulus funds were available that

enabled the district to operate two summer programs. For a thirdyear, a portion of the funds was used to operate a Title I SummerSchool for elementary students. Hosted at Moore ElementarySchool for five weeks, the Title I summer program began on June13th and concluded on July 21st. Another portion of the fundswas used for a four week Extended School Program that was anextension of the autistic support classroom currently operated bythe school district. This program also hosted at MooreElementary School began June 27th and concluded on July 21st.Both programs operated Monday through Thursday morningsbetween 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

A

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B O R O U G H

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) requires school districts to notify parents requesting consentfor their children’s participation in certain school activities. Considered “protected information surveys,” these activities include student surveys, analyses, or evaluations that concern any of the following areas:• Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent• Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family• Sexual behavior or attitudes• Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior• Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships• Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers• Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents• Income, other than as required to determine program eligibilityThis requirement also applies to the collection, disclosure or use of student information for marketing purposes and certain physical exams and screenings. If there is ever a need for a “protected informationsurvey,” parents will be notified in advance by the building principal. Parental consent will be requested prior to the administration of these surveys.

PPRA

NotificAtioN

Are you an individual that has

the desire to substitute on an

occasional basis as a teacher,

nurse, custodian, secretary,

teacher aide, security, or

cafeteria worker? Substitutes

in these areas are always

needed to replace personnel

that are absent for illness or

attendance at meetings. If you

are interested in placement on

the school district substitute

list in any of the categories

noted, please contact Nancy

Brown in the District

Administrative Office at

412-881-2227.

SubstitutePersonnel

Needed


Brentwood


B O R O U G H

Many students often fall out of their schoolroutine during the summer months. It is oftendifficult to re-establish a routine when schoolstarts back up. Here are some suggestions forestablishing a structured routine and improvingschool behaviors and attitudes.

Call a Family Meeting and Talk AboutWhat is Going To ChangeThis is most helpful when it is done before theschool year begins to start with a clean slate,but it can also be effectively done at certaintimes during the school year such as at thebeginning of a new quarter. It is most helpful tosit down as a family to talk about the schoolyear structure. Talk about what rules you’regoing to change and what will stay the same. Itis best to go into this meeting with a setagenda, which may include bedtime, homeworkroutine, or getting to school on time. Make thisan open conversation with input from all familymembers. When an agreement is made aboutnew rules or routine, try to stick to it as best aspossible. Write down the agreed upon scheduleand post in central locations where all familymembers can see.

Be Realistic…Don’t TackleEverything…Focus on the Problems ThatAre Most CrucialIf the last school year was difficult for yourchild, you may be tempted to lay out a long listof new rules. Instead, pick out the things thatare most important such as morning/eveningroutine, homework time, or balancing academictime with sports and/or outside activities. Onceyou see your child make a positive change witha new rule, notice and give praise immediatelyto begin to shape this positive behavior.

Talk To Your Child—Specifically—AboutWhat Needs To ChangeIf your child had a difficult year behaviorally or

academically last year, it is important to have aconversation about what needs to change. Youwant to address this as a problem you are goingto solve together. Ask what he/she needs fromyou to make this a better year. Your child willhave a better understanding of what changelooks like and how to do it since you model it.For younger children, developing a chart orposter that lists out the new structure andexpectations may be helpful.

Set the Expectation for a Better Year Set an expectation with your child from thestart that it’s going to be a better school year.Be both hopeful and realistic. Think about lastschool year and ask yourself, what wentsmoothly? What needed to change? Remindyour child of the things that worked last yearand try to build on them. Catch good behaviorearly in the year and give them somemomentum to last for the rest of the semester.

Find Someone at the School Who WillSupport YouIf your child’s school year has started and you’renoticing issues cropping up, you are probablyfeeling frustrated already. Try to find somebodyin the school who you can ‘partner’ with,someone’s who’s going to help you help yourchild do better academically, socially orbehaviorally. This might be a teacher whounderstands and likes your child, or a guidancecounselor or school social worker that canconnect you with resources. The importantthing is to make some positive relationshipswith school personnel.

Remember That It’s NEVER Too LateIt is never too late to establish a structure.Often the difficult part is trying to stick with it.Parents need to realize that a new routineactually requires a whole new set of organization for them.

You need to plan how the school week looks,how you will get everyone to their activities,how you will fit in homework time, and how you will manage to keep things going smoothly.This is challenging but not too late. If structureis needed now, it will always be needed. Add in times for breaks, snacks and to celebrate accomplishments. Celebrating small changes will lead to more confidence intackling big goals.

A Special Note About Kids with LearningDisabilities or AnxietyIt is particularly challenging for kids withlearning disabilities to go back to schoolbecause they know that it is going to be astruggle for them. As their parent, and biggestadvocate, it is beneficial to set clear limits andhave a positive discussion with your child aboutschool. Talk with the school about coming upwith realistic goals and rewards and partnerwith the school to support the needs of yourchild. Let your child know that whatever theschool year may hold, that together you can getthrough it, no matter what. Let them know thatyou are in their corner, cheering for them andproud of them. Make sure you celebrate everysuccess, even small ones.

Looking Ahead...Even though we don’t want to think about thewinter months while we are enjoying the fall,now is a great time to plan for the potential ofschool delays and snow. Hide a few boardgames, crayons, markers, toys, and puzzles nowthat you may find at the Dollar Store or agarage sale. Tuck away for winter when youmay need that surprise “bag of tricks.” Happy Fall!

Back to School Behavior Tips…Setting UpA Structure That Works

By Frank Krawiec, MSW, LCSW, Wesley Spectrum School Based Services Mental Health Intervention Specialist (This article originally appeared in the Fall 2010 issue ofNews and Views. Due to the very positive response at thattime, the article is being repeated as its information is bothtimely and relevant as a new school year begins.)


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B O R O U G H

Determining Eligibility: Your child maybe eligible for special education if your child:

➢ Has a physical, sensory, mental, or emotional disability and

➢ Needs special education as determined byan evaluation team.

Indications of Physical, Sensory, Mental,or Emotional Disability: Someindications that your child may be a child witha disability in order to meet the first part ofthe two-part definition are:

➢ Difficulty performing tasks that require reading, writing, or mathematics,

➢ An emotional disturbance over a long period of time which affects your child’s ability to learn,

➢ Consistent problems in getting along withothers,

➢ Difficulty communicating,➢ Lack of interest or ability in age-

appropriate activities,➢ Resistance to change,➢ Difficulty seeing or hearing that interferes

with the ability to communicate, ➢ Health problems that affect educational

performance, including attention problems.

Your child may need specially designedinstruction that isn’t normally needed byother children in the general educationclassroom to make progress in school. Thisneed for special education is the second partof the two-part decision to qualify a child forspecial education services.

Screening: The Brentwood Borough SchoolDistrict has a screening process within eachstudent’s home school that identifies studentswho may need special education. Thisprocess includes: screening preschool andearly intervention students in the spring andsummer prior to their entering kindergarten;screening students for speech and languageservices in Kindergarten and by referralsthroughout the school year; routine health

screenings, including height, weight andvision, for all students Kindergarten through12th grade, hearing (K-3, 7, 11), physicalexams (K, 6, 11), scoliosis screening (6, 7),and dental screenings (1, 3, 7); monitoringstudent progress on reading and mathperformance assessments (K-11) at selectedintervals throughout the year;multidisciplinary team referrals; screeningstudent records (discipline reports, progressreports, standardized test scores); screeningreferrals to the Student Assistance Programand; and screening student enrollmentrecords throughout the school year.

For students with academic or behaviorconcerns, an intervention is developed basedon the results of the screening. The student’sresponse to the intervention is looked atclosely and if screening activities haveproduced little or no improvement within 60school days, the student will be formallyreferred for an evaluation for specialeducation. Parents may request that theevaluation take place without going throughthese screening activities.

The Evaluation: The evaluation processcollects the information that will be used todetermine if the student needs specialeducation and, if so, the types of programsand services needed. The evaluation shallinclude information provided by the parents;review of school records (attendance, reportcards, standardized test scores); informationprovided by the classroom teacher and schoolnurse; screening by speech and languagetherapist; observation of the student’sbehavior in the classroom; curriculum basedassessments; evaluation by a schoolpsychologist; and input from an occupationalor physical therapist, if therapy may beneeded.

The student may be referred for theevaluation in several ways:

➢ The parent may ask the school to evaluate the student for special education at any

time. This can be done by sending a letter to the student’s school principal. The Permission to Evaluate will then be issued.

➢ The school may contact the parent and request permission to have the student evaluated. The parent must consent in writing to the student’s evaluation. School officials cannot proceed without the parent’s written permission on the Permission to Evaluate form. If permission is not received and the school continues to find that an evaluation is necessary, they may ask for a due process hearing and get approval from an impartial hearing officer to evaluate the student.

All evaluations needed to determine thestudent’s eligibility for special education willbe provided by the student’s school district atno charge. Results of the evaluations will bemade available to the parents for their review.The parents may also get evaluation reportsfrom professionals outside the school districtand send them to the student’s school. Theresults of these outside evaluations will beconsidered in determining if the student has adisability and needs special education. If theparents wish for the school district to pay forthese outside evaluations they must make therequest in writing. If the school districtrefuses, they must initiate a special educationdue process hearing.

Evaluations must take into account thestudent’s language skills and ethnicbackground so that the testing and evaluationwill not be unfair for the student of a differentrace or culture. Tests are given in thelanguage or form that is most likely to giveaccurate information, unless it is clearly notfeasible to do so. Evaluations also take intoaccount the student’s disability to be sure theresults are reliable.

If the student is eligible, a reevaluation isconducted at least every three years unless thestudent is intellectually disabled, in whichcase reevaluations are conducted at least

SPECIAL SERVICES – PARENT

INFORMATION NOTICE

S P E C I A L E D U C A T I O N F O R S C H O O L A G E C H I L D R E N


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B O R O U G H

every two years.

The Evaluation Report (ER): TheEvaluation Report will include informationabout the student’s skills, social behavior,learning problems, learning strengths, andeducational needs.

All evaluations and reevaluations include areview of the testing and assessments thatwere conducted, information from theparents, classroom observations, and theobservations of teachers and related servicepersonnel. The evaluation or reevaluationwill also tell you what additions or changesare needed to help the student take part inand progress in the general curriculum.

The Evaluation Report will indicate if thestudent has one or more disabilities and if thestudent needs special education. It mayrecommend the type of programs and servicesthe student needs. The ER may state that thestudent is not eligible and does not needspecial education services. The parents willreceive a written notice of this determinationand have the right to dispute it at a hearing.

The entire evaluation process will becompleted within 60 calendar days,excluding summer vacation, from the datethe district receives the parent’s writtenpermission on the Permission to Evaluateform. A copy of the ER will be given to theparents. If the parent does not agree with theER, they may submit a dissenting opinion,which will become part of the final ER.

The Individualized Education Program(IEP): If the student is eligible for specialeducation, a team meeting with parentinvolvement is scheduled for the student.The IEP will be written at the meeting andwill include a description of all the programsand services necessary to help the student besuccessful. The IEP team uses informationthat is contained in the ER to write the IEP.

Required members of the IEP team are: The

child’s parent(s); at least one of the child’sgeneral education teachers (if the child is, ormight become, part of general educationclasses); at least one special educationteacher; the school districtadministrator/local education agencyrepresentative; someone who can interpretthe evaluation results, who may already be amember of the team; a representative from avocational-technical school if a vocational-technical program is being considered for thechild and; at parent request or that of theschool district, other people who know thechild well or who have worked with the child.The parent may bring an advocate to advisethem or anyone else who will be able to addinformation about the child’s educationalexperience.

One person may fill more than one of theabove roles. Mandated members of the IEPteam may be excused from the meeting if theparent and the school district agree in writing.If a member is excused and his/her area ofexpertise is being discussed, he/she mustprovide written input before the meeting. Ifthe parents choose to not attend the IEPmeeting, it may be held without them.

IEP Timelines: The IEP will be completedwithin 30 calendar days after the evaluationteam issues the Evaluation Report. The IEPplan will be implemented as soon as possible,but no later than 10 school days after the IEPis completed. The student’s program isreviewed every year at an IEP meeting ormore often if requested by the parent or anyother IEP team member.

Educational Setting: The IEP team willconsider different classes or schools todetermine where the program can bedelivered. The first consideration will be thegeneral education classroom in the student’sneighborhood school. The law requires thatstudents with disabilities be placed insituations that will provide as manyopportunities as appropriate to be withstudents who are not disabled. This is called

placing the student in the Least RestrictiveEnvironment (LRE). The LRE is the generaleducation classroom in the neighborhoodschool unless the IEP team determines thatthe special needs of the student cannot bemet there even with supplemental aids andservices.

The Appropriate Class: The classroomchosen for the student will depend upon theamount and kind of special instruction orservices the student needs. A specialeducation teacher may be able to provideinstruction in the general classroom(Inclusion). For some students, placement ina special education Itinerant, Supplemental orFull-time classroom for some of the day isnecessary. Students who receive most of theirinstruction in basic academic subjects inspecial education classes will still haveopportunities to participate in other activitiesin school with general education students.These opportunities might includeparticipation in elective subjects such as art ormusic, belonging to a general homeroom,socializing in the lunchroom, and attendingassemblies and other enrichment programswith general education students.

The IEP team decides what type of supportclass is appropriate for the student withspecial needs. These classes are formedaround the learning needs of students who areassigned to them: Learning support class –for children whose greatest need is for help inacademic areas such as reading and math;Emotional support class – for children whosegreatest need is for social, emotional, andbehavioral help; Life Skills support class – forchildren whose greatest need is to learn skillsthat will allow them to live and workindependent of their families; Sensorysupport skills class – for children who requirehelp in dealing with disabilities resulting fromlimited vision or hearing; Speech andlanguage support class – for children whohave difficulty speaking and communicating;Physical support class – for children whoneed programs that consider their physical

SPECIAL EDUCATION FOR SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN (cont inued)


disabilities; Autistic support class – forchildren with autism; Multiple disabilitiessupport class – for children with more thanone disability, the combination of whichresults in needs requiring many services andmuch support.

Notice of Recommended EducationalPlacement (NOREP): Upon completionof the IEP, the parent will receive a NOREP.The NOREP will indicate the educationalplacement for the student and requires parentapproval in writing before the school districtwill begin implementation.

Basic Rights for Parents: Parents have aright to be notified of the safeguards thatserve to protect the rights of their child who is

a child with a disability or thought to be achild with a disability. These are calledprocedural safeguards. The school has theduty to inform parents of these proceduralsafeguards:

➢ Upon initial referral or parental request for an evaluation;

➢ With notice of a disciplinary change in placement;

➢ Upon the first occurrence of filing for a due process hearing.

In addition, the law requires parents to beinformed:

➢ When the school proposes to change the identification, evaluation, educational

placement, and the provision of a free appropriate public education or refuses a parent request to change the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or the provision of a free appropriate public education;

➢ Of the student’s progress toward annual IEP goals on a periodic basis, such as quarterly;

➢ Of the procedures to maintain the privacy of the student’s education records. Only those who need to work with the student will see the student’s record.

For additional information contact DianSaltzberg, Coordinator of Special Education,telephone 412-881-4940, extension 2116, ore-mail [email protected].

SPECIAL EDUCATION FOR SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN (cont inued)

Brentwood


B O R O U G H

Determining Gifted Eligibility: Mentallygifted is defined as “outstanding intellectualand creative ability, the development of whichrequires specially designed programs orsupport services, or both, not ordinarilyprovided in the regular education program.”A child may be eligible for gifted education ifhe/she:

➢ Is a year or more above grade achievement level for the normal age group in one or more subjects.

➢ Demonstrates an observed or measured rate of mastering new academic content or skills that reflect gifted ability.

➢ Demonstrates achievement, performance, or expertise in one or more academic areas.

➢ Shows early and measured use of high-level thinking skills, academic creativity, leadership skills, intense academic interestareas, communication skills, foreign language aptitude, or technology expertise.

➢ Has documented, observed, validated, or

assessed evidence that intervening factors aremasking gifted ability.

Screening and Evaluation: The termmentally gifted includes a person who has anIQ of 130 or higher and other factors thatindicate gifted ability. Gifted ability cannotbe based on IQ score alone. If the IQ score islower than 130, a child may be admitted togifted programs when other conditionsstrongly indicate gifted ability. The otherfactors to be considered include:achievement test scores that are a year ormore above level; observed or measuredacquisition/retention rates that reflect giftedability; achievement, performance, orexpertise in one or more academic areas thatdemonstrates a high level of accomplishment;higher level thinking skills and; documentedevidence that intervening factors are maskinggifted ability.

The Gifted Multidisciplinary Evaluation(GMDE): A Gifted MultidisciplinaryEvaluation is a process to gather the

information that will be used to find out if achild qualifies for gifted education and, if so,the types of programs and services needed.Part of this process includes an evaluation bya certified school psychologist.

A child may be referred for the first GMDE inseveral ways:

➢ Parents may request the school to give their child a GMDE at any time, but there is a limit of one request per term. The parent may ask for this evaluation by sending a letter to the school principal.

➢ A child’s teacher may also ask to have a child evaluated.

The Gifted Written Report (GWR): Amultidisciplinary team reviews all materialsand prepares a GWR that recommendswhether a child is gifted and needs speciallydesigned instruction. As a member of theGMDT, a parent may present writteninformation for consideration. The GWRmust include the reasons for the

T H E G I F T E D S T U D E N T


recommendations and list the names andpositions of everyone who was part of theteam. The entire GMDT process must becompleted within 60 calendar days,excluding summer vacation, from the datethe school district receives the parent’swritten permission on the Permission toEvaluate form.

The Gifted Individualized EducationProgram (GIEP): If the GIEP teamdecides the student is gifted and in need ofgifted education, the team writes the GIEP atthe meeting. The GIEP is based on theunique needs of the gifted student andenables the gifted student to participate in

acceleration or enrichment programs, orboth, as appropriate, and to receive servicesaccording to the student’s intellectual andacademic abilities and needs.

Notice of Recommended Assignment(NORA): Upon completion of the GIEP,the parent will receive a NORA and a Noticeof Parental Rights for Gifted Children. The NORA will indicate the educationalplacement for the student and requires parentapproval before the school district will beginimplementation. The Notice of ParentalRights for Gifted Children describes yourrights and the procedures that safeguard your rights.

Parent Rights: At all times, a parent hascertain rights with all gifted education servicesreceived by their child:

➢ The right to be notified about a child’s program and progress and any changes that take place;

➢ The right to approve or reject programs and testing; and

➢ The right to privacy.

For additional information, contact DianSaltzberg, Coordinator of Special Education,telephone 412-881-4940, ext. 2116, or e-mailat [email protected].

T H E G I F T E D S T U D E N T ( c o n t i n u e d )

Brentwood


B O R O U G H

Students who have disabilities, whichsubstantially limit their participation in, oraccess to school programs, but who do notneed special education, may qualify forreasonable accommodations in the generaleducation classroom under Section 504 of theRehabilitation Act of 1973. These serviceswill be provided by the Brentwood BoroughSchool District without cost to the student orfamily. The required accommodations arethose, which are needed to afford the studentequal opportunity to participate in and attainthe benefits of the school program andextracurricular activities withoutdiscrimination. The rules (Chapter 15) are

different from those for students needingspecial education who qualify by meeting thetwo-part criteria listed above.

In compliance with state and federal law, theBrentwood School District provides to eachprotected handicapped student withoutdiscrimination or cost to the student orfamily, those related aids, services oraccommodations which are needed toprovide equal opportunity to participate inand obtain the benefits of the school programand extracurricular activities to the maximumextent appropriate to the student’s abilities.In order to qualify as a protected handicapped

student the child must be of school age with aphysical or mental disability, whichsubstantially limits or prohibits participationin or access to an aspect of the schoolprogram.

These services and protections for “protectedhandicapped students” are distinct from thoseapplicable to all eligible or exceptionalstudents enrolled in special educationprograms. For further information on theevaluation procedures and provisions ofservices to protected handicapped students,contact your child’s school principal.

P R O T E C T E D H A N D I C A P P E D S T U D E N T S


Brentwood


B O R O U G H

The Early Intervention System Act (Act 212)entitles all preschool age children withdisabilities to appropriate early interventionservices. Children experiencingdevelopmental delay in the areas of cognitive,communicative, physical, social/emotionaland self-help development may be eligible forintervention services. If you have questionsregarding difficulties your child may beexperiencing please contact one of thefollowing agencies.

The Pennsylvania Department of PublicWelfare is responsible for providing servicesto infants and toddlers, defined as childrenfrom birth through two years of age. Foradditional information contact Alliance forInfants and Toddlers, 2801 Custer Avenue,Second Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania15227 (telephone 412-885-6000).

The Pennsylvania Department of Educationis responsible for providing services to

preschool age children from age threethrough school age. For additionalinformation contact the AlleghenyIntermediate Unit Dart Program, 475 EastWaterfront Drive, Homestead, Pennsylvania15120 (telephone 412-394-5736).

S E R V I C E S F O R P R E S C H O O L A G E C H I L D R E N

The law guarantees that the student’s schoolrecords are kept confidential. Only those whohave an educational interest in the studentwill be permitted to see the student records.Someone has an educational interest if thatperson teaches the student or otherwise isresponsible for some aspect of the student’seducation. The district maintains a record ofindividuals who access a student’s educationalrecords. Records cannot be given to anyoneoutside the school system without parentpermission unless there is a legal reason fordoing so.

The privacy rights of parents and students aremandated by federal legislation known as theFamily Educational Rights and Privacy Act(FERPA – 20 U.S.C. 1232g, 34 C.F.R. Part99), state regulations (Chapter 14-SpecialEducation Services and Programs, Chapter

12-Student Rights and Responsibilities), anddistrict policy.

The different categories of informationmaintained by the school district are asfollows: educational and health records,personally identifiable information, anddirectory information. With the exception ofschool officials, receiving school districts,Federal, state or local officials or authoritiesto whom information is specifically requiredto be reported or disclosed pursuant toFederal or state statute of regulations,educational and health records and personallyidentifiable information cannot be disclosedor released without parental consent or adultstudent (a student who is 18 or older,married, or attending an institution of postsecondary education) consent. Directoryinformation means information, which wouldbe considered not harmful or an invasion of

privacy if disclosed. This informationincludes the following: student’s name,address, e-mail address, photograph, date andplace of birth, courses taken, participation inofficially recognized activities and sports,weight and height of members of athleticteams, dates of attendance, degrees andawards received, and the most recent previouseducational agency or institution attended bythe student.

Complaints asserting FERPA violations arefiled with and reviewed and investigated bythe U.S. Department of Education, FamilyPolicy Compliance Office, Washington, DC20202-4605.

For additional information contact DianSaltzberg, Coordinator of Special Education,telephone 412-881-4940, extension 2216 ore-mail [email protected].

C O N F I D E N T I A L I T Y O F S T U D E N T R E C O R D S


Preschool-aged children are defined bythe Pennsylvania State Board ofEducation as 2.5 to 5 years. These aresome of the most crucial learning yearsof a child’s life. In fact a child’s ability topick up languages peaks in the first

three to four years of a child’s life. Also by the age of four, achild has begun to learn the concept of sharing and beginsmore social interaction with his peers. For this reason,choosing a preschool may be as important as choosing acollege will be in later years.

According to Bob Santo, who has over 20 years ofexperience working with children and is owner of theGoddard School in Peters Township, there are several keypoints that a parent should seriously consider beforeenrolling their child in a preschool.

First of all, are the teachers certified in CPR and first aid?Although the State of Pennsylvania only requires oneindividual to be on the premises who is certified, a far moreideal situation is a school that requires all of its staff to becertified. Also, be sure to examine the educational level of thestaff. Pennsylvania preschool teachers are not required by lawto have a 4-year degree; although some schools employ onlythose with bachelor degrees.

Another important aspect of any school is the décor. Is it a bright and cheerful environment that encourageslearning and play? Does it lend itself well to creativity andphysical activities?

Santo also feels that a school that emphasizesmulticultural activities is important, because we live in amulticultural world. At his particular school, Spanish andsign language classes are taught as an ongoing curriculum.Santo points out, “It was once thought that teaching a childseveral languages at a young age would only confuse them.But we now know that children have an amazing ability tocompartmentalize languages, without mixing English withSpanish or [other languages.] In fact, they have the ability tolearn up to four languages at this age.”

Do your homework! Make sure that your child’spreschool is accredited by a well-known and establishedaccreditation organization. Although the State ofPennsylvania audits preschools to make sure safetyrequirements are met, no particular academic standards arerequired. Santo estimates that less than 30% of preschoolsare accredited.

Finally make sure that your child’s school has an opendoor policy where parents are welcomed at any time to visitthe school and to observe classes. This ensures the integrityof the school and its staff.

By Pamela Palongue

HOW to CHOOSE a PRESCHOOL in

BRENTWOOD, BALDWIN & WHITEHALL


The secret art of getting intocollege, sadly, does not exist.Please don’t be mad at my

misleading title because while there is no one key element to gaining acceptance into the college of your dreams, there are provenelements to a successful candidate’s application portfolio that can be shared withprospective students.

The obvious top elements of importanceto admissions officers are still SATs and highschool GPA, but there is so much more that aschool is looking for. Below is a list of the topfive elements that admissions officers look forin a prospective student’s application(information compiled from top newsmagazines and former admissions officersfrom various schools):4SATs and GPA: SATs and GPA have

always been important, and they are still themost important aspects of a student’sapplication profile.

4Extracurricular Activities:Colleges don’twant a long list of random activities from astudent. They would prefer you to become a“specialist” in one area, rather than be a jack-of-all-trades. A former admissions officer ata top school said that colleges are looking tohave a well-rounded student body ofindividual specialists.

4Personal Essays: Show the real you. Theydon’t want you to make up extravagantstories, and they don’t want you to talkabout taboo subjects such as naturaldisasters. Also, you do not want to becomeredundant. Explore new ways to tell moreabout yourself without being repetitive.

4Start Early: Most academic advisors will tell

you to have a plan, and start early. The“Common Application” that is used bymany schools is not available until August 1,but usually there is an early version availableto get ahead.

4Be Careful About Social Media: Socialmedia has become an intricate part ofeveryday life to students, but they must becareful. Admissions officers will not usuallysearch specifically for a student’s socialmedia profile/account, but oftentimes “tips” are sent to them, and they mustexplore them. Do not have anythingdiscouraging on your profile that could beused against you. You may also use thisspace to show your talents; if you are aphotographer, you can have a portfolio ofpictures you have taken.

We hope that this quick list will help youin your quest to be accepted into whichevercollege you choose, but remember, therereally is no set formula in the applicationprocess. The best way to go about theapplication process is to be prepared, beorganized, and be yourself. Sometimes youcan have excellent grades, and a great scoreon the SAT, but you may be deniedadmission for reasons outside of your control.A former admissions officer said that astudent who lives on a farm in North Dakotais not judged by the same criteria as a studentliving in a Pennsylvania suburb, like Upper St.Clair. This is something you cannot control,and therefore should not worry about. Just dothe best you can with the main elements youcan control, and we wish you the best of luckin the college application process.

The Secret Art

of Getting Into CollegeBy Leigh Lyons



Baldwin Borough News

3344 Churchview Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15227 412.882.9600 www.baldwinborough.org

In an effort to keep the residents and stakeholders of Baldwin Borough informed and engaged in the progressof the community, this Legislative Update will highlight some recent activity of Borough Council. Below you willfind a summary of various Ordinances and Resolutions that have been adopted by the Borough in the past 18 months. The listing is not meant to be exhaustive, but rather to provide a relevant sample to the public.

Ordinance No Date Adopted Description838 6/21/2011 Banning the extraction of natural gas within the confines of the Borough837 6/21/2011 Establishing an “Airport District Overlay” and amending the official zoning map

by the adoption of an official supplementary airport overlay zoning map834 3/15/2011 Adopting pre-treatment standards for the discharge of wastewater into the

collection systems operated by the Borough of Baldwin833 2/15/2011 Establishing revised guidelines and standards for residential and commercial

lighting829 5/17/2010 Prohibiting water discharge and adding erosion and sediment controls and

post-construction runoff controls

Resolution No Date Adopted Description2011-07-06 7/12/2011 Authorizing the filing of a CDBG funding application with Allegheny County

Department of Economic Development2011-02-02 2/15/2011 Requesting the Pennsylvania Legislature to take affirmative action to

implement uniform assessment of real property in all Counties of the Commonwealth

2010-09-16 9/21/2010 Authorizing application for a federal DUI grant2010-08-15 8/17/2010 Opposition to forced mergers and consolidation of local governments in

Pennsylvania2010-05-10 5/17/2010 Establishing the Energy Stimulus Fund for grant proceeds awarded for

Municipal Building Energy Efficiency Program2010-04-08 4/13/2010 Requesting the Pennsylvania General Assembly pass a statewide lost or stolen

handgun reporting law2010-01-05 1/19/2010 Authorizing the Borough of Baldwin to enter into a Consent Order with the Pa

Department of Environmental Protection

Borough Council meetings are held the second and third Tuesday of each month at 7:30.All meetings are open to the public.

Legislative

Update:

3344 Churchview Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15227 412.882.9600 www.baldwinborough.org

Restoring Rain’s Reputation:What Everyone Can Do To Help

Baldwin Borough

reminds you that

When it Rains It Drains

Rain by nature is important for replenishingdrinking water supplies, recreation, and healthywildlife habitats. It only becomes a problemwhen pollutants from our activities like carmaintenance, lawn care, and dog walking areleft on the ground for rain to wash away. Hereare some of the most important ways toprevent storm water pollution:

Properly dispose of hazardous substancessuch as used oil, cleaning supplies and paint –never pour them down any part of the stormsewer system and report anyone who does.

Use pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicidesproperly and efficiently to prevent excess runoff.

Look for signs of soil and other pollutants, suchas debris and chemicals, leaving constructionsites in storm water runoff or tracked into roadsby construction vehicles. Report poorlymanaged construction sites that could impactstorm water runoff to your community, (See theback of this brochure for contact information.)

Install innovative storm water practices onresidential property, such as rain barrels or raingardens, that capture storm water and keep iton site instead of letting it drain away into thestorm sewer system.

Report any discharges from storm wateroutfalls during times of dry weather – a signthat there could be a problem with the stormsewer system.

Pick up after pets and dispose of their wasteproperly. No matter where pets make a mess –in a backyard or at the park – storm waterrunoff can carry pet waste from the land to thestorm sewer system to a stream.

Store materials that could pollute storm waterindoors and use containers for outdoor storagethat do not rust or leak to eliminate exposure ofmaterials to storm water.

What Is Storm Water?Storm water is water from precipitation thatflows across the ground and pavement whenit rains or when snow and ice melt. The waterseeps into the ground or drains into what wecall storm sewers. These are the drains yousee at street corners or at low points on thesides of streets. Collectively, the drainingwater is called storm water runoff.

Why is Storm Water ''GoodRain Gone Wrong?

Storm water becomes a problem when it picksup debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutantsas it flows or when it causes flooding anderosion of stream banks. Storm water travelsthrough a system of pipes and roadside ditchesthat make up storm sewer systems. Iteventually flows directly to a lake, river, stream,wetland, or coastal water. All of the pollutantsstorm water carries along the way empty intoour waters, too, because storm water does notget treated!

Pet wastes left on the ground get carried awayby storm water, contributing harmful bacteria,parasites and viruses to our water.

Vehicles drip fluids (oil, grease, gasoline,antifreeze, brake fluids, etc., onto paved areaswhere storm water runoff carries them throughour storm drains and into our water.

Chemicals used to grow and maintain beautifullawns and gardens, if not used properly, canrun off into the Storm drains when it rains orwhen we water our lawns and gardens.

Waste from chemicals and materials used inconstruction can wash into the storm sewersystem when it rains. Soil that erodes fromconstruction sites causes environmentaldegradation, including harming fish andshellfish populations that are important forrecreation and our economy.

What Happens When It Rains?

Rain is an important part of nature'swater cycle, but there are times it cando more damage than good. Problemsrelated to storm water runoff caninclude:

Flooding caused by too much stormwater flowing over hardened surfacessuch as roads and parking lots, insteadof soaking into the ground.

Increases in spending on maintainingstorm drains and the storm sewersystem that become clogged withexcessive amounts of dirt and debris.

Decreases in sportfish populationsbecause storm water carries sedimentand pollutants that degrade importantfish habitat.

More expensive treatment technologiesto remove harmful pollutants carried bystorm water into our drinking watersupplies.

Closed beaches due to high levels ofbacteria carried by storm water thatmake swimming unsafe.

Where To Go To continue the InformationYour community is preventing storm water pollution through a storm water management program. This programaddresses storm water pollution from construction, new development, illegal dumping to the storm sewersystem, and pollution prevention and good housekeeping practices in municipal operations. It will also continueto educate the community and get everyone involved in making sure the only thing that storm water contributesto our water is ...water! Contact your community's storm water management program coordinator or thePennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for more information about storm water management.

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protectionwww.dep.state.pa.us


Baldwin Borough

Baldwin Borough News

WHEN:Saturday, October 29, 2011

WHERE:Municipal Building Complex

TIME:10 a.m.– 5 p.m.

INFO:412.885.1283

REMINDER: THE LEAF RECYCLING WILL BEGIN ON

OCTOBER 24, 2011 THROUGH NOVEMBER 21, 2011.LEAVES SHOULD BE PLACED IN BIO-DEGRADEABLE PAPER

BAGS AND PLACED AT CURB ON REGULAR TRASH DAY.


HALLOWEEN EVENT

1According to Earth 911.com News, over 7 billion pounds ofpolyvinyl chloride (PVC, a type of plastic) are thrown away inthe U.S. each year. Only about 1 quarter of 1 percent isrecycled. It makes a person think. But one man wantedto do more than just think. He saw some of hisneighbors taking advantage of the recyclingprogram in his neighborhood, while many othersdidn’t seem to be interested in participating atall. He began to wonder if there wassomething that could be done to createawareness of the recycling program andhow to inspire people to take part.

Andrew Baram had always had apassion for recycling and taking care ofthe environment. A native ofPhiladelphia, Baram and his familymoved to Mt. Lebanon nine years ago.“This is a garden spot!” says Baram, “Iknow people will want to preserve this ifthey are just aware of how easy it is.”That’s how the idea of a recyclingcompetition came to Baram. Heformulated an idea where the differentboroughs of the south hills could competefor the largest increase in the amount ofrecycled items. He approached Mt. LebanonPublic Works Director Tom Kelley with the ideaand it was quickly put into action with Mt. Lebanoncoordinating the competition.

Eight south hills communities are participating in thecompetition; Mt. Lebanon, Dormont, Baldwin, Brentwood,Jefferson Hills, Peters, Pleasant Hills, Scott and South Park.They will vie to win the Trash Bin Trophy. The competition was putforth in Jan. 2011 by the Waste Reduction Committee of Mt. Lebanon.There will be a prize for the largest percentage increase of homes participatingin recycling and also the largest increase in total tonnage of recycled items. Since theboroughs all have different population size, this gives the competition a level playing field, since it willbe based on comparing the borough’s previous year of recycling. Although Mt. Lebanon and SouthPark appear to be in the lead at the present time, all boroughs have experienced dramatic increasesin the amount of recycled materials and the competition will continue until the end of the year.

On a personal level, Baram really does practice what he preaches. He takes the bus to work tohis downtown job, he regularly composts and his family of four produces less than a bag of garbagea week! “It’s so easy to recycle now that Single-Stream Recycling is in place,” says Baram. SingleStream basically means that residents no longer have to sort items into categories such as glass,paper, cardboard, etc. Baram also notes that many families are not recycling cardboard. “I knowsome people who are recycling, but they are not recycling cardboard. I just think awareness is themajor issue here.” Another item for the recycling bin are aseptic containers. Aseptic containers arethe square boxes used for liquids such as drink boxes and milk. We now have recyclingplants that have the capability to re-use thesecontainers in the Pittsburgh area.

A RECYCLING

COMPETITION WHERE

EVERYBODY WINS

By Pamela Palongue

Bob Mackewich,

Brentwood Borough

Director of Public

Works feels that the

south hills

competition has

definitely increased

awareness in the

borough and is

confident that the

percentage of

recycling has

increased. The

borough has been

working hard to

increase recycling in

recent years with the

purchase of 35

gallon receptacles at

no cost to residents

in which to place

their recyclables for

pick up. They have

also sponsored a

“Redd Up Day”

where volunteers

pick up trash along

the roads and Good

Will participated in

collecting electronics

for recycling.


Baram, who describes himself as the unofficial chair of the WasteReduction Committee of Mt. Lebanon, hopes that this competition will

become an annual event and that recycling grows because of it.Some local corporate sponsors have pitched in to helppromote the contest with a $500 sponsorship. They includePNC Bank, Waste Management, Allied Waste and GreenStar Recycling. Besides corporate sponsors, Baramhas also tried to integrate his recycling efforts withthe local school district. He coordinated with Mt.Lebanon High School to produce a short videodetailing the entire process of recycling.Eventually he feels that landfill space maybecome so scarce it will create a ‘pay as yougo’ situation where residents will be asked topay for exactly what they throw out. OneEuropean country already has a similar planin place for reducing consumption; Irelandbegan charging 15-cents for each plasticbag disposed of in 2002. Just a year later,plastic bag use had dropped by 90 percent.The idea is that paying for what is thrownaway increases awareness of consumption.

Although the borough of Baldwin iscurrently in the middle of the standings in therecycling competition, Borough Manager JohnBarrett feels that the experience has all been very

positive. “It’s a great initiative. We’re mandated torecycle here in Baldwin,” says Barrett. One thing that

the borough has done in recent years to make recyclingeasier and more convenient for residents is to issue

recycling stickers that can be placed on any trash can to beused for recyclable materials. This eliminates the need for having

to go out and buy a special receptacle.

Barrett is optimistic about the future of recycling and looks forward toparticipating in the competition next year if it is held. “Maybe we can borrow some

ideas from the leaders of the competition to help us here in our borough.”

Bob Mackewich, Brentwood Borough Director of Public Works feels that the south hillscompetition has definitely increased awareness in the borough and is confident thatthe percentage of recycling has increased. The borough has been working hard toincrease recycling in recent years with the purchase of 35 gallon receptacles at nocost to residents in which to place their recyclables for pick up. They have alsosponsored a “Redd Up Day” where volunteers pick up trash along the roads andGood Will participated in collecting electronics for recycling.

Mackewich feels that the competition has been a positive influence and adds, “If theyhave the competition next year, Brentwood will definitely participate. It’s a great idea.”

1Wills, A. (2010, May 24). The Numbers on Plastics. Earth911.com. Retrieved June 2010 from

http://earth911.com/news/2010/05/24/the-numbers-on-plastics/

Although the borough

of Baldwin is

currently in the

middle of the

standings in the

recycling competition,

Borough Manager

John Barrett feels

that the experience

has all been very

positive. “It’s a great

initiative. We’re

mandated to recycle

here in Baldwin,”

says Barrett. One

thing that the

borough has done in

recent years to make

recycling easier and

more convenient for

residents is to issue

recycling stickers

that can be placed on

any trash can to be

used for recyclable

materials. This

eliminates the need

for having to go out

and buy a special

receptacle.


W h i t e h a l l C o m m u n i t y D a yPhotos by Gary Yon


W h i t e h a l l C o m m u n i t y D a y



hat’s the big deal about goinggreen?

First of all, it’s not just about being green. It’s aboutbeing sustainable. And every one of us should makeit a big deal. While green encompassesenvironmental factors such as pollution and thequality of air and water, sustainability affects abroader scope – the natural, economic and socialsystems that affect our lives. These factors are alsoknown as the “3E’s” – environment, economy,equality.

What is “sustainability” anyway?Sustainability is the ability to endure. It ensures thatour quality of life remains diverse and productive forthe long term. Scientific evidence shows that wehave not been doing such a great job, which is whyyou’ve been hearing so much about the need toreduce our “carbon footprint” and “greenhouse gas emissions.”

I don’t care what happens after I’m gone.Besides, we’ve got more important thingsto worry about.What is more important than ensuring our natural,economic and social systems sustain our wellbeing?Think about it. Much of today’s quality of life is aresult of the actions of past generations. Besides,when you think about those more important things,you’ll most likely discover that they fall under one ofthe 3E’s. What you do today can affect you nowas well as future generations. We’ve got tochange the way we do things.

But that’s the way we’vealways done it.Have you heard thattoday’s solution istomorrow’s problem?Our needs areever

changing, and it’s up to us to keep up with thosechanges. But we’ve got to think of the effects on thefuture. It is up to us to prepare today for whattomorrow may bring.

I’m only one person. What I do won’tmatter.

Oh, but it does matter. And it affects you just asmuch as it does everyone else. And it’s not that hard.One simple action like turning off your water faucetwhile you are brushing your teeth can save up to 240 gallons of water per person per month.Conservation can ensure that resources are availablefor future generations. Conserving energy not onlyreduces the amount of resources being consumed,but can reduce your monthly bills.

What is Brentwood doing about it?We, like many other communities worldwide,

are taking steps to foster a community that sustainsover generations, yet is adaptable enough tomaintain its natural, economic, social and politicalsupport systems. Brentwood Borough employeesare encouraged to conserve energy, reduce wasteand recycle. They are asked for ideas to green theiroperations. In addition, smart growth, conservation,preservation and many other sustainability factorsare considered in actions taken by elected officials.

In 2010, Brentwood hosted the first-ever ReddUp Brentwood Day. It started out small,

participating in conjunctionwith Pitt’s Make-A-

DifferenceDay. Since

then

Brentwood’s Redd Up Day has included dumpstersfor hard to dispose of items such as tires, scrap metaland building materials. Brentwood teamed up withan e-cycler where residents can drop off usedcomputers, cell phones and other small electronics.More and more businesses and civic groups haveexpressed interest in participating in thiscommunity activity in the future. Volunteers canearn up to four community service hours.

This year, Brentwood Borough has beenparticipating in a recycling competition with tenother communities in the South Hills – Baldwin,Dormont, Jefferson Hills, Mt. Lebanon, PetersTownship, Pleasant Hills, Scott Township, South Park Township and Upper St. Clair. Thecompetition is supported by Waste Management,Allied Waste, GreenStar Recycling and the PNCFoundation. Quarterly recognition is given tomunicipalities whose recycling tonnages haveexceeded their baseline 2010 levels, municipalitieswith the largest percent increase in residentialrecycling as compared to the previous year, and themunicipality with the greatest tonnage of recyclablematerials. In January 2012 prizes will be presentedto the municipalities ranked highest in these threecategories.

OK. I get it. What do I need to do?Find a solution that suits you. Following are a few

ways to help, either as an individual or aspart of a group to which

you belong.

W

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! FALL REDD UP DAY IS OCTOBER 22, 2011!

Sustainability? Isn’t That

Just a Fad?By Cathy TrexlerBy Cathy Trexler


Taking Steps Towards SustainabilityCommunity Clean Up (Redd Up Day)Many communities in Allegheny County participate in a “Redd Up Day,” an initiative of CitizensAgainst Litter (www.citizensagainstlitter.org). Individuals and businesses can pitch in with theirneighbors on a designated day. Watch for Spring and Fall Redd Up Day activities on theBorough’s website at www.brentwoodboro.com; in the community news magazine, In Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall, or contact Redd Up Day Coordinator,Cathy Trexler, at 412-885-4350 or [email protected].

Recycling or Proper Disposal of WasteYou can find plenty of information online about recycling andproper waste disposal. Allegheny County provides resources forHousehold Hazardous Waste Collections, Hard to RecycleCollections, a Recycling Resource Directory and more atwww.achd.net\recycling. Other resources are Zero WastePittsburgh at www.zerowastepittsburgh.org and the PennsylvaniaResources Council at www.prc.org.

Donate and RecycleDonate your unwanted items. There are many of organizations who willtake your donations for resale. Plan to visit one of the many drop-off locations or arrange for pickup. Some of these organizations include Goodwill, Salvation Army, Vietnam Veterans (Pick UpPlease.org), and Paralyzed Veterans, just to name a few. Recycle used items by shopping at resaleshops. Also consider joining Freecycle where individuals or groups can give or receive free items.

e-Waste and e-CyclingProper disposal of used computers, cell phones, electronics and batteries will divert hazardousmaterials from ending up in a landfill. Locate an EPA certified responsible recycler (or “R2”),such as e-Loop. Concerned about data security? A certified R2 will offer several solutions for safeand secure data destruction.

In 2010, Pennsylvania passed legislation to create a statewide program to recover and recycleelectronic waste. Look for electronic recyclers and more about recycling at the Department ofEnvironmental Protection at www.depweb.state.pa.us.

Energy Saving Tips and ToolkitsYour utility companies offer tips to conserve your energy and water usage. Some may have

toolkits to track and monitor your usage while other may have helpful tips. Some offer energyaudits to low income families. Here are a few of our local utilities:• Equitable Gas Home Energy Toolkit, Home Energy Analyzer (www.equitablegas.com)• Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania Energy Efficiency Program (www.columbiagaspa.com)• Pennsylvania American Water Company Wise Water Use (www.pawc.com)

Duquesne Light Watt ChoicesDuquesne Light’s Watt Choices program helps customers conserve energy and reduce demandwhile lowering their electricity costs. The Watt Choices program offers energy efficiency rebates, energy audits, refrigerator recycling and more. Residential, municipal, commercial and

industrial customers can take advantage of a wide range of energyefficiency and conservation measures.By participating in these programs,customers learn ways to conserveenergy, as well as reduce their overallimpact on the environment throughreduced power plant emissions and load reduction. And in some cases, they can earn cash for themselves or for their school. Visitwww.duquesnelight.com/wattchoicesfor more information.

Brentwood Borough will be teaming up with

Citizens Against Litter and Pitt’s Make aDifference Day.

Watch the BrentwoodBorough website for

details.


he Brentwood Historical Society was formed in 1991, but after a few years attendance dwindled and though the society was not officially disbanded, it did not hold

meetings for several years. This year, several communitymembers decided to make it their mission to reform thesociety and to try to generate community interest in theiractivities. I was invited to attend their meeting on Augustsecond, which was their third meeting since they began theirefforts to breathe new life into the group.

The meeting began with the election of officers. AudreyIacone was elected president, Lorraine Russ will serve as vicepresident, Mark Faust is the secretary, and Jack Hartmanwas named as treasurer. After the election, guest speakers Pat Lombardi and Patty Houck from the Baldwin Historical Society spoke to the members of the BrentwoodHistorical Society in order to offer guidance and inspirationfor future projects.

After the presentation by the Baldwin Historical Societymembers, the members of the Brentwood Historical Societydiscussed the future of their club. They have many ideas, sothere is something to interest everyone.

As many of you may already know, Brentwood will becelebrating its centennial in 2015, and the historical society iswasting no time in planning for centennial related projects.The first idea mentioned was the suggestion of a centennialquilt. The quilt would be made by community members anddisplayed in the Brentwood Public Library so that everyonewould be able to see and appreciate the needlework. Thehistorical society is also planning to put together a book ofphotographs and stories chronicling Brentwood’s first 100years. The book will be made available to the public and willalso be put on display in the library. They also discussed thepossibility of holding a 100th anniversary banquet for thecommunity. The historical society does not want to doeverything on its own, though; the members talked about

trying to form a centennial committee comprised ofrepresentatives of Brentwood organizations, businesses, andchurches. The formation of this committee would ensure thatall Brentwood residents would be represented during theplanning of the centennial celebration.

Planning was not confined to the subject of the centennial,though. The Brentwood Historical Society is also planning tobegin working on some other projects. As you may know, theWorld War II memorial at John F. Slater Funeral Home wasresearched and erected by the Brentwood Historical Society.Members are now turning their attention to other wars; theyare interested in gathering information about Brentwoodresidents who have served in the Korean War subsequentconflicts. Information collected on the men and women whoserved in these wars will not be limited to their names anddates of service but will also include – when possible – an oralaccount of their experiences and memories.

Several historical society members also expressed interestin researching the history of the streets in the community.They would like to compile a list of the streets, any previousnames that the streets may have had, the people who livedthere, and the businesses that were located there. They wouldalso like to make a list of all of the businesses that have madeBrentwood their home during the last 100 years. The societyis also looking into gathering antique postcards featuringpictures of Brentwood. The most time-sensitive project thatthe historical society is working on is a calendar that willcontain antique photographs of Brentwood. The calendarwill be available for sale.

The Brentwood Historical Society is growing, and theyare hoping to continue toexpand. Meetings areheld on the firstTuesday of everymonth at 7 p.m. in

The Brentwood Historical SocietyBrings the Past to LifeThe Brentwood Historical SocietyBrings the Past to Life

TT


the Brentwood Public Library, and newmembers are always welcome. Even if youfeel that you do not have the time tocommit to becoming a member of thehistorical society, it is still possible to aidin their plans. If you have antiquephotographs or postcards of Brentwood,the historical society would like to seethem for use in the calendar or thecentennial book. If you or someone youknow is a member of the Brentwoodcommunity who has served in themilitary, please contact the society. Alsocontact them if you are interested inworking on the centennial quilt. To contact theBrentwoodHistorical Society, callthe BrentwoodPublic Libraryat 412-882-5694.

By

Gina Sallinger

WhitehallFarmers Market

The Farmers Market at CasteVillage held every Monday inWhitehall Borough from 3 to 7 p.m. fresh and locallygrown produce, and homemadetreats. The event runs throughOct. 24. Photos by Gary Yon



2010-2011 Officers and Board of DirectorsPresident .... Debbie Maddock, First Commonwealth BankVice President ................ Steve Gardiner, Eber AssociatesTreasurer .. Barb Allemeng, Allemang Concrete & MasonrySecretary .......................................................... Mary Dilla

Board of DirectorsJulie BeckDottie Coll – Two Men And A TruckRon Dufalla, Ph.D. – Brentwood School DistrictMary Halerz – Doctor Drain Larry Korchank, Ph.D. - Baldwin Whitehall School DistrictMary Ann Laudato – Pittsburgh Asphalt CompanyBob McKown – Goff, Backa, Alfera & CompanyDave Schultz – Legacy LanesVirginia Weida – Virginia Weida Interior Design

51 Communities Golf Outing

The 51 Communities Golf Outing is set to tee off at 11 a.m. on MondaySeptember 19th at South Hills CountryClub. This is the chamber’s biggest fundraiser of the year and we need your help.For additional information on how youcan support this event, contact

Bob McKown 412.885.4686 x104 or Mary Halerz 412.390.7555 event co-chairmen.

THE WOMEN’S NETWORKING GROUPThe Women’s Networking Group of the Brentwood BaldwinWhitehall Chamber of Commercemeets the second Friday of eachmonth at 12 noon for lunch atSouth Hills Country Club. Wewelcome members and non-members. Tables are available forladies who would like to displayproducts or merchandise. Lunchfor Chamber members is $15,non-members, $18 and a displaytable is $10.

Please make reservations with Mary Dilla, Chamber secretary, at secretary.bbwchamber.com.

– Dottie Coll, Chairman

O u r M i s s i o n

The mission of the Brentwood BaldwinWhitehall Chamber of Commerce is to

promote business and professional growththrough a favorable business climate, tokeep members informed on vital issues,and make our community a better place

to live, shop and do business.

WOMEN’S NETWORKING LUNCHEON MEETINGS

September 9, 2011October 14, 2011November 11, 2011December 9, 2011January 13, 2012February 10, 2012

GENERAL MEETINGLUNCHEONSThe Brentwood Baldwin WhitehallChamber of Commerce meets the first Thursday of each month,noon at various area locations.Lunch for Chamber memberswith a reservation is $15, non-members and memberswithout a reservation will becharged $18.

Please make reservations withMary Dilla, Chamber secretary, at secretary.bbwchamber.com.

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON MEETINGS12 Noon

September 1, 2011 ................................ South Hills Country ClubOctober 6, 2011 ...................................... The Georgetown CentreNovember 3, 2011 ....................................................... Salvatore’sDecember 1, 2011 ................................... The Georgetown CentreJanuary 5, 2012 ............................................ Thee Olde Place InnFebruary 2, 2012 ........................................................... Calabria’sMarch 1, 2012 ............................................................. Salvatore’sApril 5, 2012 ................... Catered by Blvd. Café…(Location TBA)May 3, 2012 ............................................................ Legacy LanesJune 7, 2012 ...........................................South Hills Country Club


V A R S I T Y S C H E D U L E

F R E S H M E N S C H E D U L E

FA L L 2 0 1 1

Health and Wellness News You Can Use

© 2011 UPMC

What’s Insidepage 2 Serious Games for Stroke Recovery

page 3 Use Your Head to Stop Strokes

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

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

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

page 7 Take the Hit of a Concussion Seriously

2 www.UPMC.com/Today

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1-800-533-UPMC 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Problems with balance or walking

• Vision problems

• Slurred speech

• Problems communicating or understanding

• Severe headache

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan

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

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

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

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

• People age 65 and older

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

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

• Pregnant women

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1-800-533-UPMC 5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FibroidsBefore embolization

After embolization

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, visit www.UPMCMercy.com.


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1-800-533-UPMC 7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Did You Know?

UPMC Mercy1400 Locust St.Pittsburgh, PA 15219

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

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

Follow UPMC on Facebook.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

F R O M T H E D E S K O F M A Y O R L O C K H A R T …By the time this issue reaches your door our children and grandchildren will be starting back school. Please remember when driving to watch out for the children walking to school.

This year the 4th of July and the 5-K Race was one of the biggest celebrations to date, with the number of runners being almost 1,700. At this time, I would like to thank all the volunteers that helped with the Parade and Race. Without the support of the volunteers and residents these functions would not be able to take place.

It is always nice to see the neighborhoods having block parties held throughout the Borough during the spring and fall. The residents on Edge Road will be celebrating the 20th year of

consecutive block parties. This is one of the many things that I enjoy about our Borough — that many neighbors treat everyone as part of their families.

For those that don’t know, the former Giant Eagle property on Brownsville Road is going to become an apartment building. Although this is not located in Brentwood it is at the entrance to our Borough, it is an opportunity for renovation and occupancy of a vacant building.

In the last newsletter, I talked briefly about the development of Route 51. If you travel along Route 51 you can see that ERB Physical Therapy is now moving into the formerNapoli’s location. Down further, the construction of Auto Zone is taking place. This construction along Route 51 is something everyone has been waiting for. Hopefullythis is a trend that will continue along Route 51 from the City of Pittsburgh as far as Jefferson Borough and beyond.

Once again please keep in your hearts and prayers for our men and women serving in the armed forces.

If anyone ever needs to contact me, please feel free to call my office any time at 412-884-1500 ext. 130. If I amnot in the office, please leave your name and phone number so I can return your call. I have received severalmessages but the caller does not leave the number for meto return their call. If you leave your name and number, I do return calls as soon as I can.

Enjoy the remaining months of 2011.

Mayor Ken Lockhart

Briefly BrentwoodBorough News

DATES TO REMEMBER

n Sept. 19 Golf Outing – SHCC (BBOA)

n Sept. 23 Golf Outing –7 Springs Rte. 51 (BPI)

n Oct. 6 Oktoberfestn Nov. 15 Light-up Nightn Dec. 13 Christmas Luncheon –

SHCC


n the Summer Edition of the Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall INCommunity magazine, I wrote an article explaining how much we,

property owners in Brentwood, pay in Borough related taxes based on ahome assessed at $100,000. I wanted to demonstrate that for approximately$92 per month (the share of the local Borough taxes) we get a lot of servicesprovided by the Borough. I mentioned that this minimal amount helps payfor police protection, roadway improvements, streets being clear andplowed, and upkeep and maintenance of the Borough’s stadium and park toname a few. A portion of this also goes towards Fire protection, ambulancecoverage, and the Brentwood Library. In my position as Borough Manager,when someone complains to me about Brentwood, the first thing theytypically say is that “we have high taxes compared to other communities inAllegheny County.” Now, a lot of you know that this is a misleadingstatement. We cannot simply focus on the tax milage or in other words, thetax rate. As I hope to demonstrate in this month’s article, doing so can havesurprising results.

Yes, at 41.46 total tax mils (Borough, School, and County) Brentwood doeshave the 7th highest tax milage rate in Allegheny County, however coupledwith our very inexpensive housing and low property assessments the totalmonetary tax bill for the average property owner in Brentwood is around$2,993.41 per year. This puts us 44th among other communities inAllegheny County. However, is it fair making statements that we have oneof the highest tax mils in Allegheny County? Should we really be comparingourselves to communities such has Sewickley Heights and Fox Chapel?Two communities with two of the lowest tax rates in Allegheny County at29.39 mils and 28.65 mils but with the two highest property tax payments of$14,000 and $12,000 per year for an average home in one of thosecommunities. Again, does this comparison matter. Let’s look atcommunities closer to home. Our neighbors in Whitehall and Bethel Parkhave total tax mils of 33.59 mils and 31.84 mils respectively. However, don’tstart packing yet unless you are prepared to pay on average $3,406 and$3,693 per year for an average home in those communities. Also, can wereally base the quality of life in Brentwood solely on how much propertytaxes we pay? There are so many other factors that make Brentwood aspecial place to live. I am sure we can all come up with a list of items. Ourbeing able to walk up to Brownsville Road to catch a bus is rare in othercommunities. Being able to walk to the Park, the Pool, the Borough

Enjoy your own life without comparing it with that of another.Marquis de Condorcet (1743 - 1794)

Building, or grocery store is a rare commodity that few communities enjoy.In addition, did you know that Brentwood is 1 of only 12 communities inAllegheny County that have the benefit of having their own School District?This is also a rare amenity that 116 other communities in Allegheny Countydo not have.

In addition to comparing tax rates from one community to the next, shouldwe be comparing property values? For the above calculations I used the“median property assessed value” for each community as identified on theAllegheny County Property Assessment web page. The median propertyvalue for Brentwood is listed as $72,200. Having recently purchased a homein Brentwood (within 5-years), I can tell you first hand that you getsubstantially more house in Brentwood for the price than you would inanother community. In other words, a $72,200 house in Brentwood is in farbetter condition than say a median property value home in Bethel Park at$116,000. Five years ago, my wife and I looked at some $200,000 homes inthe surrounding area that would have required a ton of work before we couldhave moved into them. When we explored Brentwood and saw all of thebeautiful homes we have here we thought there would be no way we couldafford to move here. When we started researching the prices we could notbelieve what we were seeing and thought there must be something wrongwith these homes. To our pleasant surprise all of the homes we looked atwere all in similar condition and may have ony required some paint beforewe they would be ready to move into. Compared to some of the otherhomes we looked at in other communities, with literally double the askingprice and double the work that would have been required to get them in acondition before we could have even thought of moving in, we consideredourselves truly blessed. Everyone has different reasons for choosing to live inan area and I seldom hear taxes as being one of them. So the next time youhear someone complain about high taxes in Brentwood, pull out this articleand ask them where they think they might pay less taxes in AlleghenyCounty? (Washington and Westmoreland Counties is an entirely differentarticle.)

Have a great Holiday Season and Blessed New Year!

George Zboyovsky, PEBrentwood Borough Manager

BOROUGH MANAGER’S MESSAGE

COMPARING APPLES TO BROCOLI

I




Please note that responses to questions should not be construed as legal opinions. If you have a question,contact the Building Inspection & Code Enforcement Office at 412.884.1500 ext. 117, or by email [email protected].

All inquiries should include your name and Brentwood Borough address, as well as your telephone number.Brentwood Borough will not respond to anonymous calls.

Q&A With Ralph CostaBrentwood Code Enforcement Officer

Q.Why is a building permit required by the borough?Which types of activities require a permit?A. Building permit fees help offset the costs of structuralinspections. By acquiring a permit, property owners can restassured that they are protected from shoddy or substandardwork; these inspections shield residents against hazards and canhelp them to avoid expensive repairs. Permits are not onlyrequired for large-scale developments but are also compulsoryfor an array of smaller projects including: porches, decks,retaining walls, fences, swimming pools, sheds, roofing, anddriveway installation. A permit is also needed for interiorremodeling if the changes will impact the structure’smechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems. If you are unsureas to whether a project will require a permit, always call theborough for verification.

Q.My neighbor’s trees or shrubs are encroaching onto myproperty. What can be done about this issue?A. Property owners may trim any plant growth within thebounds of their property, including those which are originatingin an adjoining yard. However, the borough does not have theauthority to compel neighbors to take action on property-to-property matters.

Q.Which types of vehicles are being targeted by theborough as “junk cars”? A. Under the municipal code, unlicensed or inoperative vehiclesare not permitted, even on private property. “Junk cars” do notjust refer to autos that are in a state of prolonged disrepair, butrather to any vehicle that is not roadworthy or that does notdisplay valid inspection and registration stickers.

Q.With summer waning, it’s time to drain my swimmingpool. How do I dispose of the water?A. Swimming pools must be drained into the sanitary sewer.Emptying water into the yard is prohibited.

Q.What regulations are there in the borough coderegarding household pets?A. No resident may possess more than four animals during anyninety day time period. Additionally, property owners areresponsible for cleaning up after their animals and forpreventing them from making excessive noise.


In July and August of 2010, BrentwoodCouncil held strategic planning sessions todevelop our goals and vision for the future ofBrentwood. These meetings were open to thepublic. Through these brainstorming sessions,Council identified six strategic goals. I willhighlight some of our accomplishments in thefirst half of 2010 in relation to the goals:

Goal No. 1 ~ Improve theattractiveness of the Borough byeliminating blighted properties andimproving residential propertyappearance

We had six properties in the borough thatwere identified as having unsafe structures orcreated a health hazard. These structures wereslated for demolition. Two were eliminatedfrom the list as property owners came forth toaddress their properties. One is currentlygoing through the legal process to permit theBorough to demolish it. The remaining twoproperties were cleared by the courts and anorder was received permitting the Borough todemolish them.

Goal No. 2 ~ Attract new businesses tothe Borough

Brentwood welcomed 9 new businessesthus far to our community since January 1st. • Med Express- 3516 Saw Mill Run;

Children's Academy- 4058 Saw Mill Run; • Spartan Pharmacy- 3520 Saw Mill Run;

(second location in Brentwood)• Munchkin University- 4411 Stilley; • Evolution Nutrition- 4030 Saw Mill Run; • Twinkle Twinkle Consignment- 11

Dewalt;• LA's Original Tobacco- 2825 Brownsville;• Nickcole's Hair Salon- 3710 Saw Mill; • Pa Gold Co.- 4150 Saw Mill Run.

Let’s be sure to welcome these businessesby supporting them as much as we can. Wewill continue to make Brentwood a “businessfriendly” community by working with theBBOA and EDS in marketing the Borough andreaching out to new businesses.

Goal No. 3 ~ Attract younger andworking families

We support the Brentwood Park Initiativein its efforts to restore and improve our parkfor the residents of Brentwood Borough. We

have been awaiting the release of funding forPhase I of the Project and anticipate breakingground this Fall. We began to exploreopportunities to fund Phase II of the project.Kudos for a great job and much appreciate forall the hard work the BPI has done throughoutthe year.

Goal No. 4 ~ Improve livability forresidents

Our Borough employees continue toimprove the livability for the residents ofBrentwood. Road improvement projects suchas the Hillson Avenue/Daub Way StormwaterImprovement Project and the Pinkney WayRoadway Rehabilitation Project in the works.In addition, the Borough has spent nearly $1million on Sanitary Sewer related projects toensure compliance with the EPA ConsentDecree. Minor areas of improvement includerepairs to the swimming to the swimming pooland the painting of the swimming pool area aswell as adding the Gazebo to the pool area(which is a hit with the younger crowd). TheBorough also amended a grant and will beinstalling seven (7) life-saving AED devices atthe Borough Building, Library, Pool, CivicCenter, and in public works vehicles.

Goal No. 5 ~ Continue to collaboratewith neighboring communities forregional improvements.

This is an area where our Council is alwaysbusy. Following are some of the initiativeswe’ve been working towards:Congress of Neighboring Communities(CONNECT) – Initiated a cost sharing studyto help fund various EMSs; was awarded agrant to conduct a cost sharing study on themuch needed sanitary sewer projects;continues to support transit and transitfunding alternatives; as well as bringing to thetable 38 communities to continueconversation of the various issues that affect allof us.

South Hills Area Council of Governments(SHACOG) – Joint Rock Salt Agreement,retroreflectivity requirements, Joint SanitarySewer Operations & Maintenance Contract,and alternative solutions for electricity andnatural gas purchases. Though we experienceddifficult financial times with decreased funding,SHACOG enabled us to receive the necessaryfunds to repair Pinkney Way.

Economic Development South (EDS) – Weare working with neighboring communitiestowards improving and enhancing zoningordinances for the overlay districts.Rt. 51 Corridor Project – We are exploringopportunities to improve the corridor toprovide an attractive and viable district alongthe corridor.Brentwood Business Owners Association andthe Brentwood, Baldwin, Whitehall Chamberof Commerce – we collaborate with thebusiness community to support our localbusinesses. We support their efforts toenhance our community through communityevents such as the family night at PNC Parkand Street Fair, Light-Up Night, Oktoberfest,and business mixers.

Goal No. 6 ~ Improve sustainability ofthe Borough

We recently held a public meeting tointroduce the results of the BrentwoodBorough Building Feasibility Study. Energyefficiencies, cost effectiveness, operationalimprovements are always considered inmaking decisions for the betterment of theBorough. We can no longer afford to look theother way while this facility no longer meetsthe needs of our community. It is in dire needof improvements to provide for the safety ofour employees as well as the public, complywith ADA requirements, improve energyefficiencies and cost effectiveness, and provideadequate space to accommodate the serviceswe provide to our residents.

In addition to this report, I want to thankJohn Frombach and the 4th of July Committeefor coordinating the parade, fireworks andactivities in the Park. I’ve heard from severalresidents that this year’s parade was the bestever. I also want to thank Janice Boyko and the5K Race Committee for pulling off anothergreat race. Great job!

Collaboration – where would Brentwoodbe without it? Thanks to all the dedicatedpeople who care enough to donate their timeand resources to make our community a greatplace to live.

Sincerely,Cathy TrexlerPresident of Council

A M E S S A G E F R O M

C O U N C I L P R E S I D E N TCathy Trexler




A M E S S A G E F R O M

C O U N C I L P R E S I D E N TCathy Trexler


MONDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2011- Brentwood Boroughwill celebrate Halloween on Monday, October 31, 2011 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. throughout the Borough. As the children dressas in their new and exciting costumes, disguised as Angels,Devils, Princesses, Witches, and every scary creature you canimagine; we ask you to please be more cautious and drivecarefully! Please leave the porch light on for the safety of thechildren walking along the sidewalks, walkways and steps. Thisis a fun night for children and time for adults to enjoy as theirchildren surprise their friends and neighbors in their pretty orspooky costumes while walking door-to-door collecting their favorite treats. We ask the parents to walk with the children and make this a memorable night for them. For more tips to ensure

a fun and safe Halloween visit www.halloween-safety.com.

PRE-HALLOWEEN FUNThe Brentwood Post 1810 sponsors theAnnual Halloween Parade which isscheduled on Saturday, October 29, 2011 at 1 p.m., starting at Moore ElementarySchool and continues along BrownsvilleRoad to the Brentwood High School wherejudges select the best costumes anddistribute candy to all participants.Brentwood residents only! No registrationis required.

A SCARY TIME IN THE BOROUGH!



On July 27, 2010, Brentwood Borough Council adoptedResolution No. 2010-57, establishing a Borough SafetyCommittee.A little background, the purpose of the Safety Committee is to

address safety procedures, purchase and use of qualityequipment and materials. Most importantly the goal is to informthe employees on “how to” be safe in the work environment andimplement safety as a high priority on a daily basis. The BoroughManager requested interested employees to volunteer and onJuly 27, 2010 Resolution No. 2011-58 was adopted by Councilappointing initial members volunteering to serve as officialrepresentatives of the Brentwood Borough Employee the SafetyCommittee. The Safety Committee members are certified andtrained by the Brentwood EMS in CPR and the use of AED’s.The Safety Committee meets the first Wednesday of each

month at 12 Noon. During the monthly meetings, the Boardmembers follow a prepared Agenda and report any incidents thathappen within their department. There are suggestions boxes ineach department for the employees to submit safety tips or toreport possible hazards in each department. The Board reviewsincidents that occur and recommend a corrective action plan toimplement to help deter any repeat incidents. All departments areinspected on a yearly basis by designated safety committeemembers to ensure the work place is a safe environment for theworkers. Violations are written and submitted to the Board,discussed and corrective action is taken immediately, dependingon the specific violation, or as soon as possible. The Board members receive mandatory annual training from

the Borough’s Insurance certified representative. Since theinception of the Safety Committee and through the dedicationand in the interest of safety by the Board members, the Boroughreceived only one claim, a reduction of Worker’s CompensationInsurance by $13,000, and purchased seven (7) AED’s forBorough facilities, not to mention the additional safetyimprovements to Borough facilities. With the Safety Committee being in existence a little over a

year, Mr. Alan Pepoy, the insurance representative, commendedthe Safety Committee for their dedication and interest of safetytoward their fellow workers and their efforts to work and maintaina safe clean environment.

Brentwood Borough SafetyCommittee

Brentwood Library

For the past severalyears Brentwood hassuccessfully conductedan Annual “Redd UpDay” in the Borough.Brentwood BoroughCouncil adoptedResolution No. 2011-

27 on June 28,2011 in supportof the residents

and business owners with the goal to enhance theaesthetics of all properties and participates, promoteand market clean well-maintained propertiesthroughout the neighborhoods. Saturday, October 22,2011 is designated as “Redd Up Day” in Brentwood.Collections are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proof ofresidency is required at the time of discardingunwanted items at Brentwood Park.

The Borough requests volunteers from allorganizations within the Borough, including residents,and business owners to prepare to work together tounload and remove all old, broken and unsightly itemssurrounding their property by discarding them atBrentwood

We ask that you take part in this “Clean Sweep” on aweekly basis by sweeping and gathering debris alongBrownsville Road, the sidewalks, curb/gutters and allroadways in Brentwood.

“Redd Up Day” is only a success because theresidents and business owners participate byvolunteering their time to make our Borough a nice,clean place to live and visit.

SupportingOctober 22,

2011 Redd-Up Day


The Brentwood Library invites you to visit and participate in the monthly social happenings right at your doorstep.The courteous Library staff comprises numerous events on a monthly basis with something for all ages: Variousprograms for starters – Book Babies, Bingo, Bowling,Crafts, and Teen Rec Room to Zumba Dancing fun. Stopin, introduce yourself as you join in the afternoon orevening events and meet new friends at your local Library,a great place for you and your family to enjoy the variousactivities. For additional infonnation on these programs and all the programs please call the Library direct at 412-882-5694.

Beginning in mid-September, we’ll bekicking off the Fall session of our verypopular Wise Walk Program, a county-widewalking group initiative, on Thursdaymornings at 9:30 a.m. It’s a very funprogram, and a great way to enjoy the fallweather! All participants receive a free T-shirt, water, and snacks.

DON’T FORGET

YOUR VOTE COUNTS!


VOTERS REGISTRATION FORMS AND ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE ATTHE MUNICIPAL BUILDING!

Registration applications must be received prior to Tuesday, October 11, 2011. All AbsenteeBallots Applications must be received prior to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 and theAbsentee Ballot must be received prior to 5 p.m. on Friday, November 4, 2011Mail to: Allegheny County Elections Division, County Office Building, 542 Forbes Avenue,Pittsburgh, PA 15219-2953

The General Election is Tuesday, November 8, 2011.Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.

I would like to take this time to thank all of the residents ofBrentwood who have cooperated by removing their vehiclesfrom the roadways this past winter when we had to plowsnow or salt the roadways. The crew members work longhours to make sure the residents can safely drive to work,school and everyday events. I would also like to thank theresidents who take time to pick up litter along the streets andtake pride in our community. There are many volunteers whouse their time to make Brentwood a number one communityto live in. Just to name a few such as, coaches and managersfor the Dukes, BAA, and BASA. Also, don’t forget thevolunteers of local organizations such as the Brentwood EMS,Brentwood Park Initiative, the Brentwood Fourth of JulyCommittee, the Jim Joyce Memorial 5- K Race, BrentwoodBorough Business Association, REDD UP Day volunteers, thelocal boy scout and girl scout troops and leaders, and all othervolunteers within the Borough.Enjoy the summer and remember: During the next few

months there are several events scheduled within the Boroughsponsored by local Brentwood organizations; the PublicWorks employees take pride in assisting the organizationsand will be out and about to assist them.

Robert MackewichPublic Works Supervisor

PUBLIC WORKS:ANSWERS TO MOST FREQUENTLY

ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. My recycling hasn’t been picked up. What can I do?A. 1) Is an account set up with Allied Waste? (1-877-788-9400 Allied Waste)

2) Is your recycling container clearly marked?Allied Waste picks up both trash and recycling on the same day,the recycling man may not identify your recycling materialbecause it is not clearly marked and he’ll leave it for the refusetruck; when the refuse truck comes along if he identifies it asrecycling material he does not put it on the truck because it isagainst the law to take recycling materials to the land fill. Theycan be fined! While driving down the street on recycling dayyou will easily notice the blue containers which stand out and itmakes it easier for the recycling men to identify.

Brentwood Borough has purchased 18 gallon bins and 32 gallon containers which are free to new residents (mustbring proof of residency to Administration Office). The costfor the containers are: 18 gallon bins $9.00 and the 32 gallonare $16.00.

Q. • Why doesn’t the sweeper pickup the debris in front ofmy house when it comes down my road?A. 1) Our schedule was made to sweep streets on the sameday as trash pick up/recycling.

2) We ask the resident to move their vehicles off thestreets so that we can clean the entire length of the road.When mowing your lawns do not blow the grass clipping ontothe sidewalk or street. Please sweep up the clippings and tossinto the trash.


Briefly BrentwoodBorough News Recycling Made

EasyBrentwood Cares

The 28th Annual Brentwood Firecracker 5K Race proved to yieldthe highest crowd in its history on July 4th. A total of 1,670runners registered. This addition made it necessary to orderextra commemorative t-shirts as well as refreshments, security,and volunteers. Everything came through beautifully and a greattime was had by all.

The Race Director, Janice Boyko, owes a great debt of gratitude tothe immediate race committee for their support. She was suddenlyhospitalized June 19 – July 1. Although on-going preparations forthe yearly event were made, plans needed finalized. Treasurer CarolWirth and an army of friends pitched hitted and the results revealthemselves. A flawless race far beyond expectations!

During the regular monthly Council meeting July 26, Janice was honored by hercommittee for her dedication and organization of this Brentwood staple. It wasa complete surprise and most rewarding. Accepting the award, Janice pointedout it takes team effort and how fortunate she is.

Now as we begin planning the 29th Annual run…..

Submitted by Janice Boyko

Most Successful Firecracker in 28 Year History!!!

The Brentwood Cares Committee recently packed approximately 30boxes for the Brentwood military men currently serving in the United

States and in other countries. For the past seven years the BrentwoodCares Committee, a group of volunteers, request donations from residents

and businesses for various items for the men and women while away fromhome serving our country. The service men and women receiving the packages

are excited and very appreciative for the many items that are not readily available tothem. During the holiday season, we mail two (2) boxes, one with Christmas items,(tree, decorations, small gifts, etc.) and the other box contains necessities such astoothpaste, toothbrushes, socks, sunglasses, magazines, powder drinks, etc. If you wantto donate to Brentwood Cares please drop your items off at the Mayor’s office, locatedat the Brentwood Municipal Building. Monetary donations are also accepted to coverthe cost of mailing, please make checks payable to Brentwood Cares. On behalf of theBrentwood Cares Committee I want to thank everyone that has volunteered andcontributed items and monetary donations to keep this project going strong. I alsothank the military, past, present and future for their dedication to our country.

Mayor Ken Lockhart

To our residents who give it their all when itcomes to recycling!

Brentwood has always had a great responsewhen it comes to recycling. We were one of the first municipalities to recycle in thearea; after all, we participated in the pilotprogram. Since then, we have done very welland our tonnage collected per year is verysignificant.

However, I would like to mention that an 18 gallon or 32 gallon bin can only hold somany recyclable items. As I walk and drivethroughout the Borough it amazes me to see how residents stack their recyclables sohigh in one bin, almost forming a pyramid. I congratulate the men on the recyclabletrucks in lifting these bins without droppingall the excess recyclables all over the street.It’s like a juggling act! I’d like to see theresidents try to move the bin without theoverflow falling to the ground.

Please consider placing enough recyclablesin one bin, not to overflow, and using anothersturdy container marked “recyclables” for the overflow or purchase another recycle bin to make it easy to keep the recyclablesfrom falling or blowing onto the roadwaysand sidewalk.

On a windy day you will see recyclables and debris on the streets and sidewalks. I suggest residents, on a weekly basis, onthe day of their pickup, take a look at theirproperty and remove all recyclables anddebris that was left behind due to wind andrainy conditions. Once your recyclables arepicked up we ask you to please remove therecycle bin as soon as possible, what adifference it would make if all residents tooka few minutes to do this, a nice presentationof the Borough.

As you know, trash and recyclablesaccumulate very fast and the Boroughappreciates your assistance in removingunsightly trash and debris from your propertyand the roadways.



REMEMBER: Street Sweeping occurs on the sameday as your refuse collection day. Please try andremove all cars from your street on this day so thatthe sweeper can access both sides of the street.


2011LEAF PICK UP

The Borough leaf pick-up will begin October 24 through November 18, 2011.Please place your leaves in biodegradeable

bags for pick up. Your cooperation is appreciated during the leaf pick up season.


BrentwoodBorough

TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2011

• Appoint JRG Advisors, LLC as the Borough’sHealthcare Insurance Broker of Record andHealthcare Plan Administrator effectiveimmediately. • Adopt Resolution No. 2011-18, SupportingNational Public Works Week May 15, 2011through May 21, 2011. “A RESOLUTION OF THEBOROUGH OF BRENTWOOD, COUNTY OFALLEGHENY AND COMMONWEALTH OFPENNSYLVANIA, RECOGNIZING THE WEEK OFMAY 15, 2011 THROUGH MAY 21, 2011, ASNATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK• Approval based upon the recommendation ofthe Borough Manager and Superintendent ofPublic Works, hire Mr. Patrick Fuhrer as a Full-time Public Works Department Employee at therate of $10.00 per hour, on a six (6) monthprobationary period, per the Public WorksBargaining Agreement contingent upon hissuccessful passing of a background check, drugtest, and medical examination. (It should benoted that Mr. Fuhrer is a veteran of the U.S.Marine Corps. and does have a currentCommercial Driver’s License.)• Approve the Work Authorization for GatewayEngineers for surveying associated withobtaining existing elevations surrounding theBorough Building in the amount of $3,900.00. • Adopt Resolution No. 2011-19, “ZoningHearing Board Appointment” A RESOLUTION OFTHE BOROUGH OF BRENTWOOD, COUNTY OFALLEGHENY AND COMMONWEALTH OFPENNSYLVANIA, APPOINTING MR. ROBERTJONES TO SERVE AS ALTERNATE NO. 1 TO THEBRENTWOOD BOROUGH ZONING HEARINGBOARD WHICH EXPIRES DECEMBER 31, 2013. • Adopt Resolution No. 2011-20 “ZoningHearing Board Appointment” A RESOLUTION OFTHE BOROUGH OF BRENTWOOD, COUNTY OFALLEGHENY AND COMMONWEALTH OFPENNSYLVANIA, APPOINTING MR. CHRISMcGUIRE TO SERVE AS ALTERNATE NO. 2 TOTHE BRENTWOOD BOROUGH ZONING HEARINGBOARD WHICH EXPIRES DECEMBER 31, 2014.• Adopt Resolution No. 2011-21,“Intergovernmental Resolution – Rt. 51 CorridorOverlay District” AUTHORIZING THE ECONOMICDEVELOPMENT SOUTH (EDS) TO MAKE

APPLICATION TO ALLEGHENY COUNTYECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR A MUNICIPALPLANNING GRANT ASSOCIATED WITH THECREATION OF A RT 51 CORRIDOR OVERLAYDISTRICT ZONING ORDINANCE• Approve the hiring of Eric Peccon as aSummer Code Enforcement TemporaryEmployee for the period of May 2, 2011 toSeptember 2, 2011• Authorize the Borough Manager to have the Public Works Department relocate theGazebo to the best suitable area of theBrentwood Pool area. • Hire Richard Calvert as Pool Manager for the2011 Season at the rate of $12.00 per hour inaccordance with Borough Resolution No. 2010-67-B, “Non-Union and Non-ContractualEmployees Salaries” effective May 2, 2011 toSeptember 2, 2011. • Hire Lauren Arnold as Assistant PoolManager for the 2011 Season at the rate of $9.60per hour in accordance with Borough ResolutionNo. 2010-67-B “Non-Union and Non-ContractualEmployees Salaries” effective May 2, 2011 toSeptember 2, 2011. . • Approve the hiring for the position ofTemporary Summer Lifeguards at the rate of$7.75 per hour per Resolution No. 2010-67-B,“Non-Union and Non-Contractual EmployeesSalaries” the following: Emily Andrews, LindsayArnold, Chelsey Calvert, Elizabeth Neuner,Nicole Pack, Anthony Rowsick, Matthew Sokol,Melissa Sokol, and Alexandra Zerjav effectiveMay 2, 2011 to September 2, 2011. • Approve the hiring for the position ofTemporary Summer Pool Booth Attendants atthe rate of $7.75 per hour per Resolution No.2010-67-B, “Non-Union and Non-ContractualEmployees Salaries” effective May 2, 2011 toSeptember 2, 2011 the following: Karlie Festa,James Jowers, Alizanne McGowan, andMelissa Pilarski. • Enter into an Agreement with B&R Pool andSwim Shop for the 2011 and 2012 Pool Seasonfor sampling and testing of the water for theBrentwood Pool at the weekly rate of $25.00 persample and weekly secondary samples at $20.00per sample.

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2011Special Presentation – ArchitecturalInnovations – Re: Brentwood Borough BuildingFeasibility Study.

Ms Jan Brimmeier, President and owner ofArchitectural Innovations, introduced thefollowing members working on this project:Gregory Walker, AI, Sr. Project ManagerSandra Closson, AI, Interior DesignRobert Christman, AI, Media SpecialistsJames Kosinski, Tower Engineering (Mechanicaland Electrical Systems)

Manager Zboyovsky said there will be acommunity wide meeting with input; obviouslythis is a community building and we welcomeinput. President Trexler said after Councilreviews this we will then schedule a PublicHearing. • Adopt Resolution No. 2011-22, “AcceptingDonation of Bench from Brentwood BusinessAssociation” A Resolution of the Borough ofBrentwood, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania,accepting the donation of Memorial Bench witha Value of $1,465 from the Brentwood BusinessOwners Association in Memory of Calvin Trefry.• Accept and ratify the Agreement of Sale forthe purchase of the real property known as 10Marylea Avenue for the sale price of $87,000.00.• Approve the transfer $95,000 from theGeneral Fund , Line Item 01-495-000 titled“Unreserved Fund Balance” to the CapitalImprovement Fund Line Item 18 392-010 titled“Transfer From General Fund.” Ms Boyko saidthis will pay for the property mentioned above. • Approve the hiring of the following SummerPublic Works Employees at the rate of $9.00 perhour per Resolution No. 2010-67-B, “Non-Unionand Non-Contractual Employees Salaries”effective May 24, 2011 to September 2,1011 thefollowing: Mark Lenkiewicz, Scott Bradley andLee Moog. • Adopt Resolution No 2011-23, 2011 “Fourth ofJuly Celebration” A Resolution of the Borough ofBrentwood, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania,Supporting Independence Day Programs in theBorough of Brentwood.• Approve the hiring for the position ofTemporary Summer Lifeguards at the rate of

COUNCIL ACTIONSThe following are highlights of Council Actions during their monthly

meetings and do not reflect all items and issues discussed. Official meeting minutes are available on the Borough website, www.brentwoodboro.com.



$7.75 per hour per Resolution No. 2010-67-B “Non-Union and Non-ContractualEmployees Salaries” the following: SkylarAmorose, Alex Brennan, Laura Hall, SidneyHarsh, Nicholas Roth, Maxwell Schaeferand Felicia Schrecongost, effective May24, 2011 through September 2, 2011.• Approve the hiring for the position ofTemporary Summer Pool Booth Attendantsat the rate of $7.75 per hour per ResolutionNo. 2010-67-B, “Non-Union and Non-Contractual Employees Salaries” effectiveMay 24, 2011 to September 2, 2011 thefollowing: Lindsey Bennett, MariahDouglas, Jamie Faust, Samantha Feist,Emily Payne, Jacqueline Pickens,Samantha Walas, Magdalena McGowan,and Justin Zerjav.• Approve the Memorandum ofUnderstanding by and Between theBrentwood Borough Police (LawEnforcement Authority) and BrentwoodBorough School District (School Entity)effective March 1, 2011 through February28, 2013. • Approve the consent to the BrentwoodLibrary entering into an Agreement witheiNetwork regarding Wide Area NetworkServices subject to the removal of theAccess License and the review andapproval of language in said agreement bythe Solicitor.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2011

• Adopt Resolution No. 2011-23,“Authorizing the Borough Manager to SignClosing Documents for 10 MaryleaAvenue.” A Resolution of the Borough ofBrentwood, Allegheny County,Pennsylvania, Authorizing the BoroughManager as signatory of the Closingdocuments associated with the Borough’sPurchasing of Real Property located at 10Marylea Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15227.• Adopt Resolution No. 2011-24,“Northwest Group Services Agreement forHealth Insurance Plan Administrations. “AResolution of the Borough of Brentwood,County of Allegheny and Commonwealth ofPennsylvania, Accepting and ApprovingArticles of Agreement between theBorough of Brentwood and NWGSCompanies (“NWGS”) to perform variousAdministrative and Record Keepingfunctions at the direction of the Borough ofBrentwood in respect of various employeebenefits programs and AuthorizingExecution of said Articles of Agreement by

the appropriate officers of the Borough ofBrentwood. • Council concurs with the SHACOG’sawarding of the Joint Municipal SHACOGO&M CCTV Inspection & Cleaning – Year 1Contract to the low bidder, Robinson PipeCleaning Co. in the total amount of$46,190.40.

TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

• Adopt Resolution No. 2011-26, “NaturalGas Supplier Services Agreement,”Accepting and Approving Articles ofAgreement between the Borough ofBrentwood and EQT Energy, LLC, d/b/a,Equitable Energy for the Purchase andSale of Natural Gas to the Borough ofBrentwood for the period from October 1,2011 through September 30, 2014; andAuthorizing Execution of said Articles ofAgreement by the appropriate Officers ofthe Borough of Brentwood.• Approve the Work Authorizationassociated with additional field and officetasks to provide extra existing conditionsfor a proposed storm sewer line throughtwo properties adjacent to Pinkney Wayfrom Gateway Engineers in the amount of$2,500.00. • Approve the Work Authorizationassociated with the Hillson Avenue andDaub Way Roadway Rehabilitation –Phase I construction documents andeasements for drainage improvementsfrom Gateway Engineers in the amount of$8,000.00. • Adopt Resolution No. 2011-27, titled“Supporting October 22, 2011 as Redd UpDay.” A Resolution establishing Redd UpDay on Saturday, October 22, 2011 andproviding the necessary Boroughresources, manpower, and suppliesnecessary, and thereby making our town anice clean place to live and visit.• Authorize the purchase of an AquaProducts Duramax Robot Pool Cleanerfrom B&R Pool in the amount of $2,365.00from the Borough’s General Fund, PoolExpenses Line Item No. 01-452-700 “MinorPurchases.”• Approve the establishing of theBorough Building Architectural FeasibilityStudy Community Meeting date asTuesday, July 19, 2011 at 7 p.m. at theBrentwood High School Auditoriumand authorizing the BoroughManager to advertise a notice.

At the Brentwood Borough Council meeting on Tuesday,July 26, 2011, Council Vice President, Ms Janice Boyko wascommended for her many years of dedication as Race Directorof the Jim Joyce Memorial Firecracker 5-K Race. Mayor KenLockhart, Co-Chair of the Race Committee, presented onbehalf of the 5-K Race Committee and volunteers, Ms Boykowith a crystal plaque in appreciation for her continuing serviceas the Brentwood 5-K Race Director.

The Council Chamber was filled to capacity with themany friends and volunteers that assist Janice throughout theyears in anticipation of orchestrating the Annual Jim JoyceMemorial Firecracker 5-K Race. Congratulations were inorder for a job well done by Janice for the well-organizedannual event anticipated by residents of the Borough andAllegheny County for many years. Participants come from allover the USA and other countries to take part in theBrentwood 5-K Race.

In 1997, the early years of the 5-K Race, Janice, an avidrunning herself, volunteered her time as she assisted formerMayor Jim Joyce, in establishing the best 5-K Run in a smallcommunity. For the past 14 years, Janice directed the 5-K Rununder the direction of former Mayor Ronald Arnoni andcurrent Mayor Ken Lockhart. This year, 2011, the 28thAnnual Race was by far the most successful; as directed by theunending enthusiasm of Race Director Ms Janice Boyko.Kudos’ to Ms Boyko for her eagerness to attract more runnerseach year, this year being the highest at approximately 1,600participants. Volunteering is in her blood! Races are her rush!

Ms Boyko has been an avid sports enthusiast for manyyears, directing and participating in numerous races inSouthwestern PA.

Ms Boyko also serves as Vice President of BrentwoodCouncil, Lector at St. Sylvester’s Church and is involved in themany organizations too numerous to mention.

As residents of Brentwood Borough, we thank you MsBoyko for all the wonderful races you produced through theyears and we look forward to the 2012 Race under yourmagnificent direction. We are proud to have you as a residentand exceptional volunteer in BrentwoodBorough.

This article was written and submittedprior to the death of Ms Janice Boykoon Monday, August 29, 2011.

ACCOLADES TO MS. JANICE BOYKO



We have all heard that saying, “It’s the littlethings that mean a lot.” It’s these “little things”,both positive and negative, that can have a hugeimpact on a community.

One such negative “little thing” is grassgrowing in our cracks on the sidewalks andalong the curbs. This may seem like a minorissue, but if you take the number of sidewalksand curbing and telephone poles in the Boroughthis results in a major unsightly nuisance.Another negative “little thing” is the trash alongBrownsville Road. I know that BrownsvilleRoad is traveled by thousands of commutersevery day to and from work who do not have thesame pride we have in our community and donot think twice about tossing out a hamburgerwrapper or finished coffee cup. These are acouple of the negative “little things” that Ibelieve we can easily address. Starting with theweeds in the sidewalks, if we all take care of theweeds in the sidewalk and curbs that are in frontof our homes or businesses that would solve amajority of those weeds. (After all, we areresponsible for the sidewalks in front of ourproperties anyway.) Regarding the trash, thereare a few ways we can address this problem.The first is with the Borough’s Street Sweeper,however we still need the assistance of theresidents on this as well by moving your vehiclesoff the street on the day your garbage is pickedup. This will permit our Street Sweeper driverto get to the curb line and suck up the debris.The other way is by getting involved in theBorough’s “Redd Up Day,” slated every year inOctober. (This year’s Redd Up Day isscheduled for October 22nd.) Finally,something that we could be doing every day issimply picking up any garbage you see lying on

the sidewalk or curb. With the amount ofpeople that walk along Brownsville Road duringnice weather there wouldn’t be a spec of trash.

Yes, Brentwood has its flaws and there aremany other “little things” that we continue toaddress before they grow, as in the case of theweeds, into “bigger things”. However, there areso many positive “little things” in Brentwoodthat deserve as much, if not more, of everyone’sattention. For example, amenities, resources,and events such as the Brentwood Library, thePark, Swimming Pool, Fire Department, EMS,Brentwood Medical Group, Town Centre,access to public transportation, UPMC Mercy,Med-Express, School District, CommunityRoom, Civic Center, Churches, 4th of JulyParade, 5-K Race, House Decorating Contest,Brentwood Business Owners Association(BBOA), Brentwood Council, BrentwoodEmployees, Light Up Night, Night at PNCPark, Community Day, Redd Up Day,Kennywood Picnic Day, Oktoberfest, July 3rd

Street Fair, EMS Craft Show, Memorial DayParade and many more. All of these positive“little things” accumulate into one large benefitto all of us. They are a result of countless hoursof volunteers and businesses coming together tomake sure that Brentwood is a “little” bitdifferent than your average community. It isthat sense of community pride that makes ussuch a special place to live. Something that youcan not put a price tag on because these “littlethings” rarely exists these days. Have you everparticipated in some of these organizations:Economic Development South(EDS),Brentwood Cares, Lifespan CommunityPrograms, Brentwood Park Initiative (BPI),Preschool Activities Learning Shop (PALS),Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Summer ReadingProgram, Drug Abuse Resistance Education(DARE), Brentwood Athletic Association,Dukes, Brentwood Area Soccer Association,Brentwood Lions Club, Brentwood HighAthletic Booster, Library Teen Programs,Library Adult Program, Brentwood HistoricalSociety. I am sure there are more. The onepositive “little thing” that adds up to the bestthing about Brentwood is our residents. Thereis so much talent, young and old, out there thatwe need to tap into. As you can see there aremany opportunities for anyone to get involved.

There are a lot of positive “little things”going on in Brentwood, and I am sure I missed a few. So, after you have cleaned the grass from the cracks in your sidewalks and picked up some trash during your early morning walk,why don’t you get involved in one of theseorganizations/events. The “little” amount oftime will mean A LOT.

It’s the “Little Things” that can mean a lot?By Councilman Charlie Johnson


BRENTWOOD EMSIS CURRENTLY SEEKING

Casual and Part-Time

Paramedics

(IMMEDIATE OPENING)

• Paramedic with CPR certification• PA driver's license, 18 yrs of age, EVOC certified

• Paramedics must have current ACLS and PALS• Current medical command• Must have a current PA State Police Criminal Record Check

Contact Brentwood EMS for application/information

Brentwood EMS3624 Brownsville RoadPittsburgh, PA. 15227412-884-8740ATT: Joanne Cook/John Balkovec


Act 32 of 2008 is a Pennsylvania law that waspassed with the intention of simplifying the waylocal earned income tax is paid and collectedthroughout the state. The law will affecttaxpayers, employers, municipalities, schooldistricts, and tax collectors across Pennsylvania.

The most significant change of Act 32 is theconsolidation of local earned income taxcollectors. Act 32 requires all taxing jurisdictionswithin a specified geographical boundary tojointly select just one tax collector to serve theentire area. Each of the areas is called a “TaxCollection District” (TCD). Brentwood hasbeen placed in the Southwest Allegheny CountyTCD, which includes all Allegheny Countymunicipalities and school districts that areentirely located south and west of theMonongahela and Ohio rivers. That meansBrentwood will share the same earned income taxcollector as our neighbors in Upper St. Clair, Mt.Lebanon, Moon, Robinson, and Jefferson Hills toname a few.

Although Act 32 was passed in 2008, themajor changes will not go into effect until the2012 tax year. Therefore, all taxes attributable to2011 earnings will still be collected under thecurrent system (including the 2011 final returnsthat are due April 15, 2012).

How will this impact taxpayers?First, the consolidation means that all

Brentwood earned income tax will continue to becollected by a single tax collector. Jordan TaxService has been appointed as the tax collector forthe Southwest Allegheny County TCD.Therefore, both the municipal portion (0.50%)and the school district portion (0.50%) ofBrentwood’s earned income tax will be collectedby Jordan Tax Service.

Another significant change is that youremployer should begin withholding the localearned income tax from your paycheck.Currently, many of you file and pay your localearned income tax on a quarterly basis becauseyour employer does not withhold the tax fromyour paycheck (this is common throughoutPennsylvania). But under Act 32, allPennsylvania employers will be required towithhold the tax. This will eliminate the need formost taxpayers to manually make a quarterlyearned income tax payment. Taxpayers who areself-employed or work outside of Pennsylvaniawill continue making manual quarterly payments.

How will this impact employers?All employers will be required to withhold

local income taxes for all of their employees,regardless of where the employees live.Employers will be responsible for identifying eachemployee’s residency and proper tax rate.Employers will have to provide that informationto the tax collector quarterly along with the taxpayments. Employers that have at least onelocation within the Southwest Allegheny CountyTCD must register with Jordan Tax Service.

How can I learn more?Taxpayers and employers can learn more

about Act 32 by visiting Jordan Tax Service’sspecial Act 32 website at:www.jordantax.com/act32 . You can also callJordan Tax Service 412-835-5243 or 724-731-2300. More information is also availablethrough the PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s website atwww.newpa.com (search for “Act 32”).

NEW WITHHOLDING REQUIREMENTS FOREARNED INCOME TAX – ACT 32 OF 2008How it affects Brentwood Borough residents and employers.

Well, it is about that time again. You should have already your 2011 Real Estate tax bills the firstweek of July. If you did not get a bill by July 15, please call me at 412-882-5383 ext. 1129 and leaveyour name, the address of the property and the address where you would like the bill to be mailed.

The address if you are paying in person and mailing your Real Estate taxes is 3730 BrownsvilleRoad, Pittsburgh, PA 15227. My office hours remain the same at the Brownsville Road location,through the end of the face period (Oct. 31, 2011) – Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon and Thursdaysfrom noon to 3 p.m. if you would like to talk with me about any issues. We will accept taxpayments at the 3730 Brownsville Road office daily from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. I will have officehours by appointment only after that time period. Since I know that this is not convenient for all,I also have a drop box for residents who would like to drop off their taxes after hours. The drop safe is in thedrive-through lane. There is also a mail slot on the front door of the building where residents may drop their taxes off. Both aresecure locations, however such payments should be limited to checks or money orders. Cash payments will need to be made in personand will be properly receipted. We also have a drive-through window for the convenience of residents.

A requirement imposed by the School District and the Borough to adhere to Pennsylvania State Law limits the period of collection.Pennsylvania law requires that “such settlement of duplicates must occur by January 15 for taxes from the prior calendar year.” Therefore,I will be closing out and sending the delinquent taxes to Berkheimer in January as opposed to May, which was the procedure prior to thispast year. If you have any questions, you may email me at [email protected] or phone me at 412-882-5383 ext. 1129.

IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN!




As the winter months approach and as in the past, theBorough is again seeking volunteers that are willing to shovel snow for residents that are unable to do it forthemselves. Every year residents call the Boroughrequesting names and phone numbers of individuals that can assist them during the winter months. If you areinterested in helping your neighbor please contact theBorough at 412-884-1500 ext. 112 and give your name,address and phone number to be placed on the list toshovel snow away from sidewalks/driveways. Residentsare in needs of assistance during the wintry months arewilling to pay a nominal fee for your services. Once a listis established, the volunteer will be given the jobsclosest to their home. Please consider donating timeto assist our elderly and disabled or consider doingthe job at a minimal cost. Thank you for beingthere for our residents!

Program ScheduleJoin us in late September for CCAC Tai ChiClasses 12:30 – 2 p.m.Monthly Jewelry Class ( 3 hours). Date TBAMeadows Casino trip – October 24th – Costfor transportation is $15.Pancake Breakfast November 2nd, in thedownstairs community room. Includes

card and games event. Cost is $4.“Antique Road Show” – TBA

Free six-week workshop will be hosted by the LifeSpan DormontCommunity Resource Center located on Hillsdale Avenue.Everyone is invited to attend. Beginning Thursday, October 13,2011 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. If you are an older adult with anongoing health issue, or if you care for someone with an ongoinghealth issue, please consider attending the “Better Choices,Better Health” Workshop. You will get the support you need, findpractical ways to deal with pain and fatigue, discover betternutrition and exercise choices, understand new treatment choicesand learn how to talk with your doctor and family about yourhealth. For further information on this “FREE” workshop, andprograms offered at the LifeSpan Brentwood Library ProgramExtension, please contact Cindy Kostelnik at 412-343-6050. You may also visit our website at www.lifespanpa.org.

LifeSpan Community Program Extension at Brentwood Library

Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

ELDERLY AND DISABLED

APPRECIATE YOUR HELP!


Pictured, Council memberCharlie Johnson is joined by Councilwoman Janice Boyko and BAAPresident Jim Attanucci.

COMCAST CARES DAY IS

A HUGE SUCCESS IN

BRENTWOOD PARK

In a month that recorded record rainfalls it was hard to predicthow Comcast’s Annual COMCAST CARES DAY would be.However, on the morning of Saturday, April 30th the rainclouds disappeared and the unfamiliar sun shown on crowdedBrentwood Park. “It was a success!”, stated BrentwoodBorough Councilman and member of the BPI Charlie Johnsonwho helped organize the event. Every year Comcast bringstogether tens of thousands of Comcast employees, theirfamilies and friends to make a positive impact inneighborhoods across the country. This year was no exception.On April 30, 2011, Comcast celebrated their tenth anniversaryof Comcast Cares Day, which has since grown to become oneof the largest single-day corporate volunteer efforts in thecountry. Along the way, they have partnered with greatorganizations such as National Urban League, NCLR, City Year,United Way, Boys & Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters andmore. This year, two of their organizations were the BrentwoodPark Initiative and the Brentwood Athletic Association. On April30th, 2011 more than 130 volunteers from Comcast, the BPI,the BAA, GBU, Brentwood EMS, Brentwood government, andresidents from the Borough of Brentwood took time from whatturned out to be a beautiful Saturday morning to help beautifythe Brentwood Park. Projects that were completed that dayincluded the painting of the ball field fence, dugouts, storageunits, and concession stands. They also repaired the woodbleachers and placed some new landscaping and mulch

around the concession stand. BrentwoodBorough authorized their Department ofPublic Works to work this day to provide theirexpertise and equipment for some of themore labor intensive projects but they morethan appreciated the help. “Brentwood Parkis such a jewel and an asset to the Boroughand we really appreciate Gary M Liss andMark J. Depretis of COMCAST for choosingBrentwood this year for their COMCAST CaresDay as well as all of the children with theirparents who volunteered,” statedCouncilwoman Janice Boyko.

In addition to providing volunteers toaccomplish some of the work, Comcast willmake a monetary donation based on thenumber of non-Comcast volunteers whoparticipated in the day’s events. “We expectanywhere from $2,000 to possibly $3,000

from Comcast, but the work that was accomplished was morethan enough of a contribution,” stated Jim Atanucci. Proceedswill go towards funding the $8 million dollar Brentwood Parkand Stadium Renovation Project. Phase I of the six (6) Phaseproject has been funded and is scheduled to begin this year.

For questions or additional information, please contactBorough Manager, George Zboyovsky, PE at 412-884-1500.



BRENTWOOD EMS –UPCOMING EVENTS FOR 2011

CPR Classes

The Brentwood EMS will conduct CPRclasses at 9 a.m. on the following dates: Saturday, September 17, 2011Saturday, October 15, 2011Saturday, November 19, 2011 Classes will be held at the Brentwood EMSHeadquarters located at 3624 BrownsvilleRoad, Pgh., PA 15227. For moreinformation call 412-884-8740.

Craft Show Fundraiser

The Brentwood EMS annually sponsors a Craft Show at St. Sylvester’s Church, (lower level) 3754 Brownsville Road,Pgh., PA 15227 as a fundraiser to purchase supplies andmedical equipment for the ambulances. The Craft show willbe on Saturday, October 15, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ifyou are a crafty person and wish to donate an item or gift card,it would be greatly appreciated. To participate and reserve atable to sell your wares and if you need additional informationplease contact the EMS business office at 412-884-8740.Thank you for supporting your Brentwood EMS.



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With the dog days of summer are behind us,that first crisp snap of fall is in the air, and the cornfrom the fields from all over Washington Countyhas been harvested.

Energy seems to make a rebound and even theanimals around the Brentwood, Baldwin &Whitehall communities seem livelier, more alert.During this time, there’s nothing more wonderfulthan taking advantage of those last mild days toget outside and enjoy the outdoors by doing a lit-tle yard work. If you need some inspiration, justtake a look around at the farmers market at CasteVillage - one look at the blazing color of fallblooms and pumpkins and you will be itching toget your yard autumn-ready.

This is a great time to rake up all those leaveson the ground. But don’t just throw them into atrash bag to be hauled away; leaves are great forcomposting and may have as much as three timesthe amount of minerals as fertilizer. They need tobe shredded to be easier to work with, but this iseasily accomplished by running a mower back and

forth a few times over a pile of leaves. Also, be sureto add a little nitrogen to your compost pile withthe leaves.

If your summer flowers have faded, be sureto trim back dead leaves and blooms and addsome fall flowers for some more vibrant color.Mums and sunflowers can be purchased in potsto accent any garden with a fall palette, butdon’t forget purple as a great contrasting colorto oranges, yellows and sienna. Some fallflowers with purple accents are pansies, purpleconeflowers, asters and mums. All of these willgrow well in zone 6. To find these beautiful flow-ers, head down to one of the many farm marketsthat inhabit the Canon Mac area. Beautiful mumscan be found at McClellands or Simmons right inCanonsburg! For some green accent, you mighttry growing some arugula in a pot or self-wateringcontainer. This spicy, leafy plant has long beenpopular in France and Italy and actually grows bet-ter in the fall than in the summer. The leaves willadd zest to your salads

and other fall dishes. Although the plantingtime for arugula is in the spring, seedlings canbe purchased and transplanted; however theyalso do well if left in containers or pots.

Even if you’re not particularly good atgrowing plants and flowers, there are manyways to accent your lawn and garden withminimal effort and maintenance. Brightlycolored pumpkins placed around pathwaysand steps give a whimsical touch to decorating.Avoid placing them in direct sunlight anddirectly on the ground, and your pumpkinmay well last for two to three months in thecool fall climate. Other low-maintenancedecorations for fall are corn stalks and balesof hay. Hay bales also provide extra seatingin outdoor areas.

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

REAL ESTATE BRENTWOOD BALDWIN-WHITEHALL

IN Community Magazines proudly announces a comprehensive look at the Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall real estate market. In this section, you’ll find interesting information

about creating beautiful spaces to live in, and other interesting facts about your community.FEATURE STORY

FALL LANDSCAPING IDEAS

– by Pamela Palongue

T

o you have anyone addicted to power tools living in your home? Do their eyesglaze over when they enter the local hardware store? Do they sometimes try toreplace the washers in your washerless faucets? Have they been known to use a

jack hammer to refinish your hardwood floors? If this sounds familiar, there is help. In my own case, I will never forget

the moment I realized I was married to acompulsive handyman. It was a summerday that began like any other. I had leftearly in the morning for some weeklygrocery shopping and a few errands. Ireturned just a few short hours later tofind my husband standing in the middleof the bathtub amid wall tiles and debrisup to his knees. He froze in midswing ofthe sledge hammer with drywall duststill floating silently down around us.The bathroom wall had been taken down to the bare plumbing, presumably to fix aminor leak. When he saw my look of horror, he sheepishly told me that he had to break

down the wall in order to gain access to the plumbing. When Ipointed out that we would no longer be able to take showers, hereminded me how much money we were saving by not calling alicensed plumber. This incident was not the main cause of thedivorce, as I largely blame myself for leaving him unsupervised inthe house with access to heavy equipment.

I have since learned that with a few easy, inexpensive changes,you too can leave your home with the comfort of knowing it willbe reasonably intact upon your return.

The easiest solution is to prevent the purchase of power toolsin the first place. When your handyman casually mentions thathe has to “stop by the lumberyard and pick up a few things,”distract him by mentioning the playoffs, offering to cook hisfavorite food or showing him the latest issue of the Victoria’sSecret catalog.

Next, use the parental controls on your TV set to block out HGTV, DIY Network or any other channels that mayconvince your handyman that he can add a wing to the houseover the weekend.

Cover ALL appliances with several rolls of duct tape. (Thiswill deter him from taking them apart.) Although this is notguaranteed to prevent the dismantling of your refrigerator, itwill slow him down considerably.

Finally, if all else fails, tell him the local electronics store hasjust introduced a new line of plasma screen TVs that are 9 x 20feet, the exact dimensions of the north wall of your house. Keepin mind that he will likely be extremely disappointed uponlearning that no such TV exists outside of the Starship Enterpriseon Star Trek. He may instead buy an extreme number of videogames and cameras, but at least he cannot destroy the house withDungeons and Dragons.

By Pamela Palongue

A Handyman’s Guide to Restoring Your Home

With a few easy,inexpensive changes, youcan leave your home withthe comfort of knowing it

will be reasonably intactupon your return.

D


Destroying

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5235 Clairton BoulevardPittsburgh, PA 15236412.882.9100 Ext. 247412.654.8972 [email protected]

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Reach over 55,375 potential customersin Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall

According to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center in Washington, D.C.,homes where multiple generations of familyhave blended together under one roof are on the rise. With economic constraints and the high cost of child care, it is easy to see why children, parents and grandparents living together in one dwelling makes sense in many situations. It’s also easy to see why multi-generational dwellings which appeal to theneeds of all ages are quickly becoming the trend.

From this perspective a ranch-style house with one floor is a good choice. Seniors with mobility problems will not have to deal with steps, but also parents will not have the added worry of their young children falling down stairs. Another important feature of multi-generational homes is the“mother-in-law suite.”

This is generally an area of the house that is designed for an aging parent, giving them a degree of privacy and independence while

still being a part of the nuclear family household.They are sometimes located in a basement foreasier access for those with mobility issues andoften times will have a separate entrance, givingthe appearance of a mini-apartment. They usual-ly always include a bedroom and private bath,and may also have kitchenettes and small livingareas as well.

When accessibility becomes an issue with anolder adult, there are many options for makingthe home more accessible without giving it the industrial-style, nursing home appearance. This is an important consideration when itcomes to the re-sale of the house. First of all, ifan individual is wheel-chair bound, doorwaysmust be made larger to accommodate the chair. With a modern contemporary home,

this may be accomplished by removing walls for a more open floor plan—which appeals to buyers—or widening doorways with attrac-tive archways. This will make the change lookmore intentional and less like a temporary fixfor a mobility problem.

Many times it becomes necessary to installgrab bars in baths and showers for the safety of senior family members. Although there aremany industrial style models from which tochoose, there are a few companies on the web that are sensitive to the attractiveness of the grab bars and offer styles in decorativebrass and silver. Walk-in showers and baths canbe constructed with attractive glass enclosuresthat fit everyone’s style and are still accessible for seniors.

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

MAKING YOUR HOME MORE ACCESSIBLE TO ALL GENERATIONS


- by Pamela Palongue


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412.854.7200Join our real estate team at Prudential PreferredRealty. Call Micole Tucker at 412-854-7200

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osta Homebuilders is a fourth generation, family-owned construction company based in Pittsburgh, PA. At Costa Homebuilders, our

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Positive feedback and customer referrals have helped Costa Homebuilders achieve its solid reputation. We have built our reputation by making the process as worry-free as possible, and by using only the finest quality materials and craftsmanship.

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With our New Life™ Custom Home Five Star BuildersProgram we show you:n How to get more house for your investmentn How to save time and moneyn How to choose a lender that fits your needsn How to understand pricing step by stepn How to reduce stress and help you save time and money

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building a custom home is more than picking counter-tops and crossing items off a punch list.

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

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

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Spice Up the Fall with Library Programming

In today’s

society, th

e role of

the librar

y has chan

ged. No l

onger

simply a p

lace for a

cademics

, the libra

ry has bec

ome a co

mmunity

center–a

safe have

n for peo

ple of all

walks of

life. Libra

ry progra

mming

makes it

possible

for comm

unity mem

bers of a

ll ages to

gather to

gether to

share inf

ormation,

experienc

es, and co

mpanion

ship. The

Baldwin,

Brentwoo

d, and W

hitehall P

ublic Libr

aries all o

ffer uniqu

e program

s for

commun

ity memb

ers, so th

ere is sur

e to be a

n activity

that is rig

ht for you

.

The Bald

win Boro

ugh Publ

ic Library

hosts a n

umber of

programs

tailored t

o various

members

of the co

mmunity.

The libra

ry is a m

eeting

place for

several b

ook club

s devote

d to spec

ific subje

cts. It is

also hom

e

to the Ba

ldwin His

torical So

ciety, wh

ich is de

dicated t

o the pres

ervation

of Baldwi

n history

and is av

ailable to

help Bald

win com

munity m

embers

trace thei

r roots in

the com

munity. T

he socie

ty also h

as a sub

scription

to

ancestry.

com, so

patrons ca

n use the

library co

mputers

to find

informati

on on the

ir ancest

ors from

outside o

f Baldwin

.

In Octobe

r, the libra

ry will be

offering

a trip to O

hio’s Ami

sh country

,

where gu

ests will

learn ab

out the A

mish wed

ding cere

mony, th

e

manufac

turing of

cheese, a

nd the Am

ish schoo

l system.

The trip

will also

include a

stop at R

idgeview

Farm, the

Amish C

ultural Ce

nter, and

a

farmers m

arket. Ho

memade

meals w

ill be prov

ided. For

more inf

ormation

on the Ba

ldwin Pu

blic Libra

ry, visit th

eir websi

te,

www.bald

winboroli

brary.org.

The Bren

twood Pu

blic Libra

ry is an e

xcellent e

xample o

f a library

that

has fully

embrace

d its func

tion as a

commun

ity cente

r, offering

activitie

s

for all co

mmunity

members

-- even th

ose who

are too y

oung to re

ad.

Walking thr

ough the

doors to

the librar

y, visitors

are met

with

somethin

g unexpe

cted: noi

se. Childr

en run an

d play am

ong the

stacks, a

nd adults

meet to c

raft, play

bingo, or

simply t

o enjoy

one anot

her’s com

pany. If it

sounds

as though

the

boisterou

s atmosph

ere may le

ad to tens

ion betwe

en

patrons, t

his is no

t the case

at all; Br

entwood

library us

ers welco

me the li

veliness.

The youn

gest libra

ry patrons

are the

preschoo

lers who

take part

in progra

mming ta

ilored to

their inte

rests and

developm

ental nee

ds. The li

brary offe

rs a story

time prog

ram that

incorpora

tes movem

ent, offer

ing paren

ts a fun w

ay to exe

rcise with

their

children.

As the ch

ildren gro

w, they a

re able to

continue

taking p

art in

activities

includin

g crafts, s

tories, an

d games

in the rec

reation ro

om,

which ho

uses a po

ol table a

nd a Wii ga

ming syst

em.

Programm

ing is als

o offered

for high s

chool stu

dents, an

d it is he

re

that the k

ids are al

lowed gre

ater freed

om in the

ir pursuit

s. Stepha

nie

Willems, th

e childre

n’s librari

an, says t

hat she o

ften allow

s the olde

r

students

to plan t

heir own

activitie

s. They a

re a grea

t help to

her with

the young

er childre

n, offerin

g to assis

t her with

their pro

grams an

d even

planning

lessons

to share w

ith the yo

unger chi

ldren.

Library pr

ogrammi

ng does

not end w

ith the yo

ungest m

embers o

f the

commun

ity, thoug

h. Brentw

ood Publ

ic Library

offers act

ivities for

seniors

as well. G

roups of

friends ca

n be see

n knitting

together,

playing i

n Wii

bowling

tourname

nts, craft

ing, or ju

st enjoyin

g each o

ther’s com

pany.

For a com

plete list

of progra

ms offere

d by Bren

twood Pu

blic Libra

ry,

visit thei

r website

, www.br

entwoodl

ibrarycha

nginglive

s.org.

Whitehall P

ublic Libr

ary is an

other loc

al establi

shment t

hat is

embracin

g its func

tion as a

commun

ity cente

r. The Se

cond Cha

pter

Café, wh

ich opene

d in March

, provide

s a place

for patron

s to

mingle. T

he café i

s the hom

e to daily

programs

includin

g knitting

and croc

heting cir

cles, con

versation

groups, a

nd movie

s. The

library is

embracin

g the idea

of bringi

ng food in

to the lib

rary in

some of

its fall pro

gramming

with the

First Edib

le Book

Festival.

The fest

ival will

consist o

f a conte

st in whi

ch

participa

nts will be

asked to

create an

original

piece of

edible ar

t inspired

by a boo

k. The ev

ent is op

en to

children,

teens, an

d adults.

Other pro

gramming

for adults

includes

a lecture

by

Post-Gaz

ette colu

mnist Bri

an O’Nei

l, who wi

ll be

promoting

his new

book, The Paris of Appalachia:

Pittsburgh in the Twenty-First Century. The bo

ok

will be available for purchase at the event, and five dollars from every sale

will be donated to the library. Adults will also be able to participate in creative

writing workshops, chess lessons, and even a workshop where they will learn

how to winterize their cars.On October 4th, the library will hold an intuition development program,

where community members will be able to have their Tarot cards read. The annual

Halloween Happening luncheon will also take place in October and will host

storyteller Alan Irvine as well as other special guests. On November 19th, the

Whitehall Library and the Baldwin Library will team up to present the Pittsburgh

South Hills Keystone Chorus. The program will be held in the Whitehall

Community room, and lunch will be provided.

The Whitehall Library has recently partnered with South Hills Community

Connect, which will provide programs for senior community members on such

topics as health and wellness, gardening, and crafts. Guest speakers will also be

invited to give special presentations.

The library also offers programs for teens. Programs include writing and

drawing workshops, a program on how to create a graphic novel, an anime club,

and guitar lessons.In 2011, Whitehall Library was named as a Family Place Library, which is a

nationally trademarked network of children’s libraries. Book babies, a storytime

program for babies and their caregivers, exposes the youngest community

members to the joy of reading. Parent/child workshops, which are hosted by

community child development experts, are offered for children from birth to three

years of age. There are also storytime programs for toddlers and early elementary

school children. On Monday evenings, the library offers Family Night Storytime for

children of all ages. One of the highlights of the year for children in the community

as well as library staff is the Candyland holiday extravaganza, when the library is

transformed into a live version of the childhood favorite game Candyland.

Community members are encouraged to get involved in library programming

through volunteering or attending. Also, the library is always happy to take

suggestions from patrons. For more information on the Whitehall Public

Library, visit their website at www.whitehallpubliclibrary.org.

By Gina Sallinger


preschoo

lers who

take part

in progra

mming ta

ilored to

their inte

rests and

developm

ental nee

ds. The li

brary offe

rs a story

time prog

ram that

incorpora

tes movem

ent, offer

ing paren

ts a fun w

ay to exe

rcise with

their

children.

As the ch

ildren gro

w, they a

re able to

continue

taking p

art in

activities

includin

g crafts, s

tories, an

d games

in the rec

reation ro

om,

which ho

uses a po

ol table a

nd a Wii ga

ming syst

em.

Programm

ing is als

o offered

for high s

chool stu

dents, an

d it is he

re

that the k

ids are al

lowed gre

ater freed

om in the

ir pursuit

s. Stepha

nie

Willems, th

e childre

n’s librari

an, says t

hat she o

ften allow

s the olde

r

students

to plan t

heir own

activitie

s. They a

re a grea

t help to

her with

the young

er childre

n, offerin

g to assis

t her with

their pro

grams an

d even

planning

lessons

to share w

ith the yo

unger chi

ldren.

Library pr

ogrammi

ng does

not end w

ith the yo

ungest m

embers o

f the

commun

ity, thoug

h. Brentw

ood Publ

ic Library

offers act

ivities for

seniors

as well. G

roups of

friends ca

n be see

n knitting

together,

playing i

n Wii

bowling

tourname

nts, craft

ing, or ju

st enjoyin

g each o

ther’s com

pany.

For a com

plete list

of progra

ms offere

d by Bren

twood Pu

blic Libra

ry,

visit thei

r website

, www.br

entwoodl

ibrarycha

nginglive

s.org.

Whitehall P

ublic Libr

ary is an

other loc

al establi

shment t

hat is

embracin

g its func

tion as a

commun

ity cente

r. The Se

cond Cha

pter

Café, wh

ich opene

d in March

, provide

s a place

for patron

s to

mingle. T

he café i

s the hom

e to daily

programs

includin

g knitting

and croc

heting cir

cles, con

versation

groups, a

nd movie

s. The

library is

embracin

g the idea

of bringi

ng food in

to the lib

rary in

some of

its fall pro

gramming

with the

First Edib

le Book

Festival.

The fest

ival will

consist o

f a conte

st in whi

ch

participa

nts will be

asked to

create an

original

piece of

edible ar

t inspired

by a boo

k. The ev

ent is op

en to

children,

teens, an

d adults.

Other pro

gramming

for adults

includes

a lecture

by

Post-Gaz

ette colu

mnist Bri

an O’Nei

l, who wi

ll be

promoting

his new

book, The Paris of Appalachia:

Pittsburgh in the Twenty-First Century. The bo

ok

will be available for purchase at the event, and five dollars from every sale

will be donated to the library. Adults will also be able to participate in creative

writing workshops, chess lessons, and even a workshop where they will learn

how to winterize their cars.On October 4th, the library will hold an intuition development program,

where community members will be able to have their Tarot cards read. The annual

Halloween Happening luncheon will also take place in October and will host

storyteller Alan Irvine as well as other special guests. On November 19th, the

Whitehall Library and the Baldwin Library will team up to present the Pittsburgh

South Hills Keystone Chorus. The program will be held in the Whitehall

Community room, and lunch will be provided.

The Whitehall Library has recently partnered with South Hills Community

Connect, which will provide programs for senior community members on such

topics as health and wellness, gardening, and crafts. Guest speakers will also be

invited to give special presentations.

The library also offers programs for teens. Programs include writing and

drawing workshops, a program on how to create a graphic novel, an anime club,

and guitar lessons.In 2011, Whitehall Library was named as a Family Place Library, which is a

nationally trademarked network of children’s libraries. Book babies, a storytime

program for babies and their caregivers, exposes the youngest community

members to the joy of reading. Parent/child workshops, which are hosted by

community child development experts, are offered for children from birth to three

years of age. There are also storytime programs for toddlers and early elementary

school children. On Monday evenings, the library offers Family Night Storytime for

children of all ages. One of the highlights of the year for children in the community

as well as library staff is the Candyland holiday extravaganza, when the library is

transformed into a live version of the childhood favorite game Candyland.

Community members are encouraged to get involved in library programming

through volunteering or attending. Also, the library is always happy to take

suggestions from patrons. For more information on the Whitehall Public

Library, visit their website at www.whitehallpubliclibrary.org.


In our last article, we discussed what you can expect and how youshould prepare for the initial meeting with a qualified attorney to discussyour personal injury case or, in the event of the untimely death of a

family member, a wrongful death case. Let’s assume that following an initialmeeting, you decide to retain the attorney and the attorney commences alawsuit on your behalf. What happens next? What should you expect? How fast does the process move? The below is not an exhaustive list ofwhat to expect but rather is aimed at giving you a general overview of whatyou may experience from the filing of the lawsuit through what we call thediscovery stage.

1. Pleading Stage. In Pennsylvania state court practice, a lawsuit is commenced by filing aPraecipe for Writ of Summons or a Complaint. The Complaint containsfactual allegations about how the accident happened and the legal basis forwhy you are requesting damages. Once the Complaint is filed, the defendantusually has 20 days to file an Answer in which the defendant admits, denies,or states that it is unable to admit or deny the factual allegations. Thepractice in federal court is similar, although one cannot file a Praecipe forWrit of Summons, which is a sort of placekeeper filing designed to toll thestatute of limitations. In response to a Complaint in either state or federalcourt, the defendant may, instead of filing an Answer, file paperschallenging the legal sufficiency of the Complaint, the place the lawsuit hasbeen filed, the power of the court to hear the case, and/or other preliminarymatters.

2. Discovery Stage.Once the lawsuit is commenced, the parties begin the discovery stage of the

case. During this stage, the plaintiff will attempt to obtain as much factualinformation as possible in order to prove that the defendant did somethingwrong and that this caused his or her injury. On the other hand, the defendant will try to obtain facts to prove that it did nothing wrong, that theplaintiff is not injured or not injured as badly as he or she claims, and/or that the plaintiff’s monetary damages are not as large as claimed. There arevarious types of discovery mechanisms, such as: written requests, depositions, requests for entry upon property of a party, physical and mentalexaminations of a party, and subpoenas. A summary of each is below.

First, written discovery requests include interrogatories, requests forproduction of documents, and requests for admission. The requests should be limited to asking for information that is reasonably calculated tolead to the discovery of admissible evidence.

a. Interrogatories are questions. The questions may ask for background information about you, how the accident happened, your medical treatment, and your alleged damages.

b. Requests for production of documents ask the party to produce (or make available for inspecting or copying) writings, drawings, graphs, charts, photographs, electronically created data, such as emails, text messages, etc.

c. Requests for admission ask a party to admit certain facts as being true.

Second, the lawyers are permitted to conduct depositions of the parties and fact witnesses. If you are deposed, this involves answering questionsasked by the opposing party’s attorney. Your attorney will be present and mayobject to certain questions. The testimony that you provide at the depositionwill be under oath and recorded by a “stenographer,” or court reporter. As such, a written booklet will be prepared of the questions and answers.

Third, the parties may send a request to enter upon the property of a party to the case. This is usually done so that the party may go to the scene of the accident and take photographs or record a video.

Fourth, when the physical or mental condition of a party is at issue in a case, the opposing party may make a request to the court to order the partyclaiming the physical or mental condition to submit to an examination. For instance, if you are claiming that you injured your back, the opposing party may seek to have you examined by an orthopedic surgeon of itschoosing. You and your lawyer will be entitled to receive a copy of any written report detailing the findings of the examining physician.

Fifth, when non-parties to the case have information, the parties may serve a subpoena on the non-party, requesting the production of documentsor information and/or to provide deposition testimony.

Again, the above is not an exhaustive list, but should give you a feel for what to expect in the time – usually several months and often up to a year or so – between the filing and trial of lawsuit. If the case does not settle, the case will then proceed to trial. A discussion of what to expect at trial is for another day.

If you think you have a potential case, feel free to run it by us over the phone (412.281.4340) or use the form on our website:www.golawllc.com/contact.html. If you would like a free, compact, credit card style checklist, suitable for keeping in your purse or wallet, on what to do to safeguard your legal claims after most types of accidents, please call or e-mail us.

What to Expect After the First Meetingwith Your Attorney By Fred Goldsmith and Rich Ogrodowski


��

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

�� By Pamela Palongue

��



Whitehall Public Library100 Borough Park Dr. Pittsburgh, PA 152368412.882.6622www.whitehallpubliclibrary.orgMonday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.Friday: 1 – 5 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.Sunday: CLOSED

fall Events

Holiday Craft SHowSaturday, November 510 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Whitehall Community RoomSpace is limited for vendors. Download a

registration form at www.whitehallpubliclibrary.org and submit it by October 21.

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGFirst Wednesday of each month9:30 to 11 a.m.Library Cafe

ADULT GAME DAYEvery ThursdayNoon to 3 p.m.Library CafeEnjoy a variety of board games withfellow adults

ADULT COFFEE MORNINGSEvery Wednesday9 to 11 a.m.Library Cafe

FLEA MARKETSaturday, September 248 a.m. to 1 p.m.Whitehall Community RoomCome sell your items at the largest indoor garage sale in Whitehall! $20 for each 6-foot table or 6-feet of space. Limited space is available. Download form atwww.whitehallpubliclibrary.org andsubmit by September 17.

BLOW OUT BOOK SALEThursday, September 29 – 4 to 8 p.m. (preview)Friday, September 30 and Saturday,October 1 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Allhardback books $1 on October 1)Sunday, October 2 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ($5 bag sale; bring your ownbag). Whitehall Community Room

BOOKS ON WHEELS If you are a Whitehall resident andcannot come to the library,dedicated volunteers can deliverbooks to your home. For moreinformation, contact Denise at412.882.6622.

www.incommunitymagazines.com

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

Website address: www.clarkremodeling.com.

ard to believe that it istime for this

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

Outdoor plumbing –drain your hose

connections, pool &sprinklers. After you turn off

the water, leave the spigot inthe “on” position.

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

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

inside of the home.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Routinely get your furnace tested before cold weather sets in.

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

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

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

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME

FOR WINTER!

H


Community MagazinesCommunity Magazines


Has your pet ever run out of the yard? Has it beendifficult to find them, or have they become lost for acouple of days? If your pet does not have anidentification microchip (a chip that has the owner’scontact information) OR if your pet loses their collarand their ID tags, there is a chance that your lost petmay not be identified, and might not get safely back to you. Sadly, at most borough police stations, if a pet is turned in, and unclaimed within 24 hours, the pet is sent to contracted dog catcher, and most likelywill be put down within 48 hours.

With the help of Officer Rich Swick, and his fellowofficers, we are trying to avoid this from happening in the future. We are partnering with Animal Advocates,a no-kill rescue organization, and seeking temporaryfoster homes for lost dogs and cats.

Can you help? We need foster homes. Acting as atemporary foster for a lost dog or cat is a wonderfulway to save their lives. Just imagine if it was your petthat was lost, then found, and SAVED by one of yourneighbors, how good would you feel? Vet care andinoculations will be given to the pet before it arrives at your home. Pet Food and other necessary supplieswould be provided for you. You would be making ahuge difference. If you decide that this is somethingyou would like to pursue, please email Officer Swick at [email protected] or call his office at 412.884.2600 x183.

Please Help Us Save Lost Pets In Brentwood!

The Lost Pet

Project

problems with muscles ranging from tendons, fascia, nerves,ligaments, sports injuries, headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel, knee problems, and tennis elbow.

Hayes Chiropractic also recommends nutritional supplementation for patients, and fine tunes their nutritionalneeds to their specific problems.

“I tell people there are a multitude of techniques out thereand we’ll do what’s best for you,” Hayes said. “There are tech-niques that will work for you .Chiropractic works whether youbelieve in it or not. We have people come in and they’re sur-

prised how gentle the techniques can be.” In business since June of 2005, and with

more than 18 years of experience betweenthem, Drs. Hayes and Martini both wereborn and raised in Baldwin, leaving onlybriefly to attend Chiropractic College. Theycame back to Baldwin because it’s a home-town they love and enjoy, with a clientelethat is more like family than patients.

Hayes Chiropractic accepts all majorinsurances, including auto insurance, worker’s compensation and Medicare. If a

patient is not coveredfor chiropractic care,Hayes Chiropracticmakes treatment asaffordable as possibleand offers cash pay-ment plans.

To schedule yourappointment today andeliminate your every-

day aches and pains, call Hayes Chiropractic at 412.881.7060.To learn more about Drs. Hayes and Martini and chiropracticcare in general, go to www.hayeschiro.net.

In today’s world, any number of things can wear on yourbody and cause discomfort. It may be that office chairthat you’re stuck in eight hours a day, or those heels that

look great, but are uncomfortable to wear. Maybe your carseat isn’t as comfy as when you drove off the lot and you’relower back is letting you know.

Today’s world is full of hurdles for your body, but there is hope. Hayes Chiropractic can offer you unparalleled care to help

you end your days of aches and pain.Located near Princess Lanes Bowling in Baldwin, Drs. Sean

Hayes and Michael Martini specialize in all-encompassing family chiropractic care,treating patients from as young as oneweek old to age 91.

“Chiropractors are well known for treatinglower back pain or neck pain, but chiro-practic goes far beyond that,” Hayes said.“We treat patients with elbow and kneeproblems and a myriad of other things. Wemanage stress release and tension. It doesn’t have to be an injury that brings youto a chiropractor. People think everyday

aches and pains are normal, but what is normal is beingpain free.”

Hayes Chiropractic’s approach to patient care ensures thatyou’ll get the treatment that’s right for you.

“Unfortunately, there’s no cookbook for chiropracticcare,” Hayes said. “Treatment timelines vary because everycondition is different. We treat as the body dictates. It’s easier tostay well than to get well, so we suggest a tune up every once ina while to keep the body moving the right way. It’s the approachthat we take - with chiropractic, massage and rehabilitation -that gives us results that others have not seen.”

Dr. Martini specializes in the patented Active ReleaseTechniques or ART, which is a soft tissue technique that treats

Hayes Chiropractic -Eliminate Your Aches and Pains

Dr. Hayes delivering an adjustment. Dr. Martini performing ART.

“We treat patients withelbow and knee problems

and a myriad of otherthings. We manage stress

release and tension. It doesn't have to be an injury

that brings you to a chiropractor. People thinkeveryday aches and pains

are normal, but what is normal is being pain free.”

The rehabilitation room.

Dr. Sean Hayes &

Dr. MichaelMartini



BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Reach over 55,375 potential customers in Brentwood Baldwin-Whitehall

Call [email protected]

ADVERTISE HERE

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Send your tradition or recipeto [email protected]

ITALIAN HOAGIES FOR SALEto benefit the

Baldwin High School Marching Band

$5 each.The sale dates are:

September 17, October 15, November 12, December 10,

January 7, February 4, March 3 and March 24.

People can order by emailing a request to order to

[email protected] andsomeone will get back to them.

PRSRT STD

US POSTAGE

PAID

PITTSBURGH, PA

PERMIT NO. 887

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

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Therese Hoetzlein412-606-4702

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412.885.8530 x112

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